On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Once we left Nishimorioka, the Pilgrimage wasn’t too eventful. The shrines to the west and south of Tokyo, including the batch in Nagoya, held few surprises, though we did meet some interesting Kami. Most of my time in the Boundary, other than shepherding the Pilgrims, was spent analysing and trying to integrate the crystal element from Suk’ja into me. In addition, since I had the Blessing Of Indestructible Jade, an upgrade to Might Of Indestructible Jade, even though Daiyu’s abilities were more geared towards Qi, she was expelling what elemental energies she could into a battery, and I was using those as well.

It’s good practice for Daiyu… I mused as I held the two batteries in my hands, feeling the subtle interplay between pure crystal, for want of a better expression, and the mutated version that was jade. Daiyu’s Cultivator Chakra network naturally wanted to convert all aether and elemental energies into Earthly Qi, but by force of will and great spiritual perception, she could inhibit that, though it caused some complexities with a buildup of aether and elemental energies around her Lower Dantian, and also around her empty Middle Dantian.

Still, Daiyu had learned enough to expend the aether, and by pouring the elemental energies, which were a rather mixed mess, into bluesteel batteries, she could clear out the residues, preventing any failure during Cultivation. In fact, seeing this effect, it did make me wonder whether such unrefined energies being utilised by a specialised network was a cause of Cultivation Deviation, as my Eyes had termed some unpleasant event before. It also gives me some hints of an idea on how to begin approaching Su Caihong and Su Liena, and their wrecked spiritual bodies, and the effect that has on their physical bodies too…

That aside, I glanced over to the group containing my sister, Hinata, Haanōbō, and now also Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan, Eri, Kana and the others. Everyone had come together to cheer my sis on after her loss to Eri, and it was quite the heartwarming sight. Oddly enough, Grulgor had joined the group too. He hadn’t been interested in the Pilgrimage, as it seemed the Kami couldn’t bless Fae with the Class, but his work at the construction site had reached a pausing point without Kana and the support of the trained soldiers and Fenrir operatives who had been supporting him with earth element, so here he was, trying to get stronger through training.

“Quite-quite the comical sight.” Shaeula giggled. She was one of the few who wasn’t actively supporting Aiko, but when I’d asked her why, she merely shrugged, and said it was a secret, before winking one amber eye playfully. “Grulgor has most-most certainly changed.”

“Haven’t you all?” I grinned. Princess Ffionnan and Princess Estalian had both prevailed upon me to arrange the support of Nie Ling so they could join the Pilgrimage again today, as they were eager to see the fabled Grand Shrine at Ise the other Pilgrims had talked about. Ffionnan was strolling about as though she was the owner of this whole cavalcade, and in a sense, it wasn’t entirely untrue, even if her investment had only given her a small stake of equity in our projects.

Such will surely repay her many times over though, if all goes as planned. Her supply of Etherites and other rare, useful treasures has certainly kickstarted Ixitt’s enterprises, and successful iterations of his production lines for the batteries, generators and recycling technology are just waiting for the final technical and aetheric issues to be solved before we can start installation within the excavated factory site.

Estalian, on the other hand, was flitting around, watching everything with a great sense of wonder. She too was struggling to unlock the Lost Droplet… drop… she received, though the intellectual and spiritual effort was keeping her entertained.

“Yes. It does not-not say much about the royal dignity of the Seelie, does-does it?” Shaeula snickered nastily. “I suppose I should-should have known, considering my own father has his… foibles.” She watched as Estalian landed on my sister’s shoulder and began to tug on one of her black braids, offering unsolicited advice. “But yes, we Fae are both-both extremely set in our ways, and yet-yet rather malleable. It is quite-quite the dichotomy.”

“I don’t think so.” I shook my head. “It’s more… you’re influenced by your surroundings and nature, but if those change, you change with it. So since the Court has been stagnant, in decline… you’ve all become equally immutable. But the winds of change have blown in, and…”

“Indeed. Now the frozen time-time is moving.” Shaeula nodded. “Though not-not all of the Court is feeling the breeze. But that-that is a matter for another time. We must attend to matters before us first-first, should we not-not?” She grinned at me knowingly then. “I am not-not the only one to notice. You can hide naught from Eri, not-not now especially.”

“Am I that easy to read?” I snorted, and Shaeula merely gave me a flat look.

“Okay, I guess I am.” I admitted. “But yeah, it’s not like I’m holding back, it’s just…”

“Oh, I do indeed-indeed understand.” Shaeula smirked teasingly. “You can not-not bring yourself to add to Aiko’s run of defeats. But she is not-not the sort to appreciate being handed a win. That would not-not be sporting.”

