On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Take these back to Tokyo and deliver them to the store…” I handed one of Karen-chan’s support staff, who was accompanying the Pilgrimage to provide any needed assistance but wasn’t actually partaking in the religious aspects, a small, carefully wrapped package. Karen-chan was, of course, as one of our top-level staffers, and my friend and ex-neighbour. She still can’t believe she’s got such an important job now…

Having helped turn Karen-chan’s life around was a good feeling, and she was getting along with Yasu-kun now, though their relationship was still rather… casual. That aside, most of the staff she commanded, other than the two men from our old apartment block, were hand-picked by Hinata and her grandfather, from trusted Nichibotsu staff, or borrowed from Adamant.

As he assured me they would reach their destination safely, Tsurugi tugged on my free hand with hers. “Father! Father! I want to look around. I’m bored!” The young Tsukumogami was pouting, though the effect was ruined by the jam smeared around her lips, and in her free hand she held a skewer of half-eaten dango dumplings, as they were a local delicacy sold at the shrine, with a variety of both sweet and savoury coatings.

The man who was working for us smiled warmly at the scene, and it did rather look like I was babysitting my younger sister, despite us looking nothing alike, her hair white with blue highlights, mine a deep, rich black with faint purple ones. She was also wearing a sailor uniform, but not the ones that Japanese schoolgirls sometimes wore (The Hanafubuki uniform being an example of such, though with their tasteful colouring and modestly cut long skirts and shirts, it wasn’t the image people, especially foreigners, associated with Japan), but instead it was a cute white navy-style uniform, complete with a white cap perched at a jaunty angle on her head.

Not sure whose idea this was, I looked away for five minutes and Tsurugi was gone. Then she came back dressed like this. My sis, maybe… it doesn’t matter. She does look cute.

“Don’t worry. I was just taking care of business.” As the man left with a smile, I examined Tsurugi critically, and she shifted a touch bashfully under my gaze, though her excitement wasn’t quelled. “I suppose I’d best get you and your sisters gifts for Christmas too. Azuki too.” Showing that Tsukumogami have the same rights and obligations as humans is important. So excluding them wouldn’t sit right with me…

“Presents? I like presents.” Tsurugi waved her half-eaten snack cheerfully, her other hand tightening on mine. “But what’s… Christmas?” she asked, puzzled.

“A holiday. Probably after your time, I’m afraid. It’s nominally a religious one, but here in Japan it’s just a time to spend with loved ones and have fun. The gift giving isn’t as pronounced as in the West, mainly being between couples and close family, but… mom’s always been big on it, and Eri’s family followed suit. In fact…” I couldn’t help but smile at the memory. “…I’d say Nishimorioka probably gives more Christmas gifts than most places in Japan, as since my mom was accepted as one of the townsfolk, they humour her traditions.”

As Tsurugi pondered that, we walked hand-in-hand through the shrine. It was an extremely old and rather well-visited one, and it was a place of worship for Izanagi and Izanami, the founding Divinities of Japan, if one believed the myths. Obviously, they weren’t present in the Boundary, but it was an important true shrine and the most major in the city of Fukushima. As we admired the architecture and the gardens, we came across Daiyu, with a group of the AKB0048 idols, including Ema-chan, and also Narumi-san, the senior of the group, as well as a few other members I didn’t recognise, but no doubt my sis or Hisano-chan would be able to name.

Seeing me approaching, Tsurugi still clutching my hand, Daiyu’s face brightened, a faint smile on her lips.

“Akio, Tsurugi…” Daiyu nodded politely at the Tsukumogami, and she waved with her free hand, scattering powdered sugar everywhere. With a sigh, I quickly wiped her mouth, even as she squirmed, and used a little wind element to dust her off.

“You sure do seem good at taking care of people.” Narumi-san observed, a rather charming smile on her beautiful face. “It’s… a little surprising.”

“No, I don’t think so.” Ema-chan shook her head. Yeah, she’s a little ball of energy, the youngest member of the group. And since the ones I know best are Keiko-chan, her and Asuka-san… I’m a bit more comfortable with them…

It still seemed a little surreal, having all these famous idols around, and even more shockingly, wearing the Adamant uniforms, or at least the idol versions of them. It’s crazy I think that’s something unusual though, considering… I’m holding hands with a living being created from the Imperial Regalia, and last night… last night I bedded both a Faerie weasel princess, and a Goddess.

