On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Kanzaki Keiko, AKB0048

“You must feel the presence of the ether flowing externally. Just as a bird perceives the invisible currents in the skies, hot and cold rivers of air, so too can you observe the flows.” Daiyu was explaining patiently to the packed large coach, containing all the members of AKB0048, as well as some of their management who were supervising, and also the idols of their local rivals, Red and White. I see Suzu-chan has slipped in this one too, instead of heading along with the others…

Matriarch Daiyu was in her usual Chinese-style white robes, though in deference to the Pilgrimage she had paired that with a red shawl and some red ribbons around her cuffs and hemline. It was a surprisingly cute look, and Keiko approved. She seems cold and expressionless, but she’s actually rather kind to us, if firm. And I’m quite perceptive. I can see her expressions change slightly when she is with Akio-kun, the sudden warmth.

“I feel a little smug…” Ema spoke up beside her. The three of them, Asuka included, were sitting together, and they stood out. Unlike all the other members of AKB, who were in their fancy, custom-made tracksuits, or the girls in Red and White, who wore fashionably styled short-sleeved and skirted hakama, the three of them were in their Adamant uniforms, though they had made concessions to fashion, of course.

“Thinking that we’ve already learnt this, Ema?” Asuka’s smile was wry. She had swapped out the pink ribbons she often wore in her braided hair for red and white ones, and a number of diamond-shaped charms hung from them on thin silver chains. That was one of our ideas too. Hinata-chan… or maybe I should call her Hinata-sama when I’m thinking of her as the commander… she really liked some of our ideas about the uniforms. That cloth though…

The military coats they wore had been shortened to waistcoats, though they were still frighteningly cute. The shirts underneath were studded with sparkling diamond-shaped sequins and had flowing ribbons attached, but Asuka and Ema were wearing it short, midriffs seemingly exposed. Seeing the direction Keiko was looking, Asuka let out a quiet chuckle. “Yeah, it looks a bit daring on our cute little Ema, doesn’t it? Remember when commander Shiro was ranting about bikini armour?”

“I can be sexy too!” Ema pouted, though she soon broke out into a cute, lopsided smile. “But yes, I do remember that. Hinata-chan was insistent we couldn’t compromise on protection, right? But… having everything covered isn’t cute.”

“But our Keiko is desperate to impress.” Asuka slapped her shoulder, and Keiko couldn’t help but smile too at the camaraderie. She had always been close to the two other girls in her trio, but since they shared the relief from Akio-kun’s daring rescue when Sora-kun went mad, and their subsequent studies under Matriarch Daiyu, and their induction into Adamant, such bonds had only deepened. And now, everyone is joining us under Matriarch Daiyu. Though… I don’t know if any will follow us into Adamant. That’s… a very big step.

Watching the terrible scenes that had taken place during the terrorist attacks, everyone had found their resolve, and Keiko was thrilled to see it, though she did feel bad that AKB management were using that as an opportunity to cheat Akio-kun out of the exorbitant fees that Chirurgery would usually have cost the group. Her smile broadened, becoming slyer, as she held in a wicked chuckle.

They are the ones being swindled though. Yes, Akio-kun isn’t receiving any payment… but we’ll work it off ourselves. The commanders have grand plans for AKB, and honestly… I can see a few following in our footsteps. Juu-chan is endlessly grateful for the healing she received, for one…

“See? she’s laughing to herself, thinking about Akio-kun!” Asuka teased, whispering theatrically to the giggling Ema.

“I’m not laughing.” Keiko shook her head. “I’m just thinking about the new outfits.” Ema and Asuka weren’t actually baring their midriffs, instead, a very fine mesh fabric, made from spun metals, was being worn like a t-shirt, but it was so sheer it was practically invisible, totally see-through. It didn’t yet offer the protection of the other clothing, but it was certainly better than baring skin to piercing attacks and blunt-force trauma. Something I’d never have imagined I needed to worry about until recently.

“It’s cute!” Ema agreed. “Though…” She flushed, remembering, and the pair of them were soon giggling, only for a dark-eyed glare from Matriarch Daiyu to silence them. Realising they were disrupting the other students, who were still at the early, fumbling stages of Qi Refining, barely able to sense ether, never mind draw it in and convert it, they fell silent, bowing their heads in embarrassment.

“Oh, we made her mad!” Ema whispered. “That’s it for tonight, we’re going to be worked to death!”

“No kidding.” Asuka agreed, her diamond charms jingling. Ema had them hanging from her short sleeves and the hem of her skirt, and Keiko likewise had them in a number of places across her clothing.

“We were going to have to be senpais for the others anyway. Quite the role reversal, considering our trio is the least experienced in AKB.” Asuka finished, her voice also a barest whisper.

“Yes, but… in other matters we have far too much experience.” Keiko shuddered, and they all closed their eyes, thinking back to the horrific scene of Sora-kun trying to assault Ema, and threatening to do the same to Keiko.

“You know… I still can’t believe we joined Adamant.” Asuka voiced her thoughts, pensive. “It’s not exactly what I thought it’d be, but then… maybe I can see why you did. After all, you’ve fallen for Akio-kun, right Keiko?”

