“Cheers!” The delighted cries echoed around the restaurant’s private room, as gsses ked together. Yoriko took a deep gulp from her gss mug of beer, starting to feel rexed. It’s been one hell of a day. We’ve got some hints to a bigger picture, but no crete leads, although as the Detective would say, my intuition is telling me something big is up. But putting work aside… Yoriko took an swig and raised the question she had been w.

  “So, who’s the newer then?” Yoriko looked at the delicate woman with the promi nose and long, elegantly violet hair. Despite the warmth of the restaurant, she was wearing a long coat, though it bulged at the back a little. My job involves notig tiails. Not that it takes much perception to notiething this abnormal.

  Before the woman could answer, Shiro spoke up happily. “That’s Haanōbō.” The name was very old-fashioned. “She’s Aki’s…” Shiro gave a long pause, enjoying the moment. “…sister.”

  “Huh?” Yoriko was surprised. “Sister? That ’t be right. I’ve met Akio-kun’s sister, Aiko-. And he only has one!” I’d believe it if she said this Haanōbō was his lover, but sister?

  “I do so wish you would not tease me.” Haanōbō decred, eyes downcast, her face slightly flushed.

  “But it’s all true though, you ’t deny it.” Shiro ughed meanly. As her friends scolded her, askio behave, she waved their chastisement off cheerfully. “I wasn’t there, but I know what happened, and it’s a very Aki story!” As she expined, Haanōbō interjeg sullenly at points, everyone listeo the tale. When Shiro finished with a flourish, deg “So yes, Aki bagged himself a new sister, and the respect of Tarōbō, ruler of mount Atago…” everyone ughed and cpped, and Haanōbō dipped her head.

  “It is rather frustrating, though I do feel grateful he defended my hainst my brothers. Despite how it turned out.” Haanōbō dipped her head in m. “Speaking of such, Great Tarōbō is waiting for Akio to return, so that the iure as Summer South be performed. Though… we still Autum.”

  “Oh, sorry. Motoko and Natsumi did say it retty terrible.” Shiro felt bad for a moment, it seemed. “Don’t feel bad for your traitor brother though, only the ohat was betrayed. Though… easier said than done, I admit.”

  “I think that’s enough gloomy talk.” Karen- said. I’ve got used to calling her Karen-, as most people do, and she doesn’t seem to mind. I guess we’re following Akio-kun on that. The older woman had a calm expression on her face, as she addressed Shiro and Haanōbō. “I do find it funny Akio-kun has to justify himself that way, but…”

  Shaeu, the small Fae who had helped with the Oracle Engine, nodded. Uhe others who had listened ily to Shiro’s funny, likely exaggerated story of mount Atago, she had tio drink. Beside her was the silent Hyath, though unusually she was not standing behind everyone in her knock-off Akiba maid outfit, but was sitting wearing a rather elegant white dress, though her eyes were twitg and her pale skin was cmmy with sweat. “He is not-not so ho.” Shaeu smiled, lig her lips to extract the st drops of beer, as she reached for a bottle. Hyath stretched out a hand to grab it, but at Shaeu’s stern expressiohdrew it, trembling a little. “Hyath, I know-know you take pleasure in serving, and I have no-no wish to deny you usually, but you agreed that tonight you would make an effort to be just-just as any of us. That is your duty as a bride of Akio.”

  “I knooow.” Hyath said. “Hyath will try, I promised. But it is sooo hard.” There was ughter, gentle and kind, and Yoriko shook her head. Such a strange girl. But she sure is exotic, with those eyes and that hair… Unusual hair colours, instead of being something one in a million possessed, such as Shiro, were now cropping up everywhere. Though the Detective did say he loves unique hair and eye colours, not because they make a girl look pretty, but because they are easy ways of catg a culprit. That’s so like him. No wonder his daughters aren’t always impressed with him.

  “Yes, see that you do-do.” Shaeu smiled kindly. “We all must-must rise above our natures. The same likely goes for you, Haanōbō.”

