On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Eight

As we descended the steps around the Tree, heading to establish the new Ring Gate, I turned to Daiyu, who had been largely silent and unobtrusive as the large group chatted away on the terrace.

“So, what do you make of all this, Daiyu’er?” I asked, and she frowned, thinking.

“She’s been quietly paying attention to everything, trying to understand.” Shiro said. “I guess it makes sense, she doesn’t speak Japanese, and only a few of us can understand Chinese. Well, I don’t, but Tan does…” she smiled. “If I was in her place, I’d do the same. It must be quite nerve-wracking for her, Aki. You’d best be nice.”

“I’m always nice.” I protested. “So anyway…” I addressed Daiyu again. “… I imagine this is a bit different to what you’re used to?”

She nodded. “Your domain here in the Spirit World, it is admittedly impressive. Mine is… was…” I was starting to be able to read the small expressions her usually impassive face gave off, and I could see bitterness. “… not this filled with life and bustle. The Party and the Ministry has several like it, the efforts of us all funnelled into their greedy clutches…” she looked around, taking in the scenery. “… to manage this alone, off your own effort, I admit to being impressed.”

“Well, I hardly achieved this alone. I don’t think anyone could. But I don’t like to take the hard work of others for myself without fair compensation.” I assured her. “So, your own Territory is gone, at your own hands, right? Well, I think that was a clever move, it’s dangerous to leave your Anchor vulnerable, if another Candidate destroys it, the results can be catastrophic. So, you’ll need to create another, won’t you?” It was the same issue as with my sis. Aiko could certainly use a Territory, as the strength it provided was hardly insignificant, but Nishimorioka was too much of a backwater to justify it, especially as she was moving to Tokyo soon. Daiyu had the same problem. “I can find you somewhere on my border if you want, or…”

“No.” she cut in firmly. “Even if…” she paused, gathering herself. “… the Incorruptible Jade has been destroyed, you are correct. So long as I live, it endures, and can rise again. My realm in the Spirit World must be reclaimed, and the Sect must rise again.”

I see. “Well, I respect your ambitions. But that might be a long way off. For now, won’t you at least think about your options?” Since it was me saying it, and she had pledged to follow my orders, on the Heavens and her Dao, she at least listened. Not willing to push her further, as she was still new here, and our relationship was thin, I changed the subject.

“So, these Territories that are in China, are they trying to push for a Rank 4? I doubt it’ll be easy, as my Territory is abnormally productive in terms of resources…” With the Rhyming Trees, and all the Ether Spires to Rank 3 due to the bounty from defeating Duke Myrcolaxriath, my Territory pulls in far more ether than anyone else’s should, barring some crazy fortune.

“I believe that is the intention of the treacherous Party and their puppets in the Ministry, the Sects that betrayed all of China.” Daiyu confirmed. “But even with everyone being forced to work together, I imagine it will be a monstrous undertaking.”

“Yeah, it would be.” Getting ten million ether is hard enough, but then protecting the Territory for years is harder, unless they try and speed up the process, but that will require many tens of millions… yeah, even with hundreds of Territories funnelling resources in, it’s the work of months or even years…

Ala had produced the mushrooms for the Ring Gate, and was searching for a suitable spot. As she did so, Daiyu continued to speak, perhaps relieved to have someone to talk to. “I watched the girls train.” She said, dark eyes betraying some interest. “Training both body and Qi is important, for a pure Qi cannot take root in a neglected, unworthy body. There were many differences, even from my methods of Qi refining, but perhaps there are things I can learn. Such as the Spiritually Pure Physique.” She looked hungry at that.

“Do not-not be so impatient.” Shaeula said in Chinese. “There are many-many who seek our Spirit Water, and you are but-but a newcomer, are you not-not?”

Daiyu seemed frustrated, but she simply lowered her head, conceding. I felt the urge to pat her head, consoling her, but I was learning, so I refrained from touching the prickly girl. Instead I opted for verbal reassurance. “Look, we have plenty of time. You’ve only just met us. First we have to build trust, and then once I’ve dealt with the threat that is coming for Tsukiko-san, then… well, I dare say we are going to have to have some dialogue with China.” It was likely going to be at the Governmental level, but if the Red Dragon of the East was a metaphor for China, then we couldn’t leave them alone, especially if their own Ministry was ahead of ours in terms of planning and force of arms. Though we intend to take a different route, of course…

“Here.” Ala was saying to Asha, having found a spot amongst the flowers where the Ring Gate could be placed. “The earth energy leaks from underground veins here, so the mushrooms will flourish. It will lead to a reduction in the escaping earth energies though.” She sounded concerned, but Asha merely giggled softly, her eyes fixed on me.

