On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As we exited the channel in the mountain, the space behind us folded in on itself, sealing the passageway to the chamber where the Four Directions, or rather, now just the Yellow Dragon, remained as fragments of separated Truesoul. The rock wall closed in a grind of crimson energies, Tarōbō tapping his staff on the ground, and I heard my sis breathe a sigh of relief, so I reached out and patted her shoulder reassuringly, and she shot me a brilliant and cheerful grin, her blue eyes sparkling.

It wasn’t just my sis, Haru was wearing a professional yet satisfied smile, as if taking pleasure in a job well done, and on our walk back Haanōbō had a spring in her step, her back straight, wings fluttering as if to mirror her mood. Honestly, I was calmer too, as this was a big step, and… there had been revelations, discussions and breakthroughs alike, but we’d come out the other end stronger and united, our bonds firmer than ever. And while I certainly owe the Huánglóng and the Four Auspicious Beasts a favour, we’re not enemies, and later on we might be able to make some mutually beneficial arrangements. It seems they have influence in not just the Japanese Pantheon and Tan’s Endless Knot. But that’s for later. Much later…

It wasn’t just us who were all smiles, though. Natsumi, Motoko, Kana, Daiyu, the Elves, all were delighted and eager, even Chen Na, who faded into the background most of the time, determined to keep a low profile, was displaying some relieved emotions. The only two that showed any hesitation were Prince Shōtoku and Emperor Ōjin. Haru hadn’t linked them into our shared mental space, though we had no reason to exclude Prince Shōtoku really. It was just… the Emperor was an Avatar of Hachiman, and while we certainly weren’t at odds, we also wisely kept a little separation from him.

“All is well then?” Ōjin asked as the passageway closed. “The Directions are united again, Tarōbō?”

 The old Tengu snorted, his golden eyes glittering with disdain, and I once more realised the advantages of the Tengu masks, as it meant we could hide our expressions, as Tarōbō’s now was surely quite the sight. “Yes, Ōjin. Rest assured, Mount Atago and the Sacred Flame which you and yours are too cowardly to hold, shall remain protected for the foreseeable future. The Divine Yellow Dragon Who Carries Mountains Upon His Back has given assent, as have the Four Symbolic Guardians. South and West once more stand with us, and all are united, and stronger for it.”

Haanōbō nodded, the nose on her mask dipping. Arangbō merely grunted assent, clearly not overly fond of the Kami.

“That is most excellent.” Ōjin approved. “Though… your blood does not run through the veins of these two. It is a problem, no?”

I wasn’t the only one to scowl at that. It was Arangbō who spoke up though, his tone sarcastic. “If it is not a problem to us, Kami, then why concern yourself? It is up to our father, Great Tarōbō, to decide who is our family. You would do well to remember that. Have you not caused enough trouble worrying overmuch on blood ties? Other bonds are as deep, perhaps…” he glanced at his sister. “…deeper. Needless to say, what we have shall suffice.”

My sis gave him a thumbs-up at his speech, and his answer was a loud, derisive chuckle. The Prince seemed like he wanted to calm the situation, but didn’t want to go against Emperor Ōjin, who was clearly superior to him in the hierarchy of the Eight Million Invitations. Before anyone could argue, Ōjin nodded, hand stroking his small, immaculately trimmed beard, his eyes knowing, and he turned his gaze to Tsurugi, her sword form at my waist.

“Bonds, yes. Lines of blood, of descendants, certainly matter.” His gaze went to me now. “But I suppose just as how you do not possess the bloodline of Amaterasu, your children with the Priestess of Ise will, For now, possessing and using the Regalia causes no issues. In time…”

I cut him off, my grip on Tsurugi’s hilt gentle. I could feel her wordless sorrow, and I did not like it. “I don’t possess and I don’t use. Tsurugi, Magatama and Yata are living beings, family. They choose to help us, and we them. If they take a liking to my children with Yukiko…” I was impressed that I could talk of such without hesitation now, but with Asha pregnant, and Yukiko’s feelings for me out in the open, and rather gentle and comforting, I knew one day we’d get to the stage of starting our own little family, as part of the wider whole. “…or indeed, anyone else, then they have our blessing. I’m not going to blame Amaterasu, or indeed even Yukiko’s great-grandfather, for what happened. But I am going to take issue with disrespect going forwards.”

Father. I love you! You understand us and won’t let the Sun go away again!

