“That’s not good. Ma are going to be really upset. Will we be all right?” Ema-san said worriedly, looking at the footage dispyed on my phone, as she sipped slowly at the brightly coloured non-alcoholic drink in a tall gss. She wasn’t of legal age to dri, unlike us, but even if she was, it might not have been a good idea, as she had just stopped trembling, the aftereffects of being attacked by the man known as Sora-san ing out in her.

  “It ’t be helped.” Keiko- reassured her. “The café has to shut as it’s a crime se, and the police said we could leave, although that’s got more to do with you, hasn’t it, Akio-kun?” She got to the point shrewdly. “The Detective in charge definitely knew you.”

  “I am one of the special advisors to the new Ministry.” I agreed, sipping at my whiskey. “And the Detective and I go bae.” o say I saved his life. “But yes, you’ve reported everything, so I don’t see how your bosses pin. If they cause too much trouble, I’ll speak to them for you.”

  “Would you?” Asuka-san said cheerfully. “That’d be great. I’m even more your fan now!”

  Keiko- gave her a stern look. “There’s o butter him up so, Asuka.”

  “Why? Jealous?” she giggled, taking a sip of her own cocktail, before her expression turned serious. “Whatever happens though, it’s not good publicity. There’s no hiding it.” Sora-san was shown being carried out, though he was cuffed and hooded, his mouth gagged, to hide his injuries. I don’t regret it. He was the worst kind of scum, and his broken limbs were ly done, I could fix them rather easily should it be necessary, and if not with his higher stats he’ll heal up in a short while I’d imagine. Safety first.

  “I was so scared.” Ema-san admitted. “I couldn’t move at all, and thearted…” her eyes trembled, and Keiko- and Asuka-san hugged her shoulders, calming her again.

  “It won’t happen again.” I promised. “Despite how it seems, Chose on, and most of us aren’t crazy.”

  “Oh?” Keiko- raised one eyebrow, clearly amused. “…but I’ve been in stant life or death battles and training from hell for many months now!” she mimicked, and I smiled ruefully.

  “You heard that, huh?” I asked, and she nodded, her own smile broad. Beside her, Asuka-san ughed, and Ema-san tried to e.

  “It was very cool, Akio-kun, I promise!”

  “Sure. Sorry, I have a bad habit of running my mouth in stressful situations.” I took a sip of my drink to cover my embarrassment, while I tio observe the footage of the se. “Yeah, this is really bad timing. We’re trying to reassure the publid idiots are running wild, using their powers for shit like this.” I felt particurly aggrieved, as it was undermining the work I had done in South Korea, not that we weren’t having problems with that, too.

  It seemed that wa son their minds as well, as Keiko- spoke up. “I saw the news of you in Korea, it was quite dashing, how you helped rescue some children from a dangerous pce. But I wasn’t sure whether you were still away from Japan. If you were…” She bit her lip, thinking of the worst case.

  “I certainly wouldn’t have made it so quickly.” I ceded. That’s why we need m Gates. “Maybe I run across the o, I don’t know…” I gnced down at my feet, wearing the Seven-league Boots, which had been polished up and the leather refreshed, and now looked like fashionable footwear that I wore most of the time when out and about.

  “You said your feet would tear off…” Keiko- followed my gaze. “How does that even work?”

  “Don’t ask. I shouldn’t have said, but I got carried away in the moment. It wouldn’t have been a disaster anyway…”

  “Not a disaster?” Asuka-san raised an eyebrow, surprised. “I’d say losing your feet would be about as textbook a disaster as one imagine.”

  “That’s right! Ema-san agreed fervently. “If we had , we couldn’t perform!”

  “That’s what you’re worried about?” I said, surprised, and there was ughter, the tense mood and gloom starting to lift. That’s good. I’m busy, but I spare a little time for this. Although, Tsukiko and her parents… I sent a thought to Eri, who respohat they were ing back to Tokyo, though they had refused a helicopter aaking the bullet train. The idols and I tinued chatting, helping Ema-san to unwind, and then familiar voices were heard at the entrao the bar.

  “Hey, I know we’re underage, but my bro is in there. I’m not pnning to drink, you know!” Turning, I saw my sis was arguing with the ow the door. Beside her was Daiyu, who was trying to make herself unobtrusive, and also Shiro and Asha.

  “You know me, I’ve e here often enough, and it’s not like I’m fettable.” Shiro said, smiling brightly. “We like it here, we won’t cause any trouble. If there’s any pushback, we’ll pensate you for it.”