For a moment, my thoughts considered a what-if scenario. Any man would be excited at the prospect of so many beautiful, famous idols being pledged to serve, and the temptation would be… Fortunately, I’m not that sort of guy. I’d never use my power to pressure them into any untoward relationship. But… it’s certainly the sort of situation some dreams are made of. My lips twitching into a smile, I contented myself with knowing I had all the beautiful, loving, intelligent and brave women I’d ever need in my life, and I didn’t need to go searching for more. Though… I’m not such a fool as to say I’ve reached the limit. I fear it’s inevitable I’ll steal the hearts of and have my heart stolen by others. Once the dam breaks, the water will flow. But…

It was a matter of trust. Adamant… it was founded on principles designed to turn a group of women into fanatically loyal soldiers, new Valkyries, and I understood the best way to do that wasn’t to make me an object of worship, but an object of affection. Huh, Machiavelli said something along the lines of ‘if you can’t both be feared and loved, better then to be feared, for we easily betray those we love for our own interests, but fear… the threat of punishment keeps us honest’. I disagree… those I fear, I can fight, and for those I love… I’d fight and die for… no, that’s not true. I can risk my life, but I can never die, because to do so breaks the hearts of those I leave behind…

“It looks like you are thinking something odd…” Narumi-san pointed out, reading my momentary expressions, despite it taking only a fraction of a second in my mind.

“Oh, sorry.” I apologised. “Just thinking… those uniforms suit you all.”

As Ema-chan blushed, she waved a hand, giggling. “Oh, you! Save the smooth talk for Keiko-chan… or Matriarch Daiyu here! She deserves your praise!”

I nodded. “Yeah, you look particularly lovely today, Daiyu. That outfit suits you. A little red with the white really changes your appeal.” Her Cultivator robes, which were cut in a Chinese fashion, were not her usual pure white, but in deference to the Pilgrimage had a red skirt and sleeves. “In fact… we’ve got a little time after this shrine before the next one. Want to spend it with me? Oh, but you are probably instructing your Disciples.”

Daiyu let out a dry chuckle, unusual for her. “I would never turn you down, my Dao Companion. My Disciples are all precious to me, but I still very much relish spending time with you. The flickering stars may be beautiful, but their light does not outshine the moon.” At her poetic turn of phrase, the AKB idols smiled warmly.

“It’s… hard, being an idol.” Narumi-san spoke up, her expression one of wistful reminiscences. “Don’t misunderstand me, being an idol, no, an AKB idol, is a dream for us all. We love performing, we adore our fans… but… we have to give of ourselves for it, sacrifice a lot of the pleasures we have as a woman. If we get seen out with another man, even if it’s just a family friend or cousin, and a photograph is snapped… the internet goes crazy. We train and diet to a gruelling degree, no dango…” Her gentle smile took in Tsurugi, who was half-listening as she finished her skewer of treats. “…for us. But… it’s the life we chose to follow our dreams.” They all nodded.

“It’s different now.” I promised. “Adamant… will always have your back, so long as you protect your fellow members.” I insisted. “And as for your work as idols… I think it’s going to be ever more important, but… it’ll change. Idol culture… shit, I’m not anywhere as near a big as fan as my sis and her friends, but… I’ve been to your café in Akiba, I enjoyed the show. And I like a lot of your songs, and the cute outfits… but… it’s all a fantasy, isn’t it? Just like maid cafés. But… idol also had different meanings. One that is revered and worshipped, greatly admired and loved. Adamant… Adamant can be that. For the world. You’ll bring hope to many, and… well, if the crazy fans don’t like you living your best life… sorry, but the world will be cheering for you. If you disappoint a few idiots, so be it.”

There was a long moment of silence, Ema-chan’s face scarlet, before Narumi-san spoke up softly. “I think you should give that speech to Keiko-chan. It would move her. As for us…” Her warm smile was now a teasing one. “…is that a roundabout way of telling us we should fall for you? After all… we aren’t allowed to date while an Adamant member. Our focus must be on you and the other members.” She suddenly winked, and now I was the one embarrassed.

