On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Did this worry you?” Hinata asked Ileana suddenly, and the pale woman thought for a minute, before shaking her head.

“I hardly understood all that was being discussed, but it seems that they broke faith. A most intolerable situation. If my family’s servants were to do such, the consequences would be harsh. Though as many were Blood Children… such was unlikely.” She seemed hesitant to admit that, but Hinata shrugged, unbothered by her admission.

“I don’t know exactly what that entails, but we also use methods to ensure compliance. Though we do concede that using abilities to restrict free will and thought is… problematic, and use the minimum required.” Shaeula grinned at Hinata’s words, but kept her silence, as Hinata continued. “Honestly, we bind as lightly as we can and make sure that everyone understands and consents to any longer-term coercion. That’s… not the only method, however.” Her brown eyes hardened. “Contracts were signed, with fierce penalty clauses. Whether they do go to prison or not for sharing data materially valuable to the country of Japan, the financial penalties will be ruinous. Their lives will not be comfortable… but if they work hard, they should be able to afford a basic standard of living, at least.”

Hinata’s tone brooked no sympathy. “Honestly…” she sighed. “…just to make a little extra money, it’s all so foolish.”

I held in a grin at that as Eri and I exchanged a meaningful glance. A little money? Hinata has very different standards to ordinary people like us. Though, shockingly enough, I get it now.

I do too. Eri’s thoughts were equally amused. Considering how I used to make do with second-hand clothes and barely any luxuries, I get that it hurts to be poor. But none of those who betrayed us were, and… the riches they’d get sticking with us… idiots.

I guess either they didn’t fully think it through or were just greedy. But… I do like Hinata’s ideas of revenge. It’s not about punishment, but about regret…

“Yuuri… my cousin.” Yuuna-san offered diffidently. Kanami-san was resolute, as if her disowned family didn’t exist, but I could see the hurt in her slightly trembling hands and the odd scatter of moisture she blinked away. Yuuna-san, however, was rather more open in her worry. “I know Yuuri was wrong, but… will she really go to prison?”

“Who can say?” Hinata shrugged. “That’s up to the judges. If so, I doubt it’ll be a long sentence. She owes me a great deal of contract breach fees though. So she’ll have to work that off. And before you say something stupid like ‘I’ll work to help pay her debts’, Yuuna-chan, it’s not about the money, it’s about sending a message. Betrayal won’t be tolerated. She’ll have to taste her own bitter tears when she sees you living in luxury, adored by all. That’s my revenge, and our weapons…” She winked at us. “Keep the faith, support us, and know luxury, wealth and fame. Disregard us, betray us… and live in regret, lamenting what you could have been a part of.”

“I… see.” Yuuna-san nodded. “I… won’t ever make that mistake.” She saluted, hands forming the diamond, as did Kanami-san.

“That’s all we can ask.” Hinata’s tone softened, but Arisu-san, who had been listening, frowned.

“What of your brother, then? I… do not care for inconstant men.”

“Oh, Hiroto means no malice, he’s just too used to thinking with his lower brain.” Hinata made a tasteless joke, surprising me, and she smiled impishly at my shock. “I fear my sense of humour has been warped by Shiro. Forgive me. Anyway, it was all just pointless boasting and pillow talk, though according to the ninja reports, before I even met you, Akio, he’d been indiscreet to foreign plants, and disclosed information which cost Nichibotsu some lucrative contracts, several hundred million yen. So yes, time to tame his playboy ways and get him to settle down, before his need to impress women gets him into serious trouble, such that we can’t overlook.”

“Not-not something you feel a need for, is it, Akio?” Shaeula chortled, and I shrugged.

“I’d hope I can impress you all with my love. I don’t need to be boasting to random women, no matter how cute. Huh… that’s right…” I turned my attention to Kokuren and Byakuren, who stood straighter under my regard. “…you said that you didn’t want to do the seduction missions, as your targets were often unpleasant men. Hiroto-san’s handsome and kind, if an idiot…” I agreed with Hinata, but honestly, I liked him well enough, and he was a supportive brother-in-law for sure, wanting his sister to be happy, which scored points with me.

They sighed, before Kokuren answered. “Yes. He’s a rare target indeed. But also easy. So pretty women who don’t need many skills suffice, Genin, or even outside assistance can be brought in, we have connections in the nightlife industry. We Chūnin would only be called upon for the hardest, most unpleasant targets. Such as the ones where tolerance to pain and disgrace was required.”

Byakuren nodded sadly. “While it’s not true all corrupt and greedy men are perverts, you’d be surprised how many are. So, we would surely have been tasked to seduce and suborn such targets. But now… you promised us we wouldn’t have to.”

“Yes. I’m a man with many women, and a precious sister. A number of them now…” I chuckled and also patted Tsurugi’s head as she nestled in my arms. “Daughters too, as hard as that is to believe. I wouldn’t degrade you so, because I’d never want it to happen to those I cherish. Of course, if you don’t want to end up a slave to Hinata’s contracts, working yourselves to death in more wholesome ways, I suggest you set aside any thoughts of betrayal.”

“Have no fear.” Byakuren bowed low, and Kokuren echoed her. “We will open our thoughts to Suzuki-sama, and refrain from employing any tricks. You can also bind us with whatever abilities you need to. Just… allow us to fulfil our duties, for the Kōga, for Marishiten, and for you.”

“Have no-no fear. I will see to them, so that they assist Haru and Yukiko well.” Shaeula promised, and at my nod, the two ninja sisters sighed in near-identical relief, hands at their chests, and I held in a grin, knowing that their gestures were surely calculated to appeal. That’s why it’s hard to ever trust Kunoichi, yet… it’s likely with Lovers’ Link, such fears could be allayed. Oh well, I’m not getting involved with them for now, I’ve far too much on my plate already…

“In that case, the way we’ll handle everyone is similar.” Hinata explained. “Though, Sono Ayako-san… technically she’s not breached my contract, as she gave out no secrets, but she’s still proved herself vulnerable and unreliable…”

“I’m going to have to stop you there.” I insisted, and Hinata raised an eyebrow.

