ON ASTRAL TIDES: FROM HUMBLE FREELANCER TO ASTRAL EMPEROR

Pacing restlessly in the nearby park, we were attracting odd looks from the few passers-by who were coming and going at this late hour. Some of them seemed to recognise me, and while most were curious, a few seemed almost disgusted, perhaps having already seen some of the propaganda that was being spread at this very moment.

Adelheid was watching me with a bored expression, her long coat pulled around her body to ward off the late autumn chill, not that she felt the cold much, with her stats, so it was more habit than any actual need. Her blue eyes gazed at me with a little concern, so I forced a smile, even as Eri was telepathically relaying the situation to me as the battle unfolded.

It’s all right. I’m a bit beaten up, but it’s nothing serious. And we’ve captured the first Chosen who attacked, I’ve made her… harmless. Aiko’s fine too, she’s doing well, although… I think she might need a hug and some spoiling when you’re back. Killing… it’s hard. I guess you know that better than anyone.

Just keep your focus on the battle. Don’t get distracted. I warned her with my thoughts, worry eating away at me. I was also getting endless phone messages, while the two Wright siblings, Bethany and Zachary, were also glued to their phones, watching footage from Fox, CNN and various other American news channels, showing the worldwide carnage. Though oddly, there seems some very obvious… gaps.

What do you mean, gaps?

Sorry, was thinking about something else for a moment. Yeah, I’ll spoil you both, don’t worry! I wish I was coming home right away, but if I do, I’ll cause needless trouble with the President here, and not getting Egil Andersen’s body after all this would defeat the point… just…

I get it. We all do what we have to, to support each other. Anyway, it’s reassuring to have you here in my thoughts, even if you can’t be here in person. It gives me strength. And I need it… but… I’ll still win and keep everyone safe! Though the grounds will need restoration. It’s a mess here…

Don’t worry about that, just… stay safe.

Her only response was a sense of amusement, but I felt her worry and stress. Clicking my tongue, I grimaced, drawing attention from Zachary.

“It’s bad, yeah.” Zachary agreed, frowning at his phone. “But… you’re the Hero of Britain, it’s all lies, right? People won’t believe that! It’s not like anyone would! I mean, who would you believe, a terrorist or someone who’s done good deeds?”

His sister fixed him with an angry glare. “Really, Zack. Sometimes you’re so naïve. It’s why…” Her hand went to her side, a habit that she seemed to have, and her face paled. Seeing that, I was curious, as she had mentioned a scar in the bar, my Eye glowing a little.

She didn’t notice, as Bethany was berating her brother, and it reminded me a little of my own sister, Aiko. Stay safe. I… I didn’t want any of you to have to fight and kill, not yet. But the day was always coming. I just wished it could be when I was there to help…

Adelheid snorted softly as she saw my Eye, but she was looking at her own phone, watching some German news. It seemed there was trouble in Europe too, though of a different sort, more protests and spontaneous rioting breaking out in cities across the continent. Of course, it seems like there’s been assassinations too…

“…it’s why we ended up in trouble, and we always do! You don’t think, Zack!” She put her hands on her hips, looking rather incongruous in her black lace miniskirt and velvet shirt of black and pink. “You know what dad always says. There’s nothing more dangerous than mob mentality and conspiracy theories. No smoke without fire, right?” She rolled her eyes. “Sure, not everyone, maybe even most aren’t going to believe what these so-called Church people say, but didn’t dad say that nearly ten percent of Americans believe that the Earth is flat, not round? Come on, anyone who’s been in a plane can see that the world isn’t flat!”

“Yeah…” Zachary admitted. “…but… I mean, how much of that is true and how much is people just being funny?”

“Then take Creationist beliefs.” Bethany leaned forwards, and her brother merely smiled a little, sighing, as if this was a normal occurrence for him. “I mean, we go to church, right? Well, most of the time… but I don’t believe the world really is six thousand years old. If that was true, then science wouldn’t work, would it? Stuff like evolution, radiation, the stars and planets… geology…”

“Yeah, I get you, Beth.” He nodded. “There’s a lot of Americans who take things on faith.”

“It’s just human nature. It’s hardly just Americans.” I agreed, surprising them. I had finished my assessment of Bethany, and she did indeed have a nasty scar. “My mom always used to say ‘you can’t reason someone out of a position they didn’t reason themselves into in the first place’ and now… honestly, I think you’re right, Miss Bethany.”

She seemed surprised I had spoken, before curling her lip into a smile. “That’s not your mother. Jonathan Swift said that. I know, because I study PPE at college. We did a module on him and other European philosophers and satirists.”

“Maybe so, but my mom still likes the quote.” I shrugged. “Anyway, PPE huh? That’s Politics, Philosophy and Economics, right? You must be smart.”

“Yeah, Beth is really clever, she wants to follow dad into government service, but she can still be a huge pain, always nagging.” Zachary couldn’t help but boast about his sister, while also putting her down.

“Oh, just shut up…” Bethany grumbled. “My point is…”

“Your point is right. And it’s worse than I had considered.” I agreed, surprising her again. “Because they have evidence, of a sort. It’s a mixture of outright lies, frame jobs, deception and horrible misrepresenting of some truthful events, but… there’s plenty of smoke, so people will be desperate to see the fire. Especially when religion is brought in.”

