“Yeah, it’s strange. I’ve worn swimsuits with less fabric around you before, but since it was my underwear, I felt super embarrassed.” Aiko remarked, glad to be putting on her clothes again. “It didn’t hurt as much as you said, either.”

“Maybe you’re a girl after all, Ai.” My mom said with a wan smile. “Underwear and swimsuits are psychologically different. As for it not hurting… lucky. I was in agony, I can’t believe my Aki would do that to us!” she pouted.

“Wow, rude! I am a girl, a totally cute one.” My sis protested. “That’s right, isn’t it bro? I’m very girly!”

“Sure you are.” I agreed, patting her head in mock-praise. She joined my mother in pouting, cheeks puffed out at my response, so I turned to our other parents. “Are you three all right? You took it especially hard, Auntie.” I had to stop three times during her Chirurgery to let her recover from the pain a bit, but now we were done at least.

“It wasn’t fun, little Aki. Not at all. But you are right. I am starting to feel better already.”

“The exercises work better now.” Father observed, as he sat cross-legged in a meditative position, concentrating on drawing in ether. “Though I suspect a lot of that is that it is this shrine, am I right?” That’s my father, he’s no fool, never has been.

“Yeah, the ether density is a lot higher here, which means you naturally find it easier to absorb more of it. Though you aren’t wrong, the perfected basic network should have an easier time anywhere.” I continued explaining, again emphasising my warnings that if they ever wished to enter the Boundary, which I did not recommend, to enter in Chairoakitara shrine, as that area was secure. I know Inuyama is a fair distance away, but it still makes me paranoid.

“Don’t worry.” My sis smirked, her mood improved as she started moving her body, now fully dressed, stretching and crunching to relieve the ache in her muscles. “My bro is a real worrywart, he says the same to me and Eri!”

“As he should.” My father supported me, surprising me a little. Aiko looked shocked, but father continued. “Your brother knows more about all this than you do, and it can be extremely dangerous. He doesn’t want to see you hurt, you should know that from his reaction to your burned hand. Neither do we, Aiko. As your parents, we want you to be happy and healthy.”

Aiko looked down. “Yeah, I know.” she sighed then. “But I also want to join in. I don’t want to be left behind.”

“You won’t be, stupid. Eri and I, we’ve always been by your side, haven’t we? Nothing has changed even now, only that Shaeula and the others are joining in. The more the merrier, right?”

“It certainly is for you bro, I’m like a tagalong for your harem.” Her pout was back, but I could tell she was putting it on, mostly, anyway. “But yeah, I get it. It’s just hard seeing how Eri is soaring ahead of me. I was the one who always had to look out for her. And Shaeula, well, I can’t complete, can I?”

“Well, no matter how pissed off I am about your reckless methods, you mastered flame element, right? I’ll be asking you to give me a rundown when we enter the Boundary.”

“Yeah, but Eri did too, so my advantage was short-lived.” My sis shook her head in irritated denial.

“You need to understand the mind of a girl, little Aki.” Auntie Hana chided me. “Poor Ai is feeling the pressure from being surrounded by a lot of rivals for your attention. After all, she doesn’t want you to forget about her, right Ai?”

My sis flushed a bright crimson, looking down again, embarrassed. “It’s not like I need you to pay attention to me, bro. Not at all. I have plenty going on. It’s just… oh, screw it. We promised, didn’t we? Back in Nishimorioka, and in Vegas too. We were never going to drift apart again. And I feel like you and Eri are flying ahead, while I flounder, struggling for every little gain.”

“I see. Yeah, I get it.” I nodded, patting her head again. “We’re all changing, but we know what we don’t want to change. So… how about the light element? If you mastered that, it’d be an edge only you have.”

“Well, I didn’t want to blow it.” She admitted. “So I haven’t tried yet. I was hoping Shaeula could help me?”

“Fine, well, when we enter the Boundary, I’ll have a coaching session as well as showing everyone around my Territory. I’ll have to… wait a sec, hold on.” My phone had started ringing, so I pulled it out, wondering if it was Haru-san, but it turned out to be Shiro.

