On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Thirty

The large wagons of booze and other mortal delicacies were being ferried through the Ring Gate to the lands of the Fae, being escorted by weaselkin clad in armour festooned with ribbons and streamers and polished to a brilliant sheen, their fur well-groomed and shiny. On seeing my expression, Shaeula grinned, a touch ashamed.

“I do not-not care to remember when we first met, when I was grubbing around like an animal in the pitiful Territory I called home, our equipment tattered, our bodies and fur matted with filth.” She actually shuddered at the memory, so I patted her head reassuringly, and was rewarded by a brilliant smile.

“You had it hard. Sent away due to the manoeuvrings of your father’s enemies, denied help by those of your mother…” At that, the cloak-clad figure near us jolted, and I grinned, knowing that Urakaze was hidden under the robe, our surprise guest for the festivities to come. “…but that’s done.” I finished loudly. The Kamaitachi who were Shaeula’s entourage were lined up proudly, all eight of them, even if the newer, stronger four had some friction and rivalry with the original ones, seeing then as weaker and unfit to guard their princess. “No, now we face the future together, and … I like it more. They look very fetching. As do you!”

Shaeula was in her Kamaitachi form, as it seemed more appropriate for this meeting, and seeing her in a rich yukata-style robe in amber and green was rather fascinating. At my praise she grinned, showing sharp teeth. It was then our other guest from the Hyakki Yagyō spoke, after blowing a cloud of sickly-sweet smoke from the long, inlaid pipe she was smoking. She too was in a yukata, though hers was open down to the navel, her ample assets only barely covered with cloth, the deep valley there visible.

“Yes, it’s rather amusing, seeing you youngsters run about, trying to impress.” The four-tailed foxwoman declared. “But then, there are plenty of old monsters in the Seelie Court as you call it. I know. I daresay I shall see a few familiar faces.” She took another hit of her pipe, smoke leaking from her mouth, four golden tails lashing behind her. “I wonder if they will remember me? I like to think I am fairly… unforgettable.” She snorted, clearly amused.

“I wish we did not-not have to bring you, fox. I have not forgotten your actions during our battle with the Parade.” Shaeula complained. “Bintara would have served our needs far-far more. Or mother alone would have sufficed.”

“You think you can just call upon those who dwell within the dark ocean Nurarihyon commands?” The kitsune matriarch chuckled insolently. “No, our great lord would not lower himself to send representation himself. After all, your King and Queen will not attend, no? So to show too much good faith would be a sign of weakness. The Parade abhors such. Be thankful. Imagine if those muscle-headed idiots Red and Blue were here. If it didn’t break out into a brawl, I would be most surprised.” She looked at me then, and a red tongue licked at her equally red lips, her expression seductive. “No, you should be most appreciative that a wise Yōkai such as myself is prepared to come and advocate on your behalf.”

“Enough!” Shaeula pushed the foxwoman away, and as she did so, my sis burst out laughing. When she finally calmed down, she eyed us all happily.

“Wow, bro, you get to do fun stuff like this all the time? And now I can finally be a part of it.” She clenched her fists, pumping herself up as she would have during volleyball or Kyūdō. “I can’t believe I’m going to see where you used to live, Shaeula!”

“I did not-not live here…” Shaeula pointed out, while Asha looked on warmly.

“So you are his sister…” the foxwoman moved, grabbing my sis by her chin and tilting her head up, bringing a started wow from her. “Yes, you’d have certainly appealed to the poor little kitsune, he would have wished to make you his. Are you interested in romance, little one?”

“Hey, don’t touch me!” My sis slapped away her hand, causing the foxwoman to titter, amused. “Romance huh? Was this guy hot?”

“That fox is the one who drove us into a corner.” I said coldly, eyeing the teasing fox without any warmth. “He wanted to take Eri away from us, against her will. He’s dead now. Just as anyone who seeks to take advantage of my sister will be.”

