On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Eight

The Tengu were gathering lumber from the forests on the northern slopes of the mountain, piling them into firepits dug into the stone. There was no shortage of fallen trees wrecked in the battles the Tengu had trying to hunt boars, but the forest was already regrowing slowly but visibly. The Boundary sure is a strange place, especially in areas of higher ether density like Kyoto… my Eye could pick up some of the ether being absorbed into the land, helping the trees regrow and the scars on the mountain gradually heal.

“I’m afraid I can’t take part in this one either.” Natsumi said. “We learned wind, didn’t we Motoko?”

Motoko nodded. As the girls talked, Bell ruled herself out as well. Daiyu was also lacking in fire element. Soon it was just Haru-san remaining, and she looked at the piles of lumber, pensive. After a while she turned to me. “Akio-san… do you want me to win one of these challenges? Will it help you?”

“Win?” I raised an eyebrow. “You think you can beat me?” I joked.

Haru-san pouted, brown eyes wry. “I’d say you won’t be popular if you tease women like that, Akio-san, but I’d be a liar, it seems. You know what I mean, just as you and Haanōbō both won the first challenge, I believe that I can reach whatever level Tarōbō declares as a pass. Likely him too…” she nodded at Summer, whose body language was eager, wings flapping, we didn’t even need to see his face to know.

“Really?” I asked, running through my head the ways that Haru-san might be able to summon fire. Is that it? She’s a smart woman, she’s probably figured it out… “If you can make a good showing, I think it would be quite the helpful move. Besides…” I frowned. “…it seems that you need to impress Tarōbō enough to be eligible to take part in cleansing the corrupted flame, and I want you for that more than anyone.”

“That’s rather bold of you.” Kana smirked. “You have four girlfriends here, and yet you’re clearly flirting with Haru-chan!”

“No I’m not.” I protested. “I’m just… oh, you’re teasing me, right?”

“I suppose a man with so many girlfriends had to get it eventually.” Kana smiled triumphantly. “So, why Haru-chan? Not that I mind, but…”

I briefly explained about the ability of the flame in more detail, and Haru-san frowned. “But the corruption worries you, right? That’s why you wanted Na-san and me to leave. But…”

“Yeah.” I picked up on her point. “Just leaving it so near Kyoto isn’t an option. It’s about more than just securing flame element now. Though I really want it, it would increase our options. So… you’re confident?”

“Quietly so. I do practise now and again. It’s not like I need to sleep. Which is strange, as they say death is the longest sleep, don’t they?” her lips quirked into a smile. “Besides, there seemed to be no criticism of the losers of the boar hunt. It’s a no-lose situation, and you like those, right Akio-san?”

“I do. Oh well… guess it’s up to us two this time.”

As we were debating, so too were the Four Directions. Arangbō shrugged his massive shoulders, wings flapping, as he bowed out. “I can use the Southern Formation as well as any, but I’ll not show myself up against you, Shungbō.” He addressed the red-robed Tengu, who nodded, long-nosed mask bobbing.

“This is why I am the favoured of the Four Directions.” Shungbō, which must have been Summer’s actual name, said softly. That comment made Haanōbō look away, and Fungbō snorted loudly.

“Keep telling yourself that, brother. We may worship the flames, but no direction is more sacred than any other. Great Tarōbō is the Centre, above all. You almost make me want to test your mettle, but…” he too paused. “… this is your chance to shine as brightly as our sacred flame. However…” the red-masked Tengu turned towards us, and I could feel their eyes on me. “… don’t underestimate him like North did.”

I see. I’m getting regarded as a rival, am I? Considering how they insulted Haanōbō for its defeat, it would look bad if they lost to me as well. Stepping forwards, Haru-san following, we approached the small group taking part in this trial, a few Tengu proficient with flame element waiting, and Shungbō of the South joined us.

“You as well?” he said, looking at Haru-san. “I sense no flame from you. Perhaps you enjoy humiliation, or are simply bored?”

“She’ll make you eat those words.” I promised, as the words of support from our companions echoed in our ears. “But we are all working towards the same goals, right? Cleansing the flame?”

Shungbō snorted. “We need no help from outsiders. If I had been the one to come upon you intruding on the shores of our mountain, by the Vermillion Bird, Suzaku, naught would be left of you but ashes. I shall never taste the dirt, I shall soar on high forever more.” With that he turned away.

“Oh really…” I muttered. “Is that so?” These Tengu certainly are belligerent, but… I looked over to Tarōbō, who was holding his staff, the jewel within emitting an intensifying glow. He seems a little more reasonable…

“Those who can kindle flame, I pray you can rekindle the purity of our sacred charge.” Tarōbō declared, now that the firepits were done. “Step forward, the first of those who claims to know the secrets of the flames.”

