On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Beautiful…” Yukiko murmured, and Tsukiko could not disagree. The view from the peak, where the precious shrine to Tsukuyomi, the most important outside of her own Tsukuyomi-jinja in Kyoto, rested, was spectacular, even in the darkness of the early evening. The skies were unusually clear this night, the stars sparkling overhead, and the moon was a shrinking, waning crescent, glowing silver with light, as if to welcome her to this place once again.

“…you can see so far…” Yukiko continued. “The Shonai Plain, Asahi Mountain Range, Mount Chokai and more…” She took a deep breath, the crisp, clear mountain air pleasant. “…I can see why this spot is dedicated to Tsukuyomi. It may not be the tallest mountain in Japan, but right now, with the open skies overhead… the moon seems so close I could almost touch it.” She reached up a hand for a moment, the red and gold sleeves of her ceremonial hakama catching the breeze, and Tsukiko smiled warmly, also revelling in the breeze on her skin, which no longer was veiled away from the sight of others, but free to be seen by those close to her.

“I had always wished to visit more often.” Tsukiko agreed. “But my duties kept me in Kyoto most of the time. So the last time I was here was… oh, surely almost a decade ago. Back when I was not much older than you are now, Yukiko.”

“Asserting your maturity over me, are you?” Yukiko’s smile was now amused and kind. “Or just trying to appeal to our future mother-in-law?”

“Me?” Emily-san, Akio’s mother, smiled innocently, her black hair blowing in the gentle breeze, though it wasn’t like the black hair Japanese women had, somehow, despite the colour being the same, it looked, or perhaps felt, different. But she was still a very pretty woman, even at her age, though Tsukiko felt rather ashamed of thinking such, considering that Emily-san was not that much older than her.

“No need for either of you to appeal to me! I think you are both totally adorable, Tsukiko-chan, Yukiko-chan! And just the sort of women my Aki needs to look after him!” She paused, glancing at her husband, the usually taciturn Taichi-san. He had a rather cold face, but after speaking with him a few times, Tsukiko felt she understood him. He was a very strict man, on himself and others, perhaps due to losing his parents at an early age and relying on his own talents to make his way in the world. Fortunately… he does not dislike me. I… never thought it would be a concern, for I was dedicated to Tsukuyomi, and the threads of the Destined and the Definite, but now… knowing I am not at odds with my future parents-in-law is a very calming feeling. Also…

Taichi-san was certainly also handsome in a cold way, and while Akio was surely beyond mortal concepts such as aging, if he was to grow older, Tsukiko was reassured that he was likely to age gracefully.

“Me? I think you are mistaken, Emily-san…” Yukiko’s face was slightly pink as she toyed with her glasses, which she now wore simply out of habit, the lenses plain glass. “…if anything, I’ll be prevailing on Akio to look after me. My family is already causing him trouble…”

“Nonsense.” Taichi-san shook his head. “My son is… I was going to say unreliable, but I suppose we can all change. Instead, I shall say… impulsive. But if you have any problems with him, do come to me. As his father, I shall knock some sense into him.”

“You think you can?” Yukiko snorted, amused by the thought. “I’d think that more challenging than you expect. But knowing him, he’ll just stand there and let you hit him until you feel better… and your hand hurts…”

“I do not care whether my son is some hero, or even a Kami, like some are whispering…” Taichi-san grimaced. “…a boy is never too old or too strong to grow out of being chastised by his father or scolded by his mother. A lesson it seems you will have to learn, one day, Princess Mikasa-san…”

“Oh, I’ve told you, simply call me Yukiko. We are family. The ceremony has not been held yet, but… we both know Akio isn’t one to let down a woman.”

“Yes, he’s just like his father in that regard! I had worried when Aki fled from Eri and never mentioned any girls in Tokyo, but… he brought back Shaeula, and then Eri started dating him at last, and before I knew it, Hinata-chan, Motoko-chan and…”

As Emily-san launched into a retelling of her favourite topic of conversation, her son’s tangled love life, she seemed incongruous here, just like the stage that had been set up at the edge of the mountain, with Gassan shrine as the backdrop. Technicians and staffers were surging over it like ants, putting up floodlights and making sure that the mountain wind wouldn’t distort the sound. Arisugawa-san is hard at work again… as for Emily-san… in her shrine maiden hakama, with her Western looks, she seems as if she is merely playing a role, although… with her appearance, it suits her well. And despite not worshipping the Kami, she is open-minded, and has been paying them proper respect during the Pilgrimage…

