On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Thanks again for this, Arisu. I know you must be busy, Aki’s got you running all over the place.” Shiro spoke to Arisu, who, unusually for her, today was in a smart suit, rather than her usual gowns and elegant dresses, though in deference to the Pilgrimage and her tastes, it was a wine-red one, with white shirt and bright crimson tie. Her long, black hair was pulled into a businesslike braid, and it was pinned and tied with white and red ribbons and decorative jewellery.

We had emerged at Washinomiya-jinja, stepping out of Arisu-san’s Room into a prepared marquee set up for her arrivals and departures. Eri smiled at us, as she held one of Arisu-san’s marker tokens, but she politely waited for Arisu-san to respond.

“Yes.” She nodded coldly, but it was just her usual attitude, so Shiro simply laughed it off. “I am busy. WTV requires significant efforts to prepare. I have three broadcasts today, one at noon, then one at… Daizoji Temple in Fukushima, I believe. And the last…” Her onyx gaze was turned on me, and she glanced between Shiro and I, before speaking her thoughts. “Are you sure about this, White? Red too… tonight he will be in the arms of yet another.”

“Yeah, I get it.” Shiro laughed. “But you know that’s just the way it is.” She winked at Eri. “Only one person has the right to complain about Aki’s womanising, and that’s you, isn’t it?”

Behind me, Shaeula snorted, and Eri met Shiro’s gaze boldly, before inclining her head slightly. “You know, Shiro, I’m not as unreasonable as you seem to think…”

“When did I say that?” Shiro tilted her head as if puzzled, and Shaeula coughed loudly, trying to draw her attention.

Oh… this isn’t good, or… maybe it is. I know it’s been a bit of a point of friction between everyone. And honestly, it’s been like walking on a bed of nails for me. I totally understand why Hinata, Shiro and Shaeula wanted to create Adamant, but… excluding Eri and Kana just because they thought they might object… wasn’t a praiseworthy deed. Hinata’s smart, she got it quickly, and in future she’ll consult everyone before making hasty decisions. Shaeula… well, Shaeula and Eri are actually very close. In her case, it’s more of a prank, a surprise to spring on her, rather than a deliberate effort to exclude, but…

“I think…” I began, but surprisingly enough, Arisu-san spoke up.

“White. You know the sort of people I cannot abide. Liars and betrayers. Do not be that sort of woman. I believe we have a mutual respect. Do not squander that.”

“I… I don’t lie.” Shiro’s cheeky façade cracked a little. “And I don’t know… Aki…” she whined, clutching my arm playfully. “…everyone’s bullying me!”

“White…” Arisu-san growled, and suddenly one of Shiro’s eyes turned into a crimson orb, and her mouth moved despite her will.

“Princess, stop running away from your mistake. You are my Mediator, and my love indeed bore fruit. But as well as being my Medium, my Mediator, we are also, at least for now, partly the same being. You… dislike confrontation. I always handled difficult matters for you…”

Arisu-san nodded at that, and we watched the conversation play out, though Eri had a knowing, almost triumphant smile on her face.

“…but you are no longer bound to me by chains of promise and contract. No, I believe we are tied by more. It is time you learned to face your own mistakes. And do not cling to Akio…” she warned, as Shiro tightened her grip on me. “…he is not only yours. You know this. Else we… will have a falling out.”

“I was offended.” Eri spoke up. “You know, I saw you as an ally. You thought like I did, wanted a life with Akio which was normal, ordinary. But you changed so quickly.”

“Suzanne-san says I do not understand White, but I do. When one cannot have something they desire, they declare it worthless and crave the opposite. It is human nature. I many not understand the minds of fools, but you are no fool, White. You are ordinarily rather insightful. But… when it touches yourself, you crumble. White as blank paper.”

“Yeah. I get that. And when we have Shaeula…” Eri glanced at the woman in question, who scratched one cheek while blushing and smiling ruefully. “…seemingly eager to make Akio the next Tokugawa Ienari with a harem in the hundreds… it’s easy to get swept up. And… I sympathise. I do. It took a long time for me to come to terms with everything. But now I understand. And you need to as well, Shiro.” she warned. “I’m not making a big thing out of it. Because I do see the value. I’m not an idiot. And I trust Akio. Just because everyone sees it as his hunting ground, doesn’t mean he’s going to chase them. Any girl he liked, whether they were in Adamant or not… the outcome would be the same.”

