On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Six

“Have you been to many festivals?” I asked Daiyu, who merely shook her head.

“No, I had little time for such things, nor were there such in the halls of the Incorruptible Jade…” she paused, considering. “No, perhaps there was.” As she looked around at the bustling festivities, a long-nosed Tengu mask replica on one side of her head, she considered it. “The Sect halls had those who could not Cultivate, servants, family members who had no talents, farmers and craftsmen and their families. I have come to realise, one cannot survive purely though pursuing the peak of Cultivation. Experiencing life strengthens one’s will.” Her small hand was clutched in mine. “No, they likely did hold such events, seeking joy in the lonely mountains of Shaanxi. Such word never reached my ears, or those of us who held ourselves proud and aloof in the halls of our Sect.”

At seeing the faintly melancholic look on her face, I pulled her close. “It’s fine.” I assured her. “That just means you have more to experience now.” I promised her. “Look around. Did you imagine you’d be at a Tengu festival?”

“It is more unbelievable that I would be here with my Dao Companion.” Her expression changed to a small smile. “I thank you for your efforts to console me. We should enjoy ourselves. After all, I do not have long before I must hand you over to the next girl.” Her smile widened at my slight discomfort.

Yeah, it was Haru-san’s idea. And not a bad one… Since there was nothing we could do until the festival was over, and I was here with four of my women, Haru-san suggested I spend some time with each of them. At the sharp gleams in their eyes at that, I realised refusing would be a foolish choice, so after a heated game of rock-paper-scissors, the order was decided, and Daiyu was first. I was still a little wary of the whole situation, but with Prince Shōtoku assuring me that Tarōbō and his Tengu wouldn’t be so base as to profane their ceremonies with treachery, I relented and decided to enjoy myself, though I did warn the others to stay together and keep alert.

“In that case, is there anything you’d like to see? You might as well take advantage of this to experience what festivals are like, because back on the Material, you’ll be going to them with me for many years to come.” I said gallantly, and her face reddened slightly, and her hand in mine tightened its grip.

“I am happy just seeing new things. I was too closed away, in my own world. Now, I have already achieved more than I ever believed possible.” She said. “So tell me, is this what those you have been to are like?”

Looking around at the streets of mount Atago, I frowned. Is it? There are definitely similarities… The paper lantern glowing in a multitude of clouds overhanging the streets, the stalls, the revellers wearing masks… though the Tengu masks here are worn over the face, not at the side of their heads, and they seem to wear them all the time… “Sure, there’s a lot that is the same.” I admitted. “Which is strange. Or is it? I suppose our traditions had to come from somewhere. But the stalls aren’t the same.” Here there were no festival staples like teriyaki, noodles or takoyaki, the food was all variations on roast pork, with a variety of styles and sauces, and the drinks were all sake, though some sweet low-alcohol amazake was also sold.

“Hungry?” I asked, and Daiyu nodded, so I went to a stall selling skewers. The Tengu behind it was wearing a yukata, modified so the wings could fit out the back. “Uh… what money do you take?” I asked, and the Tengu shrugged.

“We have no use for such trivial things. Tonight we celebrate the divine flame and call upon fortune before our champions are chosen. Eat, be merry, visitors.” He pressed the fragrant skewers, still piping hot into my free hand, and I grinned as I passed one to Daiyu. Champions, huh?

“I see. Thank you for your gracious hospitality. When our alliance is concluded and you can visit my Territory, you simply must check out the café on top of our great Tree. You can sample our delicacies. Mmm, this is quite good.” I said, taking a bite. Beside me, Daiyu was eating quietly and daintily, through from the set of her face I could tell she was enjoying it. Up above fireworks were exploding constantly, though the noise of them was much reduced compared to the Material, and the blooms of light in numerous brilliant colours far brighter.

“Normally the fireworks are at the end.” I said to Daiyu, remembering when Eri had confessed to me. “It’s the climax, and seen as rather romantic. Ask Eri if you want to know more about that.”

“Oh, I see. I shall do that.” Daiyu licked her fingers, before flushing a little, embarrassed. “I could use something to drink, the meat was rich indeed.”

