“It seems my bro and the others have arrived safely.” I said, as I leaned ba the plush leather seat of the expensive fn car that was driving us back to Nishimorioka. There was no need for a helicopter today, as we weren’t in any rush, and sometimes it was fun to take it slow. This even es with a mini bar. And with my Ether Healing I barely eve hangovers now!

  “Indeed.” Shaeu nodded. She was apanying me back, along with the little cutie Marika-, who was going home for the first time since her move to Tokyo. She was a serious little girl, but adorable, and she was trying to maintain her mature posure, but I could see she was happy.

  “It is rather ve indeed-ihat Eri unicate with Akio wherever he may-may be. While mobile phones are great, it cks… intimacy, I should-should say.” Shaeu finished, grinning.

  “Jealous, huh?” I asked, still uo believe the life my bro was living now. “My bro’s off with Hinata- travelling the world, and here you are stu Japan.” I couldn’t help teasing Shaeu. I felt as close to her as I did Eri, which was a testament to just how thhly she’d wormed her way into our lives as. In fact, I liked all my bro’s women, and they all made sure to get along with me, but Shaeu ecial. If not for her, Eri might never have fessed, and none of this would have been possible…

  “I will survive.” Shaeu snickered, beer in hand. “I am rather busy myself, and besides, it is not-not as if I ot-not see Akio when I wish. He is still here as well-well, at least for now.” She took a swig, before wiping foam from around her lips, a cute gesture that she did instinctively. “I dare-dare say Akio will have to relinquish his Astral body at some point soon to assist him in his endeavours, but for now-now…” She then shrugged. “Besides, I am so-so busy…” She now looked exasperated, and I sympathised.

  “I was quite-quite na?ve. Even a small yet vastly important…” Shaeu wasn’t one for modesty, which amused me as always. “…domain such as the Spring of Clear Refles requires much-much effort to manage. Always meetings and discussions.” Though Shaeu was pining, I could tell she really enjoyed her life now, and the power she held, so I let her pin for a while. I know she’s jealous, but… she’s also good with sharing. She wants Hinata- to have her time too. I don’t know If I could be as generous myself…

  “So, Marika-, you must be looking forward to seeing your family again?” I asked when Shaeu wound down her grumblings. She looked a little guilty, which was also cute, but she was an ho girl too, so she nodded politely.

  “Yes, Aiko-sama, I am.”

  “No, that won’t do!” I said firmly, shaking my head. “I’ve told you about that!”

  “Sorry, Aiko-…” Marika- flushed adorably, her fad ears pink. She struggled not to be incredibly polite to us, and she definitely had revereny bro, seeing him as something near-Divine. And that passes to me and our family by default. Divine, huh? I guess I know my bro too well, I ’t really see it, though… when he’s maximising his League and giving orders to everyone… okay, maybe I get it a little…

  “Yes, I am quite happy to see mother and father again. Grandfather too.” She didn’t mention her sisters, which was a little sad. I knew she didn’t dislike them, but she’d said they had no i in running Chairoakitara shrine or being shrine maidens, so there was always that gap between them. “But I finally meet Chairo-sama!” Her smile was brilliant and pure, and it made me want to pull her into a hug. I want her as a younger sister. Bro’s colleg new sisters retly, so maybe he … wait, but if she’s my sister, she’s bro’s sister too. I’m the younger sister here! Thinking ihoughts, I flushed too, matg Marika-.

  Shaeu g me, a knowing smirk on her face, and my ski hot to the touch, and I knew I must be burning crimsht now. ging the subject, I spoke up. “And there’s just one more week left until winter break at school. Thank the Gods. Though you’re lucky, Marika-. I have my final exams, but you’ll be moving up to a faith school with no worries.”

  “I am sure you will excel, Aiko-.” Marika- replied stoutly, and I felt her kindness.

  “Yeah, should do. I’m much better at studying, maths and physics are easy for me now, and the uni I’m ied in for sports sce isn’t that demanding in terms of grades. But anyway, we have to make the most of winter break! We’ll be busy doing this pilgrimage food k of it… that’ll be fun, but not that rexing.” I then looked at Shaeu. “It’s your birthday too, isn’t it? My bro’s bound to spoil you rotten.”

  “I should indeed hope-hope so, after his efforts for Eri.” Shaeu agreed. “I do not-not mind it will be during the pilgrimage, as I am most-most fasated by the native spirits of this nd.”

