"Captain Kusakabe."
Kusakabe started, field jacket tied around her standard-issue work pants rustling as she turned to face Origami with a mixture of surprise and annoyance on her face.
"Private Tobiichi? You should have told me you were already out of the hospital!"
"I figured it would be more efficient to inform you directly."
At her reasonable words, Kusakabe just made a face and jotted something down on her clipboard terminal before pinching her black tank top and fanning herself with it.
"Anyway, you seem fine. The docs already patch you up?"
"I wasn't too injured to begin with."
Before Kusakabe could respond, a simple transport vehicle trundled past them, out of the morning sun and into the military hangar they were standing just outside of. In its bed was an enormous unit— at least five meters in length, and covered in a protective tarp.
At Origami's questioning gaze, the captain leaned in for an exaggerated stage whisper.
"Some piece of military equipment from DEM. They were planning on deploying it for our transfer Takamiya. But, seeing as she's currently in the ICU, I doubt it'll be seeing much use."
"What is it?"
"Not sure. I think it was a—"
"This bea-yoo-tiful girl is the DW-029, Destruction Armament 'White Licorice'! Cleave Leaf laser blades that cut through naked dresses like a hot knife through butter! Two 50.5 cm Blastalk magic guns that burn right through spirit shields! And eight exchangeable, large capacity Loot Box weapon containers, just for that little bit of extra spice! A state-of-the-art piece of military equipment, she commands the combined firepower of an entire AST squadron!"
Kusakabe opened her mouth to explain before being cut off by a newcomer, a foreigner by the blue eyes and blonde hair, clad in a flashy sports bra underneath a lab coat as she put on a show with all the panache of a late-night infomercial host.
Not recognizing her, Origami looked Kusakabe's way, who dropped her shoulders with a sigh at the servicewoman's antics.
"Private Origami Tobiichi, Chief Mechanic Mildred F. Fujimura. Chief Mechanic Mildred F. Fujimura, Private Origami Tobiichi."
After Kusakabe's introduction, Origami went to bow while Fujimura tried to shake her hand, resulting in a momentary awkward silence.
"D'oh, sorry about that! Was raised in Britain, but my mum's Japanese, so I really should know better! Guess I've just been away from Japan for too long, haha! Anyway, uh, you wanna redo—"
"Thank you, Fujimura. She'll be heading the maintenance and repair of our equipment from now on. Another contribution from DEM."
Origami had barely paid the mechanic's breathless apology or Kusakabe's explanation any mind, too focused on the experimental hardware before her.
It combined the firepower of an entire squadron? The standard unit size of most AST squadrons was right around the average of what could effectively exhaust a spirit's reserves and force them into the vulnerable state where they could actually be killed.
If that amount of power could truly be concentrated into a single unit...
"Don't get too excited," Kusakabe cut in with a dry smirk. "An experienced wizard from DEM nearly went into a diabetic coma after just thirty minutes of maximum operation. If any of us here operated that thing, we'd be lucky to end up like Takamiya."
"Actually, that was just a mistake in the calibration!" Fujimura ran to the machine's defense. "White Licorice is the prototype of a finished model that uses state-of-the-art AI to offload most of the neural load so that the user doesn't consume all their blood glucose."
"That a fact?" Kusakabe remarked glibly. "Anyway, don't you have some employee training to be getting to, Fujiwara?"
"Oh, yeah, I gotta go! Nice meeting ya, Private Tobiichi!"
Saying this in a hurry, the mechanic zoomed off, to parts unknown.
"I swear, that girl would forget her head if it weren't screwed onto her shoulders..."
Muttering this, Kusakabe turned to Origami.
"And as for you, Tobiichi, I need you to review the footage from that debacle the other day."
"Review it?"
"Yeah, the video came out wonky so we need you to go over it. Should help you write up your incident report."
"Alright. I'll get to it ASAP."
With that, Origami spun on her heel and began marching towards her next destination, an irrepressible enthusiasm in her movement.
"And just where are you going with all that pep in your step?"
At Kusakabe's amused tone, Origami turned back without stopping and with the slightest of smiles said:
"On a date with my boyfriend."
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Fourth floor, B wing of the Twin Building at Tengu Station—
"Shidou, look at all these colorful clothes!"
"They show so much skin..."
"And yet, sometimes, it's more about what you do cover than what you don't!"
Tohka, Yoshino, and Yoshinon zipped around the display racks of a swimsuit shop in the Tengu Quintet, marveling at the impressive selection of swimwear.
Watching all this from the middle of the shop's floor, Shidou pressed the earpiece in his ear connected to one Reine Murasame.
"This is the training you were talking about?"
After visiting Origami at the hospital, Shidou and the Fraxinus crew had discussed the plan for Kotori's date in the coming days— taking her to the Ocean Park water park.
Normally, such a plan would conflict with Shidou's schooling but Raizen High would be closed for the rest of the week, which was only to be expected. After everyone in the school had suddenly lost consciousness, there were serious concerns about a possible gas leak, and a thorough inspection was being done on the school's pipes.
"We need to get your eyes used to seeing girls in swimsuits so you're prepared when you're with Kotori tomorrow."
That got a reflexive scoff.
"Uh, Reine? Do you really think I'm going to get distracted by my little sister in a swimsuit?"
"...That's the problem, Chin. You need to have some attraction to Kotori for her seduction and sealing to work."
"Ghk—!"
He'd forgotten about that little fact. The fact that he would be seducing and sealing — having sex with — his sister tomorrow.
"Yeah, I guess... I guess that's not wrong."
Saying these noncommittal words despite his body's intense resistance, Shidou swallowed back his reservations. Kotori's fate was at stake, after all.
"Well, in any case, this is a useful opportunity to shore up Tohka and Yoshino's comfort levels too. They'll be joining you two tomorrow so be sure to pick out something fitting for them."
Listlessly, he released the earpiece just as Tohka turned to face him, holding up the top of a yellow two-piece.
"By the way, Shidou, what exactly is a swimsuit?"
She couldn't tell just from looking? Though, he supposed it wasn't obvious that swimsuits were specifically for swimming. Shidou opened his mouth to explain—
"MIlitary Zapped Ultimate Grind Instrument— MiZUGI. A new weapon for the annihilation of spirits. When activated, the onboard Realizer commences materialization of countless atom-sized missiles, which easily slip through the naked dress to utterly destroy the target's molecular structure until recovery is impossible. The pain it causes is beyond description. International law prohibits personal use for the reason that it is simply too inhumane."
