On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As I met up with Uncle Daimon and his Onmyōji followers, as well as the three Regalia in their Tsukumogami forms, Yukiko following me alongside Magatama, I pondered the strange system message I’d received from my Eyes. From Yggdrasil, I suppose…

Your nascent, imperfect and rather unexpected Sparking of an external, yet still intrinsic, Divine Flame, has dispersed, the energies lost and reabsorbed. To lose one’s Divine Flame is to suffer catastrophic collapse of one’s Spirit and take significant backlash to your Vessel and even your Truesoul, yet somehow this… external… Flame was bound only by Connection, and Connections are not chains, but Bonds, at least in the Path you have chosen to walk.

You have Twisted together the Strands of possibility and Woven together this unlikely confluence of Wisdom on the loom of those who are watching and Adhering to your untravelled Path, believing that you can overcome impossible odds and Sever all Misfortune that dogs your Path, and the Path of those walking beside you. For Connections and Bonds are fluid, and a gift or treasure that cannot be discarded is no gift at all, but a shackle, a binding.

You have a renewed ability to process Adherence, and it does not infringe upon the Path of Faith from whence this wellspring of Power comes from. You have attracted the interest of those who look down from upon high, yet remember, Wisdom abhors risk, craves certainty, and you are yet pitifully weak to be treading such dangerous Paths. Not all Eyes are friendly, and while being observed is being recognised, which comes with inherent benefits, a titan may admire the tiny bugs below, but they can also crush them without hesitation when the need arises, or simply when the pleasure of observation wanes.

Yeah, I understand some of it, but the wording seems… rather more personal than others. I know it seems that more personality has been creeping into the messages of my Eyes, but this one seems… excessive. As if something has changed…

Despite that, what was done couldn’t be changed, and I’d gained a lot of insights into how Divine Flames were Sparked into being, and also about how to operate certain spiritual organs remotely, which was exactly what I needed right now. Of course, the benefits of better processing of adherence isn’t small, but a way that doesn’t follow another Path… that could be a blessing or a bane, only time will tell…

“That reminds me, how’s Christina?” I asked Uncle Daimon, who stroked his long beard, a smile on his face.

“What reminds you? Oh, the scientist woman? She is not in a particularly healthy state. She puzzles me quite a bit, you know. Still, we Onmyōji are no strangers to risky endeavours. And I am of course privy to the reports from the Imperial Household which come to the Onmyōdō Bureau. A dangerous woman she most certainly is. But then…” He raised a hand and a small, feeble vine rose from the ground, which then was engulfed in a bright blaze, burning away and then the ground rose, dirt scattering, before that condensed into metal, which gathered water, and all of it dispersed, revealing a small bud, several green leaves waving, where the original vine had been. “…all knowledge is. How exhausting.”

He mopped at his suddenly sweaty brow, though couldn’t resist a smile, appearing younger than his age. “To use Wuxing Five Element Arts is taxing when one doesn’t have the full set of affinities. Still, it is one of the founding principles of Onmyōdō. Oh, I have strayed from the point. Your maid came and with that dreadful centipede, which matches the description of a Spiritual Beast, from the oldest Bureau records… and it bit her exposed flesh, injecting venom. Strangely enough, despite it clearly being obscenely agonising, your scientist woman perked up a little, and could even walk with support from the maid.”

“I see. Yeah, it’s a fairly horrifying creature, but the venom can allow one to ignore even fatal injuries somewhat, so I suppose it’s not unexpected for Hyacinth to come up with such a use for it.”

“You know, everyone says Christina Bakker is so terrifying, but it’s Hyacinth who they should fear.” Yukiko sighed, though her tone wasn’t unkind, and her smile was fond.

“Just what I was thinking…” I agreed, only for Tsurugi to rush over, cheeks puffed out in an adorable pout, and grab my hand tightly.

“Father, are you done talking to this old man? I missed you!”

“Old?” Uncle Daimon remarked mildly, while his fellow Onmyōji smiled.

“It’s fine. I’m here now.” I patted her head with my free hand, and she snuggled up against me like a stray cat, rubbing her head on my side. Seeing that, Yata and Magatama exchanged wry glances, before Magatama came over and grasped Tsurugi’s other hand.

“There’s no need for worry, Tsurugi. Our father isn’t going away, not again. But he has things to do. You would only be bored.”

“That’s… true.” Tsurugi conceded, and as she pulled away from me a little, Magatama embraced her, pushing her head into her large cleavage, and Tsurugi flailed, though the motherly gesture seemed to comfort her.

“Speaking of matters to attend to…” Yata turned, her glittering golden eyes wise. “…I can tell you have grown far stronger, and closer to the Sun, mother. Or perhaps should I call you Imperial Princess?”

“I’d honestly prefer something else…” Yukiko was embarrassed, tugging idly at her long brown braid, the motions soothing her nervous mind. “…but I suppose if Akio is your father then in a way I am your mother. I agree with Akio though…” She glanced at me, a slight smile twitching her lips. “…for Tsurugi, it’s fine, as she’s got that younger child vibe, but for you and especially Magatama… sister would fit better. But I understand, we awoke you, so…”

“We will try.” Yata promised. “But… I believe it is similar to imprinting, is it not? You were both there when we awoke, and you carry the blood of the Sun we lost, no, which was wrested from us.”

Uncle Daimon was listening closely, and as Yata continued I could see he was deciding on what to say.

“And now the Sun is bright within you. And you… father…” Yata’s eyes seemed to reflect mine, and what was within me. “…you have touched the Sun, used the Sun, tamed the Sun, yet you are not of the sun. Tsurugi… what are your thoughts?”

“Father and first mother feel warm, like the heat I… remember?” She tilted her head, still pillowed on Magatama’s ample cushions, rather confused. “I don’t need to follow the Sun, not anymore, I want to stay with father, with first mother, with all the mothers. But… I still love the Sun, I… know that?”

