On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

The rest of the evening passed rather pleasantly. There was a brief problem, when Shiro’s Berserk Blessing reached the point Asha’s Tree might have started to take damage, and I certainly couldn’t mitigate it any more with my Skills, the pain becoming unbearable even for me, the damage outpacing my Ether Healing, so with some grumbling, Shiro cancelled her buff and then was ferried back to Shirohebizumi, making a brief appearance to reinitialise it, as every drop of ether was precious, considering I would be away for a while.

On her return, she started drinking heavily with my father and Shaeula, commanding I make it up to her on my return. I agreed, laughing, and after talking with other guests, the families of the girls, the party wound down.

I then found myself in my bedroom, with three women waiting for me. Natsumi smiled, still wearing her rather fetching party dress, while next to her was the oddly quiet withdrawn Hyacinth. Finally there was Asha, sitting there serenely, watching me warmly.

“That was a little stressful.” Natsumi said after a moment. “Mother can be a bit embarrassing at times. But she’s right, Asha. It would be nice to have your children wearing our clothing. I’ll help sew them. After all, your children are our children too.”

“I had never considered it. Young Dryads usually go bare, or weave their clothing out of leaves and bark. Only when we mature do we stray far enough from our Trees to be mindful of such things.” She touched her own dress, in a pale green.

“Yeah, that’s no good.” Natsumi giggled. “We can’t have our children running around naked. Besides, you want them to have the best things in both worlds, don’t you?” She winked at me, and I nodded.

“Yeah. Anyway…” I paused, unsure of how to speak, and Hyacinth spoke up.

“I dooo think I should not be here tonight. I feel bad…”

“Don’t.” Natsumi shook her head. “The lottery is just a fun game, we don’t have to abide by it. Akio has the last word. If there’s one girl he wants to have relations with, then of course we’ll agree. Though…” Her smile was cheeky. “…if you play favourites some of us might get upset. I’m teasing…” She saw the expression on my face. “…we all understand. Especially us daughters of nobility. Honestly, this is a good idea. We do grow closer through shared experiences, and the habit of staying with those we are closest to needs breaking. So… to that end, you’re happy you have Hyacinth here, aren’t you?”

I nodded. “Just like I told you, Hyacinth. You’re as much my wife as anyone. But there’s one thing…” I looked at Asha. “You’re pregnant, is it safe to have sex?”

Asha nodded. “I believe so. I am not mortal. But even so… perhaps just some other activities? I can cede to Hyacinth, for…” Asha regarded her fellow Fae warmly. “I have never forgotten you were one of those that saved me and my Tree, and I am endlessly grateful. And while I did enjoy the intimacy, the feelings I have never felt before… I have a low drive for amorous activities I believe, for I am as much plant as Fae. And I have fruited. Though…” Her eyes narrowed wickedly. “…It will take great efforts to reseed the forests of the Fae and also this Japan. I will be calling upon you again.”

“I look forward to it.” I managed a dry laugh. Just how many daughters am I going to have? I really need our factories to start producing, raising kids isn’t cheap…

“In that case… I’m not very experienced, but we do talk. Shiro shared some interesting ideas with us. She seems very… experienced. Not in that way…” Natsumi giggled again. “We all know she’s dedicated herself to you, just as we nobles do. But as a worldly-wise woman, she has great insights.”

I’m sure Shiro would be happy to be praised, but knowing it’s for her knowledge of erotic matters, I daresay she’d be conflicted.

“What do you have in mind?” I asked, excitement building. After all, I’m a healthy man, and what man wouldn’t be overjoyed by his gorgeous women proposing some sort of lewd game?

Natsumi flushed, her noble shyness making it a little hard to say, but in the end she forced out the words. “How about a race? We take it turns using our mouth to service you. Thirty seconds each? And the winner is the one who makes you ejaculate?” Hearing her speak so matter-of-factly about it was arousing in itself, especially accompanied by her blushing face.

“Blooowjobs? Hyacinth knows that one well, we played it befooore.” She perked up a little, licking her pale lips.

“I am inexperienced, but I am prepared to taste your seeds. They have found purchase in my fertile soil, so they are potent indeed.” Asha said elegantly, and with that, I found Natsumi’s hands on my trousers, and soon they were pulled down, my pants too, revealing my stiff cock. Natsumi poked the head idly, sending shivers through me.

“All right? Who wants to go first?” Natsumi asked. “Since we are experienced, Hyacinth, maybe Asha should decide her turn?”