Idle thoughts distracting her, Tsukiko felt rather envious of her friend for a moment, as Yukiko seemed to have an easy way of speaking with Emily-san and Taichi-san. Yukiko had always been rather shy and self-effacing, but as an Imperial Princess she was of course raised to socialise, whereas she…

No, not just me. My parents too… They were with the small group, standing on the edges, seemingly uncomfortable with the company, but fortunately, not with the climb up the mountain, which would ordinarily have been difficult at their age. Now they had received Chirurgery, their health and fitness had significantly improved, and even the wrinkles and grey hairs had faded, and they looked younger, perhaps even in their late forties or early fifties. It is not the exertion, but… being in this company is… often troubling.

Tsukiko, like her parents, had a very… distorted… view of what family was. Tsukuyomi had been her whole life, and while Yasuhide had offered good advice, and certainly treated her like a granddaughter in some ways, in others, her role as the Diviner had kept a distance between them. Yukiko had been her friend too, yes, but again… her role made it hard for them to truly connect. Fortunately, now such difficulties, while not gone, were replaced by different ones, and Tsukiko… I died. It is strange to say that my life began anew after death, but… perhaps only Haru-san would understand. I… believe my responsibilities ended with my passing. Now I am reborn, yes, I took them up again through my own free will, but… I no longer have the obligation to carry them alone. Nor will I. And… I have the right to seek my own happiness. And those… Her faint smile was fond as she gazed warmly at Yukiko as she talked to Akio’s parents. …who would push me into it, whether I want it or not.

Seeing her odd expression, Emily-san waved a hand. “Tsukiko-chan, don’t just stand there! You neither, Kaoru-chan, Taro-kun!” She insisted Tsukiko’s parents relaxed. “We’re here, and the view is great. And Tsukiko-chan always loved it here, right?” Emily-san winked her blue eyes cheerfully. “I can see why. What a view… really, I should have seen more of Japan… at least now we get the chance, yeah? Together. As a family.” She winked again, her energy and enthusiasm reminding Tsukiko of Aiko-san, her soon to be true sister-in-law.

“Really…” Emily-san continued, her words a rapid stream. “…Aki’s girls, a lot of them are younger which is fine and all, but it means Aki’s got to look after them. With you older girls, it’s different. You’re mature, and can support him…”

“I’m actually younger…” Yukiko pointed out, her expression wry, and Emily-san didn’t miss a beat as she waved that off.

“Maybe so, but you feel mature, Yukiko-chan! Don’t get me wrong, Shiro’s certainly a beauty and I like her a lot, but… she strikes me as high maintenance. And other than Asha, the Fae girls are… eccentric. It’s good to have some calming influences. I am sure Princess Eleanor will be one as well!”

“I’ll… do my best.” Yukiko snorted, when she got her own giggles under control. “Though honestly, you’re wrong. I don’t think it’s the age that matters, Akio’s just… just a worrier, who likes to indulge us. But I’ll try not to simply drown in his kindness. Though… you should Tsukiko. You deserve it.”

“Me?” Tsukiko paused. “I do not know if deserve matters. I am… unused… to demanding of myself.” As her parents winced, Tsukiko bit down on a sigh. “It is the time to be blunt, I think. As the Diviner, I spoke truths many would wish to hear, and just as many nobody was delighted to comprehend. I will certainly strive to be a comforting, womanly presence for Akio, but… I am not entirely sure how to do that.”

“You’ll be fine. Nobody’s born knowing how relationships work.” Emily-san promised, and Yukiko nodded. “Just take it slow, although…” Her eyes went to the mountain, to the shrine itself, where… a very special hut had been set up.

“Yes. I… do not wish to miss my chance again. Dying unfulfilled once is more than enough. Though…” Her face was now as red as her eyes, and she felt hot, the mountain breeze cooling her skin suddenly a relief. “…my end was rather unexpected, in that… I was not alone, and I was at peace. So… let me be candid. Yukiko, I am delighted you finally realised your dream, to find someone who sees your worth, who you find a fitting match, who does not see you as Princess Mikasa, but Yukiko. I do confess to a twinge of guilt that I am intruding on your future, but…”

“I’ll be honest too then.” Yukiko interrupted hurriedly, a frown on her face. “I don’t care. In fact…” She suddenly giggled. “This must be what Motoko and Natsumi think. Oh, it’s hard addressing them without honorifics, I don’t feel I know them well enough, but…”

“We must reduce the distance between us.” Tsukiko agreed.