“Oh, I very much know.” I agreed. “Hence why I’ve kept up with the spirit of the wager, I’ve just… decided to shoot for jade, rather than ordinary crystal element. After all, my sis is going for not just one, but multiple mutated metal elements, though gold is her priority.”

“Yes, so you say-say.” Shaeula shrugged. “I do not-not want to be the one to tell you how-how to compete. Just-just so long as you are not-not overexerting yourself.”

“I’m not.” I promised. “This is relatively relaxing. Ether Healing is more than enough to fix any damage I take from clashing energies running wild through my network. What about you? You fought hard yesterday too, and you’re still not letting up on your efforts feeding the Tengoku-Seki we made with your winds and lightning.”

“Oh, I am not-not overtaxing myself, I assure you.” Shaeula insisted, playfully punching me with her small fist. “While it is only I who can-can easily fuel the lightning, as for wind… well, my Kamaitachi and my rather-rather foolish brother have been making offerings. It is quite-quite the miraculous device. I am most-most eager to see just what-what the wind and lightning we call from it can do.”

“As am I.” I admitted. Trapped Tribulation Lightning and Chaotic Winds, multiple Favours, even Seeds from the Fruit of the World Tree, as well as the mysterious Klien Bottle… even my flesh and elemental energies… it was a wonder of creation, and… equally mysterious. I glanced at the Tiānyìèguǐnǚ Bell around my wrist, which chimed softly, as if blown by an invisible breeze I couldn’t feel. The power of a Tribulation… the Heavens themselves… a Path, surely. Messing with it feels dangerous, but… the rewards could be unimaginable…

“I would say not to push yourself, but… we’ve seen that while we’re growing stronger, other powers are moving, both new and old.” I sighed, and Shaeula nodded knowingly.

“Indeed. Besides… if we do not-not exceed our limits, then I shall remain behind Hyacinth forever, and she shall surely catch-catch you up.” Her eyes narrowed with amused mockery. “It might not-not be so bad for you to be a kept man, and let-let Hyacinth handle everything, but-but…”

“If we did so, then the world would hardly be in a fit state for us to rule.” We both spoke together, before bursting out in laughter.

“Yeah…” I spoke at last, when our giggles had faded. “…we’ve seen that disaster can bring opportunity. Hyacinth was the beneficiary of this mess, and while we definitely need to deal with the huge problem Mae and the others found, at least Hyacinth can grow stronger while doing a good deed. Perhaps… perhaps the Tengoku-Seki is an equally impressive opportunity.”

“With what-what we have invested in it, Hinata would be most-most angry were it not-not.” Shaeula took my arm, careful not to disturb the batteries I was drawing from, her Eyes glowing. “You know-know, my vision is getting sharper. Sometimes, I feel I can-can almost see the words you can, sometimes. Perhaps I am going rather-rather mad from envy.”

My own Eyes shone, and I shook my head. “No, actually I think that your Eyes are evolving. It’s only natural. After all, at their root, aren’t my Eyes yours, and we’re deeply connected? Though I have my doubts it’s that simple.”

“Of course not-not. Nothing worthwhile is ever-ever easy.” Shaeula agreed, leaning close, her scent tickling my nose. “Still, I do-do enjoy this Pilgrimage. There is always something new-new to see, or someone growing stronger.”

“Yeah. And while our enemies are definitely not standing still either, I think after the Pilgrimage, we’ll be better placed than ever to defend ourselves…”

Shaeula nodded. “Indeed. So, this is the last-last shrine before Ise, no? I shall leave you to Yukiko tonight then.”

“It won’t be just her.” I chuckled. “But yeah, Ise is her home turf, and it’s also a sacred, holy site to shrine maidens, yet almost none will ever see the true heart of it, the inside of the shrine, barring invites to special events such as a Coronation of a new Emperor or the like. You can feel the excitement in the air…”

“Indeed. So I shall make-make the most of this time. Then I suppose I shall go-go watch Aiko defeat you.” Her smile was fond. “You are far-far too soft on her. I do not-not hate it, far from it, but…” She puffed out her cheeks adorably. “You did not-not go easy on me during our similar gamble.”

“No, but…” I kissed her softly. When we pulled apart, lips damp, I smiled at her tenderly. “…you still won, didn’t you?”

“Of course-course I did!” the pink-cheeked girl agreed, snuggling close again. “I may not-not be purely of wind, not-not anymore, but it is what I was-was, my whole being, so… it would have been most-most mortifying to lose at that!”

