Three Hundred And Eighty-One

Three Hundred And Eighty-One

After the meeting with the Fae, I had to return to the Material several times to deal with a few matters. Shaeula stayed behind to help Daiyu accumulate more High Spirit Water, and Shiro was giving out her buffs like sweets. Jack and Evelyn had been spending the day enjoying Tokyo before they would be flying out to Nishimorioka tomorrow, and they had also been introduced properly to Eri, which had been amusing. I can’t believe just how much mom was talking about Eri to them. Apparently she has been for years. Eri was so embarrassed when she heard that.

I had been too. My mom and auntie Mori had always joked about us ending up together, but perhaps they weren’t jokes, after all, and they had really expected it. And in the end, they were right, though nobody ever expected things to be like this. Eri had finished up her remote work and would join me back in the Boundary later when Kana got back from school, while Jack and Evelyn were accompanied out by Karen-chan and several members of the Black Wolf Company for security, letting them enjoy Tokyo while they were here. it’s a bit of a break for Karen-chan too, she’s had it tough while I was away.

With that done, I was now back in the Boundary, the rest of the Black Wolf Company gathered. As usual, Aliyah was taking the lead, addressing me sourly, though by now I was used to her bluster, knowing that was just her way, and that she didn’t really mean her insults so much as they were reflexive. “So, boss.” she said dryly, arms crossed under her massive chest. Like the others, she was now wearing matching black armour, similar to the Twilight Brigandine, but of lower standard, more mass-produced. “You really made a scene in Britain, didn’t you?”

“That he did.” Shiro laughed from beside me, a touch of exhaustion on her face from her labours, though she still looked proud. “Aki came, he saw, he conquered.”

“Conquered what?” Aliyah scowled. “Better not be any more women. Besides, from the spectacle of you on TV, looks like you were doing some conquering yourself.”

“You think?” Shiro smirked. “But we certainly achieved what we set out to do. There’s no hiding it now. Not that you can hide the light of this princess, I was always going to shine!”

“You’re certainly gorgeous, but shit, your attitude stinks.” Aliyah complained. “You know, you two are made for each other.” She looked at us sourly, and Shiro burst out laughing, pleased.

“You’re exactly right. Aki and me, it was meant to be.” She agreed. “So, enough about our escapades, fill us in. We’ve heard good things, right?”

I nodded. “Kana told me you’ve been mastering earth element well, and have even started organising into teams to prepare for training others. I’m impressed.”

“It somehow sets my teeth on edge getting praise from you.” Aliyah sighed, but at a look from her brother, she nodded, her hair beads jingling softly. “Yeah, a number of us have mastered it. Of course we have.” She let out a surge of red energy, and the ground below her spat out a number of bullet-like projectiles. “We’re the best. Professionals. Some might say the army is better trained than us mercs... sorry, I forget, we’re... uh, what the hell are we now Trey?”

The big man shrugged. “I’d say we’re still a PMC. Just... we’re never allowed to break contract now, right?” he looked at me, and I shook my head.

“Maybe in the future, when you’ve paid your debts and things have changed, but you know too much right now and have benefitted from our expertise, when really, you should be still under arrest.”

“Don’t I know it? Man, this situation is all kinds of strange, but...” his own ruby energies surged, and a spire of rock formed, which he tore from the ground, the edge gleaming sharp, like knapped flint. “... can’t argue with results, can we? Though sis and I aren’t the best...” he admitted. As he said those words, the eyes of the company turned to stare at Luciana, who was standing a little shyly to attention, her somewhat diminutive status belying her fighting skills.

“Well, it is... I just feel la tierra, the ground, the soil.” She said softly. “It speaks to me. I hear the sussuros, whispers of the stone. It is quite... enjoyable.” Her smile was pretty, and I noticed a number of the men in the company eyeing her. Supressing my own smile, knowing she was the sort of girl who would be very popular in such a male-dominated field, I asked her to demonstrate, my Eye shining.