Asha waved her hand gently. “I shall allow you to choose.”

“Rock-paper-scissors it is then!” Natsumi said, and after the three girls played, the order was Natsumi, Asha then Hyacinth.

“Fine, I’ll start and warm you up.” Natsumi grasped my cock in her firm yet gentle hand. Blushing, she looked at me with moist brown eyes. “I’ll do my best!”

“Shouldn’t you take off your dress? I don’t want to get it dirty…” I asked, and Natsumi giggled, her mouth close enough to my dick to feel her hot breath.

“Liar! I remember you loved soiling our dresses in London. Don’t mind it. My family knows cloth, we can easily remove the stains. Though I’ll do it myself… if mother saw it, I would die of mortification…” She then swallowed my cock whole, one hand on my balls teasing me, while her tongue started licking my glans and all around my shaft, her second hand making a ring with her fingers around my cock, gently squeezing and stroking as she sucked.

“How is it?” she asked wetly, and my answer was to slip a hand into her dress, pushing down her bra and fondling her breast, while my other slid into her skirt, groping her ass and rubbing her pussy through the fabric of her panties. Her flush deepened, and she intensified her sucking, heaving hot sighs.

Her tongue was rough and warm, and she found a spot under my dick that sent shudders through me. Grinning, she continued to focus it, until Hyacinth called time, and Asha took over. As Natsumi pulled away with a little regret, wiping her mouth and fixing her dress, in a way that somehow showed more, Asha sat down elegantly on her knees before me. Not seiza, like a Japanese person would, but refined, nonetheless.

“I shall begin then.” Asha bent down, her hands gentle. Taking my dick as if it was precious, she had an entirely different style to Natsumi, gently licking it all over, fingers squeezing. “I must release your seeds…” Asha proclaimed, and as she did so delicately, her mouth sucking on me as if it was a gentle breeze, I stroked her hair, respecting her wish not to experience too much pleasure as she was pregnant. Though she can still feel my affection, I hope.

Indeed, Asha narrowed her eyes, enjoying our closeness, and when her time was up, she patted my dick gently, as if to thank it, before turning, only to see Hyacinth was already naked and her pussy was dripping. Her clothes had been neatly folded, of course, it was Hyacinth, but she was clearly eager.

“My turn. Bad luck, Asha. But there is always next time, nooo?” she commiserated the Dryad, who merely smiled.

“I have already all the happiness I need. Although…” She touched her lips, which had been clamped around my shaft only moments begore. “I also delight in giving pleasure, my Kiss, to my beloved.”

“Yes, giving is just as good as receiving. Sometimes better.” Natsumi giggled. “While we noble daughters aren’t taught bedroom skills, at least Motoko and I never were, we are taught that serving is a joy. Our parents and teachers got that right, at least…”

As Asha and Natsumi bantered, Hyacinth was frenziedly sucking on my dick, eager. Her tongue was like a snake, and even her hair was moving. She guided my hand to her pussy, and as I slid my fingers into and around it, toying with her clit, wet sounds resounded, and Hyacinth began to moan, speeding up her fellatio. She varied the pressure her mouth was emitting, alternatively squeezing and relaxing, and it did feel like her mouth was a pussy. Natsumi watched, learning all she could, while Asha gently put a hand on Hyacinth’s sweaty back. Tears sparked in Hyacinth’s eyes, sliding down her cheeks to drop onto my legs, and with my other hand I stroked her head, her hair settling down again, no longer acting like she was a Medusa.

“Akiooo…” Hyacinth muttered, arms around me, but her head didn’t stop moving, her tongue searching, probing, tasting me. I was oozing precum, and could feel a hot load rising within me. I could have resisted, but… It’s more than thirty seconds, surely?

Asha, still patting Hyacinth, shook her head, and Natsumi waved a hand. Understanding, I forced my body to respond, the opposite to usual. Normally I’m trying to hold myself back…

“I looove this flavour, it soothes me, reassures me…” Hyacinth muttered, clamping her mouth down, tongue wrapping around me. Moments later, I groaned, my cum jetting out, and Hyacinth’s teary eyes widened in pleasure. She gulped again and again, droplets and rivulets scattering, and her own pleasure spiked, and she gushed her own sour nectars, soaking my stoking hand. She continued to suck on me, as if to drink me dry, and when I was spent, she pulled free, cloudy white cum spilling from her lips, and she opened wide for a moment, showing me her full mouth, before she swallowed. “I wooon. But…” she paused. “Hyacinth got carried away. That was toooooo long.”

