Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai

.

Empty Places

By Miracles79

.

Chapter 8 Part 2: Before Our Time!

.

.

Disclaimer: The property of Ore no Imōto ga Konna ni Kawaii Wake ga Nai does not belong to me, I am merely a fan, the characters and property belong solely to the owner.

.

.

.

.

"Oh, for god sake!" Kirino whined, leaving what felt like the fifteenth store with nothing to show for it. "How can they call themselves 'Infinity Gaming' when they don't even have 'There's No Way My Onii-chan can be this perverse!'"

Grimacing at his sister's loud announcement, Kyousuke pushed his hands into his pockets while ignoring the frequent stares which came with Kirino's unexpected announcement. He had grown used to her outbursts and so, if her perceived correctly, had the shoppers milling around them. They seemed surprisingly unperturbed by the loud statement and just carried on their day. Although they did, admittedly, give both himself and Kirino a wide berth as they hurried past.

Yawning, Kyousuke stretched his tired limbs up towards the sky, the sound of a crack reverberating around his lower back. He could still hear Kirino cursing and mouthing off beside him and he discreetly watched her tantrum from the corner of his eye. He had never seen her looking so upset and defeated before. She really wanted this game it seemed. The time they spent looking for it was more than enough proof of that, as were the blisters which rested under the souls of his feet.

They had been searching for a little over four hours and it was beginning to grow dark. No matter how far they searched, from one side of Akihabara to the other, the Kousaka siblings had been graced with very little luck. Kirino had dragged Kyousuke to every gaming related shop she could find, with almost nothing to show for it. Unless, of course, you counted aching limbs and a growling stomach. But it wasn't only he, Kyousuke, who suffered through this excruciating search. No, Kirino was also fairing just as badly.

It was almost like god was teasing her because during their fifth venture to a gaming store she had thought her search complete. It took a while but they had in fact found the game advertised in bright letters at the front of one shameless eroge store. They had even found the game waiting for them inside the store, the last remaining copy to be exact- lying on the shelf completely undisturbed.

However, on further inspection, Kirino had found that it was nothing more than a prop. An empty box which did not contain the game it spoke of. Kyousuke would never forget the tense silence which followed this discovery. Nor would he forget the stare that Kirino directed at the offending object. The lack of emotion displayed on Kirino's face sent goose bumps running through his body. It had been a cruel, unfortunate trick. A trick which should have, rightfully, angered Kirino… only it didn't.

In fact, Kirino acted quite unlike herself. Instead of complaining to management, or simply creating a huge fuss, Kirino put the game back on its shelf and left the store to continue her search. In hindsight, however, Kyousuke should have wished their search had come to end both then and there… because he would learn to regret it later on.

Since then they had been walking non-stop for four long, and arduous, hours. While that, in and of itself, should have been enough cause to abandon his search, it was not the reason why he felt so inclined to give up. The worse thing about all this was the looks he received while searching through incest themed 'eroge.'

Kirino and Kyousuke had taken it in turns to search the aisles, trying to gain as little attention as possible. In fact, that was the last thing they needed. A boy and a girl searching through incestuous eroge together, now that would have surely set off alarm bells. Regrettably, however, there was one slight difference between their situations which Kyousuke couldn't help but notice. While he was dressed in casual clothing which exposed his facial features without hindrance, the same could not be said for Kirino.

Perhaps due to her position as a well-known model, Kirino had taken it upon herself to cover as much of her face as possible. A thick scarf covered her neck, a hat rested above eye level and glasses framed what little remained of her features. The disguise certainly worked, Kyousuke could attest to that as he had lost sight of her on multiple occasions, despite standing right next to him the entire time.

So, while Kirino was being viewed as a suspicious person by employees, Kyousuke was clearly seen by every shopper, congregating around the isle titled 'incest.' Some people even went so far as to hide their children as he passed, glaring at him as if he was dangerous. Others scoffed and felt the need to give their own, constructive, opinion to the people who were walking beside them.

… Oh, how he regretted agreeing to this!

…

"Are there any other places you can think of?" Kyousuke asked, turning to face his sister who was now seated with her head in her hands.