“Look, like you said, she made a mistake, but she was holding to the rules. So it’s only fair to respect that and give her another chance. Of course, I’ll get Daiyu to redouble her training, until she’s too busy to think about her failures. If we deal with her too harshly, it’ll affect the morale of the other AKB idols, and honestly… her actions were understandable. We don’t know she’d crack, even in America, and like you say, we can still exploit her, use her to feed false intel if necessary.”

“You’re a pushover as ever.” Hinata grinned. “But I’m not going to argue. I know you always listen to our opinions, but sometimes it’s nice to see you being assertive and making a decision. Ayako-chan will certainly regret her foolishness, if not in the way she imagines.”

“So then…” Morita-san began when we’d finished our deliberations. “On to our Romanian guests. Oh, but before that…” she turned to me. “What do you want to do with Ikenoue-san? He’s certainly committed some crimes infiltrating the Ministry…” the man flinched, but she continued, ignoring that.  “…but unlike our other infiltrator, his intentions offer some mitigating circumstances. I think… watching… could be helpful for him to put things into perspective.”

“I think so too.” I agreed. He doesn’t seem cut out for the battles to come, and his ability offers little in the way of any use other than being a spy or assassin.

“In that case…” Morita-san beamed professionally at Ileana and Valeska. “…we might as well finalise your immigration procedures and issue you your true special passports. We would also arrange a stipend and temporary accommodation while you settle in, but it seems… Oshiro-san has taken you under his wing. Does this arrangement satisfy?”

Ileana glanced at her grandmother, who nodded, though she did shoot me a flinty glare, as if warning me off Ileana, which amused me. Eri shook her head, and Shaeula chortled, and I could hear them mentally talking about how Valeska was doomed to failure.

“I suppose it does. They have been kind to us.” the pale woman admitted.

“And will continue to be so.” Haru promised. “You’ve seen it here, he’s a soft touch to women in distress. Though fortunately, he’s learning not to offer affection and kindness to those who don’t merit it.” Haru’s brown eyes still carried a trace of blue flames within, and I nodded at her intensity.

“Yeah. I’m able to distinguish between genuine mistakes and wickedness, I promise, between affection and simply self-serving greed.”

“Long may it continue!” Hinata giggled. “Great, well for now the best thing is for you both to stay close, on the estate. Who knows, with the Territory expansion effects, we could even build you your own cottage there. We do need to expand.”

We were ushered into another room, where biometrics, including some new aetheric ones, Ixitt apparently having created a bluesteel alloy that could contain a sample of aether and respond with a glow to matching frequencies, everyone apparently having a unique signature, like a fingerprint, were taken. I guess it makes sense. After all, aether is moved by thought, and everyone thinks differently. Of course, it could be faked, just like Eri, Ginneka or Kinneka could likely fake fingerprints, but no system is foolproof, we’ll just make it hard to crack.

Ileana’s eyes gave the scanning device some trouble, but soon everything was done, and we were sitting back in the main conference room, where our other refugees were ushered in. First came Valerian and his family. The big man seemed rather more relaxed than when we’d first met, which made sense, considering his circumstances. On seeing that there were only two men amongst his interviewers, and an awful lot of beautiful women, he perked up, only for his wife to scowl at him, and he waved that aside.

“Greetings. Don’t mind my family, they are all still a little shaken up by our retreat. But I know, a crow doesn’t take out another crow’s eyes. We’re the same kind, you and I.” He grinned, pounding his chest. “Besides, I don’t hate it here. The food had the flavour of home too. Though I’d have eaten old boots if that was all there was. Hunger is the best cook, after all.”

Valeska nodded at that as she and Ileana translated for us. “He’s right. As we know well, don’t we, little light?”

“I’m… hungry… even now.” She sighed, and her gaze strayed to my neck, before her pale skin flushed, her eyes taking on a reddish, rusty hue, and she dipped her head, ashamed.

Here it comes. Eri smirked, her thoughts demanding vindication. Your bodily fluids are addictive, Akio. Your blood is surely irresistible. If she ever tastes yours, our little Vampire won’t ever be able to drink from others again. It’ll be like living on brackish, muddy water, then discovering fruit juice.

I agree. Haru joined in. Not about… fluids… she was suddenly embarrassed. …I’ve not done that. But… it’s obvious how this will go. I don’t probe her mind too deeply, not that she’s particularly guarded, unlike her grandmother, who is appropriately wary, but she’s desperate for some kindness, some security, some affection. And while she doesn’t have any particular disdain or fear of men, she’s more comfortable with women, perhaps due to her sheltered upbringing and traditional values. So being surrounded by those who genuinely welcome her…

Of course we welcome her. She’s the Princess of Hell, we’re like ninety-nine percent certain. That means she’s one of us. Eri insisted. I’m just glad she seems someone we can be friends with, get along with. Honestly, she feels very much like a younger sister type. It’s… quite a novel feeling.

She’s older than you, Eri…

I know! It’s all about how she feels, though!

“We did have Romanian cuisine delivered to make you feel at home.” Morita-san suggested. “There is a small but thriving expatriate community here in Tokyo, of around two thousand individuals, and they have set up several restaurants. So you don’t need to feel isolated. As for not speaking Japanese… there are ways around that.”

“It gives me a damnable headache.” Valeska grumbled, flourishing her translation device. “I’m going to learn the language, and I think it will be easier, as so much sinks into my subconscious. But yes, being able to understand and speak relieves stress.”