I felt warm at Eri’s trust, and she was right. Just because a woman put on the uniform, which meant they were at least not opposed to the idea of a relationship with me, didn’t mean I was going to approach them. Though she’s right. I’m not confident anymore that I’ll never end up with any of them. The future stretches before us, and a lot can happen. But… I don’t choose recklessly. I can’t… my hands are already full.

“I…” Shiro was lost for words, and Tan spoke for her.

“The princess is stubborn. How fortunate you now have a woman like me to take care of you…” Tan teased me, and Shiro’s pale face heated up, a rosy pink in contrast to her brilliant silver hair. “…I will not speak for her, but she is sorry, she just… cannot find the words.”

“Shit, just kill me now. This is purgatory!” Shiro released my arm, covering her face with her hands. After a while, she steeled her resolve, and surprised me by bowing to Eri. It was stiff, and I couldn’t recall, even with my now excellent memory, Shiro having apologised so sincerely to anyone before.

“Okay, I get it. Shit, I’m pathetic. You’re right Eri. I wanted Aki to myself, but it was already too late. You, Shaeula, Hinata… others, they’d got to him first. And then I regretted it. How could I not? If I’d realised even just a little earlier, asked Aki to be my boyfriend… I’d have been in your position. And… I’m not confident I could be as big-hearted as you.” Her sigh was bitter. “I’m a selfish bitch, I know it. Why else would I have accepted Tan’s deal, which as Aki so cleverly and annoyingly pointed out, was basically an agreement she could do absolutely anything she wanted, to anyone, so long as I was okay.”

“I hasten to add, I am pragmatic, and ruthless, and was always thirsty…” I wasn’t the only one to notice Tan spoke up in the past tense, Arisu-san seeming surprised. “…but I never commit cruelty for cruelty’s sake, and my evils are necessary ones. I would have ruled… justly, though… I do confess, there certainly would have been many more sacrifices on my journey, as opposed to Akio’s. Now, I am still weary, after my exertions, and wish to finally rest. Do resolve this quickly… princess, no, Shiratori Himeko… be her for this conversation, not a mask you wear… I shall do you the favour of a little Mediation of my own, between those who love the same man… tell her. I know your thoughts. And move beyond this.”

“Fine!” Shiro cried, giving up. “I hate that I’m still so weak. Mentally, anyway. Eri, honestly, I think you’re a precious friend. You were kind to me at my lowest point, you suffered the same sorts of injuries… you had the right to refuse me, and you didn’t… it gnawed at me, that I wasn’t as good as you… and… honestly… damn it all Tan, do I have to? Oh, fuck me, fuck it!” Shiro swore a lot for a woman, yes, but she seldom dropped curses with such fervent passion. “Honestly, I think I might just get a kick out of it. Aki with other women. I know, I know… I’m a freak!”

Shaeula giggled. “I do not-not mind it…”

“Yeah, but… you’re doing it for your own reasons. Me… it honestly turns me on that the man I’m in love with, the man who loves me, he’s a total lady-killer. And…” Shiro narrowed her eyes, her expression suddenly wicked. “…a Goddess Eater. If I’m being humiliated to death, you’re going down with me, Tan!”

“What have I to hide?” Tan’s voice was imperious. “Truthfully, it is not just that, is it?”

“No, it’s like I said. I… couldn’t be as kind in your position, Eri. I… envy that. And feel guilty. And I hate that feeling. But… honestly, Adamant is important! It’s not just for mine and Shaeula’s pleasure, otherwise Hinata and the others wouldn’t have agreed!”

“Kind? You think so?” Eri laughed, a rich, warm chuckle. “Ask Shaeula about how much of a bitch I was to her when I was desperately protecting my claim to Akio. I regret that. I probably overcompensated too far, when I told Akio to pursue Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi if he needed them. But… honestly… no regrets. This is what we have now. And I’m happy. Are you happy, Shiro?” Eri pressed.

“Honestly? I’m loving every minute of life.” Shiro sighed. “I’m healthy again, I’m in love with one of my first ever friends, I have Tan by my side… I have new friends like Arisu, and you Eri, Shaeula… and it’s like I’m living that game I wanted to make before I died, as proof I’d lived, so that people would still think of me, that I’d live on, at least that way…”

“I’d never forget you, Shiro. No more than Hayato-kun, Aimi-chan or Hina-chan would.” I pulled her close. “And now nobody ever has to. But…” I winked at Arisu-san, who was watching on calmly. “I know you hate secrets, but… how about we spare Shiro’s blushes, and don’t tell everyone else she’s got a thing for being cucked?”

