On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“So, this art is guaranteed to appreciate in value, you say-say?” Shaeula said, licking her lips with her small tongue, looking as if she was greedily considering the money she could make. “Art is of course a passion of mine, a respectable pursuit for a fine female such-such as I.”

“Yes, you do seem a very refined young lady.” The girl sitting in front of Shaeula and Ichika said, laughing happily, running a hand through her dark brown hair which was streaked with pinkish-blonde highlights. Before, Ichika had rather enjoyed the laughter of her one-time friend, but now all it did was set her teeth on edge, her eyes threatening to spill more tears. No, I can’t. I have to do this or it all goes to waste!

She had sent the message to one of the girls that had scammed her, one who she had thought was her friend. It was exciting, being away from home the first time, going to university, making friends, meeting new and exciting people. The girl who had betrayed her was Kaya-chan, one of the first friends she had made, who saw her drinking alone one day and struck up a conversation. She was so bright, so fashionable, a real big-city girl, and Ichika had been swept up into her pace, meeting other similar girls outside of university too, partying and having fun. Of course now I think she probably picked me out because I was stupid and vulnerable. There have been others too, I know that.

The message had said, in very careful language, the scary-looking Detective advising her on what to say so she wouldn’t be incriminated in any further investigation, that she had another friend who had money and was gullible, and she was willing to let her get sucked in, if Kaya-chan would help her write off her debts. Even though it was a lie, she had felt sick typing it. What happens if Shaeula gets pulled into this too, ends up where I am, or worse? I hate this…

“Yeah, you sure are a cutie.” Kaya-chan was saying, buttering Shaeula up. Before, she would never have noticed, but now she watched from the outside she could see all the tricks, the careful way Kaya-chan was presenting her body language, every gesture designed to entice. “That Yukata looks really expensive. And you don’t see many old-fashioned girls like you nowadays. That hair too.” Kaya-chan reached out and stroked it. “Love the colour girl, you have a really great fashion sense. Are those contacts too?”

Shaeula trembled as her hair was touched, and Ichika swallowed nervously. She’s mad, I think. I can see her hands on her lap, clutching at the hem of her yukata. I don’t… I don’t understand. The first time she had been saved from the thugs by Oshiro-san she had run off, leaving her purse behind. Then Watanabe-san had returned her purse and she had been surprised, but even so, she wasn’t ready to trust a man, not with the threats she was receiving. Ugh, even thinking about it makes me want to curl up into a ball and hide. How could I have been such a fool? My parents warned me to be careful, but I thought they were just being overprotective and I knew better. How wrong I was.

“I assure you I am entirely as nature intended.” Shaeula sniffed. “Now enough-enough about me. Ichika here advised me that investments in your art would prove most profitable. I am not-not averse to securing further money. Living my life is seldom cheap.”

“Of course. I get you. Still, let a girl praise you, seriously! That hair is totally gorgeous, I wish I could get mine that colour!” Kaya-chan continued to butter her up.

The second time she had been accosted by the same thugs, she was almost ready to just give up. If I’m so unlucky, I might as well give in and surrender. I remember thinking that. Still, once more she had been saved. By the same man again. It seemed impossible. In fact, she had thought it was probably another set-up, another trick to ensnare her, and she had never warmed to Oshiro-san. It wasn’t like in a story, where she was grateful to be rescued. In fact, she almost resented it, and him. Does that make me selfish, I wonder? Or am I just a bad person? Still, this time he had a woman with him, a beautiful girl who was inquisitive and kind. For some reason Ichika ended up asking for her number, and after that they became friends.

“So, you see this?” Kaya-chan said, and Ichika tensed, realising she had pulled out the glossy brochure that she had been shown before, full of beautiful-looking but worthless trash, along with fake testimonials and lies. She adjusted the scarf she was wearing nervously, the hidden microphone and camera within, and luckily Kaya-chan was too busy spinning her lies to notice. “I recommend this one, at only a million yen, you should be able to sell it for two or three times that, this time next year.”

“A million, you say? That is quite the sum-sum. I would have to forgo my winter yukata…” Shaeula mused.