“I have not!” Keiko insisted, face pink. “I simply said he’s my ideal boyfriend, if I was allowed one. It’s true. And I’m hardly alone, am I? Women the world over admire him!”

“Yeah, thinking about it… Adamant is like an idol group. Just… less performing, and more… combat, maybe?” Ema tilted her head adorably, thinking. “Both have the same rules. No boyfriend while in the group, and if you want one, you have to leave. Although… the rule about Akio-kun…” Her face was red, and Asuka nodded.

“Yeah. I’m surprised. I get why Keiko joined, she likes Akio-kun…” Ignoring the protesting whispers from her friend she continued. “…but why did we? Gratitude, or something more? I mean, imagining a man who wouldn’t want to have his way with idols like us, when he can with no questions asked or choice of refusal… wait, that’s not strictly true is it? I mean, we can quit instead, but… it’s hard to imagine any man not taking advantage…”

“I don’t mind.” Ema surprised them both with her admission. Seeing their surprise, she pursed her lips, head tilting the other way now, regarding them both with solemn eyes. “What? You don’t either, Asuka-chan, Keiko-chan. Else you’d never have agreed. But Akio-kun’s nice. He’d never force us. He’s not like Sora-kun.” Her giggle was soft, almost playful. “Besides, he’s got all the beautiful women around him, like Hinata-chan, Shiro, Shaeula… even Eri-chan and Kana-chan could be idols. I don’t think we lose… well, except to Shiro and Tsukiko-chan. They simply have beauty I didn’t think was possible. But… yeah, Akio-kun doesn’t need us.”

“You’re right, but also wrong.” Asuka rapped her on her forehead with her knuckles. It was gentle, but Ema still clutched her brows, dark eyes sparkling with fake tears. “Oh, don’t look at me like that. A man may have a lot of lovers, but… they always crave something new, forbidden. We’d still be a tasty feast for him! Though… you’re a bit unripe, Ema. It’d reek of crime.”

“I’m around Hinata-chan’s age!” Ema insisted. “I’m perfectly ripe, thank you every much. Ripe and tasty, and good to eat… uh… oh…” Realising what she had said, she flushed scarlet, hiding her face with her hands. As Asuka sniggered, well pleased, Keiko shook her head, exasperated.

“Stop teasing our cute kouhai, Asuka. You know she’s easily led. But… yeah. I wouldn’t quit. I’m not a quitter. None of us are. We wouldn’t have made it in the idol industry otherwise. The brutal dieting, endless repetitions and harsh exercise, the creepy and hateful online harassment… if we can handle that we can handle this. And… honestly, I don’t think we’d have to drop out of AKB, even if we did have a relationship with Akio-kun. He’s… basically exempt from normal rules right now.”

“No kidding.” Asuka agreed. “My heart throbs when I see him. I know it is just his Charm being obscene, Majesty too…”

Keiko nodded. As Adamant members they had been drilled in Statistics and common Skills, and what they did. “…but it’s not just that. Charm only amplifies what’s there. It can’t make a toad into a prince, or a woman fall for someone she doesn’t care for. We admire and respect him… stop mouthing ‘love’ at me Asuka, it’s… not that deep yet, I swear… anyway… Shaeula, Shiro, Hyacinth… those who were in London with him, they have all attracted fanbases like idols, and the fact they are with Akio-kun only puts off a few. Motoko-chan, Natsumi-chan too, now pictures from the London gala are in the public eye. Soon to be the others too. Yes, we’d lose the obsessive and the creeps, but… those that genuinely love and respect us would be happy for us. Jealous, but happy…”

“You think Adamant will have fans?” Ema asked, finally calm again. “I know we were supposed to be secret, but after the Hanafubuki attacks, the truth is out. Besides, it was a shockingly badly kept secret!”

“You saw the commanders. They are desperate for praise from Akio-kun.” Asuka sniggered. “If they had tails, they’d be wagging, waiting for treats and affection. They can’t keep secrets for long, they just want to be rewarded.”

“Besides… it doesn’t work with this!” The bus was pulling up to Kanda-myōjin shrine, the next stop on their journey.

“Yes. The gathering of faith, of adherence. It needs to be public. Though… I suspect that there’s very much room for undercover Adamant, as it were. Just… there needs to be the public faces too. And we can fill that role beautifully.”

“Very well.” At the front of the coach, Daiyu clapped her hands, signalling a halt. “There is no cause to be disheartened. Ordinarily, it takes many years of hard, unstinting effort to grasp Qi Refining. Of course, with Chirurgery, that process is shortened a hundredfold or more. But it still requires talent and dedication. To ascend the heights, one must climb step by step, bare feet sliced by sharp rocks, hands grazed and sliced by jagged stone. We progress only through blood, sweat and discipline!”

“We appreciate your efforts, Matriarch!” Rumi-Rumi spoke for them all, bowing gratefully. “We’re AKB0048, we never fear hard work. If we do anything, it has to be perfect, and that means if we need to practice a hundred times, a thousand, we will!” As everyone else chorused their agreement, Daiyu managed a slight smile.