With wooden mugs in hand after visiting another stall, I pointed out the other difference. “A lot of the Tengu seem to be carrying torches, and there are open bonfires burning everywhere. We wouldn’t do that back in Japan, it’s a fire risk. Since they are venerating their flame though, I guess I can see why they would…” I caught sight of the red-robed figure of Summer moving through the crowd, and decided to follow him. Though of course, we can’t forget to have fun… Squeezing Daiyu’s hand I grinned. Now this I didn’t see happening this morning…

********

“A fire-leaping challenge, huh?” Natsumi said, nodding. As second place, she was now my date, and I was telling her about Daiyu’s exploits. “It seems rather unfair, as Tengu can fly.”

“True, but it’s a great shame to rely on anything other than the strength of their legs, apparently. Though their wings can be used to catch the updraft, not that there would be much from the bonfires.”

“I see.” Natsumi nodded, she too wearing a Tengu mask, rakishly pushed to one side of her head. On seeing my look, she giggled. “I would never get to be so carefree at a festival in Tokyo. As a daughter of nobility, even as one of the Three-Hundred, I must never let myself be seen having immodest fun. But here…”

“Here nobody but us can see. But screw it, if you want to have fun in Tokyo, do so. I don’t think it makes you any less elegant and quite frankly, I don’t care. I’m happier when you are enjoying yourself.” I said, and her grip on my hand tightened.

“I’m fortunate. That you understand me so well.” She smiled. “I always wanted to go to a festival with Motoko. Now… I’m just sorry the others can’t be here too. Anyway, tell me more…” she said, and I continued the story, pointing over towards a large series of fires, around which dozens of raucous Tengu were gathered, wings flapping and arms gesticulating wildly. Even as we watched, a Tengu jumped the flams, landing awkwardly, crying out as his wings started to smoulder. A watching Tengu dumped a pail of water over him, dousing the embers, and the crowd hooted, cheered and stamped their feet.

“On seeing the Tengu, obviously Daiyu wanted to try. She’s surprisingly competitive. But first, the red-robed Tengu, I still don’t have his name, I’ll just call him Summer, decided to leap. He was impressive, I’ll give him that. Unlike a lot of the others, who got a little burned like the one we just saw, he was over in one great bound.”

“He is one of their leaders, you’d expect that.” Natsumi said, captivated by the tale. “So Daiyu…?”

“The surrounding Tengu were raucous.” I grabbed another mug of sake from a passing Tengu, and was going to get a second for Natsumi, but with a pretty smile and blushing face she stopped me, so we shared the mug, taking turns sipping from it. “Some of them mocked her for being small and wingless, and said she would never make the jump. Others worried she would burn her pretty face.”

“That fired her up more, I imagine?” Natsumi said, and as I went to sip, she did too, and our foreheads bumped together gently, and as we looked at each other, she started giggling uncontrollably. As I pulled back she leaned in and kissed me, the taste of sake on our lips and tongue.

“This is fun.” Natsumi breathed, licking her lips when we were done. “So, she made the jump, right?”

“Of course. This is Daiyu we are talking about.” I said proudly. “She leapt right up into the sky. For a moment it looked as if she would crash down into the flames, but she spun in the air and cleared it elegantly, landing like a professional gymnast. The Tengu went wild, hooting and cheering, and even Summer had to applaud. We stayed and watched a few others make the jump, enjoying the spectacle…”

“Did you kiss?” Natsumi asked, and I nodded.

“It seemed a good moment.” I looked up at the fiery flowers blooming up above. “Fireworks set the mood. But… having them continuous does make them a bit less special.”

“Each one is a prayer to the flame.” I turned to see the massive Tengu Arangbō behind us. I frowned, not liking the way he was dismissive of Haanōbō before, but quickly smoothed my expression. “The flame of mount Atago was entrusted to Great Tarōbō by the kami, long ago. And we have protected it from all. It is the source of prosperity for us, as well as our sacred charge.” His head tilted upwards, light from the fireworks reflecting off his crimson mask. “But now… troubles, one after another.” He looked at us, and the set of his wings was angry. “First, the Gods, the greatest kami, they have started touching the world again, no matter how weakly…” he glared at the distant Prince Shōtoku, who was enjoying some sake with Yasaka-san. “… then the flame…” he turned to the great golden blaze at the centre of the temple. “… and the poor, damned spirits. Now visitors, and the disgrace of Winter. To think I call that useless failure kin.”

“If the kami gave you the task of protecting the flame, why do you dislike the kami of Kyoto so?” Natsumi asked what I had been thinking.