“…yes. And I see why. But… they are so close to each other, that the thought of being separated hurt them. So now… they are willing to go so far as to share a husband. Though it helps they both adore him. And why not? He’s good to them. And to us. In my case… you were my closest friend, Tsukiko, and your death left me hollow. But… Akio promised you’d return, and he kept his word. I don’t feel the need to marry the same man to be close to you always…”

“I should think not.” Tsukiko’s smile was slight but heartfelt. “I treasured you, and wished I could turn aside your terrible fate, which even now looms over you. And we will…” She had absolute faith in that fact. “And I shall aid Akio and the others in whatever small way I can. I… simply sought my own happiness. It is confusing to me, but… I was there first.” Her smile robbed those words of any sting, and Yukiko froze for a moment, before laughing loudly, touched by her words.

“You were, I can’t deny it! Even if you are only saying that to make me feel better…”

“Mother, father…” Tsukiko addressed her parents, who even now were watching and not joining in the conversation. “…I would have your blessing for my choices, but if you feel you cannot, I would rather you speak, for this situation dismays me.”

Her parents exchanged troubled glances, before her father diffidently ventured some words. “How can we interfere in your life, daughter? We… steered you to a role that led to a lonely life, and… and death…”

Steered me? I was a child, yes, but I chose of my own free will, for I felt the love of Tsukuyomi! Though… love of distant Gods pales compared to love in the here-and-now… “You supported me, you were pious, but my life’s choices were my own!”

“Now then…” Emily-chan stepped in. “There’s no need for arguments, although it’s good that you are finally getting heated. A family that doesn’t fight isn’t close!” She winked at her husband. “Aki always used to get into trouble, like when he took Ai and Eri to the mountains at night, despite you warning him not to, or that time he fought the neighbourhood bullies when they splashed mud on Eri’s best dress, or…”

“I think they do not wish to hear all your old stories now, Emily.” Taichi-san sighed. “There is a time and a place…”

“Yes, I most certainly do want to hear them.” Yukiko agreed. “As does Tsukiko, I am sure. Though… tonight she goes where I can’t, at least not yet, so… perhaps before our training, over a few drinks?”

“I’d love that!” Emily-san agreed cheerfully.

“…as I was saying…” Taichi-san, his voice full of quiet frustration, insisted, and Tsukiko found herself smiling as he displayed the same sort of mannerisms his son did. “…Kaoru-san, Taro-san, you feel you did not parent her properly. And yes, it seems your daughter has had a difficult and lonely life… but even in such loneliness, it seems she made a firm friend…” Yukiko nodded at that. “…and has lived a life of passion and quiet pride. I respect that. And… you do not regret it, do you, Tsukiko-san?”

“Please omit the honorific… though I do understand you struggle with such… informality.” Tsukiko replied. “…but, especially after tonight, it shall be unwarranted. I shall… attempt to do the same, mother-in-law, father-in-law.”

“I will… do my best.” he agreed. “Honestly, I believe Emily has adapted to this far better than I have. But regardless, we must adapt. Just as you must admit that no matter the outcome, what is done is done. And Tsukuyomi is real, and his favour for your daughter was equally true, yes? So it is not as if you pushed her into wasting her life. If… if my son or daughter were called at such a young age, I do not know what I would have done. Responsibility is a double-edged sword…”

“Yeah!” Emily-san cried. They were drawing a few glances from other groups of Pilgrims, but as this was the final stop of the day, most were too exhausted to bother them, or too eager to rest before the overnight training camps.

“…Aki and Ai, or Eri… I don’t think I could have pushed them that hard as kids, even if a Saint came down and told me they were chosen by God. But… I’m barely religious. My parents despair with me.” She smiled reassuringly. “But… you did what you thought was right, and… the outcome is good. Though it seems odd saying that, considering you died, Tsukiko-chan!”

“Death… is not necessarily the end. Although we should still fear it, for in my case, and in Haru-san’s, it was a miracle we endured. Relying on it is dangerous.” Tsukiko’s words were firm. “Now, please, speak your mind. Else I cannot have peace when this should be a night of great joy for me. I want you to tell me what you truly feel. No lies.”

