Seven Hundred And Fourteen

The return home was fairly sombre. Instead of taking a car, Haru and I decided to walk, and the glittering glow of the Christmas decorations was at least distracting. “Huh, I expect they’ll be coming down soon then, won’t they?” I asked, and Haru nodded.

“Traditionally, in Britain I believe they should be taken down by Twelfth Night, as they call it. The fifth. So tomorrow is the last day for them.”

“I see.” I leaked a little sigh, my breath streaming in the chill air. “That’s a little sad, in a way…”

“Maybe so.” Haru hesitated for a moment, before reaching out and grasping my hand. Her skin was a little cool to the touch, but it was rather comforting. I glanced at her with a little surprise, but she merely shrugged. “It’s not exactly a date, but… we are going steady, even if I’m afraid I’ll be taking things very slowly, in comparison to the others, certainly.” She paused, a faint blush in her pale cheeks. “Anyway, while it’s always sad to see the years pass and the seasons change… doesn’t that just mean we have next Christmas to look forward to?”

“Yes. I like that.” I nodded, and Haru let out a dry chuckle.

“I wouldn’t be so eager, if I was you. I shudder to think just how you’ll manage next Christmas Eve. Maybe work out a Skill to split yourself into eighty-four thousand…”

I had to laugh at that, though I was astonished Haru knew such trivia. “I’m not from Journey to the West. And I’m certainly not a monkey, though having the strength of Sun Wukong sure would solve a lot of my problems. But… not all of them. Not… everything… can be solved by raw power, as we discovered again tonight.”

“That’s true. Oh, and your thoughts say you want to ask me how I know that story. I did study some of the classics at my high school. It was a good school. Quite famous, though obviously not in Hanafubuki’s league. As for Chloe… fortunately, like many young up-and-coming diplomats, she’s not married and doesn’t have children, so moving isn’t a huge deal for her. Of course…” …saving one person within our sight doesn’t stop others being hurt and abused behind closed doors.

Even so, better to save those we can see, and be a helpful hypocrite, than a consistent selfish ass. My thoughts were wryly self-mocking. I would have loved to use Shaeula’s Winds And Waters to make him a better person, but… if we interfere that much, then it’ll be obvious something happened to him…

Yes, life is rather full of… “…unpleasant choices. This, however…” Haru smiled winningly. “…wasn’t one of them. The Tower looks wonderful from the bridge, doesn’t it?”

I nodded. We were crossing Tower Bridge now, as we’d walked east along the river from the embassy. There were quicker ways back to the Palace, but we both needed to clear our heads, and besides… It’s not like I get as much time to spend with you as I wish when it’s not work-related.

“I’m flattered.” Haru answered my thought. “So, what do you plan to do tonight then? I’m sure everyone is… eager.”

“You know, I’m not really in the mood.” At my denial, she raised an eyebrow, but I held firm. “Hey, I’ve a lot on my mind, and while I’m certainly delighted to spend time being intimate with everyone, I’m not just an animal led by my lusts…”

“No matter what Shaeula and some of the others wish…” Haru teased, and I rolled my eyes, tightening my hand on hers slightly.

“They’re just true to themselves. But it’s not all about sex, is it? They like other forms of intimacy as well. As do I. This… this is nice too.”

Haru was silent for a moment, before favouring me with a brilliant smile. “Yes, I suppose it is. I didn’t think I could have a life like this… after death… Her usual humour held no rancour. “…but it goes to show, life, and indeed, the afterlife, is full of surprises and opportunities.”

“Yes. Don’t worry. I’ll never go faster or further than you can handle.” I promised her. “I was going to say that you’ve been through too much for that, but I think a nicer way of saying it is… you mean too much to me, and to all of us, Haru.”

As Eri, Shaeula and the others sharing my thoughts praised me for my understanding and boldness, Haru flushed, leaking a giggle. “That’s awfully daring of you. My heart was definitely racing then.” As we approached the Palace, she spoke from the heart. “What we have… it’s never going to be normal. But… just because it isn’t, doesn’t make it wrong. I’m lucky… daddy obviously still dreamed of a normal life for me, walking down the aisle, as they’d say here in Britain. A wife to some kind man. A kind, single man. But… daddy’s also a realist. How could he not be, after my death? Now… now he’s just satisfied if I can snatch any happiness from this cruel world. And I’m lucky he likes you, Akio…” she teased me. “He’s just hoping everything works out. I think it will… I can’t look for ordinary happiness anymore. It needs to be extraordinary.”

As I nodded, understanding, she was the one tightening her grip now, hand slightly clammy. “So while I love you for your care, and I certainly do need gentle handling, you can push a bit, else I might start thinking you don’t see me as a woman again.”