“I see. I am well pleased. We are Incorruptible Jade, and I shall tolerate no flaws. We shall continue to train between our destinations, but tonight… tonight we shall see if your boasts can withstand my training!”

“Oh, they’re in for it!” Ema covered her mouth, hiding a slightly horrified smile. “She can be relentless in her teachings. But we’re safe for now!”

The conversation had circled back around, and as they stood to disembark, Keiko shook her head. “I don’t think so. If anything, it just means we’ll be on a harder, advanced course. Peaks beyond peaks, remember? The foothills may be hard, but the mountains…”

“Oh. Yeah. Sharp, jagged. Got it.” Ema stuck her tongue out and rapped her head. As she did so, she caught sight of Tamami-chan, the centre of Red and White, who was looking rather pensive. “Oh hey, what’s up? Not enjoying the training?”

Tamami-chan, who was quite tall for a woman, her long legs peeking out from the short hem of her miniskirt hakama, frowned for a moment, one hand idly tugging on her long, reddish-brown ponytail, which gave her a sporty, fresh air. “Oh… it’s hard, but I suppose I know a little more than most here. My shrine bloodline has awakened, meagre as it is, so… I think I’ll get it soon. No, it’s just…” She glanced at her fellow idols, Kanako-chan and Tsubame-chan, both also wearing short-sleeved, miniskirt hakama. Kanako-chan sported long dark twin-tails, which seemed even lengthier as she was rather short, if still very pretty. Tsubame-chan was taller and had a rather busty figure, her hakama cut a little more daringly to show that off, and her bangs were in the hime fashion, straight across her forehead.

“…this is our shrine, you know? Though only Tamami-chan is a genuine shrine maiden…. No, that’s not quite right.” Kanako-chan amended. “I mean, Tsubame-chan and I both work at the shrine, selling charms, sweeping up and manning the refreshments stands. But nowadays, shrine maiden means… like, magical, yeah?”

“In that case you count then, right?” Ema remarked innocently, and as Kanako-chan froze, open-mouthed, Tsubame-chan spoke up with a rather refined tone, seeming like a well-bred, polite girl.

“She has got you there, Kanako-chan. I mean, aren’t we training to be magical girls?”

“Cultivators, actually.” Keiko had to correct them. It was their turn to disembark, and as they stepped off the coach, joining the gaggle of idols gathering outside the large red torii archway of Kanda-myōjin, she could see other coaches moving aside, their own passengers disgorged, and also in the distance, held back by barricades and military personnel, were crowds of eager fans and local residents, taking pictures and shooting video.

“It makes sense.” Tamami-chan let out a small, embarrassed sigh. “It’s obvious we’re visiting shrines, and I’m a little proud to say ours is very popular anyway. So I daresay that crowds will be at every shrine in Tokyo, hoping to catch a glimpse of us. Or rather Oshiro-san and his lovers. For once us idols are merely window dressing.”

“Speak for yourself.” Asuka shrugged. “I’m going to stand out! But what impresses me more is how Akio-kun can get the military to support him, although I suppose I have seen some soldiers amongst the pilgrims. The female soldiers are buff, all muscles and grim expressions!”

“Aliyah-chan’s here too. I’ve seen her.” Ema shuddered. “She’s too intense for me, and she keeps trying to get me to go drinking with her! I tell her I’m under twenty and can’t, and idols don’t indulge anyway… ugh, she needs a girlfriend.”

“No kidding!” A familiar voice said, and they all turned to see Akio-kun’s sister Aiko-chan bounding up, trailed by a pair of girls her age, one wearing the Adamant uniform, a gal with slightly tanned skin, dyed blonde hair and a pretty face and decent figure. That’s… Yae-chan and Rika-chan, right? We met them backstage at the charity concert. So… Yae-chan’s joined Adamant, huh?

Aiko-chan was in red and white too, not a hakama, but a similarly styled outfit, and her black hair, which was so dark as to be almost blue, to match her sapphire eyes, was pulled back into short twin-tails, matching Kanako-chan. Those blue eyes were sparkling brilliantly, and as the three of them gave the Adamant salute to the newcomer, who shyly fumbled her hands into the diamond shape, grinning ruefully, Aiko-chan continued, her words coming in a rapid torrent.

“That Aliyah, she hit on me in Las Vegas. I suppose I’ve got used to her, she just seems a bit pitiful now. I mean, she’s actually quite pretty, in a feral sort of way, but… she’s a hell of a mess. I suppose she must be in paradise now though, a lot of pretty and cute girls around. I know I am.” She winked at them all. “Tamami-chan, I’m so glad you finally agreed to join us!”

As Aiko-chan expressed her enthusiasm for idols, the gals with her equally enthusiastic, Keiko shook her head, meeting Tamami-chan’s eyes, enjoying the slightly flustered expression on her face. Deciding to throw her a lifeline, as a fellow idol, even of rival Akiba groups… I suppose that doesn’t matter. We’re comrades before rivals now, though… I still don’t want to lose…. Keiko halted the rampaging Aiko-chan.