“Come, la tierra!” she called, and the red glow surrounded her, as well as the silvery glow of aether. She was using both together, and the soil beneath her feet melted like wax, flowing up over her body, forming a sort of armour. It solidified, but retained a strange sort of elasticity, almost as if it was still molten. Like tar, maybe? I was certainly impressed though, such a working required real skill in visualisation and elemental manipulation. Aether manipulation as well, if she’s using it to make up for her shortfall in other areas...

“So, I’m curious...” Shiro said, nodding. “Is that purely defensive or...”

“Why don’t you show the princess here...” Aliyah snorted, teasing Shiro. “... what you can do, Luciana? Show them that the Black Wolf still has fangs and claws, even in this new bullshit world.”

“Si, I will do it.” She nodded, before leaping off the ground far higher than she should have been able to manage. My Eye caught that the muddy armour was pushing on the ground, boosting her force. As she leapt the stone around her arm elongated, forming a blade, the edge not merely flint-like, but glittering darkly like obsidian, balefully sharp. Her other hand pointed, and chunks of the armour formed small bullets, which she discharged at the rate of a machine pistol. She then landed, and her armour rippled, dispersing the impact, allowing her to roll into another combat pose. She tossed her stone knife, and more formed, leaving her dual wielding in traditional combat stance.

“I see.” I clapped my hands, my Eye having followed her movements. “Yeah, that is impressive. Though you shouldn’t get cocky, it’s much more draining to use such abilities on the Material.”

“Yes, I agree.” Luciana nodded, and her armour dispersed, hardening and flaking off her like mud, leaving her brushing dust off her combat uniform. “In training, I can not manage the armour. But un poco, a little...”

“She’s still more than capable of using a knife.” Aliyah grinned. “Our cat here has her claws.”

“I confess, I have received great help from las gemelas, the two girls.” Luciana told us. “And el phantasma. To think I would be working with a ghost.” She crossed herself. “But they make it so clear, so easy to understand. Only a fool would fail to learn, no?”

At that some of the mercenaries shifted restlessly, and Aliyah grinned. “You heard her, you maggots! Those of you who can’t even manage what some damn schoolgirls can had better pull your heads out of your fucking asses and get it done, or Trey and I will drum you out for being useless wastes of oxygen.”

“Yes boss!” the men shouted.

“I can’t hear you. Louder!” Aliyah shouted back.

“We said yes boss, sorry boss!” they chorused.

“My sis might be a bit foul-mouthed, but she’s right.” Trey said, addressing the troops. “We have to uphold the Black Wolf. You don’t want the soldiers to show us up, do you?” As they replied in the negative, Aliyah shook her head again.

“The world’s mad. Shit, we’ve tested it, and Luciana’s armour can block stabs, bullets and more. Maybe she can’t use it properly outside of this madhouse...” she looked around us. “... but that’s just for now, right?”

“Yes, as the Boundary gradually dissipates, ether density will rise, and there’ll be less resistance...” I agreed.

“When that happens, those who can’t do this will just be like kids playing at soldiers. Sure, it won’t be stopping RPG’s or other heavy weapons, but it’s not like urban warfare can just become a shitshow of collateral damage. The battlefield may still be dominated by firepower, but urban warfare, suppression operations, security... assassination... all of it is going to be ruled by people like our little Luciana here.” she paused for a moment. “Although against monsters like you pair, or your little blonde tyrant, she still has about as much chance of success as a fucking ice cube does of putting out a bonfire.”

“A monster? Me? Rude.” Shiro pouted. “I’m a gorgeous princess, not a monster.”

“Sure you are.” Aliyah chuckled. “Don’t take it so personally.”

“We’re getting off-topic.” I said, changing the subject a little. “So Kana was telling me you’ve been helping out with the training of the newcomers. I appreciate that.”

