Six Hundred And Ninety-Eight
“Ai, Aki, there you are!” As we left the Queen’s comfortable little sitting room, we ran into mom, father, mother-in-law Hana and father-in-law Junpei. Mom exclaimed loudly, only to fall silent, face red, as she spotted us with the Queen… no, I suppose I should call her Liz, like she wanted Aiko too.
“Oh dear. I’m so very sorry, your Majesty! I hope I wasn’t too loud. Or that Aki and Ai weren’t bothering you…” Mom did a rather decent curtsy, and her expression was still awed and humble as she beheld Liz.
“Oh my, not at all. It was rather enlightening.” Liz chuckled warmly. “And no need for the stuffy formalities. We are all family here now, aren’t we? And don’t say something foolish about the marriage not having taken place yet…” She forestalled my father, who indeed looked as if he wished to speak. “…our Eleanor is stubborn and takes her time, but when she comes to a conclusion, it is an honest one. And your young Akio is not one to break a woman’s heart, is he?”
Don’t think I can’t see you giving my sis that amused side-eye while talking. Ellie was right, Liz certainly does love some gentle teasing. But…
Hey, went as well as could be expected, bro. Honestly, I feel so much better talking to someone who isn’t one of your other women. I thought she’d hate me, call me sick, but…
I believe your honesty shone through. Besides, you’re right. It’s a bit rich complaining about one taboo, when they’re having to rewrite the bigamy laws here for me, and our hands are stained with the blood of those we’ve killed, albeit for good reasons.
Wow, no kidding. And honestly… I envy Eri a bit…
And why is that? Eri’s thoughts joined ours. I’ve tried to break down those barriers for you, tried to lead you to what you wanted. You can have what I do, I told you a thousand times…
Missing the point much, Eri? And stop feeling so self-satisfied and smug. Wow, I’ll have my revenge, see if I don’t. What I meant was, the way you handle things. I… think too much, you know?
Saying I’m an idiot, are you? Stop snickering, Shaeula. It’s annoying…
Nope, just… resilient, I guess. Not like the stat, but… you don’t let stuff faze you. Me, I constantly overthink, worry and waver. You just go for it…
Eri’s thoughts were solemn. If you’re talking about Akio, I admit it was easier for me. If you mean killing… I don’t spare a thought for those who’d try and stand in the way of our happiness. They came hunting us. Those that live by the sword, die by it.
A gloomy subject. Today’s a happy day okay, no arguing…
Fine… Eri and my sis echoed the same thought, so very like each other as usual, at least in the ways that counted.
“I wouldn’t say that.” Hana cast a complicated gaze over us. “Little Aki’s quite the heartbreaker. In fact, there’s a situation happening right now. Not everyone is overly pleased with his charms.” She cast a sidelong glance at Emily. “But it’s not as if our words can change anything now, can they?”
Situation? Oh, Yu-mi’s mother, probably. We said we’d talk, but she definitely doesn’t seem to favour me. Not that I don’t understand. But if she genuinely wants her daughter to be treated well and be content with her life, then a proper heart-to-heart can fix it, I’m sure…
“I did promise to speak to them.” I agreed. “But I had some business to take care of.”
“With the Queen… I mean…” mom took a deep breath. “…Elizabeth?”
“Liz is fine. I’m abdicating, remember? I want to enjoy my retirement, watch over the youngsters. Perhaps get to play with some more great-grandchildren.” Liz closed one eye in a cheeky wink. “As for the business…” She paused dramatically, and my sis was tense, before Liz chuckled playfully.
“…it was a private matter, but nothing to worry about. You know, your son has done a lot for me, for Britain. You should be proud, Emily, Taichi. That reminds me… perhaps you would like to see the Coronation Regalia? No longer are they kept in the Tower, after Akio’s efforts. No, they are true items of power and rulership. Although…” Liz had a wickedly teasing expression in her wrinkled face. “…they certainly don’t possess such cute spirits as your Japanese ones. Seeing young Tsurugi run around is certainly a fresh experience. And the other two… Yata and Magatama, have a certain air of solemnity about them. Such a shame we British have no tradition of Tsukumogami, I believe you call them?”
“Oh, I’d love to see…” mom was excited, but father broke in.
“Far be it from us to refuse such a gracious invitation, but we need to speak to our children.” His gaze was stern and his grey eyes, so similar to mine, were hard as steel. Beside me, Aiko’s smile faltered, but oddly enough, mother-in-law Hana looked rather like a cat which had managed to acquire a whole jug of cream.
Mother can be so petty… Eri grumbled, and my sis couldn’t hold back her own amused thoughts.
Then you are most certainly auntie’s daughter. You hold grudges too, Eri!
As my sis and Eri bickered playfully, I focussed my attention on father. He took a deep breath, before speaking. “Your Majesty… and I understand your desire for informality, but now is not the time for such… if you would, I would appreciate it if you gave us some space to talk to our children?”
