On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Eighty-Nine

“This is fascinating.” Nebisuki wagged her tails, which provoked Shaeula.

“You are taking up too-too much room, with those annoying tails.” she complained, batting the golden-furred tails aside. “Sit down-down and be calm, this is nothing.” Shaeula’s smile turned mocking. “Compared to trains or planes, this is rather ordinary!”

“It is me, bro, or is it getting a bit heated back there?” My sis had grabbed the seat next to mine, leaving the others in the back, feeling it wouldn’t be fair to let either Shaeula or Daiyu have the seat and make the other miss out. It’s considerate, but definitely a self-serving sort of consideration. “I guess it’s good to be relaxed before a difficult mission?”

“Urakaze’s daughter follows her mother, it seems. So cold, so mean.” Nebisuki snorted, though she did at least wrap her tails around herself. “I am simply a poor fox who now is forced to beg and scrape for scraps of happiness.” She squeezed out some clearly fake tears, bringing a snort of derision from Shaeula.

“Wow, she’s seriously trying to get your attention, bro.” My sis remarked. “Must be hard being such a man in demand. Don’t worry, when you get stabbed, I’ll be here to lend you a shoulder to cry on. I always thought it’d be Eri that stabbed you though…”

“It doesn’t sound a joke when you say it like that.” Back in the Material, I only had to sit in the helicopter, so my Split Thoughts were mostly focussed here, allowing me to easily drive and pay attention to the hijinks in the rugged vehicle. “Nebisuki, play nice. A little teasing is fine, but I won’t have you upsetting Shaeula.” I warned her, and the Kitsune sat back down, frowning piteously, though I was fairly sure she was just playing again.

We were following the route that the convoy was taking from Shirohebizumi north towards Tokyo proper, though we would be skirting around the more populated areas, and heading much further north. Soon, our vehicle going at nearly a hundred kilometres an hour, we overtook the convoy and were out into largely uncharted lands beyond. Daiyu was sitting quietly, and Chen Na was beside her, looking terribly uncomfortable. I glanced back at her, finding something to say. I don’t exactly like her, but she’s effectively died and been reborn as Haru’s Chosen Hero, so she’s paid and will continue to pay for her crimes. That’s punishment enough, and it’s more important to use her skills to prevent further tragedies… “Please stay alert, Chen Na. We’ll be needing you to protect the car if we run into trouble, as we don’t have time to stop.”

At my words she nodded, having a task to focus on making her calm down. Beside her, Daiyu nodded approvingly, and my sis looked at me knowingly, but she didn’t comment on that, merely asking about something on her mind. “So, just what’s the situation in Tokyo here in the Boundary? Are there many other Territories getting in your way?”

“Getting in my way?” I raised an eyebrow, amused. “It’s not like I own Tokyo, you know.”

“Wow, he’s being deliberately dense again.” My sis addressed Shaeula and Daiyu. “My bro’s making a real push for Astral Emperor now, being humble doesn’t suit him.”

“Yes. If we do not have the biggest fist, we will be under those who do, and our safety and happiness cannot be guaranteed.” Daiyu agreed. “Besides, it is too late to back out now. You have a wager with Taṇhā, and I do not believe the Goddess is inclined to allow you to falter should you win, and should you lose…” she paused, a slight smile on her face. “…which I do not believe you intend to, such haste are we making now, then she will work you hard fulfilling all her needs. Either way, you either rule, or serve the ruler. So no false modesty.”

“Exactly!” Shaeula agreed. “Just as I saw the need-need to reform the Seelie Court, knowing only I have the capacity to do so…” She also paused, flushing pink, even to her ears. “…I admit, at first it was merely wishful thinking, foolish-foolish dreams of a petulant child, seeking recognition and petty revenge, but now-now having dealt with the endless, frustrating politics of the Court, I am not-not conflicted any longer. Someone must-must take charge, and if not-not the King and Queen, it should be us.”

