On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Splashing down in the water of the Spring, which had gradually filled up ever since we had liberated it, and was now deep enough to reach our thighs, I called out to Arisu-san. “Quickly. You must sense it! Your Room!”

I released Arisu-san’s arm, just as a vivid slash of purple opened around us, though it was hard to tell, as the crystalline walls of the Spring were bathed in the violet light from the skies above, energy reflecting and rebounding into the shallow lake of the Spring we were standing in. Moments later, we were swallowed in darkness, the flickering light of the glowing flames set at each corner of Arisu-san’s Room casting long shadows, but then water gushed in, slowly filling up the space.

“I think… yes…” Arisu-san muttered, and a second Door opened at the top of her Room. Now the purple light, rich with spatial element, was pouring in, though the angle was wrong. Glancing at her arm where I had grasped it, she shook it gently, before pulling down her sleeve and wiping it. Her black eyes were rather chilly as she stared at me, before the tension was broken by a little voice by my ear crying out some pained words.

“Oh… by the… Moon… ulp… yuck… don’t shake me…” A horrible retching sound echoed beside me, and then I was indeed splattered with vomit that reeked of alcohol, as I feared would happen, the pale-faced Estalian clinging limply to my hair as she noisily threw up her stomach full of booze. Great, it’s dripping down my collar. This is something I never thought I would, or wanted, to experience…

Seeing that spectacle, Arisu-san’s mood improved, and with a sharp gesture, her hand slicing down, large mirrors appeared, as she was able to freely manipulate the interior of her room, at the cost of aether, of course. Though the contents do seem to endure far more than something would in the wider Astral…

Those mirrors reflected the vivid spatial element, so thick as to be beams of rippling violet light, focussing a great deal of it on a single point that we had swallowed up, the thing my Eyes had noticed, and Arisu-san’s keen senses had picked up too…

Before, the Spring of Clear Reflections had shown to my Eyes as…

The Spring Of Clear Reflections – This Spring is a reinvigorated conflux of naturally occurring Water Elemental energy with the rare Spiritual property, generating a Water Element that is especially strengthening and nourishing for spiritual beings such as Fae, as well as humans such as Cultivators and Saints…

…but when the tide of spatial element was funnelled down by the crystalline walls and mirror-like monoliths, the space around the Spring had warped, revealing something below, deep within the fissure in the rocky base of the hill. Spatial element was absorbed into it, strengthening and purifying it, and my Eyes saw it as…

Lost Droplet Of Urðarbrunnr’s Mirror

This potent drop of Elemental Water, charged with powerful Adherence relating to Past, Present and Future, has long been lying deep under the hidden lake of Elemental Water that lies below the Spring of Clear Reflections. Its essence gradually spreads up into the surrounding waters, creating a rich, powerful Elemental Water essence that seeps up through the aquifers above, combining with the Elemental Water already present, and is born as the Spring of Clear Reflections. Over time, even the strength of this droplet should have waned and been exhausted, as no Adherence nor Elemental energy is inexhaustible, but due to the periodic strengthening effects of a mighty Spatial Element, the Element with the closest relation to Urðarbrunnr’s Mirror, the Lost droplet has endured, though due to disruption of the Spring due to unclean outside influences, this connection had been broken, the droplet gradually dispersing, yet this connection has now been restored, and once more the Lost Droplet will regain its strength.

I see. So then… we had been promised that if we won, we had already received our Price from the Trial. It didn’t make sense to me at the time, but… I guess Goddesses of Fate and Fortune know what they are talking about…

They do indeed. Rose’s cheerful voice resounded in my thoughts. Before they departed, noble Urðr spoke to us. It was a warning for us, and also an instruction… not to interfere. I imagined the short yet mature Valkyrie was smiling ruefully, and for a moment, I wished I could see through her eyes, as she did mine. Even though you received their Price, they want to see if you can utilise it properly. Do… do you want me to give you a hint?

I was surprised. Didn’t the Norns tell you to leave it to us?