“Yeah. Forty percent of Americans believe in Creationism. I mean, it doesn’t hurt anyone, so it’s fine…” She paused. “…well, okay, sometimes it can be a bad thing, when it interferes with teaching science in schools, or leads to unnecessary censorship, but… it’s mostly harmless. Though…”

“…now we have tangible proof of the truth of the existence of Gods.” I shrugged. “Sure, it doesn’t exactly fit what most people believe, but it’s good enough. This is going to cause worldwide chaos. Worse…”

“…yeah. Combine religious fervour with fear….” Bethany shook her head. “It’s textbook. Nurture fanatical followers, as well as build a large base of people who are frightened or sympathetic enough to condone the violence. Never overtly, no, just… something along the lines of ‘Oh, I wouldn’t do it myself, but… I can see why they do…’ which leads to a normalisation of it within the wider community.”

Exactly. She is a smart girl. It’s like my mom said about the Irish troubles. It was on the wane when she moved to Japan, but when she was a young girl, there were still terrorist attacks quite regularly, and the community on both sides of the conflict were enablers by tacitly accepting the rationale behind the bombings, even if they didn’t explicitly condone the violence…

“Fortunately, I have countermeasures.” I insisted. “But it’s still a disaster. How many Chosen like us will be killed, wasted? Speaking of…” I looked at Bethany meaningfully. “That is a nasty scar. Want me to remove it? I could do with a distraction.” Eri’s running commentary was keeping me updated on their situation, but contact had been lost with the Tengokusentou, and footage of Shirohebizumi being attacked was on the Japanese news and the internet…

It seems like there’s been some terrorist bombings at shrines in Kyoto as well. Uchida Ren, you bastard! I get that you are grieving for Yamato, but this is too far! My Resilience was keeping me calm, but even with my incredibly high stats, remaining composed when so much bad news was coming at once, when so many friends, family, allies and those I loved were in danger… I took a deep breath as Bethany looked at me with suspicion.

“Wait? Where are you looking, you pervert?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest, as if to shield it from my view. “Have you been ogling me all this time? Are the rumours true?”

“Aren’t you falling into the trap you just decried?” I couldn’t help but chuckle, as I was used to such exaggerated reactions. “Despite what that bastard Uchida Ren is saying about me, I’ve never mistreated a woman. I still feel a little guilt for not being able to give everyone all the attention they deserve, but… I’ll make them all happy, I guarantee it. Besides… while I can see through clothing with my Eye, I only looked at your side. You mentioned a scar earlier, and you rub it incessantly when stressed or thinking, so…” I shrugged. “…Anyway, you’re an attractive woman, with an interesting style, Miss Bethany, but I’m sorry, you don’t compare to any of my lovers.”

“Drop the Miss. It’s annoying. You Japanese are so formal!” She let her arms drop. “Hey, Zack. Tell me, why am I suddenly really annoyed right now? Did he have to say that to me? He could have left it at ‘I’m attractive’, without… ugh!”

Zachary gave her a sympathetic look, before grinning at me wryly. “Sorry, Beth can be a pain. But you’re right. She’s not a nice submissive sort like Eastern ladies. It’d be hell being her boyfriend, when she’s nagging, but she has her good sides too, I promise!”

“Oh, I think you’ll find all of my women are plenty fiery.” I disagreed. “Anyway… Bethany, if you want the scar gone…”

“Here?” She seemed embarrassed out in the open.

“Don’t worry, I won’t even need you to pull up your shirt. My Healing has improved a lot.” At my words, she bit her lip thinking, but as her brother urged her to accept, she finally nodded. She then squealed as I put my hand on her side, though she was still wearing her shirt, so it wasn’t as if I was touching bare skin. She then shivered as my aether flooded the wound. “Yeah, nasty. I’d be curious to know what did this. There’s adherence in the wound which stops it healing, and it likely has been worsening over time, yes?”

“Really?” Zachary was angry. “Beth, you told me it was getting better!”

“It… it was!” she replied defensively, shivering at my ministrations. “Just… just occasionally I have episodes, okay? I… I know I complain, but… I don’t want you to feel guilty, Zack! Not over that. I’d love it if you were less reckless in future though, so I keep warning you…”

“Don’t worry. I’ve experience with worse wounds.” I promised, and carefully extracted the adherence, taking a trickle for my own. That done, flesh reknitted, and the damaged Chakra network of her subtle body was repaired. “All done.”

“Really?” Zachary asked eagerly, and Bethany groped at her side, feeling no pain. She slid a hand under her shirt, and on feeling smooth flesh, her greenish-blue eyes glimmered with moisture and emotion. Taking a deep breath, she thanked me.

“I’m grateful. I’m sorry I shouted at you, but… that’s a perverted power you have there!” She faltered, before nodding to herself. “Thanks. Not just for me, but for my brother. I know I rag on the little shit…”

“Hey…” he mock-protested, amused and happy.

“…but he was feeling guilty I got hurt. So yeah. Just…” She lowered her voice. “That madwoman… she’s bad news! She’ll dissect you as soon as look at you, and she has a terrible reputation. It would be bad optics to get involved with her, especially now!”

“Yeah, don’t I know it.” I ran a hand through my hair, stressed, as Eri was now in a ferocious battle with another Chosen. I had faith she’d win, she was getting a vast amount of boosts from her Lovers’ Link, but… can’t help but worry, can I?

