On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“That was terribly embarrassing.” Princess Eleanor was saying, as she held a hot mug of coffee in her hands. Seeing Yukiko looking, she raised one eyebrow sardonically, amused. “What? I may be British, but I like coffee just fine, and I feel the need of a pick-me-up. You should understand, the stereotype of the Japanese is you only drink tea too.”

“I wasn’t judging.” Yukiko had to chuckle a little. “In fact, I could use something strong myself. If not coffee, then perhaps some alcohol. It was nerve-wracking, wasn’t it?”

The two Princesses shared a smile. They were backstage at the Tokyo Dome, the final act, the duet combination of Adelaide and Ayumi-san, having finished to rapturous applause, and now Arisugawa-san and her co-hosts were giving the final speeches, before the crowds would be set free to descend on the merchandise stands and bars to drain the Dome dry.

“Some might call us idiots. Fighting is clearly more frightening, but…” Eleanor shrugged. “…I’ve never been one for being in the public eye. Richard, he’s born for it, being the heir after father, and Henry… well, he’s never out of the news…”

“Yes, he’s certainly been in  a few well documented incidents. At least he seems to have settled down now he’s engaged.” Yukiko interjected.

“I would bloody well hope so!” Eleanor swore fervently. She took a long sip of her coffee to calm herself, before continuing. “If he still acted like the fool after nearly dying to Mary Stuart, I’d have to question his intelligence. Though… sadly we Windsor’s aren’t exactly renowned for our smarts. My grades at school hardly could match yours, Yukiko.”

“Grades are all I have going for me.” Yukiko shrugged. “At least you look like a Princess, Eleanor. Me, I could fade into the background on the street without any difficulty.”

“What is this, a Princess pity party?” Eleanor snorted. “But as I was saying, yes, much like you, I’ve always shied away from the spotlight. Even my cousins have been in the tabloids more than me. But… I get that it’s necessary. Though… a concert.”

Yukiko nodded, fully understanding. We are very similar, in a way. Both of us shunning the fame being royalty entails, both of us Chosen by the Gods, and… both of us Princesses of the Six Paths, according to Tsukiko. I wonder how she’s doing, out with Akio-san’s family…

“Thinking of your friend, are you?” Eleanor correctly determined by Yukiko’s suddenly vacant expression. “I doubt you’re thinking about him, anyway.” Eleanor’s smile broadened, slightly mocking yet comfortably warm. “This whole mess was partially his idea. But… he’s not wrong, grandmother says so. Though… all this merchandise. I don’t quite get it.”

“It’s a cultural thing, I think.” Yukiko shrugged. “At least with a certain subset of the Japanese youth. And honestly… it makes sense in a way. There seems a bias towards the young in terms of the favour of the Gods, though there are certainly plenty of exceptions. Keeping the young from causing chaos is a matter of national interest. Yin-Yang Grandmaster Daimon-dono agreed.”

“An Onmyōji, huh?”  Eleanor mused. “Fortunate. Britain should also have a rich legacy of hidden practitioners, but… they are all either in hiding, or already killed. It seems Mary Stuart and her fanatics were three steps ahead of us.” She frowned, her blue eyes like chipped sapphires. “I’m not sad that she perished, not after what she did, but… it’s such a waste. Britain lost many God’s Chosen.”

“Yes, we were lucky in that regard. Although…” Yukiko helped herself to coffee too, wincing a little at the strong taste. I like mine a little milder. “…Akio-san and Tsukiko both feel danger approaching. I hope peace lasts until after the Pilgrimage. It will take in both Ise Grand Shrine and the shrines at the Imperial Palace. Daimon-dono and his Onmyōji are hoping to come together and share knowledge, though honestly… they are more interested in Daiyu-san. Onmyōji and Cultivators have many similarities, they insist, though their paths diverged fifteen hundred years ago.”

“Lucky. We’ve no Druids, Witches or Wizards, not that we can find. If Merlin is hiding somewhere, or King Arthur is not entirely a myth, it would be a wonderful time for a return. Though I suppose our situation is not as dire as it could be. Thanks to his help. I just hope… no, that’s too selfish of me.” Eleanor shook her head, slightly rose-cheeked.

“You mean helping Mrs Mary-Jane Smith, yes?”