Yes, but… There was a trace of embarrassment in her tone now. …if a Brúðr cannot assist her Verr, who can? And Lin agrees. Of course, we did already go against the Laws and wishes of the Allfather when we took the Fruit, so… this is simply one more transgression.

No. Don’t do that. I know it pained you to go against your Gods. I don’t want you breaking your promises unless you absolutely have to. It may seem hypocritical, considering how much I’ve benefitted from your acts, but… I also don’t want you to feel the pain of a guilty conscience.

There was a silence which stretched long in my thoughts, though due to the speed of them, it was surely only a handful of seconds. Then Rose answered. I see. That is admirable. Even eldest Gerhilde was moved by your words. Very well, our consciences shall be clear, though we regret nothing, other than the poor, brave fools who have perished due to our gifts. You can do it, I presume?

Trust me. After all… Shaeula said it herself. It’s technically her birthday, for a short few moments, so this is a gift to her…

My Eyes inspected the water that was pooling around our ankles inside Arisu-san’s room as I used water element to gather some up and douse the sickly Estalian, who let out an annoyed cry, flapping her wings, droplets scattering like jewels. I then washed off her sick, water dribbling down my neck.

This Spring is a reinvigorated conflux of naturally occurring Water Elemental energy with the rare Spiritual property, though this property has been enhanced and nurtured by the Adherence and Spatial Element of the Lost Droplet. For just as a being, a Spirit, is composed of Past, Present and Future, the unceasing march of time, so too does this Water carry the Adherence of the Mirror of Past, Present and Future, allowing the Water Element to be more than just a rich spiritual essence.

So, the Spring itself is naturally occurring, but somehow this droplet found its way here too, long ago… just what the hell is going on with Earth? There’s treasures and mysteries everywhere. It doesn’t seem to be having too much influence on the Spring itself, though that would explain why the water was able to absorb the Moonlight mutation. A natural wonder, or… somehow planned? I don’t know, and that worries me. But… I’m not puppet, dancing on strings, even the Gods can’t perfectly foretell the future, I know that for sure. I’ll do as I see fit, and if I’m doing what I know is right, it doesn’t matter if some powerful beings are paving a path for me, or I’m merely benefitting from good fortune… no, I’ve chosen my own Path, and I’ll walk it. If I’ve been guided towards this Path… it’s still the one I chose.

“This is… unsustainable…” Arisu-san pointed out, as Estalian flapped around my face grumbling about her drenching. “…I will need to release my Room soon, although…” She dragged a hand lazily through the thick purple beams of spatial element, and I could see she was drawing in large amounts as well, her body starting to sweat, the usual silvery mist of the Astral now a thick violet steam. “…I do admit, I am benefitting greatly here. Within my Room, I can analyse and understand the spatial element to a deeper level, and absorbing it is trivial, orders of magnitude less trying…”

“Yeah, I don’t need you to keep the Room open long. I worry you’ll damage the Spring if you do anyway, it’s just… I needed to hold the Lost Droplet in place…”

“Lost Droplet?” Arisu-san tilted her head, dark eyes questioning. Her soaked gown was clinging to her legs, silhouetting her perfect figure, and I made very sure to keep my eyes averted, to avoid her ire.

“There’s a second source of elemental energies here, it’s what makes the Spring so powerful. Natural Spirit Water within this underground lake…” The Room had now filled up to our thighs, so we had to hurry. “…and below that. A lost relic. But…”

The Room had been shaped strangely to accommodate the jagged crack that sunk into the bedrock below the lake. I noticed that a number of glittering crystals, likely Etherites, had formed over the years, lining the shaft in a rainbow mirror to the Spring’s hill above. “…I think if it was properly integrated…”

I swept aether downwards, grabbing numerous Etherites as I did so, sweeping the shaft clean. Another present for Shaeula, though Ixitt and the Mortal Engineers will no doubt be the ones rejoicing. As I reached the deepest part, I pulled free a number of blue Etherites, only to gasp in shock… wait… that’s… an indigo one? I’d never seen such a sight before. It was larger than its blue brethren, not by much, but the solidity of it was significant. If I had to guess, there’s more than three million ether compressed into this beautiful crystal.