“But… while it’ll never erase the crimes she’s been a part of, if she genuinely wants to make amends, I think that’s for the best.” After all, I’ve offered the chance to others. Nie Ling. Tamamo-no-Mae. Shaeula’s given a chance to Duke Formor… I admit, sometimes I’m a hypocrite, I never considered giving Kondou Kazuo a chance… but then, he was lacking any sort of shame or remorse…

“It’s the breasts, isn’t it?” Bethany grumbled, surprising me. “God, you men are all the same. Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you, and you can keep her the hell away from me and Zack!”

The atmosphere in the near-deserted park had become lighter, a little more jovial, when Adelheid spoke up. “He’s here.” I had sensed it too, someone coming closer. They didn’t seem to be a Chosen, the aether they exuded was far too low, but they weren’t ordinary.

Seeing Adelheid’s tense expression, the two siblings froze.

“Have… they come?” Zachary was sweating, and I nodded.

“Don’t worry. I can only sense one. Besides, I’m here.”

“Yeah, Hero of Britain and all…” Zachary relaxed. “It’ll be fine, Beth. He’s got it in hand.”

She grunted. “You have a lot of faith in him. A lot of his exploits are probably exaggerated. I judge on deeds, not words, but…” Her hand went to her side before she froze. “You get ten points for healing me. But you lose five for hanging around with that madwoman, and another three for sneaking a peek at me! So… I’ll trust you this once!”

“I’m honoured.” I couldn’t help but snort, as the man approached us. I could see in the dimly lit conditions perfectly well, and he was a rather smartly dressed man in his late fifties, with dark brown hair and a small, neatly trimmed beard, which was going to white at the edges, matching the expensive white suit he wore, with gold cufflinks and belt. No weapons, I see.

“We meet at last, Mr Oshiro. No, Akio. I feel I know enough of you to be on a first name basis.” The man spoke with quiet confidence, and Adelheid tensed, but at my hand gesture, she paused. Zachary and Bethany seemed a little confused, but the man merely nodded respectfully at them. “Anyway, I bid you all greeting on this monumental night.”

“So, here to try and take me out?” I sneered, and he raised one eyebrow, clearly affronted.

“Perish the thought. Do you think I can? I am a realist, Akio. Oh, where are my manners. You can call me Isaac.”

The way he said it made me suspicious. “That’s not your name, is it?”

“It is now.” he disagreed. “For right now, I stand as Isaac before you. Now, shall we get down to it?” He glanced at the phones in our hands, watching the streams. “Yes, the opening of the Crusade has begun. But you, the wicked who stands in the way of the light of hope, of salvation…”

“Wicked?” I interrupted. “What did Eleanor ever do to you where she deserved death? No, worse than death.”

Isaac didn’t seem bothered by the interruption, and his calm, almost superior smile never faltered. “Thou shalt not have strange Gods before me. The first Commandment. And the most important. Besides, her family has taken and hoarded that which belongs to the Throne.”

“Yeah, but… I mean…” Zachary spoke up then. “Beth and I, we’re Christians. Not the most devout but… thou shalt not kill, right? And… this isn’t the Middle Ages. You can’t just run an Inquisition…”

“Why?” the man asked mildly. “The true Book of Revelation makes it quite clear. The only path to salvation is to offer our all to the Lord, and Earth must ascend to the Ninth Heaven, to Eden lost to us because of fools who cast their lot in with the false, the profane. You think we do not weep for the slain? Yet… better one suffers to save ten. Ten for a thousand. A thousand for a million. A million for a world.”

“The cruel mathematics of salvation.” I agreed. “When you say it like that, it sounds only sensible.” That surprised Bethany and Zachary, who watched me, wide-eyed, as I continued to argue. “However… that only works when the sacrifices are ourselves. I was faced with someone who made the choice to sacrifice a thousand for their own safety. I couldn’t do that. But in reverse… well, we all make our own choices. If your God is so all-powerful, then there should be no need for the few to perish.”

“God does indeed love a martyr.” Isaac wasn’t drawn into my arguments. “And while the Throne is almighty… we have free will, and evil lurks everywhere.  We must not let the bad apples rot the barrel. I know you understand.” He looked at me oddly warmly. “Your false tree, the poisoned apple of forbidden knowledge. It must be uprooted. Even as we speak, it falls. You are but one man. You cannot be everywhere. And while perhaps only the great Cardinals themselves are able to face you… you are not the Lord, omnipresent. No…”

I’m certainly worried. While I’m too far away to feel the warnings my Territory would give me if its under attack, it’s obvious that it is. But… The Seeds would be protected. Uranai, the cow that gave prophecies, the Kudan… she had passed that knowledge to Shinkume-no-Hana, who had brought it to me, and we had saved her grandmother, the legendary Tamamo-no-Mae. I still believed nothing was set in stone, my distaste for prophecy still strong, but… everything flows, like a river. All our decisions and struggles. And… this river won’t be halted…

“…many sinners with profane powers shall perish. To prepare for the true coming of the Lord’s faithful.” Isaac finished.

“And… is killing children what you consider good? Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, right?” Bethany asked, her phone now displaying a scene from Japan, that of what was surely Hanafubuki Private Academy, the gatehouse and walls littered with the dead, smoke rising from the buildings.

“A barrel that already has some rotting apples.” Isaac declared without sorrow. “Those innocents who die shall of course be welcomed into the next life by the Ninth Heaven. Our Material forms are but transient, after all, with the spirit, the soul, it is eternal. Besides… you Japanese have many amusing sayings. Kill the chicken to scare the monkeys. We are not afraid of secular powers, and the powerful should leave well enough alone. With this message, all should understand and heed it.”

