On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Fourteen

“Well, I shall depart.” Nebisuki grinned, watching as Blue was pulling angrily on one of Red’s horns, trying to drag him off as his endless round of challenges to Ulfuric was causing her much consternation. “I must say, this has been far more amusing than even I had hoped.” Her tails swirled happily. “Just remember, I am a woman who likes strong men. If you ever feel like an affair…” she grinned lasciviously, eyes gleaming.

“Just shoo!” Shiro flapped her hand at the kitsune. “Aki has better taste in women than you, I hope.” She said sourly. “Besides, when… when I’m all healed…” her voice was still trembling with emotion. “I’m hotter than you!”

“Are you sure? Your chest, it cannot compare…” she crossed her arms under her kimono, pushing out her simply vast cleavage.

“It’s not all about the size. Aki’s favourite Sekirei is pretty damn flat.” Shiro shrugged. “And Shaeula isn’t much different. He has a broad strike zone. Damn, never thought I’d say that about poor shy Aki.”

“While I am quite-quite secure in the knowledge Akio loves and desires my body, I must-must point out that I do indeed have breasts.” Shaeula rejoindered, and Shiro laughed.

“Hey, like I said, Aki’s into that, so don’t worry.” Shiro continued. “Besides, he’s always excited when he sees me, or Aimi in her low-cut tops. Size isn’t everything, shape and quality matter too! And I don’t lose to a slutty fox like you, I’m hardly petite when it comes to my chest!”

Well, isn’t this quite the awkward conversation? It isn’t as though Shiro and the others haven’t talked about this before. A few beers in Akihabara and we were always discussing the types of guy or girl we liked, often in embarrassing detail, and the girls could be embarrassingly frank, well, Aimi-chan and Shiro anyway, Hina-chan was always too shy. But when it’s this unfiltered and… well, real… Deciding to change the subject, I glanced over at where the two Oni were brawling, Blue looking particularly irritated, before turning back to Nebisuki. “So, a question? I know you enjoyed the alcohol, and I think it’s pretty fantastic, Asha is doing a great job, but why did you throw out so much treasure to purchase it?”

“Well, like most Yokai, I do rather enjoy it.” she licked at her sultry red lips. “But it was more to annoy Red, and lord it over him.” She smirked. “Besides, the treasures are mere baubles I wrested from other fools who bet against me. Rather than lose them back in the future, I would teach the unwise fools a lesson in proper gambling, by disposing of my winnings.”

“Do not pay her any mind-heed.” Urakaze sighed. “The fox has a terrible personality, she is tricky-flighty and savage-cruel. As for my part… here.” She produced some more shining Etherites, before handing them to her daughter, Shaeula taking them gratefully, with a small look of surprise on her face.

“These are…” Shaeula began, seeing the shine of blue and green.

“These are a gift-present.” Urakaze tilted her head, perhaps embarrassed. “As the sly fox says, I did win-plunder these from fools who went against my judgement. You seem to have great-much use for them. Consider it… an apology.”

Shaeula shook her head. “I do not-not need your apologies. I understand. Just as my father had his-his own circumstances and trials, so do you, mother. Besides, it all worked out in the end, did it not-not, and surely that is all that matters.” She paused for a second, before tucking away the Etherites. “I will-will be keeping these though, as you are correct, mother. We do have great need-need of these, so I thank you!”

In that case… I called over Haru-san and pressed one blue Etherite into her hands. “Keep this in case of an emergency. We don’t know precisely what’s going to happen, but using it you can throw up a number of Emplacements near-instantly. I’d feel better if you have a trump card.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t intend to do any actual fighting.” She smiled, a trace of sadness on her features. “After all, I’m not much of a warrior. I’ll leave that to those who are suited for it. I’m just an administrator.”

“Which we need.” Moira had joined us as we were finishing up our business here in Kyoto for now. “It is always good to know your own strengths and weaknesses. The proper person in the proper place leads to success. Fools who overestimate their abilities lead to chaos and ruin.”

“Yes, if everyone does their best, we’ll be fine.” I looked at Tsukiko-san, who was with the Prince and Kudou-san, as well as Eri and Hinata. When did she get here? On seeing me having noticed her, Hinata hurried over, followed by Eri.