“Well, it sounds like you have a bit more spare cash than I thought. In that case it’d be a shame not to make bigger returns…”

A million yen? Hah, she started me off on fifty-thousand yen pieces. I almost feel insulted. Of course, then she talked me into borrowing money to go for larger profits. I should have realised then. I’m such a fool. But when I took the loaned money, my fate was sealed…

“I see. That is quite the sum. I’d have to cut back on expensive whiskey for a while if I was to buy that. But it does-does sound a good deal.” Shaeula acted, tilting her head cutely to one side as she pretended to consider the lies Kaya-chan was peddling.

To think that after our chance meeting, Shaeula never stopped contacting me. She genuinely seemed to consider me a friend, which made no sense to me. We had barely even met! But she would send me endless pictures of her and Oshiro-san, looking so happy. Then she went on holiday to Las Vegas, and I got more and more pictures of her luxury trip. How I envied her then. Still, it was a welcome distraction from my own situation. Ichika had been borrowing money from the few friends she had who weren’t involved in the scam, but quickly that well ran dry. There was only so much she could take while giving nothing back, after all, and some other girls she knew had fallen victim too, and were likewise scrambling for money, before they disappeared, likely… no, I don’t want to think about it! Poor girls…

“Well, I see.” Shaeula said, and Ichika thought she saw green light fill the room, though when she blinked it was gone, though her clothes were rustling gently, as though they were in a breeze. I must be imagining it. Just like with the thugs that time. “This seems too-too good to keep to myself. I know some other females who would likely be interested in easy money. Do you have any other friends who could-could handle their needs?”

“I sure do! There’s Ema, Satsuki…” as she began to rattle off the names, Ichika was shocked. I know she is only giving first names, but even so… As Shaeula pressed her, gently picking up the brochure from the table in her hands that were wearing delicate lace gloves to prevent her leaving any fingerprints, Ichika marvelled at her manipulation. Maybe the money on offer has made Kaya-chan too greedy?

In the end the art was worthless, and the interest on the loans she had taken from the lender Kaya-chan found her was far higher than stated, or legal. She had tried to complain, but then the threats started, multiple big, angry men telling her to pay up or else. It was then Kaya-chan had pointed out ways pretty girls like her could earn plenty of easy money, and all it would cost her was… everything. My body, my dignity, my hope. Still, what else could I do? They threatened my family! Even so, I refused to give in, searching for a way out, desperately. That was when I remembered Shaeula and how rich Oshiro-san seemed to be…

She had tried to deny she was having problems, as Shaeula was only a casual friend, but in the end she had no-one else to turn to. To think that she would not only open her purse on the spot and empty it out for her, giving her a fistful of bills, but she would even talk Oshiro-san into giving her more, and even promise to help her deal with this mess once and for all. I feel so awful. To think she thought of me so warmly. And that Oshiro-san would help me despite the fact I clearly never trusted him, even though he saved me twice. It made me feel even worse. But I couldn’t give up the hope.

“I’m just going to call Satsuki, she’ll be perfect for your friends.” Kaya-chan said, stepping out back and shutting the door behind her, but it didn’t close, and Shaeula rolled a small microphone in gently, it somehow making no sound.

“It will be all-all right.” Shaeula promised. “We have the proof your art was sold on lies now.” she flourished the brochure. “This Kaya girl shall not-not get this back. Now we just need to snare her friends. It sounds like there are four-four more females involved.”

“Yeah, I’ve met Satsuki and another one before.” Ichika nodded. “Even so… it’s the moneylenders that worry me. They… they make bad threats. And I believe they could do it.” She swallowed, feeling sick.

Before Shaeula could answer, Kaya-chan came back. “Great news. Satsuki is free right now. Are your friends?”

“Of course. Rich young females like us are always free-free.” Once more the green glow flashed, and this time Ichika knew she could feel a breeze, her hair was fluttering. “But one-one will not be enough. You should call the others too. I have summoned my friends, but they are proud females, they will expect one-to-one service!”

“Makes sense. I’ll get them to tip me for the referrals anyway!” Kaya-chan said, her eyes a touch vacant. “Just going to make another few quick calls.” And she popped back out again to the back room.

“Just how are you doing this?” She hissed, and Shaeula shrugged, grinning.

“The power-power of friendship. I believe that is a thing here in your land, no?”

“Only in make-believe!” She shot back. Why am I complaining? I don’t get it.

“Well in the world Akio and I see, all-all evil shall be banished, and all my friends will be happy!” She declared boldly, and Ichika felt she meant it.

“That would be nice, but it isn’t possible. The world is full of bad people.”