“Great. Wonderful!” Valerian boomed. His wife and daughter, as well as his younger son, all seemed less tense and fearful than our past meeting as well, perhaps having settled in to their luxury hotel as if it was an unplanned holiday. Victor, the eldest son, was clearly still angry though, and I remembered he’d abandoned a girlfriend back in Romania.

“Hear that, Odetta, my sons and daughter?” he continued. Valerian was certainly larger-than-life, as my mom might say, tanned skin, brown eyes, great height, bulging muscles and black beard all making him resemble a bear. Very suitable for a blacksmithing God’s Favour. His sons were fairly burly too, though the youngest, Leonard, lacked the muscle. Next to them, Odetta and his daughter Andreea seemed small, though compared to Japanese women they were certainly on the taller side, and rather more full-figured.

“It won’t be so bad, see?” he laughed loudly. His brash behaviour was different to what we were used to, but even Eri now had travelled the world and met many people, so it didn’t bother her like it would have in the past. Hell, she knows David, so she can put up with anything!

“We didn’t miss the old woman with the pretzels.”

At that idiom, which I could guess the meaning of, I rolled my eyes. He’s as amusing as Adelheid.

“So cheer up. You too, Victor. Tipă Vivi will understand. And if not…” she shrugged. “A good woman would stick by you. This was life and death, remember.”

“Yes.” Morita-san interrupted, as Victor was about to erupt. She slid over some documents for them. “Now, we may well be able to assist you, young mister Fieraru. Or as we would say here in Japan, Fieraru-san. But first we need to… iron out a few details. Our enquires through… specialised channels…”

Haru nodded imperceptibly.

“…have come back clean.” Morita-san continued. “So we’ve no concerns about accepting you as citizens, under the Ministry special passport scheme. You’ll also retain your Romanian citizenship, so in time, you can return there, once you feel it’s safe. And the Ministry has a number of opportunities, if you are looking for financial support. However…” Morita-san glanced at Hinata and me meaningfully. “…opportunities as a Chosen are rather limited. After all, there is no suitable location for a Territory in the greater Tokyo area now. You might be aware, but… Oshiro-san here has claimed it all in rather… conspicuous… fashion.”

“I saw that!” Leanord laughed. “The skies were on fire.”

“Yeah. It was pretty…” Andreea agreed, idly playing with her ponytail. “I took pictures. My friends back home won’t believe me. Friends…”

“Yes, quite the show.” Valerian boomed. “Nothing like that happened with Twelve-Headed Balaur. Nor those Church bastards. Makes me think the news about you isn’t all exaggeration. And there…” he grinned at Shaeula. “…that’s the ‘bar-bar my way’ woman. Smaller in person.”

As Shaeula grinned, and Ileana translated with some confusion, Hinata took over.

“Oh, it’s no exaggeration.” Hinata agreed. “If I’m being honest, Valerian… I can be informal, can’t I?” At his nod, she continued. “Good. Honesty… yes, this isn’t a threat, just an observation, but there are at least five of us in the room who could kill you now if we so chose.”

Yeah. Me, Eri, Haru, Hinata herself, Arisu… honestly, Tsurugi resting in my arms could slash him in half before he could react. She can cut lightning, after all…

As his expression tightened, Hinata continued grinning, in that sly, insouciant way she had when she was in her element, proposing a deal. “I say this not to threaten, or intimidate, but to reassure. The Church may have pressured your Twelve-Headed Balaur, but they tried that here, and while regrettably there were civilian casualties…” A faint flicker of sorrow only we detected, as she remembered her fallen teachers and classmates at Hanafubuki, though thanks to Kanami-san here, and her fellow Adamant members, and of course the heroic efforts of Motoko and Natsumi, casualties were a barest fraction of what they should have been.

“…we were the victors in the end and protected those under our care. You should know, Twelve-Headed Balaur was an organisation held together by shared interests and strength. We’re… not much different, just… we are all unified under Akio. And… we certainly have openings.” Hinata produced documents, translated into Romanian, out of thin air from her Spatial Storage Ring, purple sparks scattering, and that drew looks of awe from Andreea and Leonard. Victor seemed interested too, but then he remembered he was supposed to be furious and scowled balefully.

“The Ministry will make their pitch, and certainly some of the nobility will be eager to recruit you, but… why work for a second-rate outfit when you can get in relatively early with us? Our benefits package is… generous.” Hinata grinned like a predator, and I found it so very charming, and suddenly I was looking forward to tonight a lot more. “Of course, there is also the option of bowing out of the game entirely. That’s the first set of documents.”

Based on my preliminary assessment of Hodúr’s Favour, we definitely wanted it. Working with Bjarki and Ixitt, or ever with Kana and Grulgor on construction, the options were endless. Therefore Hinata had put a price on it.

“I find it easier working in dollars with international guests, most people can visualise that.” Hinata continued, and she glanced at Ikenoue-san as she spoke, the implication plain. “So, for your Favour, allowing you to live a relatively normal life. Twenty million. In addition, we’ll enhance your family with Chirurgery, boosting their strength, health and intellect. And guarantee medical care. So long as your family members, and this will extend to partners…” Hinata smiled at the surly Victor. “…survive an accident, or don’t drop dead of a heart attack, we’ll either fly them to us for treatment or get to you via… other means… and we can fix nearly everything but death. Tempting, isn’t it?”

Valerian studied the documents, but seemed doubtful, so Hinata bade him look at the second set. “If you would prefer to keep your strength, then working for us is an option too. A very generous yearly salary, bonuses for excellent performance, and the health and Chirurgery benefits remain. You would need to sign strict Non-Disclosure waivers and also be bound by a compulsion to keep classified secrets, but overall, there’s excellent scope for progression under our care. Your talents aren’t meant for the battlefield. Though of course, training to fight better is still important.”