“That’s a Chinese saying.” I glared, my grey eyes hard, my League surging. The man faltered a little, before trying to pretend he was fine, though the effort made sweat bead on his brows. Bethany let out a little yelp, while Adelheid watched on, impassive, not following the conversation but getting an idea from our body language.

Motoko, Natsumi. There are others there too. The Takakura sisters. Kudou Shiori. Motoko and Natsumi will fight, but… against Chosen… Feeling sick, I stepped forwards. “I can forgive a lot. Come against me, and I’ll understand it. We’re rivals. We have a different vision for the future. But this… it’s widespread, indiscriminate…”

“Hardly. Every target has meaning.” Isaac disagreed.

“Shut. Your. Mouth!” I warned coldly, and he was taken aback. “You’ll fail. My Tree will stand. My Territory too. My home, my friends, even Hanafubuki. I believe it. The world won’t bow to your terror, and your boastful promises.” I wish I was more sure of that. But… “So, are we fighting?”

“No. I shall simply be on my way.” Isaac disagreed. “I merely came to give you a warning, and see if you understood your mistakes, the futility of opposing the Throne.”

“What a jackass…” Zachary muttered, and I didn’t disagree.

“My mistakes? It’s you who has made a grave error. Your forces will bleed. There’s no way you can afford the losses. And… you’re not going anywhere!” My growl, pregnant with League and Majesty, made everyone shiver.

“Oh? You can hardly stop me. Unless you wish to kill me. In which case I shall me martyred, and it shall prove everything we have said about you true to the masses.” Isaac seemed confident, though the sweat on his brow accumulated despite the chill in the night air. “As for our losses… they will be far lighter than you think. I assure you of that.” He turned to go, only to suddenly freeze, as my aether wrapped him in invisible chains. He strained, clearly stronger than an ordinary person, likely on par with one of my trainees who had undergone Chirurgery, but against my potent will he was helpless.

“Are you sure…?” Bethany asked, worried, and I nodded, quickly dialling a number on my phone.

“Yeah. There’s no way I can just let him walk away, but… I’m in America now, so…” The phone rang once and was then immediately picked up, a sloppy voice answering.

“Missing me already?” Christina giggled. “I’m flattered! I’ve just got back to the hotel, and I’m getting into bed. I’m only wearing a lab coat, so… feel free to hurry back. I’ll be waiting!”

Damn, she’s such a pain. “There’s no time for that right now, you know the situation!”

“I thought in times like this, it was appropriate to lighten the mood?” she asked, sounding genuinely affronted. “I was only trying to help. Oh… I wasn’t joking about the lab coat though Akio. It barely covers anything…”

Biting down a sigh, I got to the point. “Not now, please. I’m sure that Adam is still awake, what with all this going down? Can you call him and get him to send over some police or agents to arrest a terrorist? In terms of abilities, he’s troublesome but shouldn’t pose a danger when restrained.”

There was a brief pause, and then she offered agreement. “All right. Just the one? How’s things over there? I hope dear Bethany and Zachary are still doing well, little Adelheid too?”

At her question the two siblings looked scared, but I waved a hand reassuringly. “Yeah. Seems like they don’t want to trifle with me, they have other targets.”

“In that case, leave it with me.” Christina promised. “I’ll make a call while we’re on the way back.”

“What?” I was surprised, and I could almost hear her amused smile as she answered.

“There’s no point lying about the hotel then, is there? We might as well go back to the bar if there’s no danger. Don’t worry, it won’t take me a minute to get dressed again. You can take my clothes off later!”

“No thanks.” I shot her down, and she laughed.

“Playing hard to get. It’s cute. Frustrating, but cute. Anyway… I’ll see you soon!”

Looking helplessly at the others as she hung up, I shrugged. “She’s… certainly unique.”

“I’d say a psycho…” Bethany disagreed, shivering. “…you could have asked us to call dad.”

“Best keep things tidy.” I disagreed, not wanting to owe anyone else here a favour. Adam owed me, and it was a debt he likely couldn’t repay. “Now, we wait…” As Isaac glared at me, not even struggling any further, we continued to watch the footage on our phones, while Eri kept communicating with me about the progress of her battle…

***

“This is scary stuff.” Buck was saying, as he knocked back a good slug of hard whiskey, on the rocks. Even Mrs Kelly didn’t seem bothered, letting him drink.

“No kidding.” David agreed. They had stayed in the private room of the bar, watching the unfolding chaos. Outside, most of the patrons had also stayed, fascinated, and now all the televisions around the bar were displaying footage from Japan and the rest of the world.

“It’s fucking ruthless, that’s what it is.” Aliyah grumbled. She and Trey had brought Christina back, and were also overindulging, though Treyvon had told me to purge them of drunkenness so they could respond should anything go down, but his gut instinct was that Isaac wasn’t a bluff.

What was it Aliyah grumbled? Oh yeah, that ‘they at least have more than shit for brains if they realise taking you on is suicide’. Of course, then she added ‘but they ain’t got much more than a hollow skull, as those fuckers should have learned from us about provoking you by going after your family…’

Adelheid was quietly drinking more bottled beers, but she seemed tense, pensive somehow, and I knew she was thinking about her own time hiding in Berlin, being harassed by other Chosen and sought out by the government. In addition, Zachary and Bethany had come back with us. They were still clearly uncomfortable around Christina, but I felt it best to keep them with us, and after Healing Bethany’s scar, she was a bit less cagey.

