On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Side One Hundred And Thirty-One- Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan

“So, there have been some minor skirmishes with the Wild Hunt on our borders, but the Way-Wardens easily repelled them.” The blue-haired, slender elf Bellaera declared. Beside her, my sister Anna nodded happily, the daughter of the bastard Duke Vulpatrius, Talaisha, beside her, smiling wolfishly.

“The Fae Stones have now been largely erected, and our Way-Warden patrols are keeping the area secure. It’s definitely a concern that the Wild Hunt have no doubt discovered that the Spring is no longer a land of death, but in our possession once again.” She tossed her head in annoyance. “But it was only a matter of time.”

“Indeed.” Talisha barked. “For every one of those vermin we kill, another slinks away. The Wild Hunt are cowards. But keeping secrets from them is sadly impossible.” She flicked her bushy red tail idly. “Well, we have prepared as best we can. If they try to infiltrate the Spring, they will suffer horrendous losses.” Her smile intensified, eyes sparkling.

“Indeed, I surely will not tolerate, never allow, any of those scum to trouble my darling Ula’s domain!” my sister cried, holding her spear tightly. “I say we take their heads and display them on spikes, shove them on spears, all along the border. That will teach them things have changed!”

Oh Anna, you are still quite the worrier. Well, I do not hate it. “We would not-not have enough corpses for that.” I said reasonably, before raising a hand to forestall my sister. “And no, I will not-not suggest we go out hunting them down yet. Their time will come. For now I am pleased at our progress.” Hyacinth and my other maids, including the apprentice ratkin and weaselkin maids I had been assigned, were offering our treasured honey meads and wines to our noble guests, along with dishes made from various fruits and vegetables from both the orchard in Akio’s Territory, and the first fields that the treekin and plantkin had restored around the Spring. There is still so much dead land, though in time, it will all bloom anew. I have many ideas for what the Spring shall contain, but for now…

From my throne set at the centre of the Spring, overlooking the slowly refilling lake, which was bathed in the reflected light of the moon above, shining a soothing orange, I grinned. The surrounding terraces and decking had been established, and attractive furniture occupied the best spots overlooking the spring and the moonlit skies far above. The shops, bars and restaurants were still empty, the staff not trained, supplies not sourced, but in my imagination I could see it as bustling and lively as the heart of Tokyo, and Etherites and other wealth flowing into my coffers.

“No, there is no need to rush.” I turned to my father, who was sitting next to me, a complicated expression on his noble features, as he watched me receive reports and give orders. It is time you conceede I am no longer a little girl, father. I have grown. “Grulgor, Ulfuric, the situation with our forces, if you would-would? Also…” I narrowed my amber eyes, inspecting Grulgor. “You look quite-quite injured. I trust you are well? You as well, Master Ulfuric. Your injuries during the Kyoto battles were indeed-indeed grave.”

Grulgor barked a laugh, and at his sly tone, I remembered back to when he was merely an idiotic, angry brute. Well, it is not just I who have changed. We all have. And it is for the better. Stagnation achieves nothing. “Grul is fine.” He said, despite the fact in many places his stony carapace appeared to have melted, as had the flesh below, though it was slowly recovering. “Grulgor was simply absorbing water element.” He scratched at his scarred face with one huge hand idly, fragments of damaged flesh falling away. One apprentice maid, giving him a wary look, darted in and started sweeping up the mess, which impressed me. I must remember to praise her later.

“Grul does not find it easy, not at all, but… Grulgor is resilient. Grul will master it soon.” He shook his head. “Enough about Grul. The forces Duke Formor sent are good, strong. Arrogant and foolish too, but Grul beat them into shape.” He pounded his chest regardless of his injuries, laughing. “They will be a great help next time strong enemies come.”

“Well, that is good-good to know.” I approved, before narrowing my eyes. “As for water element, I can see why you would-would desire it. The healing properties would synergise well with you. But… if you promise not-not to scare the twins, try asking them to aid you. They can-can connect you to someone skilled in water element, like Selensha.”

Grulgor nodded, and Ulfuric was next. “Our casualties were surprisingly modest overall.” the great badgerkin rumbled. “With your Kin Restoration restoring many of the fallen, it is only those who were unlucky enough to have their spirits shattered, or those who were not considered your kin. Overall, our preparations and fortifications proved their worth, and the new weapons of the Mortal Engineers were likewise effective, and the results we gathered from their use will help us deploy them more effectively in future. We have also been consulting the mortal warriors brought into the Boundary, since learning from experts is always preferable to blind fumbling.” He paused. “As for my injuries, I am shamed to be found wanting. Fortunately, with aid from the Yokai, Bintara, I have now made a full recovery, and am able to lead the troops yet again.”