“We need to wrap this up. We’re on quite a tight schedule here. After all… not only do we have to conclude this step of the Pilgrimage… we have to perform a song for Arisugawa-san’s broadcast…”

***

Hanami Tamami, Red and White

“That’s right!” The boisterous idol who claimed she was Japanese, but clearly was American, came bounding over, her blonde drill-tails bouncing spectacularly. She had beautiful, sharp features, quite unlike the usual set of Asian faces, and her blue eyes were a similar shade to Aiko-chan’s. Her outfit was spectacular as well. “If we hold up Arisu-chan’s schedule, we’ll regret it!” Every statement she made was a proclamation, perhaps showing her great excitement.

“Are you sure you should be so happy? I haven’t had much time to see my bro since he got back, I had to make sure Yae-chan and Rika-chan arrived without problems and got everything ready for Pilgrimage, but… I heard your family are causing trouble. If you appear on TV again…” Aiko-chan began, and Suzu-chan froze for a moment.

I wonder what’s going on here. Come to think of it, she’s a few years younger than I am. It does seem odd she’s here in Japan unaccompanied. Even if she is a Chosen of the Gods…

“I don’t have a family,” Suzu-chan shook her head, her expression a blank mask. “No, that’s wrong. Akio-kun, Arisu-chan and the boss, they’re my family. Hey, I guess that makes you mine too, Aiko-chan!” Her rather forced cheerfulness had cast a pall of gloom over the crowd, so Tamami spoke up. After all, I’m supposed to be helping organise this chaos, although… at our home shrine, I have another task, the mini concert.

“Suzu-chan, you’re right. We’re idols. Popular, beloved idols who stand before the world once again!” At her words Suzu-chan perked up, and Tsubame-chan gave her a nod of approval, while Kanako-chan gave her a sly thumbs-up. Oh, you two…

“That’s true!” she agreed. “I’m going to shine! And I’m never leaving. Akio-kun promised to look after me, and he takes his promises seriously!”

“That he does.” Aiko-chan agreed, before casting an eye over the three idols from AKB0048. “Wow, those Adamant outfits are ultra mega adorable! You’ve even got accessories. Cute little diamonds! I wouldn’t mind wearing something like that, but…” Her cute face twisted into a slightly bitter pout. “If I did that, I’d never live the teasing down. Everyone would say I’d only be doing it to get my bro’s attention.”

“No they wouldn’t!” Yae-chan, a friend of Aiko-chan’s they had met at the charity concert, shook her head, giggling wickedly. “Everybody knows you love your brother a lot, Ai-chan. You don’t need to put on the uniform to show you’re willing to dedicate your heart and body to Aki!”

“Rude! And scandalous lies!” Aiko-chan protested, and laughter replaced the fading tension. Seeing that was the effect, Aiko-chan pretended to be offended. “I don’t know why you think I’m such a brocon. I just… appreciate his good qualities, you know? I mean, you’re the idiot who is so infatuated with my idiot bro that after one date where you didn’t even get a kiss, you can’t forget him. You’d go so far as to join Adamant, to prove you are a girl who has the dedication and drive to be a worthy partner to him? I kind of miss the old Yae-chan, lazy and dumb!”

“Me too!” Rika-chan smirked. “Though less of the dumb, Ai-chan! We were, no question, but it’s rude to say it!”

“Tee-hee! My bad!” Aiko-chan pulled down her eyelid with one finger and stuck out her tongue teasingly. “Anyway, time’s wasting! Since we’re here with Tamami-chan, Tsubame-chan and Kanako-chan, they should guide us around the shrine for Pilgrimage, give us the grand tour, right, right?” Her excitement seemed genuine now, so after exchanging glances with her groupmates, Tamami smiled warmly.

“Sure, I don’t mind. So long as we’re done in time for the performance. We may be far less famous than AKB…” She nodded at her rivals. “…but we’re still professionals, and we perform on time, to the best of our abilities, every time. In fact, the only time we stopped before the end was… Kyoto…” She trailed off, remembering that tragedy. That’s one of the reasons we are doing this. It’s not just to be better idols, but… to make a difference. To let our voices be heard condemning violence, and raising support for those who would protect us all…

“Okay…” Aiko-chan spoke up loudly. “…we’ve got to grab our offerings. Really, I’m going to have to start duplicating prayers soon.” Her laugh was a bit forced, but everyone latched onto it to once more improve the mood. “…you think the Kami mind?”

“As a shrine maiden, I’d say not.” Tamami shrugged. “Though… I’m a little nervous. This will be the first time seeing if there are any Kami here…”

“Oh… I’m such an idiot.” Suzu-san knocked her head with one fist, expression rueful. Everyone looked at her, suddenly worried again, so she waved a hand in dismissal. “I’m fine, really! Don’t worry, I’ll still perform as well as before. My backup dancers should be being delivered shortly… uh… no, it’s just… this is embarrassing.”

“Oh… your Territory used to be here, didn’t it?” Aiko-chan asked as they walked to one of the large trucks containing the offerings. “Akihabara was where you were staying. Though bro says you were living a risky life. You’re a cute girl, Suzu-chan! You shouldn’t sleep in internet cafés and shady love hotels!”