“I’m just glad that your little fiancée and sister are both okay. They are, aren’t they?” Buck asked again. “They were both real dolls. Shaeula too. I can hardly picture them fighting.”

“Don’t let them fool you. The sister, she’s a funny one, but Shaeula’s mean as a snake, and Eri, she’s got a short fuse and a bad temper.” Aliyah grumbled. “The pretty ones are always the troublemakers.”

“Trying to imply you’re pretty, sis?” Trey teased, and she shrugged.

“Yeah.” I had received word from Eri that she’d won, and through Suzu-san’s help she’d captured another Chosen. That’s Eri. Turning disaster into opportunity. Fortunately, though the estate had suffered damage, our families, Tsukiko, Yu-mi and the others were safe in the panic room too. “Unless there’s a second wave, at least they’re good.” Though I can tell Eri’s worried about my sis and her mental state. And I think despite what she imagines, Eri’s struggling herself. She never could hide much from me, especially not now.

“That’s a relief.” Mrs Kelly agreed. “Buck speaks very fondly of them.”

“I’ll pass on your well-wishes. I just hope everyone else is all right. Even now, Shaeula’s fighting… no, Shaeula’s powerful, it’ll be fine.” Obviously my Territory still stood, or else my Favour would likely have been torn from me. Something would happen anyway, I’m not sure how mine differs to the standard…

“Yeah. Poor girl. She’s very popular here in the States, you know? Especially with us of Irish descent. We like our girls small, cute and feisty! And a temper is the Irish way!” Buck agreed.

“I still can’t believe they’d attack schools…” Bethany grumbled, but Christina leaned forwards, drunk again, making sure to show off her cleavage to me with a look that she likely thought was enticing, but was just comical.

“I know you don’t like to hear it, Bethany, but… it’s actually an interesting move.” Christina shook her head, ash blonde hair tumbling, as it had come free of her ponytail. “Firstly, a significant measure of Akio’s support comes from the Japanese nobility, and that is cemented both through arranged marriages with a number of daughters, as well as his training and support of others. I think these fanatics see him as a threat, but it sounds like one they don’t want to face head on. I mean, we got burned, and thanks to that I ended up his slave.” She chortled, and I rolled my eyes. Hardly.

Seeing I wasn’t biting, she looked disappointed and repeated herself. “His slave. Love slave, sex slave, whatever. Oh, he’s no fun. Honestly… just trying to take his mind off things. But basically, the move is quite brilliant. Ruthlessly callous…”

“How can you say that?” Bethany spat, and Christina shrugged.

“If I say it, you know its true then. But don’t worry.” She smiled at Bethany, and it was an oddly pure, excited one, though not the sloppy lewd grins she’d been giving me recently. “I have a plan for my research direction. And it’ll be me under the knife, so… I’ll know what it’s like.” She shuddered them. “No, I already know, Haru has a wicked gift indeed. But… that aside… shatter his support, prevent further support, and paralyse the rich and the powerful of Japan. Terrorism works, sadly, but only when the scale is grand enough that the majority fear they could be impacted at any time. And the powerful are even more protective of their interests than the average citizen. After all, a voter might make a fuss, but a billionaire lobbies, gaining far more influence than a single voter ever could. Worse…” Her blue eyes narrowed. “…the sheer audacity and awful grandeur of it will actually provoke admiration in some. Human beings are… very complicated. It would be so much easier if we ran on logic, like computers. And those who sympathise with their aims, well… a display of power will make them believe they are on the winning team. Or push them that way, so they aren’t on the losing one.”

“The world, it has gone mad.” Adelheid shrugged, not understanding much but from out gloomy expressions she grasped we were troubled deeply. “Still, it is hardly all bad news, is it? The shrine, it is safe, yes? Besides, lies have short legs. The truth will always come out.”

It was true. Shortly after we returned to the bar, our prisoner taken away, I got a call from Kana. It seemed she had defended her own school, as well as rushed to the shrine, and with the help of Ixitt, Grulgor and Luciana, had defeated the enemies there. The training school building was a bit of a wreck, and would need to be repaired, but since we’d all be away for Pilgrimage soon… a good result. It’s only money, that can be replaced. But… Kana was another like Eri who had gone beyond anything I could ever have expected of her. She claimed to be fine, but again, I could tell she wasn’t. All I could do was praise her, promise to spoil her when I returned, and worry about the fact that she said something was clearly odd in the Boundary, as they were locked out of it.

Our so-called Isaac here made it clear the Tree was a target. When I said his name to Buck and Mrs Kelly, she said that Isaac was the son of Abraham, who God tested by demanding he sacrifice his son. So he was just a sacrifice to warn me, huh? Setting him aside, Kana would be leading the Pilgrimage alongside Tsukiko and Yukiko-san, taking the leadership roles, supported by various other shrine maidens. She was blossoming nowadays into a fine woman and Chosen, and always worked hard, despite her grumbles about wanting an easy life. Yeah, I know there won’t be much time for relaxation, and I’ve already promised Shaeula her birthday will be time for us to do fun things together, but… I’ll have to make time for the others.

Shaeula, hmm. Thinking of her made me itch, and I suddenly stood.

“What’s up, my man?” Buck asked, and I shrugged.