“Aki, you bastard!” Shiro was bright crimson in my arms, but she was smiling as she pummelled me with her fists ineffectually. “I’ve not got a humiliation fetish! I’d be right there jumping into bed with the other girls! It’s actually a power thing! Really it is! I get a vicarious thrill that you’re dominating all these beauties, and that I’m in your heart!”

“Sure, for your peace of mind, we’ll leave it at that!” I promised, and Shiro calmed down, before apologising once again. “Eri, sorry. I know we said we wouldn’t bring each other down… and technically it wasn’t that, we simply didn’t lift you up… sorry. My inferiority complex made me jealous of you.”

“It took me longer than you to learn.” Eri shrugged. “Arisugawa-san…”

“Call me Arisu. I am older, but… in this circle, it seems odd to be too respectful. Nobody else is. Of me or my time.” Her words were frosty, combative, but her tone was oddly kind.

“Arisu-san then. I think we can understand, can’t we? And let it end here. But I’ll say some final words.” As Eri said that, Shiro stood tall, almost standing to attention. “Don’t dwell on what could have been. We never get that. We get what we get, what we earn, what we fight for. And what we’ve got… is happiness. I’m not a fool, maybe it’s not perfect, like what we dreamed of… but… if you asked me whether I’d take a shot at that perfect happiness now… I’d decline. Because a chance at perfect can’t compare to as close to perfection as we’re ever going to get, which we already have. Even if I married Akio back in Nishimorioka and none of this ever happened, one of us could have fallen ill and died, or an accident claimed one of us, or any number of a thousand other thefts of happiness could have befallen us. Here… our own strength fights off sorrow. And…” She reached out a hand. “…much as it pissed me off when you went behind my back like that, and stopped being my ally… I still see you as my sister, Shiro. And I… don’t get off on seeing Akio with you or the others…” Eri, despite being composed and forgiving, wouldn’t have been herself if she didn’t get in a dig like that, I supposed…  “…but I do have faith in myself. After all, just like you’re his only university girlfriend… I’m his only childhood friend girlfriend!”

As Shiro nodded, Eri finished her point. “And don’t beat yourself up over what might have been. You’ll never know if you’d have accepted Shaeula if you were his girlfriend first, and… led to this… explosion…” Her tone was now exasperated, but kind. “…of women. I never thought I would, but she’s annoyingly charming, and I don’t mean in a Statistic sort of way… and my heart cracked when she was getting beaten up by Ulfuric, trying so hard, for Akio, to stay with him, with us. And once the first crack weakens it… it doesn’t take much to let others in.”

“You know, you’ve changed, Eri.” Shiro said after a long moment of contemplation. “Shit, I hate being wrong. My pride’s too high, I guess. It was all I had, after all. Now though… I have a lot more. I have all you guys! And Aki. So… screw it. Eri, I’m a bitch. Forgive me?”

“Sure. Since you see what you did wrong. But you have to apologise to Kana too, okay?”

“No problem!” Shiro’s expression was back to her usual one. “She’s less likely to rake me over the coals than you, it’ll be easy! She’s a pragmatic, easy-going girl…”

“Sure. If you say so. I know Kana better than I’d like. We’re very similar.” Eri snorted. “She’ll smile and agree, but you’ll pay for it in small ways until she’s satisfied.”

“Are you saying you’ll bully me too then, Eri?” Shiro joked, and Eri rolled her eyes.

“Not so long as you don’t do it again.”

“I won’t. Besides, it seems Tan’s not on my side. I’ll go on strike as your Mediator! No Aki love for you as punishment.”

“I think it is a bit late for that, princess.” Tan drawled. “Now matters are settled… I wish to rest. Stop this foolishness and cease holding up Arisu.”

“That would be appreciated.” Arisu-san agreed. “As we are now… all friends again…”

“Wait-wait!” Shaeula stuck up a hand. “I should apologise again once-once more.”

“You can apologise by helping me with something.” Eri grabbed her arm. “Come on. Everyone’s busy…”

As Eri gave me a final smile, she nodded at Shiro and Arisu-san, before hauling Shaeula away. I watched them go, a little bemused, and Arisu-san coughed politely, signalling a subject change in her usual impeccably meticulous way.