  “I am eager as well.” Marika- agreed. “I want to win the approval of Chairo-sama and the other Kami, being a true shrine maiden, and bringing Chairoakitara shrine back to glory. After all, Akio-sama… err, Akio-san…” While I had instructed Marika- to call me by the - honorific, she couldn’t bring herself to address my bro with suformal tones. I guess we have to take what we get. “…has elevated Shirohebizumi shrine. Kana-san, Keomi- and the others are very happy, and I hope one day to be as capable as Kana-san is!”

  Uo resist the urge, I ruffled Marika-’s hair, making her giggle softly. “Don’t be in such a rush, you’re just a kid. But my brht about ohing. Hard work started early pays off. After all, I started Kyūdō and volleyball when I was young, and now I’m pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.”

  “And modest as always.” Shaeu chuckled. I preteo be offended, but everyone knew I was joking.

  “What do I have to be modest about? I’m going to surpass your brother one day, Shaeu!”

  “I would love-love to see it. Though that day is likely far off.” Shaeu shrugged.

  “Maybe so, but the pilgrimage might help with that.” I was eager tthen the Kami-Blessed Css. The bo offered were always wele, and while it didn’t seem to have much to do with Kyūdō, I just had a feeling there would be bes. Besides, I didn’t accept Kannon’s Divine Favour just to rest on my urels. Nope, now I have to prove I’m worth it. And without the advantages Eri enjoys. But I’m happy for her. Just like she was for me. Now she has a Favour too, we stand together, aer still, it sounds like she’s got a defensive Favour, while I’m an archer. What better bination to really kie ass?

  ***

  “I am home.” Marika- said loudly as we followed her up to her house. Moments ter, we could hear the pattering of feet as several girls came running out to greet us.

  Wow, they look just like older Marika-s! Cute, and if so, Marika-’s got a bright future ahead of her.

  “Mother, father, Marika-’s home!” the younger sister said in surprise. “And she’s brought… guests…?”

  “It’s Oshiro Aiko-san!” the oldest sister excimed. I reised her, she was a first year in the highschool branch of our school, and while I hadn’t ied with her much as she didn’t do sports, I had seen her around. “Oh my God!” She ractically squealing. “You looked so amazing in Korea.”

  “Yeah, we see it? The Golden statues?” the other sister chimed in, eager, and I felt both rather fttered and also exhausted. This must be how bro feels when he goes out…

  “Please, elder sister Rumi-san, elder sister Himari-san, calm down. uests should not be hassled the moment they arrive!” Marika- chided them adorably. Oh yeah, Himari-. That was her name. I remember now.

  “Oh, it’s Shaeu- as well!” the older sister, Himari-, noticed her, having spotted me first. “Don’t worry, we won’t bar-bar your way!” Both sisters burst out into happy giggles then, and Shaeu rolled her amber eyes.

  “I would hope not-not.” Shaeu pulled on indoor shoes fuests that were by the door, and I did the same. As we did so, Marika-’s mother, Junko-san, and her father, both came out.

  “Marika, you’re home? Why didn’t you call me… oh, guests.” Junko-san noticed us. On seeing ere, her expression ged, and she was now wary and guarded, but she wasn’t overtly rude. “e in, Oshiro-san. Dannan-san, wasn’t it?”

  “Just call me Shaeu. I have no-no need of your formalities.” Shaeu decred boldly. “Besides, Marika is our friend and rade, so we-we are allies too.”

  Her father frow that as well but was too polite to speak out. Junko-san wasn’t so restraihough. “I still think it is far too soon for Marika to be involved, but grandfather… I have no idea why I ever agreed to this!”

  Yeah, I don’t get it either, but… Shaeu shifted a bit guiltily, and I assumed that she was involved somehow. Not that it matters. Everyone’s keeping Marika- safe. She’s like a little mascot at the training school. And there’s anirl around her age as well now. Arisa-, right?

  “Because it is the right thing to do, mother.” Marika- spoke up, wise beyond her years. “It is early, but as Aiko- told me on the journey here, just as she started Kyūdō young, so too I started my role as a shrine maiden. And I love it, and I want it to be my life. I uand you worry for me, mother, but everyone looks out for me.”