“I’ve learned my lesson, I promise. It’s great to live with you, Aiko-chan!” Suzu-chan giggled, her drill curls swaying as she walked. Kanako-chan was eyeing them with interest, and Tamami couldn’t help but remember the time she had tried to style her own twin-tails into curls, but in the end, Kanako-chan had given up. It looked good, but the time and care required to style them every morning was ludicrous, and the cost in hairspray and wax to keep it shaped was quite substantial, even for idols.

“But yeah… I had a few run-ins with the shrine. Don’t worry…” she waved her hands. “…I didn’t kill any Kami. It’s a shame though… uh… don’t look at me like that. It’s just… well, the Kami there has a number of beautiful attendants, they’d have made awesome backup dancers. But… he wasn’t a pushover.”

“I assume you are talking of Taira-no-Masakado?” Tamami asked, proud of her shrine. “It also enshrines two of the Seven Gods of Fortune, Daikokuten and Ebisu, but from my theological training, and what I have learned from others on the Pilgrimage, they would be far too noble and powerful to remain here on Earth?”

“Yeah, sounds about right.” Aiko-chan agreed. “Okay, we have the usual sake, rice balls, prayer tags, bags of coins… hmm, lucky charms, fishing gear, and also… electronics, huh? That’s an odd choice of offering…” There were tablet computers, microchips and more stacked in boxes.

“Actually, you’d be mistaken.” Tamami shook her head as she also gathered her share of offerings. “Since Akihabara has become famous for electrical and computer products, having the name ‘Electric Town’, it has become a shrine frequented by computer scientists and technology enthusiasts, and prayers for preventing crashes and breakdowns of computers are often left here. Faith… changes with the times. Yes, as a true shrine, we have tried to keep it pure, but…”

“Change isn’t a bad thing.” Keiko-chan spoke up, looking around with interest as they passed under the giant torii archway. “After all, even the Kami themselves change, don’t they? Remember the ones we’ve met so far? And… we’ve got to change too.”

“Wow, so profound!” Aiko-chan giggled. “I can see why you’re in Adamant. Damn, my bro is such a lucky dog…” As Keiko-chan flushed and stammered a weak denial, Tamami nodded.

“Yes. So long as the faith remains genuine, a little change isn’t disastrous. And…seeing everyone coming to worship, it fills me with pride. Oh… you see those?” She pointed to a tall set of steps at the back of the shrine. “Those steps are quite famous. There’s an idol anime where one of the girls is a shrine maiden here, and they train by running up and down the steps.”

“So do we!” Kanako-chan declared, clutching her chest as if in agony. “It’s really tiring after the first few times.” Tsubame-chan was nodding along too. “That stupid anime gave Tamami-chan the idea we should do the same. It’s the reason we ended up as idols, you know!”

“Life imitating art, huh?” Aiko-chan giggled. “Wow, hearing little tales like that really makes us feel like we’re friends, right?” Rika-chan and Yae-chan were agreeing, nodding furiously.

“I think we are friends.” Ema-chan observed, tilting her head for emphasis. “Sure, we don’t know each other well yet, but… we’re in Adamant, which is like your brother’s private army, right Aiko-chan? And Red and White here, they’re shrine maidens and he’s kind of in charge of that too, yeah? Plus we all love idols! Being them and watching them! And we’re all super cute!”

“I agree with Ema for once.” Asuka-chan giggled, ignoring her protests. “We’re all going to be great friends. Maybe we’ll come and run up and down the steps with you, Kanako-chan! Though since we’ve had Chirurgery it won’t be that taxing.”

“Don’t say that.” Aiko-chan winked, as they reached the shimenawa ropes where the prayer tags were being hung by other groups. A series of tents had been erected so people could dive into the Boundary in privacy, and a small stage was set up, Arisugawa-san directing a number of camera crews and other station staff.

“I know my bro, and I know Daiyu. They are both absolute fiends for training. Don’t get me wrong, I’m eager to grow stronger, but those two won’t let anything stop them…”

“Says the woman who burned her hand just to learn flame element.” Rika-chan deadpanned, and Aiko-chan flushed scarlet.

“Wow, way to bring up embarrassing memories and make me look bad in front of my new friends.” Aiko-chan grimaced, as she wrote her prayer ema out. “Oh, let’s see. Electronic themed, huh? Hey… how about this? Bro’s friends are working on some sort of supercomputer than can predict the future. The Oracle Engine. How about we all pray that either it works like they want, or they get some genius to come in and help them? Sound good?”

Everyone agreed, and soon the prayers were hung, and offerings placed, at least the ones for the Material. Great armies of weaselkin and other Fae were moving through the Boundary too, escorting caravans of offerings, as apparently the one who moved items between both worlds couldn’t meet such a huge demand. Oracle Engine? It sounds interesting…

“Oh, where was I?” Aiko-chan spoke up again. “Yeah, that’s it. Training. Don’t be surprised if you are running up those steps covered in weights. I can see it now, massive backpack stuffed with lead bricks, metal bangles around your ankles and wrists… from a biology perspective that’s dumb as hell. I’m a sportswoman, I know that just stresses your joints impossibly, breaking bones and tearing ligaments, but… with Ether Healing, you probably can make it work to build ludicrous amounts of muscles and fitness.”