Eleanor nodded. “Aditi is back with us, her zeal greater than ever, actually. It’s even inspiring David to new heights. But Mary-Jane tries to pretend she doesn’t care, that she gets to spend more time with her husband and children, but… it eats her up inside. But asking for another Favour, when we already snatched this one from Miss Motoko or Miss Natsumi… I’m not so shameless. Honestly, I’m not.”

“You’ve already done a lot for us.” Yukiko disagreed. “Yes, they saved your life, and protected the Tower of London, but… you’ve paid for that. And our alliance makes us both stronger.”

“It’s hardly that simple.” Eleanor chuckled, a little embarrassed. “Although I’ll keep paying. The agreement was Akio’s women, his sister, and his Vassals. But it seems he’s not shy on increasing two of those. Fortunately we only agreed on one sister as well, as I have heard talk of an adopted Tengu sister? Honestly, that man…” Eleanor was smiling, shaking her head. “I honestly found him quite shameless and frustrating at first. I was rather rude. But…”

“I get it.” Yukiko agreed. “Tsukiko, who has always been there for me… I get mixed feelings when she found her love with him. She’s been alone so long… I wondered if it would be enough for her, such a complicated relationship. But she seems happy. I suppose the noble Lady Diviner…” she injected the title with a rather dry tone. “…would never have a normal relationship. No, she couldn’t. Even so, I… what with matters as they are…”

“Oh, I see.” Eleanor frowned. “I can guess why you have mixed feelings. It might come to nothing yet though, right? I’m in the same boat as you, so at least we’ll sink together. It does make things.. awkward, considering. Honestly, Akio’s more popular than I am back home. It’s a little frustrating, but on the bright side, it keeps me out of the spotlight just a little. Anyway…” Her eyes narrowed as a thought occurred to her. “While we have the many treasures of the Tower, you only have three, yes, the Imperial Regalia?”

Yukiko nodded. “Yes. The Sword, Mirror and Jewel. They have immense spiritual power, too immense, according to Grandmaster Daimon-dono. Part of the Pilgrimage will hopefully to be reawakening them.” With those, I should be more than able to protect Ise, perhaps… stand against the threat of the Golden-Eyed Devourer, the one that nearly claimed Tsukiko, and is destined to come for me…

“And will he be rewarded for his efforts? Considering the talk I’ve heard in diplomatic circles…” Eleanor asked shrewdly, and Yukiko nodded, her face now the one that was slightly pink.

“It seems impossible not to. It was his demand, after all. Though… the Tsukumogami that makes up their other selves might decline. Searching through ancient records, Daimon-dono and his Onmyōji found out a lot of interesting things. If one does, though… and the others accept me…”

“Done deal, huh? My commiserations. Or congratulations, I suppose. You are indeed fortunate here in Japan. Our Royal Family certainly has our oral traditions, grandmother has passed them onto Richard, Henry and me. In fact, even my cousins are being roped in. But… the monarchy has changed family lines too many times to have such detailed histories as you hold. A real shame.”

“True, but what the Tower protects is easily a match for any of the Regalia, I imagine.” Yukiko was embarrassed by the praise for her family. I never really wanted to be a Princess. But… we don’t always get what we want. And if I wasn’t… I’d never have met Tsukiko. I hope she’s having fun…

“Yes, Asha is full of praise for the power she obtained. It’s… quite the grand tree she has, I admit. Anyway, enough talk of that. Back to the concert… apparently even despite the ludicrously early start back in Britain, it’s been watched by as many people who watch the World Cup final. That’s the football… uh, soccer… version to you Japanese.”

“So it was worth you flying over for this then, despite how busy you are?” Yukiko smiled, sipping her own strong coffee.

“It seems so.” Eleanor agreed. She skimmed through the BBC website on her phone. “Very positive coverage so far. Honestly, we might be better suited to PR work, rather than fighting, and I don’t know just how to feel about that.”

“Yes. We hate both.” Yukiko agreed, once more struck at the resemblance between their tastes, personalities and situations. Though of course there are some differences. I didn’t make quite such a lousy first impression…

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but that smug smile is rather irritating.” Eleanor frowned, looking up from her phone. “Anyway… it appears some of the merchandise from here is already up on auction sites at inflated values. Damn vultures. Don’t they know this is for charity?”

“If it becomes too much of a problem, we have ways of finding out now.” Yukiko assured her. “But a bit of reselling is harmless, so long as it’s not out of hand. Just imagine if our figures were available?”