Her parents exchanged a long, silent glance, before her father spoke up slowly, hesitantly at first, but soon he shook off his diffidence. “If… if you insist, daughter. I will no longer hold back.” He turned to Akio’s parents and bowed. “Do not mistake us, Kaoru and I, we are both endlessly grateful to Akio-san, for… if not saving our daughter, for… preforming this miracle, fending off death. Yet we still wonder… is this right for our daughter? She… is certainly a woman, even if she has kept her youthful mien, courtesy of Divine Tsukuyomi, perhaps.” Her mother nodded at that.

“But being a woman does not make one wise, especially… especially when dedicated to a goal that prevented any human warmth or contact. Tsukiko, my daughter… you may be grateful, as we are… but that does not mean you have to give yourself to him as a reward. Gratitude is… not necessarily a good basis for love. And… his relationships are…” he trailed off, and her mother finished for him.

“Dear daughter, you will be one of many. And you… you are beautiful!” Tears misted in her brown eyes. “The Gods are indeed jealous, keeping your visage hidden from all but the moon. You are our pride, even if… even if we took for granted that you would be satisfied by your role as the Diviner. You… you can seek a more normal relationship, it… might be better for you.”

“You lived an unusual, bitter life once. Do not do it again by acting hastily!” her father declared, and as Tsukiko exchanged a glance with Yukiko, she nodded, her eyes urging her on.

I see. I knew they had concerns. But… they were too afraid of driving me away, after I had returned to them a changed woman. I understand that. But… just as I had to accept not all Definite futures are inevitable, so too must they accept… this one is.

“That was not so hard, was it? Not as much as interpreting the vagaries of prophecy.” She made a joke, surprising her parents, lightening the suddenly tense atmosphere. “I dare say that father-in-law would agree with you, Akio has told me of your struggles to accept his lifestyle…”

Taichi-san managed a grim, embarrassed nod.

“Then mother, father… and yes, Yukiko too… I shall be blunt. My gratitude is endless. And will be more so, when he saves Yukiko, and the other Princesses, and saves the world. But you are right… gratitude alone is not love. I do… not entirely… know what love is. Because I denied myself human emotions, other than faint friendship, all these years. Do not mourn or castigate yourselves…” she warned her suddenly stricken parents. “…for that was then. And now… the now… I have a chance to experience it. What is the worst that could happen? I am of the age where it would not be unusual for me to have a family, several children. If I lie with Akio, give him my body, and in future, we discover it is not love… I believe hardly anyone goes to their marriage with their husband as their only love.” Her ruby eyes hardened then. “Do not mistake me. I fully believe Akio is the one for me. I may not know what love truly is, but… I know what I feel love to be. I want to be with him, support him… not as a distant Diviner, but… as someone by his side. And… I have not yet consummated my love…”

Everyone frowned at that except for Yukiko, who flushed, and Emily-san, who tittered happily. Knowing my new mother-in-law, she is likely imagining my wedding day to her son. And that day… I believe it shall come, sooner than she believes.

“…but I know from experience… physical attraction is there. I have an emotional connection, and a physical one, and I am happier when I am with him, or thinking of him. And yes, it is not conventional, but… I am she who gave her life in service of Tsukuyomi. I am one in a billion. I do not require ordinary. I require only one thing… a desire to share my life with someone. And while I honour and love Tsukuyomi still, such love is a distant, abstract thing compared to the feelings of human passion that stir within me. I may be making a mistake, but… I do not believe so, and even if it is… I would have greater regrets if I walked away now.”

“It pains me to say it, but Taro-san, Kaoru-san…” Taichi-san spoke hesitantly, as if embarrassed. “…my son has met my expectations of him every time. There have been mistakes, like when Eri was gravely wounded, but… he learns. And… nobody seems unhappy. Yes, it is early days, but…”

“But that just means he’s got more time to learn.” Yukiko agreed. “As for me… I don’t care. Sure, my marriage is political, but… I didn’t have any objections, far from it. I too am not normal. But… Akio makes us feel normal, while also making us feel like the most special, precious women alive, right Tsukiko?”

