As everyoered big bro’s house, Mio- spoke up. “Well, now I’m sure of it, Kana-. That guy is totally into you. No question about it. I’m torn…”

  “I know just what you mean.” Asami- agreed as everyone was removing their shoes and pulling o slippers that Kana had purchased with some of the money big bro had given her.

  I ended up with a det amount of ge too. He hasn’t asked for it back. I don’t io be sly, but… it isn’t like he he money, and I could sure use it…

  “Yeah, I mean, he’s hot, and he seems he way he talked to Takagi-san, notig she wasn’t fortable with the group. Rich too, I guess. but… there’s the big problem, isn’t there?” she finished.

  “Yeah, or rather two big problems.” Mio- agreed.

  Ugh, I khis would happen. I hate being teased. I only agreed to this whole day so I could show off a my position in css. “Seriously, Big… Akio-kun isn’t ied in me. He’s doing business with my family shrihat’s it. Nothing else is going on.”

  “You call him big bro if you want.” one girl piped up, ughing. “You did earlier, after all.”

  “I want to call him big bro too!” Keomi- jumped in, with her usual boisterousness. “He’s really nice, he buys me and my friends cake every time we see him!”

  As Marika- also added her praise for Akio-kun, Kana tried desperately to ge the subject. “Sure, he’s det enough, I guess, but like I said, he has no i in me. Now, why don’t we go and have some fun… oh, Shaeu, there you are!” Kana finished, as she stepped out of the bedroom, wearing a very pretty yukata. It wasn’t the normal e oh the strange weasel-pattern she almost always wore, but a white oh e and golden blossom patterning, which set off her pale skin and amber hair and eyes perfectly. She must have ged while big bro was showing the girls around the grounds… I bet he bought that for her. It looks expensive…

  “Oh my God, she’s seous!” Noguchi-san excimed and Kana- sympathised. I get that. She’s a hard girl to pare yourself to. Sihe girls that weren’t her friends had goo the main shriher than this outbuilding, they hadn’t seen Shaeu yet, as big bro had picked them up himself. As the irls echoed Noguchi-san’s ses, Shaeu spoke up, amused.

  “I see-see. You feel that Akio has designs upon Kana, do you?” she snorted. “I fear that Akio is not-not oo seek out females. Instead, those that feel themselves worthy should strive to make him accept them-them.”

  “Look, I told you, I’m not…” Kana began again, but the irls had raced over to Shaeu, leaving her with Marika- and Keomi-. Oh, and Kikuchi-san, strangely enough.

  “So we didn’t ask before… oh, nice yukata by the way.” Mio- said. “But… seriously. You are dating that guy, right? No messing around?”

  “Dating? No-no.” Shaeu shook her head, flourishing her hand, upon which sparkled her e ring. “We are to be married soon enough.”

  Several girls were excited, but Takagi-san looked unvinced. “So, what about his childhood friend. Eri-san, he said.”

  “Of course, they shall be married as well-well.” Shaeu decred fidently. “I have great respect for Eri and her love for Akio. In my nds, a strong male or alluring female may have as many-many partners as they wish. I see no-no issue with this.”

  “Wait, are you a Muslim, or a Mormon then? You do look fn.” Noguchi-san asked, and Shaeu shook her head.

  “No, I am not-not such a being.” Shaeu denied.

  “Even so, there are ws in this try.” Takagi-san tinued, seeming to be very worked up about it. “There’s no w against having multiple girlfriends, even if it’s really scummy, but you ’t get married! Besides, don’t you feel sorry for his childhood friend? Does she even know about this?”

  I didn’t know Takagi-san could get so heated up. She was always a mousy, shy girl that kept to herself. Maybe I should have paid more attention to my other cssmates…

  “Of course she knows. Eri saw my love for Akio and together we-we asked him to accept us both. It was quite-quite romantic. As for ws… just what is a w? Are all-all your ws the same as they have always been?”

  “No, but…”

  “If it is required, Akio shall find a way-way, even if he must ge these ws of yours.” Shaeu decred grandly. “Anyway, enough of this. You are here for fun, are you not-not?”

  “That’s right!” Kana interrupted gratefully, turning down the heated atmosphere. “Enough quizzing Shaeu. If you want to ask her about Akio-kun you do it when ying around. e on Kikuchi-san, this way.” She reached out her hand and grabbed Kikuchi-san, pulling the surprised girl behind her, followed by Keomi- and Marika-.