Shidou, Tohka, and Yoshino all jumped as they realized Origami had suddenly appeared, and proceeded to spread disinformation without missing a beat.
Yoshino snuck behind Tohka's back, the taller girl holding out a protective arm as she regarded Origami with a hostile stare.
"You... What are you doing here? Shidou, is what she said about these weapons true?"
She'd already accepted that they were weapons?
They say a lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on, and it seemed Shidou was bearing witness to this truth firsthand, if Tohka's ready acceptance of Origami's framing was any indication.
He opened his mouth to correct the record—
"It's true." Origami cut in. "He brought you here because he knew about the existence of MiZUGI. He must have been planning to distract you and launch a surprise attack."
"Enough with your lies! There's no way he would do such a thing! Isn't that right, Shidou!"
Did he seriously need to say something here? Well it looked like Tohka and Yoshino were genuinely concerned, so apparently he did.
Suppressing a sigh, Shidou opened his mouth to speak—
"No, it's just as Origami says. I was waiting for my chance to kill you."
And was once again interrupted, Origami pinching her nose and dropping her voice several octaves to imitate his voice.
"H-How can that be, Shidou!?"
Shidou just ran a palm down his face.
"Oh my god... Tohka, I love you, but don't tell me you actually fell for that..."
...
"You deceitful wench, Origami Tobiichi! How dare you trick me!"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
She said it so glibly and flippantly, that for a second Shidou even believed her.
"...Anyway, it's quite the coincidence to run into you here. Are you alright now?"
"Yes, I was discharged from the hospital at approximately 0900 this morning. I carried out some errands before starting one of my regularly scheduled Shidou tracking sessions, which is when I caught sight of Princess and Hermit accompanying you, and decided to tail your group."
Was it a good thing that that bit about regularly tracking him didn't phase Shidou at all?
"More than that," Origami continued, turning on Tohka specifically. "I need you to tell me something, Princess. The flame spirit. Did you see it?"
Shidou nearly had a heart attack upon hearing those words.
She just had to ask about it!
He knew after their talk in the hospital last night that she was dead set on hunting down the spirit she'd seen at the school rooftop. If she found out that was Kotori...
He was about to step into the conversation when Reine stopped him.
"Wait, Chin. Don't do anything rash."
What was she talking about? If they did nothing, Tohka would—
"As if I would tell you anything!"
Cross her arms obstinately and refuse to give Origami anything.
In his panic, it seemed Shidou had forgotten these two's deep enmity for each other. He was about to breathe an internal sigh of relief when Origami did the unthinkable.
"...Please?"
Sounding like every atom of her being was resisting, Origami begged as she put her hands in her lap and bowed before Tohka.
"Wh-What are you doing, Origami Tobiichi?!"
None seemed more shocked than Tohka, who reared back like she'd just been exposed to a noxious chemical.
"I'm humbly requesting your aid." Origami answered, still bowed. "You... T-To—hka... Yato... ga-g-g—"
"I'll tell you, so quit begging while looking like you're being tortured! It's creeping me out!"
Origami snapped back to an upright position a little too quickly for someone who was supposed to be earnestly requesting help, but everyone was too relieved to say anything.
"The flame spirit..." Tohka cupped her chin. "Yes, I saw it..."
Once again, Shidou found his heart pounding in his chest.
He never could have anticipated Origami doing something like that! All bets were off now. If he did nothing, there was no telling what might happen. But if he stopped Tohka, Origami was sure to find that suspicious...
"It was, you know... Red."
"What else?"
"What else...? Hmm... It was very strong."
"Is that all?"
"Well... it was all fwoosh! And hraghh! And hyoizaburo!"
"Useless."
"Useless? What did you just say?!"
Tohka fumed as Origami turned away, clearly annoyed at what she'd sacrificed for so little information.
Holding his chest, Shidou breathed an external sigh of relief.
Thank god for Tohka and her Tohka-isms...
The situation seemingly stabilized for now, the girls went to picking out swimsuits.
"So, you're supposed to wear these while swimming, right Shidou?" Tohka asked, holding up a yellow two-piece.
"Yep. Otherwise, you're clothes would get all wet."
"Hmm... Why not just swim naked then?"
"That's... Well, we're going swimming, but we're still in public."
This clearly did not seem to sit well with the girl who had on several occasions insisted on walking around the house naked after a shower.
"Don't bother, Shidou." Origami joined in while leafing through clothes racks. "Trying to explain basic concepts like modesty to Yatogami is a waste of time."
Tohka sent her the stink eye, turning up her nose at the girl with a mocking smirk.
"Hmm! I know all about modesty!"
"Keep lying like that. Shidou hates dishonest girls."
"How would you know that!"
"I know everything about Shidou. After all, he's my boyfriend."
"Well, Shidou's my boy friend, too!"
Somehow, Shidou could just tell that Tohka was using it the wrong way.
The very thought was exhausting, but he was probably going to have to play referee the whole time to keep these girls from going at each other's throats.
"Ladies, ladies please!" Yoshinon stepped into the conversation. "I can see you two have got quite the little enemies-to-lovers thing going on here."
"Enemies-to-lovers?"
Both Tohka and Origami balked at this, looking at the other before shuddering at the suggestion.
Despite their clear disgust, Yoshinon nodded sagely.
"Yes, and there's only one way to deal with something like this— a swimsuit contest!"
"Swimsuit—"
"—Contest?"
While Tohka and Origami were looking at Yoshinon (and Yoshino) like she was crazy, Shidou thought the idea had some unexpected merit.
Maybe he was just hoping to distract the two like an overworked parent with kids, but this might prove useful for allowing Tohka and Origami to go at it in a structured way rather than needling each other endlessly. As hard as it was to believe, something silly like this might even allow them to bury the hatchet.
"Yes, a swimsuit contest! We pick out the hottest, sexiest swimsuits to show off to Shidou, and the one who makes him all hot and bothered will have the right to ride him all night long!"
Immediately, he mashed his earpiece.
"Reine! Did you put her up to this?!"