“Akio, so this is Kyoto?” Hinata grinned. “To travel so far in an instant, even here in the Boundary, it’s revolutionary. I hear you’ve opened up trade too? I got curious when I saw all the barrels going through the Ring Gate.”

“Yes.” I agreed, briefly explaining the details of our arrangement with the Oni and Nebisuki.

“I see. Yes, that sounds great. But it makes me wonder… is there no way you can make Buildings to strengthen and improve the orchard? The Night Parade is the most powerful group of Yokai in Japan, right? Wouldn’t they be as rich as the Seelie Court?”

Eri agreed. “It doesn’t make sense that they’d be poor. I’d rather Akio has all their Etherites and puts them to use!”

“I agree.” Hinata giggled. “You know, I think you might be unexpectedly suited to commerce after all, Eri. Oh, that reminds me, the reason I came wasn’t just to talk about this. Your sister called me earlier.”

Aiko? What did she want? Calling Hinata and not me, too?

“She’s planning to come over to Tokyo during the weekend, and hoped I could arrange her transportation. I said I’d have to ask you first though, but I can’t imagine you’d mind, being as it’s your sister?”

“Well, I don’t mind, but I don’t like to impose on you, Hinata.”

“Well, if I can’t spare some effort for my sister-in-law, I’m not that good a fiancée, am I?” she smiled happily. “Besides, it’s hardly much trouble, and if it’s only money, we can earn more. I’ll be lining up the next batch of rich and influential people for healing soon.”

“I guess she’s worried about you, Eri. To be honest, the timing isn’t so good, this weekend Shiro and I have to settle matters with our friends, and we have this whole potential disaster about to go down here in Kyoto… but…” I didn’t like turning down my sister, not when she was probably lonely without Eri.

“I’ll look after her while she’s here.” Eri promised.

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow at that, and she had the grace to look embarrassed.

“Well, sure, I can’t walk, but it’s not like I’m totally useless.” She pouted.

“I don’t mind helping as well. Natsumi and Motoko would surely be happy to look after her too. After all…” Hinata smiled. “… we all want to score points with you, and the best way to do that is to be nice to your sister!”

“She has you there!” Eri giggled.

“Fine. I can’t say no to her anyway, I never have been able to. Not unless it involves danger anyway, and it won’t.” My sis may have the Divine Favour Yamato-san used to have, but she’s not ready for a war yet.

“I’ll make the arrangements then.” Hinata promised. “By the way, who are they?” After I explained who the Yokai were, Hinata showed great interest in Bintara. “So you say she’s an even better healer than you? So, do you think she could heal truly impossible injuries?”

“I’m sure she can. She seems confident. But it’s not like she can go to the Material world.” I pointed out.

“Yes, but there may be a way around that.” As she was staring at Bintara, the horned woman noticed and came over, strolling languidly along, her black robes trailing on the ground behind her.

“I felt your gaze upon me. A human? No, I see. Curious. Your spiritual body is not entirely human. It is more akin to hers.” She nodded at Moira.

“Well, I’ve had a lot of work done.” Hinata said, looking at me warmly. “I’d say I’m at least a little Fae.”

“As for you…” she looked at Eri with a discerning eye, noting her cat ears and tail but making no remarks on them.

“Eri’s pretty messed up at the moment. Can you heal her?” I asked, momentarily hopeful, though at the expression on Bintara’s face my hopes quickly disappeared. I reached out and grabbed Eri’s hand reassuringly, while Hinata did the same on her other side.

“I cannot, for there is no injury of worth.” Bintara declared. Speaking to Eri calmly, she did resemble some sort of wise witch who might have been the equivalent of a doctor, many centuries ago. “Your body has suffered wounds, many of them, but whoever has healed them has done fine work. Though…” she released aether, and it entered Eri, permeating her being, repairing the many minor nicks and scars left over from Shaeula’s and my efforts, soaking into the silver cord, flooding down to her Material body. “… a woman should have no scars.”

“You have my thanks, again.” I bowed, grateful.

“Well, my task is but to heal the parasite-riddled hope of Lord Nurarihyon.” She sniffed. “However, I do not care to see illnesses, injuries and suffering. I am the first Bitan, and it does not please me. So I extend my hand where I can.” She frowned. “You require no healing, for your body is not injured, no, it is merely in flux, aberrant and uncontrolled. Only though stern, unyielding will and concentration, can you force it to obey you, to remain fixed in form.” She pursed her lips. “It is quite the miracle you live, with such a transient form. I see the touch of a shapeshifter within you, yet such a power is not a mortal one.”