“It is our charge, and we do it faithfully. But in the end, they see the flame and mount Atago as theirs. We, and Great Tarōbō, are merely caretakers. Such arrogance. What have they done for us? Their meddling now will bring ruin to us all. This creature you spoke of, it is likely here because of the hubris of the eight million, and the great gods. No, the flame is ours. We will safeguard it, even from the kami themselves!”

“I see.” I said non-commitally. No wonder they were affronted when I wanted to share their flame. But I still want access to flame element, and this one seems potent… “So, prayers, huh? Is the flame leaping the same?”

“Indeed.” Arangbō agreed. “I saw that girl leap the flames without fear. I was impressed. But you did not try yourself.” He observed.

“No, I didn’t.” I agreed. “I’ve heard tell of challenges from Tarōbō.” I smiled. “That interests me. So I’d rather not show my hand too early.”

Arangbō paused, before letting out a hearty laugh. “You? Do not be so arrogant, just because you defeated Haanōbō. These trials, challenges, are prayers to the flame, and will weed out the unworthy. Only the most powerful of Tengu will be chosen. You visitors from below the mountain have no chance of triumph over us. We Directions are sure to be the victors.”

“I see.” Natsumi giggled. “So Haanōbō was the weakest of the Four Heavenly Kings, and a disgrace.”

As Arangbō tilted his head confused, I asked Natsumi where she had learned such a saying. “It was from Shiro. She says that groups of four always end up fitting the same pattern. I don’t quite understand it, but it does sound similar.”

“That Shiro. Take what she says with a pinch of salt.” I laughed. “But… is Haanōbō really so much weaker than you three?” I asked seriously. “She had some skill, her icy water wasn’t that bad. Besides, as you’ll see during the challenges, losing to me is no shame.”

That seemed to shock the Tengu, and after a moment, he let out a gale of bitter laughter. “Your arrogance is refreshing. I look forward to humbling you. No, Haanōbō of the North is not weak. Hence why we are so disappointed. Failure due to arrogance is the worst kind of failure.”

“I don’t like that. We all make mistakes, we all lose sometimes. If we can learn from it, it doesn’t stay a failure. Anyway, I’m on a date right now, so we’ll take our leave.” With that we left Arangbō behind, strolling through the festival.

“What do you think the challenges are?” Natsumi asked, curious. “If it is combat, Motoko, Daiyu and I would all wish to take part.”

“Maybe, some sort of mock combat seems likely. But for now…” I smiled at her. “Want to grab some more sake?”

“I’d like that.” Natsumi nodded. “But only one mug. We can share again.” The rosy blush of her cheeks shone as bright as the flames all around us…

********

“Our festivals at Shirohebizumi don’t hold up to this…” Kana said, waving the burning torch she had been given.

“So?” I said, raising an eyebrow. “For someone who claimed you never cared about your shrine, you go about comparing it to every other one we visit.”

“A gentleman wouldn’t point that out.” Kana pouted cutely, before winking. “But maybe I’m just doing it so you’ll comfort me? I’m a sly girl like that.”

“If so, I don’t mind.” I agreed. “You are very relaxing to be with, so a little flattery is no problem.”

“Damn…” she puffed out her cheeks. “I know I’m cute, I spent years purposely making myself that way. But I’m more than just that, you know…” Around us, Tengu were dancing and waving their touches, as overhead more fireworks exploded. “… after all, I accepted Kṣitigarbha’s Favour.”

“You did.” I agreed. “But I don’t see why you can’t be fun and cute, as well as driven and ambitious. Besides, we’re dating, so… a festival date is just classic, no?”

“Yeah, and I suppose doing it at Shirohebizumi would be boring as hell.” She agreed. “So, since it’s a date…” she smiled adorably. “… why not treat me to some food and feed me? Although nothing probably comes close to the joy you had giving me a piggyback up those stairs. I know you were feeling up my ass. And I know it’s a good one. I exercise and watch my diet so I always look killer in jeans.”

“Guilty as charged.” I said, and she blushed, which amused me, the gap between her forthright, flirty outside and her rather inexperienced inner self charming. “But if your boyfriend can’t grope you a little, who can?”

“Oh you!” she pounded me gently with her fist, so as not to hurt her hand. She them offered me the free hand, which I took. “I saw you holding hands with Daiyu and Natsumi. Now you have to feed me, my hands are both full.” She gestured with the torch happily. “As for groping me… I’m not an easy girl. A few more dates first, Akio.”

