Side Ninety-Nine – Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan

Side Ninety-Nine – Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan

I looked down at the sleeping girl, her usual pigtails untangled, her hair a loose brown halo around her. Hooked up to these many strange machines, which beeped and whirred softly, screens displaying strange lines, I still did not quite understand what they were all for, although having seen the devices in a number of anime, I understood they were medical in nature. Well, now that everyone is out of danger, I can surely focus on healing. Stifling a yawn, I turned to the other person in the room, the sombre-looking Hikawa Hiroto, and barked an order at him.

“You should turn away. It is not-not fitting for someone to see what I am about to do. She is a young female, after all.”

“Oh, of course. My apologies.” He muttered, his gaze flickering to some of the other beds in the room. He was haggard and pale, and he often did not respond to conversation. Of course, it is quite easy to understand why. In two of the other beds, lay his daughters, the twins Chiaki and Chiasa, both heavily sedated and sleeping. A fourth bed held another girl, a dark-skinned shrine maiden who was likewise brutalised, and in the next room lay his son, Ren.

I must confess, I did not think much of Ren. He is rather weak and arrogant. He reminds me a little too much of my old self, impressed with bloodlines, having no real achievements. But now... as I lifted up the hem of the plain white gown Keomi, the injured little girl, was wearing, I clicked my tongue, irritated at the state of her leg. No, he did well escaping, even if the Kijo let him go to lure in more prey. In the end, his sisters, and the other two, they were saved. Though the cost was grim...

“How... how is it?” Hiroto asked, and I answered him impatiently, aether flaring within me as I started to work Ether Healing, injecting aether into her chakra network, guiding it to the right areas, as well as simultaneously using Chirurgery to remove the remaining lingering traces of darkness element that was polluting her wounds. This is difficult work. Still, I do not wish to lose to Akio in this. After all, I have my pride!

“Well, fortunately we were not-not too late.” I said, as the twisted leg began to straighten, the bone coming together. Sweat dripped from my brow as I worked, but even so, it was satisfying to see the wounds heal. Her chest wounds had already been closed, now mere jagged lines of ugly scarring. As a female, I was very sensitive to such things, but making sure no lasting injuries were left behind was more important than mere cosmetic work. Though later, we will surely cleanse such injuries too. But first comes safety. “Not-not for Keomi and your daughters, at least.”

Chiasa was the best off out of all of them. She had suffered the most numerous injuries, but they were all designed to torture, to wound, rather than kill, so after a little Healing, she was resting peacefully. Her sister Chiaki was far worse off, her wounds deep and cruel. I had healed the serious damage to her lungs where she had been pierced, but they were still fragile, and she also had broken limbs, in worse states than Keomi’s. I have stabilised them though, so with further work, they shall recover. It would be a shame for them to die now, their gift is precious, when combined with Haru’s, it can work many wonders.

The same could not be said for the last occupant though. The small, dark-skinned girl from Hoeruokami shrine was apparently shattered by the ordeal. Her face was bandaged, covering her missing eyes, which were currently beyond my skill to regenerate, and her mind had collapsed, leaving her delirious and terrified. Perhaps in time, with care, she shall recover. But Ether healing cannot soothe the mind...

“I’m so glad.” Hiroto pushed a hand to his chest in relief. “If anything happened to my children... no, it’s already happened, hasn’t it?” his voice cracked. “Thank you, Shaeula. For saving my kids.” Ren was in another room, it not being appropriate for injured males and females to be together, especially younger ones.

“I simply did what we needed to do.” I shook my head, working the remainder of my Healing. Keomi’s small body trembled, but she was unable to wake due to the anaesthetic. “They are our students, our allies. To have them perish is not-not something we could allow! Besides, to lose so many females, it is quite-quite the tragedy. Some of them such as your daughters are those I have been keeping my eye on. They would do quite-quite well as Akio’s brides in the future, I surmise.”

Hiroto looked aghast at my reasonable suggestion. “My baby girls? How could you say that? No, I forbid it! They’ll stay...” his voice cracked with emotion as he looked at the twins lying in bed, sedated and covered in bandages, hiding the wounds below. “... no, I’m not letting them get married! It’s too soon! A decade too soon! They are only in middle school, damn it!”

“Keep your voice low, this is a hospital, is it not-not?” I growled softly, and he paused, embarrassed.

“Oh, yeah... ah... sorry, my emotions are running wild. I shouldn’t shout at you who saved my children’s lives. It’s just...”

“Honestly, you remind me of my own father, doting, possessive fool-fool that he is. Though I do not-not hate it. I am not-not saying that Akio and your daughters will marry. They have shared no intimacy, no love, little time together, and he has become strangely stubborn of late, despite many-many seeking closer ties with him through love.” Exhausted, my aether levels low, I sat down in a chair, breathing heavily. “He is also uncomfortable with younger girls. He is not-not a lolicon, despite the jokes of his sister. He struggles somewhat with Hinata, finding her perhaps a little too young, despite her being old enough to marry. Girls the age of Eri, or a little younger yet mature-looking like Motoko and Natsumi, those he has no issues with. So the twins, they are not-not entering his vision, you see.”