“You would put your lands and fates in the hands of Akio here?” Nebisuki asked, suddenly serious. At that, Shaeula barked a laugh.

“Of course, all-all I have is in his hands already. It will not-not be different for the Hyakki Yagyō. Perhaps I will climb the Numbers, or mother will-will intervene, but… even Nurarihyon will have to acknowledge and obey, in due-due course.” Shaeula’s tone was full of certainty, brooking no dissent.

“I see. I find it hard to believe that Great Nurarihyon will be so easy to cow, but it seems that I am in august company.” Nebisuki purred. “I did see something special in you, when you slew that arrogant junior, despite his powerful curses and trickery, and slaughtered the Kijo. It seems I am the property of a powerful man. Hold me tight so I do not go astray.”

“Property, huh? Branching out are we, bro?” My sis complained, and I waved that off.

“Don’t mind her, she’s just teasing. Anyway, yeah, to answer your earlier question… even as Astral Emperor, we agreed rules to be fair to other Chosen, at the Ministry, didn’t we? I can’t just take their Territories, especially because it’s harmful to them, potentially fatal, even. Honestly though… there’s my Territory on the outskirts, then there’s our allies and Vassals, those are fine, as well as some from the military, such as Major Sasaki’s. There are surprisingly few others around, a lot less than we would have expected. Some have come forward and have been identified by the Ministry, and others the Ministry is working on pinpointing the owners of. Most of them are Rank two, or Rank three but not having extended to their maximum extent…”

“So what will you do?” My sis pressed me.

“Simple. Those who agree to work with us we’ll respect their rights. I might try and incentivise them to either become a Vassal, or at least move outside of Tokyo. Transporting them some ether as compensation isn’t a problem. Those who don’t… well, they don’t get the Ministry protections, right? If they are unknown, then I’ll have their Territories dismantled, but not by Chosen, to hopefully prevent their injury from the Anchor being pillaged by those with the Conqueror Class…” As we discussed it we were speeding past strange architecture and groups of puzzled creatures dwelling within the Boundary. “…of course, if they are hostile, then we’ll take appropriate measures. We need to eliminate chaos and opportunities for trouble. I admit it, It’ll be me who is the Astral Emperor, and this mission is potentially a huge step towards that, but I’m not a tyrant or a dictator, or if I am, I at least want to be a benevolent one. There’s plenty of room for others to expand their power bases, but we have to put ourselves first.”

“I see.” Nebisuki nodded, understanding. “Just how Great Nurarihyon allows the Parade to do as it wills, so long as it does not cross his decrees, you will do the same. I do approve!”

“Your approval means little-little to us, fox!” Shaeula complained, and as they fell to bickering again, I relaxed, amused. I might as well make the most of this, as soon it’s likely we’ll be plunged into severe danger, if Uranai is correct, and I’ve no reason to believe she isn’t…

The tall, warped buildings of Boundary Tokyo started to diminish, replaced by more natural terrain. Unfortunately this was coupled with the easier terrain to drive on starting to vanish. Driving became more taxing, but I continued to steer us north, until we came to a massive river winding its way through the Boundary.

“The Edo river, huh?” I remarked. It was four or five times wider than on the Material, and far faster flowing, foaming whitecaps and spray cascading out, rainbows of light shining above it. Unlike in the Material, there were no bridges either.

“It is rather like the Thames, in London, is it not-not?” Shaeula observed, curious, eyes glowing a brilliant amber. “However, there are other problems.”