“What is this Vassalage?” Valerian asked after studying the documents.

“It’s swearing to Akio. He’ll then be able to control your Territorial expansions and dictate a few matters relating to use of spiritual abilities, of aether.” Hinata clarified.

“I’m a Vassal. It’s nothing to fear.” Haru insisted. “It’s simply a matter of insurance. Besides, Akio never treats anyone unfairly. If you’re open and honest, he’ll be the same.”

Haru’s words were translated by the pondering Ileana, and Haru’s thoughts to me explained she was trying to win her confidence as well. She’s wavering. In her head, you’re her best chance of security, but her heart is still too fatigued and weary. But the last few days have brought her time to think and calm herself, and like the suspension bridge effect in reverse, it’s attributed to you, so she now is starting to associate feelings of safety and relaxation with your presence.

I see. Please don’t go overboard. I’m not here to brainwash her.

Oh please. Haru’s thoughts were amused. Would I, of all people, trick a helpless, innocent young woman? I’m simply showing her your good points, of which you have many. As Eri says, it’ll all come down to blood, anyway. Her thirst is palpable, though she is suppressing it out of embarrassment and shame, but ever since she caught a sniff of you, she’s been dreaming of what it would taste like, how it would make her feel. It’s the opposite of Vampire tales in film. Instead of the old, predatory Vampire breaking into a bedroom and sucking the blood of an innocent, virginial damsel in a nightgown, a clear metaphor if ever I’ve seen one, it’s the cute maiden desperate to sneak in and drain the blood of you, an experienced playboy. She snorted mentally. A very different sort of metaphor, I reckon.

“I see. I’m… not a man who can laze around. But I’ll need time to discuss it with Odetta and my kids.” Valerian said at last. “My inclination though…” He reached out a big hand to me, and I shook it. He tried to pressure me with a strong grip, before laughing, realising I outmatched him. “…is to work. And hey, a steady income, and maybe you can stop bitching and win your Tipă, my surly son.”

“Yes. A holiday here in Japan would be quite the courting gift.” Hinata agreed. “And perhaps she might like it enough to stay. If not… in time, the threat to you might blow over, and you can establish a Romanian branch on our behalf. We’re going global soon enough.” Hinata promised. We exchanged some more talk, and then the family left, to discuss the documents.

“What do you think?” Morita-san asked, when they’d done, and Hinata shrugged.

“He’ll sign on as a Vassal. He’s the sort who can make something of himself, and he’d always regret losing his power. That’s fine. It might be somewhat better for us to buy out his Favour and grant it to someone, but we’re short on labour, so this way has positives too.” She then turned to our infiltrator. “As for you, Ikenoue-san, what benefit your Favour? To you… it’s barely a shield. You can’t compete with us, or even someone like Valerian-san. Sure, you could probably make an effective assassin, if you trained, but… sooner or later you’ll screw up or meet someone like Shaeula who neutralises you…” Shaeula grinned with pride. “…or make a mistake. And what will you gain from those efforts, before your inevitable death? Not much, if you ask me.”

“Then what do you propose?” he asked, and Hinata’s smile was once more charming and predatory.

“I think you know. A buyout. And perhaps we can even get a deal done on your crimes of infiltration?”

Morita-san frowned, before nodding. “Assuming the audit bears out no espionage, we can overlook it, if he is no longer a Chosen.”

“How… how much?” he asked, and Hinata shrugged.

“It’s nowhere near as valuable as Valerian-san’s gift. And we’ve bought an even better one for ten million euros.” Eri nodded at that, as her Favour from Nyx was purchased that way. “But I’m in a generous mood.” Hinata winked at me. “Since today is the start of a new business venture. So I can stretch to five hundred million yen. You’ll also be left with greater abilities than ordinary people and will have the same healthcare guarantee for you and your family as we offered Valerian-san. I can send the money right now…” Hinata tapped at her tablet. “…or you can think about it. Not sure if my generous mood will last though, as we’re about to secure more Favours…”

“I…” Even as he opened his mouth to speak, I could tell what Ikenoue-san was going to decide. An unexpected windfall. Thank all the Gods Hyacinth got me all that Adherence…

***

“He was wise.” Arisu-san shook her head, as Ikenoue-san completed the paperwork for his resignation from the Ministry, though he’d be remaining on site until the audit was done. “He was not cut out for this life. He reminds me of Bunta. Though Bunta at least received a very dangerous Favour, which makes up for his inherent cowardice. Though if he had more resolve…” Arisu-san sniffed coolly. “…he would be a frightful foe. Capable of killing many of us. Now, can we hurry?” She tapped her watch. “By the schedule, I need to return to the Pilgrimage to ferry them around between cities shortly. It would be a shame to falter at the final hurdle.”

“Don’t worry, we’re almost done.” I promised. We’d taken a break for tea and snacks, Tsurugi particularly enjoying those, as she was bored from all the talking. “So, how are you finding things?” I asked Ileana and Valeska, and the younger woman answered hesitantly.

“I… may be different, unique, but… I do not have as much to offer as Domnule Valerian. It makes me worry about… motives. Not that I am suspecting you of anything…” she hastened to add. “You have been open with everyone so far, me included. But… my heart will not stop hammering…”

Eri raised an eyebrow at that, cat ears flickering as she could clearly hear, as I could, Iliana’s sluggish heartbeat, and Ileana’s pale skin flushed a little.