One Tengu swaggered over proudly, and raising a hand a surge of yellow elemental energies scattered. Flame kindled, and with a roar it hurled the flames into one of the pits, wood catching, and soon a great bonfire was burning.

“Not bad.” another Tengu muttered, and the scenario was repeated a half-dozen times by other Tengu, with one being clearly superior, his flames hotter and brighter, the wood being consumed in moments, the flames dimming and then fading away. Then it was the turn of Shungbō, and he strode forwards to cheers and even a few stray fireworks exploded overhead, as though he was a wrestler entering the ring. There was none of that for Haanōbō. I feel guilty again, though I really shouldn’t…

“Shungbō, of the Summer South…” Tarōbō looked down, his ornate mask hiding his expression, but his words were approving. “I have no doubts you are worthy to undertake the trial, but prove it here and now, show our superiority, those of us who have laboured at our task for millennia. Show these outsiders the might of the Tengu of mount Atago!”

The Tengu erupted in further cheers and frenzied celebrating around us, and more energy was drawn into the staff Tarōbō held. Shungbō merely bowed low, before taking to the air on his dark wings, hovering above the arena.

“I need no others to build my formation…” he muttered, and flickering lights of flame scattered from him, burning with citrine brilliance. I could see Daiyu watching intently, the flame reflected in her onyx eyes, as she studied the position of every flame. “Watch well, interlopers, and know you are well-beaten!” he cried, before beginning a familiar chant.

“Suzaku, Lord Of Summer…”

“Hey haven’t we seen this one before?” Kana said cheekily, and Natsumi was giggling, nodding. Seems like it’s not just me who thought so… I noticed his gaze hardening, eyes looking at me glimmering balefully. His chant continued uninterrupted though, the flames around him blazing like a constellation of stars. Honestly, he’s skilled. His fire element is certainly strong, but…

“… Master of Flame, He Who Brings Forth Summer… I call on the bright flame of the summer sun, incinerate the humble wood below, bring forth light and heat, show these impious outsiders…”

“Hey, now it’s different…” Kana said, and I suppressed my own smile, watching until the end.

“… that the sacred mountain will never fall, that the flame will be renewed, and continue to burn eternally. Blaze forth, Endless Fire Festival, Hi-matsuri!”

At his words the flames around him burst into a brilliant light, consumed by the torrent of flames that poured down from him. Multiple pits full of logs burst into flames and the ground was scorched, the air around us unbearably hot for a moment. As the tide slowly diminished, the cascade taking half a minute to subside, around us the Tengu were cheering, even as they blinked their eyes, near blinded by the brilliant glow.

“Great Tarōbō, these flames burn in your honour…” Shungbō bowed, still in the air, his red robes flickering with little tongues of yellow flame, his wings and mask likewise. Below him a dozen of the pits were lit, though the closer fires had already died out, their fuel spent, but the outer ones were burning cheerily. “… I will lead the vanguard, the damned of the flames will be purified by my own!” he then looked down at me, and I could hear the smirk in his words. “…if you wish to withdraw, now is the time. You already defeated all comers in the first challenge. But if you let pride blind you, the shame will be your only reward. For fire is in our blood…”

“I thank you for your kind advice.” I said. “But there’s no shame in defeat if one tries their best, is there? There’s not only one winner each time.” I nodded at Tarōbō, who actually inclined his head in acknowledgement. “Besides, you don’t have a monopoly on flame.”

“So be it.” The Tengu sniffed, landing, stepping aside, the flames around him dying down. “Struggle futilely then. See the gulf between us…”

“The thing is…” I said, looking down at the empty pits, only ashes remaining. “Flame needs fuel, I agree. But what can fuel a fire is more than merely wood…” If Shiro was here, she or Tan could show them a thing or two. But honestly, Haanōbō was hardly weak, and neither is Shungbō. But they have the usual problem… they have been isolated a long time, missing out on the way the world has changed, frogs in a well. “…and there is more than one way to use flame…” I gestured dramatically, and hungry yellow and red flames formed above my hand, moving and quivering like liquid or some sort of living slime. “…this is Foehn, and it is more than ready to free your flame, consuming any impurity as it consumes all! Burn, my Foehn!” I slashed down my arm, and Foehn blasted out like a beam, piercing the ground, stone and earth vitrifying to shimmering volcanic glass, even that starting to heat up and melt, flowing like clay. Wood ignited, sooty orange flames scattering sparks, before they were swallowed up by the liquid, creeping flames of Foehn, now blazing white as well. The nearby pits caught flame from the heat, but the pit that contained the Foehn was still burning, and as everyone watched in silence, the flames continued to grow, eating into the stone around it.