“Akio, you will upgrade this temple and strengthen the earth to compensate me, will you not?” she asked, and under that gaze and with that smile, I could hardly refuse. Besides, I wanted to do it anyway. “Yeah, when the Build Queue Anchor Spire is done in a few days, I’ll rush-build it before queuing in more Anchor Spire upgrades. So it’ll only be a few days, I hope you can endure it.”

“Compared to the torment that was the Spring, such will be nothing to me.” She smiled in gratitude, before bending down to help Ala plant the mushrooms, carefully removing plants that were in the way, roots and all, to move them to safer locations. Soon a small ring of mushrooms was planted, and they began to absorb energy, glowing a brilliant crimson, and rapid growth ensued, swelling them to the size of small pillars.

Some of the girls gasped, impressed, but I was used to such wonderous sights now. Ala and Asha stood, dusting themselves off, bushing soil from their hands, and Ala handed me the small mushrooms that made up the paired Gate. “Keep them fed with earth element so they do not wither. I recommend planting them in an area rich with earth energies as soon as possible.”

Accepting them, I nodded. “I thank you, Ala. Primal Forest as well. This generosity won’t be forgotten. Though…” I smiled wryly. “… I do hope his favour doesn’t cost me too much.” I winked to take the sting out of the statement.

“Lord Primal Forest will be pleased to hear the Trees are cared for.” Ala looked at Asha, who reassured her with her own smile. “And that you do not seek to despoil the land for your own gain.” She looked over the crest of the hill, to where dwarves and Ixitt’s mortal engineers had their forges and workshops, as well as the Kobold Mine. “Too often is progress dependant on the destruction of what comes before, of what is natural.”

“Yeah. Well, funny you should say that. A lot of mortals worry about that too. Global Warming. Pollution. Fossil Fuel depletion. Waste mountains.” I shrugged. “I can’t say I was ever too concerned, I just concentrated on living day to day, but now… well, while there are more pressing matters, such as the oncoming apocalypse…” my grin was bitter. “… I certainly don’t want the world to become a dirty, ugly place. Not when I’ve seen what the Spring of Clear Reflections had been corrupted into…”

“Laudable sentiments.” Ala agreed.

“Well, Ixitt put out some quite impressive ideas. I didn’t know Alchemy could be used for effective recycling. If he could pull that off, it’d make a huge difference to a lot of problems…”

Our ratkin maid-in-training looked both proud and exasperated at my praise of her father. Hyacinth scowled at her, and she quickly assumed a more professional face, to giggles from some of the other girls.

“So, will you be returning to the Seelie Court?” I asked Ala, and she nodded, giving me another curtsy, flower-petal skirt rustling. “Well in that case, feel free to visit anytime. I’m sure Asha would enjoy the company of other nature-aspected Fae.”

“Perhaps I shall.” Ala agreed, leaving me to address everyone else.

“All right then, we’ve been here too long, it must be pretty late outside, and a lot of you have school tomorrow. I know that you need less sleep after Chirurgery, but I still don’t want to be accused of keeping you all out all night…”

********

After waking up, I saw the girls home, escorted by suitable security of course, and then started planning my next moves. Eri and Shiro were sleeping naturally now, their bodies likely didn’t need it, but the mental fatigue of dealing with their injuries was surely taxing. Seeing that, Shaeula was quiet, so as not to wake them, and when I returned, she was sitting in the kitchen, sipping at a can of beer. On seeing me come in, she slid one across the table to me.

“So, you have the Ring Gate. What is next-next?”

“Well, I tasked Hyacinth with gathering up a load of red, orange and yellow Etherites we have available. Ixitt is using the few green and blue ones, but we should still have enough… I want Haru-san to rush-build up to Rank 2, and get the basic Spire setup. Then I think she can focus on Defensive Emplacements, Barracks if possible, and if not, then Spawning Spires. I’m not expecting her to defeat any attacking Candidates or armies, just so long as she can protect the area long enough for word to reach us and reinforcements to arrive. I intend to call Ulfuric back from the Spring, and have him on standby, if that’s all right?”

