I watched the rge room, on a par with the size of our whole house ba Nishimorioka, as it started to seem small, so crowded with people it was. Bro’s house sure is something. But then, ours is hardly modest. Wow, to think this day would e. I mean, I had thought bro was rich after Las Vegas, but… to reach this level. As his beloved little sister, I was feeling a twinge of pride in my chest, and my eyes felt hot. I’m here. I’m finally a part of everything. Taking part in importas, together with everyone…

  “You sit with us, Tsukiko-. Unless you want to sit with some of Aki’s irls?” mom was saying to the beautiful, slightly otherworldly woman who bro had somehht back from the dead. I’m so happy though. Bro may never let go of the guilt of those who died in the first battle of Kyoto, but now that Eri’s healed and Tsukiko- is back, at least his worst sorrows are over with.

  “I do not mind sitting with you.” she said softly, and my mom squealed in delight.

  “Oh that’s so adorable. Hana, this is a battlefield, our battlefield! You too, Nagi... oh, is that a bit forward of me? Maybe I should call you Nagi-san…”

  “No, it’s fine. After all…” The woman who looked like a pretty older version of Kana- said with a charming little ugh. “…our children will be getting married. There’s no need for excessive formalities.” She looked over fondly at where Kana- was, along with Marika-, Keomi-, two sisters I didn’t reise, as well as one girl who looked a little out of pce. Sana-, right?

  “Yes, we, the mother-in-w group, have a role to fulfil!” mom said enthusiastically. “The alcohol is out, ready to drink, and we have juid tea for the younger party. Food is almost ready, and snacks are on hand. ht is to make sure this party, to celebrate Aki’s talk show, goes well!”

  “You’re not a mother-in-w, Emi…” auntie sighed. “Unless you are letting little Ai marry her brother. Then you might know how I feel.”

  Wow! My face fred red at her tired, exasperated eba. No, no way! Me and bro totally aren’t like that! Mom ughed too. “Now e on, Hana, don’t be like that. Though…” she turo look at me, and I shook my head, mortified. “Yes, there’s no way. Aki and Ai are totally normal. Just… very close. Now, setting that aside…” she turned back to Tsukiko-. “Your parents, we’ll have to get to know them too. How do you think they will react?”

  “It is hard to predict. Our retionship was not one of parents and child, I am afraid. They treated me more as an object of worship, so…”

  Turning away from that sad versation, trusting that my bro could sort everything out if given enough time, I looked over at Shiro, ith her friends. That odd Ameri girl who kept g she was Japanese, Suzu-, was there, a lollipop in her mouth as always. That hair though. It’s so cssic it hurts. It must take her hours and a lot of hairspray and styling wax to get it so perfect…

  “Man, Aki has all the luck. The girl to guy ratio is awfully high here.” My bro’s friend Yasu-san was saying, looking around.

  “Sure, but they are either on the young side, or already taken. So just suck it up.” Another man, Shugo-san, spped him on the shoulder reassuringly.

  “I won’t hear that from someoing a hot teacher!” Yasu-san howled, before turning to an older woman who was sitting with their group, dressed in a rather smart blouse and business-like skirt. “e, Karen-! You know the pain of being single, right?”

  “That’s a little hurtful, Yasu-san.” Karen- said, and I screamed internally. It’s no wonder you’re single! You ’t say that to an older woman. Though she looks great for her age. Wait, are you flirting with her? If so, you o work on yame, my bro’s way smoother than… damn, when did calling my bro a virgin loser turn into my being proud of his charm?

  “He didn’t mean it.” Aimi-, the short woman with the rge chest giggled. “Besides, I’m pretty certain you could get a guy easy enough. A good-looking woman like you, stable job, good wages…”

  “Yes, though the promise of no overtime except in exceptional circumstances was a lie.” Karen- sighed. “The difference is, yes, my bank bance is healthy at least.”

  “Please stop embarrassing me, Yasu-kun.” Hisano-, his cute younger cousin said with a sigh. Today she was in a pastel blue dress with a long skirt, her hair doidily in braids. She looks cute in gsses. Gsses do suit a certain sort of girl. Oh no, I sound like a dirty old man. Bro must be rubbing off on me…

  Dad and uncle were hanging around the booze with Kana-’s father and the handsome one of my bro’s friends, Hayato-kun. They were talking b business, so I decided to give them a wide berth. Besides, if I sit with dad, no booze for me!

  No, the most iing group was as always, the group of my bro’s girlfriends. Especially today, as in addition to Shaeu’s friend Ichika-, who seemed to be an ordinary, if rather cute, uy student, and seemed a bit ill at ease, we had another couple of guests. It’s stuff like this I was missing out on being stu Nishimorioka. Don’t worry Yae-, Rika-, in a few months you too follow your dreams!

  “It’s my day off. I wao spend it sleeping.” Another pretty young woman yawned. “The Detective is always making me work long hours. I’m sick of it. Maybe there’s some job opportunities w for Oshiro-san?” Apparently she olian. But even she was eclipsed by the uest, who I had met just yesterday. She tilted her head curiously, the golden s in her hair jingling and chiming, as she asked a curious question.

  “So you are a defender of the peace? A Way-Warden, then? A noble calling.”

  “A what now?” the polian, Usui-, said, fused. “Oh, I get it, she’s one of yht?” She rolled her eyes at Shaeu, who snorted some ughter.

  “Indeed-indeed. You are quite correct. This is Princess Ffionnan of the Seelie Court, and most-most noble visitor. Do please excuse her curiosity and ck-ck of knowledge. She is not-not as versed in the ways of the mortal world as I!” Shaeu stuck out her modest chest as she boasted, only for Eri to puncture her pomposity.

  “You’re hardly an expert, Shaeu. You’ve just been here a bit longer is all. Your knowledge is a bit biased towards Akio’s tastes and what you’ve doogether.”

  As the irls ughed, Hinata- finding that especially amusing, her bodyguard, the quiet Kazumi- c her own smile with a hand, Shaeu started to protest. Strolling over, I sat down, as there was a good view of the rge projector s that had bee up so that we could all watch my bro.