“I just… get the urge to do something. Not that I can, but…” Pulling out my wallet, I dumped a pile of notes on the table. “…I want to get Shaeula an early birthday present. She’s fighting her hardest, so…”

Buck looked a bit surprised, but once I explained, he grinned.

“That’s mighty fine, and mighty romantic of you.” He slapped me on the back approvingly, and I tried not to see the envious look Christina was shooting me. Even Bethany seemed a little impressed, a slight smile on her face, until Zachary teased her, and she blew up at him.

“I’ll sell at cost, and chip in myself!” Buck grinned, and David too threw in some cash. Moments later, Buck strode out into the Fae-themed bar of Kelly’s Haven, the barmaids still serving drinks dressed in yukatas to the patrons, though they too snatched glances at the televisions in between serving. Then everyone froze as Buck muted the sound. All eyes turned to him, and he urged me forwards.

“Don’t worry, my boys and girls…” Buck declared grandiosely. “Your old pal Buck Kelly knows that the world is in a mess right now, and you all want to watch it unfold. But…” He slapped my shoulder heartily. “…this here is Akio, Hero of Britain, and fiancé of our dear doll Shaeula.” He nodded at the giant cutout of her with a smile. “And he has something to say. Something you should hear, and something you’ll love to hear.”

I cleared my throat, then began. “As Buck says, I’m Akio. Nice to meet you all. Now… I’m afraid that Shaeula is currently fighting for her life, and not just hers, but for the lives of many others, innocent and precious to her, to us. She will never let these bastard fanatics bar her way…” There was laughter at that. “…to protecting what she holds dear. Nor should any of you. In this world, we have to fight for what is precious, what is right. But… fuck, I wish I was there with her, with them all.” At my genuine anger and worry, the patrons seemed sympathetic, but I pulled myself together.

“Now, all I can do is… wish her well. And… I hope you can all do the same. So, to that end… the drinks are on me, so please, raise a toast to Shaeula, and all our comrades who still fight, offer a prayer for their safe return, if you believe in such, or if not… just hope very hard!” Britain stole from them, they say? Well, that’s fine. If they are going to weaponise belief… then we can too…

At the cheers, Buck spoke to the barmaids, and soon everyone was holding full glasses of booze, and not the cheap stuff either. “Lead us in a toast, man!” Buck insisted, and I did so.

“To Shaeula! To what is right, and … to victory!”

“To Shaeula, to victory!” Everyone clinked glasses and cheered, and I felt warm inside. They’re not doing it for the free drinks, though that never hurts. Shaeula’s won them over by her bravery and poise during the events in London. In fact… that’s what this is all about. Hearts and minds. They use the twin weapons, of fear, sorrow and terror, the threat of punishment, in one hand, alongside faith and rewards in the other. Well, we can match that. I know we can. Just… both our hands will be clean…

As everyone drank, even Zachary and Bethany, who had relaxed, Adelheid grinned. “This party is getting lively. The bear is certainly dancing here!” At my quizzical look, she shrugged, taking a gulp from her oversized bottle of imported lager. “It hardly matters. Now then…”

As we talked quietly, Buck and David were doing me the favour of filming the scene, making sure to get plenty of well wishes and praise for Shaeula. She likes that. She’s never been one for false modesty, she loves being praised. It was then I felt a strange sensation.

Kin Bonding? No, but… similar. Wait…

I could feel a strange tugging in my hand. My Eye shone, and I ignored Bethany’s grumble I just wanted to peek at women, and Christina slurring that she wouldn’t even wear the lab coat when we got back to the hotel. All my attention should be… Since I wasn’t in the Boundary right now, I had a lot of Split Thoughts available, and they churned. I could almost see it, the so-called zeroth tail, and my Spirit Water was being drawn out of me, sinking into the bond and vanishing. Foehn too. It was stirring restlessly, boiling and blazing, and tongues of it left my lunar Chakra and vanished.

Mae… you’re… It wasn’t like Lovers’ Link, no, the hold I had on her was less of emotion and more forceful control. I hadn’t intended it, no more than I had intended Hana, the Kitsune, not Eri’s mother, of course, to be so bound. Instead, she had orchestrated it, to make me help her, believe her, though she was hardly aware of the consequences.

She’s fighting. Hard. I worried. Yes, I had Shapercrafted Mae, reinforcing her ravaged body, almost like a scaffold that she could integrate into herself to heal, but her power was simply too great to sustain. Yes, she could use a significant portion of it now, and was likely on a par with me, but if she pushed herself further, she would surely collapse. She’s been drained and hollowed out over millennia within the Sessho-Seki, it’s unreasonable to expect me to be able to fix her, for her to recover in such a short time, but…

It was possible she could push herself to her limit, blazing like a spark before it faded, and I worried she was doing just that. Checking the details of her again, now that I understood more about the concepts of Truesoul and soullight, I was slightly surprised.

[Truesoul-Bound Artefact] – Due to the manipulation of Flesh, Spirit and Truesoul, as well as the significant quantity of your Aether, Adherence and Soullight invested in Tamamo-no-Mae, further heightened by the existing bond that connected you, her Truesoul has become bound to her Shapercrafted nature, with unpredictable results. Efforts to manipulate and change the Truesoul of a being is the province of those of great League, who understand and can manipulate the true permanence of themselves and others. It is not to be undertaken lightly, as a collapsed truesoul is ????????? ???????????.