I think I’ve heard something horrible. As her two groupmates shared amused yet troubled smiles with her, Aiko-chan rambled on. “Huh, so by my reckoning, this shrine’s got a good shot of getting my bro’s friends their Class if they haven’t already, being as they’re all tech nerds. Really, they don’t fit the stereotypes. Aimi-chan and Hina-chan are really pretty, and Shiro’s… you know. Even the guys are decent looking enough, even if they have a ton of otaku hobbies. Worse…” She suddenly giggled as they entered a tent that had just seen the return of a group of elegant girls who were surely nobles from Hanafubuki Private Academy. “…if this shrine is frequented by tech-minded people nowadays, doesn’t that mean because Akihabara has become an anime mecca… soon you’ll be a shrine venerating that?”

Tamami choked, though thought a troubling one. I… well, already we get people running the steps, copying that anime… no, surely not… Sweating, she shook her head. “Fortunately, I think this Pilgrimage might put a stop to that. Anyway… uh, how do I do this… I’m not very experienced…” Lying down and closing her eyes, it took a couple of minutes, but she soon found herself in the Boundary again.

Every time, it amazes me, but… this time is special. Why did I wait so long? Oh… I know why. Kyoto. Yes, the thought of being special appealed, but… I think the events of that day definitely shook our resolve. But… there’s no further point in being afraid. Trouble comes whether we reach for power or not…

“So, I finally set foot in here!” Suzu-chan was grinning, looking around with interest. The shrine was full of impressive statues, and Tamami recognised the Seven Gods of Fortune, though Ebisu and Daikokuten had the largest statues by far. A number of women clad in grey kimonos, with long hair trailing to the ground, their faces painted bone white with red lips, like geisha, were bowing, though they watched Suzu-chan with some disquiet.

“Relax! I’m not here to make you into my backup dancers this time… oh, unless you want to be one?”

“Hardly.” A booming voice echoed, and a man stepped forwards, wearing black robes, belted with golden chains, his head partially shaved and the rest of his hair pulled back into an old-fashioned ponytail, tied with golden wire. His eyes were black and reflected the shimmering rainbow light from above, and he held a long cane made from cherry wood. He took a step forwards, his legs seeming a little slow and unsteady, and Tamami dropped to her knees, feeling a sense of awe she hadn’t felt meeting other Kami.

Behind her, her groupmates followed suit, though the others remained standing, Aiko-chan seeming particularly unimpressed. Tamami found that just a little sacrilegious, but she could understand it. After all, she deals with mystical beings all the time, and carries the blessings of Divine Kannon. And her brother… It pained her to admit it, but Oshiro-san’s presence clearly put Taira-no-Masakado, for that was surely who this Kami was, to shame.

“Rise, my worshipper.” His voice was cool and melodious, belying his rather frosty, austere expression. “You two as well. Your blood is not of my favoured lineage, yet you have the adherence of worship upon you. I thank you for tending my shrine. For the greater Gods are long since departed. Though… not forgotten.” He observed Suzu-chan and Aiko-chan for a moment, before shaking his head and glaring at Suzu-chan fiercely.

“You, I remember. A troublemaker. But… as per the agreements we have made, I shall offer you my blessing. See you do not come here again.”

“Uh… I’ll definitely be back!” Suzu-chan ignored him. “I love Akiba! But I’ll not be here for trouble, I promise. Hey… why don’t you come and watch our performance next time?” Suzu-chan giggled. “I’m sure this won’t be a one-off…”

“True. There’s something totally awesome about performing at a shrine…” Aiko-chan agreed. “It’s like… like a religious ceremony. Kagura, maybe, just… modern! Wow, I’m all fired up!”

“Great! I’m fired up too, Akio-chan! Get front row for my performance, okay!”

“Ahem!” Tamami coughed loudly, quite amused by their enthusiasm, but exasperated by their forgetfulness. “Don’t forget what we are here for. We are on a tight schedule, and if we hold others up, they’ll get into trouble too.”

“Oh yeah! Arisu-chan will skin me alive!” Suzu-chan snickered. “Okay, give us your blessings! In exchange, take these offerings!” Suzu-chan grabbed hers from the supply train, guarded by numerous strange Fae, the sight of which Tamami was quite numb to now, after having seen it more than a dozen times.

“Very well. My blessing, once carrying the Fortune of the Seven, as well as my own will to resist and rebel, has changed somewhat. Now… I felt your prayers. Oracle Engine… I hardly understand what these computers are, but many have great thoughts of fondness towards them nowadays. Perhaps they are as a soroban?”

That’s an old-fashioned counting device using beads on rods, right? An abacus? “Yes, noble and venerable Taira-no-Masakado.” Tamami agreed. “Just one of far more advanced craftsmanship, able to calculate millions, billions of times each second.”

“I see. Fascinating. One day I would indeed wish to see the world that I have been apart from for so long. Now, my blessing go with you, child of my shrine, maiden who gives us worship and praise!”

