Three Hundred And Twenty-Two / Side One Hundred And Fifteen – Shiratori Hiko, Shirohi
Entering the Boundary as soon as I raced into the ho Aki had built on the grounds of the modest Shrine, barely having ti to do more than throw myself onto the nearest bed, not caring about the ss or disarray of my hair and clothes, I found myself wondering if what I was about to do was the right call.
It is not like you to doubt yourself, princess. Though I do understand. The darkness in her is deep, and you would open…
Enough of that, Tan. It’ll be fine. And if not… putting my doubts aside I saw the form of Hyacinth, that strange maid who was always giggling to herself, her expression set with the sort of resolve I needed. She’s not laughing now. Her eyes are cold, and her expression is murderous.
“It’ll be all right.” I was broken out of my thoughts by Aki slapping on the back, sothing I could barely feel due to the strange outfit I wore. It’s not exactly cute, but… it is strong. Modelled on the outfit he had supposedly given the one called the Diviner, this Tsukiko… I’m not jealous he’s giving other girls clothes, I’m not. Besides, this is simply a protective gift, one Aki worked hard on, with help from the dwarves. Shit, I should be grateful…
If so, why are your cheeks so puffed? Are you jealous that he risks so much to save a girl that is not you, princess? After all, while he has protected many, the frantic sorrows he radiated, his cries of misery and loss when he feared you would die, you were secretly happy and proud, were you not? After all, is that not proof of his love?
All right, enough of that. I hate to think you’re right Tan, but yeah… I did feel special. But then… Swallowing down her nerves and doubts, I turned, giving Aki a bright smile, making sure to appear as beautiful as possible, still difficult with these scars, but as my single eye t his, once more admiring what a beautiful grey they were, I realised again his gaze held no revulsion, no pity, only love and a certainty I would heal. “Yeah, it will. However, the situation is still pretty grave, right?” I looked at Shaeula and Hyacinth, who were also donning the black, military-style combat suits made from strange tals and the dangerous vibrating feathers of so native birds of Kyoto. “If those two are changing out of their beloved outfits, it’s going to be brutal.”
“It is.” He agreed. “And I think you could sit this one out, if you wanted. It isn’t your…” I shut him up by pressing my lips against his. His eyes widened in shock, which made happy, but happier was the way he couldn’t help but twine his tongue with mine, kissing deeply. Damn, I feel hot, my head is going blank. And this is just kissing. Shit, I unfairly maligned all those lovestruck girls I called idiots for all these years. Who knew…
Focus. This is not the ti to be distracted. You have a request, foolish though it is. And I shall not be left out. I thirst, and of the abilities he has traced with this Book of Providence… oh how I wish I could drink deep of that one… there are so that I desire greatly, and one that would aid you. I shall have them all.
Pulling free, mouth still wet with his saliva, I put my good hand on my waist, adopting a stern pose. “It is my fight. Putting aside you promised Tan compensation, which now is the perfect ti to pay up, you asked to marry you, Aki. I don’t take that lightly. I said yes, despite knowing you were already with another girl. I’m not an idiot, am I? And neither are you. You should know what that ans.”
“I do.” He sighed. Shaeula was talking to several of the Kamaitachi, who were filling her in on the current situation through the gate. So of them are kind of cute. But that pair of bigger, angrier-looking ones are a bit frightening. No, I need to keep my focus.
“I guess we did agree to share our lives and everything we hold dear together.” He agreed. “It’s just… well, after what happened to the trainees, and Eri… I have faith I can fight, and…” he looked at Shaeula and Hyacinth, which pissed off.
“Hey, you’re talking to !” I grabbed his face, turned it around and kissed him again, quickly this ti, as I knew every second was precious. Even so, as a woman, there are so things more important than anything else. “I get that Shaeula is strong, and you’ve fought side by side for a long ti now. And Hyacinth… well, she’s like a walking war cri. So you don’t worry as much for them.” My lips quirked into a sly smile as Shaeula reacted at that, pouting much as I did earlier. I guess being too competent has its drawbacks.
How foolish. Ask him already. Ti marches on. I would not have our food and drink stolen from us by such delays. After all, once there, I should be able to sense our targets, using the Favour we consud before…
“I do still worry, of course I do.” Aki said the right thing, surprising , and Shaeula’s pout turned into a smile. “But… well, never mind.” He gave in. “Tan, keep her safe. My warning from before still applies. If Shiro dies, you’ll regret it, even if I have to take on your entire Pantheon!”