“No thank you!” Eleanor shuddered. “I felt bad enough having to sing that chorus. And worse, it’ll be on a charity album, yes? So I’ll never hear the end of it.”

“If that’s true… at least we’ll be alive to hear it, and Britain and Japan will be stable enough to still enjoy such things.” Yukiko pointed out, and Eleanor nodded.

“I can’t fault your logic.” She finished her coffee, placing the mug down. “Anyway, you don’t have to keep me company, Yukiko. I appreciate it, but my Japanese is coming along well. I’ll be fine by myself. I know you miss your friend.”

“No, we should stick together, at least for now.” Yukiko shook her head. “I’ll have time to spend with Tsukiko when the upcoming trouble is dealt with. And speaking of… everyone’s ready to implement the emergency plan?”

Eleanor nodded. “It met with a decent amount of opposition. Wasted work and resources, all that waffle. But being dead is a lot more wasteful, if you ask me. Besides, we have assurances that resources will be provided to help us rebuild.”

“Yes.” Yukiko agreed. “It’s the same here. Nobody likes a setback, but… all our best planners, both human and spiritual beings, decided. Anyway… that’s good. As for Tsukiko… she needs more time to bond with her parents, and her greater, expanded family. I’ll catch up with her another time. So…” Yukiko checked her own phone. “…they’ll be backstage. Want to do the rounds, thank the performers?” She quickly gulped down her own coffee, the caffeine and sugar strengthening her.

“Sure, why not? I have come a long way, after all it’s not like I can just walk through a Ring Gate, is it?”

No, that’s true. With that they left their dressing room, heading for where her colleagues and allies were…

***

“It’s Princess Eleanor and Princess Mikasa!” A younger girl squealed, unable to hide her excitement and surprise. That’s quite the fashion. She was wearing a tight leopard-print dress, fishnets and loud pink heels. Her bunched up hair was bright pink too, and her makeup was heavy. “I can’t believe it…”

“What’s not to believe, Ikeda-san?” another similarly dressed girl smirked. “I totes told ya we were connected. You’ve already met one princess, ain’t ya, in Shaeula, so what’s two more?”

“Yes, but…” A complicated look of mixed annoyance and happiness flickered in the first girl’s eyes as she looked at the speaker. “…who would believe you, Sana-chan? I’m not an idiot…”

“Nope, I think you are.” A familiar face said, and Akio-san’s sister, Aiko-san, piped up. In addition to the numerous idols from AKB0048, now in their casual clothes after the show, the room was filled with young girls from Akio-san’s training school, as well as an older group, led by Shiro. It was crowded, but everyone was talking happily, especially… That’s a large group around Daiyu-san. I had heard that some idols were taking lessons in Cultivation…

“It’s not nice treating someone like an idiot just because of how they dress.” Aiko-san continued. The girl… Ikeda-san… seemed like she was going to snap back, but she then shrank in on herself, perhaps cowed by Aiko-san’s charm and bubbly personality.

“It’s okay, Aiko-chan. She’s always like this. But I’m not a monster, ya feel me? She’s done what she promised, so…” Sana-san apologised. “Don’t mind her. She’s just a bit starstruck.” She gave a rather adorable smile, not diminished by her own thick fake tan and makeup. “Since it’s not every day ya get to meet a Princess, is it?”

“No, I suppose not.” Eleanor agreed. “In that case, charmed to meet you all.” Her Japanese was not bad, as she’d said, and Yukiko watched as Eleanor used her experience in social situations to make harmless, pleasing chatter. Yes, she might not desire the spotlight, but like me, oftentimes, we have to do what we don’t like. Besides, at least here…

“It is quite-quite the gathering, no?” Shaeula smiled as she came over, trailed by several eager idols. “You were rather amusing, Yukiko. I did-did enjoy your singing. Perhaps I should have joined in myself.”

“Can you sing?” Yukiko asked, surprised, and accompanied by giggles from the idols, Shaeula puffed out her chest proudly.

“Of course I can-can! Like all princesses I had lessons when I was younger. Song, instruments and etiquette. I do-do confess to being a rather terrible, spoiled student, but I am still-still capable. Especially now.”

One of the idols, who wasn’t from AKB0048, and who Yukiko recognised, as she was from Kanda-myōjin shrine, Tamami-san, stifled a laugh at Shaeula’s antics. “Honestly, I’m rather flattered. She knows most of our songs, even the ones she didn’t see when we performed at Kyoto. And her voice is excellent.”

