On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Side One Hundred – Kudou Yasuhide

“The atmosphere is rather tense, isn’t it?” I observed, stroking at my beard pensively. The Conclave had reopened for the final, decisive day, yet the complexion of things had been irrevocably changed by the events of the prior night.

“Well, what do you expect?” Chiyo-san, one of the most influential of the neutral faction, or rather, the Tyr faction, as we were coining the new block now, was looking particularly bitter this morning. “You have a granddaughter who has been given Chirurgery, right? I have two. And but for the grace that we weren’t in Susanoo and dumb enough to listen to the Uchida boy, it could be us mourning their deaths or maiming.”

True, just seeing the bodies as they were carried out, young men, women and even children… it was enough to make me fear for the future. I may be old, but I don’t remember the war, not like some of the old men of the nobility. So seeing this… it was a first for me. “So, are you having second thoughts?” I asked.

“About what? Our course of action? Hardly.” She snorted, the sound loud enough to draw a few gazes our way. Up on the podium the major players were gathering, but a notable absence was Uchida Ren, who was likely with his son. A grim tragedy. I can’t say that Yamato-kun was well liked, but as one of those Chosen by the Gods, his fate is cruel indeed. Perhaps he may yet wake, but from what I gather, the prognosis looks grim, as he is the only one remaining comatose…

The Diviner was on the dais, alongside the Imperial Princess Yukiko, and Akio-kun was beside them, though his expression was grim, careworn. Notable absences on the Tyr benches were the girl, Mori-san, and Shaeula, the spiritual being. Of course, the Susanoo area was in a shambles as well. Those who had been part of Akio-kun’s training school were mostly absent, understandable as so many of them lost children or grandchildren, while Hikawa-san was now near them on the Tyr benches, though he was listless, barely able to keep his eyes open. Again, hardly unexpected. He must worry terribly for his children, though from what I hear, they’ll all live, which is more than most can say.

“Well, some would say the deaths of so many promising youths of precious bloodlines is an unmitigated failure.” I mused. “To say nothing of the stir it has created, rapidly escaping our control.”

“Oh come now, I know you are wise enough to see through such emotional idiocy.” She growled. “Think about it. Matsumuro-san…” her lip curled as she said the name of the Diviner, which until now had been taboo. “… did say that a time of great danger is coming, which will lead to many deaths and possibly even the destruction of the entire world. The boy agreed.” She nodded at Akio-kun on the stage. “Of course there is going to be danger. But look on the positive side. They managed to retrieve four people alive, and though Mori-san was apparently grievously hurt in the process… well, having such healing abilities is rather reassuring.”

True. Apparently the rescued girls are likely to make a full physical recovery in due time, except for one of them, which will apparently take more work. Though mental scars are likely harder to heal… “Even so, it shows the stark difference between us and the threats we face. Even Akio-kun was helpless to save the boy Yamato and the others.”

As Gin took his own place, followed by Takakura-sama and old man Bankei, the Conclave was ready to start. Casting my gaze around the ranks of the faith, I could see a lot of disquiet, strained faces and hushed whispering abounding. At the back of the room, several soldiers, clearly and visibly armed, were waiting, and everyone was aware there were dozens more stationed around the Imperial Palace, the hospital that the dead and injured had been evacuated to, and also Kiyomizu-dera shrine. Yes, there’s no hiding this. Only portraying it in a way the general public can accept. Well, that’s for younger, wiser heads to decide.

“I believe everyone is aware of the situation that occurred last night, or at least that a situation did occur.” Bankei said, with little preamble, opening the Conclave. “Uchida-san is understandably absent, he wants to spend time with his son, while he can. A grim day.” Clasping his hands together in a gesture of prayer and compassion, he continued. “I believe we now have a greater understanding of what we are here for. It was a high price, but suffering is ultimately a mortal concern. May he be freed from it in his next life.”

As many of us inclined our heads in acceptance of the prayer, me included, Bankei continued. “This humble one is not the right one to explain precisely what happened. If you would, please.” He asked Akio-kun, and I caught a brief glimpse of pain cross his face, before it was once more an expressionless mask. Beside him, the Diviner inclined her head, perhaps in reassurance.

“Right.” He began, clearly feeling the pressure. Considering the circumstances, it would be stranger if he was calm.