  “Yeah, you’re always saying something odd, Shaeu.” I teased. “But you’re still adorable.” I turo Usui-. “So yeah, this one’s having her first trip to the Material today. Apparently it was just her as it put that ese girl to near-exhaustion moving her over. That slutty fox wao e too, but fortunately she missed out. I think she’s still b Shaeu’s parents, right?” And my bro’s Astral body is still there, too. At the nod from her, I tinued. “So, how was it, Princess? Suitably impressed? Ready to scale up that iment?”

  “I have seen many iing things.” Ffionnan grinned, eyes bright. “Through I still am not quite sure what you mean by watg your brother. He is not here. Some sort of magic mirror? The magic carriage that brought us here was very luxurious, I would like one for my own. And this mansion is rather humble, but it seems high quality…” as she tialking, I frowned. Humble? Guess she is a Princess after all then, to me this pce is a pace! I remembered what Shaeu said, that I would have to help her if Ffionnan caused any trouble, though if it came to that all we had to do rotect everyone, as she would wear out the power that had sent her here quickly if she exerted herself. No, not letting that happen. If my bro es home to a trashed house and injured friends and girlfriends he’d be devastated…

  “All right then.” Dad spoke loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. “I believe it is due to start, so if we could all be paying attention?”

  The projector was turned on, and suddenly the s lit up. Ffionnan cpped her hands in amusement, watg keenly, and I settled down to watch too, eager to see just what my bro would say, and how he’d look, in front of the world…

  ********

  “So, you’ve stated in a prior interview that your ideal man is Oshiro Akio, the hero of Britain. Won’t your fans be heartbroken to hear that, Kanzaki-?” one of the presenters asked, and I rolled my eyes. I k was going to be this, when I read that magaziicle ba Nishimorioka.

  “Oh no, my boy Aki is so sinful, charming idols now!” mom gushed, embarrassing me, and auoo. “Ai, do you think Aki will scoop her up as well?”

  “It’s a dangerous thing to say…” Suzu- said suddenly, her blue eyes hard. “Even a hint of a retionship is taboo to idols. That’s why I’m alure and without any sdals!”

  “Sure, that’s why you’re squatting in Aki’s spare house.” Shiro snorted. “But whatever, that’s good. I don’t want you b Aki.”

  “Yeah, now I’m pissed off.” Yasu-san pined. “You know how I love the forty-eight! We’ve seen them in Akiba a number of times, right? You get it, right Shugo-kun?”

  “Don’t rope me into it.” He protested.

  As the idol, who retty, if not my favourite from that particur group tinued calling my bro a cssic Japanese hunk, which even made me blush, I looked to see Eri grindieeth. If she was in her cute cat form, she’d be shiail, ears ft against her skull…

  “I prefer Red and White.” Kana- said sourly, and Hisano- agreed.

  “Yasu-kun, please stop being embarrassing. I don’t think that an idol is anything special, pared to the girls here already. Besides, it’s just all talk. Suzu-san here…” she frowned, not being overly fortable at calling a girl she didn’t know by her first hough the blonde girl wouldn’t give any family name so we had no choice. “…is right. It’s just a talking point. No, it might be true, but if she did start dating anyone, never mind someone as suddenly high profile as Akio-san, it’d be the end of her career. Male idol fans are ruthless.” She shuddered.

  “Maybe so…” Hayato-san said, thinking. “We’re…” he looked at the other adults in the room and ged his phrasing. “…people with slightly more niche hobbies than others, so we know how trashy the most rabid otaku be, but do you think Akio-kun would stand for that now? I think he’d hit back. But…”

  As they discussed the idol, she tio talk up my bro, before the moment we had all been waiting for arrived, as my bro and the woman who was Shiro’s friend, Arisu-san, came out. I wasn’t the only one surprised.

  “Simply geous. That red dress…” dad said, drawing a funny look from mother, f him to reply defensively. “It is true. She carriers herself with excellent poise and grad is unmistakably beautiful. You agree, Junpei, Izumi-san?” The two men were smart enough to feign disi, and I held in a giggle at seeing a slightly different side of dad.

  “Yeah, Arisu is insanely beautiful. Not as good as me…” Shiro grinned, stretg, her slim yet buxom body iight t-shirt makihink my bro was a lucky dog. “But then, aside from Tsukiko, who is? She doesn’t lose to anyone else, and being ho, her attitude makes her ten times hotter. Nobody does ice queen like she does.”

  “Should you be talking about her like that, boss?” Suzu- ughed. “If she hears you she’ll get mad. Besides shouldn’t you have eyes for someone else?”

  “True.” Shiro agreed, but it was the young-looking Keomi- who spoke first. She was apanied as always by the silent Hotene-san, the two of them having bee closer siheir near-death experiences in Kyoto.

  “Big brother Akio-kun looks handsome, right Kana-?” she gushed cheerfully. “I bet you noticed, you’re always looking at him. How far have you gone, have you kissed?”

  I’m gd she’s rgely recovered. I hear Haru- helped with her light. She’s not here today, apparently she had work. A shame, I like her a lot… Kana- obviously felt the same for her cousin, as despite her annoyed expression, I could see happiness in her brown eyes. “Of course I’ve kissed…” she looked at her parents, face a little red. “I’m not a little girl. you’ll be asking me if I’ve held hands…”

  “I’m jealous, Kan-Kan.” One of the sisters with her said, using a cutesy niame, and ohat I was going to love teasing her with ter, and judging by the expression on Eri’s face, she had the same idea.

  “Yes, me too.” The other sister agreed. They looked like high schoolers as well, my age maybe, or a year younger perhaps. Not bad looks either, and very simir, if not twins, theainly they could pass for them. “We missed out on all the fun at the start, since you picked Keomi-. But now we get to take part. Us Shirohebizumi shrine maidens have to stick together!”

  “You only did it as a part time job…” Kana pined. “Besides, it wasn’t all fun and games.” As the introdus oV were tinuing, Kana sighed. “Yeah, I’ll be ho, he looks really good dressed up like that. I always said I would have a rich, hot uy to take care of me. I got all that, Izumi Kana keeps her word.”

  “Shame about the irls, eh Kan-Kan? But what you do?” the first sister giggled again, before she was shushed, as the question was asked of my bro and Arisu-san.

  “Their retionship, huh?” I said, into a sudden silehere was a tension in the air, especially from Shiro, atg ily.

  “We’re good friends. Arisu-san and I are simply that.” My bro said, and as Arisu-san agreed, though making it sound colder than it was, Shiro rexed.