“That’s a relief. Besides, I wanted them to have a normal romance, a normal life... but that isn’t happening, is it?” he said sadly. “Even before, it would have been difficult. Since they have the ability to communicate with each other with their minds, and can tell if someone is lying, finding a decent husband would be hard for them.”

“Well, not-not every worthy female will be his, of course. Even I am not-not so foolish as to expect Akio to have a thousand brides.” I sighed. “My throat is parched. I wish-wish I had some alcohol. I shall have to settle for something else, it seems.” At my words, Hiroto remembered himself, and passed me one of the cans of coffee that were on the side table. I cracked the ring-pull, once more marvelling at the number of great conveniences the mortal realm had to offer, before gulping down the lukewarm drink. That is much better. Hmm, Emily did tell me of Irish Coffee, which contains whiskey. That would be a treat about now...

“Though if the twins do develop feelings for Akio, I would not-not stand in their way, no, I would aid them in winning his heart. He is stubborn, and steadfastly refuses to consider other wives, but I know-know his weaknesses for females and where to strike. Though again, that would be in the future, as you say, they are quite-quite young. But even if that never comes to pass, the twins must be treasured, protected...” I smiled, but it did not touch my amber eyes, as I was quietly furious at this whole disaster. Many good females and some loyal males lost. Those with precious abilities killed. Eri gravely injured, and Akio’s heart was wounded too. Worse... this will be a catastrophe setting back Akio’s plans tremendously.

“... their talents are tremendous, they shall surely need-need to be harnessed for the good of all. They should not-not be exposed to battle unnecessarily.” My tone was becoming bitter, angry. “... so tell me, Hiroto. Just why-why was that fool Yamato allowed to place so many precious allies in such needless danger? You were at the meeting before we journeyed to Conclave. We had made agreements, had we not-not? You were going to support Akio in his ambitions, you and the other-other fools that made up our allies in Susanoo. Instead, you have put-put everything at risk, and it nearly cost you your children, did it not-not?”

“... I know.” He slumped down, eyes glistening with tears, and for a moment I felt some compassion for him welling within me. After all, my own father and mother made similarly bad choices regarding me, though it seems my mother was thwarted by those within her own ranks. Though I can not afford much sympathy here.

“... though if we had understood just what Yamato-sama was planning... no, that’s just an excuse.” He looked over at his sleeping daughters. “You must believe me, we have no intention of denying our support for you and Oshiro-san! Or breaking faith! But Yamato-sama is the hope ... was the hope...” he said bitterly. Yamato was also in the next room, beside Ren, though he would never wake again, most likely. I am not one for vengeance, but his folly was most costly. It was the correct decision to take his Divine Favour. I am surprised that Akio was able to be so ruthless, but even so... I approve. He must learn to harden his heart when it is needed. Now, I wonder, just who will receive the gift? I do not believe Akio will use it himself...

“... of Susanoo faction. Our family has been with Susanoo for hundreds of years. And it isn’t like Susanoo would be at odds with Oshiro-san. We just didn’t see the harm of making sure Susanoo’s influence under this new Ministry was as great as possible, though Izumi-san and Takeyabashi-san have closer ties with you all, so they declined. And so their daughters and granddaughters were spared, apart from that unlucky girl, who was in the wrong place at the wrong time.” He nodded at the sleeping Keomi. “If all went to plan, Yamato-sama would have impressed the younger members of Susanoo, while securing much of Eastern Kyoto there. And Oshiro-san would have lost nothing. Tomorrow at Conclave, our dues paid to Uchida Ren-sama, we would have then supported Oshiro-san, and everyone would have profited, except for the leaders of Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu. Politically, it was a perfect move...” his face had twisted into an expression of self-loathing, and once more I felt a little sympathy.

“Politics. That I do indeed-indeed understand. The Seelie Court is rife with it, and I have many-many headaches. With more likely to come...” Securing a Faerie Ring gate from Primal Forest will cost us. They do owe us, but using up that favour on this is... wasteful. “Perhaps we were at fault a little too, for not-not adequately explaining the dangers. Though we certainly advised the Boundary was far-far from safe. Even so... the result, it has been quite horrific, has it not-not?”

“I... well, idol training is pretty hard. The number of times I run up and down the famous steps at Kanda-Myojin every day is endless. My manager says I should get royalties from that anime that had a similar character... uh, wait, that doesn’t matter right now. Uh, Suzu-san, you want to be an idol?”

“Want to be? I am an idol, a pure Japanese one! Though I have to admit, I’ve not done any concerts yet. Maybe I could do a guerrilla event before your next show? And call me Suzu-chan, I insist! We must be best friends, rivals and fellow idols now, after being involved in this, right? Right?”