“Oh hey Shiro, thanks for calling back.” I said brightly, trying to ignore the curious stares of my sis and the rest of the family. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“It’s Shirohime, I don’t know how many times I’ve told you that, Aki. And of course I guessed you wanted to talk to me, I had a missed call. It isn’t like you to ring me, is it?”

“Yeah, you got me there. Still, it isn’t like you to not answer, either. I don’t need an answerphone, I’m always available, remember?”

“Well…” she paused, a touch embarrassed. “… a real man wouldn’t throw that in my face. Even I have things I need to do. Lectures for one. Even though I’ve already passed all the classes, I still have minimum attendance requirements. It’s honestly so stupid, but…” her voice dropped. “… I get a medical exemption, so my numbers are reduced quite a bit.”

“I see. That makes sense. Oh, well, anyway, I wanted to ask you if you are free this weekend to go out?”

“Already?” Shiro was surprised, probably that I was the one initiating, as well, as usually it was Aimi-chan or Hayato-san who got us together. “I know we said we should catch up more, but it’s only been a couple of weeks, Aki. I doubt everyone has the time or money for another meetup. Oh well, I forgot you were pulling in decent cash now, right? Even so… I’m just a poor, hungry student.” She paused then, before putting on her best wheedling tone. “Besides, you should be spending the time working on my game right? You promised to help me more, right? Since you feel sorry for poor little beautiful Shirohime, working her fingers to the bones, wasting away like some kind of pale ghost.”

“As I recall, I promised to think about it. I’m snowed under with work at the moment, but when I get some leeway, I can do a bit.” With my stats I can probably grind out a week or so’s worth in half a day.

“Well, you’ve said it now, so no takebacks.” Shiro declared grandly. “Trust me Aki, you don’t want to be going back on a deal. It isn’t worth the consequences.”

“Well, okay.” I said, curious at her attempts to make me agree. “So, are you free this weekend then?”

“Didn’t I just say…” she began, but with a smile I interrupted her.

“No, sorry, I meant just you, not the others. Don’t worry, I’ll cover the bills, we can’t have a poor hungry student pay and go without her noodles and cup ramen, can we?”

“I’ll have you know I eat healthily. I have to.” She denied me, before pausing. A long uncomfortable silence extended out, broken only by the sniggering of my listening sister, before Shiro spoke again, her tone… conflicted. “Look, Aki. I don’t want things to get weird between us. I’m sort of wishing I never really told you what I did in that taxi. Things between us were comfortable before. So if you just feel sorry for me then don’t. I hate that. I made a deal with myself that I’d never give in and wallow in self-pity like my parents did.”

Stepped on a landmine here, I see. “No way, it’s not like that.” I promised. “I just had something I really needed to talk to you about, in person, so thought we might as well have some fun while we do, right?”

Another long pause. “Aki. You’re engaged, right? I know it. Seriously, it’s such a sin being as gorgeous a princess as I am. I know you might think you have a chance with me, just because you’ve really worked on yourself but… well, I’m not interested in being your side piece, Aki. And even if you were to tell me it wasn’t working out with your childhood friend, I’m not sure I’d be impressed by that.”

“Again, I think there’s a misunderstanding. I’m not trying to hit on you, Shiro.” I promised, waving away my sister, who mouthed “liar” at me, her sapphire eyes twinkling mischievously. “I get that you have it hard, being so stunningly beautiful, so most guys to hit on you, and a lot of them would cheat on their partners in a heartbeat with you, I’m sure. But you know me, Shiro. Do you think I’d do that?”

“Well, normally I’d say not, but there was something about you when we all met up, Aki. You’ve changed, but then, Hina has too. Aimi and Hayato as well. Everybody changes but me, I guess.” She sighed, before speaking suddenly. “Well, I’m already pretty much perfect, so why would I change? Seriously though, your tongue is dangerously smooth now, Aki. For a moment there when you called me stunningly beautiful my heart skipped a… hey, is there someone else there, I can hear laughter!” she protested. I palmed away my sister, who was chuckling furiously.

“Just my idiot sister. She’s paying me a visit today. Please ignore her.”