“I gather you are rather the formal man, as Japanese people are said to be. Shige and Kira are the same. Katsuro too.” She namedropped Miyu’s, Mayumi’s and Motoko’s parents, who were indeed on good terms with and acquaintances of hers. “I suggest you use my sitting room, if you want some privacy. But let me be blunt, and give some advice, I hardly consider myself particularly wise, but I have indeed lived through a lot. Including my granddaughter awakening both to the power our Royal family has long protected, and to love with a man who is already so well cherished.”
My father nodded stiffly, listening politely, and Liz finished her advice. “To be a parent is nine parts listening, one part sympathy and no parts judgement. Trust me, I know. You must have heard of my foolish son who… rather got himself into trouble.”
Mom winced, and father nodded slowly. “Yes, it was a scandal, though… thinking about it now…”
“Yes. Keeping bad company is a terrible thing. But even then, I listened to him, I am his mother. But don’t mistake me, Taichi…” I felt Liz was being deliberately informal, trying to crack my father’s stubborn exterior. “…just because I don’t judge, doesn’t mean I condone poor behaviour. Foolish boy, letting his pride and status go to his head. He’s not the first Prince to have affairs, and get caught, but… the way he went about it, who he went about it with… it quite broke my heart. Even so… he is my son, so even if the world rightly disdains him, I can hardly do that. Blood is thicker than water. And if you learn nothing else from your son, I would expect you should know that bonds matter.”
“I apologise for making you speak of such.” Taichi managed slowly. “And I thank you for your advice. I… lack parents of my own, you see, and while Jack and Evelyn, and your parents, Hana…” Eri’s mother nodded slowly. “…have done what they can, circumstances have left their intervention minor. I simply… want my children to be sensible, wise adults.”
“Oh? Those are worthy characteristics, but do they really matter so much?” Liz asked. Behind us, Ellie had appeared, and the Queen grinned at her. “Wonderful timing, my dear granddaughter. Join us?” She then paused. “Taichi, I hope you don’t find me too pushy, but we are a family, and I take that as seriously as young Akio does. Allow me to impart some wisdom. You hardly have to heed me, but I’d appreciate it if you truly listened.”
“Oh my, Taichi, Emi. I don’t know why you are so upset…” Hana gushed, while Junpei was wisely keeping silent. His expression was rather troubled as he met my gaze, and as he glanced at his wife. “…but I think we shouldn’t turn down… Liz… and her fine intentions. Did you know…?” Mother-in-law Hana showed no fear of the her as she spoke, which impressed me.
Don’t be so impressed. My mother’s very simple to understand.
You are too… Shaeula added. Please resolve the matter quickly. Things are… heated… here.
We’ll do our best… I promised.
Wow, yeah, my bad. Guess our dance might have been a bit bold, bro. You… don’t…
Come on, sis. A Rank twelve like you should know better. I interrupted her thoughts. You being happy makes me happy.
And if you do not feel that an equitable trade… Asha added. She didn’t speak that much in our mental thoughts, but she always listened, and offered soothing, gentle warmth. …simply return the favour. Connections are about sharing.
Exactly. Though honestly, having the best and cutest blood-related sister in the entire multiverse is reward enough…
Wow, clarifying so you don’t upset Kanami-chan, Haanōbō and the other strays you’ve picked up, bro, like Suzu-chan? I don’t mind though. I’m not backing down. Though… I also don’t want to cause those around us to hate you, bro. If anyone should be loathed, it’s me…
Foolish. Hyacinth scoffed. If so, you humans are disappointingly backwards. There is so much Woe in the world, A little Weal, a grand love, shines a light that perhaps one day might equal the Moon itself. No matter what, we shall never forsake you, mistress Aiko.
Wow. I think… I’m tearing up… thanks Hyacinth. Thanks Asha, Shaeula. Eri… and thank you too. Rose and Lin were listening, unwilling to involve themselves in our personal worries but Lin then surprised us.
If you wish, we can deliver a Divine decree? It perhaps might not be effective, as your family does not follow the faiths of the World Tree, but even so…
I think what littlest sister Lin is trying to say is… she understands the position of being the youngest and the neediest. Rose laughed as in Wisdom World mini-Lin pouted adorably, for once not seeming like a fierce, determined warrior, but a young woman. As for our thoughts on the matter… we are not as some other Pantheons, where our Divinities indulged in such, though… amongst the Divine Vanir there have been a few unions…
I think that doesn’t matter. I don’t care about precedent or anything like that. I care what Aiko wants out of life…
“Don’t cry, Ai…” mom noticed she was welling up with tears, though they were of joy at the support she was receiving in her mind, not fear or upset, as mom likely supposed. “Look, Taichi, let’s take up her offer, and get some privacy…”
“I’m fine, it’s just…” my sis was unsure of how to explain it, and in the end gave up. She grabbed my arm, forcing herself close to me, as if to prove a point, and Hana let out a rather quiet titter, hiding it behind her hand. Father’s expression was stormy, but as he opened his mouth to speak, Ellie took charge.