  “Damn, worried for a moment there. I don’t know what I’d do if Aki decided to say he liked her then.”

  “Why?” Eri said acerbically. “I thought you were on my side at first, not wanting to share, but now you go along with all of Shaeu’s schemes.” At those words Hinata- snorted a ugh, and Eri looked at her until the younger girl looked away, flushed. “That’s suspicious too.” Eri tinued. “So, I’d have thought you’d have been pushing for her. I have to admit she’s beautiful, aaleoo, isn’t she?”

  “Yeah, you’d think.” Shiro agreed. “It’s not that I love sharing, but… I have no choice, do I? He’d never get rid of you for me, would he Eri? Let alohe others. So if I have to share, I’m going to take pride in sharing the best there is. But Arisu… uh, I’m fident I hold my own against anyone, but if Aki was ied in her… she’d have him eating out of her hands in no time.”

  “That’s a cute side of you we don’t oftehe quiet girl wearing gsses, Hina- said, amused.

  “Yeah, I know it doesn’t suit me.” Shiro pouted. “But… oh well, I think we’re safe!”

  The adults were drinking, and when dad wasn’t looking I snagged a beer. Mom and auntie saw and merely smiled at me, urgio be sensible, and I cracked the ring pull, taking a swig. Bitter. But not totally unpleasant. Besides… other than final exams, I’m a free Tokyo adult now! I deserve a beer.

  There were the usual safe questions about Akio’s girls , and he freely admitted to eleven. That made my dad sour, and he wasn’t the only one, uncle and auntie looking a touch aggrieved, but they were resigo it now, at least, ae their grumbles, so long as Eri was happy, we all khey’d support us.

  “I see everyone is ated for. No surprises then?” dad asked, havihrough it just as we had.

  “Not for now, we had a talk with Akio st night.” Motoko- said. She was sitting very properly in seiza, as was Natsumi- beside her, though Hinata- was much more rexed, legs lounging out much like how I was sitting. “He will properly sider his own feelings, the feelings of others, and our feelings, without letting his misceptions about things like arras and political gain sway him.”

  “Yes, he should pick from the heart.” Natsumi- agreed, though her face was red.

  “Last night, huh?” I said, looking at Hinata-. “While I was out at an importa, you were… you did, right?”

  Hinata- nodded, giggling. “Yes, I am the same as the others now. Except for poor Kana and Tsukiko. Though Akio will open his arms at any time.”

  “It’s a great failure as a bodyguard.” Kazumi- spoke up ruefully. “I should have died rather than allow Hinata to be deflowered before her marriage, but…”

  “Oh, stop being so dramatic. That only applies when I don’t have parental sent. Evehree Grandfathers wouldn’t criticise me. Besides, you know I’m going to marry Akio. From now on, you’ll stay by my side as always. Though you might o look away a few times.” She flushed a rosy pink with a radiant smile.

  I rolled my eyes. Yeah, Hinata- is totally cute, funny and rio wonder my bro wao do her. But… it makes me feel a bit awkward, since she’s youhan me. Oh, e to think of it, Motoko- and Natsumi- are too. They don’t feel it though, unlike Hinata-…

  I was then snapped out of my thoughts by an incredibly rude question from the male host, acg my bro of twisting the ws to favour himself. I wasn’t the only one who was angry.

  “That’s rubbish.” Karen- said. “And I would know. The amount of work I’ve put ihough I’m not a part of the Ministry… sure, some of the terms are favourable, but not just to Akio-kun, but for all the Chosen. There’s only ohing he did through true self-i…” she looked over at the girls.

  “Yes, even the agreement to protect listed Territories does not-not be Akio, in fact it is quite-quite the hindrance.” Shaeu agreed. “With our strength and numbers we could easily defeat most-most Territories we e across. As for what you mean, Karen… that is not-not self-i, but merely Aki to please us.”

  “And you think that’s not self-i?” Karen- excimed, and I agreed with her. Yeah, you’ll never viny of them, Karen-. Best let it go.

  “Don’t let them bully you, Karen-.” Yasu-san said galntly, though for some reason it made my eye twit annoyance. “I agree. Akio-kun’s a selfish dog! Eleven! Eleven! Why, I…” he unched into a long rant about unfairness, though he did at least pepper it with a number of pliments for Karen-, which made her smile a little.

  “So, I think Akio-kuo…” he paused, realising that a great deal of girls, including his cute cousin, were gring daggers at him.

  “I guess you’d better shut up now, Yasu-kun.” Aimi- said, handing him a gss of whiskey. “Shut up and have a drink, and you flirt with Karen- ter, if you enjoy humiliation. Sorry about him. Again.” She wi Karen-, who ughed and took her own gss of amber alcohol.

  “It’s not terrible to get a bit of attention.” Karen- snickered. “But my standards are pretty high. Everyone who knows Akio-kun thinks the same nowadays. parisons are the enemy of joy.”

  “This interview has raised some iing points.” Kana-’s dad said, frowning. “I’ve never had a proper expnation of just how these Gods choose. Now my Kana is a Chosen…” the girl iion nodded proudly. “…and I believe your daughter is the same. It seems unusual.”

  “Father!” Kana- said, annoyed. “Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t. There’s a reason we don’t much talk about it. You should be thankful Akio thinks so mue he’s willing to help me out. It wasn’t easy, and…” she swallowed, nervous. “…I know it’s a heavy responsibility. But I took it knowing that. I’m sure you’re the same, right Aiko-?”

  “Wow, yeah one hundred pert, Kana-! I’m not sure eren’t Chosen in the first pce, but my bro work miracles. As for there maybe being a sed wave…” I g Shiro, figuring the fiery girl inside her would know. She didn’t disappoint.

  “hose who missed out won’t get another ce, barring intervention from someone like Aki. It’s a ond dohing.” Shiro said fidently, no doubt what she had heard from Tan. “But even without a Favour, that’s not the end, is it? Everyone here knows Aki’s Chirurgery and training make the ordinary extraordinary.”

  “Yes, Ichika…” Shaeu said to the nervous girl beside her. “I believe you should stop-stop avoiding my kindness and accept the Chirurgery as well. And since you do so worry about your finances but are too-too stubborn to accept more money from me, you should work for us too. Even if it is only when you spare the time.”