"Not at all. It's just a coincidence."
A likely story, but Shidou wasn't exactly in a position to interrogate the woman. Not now that he had to worry about three girls all trying to turn him on with no regard for public decency.
"Alright! I'll be sure to heat up and bother Shidou!"
"Well, I doubt you'll be able to take on an experienced older woman like Yoshino, but you get out there and fight, girl!"
With this boast, the contest began in earnest, the girls all slipping into changing rooms with their picks for sexiest swimsuit.
In the welcome moment of quiet that followed, Shidou reflected on the state of things. He'd had some time to think since yesterday, and come to his own conclusions about things.
Apparently, he was the only person who could seal spirits. The reasons for this fact where currently unknown, but it remained the case regardless. And according to Reine, Kotori only had days left before she lost herself to her spirit powers entirely.
So the best thing for him to do was focus all his attention on sealing Kotori's spirit powers.
That was the most useful thing he could do right now, right?
He wasn't able to totally eliminate the reservations he still had, but at least he had a mission.
"Shidou, I am ready for you to judge me."
Origami's voice broke Shidou out of his thoughts, and he turned to bear witness to her wearing a...
Competition swimsuit?
That's just what it was— a black competition swimsuit with some navy accents.
"Our first contestant starts off with a swimsuit matching her restrained but intense personality, the dark colors accentuating and drawing attention to her creamy skin!"
The overacted voice of Kannazuki came through Shidou's earpiece. Apparently, he was putting on a running play-by-play of today's competition.
"Sorry, Chin, but I couldn't stop him."
As if things weren't already chaotic enough...
Well, in any case, Origami's fit was very in line with her character.
Actually, and Shidou hated to put it so bluntly, but he was honestly surprised that the girl had chosen to go with something so... well, normal.
"That swimsuit looks really good on you, Origami. The dark colors really accentuate your creamy skin."
Shidou shamelessly stole Kannazuki's commentary without a second thought.
"Hah! Your attempts at seducing Shidou are useless!"
Turning, the two of them were met with the sight of Tohka, wearing a white two-piece— a high-neck halter top and a high-waisted bottom.
"And our second contestant makes her appearance! Donning a two-piece that puts her toned abs and shoulders on full display! What a sporty, dashing look!"
Tohka cocked her hips and planted a hand on her side, a nervousness on her face despite her confident words.
"I think it looks great. It really does suit you."
Rattling off diplomatic words like this, Shidou played a delicate game of statescraft.
Tohka, seeing through this, sauntered up to him and began striking sexy poses.
"Playing hard to get, huh?" She raised her arms and flexed. "Then how about this!"
Well, they were supposed to be sexy, but they seemed more like bodybuilder poses.
Of course, Tohka was a beautiful girl with a voluptuous figure, so the effect was much the same anyway, and when she finished it off by spinning around and wiggling her ass, that was all she wrote.
"Okay, okay! That's enough, Tohka, you win!"
It seemed they had their winner for the first round.
Origami sucked her teeth while Tohka ran circles around her and cheered— the picture of a sore winner.
"But... I don't get it." She pulled her bottoms away from her stomach, casually exposing herself before letting it snap back in place. "It's covering all the parts that feel good during sex..."
"That's..."
Shidou was at a loss for words, just palming his face as Origami seethed.
"One win is not enough to declare victory. Round two won't end the same way, Yatogami."
"Oh? I'll just beat you again, Origami Tobiichi!"
The girls picked out a second choice of swimsuit, and rushed back into the changing rooms.
Once again left to his lonesome, Shidou let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
He'd witnessed this the day she asked him out, but Tohka really had learned how to be sexy, huh?
Of course, Shidou wasn't complaining about any of this, but it did make it harder to refuse the girl when she'd swing her hips and glance back at him in that way that made it clear she knew what she was doing.
"Is that Shidou Itsuka? What's he doing here? Isn't this the women's swimsuit section?"
"Is he buying something for Tohka after abandoning her on their date? Trying to buy back her favor?"
"That's so sick..."
Suddenly, Shidou felt an oncoming migraine as the familiar voices of three girls met his ears.
It was of course the Ai-Mai-Mii Trio, apparently having all emerged from the same changing room, wearing swimsuits along with suspicious blushes.
Seemingly unbothered by their state of dress, the girls sauntered up to Shidou, waiting for his response.
"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"
Shidou just stared dumbly at the three, not exactly sure how to respond.
"...Yeah, I guess you could say I'm making up for that..."
That was another sore spot from that day. He'd been reeling from everything that'd happened with Kurumi and Mana, but leaving Tohka and Origami out to dry like that was just inexcusable.
At his unexpectedly somber tone, the girls' confrontational energy softened a little, Ai taking her hand off her hip.
"...Seems you're appropriately apologetic. Well, whatever. Since you're a straight male and all, why don't you give us your opinion..."
"How do we look?" Mii struck a pose. "Sexy enough?"
Shidou wasn't really sure what "enough" meant here.
"Wait, where are you guys headed, anyway? Going to the water park?"
"You mean Ocean Park?" Mai asked. "Nah, we're heading to an orgy!"
"...That so?"
He knew they were getting the week off thanks to the "gas leak" courtesy of Kurumi, but these girls really didn't take a break, did they? He didn't even want to think about what Tohka and them were getting up to when they were together...
Well, whatever. As long as they weren't doing anything illegal, what these girls got up to was their business.
As for their swimsuits...
Ai, the face of the group, fittingly wore a provocative black slingkini. It sat ridiculously high on her hips, but the bridge of cloth between her breasts somehow added just enough modesty to keep the getup from looking completely inappropriate.
Mai, the most decent of the girls, sported a red bandeau top and a high-waisted bottom with side straps, all of which dug into the pillowy skin of her hips and chest.
And Mii, who hid a rapaciousness behind her unassuming looks, was the clear standout among the three. She was wearing something resembling a white one-piece, consisting of only a thin strip of cloth covering her crotch from the front, traveling all the way to just below her bust before connecting with the string of material fastening her swimsuit, completed by a halter neckline that left her backside all but exposed.
If they were preparing for an orgy, he couldn't exactly say they weren't dressed for the occasion.
"I'd say you three will definitely attract the right type of attention with those swimsuits."
