Everna Saga: Shiori Amiga

By Andry Chang

Destiny is stronger than blood.

Shingo and Shiori Amiga, the twin siblings are
separated by force. Orphaned and penniless, Shingo
is forced to live as a vigilante outlaw. Abducted
and experimented upon, Shiori then lives with
Junishi Abe. She was specially trained to be an
agent for Goemon Investigations Agency.

The outlaw and the law enforcer then follow each
other’s paths into mysterious, mystical cases,
encountering people with espers or guardian
spirits. When the siblings come into conflict with
each other, the mystery around Shiori’s abduction
slowly begins to unfurl.

The mystery so great, the size of the entire Omnia Universe.

"An interesting addition to the World of Everna."
-Juunishi Master, Game Developer

Everna Saga: Shiori Amiga is an urban fantasy novel set in the complete, detailed Earth parallel world of Terra Everna and part of the Everna Saga brand created by Andry Chang.
It’s highly recommended for young adults and adult readers who love:
- Novels are written in a unique, cinematic way
- Lively and likable characters, strong protagonists
- The parallel world setting is like the Victorian Era on Earth
- Detailed and immersive world-building and history
- Earth-based religion blended with fantasy world philosophy
- A pinch of mild romance here and there
- Inspirational moral values and heartwarming moments
- Fictional cultures and geography parallel to Earth
- Recognizable, easy-to-imagine Earth-like details

Main Characters:
- Shingo Amiga: Vigilante, outlaw. Shiori's twin brother.
- Shiori Amiga: Shingo's twin sister, a Goemon Investigations agent.
- Gale Zhao: The martial artist and chef at Jade Phoenix Restaurant.
- Junishi Abe (Nishi): Sniper, a Goemon Investigations agent.
- Keiji Yorinaga: Senior Agent of Goemon Investigations Agency.
- Chiyo Higashi: A painter mage who casts magic by painting it in any shape.
- Ryonoken (Ryo Hayabusa): A lone wolf, a legendary ninja who helps Shiori and Shingo.
- Mariko Chime: Tsubaki Temple Priestess.

Guest Characters:
- Hayato Mori: Yakuza Champion and Boss of the Silver Skull Yakuza Cell.
- Fuwa Mizutani: Director of Goemon Investigations Agency, a descendant of Mizutani Goemon, a hero.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andry Chang
• Release date: Jun 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215004999

Andry Chang

Andry Chang is a pilgrim in authorship since 2005. Aside from his everyday life as an entrepreneur, a husband and a father of one, he always makes time to write, draw or developing games. He continues to hone his skills and never gives up, resulting in his published multimedia works.Some of his commercially published writings, either singulars or collaborations are:FireHeart – Legend of the Paladins (2008), Vandaria Saga – Kristalisasi (2012), Qi Xi – Bunga Rampai Asmara (2012), Love Around You (2013), Magical Stories (2013), LEINA – Legenda Imaji Nusantara (2015), Everna Saga – Hikayat Tiga Zaman (2015), Everna Saga – Utara dan Selatan (2015), Everna Saga – Barat dan Timur (2016) (Indonesian Language Works) and Everna Saga - Morf and the Pirates of Flamenca (2016) (English Language Works)

Book preview

Andry Chang

Everna Saga: Shiori Amiga

An Urban Fantasy Story

Copyright © 2023 by Andry Chang

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

Andry Chang asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

Andry Chang has no responsibility for the persistence or accuracy of URLs for external or third-party Internet Websites referred to in this publication and does not guarantee that any content on such Websites is, or will remain, accurate or appropriate.

Designations used by companies to distinguish their products are often claimed as trademarks. All brand names and product names used in this book and on its cover are trade names, service marks, trademarks and registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publishers and the book are not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book. None of the companies referenced within the book have endorsed the book.

