Three Hundred And Fifty-Three

Three Hundred And Fifty-Three

“Well, now I’m feeling a bit underdressed.” Shiro said, looking down at her t-shirt and jeans.

“No, anything you wear looks classy enough.” I promised her, as we took a seat in one quiet corner of the rather exclusive restaurant in a hotel in Ginza. “You look like a model with that figure, so...”

“He’s right boss.” Suzu-san laughed. She had arrived before us with Arisu-san, as apparently she wouldn’t have been able to get in on her own, looking out of place, her Caucasian looks, blonde drill-curls and black and purple goth-loli fashion making her appear younger than she was. That reminds me, I don’t know just how old she actually is... “When we used to meet you as White, I never knew there was such a pretty woman under those robes.” She pouted, eyeing the calm, cold Arisu-san, who was wearing a deep blue dress and looking at the menu, her lips pursed in concentration. “You kept that all to yourself!”

“Do stop your prattling, Suzanne-san.” She warned. “With characters such as Daizen-san and that crooked Raven around us, exuding an air of mystery and power to keep them in line was necessary. Even with the Contracts, there were no guarantees, as we saw ourselves.” She placed down the menu, having decided. Ringing a little bell that had been placed on the table, a smartly-dressed waiter appeared.

“We shall have the Lumiére Sparkling Koshu, the twenty-fifteen vintage. Make that two bottles. And for you, Suzanne-san?” she asked.

“Oh... I’ll have a coke. I think I need the sugar!” She giggled. “Though I’ll have to exercise later to work off the calories. I’m on a really strict diet!”

As the waiter took her order, I frowned. The last member of our party, Bunta-san, was sitting in the corner closest to the wall, twitching like a nervous rodent. Still, he had made the effort, and was in a reasonably smart suit, though it looked more like one a salaryman might wear, not one for a night out. Well, I get that he’s the nervous sort. He helped during Kyoto though, so I’m prepared to get to know him...

“Anyway...” Suzu-san continued. “Yeah, it came as a real shock, boss. Especially when you seem so nice! As White, you were damn scary. I’m glad to see it though, those scars...” she shuddered. “If I had those, my career would be over. Idols have to be beautiful you know. Though, I don’t want to compete with you, boss! You’d be the world’s number one idol if you could sing and dance!”

“Well, I can’t sing to save my life.” Shiro admitted. “As for dancing... I never tried, but I bet I could, now.” She smiled at me, and I squeezed her hand under the table. She’s thinking she could barely walk a few hundred metres before, and now she’s talking about dancing... “I’ve no interest in being an idol though. I’ll leave that for you, Suzu.”

“Aww, that’s a shame, but probably good for me!” She giggled, before eyeing me with her deep blue eyes that reminded me of my sister a little. “Well, I guess Akio-kun here is the jealous type, his face twitched when we talked about it. Want to keep her all to yourself, right?”

“As it happens, I do.” I agreed plainly, and Shiro flushed, looking away.

“Cute!” Suzu-san giggled. The waiter brought over the wine and cola, and I neatly uncorked the first bottle and poured a little for Arisu-san to taste. She took a sip and nodded, so the waiter retreated gracefully, and I poured the four of us wine, Suzu-san the odd person out.

“Aki has become annoyingly smooth recently.” Shiro confided. “But... I don’t think I’d change him. Hey, this wine is pretty good.” Shiro exclaimed after taking a sip to cover her embarrassment.

“Of course it is.” Arisu-san said. “I know my wines. Now, enough idle chatter. We are here for a reason.”

Shiro nodded, placing her glass down. Her eyes shone crimson, and her demeanour and tone changed. “We are indeed. Our alliance has become... rather messy, of late, thanks to this man.” She eyed me with a mixture of exasperation and respect.

“Oh, boss is back!” Suzu-san shivered, as did Bunta-san. “I’ll shut up and listen, I promise!”