  ***

  Kana sighed as her friends were rummaging around in Shaeu’s room, being rather rude. Seriously, I know Shaeu is surprisingly easy-going, but I wouldn’t let people look in drawers and cupboards in my room!

  “Wow… there’s a lot of clothes in here, but half of them are yukata. You must really like Japanese clothing, Shaeu!” Mio- called out, Shaeu sn in response.

  “I’m more ied in these.” Asami- had one draw open and was admiring the lingerie within. “Some of these are very sexy. Did you buy them to wear for Akio-kun?”

  Ugh, why are you calling him Akio-kun? You barely know him. Is it just to make fun of me? As Kana pouted, surprisingly enough it was Kikuchi-san who tried to sole her. Keomi- was stuffing her face with cake in the living room, and Marika- was watg her, being a good girl as always.

  “No-no, Akio bought them for me, though I have not-not had the opportunity to dispy them all for him.” Shaeu spoke to Asami- without embarrassment.. “Perhaps at the weekend. It is Eri’s birthday, so we are visiting his hometown. No doubt-doubt there will be ample time for love.”

  Damn, she’s so bold as always. My face feels hot. But at least Asami- got more than she bargained for!

  Indeed, Asami- shut the drawer with an audible sm and backed away, flushed. “Wow, you don’t look any older than us, but you are so adult.”

  “Well, I am-am a mature female.” Shaeu puffed out her modest chest proudly. “In any case, I need-o have a talk with Kana for a moment. Keomi and this Maiko too.”

  “Me?” Kikuchi-san asked, looking very nervous.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“I do not-not bite.” Shaeu reassured her. “But I assume you are aware of why Akio wished to speak to your father, are you not-not?”

  Kikuchi-san nodded, still wary. “I… I know. I know he saved my father. Even so…”

  “Saved, what?” Mio-, who was still in the room asked.

  We shouldn’t be talking about this in front of people who aren’t involved. Frowning meaningfully against Shaeu, who didn’t look particurly apologetic, Kana tried to smooth things over. “Don’t worry about it. Anyway, why not go hang out with the others for a bit? We won’t be long, right Shaeu?”

  “Indeed. We shall use Akio’s room.”

  Keomi- came st in, all the sugar from sweets and drinks making her hyperactive. “So, what’s up? I was losing, so I don’t mind taking a break…”

  Oh Keomi-… when will you act ye? “Shaeu wants to talk to us. It’s probably about… that.”

  “Oh yeah.” Keomi- nodded, her pigtails boung. “I never did thank big bro for letting me join in. My bad.”

  So now you are calling him big bro? Oh well, it’s not really any of my business, is it? Still, Kana was feeling a little annoyed. “Just e on. You too, Kikuchi-san.” As I ushered them all towards big bro’s bedroom, I had a sudden thought. Oh God, I hope they weren’t doing anything funny in there st night. No… no way. They wouldn’t… or at least they’d have ed up. Damn, why am I thinking about this? And it makes me really mad… damn Mori-san, I remember what she told me that time we met…

  “You… look rather angry all of a sudden.” Kikuchi-san said with a little whimper, and Kana realised she was grindieeth, fists ched.

  “Oh, sorry, sorry.” She apologised. “I was just remembering something really unpleasant.” up their lewd messes? Damn, Mori-san thinks she’s so important. If I wao seduce big bro, I’d do better than her. If of course. I totally don’t. I want a guy who dedicate his all to me. I deserve it. Still, it would be awesome to see the look on Mori-san’s face. I bet she’d cry…

  “Now you look even scarier…” Kikuchi-san whispered, her voiheard.

  As they passed the main living room, Mio-, Asami- and the irls were pying various video games or chatting while watg television, all the while snag away on the delicious treats that had been id out. Marika- was talking early with one of the snobby stuck-up girls in css, who Kana didn’t think would e, and seemed to be getting on quite well with her. I guess it is hard to dislike an ear, cute girl like Marika-.

  Still, as we crossed the threshold, Takagi-san saw us taking Kikuchi-san to another room and stood up, following us out. As she did so, Mio- and Asami- also excused themselves, and on seeing the door en to the bedroom, let themselves in. What nosy girls. Well, if there are… leftovers… in there, they only have themselves to bme! Though judging by the giggles and excmations ing from them, it was likely safe.