“For me, this is a thunderous drumming.” she pouted, cute fangs showing. “But it is not because I am thirsty.” She leaked that out unconsciously, and Haru triumphantly teased me in my mind. Ileana’s flush deepened, and she coughed. “No, it is simply… I watched the Pilgrimage, went to the unformed land and saw miracles. I feel… rather overawed, and in a world far beyond my understanding.”

“I know that feeling.” Eri actually patted her shoulder gently, surprising us. “I was a nobody too, just a clingy, selfish, shy girl who dreamed of happiness but never did anything to earn it. I’m not enough of a tease to say just anyone could have got to where I am now through hard work, but… with Akio’s, Shaeula’s and everyone else’s aid… yes, it can be done if you have the will. Don’t let the world push you around. Make your stand and make the world yield to you!” Eri’s tail stood up proudly and I sent her warm thoughts of praise, to which she smiled knowingly.

 “It’s always so dramatic, isn’t it, Haru-san.” Morita-san sighed, and Haru nodded.

“It is, but… once you get used to it, everything seems natural. Acceptance is the key. If you want a long career, Morita-sama, at least in this field, better get used to letting go of things which bother you.”

“Good advice.” She sighed again, before composing herself, as she received the paperwork from Ikenoue-san. He was a bit washed out from the Chirurgery, but the process had been relatively simple, and now I had another Favour within me, ready for distribution. Though who might be viable for this one, or made viable, is another matter… As some of the JSDF escorted him away to where he’d be staying for the next few days, Morita-san frowned. “Anyway, ready for our next interviewee?”

I nodded, and soon, Bianca Albua was seated before us. My Foresight was prickling, telling me something was very wrong here. I wasn’t alone, as Haru’s eyes narrowed.

There’s something off with her. I wouldn’t have seen it before, attributing it to a nervous personality, or fear of events, but… yes, there is definitely an issue. It’s almost like… two people? Her upper thoughts are chaotic and messy, jumping from place to place, but below… I can sense an undercurrent.

Yes. My Eyes can see something odd. Her flow of aether and wood element is subtly off-putting, as though flowing around something else, something unseen. Shaeula added. Within the Wisdom World, Rose was observing too, and she agreed.

“Let me prepare the Runes to reveal Truth. I have a sudden wary feeling.”

As everyone in my thoughts chimed in, I nodded to Morita-san, and she began the interview. Bianca’s story was much the same as before, and indeed, what background checks we’d managed agreed with her assertions, but there was still a subtle wrongness about her. It could very easily have been fear and stress, and whatever it was, she was certainly rather… flighty.

“Thank you for answering honestly.” Morita-san concluded the interview. I then sent my voice, using a little wind, to Kokuren, and at my request she nodded and quickly left the room, Bianca watching her leave. “Now then, there are a number of paths before you. You can claim asylum, work for the Ministry, take up gainful employment using your Chosen talents elsewhere… after all, the ability to influence nature is a very valuable gift indeed…”

Yeah. So very valuable and perfect. Almost too perfect. I’m lucky, and so are you, Shaeula, but… don’t you think this goes beyond that?

Quite. I am not one to toss aside a gift so generously offered, but in this case, the sweets might well be poisoned.

As she was smiling triumphantly, I nodded. Apt.

“…or, you can work for us.” Hinata began her sales pitch, Ileana translating. “Mokosh, you say. Wood element. I won’t say it has no offensive capabilities, I wouldn’t dare…” Hinata stifled a giggle, likely remembering how Hyacinth used hers. “…but you’re not going to become Astral Empress. Sooner or later you’ll die.”

It wasn’t a threat, just simple facts. “Instead, working for us, you could put your talent to use in safety. You can see, the contract is generous. Yet…” Hinata leaned forward meaningfully. “…you can still honour those Iele…” Valeska snorted laughter at the name of those spiritual beings again. “…by entrusting their will to us, selling us your Favour. Ten million dollars, United States, of course. And the promise of healthcare and protection for life. The Church can’t touch you under our aegis, Bianca. I can call you Bianca, can’t I?”

“Yes, you… can.” She agreed slowly, perhaps confused by Hinata’s intensity. “I… am so very, very… tired. I had planned to hide away, but… they found me anyway. How, it almost seemed like… they knew what they could not…” The slightly odd, halting pauses in her speech narrowed Haru’s eyes each time. I sent her a query mentally, but she shushed me, wanting to dig deeper.

“…so, I will… sell. You say… I’ll still be left stronger, healthier?”

“Absolutely.” Hinata promised, though she too had picked up on the oddity of the situation. “We’re the best, perhaps the only safe way to get out of the game. And you can retire with a sum of money that can set you up for life. Invest it and live off the interest modestly or live in luxury and still have a safety net. The choice is yours. And the Church will lose interest, no doubt… but if you worry… Japan is a lovely country. A lot of nature to enjoy.”

The door opened, and Kokuren returned, carrying a heavy potted plant from one of the offices. She set it down on the table, and Bianca was momentarily taken aback, and Haru hissed softly.

The joins aren’t perfect. But it’s ingenious if it even fools your Eyes, Akio.

Yes. Rose agreed. I have nearly formulated the Runes. I shall begin shortly.

As her emotions fluctuated, I could indeed see some faint… fuzzing, affecting her sacral and root Chakras, the plentiful nature energy and the Favour seeming to… shiver, almost as if alive, taking slightly diverted paths through her Chakra network. Even so, the effect was subtle, and I’d have written it off as an artefact of my Eyes, if not for Haru’s warnings, and Shaeula seeing the same thing. We exchanged mental images, overlaying them, as our Eyes were slightly different in function, and that made the composite even more clear.

“What is… this?” she asked, and Hinata, knowing me well enough to realise my intent, widened her brown eyes in understanding, before covering that with a grin. “Oh, just a little test. Ten million might be too cheap, if you can do what we want. After all, we’re very interested in fortifying and growing certain kinds of nature…”

“I… am more than happy to take… ten million.” Bianca shrugged. “I… feel you are very generous.”