“Yes, I think you are right, grandmother. This is not the place to be chatting.” We were soon back in the sitting room Aiko and I had just left with Liz, and everyone had brandy in hand, though this time it was Fae booze I’d supplied, as I felt bad that she was draining her reserves dry.
“So then, what seems to be the problem?” Liz asked, and Taichi fixed me with a firm glare.
“Akio. Son. I know it has been a hectic time for you, what with the Pilgrimage and all that entails, and now this engagement to Princess Eleanor.” He bowed apologetically to her. “I know you shall have much to put up with, but despite everything, I hope you can find some happiness with my son…”
“Oh, I believe I will.” Ellie agreed. “I’m not the quickest thinker, I ponder, and fret, and always worry. But I’m also not one to lie to myself. Perhaps I’m not clever enough to do that.” She shrugged self-deprecatingly, a brilliant sight in her gown and assorted finery. “There will be hardships, and inconveniences, but what it boils down to is that I fell in love with your son. I don’t exactly understand how it happened… no, that’s a lie. It’s obvious how it happened. Regardless…” Ellie sipped at her Fae spirits, struggling to grasp just what wisdom she wished to impart. “…some may call Akio a wicked man, against common morality. Or me as a slut, a homewrecker, or worse…”
“If they do, they’ll regret it…” I warned, smiling soothingly, and my sis, perhaps remembering what she said to Liz, nodded fiercely.
“Wow, yeah, no way! Anyone who does is my enemy, Eleanor! I don’t know much, I’m still young and learning, but I know this. Between two people who know their own minds and hearts, love is never wrong. Uh… well, okay… maybe if it’s not like with my bro, where it’s just an ordinary couple, and one side cheats on the other, then that love’s a bit shitty… uh, what was my point again?”
Yeah, you’re still managing to choke at the end, aren’t you, little sis sapphire?
Shut it, big bro moonstone. It’s true though. You’re a special case, because… loving you isn’t about possessiveness, not even for Eri anymore, and stop thinking annoyed silences at me, you owe me, Eri! Where was I? Oh yeah… it’s about community. So much love is flowing in and out of you, that it spills out into we others, leaving us fulfilled…
Phrasing!
You were thinking it, bro! Just because you’re expecting another passionate night here in Buckingham Palace doesn’t mean everything has to be about sex…
“My point is…” my sis faintly flushed. “…love that is accepted between all parties…” See? I made the shot in the end, bro. “…is never wrong. It might be difficult, or require much effort…”
Ellie sighed at that, her blue eyes so close in shade to Aiko’s locking with her, understanding flowing between them, and my sis continued. “…but it’s a precious treasure. Especially now, when there is so much danger, so much risk, love is precious. I, for one, and I know mom and Liz think so too, am delighted you’ll be happy, Eleanor. Because my bro, and all of us who love him, will pour happiness to you, and you’ll give back. That way, our happiness will continue to increase forever! It’s like Ranking up a Skill. The Skill’s the love, but the love also makes the Skill stronger. Snake eating its own tail, yeah?” My sis then raised one hand and gave a victory sign, and Ellie chuckled, defeated.
“You’re right. For all the obvious and apparent downsides our relationship will have, the only thing that matters is that we feel content with it, that we feel that love. And passion too…” Her face was now an adorable rosy pink, even down to her neck and cleavage. “…mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law…” Hana and Junpei seemed a little perplexed by her address, but she clarified. “…we all agreed, didn’t we? That all our parents are everyone’s parents-in-law, just as Akio’s children shall be everyone’s children. Of course the mother shall matter…”
“Yes, inheritance is tricky.” Liz nodded, and Ellie understood.
“Yes. It would surely have to be my child that continues the Windsor Royal lineage here. Just as, for example, Motoko’s child would continue to be in Tsumura house, or Kana’s to inherit Shirohebizumi shrine. But… we will teach all our children to love and respect all of you, just as we have to respect and cherish each other. Our connections, our family ties and ties of love are what will bind us.”
“Well said.” I praised Ellie, who looked down at her drink, mortified she’d spoken so boldly about it. “Mom, father, I’ll be blunt. I don’t make these decisions lightly. Even if I seem frivolous, it’s all from love.”
“I mean, yeah, wow, think about it…” my sis chimed in. “…bro’s basically the superstar right now. If he walked out into London now and went to a club, looking for women, how many do you think he could have?”
“I would hope he’s not so foolish. That way ruin lies…” Liz muttered, and I knew she was speaking of her son, though the circumstances were somewhat different, and much worse.
“Wow, you know he wouldn’t be. But… just making a point. If my bro wanted, he could be banging a dozen fresh women every night, and all lookers too, I bet.” She seemed almost proud of that.
