On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

There was one incident, when, after Ohta-san and the others started attacking Kazumi-san to test the efficacy of the damage transfer to me, Tsurugi had got worked up, thinking they were attacking me, and it had taken a while to calm her down, as she was threatening to slice them up for daring to harm her ‘father’. It was as cute and amusing as it was exasperating, but when the girls coaxed her to calm down, and we treated her to more crepes and ice cream, the situation resolved itself.

After that, Mayumi-chan had again whined that she wanted to tour the factories with me and Hinata. I refused again, but she seemed so pitiful and earnest that I said that I could make some time after meeting the leadership of Fenrir, if she didn’t mind waiting, and she had acceded happily. Once I saw her smile, it was impossible to stay annoyed, and ever since South Africa she had tried to stay close to us as much as possible. She insisted she was fine whenever I broached the subject tactfully, but I could tell, and so could Hinata, that her kidnapping and death of her hired guards was still troubling her. Maybe I’ll get Haru to give her another course of treatment. Still, if she can be soothed this easily, it’s no major hassle. I have to admit, seeing the factory in action will be fun, anyway, even if it uses up some of my precious free time before the evening…

With that done, I said my farewells, Tsurugi following me happily, as Kazumi-san and the others celebrated their freedom now pilgrimage was over, testing their new Favours, though Sayuri-san definitely had mixed feelings about it, and there was something rather charming about such a delicate-seeming girl’s teary face as she pouted, complaining about fading into the background. I’m confident Sakura will keep her spirits up, though…

“You’re here then.” As Aliyah, Treyvon and Luciana entered the room I was waiting in, Tsurugi sitting by my side on the sofa, Treyvon spoke for them all. Despite the chill, he was wearing a tight black t-shirt and camouflage trousers, his muscular frame on show. Aliyah was similarly dressed, in a green tank and ripped, cut-off blue jeans, while Luciana was wearing a casual olive t-shirt and black trousers which looked like part of her Adamant attire, her rank insignia hanging around her neck on a fine chain. I noticed that Aliyah and Treyvon had their Fenrir spatial storages with them as well.

“Yeah, sorry about the slight delay. Testing, you know?” I apologised, gesturing for them to sit opposite me. “It’s a bit early in the day, but if you want it, we’ve got beer, whiskey or the like?”

“Nah, just give me a coke. Ain’t in the mood.” Aliyah waved one hand, and with a grin, I opened the fridge with aether and pulled one out, bringing it over. It was cold yes, but not icy, so I chilled it down with aether too, and as frost formed on the distinctive red can and I tossed it to Aliyah with a flash of aether, who caught it and cracked the ring pull in one smooth motion, she snorted.

“Showing off, are you? Ain’t nobody to impress here.”

Trey decided on a beer, and Luciana just juice, so I also retrieved them in the same way, and as I did so, Aliyah glanced at Tsurugi, before pulling out a bar of chocolate from the pocket of her jeans and tossing it over. “There you go, kid. Something sweet.”

Tsurugi grabbed it, and with a smile, thanked her, which made me smile as well. It seemed I wasn’t the only one, as Treyvon, taking a big swig of beer, had a sheepish expression on his face. “My sister’s always been soft on kids, and they seem to like her too, even when she’s shouting and screaming.”

“Oh, shut the fuck up Trey. Don’t be running your mouth in front of Akio like that.” As if to prove a point, after Aliyah’s fierce growls, Tsurugi only giggled, slicing open the wrapper with one finger and chomping down, eyes wide with delight. She’s lucky she’s a Tsukumogami, or she’d get fat, and her teeth would be a disaster, all the sweets she’s eaten today…

“You are fooling no-one, Aliyah.” Luciana, folding her long legs neatly, leaned back in her chair, her gaze contemplative. “You are full of fanfarronear. All bark and no bite, as they say. Apropiado, no, considering?” She glanced at the Fenrir emblems. Luciana had one too, of course, since she was a member of both organisations.

“Hey, I can bite! Want to see it?” Aliyah bared her teeth in a snarl, and Tsurugi giggled happily, kicking her legs, and Aliyah let out a whistling sigh between those teeth. “Fuck, forget it. So anyway, I can make a guess why you called us. Trey, want to fill our boss in on the shit we’ve been preparing?”

“You could stand to be a little nicer, Aliyah. If you keep cussing him out like that, even Akio might get tired of it.”

“No, it’s fine.” I laughed. “Luciana has her all figured out. I do too. I know Aliyah doesn’t hate me half as much as she always says. She’s got a foul mouth, but a good heart.”