Is that… I can feel… A weight pressed down on Tamami, and she clearly wasn’t the only one, as the others shivered too. As her Kami gave his blessings to Kanako-chan and Tsubame-chan, she barely noticed them both widening their eyes, expressions of confusion and delight crossing their features, so enraptured was she as her spirit surged and boiled. It was as if she felt more real, somehow, and more connected to the world around her. Taking a deep breath, chest heaving, she managed to bow before Taira-no-Masakado, her legs trembling.

I see. It seems after my performance, I will have to seek out Oshiro-san and have him examine me. I am sure… I have become a Kami-Blessed, and not merely that… perhaps the other blessings I have received have resonated within me, strengthening me…

***

That was quite a boost. It was hard to get my Kami-Blessed Class to gain Levels, but it seemed I was quite compatible with Kanda-myōjin’s Kami. I was now even more confident that I could master the Class during the Pilgrimage, and not just myself. Not that there’s time to worry now. Arisu-san and I had gone first, and now we were preparing for the first stage of the broadcast here. I had seen the guests, and greeted them, and thinking about it put a smile on my face. She sure is a little angel. How can anyone ignore her words?

“We are preparing for broadcast.” Arisu-san called, and I hurried over. Taking my position, she gave the countdown, and soon we were broadcasting.

“Good afternoon.” Arisu-san began, her tone melodious. “I am Arisugawa Arisu.”

“And I’m Oshiro Moonstone Akio.” I added my greeting.

“And this is the early afternoon WTV update.” Arisu-san continued. “I hope you are enjoying our informative and truthful programming. At WTV the truth is paramount.” Despite her rich tones, her voice was somehow cutting. “Did you enjoy the interview with the protestors? It shall be replayed after this, for those that missed it. Their… grievances… are something we are happy to address. It just so happens that we have some special guests.”

“Yes. You likely know the first one.” I agreed. “Please give a warm welcome to Shinohara-san.” The camera swung, and the broadcast was showing her sitting on a comfortable chair, the shrine in the background of the shot. She looked younger than last time I had seen her, being Healed obviously agreeing with her, and in her modest yet well-fitted skirt suit, her hair curled and coiffured, slight blonde streaks in the brown, she radiated both poise and kindness.

“I am pleased to be here. More than you know.” Her smile was knowing and gentle. “It is certainly a pleasure to meet you as well, Arisugawa-san. I for one am not a believer in listening to rumours, and I am pleased to see you vindicated. Truth always comes out.”

“That it does. But I thank you for your faith. It is in dark times that one finds out who their true friends are. I certainly found out. And are times now not starting to darken? We can all use friends, now more than ever.”

“Yes, I fear so. However, I do see light in the shadows. Anyway, it’s a pleasure to meet you all. I am Shinohara Neiko. You may know me from my charitable works. I hardly desire praise for it. After all, there is joy in helping others, I have always believed.”

“Admirable sentiments, but you have faced criticism, yes?” Arisu-san pressed, and Shinohara-san agreed.

“Oh my, yes. I made my fortune with the capital my parents left me, and was lucky enough to succeed beyond anything I expected. Since I had such wealth, I wanted to give back, so started charitable works. It is shameful to brag…” she paused, brown eyes sparkling. “…unless of course you have done truly worthy deeds… but compared to putting my life on the line to save a Princess, or rescuing children from a terrible closed-off school of horrors, all I have done is spend my money making lives a little better.”

“I think that’s good enough.” I disagreed. Our conversation was planned to have one major talking point, but the rest of it was unscripted. Arisu-san preferred the genuine feel, and she was confident that she could steer the conversation as needed, and I didn’t doubt her. After all, she’s got star quality, and with her stat boosts that’s only intensified.

“…after all…” I continued. “You’ve helped so many, more than most, and never asked for any thanks. But even if you did have impure motives… I think I’d rather have you do good deeds for the wrong reasons, than doing nothing at all.”

“Yes, I agree.” She nodded, her smile wry now. “But not everyone does. After all, many people insist that I should donate far more of my wealth, live a modest life, that I am selfish for maintaining my lifestyle.”

“I think they’re the selfish ones.” I shook my head. “We owe our first duty to ourselves and our loved ones. If we have any leeway after that, I think it’s noble to help others. But sacrificing our own happiness for that is futile. Besides…” Now my grey gaze was cold as steel, as I turned to the cameras, hitting the point Arisu-san wanted me to make, and it was one I believed in anyway. “…I find those that cry the loudest about the selfishness of others never reached out a hand themselves. I know the criticisms that have been levelled at me by Uchida Ren and those insane fanatics. Uchida Ren, I owe the courtesy of an explanation. When he’s caught. While I feel great sorrow for the loss of his son, he betrayed many who called him friend and ally. As for the Church of True Revelation… you tried to kill children, tried to kill my family… I’m not a Christian, unlike my mother, so I don’t forgive, and I don’t forget.”

“Yes. To make it clear, for the avoidance of doubt, we have not been involved in any of the attacks on prominent Japanese citizens. In fact…” Arisu-san looked at Shinohara-san, who agreed.

“Thanks to Akio-san here, my life was saved. I am deeply grateful. Though some seem upset. After all, my wealth could have done so much were I to die, as most of it would be left to my charitable foundation and the board of trustees. Forgive me my own selfishness, but I am happy to be alive.”