  “Woah, she’s geous!” Ema-san blinked, seeing Shiro. “No, they all are, but… she’s too perfect!”

  Hearing that, Shiro looked over and winked, before pursing her lips knowingly seeiting with the idols. The versation with the owner finished up, and he allowed them in.

  “That’s one of the heroes of Britain!” Asuka-san said, excited, as if meeting one of her idols, and Keiko- was also intrigued.

  “She’s your mutual friend with Arisu-, right?”

  “Arisu-, huh? Yeah, Arisu and I are good friends.” Shiro agreed, having her usual drink poured for her as she sat down in our booth. “So, the urgent busihat led to you ditg Tsukiko and me was this, huh? Hanging out with some idols?”

  “That’s not true!” Ema-san defended me stoutly. “We were being attacked by a crazy person, I… I was…” she suddenly paused her sad words as Shiro put a hand on her head.

  “Aren’t you a little cutie? Don’t mind me, Aki and I go way back, and we’re engaged. I just like teasing him. It’s all over the news, anyway.”

  “Do you mind introdug me to these others? Though…” Keiko- looked at my sis, who seemed incredibly excited as she sat down, a drink matg Ema-san’s in her hand, Daiyu having one likewise. “…this is your sister, right? The idol fan?”

  “Wow, you know me already? Awesome!” my sis enthused. “Damn right I’m a fan! AKB48 is like one of the best groups! Though I’m a fan of Red and White too…” she was embarrassed to fess that to the idols in front of her, before she perked up. “Hey, it’s Kanzaki-, the idol who’s keen on my bro! Everyone bae was taking about it.” As Keiko- blushed, she turo the others. “Matsui- tht? And you’re… Ito-, yeah?”

  Ema-san seemed surprised she was reised, flushing in happiness, nodding frantically. “That’s right! I’m new, but please support me!”

  “Sure thing!” My sis gave her a thumbs-up. “Damn bro, good job! Creepy gross idol fao be dealt with, and scum who’d attaeo be wiped out. I’d have put an arrow through his head if I was there.” She paused, realising the three of them were looking at her incredulously, so she shrugged, embarrassed.

  “Sorry, I got carried away. It’s true though. I’m gd my bro was able to help you out. Anyway, I’m Aiko, a huge fan. I’m really looking forward to the show you’ll put o weekend! These here are Shiro, Daiyu and Asha. They’re my bro’s fiancées. Well, Daiyu’s a bit different, a… Dao panion, wasn’t it?” At Daiyu’s nod, she tinued boisterously. “Same thing, different name, really. Anyway, Asha’s pregnant, so be aware, if you’re chasing my bro, he’s already got kids.” She winked, enjoying my disfort.

  “Teasing them, Ai?” Shiro had shortened my sister’s name now as well, it seemed. They had been spending more time together, and I guessed Shiro had grown closer with her. “Not that I don’t get it.” Shiro’s grin was wicked, but also incredibly alluring. “Anyway, since I was with Asha, I thought I’d bring her along, she o get out and about sometimes. As for Daiyu… she ’t watad stist, as she doesn’t know muglish. And she’s been holed up making talismans, it’s not healthy. So Eri volunteered to stay behind. She’s making an effort, I have to give her that.”

  “I was making signifit progress.” Daiyu’s Japanese was now excellent, showing her tinued efforts to learn in her spare time. “But I do fess it was somewhat lonely. Not something I ever expected to feel. But one joy scatters a hundred griefs. I had given no thought to the day of my birth for many years, except for astrological predis, but now… I find myself anticipating that day greatly.” She looked so adorable, her usually expressionless faewhat shy, so I patted her head, and she flushed.

  “I’m not sure whether people should be jealous of you or think you crazy.” Asuka-san observed, seeing the affeate girls.

  “Jealous, definitely.” My sis ughed. “It’s all my fault too, you know?” She fided cheerfully. “My bro was such a me loser, but I enced him to follow his heart, and here we are!”

  Asha was also drinking a mocktail, alcohol likely had little effe Fae gestation, but she was taking no ces. She was still surprised by the mortal realm, having a lot less experiehan Shaeu or Hyath, as she usually stayed arouree or our e, and the idols found that endearing.