“I’ll take that advice and consider it.” I promised. Though, despite everything, I’m not very experienced in these matters. At least I have Kana and Yu-mi to ask. Honestly, you’re pretty good with advice too, Haru…

I suppose so. I was quite a well-adjusted young woman until all this happened. I had friends in relationships, and I had to listen to my fair share of sob stories and boasting alike. It’s only natural to learn. And my job also led to me developing people skills… that’s the downside of being a freelancer, you don’t get to mingle much.

Guilty as charged. Though I did have a university friend group I was close with, including Shiro…

Yes, but she complains the time everyone spent together dropped right off over the last couple of years following your graduation. She’s quite bitter about it, even if she understands.

Yeah. I do feel bad about it. Money was tight, and… if I’m being honest, which with you, I have to be…

You can shut me out. You just choose not to…

I know. I know. But… it helps, you know? To have someone who can see the real me, and still not recoil. Though I suppose…

Yes. Hyacinth spoke for everyone. Our very spirits are laid bare to each other, Akio. We have no secrets, nor do we need to. Your vices, your weaknesses, your jealousies, they are all dear to us, as our flaws are to you. Any that you need to improve upon, we shall aid you, just as you shall us.

Exactly. Haru agreed. None of us are perfect, and compared to true unpleasantness, your jealousy is rather charming. Now then… “…just what will you do then, Akio?”

“I have to go see Adam White.” I said as we passed through the gates of the Palace, guards saluting respectfully. “I could put it off, but… the situation is more dangerous than we imagined. And… I also want to clear my head, so I think I’ll do a few bits of crafting I’ve had planned for a while but haven’t had the time or the energy for. Besides, getting them ready for tomorrow…”

“Ah yes. The southern coast excursion. Nothing like a trip to an active warzone for fun, yes?” Haru snickered.

“With the firepower we’re bringing, I shouldn’t even have to step in myself unless something goes wrong.” I agreed. “Now then, I think… ah.”

Sorry, bro. My sis spoke up mentally. We tried, and… well, I mostly kept my cool…

Are you saying I didn’t? Eri snarked, and honestly, I knew she hadn’t, as just like they were always with me, so too could I always be with them.

It’s fine. I can’t claim to have done any better. But… As my father and uncle Junpei appeared, trailed by my sis and Eri, Tsukiko having done the best she could and gracefully retiring earlier, I made a resolution. …things have to change. We can’t keep treading the same ground again and again.

“There you are, Akio.” My father’s steely grey eyes, so similar to mine, were hard as he spotted me. Then, realising Haru was beside me, he moderated his tone. “Suzuki-san…”

“Please, call me Haru. I too am going to be your daughter-in-law, eventually.” she insisted, and at her impeccable speech and manners, my father was thrown off a little.

“I… suppose that is true.” he agreed finally. “My apologies.”

“And just why are you apologising?” Haru asked, as Eri showed a murderous glare, which made my father flinch, even though he couldn’t see it, as she was scowling at his back.

Sorry, bro. my sis repeated, as Haru calmly handled the mess.

“I am a woman who has experienced more than most. Only Tsukiko can claim to know death as I do. And let me tell you, a life with your son sounds perfectly wonderful to me. Despite the potential troubles. He’s worth it to me. To Eri, and everyone else.”

“Yes, but…” he began, and Haru politely interrupted again.

“Do forgive my rudeness, father-in-law, but while I understand, we understand…” Eri rolled her eyes, and my sis bit at her lip, her blue eyes pleading.

Don’t worry, Aiko… She knew I was serious, as I used her name. …father and mom will come around in the end. Stand tall and proud! You’ve done nothing to be ashamed of!

Yet. My sis responded, though there was some faint, playful gratitude in her tone. It’s all so stupid. We’re talking to Gods and fighting monsters beyond anything dad could have imagined, you’re meeting world leaders and marrying Princesses, and he gets all worked up over a little sibling bonding? I know he means well, mom too, but… it doesn’t seem right nor fair…

It isn’t. I agreed. But neither was the way we acted before. The negotiations with Yu-mi’s parents, even though they weren’t perfect, are a blueprint for us to follow. Sure, we can push anything through with my power and authority, but that doesn’t change hearts or minds. We don’t just want our own way, we want to get it without giving up other things we cherish. I hate sacrifices, and I’ll be damned if you have to, sis…

Bro… no, Akio… I’m putting my trust in you. After all, I don’t love you any less than Eri does. I never have…

I’ll take that wager. My love is fathomless… Eri mentally retorted, though it succeeded in lightening the mood, as Shaeula then claimed while her love was not as long, it was just as deep, and then Hyacinth and even Asha joined in…

“…that this is not an easy matter, compared to the events of earlier, it is a small concern. A concern…” Haru cut him off, seeing as he was about to speak again. “…but one that should be considered calmly.”