“I didn’t mean it that way. But… sure, Adamant was started by Hinata and other others, but… it’s now my responsibility. And I’m grateful that you are prepared to do what’s right and help me. Having famous celebrities such as AKB0048 in my corner helps to calm the populace, keep all the new changes to the world from causing panic.”

“We get that!” Ema-chan spoke up brightly. “Arisu-chan is amazing! She could be reading a report that the world was going to end tomorrow, and with her charm and poise, she’d make everyone feel it was only natural, and nothing to worry about. I’m glad she’s an actor, not an idol, or we’d never be able to compete!” As her fellow idols agreed, Ema-chan’s face suddenly paled. “That reminds me… I’m hosting the afternoon broadcast with her. Keiko-chan can’t do everything. I’m… a bit intimidated. Luckily…” She reached out, clinging to Narumi-san, who patted her shoulder reassuringly. “…Rumi-Rumi is joining me. I can’t face it alone!”

“Speaking of that…” Narumi-san interjected. “I’ve been helping Keiko-chan write another song. This one… I think you’ll approve. A.D.A.M.A.N.T (Always Dreaming, Always Marching, Always Now Triumphing) is the title. It’s… catchy.”

“It sounds it.” I agreed. Anyway, we’ve strayed from the topic. I don’t want to interrupt your training…”

Daiyu shook her head. She didn’t have much interest in the idol aspect of her Disciples, though she did very much appreciate the mindset and dedication they brought to any task they performed. “During the Pilgrimage itself, I am merely imparting some wisdom. For now…” She placed a hand on her lower body, around her sacral Chakra. “…I do not wish to create problems for my Foundation.” Her slight smile turned into a an almost dreamy expression, one I’d not seen since she eagerly saw the Spirit Water I had conjured for her long ago. “…this treasure you have shared with me… it is resilient. But I feel the power within it.”

“Yeah, the Droplet is rich with strange water element and other energies.” I agreed. “And it’s very compatible with the Spirit Water. And I’m happy to help you, Daiyu, you know that.” I put my free arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. Her face flushed very slightly, showing her embarrassment, but she leaned her head against me, black eyes staring into mine. “After all, I may have many fiancées, but… you’re my only Dao Companion.”

“For now.” Daiyu agreed. “It is… not usual… for one to have more than a single Dao Companion, but… I suppose it is not impossible. For if our Dao are compatible… and our hearts…” She shook her head. “That is not my concern right now. Instead…” She glanced around at the shrine. “I do feel a little… troubled… beseeching these Kami for aid. Cultivation seeks to surmount the Heavens, be beholden to none. However…” Her beautiful black eyes narrowed as she surveyed her Disciples, and I was amused to see them all stand straighter. It seems like they have a great deal of respect for Daiyu. That and she makes them a little nervous, perhaps,

“…I can see the tangible difference it makes to their Qi Refining. And power has no sin, assuming it can be made our own.”

“It makes sense. Their Aether Statistic and their ability to utilise it should be getting boosts from the Class. That feeds directly into Qi Refining. And don’t worry, we’re not exactly… worshipping… here. Don’t get me wrong, there are those from the shrines who probably are, but the rest of us… we’re more asking for their blessings, and in exchange are giving offerings, and promising to make sure their shrines and temples continue to flourish, their legacy passed on through the ages.”

Daiyu shifted against my shoulder, managing a small nod. “Indeed. I suppose that is a small price to pay.”

“Small?” I grimaced. “If only. The money I’ve lavished on this project is obscene. But to make everyone stronger I’ll pay it willingly.”

“If not gladly!” Ema-chan snickered. “But… I feel a little humbled, you know? First you saved my dignity, and maybe even my life…” She shuddered, remembering the crazed fan who attacked her. “…then you invest all this in my training. I can see what Keiko-chan sees in you.” She winked then, smiling like a cat. “Not that I’d ever try and step in front of her! She’s my friend and I look up to her. I look up to you too, Rumi-Rumi! Please help me during the broadcast…”

As the idols fell into banter, I glanced at Daiyu, who agreed. She grasped my free hand, earning knowing smiles from her Disciples, and as we were about to go, Tsurugi tightened her own grip, unwilling to release me. Daiyu, ever the calm woman, merely reassured her she was welcome, and with that, we headed off to a nearby café, to snatch a little private time together, before we once more had to venture onwards to our next destination…

***

Izumi Kana, Isasumi Shrine, Fukushima, The Pilgrimage

“So, you ready to give it a try, Asha, Magatama?” Shiro was in particularly high spirits today, and Kana had a good idea she understood why. Her apology was… rather pathetic, but I suppose that’s one of her charms. She clearly meant it, but it seemed to really pain her. For all her usual in-your-face banter and inability to keep quiet for more than a minute… she’s a paper tiger. Trying to make herself seem larger than life. With her looks, that’s unusual, but… I guess being ill all those years and not having a reliable family… it made her fragile.