  As she repeated my words I was embarrassed again, but they seemed to reach Junko-san. She looked at her daughter with a plicated mix of pride and resignation, before remembering her manners. “e in. Take a seat. Himari, Rumi, some tea for uests.”

  As they agreed, disappoihey couldn’t talk to us more, we ehe house. Soon we were seated in their living room, and it wasn’t that much rger than my home here in Nishimorioka. Most of the town wasn’t rich, if not as poor as the Mori’s. Though those days are go was hirious when uncle and auntie heard that my bro spent nearly a billion yen oihat Favour though. They went so white I thought they’d pass out on the spot. It’s hard to shake a poverty mi…

  “So tell me, what was it like meeting the Queen?” Himari- asked Shaeu eagerly the moment we had tea in our hands.

  “The Queen?” Shaeu sniffed charmingly. “I feel she should-should be proud of meeting me!” Despite her arrogance, Shaeu briefly expined, while I watched, amused.

  “That’s great, but we still haven’t seen the golden statues!” Rumi- gushed, looking at me with her big brown eyes pleadingly.

  “Rumi, magi’t a toy, it’s dangerous!” Junko-san snapped, and I could see she was definitely harb doubts about everything. Deg to do my bro a favour, I hoped to smooth things out.

  “It’s not, but I even gave a demonstration at school before.” Marika-’s sisters that, having seen it. “In fact, it’s more dangerous not to know, especially if you’re a shrine family. Maiko-’s shrine was targeted by a bad man, and her father ut in a a for weeks…” Realising what I was saying wasn’t helping, I hurried to my point. “…basically, it’s here now whether we like it or not, so best to uand it, and make it ours.”

  “You raise a good point.” Marika-’s father, who was keeping silent up until now, agreed. “Junko, dear, Marika is back, happy ahy…”

  “I am only visiting, since Aiko- graciously offered t me home to see you. I will be back during winter break for lohough I have to partake in the pilgrimage to earn the favour of the Kami of Japan.” Marika- was eager at the thought. “Our humble shrine will see many visitors. I ot wait to see Chairo-sama bless them all!”

  Seeing Marika-’s enthusiasm, Junko-san had to give in, though she still wasn’t happy. Shaeu zily reached out a hand and patted Marika-’s head gently, making her squirm, embarrassed. Is it wrong that Rumi- and Himari- seem jealous?

  “Have no fear, Marika is not-not exposed to dahat ot-not be managed carefully. All life entails risks, but I assure you that Akio does cherish her. And Marika is not-not weak. Her drive aermination are praiseworthy. As a female and a mother, I would-would expect you to be supportive, and praise her hard efforts.”

  Junko-san pursed her lips at that, but in the end, she ceded the point. “It’s hard to overlook all the trouble. First Marika was attacked in her new home, then the mess at Kyoto, London, now Korea…”

  “That’s the point.” I said, and with a wave of my hand I materialised one of my Golden Sisters, this one appearing to be Eri, as that seemed more appropriate for being ba Nishimorioka. Huh, it looks a little different. Now Eri’s statue has a flowing cloak on that looks damn cool. Wow, maybe I should take up sculpting? No, I’m more into sport… As Marika-’s sisters gasped iars in their eyes as they looked at it as it stood in the tre of the room, I tinued. “No point burying our heads in the sand, is there? Sooner or ter trouble will find us. But just look at it this way. In the unlikely event a burgr broke in here now with a knife and threatened us… Shaeu or I could ha easily. Marika-… it might be tough, she’s still a bit small to fight properly, but…”

  “I am not afraid!” Marika decred, raising one hand. She wasn’t able to hold much elemental energy, but in a fsh of red, a small pebble of pressed soil appeared in her palm. “I have studied and trained.” She flicked the pebble, which pinged off the golden Eri with an audible thud, before fring into nothingness. The speed of the projectile surprised Junko-san and her sisters though, it was far slower than a bullet, but it was the sort of speed one of the pitchers in the ‘pro’ team at our annual baseball game would have thrown the ball. “I may still be weak, but…” She looked at her mother, bowing early. “…I strive every day to be better. Yes, I have faced danger. But Akio-san saved me, and he would do so again. Or Aiko- would. Or any of the others.” Shaeu that.