“She’s a clever one.” Aliyah agreed. “Pretty too. Wasted on you.” She snorted, showing her irritation. “Even without this Chirurgery, we’ve still been running through the exercises and a few other bits for orientation. Give them a head start. Though some of those brats are lucky I didn’t knock them on their asses. Pretentious shits.” As Aliyah grumbled about some of the new trainees, Shiro and I exchanged amused glances. Yeah, I expect that noble sons and daughters would find our brash American friends a bit of a culture shock, especially with such weird training on top...

********

“Akio, I’ve missed you!” Hinata ran into my embrace, so I lifted her up and spun her around, smiling at her impish expression. Motoko and Natsumi followed behind her, also smiling, but showing more noble poise.

“Hinata, you should be less shameful. You’re a Takatsukasa now. Unmarried girls don’t do that, even with their fiancé.” A stern voice said, and I saw that the three of them hadn’t come alone. Mayumi-san was there, as well as Miyu-san, and surprisingly enough the speaker, Sakura-san, who was lecturing Hinata even as she was in my arms. There’s the bodyguards too of course, though they are wisely pretending they don’t see or hear anything. Even Kazumi-san is doing that, though she’s looking at me wryly.

“Oh, do you think so?” Hinata retorted. “Motoko, Natsumi, don’t you want to hug Akio? It’s been nearly two weeks for you as well. Though I’m still jealous that you had such an amazing trip with him. Even you, Miyu.”

“Don’t pull me into this, please.” Miyu sighed, but she turned to Sakura-san. “Please excuse Hinata’s excitement. She has missed him, and only wishes to show her affection. It is only us here, surely you can forgive her?”

As I put down Hinata, Motoko approached me, and she held out her arms too. I gave her a hug, and then Natsumi was there, equally as eager. After hugging her, I turned to Sakura-san and apologised. “Sorry about that. But like Miyu said, can’t you let it slide? I’m happy to see everyone myself.”

“I would hope so. You’ve been busy playing with foreign Princesses and dignitaries.” Hinata took my arm, ignoring the teasing laughter from Shiro, who enjoyed the feeling of superiority. “And I have missed out on... other things too.” Motoko blushed, looking down, while Natsumi placed a hand over her mouth, giggling.

“That’s Aki’s fault, no question. Though I get it. You do reek of crime, Hinata.” Shiro pointed out.

“That’s hardly fair. I got engaged to Akio before you did, and it’s been approved by my parents and also by Fujiwara-sama, Kira-sama and grandfather Itsuki.”

“Don’t call grandfather so casually.” Sakura-san complained, only for Mayumi-san to step in.

“This is all very well, but we have more important things to do today.” she said gently, nodding at me reassuringly, which surprised me a little. “Sakura-san, I know it’s hard for you the way things have changed, but you need to adapt. Besides... you don’t really hate Hinata as much as you pretend.”

“Come on Aki, this isn’t the time for flirting. Sure, she’s attractive, but enough is enough. Eri will murder you in your sleep!”

“I’m not flirting! You know I take friendship seriously. Just like I’m doing for Arisu-san, or I would for Hayato-san or any of the gang.”

“Yeah I know. Shit Aki, I’m not so shallow.” She puffed out her cheeks cutely, annoyed. “Just trying to lighten the mood.”

“I see.” Mayumi-san looked at Hinata, who shrugged. “I appreciate that, Akio-kun. You may not be born noble, but you are certainly gentlemanly at times. I might take you up on that. Though for now, all I want is our factory to start working!”

“So, you see where I’m going with this?” I said, looking at Sakura-san. “You’re Hinata’s relative. Therefore I want you to be happy too, and for you and Hinata to be friends. For Hinata’s sake, obviously. She can’t be truly happy unless you reconcile. And for your sake too. So... how can I make that happen?”

“Akio...” Hinata murmured, touched.

“I don’t know what you mean.” Sakura-san said, defensive. “Just like my grandfather, father and mother, and my little brother, I’ve accepted Hinata as my sister. After all, that is the way of nobility. Adoption happens and is respected. My thoughts on the matter are irrelevant.”