“Indeed. He loves Yukiko as herself, Eri as Eri, Shaeula as Shaeula, me as not the Diviner, but as Tsukiko. Yet… he also strives to help Yukiko be the best Princess Mikasa she can be, he supports Eri to realise what her dreams are other than simply being his wife, he aids Shaeula to strive for her own goals, and for me… he does not insist on stealing my burdens, no, he understands my pride, and instead, grasps my hand and helps me hold it, while pushing my back to send me forwards, uncertainly left behind me.” Closing her crimson eyes, she imagined it. “When he declared I would not die, in defiance of Tsukuyomi’s words, I derided him, but… I was secretly hopeful. And I never forgot it. And he is not merely spouting words… he reformed the Kyoto Boundary, even when I was too afraid and selfish to flee my destiny. It would not have saved me, but I did not even try.”

Yes, I am remarkably stubborn and also rather cowardly, yet brave at the wrong times. I need somebody who will not chain me, but will stand beside me, a shield to protect me from myself. And more importantly… I need to reclaim the humanity, the womanhood, I sacrificed over the years… the Diviner was not a human, but a figurehead, an existence that knew nothing of love…

“And even in death, he protected me. And grieved for me. And in that moment, I realised…” Her face was hot as she reminisced. “…he was a fool, but a handsome one, and seeing his tears, his grief, and his compassion… my heart jumped, as it had never done before. So I left my mark on him…” She touched her lips, remembering. “…just as he marked me, my heart, my spirit. I… do not truly know what love is, but I know what I feel is a desire to spend my life with him. And he with me. And it helps… I have Yukiko, and the others… it may seem bitter, but… to many of us, it is happiness. We are… unusual, most of us. Girls like Eri and Kana are rare.”

“Yes, again, my son is selfish, but it seems to be a selfishness balanced by a desire to see you all happy. And… he is my son.” Taichi-san sounded proud now. “He will do it. Because he has decided. He is stubborn, like his father!”

“Yes, he’s definitely following you, dear. Ai follows me, I think.” Emily-san chuckled. “Trust me, Taro-chan, Kaoru-chan. Aki will see to your daughter’s happiness. But… she can’t be happy unless you are back in her life, and not in the distant way you have been. The past is gone, we should look to the future.”

“I… suppose so.” Tsukiko’s father looked at her with embarrassment. “I… do not apologise for speaking out of turn. No father wishes his daughter to merely be one of many…”

“That is the solemn truth. I worry about our daughter now…” Taichi-san grumbled.

“Oh, don’t be silly.” Emily-san laughed. “Ai’s a clever girl. But… as parents, we can advise, and be a shoulder to cry on when things go wrong, but we can’t live their lives for them. Besides, if anyone hurts Ai, he’s dead. Aki will kill him!”

“Indeed. So…” Taichi-san offered. “…tonight will be difficult for you. It might be… annoying… spending time with Emily…” Akio’s mother gave out a jovial protest at that, but he ignored her. “…considering, but… we understand. As do the parents of Eri and Kana-san. As it happens, the parents of several others of the girls are here too tonight, and… in the nearby Nishikawa town, after the broadcast, we have reserved a famous restaurant for a meal. You should join us, and… we can commiserate with you, over your daughter growing up. As will happen to all our daughters in time.”

“I… would like that.” Her mother gently, gingerly, reached out a hand, as if afraid Tsukiko would reject her touch, or that she was as fragile as glass and would shatter. Without hesitation, Tsukiko took it, and squeezed her mother’s hand. Warm. See? Like Haru-san would say, I am dead, but I am still living. No… even alive, I was not living. Now… I live every day.

“Just… if he does not make you happy…” her father awkwardly patted her shoulder, and Tsukiko laughed, a rich, deep laugh, which made her belly ache and her heart sing.

“If he cannot, who can? Now yes, please spend time with my parents-in-law… all of them, I suppose. Yukiko, will you go?”

“I do want to train, but… a few hours missed won’t set me back too badly.” She then swung her head, braid dancing. “Besides, you may not be my daughter, but… it does feel a bit strange, thinking of your night tonight. I wonder what Tsukuyomi will make of it?” She paused, a wicked smile on her face, eyes sparkling behind her glasses. “If he’s peeking, one day he’ll find Akio there to poke out his eyes, and maybe do worse…”

“That’s my son!” Emily-san giggled, agreeing, and Tsukiko found the deeper, more open friendship she had with Yukiko since the Conclave and the subsequent events orchestrated by Akio, satisfying and warming indeed.