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Contents

1. Act One: The Twins’ Effect

2. A Monstrous Afternoon at School

3. A Farewell to All Things Normal

4. That Hannya-masked Man Did All This

5. I Want to Break Free

6. The Outlawful Path

7. Act Two: The Silenced Whispers

8. The Lawful Path

9. Under His Massive Wings

10. The Tokichi Toy Shop Terror

11. Aggressive Negotiation

12. The Trial by Triads

13. Gale Zhao, Our New Brother

14. Act Three: Traces of the Gatherer

15. The School of Hard Knocks

16. The Alpha, the Omega, and the Kappas

17. Vengeance Would Come to You

18. Mission: Impossible

19. The Godfather of the East

20. Two Giants and a Painter

21. Act Four: The Converging Paths

22. The Songs of Chaos and Harmony

23. Elements From One Source

24. My Girlfriend Comes First

25. The Haunting of Tsubaki Temple

26. The Theme Park of Terrors

27. The Emerald Tiger and the Shadow Dragon

28. I Admit, That Was Awkward

29. Act Five: Destiny is Revealing

30. And Then, There Were Two

31. The Ghouls of Sekishou

32. Into the Lion’s Den

33. On the Run for Our Lives

34. The Great Highway Car Chase

35. One Step Toward the Reunion

36. The Symphony of Thunder and Lightning

37. No Runway to Run

38. Final Act: The Universal Reckoning

39. Among Conspirators or Friends

40. The Fortress of Secrets

41. The Infinite Power

42. Enter: The Mad Scientist

43. The Place Where the Atrocities Were

44. Enhance, Empower, and Extract

45. The Cherry Blossoms in the Cold Nights

46. A True and Sincere Heart

47. For Destiny, To Infinity!

48. Who Has the Right to Judge?

49. The Demon of the Universe

50. The Doorway to Doomsday

51. Epilogue

Character Sheet

Glossary

1

Act One: The Twins’ Effect

Shingo and Shiori Amiga

Shingo’s Diary

Being born as identical twins was one of the greatest regrets of my life.

Shiori was so annoying! Why must she bother me now and then?

Couldn’t I have a day of privacy without her voice ringing inside my head?

Ironically, when Shiori’s voice finally died down, it became my greater regret.

However, destiny was stronger than blood.

And only destiny could return us together again.

2

A Monstrous Afternoon at School

Shiro Amiga heaved a sigh of relief as the final bell of Norifumi High School rang, signaling the end of another long day of classes. He stretched his arms and let out a small yawn, grateful for the chance to finally relax.

Whew, what a day! he said to his classmate, Mariko Chime. I’m glad it’s over.

Mariko nodded in agreement, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. It surely was. I always love it when I can finally take this stifling jacket off and be myself, an apprentice priestess at Tsubaki Temple, helping out my gramps.

Shingo grinned. Haha, me too. Tell you what, why don’t we get a snack at Uncle Kotatsu’s first? His cheesecakes are heavenly!

Mariko’s eyes lit up at the mention of cheesecakes. Oh yes, please do. With warm matcha green tea drink to match, it always works to give me the mood booster of the day.

Great! Just a few blocks away from here, and we’ll be in paradise. Off we go! Shingo exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

But as he turned to leave, he heard a faint voice calling out to him.

W-wait, Mari! I… I think Shiori is calling out for me! Shingo said, his face contorting with worry. Just let me do a quick check and search for her in the school, is it okay for you?

Mariko’s expression grew serious, and she placed a reassuring hand on Shingo’s shoulder. I sense that too! Just go to her, Shin! Maybe she’s in trouble and she needs your help!

That’s what I like best about you, Mari! You can sense things that few people like me can, Shingo said, his eyes shining with gratitude. I hope this isn’t a prank or anything like that. Wait for me, okay?

Of course, Shin. Now go! Mariko said, giving him a gentle shove towards the school’s entrance.

Shingo picked a broom from the janitor’s room and ran along the school corridors, his heart racing with fear and anticipation. What he saw there made his blood run cold.

Slimy creatures like konnyaku monsters, also known as flobbers in foreign countries, also some giant hornet bees and giant spiders were running rampant in the halls of Norifumi High School. Shingo couldn’t believe his eyes.

But, aren’t monsters extinct in this Modern Age? Is someone trying to breed or conjure monsters and unleash them in this school? Shingo thought.