“Well I’m sorry.” I declared as I studied the menu, before making my decision. “But Shiro is precious to me, and those Contracts... I don’t like them.” No way I’d let her end up serving that bastard the Raven Knight. It’s not that I think he’d abuse it or her, he doesn’t seem the sort to be interested in women, from what I can tell, but... I don’t like it, not one bit! “I don’t like the Raven Knight either. I’m not going to hold a grudge, we did drive him out, though he was targeting Shaeula. But I offered his Tree back, and he would rather throw a tantrum, so... he’s a fool.” And now Shiro can push his Tree to a solid Rank 4 it’s even less likely I’ll return it...

“Master Raven was a bit of an idiot.” Suzu-san agreed. “Really, being single-minded is no good, you know? It’s not cute.”

“You are one to talk, Suzanne-san. Now, to the main subject at hand.” Arisu-san said, leading the conversation. “We came together to achieve our goals, and to secure ourselves a slice of the pie, as the deceased Daizen-san would have put it.” She scowled as though his name was something dirty, and I remembered Shiro had told me Arisu-san killed him after he threatened to leave their alliance and aggravated her, poking at her emotional scars. She’s definitely a dangerous woman, and her skills are great, as she proved in Kyoto. Besides, Shiro looks up to her. Therefore I want to keep her onside.

“Yes, I’m sorry, but Shiro and I are together now.” I declared. “That’s non-negotiable. We’re getting married.”

“Hey, I saw the news. I don’t watch it much but...” Suzu-san raised an eyebrow, excited. “They were talking about the law being changed to allow polygamy. That’s wild. Those stale old men were going crazy.”

“Yes. This man changed the law, merely so that he could have what he wished for.” Tan laughed. “Such a man of deep desires. It makes me a little... thirsty.” She drained Shiro’s glass, before filling another and downing that too, despite Arisu-san’s frown at her behaviour.

I’ve seen Tan overindulge before. Oh well, my wallet is taking a battering, but to firm up an alliance with Shiro’s crew, no cost is too big. “Don’t worry, she has an appetite sometimes. We’ll just order more, and if she gets drunk... well, we have a room booked upstairs.”

“Yes, tonight’s the night.” Shiro said, a touch nervously, back in charge for a moment.

“I see.” Arisu-san observed us coldly. “Well, I hope you won’t have any regrets. Learn from my mistakes.”

“I’ll make sure she doesn’t. I’ve always cherished Shiro, first as a friend, now as something more.” I promised. “Which is why... we need to come together. I don’t think much has changed. Sure, some allies of yours came and went...” That’s one way to phrase it. “... but now you have me. And you know I’m not going to betray Shiro.”

“Do we?” Arisu-san mused, the wine sparkling in her glass, reflecting the candlelight ominously onto her face. “I thought that my fiancé, my juniors, my Directors, they were all trustworthy, that they respected and cared for me. But I was wrong. I shall never trust blindly again. The Contracts... I accepted them for that purpose. Trust is hard to earn and lost in a mere moment of carelessness.”

“Arisugawa Arisu.” I said suddenly, surprising her. “Star of a number of very famous films, such as the Woman in Deep Black and the wartime drama Lost Sons and Daughters.” Arisu-san’s eyes darkened, her face an expressionless mask, and beside me Shiro flinched, clutching my hand under the table tightly. “Engaged to be married to a famous actor, one with international appeal. In fact, rumour was that you were going to break into the Western market, with Hollywood interested.” Her eyes glittered darkly at me as I spoke of what I had learned. Well, what I got Karen-chan and the others to dig up, anyway. “Then you were accused of cheating on him repeatedly, bullying, stalking and harassment of your industry colleagues, especially the less experienced ones, as well as fraud, embezzlement and more. It was quite the scandal, I’m told.”

“Aki....” Shiro whispered, clearly aghast at my pointed remarks, but I gave her a look to let her know I knew what I was doing.

“You dare speak to me of...” Arisu-san began, Suzu-san and Bunta-san shrinking away from her.

“Dare?” I interrupted her. “What am I daring? I’m just repeating what the press reported, what rumours are going around. Anyone can find them out, even several years after the scandal. But... I don’t believe blindly. So, I’d like to hear your side, Arisu-san, and what you want. Shiro believes in you, and that earns you a lot of trust with me. You aided us in Kyoto too, which doesn’t just earn trust, it means I owe you. So I don’t want any shadows between us. Just like you have reservations with my relationship with Shiro, which I intend to clear up, I want us to have a clean slate between us.” I turned to Suzu-san and Bunta-san too. “The same goes for you two. You helped in Kyoto, so I think that makes us natural allies.”

