On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“It’s been a long time.” Arisu snorted at the words of the middle-aged man in front of her. He was hiding his slightly balding head with a director-style cap, and he was running to fat a little. Even so, his voice was as bold and forward as ever. Resisting the urge to curl her lip into a sneer, she continued to listen, her dark eyes fixed on him giving off an ominous presence, which the man seemed to feel, as he paused for a moment, smile slipping, before he plastered it back on, and spoke again.

“I’d ask if you were keeping well, Arisu-chan, but… you must be very happy right now. Vindication is the sweetest thing, right?”

Vindication? You think that is all I desire? Fool man. You haven’t changed much inside, even if you are getting old now. “Get to the point, Miyauchi-san. I am a very busy woman, though you might not think so.”

“So cold.” The man laughed. “You should call me Masaki like you used to, Arisu-chan. After all, didn’t FujiTV stand alone in supporting you when the scandal hit?”

A muscle twitched in her cheek, the only sign that Arisu was in an extremely bad mood, her practised and once-legendary acting ability keeping her expression composed. Resisting the urge to strangle the man in front of her, or to open her Room and slice him in half, she instead contented herself by reaching out and grabbing the hot coffee in front of her, taking a sip. He does remember how I like it, even after several years. Much as I despise the man, Miyauchi is no fool. Yet I can not allow this to pass unquestioned. I am done appeasing fools. “Supporting me?” she tilted her head, placing one hand on her cheek, elegant fingers spread out, her nails, varnished in black, neatly trimmed, giving her a melancholy, grim look. Just like one of my past roles… “I think we must remember things differently, Miyauchi-san.” Emphasising his name in such a way showed her displeasure and the distance between them now. “Yes, I will concede that your coverage at FujiTV stopped short of calling me guilty, like all the other channels, but you hardly called me innocent either. The tone of your coverage was rather… salacious.”

He waved one hand desperately, and sweat was running down his brow from under his cap as he quivered under her gaze, somehow feeling it was more intense and dangerous than even her acting roles as a villainess in a live-action adaptation of a famous book. “You were a rising star, the rising star, Arisu-chan. You were even set to break into Hollywood, with your stunning cold looks, excellent intelligence and flawless English it was just a matter of time. Whole generations of men, young and old alike, had you as their dream woman…”

“I am not here to rehash the past. I know all this. Enough old Directors managed to entice others for favours to get a role or some support, but I will never sell myself, nor compromise on my ideals. I am a woman who keeps her word, who believes… believed…” she corrected, even her flawless acting not able to keep a trace of bitterness and malice out of her tone. “…in loyalty.” That is one reason White and Red appealed to me. They knew distrust, and prepared ways to enforce honesty and loyalty. The contracts. It is the reason I joined up with Red. Only to discover White lurking there as well, someone who shared the same distrust and bitterness as I did. Though she was betrayed by the world itself, her weak body, not by others… except for her parents. No, we are indeed very much alike. Or we were…

“Look, the facts were damning. As damning as those hitting Ryusei-kun right now. Oh, and also Mei-chan.” He narrowed his eyes searchingly as Arisu took another sip of her coffee. “We also reported on their scandal fairly. We don’t play favourites here at FujiTV.” He said piously. “But… once more the others are like wolves around bleeding, desperate prey. You were a star, Arisu-chan, and the brighter you shine, the more people love it when you fall. In the case of Ryusei-kun, it’s even more pleasing to the average person.” He snorted, taking a sip of his own coffee, and Arisu could smell the alcohol in it with her keen senses. “Now you can star in the other thing that the desperate, average masses want to give their lives some meaning. They love a bright star going dark, but a dark star bursting into flame, brighter than ever, a story of triumph over impossible odds… the first, the fall, satisfies the dark urges within people, the second, a rebirth, that gives the people hope, an escape from the bleakness of their daily drudgery.” he finished, satisfied.

“So, it is all the fault of the people, not those who control the narrative?” Arisu said, and her tone, though mild, sent chills through Miyauchi.

“No, not at all. All I’m saying is, we at FujiTV are more reasonable, we didn’t condemn you, Arisu-chan. We presented the facts fairly, just as we have with those who wronged you. Though…” he lowered his tone conspiratorially. “…it seems rather fishy, how perfectly everything lined up. There are some, not me, of course, who are claiming it is all a set-up. After all, your return now…” he smiled meaningfully.

“I assure you, their deeds are accurately reported.” Arisu said, her tone icy, and her urge to smite the fool rising.