Shingo felt a sudden surge of adrenaline, his instincts kicking into overdrive. Sorry to say, monsters are fascinating for me to study, but this infestation makes me fight them! he muttered under his breath.

With a determined glint in his eye, he tightened his grip on his broom, fighting his way toward his sister. The good thing was, he was so well trained the monsters were nothing more than pushovers.

Arriving at the third floor, Shingo entered the Kendo gym room, grabbed two wooden swords, and fought his way to Shiori’s classroom. The konnyaku monsters and all sorts of critter monsters were easier to defeat now.

Shingo burst into the classroom, ready to face the monsters and save his twin sister. The air was thick with tension as he scanned the room for any sign of danger. Shiori’s voice was ringing in his head, pleading for his help.

Shingo saw Shiori in the corner of the room, surrounded by a group of grotesque creatures that he had only ever seen in games or fantasy movies. They had sharp teeth, scaly skin, and glowing eyes that seemed to follow her wherever she went.

Here, Shiori! he yelled as he stepped forward and threw one wooden sword at his sister. Let’s take care of these monsters.

Shiori nodded, her eyes wide with fear. Be careful, Brother, she said.

The monsters hissed and growled, their claws bared and ready to attack. Shingo knew he had to act fast. He took a deep breath and charged at the creatures, his movements swift and calculated.

The monsters were strong, but Shingo was determined. He fought with all his might, dodging their attacks and striking back with powerful blows of his wooden sword. Each hit felt like a small victory, but the monsters kept coming.

As he fought, Shingo couldn’t help but think about how annoying Shiori could be at times. But now, with her in danger, he realized how much he cared about her. Their mental connection had always been a source of irritation for him, but now it was a lifeline that kept them connected in the face of danger.

Fighting back-to-back, the twins were as though giving out a spectacular show like a shadow dance of sorts.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the last monster fell to the ground with a thud. Shingo collapsed to his knees, panting and covered in sweat. He turned to Shiori, who was still huddled in the corner.

Are you okay? he asked, his voice hoarse.

Shiori nodded, tears streaming down her face. Thank you, Brother, she said. I knew you would come for me.

Shingo smiled, relief flooding through him. Of course, I would, he said. We’re twins, after all. Our destiny is intertwined.

But, we must hurry to the auditorium now, Shiori said. It was Nena who summoned all those monsters! We must stop her there before we’re too late!

* * *

Shingo’s heart was pounding fast as he dashed through the dark corridor toward the auditorium.

The Norifumi School auditorium was empty except for Nena Watari, a fellow student with a sinister smile on her chubby face, standing in the middle of a magic portal and assorted monsters swarming around her.

Shingo’s instincts kicked in, warning him of imminent danger. Nena had always been suspicious, but he had never imagined she would turn against Shiori, her close friend, and classmate.

Well, well, the brother joins the party! Too bad, my target is only the sister, Nena said, her voice dripping with malice. But don’t worry, I’ve expected you to show up too, I have a surprise for you!

Shingo’s heart sank. What surprise could Nena have in store for him and Shiori?

What do you mean by that, Nena? Shingo asked, trying to mask his fear. More importantly, what do you want with Shiori?

Nena chuckled. I accepted a deal from a client. He promised unlimited funding for my monster breeding project, so I’m very willing to do his order. I must capture my fellow student, Shiori Amiga, and bring her to him, that’s all. But, she’s a tough and feisty one. If ten monsters can’t break her, maybe a hundred will.

Shiori was livid. How dare you, Nena! I helped you with your project, but you turned the monsters we bred against me! Look, they’re attacking other students too! Don’t you care about other people’s lives?

Nena sneered. No! They don’t care shit about me. None, zip, nada! Why should I care for them? Only you help me with my project, but you’re my primary target now!

Shingo gritted his teeth. He could see the darkness in Nena’s eyes. Her mind was corrupted by her obsessions, and she was beyond redemption. He had to stop her before she could harm his sister any further.

Let’s stop here first, sis! Your friend’s mind is corrupted to the core by her obsessions, Shingo said, his voice calm but firm.

