On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

I do not exactly see the appeal of this. If I had spare time, I would rather Cultivate than make merry. Although… perhaps my thoughts are shallow. The path to the Dao is seldom a straight road. And I do find myself enjoying the company, rather than constantly being wary of the envy and jealousy of the other disciples of the Incorruptible Jade of the past. Here… Daiyu shook her head, as she watched Eri and Eui, two of her new disciples, watching the idol group play over the monitors in the AKB0048 dressing room.

It was a little confusing to her, though not unpleasant at all. Cultivators were by nature a selfish breed, resources were finite, especially over the last years, the treasures the Sects that had been exiled from Kunlun possessed long being used up, the state of the world so devoid of Qi in all but the rarest places. And sadly, though she admitted to herself she had a very idealised view of the Incorruptible Jade, perhaps coloured by loss, her fellow disciples were no different, hating her for her talents, the fact that the Patriarch was her father, that she could reach Foundation Realm even in this barren world. Yet… here things are different. Is it because…?

No, here, while everyone wished to be stronger, they rejoiced in the gains of others, it firing them up to strive for greater heights. An increase in power for one, was an increase in might for all, and it was a refreshing thing to feel, and made her choices seem right. Yes, our ways before… perhaps we were climbing trees to catch fish, a futile endeavour.

Of course, this newfound sense of warmth pressured her in a different way. Now it was simply impossible to settle for merely walking this path herself, she needed her disciples, and especially those that were her family now, to walk with her. Which meant knowledge was needed. She often spent time interrogating the Cultivators who surrendered and were captured during the battle at Kyoto. They unfortunately knew little of value, but even scraps could be forged into mighty weapons by a skilled enough weaponsmith, and knowledge was no different. They accepted the same sort of plea-bargain as Nie Ling, and now work for the Ministry, under heavy watch, of course. I know that Shaeula was called upon to restrain them with her winds. Akio does not care for such things, but… if willingly accepted to gain a measure of freedom, it is no imposition.

Of course, opportunities were Heaven-sent, and Daiyu was not one to deny the Heavens their due, just as it was that she was able to see Kunlun in the Tribulation visions, even a brief glimpse was enough to stimulate her insights. And then… it seems that Tamamo-no-Mae, despite being a Yōkai, knows a great deal about Cultivators. But more than that… Daiyu seldom expressed emotion. It was said that Cultivators were of two types, the stoic, and the impassioned, and she would most certainly consider herself the former.

The two Kunlun Cultivators, who the Kitsune sacrificed much to save, only to believe she had failed, living in torment, praying for death, then to be liberated, and to find that they yet endure, as if waiting for her. It must be weighing on her. But… it weighs on me too. Daiyu had her pride, all Cultivators did, and hers was higher than most. She was the one to teach Akio, her now beloved Dao Companion, and all the others, the path of the Heavens and the Earth. But… Su Caihong was at the peak of Cultivation, a Sect Master of one of the True Great Sects of Kunlun, and her daughter Su Liena was a genius, given all the resources her mother could muster. Now…

It was a given they would be saved. Akio’s abilities to manipulate spiritual and material bodies was beyond what this world had seen since perhaps Kunlun itself, and he was not alone. Now that he had taken in Tamamo-no-Mae, saving the Cultivators trapped out of time was a certainty. Compared to my knowledge from dusty scrolls and jade tags… they lived Cultivation at a greater height than I could even see. It is like an ant looking up at Mount Tai. The peaks are shrouded in the clouds. During the Pilgrimage, the frozen north of these isles would also be visited, and then the icy tomb where they slumbered would be found and the sleepers liberated.

A thousand books offers less than a journey of a thousand miles. But… It was hard not to be worried, that her self-imposed role would be meaningless, but… her Dao heart held fast. Because even if she was useless, nobody would forsake her. This was not the cutthroat world of the Sects, but… a family. And she had love now, something she never imagined possible.