  “Sorry, but we are busy.” Kana said firmly. “It’s a private matter. We won’t be too long.”

  “I’m sorry too, but I don’t trust you aloh her.” Takagi-san said bluntly. “I came here to make sure you wouldn’t bully her, and I mean to do that if nothing else. Your… your fiancé was right.” she said to Shaeu. “I o start believing in myself more.”

  “Well, you ’t! This is…” Kana began, but Shaeu held up a hand, sileng her. It almost seemed like her eyes were glowing, they were so intense. No, wait, they are glowing. Still, she isn’t human, but the closest thing I’ve seen to a Kami, so it only makes sense she do things like that…

  “I appud your resolve.” Shaeu smiled entigly, which sent a chill down Kana’s spine. “However, should-should you choose to listen to our versation… well, there is no-no going back!” she decred.

  “All the more reason for me to be there! It sounds serious!” Takagi-san insisted.

  “Very well. Just know this-this. I demand your word that you will breathe nothing of what we discuss without permission from Akio, Kana or myself. Should you break your word… there shall-shall be sequences you are ill-prepared to face.”

  Both Takagi-san and Kikuchi-san were frightened, but Takagi-san gritted her teeth and nodded. “Fine. You don’t o scare me. It ’t be anything that major.”

  Shaeu, what the hell are you thinking? Takagi-san has nothing to do with shrines, she’s just a normal girl… does big bro know about this? I bet he doesn’t…

  “Oh my God, Kana-, you o see this.” Mio- giggled, popping her head out the door. “Y bro is a total nerd, an otaku for sure.”

  “Yeah, totally. What a turn-off… or so I’d like to say.” Asami- seemed almost annoyed. “Guys like that aren’t supposed to have girlfriends, let alowo hot ohere’s a photograph here of him with Shaeu and that irl, they look so close.”

  What a stupid thing to worry about. A guy’s hobbies don’t matter, so long as they have money, and keep in shape, and look handsome, and… crap, aren’t I just describing big bro? Entering the room, she did see bookcases full of manga, anime and figurines, most of which were cute girls in various states of undress. Yeah, it wasn’t cool, but again, being an otaku was only a stigma because they were usually me virgin shut-ins who were out-of-shape and hated the outside world. If you call a rich man with fiancées like Shaeu and Mori-san a loser, just who the hell would be a winner? Damn, I’m even more annoyed now…

  “Look at these stupid figures…” Mio- began, before Kana pushed her towards the door, followed by Asami-, who was also grinning, this time at the rge bed, imagining what it was used for.

  “Look, go and py with the others. We won’t be long.” Kana sighed.

  “Fine. Fine. I ’t wait to rib y bro about this though.” Asami- smirked as the two of them were pushed out. Shaeu pulled shut the door, and immediately sat down on the bed as if she owhe pce.

  “So then. Maiko. I expect you know-know why you are here?” she asked, and Kikuchi-san nodded slowly.

  “Just what is going …” Takagi-san began, but Shaeu interrupted her.

  “Your name was Hisano, am I correct? Well, you chose this, so be silent and do not-not interrupt.” At her amber stare Takagi-san quietened down, feeling intimidated. “As I was-was saying…” Shaeu tinued, and Kikuchi-san answered slowly.

  “I do. My father, the priest of Hisuikomushi shrine… he nearly died. I know that. If my brother didn’t have money I would have starved while father was in his a. All I knew was that before he fell ill, he told me that he had been visited by a God. Not the Kami of our shrine, but another. He was blessed, apparently. It was hard to believe, but our shrine is an old one, so we know the a mysteries, even if I don’t have much talent myself.” She looked down, forlorn. “I holy thought I would be an orphan. It was so awful, watg father waste away, day by day, in that hospital bed, our little funds dwindling away as if following him…”

  “Oh no, that must have been hard.” Keomi- sympathised with her, giving her a hug, which surprised Kikuchi-san. Listening to the story, Takagi-san seemed rather fused, which was uandable. It still shocks me sometimes. My gift. Our history. Big bro and Shaeu. All of it.