"Um… l-let me think for a little bit… I think I know a store which might have it. It's a little bit out of the way but I'm sure it's there. It has to be there!"

"Didn't you say that for the last five shops too? Kirino, I'm sorry, but I don't think we're going to find it."

"O-One more hour!" Kirino argued, one finger held towards him.

Laughing under his breath, Kyousuke turned to face her. He knew she was going to ask for more time, she had a surprising habit of never giving up. No matter the cause Kirino would never give up on something she wanted, he was very much the same in this regard. The search was hopeless though, Kyousuke was never a pessimist but he couldn't deny the truth when it stared him in the face. They had been looking for over four hours with nothing to show for it, the case was pretty much null and void in his opinion.

… So, then, why did he feel so inclined to agree with her proposal?

It could have been a way to return home at a reasonable time, or more importantly to get some well-deserved sleep after a tiring day. But Kyousuke knew it was more than that, he knew why he would stay with Kirino for another hour, even two if need be. The reason was very simple, he wanted Kirino to be happy- and if this game brought a smile to her face then so be it.

He owed his sister so much and, if Kyousuke was being completely honest with himself- then he would have to admit that he actually enjoyed the time they spent together. Even during the times when she shouted or berated him. He enjoyed those times too because it was another sign that he had become someone significant in her life.

…

"Oi!" Kirino exclaimed, standing in Kyousuke's personal space with a look of anger.

"W-What? Yes?"

Stuttering, Kyousuke suddenly noticed his sister's annoyed expression inch even closer towards him. She was so close; Kirino's unblemished skin, strawberry blonde locks and cherry glossed lips were in full view for him to see. Wow! That was all Kyousuke could think as he looked upon his sister. It was a sight that would have set many a man's heart ablaze; she really was a stunning beauty. Even he couldn't deny this obvious fact.

However, despite Kirino's obvious beauty, Kyousuke had more relevant reasons as to why he appreciated his sister. To Kyousuke, Kirino was unique not only in appearance but in personality too. That was the unavoidable difference between both himself and her 'fans'. Kyousuke admired everything about Kirino, to the last detail, while her groupies only saw a still picture of a beautiful woman. The readers did not care about Kirino's interests, her hobbies or anything else for that matter. All they cared about was her image and all they thought about were fantasises which would never be fulfilled.

"You didn't answer my question," Kirino huffed, glowering as she pointed her finger against his chest. "Will… you… stay… another hour… or not?"

"Oh, y-yeah, sorry. I'll stay out and look for another hour, it's no big deal."

Smiling at her aniki's response, her pearly whites gleaming in the darkening horizon, Kirino turned back towards the path. She walked several steps forward, Kyousuke following behind her, before she immediately stopped once again. The abruptness of her movement almost caught him off guard and Kyousuke had to slow down before knocking over his sister. Why did she stop when no one was in her path?

"…A…Ani…"

Bowing her head, Kirino clenched her fists to her side as she struggled to word her appreciation for his help. She needed to be more open with him, Kirino knew this, but it was hard. Even after their reconciliation, Kirino still knew the risks and attempted to prepare her heart for their eventual separation. Whether Kirino wanted it to be true or not… Kyousuke would leave her in the end. He would either leave their home, as all teenagers did, or be forced out by their constant quarrels.

Trust and transparency was still an issue between the Kousaka siblings, time could not heal all wounds it seemed.

… But that didn't mean she couldn't try.

…

"T-Thank you… Aniki."

"… Oh," Kyousuke stuttered, surprised by the sudden declaration. "There's no need to thank me. We haven't even found it yet."

"I… I know but still… thanks all the same," Her face glowing, Kirino quickly walked forward and away from Kyousuke. "Now c'mon, are we gonna find this game or what?"

"Uh… Kirino…" Kyousuke mumbled, suddenly noticing the figure standing directly in front of her path.

Without proper warning Kirino walked straight into the person in front of her, the two staggering as they collided with a muttered gasp of surprise. Her nose now prickling, Kirino looked towards the offending obstacle preparing to give that unfortunate shopper an earful for her trouble. But all arguments and protests fell on death's ear as she noticed a surprising amount of familiarity before her, not to mention the colour black.

She knew who this person was… who else wore such ridiculous clothing?