“You’re smiling.” Eri said suddenly, looking at her curiously, her black eyes a match to Daiyu’s. “You should do it more often. Though… it does look a little troubled. Want to talk about it?”

Daiyu shook her head. “No. Merely… pondering the nature of my role here.”

“That’s simple.” Eri chuckled. “Take it from one who worried more than most. I was comparing myself to Shaeula, which was a hard and bitter comparison then. Now… I’m me, she’s her, and you’re you. You just have to be Daiyu, and Akio doesn’t ask any more of you.”

“True. I had come to that conclusion myself.” Daiyu admitted, her slight smile broadening. “Though, I suppose it would be as if Akio had another childhood friend, one who overshadows you, who suddenly came into our lives…”

Eri snorted. “Fortunately there’s no such thing. I suppose Shiro is the closest to that, and we do have a bit of a rivalry, but also friendship. But… there’s no point worrying about that, is there? Honestly, even though you’re a Cultivator, you’re on the more normal side of things. Nobody can compete with mythical historical figures such as Tamamo-no-Mae, or Goddesses like Taṇhā. So instead, we just be ourselves, and so long as we love Akio, he loves us, and we can all be friends… it’s fine. We’re worrying over losing a penny, when we are already rich in pounds.” Eri said some strange idiom, possibly British, maybe.

Beside them, Eui had turned away from the screens, watching. She didn’t understand much Japanese, so Daiyu switched to English, which she was becoming ever more fluent in. As a minimum, everyone should learn English, Japanese and Chinese. There are likely a few other languages we should know as well. Fortunately as a Cultivator, my capacity for learning is unmatched.

“Are you not watching the idol act? I know Aiko was very excited, Kana as well.” Daiyu observed, and Eri shrugged.

“Sure, I like idols well enough, but I’m not a fanatic like Aiko, or the fashionable idiot duo. Red and White are good, yes, but… they aren’t fellow disciples yet, are they Eui?” She addressed the quiet Korean girl, who nodded slowly.

“I used to enjoy idol groups too. Korean ones. In fact…” she sighed. “…before Choe-Museon, I would have been overjoyed to be here. But I find I’ve lost the interest…”

“Then let me give you a lesson, as your Matriarch.” Daiyu spoke, and Eui stood up straight instinctively, their short acquaintance more than enough to instil obedience into her. “Regain interest, or find new ones. The Incorruptible Jade now demands that their Cultivators live rich, fulfilling lives. What use a grey eternity? Better to burn out brilliantly, enjoying life.”

“Well said!” Keiko bounded over, in her full outfit, already made up beautifully. It is curious, this idol wear. I much prefer Cultivator robes, or more comfortable clothes such as Shiro and Eri wear. But does Akio like them, the short skirts, the frilly, sparkling shirts and little coats? Perhaps… maybe I could try them on occasion…

“Poor Eui-chan! You’ve had it rough. But… you can’t let that ruin your life. If you do, then those that hurt you win! It’s like…” She paused, thinking. “It’s like if we quit being idols after Sora-kun went mad and attacked us… then he has power over us. No, we are the only ones that have the power!”

“Despite what you might hear…” Asuka grinned, also coming over, followed by one of the large group Daiyu didn’t really know. “…not every idol is a poor oppressed starlet that has to be very compliant to get a role or a break. AKB doesn’t go for that! Anyway… cheer up, Eui-chan! We’re fellow Cultivators, right? I can’t believe I’m saying that. But… honestly, everyone’s mad jealous. We’re going to steal the show, well, us and…”

“I’m Matsui Juria, but you can call me Juu, It’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’ve only met princess Shaeula before.” The pretty woman in her twenties smiled. She was wearing the same outfit as the others, only instead of in red, blue and white, she was in pink and gold.

“Princess? You’ll give Shaeula a big head…” Eri snorted, but she did politely introduce herself and the others in return. The rest of the group were listening in too.

“Oh, isn’t she?” Juria asked, and Eri sniffed again.