Ai let out a short bark of laughter, slapping his back good-naturedly.
"You are, like, way too serious! You two really are great complements for each other."
"What? Me and Tohka?"
"Yeah, you're all, like, high-strung and boring, and she's totally carefree and fun. Like something out of one of those cheesy romcoms!"
"That's not an insult or anything," Mai jumped in. "We just mean she's really changed you for the better!"
Shidou wasn't sure if he believed that, but for some reason he was willing to overlook Ai's comment.
"What do you mean by her changing me, though?"
"You know, like, the you from just a few months ago would have totally been all red in the face right now! Having a trio of sexy, free-spirited gals like us around!"
"And they're modest too..."
"Hey, we heard that!" Mai laughed.
"Shit, you heard that?"
"We're right next to you, dummy." That was Mii, tossing a bare arm around his shoulders despite their obvious height difference. "So, how does Tohka fuck?"
Shidou spluttered.
"E-Excuse me?"
"What, we just wanna know if Tohka's satisfying you is all..." Ai said, placing a hand on her cocked hips while wearing a smirk that belied her words.
"We taught her everything we know, too," Mai added, crossing her arms as she leaned against Shidou's unoccupied side. "We also want to know if any of it actually stuck."
"As if I would just talk about that sort of thing out in public like that."
"Playing hard to get, huh? That's pretty sick..."
Yeah, he had definitely become just these three's latest plaything, hadn't he?
"Oh, don't be like that!" That was Ai from behind, throwing her arms around his shoulders. "Tohka's our friend so we want to make sure she's with guys who treat her right."
When did she get back there?
"I don't know what you want me to say." He tried to ignore that. "I just try to act like a decent person."
"So cagey! There must be something special about ya, if Tohka keeps coming back!"
"Yeah, she's actually pissed off some guys, because she won't shut up about you!"
"It's so sick!"
"Is that so..."
Shidou realized somewhat belatedly that he was trapped between these three girls. And, as much as he wanted to pretend that the copious amounts of bare skin around him wasn't effecting him in any way, having swimsuit-clad girls press their bodies against him like this was getting a certain part of his anatomy to act up.
"Chin, at this rate, these three are going to win a night with you."
Reine's sobering words only further cemented the seriousness of the situation he was in right now.
Tohka and Origami were taking an awful long time to come out with their swimsuits, and the nature of this conversation seemed to be taking a dangerous turn.
Luridly, Mii ran her tongue across her lips before biting one enticingly, as Mai caressed the arm she had a hold of with sensuous motions, and Ai massaged his chest through his shirt indolently.
"Ooh~" Her moan vibrated through his body. "I never realized you had such nice pecs..."
"And your arm's so toned... Think we should give him a spin?"
"That'd be so sick..."
There was no escape. It felt like his fate was sealed. Was this the power of carnivore women?! Their sensual pressure was overwhelming!
Were they always like this?!
He'd never seen such open lust from these girls before.
No, he recognized this. Not from a first-person perspective but from third-person.
The previous year, he'd witnessed from the sidelines these three descend on some poor schmuck or another a few times. Some guys could handle that kind of thing, but more often than not, those full of enough foolhardy courage and cum to not flee from the Ai-Mai-Mii Trio would return to school the next day looking like a desiccated alien.
He used to just shake his head at those guys and move on but now, would such a fate befall Shidou?
Thankfully, mercifully, one of the changing room curtains lifted to reveal the latest contestant.
It was Yoshino, wearing a plain pink one-piece with ruffles on the neck and leg lines. Somehow, she'd managed to put on her swimsuit with only one arm.
"Oh, it's Yoshinon!"
"Wait, do you know Shidou?"
"That's so sick..."
The pack of gals abandoned Shidou to crowd around Yoshino, leaving only Yoshinon to flounder above the fray.
"Ladies! L-Ladies, please! There's enough of me to go around!"
Shidou made eye contact with Yoshino through the girls and, while she seemed a little taken aback by all the attention, the lack of distress in her eyes put to rest any worry that she was bothered.
"Shidou..." She eventually got out through all the noise. "What do you... think of my... this swimsuit?"
"Incredible! Simply incredible! The simple silhouette perfectly compliments her developing body while emphasizing her delicate, petite features! 10/10! No, 11/10!"
Kannazuki's over-the-top reaction aside, Shidou's own thoughts on the swimsuit were that it looked very... well, kiddish.
"...I think it looks good on you, Yoshino."
Behind her, Ai, Mai, and Mii heard his noncommittal words and came to a decision.
"Girl, that bikini's not doing your figure any favors!"
"Do you want us to help you pick something out?"
"It'll be so sick..."
Shuffling the smaller girl off to the far corners of the store, the Ai-Mai-Mii Trio ran off with Yoshino. Shidou watched on, a helpless smile on his face.
Well, I'm sure Yoshino can handle herself...
Unlike Tohka, Yoshino didn't get out much— she didn't even go to school, on account of her anxiety and lack of familiarity with society. Getting to spend time with friendly people her age could only do good, Shidou hoped.
Or, wait. Yoshino wasn't a girl their age.
It was easy to forget, but she was more a woman than a girl, a fact that was definitely obscured by her choice of swimsuit.
...Was that why those three took off with her?
He had noticed over the past month that Yoshino had a complex about looking young, and often tried to do or wear things that would make her look more mature. She didn't really understand what constituted mature though, and her choices often made her look anything but mature.
Hopefully, those three could help her find something that fit her self-image better.
"Shidou, I am ready."
Origami's inexpressive words brought Shidou's attention back to the changing room curtains, where she was standing, tossing the curtain over her shoulder as she stepped out into the shop.
This time she had on a white two-piece, consisting of a strapped thong and a sports bra-like top with a strategically placed cutout between her breasts.
"For round two, Contestant #1 is going with a bikini— that seemed to be a winning combination last round! And what a two-piece it is, striking and sexy, while still maintaining an elegant look!"
Unlike round one, Origami made an effort to show off her body, flashing her backside while tossing a cool look over her shoulder.
"How do I look, Shidou? Does my body turn you on?"
"That's—!" Shidou composed himself and let out a tactical cough. "What I mean is I really like the way this swimsuit shows off your body."