“Last night… well, I don’t want to speak ill of anyone, though I suppose some criticism is inevitable.” He sighed theatrically, though I felt he was truly exasperated and angered by it all. “Uchida Yamato-san, as well as the three Chosen who were under Susanoo, decided to venture into the Kyoto Boundary. Now, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that, in fact, it’s generally praiseworthy to train and secure more Territory for what’s to come. I mean, we talked about it yesterday, didn’t we?” he grimaced at that.

“The issue is, they took the Susanoo trainees from my school with them. Now, don’t get me wrong, I take them to the Boundary as well, but only to my safe Territory, to learn and gain experience. Taking them out into Kyoto was reckless in the extreme, and sadly, it led to disaster. But for a miracle and an act of bravery from Hikawa Ren-san…” His father looked both troubled and proud at that. “… there would have been no rescue, for we wouldn’t have known the mess they got into. It was…”

As Akio-kun continued, quite a tale unfolded, of desperation and clashes with the brutal Night Parade. When he was done, recounting the grievous wounding of Yamato-san by the powerful creatures of the Parade, which he was helpless to prevent, due to needing to protect his terribly injured fiancée, he looked down, clearly troubled, before talking of his meeting with the legendary Yokai Nurarihyon.

“… so I can’t say I’ve reached accommodation with the Night Parade.” He concluded. “After all, the way they think isn’t human at all. They don’t object to perpetrating atrocities that would lead to execution here, yet they can change from rage-filled and vengeful one minute, to friendly and jovial the next. Creatures of spirit are mercurial, it seems. But I do know they have a lot of the same fears we do about the oncoming disaster. Provoking them is only going to lead to needless casualties.”

“I see. Well, aren’t you saying that because your own Shaeula is one of the Night Parade?” Gin said mildly. “Not that I don’t understand it. You wouldn’t wish to fight her family needlessly.”

“That’s a factor.” He admitted. “But the matter is done. It was a tragedy, and I still feel terrible. But those that were involved in the killing of our people, and the wounding of Yamato-san, they are all dead, having paid for their crimes. The Parade is certainly dangerous, but I wouldn’t suggest we start a war against them, one we would likely struggle to win, because some of their members did terrible things.”

“I see. Akai…” Gin turned to his phoenix, who was half-listening on the front row of the Amaterasu benches. “… what do you make of it? I must confess…” his smile was strained, for some reason. “I had a good friend of mine do a little research, he’s very good with books.” At that Akio-kun seemed resigned. A strange reaction, there is definitely more going on here than is being said.

“Oh, sorry, sorry.” She chirped, her half-shut eyes snapping open. “The Hyakki Yagyō, you say? Ugh, I don’t like them, not at all, not at all! Too many frightening Yokai! To survive meeting them… I was right, you’re scary.” She scowled at Akio-kun.

“I see.” Gin laughed. “Well, I don’t disagree. To hear of so many Yokai slain, though I notice you declined to give us the details on how…” he shook his head. “Well, I don’t suppose it matters. I myself have been Chosen, so I can easily imagine the dangers. So, you say that the Night Parade will not enter shrines and temples? That’s valuable information, and will help us remain safe.”

“Yes, I don’t believe Lord Nurarihyon was lying to me, and it matches with the behaviour I saw when I was with Taishakama-san and the others previously. It’s also quite possible they’ll move on from Kyoto now, to continue roaming the Boundary of Japan, as they were waiting on fulfilment of their own prophecies, similar to those from Matsumuro-san.” Akio-kun inclined his head towards the Diviner, acknowledging her.

Yes, I was regaled with tales about that when they returned from their mission. As if echoing his thoughts, the Chosen that went with Akio-kun on that trip through the spiritual world spoke up, confirming his observations.

“Does all of this matter?” an angry voice said from what remained of the Susanoo faction, which was disintegrating with the likely loss of Yamato-kun, and the absence of Ren, no matter how understandable. One of the priests there was white-faced with anger. “The reality is our children are dead! We shouldn’t be accepting this! If father would have expected this, we never would have allowed our shrine maidens to take part…” he was practically panting with anger and grief.

How will Akio-kun respond? I soon had my answer, as he bowed apologetically, and all of us could see his sorrow. “I’m sorry. I didn’t want any of this either. Not for the daughters of Aoikaeru shrine to die. I was blindsided, but perhaps I should have been better prepared. I simply didn’t think…”

“No, you didn’t!” he roared. “This other world should be left to those who were Chosen by the kami. Not… not powerless children like ours. How they must have suffered… my poor girls…” he was crying amidst his rage, and it was hard not to feel sympathy. When I think about my Shiori…

As everyone looked uncomfortable, a few openly expressing their own grief, it was Chiyo-san who stood. “Bankei, if I may?” she asked, and he nodded graciously.