“True.” I agreed, and as the remaining Pilgrims completed their offerings to the shrine here, Arisu-san was already preparing her Room, to jump us to our final destination of the day… Ise Grand Shrine, huh? I wonder just what lies hidden there. It’s one of the most sacred places in Japan, along with Mount Fuji and Kyoto… surely, despite Yukiko’s self-deprecation, it’s something special…

***

“It’s… not much, but I’ve done my best.” Yukiko apologised, earning a gentle finger-flick from me. As she flinched, face going red, I then leaned in and kissed the spot I’d hit, before taking her lips too. She was a bit surprised, but with her face as red as the frames of her glasses, she reciprocated, and our tongues entwined as chuckles sounded behind us. Once we parted, Yukiko turned away, furtively rubbing at her lips, and Tsukiko, who had watched on with great amusement, patted her shoulder comfortingly, while I spoke.

“I’m sure you have. We’ll see what it looks like in the Boundary later, but first…” We’d formed a long procession, making offerings at all one hundred and twenty-three smaller shrines, which had spiritual ties to the Gekū, or Outer shrine, and the Naikū, the Inner, sacred shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, where no visitor was allowed to enter ordinarily, and where Yata no Kagami was housed, until she was brought to Tokyo for our ministrations and repair.

Indeed, Yata had seemed distracted, ever since we’d arrived at the site. The area was truly breathtaking, with a beautiful forest, full of wild chickens, of all things. Apparently, they were considered the messengers of Amaterasu, which made little sense to me, but… it seems strange, but I’ve talked to Tsukuyomi, so… maybe one day I’ll get to ask Amaterasu about it.

The Uji bridge, crossing the picturesque Isuzu river, had certainly been worth seeing, and I noticed a lot of the younger girls taking pictures of the scenery, though once inside the sacred Naikū, obviously no photography was permitted. Anyway, we had made offerings at the smaller shrines here, and next to the larger, sacred shrine, pavilion-like tents had been set up, for our Pilgrims to enter the Boundary and begin to reverse our course.

“This… seems familiar. It is… a reflection of home.” Yata declared, her usually sharp golden eyes rather softer, as if wistful. Her silvery hair blew in the gentle breeze, as we stared at the outside of Amaterasu’s magnificent shrine. It looked brand new, as well it might, as apparently it was rebuilt from scratch every twenty years, though it only moved to adjacent land and back and forth.

“Are you sad, Yata?” Tsurugi asked, blinking guilelessly. She was holding Magatama’s hand today, after some childish protests, and the three Tsukumogami sisters had accompanied us, along with Tsukiko. Kana was with us too, as was Kudou Shiori-san, and oddly enough, the three Takakura sisters, who despite not being raised as shrine maidens, were from a noble family with deep ties to the faith.

“Sad?” Yata spoke the word slowly, as if tasting it. “I do feel sorrow, yes. But also… regret, loneliness… and yet comfort, safety… warmth. The last rays of the forgotten Sun were felt here. Now… now the light returns, growing hotter from here first.”

Magatama nodded, agreeing. “Yes, the Sun shines brightly here. Although…” She smiled at Yukiko, her black eyes showing her respect. “…the Sun is brightest wherever you are… mother.”

Yukiko’s face was crimson again, after only just having recovered from our kiss. As she stammered out some denials, the door to the main shrine opened, and out stepped a familiar figure, leaning on a staff as tall as he was, his white beard dangling down to his chest, but his eyes, as golden as Yata’s, belied his apparent age, as did his spry handling of his sakura-wood staff. The warm, reddish-brown, almost pink wood, gave off a sacred air, and my Eyes could see the energies invested in it, mostly wood and water, though there were traces of earth too. He was wearing his robes of black and white, and resembled a wise old wizard. Behind him were two more Onmyōji, in far less ornate robes, and on seeing us they bowed deeply. One was carrying an incense burner, which contained flame and metal elements, while the second held a long metal spike, which was mostly filled with earth element.

“You have arrived then.” Yin-Yang Grandmaster, or rather… Uncle Daimon, I did promise, and he’s close to Yukiko… spoke, his voice warm and kind, like an old uncle. “I trust the Pilgrimage is progressing to your satisfaction?”

Yukiko, who was in charge of this part of it, spoke for us, though her words were still rather hurried due to embarrassment at Magatama’s earlier comment. “Uncle Daimon… yes, things are… fine? Yes, fine. The Kami are pleased, and…” She glanced at me, as my Astral body was already in the Boundary, though I hadn’t entered this shrine yet, as I wanted Yukiko to show us around.

“…yes, they are waiting at their shrines for the Pilgrims, to give out their blessings.”

“It’s as Akio says.” Yukiko finished. “Everything is in hand. Are the preparations here done?”

One of the men nodded, the metal spike still clutched in his hand. My Eyes could see he, and indeed the other man, was a Chosen as well, likely those additional Onmyōji Chosen Yukiko had mentioned existed. She said several, so… maybe there’s one more?

