On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Seven

With the deal done, despite my unease at the favour we had promised, the next steps were set. Looks like Haru-san and I will be back to Kyoto tomorrow to establish her Territory. No rest for the wicked indeed… Primal Forest seemed interested in the Material world, especially since Shaeula had apparently mentioned some things about it at their prior meetings, and as I explained that Japan was two-thirds forested still due to its mountainous nature, he expressed a desire to see it someday.

“Well, as a guest, you would be quite-quite welcome.” Shaeula grinned. “Although I would ask you to not-not cause any trouble. After all, Akio will rule that land soon enough.”

Wait, what? “No, I don’t think so.” I disagreed. “Yes, I’ll be a figure of influence, but I’ll hardly be in a position to rule Japan.”

She only gave me a pitying look, rolling her eyes at me, before turning back to the slowly laughing Primal Forest. “I confess, I have not-not seen too much of the nature of Japan, though Nishimorioka, his home town, has its fair-fair share of beautiful forests. Speaking of forests, I do believe Akio has gained control over a forest inhabited by Yokai, and they have accepted him. Perhaps you would find those trees quite-quite appealing…”

It's certainly true that whoever becomes an Astral Emperor is going to have great power, and it seems according to Tan they usually rule the world their Territory encompasses… there’s still no guarantee that’ll be me though. But… I was prepared to rule, to protect those I cared about, and also to prevent those who would abuse their power from gaining authority. It was still hard to think of myself as a ruler though. We finished up our meeting with the treekin, and as it had taken quite a while due to his glacial pace of speech and action, even with the greater time dilation in the lower Astral, we had used up a lot of our time.

“Right then.” I said, gathering the maids, including Hyacinth, and the new plantkin Ala, who was still holding the mushrooms for the Ring Gate. I expect she’ll be reporting back to Primal Forest, but again, he has us over a barrel, as we really need the Ring Gate. “Shall we return?”

Ala, who was floating behind us as we headed out of the Spring and back towards the Ring Gate at the mansion, looked around curiously. Seeing the freshly replanted trees, which were noticeably younger than the rest of the forest around the mansion, she frowned, an unusual expression on her face which was largely human-like, but on closer inspection you could see the skin was made of woven-together vines and fronds. Seeing her displeased look, Shaeula shrugged.

“Sacrifices needed to be made to save the Rhyming Trees and slay-slay the Myconids. As you can see-see, we are replanting, and the scars will be healed.”

“I see.” Ala bobbed her head, her hair, which was a series of vines covered in white and gold flowers, dancing. “To save a Rhyming Tree, much can be risked. Even so, I pity the trees and plants who perished.” Her expression changed, the slit in the vines that was her mouth narrowing. “And to slay the defilers of life, the pestilent fungi, I expect the trees rejoiced, knowing their sacrifice was not in vain, nor for mere vanity.”

Vanity, huh? “Well, sometimes we need to cut down trees, or remove plants, right?”

“I know that.” Ala agreed. “Though it pains me to see beautiful trees turned into mere lumber, or plants picked for their beauty, only to wither and die. But we plantkin accept this as the circle of life, that some must give so that nature endures. Though you mortals…” her strange scowl intensified. “… you do go overboard, stripping the land bare, polluting the soil and water…”

“Yes, I can’t argue with that.” I acknowledged that humanity had done a lot of ill to nature under the banners of greed and progress. “But Japan is still a country with a lot of nature. And as for my Territory… yes, I want it to be modern and take advantage of progress, but I also want it to be welcoming and peaceful too, full of natural beauty.” As we reached the Ring Gate, the mushrooms drinking in the shining ruby energy of the earth to fuel it, I addressed her worries. “I know you are here to scope out my Territory for Primal Forest, otherwise you’d have just given us the mushrooms, like what you did for Shaeraggo. But don’t worry, I think Primal Forest shouldn’t have any complaints.”

Passing through the Ring Gate there was the usual brief moment of dislocation, before I stepped out into Shirohebizumi shrine, followed by everyone else. The air was filled with the scent of soil, bark and fruit, which was another strange thing, as without wind, how could the scent spread? Still, all the talk of nature and trees made me appreciate it more, and I took a deep breath, enjoying the moment.

