On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor Three Hundred And Nineteen

Three Hundred And Nineteen

Aimi-chan was the first to move, racing over towards us. Reaching out she reached for Shiro’s hand, only to realise her arm was dangling limp, covered by the sleeve of her jumper. Left hanging, frozen, Shiro gave her a gentle smile, reaching out with her good hand and taking Aimi-chan’s. “Glad you could make it.” Shiro said, her smile disguising her pain.

Aimi-chan’s mouth flapped silently, as she struggled to speak. Next up was Hayato-san, who was trying to calm things down and lead as usual. “Aimi-chan, please calm down. I get why you’re upset, and… well, it does look worse than you’d said…” he looked over Shiro, shaking his head. “… but Shiro seems all right?”

“Trust you to get to the heart of things, Hayato.” Shiro praised him. “Co on Aimi, there’s no need for this. I get it’s shocking, but like Hayato says, I’m alive, I’m happy. No big deal, right?” she smirked, before turning to . “Aki, say sothing. This is where you step up, right? A princess needs her loyal knight in these circumstances.”

Shaeula snorted loudly in amusent, and that broke the stillness. Yasu-san was next to speak, looking flabbergasted. “What the hell’s going on, Akio-kun? First I get a tearful call from Aimi-chan, saying sothing bad happened to Shiro. I tried getting more details, but she was totally hysterical. Then Hayato calls, calming the situation, saying we needed to free up our schedules for Saturday.” He shrugged, clearly irritated. “Then I get a call from sobody I’ve never t, saying that transportation and the venue for Saturday has been arranged…” he mimicked a snooty voice, and I could see Hinata was smiling broadly, as amused as Shaeula. “… and then what pulls up but a damn swanky limousine! And this restaurant… it’s top class, right? And why is there nobody here but a load of pretty girls?” he paused. “Well, pretty girls and you!”

“Aimi, take a seat. You can sit next to .” Shiro pulled her down to an open seat on her other side. “Hina, you can sit there.” She nodded towards a pair of open seats, next to Motoko.

“Shiro… are you… really all right?” Hina-chan managed. Aimi-chan had sat down, overwheld, still looking at Shiro with teary eyes.

“Look, that’s why we are here. To talk.” Hayato-san said reasonably, guiding Hina-chan to the seat. Shugo-san had sat down at another open seat silently, face pensive, but Yasu-san was still standing there, pressing us for answers.

“What the hell happened, and why are you here with Akio-kun, Shiro? And who are all these girls?” he continued. As he looked around, he noticed Eri in her wheelchair, and paused for a mont. “She looks familiar. Wait, isn’t she the girl from the pictures you always show us when drunk? Eri-chan, right?”

There was a sudden scraping of a chair against the floor, and suddenly one of the girls over on my sister’s table stood up. “Stop embarrassing , cousin Yasu!” a voice dripping with sha said, and we all looked over to see Takagi-san standing up, face flushed. “Why don’t you sit down and listen, rather than running your mouth for once!”

“I thought I recognised you over there, Hisano-chan, but I thought I was mistaken. Why would you be in such a place?” Yasu-san replied, his montum derailed. “It’s not like you have any money. My uncle is poor as dirt.” He froze for a mont, brain working. Taking a look around at all the young girls, his eyes went wide. “No way, are you doing compensated dating, Hisano-chan? You’ll break uncle’s heart if he finds out.”

“What do you think?” my sis said proudly, as she patted the shoulder of the Golden Warrior as it brandished a heavy-looking battle-axe. “If you think this is so sort of prank show, how do you think this works?” she winked.

“CGI?” Yasu-san muttered, only for Aimi-chan to shoot him down, surprising herself.

“No way, they used that excuse in the School Festival Arc in Negima. You said it was stupid when we discussed it, right, that nobody in their right mind could ever believe that? No… this, it has…” she stood slowly, reaching out gingerly. Her hand paused, withdrawing, before she swallowed, eyes glittering with tears, and touched the statue, surprised to feel genuine tal. “It’s not CGI. It’s real. It’s real.”