“Yes, well…” he shrugged. “I wouldn’t dream of calling you a liar, Arisu-chan, and of course I’ve had some of my best reporters investigating… it’s true, their sins are as you said, but… the timing, the effort required to gather the evidence, it’s shocking. You’d need collusion with banks, the government, Internet and Phone companies, even foreign ones that ignore all Japanese requests as a matter of course. Who has the power for that? Even the vaunted Japanese nobility…” he sneered, not liking them. “…that most of the population thinks are merely wealthy businessmen from a bygone era, for them all to move together…”

How irritating. I only accepted this invitation because I was told I would have something to gain. “Just what are you getting at, old man?”

“Old? You wound me Arisu-chan. I’m just saying… it’s because you are one of the Chosen, as they call them, right? Even with that, there must be more though. There may not be a lot of Chosen, but keeping hidden isn’t as easy as people think.” He tapped his nose knowingly. “So, either you are unreasonably powerful…” his eyes narrowed as he made his points. “… have a vitally important ability, are well-connected…” he paused, enjoying the moment of dramatic tension. “…or all three.”

“So what if I am?” she replied, calm on the surface, but boiling with annoyance within. “That does not make my innocence any less true, nor those who betrayed me any less guilty. If you are looking for a story, I am no longer an actress, I have no need to concern myself with doing publicity.”

“You know that the charity concert you are hosting as your comeback, a major event for the victims of Kyoto, as well as the Diet’s plan to publicise the Chosen and calm civil unrest and disobedience, is being shown live on TBS. They won the bid. It’s being held at the Tokyo Dome and should be amazing. Everyone will be watching, and they have even agreed deals with a number of foreign broadcasters.”

Where are you going with this, Miyauchi? I may be the host, which is an important role, but the planning is mostly done by the higher-ups and Oshiro-san. There is no way I can influence which station receives the prize. “Yes, that is quite true. A number of vastly successful acts will be performing, and there is even the potential of some foreign groups.”

“I am still surprised.” He said meaningfully. “You’ve kept a very low profile recently, Arisu-chan. To come back now… I wonder…” he paused, finishing his coffee. Arisu’s was growing cold in her hands, half-drunk and forgotten. “…have you found someone new?”

What? Her eyes narrowed, angry. “Me? You would ask me that? After I was betrayed so cruelly by the man I thought I was going to spend my life with? You dare…” Aether and spatial element rose around her, the feeling strange to Miyauchi, but one he instinctively recognised as threatening, his body telling him danger was approaching. Quickly he brought out a manilla envelope and tossed it onto the desk, and as the end wasn’t sealed, the contents spilled out.

“These are…” Arisu froze, her dark eyes hard.

“People think what they do is secret. Poor Ryusei-kun, Mei-chan and the others are finding that out. No matter how well you cover your tracks, in this modern world, everyone is merely a misstep away from discovery.” Miyauchi leaned back in his chair, relieved that the killing intent that his body was picking up unconsciously disappeared. “I think we should have another coffee and discuss this. Perhaps a Mont Blanc too? I remember you enjoyed them back in the day, there was an article that said it was your favourite dessert?”

“It was. It is.” Arisu grated, staring at the photographs that were face up on the table. How did he get these? No, that hardly matters. What does is… “What is your point, Miyauchi?”

“Again, can’t we be less formal, more friendly?” he chuckled, but said no more until the waiter brought over more coffee and a large glass dish filled with Mont Blanc, which was set in front of Arisu, paired with a silver fork. “Like I said, everyone has a camera on their phone, and everything is online. Nothing is secret anymore. I’m surprised it took four months for word to get out about you Chosen around the world. I’d have said four days would be more likely, but it seems there’s been a great effort to cover things up.” He tutted. “As a director of FujiTV, and head of the news division now, there’s no way I can approve of that, Arisu-chan. I would have thought you hated secrecy, after… well, Ryusei-kun.”

“What is your point, Masaki-san?” This wretch! If he thinks he can blackmail me…

Her ire must have exceeded her acting skills, as he gave a slightly scared chuckle. “Such terrifying eyes. There’s no need to be so angry, Arisu-chan. I have no ill intentions. I wouldn’t dare. You stood firm before, and as you said, you weren’t one to fall prey to the casting couch, like so many. It’s that purity of both spirit and will that made you the dream girl for many. But it looks like you might have been caught at last, no?”

Arisu studied the photographs, which were of her together with Oshiro-san, as well as some shots with White. These must have been taken when we were discussing matters outside of the Boundary. These are no mere quick pictures captured from a mobile phone, these are professional peeping shots by paparazzi. Before she could speak, he continued.