“Suzu didn’t help much at all...” Shiro whispered loudly, and Suzu-san sniggered.

“That’s mean, boss! I just didn’t want to lose my dancers! I did what I could.”

“Enough.” Arisu-san rubbed at her forehead, as though she was in pain. “Very well. Let us order, since White here seems famished. As an ex-actress, let me tell you such appetite will ruin your figure. You wouldn’t want your... man... here, to get disappointed in you. Especially now your wounds seem to have healed, as was promised.” She conceded that.

“I’ll bear it in mind.” Shiro said, a touch relieved.

“Very well, let me tell you of betrayal. The thing I hate most in this world. Betrayal, cheating, disloyalty. I never forgive that.”

“Nor should you.” I agreed. “I understand my marital relations are... unconventional, but the fact that Suzu-san here spotted the law has been changed, which is largely down to my pressure on the Government, should tell you how serious I am about doing the right thing, as well as the influence I hold. Influence that could help you all, if you continue to support Shiro and work with me.”

After speaking to the waiter, Arisu-san began to talk, only to pause when our starters and more drinks were brought over. “My fiancé, I’ll not speak his lying, worthless name... he was my senior in the industry. Over time we grew closer, and eventually he proposed. I was happy, elated even.” She sniffed. “Foolish, naïve too.” She criticised herself. “It turns out he was only interested in me for my own fame and status, as a trophy. I was not aware of it, but he was working with several famous Directors on... you may have heard the term before, casting couch principles.”

“It’s all too common.” Suzu-san said suddenly. “The idol industry is full of that. Well, if you’re cute and a winner like me, then there’s no need.” She winked, but I detected sadness in it. “But a lot of girls who just can’t quite make it, or need a little push... well, they’re lucky if they get away with just having to give it up to their Manager. The unlucky ones end up selling themselves or worse.”

“Suzanne-san!” Arisu-san said, scandalised. “Young girls shouldn’t talk of such things, although...” she paused, reflecting.

“Yeah. Not talking about it doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. Well, I can see you looking worried, Akio-kun, boss.” She smiled at us. “Like I said, I’m pure as the driven snow, not a hint of scandal. How else can I be the world’s best idol? But... well, sorry. I should let Arisu-chan talk!” She busied herself with her starter and cola.

“Yes, well...” She coughed, clearing her throat. “... not only that, but the cabal was involved in defrauding investors and the Government, enriching themselves. When I found out, I was horrified, but like an idiot, an overly trusting, naïve idiot who did not act her age... I denied it, believing it could not be true. But it was.” She stabbed her fork into the starter angrily. “And then they needed a scapegoat. So everyone involved banded together, pinning it all on me. How could I even have managed it all? Laughable.” She sighed bitterly.

“In the end, a lot of the allegations were swept aside, right? All except the cheating and bullying.” I pointed out.

“Yes, there was no way to make the fraud and embezzlement stick, I clearly had not received the money. But there was enough doubt that the real culprits escaped scrutiny long enough to cover their tracks. As for my so-called affairs and the bullying, it was my word against theirs, and in the court of public opinion, I was guilty. Oh, how some of the little bitches cried prettily, evoking sympathy. If they put their talents into their acting, perhaps they could have succeeded on their own merits, rather than whoring themselves out.” She snarled.

“I see. Well, I’m sure you don’t need my sympathies, but you have them.” I said, and meant it. She may be a brilliant actress, but I doubt anyone can fake the hurt that is in her eyes right now. Besides, she’s right. The evidence against her did seem rather too perfect...

“Heavy stuff.” Suzu-san said, and I agreed with her.

“So” I continued. “We get to the heart of it. What do you want, as an Astral Emperor-candidate, a Chosen? Is it power, money, revenge?”

“I want power, yes. We all do, for various reasons.” At that Suzu-san, Bunta-san and even Shiro nodded. “As for money, well, I had some decent amount of savings. I lived rather modestly, for a successful actress. Like a fool I did not want to shame my fiancé. Though I do confess, my money is dwindling.”