“I agree.” Magatama’s tone was soft as she smiled down at Tsurugi, her sister and fellow Regalia. “I am not beholden to the Sun which set, plunging us into endless, lonely darkness. But I cherish the warmth. The Sun seems eternal, rising and falling with the endless march of days, but… when the Sun has set, perhaps it is not impossible for it to vanish, and a new one to be born from a fresh flame.”

“They have spoken. To me, Wisdom is knowing what can be changed, what cannot be changed, and what must be changed, despite change seeming impossible. We all accept the change, and are happier for it.” She bowed to Uncle Daimon. “So your long care over us has ended. We are awake, and we are happy to be used. But only by those we choose now. The Sun is warm, we still love it, despite everything, but I reflect a need not to allow the mistakes of the past, the betrayals, to happen again.”

“They won’t. I promise you that.” Yukiko shed her nervousness, before gripping my free hand, tentatively at first, but then with more confidence. “After all, I represent the Imperial Family, represent Amaterasu, represent your Sun. And if I falter, if I get scared, if I make mistakes… I have my own Sun. Or perhaps in this case, I should say, like the myths, I have my Moon.”

“At least he is not your brother, Princess.” Uncle Daimon chuckled.

“That’s gross.” Yukiko stuck out her tongue, unhappy at his quip. “I know that Amaterasu supposedly married her brother Tsukuyomi, but I couldn’t do that. Not with my brother…” She paused, and her grip tightened on mine, as she looked away, her cheeks crimson. “I don’t judge though. How can I? The Gods don’t. It’s just… well, you’ve met my brother, Akio. Don’t let my words seem an accusation.”

This again, huh? “I get that it’s an amusing situation, but my sis was just being misunderstood. It was about the fear of being left out, left behind. After all, she’s always been popular, but also always distant. Friendly, yet superficial. Eri and I were her world. So it’s natural. But now she’s pushing ahead, to stand beside us, and… she’s got new friends in you all. So she’s finally doing better. You saw her tame the Sun too, didn’t you?”

“Yes, I get that. And I did see it, and was very impressed. But if you think about misunderstandings… oh, never mind.” Yukiko shook her head. “I’m happy with the Moon I’ve found, Uncle, so please stop with the jokes. You know I’m not good with such humour.”

“Yes, though it seems you are blossoming, like chrysanthemums under the summer sun. Now, tell me all about it. If the noble Yata no Kagami of Wisdom is impressed, I expect to be.”

Chairs were brought out, and we all sat down, Yukiko next to me, Magatama next to her. Tsurugi sat on my lap, squirming playfully, and Yata was on my other side. Across from us were the three Onmyōji, and I prefaced out tale with praise for Yukiko. “I don’t want you to think that it wasn’t due to her own efforts. I merely helped… refine the fuel that Amaterasu and the Gods and Goddesses of Japan left for us.”

“Akio’s being far too modest, it’s a flaw Hinata wants him to work on.” Yukiko conceded, before squeezing my hand she still held. “Me, I don’t hate it. I like my Moon to be confident, but not arrogant.”

“Flirting, Princess? You have grown up. Or at least fallen in love.” Uncle Daimon was like a proud grandfather. “So, regardless of who earns the praise, tell me of it. Of how you have truly embodied the sun.”

I’ll let Yukiko explain it. It will do her good to be the centre of attention. After all, she can’t be the shy Imperial Princess who avoids the limelight forever…

***

“Fascinating. But I would expect no less from the Priestess of Ise, and the man who has managed to shape the disparate three factions of the faiths of Japan into a reasonably united whole, as well as brought on the stubborn nobility, and made inroads into the Imperial Family, combining the three pillars which uphold the land.” Uncle Daimon praised.

“Father is awesome! Anyone who doesn’t listen and betrays him… I’ll cut them! Be it the stormy clouds, lightning, or our enemies, there’s nothing I can’t cut! And I’ll do it for father without question!” Tsurugi puffed out her small chest in pride, and Yukiko giggled charmingly, hiding her mouth behind her free hand.

“I know, he’s great, isn’t he?”

I don’t know why you’re gushing over me. Well, I do, but… you’re the Imperial Princess I’ve ‘made inroads’ with, the way Uncle Daimon put it. You have a right to be conflicted about that.

“Father’s being silly again.” Yukiko chuckled to Tsurugi, glancing at me with pink cheeks, her brown eyes hidden behind her red-framed, fashionable glasses glimmering with amusement. “I’m not worried. If our Family is meant to rule, due to the grace of Amaterasu, then it’ll happen, whatever we do. But… we’ve changed. Since the Humanity Declaration. Now… the people are Japan. So long as the citizens and our traditions endure, Japan exists. And the Gods will have their due. But it does rather seem like we’re cleaning up their mess. Adherence… it’s a weapon.”

“Yes. So it seems.” Uncle Daimon agreed. “And the wise do not leave their weapons unattended, where anyone might put them to use, and worse, turn them against their rightful owners. Still…” He stroked his beard, exchanging glances with Yin Master Eishun and Yang Master Masabumi. They seemed ill at ease, and I believed I understood why.

We had explained the process of tapping the adherence of Amaterasu, though I’d left out about the Divine Flame I’d kindled, due to the risks and the information being… problematic. Yukiko had talked mostly about the success of others, such as my sis, Hinata and even Ren-kun, so I’d had to take over to praise her suitably, and also answer technical questions the three Onmyōji asked, and their understanding, while focussed on a different system, was significantly more advanced than most other Chosen I’d met, due to their historical records and learning. On a par with Daiyu’s, certainly, and more complete in some areas, though less comprehensive when it comes to honing the spiritual body…

“…using such power is not a decision we would have made, considering we serve the Imperial Family. Even if it was the wiser course.”

“I’m Priestess of Ise. It was my decision.” Yukiko insisted firmly. “I allowed it, and I’ll answer for it, if one day Amaterasu complains. Better we grow stronger now. I know Akio well enough…” Her hand squeezed again, and her smile, though a little lopsided, was greatly cute. “…to know that the earlier we can make the small gains, the quicker he’ll find a way to snowball it stupidly, until everyone’s common sense, even Tan’s, or the Valkyries I have only heard of, is shattered. Besides, Tsukiko says she’ll speak to Tsukuyomi next time she sees him in a dream or vision. And she won’t allow him to say I did the wrong thing. Really, she’s changed so much. To stand up to the Gods…”

“Oh, the noble Lady Diviner. Or lady Matsumuro-sama, I suppose we can freely say now.” Uncle Daimon mused. “Yes, it seems change has come to all. I merely hope such winds of change are not wintry ones.”