“It sure is. Nice demonstration there, Ai.” Shiro approved. Monts later her hair was blazing red, flaming sparks scattering, her single orb burning crimson. “I can do cool stuff too.” Shiro grinned. “So, I’m kind of possessed by a God…”

All eyes went to , and I nodded. “Well, I’m not going to show off, but obviously, too.”

“No. Bloody. Way!” Yasu-san was saying, and Shugo-san was nodding, similarly poleaxed.

“It’s… Hina-chan, Hayato-kun, it’s real!” Aimi-chan was repeating that like a broken record. Gingerly, Hina-chan also reached out, grabbing the golden tal skirt, running her fingers over it. Hayato-san was rely frowning, thinking about sothing weighty.

“Hey, Aiko…” Eri said then, her tone… rather strange.

“Yes?” she answered, and her face was a touch red, her eyes swimming.

“Do tell . Why the hell does this Golden Warrior look just like ?”

“Uh, well… it’s a tribute? To my best friend and the cutest girl in the whole wide world?” she offered.

“I do not-not think Eri finds it pleasing. I believe she is embarrassed, and that excuse will not-not suffice!” Shaeula laughed, and Shiro agreed, flaming hair swaying as she chuckled.

“No shit. I’ve not exactly known her long, but Eri’s got a yandere soul. Best hope she doesn’t take her own axe to you…”

Golden Sister Army huh? Well, it makes sense now. I wonder, just what do they all look like together? As my old friends were shocked by the revelation of mysterious powers, Shiro t my gaze and grinned. “Well, this turned out pretty much like I expected, Aki.” Turning to Aimi-chan, she reached out, her hand brushing her cheek, wiping away tears. “See? I told you. Leave it to Aki. He’s got the best healer in Japan working on . This… this is just temporary.” She grinned. “But Aki and , we’re forever now. So we might as well celebrate!”

********

“Damn, this is bloody good!” a drunken Yasu-san was saying, tucking into a roasted duck, complete with a series of authentic Chinese sauces, glazes and side dishes. “I still don’t forgive you though, Akio-kun! Shit, your own harem!”

“Don’t be creepy.” Takagi-san declared. She had joined us at our table, since her cousin was here, and in exchange Eri had joined Aiko at her table, after grilling her about the Golden Warrior. “I’m surprised you are acquainted with Oshiro-san. If you’re smart, you won’t do anything stupid and upset him.”

“You hear that?” Yasu-san complained. “if only Hisano-chan was as cute and affectionate as your sister. When she was younger, she wasn’t so nagging. But when she started middle school, she changed. Must be at that age.”

“No, I think that’s just you being a disappointnt, Yasu.” Shiro chuckled. Aimi-chan was clinging on to her, as if not wanting to let her get away, and I exchanged a knowing look with Shugo-san. Yeah, seeing two girls who are so hot clinging to each other is quite a sight. Though it hits different for seeing as Shiro’s my woman now. Her hair was back to silver, and she was enjoying banter with the girls.

“Takagi-san’s a nice girl, she looks after her friends. Don’t be such a jerk.” I chided him, and he sniffed, annoyed.

“Oh co on, since when did you get to lecture … oh, well shit.” He looked around at the girls.

“Yeah, he’s got you beat. So, uh, is that maid outfit like an affectation, or…?” Shugo-san was fascinated by Hyacinth.

“Nooo, I live tooo serve Akio, and the other mistresses. It is what I dooo.” She explained again. “Nothing brings Hyacinth greater joooy!”

“Yes, she is a brownie, or at least-least she was. It is close enough.” Shaeula observed, drinking wine with great gusto, in-between bites of food. “So, as Akio was saying, this healer, she is most powerful. It shall be but-but a matter of ti before her wounds are healed.” She grinned. “I do not-not wish you to think that we all love and cherish Akio for base, feeble reasons.”