Well yeah, I am. You know you’re my world, bro. You and Eri. She’s proud of you too, even if she’s all for keeping you locked away so you can’t meet new women…
Don’t be annoying, Aiko. I’m not here to hold him back…
My sis blew a mental raspberry at her, in high spirits.
“Aiko, mind your language.” Father warned. “Such vile ideas, in front of others…”
“I… can hardly deny it.” Ellie nodded, interrupting my father, either by intent or chance, but it was a relief. My sis wasn’t smiling though, and her arm close to mine was trembling so much I could feel it. She’s not alone in her upset…
“That’s right.” mother-in-law Hana added. “You should be delighted, Emi. Why so glum? Whether for money, power, fame, your son could fill this Palace with wives if he wanted.”
“Yes, but… Hana…” mom stuttered, and father took her hand, squeezing it.
“I know why you are bitter, Hana, Junpei. And you know I am deeply ashamed and sorry for the way our son has treated Eri…”
My sis tensed, fuming, as father continued, her trembling intensifying.
“…I had hoped our son was the constant, faithful sort. I understand why he is not, and I applaud his ability to take responsibility in these difficult circumstances, but even so, your daughter, our daughter, in a way…”
Yeah, that’s exactly the wrong thing to say…
“Shut up! Wow, wow, wowowowowowow I hate you, dad!” my sis suddenly spat, incensed. “Go on, say it! Why are you pissed off? Is it because I danced with my bro in front of everyone?”
“Of course not, dear!” mom soothed. “Princess Eleanor danced with her brothers, it’s fine. It’s just… your dance was… the wrong one. I know you’re close to Aki, which is good, family should rely on family…”
“I think we should all calm down.” Liz interjected. “Young Aiko, you shouldn’t say you hate your father. He is simply concerned for you.”
“Yeah, well, if he was concerned, he should stop looking at my bro like he’s angry.” Aiko growled, before crossing her arms. “Fine. I’m listening.”
“You’ve been… rather strange recently.” Father managed to swallow his own annoyance, which I supposed I had to applaud. “Ever since you gained power, this Favour…”
“Since my bro gave me a precious treasure. And don’t say he shouldn’t have. The Church came to attack our home, having no power just means we’re sitting ducks waiting to be killed.”
“Taichi’s not saying that, Ai.” Mom insisted. “It’s just… you need to step out of your brother’s shadow. You’ll be going to university in a few months, won’t you? You need to get out there, meet people, broaden your horizons.”
“People will be uncomfortable.” Father added. “Your dance… it was rather too intimate for a sister and brother. Perhaps you did not know better…”
“Oh, I very much did.” My sis insisted, and Hana raised her voice.
“Taichi, Emily, you’re being awfully unkind to poor little Ai. It all seemed perfectly innocent to me, a touch of exuberance. This is the Palace, in front of the world. Of course she’d want to dance with little Aki. It’s something every girl dreams of…” She let that idea hang, before continuing. “…being a princess at a ball. My little Eri was the same.”
“Even so, you should know better, Akio.” Father addressed me now. “You need to think of Aiko’s future. She needs to step back and abandon such childish behaviours. Like it or not, Aiko is a woman, and an adult, by British standards, certainly. She’s not at an age where you can pamper her, like in elementary, when you could bathe together, or have sleepovers in the same room. If you truly care for your sister, you should protect her from herself. As the true adult here, not just that…”
Fuck. Fuck. Fucking fuck fuck fuck. Wow fuck. My sis, very unusual for her, was swearing in my head like a metronome, a tirade of furious anger. Even so, she was keeping her outward calm, except for clenching her fists so tightly her knuckles were white as paper.
“…but as someone who stands above others, you have to make tough decisions, for the benefit of others.”
“Oh?” I raised one eyebrow. “I’m not sure I’m following.”
“You are. You can never lie to me.” he disagreed. “You know Aiko is excitable, and also rather childish. It is your responsibility and burden to keep her from making a fool of herself, or worse. That dance… people will mock her, and you…”
“So what?” My sis was as glacially cold as Sekka’s ice now. “Are you saying that I’m some sort of idiot, that I’m not capable of deciding things for myself?”
“No, that’s not it at all, Ai.” Mom tried soothing her again, though her expression was troubled too. “It’s just… you, Eri ad Aki have always been super close…”
“And whose fault’s that, huh?” my sis was calm, too calm. Outwardly, at least. Ellie knew what was going on behind the scenes, so was clutching her glass tightly, looking sick, and Liz, I couldn’t be sure what she was thinking. “I know you had to work, dad, mom, I know you always did your best for us. Just like you did, auntie, uncle. But my… our… bro was always there. He never complained, even when he should have done. No matter how often you punished him, dad, he’d always take Eri stargazing, or me to play around. And if we ever were in trouble, he’d step in. No matter what.”
