Five Hundred And Thirty-Six

    “Don’t you look very self-satisfied?” Mayumi-san pouted, sitting up in the bed, Ohta-san beside her, relief showing on her face. Mayumi-san was still rather pale, but she was smiling at least. “You could have visited me a little earlier, Hinata, Akio-kun!”

    “Sorry, but I had better things to do.” Hinata replied teasingly, clutching my arm tightly, her flushed, satisfied face and bright eyes showing her satisfaction after our love. “Besides, you’re Ichijou Mayumi, right? A little thing like an attempted kidnapping won’t get you down.”

    “Little?” Mayumi-san managed a weak snort. “There’s kidnappings for ransom, then there’s... that.” She took a long, shuddering breath, clearly still not over the experience, but her smile came back, even if it was a little wobbly. “But you’re right. I have to set a good example for other noble daughters. After all, we must always remain composed!”

    “How did things go?” Ohta-san asked us, surprising Mayumi-san, who didn’t expect her taciturn guard to be so close with us.

    “All good!” Hinata held up her hand in the victory pose. “Much as I’d have loved to have Akio beat that crude blowhard to a pulp and teach Zozibini a lesson she wouldn’t forget... this isn’t our backyard. We’ve already caused a lot of trouble here for the South African government, even if it mostly wasn’t our fault.”

    “Yeah, although...” My grin was rather savage. “Settling the score isn’t something we abandoned. I beat Miss Zozibini at her own game, plundered a little of her Intangible Statistics. It probably doesn’t quite offset what she gained from this mess, but it’s a warning, and I assume she’s smart enough to heed it. But... the beauty is, they missed the real kicker. In being forced to allow us to set up a Territory, they haven’t realised they’ve been outmanoeuvred.”

    Hinata nodded. “It’s only natural of course. They’ll be Rank three, certainly. But from three to four is such an incredible jump in time and resources, it seems impossible to get there any time soon. But...” She gazed lovingly at me, talk of expansion, power and wealth exciting her as much as our lovemaking. Yeah, she’s certainly perfect for Aje?-Shaluga’s Favour.

    “We can do it. Early next year, we’ll hit Rank four in Tokyo. Then it won’t take more than a few months to do the same in Kyoto and help Princess Eleanor advance in London as per our alliance agreement. Then, while our good friends here in South Africa are protecting our Territory, they’ll be forced to watch as we leap ahead of them, reach Rank four and hem them in. They’ll end up as isolated bubbles of Territory within our greater dominion, and eventually they’ll have no choice but to submit, or be choked out.”

    She clapped her hands happily. “I can hardly wait to hear that boorish Nkosi swearing, and see the look on Zozibini’s supercilious face. They don’t know it, but they already lost. Consider it a little revenge for you, Mayumi. Although the true perpetrators are dead.”

    “I see.” Mayumi-san’s face relaxed, her smile seeming more natural. “Of course, as my best friend, you understand well that nobody gets to disrespect the Ichijou house. Well, you carry the same burden as me now, so it’s only natural.”

    “It’s not a burden. Being Takatsukasa Hinata is something I had to do to raise my value for Akio.” She smiled at me teasingly, before her expression turned serious. “You’re right though. Akio can be a bit passive. Compromise is good, business is built on it, but when we’re going for a win-win, it needs to be at least sixty-forty in our favour from now on. But from a longer-term standpoint, we need footholds everywhere. Just thinking of Japan isn’t enough. After all, I don’t know about you, Mayumi, but I’m not content to leave my fate in the hands of some other Astral Emperor. No, it’s got to be Akio.”

    “I don’t disagree, but...” Mayumi-san looked at me searchingly, before shrugging. “...well, it’s not like we were Chosen, were we?”

    “Oh, I don’t know about that.” Hinata teased, before becoming serious once again. “There are also other benefits to claiming a Territory here in South Africa. With Ginneka’s abilities and Ixitt’s technologies, it won’t be long before moving materials between the Boundary and Material becomes routine. That way we can use Ring Gates to directly traffic ores and metals between here and the factories in Tokyo, making our supply chain resistant to external troubles. I think that’ll be important...”