  “That reminds me.” Keiko- said with a smile. “Aiko-, you wao go backstage on Saturday, didn’t you? Don’t worry, I’ve made all the arras. You’ll be a VIP guest extraordinaire, you meet the seniors in the group, try on our outfits, whatever you like!”

  “Sounds awesome, wow, I’m hyped. But… I’ve got some friends…” she looked at me, and I shrugged.

  “So long as it doesn’t cause trouble. It’s a with a serious purpose.”

  “No problem.” Ema-san piped up, the atmosphere now having fully calmed her down. “If Keiko invites you, Asuka and I invite a friend each, right? And if we ask the seniors…”

  “Cool, I’d really appreciate it, Kana- would be pissed off if she missed it. She’s not even taken today off work, so she could use a break. And…”

  “You’ve got money, use it.” I told her, and my sis grinned. I guess she wants Yae and Rika- to e visit. I know they are big fans.

  “I still do not uand the culture here.” Asha said quietly, a little fused. “But it is very lively.”

  On hearing Asha was a Fae like Shaeu, the idol trio was shocked, and asked her a number of questions. My sis chimed in often, as did Shiro, leaving the quieter Daiyu and I to exge warm gnces. After that, talk turo the petition.

  “Motoko- and Natsumi- are fighting hard.” My sis said proudly. “They really don’t want to lose to each other. It’s a pride thing.”

  “Yes, they are striving quite diligently.” Daiyu agreed. “They even sought my advice.”

  “Not just them.” Shiro broke in. “Belera and Soliteare are fired up too. As for Aditi… well, she’s taken a different path, but who knows if it will pay off?”

  “What are you talking about? If it’s a secret, it’s fi to say…” Keiko- asked, and the other two nodded. My sis was fastest, whipping out her phone and loading a video of my first visit to London, with Motoko, Natsumi and Hyath all in their magnifit dresses.

  “Hey sis, do you have every video out there about us?” I said, exasperated, and she stuck out her to me.

  “ay to be big bro moonstoer a while. Sure, of course I have everything I find about my sisters-in-w. Mom does too, trust me.” She looked at the idols spiratorially. “Aren’t they geous? More of my bro’s women, the lucky dog. Not a pin one amongst them. Not that I mind average looks, personality is what matters.” She exged a look with Shiro, and I had a feeling what she said was going to be trouble. “We like ho, kind girls, hard workers too. Like Kana-, or Motoko- and Natsumi-.”

  “It’s tough being an idol. Suzu thinks it’s all fun and games, but she has an advantage.” Shiro pointed out.

  “That’s the Suzumebachi girl, right?” Keiko- giggled, and Shiro nodded.

  “Yeah, I had to talk her out of wearing bd yellow stripes. With her blonde hair she’d look awful.” Shiro snorted. “But thanks to Aki and Arisu, she’ll at least get to have her dream debut, as she’s the opening act to warm the crowd up. It’s a gamble, but…” Shiro looked at the idols teasingly. “She’s got boundless stamina and grace thanks to the power she wields.”

  “That’d be nice.” Ema-san sighed wistfully, before looking at her seniors in panic, waving her hands. “Don’t get me wrong, I love being in AKB48, it’s a dream e true, and I’ll work hard, but… it’s tough!”

  “Yeah, I still feel bad that Tamami- turned down our offer of Chirurgery.” My sis sighed. “At least we still exge messages regurly.”

  “You mean Tamami- from red and White?” Keiko- asked, and my sis agreed.

  “Yeah. We met when her show got messed up by some shit that went down in Kyoto. She’s also somewhat acquainted with some of bro’s colleagues. She knows what Chirurgery dh them, but… she’s too modest.” My sis turo me, steepling her hands together in a wheedliure. “Seriously bro, it’s hard and tough being an idol. Just look at today. Even if it’s not some psycho with Chosen powers, idols get stalked and harassed all the time. A bit of Chirurgery would make that risk a lot less. And it’d improve their performances!”

  “It’s not something we just give away…” I warned, and my sis looked to Shiro, who ughed.

  “Sure it’s not. Hinata tells you to be sparing, but you give it out like dy at times. Whereas here, it’d make sense, Aki. After all, the live cert has to be a success. Besides…” Here it es, I see the gleam in her eyes that means she’s going to py a prank or cause trouble. The more cold, aloof Shiro really has ged, living with us all. But I think it’s for the better. She’s no lot that sad, untouchable vibe about her…

  “…there’s a lot of other bes, you know. We’ve got an anisation, Adamant. It’s basically a private army, where everyone receives training and equipment, in exge for loyal support. It doesn’t interfere much with your daily lives, in fact, it supports them. It also es with a killer uniform.” Shiro teased.