“Yuck, no way then.” my sis spat, annoyed. “Keep your hands and your stupid lame perverts to yourself. Good job bro, death to all perverts and lechers! Uh, except yourself, I guess?”

As Hyacinth, who was helping mediate the flow of traffic through the Ring Gate, giggled, another of our guests spoke up, the burly Tengu Arangbō addressing Haanōbō beside him.

“You see? He very much does dote on his sisters. Aren’t you so lucky, dear Haanōbō?”

“Oh be quiet, you big fool.” She replied, irritated and embarrassed, from the set of her wings. “That was all because he objected to the way you and the others were treating me. As anyone should have. It was not my fault I was defeated, even noble Tarōbō could not win…”

“Hey, I was wondering… I thought that you were with the Night Parade, being Tengu, but it doesn’t seem so?” my sis said, forgetting about the teasing from the foxwoman.

“That is correct, dear stepsister.” Arangbō laughed, ignoring the dangerous glint in my eyes as I willed him to shut up. “We are the envoys from mount Atago, though treating us so distantly would be strange, considering.”

“Stepsister? Considering?” My sis narrowed her blue eyes, eyeing Haanōbō for a moment, before nodding. “Oh I get it. It all makes sense. Another one, huh bro? And didn’t you just say you were done collecting wives?”

“Wives?” Haanōbō let out a dull sound, and I fought the urge to rub my temples. No, you don’t understand, sis. Not at all. But there’s no getting away from the fact this mess is all my fault. Wait, is it even a mess? Shungbō’s death and Fungbō’s fate were cruel, but I did the best I could to steer everyone to a good end…

“There’s been a bit of a misunderstanding. I don’t have that sort of relationship with Haanōbō.” I promised, only for Arangbō to stir the pot.

“Oh, dear sister, your new brother is denying you, after he so bravely declared to us and our father he would fight us for your sake, to take you for his own dear family.”

Now I know you’re doing this on purpose. Before I could speak though, Shaeula’s face twisted to a curious expression, strangely adorable on her weasel-like features. “Oho, I must hear more of this. I have not-not heard tell of all that transpired on mount Atago yet, though I know the aim was achieved.”

Wait, you already know about this, you were there when I explained. That’s not actually a lie, but the way you phrased it is hugely misleading! “Don’t we need to get going?” I tried to change the subject, but Shaeula waved a hand, giving me a look, and I knew she was pranking me, mischievous as ever. Oh well, I suppose I had to mention this to my sis sooner or later.

“Nonsense, we have plenty-plenty of time. We are setting off early enough, and the Spring is nearby. Besides, we are waiting for Eleanor and Yukiko. So speak, there is no-no need to hold back.”

“Of course. I would not refuse the star of the show today.” Arangbō said insincerely, bowing. “It was like this. My dear sister Haanōbō was defeated and trampled to the ground by him, and we were somewhat cruel, for we of mount Atago are prideful. So he boldly declared…” As he explained, Shaeula seemed greatly amused, yet the look on the face of my sister was… interesting. First curiosity, then sympathy, then stunned puzzlement, and now she was pouting, an expression I had never quite seen on her face before, not her usual angry sulking when she was discontent, but one that was mixed with unease.

“That’s no good at all, bro!” she crossed her arms, practically bouncing with annoyance. “No, wow, no, no, no definitely not! You already have a sister, you don’t need another!”

Eri was right when she said my sis wouldn’t like it. But… “Look, you’d have been angry too, brothers should look out for their sisters, especially younger ones. So I got a bit heated, but it all worked out. It’s not like she’s actually my sister now, is it?”

Haanōbō was going to shake her head, when Shaeula soke up. “Nonsense. You must-must always keep your Oaths. You made promises, which both-both parties agreed to. Therefore the matter is decided. Welcome, you are my sister as well, Haanōbō. There is no-no escaping it, so you might as well be satisfied. Akio is rather-rather kind, and you will never be found wanting for aid.”