“The dog, huh?” Ellie muttered. She’d heard the story, of course she had. Eri and my sis told it constantly when they had the chance.
“Exactly. And not just then. Now too. You must know that, Eleanor?”
“I do indeed. How could I not?”
“So yeah, asking me not to be close to my bro, it feels, if I’m being honest, mom, dad, like you’re asking a bit much. I love you both, and I love auntie and uncle too, but… I love Akio. A lot.”
“I’m sure you do, dear, but he’s your brother, so…” mom began reasonably, and Aiko snorted.
“He’s Eri’s brother too. You even said it, dad.” Aiko was raging inside, the others calming her, but taking the advice of Liz to heart, she was outwardly relaxed, even if her red cheeks were giving away her pain and fury. “Our daughter, in a way. Going to tell Eri she can’t get clingy with my bro? Good luck with that. It’s probably not something to boast about, but she’d choose Akio over you four in a heartbeat.”
Father-in-law Junpei shook his head. “Aiko, that’s a rather mean thing to say…”
“Doesn’t make it less true though, does it? Akio’s too precious to her to even consider giving him up now. She tried, and it was making her miserable.” She cast a sidelong glance at me.
You owe Eri… me too, I guess… a hundred years of joy for each year you made us miserable. No, make it a thousand…
Greedy much?
Yeah, so what? I am. I pushed Eri, pushed Shaeula, helped some of the others. Now…
Have no fear, Aiko. Shaeula’s thoughts were full of energy. I shall not back down until your own happiness has been ensured. I knew it, did I not? We discussed it on the flight back from Las Vegas…
Wow, let’s forget about that. Back then… I wasn’t ready. It wasn’t that I didn’t love my bro, but… the way things are, the status quo, the expectations of the world… mom and dad, my schoolfriends, uncle and auntie, Eri… and of course, my bro himself… everything was insurmountable, so I dared not even admit it to myself, otherwise I’d just feel so… so lost and sad. But that little voice inside was always there…
There are no ‘ways things are’… Shaeula disagreed. Only ‘the way things were’. What use power if it cannot be used to fulfil our desires, and the desires of those we love?
She’s right. Just like I got the laws changed over multiple marriage. Though… this one’s… well, you know…
Yeah, not going to be something you can do, at least not until the world changes more. But I’m glad you care enough to think about it, bro.
As that mental conversation rapidly unfolded, my sis continued speaking. “You’re getting all upset with my bro because of a stupid dance and a couple of cheek kisses? Wow, how stupid.”
“He should know better…” father insisted again, but Hana disagreed.
“I think you are being very unfair. I thought they looked wonderful together… oh, I’m sorry, I meant as dancers, of course.”
“Hana, it’s not the time for jokes…” mom sighed, and Hana merely tilted her head, reminiscent of Eri when she didn’t want to understand what someone was asking. I guess Hana is her mother…
“Who’s joking? Little Ai, don’t you think you and little Aki made a dashing couple on the dancefloor?”
“I sure did. A handsome man and a beautiful woman. And it was just a dance. Wow, not sure why you’re getting so worked up.” My sis leaned in and kissed my cheek. “There, see? Harmless. I’d have no problem kissing your cheek, dad. It’d be embarrassing, I’m not a kid anymore, but it’s just familial affection. It’s not like I started snogging him right there on the dancefloor, is it?”
“Aiko!” father growled. “Mind your words, that is inappropriate, and you will shame us before the Queen and the Princess…”
“I’m sorry, but please don’t speak for me.” Ellie closed her eyes for a moment, no doubt whishing she wasn’t here, and I knew that while Aiko had talked to everyone about her desires, Ellie was one of the few who couldn’t accept them. She then blinked, gazing at my sis, a complicated expression on her face. “I understand well what you mean, mother-in-law, father-in-law. And I honestly want to make a good impression with you both. I’m not going to lie, Aiko… is uncomfortably close to Akio.”
We froze, wondering just how far Ellie would go, but she astonished us.
“But then to me, everyone is uncomfortably close to him.” She let out a tired chuckle, sipping at her brandy. “I’ve accepted that our relationships won’t be… ordinary. Grandmother agreed as well.”
“Yes. Of course I’d love if my precious Eleanor had a fairytale romance, a Prince sweeping her off her feet, loving only her, ruling by her side, but now the most important thing is she has affection for him, he for her, and that he can stand with her, and shoulder some of her burden.”
“I’ve a broad back. I’ll carry as much as I can.” I chuckled, before looking at my father. “I think our relationship has improved recently. I understand why you’re strict with me. I’ve always disappointed you. And you’ve always been a very proper man, concerned about doing things the correct way. Me… I have to worry about results. I’m not just a man working to support his family, like I might have been if none of this happened. Working a job to keep Eri… and my sister, I guess… fed. No, now if I falter, then people will die, and perhaps everyone will. The pressure is enormous, father. But I can handle it. Because I’m not handling it alone. And I need my sister with me.”
