On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“It really is amazing.” Mayumi-chan gushed as she looked around the underground facility, the hum of electricity and faint grinding of gears overshadowed by the cheerful cries of the human and Fae workers as they kept the largely automated processes running. Conveyor belts received the incoming transports full of broken machinery, old cars, household and industrial waste, and even heaps of leftover stone which had ores at too low a concentration to bother with normally, as extraction of the metals within was too uneconomical.

“It definitely is.” Hinata agreed, her own smile broad and teasing. “Trash to treasure. And we don’t even have to worry about industrial electricity costs, as our own generator supplies us, and has power to spare to be piped out into the Tokyo grid, though as it stands that’s not really relevant until we can bring more online.” Hinata paused, her brown eyes gleaming knowingly. “The overall cost of the generators is hardly trivial, as it involves a great number of Etherites, bluesteel and other materials only we currently have an adequate supply of, but… maintenance is trivial, and compared to building and running a nuclear power plant…”

“Oh, I get it, Hinata. You don’t have to tell me. I’m just jealous. Yes, I enjoyed seeing the surface factories, where our partnership is bearing fruit. Grandfather will be extremely pleased at the progress. But compared to down here…” Mayumi-chan’s smile was a little strained.

“That’s just the way it is.” Hinata chuckled, and as her eyes sought mine, I nodded. I know, you want me to play nice. I would anyway. She’s a bit annoying, but she’s our friend… Behind Mayumi-chan, Ohta-san was holding in a smile. After the fun of the morning, when she enjoyed trying to transfer damage to me, making a game of it, she’d calmed down, but the firm stance she was holding was proof enough she was determined to either get a Favour, or find some other way to match Sayuri-san and Kazumi-san.

“Want to see something really cool?” I asked, and Mayumi-chan brightened.

“Oh, undoubtedly. It’s like a treasure trove of wonders in here.” Mayumi-chan’s gaze drifted to where several burned out vehicles and a heap of scrap metal reached the recycling device, and with the whine of aether and the scent of ozone and feeling of prickling pressure in the air, light bathed them, and tons of otherwise useless materials were gone, faint purple light remaining as the recycled metals were sorted.

I know I get the idea, but… this truly is a masterpiece of Mortal Engineering. Scientific principles and aether and elemental technologies all in one. Scaling up with take time, as we invested most of our efforts and resources in getting this smaller-scale factory up and running, but… it’s not like we have a shortage of Earthly materials. And our Astral mining operations can be scaled up. New sites for Mines are being discovered as we spread out around Japan, though miners are a bit of a bottleneck. Maybe we need to consider Spawning Spires… damn, we have so much wealth after Mount Fuji, but there’s always more to spend it on, so I’m forever bankrupt…

“Funny you should say that.” I led them past the materials intake and recycling devices, to where the storage tanks were. Obviously, as each element required different handling, it wasn’t possible to easily access some of the more volatile substances. But one area was of particular interest, a nested series of clear tanks, either glass or plastic. As we approached, I pointed it out.

“This here’s the carbon storage. As you can imagine, it’s one of the most common products we get when recycling.” As I began my lecture, I pointed to the black bricks that were gathering in the first tank. “…this only fetches around a thousand to twenty-five hundred yen a kilogram. It has a lot of uses in filtration and the food industry though.”

Mayumi-chan nodded, running some calculations in her mind, only to pause as I raised my hand, a flash of purple sparkles scattering, as I removed some of the items from the next tank.

“And these are also carbon.” I grinned, pouring a handful of large, flawless diamonds into Mayumi-chan’s hands. I passed a bunch of the clear, sparkling gemstones to Hinata too, of course, and even threw a couple to Ohta-san. She caught them, her expression rather ashamed, but I merely chuckled.

“You can have those as payment for looking out for Mayumi-chan, Ohta-san. As my mom says, diamonds are a girl’s best friends. They would make a wonderful set of earrings, treat yourself.” I turned to Kazumi-san then, who had also accompanied us. “Here’s some for you too.”

“I won’t stand on ceremony. After all, I’ve already received a gift beyond price.” Kazumi-san teased Ohta-san with her words, building on their friendly rivalry. I was waiting for Mayumi-chan to laugh, as she had often due to their banter during this visit, but instead she was eyeing the handful of jewels as if she couldn’t quite comprehend it. Hinata could, as she was the Chosen of Ajé-Shaluga, and someone I affectionately nicknamed Queen Midas, due to the nature of such a Favour. She had an instinctive understanding of wealth and the ways to make it, and so she only giggled.

“Yes, well, it’s all just carbon, isn’t it? And if Alchemy can flawlessly break down materials into their chemical element constituents, then it stands to reason it can group up those constituents in any reasonable way.”

“Yeah. Make the most of it, diamond prices are sure to drop.” I warned. “Even so, those are worth tens of millions of yen each. But setting aside jewel grade…”

“That’s a big thing to set aside!” Mayumi-chan gasped, and I nodded.