“I am ready.” Asha, the calm Dryad, nodded. Her faintly green skin fit her well, and with her long, almost floor-length cascade of rich auburn hair, as well as her rich, motherly figure, which Kana suspected had been ripening now she was pregnant, she cut a soothing yet alluring figure.

That… that’s going to be me one day. Nope, not thinking about it now! Akio and I, we’re just enjoying dating. Sure, we’re both serious about it, and I know it’s going the distance… It was impossible to doubt. Even though her Lovers’ Link wasn’t as potent as those who had given Akio their bodies as well as their hearts and affections, it was still enough for Kana to understand how Akio felt about her. And me… I’m not letting go now, not when I was so miserable and frustrated when he wasn’t paying me attention…

“That’s great.” Shiro enthused, and when she met Kana’s eyes, she grinned a little shamefacedly. Yeah, paper tiger. Don’t worry, I’m not going to make your life difficult. Though I might get in a little teasing, just to teach you I’m not to be ignored…

“In that case…” Shiro managed, her cheeks faintly red. “…I’ll try passing my Blessing to Magatama first.”

The Tsukumogami, who was also beautiful, with an elegant and voluptuous figure, smiled slowly. With her gleaming crystal-jade hair and marble-white skin, she seemed almost like a sculpture, such as you might see at a shrine. Fortunately, she seems to see Akio as a father figure now. For Tsurugi that makes sense, but for Yata and Magatama… it’s certainly weird, but probably for the best! I’m confident in my charms, but fewer rivals beats having more, any day!

“I am willing to be of service. I am the Yasakani-no-Magatama, and I am benevolence itself. I bless and strengthen this land, and… the Imperial Family. Though… times are changing, it seems. The will, the faith of the people… has changed, is changing. However…” A faint smile curved her lips. “…father is to be married into the Imperial Family, and you are to be his concubines. I see no conflict here. Now, show me your power, one that is similar to mine!”

I don’t know how he does it… Kana’s thoughts were equal parts exasperated and amused, as she used her newly improved Eyes to watch the spectacle, hoping to pick up some tips. Akio seems to inspire loyalty and devotion wherever he goes. He’s picking up new sisters and daughters everywhere now… I suppose Eri and I should be grateful they aren’t more wives…

“I’m ready too!” Aiko-chan declared, shaking one fist. She was here to assist, but their other two watchers, the Kitsune, Tamamo-no-Mae and Nebisuki, were simply here to enjoy the spectacle, or so Kana supposed.

“Wow, I’m all pumped up over last night, and when you want Sunlight, I’m your girl!” Aiko-chan continued, almost bouncing with enthusiasm, though to Kana’s eyes, she seemed a bit tired. She does have a lot on her shoulders I suppose. I sympathise. At least during the Pilgrimage I’m freed from construction work, though… I sort of hate that I miss it. Seeing the tunnels and factories coming together under our own hands is something special, something I’m proud of.

“Yeah, you managed to master earth element, didn’t you?” Kana praised, and Aiko nodded, her black pigtail-style braids bouncing, a hairstyle that definitely suited Aiko-chan, but made her look younger. I wonder… no, it’s not important. “But you still haven’t managed metal yet, yeah?”

“Oh, come on, Kana-chan!” Aiko-chan stuck out her tongue playfully, knocking on her own head with her knuckles. “You can’t expect miracles. I’m not my bro… but… I’ll crack it before we reach Kyoto. I’ve got a few days yet. No sweat! When it comes to training, I’m as much a pro as my bro. No, better! While he was in the going home club at school, I practised Kyūdō and Volleyball nearly every day!”