“It is as you asked, Princess Mikasa.” The Onmyōji was rather formal, which felt a bit incongruous to me, considering he was older, probably in his thirties, while the one holding the metal censer seemed about my age. “The shrine is prepared to admit your group, and then we shall escort the others through in small numbers, so as to protect the sacred shrine, which outsiders do not see.”

“There are no outsiders in this group.” Yukiko huffed, before she shook her head. “My apologies. I am simply rather stressed today. I know the Inner Shrine is off-limits to all but the Imperial Family, our Onmyōji, and any shrine maidens and priests invited for rare sacred rites. But that’s why… I think this shrine is so important.” She turned to me, her brown eyes serious. “I know that you can tell the progress of Kami-Blessed, but I suspect that with the wealth of Kami and the surrounding shrines, many people will reach the maximum here. And for those who have… troubling… aspects, such as the foreigners from Fenrir…” she paused, frowning apologetically. “I don’t mean that they are trouble… it’s just… what would their home shrine be?”

“The various Gods of battle, martial valour and weapons did it. Hachiman and the like…”

“I see. That makes sense. But… I think that if someone proves stubbornly difficult, if the Class isn’t granted… this shrine is the heart of Japan’s faith. If the Kami here can’t allow someone to gain the Class, I doubt any other shrine would work.”

I nodded at her explanation. “It makes sense. And while I don’t want to play favourites with true shrines and temples, we’ve already had to choose due to time constraints… plotting the most efficient paths for future groups would certainly be fairer and easier if we had a guaranteed way of kicking the Class off.”

“Father, I’m bored…” Tsurugi whined from next to me, and Magatama patted her head gently, quietly murmuring to her to behave. With the interruption, that gave Yukiko time to focus, and she smiled at us.

“I’ve put if off long enough, I suppose. Uncle Daimon, we’ll all be using my quarters for the transition.” Before Shiori-san and the Takakura sisters could complain, she mentioned that I had no need of the room.

“That’s right.” I agreed. “In fact, once I’ve made my offerings, and… had a quick look around Yukiko’s room, though I’ll do it before you all rest in there…” I winked at Mizuki-san, who was puffing out her cheeks with a disconsolate expression. “…I’ll be headed back to Tokyo.” I checked my watch, and indeed, it was starting to get late, as even with the more than a hundred shrines and temples in very close proximity, making offerings to each of them, even if it only took a few minutes each time, certainly took a while.

“You want to see… my room?” Yukiko blinked.

“Of course he does.” Tsukiko chuckled. “What man would not be fascinated at seeing where his lover spends her days? Many secrets can be gleaned by such an inspection…”

“It’s true.” Kana chuckled. “Akio’s seen my room. It’s not like you’ve anything to hide, do you? I mean, if it was a slovenly mess, you’d not let us in there either, would you?”

Yukiko chuckled nervously. “No, you’re right, but… oh, I suppose it doesn’t matter.” She shook her head, making up her mind, ignoring the gentle chuckles from Uncle Daimon and his fellow Onmyōji. “You’ve seen my room at the Palace anyway. It’s just… I don’t know, perhaps because of my role as Priestess of Ise, it makes me feel self-conscious. Anyway… we’re holding everyone up and the schedule is tight. Everyone wants to train tonight. Especially your sister.”

We finally entered the shrine, and the interior was rich and well-crafted, yet surprisingly lacking in ostentation. The walls were white-tinged cypress wood, similar to the roofs outside, and they were unpainted, merely sanded to an even finish. The floor, likewise, was white wood, smoothed by the passage of countless feet, and it was a tasteful reminder of the white gravel path that led to the shrine. Tapestries were hung on the walls, clearly priceless works of art owned by the Imperial Family, and they had been lovingly cared for and restored over the ages, yet even so, were showing their venerable nature, the colours less vibrant than expected, yet…

“I see. They’re your ancestors, Princess?” the eldest Takakura sister, Katsuki, spoke up. With her elegant, slender frame and gentle, yet intelligent demeanour, coupled with her pretty face and long dark hair, she looked the very image of a shrine maiden, in her red and white hakama. “And in every work, there is Amaterasu?”

“The Sun Goddess seems undimmed…” the youngest, Kiaria-chan, muttered, pointing out what we’d all noticed. She flushed a little, rather shy, before speaking up defiantly, perhaps having grown more used to everyone over the Pilgrimage, allowing her wilful side out. “Compared to all the people in the tapestries, she’s still clearly visible, as though…” She trailed off, searching for how to explain it. “…it’s like she’s brand new!”

Yukiko nodded. “We haven’t changed that, at least not in the lifetime of my family. Amaterasu always seems to remain undimmed. You know…” she gave us quite the charming smile. “…I’d really considered, before all this, anyway, snipping just a tiny bit of thread from some of the oldest cloths, and sending them for scientific analysis. Just to work out how the threads remained so rich and colourful.”