Yes, bro! Let’s do this! Shiori agreed, her eyes flashing with determination.

Nena summoned a big monster, a red tiger-bunny. I don’t care anymore! My pet, Akatsuki will rip you to pieces and I’ll deliver them to my client! Half price is better than none!

Shingo snarled, I’ll knock that horrible thought out of your head, Nena!

Shingo and Shiori faced off against the ferocious Akatsuki the tiger-bunny, each wielding a wooden sword. The air crackled with energy as they squared off, ready for battle.

The tiger-bunny charged forward, claws extended, but Shiori was ready for it. She sidestepped the beast with lightning-fast reflexes and swung her wooden sword at its flank. The tiger-bunny snarled in anger and turned to face Shiori once more.

Shingo saw his chance and leaped into the fray, striking the beast’s other side with his wooden sword. The tiger-bunny growled and lashed out with its claws, but Shiori and Shingo were too quick for it.

They danced around the beast, swords flashing in the sunlight, each strike hitting home with a resounding thwack. Shingo felt the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he battled the beast, his heart pounding in his chest.

But the tiger-bunny was not so easily defeated. It roared and lunged at Shiori, catching her off guard. Shingo sprang into action, blocking the beast’s attack with his wooden sword and giving Shiori the chance to recover.

Thanks, Shingo! Shiori cried, her eyes bright with determination. Let’s finish this!

Together, they charged at the tiger-bunny, swords raised high. The beast snarled and swiped at them with its claws, but Shingo and Shiori were relentless. They struck the beast over and over, their wooden swords slamming into its body with loud thuds.

Finally, with one last mighty blow, the tiger-bunny collapsed to the ground, defeated. Shingo and Shiori stood over it, their chests heaving with exertion, and exchanged a victorious smile.

We make a great team, Shiori said, grinning.

Oh, no, time to get away from here, Nena murmured.

Oh, no, you don’t! Saying so, Shingo acted swiftly and hit Nena’s back of the neck, knocking her down unconscious.

We just have to tie her real tight and let the authorities deal with her, Shingo said, breathing heavily from the exertion.

But, what was that? Shiori asked, her eyes wide with confusion. Nena can summon a big monster, a tiger-bunny named Akatsuki? I don’t understand!

I don’t understand either. Tell you what, let’s go clear our heads and ask Father at home later. I’ll tell Mariko about this too, I’m sure she’ll understand, Shingo said, his mind racing with questions.

Shiori grinned mischievously. Wow, you’re so lucky to have a girlfriend who understands you deep down into your strengths and weirdness!

Shingo chuckled. Hey, don’t get into trouble too often, li’l sis! Too many canceled dates and she’ll dump me for sure!

To that, Shiori just rubbed her long, ponytailed black hair and said, He-eh! A-okay, big bro!

* * *

Shingo and Mariko sat across each other at Uncle Kotetsu’s diner, sipping matcha tea and munching on a slice of creamy cheesecake.

The shop was buzzing with people, the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries lingering in the air. They were having a pleasant conversation about their busy lives, and how difficult it was to find some quality time together.

Well, thanks for the matcha, the cheesecake, and a company… of three. I really must go back home now to my duties in the temple, Mariko said.

Shingo frowned. Maybe if we go out more at weekends, or if Shiori gets a boyfriend, we’ll have more moments for just the two of us.

Mariko chuckled. I won’t count on that. Your sis will call on you now and then, and interruptions will happen and happen again.

Shingo shrugged. You know me, Mari. Like it or not, this is who I am. We must tolerate and embrace every moment while it lasts. Like I tolerate you doing temple duties on weekends, so will you with Shiori.

But I do agree with you about one thing. If Shiori has a boyfriend, she won’t contact you much, Mariko added.

That’s a good idea! Let’s see, maybe one of her classmates is eligible for the job, Shingo said with a mischievous grin.

Suddenly, Shiori came with a wide smile on her face, her mouth full of cheesecake.

More cheesecake, Uncle Tetsu! Shingo’s paying! Shiori announced, grabbing a seat next to her brother.