Shaeula shrugged. “I do not-not think it will be an issue. The Spring is largely fortified now, and the Way-Wardens patrol regularly. Bellaera and Soliteare seem to have matters well in hand, and Moira has already formulated many-many contingency plans. The elves are indeed excellent. Most-most attractive too.” Shaeula grinned.

“I only care about their competence. But yeah, your brother is hanging around a lot too, and when he’s finished capturing everything within my borders, he’ll be at a loose end. Damn, we’ll need to compensate him for all his help.”

Shaeula snorted, amused and indignant. “Hardly. If-if anything, my fool of a brother still owes us for all the trouble he has caused me. But yes, the Spring seems-seems secure, for now. I believe Ulfuric can be trusted to ready the army…” We continued to discuss our plans, drinking the night away, the early light of dawn creeping through the windows.

It was then Shiro entered the kitchen, yawning. “Hey Aki, Shaeula. Not resting? You might not need it, but you should have read enough stories to now that going without rest affects your judgement and performance, Aki. Before, if you made a stupid blunder, this princess would have just laughed, or perhaps if you were very lucky, given you a shoulder to cry on. But now I have to worry about it.” she flourished her finger, where the crude ring sat. “After all, with this ring, we’re bound, right?”

Shaeula chuckled, amused by Shiro’s banter. “Indeed, Akio has many lives to shoulder. Now, take a seat, do have a beer.”

“Beer? It’s barely light out.” Shiro sighed. “I’m not much of a drinker anyway. Aki could tell you the number of times I’ve collapsed on our nights out. Speaking of…” she looked a bit troubled, pulling the large dressing gown she wore over her pyjamas tight around her, as she flourished her phone at me. Really, I know she’s ashamed of her scars and her ruined arm, and doesn’t want me to see her body until she’s perfect again, but…

“it’s Aimi! She’s somehow heard I’ve taken a leave of absence from University! What do I tell her? I don’t want to worry her, but I can’t meet her like this!”

“Tell her the truth-truth!” Shaeula teased. “Akio has captured your heart, and you moved in with him. That will silence her, will it not-not?”

“Yeah, you’re not exactly super helpful, are you?” She blinked, irritated. “I can see why Eri gets annoyed with you sometimes. Not everything in life is a joke, you know? That would have worked before our last night out together, though everyone would have been shocked this gorgeous princess lowered herself to date an Aki! But now they know he has a fiancée. So we’re either cheating, or he ditched his precious childhood friend, breaking her heart!”

“Breaking who’s heart?” Eri said sourly, rolling in on her wheelchair. She was wearing a thin nightgown, and the hem had ridden up as she got in her chair, showing a vast expanse of pale thigh.

“Eri, we’re just talking what-if’s. Which is easier to explain, and which makes Aki look less like a bastard? And more importantly, makes Aki look less like a Yasu!”

“Come on, Yasu would never have got engaged to a gorgeous childhood friend, and certainly would never dare to cheat on her if he had such good fortune.” I said, not sure whether I was defending him or not.

“Just tell the truth.” Eri sighed. “Seriously, I don’t know why it’s so hard to grasp.” She reached for one of the beers, opening the ring pull with some difficulty, frustration on her face as her arm didn’t want to obey her. “Damn it, I’m so much more mobile in the Boundary. Why won’t my stupid body heal?”

“I agree with Eri, of course.” Shaeula approved. “After all, I did-did take it upon myself to tell Eri and Aiko of Akio’s exploits. You may feel you are protecting them, keeping them in the dark, but I assure you, that is not-not the case.”

“That reminds me. You promised not to tell them, and you broke your word.” I complained, and Shaeula shook her head, her grin now mischievous. I liked that grin. It usually meant trouble, but when Shaeula was playful, she was incredibly charming.

“No, as I recall I said I would ‘hold my peace for now’ on the matter. And I did-did just that. Once now was gone, and then arrived, I merely used my best-best judgement. I did it for you, did I not-not? You were too fearful to be truthful, but Eri and Aiko deserved better.”

“Yes. And look at the trouble you had not telling our parents.” Eri agreed. “I think… just do it. Besides…” she looked at Shiro and I. “… I want to meet them. I’m jealous of the period of Akio’s life I don’t know, the friends he made like you. I hate that I don’t know.”