“The fuck?” Aliyah blinked, seemingly shocked, and I enjoyed the small revenge I was getting on her. It’s true though. Even when we were enemies, she was giving me advice under the guise of cursing me for being an idiot, even when she expected to die. And since then… yeah, it’s always laced with profanities and angry cursing, but she’s, in her own way, tried to steer me right.

“Yes, she’s never one not to speak her mind. I don’t mind that. We Japanese are reserved, sure, but I’m a bit more open than most. Besides, I like her a lot more than our other foul-mouthed little minx. At least Aliyah’s always honest. Too honest, sometimes.”

Aliyah had fallen silent, so Treyvon blinked. “Uh, sure. If you say so. It’s true, my sis is just bad-tempered by nature, but… she usually means well. So long as you’re not a pretty young woman. But I guess the same would be said about you, yeah Akio?”

I snorted. “I suppose I’ve no defence on that.” Especially after the events of last night. “Anyway, yes, Pilgrimage is over for you guys. A few of Fenrir have to do top-ups, but that’s not a big deal. So, looking forward to going home?”

“If that’s a way of asking us if we’re all prepared, fuck, give us some credit.” Aliyah crushed the now empty can in her fist, smacking her lips. “Everything’s ready. Go on Trey, tell him.”

“I was going to, but you keep butting in.”

As Aliyah shrugged, hair beads jingling softly, the specially crafted strand of beads which was a spatial storage strung through her hair, nigh undetectable unless one knew what to look for, also sounded musically.

“Anyway…” Treyvon cleared his throat. “…everything’s ready. We’ve got enough equipment, both our own, gaps supplemented by Japanese-issue gear, and the Astral weapons. They’re… shit…” Trey ran a hand through his hair, finishing his beer, and I prepared them more drinks, while Tsurugi waved her legs cheerfully, listening with curiosity, even if she didn’t really understand or care about what was going on.

“…let’s just say I hope nobody thinks of giving us trouble. We wolves have sharp fangs now.” Trey finished, before blinking his blue eyes. “God Slaying Wolves, yeah Luciana?”

The short but voluptuous South American woman nodded, her brown ponytail bouncing. “Indeed. Fenrir asesino de dioses. I trust we shall not come across any Gods, but… demonios. Wicked men, wicked creatures… our knives and bullets will reap their lives.”

“Shit, Luciana, you’re all fired up today. I’m eager to get back to some honest work too, but…” Aliyah narrowed her eyes. “…this ain’t got anything to do with you lot celebrating last night, has it?”

“You can charlar, Aliyah. You ran your mouth enough last night. Drank enough too. Not that we begrudged you, la chicas were happy to share their joy. No, I am indeed eager to prove myself, Aliyah. As are you, no? Do you not have la apetencia for a good… workout?”

“Guess you got me there.” She shrugged, smirking at me as she knew I was checking her out, even as I averted my eyes. Oh come on, if you’re going to wear that tank top, you’ve got to know it draws attention… “Yeah, don’t get me wrong, I ain’t complaining. The pay’s good, even if it hits different. After all, we can’t cut and run out of this job, can we?”

Nobody answered her, and she continued. “And it ain’t like we mind a fight. Those Boundary-dwelling bastards aren’t that scary. Fucking creepy, but not that scary.” She licked her lips reflexively. “But… Luciana, your little girls, your chicas, as I call them… they’ve done good work. Shit, Trey and I were their age when we started, and life was shit for us long before that, steal or starve, fight or get trampled on, or worse, kill or be killed… I don’t like it, but…” her steely blue gaze, so like her brother’s, burned into me. “…you know young kids should be protected, but… yeah, they ain’t kids no more. Not after that school attack. Bad fucking business that.” She clenched her fist, crushing her second empty can, letting it fall to the table with a dull thud. “…which is why I’m pissed off and want to get going. You may be a bastard… but you’re a bastard who wants to protect them, keep their smiles. I suppose I don’t hate that. So let’s take out the fuckers who don’t play by the rules.”

“Well said. I think…” Treyvon sighed. “I still wish you’d stop calling the boss, and the man that pays our bills, a bastard. It’s… not good for chain of command.”

“Fucking shut your yap.” she snorted sourly, and Tsurugi giggled. “I respect the chain just fine. And it helps me think. He doesn’t mind… which is frustrating in itself, ain’t it?” She stretched, catlike, and I had the amusing thought that Aliyah shared a number of catlike traits. Aggressive, fiery, selfish, sharp claws she’d use on anyone who pissed her off, but… she was also rather protective and oddly principled too. “…anyway, like Trey says, we’re good to go. Got our fancy passports, though we’ll try and use our own to start with. Diplomatics are noticed. Don’t want to be detained, that’d be a fucking nuisance, even if they’ll never be able to find the gear.” She shrugged again, snapping her fingers. “I’ll take another coke. Trey, lay off the beer, okay?”