“Of course she knows.” Aiko-san was next to answer, her friends, and also the two girls in gyaru fashion, having finished their chat with Eleanor, who was now talking to Shiro and her group. Eleanor was quite close with Shiro, perhaps after spending time with her in London, after her rescue. “I mean… we’re huge fans of Red and White, aren’t we?”

“Yeah, totally!” A blonde girl in tight-fit jeans and black tank, over which was a see-through, lacy t-shirt, making her look both cute and a bit punk, agreed. “In fact, Ai-chan could tell you it’s thanks to our influence that Shaeula’s such a fan!”

The other girl beside her nodded, seeming rather overawed. She was blonde too, in blue denim and a white t-shirt. “Yeah… uh… it’s very nice to meet you, Princess Mikasa. Oh, damn… mom would go mad if she knew I met you…”

“It’s nothing special.” Yukiko replied, a little self-conscious. “After all, if you know Aiko-san and Shaeula, you’re hardly ordinary.”

On hearing that, the girl in the tank top flushed, and Aiko-san elbowed her cheekily in the ribs. “See, even a Princess says so. Although… you’re definitely the most ordinary by far, Yae-chan!”

Yukiko exchanged a glance with Eleanor, who shrugged. Yes, I don’t quite get it either.

“I know it!” Yae-san puffed out her cheeks. “Being here only reminds me of that!”

“Giving up then?” her other friend asked, and she shook her head defiantly.

“I can’t do that, Rika. Not just for me, but because Ai-chan put in so much effort thinking of a way to give me a chance.”

“It’s just a chance.” Aiko-san warned. “It could all be for nothing. Though… even if it is, you’ll have set yourself up nicely for the future, so… hey, don’t take it too hard, okay?

“Why are you making it sound like I’m going to get shot down again? We don’t know that…” Yae-san pouted, to much laughter. Shaeula slapped her on the back, clearly amused.

“No-no, nothing is certain in life. If you simply do your best, then you should not-not regret, no matter the outcome. And if you require assistance, do-do seek me out. After all, you have-have made the noble decision to join…” Shaeula glanced around, before changing what she was going to say. “us… so I will provide you support.”

“And just what are we discussing?” Eleanor asked, and Shaeula merely shrugged.

“Yae’s future. After all, it is never-never too soon to start preparing.”

“I… see. That’s true, I suppose.” Eleanor agreed. “Callie is young, and is as fierce as any of us. So, are you a new Chosen, or…?”

Yae-san shook her head. “Nope, like I said, I’m just a friend of Ai-chan and Ri-Ri from school…” At that, Eri-san, who was with Daiyu-san, snorted. “Hey, I am!” Yae-san insisted. “Even if you don’t think so Ri-Ri. But… I’m also an ambitious girl, you know? Never thought I was, but ever since the baseball…”

“Baseball?” Eleanor asked, curious. “Not a sport much enjoyed in Britain. Now if it was cricket…”

Exchanging a glance with Shaeula, who was grinning, Yukiko felt her fellow Princess had rather missed the point. Perhaps because her Japanese, while good, isn’t flawless yet? To her, it sounded rather more about her future in a sense entirely different to her future career. Seeing Aiko-san likewise amused, Yukiko was certain of it.

Changing the subject, Yukiko asked if there were any updates on Akio-san’s journey abroad, and Eri-san was the one to nod. “Yes, there was a lot of trouble. An international incident. Luckily, Ichijou-san was unharmed, if shaken, so he’s handling the fallout.”

“I see. So, is the plan for the Pilgrimage still okay?” Yukiko pressed, it being important to her, and not just for the Regalia.

“It had better be.” Aiko-san grinned. “Considering he’s taking me to see the Tengu of Mount Atago while we’re on route. Oh, I’ll shut up now!” She mimed zipping her lips as Eri glared at her.

“Yes, please do, Aiko. We shouldn’t be rude to her.” Yukiko was a little surprised by the searching gaze in Eri’s dark eyes, feeling as if she was being stripped down. “Though we are all friends here, aren’t we? It’s important we get along.”

Shaeula burst out laughing again, and Yukiko found her thoughts going to the Regalia again, before she nodded. “Of course we are. Since Kyoto, and… my dear friend Tsukiko is in all of your care.”