“The fabled sister that you are all mad siscon for, huh? I’m in the presence of a legend, it seems.” At that my sister only laughed harder, my mother joining in, stifling her giggles behind a hand. “I guess you wouldn’t be arranging a hook-up with me in front of her. You may have grown bold Aki, but not that bold. So now I’m curious. Just what do you want to talk to me about that has to be in person?”

“It’s a secret.” I said grandly. “But… trust me, it’s important. Now, since there’s no Aimi-chan this time, want me to pick you up from your dorm? I remember where it is from before. We can hit Bar Sekirei, then head into Akihabara proper. I have a good feeling you might have the energy for it this time.”

“I see. Now I’m curious. But hmm, picking me up from the dorm, huh? I am already getting asked about you by all the girls who saw you last time. It’s a real pain. They should obey their princess and just leave me alone! But… going alone… fine. Just… just try and be stealthy, all right? I don’t need any more hassle.”

“It’s agreed then. Saturday at half six work for you?”

“Well, if you’re paying.” She confirmed it. “Though don’t expect me to go easy on your wallet Aki. I’ll suck you dry, and you’ll love it. After all, I am so very stunningly beautiful after all.” She emphasised what I had said earlier. “Being seen with me is your reward!”

“Yeah, it sure is.” I laughed, and we bantered a little more before I hung up, satisfied.

“Well, so let me guess, bro.” My sis said when I was done. “That’s the other girl you are into, right? Damn, if Eri heard you calling another girl stunningly beautiful like that, the axe would be coming out.” She made chopping gestures and whooshing noises. “I know we said that you could tell us about any other girls you fancied, but to think you took that as the green light to make a move on her. Bold bro, very bold. You’re lucky Eri went off to see Shaeula and your other girls again after her Chirurgery.”

“Yes, it doesn’t feel good seeing you woo another girl.” Auntie said, shaking her head. “But we have to accept this one. Little Eri and the other girls do.”

“Hey, it isn’t like that.” I protested. “Well, you’re not wrong. Shiro is the girl I talked about, but I’m not hitting on her. You heard her, she’s not a sharer. She’s sick, all right? Like, really, really sick. A genetic disorder, she says. I just… well, why was I given these powers, and gone through all this training, if I can’t help my friends? I want to see if I can heal her. I might not be able to, it will be far more complicated than healing wounds, but I want to try!”

“I see. One of those girls, huh? Can’t be helped then. I guess I’ll think of her as a sister-in-law then. Might as well be prepared.” My sister said, deflating. “Sick, huh? Poor girl.”

“Didn’t I just say…?” I began, but mom cut me off.

“Now Aki, your sister is right. Don’t you know how these things go? But that doesn’t matter for now, does it? I believe Ai is eager to get to work, right?”

“Yep!” my sister started bouncing up and down, full of energy. “I want to see your Territory. Eri hasn’t stopped hyping it. Besides… I could use that training, too.”

“Yes, you could.” I said ominously. And also your chastisement, for burning yourself so idiotically…

********

“Right, are you all ready?” I asked the group, which consisted of Kana, Eri, Aiko, Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi and Ren-san. Hyacinth, Grulgor and Shaeula were here too, while Shirohebi was still entertaining the rest of the trainees, who now that they had perfect networks, should be able to start entering the Boundary over the next few days.

“I admit to being rather excited.” Hinata said, smiling at Eri and Shaeula. “Also, we are finally sharing what you two have shared with Akio. It’s a happy event!”

As Motoko and Natsumi agreed, I turned to Ren-san, who was looking a bit sour. “Cheer up. Your hard work and suffering is paying off. Besides, look, we’re the only two guys here amidst all these girls. You should be happy.”

“Your girls, you mean.” He shrugged. “I doubt they’d give me the time of day. Considering I’m the heir to Hikawa-Kawagoe shrine, I would have thought… oh well. Let’s see this Territory of yours then. I hope it’s impressive, since we agreed to take your side at Conclave.”

Cheeky little sod. Still, he has a point. I need to wow him, so he can persuade his father that instead of just pleading my case, he should get his whole faction to rally behind me. “Well, I won’t spoil you, but prepare to be amazed!” And with that, we all entered the Boundary…

“Wow, so yeah, this is quite impressive bro.” my sis said, looking around, crimson bow slung on her back. “That’s one hell of a tree. And what’s that on top? I see parasols and… and a terrace? Is that a damn café in a tree?”