Before I could answer him, my father spoke up sourly. “This does not-not please me, no it does not. We Fae are few enough in number, fighting and dying for mortal wars-wars is merely going to hasten our fall. You are enamoured with that mortal brat, and I concede he has the talent to match you, it seems, but…”

“Really? This-this again?” I let a little lightning element crackle ominously, the fur of those around me standing up. I remembered happily the looks of shock and awe on the faces of my brother, sister and father as I had revealed the element I had made part of myself. And it is certainly handy in times like these. To the Fae, it burns with authority. “Father, I understand you have-have to look out for our interests, as one-one of the seven remaining Princes of the Fae. But you are living in the past. The world-world has changed. Yes, I have no-no wish to sell Fae lives in mortal wars. But this was not-not merely such. The hunger of this vile creature threatened us all-all. Best to stop it now. besides…” I grinned, baring my teeth. “Kyoto is ours. Haru has claimed most of it for Akio, and I am loathe to relinquish what-what is mine! I grieve for the losses, but… in our time of need, were the Wild Hunt or the Dark Court of Pandemonium to attack us again-again in earnest, Akio would answer, as would the mortals he commands. The past is dead. Old grudges are quite-quite meaningless. I am the bridge between mortals and Fae. Between Yokai and Fae too-too.”

“Urakaze…” father muttered, and Anna looked sour, never having liked my mother. Though I hope that can change, in the future.

“Indeed.” I agreed, before Talaisha spoke up, her tone cold.

“The Yokai, they are not like us. They are closer to Unseelie, and many in the Dark Court treat with them and their ilk. We should be careful…”

“Well said.” My father even praised the daughter of his sworn enemy. “Urakaze, your mother… she was beautiful, her fur silky and shining, her eyes peering deep-deep into my soul… but the Night Parade houses many nightmares, many creatures who thrive on evil.”

“Indeed. I do not-not dispute this. Though there are somewhat less-less of those now.” I smirked. “Many fell at our hands, and we still-still established trade and common cause with the Hyakki Yagyō. I am indeed a member myself, as is my mother. Should any Yokai do evil, Akio or I shall surely-surely strike them down. Those that act in good faith, they shall be our allies.”

Moira spoke up as well, having observed the rest of the meeting in silence taking copious notes. With her dark hair, pale skin and strangely mortal-like fashion, she reminded me of Karen and other mortal secretaries. “Having had some contact with Bintara, an extremely powerful Yokai, on a par with many strong Fae, I can say that having closer ties serves us well. If they have traffic with the Unseelie, even if we only sway a number of Yokai to refuse their offers of alliance, we weaken our enemies. And the trade… it is profitable.” She read out some figures. We had only just delivered the second shipment and it was already providing us Etherites and other rare materials. Ixitt always needs more. We need to increase production. That is why turning the area around the Springs into orchards, vineyards, hives, and fields is my long-term goal. I shall extract all the profit I can from the Hyakki Yagyō, the Seelie, and perhaps in time, even the mortal world.

“We have already defeated Duke Myrcolaxriath and his Myconids. How-how many Fae perished to their vile spores over the centuries? I grieve for every death, even those I did not-not cherish as kin, but their lives were given bravely, and they forever remain in glory in our-our memories. Akio will stand-stand with us. And if we stand together… well, we have other battles to fight.” I looked at Moira and Ulfuric, who understood.

“Back on the issue at hand… we have finally secured agreement from Prince Morioth, of the shifting Fae, as well as Princess Ffionnan of the feykin lines. Only the mercurial spectralkin have not decided to support our long-term goals, and that is hardly unusual.” Moira said, consulting her documents. “Though there is the matter of the Queen, of course…”

“So, father…” I trailed off suddenly. My bonds to Akio, my Pledge to him, suddenly burned. The sensation was hardly unpleasant, in fact it was quite enticing, and I felt myself flushing. The feeling then vanished, though I had a lingering thought that Akio and I had shared something, something deep.

“My dear Ula, are you well?” Anna asked, concerned, and I waved it away.

“My apologies. I was simply lost-lost in thought for a moment. Father… has the Queen broken her silence? I would think she should be quite-quite pleased at our progress here.”