Behind me, Ala looked up at the towering Rhyming Tree. “I see. It is as you said.” She murmured. “An old Tree indeed. It’s loss would have been another tragedy.”

“I quite agree.” A gentle voice said, as Asha appeared, a broad smile on her face. “Welcome back.” She greeted us, before turning to the plantkin. “It is rare for me to see plantkin here. I greet you nonetheless.” She nodded, her every motion regal, and Ala looked a bit overwhelmed.

“The pleasure is mine, noble Dryad, daughter of Orion.” Ala curtsied, her skirt of white petals held in her dainty green hands. “Your Tree, may it be blessed with good growth and roots that run deep.”

“Oh, it shall be.” Asha finished. “May your flowers never wither.” She returned the greeting. “Now, while you are here, would you like juice? Fruits?” she asked, gesturing to the burgeoning orchard. Before we could answer, Ala let out a gasp, as she was examining the mighty Tree.

“What… what is this?” Ala gasped. “Your Tree, what are these?” she pointed to the row of stairs spiralling around the trunk, and the large wooden platforms up in the crown.

“Oh, those?” Asha smiled calmly, amused. “It is nothing to be concerned about, merely some functional ornamentations.”

“But… your precious Rhyming Tree, to have such crude construction bolted to it, the bark pierced, wood weeping… such blasphemy!” Ala insisted.

“Blasphemy? Hardly.” Asha disagreed. “My Tree, it was dying. Only by falling into barbarism, preying on my weakened and dying sisters, did I manage to endure that hell.” Her pretty eyes turned distant, as she remembered what she could of the horrors, fortunately she was not sane at the time, so the worst was clouded. “At great risk, they saved me and my Tree. Another too.” She pointed to the second Tree, smaller but still growing healthily, ruby energies playing around it, rising like bubbles. “Even so, my Tree was sickly, dying. Yet the princess and Akio laboured to remove the taint, cure the damages, and even now they fortify my Tree when they can. If you would?” she smiled at me brightly, tilting her head.

“Sure.” I reached out to the Tree, pouring my Wood element into it, trying to spread it evenly throughout the Tree. Watching this, Ala was shocked.

“Great Primal Forest knew he had been blessed by a Dryad, offered her Kiss, but to think he has the power of nature within him… for a mortal, such is vanishingly rare!”

“Rich earth and pure, shining water too.” Asha smiled, her pale, green-tinged skin contrasted by her head of luscious red hair. As I watched the two Fae of nature converse and argue, I was struck by how Asha had changed. Her hollow-cheeked pallor had faded, and she had filled out her figure, now no longer thin, but voluptuous and womanly, much as her Tree had recovered. “The earth element is weak compared to what the grove I dwelt in originally possessed, but it strengthens.” Her smile at me was joyful. “You promised, didn’t you? When you could, you would strengthen this… this temple…” she pointed to the magnificent Earth Altar. “… and the land will be enriched.”

“Yes, we should have enough earth element in the Elemental Silos now, it’s just a case of waiting for the open build queues.” Actually there are other reasons too. I want to see if the earth element levels and the believer levels stack. If so, that opens further opportunities…

“See the fruit trees?” she gestured to her orchard. “The maid here…” she pointed at Hyacinth, who grinned bashfully. “… she helps too, growing her own fruits and vegetables. There is a darkness in her, but her affinity for the land is strong. Flowers too. The hillside is changing, growing.” She pointed to a brilliant carpet of white and purple. “That is not all.” She smiled, her face in wonder. “We have bees too, strange bees not of the Fae, yet they gather and pollinate, helping the forest, the grove, take shape… spreading seeds. The land, this Boundary…” she gestured, arms wide, as indeed several flights of large bees with shining reflective wings were gathering pollen from some of the fruiting trees and flowering bushes. “… it will bloom anew, rich with nature and beauty.”

“All the more reason to object to this… this…” words had failed Ala. Instead of replying, Asha merely smiled, and it was Shaeula who answered her.

“All we know-know are the ways of the Fae, the Seelie Court. Other than the Scotsman and those who know him, we have little-little traffic with mortals. Even the Scotsman, he is old.” Shaeula snorted. “I doubt he knows much-much, if anything of the new ways. But I do. Hyacinth as well. We have travelled the mortal world, seen much that is good-good, and some which is evil.” She looked around, her eyes glowing. “Yes, the stench of mortal industry does not-not appeal, not-not to me, although Ixitt, he seems to adore it. But such is needed. Luxury, like we do not-not know… I would not-not be without games, and delightful food and alcohol. Travelling through the air is a wonder as well-well…”

“But to make these, mortals rape the land and savage nature…” Ala protested.