.

.

.

The figure, who rubbed herself down absentmindedly, could not have been mistaken for anyone else. Kirino knew of only one person who would be seen wearing their cosplay outfit on a day to day basis. Standing before Kirino, dressed in her traditional gothic robes, was none other than Kuroneko, her eyes watching the pair with great interest. How long had she been standing there?

"This is… unexpected," Sighing, Kuroneko continued, rubbing her forehead as she spoke. "It seems the deities' wish to pester me some more."

"Is that really how you'd greet someone? Not even a hello or a good day?"

With the slightest of head movements Kuroneko looked up towards the sky, puzzled by Kyousuke's own introduction. Why would he wish her a good day when the sky was beginning to turn grey on this rather chilly evening? This was something which always greatly confused Kuroneko, how these mere 'mortals' would contradict themselves despite evidence to the contrary. It was baffling to say the least.

"You would rather I wish you a good day then state the obvious? That this is not a good day but a dank and cold evening? Hmm, How peculiar."

"Well, anyway," Kyousuke muttered, trying to cut this already bizarre conversation short. "It's nice to see you, Kuroneko-san, but we really have to…"

Silencing Kyousuke's words with a piercing glare, Kirino stepped in between the two and faced Kuroneko. This minute figure was her closest and most trusted 'otaku' friend/ rival and on any other occasion she would have welcomed the arguments and heated debates. Only this time was different, she didn't have time for this distraction not when 'There's No Way My Onii-chan…' was still up for grabs.

"Sorry Kuroneko, we'd love to stay and chat but we're a little busy at the moment." Kirino informed, turning to Kyousuke and grabbing his wrist. To his credit Kyousuke put up some measure of resistance, the thought of his sister overpowering him felt slightly embarrassing. Offering Kuroneko an apologetic look, Kyousuke turned and walked beside his sister under his own power. Although her hand still tugged on his sleeve, despite her best intentions.

"Kirino, what's the hurry? And, why aren't we asking Kuroneko for help? Surely she'd know where to…"

"How exactly?" Kirino interrupted. "She shares none of my interests and I doubt she'd even know where to begin. It's pointless. Come on; keep moving we still have an hour left."

Watching Kirino drag her brother away, Kuroneko followed close behind, her interest piquing at the duo's actions. She wouldn't let them go; they were most certainly up to something. Kyousuke would never have come to Akihabara unless it was of the upmost importance to Kirino.

As she watched the pair converse Kuroneko couldn't help but feel her gaze drift towards Kyousuke's form, over long. It was a regular and troubling occurrence which she despised herself for, despite the act being nothing more than an involuntary reaction. She wouldn't think on it more though, she just didn't want to delve into her feelings. Afraid of what she might find.

"Interesting." Kuroneko mumbled, walking beside the pair so she couldn't be ignored. "Why are you two so busy? You're hardly doing much at the moment. And more to the point, why is he here?"

Pointing towards Kyousuke, Kuroneko arched her eye brow at Kirino waiting for an explanation. But before Kirino could answer the question directed at her, Kyousuke interrupted, gently pulling his hand away from Kirino's grasp as he did so. Unfortunately Kyousuke failed to notice the hurt displayed in Kirino's eyes at this action, a look which was not missed by Kuroneko.

"Is there a reason why I can't be here? I am free to walk around any place I like, you know."

"I know," Kuroneko nodded, watching Kyousuke closely as she spoke. "But why are you wasting your time here when you should be preparing for your exams?"

… How did she know that?

Without a word Kyousuke continued to walk alongside Kirino, avoiding his sister's stare as he walked. Kuroneko was right after all. He didn't have long until the start of the upcoming exams, the time he was using now could have gone to much better use. He knew Kirino would be angry with him, for helping her at his own expense. But he never had the heart to say 'no' to her. What was he to do?

"… Are you even supposed to be here doing this? Do you even understand your own situation?" Kuroneko continued, taking Kyousuke's silence as permission to do so.

"Is this true?" Kirino asked, stopping in the middle of the street to face him.

"Look, I still have time Kirino. I wasn't planning on studying today anyway and this is better than lounging around at home. It's no problem, really!"