“Well, I could say the same, Eri.” Shiro sighed, finally taking a beer despite her earlier complaints. “Ugh, can someone pull this? With one hand it’s a nuisance.” I took the can and opened it for her. “Thanks Aki. Well, when drunk, all Aki would talk about was his sister and you. I must have heard the story about the dog a dozen times. It must have been nice, so romantic. Ugh, I missed out. Though I guess Aki saving my life when I was totally dying counts for something…”

“It was hardly romantic.” Eri sighed. “It was terrifying, and I thought I was going to die too. But looking back, that was the moment…” after a pause, she grinned, a touch maliciously. “If you really want to know how it feels, I’m sure we can find a suitable dog somewhere. It’d need to be a real monster now though to have the same effect…”

“Maybe a Barghest.” Shaeula chuckled, enjoying the atmosphere. “No, such pups are nothing in the face of Akio now. Well, enough of that. Shiro, what-what will you do?”

“I kept everything a secret because I didn’t want to jeopardise the only friendships I had enjoyed in my life up until now. I didn’t want things to change.” Shiro sighed. “I guess I’m friends with Arisu. Suzu too, even though she’s a total idiot. Bunta is hard to be friends with. He’s so shy he makes Aki here look like a bold man.”

“Akio is plenty bold upon the bed-bed.” Shaeula sniggered, and at Eri’s nod Shiro flushed.

“You know what I mean! Imagine Aki from a year ago, Eri. He’s changed, right?”

At her agreement, Shiro continued. “Look, I get it. All the security. You’re training your own private army. Taking you on directly is stupid, you’d crush any attacker, but you’re vulnerable to hostages. It’s classic really. So our friends… they could be used against us. It might be better they know. So we can protect them.”

“it’s not just that, is it? I know you Shiro, I’ve known you for years.” I insisted. “Your game, it was to make a world kind to you, but that’s not all. You wanted to make a game so you could share what made you happy. You want to share this with Hayato-san and the others, right?”

“It’s selfish of me. I know. This isn’t a joke, or a game. It’s dangerous. Daizen is dead. I nearly died. Eri nearly died too.” She admitted. “But… this princess needs her subjects, right?” she tried to make light of it, only to be surprised when I hugged her.

“I get it. But even if all they have is Chirurgery, and we post guards around them, it might be enough to save them in the future. Besides, don’t you want to shout proudly that you finally fell in love with the most eligible man around?”

“Since when did Aki get to be such an arrogant prick?” Shiro mock-scowled, to the laugher of Eri and Shaeula. “It pains me to say it, but you’re right. Not that you are the most eligible man around…”

“He surely is though, is he not-not?” Shaeula snickered.

“I think she doesn’t want him to get a big head. Even if I agree with you.” Eri joked.

“… but.” Shiro shushed them. “Seriously, I do want them to be happy for me. For us. Like they were for you, and Hina and Hayato. Even for Aimi and Shugo. Poor Yasu. The only single one amongst us. Hey, what about your sister?”

“No way.” I laughed, knowing she was joking. “Aiko can do better. Yasu is my friend, but my sis is off limits!”

“Once we do this, there’s no turning back.” Shiro warned, and I tightened my hug on her.

“There’s no need to turn back. Whatever comes, we’ve been friends for years. And we’ll continue to be friends for many more. Besides… I admit to wanting approval from them as well. And taking Eri and Shaeula, Hyacinth and the others to Bar Sekirei, our other old haunts… I think that’d be nice.”

“I’m not old enough for bars….” Eri pouted. “Neither is Hinata, Motoko or Natsumi.”

“A touch of the befuddling winds, and no-no more issues…” Shaeula smirked.

“Fine. Well, in that case…” Shiro started tapping on her phone, finger hesitating, before she pressed send. “It’s done. For better or for worse. Unless we want to look like idiots, there’s no getting out of this now, Aki…”

My only answer was a gentle kiss, surprising her. Of course, Eri and Shaeula then clamoured for their own kisses, and it took me a while to satisfy them…

********

We had been joined in the kitchen by Daiyu, who was eating an early breakfast silently. Hyacinth had remained in the Boundary to prepare for the opening of the Ring Gate, so we were all assembled, barring Haru-san, who I had called up, and she was arranging transportation to Kyoto, as well as the Special Forces who would be taking Chirurgery during the trip. I don’t even get rest today of all days…

“So yeah, Miyu’s dance is a hell of an ability.” I was explaining. Shiro was only giving me half of her attention, the other half on her phone, no doubt waiting for Aimi-chan’s response. “Look, by the time we had returned to my Territory, there was five and a half days remaining. Time is only running a little quicker now in the Boundary than here, due to the slowing. The timing sucks, but we have to work with what we have. So we then spent roughly six hours, Boundary time, right?” It was longer at the Spring, but that didn’t matter for the calculations.