He shook his head. “If you’re giving me advice, then the sun might rise in the west tomorrow. But she’s not wrong. The itinerary is planned too. We’ll drop off Adelheid in Berlin and remain until the Territory is established and the Ring Gate is up. She’s given us accurate intelligence on the site, and I believe… Miss Hinata…” Trey spoke with respect. “…has secured the relevant properties. It won’t be as solid as Tokyo, but it’ll do. Then we’ll fly into America. Both coasts. We’ll drop off the Wright siblings while we’re at it.”

“You sure you want to let them go?” Aliyah asked. “Yeah, they are old enough to make their own choices, ain’t up to us to tell them what they can and can’t do, but… shit, sits badly with me. It’s obviously safer here.”

I nodded. “I’d rather they did stay, but I understand them wanting to go home. And we came to a compromise, didn’t we?”

“I guess so.” Aliyah agreed. “It ain’t up to me to tell you what to do either. We’ll get it set up. Just… word on the grapevine really ain’t too good from back home. Things sure ain’t as settled as here, I’ll give you that.”

“That’s another reason you’re going. Gather info on the ground, maybe even work with some of your old PMC allies, do a job or two. The right sort of work.”

Treyvon nodded. “We get it. Fenrir’s not the Black Wolf Company. Though in our defence…”

“Yeah, I know. No kids, no innocent women. I don’t disapprove. Anyway…” I clasped my fingers together pensively. “…I’m glad everything’s ready, but…”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, spit it out, Akio.” Aliyah grumbled. “It ain’t like you to be shy, gives me the creeps.”

“Fine then. But know there’s no going back after this…”

“Like there was before anyway. I ain’t forgotten we were lucky to get off without being locked up for life for domestic terrorism.” Aliyah cracked her knuckles, hair beads chiming, almost as if in agreement. “And you’ve sunk your claws into Luciana too…”

“Aliyah. Be linda, pleasant. Nobody will put up with your soez mouth, but us. As for claws… do not be so rude. Though yes, I am indeed loyal to the sisterhood. Loyalty is something you deeply appreciate, si, Aliyah?”

“The sisterhood, huh?” Aliyah let out a cavernous sigh. “Must be nice. It ain’t for me though.”

“I would think not.” Luciana tittered, amused. “Though I suppose, none can tell what the futura holds. Not even you, nor Señora Tsukiko.”

Aliyah burst out laughing. “Señora? That beauty?”

“We must be respectful.” Luciana insisted primly. “Besides, while it is a great ofensa to talk of a woman’s age, and she is indeed still young and truly beautiful in appearance, she is most certainly worthy of such an address. Now then… our foolish loba here…” she tapped her wolf-head earring calmly. “…once more derailed us. You have no need for reticence. We have already received your favour, so a Favour will not cause us to falter.”

“I thought you’d get it.” I chuckled. “You’re a prodigy, after all, Luciana. Hinata and the others have high hopes for you.” At my praise, she bowed, and even in a casual and plain t-shirt, it was quite the sight, as Luciana was a very alluring woman, short but full-figured, with the exotic, charming grace unique to South American women, tempered by her calm, reassuring attitude.

“So then, looks like he’s never letting you out of his grip, Luciana.” Aliyah sighed, and Treyvon patted her back warningly.

“Be nice, Aliyah.” he warned, and she shrugged.

“I am. It’s true though, ain’t it? Shit, I get it. If I was him, I’d be doing the same.”

“Now you admit it.” I chuckled, amused, and she rolled her eyes at me.

“Fucking hell, don’t be so creepy about it. So, Luciana, huh? Can’t say I’m not jealous, but… I can live with it. She’s one of your Valkyries, ain’t she? Makes sense. And while we have to share her, It’ll be reassuring to have more power on the team. Fenrir needs its fangs. So, what you got for her?”

At her curiosity, I grinned sheepishly. “It’s… not just one.”

“I am most sorprendida! Stunned.” Luciana reacted with some puzzlement. “I… would not be too greedy, take from others. There are many of the sisterhood awaiting eagerly for their own gifts.”

“And they’ll get them.” I assured her. “One has already, even if she’s still teary-eyed about just what it is.” I chuckled at the memory. “The thing is… Favours aren’t the end goal, but a stepping stone. And… it’s all a matter of affinity and need.”

The three of them fell silent now, even Aliyah being serious, now it was key operational discussion.