“That would be blasphemy.” Tsukiko chided. “Besides, is the answer not clear?”

“It is now.” Yukiko agreed. “The adherence, belief in Amaterasu, surely sustained the images. Though that means that if we didn’t change course, if the Humanity Declaration wasn’t recanted, then… they too would fade, the splendour lost. It goes to show the Gods are revered more than our ancestors.”

“Of course the Sun does not dim… not unless recanted.” Yata remarked, and Yukiko flushed, before nodding.

“I take full responsibility. Yes, I wasn’t born then, but… it was my great-grandfather who did it. But… we’re putting it right. Together. Can I do more?”

Yata shook her head. “No. My sisters and I, we are satisfied. The Sun shall burn anew. Yet… to feel the need to prove faith, it confuses and confounds me still.”

“Of course it does.” I patted Yata’s shoulder gently. That made Tsurugi puff out her cheeks in envy, so I stroked her hair, much to the amusement of those watching, though Mizuki-san was glaring at me for some reason. “You wouldn’t exactly understand, being as you know, and in fact are proof, that the Divine exists. But as the mirror who reflects wisdom, you should understand… the world’s a place where we thought we were beginning to understand everything through science. And where there’s knowledge, there’s less room or need for faith in something we can’t perceive or verify. But that’s only one part of it, as we’ve found out. But conversely, you can’t just dictate everything through faith. Material Laws are just as fundamental as Spiritual ones.”

Yata nodded again. “Yes, I am beginning to understand the state of this land, and the world we were reawakened in. My apologies. Even the wise need to experience events to understand them, though the more of existence that is reflected in our eyes, the easier it is to comprehend what is not seen.”

“That’s the scientific viewpoint.” I chuckled, giving her another comforting pat. “I’m sure you’ll master that in no time and be wiser than ever.”

“The main altar…” Yukiko interrupted, leading us to a small doorway, which was actually a miniature torii gate. “…is through here.” We had removed out shoes at the entrance, of course, but now she was bending down and pulling off her white tabi socks. We did the same and were all soon standing on the cool wooden floor in bare feet. Beside the gate was a wooden bucket, full of water, and a ladle. Yukiko not only washed her hands, but her feet, before rinsing out her mouth and spitting into another bronze bucket, and we did the same, though once again, Mizuki-san was giving me a rather bitter stare, trying to hide her feet from my view.

Really? It’s kind of funny, but does she think I’m going to attack her if I see her bare feet? I don’t know whether to be impressed by her self-confidence or angry at her lack of faith in my good nature…

I washed my own feet and hands, swilling water around my mouth, and when we were all done, Yukiko raised her hands, and suddenly a nimbus of sunlight radiated out from behind her, flames engulfing us, though they were cool, comfortable.

“Sorry about that. When… when I first received this power from Amaterasu, or rather, her messenger, they said it was one of purification. Now we are without worldly impurities, we can finally enter.”

Huh. Due to my Spirit Water, I’d shed the vast majority of the black sludge that was impurity, at least as Cultivators reckoned it, but with my Eyes I could see that it was a constant battle against life, new clusters of it forming every day, only to be dissolved by the Spirit Water. The clumps had shrunk, Yukiko’s flames eating into them, and I filed that observation away for later.

“Here.” Yukiko declared, and there was pride in her voice. Gasps of awe came from Kana, the Takakura sisters and Shiori-san, as they admired the heart of the Inner Shrine. The polished floorboards gave way to another material, equally white and smooth, yet the texture was… off. Seeing my expression, Yukiko let out a nervous chuckle.

“It’s bone. I know it’s a bit strange. That’s why we have to purify our feet as well. Supposedly they are the bones of Emperor Jimmu’s brothers and their retainers who were killed in battle before Japan was conquered. We are walking the same path they did.” She pointed to the altar. It was impossible to see from outside, and equally hard indoors at night, but the cypress-wood roof had slight gaps between the planks, allowing sunlight through in very specific ways, and a tracery of gold was inlaid over the bones, forming a series of tracks to the altar, upon which stood a small statue, ancient and worn yet still beautiful, of a woman, the sun behind her.

“I know historians doubt Emperor Jimmu ever existed, but… we know differently now, don’t we?” Yukiko smiled ruefully. She glanced at me inquisitively, and my Eyes shone. So, that’s how it is.

“I don’t think these bones prove that either way, but yes, I certainly wouldn’t be surprised, considering the Regalia are real and here with us, and also your Divine Favour.” I reassured her.

“You can feel the solemnity.” Kana breathed, her voice a whisper, as if afraid of being profane.

Tsukiko agreed. “Yes, the presence of Amaterasu lingers. It is familiar. But Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu did indeed join in matrimony.”