In a rare show of emotion, Origami flashed the slightest smirk, just as Tohka emerged from her changing room with a flourish.
She'd still gone with a two-piece this time, but it was dark purple like her hair, pairing a normal bikini top with a short, side-tie sarong wrapped around her hips.
"And here we have Contestant #2, going for the bikini strat as well! Both racy and carefree, it matches her spunky earthiness to a tee!"
Shidou had to agree with that assessment. Somehow the swimsuit suited Tohka even better than the first, though he felt like this swimsuit came with a pair of panties...
"No need to try. Shidou has already declared me the victor."
Before he could dwell on that fact, Origami deployed a little psychological warfare.
"What? Is that true, Shidou?"
"No, not at all. I haven't even gotten the chance to judge your swimsuit yet."
At his words, Tohka zoomed over to him, barely stopping in time to not bowl him over as she tried to fondle him through his clothes.
"Really? How is it? Is your penis getting hard?"
"Tohka!?"
"Aha! I feel your erection, Shidou!"
Before Tohka could do anything more out of pocket, Origami yanked her away by the collar of her top.
"Leave it to Yatogami to sexually assault the judge. That deserves a disqualification."
"Excuse me! What did I do wrong?"
"See this, Shidou. Her ignorance is laughable. Heh."
Never before had Shidou heard such a flat yet unmistakably mocking delivery.
Incensed, Tohka rounded on Origami, clapping her hands on her hips and getting right up in Origami's face, pressing their chests together. She tried unsuccessfully to pushed the girl back, but she stayed rooted in place like a tree, back rod straight and hands folded neatly behind her.
"Oh? And who saved you yesterday, when that Kurumi was about to shoot you in the back?"
"Nonsense. My territory was active. I would have been fine."
"Huh?!"
"Besides, if it weren't for me, we never would have cleared the Nightmares blocking the staircase to the roof."
"Yeah? That only worked because I had your back while we were climbing the stairs!"
The two went back and forth like this for a while as Shidou watched on, feeling a little bit like a third wheel for some reason.
He probably should have broken up this cat-fight before it got serious, but somehow it felt like stopping these two would be interrupting something fraught and budding.
But, before the situation could devolve (or evolve) further—
"We're back! Oh, and is that Tohka?"
"And the class prez, in a swimsuit, too?"
"That's so sick."
A trio of voices arriving from the other side of the store put a pause on whatever was going on here.
The Ai-Mai-Mii Trio had returned triumphant, Yoshino in tow and in a new swimsuit.
Much like her original swimsuit, it was a one-piece with liberal application of ruffles, a layered off-the-shoulder top serving as the set piece, with the addition of modest cutouts exposing her sides.
The girl herself was blushing furiously, demurely covering her mouth with her free hand, but meeting Shidou's gaze square on, eyes full of that conviction that sometimes took hold of her.
On nearly all sides of Yoshino — left, right, and behind — the Ai-Mai-Mii Trio presented her with an exaggerated cheer and jazz hands.
"So, what d'ya think?"
"Pretty cute and stylish?"
"It's sick, right?"
"Incredible! The same adorable appeal as her first pick, but in a decidedly more mature style! 9/10 points!"
Well, Kannazuki had more or less described his thoughts to a tee. Though why did this swimsuit only get a nine out of ten?
"It looks... incredible, Yoshino. You look incredible..."
Answering with a blush of his own, Shidou had a hard time meeting Yoshino's enigmatic gaze.
"Did you hear that?" Ai put her hands on her shoulders. "He loves it! Go on and get your man!"
Saying this, she shoved Yoshino into Shidou's arms.
The girl tottered forward, losing her balance and crashing into Shidou almost immediately, sending the two tumbling to the linoleum floor.
"Ooh! Sorry about that...!"
Shidou blinked his eyes open to the sight of Yoshino's face, looking equally surprised and embarrassed. She sat up, straddling him with her bodyweight nestled squarely on his crotch.
This was a dangerous situation.
Between the Ai-Mai-Mii Trio an d Tohka and Origami's antics, little Shidou was raring to fire at a moment's notice. Carefully, he tried to help Yoshino to her feet, but she was far more concerned with keeping Yoshinon off the floor, shifting back and form and in the process grinding against his erection one too many times.
"W-Wait! Yoshi—no...!"
It was too late.
The pressure and friction from Yoshino's body was just right on his cock and with a strangled groan, Shidou came in his pants. She yelped as his hips thrust against hers despite his best efforts.
The store was silent. Shidou was covering the massive blush on his face, trying and failing to keep his body under control as he waited for the inevitable.
The Ai-Mai-Mii Trio were the first to speak.
"Did you just..."
"Cum in your pants?"
"That's so sick."
Amidst the ensuing commotion, Reine's languid voice came through loud and clear.
"Looks like we have our winner."
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Evening, the canteen of the Fraxinus—
Shidou sat at one of the benches, elbows planted on his knees as he let out a truly exhausted sigh.
"What kind of training was that, anyway?"
In the end, Tohka had chosen to go with the sarong three-piece, while Origami went with the high-cut two-piece. Yoshino would just be wearing the off-the-shoulder one-piece that had won her the competition.
Standing with his back against the wall across from him was Kannazuki, a chuckle rumbling past his lips before he sipped from his paper cup.
"The girls seemed to have fun with it. I had a good time as commentator, at least."
"Well I'm glad someone enjoyed it..."
Maybe he was looking a gift horse in the mouth, getting to hang out with a bunch of hot girls like that. That kind of thing was a lot of young men's dreams, impromptu ejaculations notwithstanding.
But right now he just couldn't focus on that.
There was just too much at stake. Kotori was... they were in danger of losing Kotori forever, and the only way to save her was to seduce her and have sex with her tomorrow. That still wrung an instinctive cringe out of Shidou. Somehow, between now and then, he'd have to get over it.
And Origami was still searching for Ifrit!
Agh, and I just realized I invited her with us tomorrow! What if she finds out Kotori's Ifrit?
Maybe if they could get Kotori sealed before that happened, Origami would relent? But, no, her parents had died because of Kotori. He couldn't imagine Origami just letting that go. Not after he'd seen her speak about it the day before.
Shidou let loose another sigh, earning a sidelong glance from Kannazuki.
"Yen for your thoughts?"