Such a sum before would have had me drooling to break it down, but now that would be an incredible waste. We’ll have to consider carefully just what to use it for. Even the Seelie Court’s treasure rooms might only have one or two indigo Etherites, and certainly no Violet ones…

That wasn’t what I was after though, and my aether folded around the Lost Droplet. With a great surge of energy, I tugged at it, and it seemed to weigh as much as the entire lake above. The water itself wasn’t transparent, but like mercury, a molten silver rippling with violet that grew ever more intense as the slowly fading spatial element from the Seelie Court was absorbed into it. As it gradually cleared the shaft that was buried within Arisu-san’s masterful reshaping of her Room… seriously… I still don’t know which God chose Arisu-san, and she hasn’t brought it up, so I’ve avoided checking, but… if she had the same opportunities I did, with the Seeds… I’m sure she’d be the heroine of this story… she’s just so damn talented… I felt the Spirit Water within me stirring. Estalian, who was busy berating me, flicking water droplets off her gossamer wings at my face, also felt it, as her gaze was drawn to the shining silver mass. Droplet, huh? It’s actually as big as my fist…

“Is that… water?” she asked, her drunkenness and sodden state forgotten.

“Yeah. And as you’ve made the Spirit Water of the Spring your own… there’s a resonance. Although…” I narrowed my Eyes, a fierce, amber glow shining, and Estalian froze, like a small bird before a cat. “…yours is weaker. I think I know the problem. Princess…” My tone was serious now, and she swallowed nervously.

“Y… yes?” she stammered.

“You’ve been supportive of us, and I hope you’ll continue to be so, no matter what happens from now on.”

Estalian nodded, her damp, moss-green hair sticking to her forehead comically. Even so, she was still adorable, and also somehow regal. “Of course. Our Duchess and you… the Spring was reclaimed. I see no reason not to support your future endeavours.”

“Great. Then…” I condensed out several droplets of Moonlight Spirit Water. No, calling it that wasn’t quite accurate. This was the concentrated and potent High Moonlight Spirit Water that Shaeula and I had shared, and Daiyu had later inherited. I sent a mental message to Eri, asking her to gather Daiyu and Selensha, and she responded in the affirmative, hiding her curiosity about just what we were doing, but her thoughts carried unshakable trust, which warmed me.

“…you get a reward. Though I’m a little torn, as you did throw up on me.”

“That was your fault!” Estalian pouted, little fists clenched, though she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the raw splendour of the Lost Droplet. “You jostled me by… jumping… like that. Now I have a vile taste in my mouth.”

“You can have some juice later…” I suggested, only for Arisu-san to interrupt.

“I am sure this comedy sketch would be just simply delightful on WTV, but you should be swift. The water is rising, and I suspect you do not simply wish me to vent it all out somewhere?”

“Yeah.” I nodded, the water having reached our chests now. “The thing is…” There was another fissure in the rocks, not the lower one I had swept clear of Etherites, but the upper one, where the Spirit Water leached through it and the surrounding aquifer, forming the Spring within the hollow, crowed hill. “I think… there.”

Are you sure? Rose’s thoughts were with me again. I get a sense of what you are trying to do. It is… challenging.

Maybe so, but… compared to putting Mae back together a second time, I think I can do it. And if I do… I certainly could simply absorb the Lost Droplet, share it between us, but… then the Spring, while potent, would eventually lose a little of its splendour. Besides… I’m willing to put aside a little power now, for the potential benefits of the harvest later…

I did remove five tiny portions though, wrapping it in my own water element. I flicked the first to Estalian, while swallowing the second myself, guiding it to my sacral Chakra. It was like swallowing an explosion, the conflicting spatial and water elements clashing wildly with what I already possessed, but as I had experience with all seven of the primary elements, I was able to soothe the damage that spread throughout my subtle bodies, Ether Healing working overtime.