“The details don’t matter.” Natsumi insisted. “Akio’s happy, you’re… happy. So we are too, right?”

Asha nodded. “Yes, I do not begrudge you your love, Hyacinth. For he saved you, as he did me, did he not?”

Hyacinth nodded slowly, thinking about something, and Natsumi clapped her hands.

“All right, time for the main event. The first one, anyway, as we know Akio is insatiable, and we have to make sure he remembers us for a week when he’s alone with Hinata! Since Hyacinth won, I think we should let her have the first bout of lovemaking.” Natsumi exchanged a look with Asha, who nodded, and I felt warm inside. They’re very considerate. Hyacinth’s clearly not been right since the party. They are trying to make her feel better…

“If yooou are sure? It does not seem fair, you were toooooo generous with the timings” Hyacinth said, licking her fingers, having swallowed my cum cheerfully. Her chin was still sticky with it, and it had dripped down her neck and chest.

“The competition wasn’t important. Not this time.” Natsumi pointed out. “Only that everyone has fun. If you really want to play properly, why don’t we get everyone together, make a real game of it?”

“If we do that, I’ll be squeezed dry!” I laughed, imagining nine, or perhaps ten, if Tsukiko decided to play, of my women all waiting their turn. It’s times like this I’m grateful Kana is taking our relationship slow…

“Do it for us.” Natsumi insisted, smiling.

“All right then.” I patted the bed, my dick standing hard despite Hyacinth’s passionate efforts moments ago. She flopped down beside me, and with her fingers spread her pussy, inviting me in. She then blinked, surprised, as I waited.

“What is wrooong?” she asked, and I shrugged.

“That’s what we’d like to know. You seemed upset at the party. Want to talk about it? You don’t have to, but we’re here for you, okay?”

Hyacinth shook her head. “I am fine. I wish tooo serve.”

“And I wish to find pleasure together. But if you’re sure…” I kissed her tear-stained cheeks gently, surprising her, before gently sliding into her hot insides, her pussy clamping down with joy as I entered her,

“Yes, I looove this!” Hyacinth insisted, arms around me, as I began to thrust, sliding in and out of her. “I feel connected, wanted, needed.”

Yeah, there’s definitely something wrong here. As I continued to slide in and out, wet liquids scattering, the sour, almost grassy smell of Hyacinth filling my nose, I didn’t aggressively grope her like usual, which was puzzling her. Instead I stroked her hair and back, though I couldn’t help myself from cheekily squeezing her ass a little. When I did that, Hyacinth giggled softly, though there was an edge to it.

She was grinding up and down, her breathing erratic, eyes moist, and I found myself at a loss. I never thought it could happen when having sex wasn’t fun… It was physically pleasurable, as always, Hyacinth eager to please, and her frenzied motions were squeezing my cock as if to milk it, but… there’s no joy in it. Normally when I embrace them, they hold me… we feel the connection of our hearts. This… It wasn’t right.

I didn’t blame Hyacinth, she was clearly struggling emotionally, but sex was a joining of our hearts, so perhaps I could use it to communicate. Especially if I… yes, that could work. Hyacinth was panting, losing herself in pleasure, yet she was a good girl, not forgetting to make sure to look at my face to see where my own pleasure spots were. She moved so my glans was rubbing on her insides, stimulating us both, but her violet eyes seemed confused at my expression.

“Are you nooot enjoying me?” she asked, her tone pleading, and my answer was to release a great surge of my elemental energies and aether, sending them out towards Hyacinth. For a moment, she looked frightened, silver sparkles in her violet eyes, but I then kissed her for the first time, and she widened her mouth as she did her eyes, and I slipped inside my tongue, tasting her. We twisted together, tongues, arms and also our genitals, and Hyacinth squeezed shut her eyes for a moment, before her own elemental energies responded, surging into me as mine flooded out, along with her emotions and sorrows…

I knew it. She’s hurting… Hugging her tight, I pulled Hyacinth up into a sitting position, so my dick reached deep inside her, striking the entrance to her womb. My spiritual energies were also inside her, carrying my warm feelings and love towards her, and with every thrust we felt each other in greater detail.