“Maybe so, but we’re more interested in long-term sustainability, though we’ll certain see a return of investment on these short-term. Consider industrial diamond usage, for grinding and cutting, we can get around five million yen a kilogram, though obviously the global market is finite. That’s not all, though…” I pointed to yet more chambers. “Graphite for batteries at ten thousand yen a kilogram, though again, longer-term our own batteries will kill demand for that. Then the big guns… single molecular layer thickness graphene at ten million yen or more per kilogram, and carbon nanotubes at… well, whatever price we’re prepared to ask. Hundreds of millions or even a billion yen per kilogram, as no laboratory can make it on the scale and purity we can.”

As I let that sink in, I swung a hand to illustrate my point. “Sure, a lot of Astral materials and techniques might depress the demand and prices of these eventually, but they’ll always be valuable, and the key is combination. The mixture of Material and Spiritual is what gives results. Anyway, it’s not just carbon. Silicon has a wide variety of forms too, High quality thin wafers, which are trivial for the recycling technology, can go for millions of yen per kilogram, which considering we’re looking at less than ten thousand yen per tonne for the cost of glass, not that we’re actually paying for it… the profit margins are insane…”

We continued the tour for a little while longer, Mayumi-chan seeming a little dazed, glancing at the diamonds every so often, a pensive expression on her face. As we left the underground site, the cool winter air crisp against our faces, I checked my watch.

“It’s getting late. I have to swing via Shirohebizumi shrine before getting ready for this evening. Hinata, can you see Mayumi-chan home? Oh, I know you’re enough, Ohta-san, it’s just…”

“Oh, I completely understand.” Ohta-san smiled, and I expected she’d be extremely popular with a certain sort of girl, those who liked the more masculine prince-type women, though that only worked if the feminine charm was still present. Plenty of guys like her type too, the cool, capable, boyish, yet not tomboyish, girl… “I appreciate your consideration, as I am sure Mayumi-sama does as well.”

“Yes, I do indeed.” Mayumi-chan seemed to make up her mind, closing her fist on the diamonds. “Thank you for the gift. I normally don’t take such from men, it’s unbecoming, but since it’s you…” She gave me a cheeky smile, before pondering for a moment. “If you need any support with expanding, just let me know, and I’ll do what I can to help. Ichijou house has a lot of influence, even now…”

“Trying to get another slice of the profits, are you?” Hinata teased, and Mayumi-chan shrugged.

“Of course I like money. Aren’t you the same, Hinata?” As she shrugged, Mayumi-chan pressed on. “But that’s not what I meant. Oh, making me say it, how cheeky you’ve become. But I don’t hate that.” Mayumi-chan’s face was red now as she eyed us solemnly. “I’m saying I want to help. After all, you two are my best friends, aren’t you?”

I paused at that, and it seemed to offend Mayumi-chan, as she pouted. “Oh come on, Akio-kun. Who else would dare to talk to me the way you and Hinata do? And… we’ve been through a lot together. We… we are friends, aren’t we?”

At her vulnerable air of self-doubt, I nodded. “Sure we are, Mayumi-chan. I’m not sure I feel I’d qualify as a best friend for you, but… we’re definitely friends, and I appreciate how you help out Hinata.”

“Isn’t it up to me how I see you as a friend?” Mayumi-chan pointed out, and I had no answer to that, as she was right. “Oh, and… I suppose you are my friend too, Katana. I’m not enough of a stubborn woman to resist change. You’re more than just a bodyguard to me now.”

Maybe you could call her Ohta rather than Katana then?

“I… appreciate it, Mayumi-sama, but there is no need to redefine our relationship…” Ohta-san began, only to change what she was going to say as Kazumi-san chuckled loudly. “…but if you wish it, I shall also try hard…”

“That would be wonderful. Yes, do that! We’re all great friends here!” As Mayumi-chan’s face reddened further, she shrugged. “This is embarrassing. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Just… ask me if you need anything, either of you. Grandfather listens to me, and he likes you both so…”

Hinata, ever the good friend, broke in, sparing Mayumi-chan further mortification. “…yes, uncle Kira has a soft spot for us, we know. Come on, Mayumi, you too, Katana. We have to get ready for this evening, and we need to look our best. Besides, Akio has work to do.”

“Indeed I do.” I agreed. “I’ll see you both later.”

As we said our goodbyes, I turned my attention to the south, where even now, Asha’s Tree was visible, and the strange sky of the Fae realms was seeping into the Material. All right then, the last thing to take care of, then we can finally see this Pilgrimage to a close…

***

“Thanks for waiting here, Asha.” I greeted the Dryad as I arrived at her Tree. “I hope you weren’t bored?”

“Oh, never.” Asha affectionately ran her hands over the rough bark covering her other self. No, both her other selves, as the Material version of her Tree was also here, growing at a rapid rate, though it was still dwarfed by the larger Astral body beside it.  “I would say we Dryads are quite used to solitude, and hardly find it unpleasant, but… I have grown used to the more rapid pace of life here, and now rather enjoy company. But much as I and my Trees welcome your presence…” her smile was motherly and affectionate. “…you have come to perform a great feat, yes?”

I nodded. “Yeah. It’s… well, I wanted to see if it was even possible. We already have the Territory barrier protecting your Tree now, but… unlike us, it’s a critical, stationary target. I just wanted an extra layer of insurance. At least we don’t have to worry about the Material version being unprotected anymore.”