“Learn from this, White. It takes only one lie to destroy trust forever. And you may regret, but it could be too late. Fortunately, she seems to have matured. Though do not take that to mean she will forgive anything. Regardless… the final broadcast of the day is another musical performance. Atop Mount Gassan. Our final stop. Getting everyone back to Tokyo will be a nuisance. Fortunately all this practice has helped me, and…” Arisu-san’s gaze followed Shaeula out of the tent. “…my Room seems fortified after absorbing that large amount of spatial element from the Fae Realms. So I shall manage. But I need Nie Ling to bring the weaselkin musicians, and…” Her phone suddenly rang. “…I need to take this. One moment.”

She switched to English. “Good evening. I appreciate you getting back to me. It is indeed very late. Have you considered my proposal? Hmm… you think so?”

Shiro and I exchanged a warm look as Arisu-san negotiated with whoever she had contacted.

“Yes. With Japanese idols. An unusual departure for your band, but… I did my research and you fit our criteria. Oh, of course… they are hardly worried. Any one of them could deal with any harassment harshly, and… yes, yes. Oshiro Akio, Hero of Britain. It wouldn’t be wise to anger him by laying a hand on his… allies. Not that I would ever think it. You brought it up, not I. You Westerners always have quite the strange ideas about Japanese women and our supposed helpless timidity. Yes, Japan does have a problem with… public unpleasantness, but I assure you none of us would stand for it. So… yes. Yes. The mysterious other world. I imagine you would be the first to perform there. And a documentary. It is in your wheelhouse, due to your discography and theme. Yes… yes. As for the fee…”

“I think we’ll leave her to it.” I nodded my thanks to Arisu-san, who waved us off with a casual gesture, and we stepped out into the early morning sunshine, the air still crisp and chilly.

“I feel kind of wretched now, you know…” Shiro muttered, grasping my arm, as we watched the hundreds of Pilgrims praying and leaving offerings at the designated spots at Washinomiya-jinja, others entering tents ready to journey to the Boundary. Our caravan of goods had moved north during the night, and had further to go, as indeed, we were finishing at Mount Gassan, after touring both Fukushima and Sendai, visiting key shrines in those cities. It’s a busy day, and to cut down travel time we’ve spared no expense…

“A little guilt won’t hurt you. Don’t wallow in in though. As that’ll just be selfish in its own way.” I warned, knowing that from experience. It just hurt everyone else when I was down on myself for being a cheating harem bastard. No, instead it’s best to just own it, and make them happy through my deeds…

“Got it. I can learn, Aki.” Shiro sighed, as we admired the shrine, nodding greetings to groups of Pilgrims as they passed by. “But… aren’t you upset with us?”

“Me? Hardly.” I chuckled. “Secret organisation? Am I blind? Everyone was walking round in fancy uniforms… quite nice ones by the way.” Indeed, the Adamant members on the Pilgrimage were wearing their finery, and it did appeal to me. Shiro nudged my side with her elbow, amused.

“I knew you’d dig the uniforms. How long have I known you, and listened to you and the guys talk about your favourite outfits? But… we didn’t consult you…”

“Yeah. But you wanted to do something for me. I trust you all. That’s what love is. But… you have to apologise when you screw up. And we all have to work with each other, okay? We’ll be together a long time. Tan too.”

“Yeah.” Shiro was suddenly sombre. “Sorry. We must be a pain to deal with. But… we’re worth it. I promise.” She giggled, leaning her head on my shoulder as we walked, before changing the subject, and I was relieved to see she was back to her usual mood. “So… Tsuki’s night tonight, yeah?”

“It is. I still worry she’s being too hasty, but… you must be more excited than her, right?” I winked, and Shiro flushed, elbowing me harder this time.

“Don’t be a dick, Aki. I’m not a cuckqueen, I told you, it’s a power fantasy for me, being the wife of the baddest, hottest, most desirable guy in the world… besides, you’ve already claimed Tsuki’s heart, so it doesn’t hit the same notes. We’re… basically the same anyway. I want her to be happy. And that means you, Aki. You’re the only guy that can handle her.”

“Where did you hear the term cuckqueen?” I asked, and Shiro rolled her eyes.