Breathing another over exaggerated sigh, Kuroneko interjected. "I thought you were someone who could make the right decision when it mattered… No matter how stupid you are… how disappointing."

"Oi!" Kirino shouted, forgetting her anger with Kyousuke for the moment. "This is none of your business, scram! What are you even doing here anyway?"

Grateful for the change in subject, Kyousuke let out a wispy breath of air. It seemed he was finally out of the clear, Kirino and Kuroneko would be arguing momentarily and all would be well- that had been a close one. It was as he thought this, however, when Kyousuke suddenly noticed Kirino's icy glare directed at him. The message was read loud and clear, the matter was most definitely not settled as he had previously thought and would be discussed at a later date. So much for escaping!

"Not that it is any of your business. But I came here to collect a Doushinji, 'Lament of the fallen nightmare' only to find that its price had increased due to being almost sold out. You see Kirino, unlike Meruru; Maschera Doushinji's are always sold out on the first day."

"Humph, that's a lie!"

"Oh, care to elaborate?"

"For one, I don't see you with 'Lament of the nightmare.' So that was obviously a poorly made up excuse," Kirino murmured, hands on her hips in a statement of her own superiority. "And secondly, Meruru is sold out in a matter of hours not days, unlike your filth."

"Hmm, how astute of you," Kuroneko mocked. "But unless you are suddenly hard of hearing, you would have heard me say that 'the price had increased.' Meaning I couldn't afford it. And I won't even waste my breath on your second point, such worthless trash."

Thankfully, and just as Kirino was about to lose it, Kyousuke swiftly interrupted the conversation and turned to face Kuroneko.

"I can lend you some money if you'd like? And you can pay me back whenever."

Surprised, Kuroneko remained silent for a while. Her mouth slightly agape and her previous confidence draining as Kyousuke smiled reassuringly at her. Despite herself Kuroneko was suddenly feeling very self-conscious, her previous confidence cracking after this unexpected offer. It was a very generous, and unheard of, offer, in Kuroneko's case, but an offer she couldn't accept nonetheless.

"N-No, I don't need your money."

"But… without it you won't be able to afford that Doushinji you wanted, right?"

"That is correct… but I have no interest in your money. I don't like being in a position where I owe someone something, especially when it can be avoided. There will always be another sale and another Doushinji to buy. That's why I can't take your money… my pride won't allow it."

…

Noticing the sudden lull in the conversation, Kuroneko continued, aware that the Kousaka siblings were left speechless by her own morals. Foolish 'mortals', Kuroneko mused, with their petty values and lack of intelligence. They could never understand her inner darkness; she was the Queen of Darkness after all. "Now that I've answered your questions, you will answer one of mine. Why are you two here, in Akihabara?"

"… We're looking for an eroge, but haven't had much luck so far…" Kyousuke stated, ignoring Kirino's angry glare as he admitted their failings.

"I see… Am I right in guessing that you're looking for 'There's No Way My Onii-chan can be this perverse?'"

"Wait, how did you…?"

"How did you know that!?" Kirino interjected, cutting off Kyousuke's own surprise with a loud exclamation of her own.

"Because I know you, Kirino-san. You are the only person I know of who enjoys games aimed at both perverts and loli lovers. Why else would you be here?"

Ignoring Kirino's muttered protests and Kyousuke's attempts at calming her down, Kuroneko continued.

"As for your game, I've heard on the forums that it has sold out almost everywhere. So I'm not surprised to find you here, in the last place where you might be able to find your game. You're still looking for it, am I right?"

"… y-yeah…"

"And I'm guessing you haven't had any luck?"

"Yeah…" The Kousaka siblings sighed in unison.

Smirking, Kuroneko lifted her hand to her chin and whispered conspiratorially. "Perhaps it is not meant to be. After all, your search will be coming to a close in a little over half an hour."

…

"W-What do you mean?"

Laughing at Kirino's exasperated demeanour, Kuroneko debated on whether to tell them the unavoidable truth. Perhaps it would be best to put Kirino out of her misery, and get Kyousuke back to his studies. Despite her most evil of intentions, Kuroneko decided to be straight with Kirino. There was only so far you could tease someone and Kirino was clearly at her breaking point.