I agreed, my own Eye shining and piercing the depths. “Yeah, no kidding. We may be trespassers here, but…” My words were interrupted by the churning of the water, and swarms of reptilian Yōkai, scales in all colours, brown, green, red and blue, poured out, clutching spears, nets, tridents and clubs. They had turtle shells on their backs, and some even carried similar shields, each as tall as they were. In addition, great turtles the size of buses, with vicious, snapping jaws and crude fortifications and watchtowers built on their shells, rose from the river, as did massive, similarly horned toads in vivid blues and pinks, with curling, ram-like horns cresting their heads. At this I narrowed my eyes, aggrieved. After Kyoto I think I hate toads more than dogs…

“Looks like we aren’t welcome here.” I snorted, and Nebisuki waved her tails, ignoring Shaeula’s protests.

“It seems so. The Kappa are rather tribal. The Hyakki Yagyō contains one such tribe, of course, but since that is the case, no other tribe will deign to join until that tribe perishes or leaves. Occasionally a challenge will come, and we watch and wager on the outcome. Red and Blue especially enjoy drinking and  gambling on the results, which tribe will win, how many from each side die, and so on…” she reminisced fondly. “…so many memories, many happy, some sorrowful. I had thought such were coming to an end…”

Hearing that, I had to feel bad for her. Maybe it’s not such a bad thing to save her life. Again, what she’s done in the past, what Tamamo-no-Mae has done… that was before my time. Just like Nie Ling and Chen Na can be rehabilitated, can make amends… they can too.

“Oh my, I feel your gaze softening towards me. Have I won you with my charms?” Nebisuki tried to pull at the folds of her kimono, only for Shaeula to conjure wind and hold it shut.

“I’m certainly understanding you better.” I agreed non-commitally. “Now, can you convince the Kappa to let us pass? We’re in a hurry.”

“I doubt it.” Nebisuki shrugged, undoing much of Shaeula’s efforts. “But I shall try.” She opened the door of the slowing vehicle, and gracefully leapt onto the roof, tails and clothing fluttering from the momentum. She addressed the ever-growing mob haughtily, calling out. “I am of the Hyakki Yagyō, the Parade that rules the Nights of these lands. My Number is Seventeenth.” She gently struck the roof of the car with her tails, making sure that Shaeula realised she held a higher position than her mother Urakaze, smiling in triumph. “I am on an urgent errand, and I bid you to let us pass. I have little wish to cause trouble, and it is your domain here, but…” Her jovial tone disappeared, her expression now the equal of any of the powerful of the Parade. “…I am in no mood to be delayed. Should you not stand aside, prepare for the consequences. My favour is worth much, but my enmity is a price you cannot hope to pay.”

Her League is impressive… Shaeula and I were fine, but Daiyu, my sis and especially Chen Na were suddenly uncomfortable, as if underwater, weight bearing down on them. Likewise, the nearest Kappa and wild beasts they commanded faltered, but then the water bulged upwards, and a massive, serpentine neck burst free, like a giraffes, no, an old-fashioned, extinct dinosaur such as a Plesiosaur, a massive head atop it, and sitting on that was a large, purple and violet-scaled Kappa, with a crown of blue crystals and silver upon his brow. Blue Etherite shards, maybe? He carried a shield of crimson and orange turtle shells, and a golden trident in his other hand. He met the surging League of Nebisuki without flinching, though I did notice his eyes wavering a little as they narrowed.

“The Hyakki Yagyō…” the Kappa leader spat into the water around him and his impressive steed. “…we have no need of such when we have our own rivers, our own lakes, our own seas! I will let the cowards from the Boiling Lake Biwa clan follow along, begging for scraps! We of the Edo Bitter River tribe do not fear you!” At his words, his Kappa followers let out throaty roars and waved their weapons, those with shields banging them, making for an intimidating scene. We don’t have time for this… I’m confident we can win, what with me, Nebisuki and Shaeula. Daiyu and my sis have their strengths as well, though more against single opponents… we also don’t know what’s up ahead, so draining our strength would be a problem…

“I see.” Nebisuki seemed to agree with me, as her smile turned wicked, and her four tails stood upright, balls of floating fire, glowing a ghostly blue, appearing above them. “But all we are asking for is for you to allow us passage. That is hardly a great imposition. But… if talk of the Night Parade and Great Nurarihyon does not move you… I am here on behalf of another.” She showed her fangs intimidatingly. “Behold, I travel in the company of he who will soon command this land. Your bitter river will soon belong to him, and while he is generous, his wrath is not something you wish to bear.”