“I want to know how it happened. I an…” Hina-chan looked embarrassed as she glanced at Hayato-san. He’s been awfully quiet since the reveal. I wonder what he’s thinking. Hayato-san smiled back at Hina-chan, so she continued. “… when Hayato asked out, I was shocked. I never thought a plain girl like would catch the attention of Hayato. He was always popular. But the more ti I spent with him, the more I liked him.” She was blushing, and it was pretty cute. “So, how was it for you? I an, you always said you wouldn’t go for anyone that doesn’t have a billion in the bank, and… oh.”

Shiro had the grace to blush. “Well, shit. That’s a low blow Hina. When did you get so bold? Everyone’s changing so fast. Well, not Yasu, he’s still the sa old screwup. Now even his younger cousin is putting him down.” Takagi-san looked embarrassed at that. “Anyway…” she continued. “… yeah, I have a good reason to want a rich husband. My hospital bills and healthcare needs drove my parents to pretty much cut off. I still feel bitter about that, even if I understand it.” I reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. At that, Aimi-chan raised an eyebrow, making a quip about how smooth I was being.

“Of course he’s smooth. Aki’s been grinding those stats like a madman.” Shiro chuckled.

“Why do I get the feeling you an that literally?” Hina-chan giggled.

“I guess I do. Anyway, I guess Aki’s always carried a torch for , but I think he always thought I was out of his league. Well, I definitely score ten out of ten for looks and personality…”

“Uh, looks, definitely.” I said, and she giggled.

“Don’t lie, you love my personality too. Well, Hina, Aimi, Aki’s the sort who likes to look after girls, right? All his stories about his sister Ai, and Eri, they show that, don’t they? Well, I can’t say I enjoy being treated like a burden, I had enough of that when I was younger. It’s why I decided to go to University, even if it might have shortened my life. I wanted to live for once.” She let out a long sigh. “Well, I t you guys, and I found Uni was actually more fun that I thought. I was still bitter though. Why was I the one suffering like this? So then… well, I made a deal with a God…” she smiled, loving the way her friends were listening to her with rapt attention. “… and everything seed to be all right. But then, in cos Aki, having already mastered the path of a harem protagonist. Once he started two-timing Eri with Shaeula, well, the third is easier, and the fourth easier still, right?”

“I resent that remark.” I complained jokingly, but it was true. Well, I don’t regret it. Who could? But… I just have to make sure I always have enough ti, put in enough effort, to make sure they are all happy. If I do that, then nobody, not even myself, can complain. And I can’t say it won’t be fun. Even talking about such heavy subject matters, dinner with my girls and my friends was fun.

“Still true though, right?” she blinked at slyly. “Well, Aki took out on a very nice date. I was going to turn him down gently as thanks for everything, but he won over by being… well, surprisingly bold, and earnest. One thing Aki isn’t is a liar, right?” at their agreent, she finished. “… so when he proposed, making an engagent ring on the spot out of a spoon…” she showed if off, smirking. “… you know, I thought… what the hell am I hesitating for? I realised that Aki had been one of my only friends, and he’d always been thinking of . Besides, he’s hot and rich now. It helps. Sharing… well, it’s not so bad. Beats being lonely, right? Anyway, after that, stuff happened, I got hurt… but it’s in hand. So no more tears, unless they are tears of joy. Be happy for , for us, okay?”

“I can’t say I approve.” Aimi-chan spoke up. “I know we love manga and ani, harems and everything like that. But that’s fiction. I just worry you’ll end up getting hurt. I an… look at you!”

“Aimi, I’m not a child. You might be my senior, but I can make my own decisions. And I decided I love Aki, and he loves . If in the end, I get hurt, well, right now I’m enjoying being in love. I’ll love it more when my scars finally heal and I can finally…” she flushed, and Aimi-chan gasped. “Oh co on. You’ve got a boyfriend, don’t tell you haven’t been teasing him with that sexy body of yours.” She pulled her hand free from mine and grabbed Aimi-chan’s chest, giving it a squeeze. She squealed, darting away.

“Well, that’s… not sothing to talk about in company.” She said primly.

“Well, I don’t mind talking about it. I know Aki’s been… fucking…” she said the word proudly, chest puffed out. “… Eri, Shaeula and Hyacinth. Sotis all three at once, right?” she laughed like a dirty old man, and the old, familiar Shiro made my heart ache happily.