Eri listened intently as Bintara gave her some advice on how to rein in the state of flux her spiritual body was in. It sounded like it would be a hard road back to health, but even so, I saw no doubt or disappointment in Eri’s eyes, only determination to regain what she had lost.

“Oh, by the way…” Hinata said, as Eri was getting instructions from Bintara. “The twins are back. In fact, they seem surprisingly motivated.” Hinata looked grim. “I can’t imagine how terrible it must have been in Kyoto.” She squeezed my hand, seeking comfort. “It makes me worry, you know? Knowing that you are out there, fighting such dangerous battles. But I guess I have to trust in you.” she sighed. “Motoko and Natsumi have it hard as well. We want to be so much more help to you. Well, I hear you’ll be going to Britain with Motoko as her fiancée. Natsumi and I are so jealous, we’re your fiancées too!” she pouted cutely, snuggling into my chest, and Eri gave her a knowing look.

“Well, I can’t promise I won’t be jealous, but… I’ll be useful in other ways!” Hinata didn’t stay down long, and that cheerfulness and drive were some of the qualities I found most attractive in my youngest fiancée. “Natsumi at least gets to go along as Motoko’s bodyguard. The British accept that sort of thing, I hear. As for me… I’ll keep Mayumi in line and work with Ixitt.” She paused. “He can be very… intense. But even so, I can’t let Ichijou house take too much of the profits. Grandfather has made funds available for me to invest as well.”

We continued to chat, until it was time to return back to Shirohebizumi through the Ring Gate. Red was protesting bitterly that we were not allowing him through the defences to visit my Territory, but Blue was quickly tiring of him making a scene, seemingly nervous and twitchy, her gaze often flickering over towards Ulfuric. After her patience was lost completely and she clobbered him into the ground, leaving him laughing loudly with a bloody nose, she apologised.

“Ya know, sorry about Red. He’s got a few screws loose. He likes booze the most, but a good strong foe is a close second.”

“Yes, he does always think with his stomach and his muscles.” Nebisuki agreed, annoying Blue.

“Shut it, fox! It isn’t like ya get to go visit the new place either, do ya?”

“Well, it’s understandable.” she grinned, eyeing Hinata and Eri, who I was still with. “What man wishes his women to see him propositioning another woman in front of them? He’s just shy. It’s quite charming.” She pursed her lips at me, blowing a kiss. “Besides, the Hyakki Yagyō can now move from Kyoto. It has been too long. Perhaps we might alight on the streets of Tokyo next? Though the new Capital lacks many of the… charms… of the old.” She looked around, a gleam in her eyes.

“Enough.” Urakaze joined in the argument. “My daughter does not wish your presence here. Begone-depart!”

“So cold. Aren’t we old friends?” the kitsune retorted. This back and forth carried on for a while, until we were left just with Urakaze and her Kamaitachi, and Bintara. Blue was dragging Red off, still shooting backwards glances, while Nebisuki was carrying numerous large barrels of booze, her four tails having been wreathed in jade and citrine energies and growing to an enormous size, functioning like arms. We watched them go with relief, as it meant we were finally clear of trouble.

“Well then, mother, I would-would show you my home.” Shaeula grinned. “And I will need to get you all-all settled.” She addressed the Kamaitachi. “And of course, we must show-show you our utmost hospitality.” She said to Bintara.

“I’ll take care of it. We’ll build an enclosure on Sagami Bay.” Haru-san was already planning. The mark of a good secretary, being one step ahead of her boss. She’s a treasure. Karen-chan too, I guess.

“We shall remain to finalise deployment plans and tactics.” Moira said, and Ulfuric nodded. “It will be too late for optimum placement if we delay.”

With that agreed, we reached the Ring Gate, our guests allowed access by Haru-san. On seeing the gate, Urakaze seemed to recognise the style, though she turned her nose up at the strong earth energies it exuded. Shaeula nodded sympathetically. “Yes, I quite-quite understand. I too am no enjoyer of the earth element. However…” she looked at me, and I nodded, understanding. “Soon-soon I must brave it and master it, else I will fall behind.”