“She’s talking you up, bro.” my sis whispered, impressed.

“Indeed. I do agree with her.” Daiyu nodded. “Your kindness appeals to me, but I also respect your steel. Kindness without strength is merely being taken advantage of.”

“Our river? What insolence!” The Kappa leader declared, and his dinosaur mount roared in derision, echoed by his troops. “Nobody will take it from us, and we allow none to cross without paying the toll…” He grinned savagely, at least I thought so, with his beaked face looking rather turtle-like it was hard to tell for certain. “If you wish to pass, pay tribute!” He paused for emphasis.

“If it saves us time we can fork out some Etherites or precious metals…” I decided, but his next words stopped me.

“Leave one as a sacrifice! We will offer their blood to the water, making the Edo bitter indeed! The rest may pass. No, in fact…” he chuckled. “I see six of you. Half shall feed the water. Although…” The Kappa nodded. “Perhaps one of the three can be spared. As a concubine.”

“Wow, no way!” My sis spat, shocked. “Who’d want to get with a turtle? I’d rather do it with a Troll, at least they look mostly human…” Realising what she had said, she flushed, embarrassed. “Not that I want to! I’m just saying, I’m not into bestiality. I guess you weaselkin are barely safe. That makes me wonder…” Sis looked at Shaeula expectantly. “Have you ever… in… you know? Your true form?”

“Now is not-not the time!” Shaeula blushed deeply, eyes wavering. “But I am most-most wroth. Fox, your negotiations have failed!”

“Not failed…” Nebisuki disagreed. “Little Kappa, you are sorely mistaken if you think to extort us. My owner is a jealous one…”

“He would shed no-no tears if you stayed to be concubine to the creature…” Shaeula said loudly, but Nebisuki ignored her, tails twitching, and continued.

“…if you had asked for fair price for passage, you would have been granted it. But instead you made a foolish demand. You are not in a position to make demands of us! I did not lie when I say dominion will spread to these lands. He is a kind ruler, and would let you remain, but… it seems chastisement is in order…”

Understanding, I opened the door and stepped out of my vehicle. A few eager Kappa acted, throwing nets and spears at me, but I flicked my fingers and jade winds blew them away harmlessly. “Yes, I’m not impressed.” I agreed, my powerful voice booming over the river. Threaten to kill my people, worse, use them for sport? I don’t think so. But I’ll give them one last chance… “I understand we are trespassing, but it is for urgent business. If you have a reasonable demand, I’ll accommodate, but…”

Clearly thinking my goodwill was weakness, the Kappa raised his glittering trident high, laughing. “In that case, you insult me! You and the Kitsune from the Hyakki Yagyō can go, the others remain and will bleed and serve the river and me, the ruler of Edo Bitter River! Tell the Ruler of the Night to make do with his cowardly Kappa who know no pride! As for you, false ruler… best bring more tribute for when you wish to cross back…” As his Kappa laughed and cheered, the great turtles and toads were moving into position to attack, but even as they did so, a great ring of shining brilliance surrounded me, darkness fringing it. Nebisuki hopped down beside me, eyeing it curiously, impressed.

“Prominence Dawn! Foehn’s Radiance blazes!” Moving at a speed only the eye could track, the brilliant light I called upon streaked forwards. First the river ignited, though fortunately for the Kappa none but their leader was in its path. As Foehn greedily clung to the foaming surface, burning like an oil slick, the light brushed across the dinosaur. The roar it gave was painfully loud, and several Kappa fell unconscious, swept away by the currents. It was a big beast, but flesh quickly burned down to the bone, and it cried out, but soon those cries stopped, flames lapping its head, eyeballs popping, empty sockets weeping tears of yellow flames. The Kappa leader had no time to react, and he too was engulfed. He struggled against the tide of Foehn, and water shimmered, orange energies trying to drown the flames that were devouring him, but it was futile, and soon only a skeleton remained. My sis looked on, wincing, while Daiyu, Shaeula and Nebisuki showed no emotion, and Chen Na looked down at her own hands.