"They ain't worth that much." Shidou groused. "It's just..."
"Too much on your plate?"
He crinkled the empty cup in his hand, staring at it with unfocused eyes.
"Yeah, I guess so..."
The canteen was silent for a while after that, until Kannazuki eventually spoke up.
"You know, initially, the plan was for you two to visit a local resort— the Tsukimigahara Hot Springs. It allows mixed bathing, you see. Normally, unaware of the other as man and women, by bathing together again after such a long time, the two of you would notice the unexpected changes in each other's body through the spring's steam. One thing leads to the other, mysterious feelings giving way to undeniable attraction, and then—!"
"Alright, alright, enough with the fanfiction." Shidou couldn't help an astonished laugh. "And why did you bring that up, anyway?"
"I just wanted you to know some of the other plans we went through first. Might make the one we went with seem less bothersome."
"Was that seriously the original plan?"
"Of course. Naturally, we would have doubled the amount of cameras. To aid the analysis of mission critical data."
That got another laugh of out Shidou, despite himself.
"Naturally?"
Back when he'd first started this, he'd been deeply concerned about the kind of relationship these grown adults and his sister had. Now, despite some lingering misgivings, he'd come to accept that they just acted like... weird, parasocial fans of hers. Which was not exactly comforting, but there were far worse ways for things to go.
"...Come to think of, how did all of you come together?"
"What do you mean?"
"Like, recruiting-wise, I guess. What convinced you to become the subordinates of a teenage girl?"
Kannazuki gazed at the ceiling with a faraway look settling on his features.
"When I first met the Commander, it was after I had resigned from the AST."
Shidou snapped to at that.
"Wait, you... you worked for the AST?"
"Indeed I did. Like most wizards, I had personally witnessed the destruction of a spacequake, and the spirit that caused it. I lost everything that day, so I decided to enlist. I wanted answers, I think. Or maybe I just didn't want what had happened to me to happen to anyone else."
Shidou heard in Kannazuki's wistful words something like what he'd in Origami's, the day he'd sealed Yoshino's spirit powers. It was a little duller, a little less raw, but the duty born of hurt was there.
"As you've probably noticed by now, men don't tend join the Taskforce. Due to things like weight and fine motor skill requirements, men don't do as well with operating CR Units. But when it came to utilizing my Realizer, I was among the best. I climbed the ranks quickly for that reason, and found myself in charge of my own squadron. There, I instilled in my soldiers that same restraint, often with punishment, when necessary."
"Punishment? What does that mean?"
Kannazuki put on a mischievous smirk at the doubt in Shidou's voice.
"Hmm? You don't think I can be stern when necessary?"
"Well... if I'm being honest, yeah, kind of."
Coming from the man who routinely allowed Kotori to use him as a footrest, when he wasn't gleefully taking whatever verbal abuse she dished out (seemingly for his sake more than any kind of genuine malice on Kotori's part), it was hard to believe.
"I suppose I can't fault you for that. My punishments were certainly unorthodox." Here, he took on a nostalgic air. "Ahh, I remember punishments for first-time infractions was to don a embarrassing, scandalous cosplay. For the second offense, they were to step on me while wearing said cosplay...
"But I digress. My aim was always for my squad to prioritize protecting civilians, not simply attacking spirits, and for these reasons the higher ups took umbrage with me. Suddenly, getting repairs for our equipment became nearly impossible. Simple requests would take months to process, if they did at all. Eventually, I took the hint and left on my own.
"It wasn't long after that that I was contacted by Woodman's people, and through that met the Commander. Immediately, I saw in her someone capable of the most sublime of punishments. Someone who, despite her youthful body, was wise beyond her years in the art of discipline. I said as much to her face, and when she brought me to my knees with one well-placed kick, I knew I had finally found a suitable master to serve."
With great difficulty, Shidou chose to ignore the specifics of that last bit and instead focused on the high-level details of Kannazuki's story.
"...Becoming disillusioned and resigning. I feel like that must be a pretty common story for AST soldiers."
He was still thinking about Origami in that moment, and the possible solution Kannazuki had just presented him.
If I could just convince her that what she's doing isn't the right thing...
"You wouldn't be wrong," Kannazuki said. "In fact, all of the Fraxinus' crew are former wizards. We've all got our tricks up our sleeves."
"Forgive me, but I find that a little hard to believe."
After everything they'd been through these past few months, Shidou wasn't going to completely discount Kannazuki and the other crew members, but some of the antics they got up to really did not paint the picture of veteran wizards.
"That so? Well, I don't blame you. Despite her strict attitude, the Commander does allow a certain amount of play, so long as we get the work done in the end..."
Kannazuki tapped his chin in though for a moment before seeming to recall something.
"Oh, did you know that Mikimoto used to run a popular travel blog? It was even been featured on a few variety shows back in the day."
"I did not, but somehow, that seems very in-character."
Whether that was a good thing or not, Shidou refused to say.
"Shiizaki was training to be a shrine maiden. Oh, and Munechika was a renowned mangaka in his past life, if you can believe it!"
"If I can believe it? I don't mean to stereotype, but he certainly looks the type."
"That he does! He made a name for himself revolutionizing the process of manga creation using machine learning. That's where he gets his skill with the ship's onboard AI. Apparently, the technology was no without its controversy though, which earned him heavy online criticism, and even threats targeting him in real life."
"I think I watched a video about that incident, and how serious things got. I never knew that was him, though."
"Yes. He was scouted by Kotori not long after that. It's something he doesn't like to talk about, so if he asks how you know, please let him know it was me. Munechika's punishments are always so delightfully creative."
"...Uh, yeah, will do."
Somehow, Shidou always forgot the kind of person Kannazuki was. He never forgot for long though.
"Anyway, I guess there are similar stories for all the Fraxinus' crew?"
Kannazuki nodded, leaning back to gaze at the ceiling.
"That's correct. All of us were a bunch of rejects and failures, and yet the Commander took us all in. We can't thank her enough for that act."
Those words stirring something in his chest Shidou couldn't quite name, he stared down at his crumpled paper cup once more.
His little sister had done all that?
How long had Kotori been working on all this?
He knew she'd been with Ratatoskr since she became a spirit, but how long had she been a commander? When had she recruited all these people to the Fraxinus? And without ever letting her grades slip!