“That building in new too.” Eri said, eyeing the Earth Altar with its glittering red and gold decorations. “What’s it do?”

“It strengthens the earth energies around here, and when it’s upgraded it will empower Shirohebi and true believers like Kana here.”

“Yeah, it’s really something. It makes a girl think. Much like our talk earlier.” Kana said. “But that isn’t the half of it… oh, here they come.” She smirked, looking at the noble girls. “Prepare to be amazed!”

“Princess, master, you have-have returned!” Velna said, rushing up to us, followed by several Kamaitachi. Asha followed, stepping out of her Tree, her auburn hair highlighting her greenish skin beautifully. Then there were kobolds too, pressing handfuls of gems on us, and the scene devolved into chaos. Hinata was taking everything in, eyes wide, while Motoko and Natsumi were looking over several of the weaselkin warriors who had arrived, checking their stances and equipment.

“So, what do you think? This isn’t everything, of course.”! I grinned, nudging Ren-san with my elbow. “But Shaeula and I have put in a lot of work to get it to this state. I doubt very much that anyone in Kyoto can match this.” Not when we dropped the amount of ether we got from the Spring into it. Even multiple Candidates working together would struggle to match us. It would take some sort of state-sponsored program or a similarly lucky break…

“Well, I don’t have anything to compare it to.” Ren-san hedged. “But I concede it’s rather impressive.” I could see him trying hard not to gawk at the spectacle of all the Fae around, but since he was a kid I cut him some slack.

“So, where is my brother and Selensha?” Shaeula was asking, and Velna shook her head. “He is to the south, leading his forces, princess. He did-did declare he would seize the coast for you. I can send-send a runner to alert him to your return?”

“Do so.” Shaeula agreed. “But tell him he can finish up what he is doing. I shall remain here for some-some time before returning to the Spring.”

“Master, mistresses. Eat, eat!” Hyacinth declared, bringing over some of the fruit she and Asha were growing. Hinata took a bite, and her eyes went wide at the incredible taste, so unlike mortal fruits. “This… this could sell. If only we could bring it back to the Material.” Her business mind was whirring with possibilities.

“All right, you’ll have plenty of time for exploration later.” I clapped my hands, and everyone looked at me. “First, we need a brief orientation. We’ll do it by the main shrine. Then it’s training time.” I looked at Aiko, who glanced away, whistling innocently, knowing me well enough to know I was still angry.

On route we passed Bjarki’s forge, and Ixitt and the ratkin were working outside. On seeing us, Ixitt brightened, tail lashing. He rushed over, grinning. “So, you brought your wives then, Akio? How delightful. And you are back too, young lady.” He nodded at Kana, who shrugged.

“And who might you be?” Hinata asked, and she was shocked to find it was Ixitt. It was then she noticed a sparkling pile of silvery metal on a table. “Pretty. What metal is that?”

I think I know. ”Ixitt, you haven’t been dismantling anything you shouldn’t, have you?”

“No, I assure you, all I have done is remove a bit from some of your upgrading buildings. All that does is pull in a little ether to repair the deficit. Your supply is plentiful, you can spare some for me. I assure you it will be well worth it!” he paused then. “I do need more knowledge though. Mortal science is fascinating. I trust I can return when I need to access more of this internet?”

“Yes, but don’t cause Karen-chan trouble or you’ll be barred. If you need any particular technical manuals or textbooks, Karen-chan can give you a budget.”

As we hashed out the details, I noticed Eri and Aiko were talking to Shaeula, mirror in hand. “So, I was hoping you could pour in more light element. I’m not confident I’ll get it in one go.”

“I am quite-quite low on aether. I would rather not-not, if possible.” Shaeula sighed. “I did much Chirurgery tonight.”