“I do feel sorry for the loss of the sons and daughters of Aoikaeru, Kashima and other shrines. It is a tragedy, one that we haven’t faced since the war.” All eyes were on her wrinkled face, but she showed no nerves. “But blaming Oshiro-kun seems rather unfair. After all, he risked much to rush to their aid, and his own fiancée, the girl we saw display her talents she had worked hard for only yesterday, was almost killed, and even now lies gravely injured, long rehabilitation ahead of her…”

“Even so, isn’t he at fault? The spiritual world seems to be an incredibly dangerous place, so offering such small gifts and then expecting our children to fight…” his words failed him, anger choking him.

“That is hardly fair. It was Yamato-kun who foolishly misused the trainees from his faction. Those of us from the neutral shrines, Oshiro-san has never taken our children into danger. Yes, they have visited his Territory, as he calls it, but that place is safe, isn’t it?”

“Well, I would hesitate to say anywhere is ever truly safe.” Akio-kun admitted. “But I don’t believe my Territory could be breached by enemies quickly enough that the trainees wouldn’t be able to retreat back to the Material. Besides, there are merits to visiting the Boundary, in terms of training. As for my goals…”

“You showed off during Conclave yesterday! It is any wonder Yamato-sama was mistaken?” the grieving father continued. His grandfather, the head of the shrine, was not present today, being lost in his own grief, so it was left to the son to cast his grievances at Akio-kun.

Before he could answer, Chiyo-san spoke up once more, exasperated. “I’ll forgive much due to your grief. But blaming Oshiro-kun for what others did is foolish. No, Yamato-kun blundered, because he put politics ahead of unity. Did yesterday teach us nothing?” all eyes were on her as she spoke. “Listen carefully. Didn’t the esteemed Lady Diviner, our Matsumuro-sama…” she smiled at the name. “… warn us of impeding doom? She has faced her own death bravely.”

“Nothing so grand…” The Diviner whispered, though all could hear it. “I am simply bowing to the inevitable…” at those sad words the Priestess of Ise reached out and grasped her hand comfortingly, surprising the Diviner.

“Well, the question of bravery aside… I have no intention of diminishing the grief of those who have suffered.” Chiyo-san persisted. “Yet … airplanes crash and people die. It’s a tragedy, but nobody suggests we stop using airplanes.” Chiyo-san continued. “Again, we share the sorrow and grief of the families of those who die in such crashes, but allowing them to dictate whether air travel should be allowed ever again, it simply can’t be done. Politics. Playing politics got us into this mess.” She sighed. “If Yamato-kun was able to lower his pride then perhaps this could have been avoided. But it’s human nature, even the Gods can’t change that.” She sighed. “May Kannon have mercy on him. No, we can’t repeat the same mistakes. We have to be united. And not just us. Hence, the Ministry, right Oshiro-kun? The training school too?”

“Yes. Matsumuro-san has narrowed down a timeframe. A little over a year at worst. Hopefully longer, but I’d rather plan for the worst. If you trust Nurarihyon, then I think I can pin down the event that she fears will kill her even further. Look… I wanted to train others, not just for the political capital I could gain from it…” his expression turned bitter. “… politics. You’re right, Chiyo-san. It always causes a mess. But what else can we do? We have to bring so many vested interests together, the shrines with their factions, the Chosen, the military, government, nobility, Imperial Family and more… It’s hardly like the kami and Gods are omniscient, I don’t know why they chose me, or anyone else. But we can only do our best. I’m human, I’ll make mistakes, but I try my hardest to not let anyone die for nothing.” Akio-kun bowed to the grieving parent. “I’m sorry. I could spit out the if only’s, such as if only Ren-san got to me quicker, or if we found the survivors faster or any number of other wishes. But it didn’t happen, and I’m not a kami or God myself. I’m human, and fallible. But I’ll learn from this mess. I’ll learn.” His face fell, and I could tell it was weighing heavily on him.

Well, from the information we have gathered, he was a normal, ordinary freelancer only a few scant months ago. Bearing the weight of all this responsibility is hard. It was too much for Yamato-kun, it seems, and while he was only a University student, at least he had the weight of a faction and strong lineage of faith on his shoulders to prepare for such responsibility.