“Don’t bully father!” Tsurugi pouted angrily, fixing him with a pale gaze. “It belongs to first mother, not you, not the Sun!”

“Indeed.” Yata agreed. “None can own the light shed by that which illuminates our world once it has left the sun. Not even that star itself.”

“If I may?” Magatama spoke gently, once more the calming peacemaker of the group. I’m… a bit worried over talking about the Kamuy with her, but… soon. She’s owed that, I think. But Mae should be present.

“In the Edo period, if treasure was left unclaimed and abandoned for one shōnotsuki and one dainotsuki, two months, small and large, as you would term them now, then those who took such abandoned trinkets would not be classed as thieves or brigands. After all, every man and every woman has the duty to care for their treasures, and the obligation to protect them. Nothing that is not truly loved and cared for will ever spark a Tsukumogami, after all.”

Yata agreed. “Wisdom decrees that strength now, when the unknown looms, is better than fruitless piety and respect. It is as our other mother says. Petition the Gods for understanding, but if they do not, it is too late to do anything but apologise.”

“Better to earn forgiveness than permission, hmm?” Uncle Daimon spoke at last. “In that case, I have little more to say. You… are satisfied then?”

“Greatly. I have much new Wisdom to learn and reflect, but… I have those I wish to impart such too.” Yata agreed.

“Of course I am!” Tsurugi cried, offended. “Father and all the mothers love me, and not just because I can cut, but because I’m me. I’m treated not as a sword, but… as myself!”

I nodded at her weighty, yet poignant words. It was very important we never saw the Regalia as mere tools, doing that would make us as pathetic and unpleasant as Gorohito.

“As for my thoughts… it is good to be busy. And my work brings light to the world.” Magatama’s smile, her black eyes sparkling, as if a flame burned within, was as warm as those hidden fires. “I am accumulating power, and it will expand our world, protect many, light a hearth…” She paused, her face suddenly expressionless, her eyes distant, as if struggling to remember something, before her efforts seemed to be in vain, and her smile returned. “…that will warm many, all who shelter under our growing roof. I am well satisfied. We were reborn from the darkness, and can see the Sun again. A different Sun, but it is just as warm, and far kinder. I can’t complain, nor do I have cause to. So long as we three Regalia can fulfil our purpose, and… can find joy, I am content.”

“Don’t worry!” Yukiko promised, her brown eyes damp. “I’ll make sure of that. I’m grateful you allow us to wield you all. And…” She turned her gaze upon me, her smile fond. “…you’ve said it so many times, haven’t you, Akio? Be you an ordinary human, a Chosen, a Fae, Yōkai, spirit or even a God… so long as you’re not causing troubles for others, you’ll be welcome and treated as equals. I admire that. It calls to those of us, such as Tsukiko, Eleanor, or even Hinata and Motoko, who yearn to be seen for themselves, and their own qualities, both good and bad. Me too. I am going to cling to this world, Uncle.” she insisted, staring down the Yin-Yang Grandmaster. “Because it’s the one I want. And I want those in it to remain as joyful as I am. It’s frightening, and I know you’ve seen the worst of me, when I clung to your kindness, and that of Tsukiko, wailing how lonely I was, how hard and unfair the world had become, never knowing about those who truly were alone, and found companions through their own capacity for acceptance and forgiveness…”

She leaned in, blushing, and kissed my cheek, a public display of affection that embarrassed her, but also pleased her, I wagered. “…but I’m done with that. In fact, considering just how powerful an advantage having access to Ise and its multitude of powerful shrines is, I should be, and am ashamed. But…”

“It’s fine.” I squeezed her hand back and returned her kiss, lips brushing her heated cheek. “I was just too stupid and reckless to worry. I kept telling myself I could quit any time it got too hard, and keep my gains, but… that never happened. My new comrades pushed me onwards. And you’re a comrade now. And more than that.”

“There you have it, Uncle.” Yukiko finished. “Your duty is done. The Regalia are awakened, and happy to be put to wise use, not as tools, but the same way any of us are.” Her smile was suddenly a wicked grin, an unusual one for her. “Except for Christina of course. But then she probably gets off on it. No, there’s no probably about it. She’s what the normal girls at university called a ‘pick-me’, I think? She’ll do anything for your attention, Akio, no matter how stupid or downright reckless and self-destructive.”

“While that’s true, she’s doing it because she loves to learn, to unravel the secrets of the multiverse. And I get that. But we’re not alike.” I insisted. “Anyway, I agree with Yukiko.” I bowed to the three Onmyōji. “I hope you continue to support Yukiko and her family, but as for the Regalia, they’re our family now, in truth. So we’ve got their best interests at heart, and they ours.”

As Tsurugi giggled happily, Yata nodded, and Magatama’s eyes went vacant, Uncle Daimon chortled merrily. “Of course. The Onmyōdō Bureau has been dedicated to serving the Imperial Family and their interests, ever since the glory days of Abe so Seimei, the Great Sage surpassing all Yin-Yang Grandmasters before and since. Nothing will change now that our Arts have finally found their purpose. Besides… you will be part of that family too, won’t you?”

I met Yukiko’s eyes, before nodding firmly. “Yes, no question of that.”

“In that case… we will assist where we can. But… Ise Grand Shrine, especially with the visions of Matsumuro-sama, must be protected. How are your plans advancing?”

“Rather well. We have a Ring Gate here now, so we’re effectively one shared Territory, so long as the Gate remains protected.”