“For now. To be around Akio is to know joy-joy. For me, he has done the impossible. Eri too. Hinata as well will be happy in his arms. I understand you do not-not think I am wise, allowing Akio other females. Eri was the same. But your thinking is shallow. What matters, but love-love and friendship? If we are all happy, I care not-not what anyone else thinks. I shall introduce you to Eri and Hinata. You will like them, I am sure-sure.”

Ichika bit her lip, tears starting once more, but she angrily dashed them aside. “How can you say that? I’m not a good friend. Not at all…”

“Nonsense. Now dry your tears.” Shaeula patted her head, surprising her. At her look Shaeula grinned.

“I always feel better when Akio does this-this for me. Now the past is dead. If you feel you have not-not been a good friend to me, then start again and do better. But for now, do not-not cry and allow me to catch these vile females who betrayed you. Then Akio shall protect you from the males who seek to harm you.”

“All done.” Kaya-chan said, coming back. “They’ll be here soon. Is there something wrong? You look tense, Ichika dear.”

Damn, I can’t waste this work Shaeula has done for me. “I’m fine. Just tense, I was hoping you hadn’t forgotten…”

“Oh, what I promised? Of course not, Ichika dear. I’ll speak to them for you.”

“What is this-this?” Shaeula asked, playing along, and Kaya-chan waved it off.

“Nothing you need to worry about, Shaeula dear. Now, my friends will be here any minute. Why don’t we have some tea while we wait? Or maybe something stronger?” She grinned wickedly and Ichika managed to stammer a reply. I hate you! How can you smile like that when you betrayed me and so many others? Well, I hope you get what is coming to you!

********

“So, if I invest five million, I’ll see twenty million back next year?” Officer Usui was saying. She had changed out of her suit into a hastily purchased dress that was rather expensive, and was playing the part of one of Shaeula’s rich and stupid friends, as she looked over the catalogue Satsuki-chan had placed in front of her.

“Of course babe, us girls have to stick together, so I can’t keep this to myself!” the tanned blonde-haired friend of Kaya-chan’s was saying, lying through her teeth. It was all so easy to spot with a critical eye. Meanwhile Shaeula had somehow tricked Kaya-chan into popping out for a supply run, and was now playing the part of a different girl with Ema-san. Worse, this was the second new girl she had fooled, and Officer Usui had also dealt with a previous girl too. And the moment those girls had left… she looked down at her phone, eyes going wide in wonder. That’s three down. We have them in custody. Just the last two remain. That was what the message from Oshiro-san read. It seemed impossible, but somehow Shaeula had continually fooled them, and the girls who seemed so clever when they exploited her were acting like idiots, believing everything Shaeula said. Still, none of the girls met Shaeula at the same time, so it’s barely plausible…

“So I want to be clear. There’s no chance this goes wrong?” Officer Usui said, looking coquettish, which didn’t suit her. “If I spend my trust fund money on this and I lose it, I’d have to go crying to daddy for more, and that’s such a drag. You get it, right girl?”

Oh my god, seeing a police officer act like that is hilarious. Ichika stifled a laugh as Satsuki-chan fell for her trap. “Yeah that sounds hard.” Satsuki-chan lied. “I wouldn’t do that to you girl. Yeah, no question, this stuff is guaranteed to go up in value. Twenty million is lowball, dear. You might well see more! Just sign up and you won’t regret it, I guarantee it.”

“I got it. Pass me the contract.” Officer Usui said, and as Satsuki-chan passed it over she seemed surprised to see herself handcuffed.

“Uh, what’s up, babe?” she said, shocked.

“You are under arrest for fraud, coercion, facilitating illegal loansharking, aiding and abetting forced prostitution and more. I advise you to think very carefully about what you say next.”

“Wait, what? No way, the prostitution is Kaya’s business… oh shit!” Satsuki realised what she had said, the shock forcing it out of her, and immediately clammed up.

“I see. Well we already have her, so we’ll find out in due course. If you really aren’t involved, I think you might want to start spilling your guts before one of your friends does.” The door opened and Detective Kato strode in, going to the back room where Shaeula was, dragging out the other girl. When Satsuki-chan saw that she went pale.

“After all…” she finished. “… we have the other three girls, and very shortly we’ll be dealing with these loan-sharks and pimps. There’s only room for the smartest to confess and lessen their sentence.”