  The woman nodded, and Shiro tinued. “Well, it’s just us older women today. I don’t like saying adults, as Hinata, Daiyu and the others are shouldering the weight of responsibility of any of us and know their own minds. But…”

  “Yeah, we get it.” Shiro affirmed. “Anyway, Hinata’s still dealing with the Korean situation, Aki and Eri are having fun in Korea still, Kana is w hard, pirl… Daiyu says she is in a delicate stage of her Cultivation, Motoko and Natsumi have some noble fun or other… so yeah… that just leaves Asha really. But since she’s pregnant, she’s taking it easy…”

  “I still ’t believe it.” Aimi-, the short friend of Akio-kun’s with a surprisingly rge chest, which made Yoriko a little jealous, if she was ho with herself, said. Not that this room is good for anyone who’s insecure. When you look at Shiro, and also Matsumuro-san… she gnced over at the so-called Lady Diviner, who icture of stunning Japanese elegance, only her crimson eyes differing from the norm. Meeting her gaze, Matsumuro-san covered her shyness with a sip of her beer, gss hiding her face, and Yoriko had to bite down on a chuckle. From what I’ve heard, she always covered herself with a veil, hiding her appearance from the world. It must be embarrassing and unfortable showing herself now.

  “Me her. I hought Akio-kun would be the first of us to have kids.” The pretty yet quiet Hina- said softly.

  “Yes, I thought it would be you and Hayato.” Shiro agreed. “Well, he doesn’t know yet, so that’ll be a surprise.”

  “Just how long is a Fae pregnanyway?” Aimi- asked, and suddenly all eyes were on Shaeu, who flushed adorably.

  “I do not-not know. I uand that mortals typically take nine months, but we Fae… it depends on a number of factors. Dryads are not weaselkin, nor are they Brownies, so for me to say-say…” she shrugged. “The strohe mother, the quicker, and the strohe child, the more-more time it takes to inate. In some-some cases, it could be years. In others, mere months or days…” she paused. “I do wonder what my-my child with Akio will be like.”

  “Damn, that’s cute.” Karen- ughed. “I remember the first time I met you, Shaeu, I thought Akio-kun had crossed the line and kidnapped a schoolgirl. I was shocked.”

  “I… I had a strange first impression too.” Ichika- spoke up nervously. She was sittiween Yoriko and Shaeu, keeping to those she knew best. “But now… we’re friends…” Her voice dropped to a nervous murmur, and Yoriko sympathised. I’ll help her out. Since we’ve got along after the i with the art scam and loansharking. g her shoulder warmly, Yoriko grinned.

  “Of course you are. You’re here, aren’t you? Besides, I don’t think Shaeu is oo let someone slip out of her grasp.”

  “Yes…” Ichika- agreed softly. “She even persuaded me to have Chirurgery, I… I didn’t , but…”

  “That’s where you’re wrong.” Yoriko shook her head. “I was telling the Detective the same thing, when he was hesitating to have his wife and daughters worked oer to be strong than nht?”

  “Yes.” It was Matsumuro-san who spoke up softly. “Better to have strength and not require it, tha and have hat way only lies regret.”

  “That’s right.” Shiro puffed out her chest proudly. “I’m living proof of that! But that’s over with, Tsuki.” She shortehe name adorably, making the only woman who could match Shiro’s beauty blush. Though to be fair, Shaeu and Hyath are stunning too, there’s just something… inhumanly perfect about the other two. But then, damn it, I’m cute too! There’s not a pin person in the room! Feelied somehow, she downed her beer, before taking another bottle and tipping it intss, foam frothing.

  “Look, we ge the subject? We aren’t here to talk about Akio-kun.” Yoriko said loudly. “Otherwise you will all just end up boasting all night. At least let’s have a subject we all enjoy!”

  “Well said…” Haanōbō muttered, only for Shiro to call her out on that, for being an ungrateful sister, which made the woman dip her head, face red and mouth set in a pout.

  “I think that’s fine.” Aimi- said, giggling. “The boys are having their own party too, and they won’t want to talk about Akio-kun all night either. In fact…” she g Shiro slyly. “They’ve ihat guy Bunta-san. They are just desperate to find out about the sides to you we don’t know, Shiro.”