In addition, there has been some cross-mingling of Truesoul, Adherence, Elemental energies, Qi and Aether through the existing bond, so the Truesoul-Bound Artefact can only display its greatest power when the Truesouls of both parties are in accord. It further strengthens bonds and bond-like abilities. Soullight can be infused into this Artefact to promulgate healing and restoration, but only Soullight of a matching wavelength can be used, for the Truesoul is inviolate and rejects outside interference in all ordinary circumstances. The overlaying Spirit can also be fortified by related Adherence and Aether. There is a consequence of this though, as entanglement and connectivity shall ???????? and the Soullight ?????????? ????????? ?????????.

That’s… a lot to take in. But it explains why Mae is drawing on my elements. But I don’t care. She’s fighting, and she didn’t have to. She says she has little sense of gratitude, but… maybe she’s changed, or underestimates herself? Now it wasn’t just my bond with Tamamo-no-Mae that was quivering, but Kin Bonding was also shifting, tangling up with the invisible tails I held in my clutches.

I felt connected then. To Shaeula, to Mae, to Shinkume-no-Hana, to everyone who had ties to me, and amber letters burned across my vision suddenly, surprising me. Adelheid raised an eyebrow quizzically at me, but oddly, and rather annoyingly, enough, it was Christina who noticed.

“I see. That is the reaction you make when you learn something new, yes? Your eye glows, and you make a puzzled expression.” She leaned in close, and this time her breasts were hitting my arm not through clumsy flirting, but because she was simply eager to know more. “Go on, share! It’s fascinating!”

“How did you know?” I asked, and she grinned, winking playfully, her face flushed from the alcohol.

“I’m always watching you. You fascinate me. I’ve told you that, yes? So… don’t keep a woman in suspense. Being a tease is mean… although, I don’t hate it, when you’re cold to me, I feel shivery deep inside…”

Setting her behaviour aside, I watched the letters with a dose of surprise.

Your Skill, Kin Bonding And Restoration, has advanced from Rank 7 to Rank 8, as you grasp at bonds not merely of the Material, the Spiritual, but also of the Truesoul.

Ordinarily, such bonds are of the Spirit, as restoration of the Spirit, while challenging, is possible, while the Truesoul shall remain inviolate and pure. However ??%$%% ????$%£%^ ????%^&%$% ??????$^^$ ????$$^$£”%& >>>>??????%$£%£.

The pressure on your Truesoul by the deep bonds you share shall increase as the greater depth and number of bonds accumulates. The pressure shall ???????? ???????? ???????? if can resist then %&^$%$%^&^& ^&^&&^&&^&^& ^*^&^&^&^&^&^& true League, and &^$&^%^%^%^%% %$*%£$&*$%* generate Soullight in increased quantities.

However ??????? ??????? ???????? ????????.

Lovers’ Link subsumed within Kin Bonding And Restoration is strengthened. Aether, Elemental energies, Adherence and Soullight are now generated by all parties at an increased rate based on the ??????? ??????? ???????? ???????? and this effect increases as the bonds of Lovers’ Link strengthen.

[Class: Legendary] [Type: Fate]

Uh, those aren’t all the normal question marks. It’s… a mess. Is that… some sort of blockage? I remember when Tan used to say what I presume was either ‘Truesoul’ or ‘soullight’ on occasion, and I just heard it as static. Almost as if some Law or perhaps an adherence of some sort prevented understanding. Just reading the oddly distorted parts gave me a headache, and buzzing noises ran through my head when I did so. Setting that aside, what I could read was intense enough.

It had jumped two Types, up to Fate, which was only matched by The Future Reflected By The Moon. I did idly wonder why it was so, when Soullight Manipulation was only a Law Type, but… again, I guess I can try asking Tan. She might not be able to tell me though.

I had been lost in thought for several minutes. I then felt a surge of bitter, weary amusement, and a horrible scraping feeling, a pain that wasn’t my own. It was quite terrifying, and made me shiver, an existential dread running through me, before it faded, and I could almost hear a dry chuckle from Mae.

“Are you listening to me?” Christina was pouting. “I want to know! I need to know! Tell me!” She was clutching my arm tight to her chest and shaking it, which admittedly was a pleasant sensation, even if the woman doing it was lacking in charm.

“No way.” I denied her. “There’s too many people around and things I probably shouldn’t discuss casually.”

That just made her more curious. “Then you’ll tell me back at the hotel?”

“I don’t think so.” I disagreed.

“But… it could be fundamental to my research! No, I get the feeling it is!” she wheedled.

“I don’t care.” I disagreed. “Some matters are too sensitive. Besides, your research… I don’t know how… sane it’ll be.”

“Amen to that!” Zachary nodded. “She’s crazy!”

“I’m driven!” Christina disagreed, and as she pouted, and we continued our argument that Buck categorised as a lover’s quarrel, much to my annoyance, my phone rang. Quickly, I picked it up, to find in relief it was Daiyu.

“Thank the Gods you’re all right. How about everyone else?” I asked quickly. There was a pause, before Daiyu started filling me in. It seemed that the battle for our Territory had concluded. Shaeula, Daiyu, Asha and Violet were all safe, and while there had been casualties amongst the Fae defenders, many of them were within Kin Bonding, and I could certainly feel a great deal of spirit-lights through Shaeula. Though that’s not all I feel. I wouldn’t be surprised if her Kin Bonding And Restoration has changed too.