“Do you not find it… odd, uncomfortable…?” father asked, and Haru glanced at me, before shrugging.

“If you would have asked me a few months ago, undoubtedly. But I know them both, better than you could imagine. Now… if I’m honest, it’s just a cause for wry amusement at the inevitability of everything. But…” She squeezed my hand ostentatiously, and I nodded, mind made up.

“Are you ready for tomorrow, father, uncle Junpei?” I asked, and they nodded, my father somewhat thrown off by the change of direction.

“Yes. We are there as observers. To get a greater feel for your efforts.”

“Exactly. Yes, you and mom, uncle and auntie, the other parents, you’ve all taken part in some controlled, safe Levelling. That’s very different. It’s like comparing a few elementary kids throwing around a ball and swinging sticks to the Summer Koshien baseball championships. You’ve tried to help out where you can, and we’re all grateful, but… you’ve only tinkered at the edges. It’s time you understood just what weight Aiko carries, and why you should be unconditionally proud of her.”

As my sis flushed, I nodded at uncle too. “Eri as well. Both of them have made a number of hard choices, and I won’t have those denigrated. Nothing they do has been a whim, or a spur-of-the-moment act of whimsy. But… I suppose I can understand why you might think it reckless, or wrong. Yet…” I met my father’s eyes, not backing down, but not being combative or defensive either. “…just like I discussed with Yu-mi’s mother, it’s our decision, but you’re still our parents, and we love you, and you love us. So we’ll listen. But you have to listen too. But listening needs understanding, so…”

Yes, don’t worry. I’ll keep Eri and Aiko company, if they want it. Haru’s smile was warm. Besides, I’m sure they’re eager to talk more about what happened…

Eri nodded, and I finished my pitch to father. “If you and uncle are free, then… why not come with me now?” At their confused looks, I sighed. “Yes, much as I’d love to be the foolish playboy you sometimes see me as, I have more work to do, that shouldn’t wait. So, why not come with me, and see what goes on behind the scenes. You know that I deal with important political matters, such as my engagement to Ellie, but… you don’t know the dark side…”

“Would we not be interfering?” Father exchanged a glance with Junpei, who shrugged, and Eri spoke up acerbically.

“You interfere plenty, father-in-law. And yes, you surely would be here…”

“Eri! Mind your manners!” Junpei gasped, and Eri ignored him, rolling her obsidian eyes, cat ears flickering with annoyance.

“…but Akio’s prepared to do that, to mend our relationships. If you should know anything about your son, it’s that bonds matter more to him than anything else. Familial, loving, even just friendship. And bonds change and grow, thicken and deepen, but… if not nurtured or cared for, they can wither and die. He doesn’t want that.” She then sighed. “Aiko doesn’t want that, and nor do I. So… now’s the time to meet us halfway, father-in-law.”

“You have moderated your tone, but your words still cut, Eri.” My father gave in with a sigh. “Very well, Akio. We shall come. Just where are we going?”

“To meet the Director of the NSA Paranormal Branch, to discuss just what happened when I met the President of the United States of America.” I laid it on thick. “But before that, I need to see Motoko and Natsumi.”

“They’re in their room, along with Miyu and Michiru.” Eri added. “Oh, and the other noble girls too, like Hinata’s cousin.”

“Great. In that case…” I nodded to my father and Junpei. “…I’m also planning on doing other tasks as well. At least praise me, as I’m one of the few people who can work more than twenty-four hours in a day…”

As my father shook his head at that, I held in a sigh. All right then. I don’t expect to lay this mess to rest, but… I at least want to start laying the groundwork for some sort of understanding…

***

“All right then.” On the Material, I’d taken my father and uncle Junpei with me, to where I was meeting Adam. This was after I’d visited Motoko and Natsumi, retrieving both their Utsuroihebi Twins, as well as the other two heirloom Tsumura weapons. Eri had been correct, Sakura and Honoka had been there as well, as was Mayumi. So too was Hinata, and a very shy Kanami-chan, who still wasn’t comfortable being surrounded and so intimate with all of the granddaughters of the Three Great Houses.

Thinking back on it as I was in the Boundary, the weapons, a number of tools, and a collection of ores and other materials, including the ones I’d acquired from the Valkyries’ gift, laid out before me, I chuckled. It was very cute. And she’s going to have to come to terms with it. She’s my honorary little sister now. So she’s going to be the equal of any.