“Yes, the maths is simple enough.” Shiro sighed. “We aren’t idiots Aki, get to the point.”

“Well, Miyu danced for a bit over half that time. And we see… that two hours have been shaved off the upgrade time, as well as the nearby Ether Spire upgrade.”

“Two hours, huh? Well, that isn’t a lot.” Eri said, before realising. “But… say she danced every day, that means fourteen hours in a week, thirty days in a year…”

“Now you’re getting it. And if multiple Buildings are close enough together, it affects them all. Now, I don’t expect Miyu to put her life on hold to boost my growth. Besides, she has to tend to her own Territory as well, but…” I gathered everyone’s attention, before translating my words into Chinese for Daiyu as well. “… from what the mortal engineers gathered, it’s an escalating process. It starts off barely progressing, but the longer the dance, the faster the growth. So imagine if she could train to dance for many hours. She would only need a day here or a day there for positive results. And what if it grows with her increasing skill levels?” Damn, the possibilities really are endless… does the speed increase cap out at a maximum rate, or would dancing for days on end super-charge it?

“Look-look closely. I think he is planning to work poor Miyu to the bone.” Shaeula said.

“You can’t push her too hard!” Eri chided me. “She’s a girl, and she’s a noble one at that. You’ll have to treat her kindly!”

“I know, I know…” I shook my head, taking on board the criticism. “Even so, we have to exploit this. Besides, Miyu loves dancing. So it should be fine…”

“Yeah, until it becomes work…” Eri muttered, only to be interrupted by the ringing of a phone. Shiro’s phone. Here we go…

Her single eye met my own, and I nodded reassuringly. With a deep breath she put her phone on speaker-mode, and answered as brightly as she could. “Hey, Aimi. What’s up?”

“Don’t what’s up me, you big idiot, Shiro!” Aimi-chan sounded pretty pissed off. “We haven’t heard anything from you for ages, and when I checked up on you at Uni, all I found out was you had a leave of absence! Without telling anyone why! I’m pissed off, girl! And now this message… what the hell?” She paused to take a breath, before launching back into it, voice shrill. “I got in a bad accident, so I had to take leave. I’m at Aki’s place. He’s looking after me from now on. Oh, yeah, I’m his girlfriend now.” She was practically screaming. “This is some sort of prank, right? Akio-kun is engaged! Besides, it doesn’t make sense…”

“No, it’s not a joke. Well, a lot happened.” Shiro said when she could get a word in. “Look, Aimi, there’s no point getting all worked up over it. You think this princess doesn’t want to cry? A princess should always remain beautiful, but…”

“Wait, so… the accident wasn’t bullshit?” Aimi-chan stopped ranting, her tone changing completely. “I know you aren’t well, but you’re always careful not to go out alone or… what happened?”

“I’d send you a picture, but it’d look like a shot from a horror anime.” Shiro laughed bitterly. “Let’s just say I’m channelling the true chunni vibe. I could make a convincing gender-swapped Nagumo Hajime right about now.”

“No… no way. It can’t be that bad, can it?” After her annoyance, Aimi-chan sounded close to tears. “You’ve always been so careful!” she repeated again.

“It’s bad. No kidding. But there’s always hope, right? Besides, Aki’s looking after me, like I said. I admit…” she lowered her voice. “… I’m pretty pissed! I finally realised I liked Aki, and now I look like this. Worse, he was so happy telling us about his fiancée, right? Though I have to say, she’s quite the girl.”

“Yes, that’s right. So… Akio-kun, he wouldn’t go out with you, he’s engaged! He always used to talk about his childhood friend when drunk.” She said the same thing Shiro had earlier, and I could see Eri was blushing, embarrassed, while Shaeula teased her, Daiyu looking on, uncomprehending.

“No kidding. That was pretty annoying at times. Yasu was so jealous though, it made me laugh.” Shiro reminisced. “Aimi, the world’s a strange place, right? Sometimes common sense doesn’t apply, especially to me, Shirohime!”

“Yes, but…” Aimi began, only to find me on the phone, as Shiro pressed it into my hand.

“Uh, hi there Aimi-chan. I was meaning to get in touch, but I’ve been busy.”