  “It’s a bit te.” Shiro snorted. “But sure, I’ve nothing to hide. Though Bunta had better watch his mouth…”

  “If he could hear you say that, he’d be quivering in fear.” Yoriko giggled, remembering the way Bunta-san had spoken of her earlier. “He’s really frightened of you, or at least what he calls the ‘devil inside you’.”

  Shiro ughed, only for her eyes to fre red, and her void facial expressions to ge, lookiirely unlike herself. “How… i. I see my lessons have not stuck. I am no devil, I am a Goddess, far above mere mortals.”

  “It’s as like that which have him vinced you’re a demon.” Yoriko couldn’t help but smile. “It’s crazy seeing it in a though…”

  “The Gods are indeed above mortal s.” Matsumuro-san said happily. No, I think Tsuki-san suits her better. There’s something pure about her, like paper that’s yet to be written on, or a pool of clear, untainted water. “Although, you seem rather ed up in the s of Akio.”

  Shiro, no, the being known as Tan blinked, surprised. “You have grown bold to speak thus to me, priestess of Tsukuyomi. How very… curious.”

  “I simply speak the truth. I abhor lies.” Shaeu nodded, pleased, at Tsuki-san’s words. “But I apologise, we were ging the subject.”

  “Nah, it’s fine. All roads lead back to Aki right now.” Shiro took trol back. “Anyway, he’ll be ba the m, and he’s bringing gifts. So everyone’ll be all fired up tomorrow. So we might as well party like there is no tomorrow, as when the day rolls around, we’ll all be so busy. Ugh…” Shiro expined about her new ability. “…so yeah, I’ll be w with Asha to further strengthen her aree. Once we’ve worked out it’s safe, of course. Asha’s not just got to worry about herself now.”

  “Speaking of work…” Hina- looked at Yoriko, curious. “How did the predis of the Oracle Engine go?” Ign Shaeu’s boasting that si was using her Fortu was likely fwless, Yoriked.

  “I’m not supposed to talk about an iigation in progress, but sidering we came to you for help, I’m sure I let it slide.” The Detective is big on following the rules, but even he knows when to bend it, like he did whehought he was going to die at Shirohebizumi shrine. “Basically, we have found some clues…” Rattling them off, everyone listened ily, though some, like Haanōbō, seemed rather fused by a lot of the straerms. “…so yeah, it’s not a hundred pert sure, but the st two attacks, one which led to death, and the other just a horrible maiming, seem to have a differerator. Although… did you know Shinohara-sama was healed by Akio-kun?”

  “All-all roads lead to Akio indeed.” Shaeu snorted. “I believe it was Hinata’s idea. The situation in this Southern Korea is quite-quite tense, but we ot-not our own struggles. She called it… ah yes, pre-emptive PR…”

  “In any case, Shinohara-sama is a good woman, who has done many good deeds over the years. So we hardly pin. Though the Detective grumbled that it would be hell getting a vi on the crime of causing her injuries when they have just up and vanished without a trace!”

  “Hospital records would surely exist.” Hina- pointed out, and Aimi- chimed in too.

  “Yeah, and it was on TV. Besides, isn’t that your job now, Usui-san?”

  “Call me Yoriko. I like the informality you all dispy. It makes sehough.” She giggled, enjoying the pleasant feeling of drunkenness already spreading through her. “We have Faeries, Goddesses and… uh, sorry, you’re a Tengu, right?” Haanōbō that. “…as well as people from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s only natural to be rexed. But you’re right. It is our job.”

  “It sounds to me…” Ichika- spoke up hesitantly. “No, sorry… it’s nothing.”

  “We’re all friends here. o be shy.” Yoriko reassured her. “Besides, this is a party. Just a light-hearted gathering. If you say something stupid we’ll just all ugh and drink some more.”

  “Well said indeed!” Shaeu approved. “I do not-not think you need be so timid, Ichika. I uand you have had hard-hard times, but they are over now, and will not-not return!”