  “I uand.” Junko-san grumbled. “But I’m your mother, and you’re just a child! You’re not even in middle school yet! ’t you enjoy your childhood? It’s not too te to decide when you’re older…”

  “That’s a reasonable argument.” I admitted. “But there are a lot of people who decide their careers at a young age. Like those taking sport seriously…”

  “But sport isn’t so dangerous…” Junko-san protested, and I shrugged.

  “Are you sure? There’s lots of fairly dangerous sports. Rugby for one.” I shrugged. “But that’s not the issue, is it? Marika-’s picked her path, and you agreed.”

  “Indeed. Mother, I am doing this for Chairo-sama! I know you are not a great believer in ion, but… it is all true. I have met Kami, and one such as that sits before you.” Shaeu pree her words, and I was once more amused at just how charmingly arrogant Shaeu was, though if anyone had a right to be it was her. “I do not wish to e to harm, I was so terrified…” She shuddered, remembering the atta Shirohebizumi shrine by some yakuza. I wasn’t there, obviously, but Kana- told me about it and it sounded awful. Though trust bro to swoop in and save the day, winning Kana-’s heart in the process. Well, she had some liking for my bro before that, but afterwards, she had no ce to resist…

  “…but what scares me more is failing Chairo-sama. Just as grandfather loves the shrine, so do I.” She was serious, and that impressed Junko-sae her misgivings. “I do not o be older to know this is my calling, and I am so deeply thankful to Akio-san fivihis ce. And… were I to be menaced by such thugs again…” Another bullet of earth smacked into my golden Eri. “…I am not helpless. And I am only at the beginning of my training. I will protect the shrine, my rades, and my family.”

  “Earth bullets as Marika use are rather-rather feeble, but she is, as she says, merely a beginner. Knowledge, training and experience - transform her abilities into something great.” Shaeu, who used to hate earth element, was surrounded by the same ruby glow, and her bullet was near as fast as a pistol round, and far more solid. Even so, it only scratched my Golden Sister, but the point was made.

  “So awesome!” Rumi- was wide-eyed, her sister likewise.

  “Yeah, Marika-, don’t be mean, teach us too!”

  “I thought you had no i in the shrine, calling it stupid, old-fashioned and b?” Marika- said slowly, which made her sisters wince. I held in a giggle at her well-chosen words.

  “We did, but… we were wrong, okay?” Himari- tried to apologise. “You win!”

  “Yeah. We were wrong!” Rumi- echoed. “You’re our smart little sister, and we’re so jealous… err, I mean we want to help you!”

  There was ughter at her slipup, and even Junko-san softened a little. “All right then.” I said, finishing my tea. “This is a flying visit, as we’re here to pick up a couple of my friends, so we’ll swing by in two hours or so and grab you. Stay here and spend some time with your family. We’ll take you to the Boundary before we head back, I have something to do there anyway.”

  Marika- nodded, happy to see her family again, even if they didn’t show her calling the respect she felt it was warranted. Her sisters pined, eager to have us stay, but I waved them off. “Sorry, but I’ll see you all again during the pilgrimage. And why not e visit Tokyo? Marika- is getting paid after all. It’s not a huge amount, but it’s enough for that.”

  With that we left after I dismissed the golden Eri, troans of disappoi, Shaeu and I exging gnces. “That was quite-quite fun!” she procimed. “I do so-so enjoy proving others wrong. Marika has shown that she is-is on the right path.”

  “Maybe so.” I agreed thoughtfully. “But I get it too. Just like bro didn’t think Eri and I should get involved, but you did… so, we have to make sure that Marika- is safe, don’t we?”

  “Of course. Losing any more of our trainees would be a grim-grim failure. Mistakes were made, but… never again.”

  “Never again.” I agreed, pulling out my phone, and arranging to meet Rika- and Yae-…

  ***

  “I don’t recall inviting you guys.” I sighed, exasperated but irely surprised, as we met at the small café in town.

  “Don’t be like that, Aiko-.” Tomoko-, my volleyball teammate decred. Several other members of the volleyball team were here too, as well as Akari-, my adorable junior from Kyūdō. “We’re just here to see the woman of the hour. Korea was crazy!”

  “Seeing you fighting…” Akari- ractically beaming. “It made me think that Kyūdō be more than just a sport, an art!”

  “Well, that’s the case…” I agreed, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Shaeu was snickering behind me, but then several girls started questioning her about London, and soooo was being bombarded, until Rika- cpped her hands.