“Yeah, brother and sister united as one. Crazy to think of, isn’t it?” Kana held in a quiet chuckle, rolling her eyes, as we approached the altar. There was an indentation before the statue of Amaterasu, and Yata froze, before she produced her Mirror, holding it in her hands. She placed it down gently, before stepping back.

“The sun has set, else…” She gestured to the roof and the inlaid floor. “…the rays of the sun upon this land would converge, and I would reflect them, illuminating both the face of Amaterasu, mother of this land, and the Priestess of Ise, in the hopes of bringing her much-needed wisdom…”

“It’s true. And also a bit annoying.” Yukiko’s ashamed chuckle rang out in the quiet shrine. The Onmyōji, including Uncle Daimon, were waiting without, leaving us alone here, so she could speak more openly. “The light shining in my eyes as I prayed hurt a little. I don’t blame you, Yata…” she hastened to add. “…who can fault a mirror for reflecting light? Fortunately, my duties were light, and I didn’t have to pray too much. Now…”

She bowed, contemplating the altar. “…now I’m grateful. I’m no longer alone. I never really was. I had Uncle Daimon, you, Tsukiko… and Amaterasu was always watching me, just like the sun looks down over Japan. But now…” she smiled warmly, as though she was the spring sun herself. “…this shrine, which has seen so few visitors, will have its bones polished by feet other than mine. And I… am so very grateful.” She bowed twice, before clapping her hands, then bowing again. A bell then sounded, despite Yukiko not having one to ring.

“I feel… better.” Yukiko admitted. “Now… you go next, Akio.”

I repeated Yukiko’s gestures, as was proper when paying respects at a shrine. When the bell sounded again, I felt a surge of elemental flame bubble in my solar plexus Chakra, as well as light surging in my third eye Chakra. I could feel the adherence, heavy, hot and ancient, settle on me, and as I stepped aside to let Tsukiko pay her respects, I glanced at Yukiko questioningly.

“It… was not this strong before.” she admitted. “Of course, I used to have to bring a sacred bronze bell…” She pointed to a plinth by the entrance, upon which sat an antique bell upon a red and white cushion. “…but since I received my Divine Favour….”

“It has rung for you?” Tsukiko asked, stepping back from the altar, letting Kana step up next.

“Yes.” Yukiko agreed. “I’m not especially well-versed in these matters, but… it’s adherence-related, isn’t it?”

I nodded. “Yeah, definitely. There’s still a significant amount of it here, with aspects of fire, light, the sun and more. In a way, it reminds me of…” I wove wind around me, because I’d promised Ellie I’d be discreet, but a trip to the Tower was long overdue and fast approaching anyway, and Yukiko and Tsukiko would both be going. “…the Tower of London, though the adherence is significantly less potent, yet purer.”

“I see.” Yukiko pondered. “So… what do we do?”

“I don’t know.” I shrugged. Shiori-san was offering her prayers now, the Takakura sisters waiting. “I’d need to see your Territory, but I’m waiting until you get there. I want to let you show off. And speaking of…” I glanced around meaningfully, and as Katsuki-san began her prayers, Yukiko flushed.

“You’ll see my room soon enough. Are you so eager?” Yukiko groaned.

“Yes. I want to know you better.” I teased, and her skin darkened.

“Fine then. I might as well get it over with.”

Once the two remaining Takakura sisters had offered their piety, the bells ringing, we left. Yata was going to leave part of herself, that made up the mirror, here until all the Pilgrims had paid their respects. Uncle Daimon and the Onmyōji would supervise the other groups, preventing problems, so that gave us leisure to visit Yukiko’s room. The Regalia themselves didn’t need to leave Material forms behind, so they would join us in the Boundary shortly. We retrieved our socks, and as the next group filtered in, my sis, Eri and the others, we exchanged some brief nods.

“It’s here.” Yukiko led us through into another part of the Inner Shrine, and after a deep breath, opened the door.

“Oh, that’s nice!” Kiaria-chan couldn’t hep but exclaim, as she saw the room. It was decorated in red and white at first glance, a very shrine maiden-type choice, but once the initial impression was over, we realised that the reds were actually mixed in with a decent amount of pink, and that the white was also blended with tasteful cream and light pink too.

“It’s a little… young.” Yukiko admitted. “I haven’t really redecorated since I was still in high school.”

“It’s not like you’re an old woman.” Kana chuckled. “I like pink too. Most girls do.”

“It’s just… I’d like to be a bit more mature. Like you, Tsukiko!” Yukiko insisted, only for Tsukiko to tease her.

“Are you saying I am an old woman? I think I hardly look much older than you, Yukiko.”