No, I… we… Yukiko and all the others too, will never allow you three to be trapped in the dark, lost and lonely again. The world is fun, and whether you’re a Tsukumogami, an Elf, a Yōkai, a human or anything else, that should be the case. I mean, look at Azuki. All she does is sit around the house all day eating cakes and drinking tea and playing with Keomi-chan or any of the others when they’re around. I know her role is simply to use Aergia’s Favour to buy time if we get attacked, but… hey, I’m getting way off topic. My point is… so long as you’re all happy, and we’ll fight to make that so, then that’s all you need to worry about.

Father…

“I see. Perhaps once more I have been… too wedded… to how matters have been up until now.” Ōjin nodded slowly. “But bloodlines do matter. The adherence can make a great deal of difference, with proper accumulation.”

“I daresay that’s true. But there are other methods we can use to replace that. Just as my sis and I can become Directions. And we’ll be no less dedicated to upholding the protection of the mountain than Haanōbō and Arangbō. Our sister and brother. After all…” I winked at Haru. “…it’s my precious friend’s Territory, how could we let it suffer harm?”

“Just because I won the boar hunt, doesn’t mean you have to flatter me, Akio.” Haru chuckled, amused. “I’ll go easy on you, I promise.”

“I’m sure you will. Anyway…” I shook my head, showing that this conversation with Ōjin was over, and Kana, speaking for the group, smiled brightly.

“Yeah, I want the promised night of fun! Training is all very well, but I’m a girl who needs to enjoy herself regularly. After all, it’s only a few days to the end of Pilgrimage, and after the New Year shrine visit, which better be at Shirohebizumi…” She winked at me playfully. “…then I’ll be back to grubbing in the dirt like you did during the boar hunt, Akio.”

“Yeah, guess so. But the work is going well, isn’t it?” I asked, and she nodded.

“It is. Working together we can achieve wonders. I do take a sense of pride in it. But I’ll certainly be glad when it’s done! Though knowing Hinata, she’ll have more work for me planned. Anyway…” She clapped her hands together, eyeing the others. “…everyone is up for it, yeah?”

“I believe I should decline.” Ōjin declared, shaking his head. “I would perhaps… bring clouds to the mood…” He glanced at Tsurugi again. “Besides, my seneschal at the Imperial Palace becomes nervous if I am absent for too long. I merely was here to witness the repair of the Directions and the continued upholding of the agreement.”

“I too shall pass.” Shōtoku agreed. “I feel it would be inappropriate.”

“I don’t think so.” Natsumi disagreed. “I know Tsukiko’s training today, but…”

“Oh, you do not want us old relics here amongst you youngsters.” the Prince chuckled. “Besides, I much prefer a quiet mug of tea amidst the cypress. No, I thank you for the offer, yet… simply extend kindness to Tsukiko-sama when next you meet and that will please me enough.”

“That is hardly an imposition.” Daiyu shook her head. “After all, we are sisters, closer than those bound by blood. For we are bound by so much more.” Her black gaze took in Emperor Ojin, her unreadable expression perfectly clear to me, her distrust of him evident. “Tsukiko will always be welcome.”

“Then I am relieved. Come, Emperor, I shall escort you back, as is proper. Tarōbō…” He bowed to the Tengu in farewell, before leading them off, and as we watched them go, Kana let out a long breath.

“Yeah, it was tense out here. If it wasn’t for everyone’s thoughts, I might have been chewing my nails in worry. And nobody wants to see me with unsightly, ragged nails!”

“I think that our perspective is rather different…” Bell agreed. “…but yes, that Emperor has quite the presence. He would make a good ally, but a bad enemy, I think.”

“But that shouldn’t be a problem. After all, you’re marrying into the family he treasures, aren’t you?” Teare added. “Fortunate her!”

“Yes.” I agreed. “It’s just his ways of doing things are rather archaic, from back when the Imperial Family was still seen as Divine. I know we’ve repealed the Humanity Declaration, but I think the true beliefs of old are gone, eroded by that and also by science and the broader cultural shift of Japan. Anyway…” I glanced up at the peak. “Tarōbō, shall we get this done? I’m eager to relax after the tense negotiations.”

“Indeed.” The Tengu nodded, gold-inlayed crimson mask catching the light from the fires and fireworks from high above. “The denizens of the mountain await the blessed news.”

And with that, we began to climb towards the summit, chatting and laughing happily with each other, the tension of the day having faded…

***

“You know, that was quite the spectacle.” Kana giggled, face as red as the cloth of her hakama, as she leaned against me. She’d won one of the games of rock-paper-scissors, whereas on my other side sat Haanōbō, winner of the second. I was a little surprised she took part, but then, she does have a very competitive nature, I remember that from our first trip to Mount Atago, when she competed in more trials, even after winning the right to participate via the boar hunt.