Wow, that’s sweet. But… I need you too, bro.
“Yes, but… sooner or later, she’ll find the one…” mom added, as father was just gazing at me, a troubled silence spreading.
“Maybe I will, mom.” My sis agreed, astonishing me, but at her amused thoughts I realised what she meant. “But anyone who’s going to win my heart will have to understand how I care for my brother. And he for me. Anyone who can’t understand that isn’t right for me. I’m like Eri. My brother’s always been there and always will be there. There’s comfort and joy in that, mom, dad. Why can’t you see that?”
“She’s not wrong.” Hana added. “I do think you two are being rather selfish about this. You especially, Emi.” Hana’s smile was gentle, but I detected bitterness there. “When little Aki took others as his brides, I felt awful for little Eri. But she showed great fighting spirit. I still find it hard to accept…” She smiled at me, expression exasperated. “…but it helps, talking to some of the other mothers. Not to you, Emi. No offense, but sons and daughters are quite different. I understand why you’re overjoyed little Aki is so desirable. I’m proud of him too, but as a mother, it’s rough. So as little Ai’s mother…”
“Akio…” father finally addressed me as Hana trailed off meaningfully. “All I am asking is for you to think of your sister’s position and reputation. As the adult, and her brother, who cares for her, you need to take responsibility and keep an appropriate level of distance. It might be better if Aiko moved out of the estate and boarded at her university, to broaden her world…”
“You’re not listening, dad!” Aiko couldn’t take it anymore. “What the hell is your problem? Did I do anything wrong? I just danced with my bro like Eri did. Sure, it was a romantic dance, but… I’m safe with my bro. Trust me…” She glanced at Ellie. “…I’m never going to cause bro trouble which causes those he loves to lose their love for him.”
Ellie gave an imperceptible nod, and her smile was warmer now.
“But why the hell is it on Akio to do this and that, to stop me from acting as myself? I hate that you always blame him. I know my own mind, and I’m going to continue to be close to my bro, because I love him. If you don’t like that, then wow, shit, I don’t know! I’ll move out… though it’s hardly intimidating to say that when I’d only be moving a few hundred metres across the estate. If you want to push me, don’t!”
Calm down, sis. It’s fine…
No, it’s not! I won’t let anyone, not even our family, give you shit for doing everything in your power to make my dreams come true. I know just how Eri feels. Of course I do. We’re mirrors.
Yes, just your reflection is the inverse of me… Eri giggled. It makes sense as that’s how a mirror works…
“Aiko…” mom warned, unusual for her, but she wouldn’t back down.
“Don’t Aiko me. Liz, your sons saw combat, didn’t they? How old were they?”
“Well, I must clarify that Richard never saw active combat. Henry though… he was twenty-two when deployed.”
“I guess I win then. I’ve fought and killed and nearly died and I’m just eighteen. Nineteen in a few days.”
“Oh, I must send you a present then, young Aiko.” Liz gushed, and she giggled.
“Listening to me earlier was gift enough. It was good to get things off my chest. Talking to the others… well, I suppose you have an ordinary perspective, Eleanor…”
“How forthright. It almost sounds like an insult…”
“No, definitely not. I love everyone, but normal quickly vanishes when they get started.” My sis giggled, as Shaeula tried to explain her perspective was totally normal.
“…but yes, I appreciated it.” my sis finished, and Liz shrugged.
“Even so, I feel it would be remiss of me not to prepare a gift. Family is precious.” She fixed our parents with a knowing stare. “Even those who disappoint us are still those we love. Even if our children make mistakes, don’t turn away from them in anger, else you will surely regret it.”
Mom frowned. “I know. I love my kids a lot, which is why I’m worried. Why Taichi wants to prevent them damaging their reputations…”
“I’d be more worried about my daughter seeing combat, if I was a parent…” my sis reiterated the point she was trying to make. Bro, I’m about to saying something awful. It’s… just to prove a point, okay? I wouldn’t actually do it or even dream of it. So don’t be mad or sad, okay?
I trust you.
I know you do.
“…that would be my concern. But if you want me to do something stupid, I can.” My sis snorted bitterly. “Akio isn’t the only one who could go out right now and have a lot of sex. I could walk out of here, get a taxi to a club and be on the dancefloor in what… ten minutes?”
Ellie nodded, her expression pensive.
“I’m gorgeous, and famous, not that I wanted to be. All the boys back in Nishimorioka were after me or Eri. I could hook up, go back to his place, have sex. Or hell, why be choosy? I could imitate my bro and have a reverse harem. Lots of guys would be eager to share me, I’m sure…”
“Aiko…” Taichi growled. “…that is a scandalous way to behave. And will only make you unhappy in the end. We are thinking of what’s best for you…”
“No, you’re only thinking of what you consider best for us. I’m the one who makes my decisions. Not you, not even Akio…”
Sorry bro, this must be unpleasant…
For you. Afterwards, want a hug?