The Tengu merely sighed, saying nothing, and after a while, my sis rebooted, having worked through it in her head. “Now I know how Eri must have felt…” she muttered. “I’m such a bad friend, but… damn, I get it. Wow, I should feel more sympathy for her.”

“No, you’re perfect friends.” I said softly. “After all, Eri said the same thing, that it would be a taste of your own medicine.” Shaeula was laughing at that, remembering, and my sis shot her an annoyed look. “Seriously though, you’d have hated it, Aiko. You’d have been proud of how I stepped up.”

“When you call me by name it’s always so serious.” She sighed, a long exhalation of her emotions. “Yeah, I get it. No, a bro who doesn’t get pissed off and stupid when a younger sister is being bullied just isn’t my bro. Though it’s nice when the sister is me.” She slapped both of her cheeks then, before repeating the action a few times, until they were glowing faintly red. “Sorry. I got too worked up.”

“Actually, I think you took it pretty well.” I said, and she shot me a hard look.

“No trying to flatter me and butter me up. Even though I don’t blame you, I feel a little sore about it. Wow, so stupid. After all, I’m a blood-related sister, that’s the best kind.” She looked at Haanōbō then. “I’m curious. What do you look like under the mask?”

“That’s a taboo subject.” I warned. “They don’t show their faces easily.”

“Haanōbō showed it to you.” Arangbō said unhelpfully, and my sis wasn’t so easily deterred. Hands on hips she let out an exclamation of triumph.

“Aha! So you can for my bro, but not for me? If bro’s your brother, I’m your sister. Your senior sister. I’ll show you the ropes.” She paused, tilting her head. “Wait, what’s mom going to say? It’s not getting another girlfriend, but assuming she’s cute, another sister… wow, so confusing!”

“This is all so very foolish.” Haanōbō sighed, before grabbing my sister and hauling her off. As we watched them go, the foxwoman remarked to Urakaze lazily that the situation was rather amusing.

“We are here for now-this important meeting.” Shaeula’s mother sighed. “Family squabbles and such foolishness-idiocy are not important. Although…” Her own face looked troubled, as far as I could tell. “If I am here-there, there will be… consequences. Perhaps I am not one to talk-say.”

“Whatever happens, the two of you are here as representatives of the Night Parade.” I assured them. “It’s more a statement than anything else, just as the Tengu of mount Atago are as well. Shirohebi too, as well as Kofuku Jizo. The young male in his straw sandals was talking to Shirohebi, ignoring our little conversations. Taking a couple of kami is also a statement. I’d have brought Prince Shōtoku, but he wanted to make sure that Tsukuyomi-jinja is fit to welcome Tsukiko back, so Kofuku Jizo was the best alternative…

“Yes, do not-not worry, mother.” Shaeula promised. “If father is foolish, I shall-shall chastise him!”

Urakaze sniffed at that. “You might be strong-mighty now, daughter, but compared to your father or me, I fear-think you would stand little chance.” She turned to me then. “Even you would struggle-strive in vain against Shaetanao, even if his skills have declined-faded due to grief of my parting.”

“Father is as vigorous as ever now-now.” Shaeula promised. “He went through bitter-bitter grief when he sent me away, but thanks to our efforts, his cares have allayed. Now… we should-should be receiving our final guests soon.”

Ulfuric was marshalling our escort, his golden plate burnished to a brilliant gleam, and Tillyae had returned from the Material realm, and was drilling the musicians in the song she had learned hastily at the urging of Shaeula. Damn, it sounds very familiar. It’s probably one of the most famous anime openings of all time… I get that it’s epic and new to the Fae, but… it still gave me mixed feelings. It was then that my sis came back, leading Haanōbō, who looked at me piercingly for a moment, before shrugging and taking her place silently beside Arangbō.

“Hey bro, isn’t this song…” my sis began, but I cut her off.