One thing that had bothered me though was that everyone was in their pyjamas, and while they were all well-bred young women, and so hardly immodest, it was still quite the sight. Especially Mayumi. That girl is bold in all the wrong ways.

Putting that aside, I glanced down at the weapons before me again, listening to the silent mental snores of Tsurugi. She had agreed not to break the Twins, as they were Motoko’s and Natsumi’s precious blades, and said I could touch them to repair or enhance them, if not wield them, but it was probably for the best she was still snoozing, digesting the fragment of Skuld’s shears she had devoured greedily.

Okay then. Focus. While it was surely more pleasant to think of the oddly risqué nightwear Mayumi proudly wore without shame, this was the time for effort. “Right then…” I picked up Gurenyari, the crimson spear, admiring its elegant appearance, yet fierce killing power. “…I’ll start with the easiest first. Hebihikoukiba is a bow, so… yeah, much harder to split into two enhanced, identical ones. But… I can do it, I’m confident. After all, I’ve adherence to burn. Although…

I couldn’t forget I held a lot of Divine Favours, so while I was full of power, I was also bleeding it out at a rapid rate too. I ideally wanted to find recipients for two or three during the expedition tomorrow, or rather today now, as it had gone past midnight to the early hours of Saturday morning. Of course, that might be asking too much. Though if anyone is close to compatible, they can work on it during the day, I suppose…

The first task was to carefully disassemble the precious weapon. While I wasn’t as worried about damaging it like I was with Utsuroihebi, my hands still shook a little, as Motoko, and to almost the same extent, Natsumi, treasured this as though it was family. I carefully undid the ornate metal collar which fixed the blade to the shaft, the kuchigane. Then I removed the various metallic rings protecting the shaft and preventing splitting when used for striking or parrying. The ornate ishizuki, the metallic cap at the base of the shaft, was also removed, along with the ornamental plume.

Once it was disassembled, I produced Adherent Quicksilversteel, brought from the Materia Tree, as well as Akionite, though the name of that rather irritated me. Coupled with the array of other materials, I was ready to begin. Just as with the sword, I began melting down the parts one by one and adding other materials to double the volume and change the properties. As I did so, I could feel the subtle Connection within the materials, and this time, I was able to take them into my Path and amplify the effects.

With this one, I think… I can do better. No, I know I can. Well then… As I worked, the efforts to keep the balance exactly the same as the original spear despite the materials it was made of being different somewhat taxing, like a complicated puzzle, I poured in adherence and elemental energies. Whereas Utsuroihebi was wind and radiance biased, Gurenyari was utilising the elements of the World Tree Pantheon to have a far more balanced affinity, though it did have a rather strong leaning towards earth and crystal. In fact, it drank in my crystal element, and the blades, while still being the same shape and shade as before, now glimmered with an almost crystalline sheen.

“Damn, this is rough, but… I’ve outdone myself.” As I assembled the final pieces and wove together the Connections, adherence and elemental energies throughout the Quicksilversteel, I admired my handiwork, mopping silvery sweat from my brow. “I just know they’re going to love it.”

Gurenyari Twin [Item Type: Imperious] [Item Class: Principle]

A twinned spear, two created from one, made from a treasured weapon of antiquity and materials both rare and unique, as well as treasures from beyond this world. The powerful Adherence of Connection ties together the disparate elements, not only bringing out some of the potency of the materials but allowing both weapons to regenerate so long as the other remains unharmed. In addition, it may make a Connection with a bearer who loves and cherishes it. This weapon is rather more elegantly made than the previous one, Utsuroihebi, yet even so the true power of the materials has not been fully utilised, so this spirited craft can yet be elevated further, in time.

The spear is wickedly sharp and sturdy and will also regenerate if provided with Aether from the wielder or the surrounding area, and excess Aether is converted to Crystal and Earth Elemental energies, further increasing the sharpness and toughness of the spearhead, and allowing bursts of Crystal and Earth Elemental energies to be unleashed, though this will drain Aether rather rapidly.

The Adherence of Connection will draw on the bonds between the crafter of these twin weapons and the wielders of the paired spears, generating trace amounts of Adherence of Connection and also allowing a faint Soullight to be shared.

Due to the Principles bound by the Adherence within the crafting, these paired weapons are exceptional, and many of the previous flaws within the prior designs have been ironed out, yet a greater craftsman could still have done better, so the true power of these spears remains yet unawakened.