The leaves of both Trees rustled, lower branches shaking restlessly, and Asha’s smile deepened. “It seems my other self… or perhaps selves… no, self is accurate, just as you are both you, when you exist in both realms at once… finds your care as dear as I do. Understandable, as I am my Tree, and my Tree is me. As to whether what you suggest will work… I do not see why not. Though the specifics seem… difficult.”

“Yeah. It’s because your Tree has a very… unique… network. The Drawing Wood Chakra Network doesn’t technically have a third eye Chakra. It does have a crown, fortunately, but… the partial Favour I wish to impart the Skill from uses the crown and also needs light, which… your Tree doesn’t produce or support. But…”

“But my Tree is as I am. Willing to change.” Asha chuckled. “So, do you have it?”

“Yeah, I do. Ellie brought it.” Before Ellie had visited us for the intense and sexy fun of last night, she had ventured under the Tower and retrieved a small amount of the adherence that lay within it. How she’d done it was a very Ellie solution, though. She’d simply contained the raging energies within her palm, though it constantly fought her, breaking down her arm, causing rather nasty wounds. Fortunately, when she arrived, we were able to transfer it to a suitable receptacle and set it aside.

I produced the small, grail-like vessel, surging with verdant adherence of growth and the connection between it and the land. All around Asha’s Trees, bluesteel batteries had been buried, large metallic barrels full of potent light elemental energies from Kyoto. I hesitated, before asking Asha one more time. “Are you sure there will be no ill-effects? Our children…”

“Have no fear. I would never harm the shoots of fresh life which have sprouted within me. They are the fruits of our love, and my fervent desire to make amends for my lost sisters, as impossible as such is. And… we have an… unexpected… helper. Can you see?”

I nodded, Eyes glowing. “Yeah, the Materia Tree. It’s wrapped the batteries with its own roots and tangled up fresh ones with your own Trees. Even my Eyes don’t seem to understand the purpose, but… I can tell it means no harm.”

“Yes. the inspiration for our artificial Rhyming Trees. Who knew cold metal, rock and crystal could spark life?”

“Get Shiro to show you some old sci-fi films when you get some downtime.” I chuckled. “Silicon-based life isn’t an uncommon suggestion. And the components we humans…” I had to smile at that, and Asha seemed to agree, “… or at least once-humans, are made of, don’t have life themselves, but combine to create something which can live. Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing compounds, but as I saw at the factory earlier, carbon itself isn’t alive. You wouldn’t say a diamond lives, after all. But it can be arranged to live.”

“I shall bear those words in mind and keep them deep in my heart.” Asha promised. “I believe that even if this does not succeed, there shall be no lasting harm to my Tree. After all, you are merely trying to bypass the issues, are you not?”

“Yeah. The way Roots Drinking Earth, Water And Wood, Branches Drinking And Growing The Moon fortify and deepen the presence of earth, water and nature elements in the area, if we can just get it to do the same thing here… well, if we continue to expand the buried batteries…”

Asha nodded. “Indeed. Perhaps in time my Tree shall adjust, but even if not, it can perhaps still utilise the stored light as a catalyst and for emergencies.”

“Yeah. Contingencies. To be honest, I could have found a good number of hosts for this Favour, but we learned from the Church attacks how vulnerable your Tree is, so I’d rather invest in protecting it, protecting you.”

“And I am extremely grateful.” Asha reached out, stretching her arms, and I fell into her embrace. She hugged me close, and I smelled the rich, woody scent of her auburn hair. After we had soothed our hearts with the tender hug, we separated, and it was time to begin.

Thank the Gods… or I suppose, thank Yggdrasil, for my Eyes. This would be utterly impossible without it. Even with it there’s a great many challenges to overcome. However…

Drawing Wood Chakra Network is an adequate, stable configuration for living Spiritual Trees, although such Networks pale in comparison with the perfection of truly Divine Trees. While the number of major Chakras is limited, due to the structure of a Tree, what Tree cannot process Light Elemental energies? Even purely Material Trees cannot survive without the light of the sun.

I burst out laughing, and as Asha raised one eyebrow questioningly, I repeated what my Eyes had seen, before exclaiming with amusement that “It seems our dear World Tree wants you to know you’re below her, Asha. How petty.”

“Of course I know that. My Tree cannot even match the majesty of the eldest trio, which sit within the deepest halls of the Court.” she paused, a faint smile on her lips. “Though of course, they cannot boast of two of themselves, as I can. Perhaps we are not so far behind, are we?”

“As Daiyu always says, it’s not who walks fastest, but who walks furthest. Now your Tree… Trees… they aren’t exactly walking, they’re not like Primal Forest… though that’s definitely a good thing…” I snorted at the thought, glad that Asha’s other self wasn’t a hoary old treeman. “…but the sentiments are the same. Now then…”

Rose had used her Runes to try and divine the best way for me to go about this, and the information gleaned was enough to give me suitable ideas. Indeed, it was true. Trees needed light, at least the Material version of Asha’s did, but if I considered the leaves as mini-Chakras of the third eye kind, forming a larger whole and handling light…

The only issue is I would normally need a central point to gather and direct the light. But here… Aether surged, and I honed my concentration to its maximum. My aether sank into both Trees without resistance, surely because they were part of Asha, in a way. They were connected, but the connection wasn’t quite what I expected.