“Yeah, don’t say it. Fortunately I don’t think the Fae care much about plagiarism. So…” I was curious. “How did your talk go?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she rolled her eyes. “I have to say, she’s oddly cute though. But seriously… no more picking up strays, okay bro? And remind me to apologise to Eri again when I’m back.”

“I suppose we really are siblings.” I had to laugh. “Eri gets a lot of apologies nowadays.”

“If I wasn’t your sister, whose would I be?” my sis laughed, before strolling over to Shaeula and Hyacinth. “Now you’ve had your fun. I know you were just waiting for the right moment to tease me with this. But now we live together, you can’t escape my wrath!”

Ignoring the fact that we live in different houses, I suppose you’re not entirely wrong sis. Anyway… I could see Eleanor approaching, accompanied by Sir Arthur in ceremonial armour, as well as the nervous-looking Raidre, and now we were only waiting for Yukiko, who would be here any moment. Right, let’s get this done. I reached out my hand, grabbing Shaeula’s, and ignoring the laughs of the four-tailed fox, my other hand was taken by Asha, after Hyacinth looked around, seeing too many unfamiliar faces for her to be comfortable showing me affection ill-befitting of a master. Why do I see my sis looking regretful? Come on, it’s not like Haanōbō is going to steal your place…

********

“It’s still very hard to believe.” Eleanor remarked, looking around the Spring. “It… doesn’t seem like another world at all, if you discount the view above.” She looked up at the hollow hill, the beautifully polished crystals embedded in the walls now reflecting prismatic moonlight down into the shimmering waters of the Spring. Around the shimmering lake was a brilliant and bright array of stalls, bars, shops and more, all festooned with streamers and banners of bright fabric, set to draw the eye. The merchandise was being unloaded into the stores, and a temporary platform that was able to be moved out over the lake of blessed water had been deployed, with thrones for Shaeula and I, as well as seats for the assorted dignitaries from the Seelie Court.

“Looking at all the alcohol…” the fox said to Urakaze, chewing in the stem of her pipe. “It seems like your daughter takes after you and is of the Parade. We do enjoy fine revelry. The way she is bleeding our treasures dry speaks to that.” Her smile was teasing, and Shaeula shrugged.

“Better we have your Etherites, than they simply sit-sit unused as baubles. Besides, now you can-can savour mortal beverages the likes of which you could only dream of. What is treasure compared to happiness?”

“Yes, your daughter has grown crafty indeed.” she laughed.

“I was impressed by the surrounding lands.” Yukiko-san said, thinking. The beautiful trees heavy with fruit, air filled with the scent of honey and nectar, flowers and crops… it’s like an orchard, farm and garden all rolled into one.”

Asha nodded slowly. She had been in a strange mood as she traversed the lands she had once called home. We had stopped briefly at the grove where her sisters and their Trees had perished, and now there was an elegant, white-paved area, with a single tree planted in the centre, and grave markers surrounding it. “It is… good to see life return. The rotten, fetid hell of before should never be seen again. And… it is not our way, but I think my sisters would be happy, could they see the monument erected for them.”

Shaeula nodded. “We are of the moon, and in death we leave little behind. But the mortal way of grieving is one I find beautiful. Now they shall have graves, and though their spirits do not-not linger, those of us who remember then, such as you… there is a place to hold them with us forever.”

At her poetic words, my sis rubbed at her eyes, and Haanōbō rested a hand on her shoulder, which caused my sis to look at her gratefully. Pulling herself together, she nodded. “Yeah, that sounds good. It’s too sad to forget our family. And since they were your sisters, Asha, they’re ours too. So… when we’re done, want to go light some incense and say a few prayers? Maybe there’s another afterlife somewhere… I hope so. If so, they’ll know someone remembers them and misses them.”

“I would like that, very much.” Asha nodded, eyes gazing into the memories of her past. “Sister.”