“I’ve heard every sort of shit from you guys, but actually this one’s from Aimi. She’s into BL, and all sorts of degenerate stuff, just… a different sort to you guys. But she knows to keep it in the pages of doujins, otherwise I’d feel sorry for her boyfriend…”

“Subject change time, I think…” I snorted, and Shiro agreed.

“Yeah. Anyway… I’ll make it up to Eri and Kana. And you. So…”

“Yeah. Relax. Honestly though, Arisu-san’s right. Trust is hard to gain and easy to lose. Luckily… Eri’s changed. I’m proud of her.”

“It’s been a while, but… I’ll ask Eri to join me and we’ll give you a wild night. Some naked bonding is just the thing to bring us closer together. I’d ask Kana, but…”

“Yeah, she’s still in no hurry. Anyway…” As we chatted about nothing important and waited for our turn at the shrine, I enjoyed the moment, snatching whatever peace I could, as soon enough, matters would require my attention…

***

Kang Bora, Washinomiya-jinja, The Pilrgimage

“Are you all right, Violet-unni?” little Suk-ja was saying, an expression of concern on her cute face. Behind them, the silent, still guarded and wary Kim Eui followed. She had been taken under the wing of Park Yu-mi-unni, a rich girl who was playing as an Adamant Officer, but with the other loud, wealthy women she had brought over in her company, it seemed Eui preferred to hang around with Suk-ja, as they spent a fair amount of their training time in the evenings together.

“Yeah, shit…” Bora winced, her head aching. “…too much to drink. The party sure was wild, yeah? Booze was flowing like water. Fuck me, that was a celebration.” It took a lot for her to get drunk now that she was a Hunter, but when the opportunity presented itself, there was no way she was going to squander it. Tasty booze, good food, and one hell of a show. Sorry little bro, stuck in Korea doing all the paperwork… I’ll make it up to you… one day…

“I still felt bad. I’m just hired help…” Suk-ja apologised, and Bora pulled her into a hug, enjoying the way she squirmed and struggled as Bora ruffled her hair, messing it up. Looking around, Bora did feel rather out of place, as she was in a white tank top that showed off her right arm covered in vivid purple tattoos of scorpions and other poisonous creatures in an impressive sleeve design. Which hurt like a bitch getting done. Now though… huh, I wonder if there’ll be a call for specialist tattooists for Hunters and the like? Ordinary needles won’t work…

“Yeah, but what’s that matter? We’re all comrades who fought at Choe-Museon, and again in Tokyo…”

“I fought against him at Choe-Museon…” Suk-ja mourned, still struggling to free herself from Bora’s teasing.

“You… aren’t at fault.” Eui spoke up, surprising them. She’s really not a bad-looking girl. It’s just that gloomy, stoic expression she always wears. Of course, I get it. Shit, if I’d been the one trapped in the school, all those months, surrounded by death and despair… yeah, I’d be moody too. At least here she can get some help, and while her parents haven’t exactly been wonderful… they’ve given their blessing for her to train here. Out of sight, out of mind, yeah…

“You had no chance to resist her. Chae Cho-Hee was a monster. Just be thankful…” She clenched her fist. She was wearing shrine maiden attire, as was Suk-ja, but Bora wasn’t going to do so. Nope, I’ll stick with tank and white cut-off jeans. Hey, I’ve made an effort… She’d tied a red scarf around her neck and one around her thigh, so her colours matched, anyway.

“…you were saved. I… I am.” Eui admitted. “It took me a while, but… there’s people here who went through similar things I did. Lost friends and family… that’s why…” Her brown eyes were full of fire now, and Bora approved. Yeah, what’s being a bit sullen and withdrawn matter? She’s just… hardened. Forged by fire. Honestly, she’ll go far, I think. She certainly never goes easy on herself when she trains in that Chinese Cultivation shit… oh, probably shouldn’t be racist. We’re all friends here. Life’s too short for that bullshit anyway. And it’s not like I ever fit in amongst women my age in Korea anyway… too loud, too much like the guys, tattoos, piercings… shit, to be fair, most of the Japanese don’t like that, but… this is a good group. Nobody cares. Guess it makes sense. There’s fucking monsters here, what do a few piercings and tats matter?

