Side Ten – Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

Side Ten – Oshiro Sapphire Aiko

“Where to begin, indeed.” Shaeula pondered. “I was not there at the very beginning, but we have talked about it, and I have gleaned some knowledge of how it began for him-him.”

“Shouldn’t you tell us who you are first?” I asked. “After all, with talk of your father being a powerful man with many wives... you must be someone important too, am I right?”

“Indeed I am, but that is for later. I would speak, if you will let me-me?”

“Stop interrupting her.” Eri-chan hissed. “Let Shaeula tell her story. We don’t have too long before those two will come back...”

Damn, that’s right. The vending machines are in the main school building a way from here, and I doubt they’ll hurry, but even so...

“In that case, I shall continue. This world that you know of as Earth, it is but a facet of existence. You dwell on the Material plane, a plane of firm laws and rules-rules. Yet there are other... more malleable realms, where other brings dwell.”

“Like Yokai and monsters. I get it. But those are all stories for entertainment. There are no magical beings.” Where is she going with this. I don’t... Huh... wha.... Wowowowowowowow!

Interrupting my thoughts Shaeula raised one hand and suddenly the air around us burst into motion, our clothes and hair blowing in the breeze, a faint glow of green surrounding us. This continued for a handful of seconds until Shaeula lowered her hand. Even then her summer dress swirled in the still air, dancing as if guided by invisible hands.

“Are they now indeed? I stand before you, a true Fae, noble Seelie. I am not but a story-story. But I am now part of Akio’s tale indeed.”Updated chapters at novelhall.com

Eri-chan had sunk to the ground beside me, eyes as wide as they would go, mouth open foolishly. I knew how she felt. My world... it is coming crashing down... was that... magic? Is she a magical girl? No freaking way. Wow, wait, she said she was a Fae... I remember that from some of my mom’s children’s books. Faeries... mischievous and magical beings ... it... wow, it kind of fits her...

“I shall continue. Akio was chosen to protect the world, by some strange being of significant power. To do so... well, there lies the danger-danger. He must strive to increase his strength, raise a Territory, recruit trustworthy allies and crush his foes. I stand here proud as one of his allies, bound by three Oaths and three Boons. Thus I shall never leave his side, so you should forget getting rid of me, Eri, for I am here to stay-stay.”

So... what? My big bro just lucked out into some crazy powers... that... doesn’t make sense, but his performance today... how else could I explain it? And he won’t tell me anything... that ... hurts...

“Hmph, wow. My bro is lame. I was really proud of him when I saw how much he’d changed, how fit and sporty he had become. When I saw everyone cheering for him at the baseball game I was... I was happy. But now I discover it isn’t his power, he’s just been given it by some stupid alien being... how... wow, I’m speechless with disappointment.”

Shaeula looked at me as though she was looking at something unsightly. I was going to defend myself when she raised one hand and in a flash of green something struck me across the face. It wasn’t hard, but it stung, and I glared at her. “Don’t hit me with that ungodly power of yours...”

“Children who say foolish things should be chastised, should they not-not?” Shaeula would not back down. Eri-chan made to get between us, but Shaeula took her arm gently and pushed her to one side. “To think Akio’s sister is so small-minded. After all his praise of you I had expected more-more. Did someone simply hand you the ability to use your bow-bow? I think not. Though fates or the gods, if you prefer, they did give you the talent. The same is true for Akio. He was chosen yes, and others were not, but how is that different from being born gifted?”

“I see now...” I marvelled. It all makes sense. “I think I resented my big bro for going on ahead of us... though... that’s so not cool. I thought I was a better sister and loved my big bro unconditionally. Wow, I suck...” It’s never easy finding out you aren’t as nice as you thought you were...

“So to hear that my big bro is going even further, beyond human...” I snorted a weak laugh. “... and worse, he’s in danger, and could be gone out of my reach forever... I blamed him. When I should be blaming myself. I see why you feel you don’t have the right to stand beside big bro now, Eri-chan. We... we always let him spoil us. And it made us weak. We didn’t say what was in our hearts.”

“It is natural to be spoiled by one’s older siblings. Mine are... well, they can be somewhat aggravating, for varying reasons-reasons. Still, now that you have realised your feelings, I will say this. Akio is making a mistake. He wishes to coddle you both, keeping you from harm. But such is a foolish hope, for harm oft comes unbidden, all Fae know this well-well. So, if you would wish to learn more about the world Akio sees, and no longer merely walk behind him, but stride forwards and stand at his side, then speak, and I shall teach you-you!”

“I’ll do it. If... if I miss this chance, then... big brother will be taken from me. I’ll even learn from you... until I can surpass you and make big brother mine. Tomorrow I will tell him how I feel. At the festival. You’ll never have him, Shaeula. But...” and with that Eri-chan looked away, blushing adorably. “I thank you for thinking of me. Maybe... we can.. be friends. I just... can’t compromise on big brother.”

Wow. I think she’ll do it too. We really have to go all out tomorrow then... this is her once in a lifetime confession. It is way different hearing from others that someone loves you, than hearing it from her own lips. No running away this time, big bro. No running away...

“As for me... I’m a failure of a sister, but now I know... please teach me. Like Eri-chan, if I want to be a part of big bro’s life forever, I have to work for it.”

“Good, it is a pact then. In exchange... you shall not stint in your efforts to support us-us. I shall be harsh, but you shall reap the benefits, I assure you both-both.”

“Oh wow, a double love confession, to a love rival, no less. How thrilling.” We all jumped as Rika-san spoke from behind us, cans of drinks clutched in her arms.

“It sure is.” Yae-san agreed, also carrying cans.

Wow, how many did they buy? Wasteful... that was my money. No, wait, that isn’t what is important here...

“I was expecting little Ri-Ri to go for it this festival, if seeing Shaeula didn’t make her feel the pressure she doesn’t deserve a shot at love... plus of course his hot upcoming date with yours truly...” Yae-san continued. “...But for Ai-chan to confess too...” she put on an annoying voice, making me wish I still had my arrow to stab her, but I’d let it fall earlier during the hug. “... oh I can’t ever be separated from my big bro... I’d just die if we were apart...”

Wow, I so did not say that... jerk...

“Yeah, we all know the pair of them are hopeless. Maybe Ri-Ri will lose to forbidden love...”

As we continued to bicker I wondered just how much the pair of them had heard before coming in. Not too much, I’m sure... I hope... oh wow, they wouldn’t believe what we were talking about anyway... my big bro, a saviour of the world with magical powers. I barely believe it, and I’ve seen the proof in Shaeula and her mysterious winds... wow, damn you big bro, I know you meant well, but hiding this from us... you’ll have to repay us, and it’ll be expensive...!

As if guessing what I was thinking, Shaeula grinned at me. Flushing, I turned away. Tonight then... I feel drained from all these heavy emotions, but... wow, Eri-chan and I are going to be magical girls... I’d have to be dead to not get a little excited about that, right?