As Tamami was overwhelmed by Suzu’s inexorable excitement, I frowned. She is definitely quite abnormal. People can seldom be so excited in a hospital room with so many young, maimed females. Even if she knows they will recover, it is rather... crass. Besides, I do not approve of her manner of speech. “I am not Japanese. Honorifics do not-not suit me. Unless you wish to call me Duchess or Princess. Besides, what do you mean, we shall be working together soon enough?”

“Whoa, Shaeula-Hime, huh? Well, that’s a bit of an overlapping character, not sure how the Boss will see that one.” She giggled, ignoring the rebuke. “Isn’t it obvious? Boss is head-over-heels for that guy. She said she was going to marry him after all. Get this, she threw Master Raven under the bus for him. I never would have seen that coming, she was super scary before. I didn’t even know she was so pretty under the hood. Well, she worries about her injuries, and sure, they look bad, but she’s still gorgeous if you ask me! Anyway, Bunta-kun will do whatever she says, and I’m in, it’s already been a wild night, and we’ve only just met.” She laughed inappropriately. “Arisu-san, well... uh, she’ll be a tough one to convince. But... well, I’m up for it!”

“Do you think this is the time for that?” Kana voiced similar sentiments as I was thinking. “My poor cousin is hurt and likely traumatised, and...”

“Is... is that you, Kana-chan?” Keomi said, her eyelids flickering. “is... is it time to get up? I’m not oversleeping, I promise...” her words were slurred, possibly due to the anaesthetic she had been prescribed.

At her dull, out-of-place words, Kana burst into tears, burying her head into the blanket covering the young female. “You stupid, clumsy idiot! You... don’t you know how worried we all were? If... if you died, we’d all be heartbroken. And why are you even awake? What the hell are the doctors doing?”

“Perhaps they underestimated her powers? Her body is far-far stronger than you would expect, correct? They may have needed to give her a larger dose?” I made a suggestion, but Kana wasn’t listening, merely crying and chastising her dozy cousin.

“I think maybe we should give them a little space?” Tamami said tactfully, and with that, we stepped aside...

********

“Aren’t you tired?” Tamami asked, her face grey from exhaustion. “It’s been a long night.”

“Not really.” Suzu said, continuing to bombard her endlessly with questions about idol culture, agencies and more. “I’m strong, I don’t really feel tired unless I pull a few all-nighters. It means I can practise my moves more, don’t be envious!” she giggled. “Hey, Kana-chan, are you tired?”

Kana, who had listened to Keomi cry herself out, was watching as more sedatives were being injected into her, putting her back into a restful sleep. The doctor, with several supporting nurses, were all still rather flummoxed by the whole situation. Even so, now the hospital was surrounded by the miliary, it was not as if the staff had any ability to complain.

“Tired? Yeah, of course I am. I feel like I could sleep for a week. But I can’t, can I? Now more than ever, Akio needs those of his students that remain to stand up for him and the training school. I’m lucky I’ve had the full course of Chirurgery, I have a lot more stamina and mental toughness than I used to. Perhaps if I didn’t, I’d have broken down at all this.”

“No, I believe you have become rather strong-willed.” I disagreed, before commenting myself. “I too am not-not physically tired, though my mental fatigue is great. Although, when you reach my level, a short break will surely-surely refresh me. And that is all I will get, I fear. After all, the second day of Conclave is here.” After yesterday, Akio had them in his hands. But now... I worry.

“I’m curious about this Chirurgery!” Suzu piped up. “If it can make me stronger, I’m all for it! You should get some too, and the rest of Red and White!” she said to the exhausted Tamami. “If you did, you’d be able to train harder and better, right?” she slyly offered benefits that were not hers to give. Yes, this one, I can not quite work her out. She is rather annoying though. But since she is a candidate, like Akio, she should be useful... if properly managed.

“That’s true.” Kana said, suddenly. “And... if you did, maybe that would go some way to reassuring people that the school isn’t finished, despite all the deaths and injuries. I mean, not that it should be, after all, it was hardly Akio’s fault, was it?” Kana pouted, not liking the criticism that was sure to be levelled at us.

“I don’t know, I have to be really careful with my health...” Tamami seemed unsure. Which is reasonable, she knows little about it, and the request was sudden. However...

“I shall of course not-not force you.” I said with a wry smile. “After all, Akio and I have doubtless used most of our strength healing the wounded. Chirurgery now would be quite-quite a chore. However...”

“However?” She asked, nervous.

“You have seen my skills in healing, have you not-not? Chirurgery is uncomfortable, but quite safe, and the benefits are significant.”

“No, I still don’t think... well, I don’t know much about any of you, other than gossip from the other shrines and temples.” She declined.

“I see. Well, why not-not sleep on it? A clear mind will see-see the benefits for all of us...” With that I stood, stretching. “Well now, what shall this day of Conclave bring? Hopefully it shall not-not be the disaster I fear...”