“It’ll be all right. You can talk to me, to us.” I promised, and Hyacinth burst into tears, sobbing and wailing. Even so, she didn’t stop bobbing up and down on top of me, even if her arms were clutching me tightly enough to hurt, her nails digging into me, drawing thin rivulets of blood. This is nothing, compared to what she feels…

“I love you.” I whispered, and she tightened up on me, squeezing my cock tight. “So if you need anything, I’ll do it. If you don’t want to say, that’s fine, but…”

No more words needed to be said. Despite her sobs, she sought my tongue, rocking and riding on my dick, shuddering as she started climbing towards orgasm. Her kisses became slack, filled with drool, and moments later her back arched, and she let out a loud, shrill shriek, her pussy gushing her grassy nectars. I then thrust up one final time, and my cum jetted out, soaking and filling her insides, just as her elemental energies filled me, and mine hers. We were blending together, becoming one, and I clutched her as tightly as she did me as we collapsed, panting to the bed, one final thrust of my cock emptying me out, splashing out of her down her thighs, rendering us both a sticky mess.

“Hah, Hyacinth is… sooo confused. But…” She touched her belly, panting heavily, and as I went to pull out she shook her head, hair tickling me, and so I lay there in her embrace, feeling her worries. In the end, she spoke up. “I… Hyacinth feels ashamed, to weep in front of you, Akiooo, and the other mistresses.”

“Don’t mind it.” Natsume shook her head, and Asha agreed. “We all have our struggles. But… we have the ideal man to chase them away.” Her smile was cheeky yet warm, and Hyacinth nodded, wiping her eyes.

“I… do not remember, nooot truly.” she said again, an explanation she often gave, but I was starting to doubt, especially with the feelings we just shared through the Fae way of bonding. “But I worry. I am happy, truly happy again, and… I dooo not want the darkness to creep in again. For it all to fall tooo ruin. Seeing everyone, it reminded me ooof far-off days, the sparkle of the Court, the … before.”

“Before the Unseelie?” Asha asked, knowing, and Hyacinth nodded.

“Yes. Whooo could see it coming? Nooot the King, nooor the Queen, nor even her. Hyacinth could not either. But I should have, if sooo…” Words failed her, guilt bubbling up, and I silenced it with kisses, gently playing with her hair until she calmed down. After a while, the look in her eyes changed, our shared emotions calming, and she shuddered like wet dog, before kissing me noisily, licking my face, and she was back to her old self.

“I am sooo ashamed, making a fuss, ruining your fun.” She repeated her earlier words, though this time they were less sorrowful. “Akiooo, mistress Natsumi, mistress Asha. How can I make amends?”

“No amends needed. We understand.” Natsumi joined in on our hug, while Asha once more stroked her hair, and mine as well, radiating a motherly aura. “Though… if you insist…”

“Anything…” Hyacinth promised, and Natsumi giggled.

“In that case, I’m up next. And then… Hyacinth, do it over, and really satisfy yourself, and Akio as well. In here…” she patted Hyacinth’s bare chest. “…after all, this is making love, not just sex. So unless you feel the love…?” She let out a yelp as Hyacinth hugged her too, smiling.

“I knooow, I understand. I… am very thankful I am nooo longer in the box. I looove it here. I looove everyone. So… yes, go ahead. Hyacinth will help!” With that she stripped Natsumi off as she protested, embarrassed, and then tossed her down gently beside me, before sitting down to watch, her violet eyes shimmering.

Crimson with embarrassment, Natsumi paused for a moment, before shrugging. “I guess this was the whole point of us changing up who sleeps with you together. In that case, I’m Hori Natsumi, ready for battle!” Announcing her readiness just as she would in a martial arts tournament, we all burst out laughing, and under the watchful eyes of Hyacinth and Asha, I pulled Natsumi close, knowing I had a long night ahead, but one I would not trade for anything.

Hyacinth… there’s more to this than she lets on. But all we can do is encourage her. She’s recovering, certainly, not anywhere near as damaged as when we first met her, but… some wounds are deep, and exposing them to the light is painful. I’ll ask the others to keep an eye on her, and when I return… maybe I can do some digging, or at least get Shaeula to…

Then my thoughts, despite my numerous Split ones, scattered, as Natsumi began to suck my cock once more, trying to make up for lost time…

***

“Did you have a good night?” Eri asked me as I came down for breakfast. Natsumi was up before me, bathing and then heading off to practise with Natsumi, but Asha was still in bed, watching over the mentally exhausted Hyacinth, who was sleeping soundly now, her worries being out in the open relieving her stress. Even if she’s not said much, opening up a little, first at the party and now in bed, it surely helps her…

“Just as good as the night before.” I gave Eri a good morning kiss, and she raised an eyebrow, amused. The surprise made her cat ears and tail pop into existence, pushing down the hem of her jeans a little.