“Oshiro Moonstone Akio. The man of the moment, the hero of Britain. Her too. There’s almost no information about her other than her status as a university student and… some medical records. Shiratori Himeko. Another of the heroes of Britain. You keep good company. But he’s a lustful man it seems.”

“You are playing a dangerous game.” Arisu warned ominously. White is my friend. And I have few of those. As for Oshiro-san… he seems an honest man, apart from his weakness to women. I no longer entirely trust my own judgements, but… I believe I can rely on him, until he shows me otherwise… “Setting aside me, Oshiro-san has significant backing both at home, and now in Britain. Do you want to make enemies of him? And me?”

“Yes, it’s not too hard to find out just who this modern-day Tokugawa Ieyasu, with all his wives and concubines, is marrying. At least the important ones. Fukumoto Hinata, who seems to have been adopted into the ailing Takatsukasa family, one of the heirs to Nichibotsu. Greatly wealthy. And Tsumura Motoko, only daughter of a very powerful house, one that has long commanded the military of our country behind the scenes. It seems coincidental that money and authority are needed to reveal the sins of those who betrayed you…”

“I do not see your point.” Arisu declared coldly. “Are you threatening me?” I can scoff at such rumours. I have no plans to return to acting, so my career cannot be damaged further. But White… I do not want her entangled in my worries. And I have no wish to cause Oshiro-san trouble. The future prosperity of White, Suzanne-san and myself relies on his successes. Now that we are exposed, and the alliance broken along with the contracts, our original plan of consolidating all of Tokyo under our control is but a wish. Only Oshiro-san has the capability of that now, much as he has taken control of Kyoto through Suzuki-san. “I would doubt you are so bold.” The Mont Blanc glass split in front of her, toppling into two halves, scattering sweet dessert all over the table. Miyauchi swallowed, but still saved the photographs from the spill.

“Threaten you? Heavens forbid I be so stupid. Aren’t these good shots? You make a lovely couple… err, throuple? Uh… maybe a harem? You are all powerful Chosen, and you are both beauties, while he is a handsome man. I think the public would be captivated. Look…” he smiled ingratiatingly. “It will come out eventually…”

“There is nothing to come out.” Arisu insisted coldly. “He is dating White… the one you called Himeko-chan. And while I do not exactly approve… as long as he does not mistreat her, I will hold my peace. As for me, I am merely a co-worker, an ally. If you try and make more of it than it is…”

“Oh, just as before, we will only publish what we know.” He said reassuringly. “And we’ll let the public decide. As is only proper.”

That is a threat. But he knows only too well… scandal is easy to manufacture with a little careful placement of half-truths. “You are making a mistake.” She warned. “What do you want?”

“A mistake? Heavens no. But…” he seemed genuinely interested. “Is there really nothing between you?”

“No. we are… at best, friends.” She said coldly.

“Oh. A shame. But if you do ever get together with him, let me know. I’ll make sure we report it in the best possible light.” he promised, and she curled her lip, again finding it difficult not to bisect him like she did the dessert glass. “Anyway, back on topic…” he continued. “I was thinking. The charity concert would go much better with a bit of… context.” He mopped his sweat and carried on with his idea. “There’s still a lot the world doesn’t know, and while a few brave Chosen have gone on record worldwide… if you and the Hero of London were to do so… on FujiTV, for example… well, I think you understand?”

Oh I do. He’s bitter the pie is going to someone else, and wants to carve off a big piece first. “I do not control Oshiro-san’s actions. We are not together, despite what you think.”

“But he will listen to you, right Arisu-chan? There are few men who wouldn’t. And it isn’t a bad deal. All publicity is good, and public opinion on him and Chosen in general is very fluid right now… a few of the right questions and it could work wonders. As for you… you might not be interested in showbiz right now, but you do want revenge. TBS was not shy in beating you when you were down, and their coverage of Ryusei-kun and the others is rather less front and centre than yours was. Nobody likes to be wrong.”

True. I do despise them. But… I hate being blackmailed. I can easily refuse and apologise to the others involved, but… he is right about one matter. “I can ask, but…”

“Excellent, excell…ent?” he paused as his coffee cup split, spilling hot liquid on his leg. As he yelped and rushed for a napkin, he found Arisu’s cold gaze on him, and he swallowed, the burning pain forgotten as he was pinned like she was a snake.