“Besides, it’s strictly one and a partial. Partials are easier to distribute, but… anyway.” My Eyes glowed, not that I needed to check, as I’d had reports. “You’re a genius, Luciana, it seems. At least in elements and using them in combat. Your rock armour was clever, and I’ve heard tales of your other exploits. Four elements. Earth, wind, flame, light. And so swiftly too. Honestly, if you’d have been a Chosen from the start, America might be very different right now.”

“No, it’s not a case of talent or power. There are eyes and ears everywhere there.” Treyvon disagreed. “And barely a handful were clever enough not to talk about things they shouldn’t. Luciana would have ended up the same as all the others, though… with her background, I’d have hoped she’d be like Titan or Scryer, a governmental asset.”

I nodded. “That’s too gloomy to think about. Yeah, starting location matters a lot as well. Too dangerous and you die, not dangerous enough and you don’t grow and miss out on opportunities. Anyway, I’m a busy man, and I can’t keep a woman waiting…” Not even Mayumi-chan… “…so I’ll get to the point.”

“Yes, please do. Though I must in good conscience thank Chiaki and Chiasa, la mellizas. Their help has been invaluable. They are too young for battle, I only pray you can keep them free from further dañar, from danger. They almost died once already… it is a tragedy, when the young die due to the selfishness of we adults.”

“Yes, but as we’ve seen, there are those out there who don’t care about that. But trust me, I’m very fond of Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan, I see them as my own sisters, honestly. And everyone else adores them too. They’ll never be so threatened again, I promise. But… you’re too modest, Luciana. Even with their aid, you have exceeded anyone’s expectations. Except perhaps your own.” I smiled warmly. “Now then…”

Shinatsuhiko’s Windy Pillar - This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight-infused Truesoul strands. The Favour allows one to both create a spherical Wind Elemental barrier, either protecting themselves or a designated area, and the barrier can also be tuned to an offensive nature, blades of sharp Wind Elemental energies cycling to shred apart all who touch the barrier.

In addition, the Favour allows rapid movement by the utilisation of Wind Elemental energies and strengthens existing Wind Elemental Skills and Affinities. Mental processing speed will slightly increase, and spatial perception and calculations can be enhanced by the utilisation of Wind Elemental Energies.

Just as Shinatsuhiko’s breath blows hither and yon, traversing the land as swiftly as the birds which ride upon its back, and forms the pillars that uphold the skies, so too will you be able to move as swiftly as the wind, and be a pillar hard to break, both as placid and as furious as the winds can be. [Class: Imperious] [Type: Rule]

“See, it’s very suitable for you, Luciana. You’ve got the wind elemental affinity already to a pretty high degree, and oddly enough, light element has an effect. You’re hardly perfectly attuned, but it’s well beyond the minimum. As for the Lightning Sword Of Purification, I think it’ll be very suitable for you. Of course…” What these Favours do is a snapshot of a power, a shortcut, not the end of things. Shaeula was already using those same types of barriers from near the start. Emerald Wind Prison… stolen from a magical girls anime…

“I understand. We talk, of course. There will be el dolor, pain, but…” she raised her juice to Trey and Aliyah. “…growing up in la campamentos, the slums, one has to learn to ignore pain, yes?”

“Too fucking right. I’ll drink to that!” Aliyah insisted. “Fuck. Beer me, pretty boy. A couple won’t hurt.”

At her words I tossed her one over and she caught it, slamming the can against Treyvon’s. “Down the hatch.” she snorted, taking a big gulp, and Treyvon sighed, echoing her, before Luciana stood before me, a faint smile on her pretty face.

“Very well. You may begin.”

“Fine. Then…” Soon, scalpels of aether were ready, a dozen swirling around me, and then… then I began…

***

“I have certainly had more agradable, fun times…” Luciana tossed back the glass of neat whiskey, her olive skin flushed and sweaty. “…mercifully, it is over now.”

“Yeah, you did good.” I respectfully patted her shoulder. “To draw out the maximum potential of the Lightning Sword, I had to go a bit deeper. Still… the results speak for themselves. Welcome to the world of being a Chosen, Luciana.”

“I would love to say I am delighted, but… ask me after a few horas, when the sensations fade.” she managed.

“Don’t keep us in suspense then…” Aliyah grumbled, and her brother nodded too.

“Yes, as the captain of Fenrir…” as his sister snorted sourly, he amended what he was saying. “Joint captain, but definitely the brains…”

“Fuck you too, dear brother…” Aliyah laughed meanly, though still in good humour.