Uncle Kotetsu chuckled. Well, of course! Here, have some more.

Shiori stuffed her mouth with another mouthful of cheesecake, ignoring Shingo’s protests.

H-hey, wait! I don’t have enough money for that! Shingo complained, but Shiori didn’t care.

It’s on the house, said Old Man Kotetsu.

Mariko giggled, amused by the sibling’s playful argument. The three of them chatted merrily, oblivious to the world around them, like there was no tomorrow.

But suddenly, Mariko’s expression changed, and her eyes widened in surprise.

I have a bad feeling about Shingo and Shiori. But, must I tell them and ruin the whole fun? Mariko thought to herself, unsure whether to voice her concerns or not. I’m afraid after today, I won’t be seeing any of them for a long time.

The clock on the wall chimed, signaling the end of their pleasant afternoon, and the trio reluctantly got up to leave. As they walked out, Shingo and Shiori were still bickering, and Mariko couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding.

3

A Farewell to All Things Normal

Miura Dojo, located in the East Daitoshi district, was a traditional Shimanese martial arts training center that had been operating for generations.

Shingo and Shiori’s foster father and kendo teacher, Takashi Miura was a strict, tough, but caring man who raised the twins as his children. As the three of them trained, Shingo and Shiori practiced their kendo techniques under Takashi’s watchful eyes.

Shingo and Shiori were a unique duo, born with extraordinary abilities. Shiori was a talented magic swordsman, while Shingo was a skilled kendo practitioner. The twins always trained together, but Shiori’s physical stamina had begun to wane.

Despite her struggles, Shiori was determined to master Falling Sakura Petals, the ultimate stroke of the Miura Style known as the ogi, and inherit the Miura Clan heirloom, the legendary Masamune’s Katana.

As they trained, Takashi watched his foster children with a mix of pride and concern. He loved them deeply, having raised them since the tragic deaths of their birth parents. Takashi had already lost so much in his life and he could not bear to lose the twins, too. Despite his love for both Shingo and Shiori, Takashi knew that he had to make a difficult decision.

You get tired too easily, Shiori, he said, looking at her with a concerned expression. Maybe it’s time for you to stop practicing kendo and focus on your studies.

Shiori’s heart sank at the thought of giving up her dream. But I can do this, Father, er, Sensei! she protested. I can master the ogi with more training!

Shingo, always the supportive brother, spoke up. Please don’t stop her training, Sensei. Sister is more talented than I am.

Takashi sighed deeply, his gaze shifting between the twins. As your sensei and foster father, your well-being and health are always been my greatest concern, he said. I love you both even since Yuki Miura, my late sister died giving birth to you. And then your father, a dedicated policeman died too, killed in the line of duty. Knowing your talents, I adopted and raised you two as my children. I want to pass down the Miura Style to both of you and the Masamune’s Katana to one of you. Because now I see you don’t have the physical fortitude to handle Masamune’s excessive energy, Shiori, I better entrust the future of Miura Dojo to Shingo. I don’t want to lose you the way I lost Yuki and Ekichi Amiga.

Shiori was crestfallen, her dreams slipping away from her grasp. I understand your feelings, Sensei, she said, her voice shaking. But I do believe I have the talent to be a good magic swordsman. I just need more training… Look! I can do some neat ice magic! She demonstrated her words by making a beautiful ice flower on the palm of her hand.

But Takashi would not be swayed. Don’t argue with me, young girl if you know what’s good for you! he said sternly. No more training for you! Just do what you’ve been told…

Shingo looked at his sister with concern, his heart was heavy with the weight of their foster father’s decision. Would this be the end of their training together, the end of their dreams? Only time would tell.

Suddenly, Shingo heard a mysterious voice that seemed to be coming from nowhere. What a waste. We have such a great talent in our midst, and you told her only to do office work in the future? The voice was smooth and cold, and it sent chills down his spine. Shingo stopped in his tracks and looked around, but he saw no one.

Who are you? Show yourself! How dare you infiltrate our dojo and interfere with our family’s matter?! Shingo shouted.