At that he looked uncomfortable. “I have of course met noble Queen Ariel, to tell-tell her of your wish for support. She is… distracted of late. The King does not-not recover, it seems. It is understandable she is still grieving.”

Grieving? Well, I dare say she is, though I do hear rumours she cavorts with many lovers, including the Scotsman. If that is how she wishes to drown her grief, who am I to say no to that? After all, Akio says he is often saved by our affection… but still, in these troubled times I would appreciate her taking the time to offer her wisdom… “Perhaps… father. Bintara is a great healer, as master Ulfuric can-can indeed attest. And Akio… his skills are true. Even Sister-in-law Selensha has to admit he has great talents. Perhaps with the three of them, and other healers of the Seelie Court, we might…”

“You would bring a mortal, and worse, a Yokai, to the heart of the Seelie Court, through the Twilight Gate to the Court of Summer and Winter?” My father was aghast at that, but I was not going to back down.

“Well, the Scotsman is mortal, is he not-not? Or he was.” I said reasonably, letting more lightning element crackle across my body. “As for Bintara… well, it would-would create a debt to the Hyakki Yagyō, that is quite-quite true, but as I myself stand proud as Seventy-First, and my mother Twentieth, I believe we could-could bear this debt, with help from Akio.”

“It would make any alliance we share stronger.” Moira mused. “If we are to try and recapture Salamandrastrae, robbing the defenders of potential allies is sound strategy.”

Ulfuric sighed at that, eyes distant. The time is not yet, but… all of the Three Great Defeats will be avenged. How else will Akio and I fulfil the Oaths and Boons we swore to each other, that I hold in my heart? “It may seem impossible to seize the fortified mountain, but-but the Fomorans managed it, did they not-not? What can be done once can be done again. With Ixitt’s many-many ingenious weapons, with diplomacy, with support from Akio and those who follow him…. We shall-shall crush the Fomorans!”

“Grul says it shall be a pleasure. All Duke Formor and Grulgor wants, all the trolls and giants who did not run like cowards to the Dark Court desire, is to slay Fomorans.” Grulgor beat his chest, excited.

“Peace. Patience, my brutish friend.” I smiled. “Master water element before then. In fact…” I looked at my sister. “Anna, you are slacking, are you not-not? Brother Shaeraggo and sister-in-law Selensha are also training hard. I did extend the offer to sister-in-law Phaelae, but alas, it seems she does not-not care for me. My past behaviour has soured her on me, perhaps.” I shrugged. “Well, it is her loss, is it not-not? When she sees brother and Selensha stronger, she will either seek the same for herself, or prove useless.” I would rather she respects me, supports me. After all, she is someone my brother chose. But… family is those who love me, and those I love… “Father, you too. Your power over wind is indeed far surpassing my own, your League mighty, but… why limit yourself? I do not-not.”

“Mortal ways, mortal thoughts.” Father sighed, eyeing the lightning and fire I was holding in my palm to prove my point. “We are Fae. We should not throw-throw away our individuality for new ways that may not suit us-us.”

“I understand. I too am proud of my Fae heritage. My Yokai one too-too. I would not-not dismiss nor dilute it.” These are the trials the nobility in Japan face. I sympathise. Perhaps it is why I like Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi so. They wish to remain true to themselves, their heritage and family, yet not be limited by it. To take the best of old and new. As should we. “But equally, to dismiss mortal wisdom and progress is also a fool’s errand, one unbefitting of us, as one of the rulers of the Fae. I want a blend of the best of both. After all, so much-much holds common roots. After all, has not noble Princess Estalian managed to transcend her elements not-not once, but twice? And she is not-not alone. We have fallen, stagnated. Now a fresh wind blows. We are the wind, are we not-not father, so we should be guiding it, not-not resisting it!”

“You have grown-grown rather eloquent, my daughter.” Father scratched at his jaw, torn. “I am proud-proud to see it, but also strangely saddened, that my little Shaeula is now all grown up.”

“Yes, I understand completely, father!” Anna said urgently. “I find it rather sad, somewhat bitter, that our precious Ula has become a proud woman. Sisters are cutest when they are small and needy.”