“…we need to know Luciana’s capabilities.” he finished, and Luciana gave her assent, so…

“Not bad, not bad at all.” Treyvon mused, once I read out Luciana’s numbers. “You can surely take on any number of our former colleagues and rivals.”

No kidding. She’s even managed to activate her lunar Chakra properly and integrate elements with it. Even at Rank one, that’s a huge power boost…

“Don’t get cocky.” Aliyah warned. “How do her numbers compare to yours when you kicked the fuck out of us and those dipshit agents, Akio?” Aliyah crossed her arms, thinking, snickers leaking from her, and I shrugged.

“Honestly, not that different. A bit lower, certainly but… Lovers’ Link makes up most of the difference. The lower League is a bit of a factor… stop laughing. Please.”

“Fuck no, I won’t.” Aliyah slapped her thigh heartily. “It’s too fucking good. Are you seriously sweet on Luciana, Akio? Who the hell ain’t, she’s a real beauty…”

“You know it’s because she’s close enough to me through Adamant.” I insisted, and Aliyah shook her head disbelievingly. I ignored her and finished my point. “It’s obviously not that deep, as she’s not Kin Bonded. I’d say pretty much everyone in Adamant has the first Rank. Many the second. Above that, well…”

“Yeah, yeah. Anyway…” Aliyah smacked her lips in an annoying fashion. “…we were using crippler rounds in the sniper rifles, rubber tips, rather than real bullets, and we weren’t shooting to kill with our guns. So I’m sure Luciana can be brought down, but…”

“Yeah, she’s on the borderline where ordinary weapons start becoming less useful, though heavier ones such as sniper rifles and RPGs are still lethal. Though… with your decent Ether Healing and the ability to make barriers… you might be able to withstand a few hits, Luciana.” I conceded. “And honestly, barring my Foehn I had at the time, you’ve got more offensive options than I had. If you fought the group that attacked me back then you’d take them out with ease.”

“It feels buena to hear that. Rather pleasant.” Luciana agreed. “The sisterhood of Adamant will be happy for me, I know.”

“I am too.” I chuckled. “Really, you’re a future prospect for sure. That Lightning Sword you can wield is nasty. I’m quite interested in your Class, though…”

Storm Of Blades – This Class is gained by anyone who has access to Wind and Lightning Elements, along with satisfactory physical talents with bladed weapons, as well as perfect ambidexterity and the propensity to use blades in both hands. Alacrity and Precision will increase, and your grasp of your body’s movements will be instinctive, and your calculative capabilities noticeably enhanced. Generation of Wind and Lightning Elements will be slightly increased, and you can imbue those Elements into your blades more easily and at reduced cost or even create temporary bladed weapons of those Elements.

“…it’s a very similar Class to my sis and her Archer Of Light. It makes me think there are certainly other Classes involving combined weapon and elemental usages we can discover. But… the big problem is your lack of other Classes. Maximising Class gains is the best way to grow League, barring Conqueror which isn’t that feasible or desirable, but they don’t seem to be available just for common things, like being a warrior. Though I’ve managed to gain an awful lot of them…” I chuckled with a trace of embarrassment. “…anyway, I have a proposition. I’d like to deepen our affection so you get the second Rank of Lovers’ Link, so you can support the Fae-Bonded Class, and also get the extra stats. We can look into other suitable Classes too. A bit more League and a few more stats and ordinary weapons will be useless.”

“Fuck me, I should bow down and call you master!” Despite being sober, Aliyah did actually get on her hands and knees, snickering wickedly. “That’s the smoothest fucking way I’ve seen to hit on Luciana in like… in fucking forever.” She gasped for breath, almost choking. “Deepen how? Luciana, you up for it?”

“I told you before, Aliyah. I am not la prostitute. Though I came from the same sort of hell as you did, so I do not judge those who are. Besides…” She winked at me, surprising me. “…talk amongst the sisterhood of Adamant is only of your stubbornness. Though my fellow Marquise Yu-Mi and Miyu speak of la gloria, their victory.”

“Yes, it’s not about sex anyway. It’s about emotional connection. And I can tell Luciana is a woman worth knowing better. Anyway, you should be set for handling any problems that arise in your missions…” as they nodded, I then revealed my surprise. “…but, since Fenrir’s important to me, and so are the missions, expanding our range of control and operations is vital, as are… the retrievals…”

Trey stared at me with curiosity, and Aliyah looked up from where she was crouched, expression a picture worth preserving.

“…it so happens, and I was surprised and gratified myself, that there’s one more Favour which can find a home here.”

“Oh?” Aliyah got up, dusting herself down, a futile effort, her beads jingling. “And it ain’t for our little bladestormer here…?”