  “Fighting? I’m not… good at that. I’m an idol.” Ema-san said, and Shiro gently reassured her.

  “Everyoruggles at first, but Adamant isn’t really expected to see much a, at least not any time soon. But think how brave you’d feel if you had the strength and skills to deal with that shit who harassed you today? Besides, it’s great for w. A lot of the members are daughters of old families, ripanies and more. There are some rules, but in general, it’s a really good deal!”

  “Eri will be mad at you again…” I warned, and Shiro shook her head, but it was my sis that answered.

  “Nope, you’re doing Eri a disservice, bro. She’s ged, and she means it. I texted her the details, and our reasons, and she gets it. Holy, I’m not kidding when I say I look up to idols. And not just for the awesome songs and performances. It’s like sport, you know?” My sis was serious, and I listened ily, as did the trio of idols. “The sheer dedication, the physical perfe, rigorous repetition, strict dieting, willpower aal fortitude… seriously, what better allies could we make? elling that into training with aether and elements, and with bat skills… we’d end up with some really skilled and loyal people. Eri gets why you hose. I mean, look at today. If you didn’t have your cheats, bro, you’d never have made it in time. Kyoto to here in under sixty seds…”

  “I agree.” Daiyu nodded. “While I am searg for more disciples to learn Cultivation, and again, they are rather older than is usual… one ot choose what to eat when one Is starving, and your Chirurgery makes up for a ck of talent or youth. With Spirit Water as well, and the knowledge I hold, the ditions for Cultivation are surprisingly promising.” Daiyu addressed them. “Would you care to learn?”

  The three girls seemed fused, and I expihat Cultivation wasn’t just martial arts, but a way of strengthening the body and spirit.

  “The best side effect of all…” My sis broke in, tapping her cheeks. “…is that haviher in your body helps with your skin. No more ae, bckheads or pimples! You won’t even need makeup, and your skin is resistant to wrinkles and stress.”

  As the oldest of the idols, though she was still around my age, Asuka-san took the bait, looking closely at my sis and Shiro. “No way, you’re right. I?” My sis nodded, and Asuka-san ran a hand over her face, cheg her fingers. “No makeup! And your skin is smooth as silk.”

  “Hey, I was beautiful before.” My sis insisted. “But even my mom and auntie Hana are able to set aside their makeup most of the time.”

  “The base boost is pretty sizeable. Increased strength, stamina, perception, learning speed… I bet you’d end up learning your routines and songs in a fra of the time.” Shired. “That would give you time to do your duties as members of Adamant, and… I guess Daiyu’s disciples?”

  “Gains will snowball. Onaster refining Qi, you strengthen your body to superhuman levels. I would demonstrate, but I have no wish to cause trouble here.”

  “Don’t.” Shiro agreed. “I’ve a lot of good memories here at Bar Sekirei. Eri really should have some though…” Shiro wi me maliciously. “There’s pictures of all the Sekirei on the walls, maybe she could have observed Benitsubasa…”

  Shit, Eri talked. Well, I do want them to share everything a along, but this is embarrassing.

  “Why do I feel I’m missing something?” Keiko- asked, and Shiro wi me again, enjoying seeing me flustered.

  “It’s a secret. Though I daresay we don’t have secrets from Adamant, once you’ve giveh to Shaeu.”

  “I… have to say, I’m ied.” Keiko- said at st. “Not about what makes Akio-kun blush like that… though I guess I’m curious, but… I never want to feel so helpless again, you know.” She hugged Ema-san. “If I had the strength to help, I would have. It’s scary, but…”

  “Ever since Kyoto, the first Kyoto…” my sis said seriously, her cheerful demeanour banished, repced by an intense aura. “…we’ve learhe world isn’t safe. People died. Good people, under my bro’s care. It wasn’t his fault and he saved four lives, but… sihen, we know that having the strength and wisdom to protect ourselves and others is the only way. You had a shitty day, and I don’t want to pressure you, but… there’s er ce to seize your owiny. And while my bro ’t always be there to protect you, if you’re one of us… well, there’s strength in numbers, right?”

  The three of them exged gnces and asked for some privacy. As they moved to another booth for a moment, I asked my sis and Shiro if they were sure, Daiyu too.