“…if you cross me, I am not Arisugawa Arisu, foolish actress and naïve idiot in love. I am Arisugawa Arisu, Chosen who can find you wherever you go. And if I can crush my enemies with the connections you hint at, I can certainly stomp you to dust, and FujiTV too. So I do have conditions…”

The man nodded. “Of course, Arisu-chan, anything for you! Anything!”

********

“Rough day, Arisu-chan?” Suzanne-san spoke up from where she was reading some manga, lollipop in her mouth as usual, giggling vapidly to herself. Poor girl. She is quite touched in the head. But she is loyal, and I respect that. Now she has thrown in her lot with Oshiro-san…

“Why are you at my home, Suzanne-san? Are you short on money again?”

“No problem!” She raised one hand, making a cutesy peace sign, just like an idol would at a concert. “The Boss gives me all I need. She gets it from Akio-kun. He doesn’t want his best idol to starve or have to start doing the dark side of the business. I’m not selling my used underwear!”

Yes, she is quite the idiot. But being an idiot does not mean she is entirely foolish. In battle she has great skills, when she can be persuaded to use them… “No, I understand. The idol industry is… somewhat adjacent… to acting. If you were to be such a fool as to fall for any casting couch scams, why, I would have to cut you off, Suzanne-san.”

She shuddered theatrically, her blonde drill-tails bouncing with her. She stroked her neck nervously. “When you say that, Arisu-chan, it doesn’t sound like a joke, I imagine guillotines. But yes, I am a pure idol, no affairs with the producer for better gigs or shady deals will I undertake!” she said proudly. “I am going to be number one! So, I hear you went to see an old acquaintance in the TV business. Is it about the concert? Am I being moved up the billing?”

She is rather talkative, but half of what she says is nonsense. I almost prefer Bunta-san, his nervousness keeps him silent at least. “Move you up? You have, what… three songs?”

“Up to five now!” she said proudly. “And I have to sell myself… uh, poor choice of words. You know what I mean!” she continued. “I suppose I shouldn’t be too greedy, but… how about dancing a song with Red and White? Tamami-chan and I message a bit since we met in Kyoto, but whenever I ask about that I never get a response…”

Because she does not want to hurt your feelings with a no, girl. If you were truly Japanese you would learn never to ask questions that can only lead to flat refusal. Especially in this industry. It simply is not done. “I am not the one to ask. Oshiro-san is the one who has the most sway.” She evaded.

“Oh yeah, makes sense!” She finished her lollipop, unwrapped another and sucked on it cheerfully. “Anyway, subject change. Bunta-kun seems to be doing all right for himself. I hear he went out and busted a Chosen who was plotting to attack a school. I hear he’s getting a commendation and a pay rise.”

“Yes, he is far happier under the protection of the strong. Unlike Daizen, who wished to be strong himself and take revenge.” That is why we appreciated Daizen, but I was also wary of him. I knew just how deep his hatred and desire for retribution was, and so when he felt betrayed by us, I knew he could not be left to escape. Foolish man. Arisu’s lips curved into an angry smile, and Suzanne-san shuddered again. He expanded small slights and misfortunes into huge amounts of hatred. He would have done the same to us. So I have no regrets. Besides… the plan has changed, but White is stronger, and a single Oshiro-san is worth ten Daizen’s, and he does not come alone… “Do you have anything to report to me?”

As Arisu-san took off her long, expensive coat, revealing the burgundy gown she wore underneath, Suzanne-san laughed. “Oh yeah, it’s all happening back at Akio-kun’s place. The boss, Hinata-chan and Shaeula-chan are getting up to some really fun stuff. It’s not for me, I have to remain unblemished, but…” she giggled happily. “I must say I want one of the outfits… in fact…” she seemed inspired, reaching for a pad beside her, grabbing a pen, still sucking on her lollipop, blue eyes a little distant. “Song number six is just below the surface. I can make it in time… but the costume… I know, I’ll ask Natsumi-chan, her family owns a clothing store, right?”

Arisu felt a headache coming on. The oblivious girl… “Hori-san is from a prestigious family that has dealt in traditional, high-end Japanese clothing for hundreds of years.” I have several kimono from them myself, I was surprised Oshiro-san was engaged to the daughter of their family. “… I doubt they have any interest in idol costumes.”

“No way, that just makes them crave a challenge, I bet. Let me fire off a text to Natsumi-chan, she won’t let me down, I know!”

Pinching her forehead, Arisu sighed. I suspect she will at least try, considering that she wishes to support Oshiro-san, and Suzanne-san is a powerful asset for him. I hope her demands are not too onerous. “So tell me, just what was White doing?”