  “I sed that, Konoe-!” Yasu-san agreed. “It’d be good to have more beautiful girls around the pce that aren’t Akio-kun’s harem. It’d soothe my soul, and you’ll solve your money worries, it’s a win-win!”

  “Oh do be silent.” Shaeu pursed her lips. “If you scare Ichika off-off I shall be most displeased. Ighe fool…” Shaeu tinued. “I am your friend, I would not-not do y.”

  “It’s very lively.” Ffionnan said, and Asha, who had been quiet as usual, nodded.

  “Yes, it does take a little getting used to, but then it was just as loud and ribald during the celebration at the Spring.”

  “Sawa-san is lying? Though her answer on ine disparity and the i unfairness of life was brilliant. I know that well.” dad pined. “If that is the case, thehat not mean that eventually these new gifts will dwindle away to nothing? Is that not a disaster?”

  “Yeah, the idea is to end up with only one or a handful remaining.” Shiro said sadly. “Aki’s nning is all geared towards either preventing that, or making sure it’s us that ends up as the st group standing. Which is why I’m so pissed off at those jerks interviewing him. Arisu must be about ready to murder them. She’s not known for her patience.”

  “Does that mean that there’s a y little Eri?” auntie Hana asked, and Eri sighed.

  “e on mother, are you as much of an idiot as those interviewers?”

  “Don’t talk to your mother like that…” she snapped, but Eri refused to back down.

  “I will if you keep being stupid. Divine Favours don’t just fall out of the sky. But if Akio finds ohat’s suitable, or even be suitable with a little work…” Kana- that, looking proud. “…then of course he’ll give it to me. Or Hinata-san, or maybe even one of his friends, or you other shrine maidens. Maybe even you, mother, if it fits. The point is, it’s one in a huhousand, and Chosen die every day.”

  “Even me?” auntie said, surprised.

  “It makes sehe Seelie Princess Ffionnan mused. “sider it like treasure.” She grinned, running a hand through her tinkling hair. “When you find a beautiful treasure, do you let it lie where it is discovered, or do you take it, keep it close, and if you must give it away, wouldn’t you hand it to friends, family, a lover? He is a pragmati. It is why I believe we work together. He’s brought such g personalities as Primal Forest, that weasel Shaetanao and the inscrutable Morioth together, to say nothing of me… it seems this mortal is quite the fool, annoying his betters. In the Court, he would be hung on the great Tree at the tre of the Court, to repent his sins. That or his head would be spiked owilight gate as a lesson to rude idiots.”

  I wasn’t the only oo ugh at that, and it lightehe dark mood. “Look, auntie. You should know by now my bro is thinking of the best for everyone. But he’s always going to put us first. Everyone here is either family, a friend or an ally…” I looked at Ichika-. “…so stop being silly and accept Shaeu’s kindness. My bro’s a soft toud I know he sees you as a friend too. So anyway… yeah, we know what’s really going on. The public might be fooled by Arisu-san’s words, but we have our own expert. This was a lottery, the prizes are already given out, by my bro, Shaeu and the others have found a way to gather up some lost and discarded prizes, and evee their own. So we’re all lucky.”

  “Well said.” Dad praised me, draining his gss of whiskey. “I do not find everything Akio has done praiseworthy, but his loyalty to family and friends is hard to fault.” Woraised you again, bro! There’s one for the history books. No, I suppose it is happening more often.

  “I hardly find that a thing to be surprised over.” The fairy Ffionnan said, an expression of puzzlement on her face. “Is it not natural to grasp what treasures one , and keep power ah for oneself?”

  “Mortals are strange creatures, I still-still struggle sometimes.” Shaeu ughed. “They have many rules and obligations, which do not-not make seo me. Such as their obsession with the solitary nature of their marriage. At least now-now that is doh.” She puffed out her chest, well satisfied. “But in Japan, there is an expectation that greed is not-not enced, that the nail which sticks up-up will be hammered down. But Akio is too-too big a nail now, any hammer will be the oo break.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, bro has been w hard to make sure. Though he couldn’t have do without the help of you girls.” I looked at Hinata-, Motoko- and Natsumi-. “So thanks. And… thanks to Eri I guess, for being so uanding?”

  My best friend frowned, scowling at me, and though she was annoyed, I was happy, as Eri showing her open feelings in front of so many people including some she didn’t know well was something I could barely have imagined a few months ago. “Sure, I’m a very uanding girl. I hope when you finally get a boyfriend, Aiko, he’s just like Akio!”

  As we bickered, my bro and Arisu-san tio talk. When bro was asked his type, everyone froze, eyes sparkling, only for Arisu-san to deliver a withering putdown. Mom burst out ughing, as did I, and everyone else had to chuckle.

  “Damsel in distress, huh? I don’t think that’s erue.” Kana- said. “I mean, sure, he did save me from trouble a few times, but…”

  “No, I think she’s got my bro pegged.” I chortled, highly eained. “He’s always had a bit of a hero plex, ever since he was young and he saved us from that dog. From what I tell, it’s only got worse since.”

  “It’s true.” Ichika-san, the quiet friend of Shaeu said quietly. “He saved me three times now. Twice from thugs, then… he solved all my worries. At the time, I didn’t uand why. I thought it was arap. I didn’t trust people then, and I thought… why would anyone risk himself for me?” She let out a long sigh, before looking at me and Eri. “At the time, he said he had a childhood friend and a sister who were precious to him, and if they were in the same situation, he wouldn’t want ao just walk on by.”

  I hoped I wasn’t blushing, but my face felt hot. Meeting Eri’s eyes, we both smiled. Yeah, that’s my bro.

  “I mean, I’m gd you weren’t hurt, Ichika-…” Yasu-san said. “A cute girl like you is a treasure, we ’t let bastards hurt you.” As Ichika-san looked a little surprised at the pliment, Yasu-san then ruined his momentarily good impression. “But I mean, why always Akio-kun? If I had superpowers, then I’d certainly have stepped in!”

  “Oh, would-would you now?” Shaeu grinned, and her eyes had narrowed. Wow, I think you’ve pissed Shaeu off. I’ll say a prayer for you, Yasu-san.

  I wasn’t the only one worried, as his cousin, Hisano- spoke up. “Yasu-kun, stop being so annoying. It doesn’t matter how strong you are, it’s all about personality. It still has to be scary, fighting…” she looked at Keomi-, and the silent Hotene-, who looked down, troubled.