“Don’t hi there, Ami-chan me!” she complained, mirroring her words to Shiro. What is this? Some kind of skit? “Putting aside the crap about you being Shiro’s boyfriend, is it true? Is she injured?”

I met Shiro’s gaze, and she nodded. “Yeah. It’s… pretty bad. I hate myself that I couldn’t do more, but there’s still hope. In Kyoto I spoke to some specialists…” That’s certainly one way of describing Nurarihyon… “… and they are sending their finest healer over. No expenses spared. I won’t rest until Shiro’s back to full health again. I promise you that. So… don’t be mad at her, okay? It wasn’t her fault.”

“… shit.” Aimi-chan cursed at last. “So it’s her arm and eye then, if she’s Hajime? I suppose the hair matches. Shit.” She cursed once more, more foul-mouthed than usual, not that I blamed her. “So, next question. You’re looking after her while she recovers. That’s great. She never talked much about her family, but I don’t think they’re close, right? And you have a new place. But… come on, there’s no way you and Shiro are…”

“There’s every way, I’m afraid. Like Shiro said, this whole mess made me realise I’ve always carried feelings of affection for her. And nearly losing her… well, life’s too short. So yes, Shiro and I are going out now.”

“But your fiancée…” Aimi-chan spluttered. “Are you cheating on her, going behind her back? I misjudged you if that’s the case…”

“Give me that.” Eri snapped, rolling over in her wheelchair and snatching the phone with her good arm. “Hello. Your name is Aimi, right? I’m sorry I don’t know your family name, so I’ll have to be forward.”

“Who are you?” Aimi-chan asked, confused by the sudden change of speaker.

“Pardon my rudeness. I’m Mori Eri, Akio’s fiancée. First fiancée, I suppose. You can just call me Eri though, Aimi-san, since you are a dear friend of Akio’s, and quite a bit older than me.”

“Why is it the way you say I’m older pisses me off… wait, fiancée? You’re in Tokyo? I thought you were at school back home? No, that’s not the issue here…” her words were tumbling from her lips in a rapid cascade. “… you’re letting Akio-kun spout such nonsense about Shiro in front of you? I knew it, this is a joke…”

“It’s not a joke. I used to wish it was, but… I got used to it.” Eri breathed out a long sigh. “Really, it’s my own fault. Akio… well, he’s special. Not just to me, but to Shiro, and others too. I can’t keep him all to myself.”

“I admit… I worry.” Shiro said, loud enough for Aimi-chan to hear over the phone. “Everyone’s been so welcoming, and Aki… well, he’s Aki. As kind as he used to be, but shit, he’s so much more manly now. It totally makes my heart ache. I wish… I wish I wasn’t so hurt, so I could go on dates. A love hotel would be fun!”

“Love hotel?” Aimi-chan gasped. “You’d go that far…”

“Why not? Aki and I are in love. Just like he loves Eri. Shaeula too.”

“Shaeula? Who the hell is that?” Aimi-chan was confused.

“Me!” Shaeula called out cheerfully.

“Don’t mind her.” Eri continued. “No, Akio isn’t cheating. We all agreed. And I can empathise with Shiro. There’s a reason I can’t be too mad with her. I… I was in the Kyoto disaster.” Eri said sadly. “I’m pretty badly hurt too. Though like Shiro, Akio is sparing no effort or expense to see me healed. So, you should feel sorry for him, having two girlfriends who are ruined.”

“No way? Kyoto? That rampage by those death cult crazies?” Aimi-chan said.

“Yes. Those.” Eri lied. “For now I can’t walk, and one arm is paralysed, but the doctors say in time and with rehabilitation, I should recover. Just as Shiro will. But until then, Akio will protect and take care of us. So stop saying you’re disappointed in him! It pisses me off!”

“Aimi, it pisses me off too.” Shiro took the phone back. “You don’t know what Aki has done for me. What he’ll continue to do for me. And you know… I finally found someone I want to give back to. It’s not been long, but I’m already having fun here, with Aki and the others.”

“Others? How many…” Aimi-chan began, but Shiro cut her off.

“Look, you know where I am. And you know I’m, if not okay, I’m safe in Aki’s hands. Explaining everything is too hard. After all, this is just part of what you need to know.” Shiro took a deep breath. “So listen, Aimi. Aki and I, we have some big news for you. Unbelievable news.”