“Oh, I see.” Her face fell, and that gave me an idea, my grin wicked. Beside me, Ren-san shivered, his intuition kicking in. Well, it won’t hurt him… it’s good training, after all…

********

“So, time runs differently here, usually faster, so it’s not only the ether density here that makes it the perfect place to train. So I’m counting on you all to take charge.” I looked at Kana and the girls, as well as Ren-san. “Remember, I can’t stress this enough. Only enter the Boundary at the shrine, as you are protected here by my Territory. I don’t want to come back one day to hear that one of the trainees is badly injured or dead due to disregarding my warnings.”

At their nods, I smiled. “Okay then, time for your personalised training. Motoko, Natsumi. This here is Master Ulfuric, my teacher in combat arts.” I gestured to the imposing badgerkin, who had returned via the Ring Gate. He bowed politely.

“So, you are more of his wives, I see. Well, your stances are good, I can see you have a foundation in weapons.” He said in his usual booming voice.

“Indeed, we study the Tsumura family arts, passed down for generations.” Motoko said, excited. “I shall be in your care, master of my husband.”

“Yes, we are inexperienced, but eager to learn.” Natsumi joined Motoko in bowing, martial-arts fashion.

“Just go easy on them. They are still only human.” I warned, and Ulfuric snorted a laugh.

“Yes, but their foundations are solid. With the right work, I believe they can both be better than you with the sword and spear.”

At his praise the girls looked delighted, validated, and I chuckled myself. “Yeah, probably. I relied too heavily on my stats at the start to cover for lack of skill. They don’t have that problem, and the stats will come in time.” Eventually, when we get married, Lovers’ Link…

“Hinata, you and Kana should try and learn an element. Kana, I think earth, since that is the basis of Shirohebi’s strength. Hinata, wind for you. I’ve wrote down what worked for us, and you can have Shaeula help with wind. I can help with earth later.” I looked at Ren-san then. “Aiko, give Ren-san your mirror.”

She cocked her head, confused. “Okay bro, sure thing. Be careful with it, Ren-san, this is quite precious.”

He took the mirror gingerly, and I addressed him. “Okay, Ren-san, you have a natural powerful light element. All of you listen up. The foundation of strength, at least the way we learn, is the chakra network. We are fortunate to be working off a non-human one, that we have somehow made work. That’s pretty much thanks to Shaeula.”

She grinned, waving to accept their praise, even though it wasn’t offered, so with a slight smile, I continued. “The silver cord connecting your subtle bodies is important too. And then lastly, elemental abilities. Gaining and honing those is a sure route to power.”

“What about skills and levels, bro?” My sis asked, sticking up her hand like she was in class.

“Yeah, levels are important, but not something easy to get yet, but what levels give you is largely based on the quality of your silver cord and chakra networks, so improving them will never betray you. As for skills, yeah, important as well, but the foundations are what I’ve said.” As everyone took that in, I turned to Ren-san again. “So, you having a powerful, mutated element means you are a big deal.” I winked, stoking his ego. “So to that end, you need to train it. Concentrate on outputting it into the mirror, which will absorb it. Practice both output and fine control, and you’ll grow powerful quickly.” And Aiko will get a nice boost to the quality of the light energy she can try to absorb. Everyone wins.

“So, what about me and Eri, bro?” Aiko finished, satisfied as to why she had given away the mirror.

“Well Eri, you can use the Darkness energy around the Rhyming Tree, practise absorbing it and manipulating it. It’ll be a trump card for you, so make the best of it.” At her nod, I then turned to Aiko, my smile wicked.

“As for you, my dear little sister sapphire, you are with me, for a special course of training, perfectly suited to an idiot who would burn her precious hand, putting kyudo and volleyball at risk, worrying her family and friends. Since you are so eager and willing to be reckless, I have just the regimen for you.”

At my grin, she swallowed nervously, looking away. “Well, shit. And here’s me thinking you’d be the best big bro and let this go…”

“No way. But don’t worry, I am the best big brother, hence why I’m going to educate you properly. You’ll thank me for it one day!” Yeah, to be honest, I am a bit of a hypocrite, I’d do it myself in a heartbeat. And I let Shaeula suffer with the spores too, though it hurt me. So I’m not going to punish her… but I’m not going easy on her either. I’m going to show her the right way to be reckless…