“Must you?” Urakaze asked, serious. “I can see you have changed. Fire, water, even light shines in your being-spirit. But earth-stone is poison to my kind, and your father’s as well.”

“Maybe so. but any power can be tamed, if we have but-but the will, and the support.” We endured the brief moment of dislocation as we passed through the Gate, emerging into the shadow of the Rhyming Tree. “So, mother, this is where-where I dwell.” She spread her arms proudly.

“I see. Well, it is humble, but it does have some worth-charm.” She admitted, admiring the tree. “Did your father give you this gift-present?”

“Hardly. Let me tell you about how-how we recovered it…” she began to brag about our fight against the Myconids. As she did so, her original Kamaitachi arrived, looking wary at the powerful newcomers, who had strength in a different class to theirs. Although I would say after training and being in many battles, the Kamaitachi we had are noticeably stronger than they were before…

“Greetings, newcomers. It is good-good to see some new Itachi kin here. Great mistress, she of the superior biting winds, I welcome you!” the Kamaitachi who had never died in Shaeula’s previous battles greeted them.

Urakaze inclined her head, and continued listening to Shaeula. The newcomers were less impressed. “You think-think we are kin to weaklings like you? How can pathetic specimens hope to defend the daughter of Urakaze?” one female kamaitachi complained, and a male one echoed her.

“Indeed-correct. I could cut through all four of you like-as you were mere bamboo stalks. The princess would be dead-doomed with you as guards!”

The Kamaitachi flinched at that, but perhaps because of all the tough fights they’d been through, and the trust they now held in their princess, the lead Kamaitachi held his ground. “Do you have-have eyes to see? The Princess is unharmed and stronger than ever-ever. We have obviously not-not failed her!”

Well, glossing over some stuff there, aren’t we? Not that I blame you, these Kamaitachi are coming on a bit strong. Shaeula must have agreed, as I saw her struggling to contain her laughter. “All right, we all have to work together. A bit of heathy rivalry is fine, but that’s as far as it should go. Whatever happened in the past, the Kamaitachi here have aided us in many battles.” I tried to calm the situation.

“Indeed. You shall obey my orders, and those of Akio, or indeed-indeed any of his fiancées and high-ranking allies.” Shaeula commanded. “Else I shall have no need-need for you at all.”

“Enough. They will-shall be useful and obedient-loyal.” Urakaze declared, and the four quietened down. “Else my winds shall bite-tear them cruelly. No, I believe you or your husband could punish-chastise them yourselves, Shaeula. If you must, then do so. As for you…” she looked at the others. “We have much to speak-consult about. There is much I would know, of why you are here, rather than the chosen-selected I decreed!”

The newcomers laughed at the scared expressions of the Kamaitachi, though their faces held a trace of sympathy, perhaps having been harshly questioned themselves, to root out those who would work against Shaeula and Urakaze in the Night Parade.

“Well, why don’t we all have some refreshments, and then we can do the grand tour, and get our guests settled?” I said, clapping my hands for attention…

********

“So how are you holding up?” I asked the twins, who had joined us on top of the Rhyming Tree, sipping at non-alcoholic cocktails.

“We are quite well, Akio-sama. Our remaining wounds are not worth considering.” Chiaki-san started, before Chiasa-san agreed. “Yes, we have recovered, only a few scars remain, Akio-sama.”

“Well then… we have the answer to that!” I grinned, and gestured to Bintara, who was also drinking, admiring the view. Seeing my attention, she sighed.

“Their wounds are indeed superficial. Your actions in healing them are terrible, but your ideas are sound. Perhaps in a hundred years I might consider you fit to touch an injured creature.” She gestured, and her aether once more poured out, into the twins. I used my Eye to observe, and gained several valuable insights.

“There. No scars will remain on your spirit or your flesh.” Bintara promised.

“Again, I appreciate it. We have a couple of others who could use the same. I know you are here for Shiro, but…” I implored, and she sighed, tossing her head, horns nearly striking a nearby troll, who nearly fell from the wooden log he was using as a chair.

“Bring them to me. I cannot abide unhealed wounds.” Bintara ordered, paying the troll no mind.

“So, she is the healer for Shiro?” Motoko asked. Unusually today she wasn’t wearing her training hakama, and neither was Natsumi, instead they were in rather showy kimonos, which puzzled me. On seeing my look, Motoko smiled gently. “Yes, today we were trying something new, with help from Chiaki-san and Chiasa-san. Though it did not go as planned.”