  “I… guess not.” Ichika- said softly. “You know, some… some of the girls who went missing I used to know came baot all…” she shuddered. “I imagihat some of them never wao see Tokyo or ahey knew again. To think, that was almost me…”

  “But it wasn’t.” Aimi- put her arms around Ichika- fly, and Ichika- squirmed. As well she might, those boobs are massive. Lucky girl. “And Shaeu is right. It won’t happen again.”

  “I hope not. I still feel bad, but…” Ichika- swallowed, struggling to put her thoughts into words. “…while I still don’t feel I’m a good friend, I want to be. So I’ll try hard.”

  “It is not something you try.” Tsuki-san said softly. “It is something you are. All retionships are not dictated by others. If someone loves you, or feels you are a friend, best not to worry about why. Such things are precious, I have found, and not even the Gods know they why of humaions.”

  Shiro spoke up, ughing. “Tan disagrees. Tan says the Gods kions just fine, in fact… they often feel some more keenly than humans. Love, lust, envy, vengeance, hatred… though some indeed have an absence. She says she uands love just fine…” Shiro rolled her eyes. “I bet you do Tan. Oh…” she paused, grinning. “…she says even her sisters uand, in their backward, wrongheaded ways. Her words, not mine.”

  “I… I know. I just don’t think I tribute.” Ichika- sighed. “But I know that’s my own problem. Anyway… I was listening and… the atta Shinohara-sama seems a bit like a warning. Or a message. Just like the pany that loaned me the money used threats of what happeo the others to scare me, to scare us…”

  “Then who would be the target of such a message?” Aimi- asked, troubled by it all. Hina- was looking sick, she didn’t like thinking about dangerous things, so Aimi- patted her hand reassuringly. “It wouldn’t be Akio-kun, I mean… it’s not even something he knew much about.”

  “Maybe not, but there’s a lot of rese for him in those shrines.” Yoriko pointed out. “I think there’s more to this. A long game.”

  “In that case, you should not-not dey and simply ask Yasaka regarding the matter. We ot-not have any sparks falling on Akio.” Shaeu insisted. “Although right now he ot-not answer you. He was sent further, rather iing questions, and while his Book answered, he was left in a very-very weakeate. He will sleep for days, I imagine. But be happy, for Akio is bringing gifts, as you said, did you not-not, Shiro?”

  “Yep.” She agreed brightly. “Though you’ll have to wait and see just what they are. I think you at least will be pleased, Shaeu.”

  “We ’t ask. If it to me, I’d do it.” Yoriko snorted, drinking more beer. “But I do uand why the Detective is suck a stickler for traditional policework. I mean, if you and Yasaka-san are gohen if we rely on you, we’ll get zy and lose the ability to iigate properly.”

  “That’s one reason for the Oracle Engine, right?” Aimi- smiled, jiggling as she drank her beer. Is she doing that on purpose? “So that you cheat without worry of the resource suddenly disappearing?”

  “Though with lesser Fortuhan mine-mine, results will be less striking.” Shaeu puffed out her modest chest, a sight that didn’t cause Yoriko twinges of envy. “But I shall not-not be swayed. I shall ask Yasaka myself when he recovers, to make sure nothing threatens Akio.”

  “You do you!” Yoriked. “Feel free to drop me a tip-off, I’ll keep it a secret. Anyway, this topic is gloomy. Let’s keep drinking!” I’m going to cut loose, as I feel overtime is on the horizon for me yet again!

  ********

  “Cheers!” the cry came again, and gsses were smmed together loudly. Yoriko took a gulp of beer, before turnitention back to the sumptuous spread in front of her. I guess w for the Ministry and being tight with Akio-kun’s group has its perks…

  “…so yeah, it’s very exg.” Hina- was saying, her face flushed from the booze, pushing up her gsses slightly with one finger. “I’m more specialised in art and puter graphics, but just like everyone else I was on the programming course at uy so I know what I’m doing. But seeing it all e together… it’s the joy of creation. No lesser than making a pretty picture or animation.”

  “That’s right.” Aimi- agreed. “Everyohinks the same way, even Yasu-kun.” She squi Karen-. “So… uh, is he br you much?”

  Karen- shook her head, smiling. “Hardly. He’s a bit like a pushy younger brother, I guess, always trying to ftter me and show off. But it’s almost cute.”