“We do not follow the sole God of the Western world.” The Diviner spoke. “They claim he is omnipotent and omniscient, yet I dare say this situation we are in leads to questions. Why would we be in such dire straits if such was true?” All eyes were on her as she explained. “Precious Chosen have fallen, their gifts lost. I believe one still remains in Susanoo, who was not at the scene of carnage?” she asked, and it was Akio-kun who answered.

“Apparently so. There was a new arrival, and he was asked to set up an Anchor to claim Territory while Yamato-san and the others pushed on. I’ve sent Grulgor to retrieve him, hopefully before anything happens to him as well.”

“Well then. Three lost, the Gods making poor choices. Perhaps one would say that they choose to see if we are worthy of saving ourselves. Even I do not know the answer to this. We have kami present, do you know?”

Shirohebi, who was sitting next to Izumi-san and Takeyabashi-san, shook his head, hissing a negative. “I make no sssuch claimsss. I am but a minor being, barely divine at all. I can not ssspeak for the greater Godsss, for they are far above me, farther than I am above the average mortal, yet I sssuspect they are likewissse limited.”

“All we can do…” Akio-kun sighed. “… is move forwards. I still believe in the training school. We need to run tests on improvements in learning speed, physical strength and more, but I understand the military Special Forces have already started since they have a large enough sample size and a lot of data on the performance of their soldiers from recruitment already. That won’t be enough though. There are too few of us! And less every day, as Chosen die from mischance, foolhardy pride or worse. Against the Night Parade I learned that one person alone can’t protect everyone, even if strong. No, I want everyone to have the ability to protect themselves. And contribute.” He turned to Hikawa-san. “I hope that when they recover, Chiaki-san, Chiasa-san and Ren-san continue to help out.” He then looked at Chiyo-san and the neutral shrines that had remained with him. “You as well. I get you must be shaken up by this. But… I don’t want those incapable of it to fight. Even so, there is much that the shrine maidens and priests of the shrines and temples can bring to us, as a country, as a world.”

“Well, I admit I’ve had some fools bending my ear about withdrawing their trainees.” She admitted. “But tell me this, Oshiro-kun. How will that protect them?”

“I don’t think it will. Obviously, I’ve learned that all my bold talk of I’ll never let anyone die or I’ll protect you without fail…” he looked at the Diviner then, apologetic. “… is just meaningless boasting, without the dominant power to back it up. But just because I can’t guarantee it, doesn’t mean I won’t keep striving for a world beyond the tragedies!”

“Your resolve is praiseworthy.” Takakura-sama declared. “Nobody can promise absolutely. The world can always change suddenly. After all, did Japan expect to lose the War, bombs obliterating our cities? Politicians promised, but could not deliver. Really, other than over-promising, I think you’ve done well. Though I concede, if my granddaughters were amongst the slain, I might struggle to keep my perspective.” He sympathised with the grieving father, who bit his lip, face twisted into a horrible expression.

“Shaeula asked me for my blessing for my children to remain in your care.” Hikawa-san admitted. “Amongst other things.” His strained expression lightened for a moment. “I deny her second proposal, but… if my children still wish to, I won’t stand in their way.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it. I am not lying or exaggerating when I say your children awoke to talents that could be the difference between our survival and defeat long-term. And that could go for any of you that Haru-san gathered information on. Those that want to fight can, if they have the will and the talents. Those that don’t, we can find uses for everyone. I don’t want to stop now. It isn’t just I’ve invested a ton of time and effort here, and I’ve made promises to Izumi-san.” He nodded to him. “It’s that I want us to win together. Lest we fail alone. I can’t do it alone. Nobody can.”

I started to applaud, impressed by the change in his attitude. His arrogance and confidence has been dented, yet he’s still resolute in wishing to protect those he cares about and those around him. Nobody knows how strong they are until they taste defeat. It looks like he might emerge better from it, though the guilt will weigh on him for a while, even though most of the fault lies elsewhere. Survivor guilt is not logical. Human nature seldom is. “Well said, Akio-kun. As the former leader of Tsukuyomi, I know it well. The old saw about a single stick, no matter how sturdy, breaking under pressure, while a bundle of thin sticks endures, it is apt here, I think. But we’ve used up a lot of time arguing over this tragedy, without addressing the main points of the day… Gin, Bankei, what do you say? Shouldn’t we get down to details? We can haggle over shares and benefits later. Matters are far more urgent…”

“Well, I have no objection. We intended to cast in our lot with Oshiro-san anyway.” Bankei said, not surprising me. What did was that Gin of all people agreed easily.