“More than Akio-kun living a harem life, and you being part of it?” Aimi-chan gasped, still struggling to take it all in.

“Of course.” Shiro said, sounding a little proud. “So, how about this? Get the gang together this weekend. I’ll text you the venue.” She looked at me then. “You think Hinata can get us somewhere suitably swanky? We need somewhere with a bit of a different vibe to usual.”

“Sure, I bet she’d be happy to help. She, Motoko and Natsumi should probably be there too, I guess.”

“Great. So yeah, it’s going to be a hell of a night, but… I just want you to promise me to keep an open mind, Aimi.”

“I… guess I can do that. Akio-kun… it’s hard for me to see him as a playboy. He didn’t seem the sort. But… he’s my friend. Our friend. As are you, Shiro. I’m sorry for your injuries. I feel awful. We’ve left you behind, haven’t we?”

“Well of course. You’ve all got lives to lead. You’ve got your guy now, and I bet he loves it. You’ve always had a hot body, that rack…” Shiro laughed like a dirty old man.

“Shiro! Don’t be crude, you don’t know any of that stuff anyway… or wait, do you? With Akio-kun?” she asked, suddenly morbidly curious.

“Not yet. Well, just kissing.” She flushed. “I want to wait until I’m healed. My first time, I don’t want it to be as the scarred wreck I am now.”

“Really? It’s… that bad?” Aimi-chan whispered, so we could barely hear her.

“Well, it’s not good. But you’re a woman, Aimi. You understand, I’m sure. Anyway, try and keep an open mind until the weekend, all right? I’ll leave you to gather the gang, as Aki and I have a ton to do this week. Besides, it’s the prerogative of a princess to work her subjects hard, right?”

“I’m happy that at least that hasn’t changed. I swear, Akio-kun, Shiro, if this is some sort of prank…” I could hear tears in her voice now. “… I promise you, I’m going to be really mad!”

After a few more jokes and earnest words, Shiro hung up, letting out a long, exhausted sigh. “Well, that wasn’t how I envisaged breaking the news I had a boyfriend to the group. But then, I never really saw myself with one. Damn, I’m tired now.” She put her head down on her arm, pouting, and I stroked her head gently, consoling her.

“Well, that was certainly something. But we don’t really have time for this. Shiro is right, we have a lot to do this week, starting from now…”

********

“Don’t worry, everything is in hand here.” Aliyah declared, happy to be in command of her squad again. Shaeula had bound them with the befuddling winds to not harm or betray us, and while it was hardly fool proof, it would be a hedge against problems. I nodded to her, as well as exchanging another brief greeting with Luciana. “Trey, keep out of trouble.” She said to her brother, who was boarding the second helicopter that was waiting at the Shrine, along with Travis, Manx and a group of further Black Wolf personnel.

“You’re telling me that?” he said, incredulous. “Don’t let the pretty girls here go to your head and cause any trouble, or else the boss man here will kill you.”

“Shut it.” she snapped. “I can do my job. Better when he’s not around.” She looked at me then, serious. “Look, we’ll keep everyone safe in your absence. I know you’ve not had time for this Chirurgery for the Black Wolf, so we aren’t as strong as we need to be, but we’ll lay down our lives for the mission if we have to. That’s our pride. Shit, I was prepared to die against you that time, right?”

“Great. Well, Eri, Shiro, I’ll see you later. Keep her in line, okay?” I was leaving them here, as they were too injured to travel comfortably. “You can join us later though the Gate when it’s open. As for you…” I turned to Haru-san, who was looking nervous, yet determined. “It’s time to become a true ruler of a Territory.”

“I’m ready. I was born ready, and I guess I was reborn ready!” she smiled, and I couldn’t help but nod. I’m still not sure how healthy her ‘I’m dead’ humour is, but I think it’s helping her. Which is good. She’s irreplicable, in both the Ministry and for Boundary matters…

“Well, I’ll support you and your Territory so you’ll not be left alone.” I promised. “And it shouldn’t impact your Ministry work too much.”

I then turned to Daiyu, who I was taking with me since I wasn’t sure what else to do with her. “We’re going to another city to establish Haru-san’s Territory. I’m hoping there won’t be any battles in the Boundary, but you never know, so stay alert.”

As we boarded the helicopter, I noticed the group of Special Forces soldiers who were already there, expressions eager. Well, it’s nice to have the additional manpower, but damn, Chirurgery while on a helicopter isn’t going to be fun…