“I can give my respect and service to Tsukuyomi, but… my body and heart belongs to the man I chose, who shall not relinquish me, not even to the Gods themselves, nor death. And I find that… so very thrilling. And also… a little frightening. I may be a woman without much experience, but…”

“I’m the same.” Yukiko agreed. “Fortunately or unfortunately though, my parents want me to wait for the wedding. Though we’ll see…” she winked, and Tsukiko laughed.

“Yes. When the moment is right… you will know.” She gazed up at the thin crescent moon overhead, ruby eyes reflecting the silver light. “I certainly do. I know my own feelings. I must clearly state my intentions to Tsukuyomi. I have removed my veil, reclaimed my name and myself, and… removed the veil from my heart as well. And I shall replace it… but not with something to hide me, but… with my bond, my connection to Akio. So… it is only proper to declare that here… in Tsukuyomi’s grandest shrine. It feels… poetic.”

“Our daughter… she finally looks a woman.” Her mother sighed, though her earlier wariness had melted. “I don’t know if she will find true happiness, Taro, but… I know she seems… like she could have been, were she an ordinary woman in love.”

“It seems so. I… will have to share sake with him. And warn him… not to make the mistakes we did. Not with you… nor… in the future, if…”

“Oh, it’ll happen!” Emily-san cried, overjoyed at the change in atmosphere. “My Aki’s not one to let any adorable woman escape his arms! And he’ll be a great parent. And you’ll be good grandparents, won’t you? Besides…” Emily-san suddenly grinned wickedly, resembling her daughter more than ever. “…I still can’t believe it, but if you need advice from a God about what we owe them, there’s one we can ask, isn’t there?”

Yes. Actually, I’m a little troubled… It must have showed on her face, as her father suddenly asked her what was wrong. Embarrassed, she waved one hand defensively.

“Little of importance, just… last night, Akio was with Goddess Taṇhā… I am feeling… like it will be hard to compete. Yet, I find I wish to…”

“Oh my…” Yukiko laughed, and Tsukiko was surprised to find herself enfolded in a hug. “To think a woman as impossibly beautiful as you is insecure. I feel closer to you now! It worries me too, but…” Her smile turned teasing. “…don’t worry. I know Akio as well as you do. When you are in front of him, you’ll be the only woman in his eyes…”

I hope so. These feelings are new to me, and sometimes… they are a little uncomfortable, but… I can never return to the way I was before, as the Diviner, cold and detached.

Before Tsukiko could respond, Yukiko suddenly raised an eyebrow. “That reminds me… just what’s your plan for the training, Tsukiko? For me, I’m working with light and flame elements, as well as trying to develop some basic combat Skills. What has Akio planned out for you?”

The silence stretched for an uncomfortable moment, before Tsukiko shrugged helplessly, face slightly red. “We do not know yet, Akio says… he will decide after tonight.” Face hot, she continued. “Apparently… things tend to happen, during the…” I am not one for shame, but saying this in front of my parents, and Akio’s… is rather chastening… “…consummation, which changes things.”

“That sounds like him…” Yukiko sighed. “I see.”

“Oh, but…” Tsukiko assured her hastily. “…I believe there is also the chance of… further strengthening Tsukuyomi’s blessing he returned to me. I…”

As she hurried to change the subject, her heart felt as warm as her face. Seeing that, Yukiko spoke again. “Oh, and… despite Tsukiko saying over and over she’s ‘not sure what love is…’” She paused for dramatic effect. “When Akio restored the torn Favour to you, you seemed very sure of it. What was it you said…?”

As Tsukiko waved a hand, mortified yet somehow feeling rather good, Yukiko parroted words she had spoken in her daze at feeling Akio’s affection and Tsukuyomi’s renewed closeness. “I feel it… Tsukuyomi’s presence. Yet… it is overshadowed in my heart… by yours!”

“Please, stop!” Tsukiko couldn’t stop a helpless chuckle leaking from her lips, but Yukiko wasn’t done.

“I shall… never allow you to ask such an insulting question again!” she cried in a passable imitation of Tsukiko’s voice. “Upon Gassan shrine!”

Amidst laughter, Tsukiko was helpless, yet… seeing her parents smile in amused sympathy for her, an honest feeling, rather than the guarded ones that they had been displaying until now… Yukiko, I’m grateful. You are a fine friend. Although… the day you become one with Akio, do not think I will not return this favour!