“Yes, they do-do. But… Akio, tell me true.” She said to me as I was finishing up with my meagre supply of Wood element. Although using it up like this does push me ever so slightly towards a breakthrough, I think.

“How do you see this Territory, and indeed Japan? Will it be a land of relentless progress, belching smoke-smoke and machinery, or will it be a calm, peaceful land of beauty, nature-nature allowed to flourish?”

I grinned, knowing the answer. “Both, of course. Everything in balance. After all, my Territory, and eventually Japan, it won’t be just humans that dwell there. Fae, Yokai, other creatures… as long as their intentions are good and the laws respected, all are welcome. Hinata has plans too.” I smiled. “We can create space for nature, while allowing people to live in nice homes, live a good life. Everyone can contribute. I think people will be happier in a world full of parks, forests, lakes and rivers, while also enjoying the luxuries of modern life.” Of course, what Hinata plans… the money we’ll need will run into trillions, no, quadrillions of yen. Really, it’s the sort of spending that only a nation can afford, but… even so, she wants me to try. I want to try as well. At least we have that fifty million dollars coming, and the dividends from the stakes in the new companies should be millions more a year.

“Science and nature in harmony…” the ratkin maid muttered. Seeing everyone turn to her, she looked nervous. “Oh, my apologies. I wasn’t supposed to speak out of turn…”

Hyacinth was scowling at her, but at my gesture, she backed off, allowing the maid to speak. “You’re one of Ixitt’s family, right?” I asked, and she nodded.

“Yes, I am Ixitt’s daughter, Quaela. I am unmarried, a maiden, and eager to learn my trade. It beats all the smoke, metal and toil of my father’s work.” she sniffed, lashing her tail. “I’ll do my best to become a proud maid.” She curtsied, and Hyacinth nodded, giving her a passing mark.

“I see. Anyway, you said science and nature as one, right?” I pressed, and she nodded.

“Yes. Mortal Engineering is very misunderstood. My father, many of my brothers and sisters, they all throw themselves into it. But the end goal is not simply to make the Seelie Court another mortal world, but to take the best of both and meld it together, the whole greater than each part.”

“Yes, there’s definitely a lot to be said for what we can do together.” I agreed, before addressing Ala, who was a bit lost in our fervent conversations. “And this is an example. The Tree is not harmed by the construction, we’ve been careful.” I grinned. “Every step was crafted with care, the Tree was healed carefully, and Asha was fully consulted. But…” I pointed to the steps. “…climb up and you’ll see.”

Ala shot me a guarded look, but after lifting her petals a little, she began to ascend, the group following her. Soon she reached the top, only to see the café and bar, staffed by weaselkin, several visitors there, including some relaxing weaselkin mages and a Kamaitachi. On seeing us they greeted us, and a server rushed over, offering us drinks. We took them, and I pressed one into the palm of the confused Ala, before leading her over to a fenced viewing platform at the edge, overlooking my Territory.

Ala looked down, seeing the flowering grove below, then looked out to the rest of my Territory. Taking a sip of my fruity drink I smiled, urging her to do the same, and as she did so, she let out a pleased sound.

“Good, isn’t it? And isn’t the view breath-taking?” I asked her, and despite herself, she nodded, so I continued. “See? The power and beauty of this Rhyming Tree, it’s not defiled or corrupted by the addition of this wonderful café, is it? No, instead, we all get to enjoy the fragrance of the leaves, the wonderful view. Nature and human ideas in harmony. Just as Quaela said.” I praised the maid, who looked happy. “I hope you can tell Primal Forest honestly, that the Spring, this Territory, anywhere else… in the hands of me and Shaeula, they’ll be safe.”

“I… I shall.” Ala said, moved. “The Tree, I feel its happiness.”

“Of course you do.” Asha agreed. “Would I have given my Kiss to him, even if he was my saviour, if I felt no love in him for nature?” Her smile was gentle, yet allowed no argument. “Now he even commands the very element of nature. My choice was not wrong.”

