I've Been Waiting For This Akihiko Novels & Stories

Aiko And then you called me a bunch of things for leaving you alone at the bar Vee: Aiko Why does that name sound so familiar W....a...i..t Someone named Aiko sent me a message this morning Maybe she will be able to tell me wait happened last night Bye Xain.... Xain: Hold up so how did it to with Santo De Lucas last night Vee: I can't remember But I don't think I met him at all Can we talk about this later Xain: Sure Talk to you later You've got a lot of explaining to do young lady

This year's match-up promised to be the most intense yet – Shirashi, the village's reigning champion, against Aika, a mysterious newcomer with a reputation for being as ruthless as she was beautiful. Shirashi stood confidently in the center of the arena, her long black hair swaying in the breeze. Her husband, the Narrator, watched from the sidelines, a mix of pride and worry etched on his face. He knew his wife was a formidable fighter, but there was something about Aika that made him uneasy.

James ignored his ranting and simply sent a photo he had taken at Bruno's house. "Take a look. Is this by the artist you like? The name Aelia is wrapped in lilies in the corner… I remember you showing me that before. It looks exactly the same." Liam examined it closely and realized it was indeed as James had said. He knew all the paintings by Aelia, and he didn't remember this particular one. He started typing on his phone again. "Hey! Are you trying to steal my girlfriend? If you try anything funny, I'll tell your wife!"

Aki (blue horns, quiet, wears librarian glasses even though he’s 7'4" and can bench-press a tank) is the accountant, DJ, and the one who actually keeps the place from exploding. Tonight (or whatever passes for tonight between dimensions), the bar is packed. Riku slams a sake cup the size of a helmet in front of a weeping storm giant. Riku: “Drink. Your ex-wife took the clouds in the divorce. We’ve all been there.” Aki is in the corner, quietly teaching a baby kraken how to pour drinks without inking the sake. The front door (which is literally a torii gate that screams when you step through) suddenly slams open.

He turned around and stared at me, frozen in place, my face pale. Frowning, he snapped, "Look! Why did you have to keep fighting for it? Take the card and buy a new one tomorrow. "Clean up the shards on the floor so Susan won't get injured." With that, he wrapped his arm around Susan's waist and walked upstairs. Susan leaned against his chest before turning to look at me with a hint of triumph in her eyes. I slowly crouched. The marble floor was icy-cold. I picked up a sharp shard and pressed my fingertip against the edge, letting it pierce through my skin.