“It is quite-quite true. Nothing can beat combining both body and spirit, becoming one, and sharing that with sisters you love and trust…” Shaeula grinned wolfishly. “… well, I do indeed pity those who do not-not have such love in their lives. Shiro, I look forward to a long-long life, sharing joys and triumphs together.”

“I swear, this is the worst day of my life.” Yasu-san said, still determined to eat and drink as much as possible, while his exasperated cousin looked on. He turned to her. “So, why did you get mixed up in all this, you little minx? What does uncle and auntie know? Are you so sort of magician too? Or are you gunning for his harem? Ugh, no way! My little cousin, who used to be so innocent, making eyes at older n.”

“Co on Yasu-kun, there’s no need for that.” Shugo-san criticised him. “Jealously is an ugly thing. There’s no need to take it out on a relative.”

“Shut it! You have a hot teacher girlfriend, don’t think I’ve forgotten. Anyway, you didn’t answer !” he pressed Takagi-san.

“Of course I’m not powerful.” She sighed. “In fact, I don’t really know why I’m involved. I’m not special like Izumi-san or Maiko-san. All I wanted to do was make sure that Maiko-san wasn’t bullied.”

“Well, I do not-not regret it.” Shaeula grinned. “I confess, I thought it rather-rather amusing to grab Kana’s friends, and you happened to be there, Hisano. It is a chance few-few will have, and it cos with many benefits. As for seeking Akio’s favour, I suspect you have no interest in that, but…” she grinned. “Should you ever change your mind, co seek-seek out.”

“So it was you? Corrupting my cousin?” Yasu-san howled, and Shaeula rely laughed in his face.

“This is all very well.” Hayato-san said, breaking his long silence, drawing all eyes to him. “Akio-kun, Shiro. If you are happy with each other, then who are we to say your relationship is wrong? I’m sure as your friends we’ll support you, and if it does end badly, we’ll help pick up the pieces, right?” he looked around, and everyone nodded, even Yasu-san, who stopped arguing with Shaeula and his cousin for a mont.

“Thanks Hayato. I appreciate it. Aki and I, we were pretty worried you’d get upset and mad with us. We don’t want that.”

“Upset? Mad?” his voice was hard. “You’re damn right I’m mad. Aimi-chan too. I didn’t tell Hina what was going on, because I knew it’d be too upsetting for her. Sorry darling.” He said, and she nodded in understanding.

Ugh, I thought Hayato-san would understand. I’m a bit shocked. Still, I had no right to complain, and taking their anger and frustration was the least we could do.

“You never told us anything.” He declared, surprising . Wait, it’s about that? “Money, power, won, fa, whatever. I get that you seem to be in a different world now, Akio-kun, Shiro. I’m not greedy, I don’t care about money so long as Hina and I have enough to get by. Power, we don’t need it. Won… well, sorry to say this, but my darling Hina is enough for .”

Way to make feel bad… “I see.” I managed.

“But… friendship. That matters.” He declared.

“It does.” I agreed. “And I value ours.”

“So excuse if I feel aggrieved that you put yourselves in danger without asking for help. Are we so unreliable?” he looked at the girls chatting and enjoying the Chinese food, including Daiyu, who was feasting with quite so relish.

“Yes, I hate this!” Aimi-chan agreed. “Why didn’t you say sothing Shiro? Anything? You disappeared without saying anything at all! Don’t you know how worried we were?”

“Yes, we’re your friends, Shiro.” Hina-chan joined in. “We may have graduated, and so we don’t get to spend as much ti together as we’d like, but… weren’t our nights out in Akihabara fun, even for the short ti you managed to stay awake? Yasu-san would make a crude joke, Aimi-chan would see hot guys and fantasise about them together, Akio-san would say sothing witty…”

“Damn right.” Yasu-san agreed. “Ugh, sorry man. I know you wouldn’t do anything to Hisano-chan. I think.” He imdiately backpedalled, to an amused laugh from Shaeula. “Well, I never would have thought you’d be able to cheat on your childhood friend, with our princess of all girls.” He said defensively. “So how can I be totally sure? Ugh, yeah I get it, I can read the mood just fine!” he said defensively under everyone’s glares. “Seriously, you’re like a brother to . You and Shugo-kun and Hayato-kun. The girls are like sisters too. They have to be, they’re all taken now…” he sighed. “It hurts that the sort of world we used to dream of, you never let us know about.”