“Do-do it!” Shaeula insisted, Winds And Waters blowing. The room was already full of the lingering energies she had pumped into it earlier, so it was trivial for her to boost it. “Grow the plant to the best-best of your abilities. Hold nothing back.”

“But… I…” she paused, resisting somehow, which puzzled Shaeula. But not Haru. The two of them communicated, and Shaeula grinned wolfishly.

“So that-that is how it is.” Her Winds and Water surged again. “Do-do proceed, both of you together.”

“I… very well. By the Lord… I don’t want to do this. I just wanted to be… left alone. But sinners… can still be… redeemed!” She raised her hand, and wood element poured out, or at least it seemed to, as the plant, healthy and green, a rather nice potted Schefflera, an umbrella plant, suddenly trembled, and then, instead of being fortified, it began to shrink, withering, and white crystals formed over it, drawing out moisture. The soil itself was shimmering white as if covered in frost, and a mineral, rotting smell filled the room.

“I… I didn’t mean that. A mistake. Let me… try again. No, no more!” Her jumbled words, almost as if two people were talking, confused me, and I wasn’t alone in that, but every time there was a switch, my Eyes picked up minute traces of something tangled within her, though it was cunning, even my Eyes fooled.

“Ansuz! Show the truth of what lies hidden, for no falsehood can withstand Wisdom. Kenaz! The torch of insight illuminates the reality shrouded by lies, like a wicked cloak of fabrications. Uruz. Nauthiz. Kenaz. Laguz. Othala. Ansuz. Kenaz! Uncloak! Rip away the veils of deceit and depravity.”

Runes blazed, and Bianca Albua screamed. Her skin seemed so white and pale it was as if she was a corpse. No, she was a corpse. Squirming inside was… what almost seemed like another spirit. Surprised it had been spotted, it spat out baleful curses in what sounded like Russian, before it sighed, switching to English.

“Blasphemous, heretical wisdom. The Fruit of Knowledge is not for man to touch.”

“What… the hell is that?” Eri’s ears lay flat against her skull. Kokuren and Byakuren adopted a battle-ready stance, and Arisu-san opened her Room, ready to swallow up the… living corpse, if it made any hostile move. Tears leaked from the dead flesh, and Bianca cried out.

“I didn’t want to be this abomination! I wanted to die in peace, but… the Church found me, and… made me this way! I am to be… Delilah, to destroy the Samson which guards your Territory. Only instead of… cutting hair, I am to salt the earth beneath your Tree, killing it.”

“Silence, whore…” the male voice within roared. My Eyes picked up that the spirit had two Favours, though one of them almost seemed like the damaged ones I held, as if… not an original, but perhaps a replica, or a facsimile. One, a Linked Throne, a much more powerful version of the Linked Archangel I’d seen, though it was surely weaker than Mary Stuart’s Linked Seraphim. Then, there was…

Azrael’s Separation Of Body And Spirit is a Divine Favour which allows a being to exist merely as their Spirit, and this Spirit can take over and control weaker beings, removing and trapping their own Spirit, puppeteering the body. Thus access to knowledge, mannerisms and personality of the usurped victim is retained.

In addition, it seemed that the effect of another Favour had been layered on, and it was being fuelled by adherence from the Linked Throne.

Satharial’s False Truth hides the true nature of things, confusing the senses and knowledge of those who behold it. Mere Wisdom alone often fails before Folly. What is pure can be made base, what is base seems pure, and Truth becomes Lies.

“I see. So…” I began, and the spirit within her corpse began to roar with laughter, interrupting me.

“…I shall not let you claim her Favour. Your accursed Tree will not bloom further, for the Verum Lore predicts a pillar connecting the Earth and the Heavens, yet not Babel. It shall not stand… since I can no longer manipulate her, we shall both perish here, the Favour dedicated to the Lord!”

While he was monologing, Haru and I communicated, and Bianca was wailing that she didn’t want to vanish, but that she was already dead, and it was too late. It was then Haru spoke up, her eyes sympathetic.

“If you want to live… no, not live, like me, Bianca, you’re already dead, but… if you want to find joy in death, and thus get to still enjoy everything life has to offer… accept my offer, and be ours.”

“I… I’ll do it!” Bianca cried, and Haru’s smile was warm. She burned a million ether from her Silos, part of her share of the bounty we’d been generating, and her initial Throne Of Heroes reached Rank 2, freeing up two more slots. Suddenly, in a bloom of light, an entirely new Bianca Albua appeared, and the spirit flailing within her corpse was trapped by the silent, dead flesh.

“You dare… only the Lord has the right to give life to the dead. Those who meddle with the Spirit, and what it envelops, the truth of a being, shall burn in eternal damnation…”

“I think the only one who is in danger here is you.” I warned, as Bianca sobbed in relief. “Now, why not agree to be Haru’s Chosen Hero, and we can talk things out like adults. Otherwise, death is the only…”

Mad laughter burst from the dead flesh, as the spirit howled. “You think we fear death? My true Soul shall be before the Throne soon enough. And you shall have none of me, nor… her! I cannot let you take that Favour…”

Adherence detonated within the spirit, Linked Throne not merely exploding, but greedily devouring Azrael’s Separation Of Body And Spirit as well as the very spirit of the fanatic wielding it. The energy released was a blinding flare, and a beam of baleful energy shot towards the frozen Bianca, but Arisu-san and I both responded. Tsurugi produced her sword form for me, and I slashed the beam in half. The blade shivered, and Tsurugi pulled an unpleasant face, and as the split lights scattered, Arisu-san trapped them in her Room, then vented them away into the void.