  “It was…” she cried, leaking tears. “But then one day father woke up. He hurried us out of the shrine, g we were in dahat an evil man who lived near us had trapped him in another world, used him as a sve. It all seemed impossible, but…” She wiped at her reddened eyes with a handkerchief Keomi- handed her. “… father had been ill a long time siher died, he wasn’t strong. Yet one day, before he fell into a a, he ged. His weakness vanished, and he was stronger and faster than ever before. So if that could be true… we took what little money we had left and fled. My brother went back to uy, he would be safe there, while we stayed in a rented room oskirts of Tokyo. We were lost… until I got your text.” She looked at Kana, who smiled reassuringly.

  “Other worlds, strange powers… what nonsense is this? Are… am I the victim, and you’ve set it up to bully me?” Takagi-san asked suddenly, even looking at Kikuchi-san warily.

  “Oh, do be quiet.” Shaeu intoned, and suddenly the room was flooded by wind, sealing her mouth. As everyone’s hair and clothing fluttered in the sudden storm, Shaeu spoke up. “It is far-far too te to back out now. You volunteered yourself by entering this room. Now listen quietly until the end-end.” Turning back to Kikuchi-san, she spoke kindly, her expression soft.

  “I believe it has been hard-hard for you, Maiko. Still, of the ehat oppressed your father… Kiku is dead, sin-sin by my hand, and as for her master… Akio has sent him to this pce you call-call prison, where he awaits his iable end.”

  Seriously, hearing them talk about battle and killing… it scares me. But… I saw big bro fighting the yakuza for us. He isn’t scary, he only uses his power to help people. Those he cares for, he said. Cares for… Not notig her hot face, Kana listened as Shaeu described to Kikuchi-san that Akio wao train men and women to use spiritual powers, making an alliance of the shrio protect the world.

  It sounds far-fetched, but also kind of thrilling. I hate hard work, and the initial pain sucked, but… if I’m a beautiful shrine maiden with real powers, one of his chosen warriors, living in luxury like Shaeu…

  “Father makes all the decisions to do with shriters. I’m just… I’m useless. I don’t have any talent.” Kikuchi-san sniffled, after the tale was done. “I’m not brave and I’m not strong. I’d only be useless to you.”

  “Nonsense.” Shaeu denied. “Aone - be polished, with enough effort. Besides, it is all to do with fas. Simir to the Seelie Court, the shrines here have many-many deep currents. Having you would be valuable.”

  “The Seelie Court?” Kikuchi-san asked, and Shaeu shook her head.

  “Later. For now-now… Kana and Marika have had their works opened. With training they shall-shall grow strong. The building Akio is having structed shall be a school for this.” She looked at Keomi-. “I have-have called you here to open your work. Fear not-not, for there is little danger, and only some-some modest pain.”

  “Pain?” Keomi- paled, but I patted her back reassuringly.

  “Don’t worry, I’ve been through it. It isn’t so bad, I promise.” Kana said.

  “There is but-but one decision you must make. I prepare the pathways for your lunar Chakra, yet there is some risk of harm. Without it, your strength will be much-much decreased, but I shall not-not foryone.”

  “Didn’t you say there was a way to deal with the danger in an emergency? Though big bro did seem a bit worried when I mentio…” Kana observed. “… just what is this emergency measure?”

  Shaeu grinned. “It is not-not something you would fear, Kana. Indeed, you may well enjoy it. But, putting that aside, Eri mastered it, and Aiko is risking it. So choose, Keomi.”

  “Marika- and I trusted in Shaeu. But again, it’s up to you.” Kana said, not wanting to pressure her cousin.

  “All right, I’ll… I’ll go for it.” Keomi- nodded fiercely, and Shaeu cpped gleefully.

  “Lie down here on the bed, and I shall-shall begin.”

  Watg this makes me wince. I remember when she did this to me… of course now I trol my gift somewhat, so… maybe it’s a fair trade.

  Shaeu’s eyes glowed brilliantly as she moved her hands over Keomi-.

  “Looking at it from the outside, it’s pretty lewd.” she remarked despite herself. Keomi- didn’t find that funny, as she was letting out whimpers and gasps of pain, biting at her lip. After a little while, her cries stopped though, and she looked at Shaeu, who was not done, puzzled.

  “I believe I have learned one of Akio’s teiques. I have-have watched him work his Ether Healing a number of times. It is very-very patible with my Chirurgery. When Akio hears he shall-shall praise me and perhaps even…” She grinned sciviously, and everyone in the room blushed at her raw allure.