  “All right, that’s enough. Ai- is feeling sed right now!” Rika- was dressed in fy, casual clothes yet still made the effort to look fashionable. Yae- was the same, though I noticed she still wore the gold and ruby earrings my bro had bought her, little flickers of red light shining as she tossed her head, ughing. Seeing that, I narrowed my eyes, and Yae- looked a little guilty, Rika- seeming resigned.

  “I sure am.” I agreed. “I’ve already had this at Marika-’s pce… ’t a girl have a break and a quick parfait?”

  “You’ll get chubby, Aiko-!” Tomoko- ughed. “Your brother won’t think you’re cute if you bulk up!”

  “Wow, rude much?” I snorted. “Firstly, no way I’ll get fat, I eat all the sweets I want, my training regimen makes what we did for volleyball look like nothing. And sedly…” I narrowed my eyes. “…my bro will always think I’m cute, seeing as I’m the cutest sister in the world!”

  “My sister is not-not cute at all.” Shaeu agreed, ughing. “But I am a sister too, Aiko. Do not-not t me out!”

  “It’s a different genre.” I insisted, thter. Soon, our table was covered in brightly coloured drinks and puddings, and I paid the bill, feeling a little guilty, as Tomoko- and the others were clearly jealous they weren’t going to Tokyo. Sorry, but it’s not my fault! Maybe ime…

  “Yeah, this sucks. I thought we were friends, Aiko-! Teammates shooting for the gold!” one girl pined. I could tell she didn’t genuinely mean it, but was jealous, so I expined as best I could.

  “Like I said, It’s fate. Bro met Rika- and Yae- when he came back, and he asked them to look after me and Eri. Not that I need chaperones.” I snorted. My bro was as overprotective as ever. “But then there was that mess with the bet on the baseball…” I paused to let everyone ugh and joke about that, but Yae- was looking peoug her earrings.

  “…so yeah. It’s all fate. My bro asked if they wao go see the cert, and here we are. Sorry.” I cpped my hands together in apology. “There’s limited tickets avaible, even for us. While we’re definitely involved, Arisugawa-san is in charge, and you have no idea how scary she be. Just be happy my bro helped out some idols and that’ll get us backstage…”

  “I saw news about that!” Rika- agreed. “Keiko-… I’m gd she didn’t get hurt. Akio-kun’s always swooping in to save the day. It’s eveer sidering…” She gnced over at Yae-, a cheeky grin on her lips. “…Keiko- said on that talk show that Akio-kun was her dream man.”

  “My bro has a lot of admirers. Drives Eri crazy.” I admitted, and Shaeu chortled.

  “I does. Though Eri is not-not a fool. She merely worries about quantity. While I do believe that Akio could manage a hundred females or many-many more, I see why she has s. We were… perhaps too hasty in advang our pns, though I believe su anisation is indeed-indeed needed.”

  “Yeah, I get it too. Everyone’s great, all so different, and my bro… well, he’s a lucky dog. And then there’s those foxes…”

  Shaeu nodded. “I ot-not say I care for Nebisuki at all, I still-still hold a grudge, but… Tamamo-no-Mae… when she recovers, her strength will be legendary…”

  Akari- widened her eyes, shocked. “Tamamo-no-Mae? Is that… a niame?”

  “he geicle.” I said proudly. Only my bro could tame such mythical, legendary beings that I had thought were mere myth. Shaeu seemed a little pouty at my enthusiasm, so I grinned. “Don’t be jealous, Shaeu. You’re awesome too, a Faerie princess, but… it’s not like anyone in Japan had heard of you. But Tamamo-no-Mae’s different!”

  “I’m blown away…” one girl decred, stunned, and Tomoko- agreed.

  “Me too. I’m not sure whether to be proud someone from our little town is now one of the most famous guys alive, or just jealous. Nope, I’m both!”