Estalian had also drank the metallic liquid, and she quickly froze. She was assailed by the same battle within her that I had endured, yet she was incredibly experienced for a Fae, having transcended her elemental nature twice before, and she was also a master at using water element. The spatial aspect was giving her some trouble, but in Arisu-san’s Room, still bathed in thick purple motes of lingering energies, she was making progress.

Taking pity on her, I used Split Thoughts to partition myself off again, dedicating one set to assist her with a little Chirurgery and Ether Healing. Most of my attention, however, was on the crafting I was about to do. Oddly enough, the scabbard I had made, Love’s Misfortune… not a name I’d choose myself, I’ll admit… had one thing in common with what I was doing here. My Dvergr Techniques had Ranked up making it, and it had given me the ability to use elements and adherence to create webs too, which not only strengthened the craft itself, but they pulled in trace amounts from their surroundings, basically functioning as a power source.

All right then. Here we go… with my Eyes to guide me, I hastily began work, spreading out my aether, penetrating it into the surrounding lake, as well as the bedrock above. Carefully shaving off tiny filaments of the Droplet, I threaded it through the aetheric web I was weaving. There was plenty of water element of the purest kind in the lake to draw on, and likewise, the spatial element trapped within Arisu-san’s room was also available to me, so as the water rose, I continued to craft, smoothing the fissure, giving it a mirror-like sheen, carefully removing dull, ordinary rock and leaving behind a beautiful, pink crystalline rose quartz, which was one of the main components of the ground here.

“This is frustrating…” Arisu-san expanded her Room, purple sparks dancing, half-hidden in the existing glow, and the water level dropped by half. “If I could close the Door, this would be far more tolerable. But…” The spatial element was dying down, only a few trickled beams descending into the Room from above, where water was pouring in like a waterfall. “…I trust you know what you are doing. Red will be rather frustrated if you drown before tonight, considering how she has been fretting over it.”

Fretting, huh? Yeah, she’s got that mix of anticipation and dread down perfectly. It’s really very cute, and totally unlike how I pictured a Goddess, especially one as outwardly cold and prickly as Tan. But I guess she’s finally showing me her dere side, the tsun melting away.

“Don’t worry. I’m not planning on leaving her disappointed.” I chuckled, even as my concentration was intense. Through the surrounding lake and the newly fixed fissure, which was now a straight, mirrored shaft, hopefully allowing additional purple moonlight to filter through every time the Court migrated, I spread the web. I eased adherence into the Lost Droplet, slightly regretting the expense, as while I had quite the stockpile, enhanced after our win at the Trial of Three, and my growing understanding of adherence meant I was leaking less while holding Favours, I still needed to be rather frugal, yet… No point worrying about that. Worst case, I break down one of the less useful Favours. There are more Favours out there, but… this opportunity…

Your Skill, Dvergr Techniques, has increased from Rank 4 to Rank 5 and reached the first bottleneck. Your grasp on blending Spiritual and Material crafts has intensified. Your Aether, Elemental and Adherence webs draw on the surrounding energies with greater force and efficiency, and similar flavours of energies can be purified and absorbed.

Great. Though it makes sense, this is… quite the effort.

Straining, I tried to link the complicated pattern of the web, aligning it with the bonds and connections I felt with both the Spring and the Lost Droplet. The energy had not still been fully absorbed within me, though I could feel it starting to settle. All right… there! What’s a web but a pattern of connections? And absorption is only possible through connection…

Spring Of Clear Reflections [Item Class: Mythic] [Item Type: Law]

This Spring is a reinvigorated conflux of naturally occurring Water Elemental energy with the rare Spiritual property, which has had its natural surroundings polished and shaped to maximise the spiritual advantages the unique topography of the hill and menhirs above offer. In addition, a rare fragment of the power of a higher being, which was slightly influencing the Spring, has now been relocated and integrated to a greater extent, tied by Connections using crafts that complement the Adherence within.

This allows a greater strengthening of the Spring and the Droplet, by the periodic bathing in the rich, fey Spatial Element that this Territory generates.