  “Younger brother, huh?” Shiro scoffed, downing her beer. “Sounds like Yasu is striking out again, huh? Good to see the world never ges.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.” Karen- hid a gentle ugh behind one hand. “I just wonder why he would be ied in an old dy like me.”

  “Old? You’re only in your thirties. Shaeu here is well over a hundred, right? And Hyath and Haanōbō …”

  “Leave me out of this.” The Tengu sighed. She certainly ehe food and drink, Yoriko observed, but she was still very reserved. “Though as you mortals re years, I have lived long enough.”

  “Speaking of brothers, you lost two, sadly, but you gained one and also a sister, right? Aiko?” Shiro pressed.

  “I do not think it works like that.” Haanōbō sighed. “But it is true Great Tarōbō, my honoured father, he does wish to wele Akio, since he helped save mount Atago, and is now our protector.”

  “You say that, yet I have-have spoken to your surviving brother, Arangbō, and he has told me of your treacherous brother who has received his just-just deserts. His element is metal, no? Aiko, her Golden Sisters are metal, are they not-not? It would make a great deal of seo me for Aiko to be your Autum.”

  Haanōbō seemed troubled, turning back to her meal. Yoriko met Shaeu’s eyes and the Faerie winked slyly. I don’t get this at all, but it seems Shaeu is trying to get some bes for Aiko-. She sure is dedicated.

  “That aside, so Yasu has a ce then? Holy, you’re looking pretty great for ye, Karen-.” Aimi- pointed out.

  “No way, I have crows feet and my hair is showing some grey.” She de, only for Tsuki-san to deny that.

  “I think you o be more objective. Thanks to the Chirurgery and your own efforts, you have ged. I think you will find your skin is a, and your hair looks be. Besides…” The taciturn woman gave a wry smile. “I do not know which of us is older. You will make me feel bad.”

  “That’s not fair.” Karen- blushed. “paring ao you isn’t fair, Tsukiko-san.”

  “Life is not fair. But you are certainly not unattractive.” Tsuki-san replied.

  “In that case… holy, Yasu-kun be an idiot, and a pervert. But he’s always been a good friend to us, and if one of us were in trouble, he’d be there, giving the shirt off his back if necessary. Admittedly, we’d rather turn to Hayato-kun or Akio-kun to get things sorted, but… it’s the thought that ts.” Aimi- ughed. “I mean, he was desperate to help out Akio-kun when he heard about what was really going on, and not just because he dreams of his own harem.”

  Karen- shrugged. “If his taste runs to older women, well, It’s not like I’m dating anyone so we’re both free adults. But I don’t take things fast, not anymore.”

  “He’ll be delighted to hear that. No doubt the guys are ribbing him over you.” Aimi- giggled. “Anyway… yeah, making the Oracle Engine feels like a joy, you know? It pays well, we get to help our friend, and the new friends we’ve made through Akio-kun, and holy, I think it’ll go down in history. Even Daiyu- is ied.”

  “Yes, Daiyu is more talkative now she’s versational in Japanese.” Hina- agreed. “It seems she’s studying the runes and glyphs on some items she and Akio-kun have gathered, as well as bining it with her own knowledge. But it’s slow going. Although…”

  “I see.” Karen- said, uanding. “With a lot of processing power and the right simution, which maybe be achieved with Shaeu’s ludicrous luck, she could test binations arapote without having to actually do it…”

  “Yes, the possibilities for the Engine are limitless. But… it’s tough. Fortunately we have Ixitt and his friends to help too.” Hina- agreed.

  “I do not uand what anyone is talking about here.” Haanōbō said sullenly, and Yoriko felt the urge to fort her, but Shaeu was first.

  “I did not-her, at first. But you will soon adapt, though your sojourns here are brief as of now, only brought here by the woman Ling. There are many-many joys to be found here in the mortal realms, not-not just the alcohol. Though our spiritual homes have many magnifit sights as well, and things to experiehe best of both-both worlds is what we strive for.” She turo Hyath then, who was still looking unfortable. “Though we must all-all have goals. I am so very-very busy retly, this has been unusual for me. I believed being a princess lent itself to a life-life of leisure, but it seems I was greatly mistaken. Now I am fulfilled every day. Mortal lifespans are short, but full-full of joys and sorrows.”