“It’s Akio’s weapon of mass destruction.” Kana giggled happily. “I’d like to see them top that.”

“My barrier… I’m not convinced it could hold it off, even now.” Chen Na muttered, and Daiyu was watching me now, a contented smile on her face.

“But is it enough?” Motoko asked. “If not… I believe Akio can do more?”

As the only sounds to break the silence were the chattering of our group, every eye was on the Foehn as it continued to burn. The other fire pits had died down, their fuel consumed, but to Foehn, it could find fuel almost anywhere. It was weakening, the volcanic glass it had fused the rock around itself into offering little in the way of nourishment, but even so it continued to shed light and fierce heat, minute after minute, until Tarōbō banged his staff down.

“We have seen enough. Your flame is indeed powerful. And not of this place.”

“Yes, it is from a far-off desert land. But I have more flames, should you need to see them.”

“That halo…” Haanōbō muttered, remembering.

“No, I have seen enough. The two of you are more than…” Tarōbō began, but I interrupted him.

“My apologies, but Haru-san is yet to go. She wishes to display her flames.”

Tarōbō paused. Arangbō and Fungbō snarled, livid I interrupted Tarōbō, while Shungbō was merely watching me icily. “My apologies. You are quite correct. I was merely… distracted… by the display.” He gestured at the still-burning Foehn. “By all means.” He addressed Haru-san. “Let your flames sing as a prayer to the sacred flame, may it be rekindled pure as ever.”

Haru-san shrank in on herself a little as all eyes turned to her, yellow light from the Foehn reflecting off her body, before she closed her eyes for a moment, calming herself. On opening them she shrugged. “Fire is a strange thing. I always thought it was merely an energetic oxidisation reaction. It isn’t a thing in itself, though the effects are real. But I’ve learned that just because I know something, doesn’t mean it holds true everywhere. But what is true is… I don’t have any talents with fire…”

At that, several Tengu looked outraged, and Shungbō snapped “Then why do you profane this sacred challenge?”

“Because I ant to show you something. I think most children have done it at one time or another. Take a magnifying glass out in summer and focus the beam…” she looked at me, her smile gently mocking. “I hope you weren’t the sort to burn bugs with one, Akio-san.”

“No way.” I said, realising my guess from before was right. “I don’t like insects all that much, but I’m not the sort to indulge in such things. Besides, it would have upset Eri and my sis.”

“An expected answer.” She laughed a little. “So…” she addressed Tarōbō. “… let me show you a little human wisdom. I’m sure a human ghost still counts as human.” With that she raised her hand, and a brilliant aura of indigo streaked with gold radiated around it. Looking at the most distant pits at the edge of the arena that had escaped the destruction of Foehn and Hi-matsuri, she pointed, and fine, focused beams of light sprang out, striking the pits one by one. The intense heat of the narrow rays of light ignited wood, and soon the remaining pits were blazing away, sparks and smoke filling the air, drifting on the unusual breeze. The wood was consumed slowly as the fire spread, but Haru-san nodded, well-satisfied. “I thank you for your patience.” She said, like the professional bureaucrat she was.

As the surrounding Tengu burst into a buzz of conversation over her feats, Shungbō snorted. “Weak. My flames would devour that feeble light in an instant.”

“I see. In that case, how would yours fare against that?” Haru-san smiled as she pointed to the Foehn, which was still burning away nearly unchanged. “If it’s all about might, Akio-san has you beat, I’d say.”

Shungbō paused, unable to come up with a counter, before Tarōbō’s staff once more slammed the ground. “An impressive feat, your name was Haru, no?”

“Yes, I’m Suzuki Haru. I’m afraid I don’t have any business cards to hand out.” she said. “I’m a Vassal of Akio-san here.”

“I see. Your demonstration was interesting.” He looked at his Tengu, especially Shungbō. “Her flame was weak, non-existent even, yet it kindled a number of blazes. Yes, I cannot declare it the winner, I fear that honour…” Shungbō tensed, as Tarōbō swung to me. “… goes to these great destructive flames which burn unquenched even now.”

Shungbō seemed to collapse in on himself, wings and posture drooping, head bowed, but his eyes were still hot and angry. Arangbō and Fungbō were torn between outrage at his defeat and amusement that he too had lost to me, while our party rushed up to congratulate us.

“I knew you could do it.” Motoko declared proudly, before turning to Haru-san. “You were most admirable as well. Our control of wind is nowhere near as precise as your light.”

“It’ll come in time.” she promised, before Tarōbō’s staff thumped down again.