“Yes, I was really hoping it would be Legendary-class though… hmm, so there are still flaws, are there?” I glanced at the twin spears with my Eyes, considering, before turning my gaze to the great bow. “Let’s see if I can do rather better with Hebihikoukiba…”

Meanwhile, as that exertion was taxing me, back in London, I, accompanied by my father and Junpei, arrived at the bar where I’d met Adam before. Even well after midnight, especially since it was the weekend, though London was indeed a twenty-four hour city, which seldom slept, there were still patrons, but it was quiet enough to have some privacy.

On seeing me enter, Adam’s expression was hard to decipher, but on noticing my companions, his gaze hardened, but he didn’t speak until I’d been to the bar and bought a round of beers. I then led father and uncle to the table, sitting casually. “It’s been a while.”

“Not so long.” Adam snorted sourly, taking the beer I’d bought him, despite his own glass still being a third full. “Shorter than I’d like, though.”

“How rude.” I chuckled. “Though the feeling’s rather mutual. But still, sometimes we have to be understanding of matters we don’t approve of.”

“Why do I get the feeling that wasn’t aimed at me?” Adam grumbled, eyeing my father. “Though I know you despise me. Understandable, really, even if you are painfully naïve.”

“Yes, I do loathe you. But the situation calls for holding my nose and swallowing the poison swiftly.” I conceded. “And before you ask…” I wove a wind barrier for privacy. “…yes, they can be trusted. This is my father, Oshiro Taichi, and my father-in-law, Mori Junpei. I’m… trying to acclimatise them to the modern world. Like you, they don’t take to change easily.”

“I’m hurt, Akio.” Junpei sighed. “If anything, Hana and I have been supportive, despite everything…”

Don’t think I don’t know why. Though I kept my silence, as I was being mature now, trying to win their approval, or if not that, at least grudging acceptance, via reason and calm debate.

“They also said they wanted to help, and… having people we can trust, like family, handling things, is rather more reassuring.” I finished, taking a swig of beer, while in the Boundary I was ever so carefully dismantling Motoko’s bow, the fibres of the bowstring, the tsuru, particularly delicate.

“Keeping it in the family, huh? Our President is one for that. And speaking of…” Adam leaned in, his gaze intense. “…I trust you weren’t compromised? If so, I won’t even bother fighting. I don’t stand a chance, no more than a Guardsman would be able to take out a Titan. No, I suppose a more apt example would be a child against a Keeper of Secrets.”

“I’m assuming that’s an offensive reference.” I sighed. “But no, of course I’m still myself. Yet…”

My father looked like he wanted to speak, so as Adam gave his assent, I nodded. “Go on.”

“Akio, the way you talk about the President, and… some things Aiko has intimated… is there trouble with him?”

“I told you I had far bigger things to worry about. As does Aiko. And Eri, for that matter.” I agreed. “Adam, can you lay it out for my father?”

“I don’t approve, but… I came here with empty hands, so…” Adam took a deep breath. “The President, amongst others in positions of leadership, are under mind control. I suspect the Church of True Revelation…” He took a bitter draught of beer. “…is to blame. The fact they left America alone is both clever and sinister. And it fooled us all.”

“The President?” Father was aghast, and Junpei went pale. “You mean…?”

“Yes. Unfortunately.” Adam grimaced. “The most powerful man on Earth, or so he was. I expect your son and a few others might have something to say about that now. Even so, at his word, America moves. How do you fancy a world war, or a scourging of Japan far greater than Hiroshima and Nagasaki?”

“That… couldn’t happen, could it?” uncle blinked.

“Oh, it could.” I shook my head, before explaining further. “Anyway, the President isn’t as controlled as the Church thinks. And they tried to trap me again, at the embassy.” As I told the story, father was in stony silence, and Adam’s expression grew graver, until I concluded. “…so your job is safe for now, Adam. And information will be forthcoming.”

“It will be unusable garbage, coming from him…” Adam complained. “I… loathe… this. Death is one thing, I’ve been in the military, of course. Still miss it, a little, though the long tours away, I don’t miss those. Being separated from my family for up to four months and change was a wrench. Now… that’s not the point.” He glanced at the shimmering motes of jade energy which ensured our privacy. “Injury, even death, nobody welcomes such, but the brave, the resolute, the patriotic, they don’t fear them. But the insidious, daemonic taint of such heretical powers… how can we know anything we perceive is true, that our thoughts, our actions, are our own? We might be nothing but enslaved minds, puppets dancing on strings. That terrifies me. As it should you!”

“To an extent, you’re correct. But… Christina Bakker, right as always for the wrong reasons, says that if something is indistinguishable from reality on every conceivable level and metric, it is reality. Now there’s a bit more to that, certainly, but… if we are in a simulation, for example, and never know it, then its functionally equivalent to normal existence. Likewise, if we never know we’re controlled, it can’t affect us. That being said…” I agreed with Adam in one respect. Our decisions should be our own. Our triumphs, and our defeats, our successes and our mistakes. Our loves… “…I believe everyone deserves the right to their own will.”