“Which I’ll take care of.” Yukiko promised. “All resources will be funnelled into setting up an array of Barracks and Defensive Emplacements in that area, until it’s reached the desired state. Then I’ll focus on costal defences. Soon, when Akio hits Rank four…” She smiled at Magatama. “…which is partially thanks to your aid, so yes, be proud.” She then turned back to me. “…I daresay you’ll be able to spare me a little ether to further fortify the place. And in exchange…”

Uncle Daimon leaned forward, hanging on her every word, and she finished emphatically. “…we’ll drain the remaining adherence and make it safe, removing the danger of our enemies getting it. I’m sure we can find ways to strengthen ourselves still further. You know, I’m actually feeling confident. How unlike me.” Her smile was stunning, and I couldn’t help but laugh inwardly at the fact Yukiko felt she was plain. Perhaps compared to Tsukiko or Shiro, yes, but… comparison is the thief of joy, yet Yukiko is plenty charming and is getting prettier day by day, as yes, her confidence grows. Others won’t like you if you don’t like yourself…

“Maybe it’s the true power of the Sun I wield now, but I’ll face my fate, and I’ll win. We’ll win.” she declared, and Uncle Daimon agreed jovially.

“Very good. I’m proud of you, young Princess. I can see it is not just your role as Priestess of Ise, or your bloodline, which are why Amaterasu blessed you. If you need our assistance, perhaps in setting up some Onmyōdō arrays for defence at key points, we will be more than happy to do so.”

“That sounds great.” I agreed, as Yukiko nodded. “I’d also like you to work with Daiyu on that. Perhaps Cultivation Formations have overlapping traits, and you can all come up with some ideas…”

“Of course. We are always open to an exchange of knowledge, especially from the land of Taoism.” Uncle Daimon agreed. Our conversation winding down, I knew it was almost time to call Tsukiko back from her Adherence Manipulation training, and grab Eri (and Arisu-san to jump them back to Tokyo) so that they could meet me and my guests from Romania…

***

“Are you more relaxed now?” I asked Ileana and Valeska, though Ileana still had to translate for her grandmother, now I’d released the interpreter. We’d ended up in the hotel which was quite near our estate, in central Tokyo, which was owned by Fujiwara house, and was protected by Fujiwara Security, though some of the new Ministry Chosen hires who had Skills in relation to that line of work were also on duty.

I haven’t met all the new Chosen who are gradually registering with the Ministry. It seems a surprising number are choosing not just to reveal their information and protect their Territory, but to actively work with us. The perks are good, I suppose, and Morita-san is certainly talented. It’s just a shame that after the Church attack, Tokyo was greatly denuded of Chosen. Just me, Miyu and a handful of others in the whole area now…

“Yes, thank you.” We were eating a rather nice steak with all the trimmings, coupled with red wine. Ileana very much seemed to like the rich ruby alcohol, perhaps because of the resemblance to the colour of blood? It’s not exactly the same, different sort of red…Her steak was very rare too, and she had asked for a strongly flavoured sauce, so the usual Japanese steak blend or the more western-style pepper sauce, had also been mixed with some fiery wasabi for her, and she seemed to relish it.

As she elegantly handled silver cutlery, cutting a small piece of meat and ferrying it to her mouth, where she chewed it gently, showing off her elongated canines, she swallowed before continuing her words. “I am surprised my appetite has recovered, although…” her beautiful, unique colour-shifting eyes shone with a faint crimson light for a moment, and a faint trickle of drool leaked from the corner of her mouth. Slightly embarrassed, she brought the napkin beside her to her lips, dabbing that and some lingering sauce away. “…I suppose there is no need to fear right now, is there? If you wished me harm, you could doubtless kill me as easily as snapping the neck of a chicken. Though I can hardly see you have a cause to.”

“No, of course not. I’d have to be a total bastard to bully a woman who has been through what you have. Besides, your grandmother looks like she’d be a feisty combatant for sure.”

Ileana stifled a laugh politely with one hand. Her manners were slightly different to those of Motoko or the other noble daughters, but they were similar at their base, and equally elegant, showing she had an excellent and upper class upbringing. As she translated my words and her own for Valeska, I could see the woman scowling at me, her blue eyes hard, though… I’ve seen that look in plenty of eyes recently, usually from the family or friends of women. Ren-kun, for example, earlier…

Valeska replied in a rapid stream of Romanian, and even though I didn’t speak the language, her tone was clearly exasperated. Ileana stifled another giggle, perhaps giddy from feeling safe, and then she interpreted for me. “My blood child… oh, I have not spoken about that, have I? That does not matter… what does is… she fears you are only being nice to… I shall perhaps rephrase her words to make them rather less direct. You find me attractive, and wish to get under my skirts. Though I am not wearing those. It still feels strange, these jeans. Having the legs so clearly visible is quite scandalous, but here, nobody seems to remark upon it. Even during the cold winter, with flurries of snow falling, women walk about in such attire, or wear skirts so short even the knees are visible. The world has moved on. I find that more shocking than these phones and televisions.”

Sometimes,. I miss the days when my sister used to tease me about being a clueless virgin loser. It hurt my feelings a little, but nowadays everyone assumes I’m eager to take women for my own, and worse, that I can have them if I want them. The fact that part is often true stings a little, I’ll admit, but… I guess I wouldn’t change my current life, I’d be a total fool to. Consider it the price of my selfishness.

“You’re certainly stunning.” I agreed mildly, after chewing on my own steak. “That hair is gorgeous, and your eyes are definitely unique. You could use filling out a bit though. Your cheeks look rather hollow, and your hands and arms seem rather frail. That’s one good thing about coming to Japan, no shortage of great, healthy food.” I chuckled, as Ileana stared at me, fork held in the air motionless, sauce dripping from her chunk of steak back down to the plate.

“I have been rather too… harried… to concern myself with eating properly and keeping my beauty.” she said at last, realising she was being uncouth, quickly devouring the meat on her fork. When that was done, she eyed me warily, before seeming to give up, her shoulders dipping just a little, the sort of subtle body language I picked up on now. “A great disgrace to one such as I, alas. But… while this world is new and confusing, the languages strange, so many things my tutors taught me no longer seeming to apply… I am still myself, and I have my own dignity. I am not a woman who will yield. Death… death is frightening, so dark and cold and empty, and it terrifies me, but… living a life of suffering, shame and degradation frightens me more.”