It must have taken so much effort. All those times he'd catch his sister yawning or passed out on the couch came into sharp relief all of a sudden.
"...Kotori really is something else, huh?"
"Yes, and that's why we're counting on you to save her."
Save her, huh?
"And... you're fine with me... seducing her, to save her? Seducing my own sister?"
"If it's to save her, than I see no problem with it at all."
That was the answer Shidou probably should have expected.
He didn't know why he was still asking useless questions like this. After encountering three spirits, all of which managed their powers via sex, why would Kotori be any different?
"...Although it may not be any help, would you like to see the news footage of the fire?"
At the sudden suggestion, Shidou perked up, remembering Kotori's words about having become a spirit on that day.
"Yeah, sure."
Though he had seen the devastation up close and personal, seeing it from an aerial perspective might prove useful for uncovering just what had gone on that day to make Kotori into a spirit.
They left the canteen for the briefing room, where Kannazuki pulled up the video file, displaying aerial footage of the Tengu residential area.
"I repeat, the fires have gotten extremely intense! I can feel the heat from all the way up here!"
A female reporter relayed the scene with panicked tones as occasional gas explosions from houses rocked the screen.
"Ratatoskr seized the footage before the station could air it," Kannazuki explained. "Ah, it's coming up."
By chance, the news helicopter dropped altitude over their neighborhood. Kannazuki paused it here and zoomed into a corner of the frame, allowing a pair of small figures to come into view.
Kotori, as he'd remembered her, her naked dress hanging off her body, and himself, lying motionless on the ground.
Staring at the screen, Shidou searched for anything of note until a patch of... something caught his eyes.
It seemed like nothing more than static, visual noise caused by zooming into the video, but the sight of it made his blood run cold. That thing was standing right beside Kotori.
Standing... how do I know it's standing?
The thought emerged like a wary animal from cover, as if just thinking it would draw the attention of something better off avoided.
But once it entered his mind, it was all Shidou could think of.
There was... something — a person — there, wasn't there?
No, that wasn't right. A person couldn't be present and absent at the same time, and yet somehow he couldn't shake the notion no matter how impossible it seemed.
There was... wasn't... being... いーたいー.
A censored existence whose presence had nonetheless been captured by the camera that day. Like witnessing a four-sided triangle.
All at once, Shidou's knees gave out from under him and he collapsed face first onto the metal floor.
"...idou! Shidou! Are you alright?"
Kannazuki's panicked voice was the next thing Shidou heard, his words distant and indistinct through a dull headache.
"I'm good, I'm good... That was just... a lot..."
"My apologies. I thought showing you the footage might... never mind. I should have thought about how it'd feel to relive that moment."
"No... Thank you..." Shidou shut his eyes to manage the headache. "I saw something I can't explain beside Kotori... And I think it has something to do with how she became a spirit..."
Thinking too hard about what he'd just seen only worsened the headache he was suffering right now, but as long as he merely focused on the facts of the situation — that there was an existence there with them on that day — his mind could tolerate the information.
"Is that so...? Be that as it may, we should get you to the medical bay. We can debrief after we've ensured you're okay."
Kannazuki slipped an arm around his back, lifting Shidou up and leading him out of the briefing room.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Standing before the Pachiko statue at Tengu station, Shidou suppressed a yawn.
After his episode while viewing the footage, they'd run a battery of tests on him, ruling out any possible health conditions, ultimately deeming it a reaction to the "presence" he'd identified in the footage. They would definitely have to look into an important clue like that, but for now things like that had to be set aside.
At present, Shidou was waiting for Kotori and the others to arrive so they could take the train to Ocean Park.
"Are you sure you're alright, Shidou?"
The voice of Kannazuki, acting as commander of the Fraxinus in Kotori's stead, came through on the earpiece.
"Yeah, for the most part..."
After the examination, he'd returned home whereYoshino had made good on her reward to sleep with him, and kept him up all night long.
He hadn't noticed anything off during that time and, other than the sleepiness he was feeling right now, Shidou felt fine.
"Shidou...?"
"Ah, it's nothing. Standing here's... just making me anxious is all."
It hadn't even been a week since he was here, trying to date three girls at once. How well had that turned out?
"You have the plan memorized, right? We're supporting you from here as well." Kannazuki spoke with a reassuring smile that came through in his words. "And remember, you're a man in your prime— a legendary playboy who's captured the hearts of many spirits. Please have faith in yourself."
I feel like two spirits doesn't count as 'many'...
And hadn't he just failed to seduce Kurumi? Two out of three wasn't the worst batting average, but neither did it inspire much confidence.
"Chin, Kotori's been sent into the field. She should be there any minute. Good luck."
At Reine's inflectionless words, Shidou thought better of himself, slapping his cheeks, and knocking some of the sleep out of himself.
He couldn't be thinking like that. Not when he needed to seduce and sleep with his sister.
This is so messed up...
No sooner had he thought this, than he noticed a crop of red hair through the light crowd of people heading his way. It was Kotori, of course, wearing a cute blouse under dark overall shorts, a flowery purse hanging from the crook of her elbow. Holding her twin-tails up where her customary black ribbons.
He wasn't sure why — maybe it was the unusually cute outfit she was wearing, or the fact that he hadn't seen her in a bit — but it took Shidou a second to respond.
"Hey, Kotori. You're looking grea— I mean, that outfit looks great on you."
She blinked at that before cocking her head, resting a fist on her hip as a blush settled on her cheeks.
"Huh. Looks like something got through that thick skull of yours after all..."
"Well, that was one of the first things you taught me."
Shidou said this before freezing.
Should he mention their prior relationship? That would just make it harder for them to get in the right mood, wouldn't it?
He realized he'd let an awkward silence creep up on them, and was trying to find the words to shoo it away when a trio of voices cut through the air.
"Oh, good! We're not too late!"
"Boy, am I excited!"
"M-Me too...!"
Shidou and Kotori turned to the sight of Tohka and Yoshino, all dressed up for the occasion.
"Oh, Tohka, Yoshino. I'm glad you were able to make it. You didn't have any trouble, did you?"
"Nope!"
"If you don't include how we had to wake Tohka up and she had to scramble to get dressed in time as trouble, that is!"