“Flatterer. Flirt.” She criticised me insincerely, before returning me a more passionate kiss, her black eyes as damp as our lips when we parted. She ran her tongue over hers, tasting me, and then snorted, amused. “The other girls are going to miss you. I am too… but for me its different.” She was triumphant as she poured me some cold tea into a mug.

After all, we can talk to each other whenever we want, feel each other, right? They’ll need to work harder on their Lovers’ Link… but surpassing me is just a pipedream!

Sure. And yeah, we’re never apart now. I ruffled Eri’s hair, thinking back to her. “So, how’d you find the party?”

“I enjoyed it. And more importantly, mother and father needed it. Seeing us all together, all our families… they get that this is the life we chose, and that the other girls are the same as me. And more importantly, their parents too. In that respect, Kana’s parents and Tsukiko’s make the biggest impression, but surprisingly… Natsumi’s mother and father made an impact. For nobility they are very down to earth, and have ordinary worries.”

I nodded, sitting down, while Eri brought me my breakfast, rice and miso soup alongside some grilled fish. It was a light breakfast, as I would be travelling to London through the Ring Gate in the early afternoon, which due to the time difference would send me back to breakfast time again.

“Yes, actually Natsumi’s family, other than being very old and notable in their industry, are really very normal. Yet they have to follow noble ways. Natsumi’s future was potentially difficult. That must have troubled her parents. But now…”

“But now, the arranged marriage they knew would come happened, but fortunately Natsumi is happy, and more than that, she’s remained with her best friend, even marrying the same man. Therefore she can be assured her future will be a kind one.” Eri finished for me, and I nodded.

“Yeah. So talking to mother-in-law Masae-san and father-in-law Shou-san is good for your parents. After all, they have an ordinary perspective on an abnormal situation.”

“Exactly.” Eri agreed. “Though honestly, my parents have come around to it. They know it’s either you for me or nobody. And I’m happy. What parents don’t want their daughter to be… oh.” Her face fell as she sat down beside me, remembering one noticeable absence from our party. “A poor choice of words. Shiro’s…”

“Don’t worry. She won’t take offense. And I don’t think they want her to be unhappy, they just… I don’t know, it’s not my place to interfere unless Shiro asks me to. But it seems more like selfishness and neglect than malice.”

Shiro wasn’t up either, having hit the booze hard, especially after her forced break, so I didn’t want to talk about it further. Observing Eri, I let my Eye shine. Realising what I was going, Eri leaned back, her chest straining against her t-shirt, appealing to me. With a laugh, I waved a hand. “I’m too busy to take you to bed right now, Eri. I had enough last night. Anyway…”

Mori Eri

Half-Bakeneko

Bonded Kin

[Material Statistics]

[Intangible Statistics]

Might

345 397

Fortune

10 11

Fortitude

357 401

Majesty

1

Intellect

381 447

Charm

15 19

Resilience

384 431

League

7 9

Alacrity

396 446

Determination

8 9

Precision

387 437

Foresight

Aether

1059 1307

Fate

4

[Material Skills]

[Aetheric Skills]

Rank

Class

Type

Silver Cord

Rank 3

Sufficient (3)

Foundation (4)

Eight Night Moons Chakra Network

Rank 3

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

Aether Manipulation

Rank 3 Rank 4

Sufficient (3) Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Ether Healing

Rank 3 Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Elemental Skills]

Third Eye Chakra Of Light

Rank 2 Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Light Manipulation

Rank 3 Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Throat Chakra Of Darkness

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Darkness Manipulation

Rank 3 Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Solar Plexus Chakra Of Flame

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Flame Manipulation

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Lunar Chakra Of Light, Darkness And Flame

Rank 1

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

[Cultivation Skills]

Qi Refining

Rank 2

Powerful (4)

Rule (5)

[Physical Combat Skills]

 Axe Technique

Rank 3

Cantrip (1)

Simple (1)

Combat Technique

Rank 2

Cantrip (1)

Simple (1)

Elemental Axe Technique

Rank 1

Rank 2

Sufficient (3)

Foundation (3)

[Unique Skills]

Lovers’ Link

Rank 8

Rank 11

Imperious (6) Legendary (7)

Artifice (6)

Principle (7)

Shifting Cat

Rank 1 Rank 2

Noble (5)

Artifice (6)

[Level]

50/107 54/148

[Class]

Dark Temptress 8/10

Fae-Bonded 5/20 9/20

Spirit Pledged 7/10

Kami-Blessed 2/20

Shapeshifter 1/10 2/10

Maneki-Neko 1/20 2/20

Prodigy Of The Lower Worlds 1/10

Qi Refiner 2/10

[Mastered Classes]

Spirit Pledged 10/10

Dark Temptress 10/10

“Huh, you’ve got the Skill for your Lunar Chakra now? And you’re at Rank two for Qi Refining?” I asked, noticing the key points, and Eri nodded proudly.