    Seeing them chatting away happily, I disentangled myself from Hinata, and headed to the other room. Aliyah and Trey were in there, recuperating well after my Ether Healing, while Adelheid had joined them. She was reading a magazine she had found somewhere, though it seemed she was more looking at the pictures idly, not speaking the language.

    “Settled things then?” Trey asked, and I nodded. Adelheid looked up, and I smiled at her. She puffed out her cheeks and looked away, sulking a little. Don’t worry, you’ll get your reward for the hard work you’ve put in this trip, I promise.

    “Yeah, all handled.” I agreed, explaining what had transpired again. When I was done, Aliyah laughed until her aching body hurt.

    “Fuck me, that’s funny. But the bitch got off lightly. I mean, you busted up my ribs good, and that firecracker Shaeula, she...” Aliyah paused, glancing across at Trey, who was pretending not to listen. Aliyah shrugged, trying to laugh it off. “...anyway, I get she doesn’t know you, but if she had half a brain she’d not have tried to rope you into her shit. I mean, I ain’t foolish enough to mess with you again, once bitten, twice shy, and you can bite bad.”

    “Learning some wisdom with age, Aliyah?” Trey asked, and she snorted sourly, shrugging again, clenching one hand into a fist, showing off her impressive muscles.

    “I ain’t old, bastard. I’m in the prime of my damn youth. Which makes it so sad I ain’t got a girlfriend.”

    “With an attitude like that and your foul mouth is it any wonder you’re single? Especially as you like the cute types, sis.” Trey replied, and she smirked nastily.

    “Maybe so. But shit, Trey, you get to talk to me like that when you can stay with a guy for more than two fucking weeks. You always pick a cheater or a flake.”

    As the siblings bickered, Aliyah lacing her words with vitriolic but harmless swearing, I couldn’t help but grin. They’ve got a good sibling dynamic, and obviously love each other, have each other’s backs. I respect that.

    Adelheid put down her magazine, sighing. “It is always like this. They argue incessantly. Fortunately, I only understand the train station, their nonsense makes no sense to me.”

    Finding Adelheid’s entertaining idioms rather cute, I simply smiled back, also ignoring the two siblings as they argued, seeing that they were clearly recovered enough to fight, though it would likely take a little longer to fully restore them. “Yeah, that can be a mercy.” I agreed. “Anyway, I’ll say it again. Damn good job during the battles. You proved why it was right to seek you out.”

    The blonde girl looked embarrassed at that, idly twirling at her long hair, looking more childish than she was. “It was nothing. It was kill or be killed there, and I embody the Furies. I’m not one to just lie down and die. Though...” She fixed me with her stern, blue-eyed gaze, looking anything but young for a moment. “...it’s looking like I might have been safer staying in Luisenstadt, waiting for others to come hunt me down!”

    “Don’t be like that.” I laughed ruefully. “We’ve strength in numbers. And I can tell you’ve grown stronger.”

    Adelheid crossed her arms defensively. “It seems so, but I still don’t care for being forced into life-or-death battles constantly.”

    “Believe it or not, neither do I.” I promised. “I can hone my strength outside of battles just fine. Though there are benefits to be had in conflict.” Seeing that she understood, I changed the subject, asking her how Christina Bakker and Titan were.

    “That madwoman.” Adelheid sniffed, wary of the scientist. “At first she seemed rather distant and possibly traumatised, but... after a few hours on the helicopter she seemed to recover, and while I don’t understand most of her jabbering, I get that she’s working on something.”

    I nodded, not sure whether to be relieved or not. No, I guess I am relieved. I’ve little liking for her and what she’s done, but... honestly, even if her affections are a little, no... a lot creepy, it’s hard to absolutely hate someone who expresses a liking for me. Even to the extent of trying to trap me into being her boyfriend... oh, no, wait, that’s just swung around to creepy again. But one thing is true... There would certainly be no benefits to letting her die, and it might even cause problems in America. Though what with Adam White’s likely misunderstanding she’s provoked, as well as her stealing of his Vermillion List... there’ll be problems aplenty anyway...