“So this’ll be one date closer to some fun then…” I teased, making her blush anew. “Excuse me…” I said to a nearby Tengu by a fire pit, on which a huge wild boar was roasting. “Can I have a plate of that? By the way, where do all these pigs come from? Do you raise them?” The smell is amazing. It would certainly be a shame if they just flared to ether in death, but it’s likely similar to how a few parts remain on some creatures I’ve killed…

“By all means.” The Tengu woman said, her face masked. “Here.” she wielded a massive knife, slicing chunks of steaming meat from the flanks, before drizzling it with a brightly coloured sauce. “The boars are sacred to mount Atago, and many dwell on the north-western slopes and in the forests below. This one…” she patted the cow-sized boar as it turned on the spit. “… is merely a runt.”

“A runt?” Kana laughed. “I’d hate to see a full-sized one, it might be the size of a truck!” she looked at me then. “Now, feed me!” she opened her mouth cutely, fluttering her eyelashes.

“Say ahh then.” I said, my excellent Precision allowing me to juggle the plate and a long fork with a single hand, proffering some steaming meat to Kana. This is rather embarrassing, and I can see Yasaka-san over there rolling his eyes at me. But, I find I don’t really care. If I’m going to be a boyfriend, I’ll be the best damn boyfriend ever, unashamed of all public displays of affection. Besides, Kana is cute, no question.

She must have been thinking the same thing, as her face twitched, flushing, but she continued to wait, and as I pushed some meat inside she started chewing. After swallowing she opened her mouth again. “More. It’s really good.”

As I continued to feed Kana as we strolled through the crowd, I noticed something odd. The majority of the Tengu were taking part in the revelry, eating and drinking to excess, but none of the Directions such as Arangbō or the red-robed Summer was indulging, Summer merely holding a small cup of water to replenish his fluids after more fire-leaping. On seeing that, I continued to observe, and a small number of the Tengu were acting the same.

“What’s up?” Kana asked, seeing that I was distracted. “Are you bored with me already, or are you thinking of what we’ll do after a few dates?” she teased me.

“That is on my mind.” I laughed. “But fortunately I can think of more than one thing at once. No, I just…” I explained my observations, and Kana shrugged.

“That’s easily solved. Hey… you there!” she waved her flaming torch, attracting a passing Tengu, one that was rather drunk and staggering as it walked. “A question. Is there some reason that the … Four Directions, wasn’t it… yeah, the Directions and some others aren’t celebrating?”

The Tengu turned, swaying unsteadily. “Oh, the visitors. No, they are celebrating! Each flame a prayer.” It hiccupped noisily. “But it is foolish to eat and drink before the challenges. You know, if I was stronger, I would put myself forwards. I am a fair shot with the bow, and…” as the drunken Tengu started to talk at Kana, she used her experience dealing with pushy men to dismiss him.

“Okay, thanks for your help. Got to go, my boyfriend’s waiting. Bye!” and with that we left the blinking Tengu behind us, confused.

“There. Easy.” Kana grinned. “I get not drinking, but eating? I doubt I’ll have much to do with any challenges.” She looked at me then. “So, since you probably shouldn’t eat any more…” she opened her mouth again. “feeding time. I know you loved it. Ahh!”

Laughing, I raised the fork, spearing more meat. As Kana chomped on the meat, licking her lips seductively, I considered my options. No eating and drinking, huh? Kind of hard as I still have one date to go, but… it shouldn’t matter too much. I mean, I can purge the alcohol with Ether Healing, so… Looking at the flirty Kana, I decided simply to enjoy myself, and deal with any problems from that later…

********

“That’s a very pretty cloak. Where did you get it?” I asked Motoko, and she pointed to one of the stalls, where a Tengu was weaving cloth on an old-fashioned loom.

“There. It is quite the pretty fabric, it reminds me of a kimono.” She said, holding a bundle of cloth in her arms. “I have one for Natsumi too, since she enjoys weaving and dyeing.”

“You’re a good friend to her.” I said, smiling warmly. “But that cloth looks awkward, let me carry it.”