Watching the Territory, I finished my drink, only to be passed some mead brewed from the Mirror Bee honey, this time with added spices that grew down below. Yes, this is pleasant. But even so, we have a lot to do. I’d best send a runner to fetch everyone…

********

“I have to admit, I’m shocked.” Mayumi-san declared. She was seated up on the café atop the Rhyming Tree, and was drinking the mead. I was loathe to give an underage girl alcohol, but my sis always weaselled some out of me nowadays., and besides, all the noble girls assured me they drank a little at parties, so I figured it couldn’t hurt. “Hinata, Motoko-san, they told stories, but the reality is quite different.” Tsurugi-san stood behind her, refusing the drinks offered, despite my urgings. In the end, both Natsumi and Kazumi-san told me to leave her to her pride, and that in time she’d relax.

“I am too.” Miyu admitted. “Compared to my Territory, this is spectacular. And even my Territory was built almost entirely with his help.” She confided in her fellow noble, looking ashamed.

“Well, you do call him master, so I guess he’s just talking responsibility. I don’t approve though. No daughter of the three great houses should be so servile to a man. But I have to admit…” she looked out over the Territory again. “… saying you are not noble… this stretches the definition. After all, you certainly command a fief, as in the olden days.”

“Yes, he has an army too.” Hinata grinned happily, enjoying getting the upper hand against the girl she wished for her friend, no doubt. “And numerous beings under his protection. And land…” she grinned. “By my calculation, over three hundred square kilometres, soon. That’s more than most of the noble families can boast.” She seemed smug.

“Yes, I admit it. If you put together all the Ichijou holdings in Tokyo, wider Japan and abroad, we might surpass it, but not by a huge amount.”

“Fujiwara house has extensive holdings abroad, but even so, this is a large area.” Miyu confirmed.

“If only it could be used properly.” Mayumi-san sighed.

“Why are you sighing? It’s not your land!” Hinata pushed her.

“I don’t like seeing assets lying unused. Besides, we are business partners!” Mayumi-san protested. “Why are you being so hostile, Hinata?”

“I wonder.” She smirked. “I would have hoped you’d realised that what you bring to the partnership isn’t much at all.” She persisted. “You saw the workshops, right? Yes, you’ll be helping finance and equip the factories, and Ichijou house is a powerful name to unlock support and prevent problems, but… the technology is all coming from Akio’s domain. Remember the display?”

“What display?” I asked, curious.

“Well, they were testing some new weapons.” Hinata grinned. “Shiro is pretty smart, she dragged them down to the coast to help us all level.”

Shiro shrugged at the compliment. “I like efficiency. Besides, I get tired of being the one to burn all those grotesque fish-creatures. Aki, it’s been tough, pamper me!” She leaned in, only for Eri to join her.

“Tough? All you did was throw some fireballs. Even just climbing the stairs here is hard work for me right now!”

“All right, all right.” I laughed, pulling them both close. Hinata’s eyes flashed regretfully at that, but Shiro smiled.

“His lap’s free, right?”

“So it is! Sorry, Natsumi, Motoko, I’m going ahead!” And with that she sat down on my lap, in-between Shiro and Eri, the top of her head under my chin. “Well, this is nice.” She shifted position, and I felt myself heating up. Uh, your bottom is a bit close to… never mind.

“What’s up, Aki? A bit too hot for you? Cradle snatcher!” Shiro taunted me cheerfully.

“I’d like to see any man not react when a pretty girl like Hinata is sitting on his lap, and her bottom is… well, you know.”

“Can you all stop making a fool of me?” Mayumi-san protested, face red. “And that isn’t proper, even with your fiancée!”

“Why not? This is like a private resort, owned by Akio. Nobody here can complain.” Hinata rebuffed her. “Anyway, the ratkin and weaselkin had these long contraptions, a bit like fire-hoses, and then they went whoosh and sizzle!” Hinata grinned. “They were like giant flamethrowers, and soon the whole bay was ablaze. I could feel myself getting stronger just standing there. Not that I was allowed to just stand there.”

“You have to get your hands dirty.” Eri said quietly. “I struggled at first, but when I realised sometimes you have to take the life of your enemies… well, it gets easier. At least they are fairly ugly. If they were cute rabbits it might be harder.”