  “Mistress, I…” Hyath began, but Shaeu patted hr shoulder gently.

  “You have time yet. Do not-not hurry to a decision. We will all support you.”

  “That’s right.” Shiro ughed. “We’re all in this together. But you need a hobby oal. For me… well, shit. I just wao be healthy, now I am. I guess…” she went silent, and Yoriko imagined she was unig with what was inside her.

  “I have a hooobby.” Hyath said then, surprising us all. “I cook in my cauldrooon.”

  “Cooking, huh?” Yoriko said, amused. “That’s a very maid-like thing to do… huh, why are your faces so strained?”

  Shaeu and Shiro were both looking ashen, and Hyath expined further. “My cauldron makes iing pgues. Ooour enemies will be id waste, I will permit nooo harm to e to those I serve, those I looove, not again.”

  “Uh… have I just heard about a war crime or act of terrorism?” Yoriko said slowly.

  “Get used to it.” Karen- ughed. “I hear things I shouldn’t all the time!”

  “Like Yasu-kun calling you Karen- babe all the time?” Aimi- giggled, and after mhter, the subject mercifully moved off the dangerous subject.

  “Anyway… I’m gd Arisu isn’t here now.” Shiro said, having finished her internal versation. “But she was exhausted after Korea. Fortunately our pnning and tingencies worked. Anyway… yeah, you’re up Haanōbō. Yoal in life?”

  “To protect mount Atago.” She answered, and Shaeu scoffed.

  “B. That is no goal, merely a fact of life. After all, your Territory is ours now-now. Try again…”

  As they talked, Yoriko couldn’t help but smile. The alcohol had left her rather tipsy, aomach leasantly full. Listening to the table of chattering women of all species, she reached for her gss, finding it empty. Looks like I’d best get a top-up…

  ********

  “… starting to pin I never see him. I mean, damn, I’m busy!” Aimi- was saying, thhly drunk.

  “I know, but… you shouldn’t him, Aimi-.” Hina- said gently. “Your life is important too.”

  “I know, I know.” she sighed. “But sometimes, he… oh, never mind. Hey, let’s go shopping on our day off…” She peered at Haanōbō, grinning lopsidedly. “You shouldn’t wear such shapeless coats, you need cute dresses! Oh, and the Elves should e too… in fact…”

  As Aimi- rambled on drunkenly, Yoriko pushed her chair back, cheg her watch. “Is this the time? Whoa, it’s te. And I have to work in the m.”

  “Have no fear, I shall se you of the effects of the alcohol.” Shaeu said, reag out for her, only to stop as her ph. “Perhaps it is Akio?” she wondered, pulling out her phohough he should still-still be with Eri… I see.” Accepting the call, she spoke.

  “Haru, what we do for… huh. I see. Wait… now?”

  Is it trouble? Shaeu exged a few words, before hanging up. “This is most-most annoying. I fear our evening must e to a close.”

  “What’s up?” Yoriko asked, and Shaeu frowned.

  “It seems that the female Christina Bakker has arrived at Haneda airport, along with a number-number of Japanese and British citizens. Border trol is unsure of how-how to handle her, as she has a diplomatic passport, and she is demanding to see Akio immediately.”

  “That woooman?” Hyath grinned maliciously. “I remember her. She was mooost annoying. But…”

  Shaeu nodded. “Yes, indeed. Akio does-does wish to help the stolen citizens. In his absence, we should act.” She then looked around. “But first, I do-do believe some Healing is in order.”

  As Yoriko felt her mind clear under Shaeu’s hands, she yawned. “Wao e along? It seems it might be a Police matter as well.”

  “That would be helpful.” Shaeu grinned maliciously. “Hyath, Shiro… you shall-shall apany me. Haru is sending a car.”

  Not the way I saw the night ending, still, it’s definitely been fun. We should do this more often…

  ShipTeaser