“Of course. A gentleman should.” She agreed. “Normally, I hate such unwritten rules. I am hardly a weak flower, unable to bear weight heavier than chopsticks. But I know you mean it as a true courtesy, not a reflection on me as a person, as a warrior. I love that.” Her face flushed as she said the words. “I am still not overly used to talking of love. If I do not say it often enough, do not think I am lacking in care. I am simply… not used to expecting a marriage of love, rather than convenience.”

“I get it.” I stroked her hair as I tucked the heavy bundle of cloth under one arm. “I struggled at first too. Arranged marriage isn’t ever something I thought would be a part of my life.”

“But you do not regret it?” Motoko said, staring up at the fireworks. Some Tengu were flying between the blasts, dodging the explosions of brilliant light to the whooping cheers and applause of the drunken and rowdy masked Tengu below.

“No. I don’t. However it started, it’s how it finishes that counts, and to be honest, if I saw another man making a pass at you, Natsumi or Hinata now, I’d probably murder him. I’m selfish, but… I guess I have to be. People rely on me. Hell, the world relies on me. Sure, I dare say that some other Chosen are worthy and making an effort to prepare us for the dangers that are coming, but…”

“… but relying on others is foolish, when you can use your own strength to protect what you cherish.” Motoko agreed with me. “Which is why Natsumi and I are training every day. We cherish our Arts, but… we also cherish you, and the others. Never forget that.” She touched my cheek gently, tilting my head, lips pursed, and I kissed her. Our tongues entwined, and when we were done, our lips connected by a momentary bridge of hot saliva, she was breathing heavily. “… I am just happy what I want to do and need to do are now the same. So, if you are ever dissatisfied with me, do tell me, and I will do my best to…”

I silenced her with another kiss. She’s still insecure. I get it. She’s so elegant on the outside, being raised a daughter of Tsumura house, but unlike Hinata or Natsumi, she doesn’t have confidence with men, or in herself. “You don’t need to change for me. Just be your best self, and I’ll love that.” I promised. “So, what would you like to do?”

“There.” She pointed at a group of Tengu firing arrows at a boar-shaped target. One strange thing was that the arrows were doused in boiling oil first, so that it was like a volley of fiery meteorites streaking through the brilliantly lit night. “I would try my skill against these Tengu.”

“Festivals should have games.” I agreed. “Though it’s usually goldfish scooping, or cutting shapes out of sugared candy. Excuse me…” I said, and after some discussion with the Tengu, Motoko had borrowed a bow, holding the flaming arrow gingerly.

“Just as Bellaera said, everything affects the shot…” Motoko muttered. “But a flame acts as a living thing, constantly shifting. The change in heat, weight, all must be balanced…” she squinted, pulling back the heavy string of the bow. It was bulkier than the Tsumura-style bows she normally used, and some of the Tengu had concerns if a fairly frail-looking girl could draw it, but I had no doubts.

“And… there.” She loosed the arrow, and it streaked through the night, joining other arrows, striking the target, though Motoko clicked her tongue, irritated.

“You hit.” I said, and she shrugged.

“I did. But not well. The flame moving changed the trajectory unpredictably, and I was unable to counter it. Again.” She took another arrow, and for a while I was engrossed in watching her shoot. By the fifth arrow she was striking the target well, and her smile was radiant. Handing back the bow to a Tengu, she bowed politely, before turning back to me. Seeing her sweaty brow, I mopped it, and she leaned her head on my shoulder.

“I understand now. It is as Natsumi and I realised earlier. Archery is more than the bow, the arrow and the warrior. Archery is the whole world and everything in it.”

“My sister would agree with you. She loves the bow.”

“Yes. Your sister is easy to get along with. Natsumi and I are well pleased. Hinata too.” I raised an eyebrow at that, and she continued. “We of the nobility know that siblings of our husbands can often be spiteful and unwelcoming. It is a constant worry to us. one of many, that fortunately we no longer have to face.” She said, relieved. “I genuinely like your sister. Shared passions hardly hurt.”

“Yeah, if she was here, she’d be using her own flaming bow, making a scene.” I agreed. “Hang on a minute…” something caught my eye. “Is that Haanōbō?” From a distance I could see a figure in black robes, white wings still in a sorry state. Long violet hair was trailing down behind it, and the head was ducked low, arms in front of the face.

“I think so. I can tell by the way it moves.” Motoko agreed. “It seems it is heading for the temple.”

“Other Tengu are as well.” I noted, catching sight of Arangbō heading that way, flying through the sky. “The fireworks seem to be diminishing in number.”