I wanted to make further changes to the Eight Moons Chakra Network Skill. Perhaps adding in Night Orbs, or making it closer and more compatible to Cultivation, or even both. But I’m certainly not prepared to risk anyone needlessly… I’d taken chances before, and so had Shaeula with me, and they’d worked out, sure, but our Fortune wouldn’t last forever. There was one solution, and honestly, it still sat a little badly with me, even despite what she’d done, but Christina had urged me to harden my heart and use her to the fullest. Of course, it was impossible to ignore her creepy implication that meant sexually too, but… she’s got a severely warped personality, so I suppose putting up with her annoyances is just something we have to do…

Rehgardless of my feelings, she’d already produced results with the Spiritual Eyes Of Earth, and she had plans to further improve them, by integrating other features. Though if that means those that already have eyes need replacements, I bet some will refuse. The process was hardly painless and pleasant… More importantly, Christina herself wanted to make amends. And this time, I believed her. It was curious, watching her start to resemble a functioning human (apart from her incessant, needy appeals to me) bit by bit. She’d gone from ‘the appearance of the thing is the thing’ to even understanding the difference between genuine and a convincing facsimile. So despite everything, I was in no position to deny her the chance to make some small amends. Especially not if the benefits were there.

While thinking this, my Chirurgery worked, spreading out into dozens, hundreds of simultaneous needless, drilling small holes and then threading through to make channels. It was reminiscent of Night Orbs, but not quite the same.

Yes, it’s fascinating. But there are many variants of Chakra networks. Rose reassured me. Though as most beings share the same sort of overall structure, the primary system is the one we all share, though… the complexity can be rather different. After all, mortal beings from a lower world cannot be said to match spiritual beings, far less then a Cultivator who has polished themselves and shed much of what is imperfect, or a potent child of Divinity such as we Valkyries.

I nodded, understanding, as Rose finished her point, one she’d made before, as we planned this.

So yes, though I cannot see the nature of the World Tree, even would I be so crass to look… Rose’s thoughts were amused. …what being would let others peer upon their secrets with a gift they themselves have given and operate… I have seen other such spiritual Trees, observed them. It… it should work. The adherence should smooth out any issues…

“Right.” I spoke out loud. “Asha, please inform me if there is any danger, any at all. Even the potential of it.”

“Of course.” the Dryad agreed, one hand on her belly, the other on the trunk of her Tree, one of them, anyway. “But we covered every potential danger. The worst that could happen is… the Trees will shed their leaves, and you will use the energies from London to restore them. Yes?”

“Even so, I’m still worried. For them, for you, for… for our daughters…”

At my words, Asha’s smile was gorgeous. “Indeed, we are well loved. But… what you are seeking to do is right. My other selves, they yearn to be useful. And I would not see a situation where we can do naught but watch while others fight for us again.”

I nodded. Fine then. This is tough, but… It wasn’t just Chirurgery. It was drawing upon my Path. Bondweaving. I had plenty to work with. The connection between the Trees and Asha, between Lovers’ Link, and also the strange event of both Trees manifesting in this overlapping part of my Territory. “With so many bonds, of such strength… I can walk another step, I believe!”

Overhead, dozens, hundreds, them thousands of points of light were beginning to gleam, like miniature indigo stars to my eyes. The effort was fatiguing, but fortunately, Shiro had stopped the escalating Berserk Blessing on Asha’s Tree. She had (and she wasn’t alone) claimed there was further they could push it, but I insisted we were ahead of schedule so there was no need for everyone to bear too heavy a burden, especially when I was planning this.

Of course, everyone has insisted next time they’d set a new record of escalation, and I had to admire their enthusiasm, even if I tried to temper their recklessness.

Which is quite the hypocritical endeavour, is it not?

Shaeula’s amused thoughts echoed, and I could feel Eri, Hyacinth, my sis and even the Valkyries agreeing.

So what if it is? You know I place your happiness and wellbeing first, all of you?

We don’t hate that, bro. It’s just… we don’t want to walk behind you, but by your side. Do you think I... we…  put in all this effort just to gaze on you as you walk ahead? No way, bro. We’re in it together.

Well said, Aiko. Eri approved. Though… even with that resolve, it’s not easy. Best prepare yourself to go further, faster, deeper…

Wow. Way to kill the mood, Eri. Should have expected that of you…

Lips curled into a smile, above me now tens of thousands of lights shone on both Trees. That was… well, calling it the easy part was ludicrous, my energies were bottoming out from what was effectively tens of thousands of admittedly minor uses of Chirurgery, yet the strain added up.  Letting out a sigh, knowing over the next few days I’d have the chance to recover back to full strength, I reached out, and Asha took my hand. In that moment, I released the energies held within the far-smaller grail that Ellie had sent us, and it was sucked into Asha’s Trees and the leaves I had crafted, some dregs spilling into Asha, and she grabbed my hand, her grip tightening.

We are one. Asha’s voice rang in my head, and my sis cried out in shock.