“Of course. It’s strange how everything came full circle. It was Shaeula giving me Chirurgery and then your aether pouring into me that started everything. I’ve been working hard. I don’t want to be left behind, even though I wasn’t crippled for that long, to me it seems like forever. So now I’m well, no, better than well, I’ve been making up for lost time.” She puffed out her chest, pressing against my arm. “With my body being half Bakeneko now, it’s more malleable, and easier to strengthen. Though it does come with downsides.” She gestured to her tail. “I can’t always control it yet. I can’t wear skirts easily in case I flash someone, and I don’t want to be responsible for their murder when you find out someone saw my panties.”

“I wouldn’t be that unreasonable. Probably.” I amended, pleasing Eri greatly with my possessiveness.

“Anyway. I find Qi Refining easier than expected. Daiyu’s saying I take after her, a prodigy. It makes sense, after all, we both managed to gain the Class, didn’t we? The others need to try harder!” Eri’s triumph gave way to en embarrassed smile. “Honestly though, Daiyu’s teaching is excellent. And despite being constantly praised from the day she was first a Cultivator, she isn’t that arrogant. She’s easy to get along with, I like her. There’s something calming about having some girls around who aren’t always chattering away, like Shiro and Shaeula.”

“Yeah, Daiyu’s very stoic. But also surprisingly loving.” I muttered, and Eri sniffed.

“Not surprisingly. For Daiyu, you were her destiny. I know how she feels. And not only that, you can even Cultivate with her. With us all soon, hopefully. In fact, Daiyu and Shaeula both suggested I be the one to test it out more thoroughly, the more advanced Chirurgery too. I know you are planning to add the Night Orbs Shaeula and I have, as well as Daiyu’s Dantians, to everyone. It makes sense you’d worry, it’s like doing multiple heart transplants not knowing if they’ll take. But me… I’m malleable!” As if to prove a point, Eri’s chest started to grow, straining the cloth of her t-shirt, before she grimaced.

“Ugh, I need to do this when not wearing a bra, that was painful.” She returned to normal. “But joking aside, if something goes wrong, I’m more able to withstand it and be fixed. I’ll be sure to try and get Shifting Cat to higher Ranks while you are away. I’ve been practising a lot. Also… Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan…” 

I raised an eyebrow. It was very rare for Eri to use the -chan prefix with anyone, Aiko was the only one I remembered, though obviously that stopped after Las Vegas. Seeing my expression of surprise, Eri explained.

“They are very good girls. Refined, polite, talented and loyal. It’s troubling. For a moment I almost knew how Shaeula and Shiro felt, before common sense reasserted itself. But I understand Adamant better now. Not that I condone Hinata and the others going behind our backs, but we’ve talked it out, and I’ll make sure they don’t do it again. But… girls like the twins can’t be allowed to escape us. Not that they want to. They idolise you… as a brother.” she added.

“Aiko won’t be happy then.” I chuckled. “Seems like I’m collecting sisters…”

“Yes, and I couldn’t be happier. Turnabout is fair.” Eri crowed. “Though they’ve helped ius all, me included, learn. My light element wouldn’t have grown without their linking, and I’m sure it was one of the reasons I finally properly condensed the lunar Chakra. When it comes to rewards, they should be top of the list. Haru-san too.”

I agreed. “Yeah, they’ll have all the money and support they’ll ever need, and I do intend to make custom equipment for them at some point. Anyway…” I went back to Eri’s status. “Your biggest weakness is your stats. They’re not exactly low, but like everyone else, you haven’t had much time to Level up recently, so the best way to boost them is to increase the strength of your Chakra network and Silver Cord. It looks like you’re close though…”

I estimated that via the glow I could see with my Eye, and Eri agreed.

“Yes, I can feel a breakthrough is soon. By the time you return, hopefully I’ll be more able to stand at your side, even without a Favour.”

I nodded. Although, depending on my first errand… “So, do you have any plans?” I asked, changing the subject now that Eri was aware of her current potential and growth plans.