This will create a Water Element that is especially strengthening and nourishing for spiritual beings such as Fae, as well as humans such as Cultivators and Saints. It has been further strengthened by the incredibly concentrated and pure Light of the Moon that was imbued into the water by the mirror-like rocks that crowned the hill and the special crystalline materials of the walls. In addition, the Water Element here will also increase affinity for Spatial Element and the strength thereof. Furthermore, those who have drank deep and mastered the refined High Spirit Water will find themselves bonded to the Spring, the effects enhanced.

This site is one of the Seven Great Wonders of the Fae Realm. The Spring, once a purely coincidental conflux of natural wonders, is now both natural and artificial, unpolished and yet refined. It is the Spring it was, and yet not. Such an act of shaping is an idea beyond the ordinary.

I see. It’s the Court that generates the spatial energy… no wonder Duke Myrcolaxriath wasn’t able to draw on the power of the Lost Droplet, since he tore this land from the grasp of the Seelie Court. The menhirs above were also filthy, and likely couldn’t reflect the energies anyway… that reminds me, Rose, just how did a droplet from Urðarbrunnr’s Mirror find its way here?

In the Past knowledge, the Present a shield, the Future, a weapon… Urðarbrunnr’s Mirror is many things, but at its heart, it is a… manifestation of Urðr’s Territory. It is her Domain, but her younger sisters may wield it at her will, and the honour is sometimes granted to those whom she favours. Perhaps… long ago there was a battle there, and a fragment, a droplet, perhaps… was struck from the shield… the Norns wouldn’t speak of it, and we dared not ask further. Rose was apologetic.

No, I understand. Anyway…

At that moment I felt the change around us, my affinity for spatial element detecting the shifting ether density. Arisu-san noticed too. The last of the spatial element had died out, though a lot had seeped into her Room, and my Eyes could see it had a denser spatial aspect now.

“I trust you wish me to drain the water back into the underground lake, as best I can?” Arisu-san asked, and I nodded. With that, the two Doors she had opened shut, and then another opened, revealing the crest of the hill. We were attracting a lot of worried glances, but as we stepped out, I hastily apologised to Arisu-san, weaving aether to remove the water from her sodden dress. Fortunately the base of it was red, and the lace white, rather than the other way around, so it didn’t go see-through when soaked.

“I thank you.” Arisu-san acknowledged, as she did the same for her long black hair.

“What about me?” Estalian landed on my shoulder again, tugging on my ear with both hands, clearly frustrated. “I’m soaking!”

“I see-see all is well then.” Shaeula laughed, seeing us bicker. “Though you did-did miss the moment that was most-most spectacular. A great shame.” Then her eyes narrowed, blazing amber. “I knew it. When you asked Eri to fetch-fetch Daiyu and sister-in-law Selensha…” The two of them were standing beside her, Selensha nervous, leaning on her usual staff, the orange crystal topping it shimmering brighter than usual, Daiyu as composed as ever in a red and white Cultivator-style dress, which resembled a more modest qipao.

“…I felt the reason was surely-surely to do with the Spring.” She gazed at the three beads of silvery, metallic water element.

“You’re right. Happy birthday. Oh, it’s past midnight.” I chuckled, tossing over the three beads.

“It is still-still my night until the dawn.” Shaeula licked her lips, her expression smouldering, as her amber eyes looked me up and down. A bit further back, Tan swallowed nervously, and I could see silvery beads of sweat dotting her forehead and cheeks.

Shaeula caught the first droplet, marvelling at the weight and power of it. She called out her water element and surrounded the elemental essence, before beginning to absorb it. Daiyu caught hers too, also impressed.

“This… it is not Spirit Water, but… it calls to the Spirit Water inside me. This… this is a treasure Cultivators would kill or die for…” Her black eyes were wide with surprise.