“Oh damn, I shivered then.” My sis did indeed quiver, her face pink. “Hearing you call me that in such a tender voice… damn, now I wish I had a blood-related sister too. Do you think it’s too late for mom? Maybe with some Chirurgery…”

“Do calm down-down, Aiko. This is a place of dignity.” Shaeula laughed, and she flushed. That lightened the suddenly tense atmosphere, and as we all took our places, the soldiers lining up along the banks of the Spring, staff we had recruited manning the stalls and bars, Tillyae and her musicians occupying a stage Shaeula had commissioned for live events, we waited. Seeing Shaeula’s shoulders tremble as we sat at the spot of honour, I whispered to her.

“Nervous?”

“Of course. How could I not-not be?” she answered. “Not-not for my ambitions, our ambitions, because what we strive for is just, but…” She looked to where her mother was sitting, shrouded in her voluminous cloak.

“I get it. You want your mother and father to reconcile. I’m not sure what caused their separation, but… it’s not your fault, is it? That I’m sure of. Even if you were a reason, it’s still not your fault. So… even if things are rocky, it’s not over. After all, spiritual beings live long. We’ll have time for a second try, a third… until everything works out.”

“I thank you.” Shaeula said, amber eyes shimmering with emotion and unshed tears. “You always know just-just what to say. That day I met you, all my past sorrows were as dust compared to that-that. I praise myself for asking for mercy, despite my bold-bold words of fighting to the death. Death is not-not better than survival. Now…”

“Yes, now.” I agreed. “Look your most regal, and know that I’m just as nervous as you, maybe more so. After all… meeting your father is going to be tense, if he’s anything like your siblings.”

“Do-do your best, I will be cheering for you!” she said insincerely, and we talked to each other, calming our nerves, my gaze flickering over the seats where our guests would be sitting. Asha and Hyacinth were behind us, Hyacinth standing like the maid she wished to be, Asha seated on a lesser but still impressive chair, and the Tengu, Yōkai, kami and mortal visitors were also occupying a portion of the platform. Time passed, until the guards at the entrance to the cavern within the Spring parted with practiced bows, and a large group entered, several faces I recognised. All right then, here we go. Swallowing, I exchanged a look with Shaeula, before we both stood, greeting the first arrivals to the Spring, who we had told an earlier time, precisely to get our business out of the way first.

I could see Shaeraggo, accompanied by Selensha, and a smaller brown-furred weaselkin. Anna was there too, still carrying her spear, despite the occasion. There was also another large weaselkin, powerfully muscled and with reddish-brown fur and matching red eyes, but what drew my eye was a powerful presence, the League, even being held down, was terrible, matching that of Bintara or the other powerful Yōkai of Nurarihyon’s inner circle. He was tall, with silver fur streaked with black, a great mane of bushy fur around his neck. As he surveyed the sitting dignitaries we had invited, his azure eyes narrowed, and a black-furred weaselkin woman behind him whispered something, and he relaxed, the pressure diminishing, which left some of our weaker guests mopping their brows in relief.

He then turned, his face breaking into a smile as he saw Shaeula sitting there, before his eyes fell on me, and suddenly it was as though I was in a whirlwind of pressure, the force of his League focussed entirely on me. Ugh, I have more sympathy for those who get crushed by my League when I’m making a point… Bearing the force of will, I held myself firm, maintaining my smile, until the great weaselkin in front of me let out a long breath, and the pressure on me diminished. Seeing that, Shaeula let out her own nervous breath, before standing to greet her family.

“Father, mother Annae. Brother Shaeraggo, sister Anna, Selensha… brother Shaetourach, Phaelae…?” She seemed a little unsure of the identity of one, but guessed it seeing where she was standing, and Shaeraggo nodded gratefully. “I bid you all welcome to my Spring. Is it not-not quite marvellous? But… before that.” She looked at me, love and trust in her eyes, which was plain for her family to see. Shaeraggo looked a bit sour but resigned, while the big weaselkin who must have been Shaetourach looked rather interested, Anna seemed pleased to see us, though her hands twitched on the shaft of her spear, and Shaetanao… He looks… too composed. It makes me nervous.