Wow, this got heavy all of a sudden. My thoughts mimicked my sis, as I pondered what to say. Fortunately, my need for an answer was obviated, by a gentle knock on the door. That startled Ileana, who held her knife defensively all of a sudden, and judging by the angle of her wrist, she’d been trained a little to use a dagger. Either in self-defence, or perhaps… I’ve seen a few historical period dramas with mom in my youth. Perhaps to use on herself to prevent the shame and degradation she talked about, in the worst case?

“Don’t worry, it’s my… companions.” I promised. “Come in.”

At my words, the door opened, and Tsukiko, dressed in her richly appointed shrine maiden hakama, and Eri, in rather more casual clothes, black jeans and a fluffy white jumper, came in. As the door shut behind them, their gazes fixed on the two women at the table with me, though they quickly both dismissed Valeska and focussed on Ileana, which the older woman noticed, and she let out a disdainful snort.

“You must be Ileana Roșuluminel.” Eri stumbled over the pronunciation of the surname a little. “I’m Mori Eri… oh, you can just call me Eri. I know our names are backwards compared to yours, and we have some… different customs, but you’re a foreigner, so it’s fine. I’m used to being less formal nowadays anyway. Oh, and this is Matsumuro Tsukiko.”

“Likewise, you may call me Tsukiko, if I can call you Ileana… and Valeska?” Tsukiko asked, and Iliana nodded.

“I am not one to denigrate other cultures. My family was widely connected. Was.” Her words were bitter. “And I am a woman out of time. Please, take a seat.”

“So polite.” Eri seemed a little happier, as she took Ileana’s invitation, sitting on my right, and Tsukiko sat on my left. “We asked the waiter for food, so our meal will be here in a short while. Until then… wine, huh? Just one glass. You, Tsukiko?” As she nodded, I poured the pair of them glasses of the ruby liquid.

“We’ll need another bottle.” I mused, and Eri nodded.

“Don’t worry, I told the staff to send in another couple of whatever you were drinking.” The door was knocked softly again, and indeed, it was one of the waitresses, bringing two more bottles of vintage red. When she had left, Eri sighed. “Right then, to business. Tsukiko, you can go first.”

“Very well.” Tsukiko sipped at the wine as crimson as her eyes, gazing appraisingly at Ileana. “Perhaps.” She spoke after a long, contemplative pause. “I trust my instincts, honed by many years of the Definite and the Destined, and attempting to thwart such. She is important, certainly. And even if she was not…” Tsukiko’s face broke out in a warm smile, surprising Ileana. “…you would wish to protect her anyway. You are so very predictable.”

“He sure is.” Eri agreed. “The problem is, if you can’t be sure she’s the Princess of Hell, then we still have to keep searching for her…”

“The Princess of what?” Ileana puffed out her cheeks disconsolately. “How rude. Is this prejudice? Because I am… different?”

“Not at all.” Tsukiko promised. “Though we wish to hear your tale in full, and to learn about such differences. They are merely prophetic labels. There are five other Princesses, though we know only four of them. Heaven, Humans, Beasts and Hungry Ghosts. Then there is Asura, who we have not yet discovered. They are simply titles, based on the Six Paths of Buddhism, and their realms.”

“Though Shaeula does get offended by being called a Princess of Beasts. So it’s not like we don’t get it.” Eri offered.

“I see.” Ileana calmed down, taking a long breath. “You reached out to me, because you felt I might be one such of these? If so, I feel both reassured and yet warier of your intentions.”

“Clever girl. Though Akio’s an open book when it comes to saving damsels in distress, so you’re fine.” Eri promised. “Though…” Her black eyes narrowed. “Okay then, time to open up to us. Just what brought you to such dire straits as to seek asylum and Akio’s protection?”

Ileana exchanged a glance and some words with Valeska, who in the end nodded, expression resigned. Ileana returned her attention to us, before launching into a shocking tale, which held us spellbound.

“…so because I was the youngest and had not been outside much, not many knew about me, so… so my family…” Ileana’s expression was calm, but her eyes were in turmoil, colours seeming to shift wildly. “…felt I might be overlooked, and escape notice. And fleeing with me would be a burden, so they said, so if I followed their orders and hid, it would bolster their chances of successfully escaping. Liars.” Thin silvery tears slid down her cheeks, and our expressions were sympathetic as she struggled with painful memories. “They knew there was no escaping that. Else they would have come back for me. It has been so… so long. For me, just a brief few dreams. But an eternity has passed us by.”

Our expressions were sympathetic, especially Eri’s, and feeling my gaze on her, even though my eyes were on Ileana, as I had expanded my vision as usual with aether, she sent her thoughts to me.

It’s just as I suspected. She’s the sort of woman you can’t just leave to fend for herself, isn’t she? Tragic backstory, alone in the world, thin and frail… though I suspect she’ll be truly beautiful when she fills out a bit and gets a bit of colour in her face…

I don’t know if that’ll be possible. I mean, she’s not entirely human…

Yes, there are a few unanswered questions in her story…

“…so I was sealed in a reliquary, where the honourable bodies of our ancestors were stored. But then they moved me. I think I know why…” Ileana’s expression was mournful, and she didn’t hide her fangs from the newcomers, perhaps due to a mixture of preoccupation with her memories, and the fact they were with me.

Fangs. Pale skin. From Romania. Vampire, right?

Not exactly. A half-Vampire, maybe. Dhampir. A mixture of spiritual and human. I think Shaeula’s mentioned half-Fae Changelings before. It should be the same principle…

Has she smelt your blood yet? If so…

I winced. Yeah, I got injured during the training. Nothing major… actually, that’s a lie. Even now my Astral body is only just starting to recover slowly, it seems that damage caused by overusing adherence improperly, and a strained Vessel, resists repair with just aether. Fortunately, when I start mixing in soullight with Chirurgery, the recovery speeds up… anyway, let’s not talk about that…

Eri shot me a knowing glance, but remained silent, listening to Ileana’s tale, even as our thoughts raced to each other.