“This… is too precious for me.” Selensha bowed her white-furred head. “I was overjoyed and honoured to be one of the first to receive a trickle of Spirit Water from the reborn Spring, but this too is too much…”

“Nonsense.” Shaeula scoffed, meeting my eyes, and at my reassuring nod, she patted Selensha’s shoulder gently. “It is my-my birthday gift…” She paused, humming gently. “Is it the Price we won-won from those haughty females?”

“Perceptive as ever.” I agreed. “It seems that we already had the Spring, but now the Spring is stronger…”

I’d be quite interested… I sent a thought to Rose. …in just who was here in the Seelie Court from your Pantheon. Oh, and when too. I know you like reading, so maybe some research? Though I don’t want you getting into trouble, or going against the will of your Gods again…

We haven’t been asked to refrain from that, only to offer no assistance with your Price. So I’ll do some subtle digging. I have no idea if it is still possible to find records though, or how long it’ll take…

Great. It’s just my curiosity, but…any knowledge will be helpful.

“Take-take it.” Shaeula insisted. “Although…” She exchanged another meaningful glance with me, and I chuckled.

“Sure.” I condensed out more High Spirit Water, drawing on the stocks of water element in our Elemental Silos and flavouring it. It was more challenging than usual, as the new, spatially-aspected water hadn’t been fully processed by my body yet, but I managed to create enough so that Selensha could likely upgrade her sacral Chakra to the stronger, purer mutated element, and thus process the piece of the Lost Droplet efficiently. Selensha squeezed shut her eyes, and after a deep breath that left her trembling, she began to absorb it.

“In that case… I would seek some solitude for a while.” Arisu-san spoke up. “I have new insights, and I am desirous of absorbing the spatial element I have captured.”

“Before that, why not-not return to the mansion. Now the viewing is over…” Shaeula waved a hand airily towards the distant edge of the Seelie Court. “…the night is still-still young enough for revelry. Although…” Her smile was now rather apologetic. “…in a short moment, I would-would first ask you transport Tan and I to our-our hotel. I do not-not wish to miss a minute with Akio, and I am sure-sure Tan is the same.”

Arisu-san sighed, smoothing her crimson dress, which despite me drying it out, had wrinkled, the fabric bunching in places. “Since it is a… special day… for Red, and White is surely in agreement, I shall do so. But I am not pleased at being used as a mere taxi service.”

Shaeula thanked her, and I took a moment to look around. “Oh…” Yeah, things have certainly changed around here, but…

“Yes, it is not like I have the frame of reference, but it is surely… gloomy.” Daiyu agreed. “The scene itself was spectacular. The purple dome of moonlight that enclosed the space around us… clenched… I can find no other words to describe it. Then as the torrent of violet light that blazed down and penetrated the hill dissipated, the dome exploded, and it made the violet snow of before seem… ordinary.” She was still cradling the droplet, as if worried she would lose it. “A veritable blizzard in shades of violet I never believed could exist. And when we could see anything but the cloak of falling purple sparks again… the scenery had changed.” She pointed to the moon overhead, now back to its massive, brilliant glory, the glow bright enough to cast the lands in twilight, before gesturing to the area beyond the Fae Stones. “Not for the better, I fear. If I was a religious woman, I would think it reminiscent of Diyu. At least the Hell of Trees of Knives.”

I nodded. “No kidding.” Indeed, the tangles of stunted trees and gorse had vanished, and now up against our borders was an entirely different domain. It was some sort of swamp, thick lakes of muddy water constantly bubbling and releasing streams of yellowing gases into the sky. Trees were growing in clumps, tall, gnarled black hulks with barely any leaves, and curled, arm-like branches that ended with clusters of knife-like twigs, resembling reaching fingers, which were surely what brought Daiyu’s musings to her mind. Beyond those small, dark thickets, huge heaps of rotten plants, detritus and other decaying garbage floated on the fetid waters, like mobile hills.

“We’ll have to step up our border patrols…” I suggested, and Daiyu nodded.

“I believe Moira has already commissioned Soliteare and Bellaera to see to it. Now…”

“Now you should go and process that elemental water.” I patted her head warmly. “It may be a priceless treasure, but when it comes down to it… you’re beyond price to me.”