“She is, and she’s fine.” Eri-san promised. “My mother likes her, she’s very calm and mature. We can get used to anything, if we try. Mother’s accepted the way things are. Besides, she gets on very well with Shiro.”

“That’s good. Yes, they do have rather similar circumstances.” Yukiko was aware that Shiro had suffered from a spiritual defect in her body, rather similar to Tsukiko’s unique constitution, but without any of the mitigating benefits Tsukiko enjoyed. Her family life was complicated too, I think?

“That aside, Akio’s had to set aside some of his plans, and he’ll be heading straight for America when this is all sorted out, but he should still be back for the Pilgrimage.” Eri-san assured them. “Hinata will be coming back with Mayumi-san and her grandfather once matters have been dealt with, it might take a bit longer.”

“I’m curious…” Eleanor asked suddenly. “This Pilgrimage. I’ve heard of it. Is it really going to strengthen everyone?”

“It should do.” Eri-san nodded firmly. “Being blessed by the Kami works for us. Though…” She glanced at Shaeula, who grinned sourly.

“Yes, it does not-not seem possible for us Fae to gain such a Class, no more-more than we can gain Fae-Bonded. “Though conversely, we have access to Classes through our very-very elemental natures that mortals do not-not, so I suppose all is fair.”

“Why, thinking of converting to Shintoism?” Yukiko asked Eleanor, who shrugged, shaking her head.

“You know I can’t do that. Our family has to be Church of England, it would be rather shameful not to be, considering it’s a faith established by the British monarchy. But… just because I cannot…”

“Oh, thinking of some of your team, I see.” Yukiko nodded. “Very noble of you. Honestly, I’m not sure if our Kami would accept foreigners like that, but…” she glanced at Shaeula, who shrugged.

“I can not-not say. Just as Akio has extended his bonds to many, granting them Fae-Bonded, it may well be that the Kami can grant their favour to many as well-well. However…” Her tone brooked no argument. “…our forces come first. But if you wish-wish to try, I doubt Akio will have any objections, for we are indeed-indeed firm allies. This favour I am sure we can grant. Ask him, Eri!”

“A favour. I see.” Eleanor didn’t miss the implications, and Yukiko felt a brief sting of sympathy for her fellow Princess, but as she was Japanese, she was thankful for any support they could garner. Britain is our closest ally now, but we have to look out for our own first, no question. Although… the situation could easily change, if the political manoeuvrings behind the scenes play out as anticipated. No, there’s no point worrying about that now…

“He says that’s fine, though they’ll be disadvantaged if they do it via Ring Gate.” Eri-san relayed a message from Akio-san after a moment. “That would be fine for the Tokyo shrines, and Kyoto of course, but… travelling all of Japan in the Boundary, through unclaimed areas, is fraught with real risk, and will likely overstress their Silver Cords.”

“I see.” Eleanor mused. “That makes sense. But it would be a shame if we left Britain understaffed for several weeks for no gain…”

“I think it’ll be fine.” Kana-san, the shrine maiden from Shirohebizumi spoke up. “I know Shirohebi won’t hold back on his blessings, foreigners or not, so long as the piety is genuine. And we Japanese don’t demand our Gods be the only ones worshipped.”

Tamami-san agreed. “Yes. I think Daikokuten-sama and Ebisu-sama will extend their great fortune to any who earnestly seek their aid, especially our allies who promise to defend Japan.”

“It’s rather difficult.” Eleanor sighed, and Yukiko agreed. Yes, it most definitely is. But… sadly, whether we chose this or not, we were born with responsibilities. And given more since. Both by man and by God.

“Of course, just as Japan defended us in our time of need, we will return the Favour. Though… if trouble strikes us both at once, matters will be troublesome.”

“Think so?” Aiko-san shook her head cheerfully. “That’s overcomplicating things. First group to deal with their own troubles helps the other. No problems!”

As the girls around them laughed, Eri-san rolling her eyes, exasperated, complaining life wasn’t that simple, I exchanged a glance with Eleanor, who shrugged.