“Uh…” Satsuki-chan said, meeting her friends’ desperate eyes as she was hauled off, Shaeula chuckling behind her viciously. “I can get a lawyer first, right? I know my rights.”

“Feel free. I encourage it, babe.” Officer Usui said, while Shaeula retrieved the cameras and microphones that were scattered about the place. “Just be swift, as that other girl looked like she’s a squealer.”

As Officer Usui hauled off the suddenly very thoughtful Satsuki-chan, Ichika slumped down in her seat, the tension leaving her. That’s over. Thank the gods. Shaeula strode over to her, patting her head once more.

“You’ve done well, Ichika. They shall not-not betray others like they did you. I despise those who break faith. Now for-for the most important part. This will be hard for you, I know-know. But Akio is with you, so even should the armies of darkness be arrayed against you, you should fear nothing.”

Armies of darkness? Such a strange, yet somehow very Shaeula phrase. I wish I had as much faith in him as she does, but they did pull this off so far, so… I’m committed now. I either accept this or give in to their demands. With trembling hands she dialled a number on her mobile, and when the person on the other end picked up she spoke tremulously.

“Oh, Matsuhide-sama, it’s Konoe Ichika. Yes, yes. I know, I’m calling about the money. Can we meet? I need to talk about that…”

********

“It’ll be all right. Deep breaths.” Oshiro-san said beside her. Looking at him, as calm as could be, she felt a little braver. Shaeula believes in him. And he did beat up those thugs before. But they were just street-toughs, not… not these men.

The door opened, and the two burly men that were flanking them showed Ichika and Oshiro-san inside. The door closed behind them and they took their position on either side of the door, a clear threat. The office was small, and most of it was occupied by an expensive-looking wooden desk, behind which sat Matsuhide-sama, the man she had borrowed money from at the behest of Kaya-chan. And the one that says I can pay him back if only I’d work for him… as a prostitute.

He was a big man, six feet fall, and his sharp suit bulged with his muscles. An ornate heavy paperweight sat on his desk, and beside it was a matching letter-opener, which looked like a dagger, and was probably used as one, if he was upset. I don’t feel well, I don’t think I can do this… she glanced at Oshiro-san, but he merely smiled reassuringly.

“So, Konoe-chan, you said you wanted to talk to me? Strange that, as I wanted to talk to you. What you owe us is a very large sum. And not paying us back, well, you can see how that puts us in a tough spot. I have business partners who are asking me where the money is. I can’t put them off forever. You can either pay me, or we can start asking your family to take responsibility. Or you can work it off.”

Ichika started to tremble at his intensely threatening stare. Once more resisting the urge to throw up, she took a deep breath. It was then Oshiro-san spoke.

“That sounds awfully like a threat to me.” He said mildly. “Surely a big strong guy like you shouldn’t scare a lady?”

“A threat? Hardly.” Matsuhide-sama grated. “And who are you? She said she was bringing someone who wanted to talk to us about her debt. I hope you have money, punk. I’m a busy man.”

“As it happens I do have money. Plenty of it.” He laughed, not showing any sign of nerves at the intimidation that was being thrown at him. “So I’ve come to discuss payment. But I’d need to see the loan agreement.”

“Oh, is my word not good enough?” he replied, menacingly.

“Sorry but no, it isn’t. Every official loan has to have a loan agreement or it’s illegal. I also have some qualms about the interest rate you are charging. I believe it’s bordering on usury.”

“Such slander. You’ve really brought an idiot here.” Matsuhide-sama snarled. “I’ll have you know it wasn’t as if we forced Konoe-chan here to take our money. She came to us!”

“Do I look like I’m disputing that? All I’m saying is, I am here to pay, but I want to confirm everything is above-board, and legal.”

“Brat, do you know who you are dealing with?” one of the other men said, incensed. “You don’t disrespect Matsuhide-sama!”

This is bad, the situation is turning scary! Still, even as she was terrified, Oshiro-san seemed totally calm and collected, unmoved by their threats yet again.

“I fail to see how asking to see the loan agreement before paying it off is disrespect. If anything, this refusal is making me suspicious my friend Konoe-san here is being cheated.”

“Enough.” Matsuhide-sama raised his hand. “I’ll level with you. We do deal with… exceptional requests. Those who would not get loans in a more traditional way. Konoe-chan is one of those. So our rates are slightly above a lawful rate. I hate the term illegal. I would say we are changing market rate for her circumstances. Unfortunately she wasn’t able to pay us back, so when you add on penalties, collection fees, consultation charges… well, it all mounts up.”