“Even our fool of a President?” Adam growled. “Useless man. To think he’d willingly subject himself to that. He’s always been reckless and greedy. It’s why I tried to keep him in the dark, why Chris, Gina and the others agreed, despite their reservations…”

“I very much think I should not be hearing any of these secrets…” father broke in, and Adam chortled, though there was little humour in it.

“It’s a bit late to worry about that. If I’m not mistaken your son wants you to understand that the weight on his shoulders is heavy. That reminds me… why did you ask the President to rescind my expulsion, probable arrest, and almost certain disappearance, or worse. Chances are…” His eyes were distant now. “…I’d have resumed my post, as a mind-controlled puppet, addicted to these Baptisms, as he called them. It would have given you an excuse to remove me with force, or worse. The satisfaction would have been intense. Surely you were tempted?”

With father and uncle watching, I didn’t want to mince my words. “Yes, I loathe you and everything you stand for. A good portion of the blame for America’s precarious situation is down to the fact you were driven by fear. At least Christina, as monstrous as she was, was motivated by a more positive emotion, in moderation, anyway. The desire to know. That broadens our world. Fear and hatred shrinks it.” As Adam nodded bitterly, I gave my reasoning. “I had to swallow my anger, to make the choice that has the best chance of doing the most good. Christina, in her own, clumsy, annoying…”

“That sounds like her…” Adam murmured, and I ignored him, continuing.

“…frustrating way, is learning how to make amends. Now, I don’t believe you can wash out blood so easily, nothing she does will ever bring back the dead, undo the harm she’s caused, but… at least if she does what she can, I can respect that. You… time for you to do the same, and you have a hell of a lot more to atone for. Your only redeeming quality was your desire to see humanity and America prosper, even if it was misplaced. So damn well step up!” I warned, and Adam nodded slowly.

“What choice do I have? But… how can any of us prevent their control? Not all were willing, he said…”

“Son, you… mind controlled the President of the United States?” Father spoke up, finally coming out of his stupor at the tale I’d told. “That is… that’s…” For once his clipped, precise manner of speech failed him.

“…what else could be done?” I looked my father in the eyes. “I know you worry I’m not up to the task. But I have to be. Because who else can do what I can do? And everyone has their role. Eri, Aiko…”

“Even so, Aiko is young and foolish, and she does not know what she wants. She thinks right now she wants to be close to you, but as she matures, goes through life… look, as her older brother, you should not indulge her whims, but steer her to the right path. Her reputation, more importantly your reputation…”

“Is this what it’s about?” Adam was incredulous. “I think you’re missing the point here. Even if the pair of them are doing the Alabama horizontal shuffle, who the hell cares? Our President, and other powerful men, get away with worse, and only their enemies even blink at it. Those that loathe him regardless. You’d be amazed at what people will accept when they align with the side you’re on. I’ve heard it said that our President could piss in the mouths of his supporters and call it champagne, and they’d be begging for more. And praising the taste.”

“Yes, but…” Father was perturbed, unable to get his point across. “…Akio is an international figure now. And his actions, his behaviours, and those of his… his fiancées… affect everyone. Britain and their Royal Family, Japan…”

“You don’t get it, father. Oh, and I must add…” I glowered at Adam. “…my sister and I have most certainly not been doing any shuffling, horizontal or otherwise. But… she’s putting her life on the line to fight for this world and everyone she loves, so… I don’t believe anything that brings her joy should be off limits. As for her reputation… I’ll protect it as best I can, as I protect her. But in the end… I’m going to be Astral Emperor, so people had best watch themselves.”

“Dictatorship, then?” Adam asked acerbically, and I shook my head.

“Ironically, it’s more a theological monarchy, I’d say. But that doesn’t matter. Father, uncle… I’m certainly listening to you both. And nobody understands your concerns better than me. Reconciling things with Ellie and the others is… difficult. But because they all know what it is to fight, to struggle, they’ll try to understand and listen. And I’ll address all their concerns, because they all matter to me. But Aiko, my precious sister, she matters too. And just as Adam here would do any atrocity to protect America… I’ll do no less for my sister. I’d hope you’d be proud of my resolve, father…”

“It is… so very different.” he said at last. “But… I do understand your determination. This is far from over, I still believe you are both treading dangerous ground, but… I believe I am learning the lesson you wish to teach.”

“As for me… so long as our Eri’s content, Hana and I will step aside.” Junpei added.

“Good, can we please get back to what matters then?” Adam barked, and I chuckled.