“It seems I was overthinking things. Well, I’ll see who is suitable on my end. It’s not as easy as you would think. David, for example, while he craves strength, he’s… not exactly the pious type, and is wedded to his praise of Caturix. As for Aditi…”

I see. Yes, in some cases we have it better. Although… this does make me wonder. We are most definitely not the only country with Gods and Kami. What… what benefits do others have? Including… including our enemies… Thinking of the twin Dragons Tsukiko had prophesised, the Red and White, Yukiko felt a chill, and for a brief moment… No, it’s nothing. It must be. I’m just tired after my performance. And dwelling on the upcoming troubles because we were talking about it…

***

“Cheers!” Glasses clinked together, and Yukiko took a sip of beer. Beside her, Eleanor had gulped down half of a glass of it, starting to unwind.

“Yes, cheers.” Arisugawa-san remarked, sipping on a crimson wine elegantly, her poise impeccable. Sometimes I think she is more suited to be a Princess than I am.

The larger gathering had broken up, most of the younger girls having fun with various idols from the concert, and now it was just Shiro and her group of friends, along with Arisugawa-san, and Suzu-san, or Suzanne, as Arisugawa-san called her. Makes sense. She’s definitely not Japanese, despite her attitude and language skills. Not with those looks.

“Hey, look what I got!” One of Shiro’s friends, Yasu-san, declared proudly, pulling out a small figurine which despite the big head, was clearly recognisable, with long dark hair and piercing eyes. “I lucked out and won your figure from the gacha, Arisu-chan!”

Arisugawa-san twitched a little at that, and Shiro rolled her eyes.

“I see. Most fortunate, as there are few of me in circulation.” Arisugawa-san said at last. “Just… do not do anything unsavoury with it.”

“Shit, Yasu, she saw right through you!” Shiro howled with laughter, and the young Suzu-san grinned, tugging idly at one of her brilliant blonde curls, while sucking on a lollipop.

“He wouldn’t dare, or the boss would burn him alive for you, Arisu-chan!” She paused then. “Oh, did anyone get one of me?”

“No luck I’m afraid, Suzu.” Shiro shrugged.

“A shame. But some lucky people did. Not that it beats getting your figure, Arisu-chan!”

As the talk continued to be harmless, one person there seemed out of place. Turning to the woman, Yukiko politely asked her who she was.

“Oh, I’m… I’m Akiko, your Majesty. I’m… Shugo-kun’s girlfriend. Sorry… I… uh… I’m a schoolteacher, I feel very out of place here…”

“A schoolteacher, huh?” Eleanor broke in. “Just like Mary-Jane. There’s no shame in it. A praiseworthy role, in fact. However…” Eleanor suddenly smiled impishly, and at that Shiro raised an eyebrow, grinning to herself as well, muttering something too quietly for even Yukiko’s enhanced hearing to pick up, other than “…so bad, after all. At least she…”

“…it’s proper to call Princess Mikasa HerHighness. Majesty would be reserved for the Emperor. Though you Japanese of course have your own customs. -sama perhaps, though that does seem rather generic.”

As Akiko-san flushed, she apologised, thanking Eleanor for the correction. “So, yes… I feel out of place here. I’m… well, I didn’t know Shugo-kun was so important before we started dating. You get it, right Aimi-chan?”

The shorter woman nodded. “Yeah, I do. My boyfriend… he’s been really busy with work at the moment. I never really understood what he did before, except he was working for some big company. But… seems like it’s actually some sort of subsidiary of Fujiwara house. That’s Miyu-chan’s family, right?”

“Yeah.” Shiro agreed. “That why you’re getting an invite to that hotel?”

“Seems so.” Aimi-san nodded. “It’s a very formal event though… oh, damn.” She suddenly looked mortified. “I simply don’t have anything to wear! I’ll shame him and me if I turn up dressed in miniskirt and floaty top!”

“In that case, we’ll hit the shops, no problem!” Shiro laughed. “Or better yet… I know.” She pulled out her phone, firing off a rapid text.

“Who are you messaging?” Suzu-san asked, and Shiro grinned.

“Natsumi. Her family is not only nobility, but in the traditional clothing business. I bet they can sort you our with some borrowed jewellery to match as well. We can’t be having you looking like an idiot, Aimi, it’ll shame your boyfriend, who we still have yet to meet, may I add…”

“Sorry, sorry!” Aimi-san clasped her hands in apology. “He’s… always so busy. Honestly, it was getting me down a lot. I mean, he’s handsome, got a good job, kind to me… but… anyway.” Aimi-san coughed to cover her embarrassment. “…actually, that’d help me out a lot. But aren’t clothes from there very expensive? I know I have money, but…”

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Shiro grinned. “I’ll ask nicely, and if not, I’ll make Aki pay. Although…”

“Yeah?” Aimi-san asked, and Shiro shrugged.