“Yes, but if you let her run wild, you only get chaos. Her, Shiro and Hinata can all be real handfuls.”

I’ve noticed this. Since Eri received her Divine Favour, she no longer puts any distance between the other girls with her tone and honorifics. Perhaps now she finally feels the equal of any? “It is true.” Daiyu agreed. “Though it is all for our benefits.”

“You think? No, that’s not fair.” Eri eyed the three idols who were also her fellow Disciples. “Adamant… I get it. Don’t much like Shaeula’s intentions behind it, but… I’m not so shallow as to reject anything that benefits us. Though if it happens again, I had best be informed!” The three idols who had also joined the group smiled knowingly, which was frustrating some of the others. But it was Juria who spoke up.

“Anyway, I wanted to thank her again, since I only have this chance thanks to her aid.”

“You can. She’s out in the crowd. She’ll be backstage later.” Eri assured her. “In fact, I expect she’ll be going backstage to hang out with you girls specifically. Aiko’s infected her, she’s a huge idol fan now. There’s a group I don’t know much about on next, then you’re up, right?”

“Yes.” Juria agreed, before grinning at Keiko and her fellows. “Though you should get ready. It’s almost time.”

“We’re born ready!” Ema, the youngest, grinned, speaking for them all. “Besides, our Matriarch is here, and some of our fellow students! We have to give it our all. Anyway… just watch us!”

With that, Keiko, Ema and Asuka, as well as three other of the group left, and Eri nodded to herself. “Oh, the collaboration song. I remember it being mentioned. Aiko is going to explode.”

“Yes, ordinarily it would never happen.” Juria explained. “While we’re both Akiba groups, Red and White aren’t in our league, even if they have a dedicated fanbase But… this event is special. And…”

“Kyoto?” Eri asked, and Juria nodded.

“Yes. The first tragedy. Nobody talks much about it, though a dozen or so young people and adults died, didn’t they?”

Eri shivered, and suddenly cat ears and tail popped out. Everyone froze in shock, and Eri blushed, forcing them to vanish, stroking at her arms, skin covered in goosebumps. “Pretend you didn’t see that. It’s shameful to lose control.”

“No way, it was cute! Maybe you could be a catgirl idol?” one member of AKB0048 teased, and there was laughter.

“No thank you. I’m not interested in fame. But… yeah, bad memories. I was maimed there. And some of my friends, like the twins, they were terribly hurt. But I suppose I have some good memories too.” Eri shook her head. “So, raising awareness? Probably a good idea.”

“Speaking of…” Juria looked apologetic. “Management really wants everyone to have the Chirurgery like Keiko-chan and the other two. Honestly, the boosted stamina, coordination and memory alone can cut gruelling weeks of practise to perfect a routine down to a day. And… that Suzumebachi girl… her moves were extraordinary. Honestly, the idol landscape could change dramatically. Plus…” She narrowed her eyes. “I’m at the age where I don’t have beautiful, youthful skin anymore, but they barely need any makeup now.”

“I am sure you do.” Daiyu was the one to speak. “Chirurgery is a work of genius. It cannot replace the constant dedication of training, but it can augment talent. Giving anyone a chance to excel. In fact, it is akin to defying the Heavens.” Yes, what have I to fear from the knowledge of the lost daughters of Kunlun? I am Zhao Daiyu, Dao Companion to Oshiro Moonstone Akio. This is just one more tribulation to overcome, and whether Heaven-sent or not, together we will defy them. Their knowledge will be of immense help to me. I shall not step forward until I have truly built my Foundation, but then I shall Accumulate, Perfect the Self, Condense my Golden Core, reach the heights of Sainthood, and beyond.

“Yes, I get that.” Juria nodded. “Honestly, I told management that just asking and offering money wouldn’t work.”

“We have money. Akio can get as much as he wants. Soon we’ll be launching products and technology the whole world will desire.” Eri declared proudly. While this conversation was going on, mostly in English, Eui was nodding. It seemed defying the Heavens had resonated with her. “Honestly, what we need… I’m not sure you can offer.”