  “Look, I’m sorry.” I apologised again. “I’ll make it up to you. But… like I said, my bro sees Rika- and Yae- as my special friends. It just happehat way. Besides, he likes them.” Yae- flushed at that, and I rolled my eyes, realising that she still had feelings for my bro. At least Rika- is more sensible. I don’t think any ordinary girl has much ymore…

  “So yeah…” I tinued, ign the embarrassed Yae-. “Unless you have a special retionship or friendship with my bro, this time you’ll have to give it a miss. It won’t be the st ce though. Keiko- and her fellow idols are frequent visitors now.” I’m not going to say why. But… if I’m not mistaken, after the cert, Tamami- from Red and White, and other AKB0048 members will likely joiraining, or bee Daiyu’s disciples. Awesome…

  “That wouldn’t bother many girls.” Tomoko- said, surprising me. Seeing that, she was the one rolling her eyes at me. “Seriously, Aiko-, you’re too close to see it. Yeah, every girl dreams of their prince charming, but… your brother… he’s the ideal guy, apart from ohing. Sharing… it’s not great, not at all, but… you don’t mind, do you Shaeu?”

  Before she could reply, I interjected. “I wouldn’t take Shaeu as a normal girl!”

  “That is quite-quite rude…” Shaeu snickered, but Tomoko- wasn’t done.

  “Look, even Eri-, jealous, possessive Eri- is sharing. And she’s happy, isn’t she? Me… I’d let your brother romance me in a heartbeat. What do you think, Yae-?”

  “Me?” Yae- blushed. “I… I tried tet him, but…” She was crimson, showing the depth of her embarrassment. “…I mean, you’re a bro queen, Ai-, you know how great he is!”

  “I’ll ighe insult, but… ugh, yeah, I know. I thought you might cool off, being stuck here, but… okay, we’ll talk about this ter!” I cooled my head by finishing my melon juice, sug it through the straw noisily. “Subject ge! My bro is off-limits!” I crossed my arms to make my point. “Look, I promise I’ll take the volleyball team and the Kyūdō club to something awesome when exams are over. Though…” I g Akari- and some of the volleyball juniors. “…better make that the year-end break, I guess. Not everyoo finish early due to exams.”

  “Spending your brother’s money, huh?” Tomoko- said, and I made a buzzing noise.

  “That’s a foul, ioning him! Buy me anss of juice as a penalty!”

  As Tomoko- protested jokingly, I g Rika- and Yae-. Yae- looked down, still flushed, while Rika- shrugged, resigo it all. I mean, yeah, I get why Yae- yearns for my bro. He did too well on their stupid penalty date, and he’s ged a lot. But… I just feel sorry for her. But… all I do is give her some advice. Just like I did before…

  ***

  Marika- ractically skipping up the steps towards Chairoakitara shrine, eager to ehe Boundary there. Shaeu was with her, while I hung back a bit with Yae- and Rika-. I was going to check their progress wheered the Boundary, and I also wao talk to Yae- before we got there.

  “So… this might sound a bit desding, but… you sure this is the path you want to take? My bro… he likes you just fine, but not romantically.” I was going to be straight with her. I had joked with my bro before he could snap her up, and Yae- wasn’t a bad girl. A bit fshy and annoying at times, but she was genuine.

  “Yae here’s a bit of a fool. Don’t get me wrong, when Akio-kun came bad was so different, even I was ied. But I’m more of a realist.” Rika- giggled. “He’s out of my league. Just look at Shaeu, or even Ri-Ri. Then there’s those noble girls… nope. I still want him to be my friend though. And I’m like Yae. I want to move to the capital when exams are over. It’ll never be a b life, hanging around with you, Ai-!”

  “Yeah, well you’ve taken the first steps accepting Chirurgery, so getting a job with us isn’t a problem.” I assured her. “So… your thoughts?” I asked Yae- again.

  “I know I’m stupid. And maybe I should move on… but… I want to give it my best shot. Otherwise… I think I’ll always regret it!” Yae- said early. “I don’t have many hopes, but…”

  “No kidding. Like I said, the girls lined up are mythical foxes, Elves, or rich heirs.” Yu-mi’s definitely regretting not accepting marrying my bro now. Whether it’s enough to push her to make a serious py for him is another question, but… well, Yae- has it tough. “But… I did speak to my bro about you…”

  “What?” Yae- yelped so loud that Shaeu and Marika- looked back at us, making her lower her head and her voice, blushing scarlet. “I mean… what did he say?”

  “Like I said, he likes you just fine, but that’s all. But I did make him promise to genuinely sider your feelings if you fess, and not string you along.” Kana- had it hard. of that, thanks.

  “I know I’ll fail, but… I have my pride as a woman.” Yae- muttered. “It’s his fault anyway! He was too dashing, too mature!”