    “This is all very well...” Mayumi-san complained again. “...but we’re talking about serious matters, not your harassment of Hinata, and whatever this rather terrible attempt to appeal to Akio-kun is.” She waved a hand at Christina, her expression one of distaste. Behind her, Kira-san hid a smile behind one hand, careful not to provoke his granddaughter.

    “Oh, so you think I’m appealing? Good to know, I’ll make a note of it.” Christina smirked, as usual missing the point. She realised that, as she blinked, reorientating her thoughts on the now. “No, I’m not dressed up for that. We’ll be boarding flights soon, and at the other end...” She glanced at Titan, who was wisely keeping his silence. He too had made an effort, and was wearing a nice suit, though with his frame and muscle he looked a little comical. “...Adam will be waiting. I have to... uh, well, it’s like this. Maybe if I seem more professional, Adam will go easy on me? No, probably not...” She laughed nervously. “I’ve heard it said that dying a virgin is a great shame, and we’re flying first class, so... at least give me a test drive on the flight. Who knows, you might like it?” More nervous laughter followed, her cheeks pink, and sadly I was sure she wasn’t joking.

    No way though. Objectively, she’s a woman with attractive features and a great body, her curves are different to the Japanese. But... Despite that, I certainly wasn’t interested in her that way. Though honestly, I did feel a little sorry for her, and treacherously, a corner of my Split Thoughts couldn’t help but replay the messy kiss she had given me when on the video call to Adam White. Blame my Intellect, forgetting anything is near-impossible nowadays.

    Whether it was the brief moments on play-pretend boyfriend that had affected me, or it was my natural tendency to be too soft on women, I realised I couldn’t let Adam disappear her like she feared. No, it’s definitely just that she brought us helpful information, and I owe her for that. I’ll never forgive her for her experiments and complicity in the cruel acts of the Americans, but... if she genuinely wants to make amends, then she should be given the chance, even if it takes her a whole lifetime. Though I just wish her reasons were rather better than she’s got a weird schoolgirl-in-love crush on me...

    Yes, women could be just as evil and dangerous as men. Kiku, some of the Chinese invaders at Kyoto, Chae Cho-Hee... I can’t be lenient, just because they appeal to my memories of my sis and Eri when we were younger. But that aside... “No thanks.” I declined her, making her pout. “I’m planning on enjoying a relaxing flight, it’s not often I get much time to myself.”

    “I can be relaxing...” she whined, and I heard the buzz of desperation in her voice. Yeah, she’s like a magpie in other aspects too. She stole Adam White’s shiny classified data, not thinking of the likely consequences. If he’s noticed...

    “Sure you can. I’m not feeling very relaxed now.” I shot back, and those in the room who understood couldn’t hold in their laughter. “But seriously, I’m not going to lie for you, cover things up, pretend to be your boyfriend, but I’ve said I won’t let Adam arrest you without a fight. Be content with that.”

    “You don’t have to pretend...” she whispered, and for a moment her expression changed. It was vacant, distant, and her lips twitched, perhaps in fright. Is she... remembering? Christina had gradually started to return to her previous teasing, annoying nature, but in quieter moments, or when stressed, I could see the cracks in her fac?ade. To my great annoyance, this made me sympathise with her more.

    It''s at times like this, I need Eri here. Although... thinking about it, Eri, despite putting up a jealous, tough front, can be rather tender towards other girls having a hard time, like Hyacinth, Asha, Daiyu and Tsukiko... nah, our mad scientist here isn’t comparable, I’m sure Eri would kick her to the curb without remorse.

    “I’ve got to applaud you for persistence, but can we drop the subject?” I shook my head as my answer. “Anyway... please stop bothering Hinata. If all goes well, you might get a chance for further study... humanly.”

    She didn’t look like she believed me, but she did remain silent, stopping her clumsy attempts at flirting. “So, those of us getting on the flight to Washington DC are me, Christina, Titan, Trey and Aliyah, as well as Adelheid.”

    “It’ll be good to be back home. The place can be shit, but fuck me if I don’t want a real burger. It’s just not the same in Japan.” Aliyah complained, and her brother echoed her.

    “No kidding. The booze is fine too, but sometimes I miss American beer. And the men. Japanese guys are fine, but they tend to be a little scrawny for my taste.”