“I see. Then it seems our date is coming to an end.” Motoko inferred. “A shame. Now Bellaera will not get her turn.”

Bellaera? “She wasn’t getting a turn.” I insisted, and Motoko smiled warmly.

“I am sure she will be devastated. As we were training, trying to catch her as she effortlessly evaded our clumsy attempts, she talked rather fondly of you.”

“Why? We’ve barely spent any time together outside of some meetings and a little bit of time I spent training with the Way-Wardens.”

“You underestimate your own appeal, to a warrior. And Bellaera is not one to seek a weak man. She is of nobility too, of a Fae kind, so has no resistance to arranged unions. But alas, you said your days of arranged marriages are over. So…”

“So…?” I asked as I took her hand, and we followed the crowd towards the temple square, under the glow and heat of the brilliantly blazing yet tainted flame.

“So it is up to her to make her charms known in an ordinary manner.” Motoko’s smile deepened, her dark brown eyes knowing, before her expression changed to a teasing one seldom seen on her face. “I am afraid Natsumi and I have been telling her your preferences. Do not blame us if she is more charming than you remember.”

You girls… Shaking my head I squeezed her hand, and put that aside for the moment, spying Tarōbō, now standing at the head of the temple, staff in hand…

********

“It seems I missed my chance.” Bell giggled as Motoko and I approached, hand in hand. Everyone else was already here, and I shrugged as she said just what Motoko had. Is this because she’s talked to my girls?

“Sorry, but four dates in one festival are more than enough.” I brushed her off. “Besides, you’re not my girlfriend, Bell.”

“I could be.” She winked. “I’ve been told that you actually have a thing for elves. I’m an elf. It’s a good match!”

Huh? I looked around, and Natsumi smiled guiltily. “Shiro said you liked elves, and especially elves in…”

“Oh, please don’t say anymore!” Curse you Shiro! A man’s taste in ero-doujin is sacred! Besides, to be honest, that was more Yasu-san’s thing. I do admit, elven women in anime were always gorgeous though… and their haughty pride breaking, accepting they like someone they used to see as inferior… well, I don’t get that vibe from Bell or Soliteare at all. They’re too… normal, I guess?

“I didn’t really understand, but Eri told me not to look into it. But Bellaera was happy to know that you do like elves so she has a chance…”

“Changing the subject…” I coughed. “… looks like matters are at a head. And it was Haanōbō, I see.” The Four Directions were now beside Tarōbō, and it was covering its face still with its hands and long hair.

“You have it hard.” Haru-san said, patting me on the shoulder, which was unusual for her. “I had more fun watching you than the festival itself. I knew my idea was a good one.”

“Enough.” Yasaka-san complained. “I didn’t have fun. Now, looks like the chief Tengu is about to speak.” Indeed, as we chatted, the majority of the Tengu had filled the square, and Tarōbō slammed down his staff, and beside him, Arangbō yelled out for silence. Once the crowd quietened, the last explosions of fireworks overhead dying down, Tarōbō spoke.

“Tengu of mount Atago, guardians of the sacred flame…” his eyes fell on us, and I could only imagine what expression he was making behind his mask. “… and our uninvited guests. The time has come. We have sent our prayers, our devotion to the flame, hoping it might quell the spreading abyss. But alas, such hope is foolish. Prayers are best answered by ourselves! We were given the task of guarding the mountain, the flame. But we do it not because this is our task, but because it is ours! We will not let the flame perish, nor abandon our mountain home! No, we will destroy the abyss and its rifts, purge the poor, damned spirits, and restore the sacred flame to its brilliant, untainted glory!”

As the Tengu around us cheered and waved their wings and flaming torches frantically, Tarōbō shouted his next words. “If we must pray, best let our very actions be prayers! So I call on the brave, the strong, the lucky, the proud, those willing to risk all for our home and our duty that we do now through desire, ordered by none and serving none.” He was looking at Prince Shōtoku then. “Prove your desire, your fortune, your skill, strength and determination. Challenge yourself and all others, and take your place in defeating that which threatens all we hold dear!”

The crowd again erupted into frenzied cheers, and the flame in the temple behind us wavered, almost as if it heard and understood… Challenge myself and others huh? Do I want to give it a try? I met Tarōbō’s golden eyes, and he inclined his head, as if daring me to step forward. I guess it depends on just what the challenges are…