"The stores are closing early today. In preparation for some big event or some such nonsense, I can't remember. But you have half an hour to find your game before the stores close, I don't think you'll find your game before then."

"W-What?" Kirino mumbled, eyes widening upon this revelation.

"Haven't you been handed a flier, or seen the posters? They've been placed all around Akihabara these last few weeks."

Turning towards Kuroneko's direction, Kyousuke noticed her gesturing towards a poster. He had a strangely ominous feeling about this, what he had once thought of as a joke might have held more truth than he had initially anticipated. Kuroneko and Kirino liked to tease one another incessantly and he had believed Kuroneko's statement as nothing more than a way to discourage Kirino from her search. But upon further inspection of the poster, Kuroneko's announcement became irrefutably true.

The area, and all its shops, would be closed off a few hours early. The event in question being a sponsored carnival which would be making its way through Akihabara, mascots would also be present apparently. This was not good news; he had only twenty five minutes left to find this game. How could he hope to accomplish something which had taken four hours of his time, and accomplish it in less than thirty minutes? He couldn't, pure and simple.

"Half… an hour?" Kirino mumbled, standing stock still as the information began to register.

"Kuroneko," Kyousuke commanded, moving towards the younger girl. "You know this area better than anyone. Do you know of any places where this game might be found? Or… at least, something to go on. Anything!"

"I-I don't…" Kuroneko mumbled, finally noticing Kirino's blank stare with a hint of worry. "I don't know where to begin. I can name a few game stores but they would likely be sold out."

"Name them anyway," Turning, Kyousuke faced Kirino who looked blankly back at him. "If we haven't searched in any of the places Kuroneko mentions then I'll run straight to them. We still have time Kirino."

"Good grief… You really will go through anything to find this game, Kyousuke-kun." Kuroneko surmised, impressed and slightly jealous of Kyousuke's determination.

"Absolutely! So just name some places and Kirino will know if we've searched there or not."

Walking towards the pair Kirino stood beside her aniki, a small smile placed across her lips. He could be so charming sometimes, damn him. However, before she could ponder more on that, Kirino returned her attention to the matter at hand. She had a game to find and she would be damned if she didn't find it in the allotted time. It had to be here after all, waiting for her, somewhere.

"Alright, Kuroneko. Name some places and I'll know whether we've been there or not."

"S-Sure. But like I said, I don't usually buy eroge's so I'm working on limited knowledge here. Don't blame me if you don't find it."

Looking down Kuroneko scrunched her face up in concentration, her arms crossing as she tried to remember places she had long since visited. Lips pursed, Kuroneko mumbled the first thing that came to mind when thinking of games. "Have you tried…? Error Oge?"

"Yes, obviously. Come on Kuroneko, think of something which isn't known by almost everyone on planet Earth."

"Alright, I'm thinking, I'm thinking. What about… Gaming Star?"

"We've been there too, and before you ask we went to both of their stores. It's not there."

"… I didn't even know it had another store in Akihabara. Alright, so it's not there," Puzzled, Kuroneko rested her knuckles beneath her bottom lip before another idea came to mind. "What about 'Ero Pursuit' or… is 'Gex's' still around?"

"We've been to 'Ero Pursuit' and yes, 'Gek's' is still around but it is not their either. Can you think of anything else?"

…

The interrogation continued on for several more minutes before it was clear all hope was lost. Kuroneko didn't know of any places where the game might be. The sky's above began to darken even further, grey clouds spreading overhead looming over the Kanto region of Japan. All luck and fortune had gone against them, they were never going to find this game. That much was now obvious.

"I'm sorry. I can't think of any other places it could be. L-Like I said before… I don't usually buy eroge's. There just not my thing," Looking towards Kirino, Kuroneko tried to muster up words of encouragement. "There's always next time, Kirino-san. What's one more day?"

Sighing, Kyousuke replied, coughing slightly before he spoke. "You have nothing to apologize for Kuroneko. It's nobody's fault, we were just… unlucky."