“Worthless wretch.” Arisu-san glowered at the disintegrating corpse of Bianca. “Not even allowing women peace in death. Oh, my apologies, Haru-san.”

“It’s fine. I’m… well, I’m not over it. I might never be…” Haru admitted. “…but I’m prepared to put it behind me, overwrite all I can, like brushing over black paint with pink.”

“I wish you good fortune with that.” Arisu-san remarked. “So, am I the only one who thinks…”

“Too easy, yeah?” I nodded. Foresight had picked up in intensity, which was odd, considering we’d vanquished the enemy and Bianca couldn’t act against us, as now she was like Chen Na, a dead woman under Haru’s control. That’s five now. She’s picking up a ghost army!

Setting that aside for now, I turned to Ileana, who frowned, as if wanting to speak. At my gentle encouragement, she did so. “How… how is it that Bianca is here? She was dead, and…” Words failed her, and it was Shaeula who answered, grinning, draping an arm around Ileana, who resisted for a moment, before giving in.

“Oh, do not-not be surprised. We can work many miracles. Stick with us, Ileana, and you shall never fear-fear sorrow. Act now, and we might even throw in a little-little gift…” With a smirk she let out a thin string of wind, and my skin was cut because I instinctively lowered my resistance to Shaeula. A couple of droplets of blood were freed before my flesh regenerated, and Shaeula smirked wickedly as Ileana’s eyes followed the beads, breath coming fast, heartbeat speeding up, eyes shading to burnished, rusty red. “Want a taste? Eri, do you agree?”

“It’s a lost cause. And she’s an elegant, well-bred young woman. She’ll fit right in.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea, little light…” Valeska too was sweating, her own eyes on the blood. “Though it makes my mouth water and smells…”

“Divine.” Ileana swallowed, and Shaeula flicked the droplets with wind at Ileana’s mouth. Instinctively she opened wide, and the scattering of drops hit her tongue. What happened next was… damn, I’m glad our infiltrating Ikenoue-san is gone, and it’s just women here… Ileana froze, her cheeks heating up, until she was a healthy pink, and she let out a very immodest moan, eyes crimson. Licking her lips, she remained in an expression of lewd, blissful rapture and then Valeska covered my eyes with her hands.

“Stop looking at my little light in that perverted way!”

“Akio can see through your hands…” Eri added unhelpfully, and there was laughter from around us, Morita-san sighing, and Bianca seemed confused, the rapid changing of the situation throwing her off.

“I promise I’m not thinking anything weird…” I insisted, and indeed with my widened perception I could still see the enthralled Ileana licking her lips, and she was… still far too slender and undernourished, but… she’ll be a real beauty when she’s less harried and better fed…

“No, what I am thinking is…” I glanced at Bianca, Eyes shining, and she shuffled under my scrutiny. “Byakuren, your turn to get a potted plant. Sorry Morita-san, I’ll pay for the damages.”

“It’s only a few plants.” She waved it off as Byakuren rushed out and soon returned. Placing down the plant, I gestured for Biance to grow it.

“I… hold no ill-will.” This time her paused, halting speech seemed to be genuine confusion. “I’m free now. I wouldn’t… but then…” she paused. “They did something to my gift from the Iele. So maybe…” She poured out her wood element, and it was a particularly nourishing strain, full of verdant adherence, not unlike the Tower of London, yet on a smaller scale. The plant bloomed, and that confused us. Quickly, everyone but Biance and Ileana, who was still dazed and sighing blissfully, were scurrying about, bringing in plants, and soon the conference room resembled a jungle.

“No issues, it seems, but…” I shook my head. Rose, what does your Wisdom reveal?

It’s unclear, but you’re right. I think… can you drain her remaining elemental energies out?

“This might be a little ticklish, but I won’t hurt you.” I promised Bianca, and I placed my hand on her abdomen, over her clothes, of course. I then drew out her wood element as suggested, and it didn’t seem to have any issues, but…

“Okay, we’ll take a break to let you recover.” I then smiled at Ileana. “Are you… all right?”

After an eternity, and some scowls from Valeska, Ileana blinked, and flushed again, this time from shame. “I… that was amazing. No, wait, I meant… oh, how shameful!” She covered her face with her hands, a cute imitation of what her grandmother had done to me earlier. “I let myself show such a weird and unpleasant side of me. You must loathe me…”

“I think it was very-very cute…” Shaeula, our playful troublemaker, laughed. “If you liked it, then… I am sure Akio can be your regular blood-blood bank, though, be warned…” Her amber eyes were suddenly flinty, her tone booking no argument. “…you do not-not get to be flighty and inconstant. If you do-do accept Akio’s blood, it shall be him, and no-no other man. Understand?” Eri and Hinata were nodding too, and even Haru inclined her head.

“I…” Ileana had the look of a kicked puppy, so with a sigh, I cut my own finger and gathered up a rather larger blob of blood in my hand.

“I think they’re going a bit too far. It’s not like this is sex.” She crept closer, and suddenly sucked in the blood from my palm, shuddering. Small tears squeezed from her eyes, as did another immodest moan, but this time she resisted the shock. Her hair had taken on a shinier lustre, and if I wasn’t mistaken, her gaunt figure had filled out, just a touch.

“That… is sublime. I never knew…” she muttered, before blinking, ashamed, the red in her eyes returning to blue, green and copper. “Oh, I… apologise. But…” she breathed out, stunned. “…we can gain strength from drinking blood let by lancets or even leeches, but… the potency is far inferior to blood… from the vein…” She glanced at my neck, swallowing again and again, throat working, cute fangs twitching, and saliva made her lips sticky and inviting.

“My little light, calm down.” She then scowled at us. “You are leading her into iniquity!” Valeska protested, and Eri shook her head.