“All those Tengu flying in formation through the fireworks, then landing and bowing.” She laughed again, brown eyes sparkling, as she remembered. “Watching you, Aiko-chan, Haanōbō and even Arangbō…” The big Tengu raised his massive mug of beer at that, before taking a sizeable gulp under his mask. “…performing. Though I wish you didn’t pick us to model your ability, Aiko-chan!”

“I’ve been thinking about this for a while, but drop the -chan, Kana. And I’ll do the same. I sometimes struggle with what distance to use with you all, but…” She eyed Motoko, Natsumi and Daiyu too. “I’m going to close the gap. If everyone doesn’t mind?”

“No. I have no objections, obviously.” Daiyu shrugged. We had called over Ling, who was exhausted but still able to send the Tengu and Elves to the Material after a top-up, her Skills improving with the heavy use we’d been putting her too, and Shiro’s lingering buffs, and then we’d hit the Pontocho river area, checking out the high-end bars and delightful views across the lantern-lit Kamo rive. Even now, we were in our private room which I’d secured without too much effort, the proprietor merely asking for a signed photo of me (and the others, though they were not as well known, he recognised they’d be famous in the future, surely) and a modest assurance we’d spend enough to make it worth his while.

That’s no problem. Arangbō alone is downing alcohol like he’s been sober for a century, and Tarōbō has quite the appetite too, and is sampling the delicacies his mountain can’t provide. Motoko was also eating well, ignoring Arangbō’s gentle teasing, and my sis was enjoying drinking without father butting in. So yeah, we may have occupied a room meant for up to thirty or forty people, ordinarily, but I think the owner will sleep well tonight, wallet full…

“I was not one for endearments, even back in my Sect. Yes, some called me Daiyu’er, but I disdained any nicknames such as Yuyu or Daidai. In fact…” her slight smile was a little ashamed now. “…I did leave several young men rather battered and bruised after they annoyed me with such.”

“They just wanted to get closer to you, obviously.” Kana laughed, before agreeing with my sis. “I struggle too, you know? It’s easy with Shaeula or Hyacinth, and even Shiro. Nicknames feel less personal, and Fae don’t care. But… yeah. You’re right, Aiko. I do see you as someone close to me. A sister. Maybe we should find an arcade, take some purikura to celebrate this realisation?” She winked teasingly, pretending not to see how my sis was now redder than Kana. “Akio can come too, we’ll get some wonderful shots together.”

“I’ll pass, thanks.” My sis covered her shame with a drink, and Motoko was next to agree.

“For us, decorum and manners are vital, and we must always be mindful. But yes, you are our precious sister, Aiko, so I hardly mind. Call me Motoko too. I always wanted a sister, not a brother. Natsumi took that place in my heart, but I now have so many. I am content.”

“I’m fine, as you can imagine.” Natsumi tittered. “Always trying to be a good daughter, a good bodyguard, a good noble. Now I just want to be a good wife, and as my sister-in-law, I want us to be as close as we can be! Let me wash your back later, Aiko!”

“Wow!” my sis giggled, a touch nervously. “Quite the jump in difficulty there, Natsumi. Anyway…” she coughed. “…I’ve a question. Why were you bothered, Kana? You all looked awesome as Crimson Sisters!”

“Maybe so, but… oh, forget it. It’s over now.” Kana chuckled. “Anyway, everyone was great. Haanōbō’s icy sculpture, Arangbō’s tree that rose from the rock, Akio’s flames, obviously, but…” She gazed at Tarōbō, predatory gleam in her eyes. “…even you showed off. And you know what… I think you’ve got a wonderful talent for construction work. Give me a hand, and we can surely connect up the underground tunnels to the new estate, and also prepare the underground bunker, warehouse and submarine dock. In fact…” Kana sighed. “…I’m going to miss Pilgrimage tomorrow. I could really use the help. A shame, I kind of wanted to see the crazy ninja village.”

“You can. There should be time yet.” I suggested, and Kana shook her head.

“Nope. It’s not up to me to spoil anyone else’s surprises, but trust me, got to put the finishing touches on sharpish. Luckily, I’ve surely maxed out Kami-Blessed as a Class.” I nodded, confirming that, and she smiled wickedly. “Makes sense, otherwise I’d really be having words with Shirohebi. Oh, where was I?”