  As she ey earlier thoughts, I did feel sorry for her. I’m actually feeling a little annoyed with my bro now. He ’t go breakis everywhere he goes! But… I guess it isn’t always his fault. Though sometimes I’m sure he deliberately says things that make girls misuand. Scratch the surfad big bro moonstone is still uhere!

  “If you are serious…” I thought about it. “…and you don’t mind pying the long game…” At my words, Yae- nodded, so I expined my idea. Once I was done, she nodded.

  “I don’t mind waiting, or… w hard. And if it doesn’t work out… it’s not like I’ll have lost anything. I’ll only be, won’t I? Thanks Ai-, you’re a good friend. I mean it.”

  Rika- was looking at us warmly, but a little ed. “ you make that happen?”

  “Who do you think I am?” I thumped my chest. “Of course I ! They listen to me. Besides, Shaeu’s here. And you’re ing to Tokyo. You speak to the others…”

  Yae- had perked up, and she nodded again. “All right. I’ll take your advice. I’ll work hard to slowly fill in the moat, then strike with all my might. If, after all that, Aki doesn’t accept… I’ll move on. I will.”

  “That’s my Yae!” Rika- approved, and as we reached the shrine, Marika-’s grandfather rushing over to greet us, I was well satisfied.

  “Put that aside for now. Just enjoy the cert tomorrow.” I advised. “And we have some fun and shopping in Tokyo too. It’ll be awesome. You hang around with some of the others, as well.”

  “My rivals…” Yae- giggled, and I spped my forehead, having spoken carelessly, but she reassured me. “I don’t mind. Holy I don’t. I think one of the best things out of all this is how we’ve bee closer to you and Ri-Ri. That’s something that won’t ge.”

  “Yeah, I guess not. Anyway, best say reetings…” I agreed, before bowing to the priest.

  “Hi, it’s been a while. you let us borrow the shrine, same as always?”

  “Yes, it’s been too long. You’re more than wele as always.” He turo his granddaughter again then. “I’ve missed you, Marika.” He gave her a hug, which made Marika- embarrassed, which was adorable as well.

  “I have missed you too, grandfather. But I have carried the pride of our shri has been meaningful.” she replied.

  “I know. You’ve always bee and diligent, and you’ve earhis ce. Though Junko does worry about you.” He admitted. “Oh, where are my manners. e in, and I’ll get some tea and cakes.”

  “No need.” I stopped him. “We’ve already had some treats at the café. And we don’t have all day, we o be ba Tokyo tonight. Busy day tomorrow. Though when we’re done, robably spare some time for you to talk with yranddaughter.”

  Marika- smiled at me, and her grandfather thanked me, so after that, we ehe Boundary, appearing in the familiar Chairoakitara shrine.

  “I’m getting used to this now.” Rika- said, stretg. “Not that I think we’re achieving much.”

  “All training is worthwhile.” Shaeu disagreed. “When I first arrived here in this town, I was most-most weak. Not-not as pathetic as when Akio first defeated me, but… still most-most feeble. Now look at me!” She flexed one slender arm, amused. “While I ot-not determine your Skills as Akio does, my eyes are keen. I shall i your progress ter.”

  “Now I’m feeling intimidated.” Yae- chuckled, her mood better. “We’ve never been good os, have we Rika?”

  “No, though rades have skyrocketed nowadays.” She giggled in response, before Shaeu opehe door, Marika- following behind, eager to see the Brown Dog Kami. Entering into the main chamber, which was richly decorated here in the Boundary, Marika- was wide-eyed in awe and wonder, despite the shrine being far less impressive than my bro’s Territory she was used to. I guess it’s all about expectations…

  Seeing all the dogs lying around, some the size of ponies, I felt a brief twinge of disfort, but I was mostly over my dislike of dogs now. Not like if a dog menaced me again I couldn’t teach it a lesson… They weren’t all I saw though, as lounging in one er, as though she owhe shrine, was the massive Oni I had fought with arusted to guard the shrine. Beside it was sitting the brown Dog Kami, and Marika-’s eyes widened in shod awe, before she even noticed the huge Oni, fling back.

  “Gwa ha har!” The Oni ughed irange, guttural way. “You came back, ally of those bastards.” I still don’t get what she means by that.