That’s true, but honestly, you’re so much alike it’s painful. Eri’s the same. Shaeula’s right. They did all grow to resemble each other. But… “I feel dissatisfied when you call me Kana-chan, but Hinata’s just Hinata. We’re great friends, aren’t we?”

“I’ll call you without an honorific when you do it with my bro.” Aiko-chan curled her fingers into a ring and used the index finger of her other hand to make a crude gesture. “Besides, don’t you call me Aiko-chan?”

“Eri will be angry with you, Ai.” Shiro snorted, her attempt to use her powers derailed. “She doesn’t like crudity much.”

“You say that, but she sure put those two perverts in our class in their place when she was angry. But yeah… anyway… consider it like a nickname, Kana-chan. You’re definitely a –chan girl, like Yae-chan and Rika-chan. But feel free to drop it for me, if you want. Despite my joke, I know you’re my sister-in-law, and it’ll be official, no going back, sooner or later!”

“There’s no going back now!” Kana grumbled. “But… anyway, I want to see how this all works. Less boasting, more doing!”

“Yeah.” Shiro nodded, and Aiko-chan… I’ll wait, just like she is… grimaced for a moment, before she raised her hand.

“Okay, Sunlight coming up. What was it bro said about you, Magatama? That…” She coughed to clear her throat, then mimicked Akio’s voice passably. “…you were once able to call upon the strength of the Sun, gathering it within your crystalline structure, reminiscent of Divine jade, and could radiate it from the central void, blessing the bearer and the land they commanded.” Tapping her throat, she smiled. “Not sure if that pompous phrasing is my bro’s or his Eyes…” Her own Eyes were gleaming, and she now shared Kana’s, she supposed. Or are they mine? You could argue they are that mad scientist’s… no, at their heart, they are my eyes.

“…but the point is… Asha, you’re like… the heart of my bro’s land, you and your Tree. So… if Magatama here could do that again, wouldn’t you reach new heights? Besides, to grow, Trees need water, sunlight and nutrients. I hear bro has got himself some potent new water… wow, it was crazy, when he just vanished with Arisu-chan, for a moment I thought my bro’s carnivorous instincts had got the best of him and he was hauling her off for a quick tumble under the crazy purple moon… though she’d eat my bro alive…”

Asha merely stood silently, listening to Aiko-chan ramble with a faint, slightly bemused smile. Shiro then interrupted. “No way, Ai! Aki’s not an idiot, you don’t just lay hands on Arisu. As for the water though… he’s not properly processed it yet. So it’s not just you who is struggling, Ai! We all are, in our own way. But yeah… I’m thinking we can achieve great things together. Magatama, we’re happy you are a part of this.”

The Tsukumogami nodded slowly. “I am grateful to be here. I… like to bring prosperity, blessing the land of Japan.”

“And Aki’s land is technically part of Japan. Shit, we all know what is going to happen…” Shiro continued, only for the conversation from the two foxes to rise in volume, distracting them, likely purposefully.

“It is quite amusing, grandmother. To hear them quibbling so.” Nebisuki drawled. They were snacking on dango skewers and ceremonial sake, and for the occasion they both wore shrine maiden hakama, and Kana found their appearance rather amusing. And also rather chastening.

I’m rightly proud of my figure, but… hakama aren’t meant for boobs that large! Both of them can barely be contained! To say nothing of the… issues with such Yōkai being here… The Night Parade, of which Nebisuki was still one of their strongest members, was technically supposed to steer clear of shrines, temples and other hallowed ground, but… now, so long as no trouble was caused, and Akio’s rules were obeyed, Yōkai could come and go, to trade or even just to hang out…

“It is understandable.” Tamamo-no-Mae shrugged, and Kana, despite not being into women, couldn’t help but admire her pale bosom as it jiggled. “The times… have changed. Now, I am renowned for many things, but wisdom is not amongst that number…”

“Yes. Cruelty, whimsy, lust, violence… but certainly not wisdom…” Nebisuki chuckled, and Tamamo-no-Mae’s jade green eyes narrowed, making her granddaughter wave her hands and tails in mock-fright and apology.