“I’m no fool. I still believe I am best placed to head the religious aspect of this new Ministry. Now even more so, considering I doubt Uchida is in any frame of mind for much, assuming his son never wakes, which… I have good reason to believe will never happen. I’m certainly not planning to fight the Night Parade on my lonesome, or throw away my Chosen carelessly. Akio-san is right, we’ve lost too many. This disaster changes nothing, my apologies if it is harsh, and I do give you my condolences for your losses, but we still need the Ministry, we still need your Chirurgery, Akio-san, and we still need to work together. More than ever. After all…” he eyed the soldiers. “just what are we saying regarding the deaths? It was too public, too… unexplained.”

“Regarding that…” Takakura-sama said, drawing our attention. “Fujiwara-sama and Ichijou-sama have called me already, as well as the Prime Minister. Currently there is a press embargo and blackout on news. That won’t last long though. We are currently debating whether to declare it an unfortunate tragic accident, or a terrorist attack, but…”

As I listened, I had a bad feeling that keeping the truth hidden would be impossible. My gaze shifted to Akio-kun, who was likewise troubled, still watching the grieving father of the slain shrine maidens. The other families of the dead were either with the bodies, or hidden away with their grief. A tragic accident, hmm? Gas explosion? Structural failure within the Palace? I wonder if the public will believe that… and if they don’t…

*********

“I think it is time for a recess.” Bankei declared, and I sighed with relief. These old bones do ache nowadays. Perhaps I should have consented to the Chirurgery, if it would strengthen my aging body. Growing old is no fun, no fun at all. Well, apart from getting to watch my children and grandchildren grow… I looked over at the Susanoo benches, which had lost most of their members, but was now effectively an entirely new faction, one that was holding onto feelings of blame and distrust for Akio-kun, an outsider, who had shaken up millennia-old traditions.

Well, it’s only the boy from Aoikaeru shrine that has genuine hatred for Akio-kun. I suspect in his heart of hearts he knows that Akio-kun is not to blame, but he can’t throw his pain and grief against Yamato-kun anymore, can he? I believe time will allow him to think clearly, his grief is too new, too raw, for him to be rational. The group was small, perhaps fifty or so shrines, mostly from Susanoo, though a few from Amaterasu had broken from their leader after he requested cooperation. None too major. They’ll come around in time, I’m sure…

“If you would, I would like to speak to you privately.” The Diviner, no, Matsumuro-san, was saying to Akio-kun. It really is hard for me to even think her name, but I understand why Akio-kun shared it. Just being referred to by a title robs her of her humanity, makes her simply an object of worship. I hope and pray her visions and portents of her death are wrong, or that Akio-kun can turn them aside… before, he swore he would do so before us all, but now… he knows it might not be possible, just as he failed to save Yamato-kun and the others…

“Can I come?” Princess Mikasa asked, standing hurriedly, and Matsumuro-san paused for a moment, before voicing her agreement.

“That’s fine. I have something I want to talk to you about as well.” Akio-kun said seriously. “I ask that you hear me out before judging.”

That sounds ominous. But then, he did mention something about Nurarihyon giving him information that could pinpoint the disaster she fears. Who would trust such a creature, especially with all the deaths? As I watched them go, I couldn’t help but wish I was there too, contributing. After all, I did consider Matsumuro-san to be almost like a daughter of mine, as potentially sacrilegious as that was. Shaking my head as I had fallen into the exact trap of worship and dehumanisation I had just decried, I turned to Chiyo-san, who was frowning, her face thunderous.

“What is it, Chiyo-san? I don’t think things went too badly. A few small idiots who don’t have the excuse of grief might have gone against us, but the vast majority are in agreement. We’ve seldom been so united.”

“I know.” She muttered. “I just can’t help but feel we overlooked something. I am not the Lady Diviner, but I know a bad omen when I feel it.”

Overlooked something, hmm? I couldn’t think of anything that sprung to mind. “Well, I guess we might cover it in the upcoming sessions? Though it seems to be fairly technical, regarding resource allocation, Boundary defence and more. I am not sure what those of us who haven’t seen the spiritual realm can contribute. Even so, we’ll do our best, right?”

“I hope so.” Chiyo-san said, smoothing her aggrieved features. “I do hope so…”