  “A good thing too…” The Oni tinued. “I was getting rather restless, gwa mwa ha! There’s nothing to do and little to fight here.” She then paused, eyeing Shaeu, lig her lips. “Wait a sed. For a tiny little thing with no tits, you smell strong! And familiar.”

  Shaeu grimaced, crossing her arms. “I shall have you know my chest is quite-quite well liked by the only male that matters. Size is not-not everything. Now, I shall five your rudeness, as Oni are rather g in manners, I have-have observed.”

  “Lag? I’m not g anything, unlike you, tiny-tits!”

  Rika- and Yae- were giggling at the juvenile insults the Oni was throwing out. They were more familiar with her than I was, so perhaps this was nothing new.

  “I see.” Shaeu frowned. “Such a disappoi. If you wish-wish to meet that fool Red, perhaps you should have better manners.”

  “You know Red? For true? How?” The Oni narrowed her purple eyes. “Little girl like you…”

  “For the st-st time, size is not-not everything!” Shaeu then shifted, and she was in her Kamaitachi form, her jade sickles at wrist and ankle especially fetg. “I am Shaeu Tu Shae Dannan, Kamaitachi, ay-First of the Hyakki Yagyō, of course I know-know Red and Blue.”

  The Oni was surprised, befrinning ferally. “I see. But you aren’t any bigger like that, girl.”

  Before Shaeu could explode, I stepped in. “Now, no need for that. My bro finds her endlessly cute, but then he doesn’t discriminate. Hyath, Shiro and Tsukiko are hardly small. Asha her. Anyway…” I tapped my finger, where Daiyu’s birthday present from my bro sat, which I’d borrowed. If I lose or break it, I’m dead. Daiyu loves this gift… “It be b work, just hanging out. Don’t worry, soon we’ll keep our promise and introduce you as you wanted. But for now…” I elled a little aether, and the ring disged some of its tents. A rge cy gourd of Fae spirits appeared, as well as several barrels of strong liquinneka had brought over. To prevent the barrels returning to the Material, Ixitt had used some red and e Etherites to make some sort of seal for them, not that I entirely uood it.

  “Huh? I smell booze.” The Oni rose to her feet, ripping the cork free from the gourd, and hoisting it to her lips, taking a hearty swig, despite the size and heavy weight. “Not bad, not bad…” she approved. “Fihis will kill some time!”

  “Great. And…” I took out some s for the Brown Dog Kami too, though I passed them to Marika- to hand over. She took them gracefully, before handing over some ornate por bowls of rice, salt and pure spring water. Uh, actually, is it spring water when Shaeu jured it up? It’s definitely pure though…

  “Here, Chairo-sama, please accept my humble s!” Marika- said happily. The Kami, with as much dignity as a dog in tri-er hat and robes could have, gratefully pped at the water, before lig the salt and dev the rice. When he was done, he growled his thanks, but I could barely stifle a giggle, as the Kami had ri his fur.

  “Let me help you!” Marika- hurried closer and quickly groomed the rice out of the fur, the Kami making a rather embarrassed expression, which was a sight to see. The adherents had their tongues out, in a e expression of amusement, while Shaeu had joihe Oni in a drinking test, watg on calmly.

  “Grr.” The Brown Dog Kami shook himself, coughing. “I thank you, pious child of our shrine. My paws are not the most flexible. Now… Grr. Finally you are here, my shrine maiden. Accept my blessings and may the grace of the Kami and our creatods shine upon you.” Tears of joy sparkled in Marika-’s eyes as she received the words she wao hear from her shrine’s Kami. “Yura dance is beautiful, I have watched it these past years. May you ti beauty to this shrine, and veion to the Kami, Grr.”

  “I will, I will!” Marika- promised, and as the Kami tio praise her, I gestured to Yae- and Rika- to be quiet, and they gave me knowing nods. I guess there’s o hurry off. This is a rather heartwarming se. I’m happy for Marika-. And seeing her like this… yeah, she was always meant to join us. Her piety is really very toug…

  Looking over at the drunken Oni, I resolved to keep her happy. Proteg this shri proteg Marika-’s smile, and that was something both my bro and I agreed on. But that aside, I hardly wait for tomorrow. Red and White, AKB0048 with Keiko-’s new song, even Suzu-… plus I know there’s some secret surprises… bro may be having fun on his little honeymoon with Hinata-, but we know how to party too!

  ShipTeaser