“Well, this goes for all of you. Powering up my allies is somewhat of a specialty of mine. In terms of Territory, that too is something to talk about. I intend to push mine to Rank 4 soon enough. It’s an epic undertaking, but a vassal of mine holds a significant amount of Kyoto, and we have a great source of income. Plus I have Governmental support, for what that’s worth. We’re shooting for a year. It’s a big ask, but I don’t think it’s impossible. So I’d be able to protect your Territories after that. Even before that...” I produced a map I had, of the greater Tokyo area. “... from what Shiro says, you’ve been looking after her Territory while she’s been injured. I really appreciate it.”

“I do too.” Shiro agreed.

“Despite everything, White is still an ally I trust.” Arisu-san declared. “Of course I would guard her precious assets.”

“Well, as she no doubt told you, pushing to Rank 3 is dangerous. I nearly fell afoul of that. But if the two of you wanted to start moving towards Rank 3, well, you as well, Bunta-san, Suzu-san, then I can supply guards. The situation in Kyoto has stabilised, and the Spring is under control as well, so protecting a few small Territories while their defences are down is very possible.”

“Daizen felt that we were splitting the potential rewards far too thinly.” She replied, thinking. “He objected to bringing in more to our group.”

“My turn, huh? Cool.”

“Yes, your turn. In fact, you’re the one I’m most worried about, Suzu-san.”

“Just call me Suzu.” She said. “Worried, about me?” She tilted her head.

“Of course I am. You’re not Japanese, are you? And how old are you?” I questioned her.

“Oh. That.” She sniffed. “I’m Japanese now. I live here, I speak Japanese, I’m an idol! I reinvented my life here. I love Japan and Japanese culture, I always felt I was born in the wrong country. As for my age... I’m nearly eighteen! I’m not a kid, I’m an idol!”

“Well, if you are Japanese, then you’d still not be considered an adult until you turn twenty. You’re American, right? In that case, you’d not be an adult until eighteen. So that begs the question...”

“Look, I ran away, all right? I hate my parents! They never understood me. I came to Japan to live my ideal life. It was destiny. It must have been, why else would I have gained these powers? I’m an idol, a magical girl... it’s everything I ever dreamed of!”

“You hate your parents?” I blinked. “Why? Did they mistreat you?”

She puffed out her cheeks. “Not really. They never abused my physically, if that’s what you mean.” She shook her head, curls bouncing. “But dad was always too busy with work to care much about anything I did, he just cared about my older brother and the company. He never even remembers my birthday or how old I am! Last time we spoke, he asked me what year at school I was in!” She shook, face crimson with anger. “And mom...” she looked at Arisu-san sadly. “I get it. I see why you don’t like cheaters! She sleeps around, I know it! All she cares about is spending dad’s money. At least Akio-kun...” she pointed at me. “... he’s up-front about it, and the boss seems to accept it.”

“It’s not cheating.” Shiro laughed. “Everyone agreed. It’s legal polygamy.”

“See? See!” Suzu-san said, satisfied. “Our boss is so magnanimous. Though I did meet some of the other girls and they were all nice people! Nothing like my bitch of a mom.”

This is hard to listen to. Not that I don’t sympathise. My father was hard to live with a lot of the time, but... I did always respect him, understand that he was thinking of Aiko and me, at least. “So you ran away? How long ago was that?”

“About three or four months.” She sighed. “Getting on a flight by myself was the hardest part, but... well, who can say no to me?” She pointed at herself proudly.

That’d be July time, around when all this mess started. Her timing was good, it seems. “Hang on, what are you doing for money?” I asked, worried, and the look on my face must have been amusing, as Shiro was grinning, and Suzu-san laughed, her annoyance fading.

“That’s cute. Boss, he’s cute!” she said to Shiro, before answering me. “I’m not doing anything dirty or foolish, Akio-kun. I’m an idol, a whiff of that and my career would be over, you know? Besides, I have more pride. Like Arisu-chan says, if you have talent, you don’t need the casting couch, or in my case it’d be compensated dating, I guess? Money’s getting a bit tight, my parents stopped all the credit cards I took, but I’m not stupid, I’d been saving up for months beforehand. Mom never misses money out of her purse either. Dad will always give her more. He gives me money when I ask too, he thinks that makes up for ignoring me!”