  “Just… just hurry up, all right?” Kana insisted. For a moment there I felt pletely overpowered as a woman. No, I don’t lose to anyone!

  Soon, Keomi- was sitting down, exhausted, while Kikuchi-san was on the bed, eyes watering. Shaeu worked whatever magic she was doing, and then she was done. Patting Kikuchi-san on the shoulder, she smiled brightly. “Now-now you are one of us. Fear not-not, Akio shall take your father under his prote, and Hisuikomushi shrine shall prosper, as does-does this shrine.”

  Kikuchi-san nodded, gingerly sliding away from her. Takagi-san, who was struggling against the orders not to speak was gring at everyone spitefully, the eyes under her bangs cold. Shaeu, ign the stares with her usual unruffled poise, finally allowed her to speak.

  “Just what… how did you… what is going on?” she spat, anger overriding her usual timidity.

  “I did warn you, did I not-not?” Shaeu said, approag her and staring deep into her eyes. “Yet-yet you believed you knew better than I, no? Still, be not-not afraid. You are in fact fortuo have been chosen. I am i-great need of those who are not-not of shrine bloodlio test my Skills upon.”

  I see. So she wasn’t just grabbing girls… speaking of, I wonder how father will react to her touch when she works on him? Eww, gross. “Weren’t Mori-san and Akio’s sister normal?”

  “Eri is rather a special case. But yes-yes, Aiko has no talents whatsoever, but she works hard-hard. Still, we have some noble recruits indeed, and I have-have been exhorted to be most careful. Some practise will not-not hurt.”

  “So I’m just some toy for you to…” Takagi-san protested, only for Shaeu to push a fio her lips, shushing her again.

  “Hardly. Akio cared enough to offer you wisdom, so I would not-not treat you carelessly. You chose this, and it is an opportunity. You may not-not uand now, but in time you will look ba that choid rejoiow-now, let us begin…”

  ***

  “That hurt…” Takagi-san said, hunched on the bed, knees drawn up to her chest.

  “Your work was not-not partially developed, like the shrine maidens. It is only-only natural I would have to work harder. Be thankful my Skills have increased.”

  “I still… still don’t get any of this. How did you stop me speaking? How are you doing this? Who are you?” Takagi-san asked, her mind in a daze.

  I know just how you feel. The first time I saw Shaeu and big bro, their abnormalities bzing like the sun, my world ged…

  Shaeu stally. “Who am I? That-that is simple.” Shaeu grinned, striding towards the closed door to the bedroom. “I am Shaeu Tu Shae Dannan, princess of the Fae, loyal sed wife of Akio, he-he who will rule this world and keep it safe from all evils.” Wreng open the door suddenly, the listening Mio- and Asami- tumbled in, only to be grabbed by Shaeu, the smaller girl holding both of them up effortlessly, one in each hand. Wind blew and the door smmed shut without aoug it. “And here we have two more-more voluo join our cause, do we not-not? I am tired and low oher, but I - manage.”

  “Wait, it isn’t what you are thinking… we weren’t eavesdropping!” Mio- tried to deny it, and Asami- supported her.

  “Yeah, ere just ing to get you as we are running out of sweets. Yeah, that’s it!”

  “Really? For the st-st half an hour?” Shaeu scoffed, tossing them bodily to the bed, where they bounced helplessly. “Too-too bad. There is no escape now.”

  “Kana-… err, help us?” Mio- asked, and Asami- tried to persuade her too.

  “Sorry, well, what you were talking about seemed so weird… we couldn’t help but be ied. But… Shaeu is sg us… e on Kana-, save us, aren’t we friends, best friends?”

  “Sorry, I ’t help you now. But on the bright side, at least I’ll have pany during my training.” Kana shook her head ruefully, amused her friends were reaping the rewards of their nosiness.

  As her friends cried out, Shaeu starting to force open and restruct their ent Chakra works, Kana- burst out ughing, until her sides hurt. Ign how everyone else was looking at her, she ughed and ughed until tears were rolling down her cheeks. Oh my God, you stupid idiots. You are in Shaeu’s hands now, big bro’s too. Still, keepis from my best friends sucked. At least we iserate with each other now… and who knows. Maybe the world big bro and Shaeu sees will be worth us seeing too…