“Nope. I was a bit shocked, actually. The compatibility is about as low as it gets, and honestly, lower than I’d usually offer it, but… it’s quite a specialised one, and for what Fenrir will be doing, it’s perfect. So I decided it’s worth it.”

“All right. Don’t keep us in suspense? Are you getting a kick out of it? Want me to get down on the floor and beg? Shake my fucking ass like a dog? I’ll do it…” Aliyah grumbled, and Luciana chuckled.

“I think you are, how do they say it here, a tsundere, Aliyah. Always looking for a reacción.”

Before Aliyah could reply, I nodded. “Yeah, like I said earlier, I don’t think she actually hates me. Not anymore, anyway. It’s just a show. ‘Look at me, here I am, pay attention to me!’. It’s actually kind of cute.”

As Aliyah’s skin darkened further, her expression quite the unusual one, I cut her off before she could explode in anger. “Besides, if anyone should be showing their ass, it wouldn’t be you, Aliyah. And while your brother’s a handsome guy, I’m not interested in trying out the other team. No offense.”

“None taken.” Treyvon chuckled. “Come on, Aliyah, at least try and not embarrass yourself.”

“Oh, fuck off. So what, Trey gets one, and nothing for me? If anything, I’d say that shows you hate me. Don’t you feel bad, after Vegas?”

“Yeah. I do…” As her face twisted, I shook my head. “God damn, you’re a complicated woman. Why does that piss you off? I’m apologising. Even if it was your own fault and you lost to Shaeula fair and square.”

“I don’t know, but it still makes me angry.” Aliyah shrugged. “Fuck. So I’m the odd bitch out?”

“I’m afraid so. But this one really doesn’t suit you. Your brother’s pretty bold in his own way, but… he knows how to keep a low profile when it counts. But you…”

“I can do stealth too…” Aliyah had worked out the general idea. “…I may be a big bitch, but I’m light on my feet. And I can keep my mouth shut, you know…”

“Just not around Akio…” Luciana quipped, perhaps enjoying the spectacle.

“Yeah. He just… fuck.” Aliyah slumped down. “I’m jealous, ain’t I? Who the fuck wouldn’t be. Trey, I guess, considering a harem of hot young women is about as useful for him as legs on a fish.” She shook her head, and Treyvon raised an eyebrow, as if to ask what the hell she was saying, but she ignored him. “Anyway, we’ve been here long enough. I hate that you’re a little punk, but… you ain’t so bad. Don’t get the wrong fucking idea though…”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I promised airily, and her eyebrows twitched, but she swallowed a retort and finished her grudging admission.

“…I ain’t like Luciana. You won’t see me putting on that uniform. I’m a bad bitch, a wolf!”

“They would not let you in, Aliyah.” Luciana drove the verbal knife in with amusing precision, matching her Class. “…who would let el loba, the wolf, amidst the sheep?”

“I wouldn’t. I ain’t a cheater.” Aliyah sighed. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.”

“I heard you the first two times, Aliyah.” Treyvon sighed. “Don’t mind her. I’m very grateful. Just what do you have for me?”

“It’s Harpocrates Hears No Sound, Sees No Light, Feels No Presence.” I explained. “I think your personality is a factor, but also your experience in stealth missions, surprise ambushes… assassinations, I guess…”

Treyvon winced but nodded, and I finished up, before reiterating just what it did.

“…and other forms of obfuscation during your professional career have pushed you to the point a little Chirurgery would help. Though first…” I pulled out a large bluesteel battery, shimmering with a deep blue hue. “…I need you to learn this to make it feasible. Though I think I can help. Anyway…”

Harpocrates Hears No Sound, Sees No Light, Feels No Presence is a Divine Favour crafted from concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight infused Truesoul strands. It allows the bearer to obfuscate their actions, and the actions of a limited number of those around them from the sense of sound, sight and touch, though smell and taste are unaffected. Taking hostile actions against those so obfuscated may break the effect, though it depends on the scale of the actions taken, and the perception of the targets.

Just as the Harpocrates is a Divinity raised by a mistaken perception of another’s true nature, so too shall the bearer of this Favour fog the eyes, stopper the ears, and rob the touch of those who would perceive them truly. [Class: Noble] [Type: Principle]

“…so with that…” I insisted. “…time to get started…”

***

“You took fucking forever.” Aliyah had her head slumped on the table, several more cans of beer empty now, though she’d stuck to her promise and wasn’t drunk, just surly. “Two hours. Damn, how annoying. Even the little sword girl thought so.”