Asha? You too? Wow, now I’m feeling like my thunder’s been stolen…

It was simply a matter of time. Hyacinth’s tone was knowing, as well it might be, considering I felt she understood the nature of Rank 11 better than any, since she was even able to delay its onset to show respect to Shaeula, I suspected, the timing being too perfect otherwise. Mistress Asha is a Dryad, one with her Tree. And Trees are slow. They think carefully…

Yes, like Primal Forest… my sis agreed, remembering. I get it…

Indeed. Asha’s amusement was palpable. I am not as you all are. My Trees are my other half, my other self, but they are also independent, in a way. Long ago, I would have… but… they need to dig their roots deep, feel the sunlight on their leaves, and consider. They do not think nor feel as I, as we do, yet… they live, nonetheless. But now…

The heavy weight of Asha and her Trees entered my Path, and as they did so, my perception sharpened. The light was leaking from the batteries, being drawn upwards like a million fireflies, pulled into the glowing leaves but that alone wasn’t enough. And there was no way I could, even with my exceptional Chirurgery Skill, simply link all the leaves together into one Chakra. But… I don’t have to, do I?

Just as I’d created Brother’s Bond, I grabbed the thick connection of Lovers’ Link, and what bound Asha and her Trees together. You know, sis, you helped me crystalise my thoughts a bit.

I did? I mean, wow, sure I did. We’ve always totally been on the same wavelength, bro.

Of course we were. I responded dryly, and I could imagine Eri rolling her eyes at that. My point is, you have the bond with me called ‘sister’ and everything that entails…

Of course. I’m always your sister. But… that doesn’t mean we can’t have other bonds. You’re my friend too, bro, of course… you don’t want bonds to be chains, but… some chains are just jewellery, that we wear because we like them, because we want to…

Indeed. So, on this Path I walk…

Lovers’ Link split, shedding strands, forming, for one shining moment, reflected in my Eyes and what I was projecting into Wisdom World, a tree of veins of light, forming a brilliant canopy. In that moment, all the miniature Chakras were tied together into one single whole, not unlike the brief glimpse I’d had of the Linked Angels, though the intent was different. None of my Skills or Classes rose, but I felt several were overcoming blockers, some mental, some mere deficiencies in my level of talent, and the future path, and indeed Path, had become smoother.

As light bloomed, I passed in the partial Favour, Ward And Spear Of Judgement, and it was pulled into the spreading clouds of light, breaking apart and being absorbed, drawing in the lingering energies of the adherence of growth. As it did so, a brilliant halo of vivid light formed around the Trees, drawing the eyes of those going about the Territory, and likely those within Tokyo proper, as the skies lit up momentarily. Asha glowed too, and so… so did the Rhyming Tree, my Eyes spotting its silvery, metallic roots below the ground sucking in residual energies like an ordinary tree would rainwater, the crystals making up its own leaves and fruits shimmering with vivid light.

“That is the power of a Path…” Rose addressed those in the Wisdom World, her tone almost reverent, but then a cheeky smile crossed her lips as her eyes glowed. “…a Path I am First Adherent of. No, before, I followed Wisdom, and I still can, for these Paths do not conflict, but my loyalty… well, First Adherent should speak for me. Now… a Path traces its way through the multiverse, through Material and Astral, and forces both to submit to its alterations, becoming Law and beyond. But to forge one is not trivial. Even I do not know how it was truly done, but… all Paths begin somewhere, with a first step, then a second, and a third, and then others following, feet trampling down the world, making the Path smooth and regulated. Yet… a Path which endures is a treasure indeed…”

“Yes, it was not all in vain.” Lin agreed. “Our efforts, our sacrifices, our betrayal… has become hope…”

“Even so, I am greedy. Imagine it. Astral Emperor and progenitor of a Path.” Green-haired, green-eyed Waltraute smirked in her chibi form, whip lashing idly. “Then we would truly be able to hold our heads high, sisters. Punishment follows crimes, so we would still endure, yet… if the Divine Norns speak for us as promised…” she grinned at my mini double then. “…best come quickly, my whip is hungry! I prefer a swift hero than one who tarries.”

“I don’t think that’s a virtue in men, sister-in-law…” my tiny sis giggled. As Waltraute raised one eyebrow at her manner of address, my sis turned to Eri, Shaeula, Hyacinth, and now even the mini-Asha, yet…

That’s odd… Asha had appeared, and yet she was standing in a tree. The tree was perhaps only four or five metres tall, but here in the Wisdom World that was giant, and she gazed down warmly, surrounded by glowing leaves.

“…wow, when did your Tree get here, Asha? Looks gorgeous. Oh, never mind that. I was just saying, sister-in-law Waltraute…” my sis, as energetic and cheerful as ever I’d seen her, giggled playfully. “…you shouldn’t underestimate my bro. He’s my… no, he’s our…” she corrected, to everyone’s agreement. “…hero, so he’ll be there faster than you can imagine. And then you’ll be the one taking the whip. And I bet you’re the sort to like it, and you’ll be wrapped around my bro’s little finger, and before you know it…”

My sis had heard many tales here as she’d greeted and questioned and hassled the bemused Valkyries, our wager amongst them, so her words weren’t a surprise in that regard, but in others… wow. I aped my sis. Don’t bully her, please. She’s… the scary sort.