Daiyu’s expressionless face shifted, a slight smile matching the equally faint blush that tinged her ears and neck. She nodded, determination in her eyes. “I shall succeed. It feels… not dissimilar to the energies that surrounded us during the migration. I shall not fail you and waste this precious opportunity. After all, my Dao Companion, if you can succeed, so can I. For you are the yang to my yin.” She paused, turning, and I could see that Motoko and Natsumi were waiting patiently, though Natsumi was tapping her foot restlessly, unusual for her. “Though now I shall step aside. Natsumi has some excellent news.”

Seeing the broad grin on Natsumi’s face, coupled with the proud yet slightly jealous expression on Motoko’s, I had an idea what that was. As Daiyu descended the hill, heading for the carriages that had returned to ferry the guests back to the mansion, I noticed that Shaeula and Tan, Arisu-san too, had vanished. Back in the Material, I felt a surge of spatial energies, likely their arrival. Great. I had time to finish up while Shaeula was hosting the viewing party…

“Akio…” Natsumi ran over, seeing that Daiyu had moved aside. “I did it! Oh…” She paused for a moment. “I think so, anyway. It’s going to be embarrassing if I’m wrong.” She let out a bright chuckle, and Motoko reassured her she was surely right.

“Let me see…” With my Eyes and senses, I probed Natsumi, and after a long moment, which I dragged out a little to tease her, enjoying the blush that spread over her cheeks, I nodded. “Yeah, your compatibility with Chollima’s Divine Favour has reached acceptable levels. Good job!” I patted her head, but that wasn’t enough for her, and she pulled me into a hug, before beckoning Motoko over to join us.

Ignoring the amused (and some envious) glances from the other attendees, who were waiting their turns for the carriages pulled by the elegant Fae steeds, I accepted their hugs, feeling the warmth of their bodies.

“Hey, you’re soaking!” Natsumi exclaimed, and I grimaced.

“Oh yeah, I was too busy handing out presents.” I warmed us with aether and dried out my clothes. “As for gifts…”

“Yes, I’m ready!” she enthused, before she smiled reassuringly at Motoko. “Don’t worry. You’ll get there soon, I know it.”

Motoko nodded, her arms tightening around us both, and I had the happy sensation of being sandwiched on both sides by two girls with rather different figures. “I know, but I do appreciate the reassurance.” She took a deep breath, before she apologised. “I feel rather useless, for I know you need to relieve your adherence drain as soon as possible…”

“Don’t worry.” I reassured her. “I have it in hand. And… the situation’s going to get a bit better, isn’t it?” I praised Natsumi, who giggled endearingly.

“It sure is. Don’t worry, Motoko. I believe if you can claim victory against me with my Favour, you’ll understand. Though… I’m not going to go easy on you! I’ve always been trailing behind you, so I’ll savour being ahead for once!”

As they bantered, I listened happily. Back in the Material, I could hear Shaeula’s voice, Tan’s one, rather quiet and nervous, harder to make out. They were approaching the door to the restaurant’s private room that we had booked, and as they reached for the handle, I glanced around at my preparations.

I guess tonight’s the night then. I couldn’t say I wasn’t nervous. Not of Shaeula’s birthday of course, I was looking forward to both spoiling her and indulging in her. But… Tan. I fulfilled my end of our wager, and she will do hers. But if that was the only reason, I’d reject it… but… damn, the world is strange indeed…

At least I had the Chirurgery to transplant Natsumi’s new Favour and also finishing absorbing the rich elemental energies of the Lost Droplet to give me a task to relieve my worries. With one final glance at the Spring which had revealed a long-hidden mystery to us on this fateful day, I squeezed the girls tighter, as the door opened to the private room… Here we go then. The dichotomy of my life on full display. Work and romance, romance and work… haven’t they both blurred into one? Not that I can complain or would want to… it’s just… holding to my Resilience, both of my bodies, Astral and Material, smiled. This is going to be a long and exciting night…