“Oh, get this!” Suzanne-san said, still scrawling words, a mixture of English and Japanese, on the page, along with musical notes and dance choreography. “The boss is putting together a secret army for Akio-kun. It’s all girls though, and its obvious they are thinking it’s going to be his in more ways than one.” She giggled. “Don’t look like that, Arisu-chan, it’ll be awesome. The uniform was sweet too…”

“I simply do not understand her intentions, and that puzzles and worries me.” When I first discovered that under the robes was a hurt, vulnerable woman, I was surprised, but found myself drawn to her. We became… friends. Yes, friends. And I have so few now. We mostly talked of generalities, but on the few occasions she mentioned her only friends other than me, from her university, she became animated, bright, almost cheerful for a while. And two names she spoke of more than any others were Oshiro-san, and the other, the leader of their group, Hayato-san. I think she had feelings for them, perhaps she did not know it herself, but in the end she chose Oshiro-san. A wise choice, for only he could handle her and her great burden. But… I cannot fathom why she would encourage this. When she said so, she received such a look from Suzanne-san that she had never seen before, one of a mixture of pity and annoyance. I do not care for it.

“For a smart woman, Arisu-chan, you can be kind of dumb sometimes. Uh…” Suzanne-san went pale, realising who she was speaking to. “But I love you all the same, you’re good to me, let me stay here sometimes… but… you don’t get the boss, for all your abilities to read people. She’s just… too broken.”

Arisu raised an eyebrow, sitting down, and allowed Suzanne-san to continue. “That’s what’s cool about the Boss. I realised it when she showed she was just a young woman under her robes. Not just anyone can make a deal with a devil knowing what it will cost herself and others. But the boss doesn’t care. She has nothing to lose over the years, nor anything to gain, so when she was offered a choice, she took what she wanted and didn’t care about consequences. After all, nobody cared about her.” Suzanne-san looked sad at that, and Arisu knew she too had a story, otherwise why would she have run away from America to come to Japan?

“It’s the same now. She loves Akio-kun, which is totally sweet. They make a great couple.” Suzanne-san grinned. “But when she discovered her real feelings, it was too late, you know?” she continued, Arisu listening intently. “Akio-kun’s a devil of a different sort, you know?” Suzanne-san giggled. “He’d already sunk his claws into other girls, so Shiro either had to give up, or live with it. And she’s given up giving up. Now she grabs what she wants and damns the consequences. More… she goes further. It’s awesome. Since Akio-kun has a harem, she doesn’t fight it, she told herself she’ll delight in it, and so she does. It helps there’s girls like Shaeula-chan around with a similar mindset. So… other than a few she’s genuinely scared of, like you, Arisu-chan…”

Me? Why would she be scared of me?

“…she feels pride when her man shows he’s the best there is, the one every woman wants. Every girl added is another that the boss feels good about. She doesn’t do half measures, not anymore, not after only being able to do quarter measures, no, hundredths, her entire life. But… not you.” She repeated. “Because the boss is worried that if you started falling for Akio-kun, you’d be too large in his heart. The other girls, she believes she can beat, that Akio-kun likes her most.”

“Me? Why?” Her puzzlement was genuine. “I have not the deep bond they share, nor…”

“Yes, but… oh, never mind. Guess you don’t get it. Maybe you’ll understand in time.” Suzanne-san said, patronisingly. “But it’s none of my business anyway. What matters is, it’s a good plan. A loyal army, no, a cult… and it’s not like anyone is being forced into things. But peer pressure is a terrible curse, you know…” She looked sad, her blue eyes showing her pain. “…people in groups go with the flow. So in time, nobody will see any problem with being Akio-kun’s, in either mind or body. Though he might not even notice or do anything about it. He’s got his hands full as it is.” She finished her explanation with an amused giggle.

“I see.” Arisu said, pondering it. It is no different to the contract chains before. I approve of ties of unbreakable loyalty. I will of course not be partaking though. Where I sit now is comfortable and benefits us all.

“Oh yeah, and the rat, that Ixitt-kun, he wanted you to visit at some point.” Suzanne-san remembered. “About the … uh, Klein bottle?”

Oh yes. That. He believes it is the secret to both my power growing, and also several problems he is facing. I suppose I can make time. After all… remembering the promises she had extracted from Miyauchi, she frowned. I have to speak to Oshiro-san. If he does not agree, it matters little. But there may be some benefits if he does…