“Harder? But you’d still chop them up with your axe, right?” Shiro teased, having already established a rivalry with Eri in the short time they had lived together.

“If I have to. Motoko and Natsumi are used to handling weapons. They had no trouble. But Hinata isn’t.”

“I don’t think it’s a very noble pursuit for women, martial arts. I know…” Mayumi-san looked at Motoko and Natsumi, who were about to protest. “Your family arts are different, being traditional and precious. Even so, it should be the sons who carry them on. But.. if your husband allows it, who am I to say differently?” she shook her head. “Well, yes, the flamethrowers were impressive, as were the ones that hurled clouds of jagged rock needles, and the ones that fired jets of pressurised water. I don’t understand how they work, but they would be horrible to fight against. They wouldn’t be a good product though. I am fairly sure such horrific weapons violate International Law, and national dignity.”

“Well, dad has others.” Quaela spoke up. “I’ve seen my brothers using them.”

“Enough talk of this. You made your point, Hinata.” Mayumi-san conceded. “Even so, I shall be a worthwhile partner. I’m Ichijou Mayumi! Everything I do is destined to succeed! Though…” she looked discontented. “It’s hardly fair that you are all so strong. I feel wonderful, apart from the irritation, like needles prickling at my veins.” She shivered. “I can tell my body is faster, and my mind feels clearer. But compared to you, Hinata…”

“Well, that’s just too bad. Anyone can get Chirurgery, but to go further… well, sorry again.” she taunted her.

“I think we should change the subject.” I said, as I could tell Shaeula was getting excited, and I could predict exactly what she was going to suggest next, and wanted no part of it. Taking another drink, I looked at Miyu. “So, how was your dancing?”

“Tiring. I do practise traditional dance every day at home, but to dance for hour, after hour… after hour…” she did look fatigued. “It was gruelling.”

“You looked like an elegant angel!” Michiru-san protested. She then turned to me. “Please praise Miyu-sama, she worked very hard!”

“I have no doubt you did a good job. So, do we know the results?” I asked, having already checked and been pleasantly surprised, though I wanted to know more of the breakdown on how we achieved that result.

“We do. One of your… uh, rat-people…” Miyu said, struggling to describe them. “… they were keeping track. At first, my dancing had little effect. But as I continued, the effect increased, the glow of ether in the air growing noticeably brighter around the Anchor. This continued as I danced. If I rested for a short time, no more than a few minutes, the rate continued to grow. If I stopped for longer, it resets.”

I see. Well, it’s as great as I hoped. I’m so glad I didn’t stupidly try and remove her Divine Favour, Miyu is a treasure. “Well, you did well. Very well. Though I’m sorry to say… your ability is so useful I’m going to need it more and more. So to that end, you’ll need to get stronger.”

Miyu nodded slowly. “I understand. I am not eager to fight, but… if I must, I will.”

“Miyu-sama, Natsumi and I shall aid you!” Motoko declared, only for Miyu to pull an upset face, surprising them.

“I am grateful you would offer, Motoko-san. And I intend to accept your gracious offer. I am not too proud to know I am lacking in many areas. But… do not call me Miyu-sama. You are the fiancée of my master. That makes you my equal, certainly, even if Fujiwara house stands above. That goes for you too, Natsumi.”

“I couldn’t.” Natsumi protested. “I am a bodyguard, and Hori house is nothing to…”

“Well, learn to do it.” I reached out and patted her head. “It might be difficult, but Natsumi, you stand equal to my other fiancées. So learn to puff out your chest with pride!”

As we continued to talk and laugh, discussing what Mayumi-san had seen, and what the girls had achieved, I cast my gaze over to where Ala was sitting, drinking more refreshing juices. It was hard to read her face, but I could tell she was rather thrown by the situation in my Territory. Well, she’ll get used to it. I don’t think Primal Forest will be too displeased by her reports. Now, we need to set up this side of the Ring Gate, then she’ll have to give me the other mushrooms. After all, Ala can’t enter the Material to travel to Kyoto. I was looking forward to seeing Tsukiko-san again, and starting to fulfil my promise, but as I appraised the progress of my Territory again, I couldn’t help but be excited by the fact that the Build Queue Spire and Ether Spire upgrades had both advanced at a noticeably faster rate than the passing of time would account for…