  “Besides, at the time Akio saved you for the first-first time, Ichika, he was athetically so. In fact…” Shaeu gri Yasu-san. “You are now strohan he was then. Even Hisano is. The perfected Chirurgery offers many-many strengthening bes. Akio did not-not start strong, except for his heart. If you wish to be strong, then simply challenge your limits.”

  It was then my bro, bold as brass and quite unlike how he used to be, called out that he’d take someo on a date tomorrow. Kana flushed red like a tomato, so we immediately knew he meant her. I grinned, and she shrugged, clearly embarrassed but happy. Yeah, that was a smooth, gutsy move bro. Your sis is proud of yrowth!

  “I’m owed a date! I’m… I’m his girlfriend aren’t I? The most normal ooo! We’ll do fun things like go to a café, go shopping, hit an arcade… then maybe do something a bit more adult. Not that!” Her flush deepened, nearly purple now. “He’s getting quite enough of that. No, I’m like a reset, a cooldown for him right now. He needs some girls that aren’t high maintenance!”

  “Kana, you’ve finally grown up.” Nagi-san, her mother, smiled fondly. She then turo my mom and auntie. “It’s a plicated feeling, isn’t it?”

  “I hardly wait until little Ai starts dating. I wao knoe feel!” auntie insisted.

  “I’m so jealous!” Keomi- squealed. “I want someoo sweep me off my feet too!”

  “If you grew up a little and stopped pigging out on cake like a kid you’d probably have more ce.” Kana- pined. As the versation tinued, Kana- being teased gently, my bro was being asked now about idol groups and simir pointless facts, and I thought back to what we had been talking about before the fun distra. I’ve heard something important I want to talk about. “Hey, fun as it is teasing Kana-, I have a question. If my bro was so weak back then… how did he eve you, Shaeu?” I asked, and she looked embarrassed.

  “I admit it, I too was quite-quite weak.”

  “Yes, I had heard you were an arrogant, useless failure.” Ffionnan said unhelpfully. “Rumours are just that, it seems.”

  “No, I was useless indeed. I have some-some excuse. My skill, Kin Bonding, it does draihe more-more kin I hold. And Akio had sin many-many then, Grulgor too. And the Kamaitachi I was given as guards, they were-were the runts of the litter, patheti parison to others, though now-now they have grown, as have we all. But Akio still won me by showing mercy, mercy I would not-not have given in his pce. So…”

  “I think what Shaeu is trying to say, Yasu-san…” Karen- said gently. “…is that being jealous is no good. I get it. It’s easy to look around and see everyone else succeeding, and feel left out. I know it well.” She took a swig of her beer, thinking. “But to say Akio-kun achieved simply because he was given these powers… powers that apparently weren’t that impressive to start with.” She wi Shaeu who nodded, grinning. “All you are doing is making yourself feel bad. Akio-kun, even if he had no powers, and he saw Ichika- getting harassed…”

  “He’d have stepped in.” I said, as did Shiro at the same time. We exged gnces and Eri and Shaeu both agreed. As we talked about my bro’s idiot nature, but one we wouldn’t ge, even if Eri and the others worried that would lead tirls falling for him, I shook my head. Yeah, bro sure is an idiot. But… he’s always thinking of us. It makes me happy.

  “I get it. I do!” Yasu-san grimaced. “Akio-kun’s always been like that, I guess. He was even o our princess here, when she demanded we work for free. He’s a soft touch. But… man, when we were all single, we could share each other’s pain. Hayato-kun was always going to get a girl, though I never knew he’d scoop up cute Hina-. But Shugo-kun and Akio-kun… I feel betrayed!”

  “That’s why you don’t have a girlfriend.” Hisano- sighed. “Girls smell desperation. If you just rexed and were more fident in yourself, then you’d be fine. I mean, you’ve got a stable job now, and everyone here is someone important, right?”

  “I’m beiured by my cousin. You’ve ged too…” Yasu-san said. “Everyone who es into tact with Akio-kun does, it seems. Don’t be getting any ideas though, Hisano-! I won’t let Akio-kun have you!”

  “I’ve not ged. It’s Kana-san who has ged.” She muttered, but Kana- shook her head.

  “No, I’ve not ged at all. I’ve always been this way. The difference is you don’t feel threatened or inferior to me anymore, Hisano-. You’ve finally realised you’re somebody too. Somebody who has worth and others value.”

  “See, Kana- here agrees with me, you’ve ged Hisano-! I’m not sure if it was for the better though. I like the shy cute Hisano- who stayed away from boys and only talked to me…”

  As she rolled her eyes at his stupidity, the questions on TV had moved on. Shiro was gring daggers at those who questioned Arisu-san’s evidence of betrayal, and her eyes sparkled as my bro shot that down fast. There was just one issue though…

  “My bro is totally giving Kanzaki- the wrong idea. I don’t think he even means to.” I sighed, rubbing at my head. “Aren’t my bro’s mental stats like thousands? Why does he keep making the same mistake?”

  “From what we uand, Resilieries to stop personality ge as much as possible. Otherwise people would bee someone else as their thoughts sped up, ging day by day, week by week.” Shiro said. “Obviously there are still ges, but the core remains the same.”

  “Yes, that’s why Akio is still himself. Though people still ge. Through experience. And these past few months, we’ve all had a lot of amazing experiences. And there’s more to e. For years and years and years. For forever, maybe.” Eri said, and auntie ears in her eyes, looking at her fondly.

  “My little Eri has bee s and mature.”

  The atmosphere was lighter after the tense questions for Arisu-san, so we watched as he talked about Princess Eleanor and Princess Mikasa. The quiet Tsukiko- then spoke. “The Princesses of the Six Paths. Two sit here, and two more he knows. Two more to e. I hardly believe it. When I received the visions of those who must be protected, one of them my very own dear friend, I felt despair. The ces of survival, of averting disaster were so slim, yet…”

  “Yet Aki’s gathering us all up, and crushing our problems. Must be rough though. I know you’re w just when Yukiko is going to fall for Aki too.” Shiro g Eri. “Our bossy childhood friend here knows Aki better than anyone, and she worries over it too.”