Mae… she had fought against a Cardinal, it seemed, similar to Mary Stuart, and protected Asha, her Tree and my Territory to her last dregs of strength, pushing herself far too hard, as I had feared she would. Asha had grabbed the phone and tearfully praised her then, and I could hear a weary laugh in the background, and an ironic, self-mocking protest that she had allowed a number of my Buildings to be destroyed by the shockwaves of battle.

“She… her tails…” Asha sounded grief-stricken and mournful. “They all vanished, torn apart. All to protect us…”

So that was the pained sensation I felt. Just like Shinkume-no-Hana and her tails. But… The tails weren’t just part of a Kitsune’s Chakra network, no, there was certainly a more fundamental element there, likely Truesoul related. Maybe with more Shapercrafting and Soullight Crafting I can do something?

“How is she now?” I asked, and after a brief series of quiet noises, I heard a hesitant voice.

“This device is puzzling. You are further away than the lands of the followers of that aggravating corpse. Across the great seas, yes?”

Corpse? Never mind that. “Yes, I’m very far away, Mae. How… how are you doing?”

“Not… so well. I am rather wretched right now. Even my foolish granddaughter chooses to bully me, now she has more tails than I. But… I have passed through the worst that could befall me, and yet here I am. She will regret, when I am whole again.”

“Don’t worry. I think she’s just trying to make you feel better. Or… maybe work off some frustration? After all, you’ve been a big shadow cast over her life a long time, Mae. So… what of Hanafubuki?”

Daiyu took the phone back. “It seems that Hanafubuki was hit hard. Motoko and Natsumi acquitted themselves most excellently, killing a Chosen of the Gods with the swords you forged for them, as well as their own determination and the training I provided. They are truly worthy of being disciples of the Incorruptible Jade. Unfortunately, there are many injured, some grievously, and a number of dead, though the toll was slight, considering. When a fox is loose amongst chickens, one cannot expect mercy. Fortunately the two of them beheaded the foxes, and apparently several other trainees comported themselves nobly, despite taking injuries.”

More deaths. Shit. But… at least Motoko and Natsumi live. And they killed a Chosen? I really must praise their efforts, although… this mess is going to cause chaos in Japan. Their sons and daughters are everything to the nobility…

“News from the Tengokusentou… all are safe, and the enemies defeated.” Daiyu continued. “Though there have been some… troubling… revelations. On your return, you will have much to discuss.”

“Just so long as everyone’s all right.” I breathed, relieved, only for Daiyu to pause. That’s… ominous.

“Not… everything went as planned.” Daiyu admitted. “In Kyoto… it seemed that with aid from Hyacinth and Arisu, the battle was won, only for Yasaka to fall into a coma, his Territory destroyed.”

What? I was shocked, as the plan was to dismantle Territories in emergencies, and since few had anywhere near the resources invested that I did, we could afford the rebuilding costs. As I reiterated that, I heard Daiyu sigh. “Indeed. Here in Tokyo that happened, and all are safe. But… apparently as his shrine is far from the city, he disregarded that. And paid the price.”

Fucking hell. Yasaka-san was vital to us. Worse… I wasn’t sure if the Church of True Revelation was able to use it themselves or transplant it like I could. If so… that’s a terrible disadvantage for us.

“That is not all…” Daiyu interrupted my thoughts. “Attacks in the Material Kyoto happened as we were repelling the enemy. Those at Kinkaku-ji survived, though Gin was injured, just when it seemed victory was ours. But several key shrines were devastated, and tourists were killed, along with two Chosen. It seems…”

“Uchida Ren, right?” I guessed, having seen news of the bombings, but it sounded worse than I had imagined. Two more dead. Such a damnable waste.

“Yes. He and the disaffected members of the former Susanoo were responsible. Ren had fled the city, but we caught several others of his faction thanks to aid from the military.”

Scratching my head to ward off the sudden migraine that was forming, I exchanged a few more words, then promised I would return to Japan as soon as possible, after my business was done. Hanging up, everyone was looking at me sympathetically, and I forced a smile. “It could have been worse. At least the casualties were… slight.” Thinking about the fact our families and all my fiancées had survived made me feel guilty about the other victims, but… be grateful for small mercies. This could have been a disaster, but for our careful preparations and everyone’s strengths and resolve.

“Anyway, sadly, I’m stuck here. So there’s nothing I can do except provide moral support.” We can only hope these losses will set the Church back significantly. A Cardinal certainly can’t be replaced easily. But… Isaac seemed so confident that it wouldn’t be a waste of resources for them…

Hoisting my glass, I shrugged “In that case, the next round’s on me too. After all, our crowd here was cheering for Shaeula, so we should tell them the good news.”

As everyone agreed, Christina giggling that she wouldn’t mind if I made a drunken pass at her, I batted her off, glancing down at my phone. This is going to be one horrific mess to untangle. Christina is right, there’s method to their madness, even if it seems rather impulsive. But… what is it we’re not seeing? They’ve been planning for this longer than we can imagine, so…

Gulping down a mouthful of whiskey, I exchanged a last glance with Aliyah and Trey, who had listened quietly but were clearly thinking the same. As they hoisted their own glasses, I set that aside. Tomorrow, I have to meet the President of the United States of America, and then I can reclaim Egil Andersen’s body, and meet the other Japanese and Norse Chosen… when that’s done… screw it, I’ll see if I can hitch a ride on a damn fighter jet if I have to… I need to get home to those who need me…

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