Kirino meanwhile remained silent, she had spent the last five hours looking for this damn game and would be returning home empty handed. This was not fair. Had she known the release date beforehand, had she prepared or perhaps acted differently then maybe, just maybe, she would have found or even be playing the game now. But it wasn't to be, she would have to wait that little bit longer for a game which would most likely be spoiled on the forums she visited. The game had, after all, reached universal acclaim in reviews which meant that people would be sure to talk about it without remembering the use of spoiler tags.

"We'll keep looking… we might get…"

Unbeknown to Kyousuke, Kirino remained rooted to the spot watching his interactions with Kuroneko out of the corner of her eye. She had failed, what was the point in delaying the inevitable? So, with an almost silent sway to her hips, Kirino started to walk back down the road, the small droplets of rain mirroring her own feelings. Laughing slightly Kirino couldn't get over how cliché this felt, she was upset and the rain had decided to fall at this precise moment. How ridiculous! Could she not catch a fucking break?

Noticing movement, Kyousuke turned to face Kirino, his previous questions forgotten as he watched Kirino's retreating back.

"Kirino? Where are you going?"

"…home." Kirino mumbled, not even facing Kyousuke as she departed.

"You're giving up? Why are you giving up? We still have time, you can't lose hope now."

But Kirino didn't hear him. She refused to hear him. Instead of listening to her aniki's calls Kirino just kept walking, ignoring the sounds which surrounded her as she walked down the wet pavement. What was the point in looking? She was tired, fatigued and the game no longer held its previous allure. No game was worth this much, and she had resided herself to that very fact. If only the bloody rain would stop because it was beginning to ruin her clothing. What a fulfilling and wonderful day today had been!

"Kirino?" Kyousuke shouted, Kirino's figure disappearing as she rounded the curb. "Damn it! What the hell's she playing at. We still had time."

"Maybe she's facing reality. Something you should be doing too, Kyousuke-kun."

With these final words of passing, Kuroneko left, walking in the opposite direction of Kirino without a single look back. Kyousuke watched her progress for a time before he heard the sounds of metal screeching behind him, it seemed stores were closing already. More to the point, it seemed they were closing even earlier than had been advertised.

"Damn it! Alright, think!" Kyousuke mumbled, jogging towards a map in the middle of an over grown park. "If Kirino isn't going to stay and help then I'll just have to take responsibility. It has to be here, somewhere… I know it is."

Scanning the map closely Kyousuke noticed a gaming store they had not yet searched; it was a newly furbished store and had only recently been created by the looks of it. The store had 'New' printed on top of the building and it seemed the map had been last updated only a month ago. Maybe Kirino had no knowledge of this place? Could Kirino's game really be there?

However, with one look at the store and at the arrow stating 'here,' Kyousuke knew he would be cutting it close. The store was on the other side of Akihabara, where Kirino and Kyousuke had been about an hour ago. It didn't matter though, he had to at least try and make it there. He just hoped his search wasn't in vain and that 'Aniroge' would have the game he sought.

So, finally, with a destination set, and a new found determination acquired, Kyousuke set off down the street. Weaving past pedestrians and traffic as fast as his legs could carry him, not a care for his own personal safety. Nothing mattered more than Kirino's happiness. He would find this game no matter what… because his sister's happiness depended on it.

.

.

.

Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Although I have to admit, I'm surprised I even managed to find the time to write this. As you might know one of my friends is in the mid stage of pregnancy, and I have to answer to her every need and whim (Simply because I've known her longer and I live close to her.)

Now, if anyone reading this is thinking of having children or marriage I must give you fore warning on one thing… the cravings. Oh my fucking god the food cravings you will have to face are unbelievable! No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I'll get a call from her to bring back some strawberries or chocolate or god knows what else. I even got a call at 1am, who calls at 1am?

… She's lucky I love her or I think I'd start waving a white towel! It doesn't help when she calls me 'her own personal chaperone' either.

So that's my lesson for today, I'd be grateful for reviews etc, I noticed some reviewers who usually reviewed didn't appear last time. No problem, I just hope you're enjoying this story as I get the feeling people are feeling a little confused in regards to the story's progression. All I can say is don't worry… things will become a lot clearer soon.

Any problems or questions contact me and if I can I will try to better explain myself, all the best!

P.S. This has not been beta read, the edited version of this chapter will be posted at some point in the future as my beta reader is a little busy at the moment.