She stared up into my eyes from right by my shoulder. “Oh yes, I don’t want to miss the final dedication at the Tengokusentou, apparently it’s going to be special.” Motoko and Natsumi nodded knowingly at that. “…so tomorrow it is. But it sure would go faster and easier with you helping out, Tarōbō. Even if you vanish back to the Material quickly, with your earth mastery, you could dig, and I’ll do the finishing.”

The old Tengu seemed troubled. “I can ill-afford to leave the mountain…” he then paused, shocked to silence, as were we all, as beside me, Haanōbō reached up and took off her crimson, long-nosed mask.

She shook her head, letting her violet hair cascade out behind her, many of the strands falling over my shoulder. Seeing everyone’s stunned appearances, she smiled, and that amplified her unusual beauty, bringing her aquiline nose and slightly slanted, almond-shaped eyes into harmony. “What is to fear? We are all… family… here. And they upheld our customs upon the mountain and shall continue to do so. So I have no… shame… in following theirs”

I nodded. My sis and I had doffed our masks, but we kept them in our spatial storage and would indeed wear them when we did our duties upon the mountain.

“Actually…” Teare raised one hand, embarrassed. “…we’re not…”

“But you wish to be.” Haanōbō shook her head. “And you are trusted allies of Akio here.” She turned her gaze on Aiko, before reaching out and sliding her the half-empty bottle of sweet sake she had been drinking. “Try this, sister West. It might suit your palate.”

“Wow, thanks!” my sis replied loudly, touched. Taking a swig from the bottle, ignoring my exasperated gaze, she grinned. “Yeah, it’s nice. You know, I’ve always had Eri as a sister, so I’ve never really pined for one, but… this isn’t so bad.” She then rolled her eyes at me. “I’m still a little… jealous isn’t the right word… oh wow, maybe… frustrated… that you’re picking up more sisters, but Eri says I have it coming, and…” She glanced over at Tsurugi. Obviously nobody had the heart to make her compete for me, so while Kana and Haanōbō took my sides, Tsurugi, in her Tsukumogami form, was sitting on my lap, enjoying sweet fruit juices and endless desserts.

Wait, her face is dirty. I reached out and cleaned some cream from around her mouth as she squirmed happily, while my sister continued.

“You’ve got a lot of love, be that fatherly, or brotherly, I guess. Besides. Love is love, isn’t it?”

“Well said!” Bell approved. “Honestly, it has been rather fascinating, talking to so many mortals. The Court has been away from this world for so long. Much we see as ordinary, as common sense, differs from yours. For example, love between those you consider family. It is not commonplace, but nobody would make much fuss.”

“Except Duke Vulpatrius, of the foxkin.” Teare shook her head a little drunkenly. She and Bell had let loose this night, happy to be included, and also to have my promise (which I would keep this time, circumstances be damned) of a jaunt through the Fae Realms with them when the press of events wasn’t so intense. “It’s not like anyone would complain if two sisters love each other, or a father and his…” She snorted, her blue eyes a little unfocused. “I know you mortals find that taboo and unpleasant. We Elves are similar in that regard, perhaps as we are not as many of the other Fae are. It seldom happens with us. But… the Duke takes it to ludicrous extremes, with his sister-wives and his daughter-wives. Keeping it in the family.”

“Fortunately, Way-Captain Talaisha has been spared such a fate. She is far too good for him. Cheers!” Bell raised her glass, and Teare, hiccupping a little, clinked hers against it and they drank deeply. When done, she burped cutely, flushing, covering her mouth a little, before shrugging.

“Our point… did we have a point, Bell? Oh, yes… is that love is indeed love. And we find yours rather touching, Aiko. So we want to aid you!”

“Don’t get the wrong idea. Everyone always does.” My sis puffed out her cheeks. “Besides, I’m… never mind. I just want to support Haanōbō, and all those my bro chooses, however he chooses them. Is that so wrong?”

“It is not.” Motoko agreed, having cleared another plate. “Our family is… unconventional, even by the standards up the higher nobility. We do what works for us.”

“To that end…” Aiko declared. “Get your masks off, bigger bro Tengu, new father Tengu. Don’t let Haanōbō show you up! Though it’s always us women who have to take charge!”

The two of them exchanged glances, before Tarōbō shook his head. “I am too old for such, and… I do not hide my face out of shame, but out of… solidarity. My old visage will put you off your revelry. But you, my son…”

“I get it. I suppose…” Arangbō hefted another large mug. “…it would be easier to quaff this fine booze.” He removed his mask, revealing a bearded, oddly handsome face, again with a long, hawkish nose, and brownish eyes which shaded to yellow in parts.