The dinosaur perished, and the river of flame reached the far bank, trees and rocks also igniting, and soon a road of flames was carved across the wide waters, the Kappa dumbstruck at the sudden death of their chief, unmoving, merely watching us, weapons forgotten.

“A worthy show. It makes me rather hot…” Nebisuki grinned, fanning herself with the cloth of her kimono, and I could see her invisible tail swishing happily. “Now then. We have carved our own path across, one in fire and death. Mocking Grand Nurarihyon and worse still, Akio, ruler of this land, is unwise. But worse is coveting what is his.” Her eyes narrowed. “We seek to cross. Should he need to drive another blazing path across, or will you show obedience and atone?”

The Kappa looked at each other, then back at the blazing trail of flames that bisected their river. The tides were starting to pull it apart, blazing tongues of light flowing away, but it still gave off a fearsome heat, and I could see the Kappa nearby weakening, water that was kept in a strange hollow on their heads slowly evaporating, silver light rising. In the end, a Kappa riding a giant turtle waddled onto land, his expression wary but cold.

“I think you should kneel.” Nebisuki said coldly, and suddenly one of the fiery balls of light flew from above her tail and burst above the Kappa, the shockwave throwing it to the ground. The other Kappa gasped, eyes glued to where the bowl that was part of the Kappa’s skull emptied, water spilling to the ground. “Much better!” Nebisuki snorted. “Now speak. But first…”

The Kappa, stunned, reached out, one hand finding his bowl empty. With a shudder, it knelt. “You have bested this one. I am yours, to do with as you will. But as brother of our fallen leader, I implore you, hold your blazing flames. If… if it pleases you…” He gestured, and three more Kappa came to shore, riding smaller turtles, one of them a smaller albino one. They dismounted, and hesitantly, at his gesture, all knelt as well, heads down, waters spilling. They all shuddered, the smallest Kappa, who rode the albino turtle even crying loudly, but they remained prostrate. “Four lives for the four we threatened. We cannot resist. But spare our Bitter River tribe from death!”

“All we wanted was to cross.” Nebisuki reminded them mercilessly. “But you are kind, are you not, Akio?”

“Yes.” I regretted having to use the power of Foehn and Prominence Twilight, but it was the most efficient way to remove the arrogant Kappa who had dared threaten what he shouldn’t. “I have no need of your lives. Had I wished them, my flames would have consumed you all, everything my light could touch flaring to ashes. Nebisuki speaks true. Soon I shall dominate this area. But I do not force anyone to leave, or make you slaves. You simply have to follow the laws everyone must abide by. Though willing allies will find me generous, and much profit in it. As for you four… I don’t seek your lives, though my anger burns as hot as my flames. You dared threaten my allies, my sister and two of my lovers…”

“Only two…” Nebisuki joked, but I ignored her.

“…so I am afraid I had little choice but to exact retribution. That is enough. Though…” I glimpsed at the largest turtle. “…give us passage across the river, and I’ll forget this happened.”

The first Kappa who came forward shuddered, but nodded, and the others breathed relieved sighs, though the last was still crying. “We spilled water. Our lives are yours. The Bitter River clan will serve as long as our family remains the strongest.” He then glared at several Kappa behind them. “My brother may have burned away, but I am still mighty, and my son, younger brother and sister are powerful!” At that booming declaration, the Kappa reflexively bowed, their own waters spilling into the river which were starting to steam and bubble from the Foehn. “Come. I shall ferry you.”