“We can all change. If the proper pressure is applied. Now… lost treasure Magatama…”

The way she said that… it was a bit strange. But it’s not for me to pry. I’ll tell Akio though. After all, he’s in charge of the mythical nine-tails… though honestly… is she any more legendary than an actual Goddess? Kana glanced at Shiro, feeling a little sting of inferiority, which she quickly quashed. No, it doesn’t matter if Akio’s bedded Tan. I’m still charming and fun, and Akio likes me for that. If I start getting all mopey, I throw away my own charms…

“…your task is to be benevolent and protect this land and the Imperial Family. For now. You shall change too. He shall help you to change.” Sparks of a myriad of colours danced around her tails, and her eyes shone an eerie bluish-purple for a moment. “…but for now, know that this land and the family you and your fellows served since your… inception… live and die by his whims. After all…” Her smile was rather amused. “…the power gathered here alone is enough to challenge the Hyakki Yagyō. I do not claim we would triumph, though were the being within you…” she gestured with an empty skewer at Shiro. “…to aid us, I think it likely that between us, we could defeat Nurarihyon and his troublesome wife, and if not slay them, at least drive them off… so… this country holds few who can match us. And were we to clash, the Princess who is to be his bride would surely side with us. So… calm your mind, lost one. And simply enjoy what you were made for.” Tamamo-no-Mae paused, her canines showing as her smile was teasing and wicked. “I certainly shall enjoy the spectacle. I do despise boredom. Fortunately… my rebirth has seen no shortage of entertainment.”

As Nebisuki smiled, agreeing, Shiro clapped her hands. “Okay, we… got distracted. Anyway, Ai, Magatama, Asha, you all ready?”

As they agreed, Kana focussed strength into her new, improved Eyes. It was easier than ever, and she felt closer to her faith than ever before. Even if Shirohebizumi wasn’t a famous shrine, or if their Kami was… unimpressive… their place in history, and this new world, was assured. My place is assured. But… I’m no worse than Eri. I want to do what I can too, and… Eri’s too close, too much a reflection, she… doesn’t always see…

“Leave it to me!” Aiko-chan promised. “I’m tired, but my Sunlight reserves are good to go! I wasn’t using it up last night.” She raised a hand, and a brilliant indigo glow, laced with the golden yellow of the dawn sun, flared into being, forming an orb. She tossed it to Magatama, who raised a hand, a calm, wistful expression on her face. As she caught the ball of light, it was absorbed into her, and Kana could see the flow of elemental energies. It seemed to suffuse Magatama, and her hair and eyes were starting to radiate a warm, calming glow. Asha seemed particularly enamoured of the light, her yellow eyes seeming to now be the warm colour of the sun.

“How is it?” Shiro asked, and Asha took a moment to reply, contemplative.

“Kind.” Asha answered at last. “My Tree grows under the light of the Moon, but… this sun is just as fortifying, and… warmer. Even though me, I can feel my other self responding, leaves reaching for this light…”

“So do you think it’ll increase the ether gain?” Shiro asked the question that mattered, and Asha pondered it for a moment, before shaking her head.

“Not… immediately. Though I do believe it will help my Tree to grow, to mature, faster than ever. Perhaps in a few decades, it will mature to the next stage of its development.”

“Decades, huh?” Shiro mused. “So not helpful now, but… we’re in it for the long haul, and on Fae timescales, that’s decent, yeah? So it’s a win. And we’re not done, are we? Guess I’m up!” Shiro raised one hand dramatically, and Kana exchanged a wry glance with Aiko-chan. Yeah, Shiro definitely loves being the centre of attention. And she’s definitely in a better mood today…

“Anesidora’s Blessing Of Many Gifts!” At her words, a tidal wave of energy flooded into Magatama, whose black eyes widened, the flecks of green light flickering within growing in intensity. Her hair started to glow, and as Kana watched it all happen, she noticed something interesting… That’s cool. Synergy. We’re all about synergy. Although… it’s rough, having a useful skillset. Don’t I know it? Miyu-san too…

“We’re lucky we don’t need Aki here now to check things out.” Shiro watched triumphantly, and one of her eyes turned a brilliant crimson, amber light shining, and her voice changed, as Tan spoke up grumpily.

“You do not give a woman much time to… consider her circumstances, princess.” Her mouth stretched in a languid yawn. She sounded annoyed, but Kana was sure it was just an act, maybe to hide embarrassment. “Now then, let me see… curious. That is not… normal. Not that anything is, around Akio and those he has gathered.”