“Hey, you’re all right, bigger bro Tengu.” my sis giggled. “Nothing to be ashamed of at all.”

“You are mistaken. If you had a face of a crow, with a mighty beak, would you not be mortified to face your fellow humans, no matter how handsome it may seem to we Tengu?”

“You’ve got me there.” my sis shrugged. “Though…” She crinkled her blue eyes as she glanced at me. “You’d still say I was cute, wouldn’t you bro?”

“Is this a test?” I chuckled, one hand rubbing Tsurugi’s head, the other patting Kana’s, as she nuzzled me drunkenly, being oddly affectionate tonight. Seeing I had my hands full, Haanōbō picked up my glass and ferried it to my mouth. I took a sip, nodding my thanks, and she averted her eyes, face slightly pink, before returning my gesture, head dipping briefly.

“If so…” I answered. “…it’s not a challenging one. I like my dear little sis sapphire the best the way she is now, but… whatever you do in the future, or however you want to love… I’ve always got your back. You know that, don’t you sis? I made that plain on Christmas Eve.”

“I do.” she nodded, smiling at Haanōbō, though her face was once moe flushed. “And what about dear big sis chrysoberyl?” Haanōbō also blushed at her teasing, remembering when she’d declared that, not realising it was a teasing joke nickname. “Do you like her fine the way she is, bro, or… do you think about more?”

The room suddenly fell silent, and I daresay if a single hair dropped to the ground, it would be audible. Nobody was even breathing, and Haanōbō had frozen, glass held before my face. Yeah, I knew this was coming.

“Honestly… I don’t know. And I’m not trying to avoid answering or being dense deliberately. Those days are done.” Yes, I certainly don’t have the leeway for such anymore. “I guess I’ve pushed my way into being your brother in truth, Haanōbō, and… I’m invested in seeing you happy. I think… that’s answer enough, isn’t it?”

Haanōbō blinked, coming back to life, and pushed the glass to my lips. I took a swig, and instead of placing it back down on the table, she brought it to her own mouth, ignoring Kana’s giggles, and drained the rest of it. Red-faced, she placed it down, then leaned her forehead against mine, her long nose touching me.

“It is.” Haanōbō agreed, breath tickling me. “I know… little of mortal ways. And you are indeed my brother in truth, if not in blood, Summer South. I… accept you. and your care for me. I too…” She then tilted her head back, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling one-way windows which looked out over the river, where small pleasure cruisers were passing by, laden with revellers despite the winter chill, paper lanterns and floodlights glittering under the dark, cloudy skies.

“…I too do not believe haste is appropriate. I am Winter, slow, cold and hard to thaw, but… you are the sun of Summer.”

“That was rather poetic.” Daiyu grinned, talking to Chen Na rapidly in Chinese. Haru, who had been silent for a bit, enjoying the relaxing time drinking without needing to follow the Nomikai, the formal Japanese tradition of after work drinks, where the junior staffers had to cater to the more senior bosses, and couldn’t leave, even when blackout drunk, until the bosses did, merely smiled knowingly. Me, I was the easy-going sort, and so long as everyone had fun, they could go at their own pace, or even not at all.

True. Haru’s voice sounded, a private conversation. Obviously it’s not the problem it used to be, I don’t really get drunk unless I want to. But I’m no longer forced to stop out until I’m dead tired, or wishing I was dead. Though to be honest, I had it easier than most, once I was in daddy’s department. Nobody was going to push me, lest they got on his bad side. Anyway… her smile turned inquisitive. …mask off, Haanōbō’s quite the beauty. And the wings are exotic. You can be honest, you imagine it, don’t you?

I was stunned by her words. You… don’t have to talk about this, you know…

I’m not made of glass, Akio. I’m still wary of men, but… I’ve been soaked in my own Light more than enough, and you were right, strength is an assurance, a soothing balm. If I let one terrible, awful experience destroy my happiness, he… he wins. So… She took a sip of her whiskey contemplatively. …you don’t have to feel guilty about the lewd mess that your thoughts are. It’s not like I’m an idiot. I knew what happens between men and women even before that. Hell, even middle-schoolers are taught that in sex-ed.

Yes, but…

But nothing. Anyway, you’re an open book to me, for good or for ill. I’m just doing what a good underling should and helping you gather your thoughts. I… I like her, you know? She’s stubborn and prideful, but she’s also kind and oddly charming. Not a sister who’d shame you, for sure. Not that Aiko-chan’s a bad girl either, just… complicated.