As if to prove her point, there was a silver-furred catgirl arguing with a majestic… her fucking tits are, for sure… foxwoman, with nine bushy golden-blonde tails waving behind her. When we have those, it seems dumb as shit to argue about differences between us based on race or superficial bullshit like that. Anyway, nobody can talk shit about me now. I’m Violet, S-Rank Hunter!

“…you take what you are offered. Don’t be weak. Weakness… is the worst sin.”

“Quoting your Matriarch, I see.” Bora snorted, finally releasing Suk-ja, who fussed with her disarrayed hair and straightened her red and white attire. “Not wrong though. I’m not a woman who can’t see which way the wind is blowing. It’s why I took Akio-oppa as my boss. And he’s a good big bro to have anyway. My dumb little bro could learn from him how to be manly. Although…” She winked. “I hear he’s got his eye on a girl now. He’s a bit of a mini celebrity in Korea after Choe-Museon. I just hope she’s not a bitch or a user. Big sis Violet will vet her soon enough. My bro’s not that confident, so I’d hate him to blow his chance.”

“If… you are genuinely fretting…” Eui offered to Suk-ja. “…work harder on your task. Crystal element, yes? I know Matriarch Daiyu is very keen on your success.”

“Yeah. I’m doing my best. It’s just… when I see how hard everyone else is working, it seems like I‘m doing nothing.” she mourned, embarrassed. “All I do is spin out more and more Winged Diamonds, and… practice trying to manifest crystals in other ways.”

“I wish I could.” Eui was fervent in her desire, even in her quiet, reticent fashion. “But I won’t stop, I can’t stop, until… until I can protect myself!”

“All right, let’s change the subject.” Bora could see them both spiralling into their own different patterns of self-defeating behaviour. “Let Violet-unni see you right!” Holding in a wince as her head throbbed, she wished she had a bottle of water. I knew I shouldn’t have knocked it back with Aliyah. That girl can sink it. But she can’t handle it… listening to her rant about the fact no cute girls like her was… interesting. I mean, I’m no lesbian, but… you’d have thought I was at least worth a pass at…

“I have a question.” Suk-ja spoke up after a while. “Violet-unni, where are your followers?”

“Oh, them? No point them joining the Pilgrimage, they won’t get this Kami-Blessed Class Akio-oppa talks about. So they’re guarding the caravan of goods in the Boundary, making themselves useful. We’re going far north today, yeah? Through uncharted territory. And Territories, maybe. So there’s bound to be trouble. Like you, little Suk-ja…” Bora teased. “…I feel like a shitty freeloader sometimes. So having them help out is great. Though to be honest… we did our part.”

Eui nodded. “Yes. You… you protected people when the invasion happened. I wish I had the strength.” She clenched one fist. “Next time… ahh…”

She cried out as Bora ruffled her hair. “No kidding. I mean, I hope there isn’t a next time for sure, but shit, life isn’t that kind. So we need to be ready. And this is important. If only my head didn’t throb… oh, that’s one of Yu-mi-unni’s girls, yeah…? Wearing the uniform. Looks good in it. But… oh, she seems confused. Hey, hey!” Bora called, and then a second time as she didn’t respond. At that, the woman… what was her name again? I know I was introduced at the mansion, but… I was steaming then, drinking with Aliyah, and.. it’s a blank. …turned. Short brown hair, decent figure, slightly exotic facial features, just enough to show she wasn’t a full-blooded Korean… Yeah, I’ve forgotten her name. Shit. I’ll… just bluff it. Confidence is key!

Striding over, her two companions following, she smiled broadly. “Hey, looking good in the uniform. Me, I’m more an employee… anyway, how’s your head? Mine’s banging like some bastard’s beating it like a drum. Where’s Yu-mi-unni and the others?”

The woman shrugged. “Oh… they are in the… Boundary. I finished first and returned. It is still a little unsettling to me, but…” The fire in her eyes reminded Bora of Eui. “…if I am to show my brothers, my parents, that being favoured by the Gods does not make them better than me…” She clenched her fist. “I will do it. No matter what it takes. Even if I must sell myself…”

Oh, yeah, she’s the Yeom girl… “Hey, don’t worry. Akio-oppa isn’t that sort of bastard. And there isn’t any better armour than that uniform.” Bora chuckled wickedly. “It’d have to be some crazy bastard who touches one of you girls. Showing up your brothers, huh? I don’t like those fuckers… uh, sorry.” She apologised, realising she may have gone too far, but the girl merely shrugged.