I’m not in pyjamas yet. But sure. I feel sick… but I had to make a stand. If it’s this bad over a damn dance though… maybe mom and dad really will disown us. I’d hate that.
“…I make my own. But I do listen.” Her anger vanished, and she smiled bitterly. “Mom, dad… I’m not doing anything shameful. People always used to call me a brocon back home, and I’m not going to lie, I love being close to my bro, to Eri, to Shaeula, to everyone. To you, one day, I hope, Eleanor. We’re not just ordinary people, mom, dad. We’re like Prince Henry. We fight and die together. Of course we’re close. If you’d rather I separate from my bro, I can start living a different life. But I’ll need an outlet to cope with the pressure.”
“Oh, Ai…” mom was cracking, and Hana consulted her, hugging her.
“Daughters are difficult, Emi. I went through this with Eri. I understand…”
“Yeah, maybe I’ll find a true love eventually, but it’s going to be rough. How can I work out who loves me for me, or who’s just after my money, fame, beauty? I’ll get my heart broken dozens of times, and I can’t even go crying to my bro, because ‘I’m too close…’”
“I think you exaggerate…” Even father was moved by my sis. Her outbursts of anger earlier had given way to a melancholic bitterness, and I hated to see it.
Relax, sis. We don’t have to make them understand today…
I know, but… I can’t leave it like this. I just want everyone to be happy for us… but many people won’t be, I know. But if those we love accept it, then I’m fine with scorn from others…
“I think you still don’t get how the world’s changed.” My sis shook her head. “I’d understand, you know, if I’d been fucking my brother…” I wasn’t the only one who choked on their brandy as my sis came out and said it. “…I mean, that’s a crime, isn’t it? A stupid crime, honestly. How’s it worse than some of the things we’ve done, even for good reasons? But I’d see why you were upset. But all we are right now is close and loving. If I want to hang around with my bro and his girlfriends, having fun, why does it hurt anyone? And it makes me happy. Can’t you be happy for me?”
“But we are thinking of your happiness…” mom insisted, and again, it was Ellie who surprised us.
“I fully understand. Aiko is… very much more intimate with her brother than I’d ever want to be with mine, much as I love them. But… I’ve never seen her do anything I can’t accept. Nor talk about it…”
My sis widened her eyes, shocked, not sure if Ellie was lying, but as she continued, I felt affection welling up for her. Ellie was a good woman indeed.
Yeah. She’s so sorry for her past mistakes. Now… now she’s a total keeper, bro. That’s why I’d never come between the two of you. Cling to her tight, and… wow, soon you’ll get to do her for the first time. Bet you’re crazy excited for that, bro…
We’re worried about you now sis, not Ellie…
“…I won’t say I wasn’t perplexed. But I know this. Aiko’s love for her brother, and he for her, is a pure thing. There is nothing unpleasant about it. Is it heavy, oh my, yes, it is. Unusual, certainly. But as an example, were we to all sit around drinking and chatting, in our sleepwear, with each other and Akio, is that wrong? Unusual, yes. Many might look askance at it. I certainly would not be comfortable showing myself in such an unguarded state in front of Henry or Richard, or even my mother, now. But is Aiko hurting anyone doing so? I believe you Japanese have a culture of mixed bathing, don’t you?”
“Yes, we do. Though such is becoming less common in the modern era. Even so, at their ages…”
“I think we need to calm down.” Hana suggested. “Little Ai, you’ve made your point, and I wholeheartedly agree with you. Oh, the thought of some scoundrel toying with you, body and heart, makes me feel as ill as if you were my own daughter. Which I see you as. Far better for you to be a clingy little sister. It’s as you say, it might be embarrassing behaviour, but it’s not like it’s something immoral.”
“No. it isn’t.” my sis agreed. “Eleanor’s right. If none of this happened, and my bro came back and married Eri, do you think I wouldn’t go in their room to play games, talk and drink…”
“No drinking until you are older…” Taichi grumbled, and my sis raised her glass.
“Sorry dad, British rules. I’m totally legal. But that’s not the point. Even when bro came back with Shaeula, Eri and I weren’t shy, were we?”
“Yes, but… I know my son.” Taichi’s complaints were diminishing in potency, and for now it seemed like we’d won the battle. “In such times… drinking is not all he does, is it?”
“Wow, dad…” Aiko feigned dismay. “…way to be indelicate. I shouldn’t have said I hated you earlier, but talking about such things is a good way to upset me. But really, what does it matter? I’m a grown-up girl, it’s not like I don’t know about sex. Never done it, of course. Because I’d rather spend time with my bro, Eleanor and the rest, rather than go looking for trouble. But it’s not like I’m going to get dirty by association…”
“Even so, Ai, you can’t be…” mom began, only for Hana to interject.