  “Fet about that!” Keomi- said loudly, eyes bright. “Whoa, amazing! Big brother Akio-kun do that? Look, Hotene-, that’s so amazing!” Everyone paid attention to the s, where my bro was creating an illusion of Kanzaki-, ohat could even talk. The voice sounds off though…

  “Yeah, that’s like totes super amazing.” Sana- said. I didn’t really know the girl, but she arently the daughter of one of my bro’s workers. She was in full on gyaru fashion, which was a step beyond the gal fashion of Rika- and Yae-, but she didn’t look terrible. Not my se at all though. Bro would have a fit if I did my makeup like that. Dad would kill me too… “Don’t you think so, Karen-?” she finished.

  Seems like they are quite close. An odd bination. “Nothing Akio-kun does surprises me anymore.” Karen- agreed. “But that’s us, we know him. I think the watg public, they’ll be amazed. But…” she frowned. “…not everyone is pleased. Some of the questions have been a bit poihe way that interviewer brought up his ethnicity… it’s something that those who don’t like Akio-kun will tto.”

  Yeah, bro’s pretty mad, now I see it… I narrowed my eyes, just as the presenter was annoying again, and my bro lost his patience, brilliant light shining on the s.

  “And he’s still a little careless.” Karen- sighed, watg. “Getting provoked like that. Power is strange and frightening. We only trust it because we know him, and we know you all.” she g the girls fondly. “But say it wasn’t Akio-kun there, but some unknown man… and thinking there are others like that out oreets…”

  “Yes, it’s terrifying.” Ichika- agreed. “I’m not the bravest person, but… if any man with bad iions do that… how could we ever feel safe again?”

  “All the more reason to not-not be foolish and accept my offer.” Shaeu pressed her. “Ichika, grow alongside us, gairength to aly your fears.”

  “It’s why we’ve moved. Though we ’t abandon the shriher. Thankfully.” Kana- said, gd the teasing my bro’s decration to the world had caused was swept away by these distras. “But I’ve seen the pns. In fact, I have to work on them.” She ughed, a touch self-depregly. “The Favour of K?itigarbha is really well-suited for w underground. And it has good synergy with Grulgor. Oh well… the faster we build the underground tunnel between here and Shirohebizumi the better, I suppose. Though I’m scheduled to work on the factory first. Ixitt sure is bossy.”

  “I am proud of you, Kana.” Her father said, and he looked it. “You have finally grown up, and are ag like an adult. Though it is early for you to have a job, I would have liked you to finish your education first…”

  “I’m not going to be too mature. If I’m not fun, flighty Kana, then Akio will be fused. But yeah, it’s obvious, isn’t it? Akio’s too hard to go after, so we’d be the logical targets. It’s happened before. I may be a Chosen, but I’m not that good at bat. I’m hardly helpless, but…”

  “Yes. That is why we must all-all grow stronger.” Shaeu decred again. “Akio believes there are likely others out there that rival him. Not including such as yourself, Princess.” She Ffionnan, who shook her head.

  “I am no weakling. But that light… it is strong and fast. I would be injured, certainly. Though against such brutes as Duke Formor, or those with impossible power such as the Queen…”

  “Yes, I am not-not vihere will be many that rival Akio in the mortal world, but it is far-far better to be humble than arrogant.” Shaeu said, which caused a few of us to look at her disbelievingly. “It is true!” she tinued defensively. “Hence why we are talking all possible measures. But we all-all owe it to Akio to do our best. I shall not-not tolerate being his weakness, and those that wish to walk alongside him must uand that. Mistakes have been made…” Keomi- and Hotene- looked upset, and Shaeu moderated her tone. “I do not-not bme you, no more than Akio does. But we must-must learn from that failure. We have learned. We have the capacity to grow. There are more avenues yet to exploit. Be it Chirurgery, Cultivation…” Daiyu smiled at that. “…levelling, learning new elements, improving skills, better equipment… wealth and security.”

  “I believe that learning martial arts would be advisable.” Motoko- agreed. “I would be more than happy to teach everyosumura…” Her eyes narrowed suddenly, the words the presenter on s eaking cutting her off. What the hell? You ’t say that to my bro? You bastard!

  “Such shog insolence.” Ffionnan observed. “Should you be allowing a oo snder your chosen sort that way?”

  Shaeu shook her head, amber eyes narrowed coldly. “No, we should not-not. Hinata…”

  “I know. That worthless fool. I will crush him and FujiTV too to make a point. I don’t care how much it costs, nobody gets away with talking about Akio like that!”

  “Please calm down.” mom said. “I hate seeing my Aki being accused like that. It’s not a fair question, but… holy, do you think that the publi’t think the same thing? People are shallow. That said, I do approve of teag that jerk a lesson!”

  “Way to lose my respect there mom.” I sniggered. “But yeah, what’s s with getting paid for helping people? The rich always get more, that’s just the way of the world.”

  “Arisu- is very angry.” Suzu- giggled, watg, her blue eyes guileless aertained. “He’s poked the hor’s , right boss?”

  “Yeah, the fact that they are live on TV is probably the reason she’s not crushed him to a bloody mess. No, that’s not fair.” Shiro amended. “Arisu has calmed down a little tely, now her situation has improved. But not enough to get me to risk angering her.”

  “I have to take this call.” Hinata- said, her phing. My bro had said he was calling someone, and it seemed like it was Hinata-. “Those jerks.” Hinata cried after pig up. “Grandfather will be pining to the station, I’ll get grandfather Itsuki to as well! The sheer nerve of them!”

  “Calm down.” Natsumi- said, as did her silent bodyguard Kazumi-. That was echoed by mom and Karen-, as well as Usui-san, who was merely enjoying some good alcohol, watg us silently, letting her hair down after a hard day at work. “There’s no poiing angry. They hear us…” Natsumi- poi the TV, and Hinata- blushed. Damn she’s cute. Even cuter today. My bro may be snatg young girls, but at least he’s got good taste…

  “We’re viewers too, we write in and pin, right?” Yasu-san was saying, annoyed. “Shugo-kun, Hayato-kun, you’re with me, right? Aimi-, Hina-… we’ll write a pier so furious the heavens will tremble!”

  As Hisano- tried to calm him down, I smiled. They are friends after all. I’m gd to know even my bro mao make good ones when he left home. My bro eaking on TV, and Hinata was listening ily.

  “I’ll do that.” Hinata- promised. “And quickly too, I don’t want to miss anything. Arisugawa-san is rather fiery. I almost feel sorry for those fools. Not that it’ll stop me destroying them. Oh… by the way, Kana says she’s embarrassed at you calling out to her on live TV, but she definitely wants that date.”