“I think you’ll find to me this was what mattered. Look, I get it. Our relationship is… many would say, far too close. But our consciences are clear, no matter what anyone thinks.” For now, anyway. “So, Adam… countermeasures…

“I’m all ears.” He leaned forward, and I explained about the test devices which could lock brains. When I’d finished, he pursed his lips.

“That sounds fraught with perils. I suppose as an emergency measure, but it’s hardly a scalable, or long-term solution…”

“No, it isn’t. But you know what…” I grinned. In the Boundary, I glanced down at my new masterpiece.

Hebihikoukiba Twin [Item Type: Legendary] [Item Class: Principle]

A twinned bow, two created from one, made from a treasured weapon of antiquity and materials both rare and unique, as well as treasures from beyond this world. The powerful Adherence of Connection ties together the disparate elements, not only bringing out much of the potency of the materials but allowing both weapons to regenerate so long as the other remains unharmed. In addition, it may make a Connection with a bearer who loves and cherishes it. This weapon is significantly more polished than the prior craft, Gurenyari, with the true power of the materials satisfactorily utilised, yet this potent craft can yet be elevated further, if one’s Skills grow.

The bow is incredibly strong and sturdy, with a draw that is both mighty, yet soft, and will also regenerate if provided with Aether from the wielder or the surrounding area, and excess Aether is converted to Flame and Light Elemental energies, further increasing the sharpness and potency of fired arrows, and allowing arrows constructed of Flame and Light Elemental energies to be loosed, though this will drain Aether rather rapidly.

The Adherence of Connection will draw on the bonds between the crafter of these twin weapons and the wielders of the paired bows, generating modest amounts of Adherence of Connection and also allowing a faint Soullight to be shared.

Due to the Principles bound by the Adherence within the crafting, these paired weapons are exceptional, and most of the previous flaws within the prior designs have been ironed out, yet a prodigious craftsman could still exceed this, so the depths of power of these bows remains yet incomplete.

Much better. Finally hit Legendary. Though if I’m being honest, the barest bottom of that scale. Compared to Tsurugi, the distance between them is still a foothill to Mount Fuji. But that’s fine. Even you say I can still go further, right, oh wise Tree of Knowledge?

… … …

… …

…

Your Skill, Dvergr Techniques, has increased from Rank 5 to Rank 6, breaking through the first bottleneck…

“…I have a new idea.” I declared to Adam. “The device might not be scalable as is, but… what if your mind and spirit were Connected to a sort of filter, which can adapt better than a machine can?”

“That sounds terrifying, if the medicine is worse than the disease…” Adam was wary, but I smiled without it touching my grey eyes.

“At this point, beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, I… don’t like using mind control. It’s a sword without a hilt, it’s too dangerous to wield carelessly.” My head ached a little, but I knew what we’d tried wasn’t for the sake of controlling a person, but… for testing the limits of knowledge. Of our enemies and their knowledge. “No, I’ve just put it together now.” I turned to my father. “At this moment I’m also making gifts for Motoko and Natsumi. So you should be pleased I’m no longer lazy, like you used to think.”

“I never thought that…” Father was a little defensive. “I just felt you were smart, you could do better for yourself…”

“And I have. And I’ll continue to do better. Like I said, father, the only Astral Emperor we’ll accept is either me, or Tan. And Tan’s thrown her weight behind me. So I can’t get a higher position, not without journeying beyond this world. The responsibility is brutal, but… I don’t share it alone. Aiko, Eri, and the others carry it too. But to do so… Eri gave up her humanity, in a way, and Aiko… she’ll never be a normal girl either, not anymore, dad.”

He gave a start at my shockingly informal address, but I wasn’t done. “Change will come slowly, but… we’re not bound by ordinary laws, by common sense. Tomorrow, see for yourself just what Aiko can do, what she faces, how she fights. The purity of her heart.”

“Soldiers… have hearty appetites and often let off steam in ways civilians find… inappropriate.” Adam added. “Power corrupts, they say, and it’s true. But pressure, responsibility, is a greater force for change. And the weight Akio carries… shit. I suppose if I’m charitable, I can rationalise you as the God-Emperor of Mankind. An abomination in your own way, but a necessary one, to keep humanity safe.”

“That hurt, admitting that, didn’t it?” I enjoyed Adam’s discomfort. “Anyway, this might sting more. As we speak, I’ve had my agents open a Ring Gate on American soil. You might see that as a treasonous invasion, but…”

“From a national security standpoint, I should be bombing the site to ashes, though I suppose I would need to deploy some of our scarce assets, and I’d just be throwing them away…” Adam ran a hand through his sandy hair, defeated. “Having an ingress back to America could be valuable… now, we have more to discuss. Tell me in detail about your plan to prevent brainwashing. Leave nothing out.”