Hey, you… haven’t been peering in her mind, have you?

If so, I’d never tell. All I will say is, at least she’s not as bad as some. Watch yourself. There are only two days left, and at the Tengokusentou, I don’t even think she’d dare, so… just… don’t be a sucker, okay? Hard as that is for you. I’d much rather you spent some quality time with your sisters, or Kana-chan, or even the two pitiful Elves…

Uh, you can come out and tell me, you know…

Nope. As your underling and Vassal I certainly should, but, as a woman, and as your friend… I just want to see if you’ve learned anything these last few weeks.

Wow, harsh! I deliberately toned my thoughts to sound like Aiko, getting a mental laugh from Haru, who raised her glass to me. My hands full, Haanōbō poured me fresh liqueur, but she was beaten to it by Kana, who pushed her glass to my lips. I drank, her fruity, light sake refreshing, and her cheeks glowed as she whispered to me that it was an indirect kiss.

“What are you, ten?” I whispered back, and she tittered happily.

“Oh, I’m just happy to enjoy all the cliches. Yeah, few girls my age care about it now, but when I pretend I do, it’s a little thrilling.” I sipped from Haanōbō’s proffered glass, and Kana’s, and soon the Elves had started forcing me to drink from their glasses and mugs. Motoko, Natsumi, and even Daiyu joined in, and after a glance from Haanōbō, my sis sighed.

“Here you go, bro. But don’t be too thrilled, I wiped the rim. You’ve had your indirect sister kiss today, and it isn’t from me!”

I sipped at her offered drink, and even Tsurugi, giggling, made me drink some of her fruit juice.

“Yeah, I don’t want one from you, sis.”

“Yeah, kissing his sister sure would be a pretty picture, don’t you think Aiko?” Kana teased, and my sis rolled her eyes, looking away.

“My bro’s a greedy guy. Half measures wouldn’t satisfy him anyway.” She sat back down, admiring the spectacular views. “Hey, not to change the subject…”

“Retreat is indeed the better decision when outclassed…”  Motoko made a rare joke, tipsy herself.

“Yeah, well my bro’s an opponent I wouldn’t take on. From what I gather, being a Direction is stronger than being blood siblings, at least to you Tengu?”

Tarōbō agreed. “Yes. You are both truly my children now, and the Divine Yellow Dragon and the Symbolic Guardians have borne witness.”

“My point exactly. So yeah… as I was saying… the Lost Droplet. What do you think it is?”

Daiyu shrugged. “I do not know, but I know this. While Akio was receiving Xuánwǔ’s aid…” she used the Chinese name for Genbu. “…I felt it too. The impossibly dense, solid bead of water both grew and loosened a little, becoming slightly malleable. I still cannot fathom it, but… it is indeed still one water, even separated.”

I agreed. “Yeah, Connection. I even wonder if it links back to the upper Astral. But with my newfound strength, and with Shiro’s buffs at maximum, I’ve got a chance of unravelling it. But… let’s get Pilgrimage done first, okay?” I turned to Tarōbō. “I think it would be a great idea to help out Kana if you can. And who knows, you might even grow stronger. Grulgor and Kana surely have.”

“Yeah, no question.” Kana agreed. “My control of the Earthen Womb is so precise now. It surely wasn’t intended for construction, and in battle, yeah, you’ve got to be accurate, don’t want to swallow up your allies along with your enemies, but… I’m using it on the centimetre scale, sometimes even down to the millimetre. Gives me a headache…” She tilted her head cutely at me, narrowing her eyes, and I chuckled, kissing her forehead, and she smiled in pleasure. “…but when I think how even though it exhausts me, I can prove I’m a better person than I was yesterday through it… I’m happy.”

“You’re a good enough person already, Kana.” Natsumi insisted. “Don’t put yourself down.”

“Oh, I know I’m shallow and selfish. But… I’m also honest.” Kana’s eyes begged for another treat, so my lips touched her forehead again. “And honestly… I like myself a lot more now. Of course… I like all of you too. And Akio, of course.” She leaned in and kissed me, on the lips, bold for her, though she didn’t offer her tongue. I felt her soft, tender mouth, and when we parted, she fanned herself with one hand. “Whoa, that was embarrassing. I know there are only family, and those yet to be that, here… but it’s still shocking to me.”

“I think we’ve wandered off the subject.” my sis insisted. “Though yeah, you were bold, Kana. Good job. My bro’s, even now, a bit dense. Best to make it clear to him.”

“Yes, I’ll print him a picture.” Kana retorted playfully, and my sis sighed.