“I see.” I relaxed a bit. I don’t like the thought of a girl my sister’s age being in a bad situation. And it’s not like we’re strangers, even if I barely know her, she was at both Kyoto incidents. “But... don’t you miss them? And aren’t they looking for you? They must have been able to figure out where you went.”

“They could if they actually listened to me. They should know I love Japan, but all they ever said was ‘that stupid Asian crap’. Still, dad’s pretty rich, so he probably hired people to look for me. That’s why...” she grimaced, her expression one of bitter pain, and for a moment I worried for her until she spoke. “... I had to trash all of my books, anime and treasures. No point leaving them clues.”

I see. Well I guess that would hurt. “What about your brother?” I asked. “Won’t he be frantic at your disappearance?”

“Aki here is the ultimate siscon, so he would worry about that.” Shiro laughed.

“Yeah, I met his sister in Kyoto. Aiko-chan. We should form a group together, she’s got killer looks!” she grinned. “As for my brother, no way. All he cares about is sucking up to dad and inheriting all our wealth and the business. He’s probably glad I’m gone.”

“I don’t think so...” I said, but then I paused. “Well, if that’s true, I feel sorry for you. A brother’s job is to look out for his sister.”

“You’re way more big brotherly than mine.” She smiled. “Want to be my big brother, Akio-kun?”

“Hey, no flirting!” Shiro protested.

“Flirting? I wouldn’t dream of it, boss! He’s your man. It’s just... when he goes all brotherly and adult, it’s kind of cool, see? And I thought it’d be nice to have a brother who’d look out for me for once, and well, you’d be my sister then too, right boss?” Her blue eyes sparkled innocently.

“Shit, can’t argue with that. Aki is definitely the brotherly sort. You should hear his childhood stories, such a perfect brother. It’s why Eri can’t leave him. But... asking a siscon like Aki if you can be his sister is like throwing yourself to the wolves! I won’t allow it!” She crossed her arms in denial.

“I’d just like to make clear I’m not actually a siscon, I just care like any good brother...”

“Denied! Siscon levels off the charts!” Shiro crossed her arms again.

At that, Suzu-san laughed until tears were streaming down her face. “Oh. Em. Gee. I really needed that. Thanks boss, Akio-kun. You’re really good together, aren’t you?”

Shiro flushed at that, muttering that of course we were.

“Seriously, I left my parents a note saying I was running away. I paid for the tickets in cash and didn’t fly straight to Japan. Sure, dad has connections, he’ll know I’m in Japan somewhere, but... I’m not going back. Not ever. Besides, I came here to be an idol, and that’s what I’ll do. And the fact I got my powers here proves it was meant to be, right?”

Dilemma. Bunta-san committed some crimes, but stealing from the yakuza and fighting them in self-defence aren’t unforgivable sins. He can easily atone by putting his Favour to use. Arisu-san... sure, she killed Daizen-san, but the circumstances were... difficult. It’s hypocrisy, but I don’t want to blame her for it. Suzu-san... ugh, her family must be worried, despite what she says. But if we try and press her, she could run from us too. No, far better we keep her safe for now...

“What’s up, Akio-kun? You look sad.” She queried, and I shrugged.

“Just thinking. So, Suzu-san...” at her scowl, I changed my address. “Suzu. I don’t know what to do about your family situation, but I do know this. As a brother or not, I don’t want a young girl like you to be all alone. You’ve survived until now, and sure, you have your Favour, but that won’t save you from every danger. Join with me, and I’ll see that you’re safe.”

“So, just what’s a vassal entail? I can’t do anything that’d ruin my image, so nothing lewd!” she insisted with a smile, teasing me. “I also have a request I want fulfilled, no matter what! If you can do that, I don’t mind following the boss into your care. It’ll be like old times, no, better! I like you way more than Master Raven already!”