“Just… this hotel was a big deal, for… uh…” She glanced at Yukiko and Eleanor, seemingly a little uncomfortable. “…reasons. Anyway, so obviously we’re happy to have recovered it, even if not through all our efforts. So just do me a favour and keep your ears open, okay? I’d be curious as to what went down.”

“Is that all?” Aimi-san muttered, relieved. “Sure, I can do that. I’ll ask him for what he can tell me too.”

“In that case… back to celebrating!” Shiro declared, raising another toast. “Damn, it’s fantastic, being able to go out drinking without worrying about collapsing and having to duck out early…”

As she launched into tales of her past, her friends interjecting their own amusing tales, some of which made Shiro blush, Yukiko exchanged a glance with Eleanor. Yes, this certainly isn’t a usual circumstance. But…

“So, Arisu-san…” Hayato-san asked, speaking for everyone. “Do you think your return to the public eye went well?”

“I should say so.” Arisugawa-san nodded. “Though sadly, I shall have little time to dedicate to the entertainment business. Sadly my abilities are too valuable to Akio-san and White here.”

Shiro nodded at that. “No kidding. Though with your talents, I daresay you can pull off every scene in one or two takes, so you’d be done in no time.”

“You forget there are other actors in any given scene.” Hayato-san pointed out, and Shiro nodded.

“Yeah, forgot about that. I agree, working with Arisu would make me nervous, I’d make more mistakes than usual.”

“How cold, White. Are you saying I am frightening?” Arisugawa-san shot back, and there was more laughter, most of them agreeing that she was indeed intimidating. I think so too. There is an unapproachable yet regal aura she has. Though… she seems reliable.

“You certainly aren’t good-tempered. But I love you anyway!” Shiro snorted, and Suzu-san couldn’t stop giggling at that.

“In any case…” Arisugawa-san sighed. “This was an excellent experiment. All indications are it is being talked about worldwide, with largely positive reception. This is a war. It may not seem like it now, but… that does not make it any less true.” Everyone was listening to her words, especially Yukiko and Eleanor, who understood, being as they were privy to the highest layers of government in their own countries.

“For now, it is sporadic, incidents such as Kyoto or London, small-scale yet tragic. However…” Arisugawa-san held everyone spellbound. “…that turn of events will not persist forever. Battles between groups, between countries… classical wars, one could say… will escalate, despite our best efforts. There are those…” Arisugawa-san sniffed, and Shiro snickered, knowing who she meant. I do as well, I think. “…who believe in the good of others, but sadly, I am a realist. There are many who are not good people, or worse, those who would have been good, but are easily corrupted by power and wealth. So chaos is inevitable. Worse…”

“Worse?” Eleanor asked.

“Yes, eventually… it will not just be human wars. So… keeping the populace behind us, when we will require their support… propaganda via entertainment. It is one important piece of the puzzle.”

“I get it. If the concert brings everyone together, and shows people are willing to donate and sacrifice for good causes… then we can escalate it when matters get worse.” Hayato-san pointed out.

“Indeed. So perhaps even with limited time, I shall be called upon to help create documentaries, films or entertainment for our purposes. But for now…” Her lips curled into a rather mean smile, which was still beautiful, but if it was directed at her, Yukiko knew she would be shivering. “… I am satisfied. Those who tried to destroy me… they shall see I have risen, from the ashes of their lies, like a phoenix, and… they will feel the flames of my revenge!”

As Shiro and Suzu-san clapped and cheered, Yukiko swallowed nervously. Yes, I’m very glad I’m not her enemy…

With that thought in her mind, Yukiko pulled out her phone, sending a message to Tsukiko. There might still be time. I am supposed to be chaperoning Eleanor, but it’s not often I am in Tokyo nowadays, so I want to see Tsukiko again… I know I said I wouldn’t, that I’d leave her to spend time with her new family, but… I get a sudden urge to see her. I doubt Eleanor will object, after all, she’s rather affable. Well, in most cases. Lips quirking in a smile, remembering Eleanor’s terrible first impression and treatment of Akio-san, she held in a laugh, and as her phone beeped, signalling Tsukiko had replied, she finished her beer, ready to suggest a move…

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