“It’s to be your disciple, isn’t it?” Juria asked, speaking for all, and Daiyu nodded.

“Your idol career is a short one. Chirurgery and Cultivation could lengthen it greatly. But in the end, it is but a role. But accepting the path of Cultivation is a way of life. And it will not be easy. But one can walk the path as far as their luck and talents allow. The Incorruptible Jade is one way. There is also another path, not mutually exclusive. But… what we offer must be repaid with one’s life. Of course, there are great benefits. I shall even face the Heavens to protect my disciples, and Akio is no different. And… change is coming.”

“Ominous words.” Juria said softly, and it was Eui who spoke up.

“But the truth.” Her tone was bitter, but she had strength in her eyes, which pleased Daiyu. She is a survivor. One who would persevere through such poor odds and make it out the other side has great fortune. “In this life, we never know just when disaster will strike, but now… we know it surely will!” She spoke in English, and those of AKB0048 who also spoke that translated it for the idols who didn’t.

“I was merely at boarding school, but it became a hell where everyone preyed on each other, and even surviving meant pushing others down. Those in Kyoto weren’t expecting war to break out around their homes. Not in a peaceful country. Beings like Shaeula walk the Earth now, and if she is benevolent… many will surely not be. No… you shouldn’t be asking what will I have to pay but how can I convince them to give me the strength I need to protect myself and those I care about?”

Her words were pained, searing, honest, and Juria paused, looking sympathetically at the younger girl. “Thank you, Eui-chan, for your well-intentioned advice. Honestly… I was thinking… once I have performed my single, that I always dreamed of doing, on here, the biggest stage… I’d quit AKB0048. Now… perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to repay Shaeula, while also… gaining strength, so I am never sick and helpless again.”

“No, Juu-chan, you can’t quit!” one girl cried, and another echoed her. Daiyu also had her opinion.

“It is premature to talk about retirement now.” Daiyu shook her head slightly. “After all, to be my disciple is to meet the needs of Akio. And… events like this raise morale, give the people unity. More will be needed in days to come. But if you are resolved, I shall test you, and if you meet my requirements, I shall welcome you. That goes for all of you…” Her words echoed, and the idols reacted differently, some eager, others wary, many torn.

“All right, that’s enough.” Eri clapped her hands loudly, drawing all eyes. “I think the song is about to start, so you should support your fellow groupmates. You can think about this after your performance. After all, Matsui-san, this is your big day, isn’t it?”

“I told you to call me Juu!” Juria protested, but she agreed, and everyone crowded around the display from the stage.

On it, Tamami had been joined by Keiko, and she was addressing the crowd. “So, it’s a great honour to be here, and even more so for this song! We have two left, and I know you’re waiting for our most famous one, but… first, I’d like to thank the group we’ve always looked up to, that made us start our group in the first place, AKB0048, for joining us in a song.”

“It’s not just your honour.” Keiko grinned. “The whole idol scene needs up-and-coming newcomers, and you’re from Akiba too.” She turned to the crowd. “Those famous steps up to Kanda-myōjin shrine… sometimes you’ll see them training there. But…” Her expression turned serious. “This isn’t just a fun event. It’s serious. Tamami-chan here and the girls, they saw first-hand what we are all coming together to raise awareness and funds for! So… it’s only right we help our younger sibling idols in their first time here at Tokyo Dome. But hopefully not the last!”

“Thank you!” The girls from Red and White chorused. They then announced their song, which was Prayers for the Faithful, and the nine dancers started their complicated, yet somehow elegant routine, the three girls from AKB0048 we had given Chirurgery to performing brilliantly…

***

“Wow, totally awesome!” Aiko was an energetic frenzy of enthusiasm, and that made Daiyu smile. “I can’t believe it! Can you, Rika-chan, Yae-chan?”