…she noticed a few drips of my blood and went rather crazy for it. But I have stacked a number of boosts from various Skills and so forth, so… yeah, my fluids are rather… potent.

I’ll say. It’s getting to the point where I feel more beautiful every time we make love. If you put a little in the beauty products Hinata is working on a plan for selling, assuming they don’t arrest us for perverted product tampering, you’d make a fortune, as they work. So, did she drink any?

Actually, when I used wind to isolate the smell, she calmed down and was extremely embarrassed and apologetic. She seems a nice girl, though I admit you’re right, and I’m predisposed to like her due to her troubles…

And because she’s gorgeous, in a waif-like way. I never had you pegged as a man who lusted after women, but I guess you’ve been spoiled by me and Shaeula. And Shiro, I suppose. But I’m no longer going to complain about that. There’s no point, and I’ve made my peace with it, and how it has to be. Instead… I need to be here, to check out our new Princess of Hell. Shiro’s certainly a hungry, lusty ghost, with an even thirstier ghost inside her waiting to suck you dry, so hopefully Hell here won’t bring fire and brimstone…

We don’t know for certain she is our Hell Princess…

I do. Don’t worry, I know. Her reaction to your blood proves it. We’ll be five for five soon. But I’d already factored her in, and the sixth, too. I’ve factored a lot in. No point worrying over that. We need to work out her character, whether she is trustworthy, and more…

From our brief time together, I’d say she and Valeska are safe. But… no more risks. I won’t judge on just our brief interactions, or her troubled past.

You’re learning! Hinata would be so proud.

Holding in a chuckle, our rapid exchange completed, Ileana was explaining what happened next.

“Fire, so much fire. They had moved me somewhere, and the faint light I could see through the carvings on the reliquary vanished, replaced by utter darkness, yet… I could feel heat, and faintly, ever so faintly, smell smoke. We have a very… cultured… sense of smell, for things we… crave, and things we fear. And all living beings fear fire. Though…”

“A question, if I may.” Tsukiko interjected. “It sounds to me like you were placed in a coffin, and… buried alive? How could you survive such?”

“They thought the mob would burn our dead, to desecrate them. We were not religious, but the serfs, merchants, and human nobles certainly were.” Ileana countered. “If I was left in the feretory, the chamber of our dead, then I would have been reduced to ashes. And since we had so few who had perished over the years, and they were all interred with respect… they never would have expected to find me buried under the dirt in our larder and wine cellar.” She shuddered, remembering. “My tutors taught me that the humans believed that bodies must be preserved and buried, so that they could enter Heaven. I always found that curious. The spirit, the soul, as they called it, was not physical, tangible, so why would that matter? So yes, burning a corpse was a grave offense, only done to paupers, wicked criminals and plague victims. Though the fanatics that led them doubtlessly claimed we have no souls, and that the flames were good enough for us, and that we would burn in their Hell for all eternity regardless, so it was a fitting sense of irony.”

Told you so.

It’s just coincidence… I’d like to say, but yeah… everything about the Princesses of the Six Paths is allegorical. We can’t be certain yet, but… if we run the Oracle Engine again, with further specifics, I think we can get a result. Damn, it’s times like this I get so angry at Yasaka-san, even if that’s not charitable. I told him his Territory wasn’t worth risking his life over. But he grew complacent as it wasn’t in the line of fire. But if he can make predictions and find things out, others can too… if we had Ileana in front of him, there’d surely be almost no backlash from divining the truth via his Book…

Yes, but don’t be too hard on him. He wasn’t a fighter, even when you tried to train him, all he did was complain, Motoko and Natsumi told me all about that. Sometimes being suitable for a Favour doesn’t mean much, if the will isn’t there.

“Assuming your family knew they would be defeated… how could they expect you to survive in such a state?” Tsukiko was curious. “The lack of oxygen alone would be fatal swiftly. I can see you breathe, as your chest rises and falls, though… your breathing is shallow and very slow.”

Ileana nodded. “Perhaps they thought to dig me up, should they fend off the mob. And while we are powerful, and have… gifts, though not all the simple, credulous serfs and peasants felt we did, we are not invulnerable. Destroy our heads, hearts, or burn us to ashes, and we perish.”

“That’s the same as anyone.” Eri snorted.

“True, but… while we live slowly…” Ileana answered both Eri’s and Tsukiko’s remarks. “…we also perish with difficulty. So long as our sluggish hearts beat, we will recover, flesh, bone, sinew and blood restored over time. We do not need much air, nor sustenance such as food, though we cannot manage with none.” Ileana’s eyes glimmered wetly. “Yet it is possible to slow ourselves still further. To… hibernate in a state not much different to being dead. Though that would gradually consume all the energy within me. It is why… I am so frail and weak. If I was stronger…” She glanced at Valeska, rattling off a few sentences, and the older woman’s expression softened. She reached out a hand, patting Ileana’s shoulder tenderly, almost like the grandmother she claimed to be.

“I see now. Yes, that makes sense.” Tsukiko acknowledged. The door was knocked, and after we allowed entry, the waiters brought over her meal, along with Eri’s, and as they ate, and Ileana, Valeska and I finished off the last of our own food, Tsukiko asked another question. “So your kind was seen as Demons, because of your longevity and abilities. Yet…” She stared at Valeska. “You do not seem to be ordinary either, yet you also seem very ordinary, if that makes sense.”

Before Ileana could translate, Eri spoke up. “That’s because she’s a Vampire, or close enough. I expect she turned her.”