Run was rolling around on the ground laughing, tears streaming from her orange eyes, while Waltraute shot me a glare of both warning and something else I couldn’t quite identify. As the mental chaos escalated, back in the Material world, my Eyes inspected Asha’s Trees, and the results… well, they were rather shocking indeed.

“That’s… well, I’m not sure what to say.” I was amazed. Obviously as Asha had grown a lot stronger, I’d expected the Tree to grow, but… there were just too many other strange points to consider. Sadly, when I check out Bonded Cord, all my Eyes say is that ordinarily, the Astral and Material bodies cannot easily coexist in the same space, that being the province of clones, yet the Bonded Cord has come about, making it possible…

“I am curious…” Asha squeezed my hand gently, yellow eyes bright. “…I can feel the thoughts of my other selves far more clearly than before. Emotions are the language Trees use to communicate, but…”

“Yes. A lot of new Statistics have appeared. The mental ones are low… well, that’s rude. Honestly, they’re no worse than an ordinary human, and higher than most with the Throne buff, and absurdly so with Lovers’ Link…”

“Yes.” Asha agreed, marvelling at it. “And…” She raised a hand, and the Trees rustled their leaves, and a shimmering barrier of light came into existence, adherence drawing in both light elemental energies, ordinary light and the surrounding ether. The wind was blocked, the terrace on top of one of the Trees, the largest, Astral one of the pair, suddenly still and calm. That wasn’t all though, as bolts of light beamed from the halo, looking almost like hurled spears, soaring into the sky as if the Trees were showing off.

“…it seems your goal is achieved. Though I too…” Asha’s smile as her raised hand shone with adherence, dragging the surrounding dense ether into a shimmering barrier of indigo and gold light. I tapped it with my knuckles, and it rang solidly, ripples of energy sparkling.

Purifying Halo Of Light is a thrice-modified Skill, the remnants torn from a Divine Favour, stripped of dangerous Truesoul strands and Soullight, that allows the bearer to utilise powerful Adherence to guide the surrounding Ether and Light Elemental energies into forming a defensive barrier of potent light, which can also be channelled into a luminous spear for counterattacking.

In its defensive state, if the barrier is static, it will be continually reinforced by drawing in the surrounding energies over a wider, expanding distance, and a weaker barrier, keeping out environmental factors such as wind, rain and the like, is constantly generated from the ambient energies of the being wielding this Skill.

“It’s exactly what I was hoping for. Better than, in fact. And the café terrace… well, we’ll have to redo it and duplicate it…” I started up at the two Trees, thinking. “But now we won’t need to worry about shelter from rain and wind. The café will become a spot of some renown…”

Hinata will be pleased. Shaeula snickered. As am I. The wealthy, powerful and influential of both worlds will wish to be seen there. We can accrue both favours and wealth, as well as influence, from judicious use of this fact.

I’m more interested in hanging out and having fun. It’s not quite as tall as Tokyo tower, but it’s a tree. Trees grow, don’t they? Soon we’ll be able to see out across all of Tokyo! My sis was as excited about the wrong things as ever, but on seeing the expression on the mini me in Wisdom World, she snorted. Hey, I’m pleased for Asha and her Tree too. Glad that nothing went wrong. I’m glad my nieces aren’t in any danger, and their mom’s strong, bro. But… I’m also wanting to make memories. With you, with everyone. Endless memories which last a lifetime. So naturally this is exciting.

I nodded, understanding. My bad, sis. I shouldn’t take everything you say at face value.

No, you can. she insisted. I’m not lying to you, bro. Not now, not ever. In fact… before the new year turns, why not meet up with all our friends and family and we’ll have fun. Of course, we can’t stay too long or Kana will get frustrated…

Sure. That sounds nice. I’ll invite Hayato-kun and the gang, Shaeula can invite Ichika-chan, hell, we can even invite our new foreign guests, and maybe even our new ninja secretaries…

Sounds a plan. But… my sis smirked. …you’re just dying to brag to everyone about Asha’s Tree and how it’s grown stronger, so… as your benevolent and caring sister, who wants the best for you… go for it!

How magnanimous of you. Anyway…

Wisdom Tree, not to be confused for the Tree Which First Birthed Wisdom, The Tree Of Knowledge, is a Class gained by living trees who gain a certain measure of sapience and conscious thought, rather than mere emotional weight and resonance. Coming about via the efforts to mimic that first and most legendary of trees, initially employed by those who would rather steal and imitate than innovate, this Class has now established itself firmly within the Multiverse.

It allows access to Intellect, Alacrity, Precision and Resilience Statistics, as well as active rather than passive Skills. The Aether Statistic significantly increases.

Existence Elevated By Others is a Class gained when one’s being has been persistently and consistently enhanced above what it is capable by outside intervention. The effect of beneficial abilities, those perhaps called ‘buffs’, is significantly increased and the effect lengthened. Passive abilities are easier to grow, and bottlenecks easier to overcome.