“Not really. We’re just showing her Akio’s the one she’s been searching for.”

“Indeed.” Shaeula snickered. “But blood is surely not-not as delectable as Akio’s other…”

Arisu-san coughed elegantly, but at her clear signal of displeasure, Shaeula backed down, her snickers louder.

“Relax.” I patted Ileana’s head and at that, Tsurugi pouted, so I ended up soothing her too. “We can discuss this later. For now… Bianca, you’ve recovered a little of your power, haven’t you? Then pick a plant.”

She nodded, still confused, and as the energies flowed from her, the plant suddenly shrivelled up, salt eating into it, the soil turning dead and white. She let out a cry, and it wasn’t just me who nodded, Shaeula did too, as did Rose in the Wisdom World.

“The Throne is treacherous.” Gerhilde agreed, her red eyes hard, her rich flow of black hair luxurious, even in her mini form within Rose’s creation. “You were wise to suspect a second layer to their plans. Perhaps even a third and a fourth.”

There would have to be limits… sooner or later we’d just get rid of her, or her Favour, but certainly I expected this, or something similar.

Bianca was aghast, stammering she didn’t do it on purpose, and I wasn’t the only one to nod. Shaeula could see it too now, and Rose, through her Eye and my senses.

Mokosh’s Verdant Fury is crafted from concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight infused Truesoul strands, yet it has been entwined with a second set of Soullight Truesoul strands and subjected to Satharial’s False Truth. This Favour should be able to produce a great deal of Wood Elemental energies, to both restore and reinvigorate plants and similar nature, and also to call upon the wrath of such nature, but it has been mixed with a Mutated Dust Element via the Truesoul strands and their Soullight. This Element seems to be… Salt And Sulphur Of Ruin, which will taint and destroy any life the energies come into contact with, and will render the ground barren and infertile, nothing left but ashes and salt.

Just as Divine Mokosh cherishes the soil and all plants born from it, her bounty allowing them to multiply and spread, making the Earth fecund, yet if roused, her anger can turn the soil and life within against her enemies, so too should the bearer of this Favour be able to create a paradise for life, and increase the fertility and growth of such nature, and channel its fury against desecrators, yet… now this Favour is tainted, and the Salt And Sulphur Of Ruin flows through it. Life shall wither, and the only fury it shall rouse is the bitter dust and ashes of death. [Class: Imperious] [Type: Principle]

“Nasty.” I breathed, it all making sense now. “Quite the trap. With the other spirit parasitising her dead, her Favour reverts to normal… until it’s emptied out. Assuming we’d test her. Likely, nothing would have happened in the first test if your Winds And Waters hadn’t affected the bastard trapping Bianca, Shaeula.”

She nodded, smirking bitterly. “Indeed. Quite-quite the wicked scheme. It is not-not often that we completely siphon off all elemental energies within us, usually there are dregs. But-but in a huge, powerful act of growth…”

Like enhancing your Rhyming Tree, as you call it… Rose added, and I could feel the simmering anger of the Valkyries, especially Lin.

“Exactly.” I agreed. “And once she’d passed the tests and investigations, Satharial’s False Truth seeming perfectly designed to combat our Eyes… then we’d assume she was safe to use. Even if we pulled out the Favour, I’m not sure I’d have spotted the trap before giving it to someone else. It might even have poisoned and killed whoever gained it, when it was done. Now…” I inspected Bianca, who was hastily assuring us she had no knowledge that she was tampered with in that way, Haru reassuring her. “…fortunately as you’re a being of pure spirit now, functionally, the Salt And Sulphur doesn’t seem to be draining your life away. We’ll have to be very careful, in case there are further schemes, but… it’s probably unlikely, or maybe only one more. If the Favour detonated like that creepy bastard did…”

Bianca shuddered at the thought, and we quickly made plans to have her housed somewhere in our expanding Territory, far from anything critical, where we’d take our time examining her and seeing if I could fix the Favour and remove the traps. Obviously we want to use her ability, but she is going nowhere near Asha or her Tree until we are very certain it’s safe. A thousand percent certain.

“It seems there is never a dull moment.” Morita-san frowned, looking around at the jungle of overgrown plants. “I expect I should prepare her documents?”

“That’s right, Morita-sama.” Haru agreed. “I’ll be her guarantor. She can hardly go against me now anyway.”

“Now, we just have to worry about how they planned this. It definitely seems like they are still targeting Asha’s Tree, just via stealth now.” I grumbled. “He mentioned the Verum Lore predicting… I wonder if that’s an artefact like your ring, Shaeula, or that creepy breaking wheel Mae claimed. If so, is it like Minerva’s Book? Or perhaps, depending on the timing… Bianca, when did they catch you?”

“The twentieth, just over a week ago…” Bianca shuddered. “I’d had run-ins with other… Chosen, you call them, but I’d largely just relocated each time. But the Church… they were persistent, and…” She gagged, and probably would have vomited if she hadn’t just formed a new, empty Material body.

The timeline could work. The way this scheme has been assembled from many moving parts makes me wonder if the Book Of Minerva is involved… If so, extra caution was warranted. “All right then.” I helped everyone else carry out the boosted plants back to their offices, after making sure they weren’t tainted or trapped, Rose using her Runes again to double-check. “We promised no overtime today, so let’s get this done.”

Arisu-san had returned to the Pilgrimage, a little behind schedule, but if the Pilgrims hurried they could make up the time. She’d return to fetch us for Mount Fuji this evening. Now we had another task, which wasn’t a pleasant one, but… It’s time for those who want out of this damn Kodoku Pot to finally be free of their worries. But we’ll take up the fight for them and… they’ll want for nothing in the future, their sacrifices will be rewarded…