“Accepting is one thing, but you said you’d not hold back. Your thoughts are relevant.” I pressed. “What do you want?”

“I don’t know!” she shot back. “All I know is I don’t want this! It isn’t fair! I hate that I feel so inferior to everyone!” her red eyes were now brimming with tears. “I was respected, yes, the girls at Hanafubuki showed me deference, but I know I was always being compared to Mayumi-sama, to Miyu-sama. Even to you, Hinata! Takatsukasa house is empty, only our history remaining! You don’t understand what that’s like, Hinata!”

“No, I don’t.” she agreed. “But you don’t understand me either. I couldn’t even be compared. I was beaten before I started. You don’t expect me to feel sorry for you who had everything I wanted, do you?”

“Of course not!” Sakura-san was heating up. “But you think I have it easy? Everything you do reflects on me, on Takatsukasa house! Like it or not, we are still family!” she was shouting now.

“Yes, I feel a bit bad.” Hinata said, a touch chastened by her harsh words and obvious distress. “I wasn’t trying to cause trouble.”

“It’s obvious to me...” I broke in, my tone low and soothing. “... that the past was painful. But that doesn’t matter. The past is the past. Hinata, you want to be true family with Sakura-san, right?”

“I do. Especially if I was in the wrong. If Motoko says so, I believe her.”

“I do not say you were wrong. But you were perhaps not best placed to understand Sakura-sama’s burdens.” Motoko said sadly.

“Sakura. You have no need to use such an honorific with me.” Sakura-san said, surprising us. “You will be married to him soon. He’ll be Takatsukasa heir through Hinata.” She looked at me, her expression unreadable. “It doesn’t matter what I say, that’s decided. As proved by the way Hinata took charge of the new nobles who will be joining us here.”

“Sakura...” Hinata began, but I cut her off.

“Hinata, Sakura-san, you’re both too stubborn. Look. Things are changing. Isn’t that right, Miyu?”

My vassal nodded. “Yes, I never could have expected things to turn out this way. I, a granddaughter of Fujiwara house, subordinate to a man, a common man at that. Common.” She laughed. “There’s nothing common about him, is there? I wouldn’t wish to change things. Not anymore.” She looked at me. “Things will change. Both here in Japan and abroad. And... we have to change with it. As we have been.”

“You’re right.” I approved. “This is when we decide the new form that Japan will take. Everything will change. From the top to the bottom of society, we’ll rewrite everything for the new world. So, Sakura-san... Hinata. It’s your chance. What do you want your new relationship to be? And if it has to be defined by the nobility, then... what do you want nobility to be?”

“Sakura-san loves traditional Japanese dance as well. She attends the same classes as I do.” Miyu spoke up. “It is why she’s here today. She’s been helping me as I Dance for the Returning Dawn.” Miyu said, a slight smile on her face, and I was struck by how she’d changed. When I first met her, the weight of her burden was crushing her, and she would even have chosen death rather than fight. Now...

“Is that so?” I asked, and Mayumi-san agreed.

“Yes, Miyu-san, Honoka-san and Sakura-san are all rather elegant. It’s not for me, I prefer business and trading stocks. Hinata too, right?”

Hinata agreed. “I’m not the graceful sort. But I have always appreciated traditional culture.” She smiled at Natsumi. “Your family makes the most beautiful furisode and yukata. And seeing Miyu dance is always soothing to the soul. Sakura... that’s nobility. What Fujiwara-sama and Kira-sama and grandfather want to preserve. Money or power. It doesn’t take an old, noble family to have those. But we can’t buy what is beautiful. I see it now. And sadly, Takatsukasa house has lost most of that.”

“I know. But...” Sakura-san replied. “... I was born to that house. I can’t let it end in my generation. Our ancestors... it would bring them to shame.”

“It won’t end though.” Hinata promised. “We won’t let it, will we, Akio?”