“I’m sure it does. But should you be confessing to criminal behaviour?” Oshiro-san said. “That seems foolish.”

“Hardly. After all, you wouldn’t be stupid enough to think you can go to the police? I’d feel very sorry for Konoe-chan here if that happened. We may not look it, but our business partners are very connected. No, Konoe-chan pays what she owes, or she works off her debt. I hear the working conditions in soaplands and hostess bars are pretty good nowadays, a young pretty girl like her should be able to clear her debts quickly if she tries hard.”

“Connected huh?” Oshiro-san said as Ichika felt cold, clammy fingers of dread down her spine as the harsh reality of her mistakes was put upon her again. “You mean like yakuza? That sort of connected?”

“Let’s just say our good brothers would not like to see us disrespected.” Matsuhide-sama said, and the two guards laughed crudely. “So, did you bring the money? If you’ve wasted my time that’ll get expensive.”

“Let me make a phone call.” Oshiro-san said, as cool as if he was doing business with a shop assistant in a supermarket. He pressed a button as Matsuhide-sama watched on with amazement. He had it on speakerphone, so the ringtone was shockingly loud in the sudden silence. After two rings, someone picked up, a cheerful if nervous voice ringing out.

“Akio-san, to what do I owe the pleasure? Nothing… bad, I hope?”

“Nothing you’ve done anyway, so relax.” Oshiro-san laughed brightly. “I just had a problem and I thought of you, Sato-san. Now, I know you are totally above-board and not involved in any criminal activity, but I also know you have a keen ear to the ground, as it were.”

“Yes, I am totally not involved in yakuza business. That was all Kondou-san.” The accountant declared. “I’m glad you understand that. So… it can’t be the Matsubato-kai again, surely? While I have nothing to do with them, of course, an acquaintance of mine did say your message was received.”

As Ichika stood there, open-mouthed, the rest of the room was silent. “No, probably not. I wonder, you are in accountancy, so have you heard of the Matsuhide firm? It’s in…” he rattled off the address, and Sato-san answered quickly.

“Oh, them? Yeah, they aren’t yakuza, technically, but I hear they are connected with a family under the Inagawata-kai, a front for money laundering and loansharking. They have an unsavoury reputation in securing young ladies in dire straits too. I hear Kondou-san availed himself of some of their ventures. They aren’t nice people, I hope you aren’t messing with them, Akio-san.”

“That’s a lie, a slander!” Matsuhide-sama shouted, his voice hurting her ears, and Ichika bowed her head, unable to keep up with the situation.

“What was that, who…” Sato-san began, before Akio spoke, hanging up. “Don’t worry about it. You’ve been a big help. Bye.”

“My patience has ended. Merely money won’t calm my anger.” Matsuhide-sama said, standing, slipping a brass knuckleduster out of his drawer. His men also drew weapons, knives and batons, and the door opened, four more men coming in. “Konoe-chan, you made a mistake bringing this fool here. Starting tonight you’ll be working in a hostess club. No complaints. They are high rollers, so please them, or else.” As she slumped to the floor, her legs giving way, she noticed Oshiro-san still looked calm and in control.

“As for you, I’ll take your money and after I’ve battered you enough to soothe my rage I’m going to take you to a club. You’ll love it. Drugs, young women, we’ll photograph it all. You’ll be my cash cow as long as you play it smart. But if not I’ll ruin you. Or your family will pay the price. Like I said, I’m connected.”

Ichika shuddered, and not from fear. Not fear of Matsuhide-sama, anyway. The moment he mentioned family, Oshiro-san froze, his gaze blazing with anger.

“Counter-offer.” He said, deathly calm. “You give me your loan-book, detailing your illegal transactions, as well as which women you’ve sold to those bastards. I might consider forgiving you for your threats then. If you show sincerity.”

“This guy is an idiot.” Matsuhide-sama said, rolling his eyes. “Don’t go easy on him, boys.”

“Stay out of the way.” Oshiro-san told her, and she crawled away, but made sure her hidden cameras were still recording. “So, you are attacking first. I have no exit, and a vulnerable victim to protect. I fear I must defend myself.” He said in monotone, loudly.

As Ichika crawled to the corner, she started sobbing. This wasn’t part of the plan! Where the hell is that Detective? Surely we have enough evidence now!