“Yes.” Eri said after taking a mouthful of grilled fish, swallowing. “I have to finish my final school assignments, and then I’m done. Though honestly, I’m going to take an exam for a top university, even if I won’t go. Just to increase my value, and also to please my parents.” She paused then. “Aiko has to as well, though she’s running behind. If she’s not careful she’ll have to work over winter break. Missing Christmas would be a disaster.”

“I’ll say…” I agreed. We talked more about her plans, including watching the concert at the weekend, and soon more people were entering the room, having woken up, and breakfast became far livelier…

***

“All right then. That’s great.” I said to Suk-ja, who was sweating, having exhausted herself conjuring more of the Winged Diamonds for Daiyu and I. Beside me, Daiyu was absorbing the energies from the first batch, and now I held the second. Breaking them down, I shattered them, sucking in the crystal element. It still hadn’t stimulated my Chakras to produce any yet, but I could definitely feel it soaking into my root and third eye Chakras. “Don’t worry, like I say, it’s an easy job. Best way to earn money…”

“But I’m a little worried about Ji-ho-oppa and the others.” Suk-ja frowned, only for Violet-noona to laugh.

“I wouldn’t worry…” she said, even as she was having a practise bout against Trey and Aliyah, fending them both off gracefully, even as they barraged her with volleys of rock projectiles and tried to close in to use their fists, feet and knives. “Korea’s a fucking bore at the moment. Hey… that won’t work…” She dodged Aliyah’s thrust, but then stumbled, Trey stamping the ground, liquefying it.

“Nice try, but I’m not even using my venom or summoning the scorpions…” Violet-noona snickered, ripping her foot free of the quagmire, her knee flying out, though Aliyah blocked it, the impact making her grunt and knocking her back.

“Got you!” Trey said, knife thrusting, only for Violet-noona to grab his arm and toss him over her shoulder.

“You think?” she snorted, before slamming her boot into his guts and pointing a fist at the rising Aliyah.

“Shit Trey, we lose.” Aliyah conceded. “Good fight.” She held out a hand and Violet-noona shook it, before Trey struggled out from under her, dusted himself off, and patted her back.

“Yeah, damn good sparring. I’d hire you for the Black Wolf in a heartbeat, girl. We need more female operatives.”

“I thought you worked for Akio-oppa now?” Violet-noona raised an eyebrow. “Besides, I’m a Hunter, not a merc.”

“Private Contractor…” Trey corrected reflexively, and Aliyah pounded his back.

“Stow that shit, Trey. Now we’re just employees. Anyway, you’re a girl after my own heart. When I get back, we should hit a few bars.”

“I thought you liked them cute and petite… ahh…” Trey was silenced by Aliyah’s boot, and he adopted a hurt look. Aliyah ignored him and continued talking.

“If we could do the wind shit, move faster like Luciana, you wouldn’t have it so easy. But the girl’s a damn genius apparently. Got the fancy new uniform and everything…” Aliyah looked put out at that, before brightening up. “Oh well, it’ll be good to be back in the old US of A, even if it’s only for a few days. Luciana can handle the Company in our absence just fine. It’s just a shame we’re accompanying such a madwoman.”

I nodded. “You’ll just have to put up with it. I want eyes on her, and also… I need some clever, competent people with me.”

“If I didn’t know better, your compliment would make me blush.” Aliyah snorted, and Trey nodded, echoing her sentiments. “So anyway, don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on your true precious cargo. That Hinata girl is a real cute one.”

“Yeah.” I agreed. “I’m trusting you. Ichijou-san will have guards, but they aren’t the real deal.”

“Well, we are.” Aliyah grinned. “Thanks for the gear anyway.” She and Trey were wearing Brigandine under-armour, and were also armed with enhanced telescoping batons containing bluesteel which was full of lightning element, as well as a modified pistol which could use elemental rounds, and a few special secret toys, and all of it was now able to exist in both the Material and Boundary. Prototypes of Ixitt’s mass-produced series…

“You can count on us.” Trey promised. “So, update on the mad scientist?”

“Haru tells me she’s awake, and seems lucid, but she’s… unusually quiet. It’s eerie. The experience has either knocked a few screws loose, or she’s processing it. In any case, she’s got Titan as her guard as well, and he’s all right, but he’s a brawler, all strength and toughness. If it comes down to it…”

“We know. Kill the fuckers and let God, or in this case, you… sort out the aftermath.” Aliyah scowled.