“No. Sakura-san, I might not understand the pressure you feel, but I know this. You’re my family. Just like your brother wants to be a hero, I’ll help you achieve your dream too. All you need to do is tell us what that is. Hinata will help too.”

“As will I.” Motoko promised.

“Me too.” Natsumi agreed.

“I guess I’m in. Though...” she released my arm she’d been holding and clipped my head with her hand, though it was more a comedic blow than one with any strength. “... I’m pretty sure I told you to stop flirting with other girls, Aki.”

“I’m not flirting.” I said for the second time today. “I know you know that!”

“Just having some fun. To be honest, I’m a bit nervous about what Arisu is going to say... be a man, Aki, let me work off some stress!”

“I’m sure she’ll be willing. After all, it’ll be her revenge at last.” I said, before turning back to Sakura-san. “So, we’ve taken quite some time here. Should we go? I’d be interested to see you dancing with Miyu.”

“I... I’m jealous of Hinata.” She said suddenly, surprising everyone.

“Jealous? Of me? Why?” Hinata spluttered, shocked.

“Because you’re free. No matter how people looked down on you, or how I rebuked you, you never changed. You never had to carry the weight of Takatsukasa house! The weight isn’t an easy thing!”

“I see. Isn’t that something.” Hinata laughed, bitterness in her voice. “I wanted what you had, and you wanted what I had. But I did change. Inside, I was getting hurt more and more. Until a chance fell in my lap...” She smiled at me. “...and I took it. So, Sakura... it’s your chance now. Akio doesn’t lie. He sees you as family. You are because you’re mine. So... just as he spoils his sister, he’ll help you if you ask him.”

“I don’t know what I want.” She admitted. “All I know is I hate the way things are now. It eats me up inside. I feel lost.”

“It sounds like what you need is purpose.” Motoko said. “Just as Natsumi and I have our weapons and our husband, you need something to strive towards, to cherish.”

“Yes. Find a dream, Sakura.” Hinata said, shaking her head. “Just like Minoru-kun has. He’ll be happier learning how to use these new abilities than shouldering Takatsukasa house. Leave that to me. I won’t... we won’t let it down.”

“A dream. I...” she trailed off, still unsure. I decided to draw the conversation to a close, clapping my hands.

She’s been honest. She’s spat out the true upset she has for Hinata in her heart. It’s all a mixture of jealousy, misunderstandings and the weight of this system of nobility. Minor things, really, but the heart is complicated. Minor things often hurt the most. After all, didn’t I estrange myself from Eri and my sis for similar stupid reasons? That’s why I can’t let it go. “How about this? We’re about to move into the next stage of development here. Motoko, Natsumi, it’s time to see just how far we can push Tsumura Arts.” As they smiled in happiness, I continued. “Not just that... Classes, elements, skills... we have new trainees, new opportunities. Sakura-san, we started with nothing here, now we are shaping Japan, no, the world. Whereas you, you’ve got a lot on your side. So... take your time, and when you know, reach for it.”

“Sorry. If I wasn’t thoughtful.” Hinata said finally. “But it wasn’t easy for me either.”

“Enough already.” Mayumi-san said, exasperated. “This is so foolish. You are just repeating my mistakes, Sakura-san, Hinata. I was wrong, I repented when it was made clear to me.” She smiled at me. “I’m having fun, supporting Ichijou house. You just need to find your fun, supporting Takatsukasa house. If it means that much to you, there are solutions.”

“There are.” Hinata agreed. “We’ve talked about them. And even if you wanted to start over, we’d help you. That was originally our plan, build an Oshiro house. But for now...” seeing I was impatient, Hinata smirked. “... I’m curious. About a lot of things. And I want to be stronger.” She winked at me. “Besides, Motoko and Natsumi have told me a lot of interesting stories...”

“Yes, we don’t want to be late meeting Arisu-san.” I agreed. If anyone can help us link the Ring Gates, Arisu-san can. After all, she’s got her Room... and after that... It was time for training to start in earnest, and not just for me, but for everyone...