Singular Existence, Shared Selves is an extremely rare Class. Normally only those that have the ability to split themselves into independent yet linked beings and exist on the same axis of existence can gain this Class, which allows sharing of Skills and knowledge between these existences to a limited extent, and mitigates the negative effects of shared bodies existing together. Bonds and Connections are also strengthened, showing a greater effect and affinity.

Huh… negative effects of shared bodies existing? Does… this explain why when I tried to move through the overlapping areas, one body simply vanished?

As if reading my thoughts, a delayed set of text glowed within my vision.

These are not truly the same existence, unlike simultaneous split selves. Hence they can manage to endure. The Trees are linked, but no more than the Dryad beside you is the same being as her Tree, neither are the two Trees, for one was created through means of a vanishingly rare Skill. Though they share a great deal of entanglement, they are separate existences as much as they are the same. Unlike yourself, who is singular. Such limits can be overcome…

No thanks. I denied that instantly. I can live without having clones of me vying for dominance, and worse, spending time with those I love. I’m staying singular. If I need more of me, I’ll work it out somehow, it must be possible. And if I need Split Thoughts at Rank ten, twelve, fifteen, twenty… so be it.

…but it seems that your strongly held beliefs preclude that. However, to manifest both bodies in the same realm of existence would require your Silver Connection to be dismantled, and replaced with some other sort of Connection…

There’s something off about you right now. You’re being oddly firm about some things and answering what I’m not asking. I don’t hate it, in fact, I’m grateful, but… never mind. A Bonded Cord of some sort. I get it…

… … …

Uh, you don’t have to spam my Eyes with silence.

… … …

Fine. Thank you, Tree Which First Birthed Wisdom.

Only after I sent that thought did my Eyes start sharing knowledge with me again.

Only my bro can flirt with a Tree… my sis giggled, to Shaeula’s endless amusement. Asha, however, firmly corrected her.

I believe that shall not be the last time. After all, I am here. Yet… we should not interrupt.

My sis mimed zipping her lips inside Wisdom World, some of the Valkyries not privy to their thoughts rather confused, as I continued checking details, focussing on one last important detail.

Collective Crowned Leaf Halo Chakras Of Light is an array of linked and bonded micro-Chakras, created from living leaves. Normally, this would fail, as leaves are not a permanent part of the body, no more than hair is on a human, yet due to the meticulous way they have been crafted, and in such numbers, with the Adherence of Growth, specifically tuned to nature, including trees, fortifying the workings you have done and the capillaries you have drilled into branches and trunk, lost leaves will sprout and function as Chakras still.

“I see. So… Asha, are these changes… welcome?” I asked, things having gone further than I’d expected. I’d thought that the changes would allow the Tree to instinctively protect itself, but instead, we had Trees with a great deal of processing power, though I knew Intellect didn’t necessarily grant emotional maturity and actual thoughts, and Asha seemed to understand that.

“Of course. Why would I not wish to see my other selves grow?” her expression was tender. “I have not seen it myself, but… the oldest of Dryads and their Trees, such as the great Trees at the heart of the Court, are said to gradually awaken to more… comprehensible… natures over the long centuries of their existence, though their thoughts and words will still be slow and ponderous, more elemental... perhaps…” She smiled at her meaningful pun. “Primal Spirit and his kind see every such awakening as a precious miracle, perhaps why they see all Rhyming Trees as theirs to protect, which sometimes puts we Dryads at odds with the Treekin and Plantkin, though we know they have but the best of intentions. But…”

It was then I felt it. Yes, the thoughts were barely formed, not in speech, but through Lovers’ Link, a sense of joy, of curiosity and of warm happiness towards both Asha and I, and also… pride at Asha’s pregnancy. As her eyes shimmered with light, I too joined her in stroking the bark of the two Trees, while her hand clutching mine was warm, so warm…

I see. Your other selves are blessing us, Asha, praying that the children are healthy, and will one day play amidst their branches… I hope so too. That… that will be a sight to see…

And with that, my mind was filled with tender silence, and for a long time, Asha and I merely luxuriated in this tender moment, until sadly, the demands of our lives became too pressing to ignore, and the Tengokusentou, and the end of a long but successful Pilgrimage was upon us…

***

“So how do I look, bro?” my sis asked, spinning around for me. She was in a black skirt suit, though to keep it from being too plain, she wore a bright red blouse, paired with a skinny black tie, and she was also wearing red tights. “I figured I’d dress up for the cameras.”

“Yeah, looks good.” I smiled warmly, and she returned it, before mom butted in.

“So… do we have to go with you, Aki? I’m a little… no, a lot embarrassed and nervous.” Mom was wearing a suit too, as was father, though it looked more natural on him, matching his rather stern mien.

“I’m afraid so.” I insisted. “You’re my… our… family…” I corrected, and my sister’s smile was satisfied now. “You have to get used to these sorts of events. Uncle and auntie are coming, as are Kana’s parents, so… I’m afraid there’s no getting out of it. Besides, this can’t be anything compared to what you’re going to endure tomorrow.”

“Don’t remind me, Aki.” My mom was both flustered and excited to be returning to Britain. “My head’s still spinning over it all. Oh, having a popular son is hard!”

“Wow, hey mom, what am I? Some nobody?”