No kidding. Though that’s rich coming from a Goddess who came down to Earth and fell for a mortal… Kana wasn’t the only one amused, the Kitsune seemed to find her words positively hilarious. “Yeah… Magatama, are you… all right?” Kana could see that the Blessing, instead of doing the usual and enhancing her Skills, had instead suffused through her, and she was starting to emit a faint emerald glow, the energies vanishing. The Sunlight Aiko-chan had poured into her had brightened too and was also being absorbed.

“Wow, yeah… you’re glowing, Magatama …” Aiko-chan agreed. “It’s… very relaxing? A bit like Haru-chan’s light, but…”

“This warm power is foreign to me….” Magatama remarked, a dreamy expression on her face. “…yet it is akin to one I know well… it is benevolent and should be shared. I…” She reached out a hand, and Asha was bathed in the rich jade light.

For a moment everyone was worried, as Asha, while she hoped very much to further help Akio, couldn’t be risked, for obvious reasons, but Shiro, or perhaps Tan, held up a hand for calm, and Kana and Aiko-chan also noticed.

“It won’t hurt her, or the babies.” Aiko-chan promised. “My Eyes aren’t as good as my bro’s, no they are not, but…” She straightened her back, puffing out her chest, winking cheerfully. “…they are good enough for my ambitions. And for this… my Sunlight and your Blessing, Shiro… they’ve all been absorbed, and changed… it… hmm, what do you think, Kana-chan?”

Concentrating, Kana used her other ability that lay within her bloodline. Sensing the shape, the shadow of Aiko-chan’s thoughts, she shook her head. Okay, sure, today’s no good, he’s busy, but… I’ll have a word with Akio and he can make time tomorrow… there’s a lot of travelling as we go even further north…

“I think…” she said at last. “…you’re spot on, Aiko-chan.” Ignoring Aiko-chan’s faint grimace, she tried to explain. “If we go by the description of Magatama’s power… she’s good with blessing and strengthening…”

“Indeed. Though… radiating it like this…” Magatama called upon her Regalia form, the Magatama jade on a fine, delicate chain appearing around Asha’s neck, where it hung down into her ample cleavage. “…I agree with Yata, we should not be constrained by our past shackles. Yet… you shall be part of the Imperial Family, if only by marriage… I can… justify it.” Her expression calmed, and Asha was wrapped in a shining glow.

“Fascinating. Princess, more power. You… my… my sister-in-law…” Tan stumbled over the words, and Aiko-chan giggled happily. “…your Sunlight is uniquely compatible with her. Press further… I believe we are close to a breakthrough.”

“You got it, sis-in-law!” Aiko teased, and for a while Kana watched as they flooded Magatama with their own strengths, magnifying the energy Magatama was outputting, and after they were nearly drained…

“I believe… it will work.” Asha muttered. She was radiant, haloed in crystalline, jewel-like light, but… there’s a bit less than there should be. I wonder…  “I can feel that if I transfer the energy to my Tree…”

“Hang on a minute!” Kana interrupted. “Akio-chan, Tan, can you see what I’m seeing?”

“See what, oh… shit!” It was unusual for Aiko-chan to swear, but she got in-between Magatama and Asha. “That can’t be good. Some of the Blessing is disappearing, and… there’s only one place it can be going!”

“I think… there is no issue.” Tan remained calm, her keener Eye seeing deeper and more clearly. “Yes, the energy is being absorbed by the child, but… if anything, it seems to relish it, is growing healthier. I anticipate no problems.”

“Even so…” Aiko-chan waved her arms, panicked. “That’s my niece, yeah? Bro’s daughter! If something bad happens to her because of our messing around…” Tears were glimmering at the corners of Aiko-chan’s sapphire eyes, but it was Tamamo-no-Mae who intervened.

“Children are… said to be a treasure.” the nine-tailed fox declared, as she appeared beside Aiko-chan and gingerly patted her shoulder gently. Nebisuki burst out laughing at that, but quietened when Tamamo-no-Mae shot her a baleful glare.

“I confess, I was… a poor mother indeed.” The Kitsune admitted, continuing to console Aiko-chan. “However, I am hardly alone in that.”

“No, no you are not.” Shiro agreed, face suddenly expressionless.