“Come now, sister Anna. I find myself far more cute now-now. Finding love heightens the cuteness of a female. You should be looking for-for yourself.” I denied her, before addressing father. “I am indeed a female, one who has seized control of her own-own life and destiny. As must we all-all. No longer can the Seelie Court drift with the moon, between Summer and Winter, Spring and Autumn. No, we must-must take our place in the world that is to come. To that end, we must embrace those mortal ways that suit, make mortals our friends and allies. We must also teach-teach the mortals the best of our ways too.” Well, we have embraced the Fae way of love. What care for laws or morality? Akio can grasp all he can hold, all he can love…

“I am still uneasy at so much change.” My father muttered. “I still-still support you, of course, my daughter. I am greatly proud of your growth, and that you have achieved much-much. That you have reconciled with your mother gives me hope too. As for this husband of yours…”

“I too shared the same concerns, some fears, father.” Anna chimed in, flourishing her spear. “But though it pains me to admit, to concede, he does love my Ula deeply, and has been good for her. To think my dear little Ula went on ahead of me.”

“I too… can not-not gainsay your choices.” Father shook his head. “Though I still wish to meet this thief who has stolen the heart-heart of my youngest daughter. I shall have much to speak of!”

“Well, the situation back in the mortal world and the Boundary is quite-quite tense, but when he has the leisure, he shall surely visit the Spring. I will bring him to you then-then. Just… do not-not cause such a scene as brother Shaeraggo did. I would not-not have him think my whole family is so annoying.” I sniffed, remembering.

“How-how rude, I did not, would never cause trouble like Raggy.” Anna protested, and I gave her a flat look.

“I recall you challenging him to battle many-many times, beating Akio bloody. He does not-not mind, as he appreciated the lessons, but I know-know you went hard on him on purpose.” As she looked away, I shrugged. “Well, no matter. Back to the problems at hand. Our political support is strong-strong enough, it seems. Even Duke Vulpatrius is stymied.”

“For now. As long as all goes well-well, he can not act.” Father advised me. “Not directly, at least.”

Bellaera spoke up again. “Nobody believes that he would act against the Seelie Court out of misplaced spite. Great-grandfather has spoken to the Duke, and he accepts the way matters stand. I would be more concerned about the movements of the Wild Hunt, as we discussed earlier. They hate the Unseelie too, but… if we push back too hard, too strongly, might they not find common cause, collaborate?”

“It would certainly be a danger it they did.” Ulfuric mused. “The Seelie Court keeps out all but major Unseelie incursions with the barrier around us, but the Wild Hunt can evade it effortlessly at times.”

“Regarding that…” The final elf here, Soliteare, added her insights. With her bright green hair, blue eyes and massive chest, she was archetypal of the Elves that appeared in Japanese stories. Akio certainly admired her chest. Well, that matters little right now… “I have been working with Mortal Engineers both in the Court and in your Territory, princess. As well as wise elemental Fae under Princess Estalian. Using the information and the remains of the broken lantern you liberated from the Wild Hunt, we have been able to draw some conclusions. I believe that…” she went on to explain that experiments with some of the rare few Fae that had spatial aspect had produced intriguing results.

“… so the barriers seem to keep out even spatial shifts, but not flawlessly. There must be a pattern we are missing, and if the Wild Hunt understand just how the barrier and the Fae Stone wards are flawed, that would explain their intrusions.”

Troubling. We do not want the same issues cropping up in the Boundary as well. “Very well-well.” I declared. “I will ask Akio if he has any ideas, and will set some-some of his allies to searching the mortal world for clues. It is often quite-quite amazing what they can discover with their science and knowledge. I… hmm, what-what is happening?”

There seemed to be some sort of commotion outside the Spring. Guards moved to block the path of the intruder, before I waved them aside. “It is one of my Kamaitachi. What-what is the issue?” I asked the panting Yokai, who bowed before me, face panicked.

“It is your consort, princess. Akio, he has-has fallen into a slumber, and will not wake.”

At that my eyes went wide. My bonds were not giving me any indication of danger, that he was injured, but for a Kamaitachi to run here to bring me the message must have meant it was troubling. Meeting the sympathetic eyes of my sister Anna, even my father looking a little worried, which gratified me, I sighed. “I am quite-quite sure it is nothing to concern ourselves with. I would know-know if he was in danger, I believe. But…”

“Yes, we have covered most issues anyway.” Moira said, frowning. “We will make no progress with you distracted, princess Shaeula. Best you hurry to his side.”

“Indeed.” I said gratefully. “If you will all-all excuse me?”

“I shall accompany you, Ula! Raggy can return here for now and guard your Spring!”

I nodded, not willing to argue, and Hyacinth met my eyes. She smiled reassuringly, and I nodded. Yes, no mishap will keep Akio down. Though he shall have to compensate us for worrying us so, I do declare!