"Y-Yoshinon!?"
While Tohka quarreled with Yoshinon, Kotori bumped Shidou's side with her elbow with a dangerous smirk on her lips.
"Hoh? Bringing along other woman to our date? Quite the confident one, aren't we, Shidou?"
"Uh. I—I mean, that's not—"
"Relax, I'm just teasing you. No need to take it so seriously." Kotori patted his shoulder before striding past him and towards the station. "Anyway, let's make ourselves useful, people! I got paperwork piling up as we speak, so I'd like to get this over with pronto!"
Tohka and Yoshino followed after her, chatting about the swimsuits Shidou had bought for them, leaving the man himself behind to desperately press his earpiece.
"Reine, can you tell me what Kotori's mood values are like right now?"
There was silence for a while before Reine answered with an unhelpful, "Hmm. Well. That's... Right, good luck."
"Is it that bad!?"
"It's nothing, Shidou," Kannazuki assured him. "Just focus on the conquest. We'll provide backup once you're in the field."
That was not reassuring at all. But nothing would come of him panicking now.
"R-Roger."
Shidou made a move to follow after Kotori, before realizing something.
They were missing someone.
Throughout all this, Origami had yet to show up.
It wasn't like that girl at all to miss out on a chance to be anywhere near the same vicinity as him. Usually, she'd have arrived hours earlier. Maybe she already had...
Feeling a sudden sense of dread like a hunted animal, Shidou tried to shake it off.
Well, I'll just shoot her a text...
He was halfway through writing the short message when he thought better of it. Slipping his terminal back into his pocket, Shidou decided to take this as an opportunity.
Sealing Kotori's powers today would solve most of the problems plaguing him right now. Kotori would be safe from her powers and the AST. Origami would never have to learn about Ifrit's identity. And Shidou could get to work suppressing this whole little chapter of his life.
That was how he had to approach this.
All thoughts and feelings that weren't useful to today's conquest had to be put aside for now. For today and today only, Kotori was not his little sister, but just any other person. He needed to treat her like a girl he was seriously trying to woo and sleep with.
With the other spirits, he'd focused on taking his time. On romance. But now, he was going to seduce Kotori as quickly as possible. Her life was at stake here so, as anathema as this approach was to Shidou, anything not useful had to go.
Resolved so, he followed Kotori and the others into the station.
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
Earlier that day, after a combination of chores and duties had been completed, Origami sat in one of the barrack's private computer rooms, once again reading through her texts with Shidou last night about the swim date later today before starting the much less sexy work of writing up a report.
Ever since their date a few days prior, they'd established semi-regular contact via text messages. She'd even learned a thing or two from their exchanges that her previous reconnaissance had failed to uncover, like how Shidou had a surprising amount of knowledge about romance stories.
Thinking over that little discovery, Origami read through last nights exchange with him one last time.
"So it looks like we're planning to head out to the park around 10:00 a.m. Can you make it there?"
"Wilco. Over."
"Great. That swimsuit you picked out really did look good on you, btw. Can't wait to see it again."
"Understood. Will be sure to show it off to you at every opportunity. Feel free to stop and frisk my body should you feel frisky. Over."
"...I'll take that as a joke. Anyway, night. See you tomorrow!"
"Night. Out."
She squeezed her terminal, gripping it to her chest as her heart burnt with girlish delight, her tightly shut eyes the only other outward hint to the intensity of her emotions in that moment. Well, that and the hand she had busily working away between her thighs.
Origami was truly grateful that she'd mustered the courage to ask Shidou out at the end of their first year of high school.
It was a shame she couldn't spend the night with him, though, but she had her sights set on something far more important than Shidou's cock— his heart.
Now, this did not mean Origami held no interest for the more sensual aspects of relationships, just that she prioritized the romantic over them. Things like that would come with time anyway.
Of course, there were still some thorns in her side (Prin... Yatogami chief among them, even if the two of them had fought valiantly side-by-side against the horde of Nightmares the other day. She hated to admit it, but the spirit had looked surprisingly dashing when she'd pulled her by the arm to avoid a bullet, despite her assertions otherwise...
No, wait, why was she thinking about her right now?
Origami forcefully set her thoughts back to more appropriate matters— namely her relationship with Shidou.
Fingering herself more feverishly, she concentrated on all the moments they'd spent together these past few months, and all the moments they'd spend in the future. She hadn't felt this giddy since she was a little girl.
It reminded Origami of her childhood dream, which felt silly now, of being a bride in her wedding gown, stating her vows before her husband-to-be, sealing the ceremony with a kiss.
And then, they would consummate their union...
That did it, the memory of those massive feelings setting her over the edge and drawing a silent scream out of Origami as her hips bucked in her seat.
Her body shuddered, intense bursts of pleasure surging from her swollen clit until eventually giving way to more subdued waves.
For approximately a minute, Origami lay draped over her seat, twitching from aftershocks of pleasure as she caught her breath, before engaging her core muscles to sit up and smoothing out her fatigues.
Alright. Enough procrastination.
It was time to get to work. She was already running late as it was. If she didn't get a move on, she wouldn't be able to arrive at the Pachiko Statue an hour early to stake out the area.
And, perhaps more than that, she wanted to comb over the footage from that day, in search of any clues about Ifrit.
Origami spent about an hour writing down every detail she could recall of Nightmare's attack, before moving on to the footage to review for anything she'd missed. The video feed started somewhat distorted, as Kusakabe had informed her, and she began correcting any discrepancies between her report and the recording.
It seemed like the footage would be useless until something caught her eye in the last few seconds, before the video became too scrambled to make anything out.
Scrubbing through the footage frame by frame, Origami eventually stopped at a particularly clear still.
She saw... a sight that was at first unfamiliar.
She saw a clear sky, the sun shining brightly between the clouds.
She saw a silhouette in that sky, obscured and surrounded by flame.
And she saw the spirit that killed her parents.
Origami saw all this, an indescribable feeling settling in the pit of her stomach.
The world around her slowly began to fade away, the scent of charred flesh and burnt hair filling her nostrils, and the image of a distant silhouette in the sky threatened to override her vision, all the while that feeling gradually twisting into a white hot certainty that bubbled up her chest and oozed from her lips like poison.
"Ifrit!"