“I can hardly blame you. I am their sister, and I can hardly stand them. They think little of women in general. And they believe that being a Hunter, as they called it, is for men. We women are too fragile and emotional.”

“I’d love them to say that to Shaeula-unni or Hyacinth-unni.” Bora sniggered, imagining it. “Emotional? Sure, I’ll give them that. But fragile? Shit, half the women here could beat the fuck out of the Yeom bros. I’d whip them so badly they’d be running home, their no doubt tiny tails…” she made a crude gesture with her little fingers. “…Between their legs. Clowns. I know they fancy themselves. Salt and Steel. Fucking stupid name for a Hunter’s guild. I get it’s a play on Yeom and their abilities, but those bastards didn’t even have the guts to join the rescue operation at Choe-Museon. If they had… you’d be rid of them.” She winked. “They claim to be A-Rankers, but shit, I’d barely rate them a B. Though honestly, now I’ve seen the real beasts in combat, I’m not so bold as to be prideful about being one of the big shots in Korea. Anyway, Yeom sis, want to hang with us while the others are busy?”

“Call me Ji-hye, please.” she replied, embarrassed. “I am but a newcomer. I prevailed upon Yu-mi-unni when I heard the rumours, and I am lucky she sees the merit in me. Merit I have yet to earn. But I shall.”

Damn, she’s a serious one. Opening her mouth to tell her to relax, Bora paused as Eui stepped forwards.

“Ji-hye-unni… you are very wise.” Despite being a year or two her junior, Eui showed no fear or deference to the older woman. “I respect that. I wish… I wish I had known how to fight. Have… you been given any specific training tasks yet?”

“Mostly generic exercises. Why do you ask?”

“If you are at a loss… there are two options. If you want to become stronger, then perhaps Cultivation might be for you? It requires dedication, willpower and Matriarch Daiyu is a stern teacher, but… you can make progress. If however, you just want the power to kill…” Her brown eyes were distant, hard and flinty like brown topaz. “…light element. I can’t do that yet…” Her formal tone, speaking to an older woman, slipped for a moment, her frustration evident. “It might interfere with my Qi Refining until I get better… but if you have any sort of favour to call in, the twins are experts in teaching, though they are always in demand…”

“Kill?” Ji-hye seemed startled, before she pondered it seriously. “I… guess it might come to that. I hardly want to harm my brothers, but… if I journey down this path… I will see combat like Kyoto, Choe-Museon, London or the latest terror attacks in time. I see. My resolve… I believed I had gathered it, but… I was wrong. Thank you… uh…”

“Kim Eui.”

“Thank you, Eui. Do you… have any suggestions about an overall plan? I know Yu-mi-unni will provide, but… I like to be proactive.”

“No kidding.” Bora laughed. “Else why would you be here?” She pushed Suk-ja forwards. “This is a fellow Hunter, here to teach.” As Suk-ja, flustered, greeted her, Bora’s grin widened. “Speaking of teaching… us Koreans should stick together. I don’t give a crap about ancient history, I judge people on how shitty they are, not where they were born, but… it feels a bit bad, Korea falling behind. I’ve got a little patriotism sloshing about the bottom of my soul. So… when Yu-mi-unni and the rest get back, let’s see… how about we brainstorm ways to help little Suk-ja fulfil her commission, and that should earn you all enough credit with Akio-oppa and his women to pull a few favours…”

Fuck it. I’d love to show up her brothers, the pricks. Despite me being S-Rank, they look down on me just because I’m not the ideal Korean woman. Well fuck them! Emily-unni thinks I’m awesome. Yeah, she may be Akio-oppa’s mother, but there’s no way she’s an ajumma. She’s young at heart, not an old woman… hey, maybe we can rope Aliyah and her bro in too. Rubbing her hands together, headache forgotten, Bora smirked viciously. “Last night was awesome, and it’s smart to give people a break, a release for all the stress building up, but… we aren’t going to have this opportunity forever, where so many talented people are gathering. Let’s make the best of it!”

“I like the sound of that.” Ji-hye agreed, and Eui nodded. Even timid Suk-ja raised one fist, and diamond sparkles shone, faint motes of crystalline energy, which wrung a gasp from Ji-hye.

All right… the twins… let’s see if we can get on their bus to the next shrine. Even if there’s no elemental energy to practice with, we have Suk-ja, so… yeah. Let’s do this!