“Akio, you have already earned your place against the threat to the flame. Now none can gainsay you. Shungbō of the Summer South, Haru. You shall join him and Haanōbō of the Winter North.”

He’s giving Haanōbō a title again. I suppose this proves I’m no pushover, so its defeat isn’t entirely on it. The watching Tengu, face still hidden by hands and hair did seem to be standing up straighter. As the Tengu around us celebrated, I noticed that the boar I had killed, as well as a number of others, had been cooked and were now being brought back, carried by many Tengu, some pierced by spits, but the largest, those killed by me and Haanōbō, were butchered expertly and the meat laid on platters, the great heads centrepieces to the display.

“Yet do not fret, those who have not yet offered their prayers of challenge!” Tarōbō boomed. “Food is the fuel of the body. Eat and eat until your flames can burn no more. Those whose prayers are the greatest will have the right to join the victors!”

Haru-san and I exchanged puzzled glances. An eating contest? Really?

*********

“It is hardly the press of battle, or a challenge of skill, but I shall take part.” Motoko said. “I have always had a healthy appetite compared to other daughters of nobility who seldom move their bodies. You are the same, are you not, Natsumi?”

“I certainly do enjoy food. But I’m careful not to put on weight that might hamper my training.”

“That’s right.” Kana said mournfully. “I don’t want to get fat. Besides, we’ve already eaten a ton at the festival. It’s not stopping the Tengu though…” Nearly every Tengu present was partaking in this challenge, an atmosphere of festivity and joy spreading. As it did so the jewel on Tarōbō’s staff was growing ever more brilliant, and I was beginning to have my suspicions that was the point.

“Can you even get fat, eating food when you are in a spiritual body? Besides, men like women with a bit of meat on their bones.” Yasaka-san said, sighing.

“Oh really.” Kana said dangerously. “Maybe you ought to consult that book of yours about how to talk to girls. Nobody likes to take chances with their weight. Especially considering…” she shot me a sideways glance.

“You know you’re perfect just the way you are.” I grinned. “But… he has a point. It seems a shame not to give it a try. Worst case is we can do some exercise back in the Material. Working up a sweat together sounds nice, no?”

“Not until we’ve had a few more dates!” Kana insisted, but her temper improved. “I know what kind of sweating you mean, you can’t trick me!” We all took places around the colossal boar I had hunted. All around us the atmosphere was festive once more, and several Tengu were talking to Prince Shōtoku, more friendly than previously. At that moment, Tarōbō gave another speech.

“These boars were hunted by those brave enough to step forward and try to defend our flame, our way of life!” he shouted. “Would that I could send you all into the deepening rifts, for you are warriors all! But battle there is not like battle in the skies and on the mountaintop. We Tengu are not creatures of earth and stone…” Haanōbō flinched at those words, and it was seated not too far from us, at its own butchered boar, plate loaded with meat. I was handed a heaped plate by Motoko, who was humming to herself, happy to be serving me in the way a wife of nobility would, and the fragrance was intoxicating. I looked around for a drink, and pitchers were set up. I poured myself a wooden mug, only to find the contents were water. Interesting. Is it because alcohol would interfere with the eating, or… no, I know how this goes. So that’s next, huh? I’ve a good feeling about that one then, this… not so much.

“No, down there in the darkness, where only flame can light the way, only the bravest, the greatest of us, those with their prayers heard by the sacred flame…” he gestured to it, and my Eye shone once more, picking out the dark flickers of the flame that was said to be from Naraka worming their way within. “… will be able to exert their will. No, I cannot send you all to your deaths, lest you return as the damned and cursed, to take lives you once protected. But I hear your wills, and am proud!” he shouted, his staff shining, and as the crowd cheered anew he absorbed more power. “So, eat and eat, take into yourself the life taken so that champions may be chosen, let that life fuel your own flames. Those who burn brightest will have the chance to set foot in the abyss beneath us, along with the champions whose prayers our flame has already heard!” Eyes were on us, and I smiled regally.

“This is not my challenge.” Arangbō boomed, laughing. “But none shall defeat me.” He glared at me then. “Least of all you. You are small and look as if you could barely eat a mouthful.”

Really? This is what he wants to beat me on? I doubted it had much chance, but since I had won two challenges, I could afford to be magnanimous, yet the big Tengu aggravated me. “Fine. You’re right, I’ve never been a big eater, but I’ve found my appetite is way up nowadays. So…” as Tarōbō declared the battle of eating open, I reached for my plate, but was surprised to see that Motoko was already ferrying food to her mouth with both dainty grace and speed, chewing steadily. Well there’s something you don’t see every day…