    “Shit, bro, you like pretty-boys, you should be in Heaven.” Aliyah shot back, and he shrugged.

    “There’s a difference between thin and lean, sis, just like there’s a difference between fat and stacked.”

    “What would you know? And don’t ogle your sister, pervert. Fuck Trey, you don’t even have any use for tits...” Aliyah crossed her arms under her ample assets as if to make a point, and Titan and I tactfully looked away as their usual arguments started. I had one concern, and that was Adelheid. Originally, I hadn’t planned to take her with me to America, I didn’t want to put any other Chosen at risk of being used to try and leash me, but...

    “You should be assured.” Ohta-san was back to her clipped, professional manner of speech now Mayumi-san was back with us. Her brown eyes were earnest, and she looked rather noble in a sharp charcoal grey suit, with trousers rather than a skirt as usual. “I am hardly so arrogant as to claim I can protect Mayumi-sama and Ichijou-sama by myself now, but I assure you this...” She exchanged a glance with Kazumi-san, who nodded reassuringly. “I can most certainly buy time for Hinata-sama to act, even if I must die for the opportunity. My resolve is stronger than the sword Mayumi-sama named me for.”

    “I don’t want you to die, Katana.” Hinata interjected. “But... I’ve got to respect your guts. Honestly, I still don’t want to be a fighter, it’s not my style, but any wife of Akio’s has to be more than dead weight. I understand why Akio’s going alone. The Americans probably can’t do anything to threaten him, but they can us.” She pulled out her phone and used the translation app to convert her words to rudimentary German for Adelheid.

    “I understand why you’d want to stay with Akio. It can’t be any fun, nobody understanding you.” At the words coming out of Hinata’s phone, Adelheid nodded.

    “....and I hope you’ve seen that Akio is reliable, and he’ll treat you as a friend, not as a tool.” A slower nod this time, but she did nod, which relieved me.

    “So, keep yourself safe, Adelheid, and look after Akio.” Hinata sniggered then, her expression her usual impish one. “Not that you’ll be able to stop him getting into trouble. Just... keep an eye on our liability here.” She nodded at Christina, who managed a faint smile in return.

    “Have no fear.” Adelheid glanced over at me. “I don’t think he’s the sort to pull me over the table.”

    As Hinata seemed confused, Adelheid sighed, finding different words for the phone to interpret. “I mean, he won’t try and use me one-sidedly. It’s all... give and take, yes? As for our liability, as you call her... I doubt there are many men who can resist her if she tries so hard, even with a personality that shitty. So don’t ask for miracles.”

    “How rude. I’m simply honest...” Christina managed, but everyone ignored her. Hinata finished speaking with Adelheid, before she reassured me not to worry.

    “We’re taking a private jet back to Japan just after you leave. We’ll be in no danger. Instead, it’s you who is going into the lion’s den... no, wait, that was here, wasn’t it?” She giggled at her own joke. “Seriously, be careful. And hurry back, you don’t want to miss the start of the Pilgrimage, or worse, Shaeula’s birthday is at the weekend. She’ll make your life hell if you don’t spoil her that day!”

    “That’s true.” I agreed. “Yeah, at least after the middle of January my schedule clears up for a bit...”

    “I wouldn’t count on it.” Hinata shook her head. “That’s the thing about important people, their schedules always fill up. Isn’t that right, uncle Kira?”

    “I’m afraid so.” He laughed happily. “Now more than ever you’ll be busy. After all, work is going very well on the factory site, and I can hardly wait to start production, and I know Mayumi is the same.”

    Mayumi-san agreed. “Yes, it’s time to start making a return on my investment! If it’s a disappointment, I’ll lose respect for you, Akio-kun, Hinata!”

    Seeing her putting on a brave face, I nodded. “Don’t worry, even in just the parts you’re involved with, I’m sure profits will be huge...”

    As the conversation turned to back in Japan, my thoughts drifted towards America, and what troubles and opportunities I would find there. Surely it can’t be as much trouble as South Africa was. Although... I glanced at Christina Bakker, who once more seemed lost in thought, disconnected from the conversations around her. ...there is this troublesome issue to resolve...