“Come now, Emi. Little Ai’s a curious young girl, and you can’t tell me little Eri doesn’t talk to her about these things. What’s the harm? Better she learns about it safely, than goes clubbing and experimenting, and does things which could actually ruin her future.”
The way you say that’s a little…
Yeah, is it me, or is auntie insinuating more than even we’ve done, without batting an eye?
“How about this? Both sides have made their points. Let me mediate.” Liz suggested. “Emily, Taichi, you believe that young Akio and young Aiko should have a more natural, distant relationship as siblings, to prevent reputational damage, yes?”
As father nodded, she turned to my sister.
“And you, young Aiko, you believe that your relationship with your brother is an honest one, and your own business. And have already promised to avoid hurting Akio’s other relationships and his future?”
“Yeah. I love my brother, so why would I want to make things difficult for him?”
“Then both sides are not at odds. If I am being honest, I find it curious. But rather amusing.” Liz shook her head. “It’s certainly a strange world. We have swords who can walk and talk, Faeries and monsters from myth and legend, Goddesses who walk among us… I hardly think that young Aiko dancing with her brother will draw much attention from anyone. And if it does…”
“That’s their problem.” I added. “Mom, father… I’m sorry, but I’m putting Aiko’s feelings first. I treasure her just as much as a I treasure anyone. And anyone who can’t see that is a fool. Neither of you are fools. I know I’ve disappointed you in the past, you wanted me to make more of myself, father. I’ve done that. And I’ll continue to do so. I made myself a promise… and I’m not a liar, father, mom. When Shiro was maimed, when Eri nearly died, when Tsukiko did die, I realised what I was fighting for. I’m fighting for the happiness and safety of those I care about. That’s it. Nothing more. I need to save the world because it’s the world we live on, and it has a lot those I love cherish upon it. I won’t let anyone badmouth my sister. If two of those I love, two of my family clash, I’ll mediate, I’ll try and make things right but… it’s as Liz says, it’s all too easy to say something which isn’t easy to take back. Don’t do something you’ll regret. Not everyone has their parents with them. I wonder what Shiro’s are thinking now… mom, are you as cold as Shiro’s mother? Father, would you act like her father? Just because you disapprove of some of our actions?”
“Of course not…” mom insisted. “…even so, Aki, Ai, you know why we are concerned…”
“I know, but really, it seems so foolish.” I shook my head.
“Now then… I think we’ve had enough drama.” Liz clapped her hands, having finished her brandy. “I believe both sides have heard the other, and now I believe it wise to take a break and approach this fresh another time. Come now…” Liz stood, chivvying up our and Eri’s parents. “…we shall see the Crown Jewels. They are quite wondrous, you know. Eleanor, dear… you stay with young Akio and young Aiko.”
With one last lingering look, our father left with Liz and the others, and my sis slumped against me, exhausted. “Wow, that was… just terrible. I hated that. Why’s life got to be so complicated.”
“Because you are.” Ellie shook her head. “And you’ve been… rather brazen. It’s like you wish to provoke your parents.”
“Not exactly, but deep down, maybe.” she admitted. “I just don’t want to keep hiding my true self. But… I know I have to. Thanks, Eleanor. Why… why did you speak up for me? I know I disgust you…”
“You don’t disgust me.” She shook her head. “I just don’t understand it. Or you, honestly, but…”
“Hey, it’s easy. You love my bro, don’t you?” At her nod, my sis grinned triumphantly. “Then imagine everything he’s done for you, he’s done for me, over and over again, more and better. It’d be crazier if I didn’t love him.”
“I give up.” Ellie smiled wearily. “It’s as I said. Your love is pure. Whether it’s wrong or not doesn’t change that. I suppose in a way I do admire your sense of purpose. But that aside…” She sighed. “Come on. I was looking for you, Akio. You need to speak to the mother of Yu-mi. Those left with her were trying to resolve the issues, but I feel they have made it worse. She is your responsibility now, so go do your best.”
Right. I reached out, taking Ellie’s hand, and my sis grabbed my other hand cheerfully. Seeing us looking, she raised an eyebrow cheekily.
“What? I’m not doing anything wrong. If we can’t even hold hands, this isn’t a world I want to live in. Besides, it’s like boiling frogs, isn’t it? I’ll slowly raise the temperature a little at a time… oh, not saying you’re a frog, Elaenor. That’d normally be my bro, wouldn’t it? If the fairytales are right.”
“I suppose I did kiss a frog. A sister loving frog.” Ellie sighed. “I… will let you try and convince me, Aiko. But please, try and have a bit of modesty…”
“No can do!” My sis dragged us out, swinging her arm happily, pulling my hand along with it. “I’m going to throw on my pyjamas and party tonight. Oh, but we have to deal with Yu-mi’s mom first, don’t we? So come on, let’s save another beautiful damsel in distress from overbearing and overprotective parents! Akio, it’s your calling!”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. Yes, for some reason we seem to have a lot of parent trouble. For some reason…