“You do know that won’t work on me, Kana?”

“Maybe so. I admire your boldness, which kind of amazes me. Everything’s different now. The world we knew before… things that were strange, or troublesome, or even weird… don’t seem to matter so much. After all…” Kana gestured with her free arm. “…I’m here in an expensive bar in Kyoto, drinking with Tengu, who are kind of related to me now, and Elves…”

“Ghosts too.” Haru chuckled, and Chen Na nodded her head, wisely staying out of the conversation.

“Yeah, and like… the most famous man in the world, who’s also somehow my boyfriend. And his adorable, energetic sister.”

“Flattery won’t get you a reward, Kana.” my tipsy sis teased. “But I do like it, so keep it coming!”

“I’m afraid I’m all out of compliments. Give me four hundred yen and I’ll slot it in and print some more.”

“Kana, why I ought to…” my sis mock-threatened, and there was more laughter.

Yes, this is nice. In theory, all the troublesome matters are done. I’ll visit Yasaka-san in the morning, then we’ll head off to the remaining southern shrines. I’ll be accompanying Miyu, Michiru-san, Honoka-chan and Kozue-san. But for now…

“Look at the grin on his face, Bell!” Teare was frustrated. “He loves being waited on by Haanōbō. Do you think if we paid Grulgor to bully us, he’d take us as sisters too?”

“I don’t think so.” Bell giggled, imagining that. “Grulgor’s changed. From the stony hammer of Duke Formor to an almost witty fellow. He wouldn’t dare bully a woman now. But…” She grinned at me, her blue eyes holding the steely gaze of a predator. “…a sister isn’t what I’m aiming for.”

“If I may…” Haru clinked her glass with a spoon, drawing our gazes. “I don’t mean to interrupt the fun, and work-life balance is important, especially in what we do, but before the festivities continue, I’d like to firm up the plan.”

“Professional as ever.” Natsumi approved, and Haru nodded.

“Oh, somebody has to be. Akio’s an expert troubleshooter, if there’s danger or a problem he can solve, I wouldn’t ask anyone else, but he’s careless when it comes to the little details that keep everything running smoothly.”

“Guilty as charged.” I admitted, sipping alternatively from Tsurigi’s, Kana’s and Haanōbō’s glasses, as they competed to wait on me. It’s a good job my stats are so absurd, or all this liquid would make me need a piss badly… “That’s why I need you, Haru.”

“I got it recorded.” my sis grinned, playing it back on her phone. “So if you want it, Haru-chan, let me know.”

“I think I’ll pass.” she winked. “If I wanted sweet nothings, I’d just have to ask, he wouldn’t dare say no. It’s wrong to speak ill of the dead, so conversely, you have to say good things, don’t you?”

“Not sure it works like that, but hey, you’re right anyway. My bro really respects you, Haru-chan.”

“Which is embarrassing enough that if I could, I’d blush redder than you are, Aiko-chan.” Haru coughed. “Anyway… Tarōbō, I would also appreciate it if you could partake in the construction. After all…” I knew Haru was best placed to be aware of our ether stocks, as it was all being funnelled to her Silos here in Kyoto. “…I don’t want Kana-chan to suffer all day. We have to get this right in both the Material and the Boundary. We’re never going to be in a position where the Anchor is left carelessly vulnerable again.”

I hung my head in shame at that, and Tsurugi pulled a sad face, patting my head as I often did to her, squirming in my lap, and I smiled, not wanting to upset her.

“I’m okay, just… resenting my old foolishness. Yeah… the plans for security here are intense and will also affect our allied territories. We’re going to be as impregnable as we can make it.”

“Poor choice of words around Kana. She’s from a fertility shrine…” my sis taunted, and Kana flushed.

“Not funny. Is this revenge for my teasing? You’d just be…” Kana mouthed something at my sis, who grimaced.

“Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you want, Kana. You’re the one wearing that golden torc…” Indeed, Kana had it around her throat, and it had even been customised, the main body of it obviously unharmed, but with some added chains and a pendant, it was a very fetching fashion piece. “…and who’ll have to deal with my mom when you get pregnant in one shot.”

“Aiko…” I warned. “Don’t be crude.”

At that my sis pulled down her eyelid with one finger and stuck out her tongue at me, the classic, cheeky akanbe gesture.

“Hey, just saying what we’re all thinking. And you know mom’s going to be a pain. Asha’s calm and can take it, but Kana…”

“Your grades are good enough to know that we need to do it to get pregnant.” Kana retorted, and my sis rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, and you’re resisting well, Kana, better than I imagine most would. But it’s only a matter of time.”

