On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Looks like your boyfriend is showing off after sleeping with another woman. How’s that make you feel, Princess?” David snorted meanly, clearly enjoying teasing her. Today, his sandy brown hair was streaked with red highlights, as if he was trying for a different style. Beside him, Eleanor, in her usual armour of green and copper, balled her fists, gauntlets creaking.

“I don’t find that funny, David.” she complained. “I accept and understand it, but…”

Mrs Mary-Jane, who was back after a day visiting her family, frowned, her morality struggling with the situation a bit, but then her expression softened. Miss Callie, the youngest of their team, who was also tagging along for the training tonight, let out a quiet giggle at David and Eleanor’s antics.

“But it doesn’t make it any easier, yeah? Shit, I get it, Princess.” David agreed. “But that’s just the way it is. No way I’m going to miss my shot at poking fun at you both, am I? A man’s got to have some pleasures.”

Indeed, after the shared vision I had endured with Tsukiko, my Astral self had interrupted the training back at the mansion in the Fae lands, and gathered everyone together. I had briefly explained we had received a vision, if not the contents, and that had led to this flurry of discussion.

“I told you so.” Eri flicked her black cat ears restlessly. “I don’t know just why it happens, but it seems every time Akio makes love to someone, things change for the better. I used to curse the Gods over that, but now… letting it go made me feel better.”

“You’re quite the tolerant woman. Though the way you swing that axe… yeah, the bastard deserves it.” David seemed to get on quite well with Eri too. Shockingly enough, once one got past his prickly, often rude, exterior, he was pleasant company. Though Eleanor had privately grumbled that he used to be even more annoying, back when his arrogance was on full display, but it seemed me beating him in our spars and the betrayal of their friends in London had knocked the worst of it out of him.

“It’s not like I’m upset. I like Tsukiko. And she deserves happiness.” Eri rolled her obsidian eyes. “Though if Akio ever starts going to bars and trying to attract women that way… none of us will stand for it!”

“Even if I had the inclination, which I don’t…” I countered. “…which you are well aware of, Eri, when would I even have the time? Although…” I paused. “I did like that club in Gangnam. You did too, Eri. And I promised Yu-mi we’d go back there to celebrate some of our victories. Just… with all of you this time…”

“I only liked it because I was with you, and… we finally cleared the air.” Eri shot back. “But sure… I wouldn’t mind. I’m sure Yu-mi would be delighted too, and her new recruits…”

“Can we change the subject?” Eleanor asked, speaking for everyone, and my sis piped up cheerfully.

“Yeah, my bro’s not going to win this one, when he’s guilty as charged. I never thought when I urged you to accept Shaeula, it would end up like this, Eri. My bad.” Aiko scratched one cheek slowly, her blue eyes apologetic. “Anyway…” She changed the subject. “We’re all gathered here, so what do you want from us, bro?”

She’s looking tired. Even with her stats. I’ll have to keep an eye on her. Aiko had dark rings under her eyes, and her hand was trembling slightly. I knew just how hard she was striving to master the mutated metal element of gold, so I reached out and patted her head. She froze for a moment, before speaking.

“Hey, what’s that for, bro? Quit it! Not in front of everyone… and I’m not a kid, you know.”

“Maybe not, but to an older brother, their younger sister is always deserving of a head pat.” At my words, there were some amused smiles, but my sister just sighed.

“I get it. Wow, so embarrassing. You… wouldn’t want Tsukiko-chan to think you’ve got a sister complex, would you? Don’t ruin your reputation, bro!”

“Too late for that.” I remembered some of Tsukiko’s rather wicked, pointed comments she had made during our night together. “Just… oh, never mind.” I withdrew my hand, and addressed the crowd. “Basically, I was hoping to pool some knowledge and see if we can come up with some ideas.”

Fascinating. I shall assist too. And not just me. Littlest sister Lin is not present, but fortunately eldest Gerhilde is, so I shall see if she has any insights.

Thanks, Rose. I hope there’s no trouble?

Simply duties. We Valkyries must inspire the troops. There have been no incursions for a brief while, though… surely another shall be soon. For now, set that aside, and we shall strategise!

I explained the vision in full to the group, and two of the crowd reacted. First was Magatama, who winced, putting a hand to her forehead, her black eyes seeming confused for a moment, before she titled her head, as if puzzled. The other was Mae. She glanced at me with her own jewel-like green eyes, biting at her lip in an unusual display of uncertainly, before she let out a baleful sigh.