“Miyu-sama is here again today. She had to shepherd the numerous young ladies of the nobility, along with Mayumi-sama.” Natsumi said. “Don’t worry, I explained you were dealing with an urgent matter, so they understand.”

Yeah, they wanted me to start working Chirurgery on the various noble sons and daughters, didn’t they? Well, Shiro comes first, as does Tsukiko-san, so securing Kyoto and bringing Bintara back was far more important… “I see, well, if any are still here, I can rush through a few.”

“Perhaps you could do Sakura.” Hinata smiled impishly. “She’s not only the only granddaughter of Takatsukasa house, but she’s also my cousin, as you know.” Her smile was wicked. Yeah, you’re totally thinking about how painful it is going to be for her.

“Putting that aside, Miyu-sama was dancing at the Shrine again. It was a very inspiring sight.” Natsumi continued, Motoko nodding gracefully. “So we asked some of your weaselkin to tailor us some kimonos. It didn’t take too long, as apparently they’ve been working on clothing similar to Yukatas, thanks to Shaeula’s liking of them.”

“I am trained in classical Japanese dance as well, though I lack the skill of Miyu-sama.” Motoko declared.

“Yes, she didn’t want to take time away from her lessons in the Tsumura arts when she was younger.” Natsumi leaned in close to my ear, face red at the distance, and she whispered to me, though she made it loud enough so everyone could hear. “I have heard the stories from her grandfather about how she cried and complained, quite unlike her upright and dedicated attitude now.”

“Natsumi!” Motoko gasped, embarrassed, but Natsumi didn’t stop her teasing.

“Until Tsumura-sama pointed out that battle required grace, and that dance would help with that, she stubbornly refused.”

That is quite the story. It seems so unlike her, at first glance, as she is a model noble daughter, although… no, thinking on it, it’s exactly like her. Tsumura arts come first. “I see. Well, I’ve seen Miyu dance, but I’d love to see the two of you try it sometime.”

“Well, Hori house only sent me for lessons as we make many of the clothes for the noble daughters who dance.” Natsumi said shyly, pulling away from me, face still pink. “I am not as good as Motoko, to say nothing of how good Miyu-sama is. But I don’t mind dancing for you.”

“Nor do I!” Motoko declared, unwilling to be left out.

“So, you joined Motoko in her dance then? With the twins?” I asked.

“We were unable to dance.” Chiaki-san said.

“Yes, we were trying to link the noble daughters to our telepathy.” Chiasa-san agreed.

“But we failed. It was too hard.” Chiaki-san finished.

“I see. Well, Haru-san is busy, but maybe when she’s free, you can ask her to be the link. So, what were you trying to achieve?”

“Well, you seemed so very pleased with Miyu-sama’s ability.” Motoko said quietly, and Natsumi nodded her agreement. “We thought that if we helped her with her dance, we could perhaps learn it, or maybe strengthen it. The weaselkin musicians have been learning a score Miyu-sama gave them, and though the results are inconclusive, we believe that music strengthens it, if appropriate.”

“That’s a fascinating idea.” I said, leaning forwards, excited. “Though it’ll probably be very hard, if not impossible to learn her Dance Of The Returning Dawn, as it’s granted through her Divine Favour. But if more linked dancers could strengthen it…” as I considered that, something else came to mind. “Oh, and while I appreciate you have etiquette to follow… while you are with me, don’t call her Miyu-sama. She’s just Miyu, all right?”

Motoko looked troubled, but Natsumi shook her head. “I couldn’t. Hori house is nothing compared to Fujiwara… huh?” she seemed surprised as I placed my fingers to her lips, shushing her.

“Well, Hori house aside, Hori Natsumi is going to be my wife, and Miyu is my vassal, so there’s no need for such formality between you, is there?” At my smile she blushed and nodded, looking away, even her ears pink. “Well, now I’m curious. Just how did it feel, dancing along with her…”

As I bombarded them with questions, Hinata looked on fondly, Shiro too… Shaeula is showing her mother around, accompanied by Hyacinth. Ixitt is up to who-knows-what, and Grulgor is out along with Shaeraggo, bringing the last scraps of the ten kilometre radius under my control. So, what’s next…?