“No, I’m not saying… oh, stop mocking me!” Yukiko led us inside. There was an old-fashioned antique four-poster bed, rather unusual in Japan. Pinkish drapes hung down the sides, and as Yukiko pushed them aside, we could see white sheets, and also several large, cuddly bear toys. Once more, Kiaria-chan’s eyes sparkled, and even Mizuki-san seemed interested in them. Kana, however…

“Got to check the closets. I know that’s what Akio’s interested in.” She winked and soon had opened Yukiko’s walk-in wardrobe. “Oh, lots of hakama, a few dresses, jeans, t-shirts, blouses… no underwear though.” Kana reported, and Yukiko carefully backed up towards a set of drawers, before Kana waved a hand cheerfully. “I’m only messing with you. Not that it should be embarrassing, as it’s Akio, and you’re engaged. But… even though he’s seen me in my underwear before, I admit I’d still feel a bit odd letting him check out my lingerie collection.”

“I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise anyway…” I remarked dryly, and Yukiko had to turn away, her chest heaving as she took deep breaths. Tsukiko and Kana exchanged a mirthful glance, and when Yukiko had calmed herself down, she turned around.

“The bed will be rather a squeeze, but… we should manage.” She then lay down, and Tsukiko got on beside her. Kana wasn’t shy and clambered on too. The Takakura sisters and Shiori-san were more reticent, but after grumbling a little, Mizuki-san joined them, and her sisters followed. Lastly, Shiori-san bowed to me, before filling the remaining space. It was certainly cramped, but they all fit.

“Maybe I should have taken the floor…” Shiori-san muttered, only for Kana to chime in with a rebuttal.

“If anyone’s taking up too much room, it’s Tsukiko. She’s got curves everywhere and is rather tall.”

“I happen to think I am quite slender…” Tsukiko pouted, and Yukiko and I exchanged a warm glance, pleased at how much she’d changed, how open she was with her emotions after her rebirth. “…besides, you are not petite, Kana.”

“Guilty as charged.” she laughed. “Anyway, Akio, are you going to watch us sleep, or…?”

“Yeah, I’ll be leaving now. My helicopter should be waiting. No need to distract Arisu-san just for me. Besides, you’re wearing Magatama, Yukiko. If there’s a one-in-a-million chance of trouble, she’ll notify us in the Boundary and I can quickly return here.” With that, I slipped out of the door on the Material, greeted the next group of Pilgrims, and quickly left Ise Grand Shrine.

In the Boundary, I approached the magnificent site. The temple complex was significantly larger, the wooden roofs replaced with gold and copper tiles, inlaid with sparkling sunstones and rubies. Buildings such as Ether Spires jutted up from between the structures, and Yukiko’s were smooth golden metal, the crystalline parts shimmering as though they were water reflecting the sun on a warm summer day. There seemed to be a lot of Tengu about, though once my Eyes observed them, I could see that the black-winged humans were in fact descendants of Yatagasaru and formed the Kamo clan.

“Welcome.” A powerful figure descended from above, and as I looked up, I could see the churning mass of adherence overhead, much like the Tower of London, as I expected. It formed a sort of haze over the site, and it glowed with a warm gold, banishing the usual unlight of the Boundary, and the rays above it had turned the black skies a rich azure. Like a sunny day, I guess.

“You may call me Wakeikazuchi. I bid you welcome to this sacred shrine, where our Divine father, Yatagasaru, rested once he had guided Tenno, then not yet an Emperor, to the lands touched by the Sun of Divine Amaterasu.” The Kami was powerful, easily the equal of Hachiman, and he wore a golden-yellow shōzoku, traditional priestly attire belted with a sash of blue. His black, feathered wings exceeded the size of the Tengu I knew, and his facial features were refined and patrician, his black eyes seeming almost to glow with sparks of yellow and green. One odd thing I noted was that as he moved, I could see he had a third, almost vestigial leg, like a crow’s, in addition to his human legs.

Avatar of Wakeikazuchi [Kami Kamo Wakeikazuchi no Okami]

“I see, you’re an Avatar, just like Emperor Ōjin, or Tsumatsu-hime…” I observed, and the crow-winged man nodded, his raptor-like gaze assessing me.

“Indeed. My true form lies at a distant shrine, though to move prematurely is to cause… potential troubles. Instead, I am content to take over Divine Yatagasaru’s work and watch over the bloodline of Amaterasu and Emperor Jinnu. Our latest descendant is worthy indeed. May the Sun shine on her forever, and guide her to fortune, and away from ill-luck.”

“I agree with that.” I bowed my head in prayer. “So, may I enter? Yukiko should be here any minute.”