“Yeah. And worst case, if you’re injured I can fix you right up…”

“How reassuring.” Trey grimaced, while Aliyah tossed her head, hair beads jingling.

“Yeah, you two are fun.” Violet-noona snickered, before kneeling down before the exhausted Suk-ja. “Anyway, as I was saying, Korea’s damn quiet. Almost too quiet, but if the situation calls for it, I’ll go back. Shit, I’m not just freeloading while little bro holds the fort…”

Before Suk-ja could reply, a frustrated voice called over. “Do you mind? I am trying to read…” Mae had spoken, her tails raised in annoyance. On her lap was the mysterious old book, the one we had found in Boundary Inuyama. She was idly leafing through it, able to read the ancient Japanese within, and she was making transcriptions for us, including the illustrations, being a surprisingly skilled artist, using an old-fashioned animal hair brush.

“Sorry. We can move away…” I apologised, and Mae sighed.

“It is your home, I am a guest here, even if an honoured one.” Her arrogance was returning hour by hour. “But art requires silence. And before you ask, yes, I am a master of painting, music, calligraphy, go, and much more. After all, was I not the greatest courtesan in the Eastern lands?”

“That’s amazing. I’ll have to learn from you.” I laughed. Speaking of learning… Back on the Material I was cramming German lessons off a digital recording while I sorted out some other matters. “More to the point, how’s your strength?”

“Do you wish to fight to see?” Mae scoffed, before shaking her head. “I am still far from my peak, but the… modifications… you made to me seem to be holding, and I feel far better than yesterday. I have no wish to push it, but I suspect if I must, I could exert perhaps seventy-five percent of my former strength for a minute or two, before suffering injury.”

“I see.” Seventy-five percent, huh? That’s a lot, considering she’s Nurarihyon-class, but the short time is a problem. But if she heals more every day…

“I can see you worrying.” Daiyu spoke up, having finished her absorption. My Eye shone, and I could see a deeper reservoir of crystal Qi within her, but it hadn’t been able to trigger her inner Jade yet. “We are all here. This place is not defenceless. But have no fear, we are not arrogant. We may be tigers, but there are dragons still. There will be no mistakes.”

“All of the Black Wolf is ready. It’s honest work, at least.” Trey declared. “Protecting women and children is a good feeling. Even if…” he looked at Daiyu ruefully. “…some of those women and kids could kick the shit out of me.”

“I have Cultivated for long years, and received the blessing of Chang’e. If I could not, I would be too ashamed to call myself Black Jade.” Daiyu demurred, proving she was indeed not taking her talents for granted. “Despite that, at first I lost to firearms. Now though…” She flexed. “I am far stronger, and have accepted the power I disdained before. If I ever faced the same again, matters would end differently.”

“Well, I can’t help but worry. But again, I’ve double-checked our contingencies this morning.” I sighed. “But the problem with Favours and the like is, we never know if there’ll be some cheat ability that surpasses what we can imagine or plan for.” As it was nearly time for me to use the Ring Gate, on the Material I said my farewells to everyone else, at least those not at school. Hinata would be taking a flight from Haneda, a private plane of course, one provided by Ichijou-san, and Christna Bakker, Titan, and Aliyah and Trey would be joining them. Dismissing my Material body, I took one last look at the Territory details. Seeing that, Trey and Aliyah realised they needed to leave, so after exchanging a few fist bumps with Violet-noona, they returned to the Material, though not before Aliyah grumbled how unfair it was I could reach London in moments, not nearly a day…

All right, we now have just over forty-four and a half million ether. Not bad, Shiro’s extra buff makes a big difference. In terms of build queues, the two Anchor Spires only had a handful of days left. When they were done, that would be a further boost, though minor, as most of our ether was generated by Asha’s Tree, which wasn’t affected by them.

“In that case, I’ll be off, although…”

“Yes, you shall return in a moment. So there is no need to fret.” Daiyu agreed, a faint smile on her face, and indeed, I stepped through the Ring Gate, reached Bermondsey isle, and resummoned my Material body as soon as I crossed to the shore, to prevent falling in the Thames. Moments later I popped back through the Gate, and spoke. “I’m back.”

“Yes, welcome back.” Daiyu agreed, and with that, I went back to our training, though for how long… That’s the question, isn’t it? As soon as I need to enter the Boundary on my travels, I’ll vanish from Japan. Ideally, I’ll never need to, but… that’s simply not feasible, and too much of a waste…