Ileana paused, expression cooling, and Eri, seizing the moment, pressed on. “I’m curious. You’re eating here just fine, but… you drink blood, don’t you? Did you bite her to make her your kind? If so, I’m sure you had a good reason for it, but… if everyone you bite becomes like you, then I can see why the common folk feared you. I would have too…”

“That is… not how we were. Yes, there were those who did spread through such a method, but we… we do not. We are not a plague, nor a curse! Neither monsters, nor Strigoi, nor Moroi!” Ileana insisted, and Valeska’s expression hardened, as even though she didn’t understand the words, barring the Romanian terms, the tone, and Ileana’s increasing agitation, was enough to signal her discontent. “I gave the blood from my very heart, the sluggish, black blood which makes up my very self, to her, as she was dying, and… she was kind to me. She took me in, she fought the Church, that hateful man Alexandru Ardelean, and was killed for it. She was dying… so… I did it.”

“I see.” Eri spoke up. “So just drinking their blood won’t make one into a Vampire?”

“I am not a Vampire.” Ileana shook her head. “It is all a way of denigrating us. We cannot become a wolf, a bear or a bat. What a nonsense that would be. Changing our forms, how could that even work?”

“Oh, that’s what offends you?” Eri was suddenly in a far better mood, and with a smile, she grew several inches taller, cat ears popping out on her head, even her face shifting, to better resemble Ileana’s. “I can’t do a bat, unless you want it to be massive, but I can sprout wings and fly, though in this outfit I’d simply ruin my clothes. The shrine maiden attire for the pilgrimage can be backless. It’s sexy, and also practical.”

“You… what are you?” Ileana spluttered, though oddly enough, Valeska was watching on with great curiosity.

“I’m like her.” Eri pointed at the older woman. “I was dying, and a Yōkai… that’s a spiritual being from this land, helped me, but made me like her. Half like her anyway. Gods, I hope I’m never as air-headed or slutty as my… big sister.” She grimaced, though there was an odd trace of fondness there, I wagered.

Oh shut up, you. It’s hard not to feel some affection for the woman who saved my life, and could have prevented worse. Besides, I promised her, and I’m like Shaeula, I keep my word. Now shush.

Guilty as charged! I’ll keep the smile off my face, promise.

“In that case… it is quite true that you accept those who are unlike yourself?” Ileana pressed, and I nodded.

“Yeah. Honestly, I’m like you now too. I transcended mere humanity and became Faeduine, which is half-Fae. So yes, I care about your deeds, not your species or race.”

“That is… welcome, and why I decided to risk contacting your country.” Ileana agreed, calming down. “Let me be clear. I can bestow my gifts, making blood children, and… I can control them. Though I would never, Valeska, she is now my only family, my grandmother, and I owe her a great deal. I can control the weak-minded regardless, if I push my power to my eyes. I can recover from fatal wounds, and were I not so starved of the essence of blood, then yes, I am far stronger, swifter than ordinary humans. I can learn languages and other trivia with shocking speed. I am a little miracle, as my tutors called me.” She puffed out her modest chest pridefully. “I am not a Demon, holy symbols and waters do not dismay me, though… huh… there was that, was there not…”

“That?” Tsukiko pressed, and Ileana, remembering, frowned.

“I suppose it is not entirely correct to say their holy paraphernalia does nothing. I remember a faint smell, like incense, tugging at the edge of my memory, from that day. The smell… we were disorganised, weak. Think about it, how could even the Judges and Inquisitors of the church, and a mob of unruly serfs and farmers armed with pitchforks, spears and torches, subdue my family and all our blood children? It does not make sense. Unless…”

“Unless they had some sort of equaliser.” I nodded. “So, you have mesmerism, and can create other Dhampir, though the process is not through mere bites. Greater strength, speed and regenerative abilities, but few of the weaknesses in popular culture. You also don’t like the sun, but it doesn’t destroy you.”

“No. Our bloodline was purer than most others, so it merely discomfits us.”

“And garlic’s no problem, as there’s some you ate along with your mixed vegetables.” I pointed out, and she raised one pale rose-gold eyebrow in surprise.

“Why would garlic be a concern? Must I fear vegetables? If you brandish a carrot at me, it is surely not a dagger that will destroy my heart.”

Eri burst out laughing at that. “Oh…” she managed, when she finally got her giggles under control. “…you simply have to watch certain films. You’ll be hellishly embarrassed at what we think of your kind.”

“That aside…” I changed the subject. “…any other abilities you have? When I scanned you with my Eyes, there were some unclear points, but I didn’t see anything too exotic.”

“Those Eyes again. You do like peeping on women, it seems.”

“He certainly does.” Tsukiko agreed. “He shared my name to the world, and saw my veiled face. Such hastened my death.” She smiled warmly at Valeska. “So I sympathise. Better to live as something more than human, than perish without achieving happiness. Besides, we ghosts…” her smile broadened. “…as Suzuki Haru calls us, deserve a good ending more than most. So do not think we look down on her, or you, as lesser.”

Ileana blinked, before translating the words, and Valeska then nodded pridefully, before responding, and Ileana flushed, her pale cheeks darkening a shade. “She agrees. Though she says that still does not mean she will allow me to be disgraced or exploited for my beauty. I am… an…”

“What was that? Even with my ears…” Eri’s cat ears flickered. “…I couldn’t quite catch what you said.”

“I am not going to repeat it!” Ileana insisted.

“I can guess anyway. Akio gets that all the time.” Eri chuckled. “So then… blood. You won’t starve without it, but… you weaken, yes? Can’t you drink from your ‘blood child’, as you call her?”

“In desperation, of course. Though it would not be… sustaining. Our blood children are akin to us, and thus… there is something missing. The wicked Church claimed it was our souls and therefore were justified in calling us Demons or Devils. They said we would not show up in mirrors, for we had lost any semblance of being human. Such is a nonsense of course.” She scoffed sadly. “How else could I dress myself if I had no mirror? Though I did have maids…”

“We have maids too. Now. I still can’t believe it.” Eri’s expression softened. “Don’t worry, the world may seem more complicated, but it’s just noisier and busier, I guess. So, how did your family get blood before? If all your servants were blood children?”

“Not all were. It was a great honour, reserved for those who had served us well. Though their families were given the honour too. We had ordinary maids and gardeners, craftsmen and farmers, under our care, and they would tithe their blood to us. My family always treated them well, never taking too much! It weakened them, but we rewarded them with silver and a month to recover!” Ileana insisted.