  “I do, but… please, everyone hear! I’m dying! How will I ma school tomorrow?” Kana- cried out.

  “Love you! Goodbye!” Hinata- said cheerily, before turning to her bodyguard. “Kazumi, you know where those dots are? I moved copies of everything useful to the mansion in advance. I guess I’m far-sighted.” she boasted proudly.

  “Yes, I know. I’ll get them.” As Kazumi- raced off, Hinata- was bombarded by curious gazes. Meanwhile, Arisu-san was crushing the preseo a bloody mess, verbally, at least.

  “I would have warned him…” Suzu- giggled. “She’s really angry.”

  “So, what are you talking about?” Eri asked, curious. “What dots does Akio want?”

  “It’s simple.” Hinata- shrugged. “Akio’s a soft-hearted man. I don’t hate it, I do sometimes wish he’d be a little more selfish though. Why do you think he’s making mohe first reason is obvious.” Hinata looked at me, and then at Eri and our families. “He wants you to have a good life, fortable, able to do whatever you want. He’s achieved that.”

  “Yes, I feel ashamed taking support from my son, but… Akio was right. It does not matter who achieves the goal, so long as the family is protected.” Dad praised my bro again. Maybe you should say it to his face more? Wow, no, that’s not it. I’m guessing he say it because bro isn’t here. Men.

  “So then, what’s the sed reason? It’s simple.” Hinata- asked.

  “Territory, of course.” Shiro muttered. “It’s like your shrine, right Kana?”

  Kana- nodded. “Yeah, it’s bee a lot easier to train there ever since we sig over to Akio. So… he wants to solidate as much of the nd under his Territory as possible.”

  “Because as the Territory improves, it bees ever more ied with what we see as reality.” Shiro pointed out, and I was once more impressed by her knowledge. Tan’s knowledge, I guess. Really, I don’t get how that works, sharing a body… especially since Shiro seems a bit like Eri and Shaeu, eager to jump my bro at every opportunity…

  “So yes, he he money, but it’s hardly greed.” Hinata- said as Kazumi- returned, having faxed over the dots. “So of course, being kied, yet also not an idiot, who knows there’s a limit, he po offer healing to those in need, every time he did it fain. To soothe his sce. Of course, this nned back whehing was still secret, but now it’s out in public…”

  “Yeah, shit. It’s why I ’t stay mad at Akio-kue the fact he’s rubbing my fa his quests.” Yasu-san sighed. On TV, Arisu-san was ruthlessly crushing the anchors, while Kanzaki-, the famous idol, ping and smiling. Ugh, I thought she utting on an act before, but I’m seriously worried she might be won over by my bro now. Wait, why am I worried? I’m the only one who gets to enjoy this! There’s one more thing though…

  “Cheer up.” Karen- said. “paring yourself to Akio-kun is like poor workers like me paring myself to Hinata- here. That way lies disappoi, as I said earlier, it’s just the thief of joy. Although…”

  “Yes, I think you get paid pretty detly, Karen-.” Sana- ughed. “Even my deadbeat dad has totes ged. He thinks he move to a new pce soon, ohat doesn’t totes stink of sad and lonely.”

  “pany housing.” Hinata- ughed. “Factory first, then seg the Shrine and this estate. After that, the stru problem is knog down the old buildings on the nd my grandfather bought and building , modern housing plexes. So yes, no sad and lonely, only nice, and enviroally pleasant. After all, we ’t be upsetting our Dryad, or other Fae visitors, we?”

  “I appreciate it. Akio promised he would make the world bloom, both worlds.” Asha touched her belly, and mom’s eyes sharpened. Uh…

  “Oho, I smell a profit.” Ffionnan rubbed her hands together gleefully, golden hair beads and ors king.

  “Yeah, you’re a wise woman, Karen-.” Yasu-san said. “So… uh, you like… well…”

  “Spit it out.” Shugo-san ughed.

  “So, you fancy a drink after this? My treat.” Yasu-san said, and Karen- looked him up and down.

  “You know I’m a Christmas cake, right? Past my best.” she said, a touch of irritation ione.

  “That’s not true.” Yasu-san shook his head. “I think you’re a bit down on yourself too, Karen-. Look in the mirror. You’re still damn hot. Your rack is something special… uh…”

  “Trust Yasu-kun to blow it at the end there.” Aimi- ughed, and Hina- pushed her gsses up, frowning.

  “Yes, though somehow that’s reassuring. Besides…” she narrowed her eyes, as Karen- was silent, before her frown turned into a smile.

  “You know, you are Akio-kun’s friend. When I used to stand outside my ft after work, his eyes would always stray to my chest, and I’d catch him blushing as he saw my bra through it. It was kind of cute. Now… well, who pete with what he already has?” she ughed. “Holy, I’m grateful to Akio-kun. He saved me in the worst times of my life. Guess I’m a damsel in distress too. But I’m also a realist.” She chugged her beer. “I’m happy on the side-lines. I want to see how this all ends, but unlike you younger girls, I’ve not got the fideo step in so deeply. So I’ll get my enjoyment from supp you all. I like my new job, no matter how I grumble, and… it’s not about the money. I get it. Why Arisu-san is ripping that guy to shreds… uh, whoa, that guy’s a moron. Trying to bme them for stirring up religious tension after London is just so shitty… anyway, where was I? Yeah… I think Akio-kun’s happiest now he’s finally his true self. Like you said, he’s had a o be a hero since he’s young. Even his name, right?”

  “Yes, I’ve got excellent taste! Akiht hero.” Mom said, giggling. “Mothers always know best!”

  “Now he gets to fulfil that dream. It’s no wirls fall for him, Yasu-kun.” She ged her manner of address for the man. “But not everyone he saves will feel the o g to him. And not every girl needs a saviour. I’m past thirty now, but… holy, when I look in the mirror, I’d believe I was in my early twenties. Chirurgery really is amazing.”

  “Yeah, but you have to look good to start with.” Yasu-san said, and unlike normal, he wasn’t being crude. “Sorry about the ent, but… you have a rog body, you know?”

  “Oh god, you were just doing so well…” Aimi- covered her fa despair.