Actually, it’s rather swift. Though yes, Tsurugi did wander off to go play with Yata and Magatama, since Magatama has returned after amplifying Shiro’s buffs. Anyway, fortunately, I’ve become better able to instruct people myself, and while it clashes with the light element Trey learned, it also balances. Besides…

“I am always happy to assist!” Rose was proud, her small form running around teasing Lin and also Aiko, for some reason, the Wisdom World very rowdy, especially after my sis’ antics around the other Valkyries and their suitability for romance. “Replicating the memories and help Haru and these twins offer, connecting minds… the Runes can do it. Sharing and recreating Wisdom is their purpose, after all.”

We’ve overrun a little, and Mayumi-chan is a little impatient, but… this is more important. Hinata’s keeping her company anyway…

“Well you’ve had plenty of time to slack off after today.” I chuckled, ignoring Aliyah’s complaining, and actually finding it amusing.

“I fucking will, don’t you worry yourself about that!” She shook her head, beads jingling. “Booze, women, gambling, beating up some bastards who look at me funny, I’ll do it all…”

“Best drop that last one. Even as you are now you’d kill them.” I warned, and she waved one big hand dismissively.

“Think I don’t know that? I don’t pick fights anyway… much.” she amended, at the looks her brother and Luciana were shooting her. “But if some jackass touches my ass, he ain’t getting away without a broken hand. Looking’s free, touching…”

“That aside… you did well.” I slapped Treyvon’s back heartily, and he raised his hand in a fistbump, which I reciprocated, leading to Aliyah sniggering. Ignoring her, I asked if he wanted to check out his new status, and he nodded, eager.

“What the hell are those?” Aliyah burst out laughing, slamming her fist into the table playfully. “Fuck me, Trey, Luciana could kill you ten times over before you could raise your knife or pistol. She’s got way more Skills than you too…”

“Yeah, sorry the Favour really gives terrible stat gains, it’s more focused towards its special ability, but it did boost your light and darkness elements. And before… well, you only ended up with the two Levels from the White Snake Earth Altar. I’m afraid you don’t really qualify for Lovers’ Link, we’re… not that close.”

“If he did, I’d be worried for your sanity. Or your orientation, Akio. Though my brother might think his romantic luck was turning…” Aliyah, jealous that everyone but her was getting Favours, had her good humour restored by her brother’s unimpressive stats, though honestly, with his Favour and the firepower and armour Ixitt and the Mortal Engineers had made him, killing even far stronger opponents who weren’t sufficiently wary wasn’t out of the question. And then…

“Besides, the Level cap is off you now, Treyvon, so your stats will rapidly rise, get a quick ten Levels or so and you’ll be in the one-fifty to two-hundred range. It shouldn’t be that hard.”

He nodded. “I get it. My sister is the one who doesn’t. Though… how long you going to laugh at me, Aliyah? Why don’t we see your vaunted stats?”

“Why do you want to know my three sizes? You’re my brother, and gay to boot… oh, I get it. I’m just joking, ain’t I? Fine. I’ve got nothing to hide…” She lowered her voice a moment, before deciding she didn’t like that, and she boldly puffed out her chest, glowering at me, though it had a playful edge. “…you’ve seen me anyway, ain’t you? Tch.” She clicked her tongue, and with a sigh, I gave in, Eyes glowing as I explained her numbers, though right at the end, there was a sudden silence which engulfed the room, almost as if Trey was using his new Favour.

“What… the hell…?” Aliyah was stunned. I’d considered not saying, but explaining her numbers without mentioning Lovers’ Link would have made no sense, so I bit the bullet, as my foreign guests might have said, and just confessed.

“Hey, your Statistics are higher than mine. For now…” Treyvon comforted her, though there was some smug satisfaction in his tone, before he couldn’t help but grin. “I wasn’t aware you and Akio were so… intimate. Congratulations, Aliyah!”

“Go fuck yourself, Trey. Oh wait, you do that most nights, crying yourself to sleep.” she bit back, baring her teeth, though again… behind her, Luciana mouthed ‘el loba’ at me, and I held in my mirth.

Yes, she’s barking for attention as always. But also… I think she is jealous she was the only one to be left out. But in time… anyway, it’s her own fault for being so hard to find a Favour that fits…

“Rank one I can understand… you’re soft on women. And I’m hot, no question…” I admired her confidence, but, while honestly my tastes did tend to run to more modest girls, I wasn’t one to downplay the beauty of others, and so I couldn’t deny her confidence was well-founded. That wasn’t the reason, though…

“…but we ain’t close. You’re the man with the noose around the neck of big, bad Fenrir. We’re your loyal hunting dogs, but… that’s it.”

“Yes, but… do you really want me to say it here? You might get embarrassed.” I warned, and Aliyah froze, blue eyes wide with understanding.