I glanced at Nebisuki, who snorted a loud laugh. “Kappa are dreadful foes in water, but on land they rely on their tamed beasts. Besides… they believe that their spirits dwell within the water in their bowls. Spilled within water it returns to water, but spilled on land… that binds them. A nonsense, but… useful.”

Back in our car, I drove slowly onto the back of the giant turtle. It rocked, sinking a bit, before straining and lifting us. It then cut across the current, away from the Foehn, and the other Kappa who knelt escorted us. Soon we were across, and the new Kappa leader once more bowed low. “Thank you for sparing us. I and my family will serve and remain your friends for as long as we survive.”

“In that case…” I said, thinking. “In a few months, I’ll control this land. Join with us, and we’ll make sure you benefit.”

“As you will it.” The Kappa grovelled, leaving me feeling a little sorry for him. Unfortunately, we had wasted some time here, so after a few more parting words, I started driving us north again. My sis was the first to speak.

“You know, I’m not sure I could surrender if someone killed you in front of me, bro. Let alone grovel like that…”

“Even to save the lives of Eri and the others?” I asked, and she opened her mouth to retort, before a thoughtful look shone in her eyes. “See? Not so easy, is it?” I pointed out, and she nodded.

“We Yōkai, and other spiritual beings, such as the daughter of dear Urakaze here…” Nebisuki began, tails wagging, though this time Shaeula didn’t scold her. “…all have our quirks. We do not see matters like you humans. After all, the Fae take their Oaths and Boons to heart, to their very being. Humans lie and cheat and do as they please. But we have many of the same emotions, but not all. We are creatures of passion.”

Shaeula nodded, agreeing, and let her continue. “The Kappa, perhaps he was merely going to appease you, so I forced him to kneel, knowing if he spilled his water on land, he would be compelled to obey you. He then made the choice to force his family to do so as well. Now they are yours, though if they sadly perish…” Nebisuki gnawed her teeth together, perhaps missing her pipe, as Shaeula didn’t allow it in the car. “…then we gain little. I advise on our return sending forces here to ensure they live until you can conquer this place properly. A clan of Kappa would make useful troops.”

“I’ll do that…” I said, agreeing. “I suppose I should thank you. That did make things easier.”

“Of course. I live to serve.” Nebisuki teased. “It is only right for the strong to coerce the weak, in the Hyakki Yagyō. Hence the true Hundred Demons is limited to the strongest. Of which you now have two as lovers!”

“Nope, just the one.” I insisted, ignoring her teasing. “Anyway, Aiko…” Seeing as I was saying her name, she knew I was serious, so she paid attention. “…I never want to have to be in a position where I’m forced to choose between avenging you or bowing to save others, so… just be careful, okay?”

My sis blinked her blue eyes, before breaking out in a brilliant smile. “Got it, bro. I won’t make you worry.” She opened the window, sticking her head out, the momentum making her black hair blow despite the lack of breeze. “Can’t you go any faster? We’ve got to get to our destination soon!”

With a wry smile I put my foot down, pushing the car’s engine to the maximum. Meanwhile, in the Material, our helicopter was closing in, the skies ahead filled with a clearly visible dark cloud of ash and dust, lightning sparking within it, visible from many miles around. The windscreen was being plinked by small dust and rock particles, and the air smelt of sulphur, just like rotting eggs.

“We can’t get too much closer, if the rotors get choked by the dust we’ll crash!” The pilot shouted out over the noise. “We need to set down.”

“Just do it.” I calculated. There was probably only fifty or so kilometres to the destination, and with the government having ordered an evacuation of the area, just in case the second wave of eruptions were fiercer, I could run as I pleased without an audience. As it descended,  I leapt out, dropping the last twenty metres to the ground, and with a military-issue breathing mask to protect me from the poisonous gases and ash over my face, I started to sprint through the deserted landscape, at a speed that exceeded the car in the Boundary…