  “I’m more than just that, I hope.” Karen- ughed, seeming not to care. “But it’s o be appreciated. I’ve had bad luck with men. So yeah, I could use a drink after this. I’ll let you take me out, Yasu-kun. But bear in mind, I’m not an easy woman. Whether I’m ied in Akio-kun or not, he’s the man who sets the standard.”

  “Yeah, I get it. Jealousy’s an ugly thing. But my heart and soul screams out at the unfairness of monopoly. Maybe I’ll start my own harem…” he looked at me then, and winked.

  “Eww, no. Dream on.” I scoffed. “Just for that, I’m going to tell my bro Hisano-’s a good catd he should snap her up.” As that girl blushed at my joke, though my keen eyes picked up that her expression was plicated, I turo Karen-. “Sure you should be going on a date with this loser?”

  “A date? It’s just tw adults in the same pany hitting a bar or two, it happens all the time as adults.” Karen- said. “But then, how else do people get to know each other better?”

  “I see.” I was about to say more when our attention was ba the TV. “Damn, Arisu-san’s taking over?”

  “As well she might. They are finished!” Hinata- ughed. “Grandfather texted me. Fujiwara-sama and Kira-sama want to tighten rip on the media anyway. How do we fancy a TV station of our own? Anyone want to be on TV?”

  “Oh, me, me!” Suzu- ughed, hand raised.

  “Seriously though, while we would have to keep some key programming, making it the official el of Japanese Choseed news, propaganda and so forth might just work… so we’ll have more job openings and room for promotion. Maybe you should go for a presenter role, Karen-?” Hinata teased. “Though Akio would hate to lose your secretarial skills.”

  “No way, I saw her first!” Yasu-san howled. “If she’s on TV, uys will hit on her!”

  As everyone ughed at Yasu-san’s desperation, Shaeu pressed Ichika-san. “You worried about money, and about how-how you could be a friend without giving back. Well, here-here is a o? Your study, it is not-irely divorced from suo?” As Shaeu tried to persuade the relut girl, Shiro suddenly looked sick.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked, ed, and Shiro poi the s. “Arisu… she… no, there’s no way. No, Shaeu, this is an emergency! Arisu could make a good Fae… she absolutely hates lies. It is what she didn’t say that worries me…”

  “I see. Yes, she did not-not reject Akio. Why would she? There is no-no…” Shaeu began, but Shiro cut her off.

  “No, you’re totally missing the point here!” Shiro panicked. Eri was grinning broadly, greatly enjoying it, probably relishing Shiro feeling how she felt often, but Shaeu didn’t seem to get it. “Arisu… if she seriously falls for Aki, we’re in trouble! She’s the one woman we shouldn’t be fident about fag! She’s got it all. Looks, charm, intelligence, a great talent… she’s famous… oh damn, I feel sick…”

  “Rex, it’s not like you say anything for certain.” mom said fly, though I did catch the sparkle in her eyes. “She just said she was friends with Aki, didn’t she? And you said she doesn’t lie, so she has no i right now.”

  “Yes, but hasty decisions! That means she’s at least thinking about it!” Shiro shouted, and I thought that if my bro could see her flushed, teary-eyed face right now he’d probably whisk her off to bed straight away. Wow, she’s got a pletely different expression to normal. It’s the gap. The gap makes it cute.

  “Bad luck, boss. I’ll have to cheer for you both!” Suzu- ughed unhelpfully, sug on another lollipop, enjoying the chaos. On TV they had moved into talking about some basic Chosen stuff, like types of monsters, which would have riveted me before, but now I had experie myself I wasn’t that ied.

  “Do you think this is the right format for this?” Hinata- asked, and Tsukiko- answered.

  “The time for secrecy is passed. Now it is all about managing it. Is that not why you are sidering taking this TV station for your own?”

  “That and to crush those idiots that sndered Akio.” Hinata admitted. Behind us the arguments between Eri, Shaeu and Shiro was intensifying, while Yasu-san was cosying up to Karen-, fttering her eously. Most of the others were enjoying the chaos, while others were watg the TV. I gnced over at it, the talk show winding down. For us, it’s just been a fun TV show, seeing my bro and Arisu-san… but I wonder how the public will take it? I hate seeing people talk shit about my bro, but I’m not enough of an idiot to believe that there won’t be haters and trolls.

  “For me, I am disappointed I never got to speak about the charity cert more. A… friend of mine is appearing. I would ask that you, the viewers, look forward to it, but be gentle. She believes herself a shining star of the idol world, but reality is often cruel.” Arisu-san said, and Suzu- opened her mouth in surprise.

  “Boss, boss, stop fighting! Arisu-’s telling everyone I’m a shining star! And to watch me!”

  “Yeah, I think… that’s not quite right.” Shiro said quietly. “But now I’m even more worried. Arisu would never have said that before. Ugh, my head hurts…”

  It was then Kanzaki- dropped a bombshell that froze everyone. “Oh my, now I’m curious!” mom said, and I shook my head. Yeah, way to be unhelpful mom. That’s one question that should never be asked…

  My bro’s girls froze. Sure, Tsukiko- didn’t seem too ed, nor did Asha, who was toug her belly again. The others, however… yeah, I see sparks flying. Eri’s particurly petitive about this, Kana- too…

  Fortunately, it was Arisu-san who came to the rescue again. Her quip about the destructive power of my bro’s girls if they all got pissed off was too close to home, and Shaeu was first to ugh, and sooension died down as we all giggled happily.

  “Close call there.” Hayato-san said. “See, Yasu-kun, harems are more trouble than they’re worth. Best stick to one good woman. That should be enough for you.”

  “I guess so.” He muttered. “I’d stay out of it if I was you, Hisano-.” he said to his younger cousin, who snorted, amused and slightly peevish.

  “It’d be fine. I’d know I wasn’t the prettiest, I’m not a fool. But don’t worry, I was only teasing you because you were being annoying. I’m ied to Akio-san fiving me fidehat’s all…”

  As everyoalked, my bro asked Kanzaki- if she could get me backstage at an AKB48 cert, and my eyes lit up. I k bro, you’re the best!

  As the credits rolled, I looked around the room, at everyone who had been brought together by my bro. There were our families, bro’s harem, his friends, those he’d helped… Yeah, this was fun. And I get it. This is what bro wants to protect, what motivates everything he does. And me… I want to protect it too. And now I . I’m here, standing beside him at st.

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