“Right.” I leaned forward myself. “It’s simple. Their modifications are also designed to make mind control from others significantly less effective. Combining that with something I’ve just noticed as I made a bow, and…”

As I explained, my father and uncle watched on in silence, nursing their beers, Adam’s expression went from incredulity to thoughtful consideration, to anger, to fear, through a whole gamut of emotions. But in the end, it settled on bitter, defeated acceptance. Yes, you’re a monster, Adam. Too ruthlessly logical and pragmatic to be human. But… that same pragmatism has driven you against the wall, and the only way out is… to reach out your hand to the monster you fear, but the only one you can trust even a little to not devour you…

***

The way back was sombre. In the Boundary, I’d finished retooling the Gurenyari and Utsuroihebi Twins, pushing them both to Legendary-Rank crafts as well. I’d them packed them away, ready to gift to Motoko and Natsumi tomorrow, and then dismissed my other self.

In the car that was taking us back to the Palace, an awkward silence pervaded the air, but finally, father let out a bitter sigh. “Akio. You have so much weight on your shoulders now. I never really understood. I still do not. But… I worry for you. That is why you need to be extremely careful not to misstep…”

“I know. And I always listen to advice.” I was grateful father cared, even if he struggled to show much affection. “I can’t always act on it though. I have some bottom lines that can’t be crossed.”

“I understand that. But…” He struggled to find the words. “Fine. Your mother and I, we will… do our best to understand you both and guide you away from any missteps. But I will also… look without my own emotions clouding my judgement.”

“I think you worry too much, my friend.” Junpei spoke up too. “Ai-chan is a very clingy young woman. Yes, it raises eyebrows, but…does it really matter so much if she clings to Akio here? Better she stays close, than ends up swindled and heartbroken by some slick young playboy. Ai-chan’s a beautiful young woman, takes after Emily, and she’s rich, and powerful… and if I’m honest, very personable, but not very deep, when it comes to relationships.”

Wow. Hurtful, but… kind of true. My sis was listening. Thanks, bro. For trying. Though you didn’t have to deny the Alabama shuffle so hard.

Sis…

You know I’m joking. Not that I’d be mad if you were a little flustered. Anyway… Tsuki managed to calm mom down at last…

Calling her Tsuki now as well?

Yep, she’s a little conflicted about her age, so… cute nickname it is! Makes her seem my age. Anyway, mom’s still convinced we’re up to no good. And we haven’t been yet, have we bro? She doesn’t get it. All I’m asking for is not to be defined by who we are, but by who we are to each other.

Those are… admirable… sentiments.

They are indeed. Anyway, Shiro’s back, so, how about a gaming tournament? You, me, Eri, Shiro, Shaeula, anyone else who wants to join it? We’ll lounge around in our pj’s, staying up late, chatting and teasing, it’ll be great!

Yeah, sounds good, sis. I’m not in the mood for any heavy emotions after the day I’ve had…

Then it’s a date. A group date!

“It’s true.” I agreed. “Aiko’s friendly, kind, but… also rather self-centred. Those she cherishes she’d do anything for. Those she doesn’t… well, she’s not as cold as Eri, but…” I clapped my hands as the Palace came into view. “Well, enough of that. I wasn’t planning on talking this out in one go. Just… sorry. For before. We were too childish. I need to do better.”

“Yes. You do.” father agreed, before he cracked a rare smile. “After all, an Emperor needs to be composed at all times.”

“Well, our future Emperor could use your advice…” I dissed Gorohito casually. “…seriously. We get it. And we understand.” If only you knew the half of it. You think we’re too close, but… no, we’ll take this one step at a time. We’re family. That won’t ever change. It’s a bond which connects us. But the bond itself can either decay or strengthen, depending on how we live our lives…

“We will watch tomorrow. Our daughters…” father agreed, and uncle nodded.

“Yes, watch them. If anything, you have to stop thinking of them as the young women they were back in Nishimorioka. No, they’ve both changed. Grown. And so have I…” I added.

“Yes. Though your temper still mirrors mine…” father admitted, a trace of chagrin in his tone, which amused me.

“Yeah. If I’m like you, my sis takes after mom. Now then, I’m exhausted after a hard day, I just want to rest…”

“A hard day of overthrowing America, it seems…” father added, making a joke, and as I burst out with sheepish laughter, I shook my head. Not yet, and hopefully not ever, but… I suppose it’s going to depend on just how deep the Church have dug their roots, and whether we can dig them out…