“You should calm down, Ai-chan, everyone’s looking at you like you’re an idiot. Not that I don’t understand.” The girl Yae said, her own expression elated. In addition to Akio’s sister and her friends, Kana had brought hers and a number of trainees from the shrine.

“I know, I know, but… you were totally awesome, Tamami-chan! Oh wow, can’t forget you two as well, Kanako-chan, Tsubame-chan!” Aiko was running wild, shaking their hands, no, pumping them, in a more Western fashion, leaving them a little bemused, but clearly enjoying her enthusiasm.

“Oh…” Aiko slapped her forehead, turning to the AKB idols who had helped out on the collaboration song. “Kanzaki-chan, you were great. You girls too…”

“Yes.” Tamami said at last, having recovered from the great enthusiasm, and the fact that Red and White’s dressing room was far too full of visitors. “They were. When the collaboration song was proposed, we were a little intimidated, you know.”

“No kidding!” Kanako laughed. “We are only semi-professional compared to AKB, we didn’t want to look lame. But we did want to be here, not for ourselves, but…”

“For Kyoto, and those that fell there.” the three of them spoke together, drawing interested looks from the AKB idols.

“After all…” Tamami continued. “I am a shrine maiden of a true shrine too, Kanda-myōjin. I knew what was going on, though not what was at stake. And then… Yamato-san led that ill-fated expedition.” Her face fell. “We were Tsukuyomi faction, so none of ours were involved, and we didn’t know any of the fallen personally. Even so… it’s a tragedy. So few are left who follow the faith, although…”

“There are more of us now.” the girl Hisano spoke up. Daiyu noticed she looked better dressed and more fashionable that usual. “After all, I pledged my belief in Shirohebi, and now I even intend to attend festivals at the shrine. I’m actually looking forward to the Pilgrimage. It isn’t the way I ever imagined spending my winter break, but… it should be fun.”

“Oh damn yeah, it’s winter break soon.” Kana said. “I’d almost forgot, considering I’m working myself like a dog building that damn underground railway line to Akio’s home. I’ll get time off to join the Pilgrimage, no way I can miss out. And maybe… if the mood is right, a date or two with Akio!”

“Speaking of my bro…” Aiko spoke suddenly, peering at Eri. “You’re looking more relaxed. I’m guessing you’ve been doing that weird mind-to-mind thing with him. So, spill. How’d it go?”

Eri glanced at the idols, who all gave different reactions. The three who were Daiyu’s disciples merely grinned, showing they knew to keep their mouths shut. Tamami glanced at Tsubame and Kanako, before speaking for them.

“We’re very grateful you offered us this Chirurgery, and for being our fans. It meant a lot, having your brother in our audience, even if things didn’t go so well. Honestly… I’m a shrine maiden. I want to serve Daikokuten and Ebisu, two of the seven Gods of fortune. You know…” she frowned. “I’ve seen that singer of Suzumebachi at our shrine a lot over the last few months. She really stands out, wearing gothic lolita dresses even in hot weather, and those hair drills… her dancers, you think…”

Eri nodded. “Yes, her Favour comes from Ebisu. Really, you have a lot in common.”

“In that case… yes, I too want to reach my full potential. Both as an idol and a shrine maiden. So I accept.” Her fellow idols echoed her, and Eri nodded.

“Great. We’d be glad to have you, but… are you ready for the next step?” She looked at Daiyu, who then explained the potential of joining her Sect.

“You can study with us! It’ll be great!” Keiko laughed happily. “We can work on more collaborations.”

“That’s the thing…” one of the idols who had supported Red and White said softly. “We’re usually in the back, we haven’t been in the spotlight much. So this was an opportunity.” Her two fellows agreed. “This might earn us a few more votes during the next poll for positions. One day… we want a centre spot, like Juu-chan, or Kanzaki-chan here, even if it’s only for one song. But… all we did was learn some basic choreography. Tamami-chan, Yoshino-chan and little Ema, they had far more demanding a schedule. They have to learn their own song, as well as support the other songs in our set… and now this too. We… we’re in awe. But…”

“We can work hard!” a second insisted. “We… don’t mind studying under you, if it’ll make us better!”