  “Of course.” Daiyu agreed. “Motoko and Natsumi, as well as Hinata’s bodyguard Kazumi, and Miyu and her bodyguard Michiru will be the first disciples I train. Hinata refused, but she believes she has another path. But a Sect erely be the seven of us. I have not just been studying runes and talismans.” She looked at me early. “I io choose some promising members from Adamant. It is far from a fwed idea…”

  “Yeah, we get why Eri was soured on it. We weren’t tactful.” Shiro apologised. “Look, I’m a jealous woman, but I’m also not a fool. Better to follow Shaeu’s path, and delight in my man being the most popur, most desirable, and the best, than to let the jealousy eat me up inside. But that requires fidence. I’m fident you’ll always seek me, after all, Aki, I’m Shirohime, and I’m beautiful, witty, and know you i. Shaeu thinks the same way. Eri… she didn’t have the fidence. She knows you love her, but… hey, you still left her behind for years. It’s hard for that not to leave a scar.”

  “That’s right. But now… she’s finally reciled her true feelings with the reality of the now. She’s not scared anymore. Even if you slept with everyone in Adamant, took them as es, Eri knows that your feelings for her are hers alone. Not that I think you should start being a ova. That’d be such a moonstone move!” My sis warned me. “You’re right to worry about your time. That’s why we brought Daiyu and Asha out today. It’s hard to get time with you, even when you’re split in two.”

  “I do not mind, I am a Dryad, I am used to solitude, and soon… I will have our daughters.” Asha assured me, and that made my heart ache. Yeah, once I accepted Shaeu, and then Hinata… I’d already shattered my promise to Eri, and my ability to call myself a faithful man. Not much differeween three and five, or even ten. But what happens if it is twenty, fifty, a hundred? In stories it just works, but if each girl only gets ten minutes a day… no way they or I could be happy. But…

  “I mind.” I shook my head. “Asha, I didn’t fully uand what it meant for a Dryad to share her kiss, and I’m sorry I was so dense, but… I love you. You’re the mother of my children, and a beautiful, kind woman in your ht. I want to spend time with you! With everyone! But right now we’re trying tht. Once we all grow strong enough to not have to worry, to protect Earth, then… well, hopefully we rex!”

  “an decred, one of Shiro’s eyes turning crimson. “Orial is overe, greater trials oft lie beyond. But… to aent you are correct. The higher Astral is full of dangers you hardly imagine, but life unfolds over decades, turies, millennia. There will be time for calm, so long as we have the strength for it.”

  We, huh? Shiro didn’t miss that either, and I nodded. “So Asha, seek me when you’re lonely, when you want to see me, and I’ll do the same.”

  “Wow, big bro is on fire today. Turning on the charm!” My sis ughed happily. It was then that the three idols came back, having made up their minds.

  “Uh…” Keiko- said, speaking for them all. “In theory, we think… it’s not a bad idea. But if we could hear more about just what’s expected of us…”

  “Leave it to me!” Shiro pumped her fist. “Daiyu, you expin your bit.”

  With that, they returo the other booth aalking animatedly, while Asha looked on, quietly amused, and my sis was ecstatic.

  “This is going to be the start, bro! Wheher members of AKB48 see their improvement, they’ll want it too. And I use this to persuade Tamami- she should join in too…”

  “Just keep it in moderation. Think of Eri…” I warned, and my sis giggled.

  “Sure thing, bro. But what does it matter?” She narrowed her blue eyes. “Unless you’re actually thinking of pulling rank and adding them to your harem, having them in Adamant shouldn’t be an issue, the more the merrier.”

  “My sce is clear.” I insisted piously. “It’s just…”

  “Yeah, I’m just teasing you, bro. Rex.” My sis finished her drink noisily. “It’s kind of cool, seeing how you spent your time at uy. I think I like it here. That aside, it’s all publicity. Idols have a grip on the youth of Japan, don’t they? Having them as your supporters is one of the reasons why we are having the cert, right? It’s not just about fundraising, but your public image. And with the events of the day… you more than ever.”

  “It is like the Seelie Court. There are many fas, and they are often at odds. Though humankind seems even more tangled and plicated.” Asha observed.

  “No kidding.” My sis agreed. “When you think about it, there’s a lot more people in Japan than there are Fae iire Seelie Court. Stands to reasohing is such a mess. That’s why we have ws and the polid the gover. And why we need influence.”