“This is my chosen husband, the one who I am entwined with, body-body and spirit. This is Oshiro Moonstone Akio, though you may-may call him Akio.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet those I haven’t already.” I said, bowing. “I’m Akio, and I have the honour of being the consort of your noble princess of the weaselkin.”

“I find it rather odd, somewhat strange, hearing you talk so politely.” Anna was the first to break the silence, eyeing me curiously. “You have grown yet stronger, more powerful. And you come with… interesting company.” Her eyes narrowed as she saw the four-tailed fox lazily watching.

“Yes, I am here as an emissary from the Hyakki Yagyō, that which Parades through the long Nights.” she drawled. “I see some familiar faces.” At that, I was surprised to see Shaetourach look a bit ashamed. Shaeula noticed too, and she looked at her brother, wide-eyed.

“It is not what you think-think at all.” he said hastily. “I merely travelled far in my youth, just as brother Shaerixx does. In fact, we did try-try to find him, but as usual he is journeying beyond our borders. When he finally does-does return, he will be shocked to see you all grown up, sister.”

“Oh my, I am so hurt…” the fox laughed, leaning over in her chair, her chest nearly bouncing free. “After what we shared, during those long nights….”

“Enough.” Shaetanao boomed, though his words were rather hurried as well, as though he wished to be off the subject. “It has indeed been long, twilight fox. And our two camps have been separated by too much-much sadness. But…” he looked at Shaeula, her beautiful jade scythes at wrist and ankle shimmering under the light of the Spring. “…though we have much-much that separates us, we are not necessarily enemies.”

“Well spoken as ever.” The four-tailed fox laughed. “No, while many of the Parade are of a… darker… inclination… that does not mean we can’t have commerce and alliance between us. After all, this is such a happy family reunion.” She gave a languid laugh.

“Yes, I am seeing my daughter again.” He replied, missing her veiled amusement. “And… her husband.” His gaze fixed on me, and my own Eye flared in response to the gleaming blue glow in his eyes. “I have heard much-much about you, from my daughters and son, as well as Ulfuric…” the badgerkin nodded, affirming that. “So, we finally-finally meet, and… we have much to discuss!”

As his lips curled into a toothy smile, I found myself nodding, unwilling to back down. As the woman behind him, who was likely his wife Annae, by Shaeula’s words, backed off, Shaeula’s father strode forwards, until he was right before me, and I realised he was quite the imposing figure.

“Yes, I think we do. But…” Holding my ground, unwilling to disgrace myself in front of Shaeula’s father, I turned to Hyacinth. “…get some drinks for Shaeula’s honoured family. Before the others arrive… we should toast… to families reunited, future alliances, and… getting my father-in-law’s blessing.”

As his eyes went wide, I realised my boldness had been the right choice. With a booming laugh, Shaetanao slammed one paw down on my shoulder, and even with my great strength I felt the pressure, the platform underneath us flexing, wood creaking. As he gripped me, my muscles aching, Shaeula opened her mouth to berate her father, but with my eyes I willed her to be quiet. Meeting his gaze calmly, I pushed my Body Enhancement to the maximum, and as my sister and the other guests were talking quietly amongst themselves, each displaying a different emotion at this family drama, I merely smiled calmly, waiting for his response, seemingly unbothered by his vice-like grip.

“I see. My blessing, is it? My daughter somehow convinced those-those two, a feat I thought impossible, especially for little-little Anna…” Shaeula’s sister looked away at that comment. “…but as for me… yes, let us converse, dear son-in-law…” His grip tightened again, before he released me. Shaeula was calling for a chair to be pulled up, and as several maids rushed one over, Shaetanao sitting down in it as though it was his own throne room, I took a deep breath. Here goes then. This has been a long time coming…