“Well, it’s not all fun and gas. There’s danger everywhere, and…” I began, only for Shugo-san to interrupt.

“That would be more convincing if you didn’t bring us to a room full of schoolgirls. Co on, Akio-kun.” He shook his head, irritated. “If we were keeping secrets from you, wouldn’t you be pissed off?”

“They’ve got you there, Aki!” Shiro agreed, only to face the brunt of their anger next.

“Yeah, not this ti Shiro.” Shugo-san declared. “I’m even more mad at you.”

“? Why?” She said, and Aimi-chan reached out, gripping her good arm with a tight death-grip.

“Why, you ask? And here I was thinking you’re a genius, Shirohi.” The way she said it gave chills. “Setting aside the injuries that make want to cry just looking at them, since you both say it’ll be fine… it better be!” her grip tightened.

“Uh, Aimi, that is kind of uncomfortable…” Shiro protested, but she was ignored.

“Forgetting how much you’ve worried us, you didn’t even confide in Akio-kun, did you? You tried to carry this all alone. You. Our fragile little princess. How many tis have we carried you ho, unable to move?” Hina-chan was nodding too, expression surprisingly stern.

“And you think you can handle it all alone, not relying on your friends?” Aimi-chan persisted.

“Yes. That’s what is so frustrating. I’m no fool. Even if we consider your injuries an accident, as you said, what about your childhood friend?” Hayato-san hod in on the weakness in our argunt. “If the so-called terror cult incident all over the news was related to you, then… did you idiots even think?”

“It wasn’t as if…” I began, and Shiro was trying to look innocent.

“I wasn’t there, don’t bla !” she said, only to be silenced by the piercing looks from our friends.

“I suppose I should have expected this.” Hayato-san sighed. “Akio-kun, you don’t like to bother other people, and you tend to watch out for Shiro. And as for you…” he looked at Shiro, who actually shrank under his gaze. “… I get it. You hate being weak, and always relying on us. But Shiro, Akio-kun, that’s just insulting. Friends are ant to be relied on. So from now on… no more secrets. If you two are going through sothing hard, we want to help, right?”

“Right!” everyone agreed, and I could hear Shaeula expressing her appreciation for their sentints.

“See, Akio?” She smirked. “Have I not-not been telling you that more allies is a good thing? Besides, your friends, you do not-not wish them to be a weakness for you, do you?”

I couldn’t argue with that, and neither could Shiro. We looked at each other, and then stood, bowing apologetically.

“Sorry guys. We should have been honest sooner. Though, at least cut us so slack, it’s pretty hard to talk about.”

“Yeah, there’s always the worry you would have thought we’d gone crazy.” Shiro sighed. “I’m not spending my remaining days locked up in an asylum, that’s not how the tale of this beautiful princess ends!”

“In that case, well, the night is still young, right?” Hayato-san took charge, just like old tis. “You can fill us in on just what’s at stake, and what we can do. Well, the timing is bad at the mont, work was just taking off, but… friends co first, right darling?”

Hina-chan smiled back at him. “That’s right. After all, Shiro, Akio-san, I’d be sad if you suddenly disappeared.”

“Well, now that’s settled…” Yasu-san said, glass of wine in hand. “When do I get my harem? Hey, ouch… when did you get so strong, Hisano-chan? I think you broke my arm…” as her slap sent Yasu-san tumbling to the floor, rubbing his shoulder, laughter broke the tension for a mont. All right then. Yes, there’s a lot to discuss. But I do feel like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders… and looking at Shiro, who smiled sweetly at , I knew she felt the sa…