“That? Really? Fuck.” She let out a long sigh, deflating. “You’re far too easy, you know that? Still, I suppose I ain’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Got to keep up somehow, or I’ll be left behind. Hey, question. So… I’m not Bonded Kin, yeah?”

I shook my head. It was a well-known term within our circles, as when Shaeula or I saw someone as family, it of course guaranteed a measure of emergency safety, as Tsukiko had discovered at the last.

“Makes sense. Though we fucking fight as much as I do with Trey.” She scratched her head awkwardly, jingling her beads, her facial expression impossible to decipher, before she let out a grumbling sigh and spoke the words which widened Luciana’s and Trey’s eyes. “If you’re not going to give me a Favour, at least do me a favour.” She grabbed me suddenly. I could have dodged easily enough, but I didn’t sense any hostility. She seemed a little startled she’d seized me, but with a grin she slammed me in a headlock, pushing me to her chest, before playfully and clumsily rustling my hair with one hand.

“Call me big sister Aliyah, okay? You’re an annoying little shit, and I envy you so much I could pop a fucking bullet in your balls, though it’d just bounce off, but… yeah, you’re always taking my shit and it doesn’t phase you, and… you get it. When I’m cursing you out over some fuckup, I’m trying to help you do better next time. It’s… well, you tell him, Trey…” Her scent was filling my nostrils, and the sweat, probably from nerves, on her tank top was soaking my cheek.

“You’re like us. It’s a different name, but you’re still running a PMC. Shit, trust sis to drop the hard part on me… well…” He scratched his cheek awkwardly. “…you’re running combat ops and you’ve got your own forces. Sure, it’s a mad world now, but… the principle’s the same. Aliyah… well, she’s only really been furious when you’ve not acted like a leader.”

“Yeah.” She squeezed me playfully, a knowing gleam in her blue eyes. “You may not have asked for this, but you fucking well took it, the responsibility over many other lives. A lot of lives we’d say are far too young for the battlefield, but… that’s just our hypocrisy speaking. We were young when we started, and we’ve fought child soldiers. Nasty fucking business that. Honestly, when we caught the bastards behind that… let’s just say Trey, Luciana and I have a few war crimes on our conscience. But better that than letting scum who’d use kids as pawns in their conquests go unpunished. But… while we hate that the youngsters have to fight, at least… at least you treat each other like comrades, not expendable tools. And you take every precaution. I’ve never blamed you for shit going south, have I? Just… when you ain’t been thinking shit through or let your emotions rule you.” She let me go, and I straightened up, and she punched me in the chest, by the heart. “You got to have heart, I ain’t criticising that, but… got to have this too.”

She suddenly slammed her head into my skull, wincing at the impact. “Fuck, I knew it wouldn’t do shit, still…” She rubbed at her forehead, tears in her eyes, and I found it oddly charming. “…got to knock some sense into that thick skull of yours. Sure, there are times when you can’t do shit but act. But always think. Hesitation might be fatal, but you can think and do together. Better still…”

“Do your thinking beforehand and train your will, so even when you have to act in an instant, you won’t let the situation drag you around, but you know what to do instinctively.” Treyvon agreed. “Come on, Aliyah, really? Shit, stop flirting, it’s messing with my head.”

“Must be messing with your eyes, my older brother, if you think I’m flirting. I’m into girls, remember? I’m just giving my little brother here some tough love. Besides…” she smirked nastily, a gleam of triumph in her eyes. “…seems to me this is how he likes his sisters and their affection.”

Touche. You’ve got me there. And… “You win… sis.” I put on the most teasing tone I could, and Aliyah shivered, and I had to struggle to hold in laughter. “I’ll do my best so that even if you die, I’ll get to hear your scolding again one day. You too, Trey. Oh, and…”

“I think it will not be so difficult, if the plans the High Commander have bear la fruta. But yes… I apologise for her. She is like a giant child herself sometimes…” Luciana sighed.

“Why, you damn fox!” Aliyah shook her fist. “Just because you’ve joined his private sex squad doesn’t mean you can forget you’re in Fenrir, and I’m still the boss…”

As they bickered playfully, Trey shrugged, and I nodded, suddenly relaxed. I’d emptied out enough Favours that the situation with the adherence had cooled off, Fenrir was prepared for their extremely important series of missions, which would build the foundation for the next stage of our plans, and I still had the remaining partial Favour taken from the Church prisoners, which I planned to hand out before the Tengokusentou later. Yeah, the factory is near the shrine anyway, so I can hop over easily enough… now then, I might as well take things easy for a bit…