“That sounds fair to me, assuming there were no lasting effects. In a way, it’s similar to the headaches I had when I was unconsciously pulling aether out of the bodies of those around me at the start of all this. Doing so certainly can be harmful, causing damage to the spiritual body, but only if done to excess and regularly.” I agreed.

“Yes. While some of the other families might have been… reckless, we never were! To blame us for the acts of fools is unfair and unjustified.” Her voice was full of anger, and Valeska patted her shoulder again to calm her down.

“In that case, if you don’t drink blood, it’s a problem for you. Not a fatal one, but… not good for you long-term.” Eri pointed out shrewdly, and then asked the bombshell question. “You lusted after Akio’s blood, didn’t you?”

Ileana blinked, unconsciously licking her lips. Taking a sip of her wine to cover that confusion, it didn’t help, as instead her lips were stained ruby, as if she had already tasted me. “I… I am not a bestial creature of instincts. It was just… I have been thirsty for so long, and it smelt so… so delicious, irresistible…”

“Yeah, we get it.” Eri snorted. “Not the blood, right Tsukiko?”

Tsukiko was the one blushing now, but she merely nodded. “Indeed. Akio is very alluring and irresistible. But this is more specifically about the nature of his fluids. They are amplified by a conflux of abilities. So yes, there is no shame in desiring them, Ileana. Yet…” She leaned forward, the expression in her crimson eyes, which matched Ileana’s ruby lips in shade, rather imposing and stern.

“…while we welcome you, and sympathise with your many hardships, allowing you to drink blood unfettered is unwise. But if you, as a being, require it, we will find a way. Akio, we know you well. You would offer your blood to her, yes?”

I admit, I’ve considered it. Though there’s one problem…

That she’ll be addicted to it, and thus to you? Give it up, Akio. Like I’ve said, I knew even before I met her it would come to this. So long as she’s happy, what does it matter? But… no risks. She might be the Princess of Hell, or she might not be… I believe she is, even more so now we’ve talked a lot, but… Shiro and Tan were Destined to devour you and cause chaos, according to Tsukiko, so Hell might be as dangerous as Hungry Ghost. We need to have a sacrifice. Christina Bakker should be fine. You can monitor her and the effects on her, and if she is cursed or suffers unexpected hardships, or becomes a slave to our Vampire girl here… it’s sad, but not a great loss, and Christina can be happy she’s paid her debt to her victims by joining them…

Wow, harsh. But… I guess you’re right. I’ve too many lives depending on me to be careless. I’d like to test the difference between extracted blood and blood drunk fresh from the veins, as it were, too…

You’re not Aiko, don’t wow at me. But yes, I think that’s the first step. No more mistakes.

Then it’s settled. I daresay she’ll be overjoyed to participate in an experiment. When she’s not ruined, of course. She pushed herself thanks to Hyacinth’s new centipede venom, and help from the Onmyōji. We harvested her like a rice field before a typhoon…

Such an endearing mental image. Don’t do that to me. But yes. I’m happy for the twins. Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan deserve it. As for mine, they’re useful. I can see Ileana isn’t ordinary, her Chakra network is strange…

Yes, we can investigate that later.

“I would need you to understand the consequences.” I noticed Ileana was drooling, and Valeska saw that too, as she was glowering at me, seeming as if she was ready to protect her cute granddaughter from me, the big bad wolf. “But I’d be prepared to, once you pass some safety checks.”

“Checks?” Ileana asked warily, and I explained.

“We have a scientist who would be happy to donate her blood, I’m sure. Once we’ve thoroughly understood the safety of the procedure, then my blood becomes an option, and it… will probably have great positive effects on you. Anyway, that’s for another day. You two must be tired.”

“Indeed we are. Flying across the world which was larger than I ever imagined was… a unique experience.” Ileana smiled ruefully, baring her fangs freely now. “And now meeting you, your blood overwhelming me, seeing someone akin to me…” She glanced at Eri’s face, which had returned to her own appearance now, her point made. “…my mind is racing, and I still feel wary, as if this peace is but an illusion . So yes, we could rest. You say our rooms are here in this fine building?”

“Nope.” Eri shook her head. “You’re staying with us tonight. No way we’re letting a potential Princess be exposed. I don’t care how good the Chosen guarding here are, they’re paper tigers compared to Akio. Don’t worry, the house has plenty of rooms, and Akio’s not so starved for female company he’d jump you in the night…”

“I concur.” Tsukiko agreed. “Four are under your protection, Akio. Do not stumble and allow the fifth, if she is so, to come to harm. Even if she is not… she is pitiful. Adrift in a world she barely knows. One night of shelter and comfort will be meaningful.” Tsukiko them smiled at the two of them. “Do not worry. We can talk more in the morning.”

Ileana blinked, and conferred with Valeska for quite a while, the latter shooting me wary glances, before she nodded.

“It is settled then.” Ileana drained her glass of wine. “I am wary, but… also too weary. And while I do not truly trust yet, I have no reason not to trust. And sleeping soundly would be most welcome. Your heartbeats…” She suddenly revealed a hidden card. “…beat regularly, with no stuttering that would indicate falsehood or ill-intent. So… I accept your hospitality, as does my grandmother.”

“Yeah, but first…” Eri grinned. “Dessert! I don’t know about you, but Tsukiko and I have worked hard today. I learned to fly, you know!” Eri boasted, a smile on her lips. “Akio worked hard too…”

“Yeah, but… just a coffee for me, I think. Black. With a touch of whiskey. I’ll let you girls enjoy the sweet treats…”

That decision made, Eri pressed the bell to bring in a waiter, and soon a selection of delectable delights to impress Ileana were ordered. As I leaned back in my chair, I considered Eri’s certainty over Ileana’s identity. It definitely fits. But it’s all metaphorical. Tonight… well, it just so happens my body is a wreck and I’m supposed to be recovering for my big day with Haanōbō and Aiko tomorrow, so… time to actually get some sleep for once, and see if Tsukuyomi can shed some light on the matter…