“Do not be so childish, Aiko.” Father warned. “You know your mother does not mean anything by that. It is just… today your brother is the star of the show.”

“Actually, not entirely. Today, everyone who went on Pilgrimage is the star. That includes Aiko, of course. And also you two. I might be centre stage, but… this was a group effort, a collective, to show what we can achieve working together.”

As my sis nodded beside me, her freshly bound braids, red ribbons to match her shirt tied within, swaying, my father nodded. “That is true. And modesty is indeed a good virtue. However, a leader must also project power and authority. Be proud of what you have achieved, and, while being humble, do not be meek.”

“Got it.” I nodded, rather touched by his advice, and when I did so, my sis stepped in front of me.

“Tie’s crooked, bro.” She winked, reaching up and adjusting it carefully. “There. All better. Can’t have you looking unkempt, fearless leader.” As I thanked her, mom sighed.

“Really, Ai, you should have left that for Eri, Kana-chan or Shaeula.”

“Why?” My sis tilted her head in puzzlement. “Not like I can’t sort it. Anyway, we’re in a rush, aren’t we?” With her back to my mom, she winked, and I held in a rueful chuckle. “Bro was super late.”

“Sorry, the work on Asha’s Tree was more complicated than I’d planned. The outcome stranger, too.”

“But you did it, didn’t you? Made a success of it?” Not that I need to ask. After all, I was there too!

Yeah, making a fuss and bothering Lin, Rose and the others…

Rude! They adore me, I’m sure of it. Besides, Lin and Rose… my sis had fallen into using their nicknames easily enough. …have to keep me sweet, don’t they? If I’m onside, they’re going to find things easy.

Turning away, my sis let mom fuss over her, and I checked my watch. “We can’t waste time, but we’re still good.” I insisted, and soon we met up with the others, driven in a rather fancy motorcade from our estate into Ota Ward, where the Tengokusentou was located, on the shores of the beautiful Senzoku-ike lake. As we pulled up, other dignitaries and guests were arriving.

The first thing I noticed was the restored gardens. Asha and Hyacinth had turned the burned-out, scarred ruin back into its prior form, recreated exactingly from photographs and plans the nobility had shared. Likewise, the damaged building itself had been reconstructed as a rush-job by our Fae artisans, working with some very bemused elderly human craftsmen, who were some of the last to retain the traditional techniques. It looked identical, but I knew that the materials were anything but traditional.

What wasn’t the same was the new building, the shrine tower, another pagoda-style building, though somewhat shorter in height. It too had a wonderful garden, and in this one, Asha and Hyacinth had leisure to craft their own wonders, and it was indeed beautiful, with many blooms that didn’t suit the season adding splashes of colour, wrought by their mastery over wood elemental energies, and their odd Skills to create plants. It reminds me of the Fae realms, somewhat…

Outside, it was chaos. As our driver opened the doors for us, I helped my sis out, while father offered mom his arm, and uncle Junpei did the same for Eri’s mom Hana. Outside, the chaos was palpable, TV crews everywhere, Arisu-san’s staff trying to manage things. I glanced over to the entrance to the Tengokusentou, where the initial gathering would be held before moving to the shrine, and I could see that Shiraishi Nozomi-san and her younger sister Arisa-san were nervously standing there, wearing beautiful formal kimonos, though both had their Adamant rank insignias pinned to their obi sashes.

Guests were filtering in, and… a number weren’t even human. I spotted Ffionnan, Estalian flittering about her shoulder, and the press were desperately filming and calling for interviews, but the security, many provided by Fujiwara house and their Security Service, were preventing chaos. I spotted Michiru’s father, and frowned, as it seemed he had a black eye, as though he’d been struck by a rather modest-sized fist…

“It is quite the scene.” Father admired the chaos. “To think you are the centre of all this, Akio.”

“It’s a team effort.” I repeated my words from earlier. “Sure, I’m the focal point, but I can’t do everything alone.”

“It is good that you know. But false modesty is as poisonous as excessive pride. Now then…” Just as he was about to speak further, we were noticed, and a swarm of the press came surging towards us. Soon, we were surrounded by a sea of reporters, which even caught the security personnel a little off-guard. Well, Koga-san doesn’t look his best. I reckon Michiru’s words, and by the looks of it, her fists, have done quite a number on him. He does dote on her, rather too much if you ask me, so… it probably hit him hard… though not as hard as I did that time…

Clenching my fists in satisfaction, I was going to ask for everyone to step aside, not wanting to cause a commotion, until one of the reporters spoke in English.

“Mr Oshiro, please, I’m from the BBC. Can we get a word from you for our viewers? Princess Eleanor is not in attendance? Many are wondering just what the situation is between you and her, and also between Britain and Japan.”

BBC, huh? I widened my vision, managing to spot Arisu-san, who sighed with exasperation, but nodded, perhaps feeling my gaze. Since I received permission, I checked my watch and there was still a little time. All right then. Time to do Ellie a favour, and show the world we’re close…

“Fine. But I really must make it brief. It’s going to be an unforgettable event.” At my smile, she held the microphone closer to my face, eagerness plain. “Well then, let’s begin by saying…”