Damn, she’s so exuberant. The way she punctuated most of her sentences with cheerful emotion was quite tiring to listen to. “Basically, you retain your Territory, but I and my allies can freely enter and leave it, and I can impose a tithe of resources and have a significant sway in how you develop it. In exchange, I’ll always protect it and you, and help you grow.”

“He will. Haru’s already hit Rank 3 in no time at all thanks to his largess.” Shiro added. “I’m totally not jealous, despite the fact it’s down to my sweet, sweet buffs!”

“I see. So... I guess it’s time to test you, Akio-kun. Or do you prefer big brother?”

“Akio-kun is fine.” I said dryly. “What do you want?”

“There’s a big charity concert and event being put on for the victims of Kyoto, right? It was on the news. Red and White will be there, as well as AKB0048 and loads of other groups. So... I need to perform!” She declared, hands on her hips, leaning forward. “It’s the chance of a lifetime! My debut, in front of Japan, no, the world!”

“Are you insane, Suzanne-san?” Arisu-san said coldly, and at her look of confusion, she sighed. “Even if that was possible, getting an unknown onto such a stage, which it is not, you are a missing person, an international runaway. You would be found instantly!”

That’s what I was going to say! “Yeah, getting you on the bill wouldn’t be that hard, at least, not for an opening slot or something like that, after all, it was my suggestion anyway...” at that, Suzu was gaping at me. “But Arisu-san is right. If your parents are looking for you, they’ll find...” I trailed off.

You have gained a Vassal Territory. Your Class, Conqueror, has increased from level 16 to level 17.

“I’m your vassal now, right? You said you’d protect me from anything, right? And you said you weren’t a liar!” she pointed out triumphantly. “Therefore you have to prevent my parents dragging me back home. I don’t want that sort of life! I’m happy here and now, Suzu, the magical girl idol, heading her own group! Can’t you see this was meant to be?”

Damn, such a pain. It isn’t that I don’t sympathise, and I know she’s better off under our protection, but... I feel bad for her family. Even if they were uninterested and neglectful, there’s no way they aren’t distraught that she’s ran from home at such an age. I imagined what I would do if it was my sis and shuddered. “Fine. We can discuss the finer details later, but... for now, you do need an adult to protect you.” I concentrated, and could feel her Territory, not too far from Akihabara. Why am I not surprised? It was tiny though. Rank 2, definitely, but it looked like she had focused on a small patch of land. Bunta-san’s is Rank 2 as well. I’d imagine most are. Though Tan and Arisu-san are probably in a position to make the breakthrough any time they think it’s safe.

“This really was a stupid way to get a vassal.” I remarked, and Suzu and Shiro laughed at that.

“Well, at least now we’re all united as one!” Shiro declared, just in time as a series of delightful desserts arrived. “Sure, there are problems to sort out and promises to keep, but they can wait. Besides, tonight’s the night...” she glanced at me shyly, face turning pink.

“So cute!” Suzu laughed. “Boss can be scary, but she can be cute too!”

“We’ll discuss the growth plan for your Territories soon. And get you registered with the Ministry so that should cut down on future trouble.” Legally speaking, if America finds out that a runaway underage citizen of theirs is a Chosen, they’ll do anything to get her back. So for now we need to be cautious...

“Before that, we should enter the other world, the Boundary.” Arisu-san said. “I would give you a token, so you can summon me.”

“Oh yeah.” Shiro remarked. “Arisu’s Favour is awesome. She’s made little chunks of her ability that give off a sound her ability can pick up. Well, not really a sound, more a distortion in space. That way she can come fetch you with her Room when you need her!”

“That sounds very useful.” I guess Arisu-san is another genius who’s got high affinity with her Favour. “But if possible, there are a few others I’d like you to give one of those too. It’d help us all out...”

She gave me a flat look, but nodded. “Very well. I remember where your Territory is. I can go there later.”

“Great, how about tomorrow? We need to meet anyway to discuss just how we are going to go about clearing your name.” She raised any eyebrow at that, surprised, and I chuckled. “Well, I’m not going to take my time. I want our relationship to be rock solid, built on trust, so I’ll get people moving on it as soon as we work out exactly what you want. But not tonight. As after this...” my gaze went to the still flushed Shiro. “... we have a date.”