“How bold. But rest assured, I have no wish for defeat. My plans may have changed…” Tan stole my mouth, twisting it into a grin sohow both sly and lascivious. Ugh, I bet I look strange now. I’m embarrassed.
“… but my wish to protect her has not. Now, she has sothing to ask you. I know ti is short, so listen carefully, and choose wisely.” With that Tan relinquished , and I took a deep breath.
“Aki. Quickly. Do you trust ?”
“I do.” He answered, and his lack of hesitation thrilled .
“Great. Then… I’ll follow after you. You need to get there and take control of the battle as soon as you can, right? But first… can you give permission to bring soone inside your Territory?” This one’s what he calls Rank 3, and I can feel the strength of it. It would keep her out, I’m sure…
He glanced over at the important facilities near the Ring Gate, silver spires rising into the sky, glittering prettily. He then looked back at . Before he could speak, I offered more reassurance. “Don’t worry Aki. Nothing I do will disadvantage you, I’m sure. And… if I’m wrong, and sothing bad happens. I promise, I’ll endure whatever you suffer, just the sa. Even…” I could barely say it. it was flippant, but true. If she does turn on us here, I will fight, even to the death, before I let her hurt Aki’s Territory…
Ah, love. I must admit, experiencing it through your thoughts is quite the strange emotion. My other sisters took our rejection by the Buddha strangely. One drowns herself in pleasure with any she takes a fancy to, whilst the other shut herself away, playing only with other won. I, who kept aloof, have taken the wisest path, so I believed. But feeling your emotions, it is quite the entertaining, enlightening spectacle. Perhaps the reason I could not allure the Buddha as he passed by, was because I did not know love? Well, enough on that…
My thoughts with Tan were much faster than speech, so only a mont had passed as she reminisced, and I caught glimpses of ntal pictures of her sisters. Putting those aside, I continued. “… we share the sa fate, right? Isn’t that what marriage is? I don’t take it lightly, and I’m sure you didn’t ask to marry you without the confidence to shoulder that, Aki.”
More troops were forming up at the ring of mushrooms shrouded by ruby light. They were carrying strange objects and large barrels, but I paid that no mind, rely waited for Aki’s answer.
“I trust you Shiro.” He said, and his lack of hesitation made my heart ache, though the feeling was pleasant. “But…” his tone changed. “You think I’d ask you to share any cruel fate I suffered, no matter who’s fault it was? Idiot…” he said fondly, grabbing my cheeks and squishing them. I struggled, protesting, but I was too weak to break out of his grip. Damn Aki, nerdy you turned into a beast…
He then released . “Do what you need to. Now, I have to go. Our base is in Haru-san’s Territory, soone there should be able to tell you where we’ve gone. I’ll see you soon.” He kissed my forehead, and then called out to Shaeula and Hyacinth, as well as the young Chinese girl.
“Shaeula, Daiyu’er, Hyacinth, let’s go.” And with that they vanished through the portal, leaving touching my forehead idly. Aki, I already like you, there’s no need to be all cool and make my heart race. It’s annoying.
You are quite the fool, princess. But I do not hate it. Now, he is right, ti is pressing. Do what you need to do.
“You don’t have to tell twice.” I muttered, taking out the token I possessed. Aether trickled into it, and I felt a distant connection. Hey, with my better Aether Manipulation skills, as Aki called it, these things make a lot more sense to . Now I’m curious just how far I can go…
“Hey, Arisu. This is a damn ergency! Get over here now! I need everyone in the room!” Here’s hoping she can get in…
Monts later I felt the flow of aether change in the token I held. The air around shuddered, as if sothing was trying to force its way through. Clenching the token hard in my fist, I hoped it would be fine. Aki said I could let her in. Though we still don’t fully understand how these Territories work…
Monts later space warped, a black slash forming a doorway, and Arisu stepped out, her long black hair unbound and flowing, her gown a deep wine-red. Her expression was cold, her usual mask, but as she looked at , then around to where she was, the massive trees hanging over us, the constant stream of strange, animalistic troops coming and going, her eyes widened, so emotion showing for the first ti in a while, before her usual angry mask reasserted itself.
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