“Of course you may.” Wakeikazuchi agreed, stepping aside. “She has spoken of you many times…”

“Oh, really? Now I’m curious, but… I won’t ask you to break confidence.” As I said this, the Kami fell in beside me, and we entered the heart of the shrine. The first thing I saw was a marvellous Building, rather reminiscent of the Glorious idol Of Kannon at Kiyomizu-dera. It was a large, almost conch-like trumpet, pointing up at the skies above, made from reddish-golden metal, yet the structure wasn’t regular, like it had been made, but almost fluid, with rounded curves, as if a drop of liquid had just frozen in that shape. It was absorbing the light and adherence from above and seemed to give off a quite mysterious glow.

Amaterasu’s Blessed Tear Rank 4 Unique – This Building exists only at Ise Grand Shrine, and is formed from false, Mortal Hihi’irokane, an inferior version of the true Divine metal of the Sun, created by the Adherence of many long years. Within this Building burns a Unique Flame, that of Brilliant Scarlet Sunlight, a double-Mutated Elemental energy. This Flame Element has all the properties of Sunlight, such as having a potent destructive effect against beings of darkness, Darkness Elemental energies and their composites, and undead creatures, but also has a scorching scarlet essence, giving it greater destructive power than ordinary Light Elemental energies, but in addition, it can be used, combined with suitable Adherence and gold, to create Mortal Hihi’irokane, an imitation of the true metal of Amaterasu.

This Building increases the generation of Flame and Light Elemental energies within this Territory, and it also functions as a Defensive Emplacement with attributes of both Fire and Light.

Yeah, that’s impressive, sure enough. And while one Defensive Emplacement, even a unique one such as this, won’t be decisive, coupled with the spiritual beings from the Kamo clan, Yukiko’s territory is a tough nut to crack. Once more, she was blessed by her starting situation. This truly wasn’t a fair competition. But I’m not jealous. After all, Yukiko’s mine now, and I’m hers, and we share all we have. Now, Hihi’irokane… I’m excited. As an otaku, I’ve heard of this mythical metal a number of times. Even a degraded mortal version must be awesome…

Mortal Hihi’irokane is a version of Divine Hihi’irokane lacking the spark, the infused Soullight, of true Divine metals. Even so, its performance is exceptional. It has significant strength and sharpness, despite being far lighter than the gold it is forged from. It adapts to Adherence well and is especially capable of attuning to Flame and Light Elemental energies. Unfortunately, due to its degraded nature, it cannot generate its own Elemental energies and Adherence.

“Okay… I need to get Ixitt and his crew to take a look at this. Although…” I just had a wicked idea. “…I think my sis needs to see this first…”

With a delighted smile on my lips, batteries of crystal and jade still in my hands, I strode in, to be greeted by Yukiko and the others.

“Akio, you made it. Oh, and noble Wakeikazuchi, you are visiting here too.” Yukiko bowed to him, and the Kami returned the gesture.

“Indeed I am. After all, I would surely meet the one who has claimed…”

Yukiko waved frantically, face red, cutting him off. The man merely glanced at me, before chuckling and turning away. “I shall not tarry here then…” he finished. “May we meet again.” With that he vanished, soaring into the skies like a streak of lightning, the smell of ozone suddenly stinging our eyes and noses.

“That troublemaker…” Yukiko sighed, distracted. “…he is not often here, but his presence… it is welcome when he comes. It’s not like your Territory…” Yukiko let out an envious sigh. “…so bustling and full of life. Yes, the Kamo clan have a presence here, and there are dozens of minor Kami at the hundred and twenty-three smaller shrines, but… most of them are distinctly uninspiring. Not like Shaeula, or Hyacinth, Grulgor or Ixitt…”

“I’m sure they’ll be pleased to hear that. Anyway, you’ve done all right. Rank Three, certainly.”

Yukiko nodded. “I had more advantages than most, I expect.” She let out a mournful sigh. “I’m such a baby. I did nothing but complain about how scared and lonely I was, how nobody would understand me… compared to you, Akio, or even you, Tsukiko, I started with a silver, no… a golden spoon…”

“Hey, it makes sense. As a Princess, you certainly aren’t used to the struggles of us common people.” Kana pointed out. “But you’re pretty down-to-earth, I like that about you. Besides, Akio’s best when he struggles, don’t feel bad for him.”

“Thanks, Kana.” I chuckled dryly, before waving off her giggles, as well as a wicked smirk from Mizuki-san. “Anyway, I’m up for the grand tour, but first… we need to make our offerings.” I’d grabbed ours from the convoy earlier and put it in my Spatial Storage, so we were ready.

“This way then.” Yukiko agreed, though she was clearly shy, and as she led us towards the spectacular Inner Shrine, which was almost glowing with light, massive, fist-sized solid flames releasing radiance, I exchanged a knowing glance with Tsukiko, who returned my smile.

Yes, she really is adorable. Kana has her weighed up. She’s straddling that amusing line between privilege and the urge to feel she’s just like anyone else, an average person, and it’s the gap that makes her cute…