In the blink of an eye, a Hannya-masked man appeared in front of him, from the door to the middle, blocking his path. Shingo’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately took a step back.

The mysterious man wore a mask that resembled a demon’s face, and the cold, piercing eyes behind the mask were almost too much to bear.

The masked man said, I am nobody. You can call me Hannya, I’m here to take your sister away.

Shingo’s blood boiled with anger. He couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Leave my sister and my foster father alone! Just take me instead!

Miura intervened, Over my dead body! No way in hell I’ll give Shiori to you!

Miura then turned to Shingo and reminded him, Remember, your family name, Amiga, short of Amigaharu means you’re a descendant of a legendary Shogun Amigaharu Munetori, who united Shima! So, you must uphold your family name and honor. You don’t give in or give yourself away. Stand up and fight!

Shingo was hesitant, But that Hannya-masked man is too powerful, judging by his aura! Look, Shiori is shaking all over!

Miura, however, was not willing to give up without a fight. You don’t understand, do you? It’s not honorable to gang up on a man. So, I challenge you to a duel, Hannya. You’re no match for me and Masamune’s Katana.

Hannya accepted the challenge, and the two of them faced off. The tension was palpable, the air was filled with the sound of swords blazing with their respective auras of fire and ice.

Seeing the rival sword of his and sensing the cold, yet evil aura from it, Miura shivered a bit. Let’s do this, then! he said, and the two of them clashed.

Miura stepped onto the wooden floor, his eyes fixed on the Hannya-masked man before him. Hannya held a katana in his right hand, its sharp blade gleaming in the light of the sun. The two circled each other, their feet shuffling and swords clashing in anticipation.

With a fierce battle cry, Miura charged toward Hannya, his fire katana blazing a trail behind him. Hannya parried the attack with ease, his ice katana creating a gust of wind that sent Miura’s hair flying. The two swordsmen lashed again and again, sparks flying off their blades with each blow.

Miura took a step back and drew in a deep breath, his eyes narrowing in concentration. He raised his katana high above his head and then brought it down in a swift motion. The air around them rippled as cherry blossom petals appeared out of nowhere, falling gently to the ground like snowflakes. The Falling Sakura Petals was his ultimate skill or ogi, a move that was said to be unbeatable.

But Hannya was no ordinary opponent. With a swift motion of his wrist, he sent out a wave of cold air that froze the petals in mid-air, the sound of ice crystals shattering echoing through the arena. His ultimate skill, A Thousand Cold Nights, was a move that could turn even the hottest fire into ice.

The two samurais locked eyes for a moment, their breathing heavy with exhaustion. Then Hannya launched himself forward, his katana slicing through the air toward Miura. Miura parried the blow with all his might, but it was too late. Hannya’s sword pierced Miura’s chest, blood spilling out on the floor as he fell to his knees.

This is the fate of all who dare to challenge me, Hannya said, his voice cold and menacing as he claimed Masamune’s katana from the previous owner.

Shingo saw his foster father on the floor. Father! he cried out. Unfortunately, the blood pooling under Takashi Miura’s body was a sign that the twins were too late.

With a grunt, Shingo turned toward Hannya and said, Pay for my father’s blood, you devil!

Shingo charged forward toward Hannya, moving his wooden sword with lightning speed, slicing through the air, just as the move he trained in the Miura Dojo.

But his opponent, Hannya, was no ordinary foe. With a flick of his wrist, Hannya easily intercepted Shingo’s strike and sent him reeling backward, the wooden sword clattering to the ground as Shingo clutched his arm in pain.

Time to scrap the spare! Hannya declared, moving toward Shingo with a menacing glare.

Shingo knew he was in trouble. He had trained for years to master the art of the sword, but he was no match for Hannya and his supernatural abilities. He backed away slowly, hoping to put some distance between himself and his attacker.

However, it was in vain. Hannya closed in again and landed the blunt side of Masamune’s katana on Shingo’s chest. It knocked the poor lad out, but it looked like Hannya had killed Shingo.

But Hannya wasn’t finished yet. One down, only one task left to do, he said, turning his attention to the sprawling figure of Shiori Amiga. "It’s to