“Of course you are. Now, who is more worthy of trust, those who force obedience with the sword, or those who offer a hand to those in need? Now, I’ve been accused of profiteering, of putting the wealthy first when it comes to Healing. And yes, I’ve done a lot of that.” I agreed. “Though Shinohara-san here was not charged. I respected her desire to help others, and thought that she deserved another chance. I also… well, let our next guests speak for themselves.”

“Yes. I welcome you.” Arisu-san smiled politely. From behind the stage came a man, his hand clasping that of a cute little girl. He was wearing a mask that covered his face barring his eyes, and casual, comfy clothing, jeans and a shirt, appearing entirely unremarkable. The girl however, was gazing around in wonder, and as she saw Shinohara-san, her big brown eyes widened, her smile beaming. “Look, dad, it’s the nice lady.” She then turned, blinking in surprise, as she saw Arisu-san. “Oh, and the beautiful one!” She waved her free hand, torn about which woman to run to, and it was a heartwarming scene. She was wearing a white, fluffy coat to ward off the cold, and looked like a little snow maiden, with her hair now long and healthy.

“It seems like you forgot me.” I laughed, and little Ami-chan turned, before her mouth made an o-shape of surprise.

“Oh, it’s the kind mister who made the pain go away and made dad stop crying, and helped the nice lady and the others!”

“Yes, it’s me. How’ve you been, Ami-chan?”

“I’ve been very good, dad says so!” She tugged at her father’s hand, until he released her, and she ran to Shinohara-san, who started fussing over her.

“You may wonder why he is wearing a mask.” Arisu-san spoke to the cameras. “I assure you it is not to mislead. Simply, he and his daughter wish a quiet life. But… they are brave enough to speak out, regardless. We are simply taking precautions. Obviously, via his voice, or his daughter, you could find him. But rest assured, if you do so for malicious ends, we will not remain silent, and WTV will publicise your details, as well as prosecute you with the full force of the law.” That warning delivered with chilling frost, she then smiled, her expression now captivating. “Anyway, do tell your story…”

As the cameras focussed on Ami-chan, he cleared his throat, and explained that he wrote a letter to me, begging me for aid. He was resentful, angry, bitter… but his prayers were answered. “It was before any of this came out, so don’t you dare say it was done in response to the allegations.” Ami-chan’s father insisted, his tone both embarrassed and angry. “I hate myself enough already. I knew it was wrong to be angry. But I get it. Those of you out there, who wonder why you suffer, why your family suffers… I get it.” he repeated. “But in the end, my beautiful daughter survived, as did Shinohara-sama and many others. And the good Shinohara-sama does continues. I can’t fault Oshiro-san for wanting to protect those he loves. We all want that. But… who amongst you can say you saved a life as precious as my daughter, or as worthy as Shinohara-sama?”

He bowed his head. “If he could save everyone, I know he would. But… he’s only one man, and… we’ve seen why he can’t dedicate his all to helping the sick. After all, we’ve seen there are those out there who hate, who destroy. You saw the news reports of dead children. Why condemn someone who helped my daughter live?” A tear ran down his chin, under the mask, and the cameras captured his genuine emotion perfectly.

“Dad, are you okay? Don’t be sad!” Ami-chan ran over. As he bent down to grab her she patted his head. “If it hurts, mister can make the ouchie go away, like he did for me. You will, won’t you mister?” she asked me, everyone watching WTV capturing the moment.

“Sure.” I waved a hand, let out a little light element as a spectacle, and her father played along, claiming he was ‘all better now.’ His daughter giggled happily, and everyone watching knew I hadn’t done anything, but it would take a heart of stone not to be moved.

“So yes. To counter allegations regarding Akio-san’s medical assistance.” Arisu-san began. “He has already, in secret, without fanfare, restored a number who were suffering. Yes, he seeks remuneration from the wealthy, but the poor… they were not charged. And he has plans for further miracles. Better yet, to eventually train others, for just as Shinohara-san uses her hard-earned wealth to help the less fortunate, Akio-san’s hard-earned talents, for which he has shed blood, tears and nearly died a number of times, will be shared to save as many as he can. But to demand more…”

Her onyx eyes were intense. “…is to be wretched indeed. Unless you are prepared to dedicate your whole life, all your wealth and strength, to helping the needy, do not demand that from others. I respect anyone who gives of themselves to others, rather than those who take from others, for their own satisfaction. Remember this well. It shall not be the last lesson you learn today on WTV. But next… we have an idol performance, to lighten the mood.” Arisu-san smiled at Ami-chan. “Do you like pretty singers and nice music and dancing?”

As Ami-chan nodded her head happily, I couldn’t help but smile myself. As the broadcast ended, the feed on Ami-chan and her father, I slipped away, only to see my sister headed my way, accompanied by Keiko-chan, Ema-san and Asuka-san, Suzu and the three idols from Red and White. Judging by the look on their faces, it seemed like they were confident of some gains here. I guess we’ll see, very shortly… With that, I let my Eyes shine, and seeing Tamami-san, I let out a dull whistle. Kami-Blessed at Level five already? Not bad, not bad at all…