“I’ll use protection. Condoms, like three of them.” I lightened the mood at my expense, and there was indeed laughter.

“Yes, well… very funny. My point is, can you help, Tarōbō? And Tengu skilled in earth element can assist in the Boundary too. Moving them to the Material, unless they are greatly skilled, will probably overtax Ling, so…” Haru asked again.

“Very well.” Tarōbō agreed, after glancing at his son and daughter, maskless, drunk and enjoying the company without any fear or disgust in our eyes. “I am loathe to leave the mountain, yet… if it remains protected…”

“It’ll be more protected when this is done.” Haru promised. “Soon we’ll have cash to burn on luxuries and long delayed infrastructure builds. Now, onto the next matter…”

Haru ran us through other pressing issues, and once that was done, the party continued, and I ended up playing drinking games with Arangbō and Haanōbō, which left the purple-haired Tengu shockingly drunk, even with her decent stats, and lying in my lap, half-asleep. The rest of us played cards, winning and losing favours, though far more modest in scope than the boar hunt promise, and the owner even brought out a karaoke machine he had in a storeroom, and the girls sung, Motoko and Natsumi doing a duet of classic Japanese songs, and Kana a more racy idol number, which I recognised from Red and White. Even Daiyu got in on the fun, and she had a surprisingly excellent singing voice, her command of pitch and tone perfect.

Bell and Teare also could sing beautifully, though they didn’t know the songs and so made many mistakes, and after penalty glasses of booze they too were basically drooling yet cute messes, and Haru and Chen Na even joined in too at the end. After the girls partied themselves out, Tsurugi having returned to her sword form, sleepy, Haru sat down beside me, a fond smile on her face.

“You’re very paternal. Or I suppose I should say brotherly, in your case.”

“It’s fine. She’s had a lot of stress on her shoulders.” I explained fondly, as I gently stroked Haanōbō’s long hair, the silky softness like the finest of fabrics. “After all, you can’t fly free if you’re carrying all that weight.”

“You… understand her well. How, I do not comprehend…” Tarōbō spoke oddly softly, his golden eyes pensive. “I perhaps never did. Nor did I understand… Fungbō.”

“Fathers never understand their daughters fully. My daddy didn’t get it when I was suffering.” Haru also spoke with an almost reverent quiet. “I don’t blame him, how could he have grasped this? I daresay your father doesn’t understand Aiko-chan either.”

“I don’t know about that. My sister is oddly easy to grasp.” I muttered, earning a wry roll of Haru’s eyes.

“If you say so. But… and I hate to generalise, I know all women are different, yet… Tarōbō, it’s a great thing, and a reassuring one, for a woman to have someone strong to rely on, who… who won’t betray, no matter what. You carry a heavy weight too, I know… the mountain, the Flame, the hidden sins of the Kami and the Yōkai… but even so, Akio, if Haanōbō fails you in battle, if your Territory suffers critical damage due to her blunder… what then?”

“I’d be distraught, so much effort wasted, potentially lives lost, but…” I gazed down at her, her eyes mostly shut, her breathing even and slow, the rise and fall of her chest. “…I’d know she tried her best, and… how can I blame her for not being up to the task? At the end of the day, it’s nobody’s failure but mine. After all, the buck stops with me, as Buck Kelly might say. That’s why we play hard, but you also made sure we are ready to proceed for the last two days, Haru. Hey, it’s actually later than I thought.” I caught sight of my watch as I stroked Haanōbō’s hair. “We’d better wrap this up.”

“There is your answer, Tarōbō. You don’t need to understand. Just support your children better this time. However they need it.” 

“I will not gainsay their choice, nor make it for them.” Tarōbō promised Haru. “Instead… I shall help build something they, and we, can be proud of. For if all we do is protect what we hold, we shall never grow.”

“Well said.” I approved. “Sorry…” I muttered to Haanōbō, letting Chirurgery purge the frankly ludicrous amount of alcohol from her body, and she blinked guilelessly at me, long violet lashes very cute. “Party’s over, we’ve got to be leaving in a few hours. I’ll fix everyone’s drunkenness, and then we can catch an hour or two of sleep if you want…”

As everyone agreed, though Kana and my sis were somewhat regretful the fun was over, I reflected on the fact that the proprietor here definitely made his money’s worth from us tonight, and also… It’s the penultimate day of Pilgrimage. The long days of stress are almost over. And… by Kana’s urgency, Haru’s too… it seems like Rank Four could be any hour now…