  “True. But more than that… we o stop people misusing their powers. Every single one is precious.” I narrowed my eyes, annoyed again.

  “At least you’ve picked up another. No way you’ll let that pervert keep his Favour, will you?” my sis pointed out, and I nodded.

  “True. There might be some paperwork involved, but legally uhe Ministry ws, just like a deadly on be fiscated, so a misused ability…”

  “Great. Seeing how hard everyone is peting for Jumong’s Favour, I feel a bit bad I could have pretty much scooped it up right away if I wasn’t so magnanimous.” My sis boasted proudly. “It’s better to have it in our hands.”

  I hope you’re right. But so much is happening all at o the moment it’s hard to be sure. But utting pns io ensure we hahe fallout…

  ********

  “That wasn’t any fun, you bully!” Ema-san pouted. “I’ve been defiled! I’ll have to retire before I ever made tre!” Her off-colour quip was mostly a joke, and hearing it I was relieved, as since she was able to make such a joke, she must have been able to put her earlier ordeal behind her, at least a little.

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Ema.” Keiko- sighed. “It did hurt, but it’s no worse than going to the dentist. Just… over the whole body. Oh, I guess it was rather bad.”

  “It’s like dieting.” Asuka-san pointed out. “When we’re so hungry doing endless repetitions of our routihat it hurts, we’re not doing that because it’s fun. I’m more ed with the bes…”

  In the end, the three idols had agreed, and I had borrowed a ba to perform the Chirurgery. Even with my improved Skill, it was impossible to remove the paiirely, but I did what I could. They had also accepted studying under Daiyu, though they weren’t sure when they would have the time, but Daiyu, her expression resolute, advised them that when they realised they could perform far above their limits, they would have time for other matters, and she hoped to see them on Monday. Using some of her time up, huh? Well, I did say her birthday was her day to do as she pleased. If that’s what she wants, it’s a good time to make that phone call. I do have to prepare some birthday presents after all…

  “Our manager has been calling.” Keiko- said, cheg her phone. “And leaving messages. She’s worried, it makes sense. We should go.” She bowed to us all, grateful. “Thanks for everything. Although…” Keiko- seemed a little shy. “…she’s asking if she meet you to thank you for resg us.”

  “That’s not necessary. And holy, I’m really quite busy…” I tried to refuse, but my sis rolled her eyes at me, irritated.

  “Sure you’re busy bro, I wouldn’t try to say you’re not, but this is an opportunity, opportunity! Time to sell yourself and your bes beyond the cert, bro! I see it now, armies of highly trained idols under my… err, I mean your and!”

  So that’s her ahough… Shiro me. And even Daiyu looked ied, perhaps w if she could find more suitable didates to start training for her Sect. Asha had no opinion, but she spoke gently. “I know you are eager to return to work on my Tree, you feel a great urgency tthen our position. But ce meetings ofteo great Fortu was the same for me.”

  “I ’t argue with that.” I agreed. “Fine, I’ll go greet your manager, at least. But I ’t stay too long.”

  “Great!” Keiko- smiled, relieved, and I cast my thoughts out to Eri, inf her we’d be a bit te back. Her reply was nigh-immediate and rather irritated, though not with me.

  Miss Bakker is so very, very frustrating and aggravating! When are you ing back, I don’t want to deal with her anymore? She’s worked out I’m not normal from how I move or something like that, and she’s stantly pestering me about my abilities!

  Sorry about that, yes she’s very… passionate… about her work. Just tell her if she bothers you too much she’ll ao me. As for Christina Bakker… yeah, I was going to sort out what we were doing with the returned citizens when Eleanor arrived, but we got distracted by the petition and Miss Aditi’s participation. Oh well, it ’t be helped. By the way, you get someoo rey a message into the Boundary? I’d like Bjarki to prepare me a supply of our best materials.

  Making something, are you? That’s great, I did love the axe and battle dress you crafted for me. Let me guess, a birthday present for Daiyu? You made me those for my birthday.

  You know me so well, though I have a few other matters I want to look into while I’m doing it. Fortunately our Warehouse and fes are near Asha’s Tree, so I kill two birds with oone. I also had a matter I was sidering for a while, and now seemed the right time. I fired off a text message, asking for permission, and waited for a response. My sister ulling my arm, eager to get going, so I gave up a her drag me along. There’s just no damn time. My week ahead is packed, no, my month ahead… if only other Chosen would stop causing trouble…