“But here… the child shall be loved.” She once more shot a glare at Nebisuki, who cheekily mimed zipping her lips, which puzzled Kana. Where did she even learn such a gesture?

“I confess, I wonder what that would be like. I have… reunited with my granddaughter here… and, she is frustrating, but perhaps I have mellowed…” Ignoring Nebisuki’s disbelieving snort she continued. “…or perhaps it is simply times have changed. Regardless… she…” Tamamo-no-Mae nodded at Shiro. “…with his Eye, sees no danger. Or do you believe she would put his offspring at risk?”

“No, but…” Aiko-chan began, and Kana stepped in.

“It’s only natural to worry. I was scared too.” Kana admitted. “But on looking closer…”

“Yes. It seems that one of the children within you has an… affinity… with this processed power of benevolent growth.” Her Eye widened for a second, and then she chuckled. “…in fact, I believe this is quite the fortuitous turn of events. Fortuitous and rather amusing.” She shared a look with Tamamo-no-Mae, who nodded once more.

“Regardless of this… unexpected… event…” Tan continued. “Stand down, my sister-in-law. I would no more allow his child to come to harm than you would. I have my pride, after all. But… more importantly, does it work?”

Asha nodded, cradling her belly tenderly. “I never thought, but now… now I hear them clearly. Heartbeats. Oh… you mean, my Tree?” Asha seemed a little dazed, but focus returned to her eyes, which were shining brilliantly. Even her auburn hair was moving, as if blown in the breeze. “I… think it shall work. I am not sure how long it can be sustained, my Tree is already digging deep into earth and reaching towards the skies beyond its means, but… yes. We can go further… for a while.”

“You hear that?” Shiro grinned. “Good job everyone. I did want to test my Berserk Blessing…” At the pained look in Aiko-chan’s eyes, Shiro shook her head. “No tears, okay Ai? I know everyone’s under stress, but I won’t hurt Asha or her kids. Tan has got it well in hand, now she can see what Aki does.” As Aiko-chan nodded, she finished her idea. “Besides, you know Aki’s probably got something sweet worked out for us at Christmas. Wouldn’t it be the best if we could return the favour, with a Christmas gift of our own?”

Aiko-chan wiped at her eyes and took a deep breath, before her usual grin was back on her face. “Yeah, sorry. Just… a bit drained. But…” She bounced up and down, pumping herself up. “…yeah, you’re right. My bro’s always looking out for us, thinking of us… so… it’d be great to give him a surprise gift!”

Kana nodded. “Yes, but… don’t forget to keep him informed. Not necessarily of the specifics, but… at least in general. Let’s learn our lessons, yeah?”

Shiro winced. “Ouch. Eri was right, you like to get your digs in when I least expect it. But…” She took a deep breath. “…I suppose I deserve it. Don’t worry…” She pounded her chest with one fist. “…I’m not the sort of woman who makes the same mistake over and over. I’ve texted Aki to let him know we’ve borrowed his sis, Asha and Magatama. And that we’re running some tests. Of course, I’ve not told him what that’s building towards… after all, not all surprises are bad. As I’m sure Aki will show us on Christmas day!”

Kana couldn’t help but agree with those sentiments. She remembered the time Akio had surprised her with her hairclip. Smiling a little at Aiko-chan, which confused her, she was well aware that Eri and Aiko-chan helped him pick it, but… the fact he liked her enough to bring her back a gift usually would have been unwelcome… it makes me sound a bitch, but… it was too nice a gift to reject. Besides, while I wasn’t… interested in him that way…at the time, I can’t say I wasn’t curious about him and his world.

She still wore the hairclip, even now. “All right then. We haven’t got all day.” Eyes glowing, Kana grinned. “And don’t say Arisu-san can ferry us to our next destination. You know how busy she is…”

“True. I shouldn’t push my luck!” Shiro agreed. “Anyway, Magatama, you ready? This is a blessing too, but it’s a bit of a… harsh one. If you feel any discomfort, we can think again. But if someone else other than Aki could mitigate the downsides, we could really ramp our activities up…”

As Magatama insisted she was more than capable of handling it benevolently, Kana poured more aether and earth element into her eyes, and nodded at Aiko-chan, who was doing the same. It’s good to not be left out of the loop anymore. But… sometimes, not being under such pressure is a good thing too…