“Yes. We know we have to give to receive. Just so long as it isn’t the casting couch!” the third of the newcomers giggled.

“There’s no fear of that.” Aiko smirked. “My bro still doesn’t have the guts. Which is strange, considering his harem. Anyway… welcome aboard, I guess. Looks like your Sect is filling up nicely, Daiyu.”

Daiyu nodded her agreement, well pleased. “Yes, though the Cultivation is gruelling and requires utmost focus, the rewards are tangible, and shall change your lives. Just as your skills and signing and dancing bring you both joy and purpose, so too shall your Dao, whatever it might be.” It is… reassuring. Seeing the Incorruptible Jade gradually rise from the ashes of treachery, betrayal and ignoble defeat. Father… if you are looking down from the Heavens, I hope you are proud of me, of what I shall accomplish.

“Great. We have to clear it with our managers and the group bosses, but… they want us to get Chirurgery anyway. And…” one said, before Keiko took over.

“Honestly, it’s fantastic publicity, working with the Hero of Britain, Saviour of Korea…”

Eui snorted at that, shaking her head, and Daiyu understood. Survivor’s guilt, they call it. I know it well. But… to survive is to press onwards. Lest all be in vain.

“So, the next act… I’ve only heard of them. We’ll watch them, sure…” Kana declared, to nods of agreement. “But after that, and before the intermission, it’s your time to shine, girls.”

“It sure is!” Keiko was hyper with excitement, the adrenaline not having died down from her collab song. “My debut single as centre… oops, wasn’t supposed to say that, but I have no secrets from you girls!” she insisted. “Juu-chan’s finally doing her song too, and we have all the big hits… so I need to calm down. Anyway…” She grinned at Eri. “How’s he doing? He’s in Africa, right?”

Eri nodded. “Yes, well, South Africa, though they had to go to Botswana for a while. There was trouble…” Before anyone could speak, she waved a hand. “Don’t worry, Akio and Hinata are fine. Hinata’s more than fine. It seems like it was her turn to get her reward…”

“I see.” Kana shrugged. “I hope it’s not one like mine, where she can be worked like a mule. But… poor Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan will feel jealous. Anyway, I’m happy for Hinata-chan. So, there must have been a fight. Was anyone hurt?”

“Aliyah-san and Trey-san were wounded rather badly, but you know how it is. If Akio is there, or Shaeula, then so long as you’re not dead, you can be fixed up. Even complicated injuries like mine are no problem now.” Eri reassured everyone. “Sadly, it seems Ichijou-san had a rough time…”

“That bratty rich girl?” Aiko asked. “Hinata-chan’s friend? Is she okay? If she’s hurt, my bro won’t take it well.”

“She’s unharmed physically. Just had a terrifying experience. She’ll get over it. It might make her calm down a bit.” Eri was sympathetic, but Daiyu knew she wasn’t overly fond of Hinata’s brash friend, and found her interest in Akio rather annoying.

“So long as she’s fine.” Kana shrugged. “So, I guess there was a fight then? Can’t he go anywhere without causing trouble?”

Daiyu looked at Eui, who was a little lost, before smiling slightly. “I fear that trouble is everywhere, and he seeks to end it, rather than cause it. But we who follow the Path of Cultivation know the heights are paved with daggers. So long as he triumphs, and we remain safe, there is no cause for concern.” Indeed, I would rather my Dao Companion be as brave as a tiger, wise as a Qilin, fierce as a Dragon, and yet as handsome and prideful as a Phoenix, and kind as only a human can be. As talk turned away from Akio and back to the upcoming concert, and occasionally to just what Cultivation was like, Daiyu found herself smiling a little, Eui watching her closely, a wry expression on her face…