“I understand. At least the surface of it. Though such prophecies are often not what they appear to be. As you should know well. I shall speak of it, though… I would rather forget. You shall owe me.” Several of her tails waved languidly. “I demand compensation.”

“Fine. I promise to spend some time pampering you.” I agreed, and Mae nodded, the haughty expression on her face fading to one of contemplative remembrance, her eyes now distant. “That great bird, the black and white wagtail… it was… Moshiri-kor-kamuy, the first bird. I… remember it well.”

“Hang on a minute…” my sis asked, frowning. “You remember it? Just how old… oh, sorry! My bad!” My sis knocked her knuckles on her head and stuck her tongue out in an embarrassed gesture. “You’re not old, Mae-chan! But… uh… first bird sounds… mythological, yeah?”

“Ignoring my troublesome sister, who meant no offense…” I apologised on her behalf. “…all I know of the Kamuy is…” I glanced at Magatama, who seemed somewhat unaware of her own status, but Yata… her gleaming gaze willed me to keep silent for now, so I did. “…that Mount Atago was important to them. There was the undead bear, Atago-un-kamuy… anyway, I suppose Kamuy are like Kami, yeah?”

“To us Yōkai, there is little difference, in truth.” Mae agreed. “Yet… it is a long, bitter story. And a shame…”

Her granddaughter, Hana, was next to speak. She was chewing on the stem of a pipe idly, her five tails curled up around her. The pipe wasn’t lit though, and I knew she had given up the habit as I didn’t find it particularly appealing. It’s not like I asked, or even said anything about it, but… I guess I do feel a little guilty regardless. Content originally comes from nοvelfire.net

“It makes me wonder, grandmother. Does this have anything to do with… Uranai’s warning? It seems… far too coincidental.”

Back in the Material, I was relaying the discussion, or rather the core of it, as there was no way to condense down the faster timespan into an exact duplicate of the conversation, to a freshly clean and dressed Tsukiko. Her kimono now was one for sleeping in, though it was still fairly modest and didn’t show off her skin. At Hana’s suggestion, Tsukiko agreed.

“It does make sense. I suspect that while Divine Tsukuyomi’s visions are mediated through the moon, and this… Kudan… yes?” I nodded, as she had remembered Uranai was the Hyakki Yagyō’s prophesying cow. “…no doubt has a different medium, it stands to reason they are drawing upon the same conflux of strands of Definite and Destined. Events are events, and while one can see from different angles, thus offering a different perspective, they are the same events.”

She is doubtless correct. Rose agreed. Many Pantheons have those that weave, spin and cut the threads, seeing the tapestry for what it is. You have met ours… and while Urðarbrunnr reflects the numberless worlds of our Pantheon, we are not foolish enough to claim our tapestry is the only one that exists. Nothing is within a vacuum, as our tapestry ends, threads tie to others, in a grand design that even the Allfather cannot comprehend the whole of. Her thoughts paused, her tone rather cheeky, and I imagined her charming yet cute face was expressing wry amusement. Though should you one day meet the pinnacle who stands above us all, don’t tell him I said so!

Sure, I won’t. I felt enough pressure standing up to Tsukuyomi…

A tale that shall amuse Lin and my other sisters, no doubt. Now, Gerhilde is bidding me simply to listen, rather than distract you, so… carry on.

“I see. So… prophecies and visions are likely to overlap.” At my words, Tsukiko nodded, well pleased.

“It seems you have grasped the main point. I am happy my husband is one who can finally understand…” She remembered that her Favour was now our Favour. “…and help carry my burdens. So… the Kamuy. Then… the shadowy figures…”

Back in the Fae Realms, Mae was explaining. “They were native to this land. As are we!” Mae insisted. “But… they were different to us, different to the Kami. We are closer to Kami, you see… or what Kami were.”

Shiro’s hair turned crimson, her eyes blazing with sparks of scarlet flame, as Tan, who had been listening, spoke up. “Should you speak of such? I know no reason to deny you, but… not all knowledge is beneficial. Knowing too much can forge a blade hanging above one’s head by only a single thread. One never knows when it might snap…”

“I know what you fear. I was a wanderer, and I spread my chaos through many lands.” Mae admitted. “It is not a matter of pride, or of regret. I did it. And I cannot change it. But I also saw and learned much. And I was young, but still mighty…” Even now, her pride wouldn’t allow anyone to look down on her. “…and I chose to… not stand aside.”

“Stand aside from what?” Kana was curious, talk of the Gods now something that interested her, a change her father and grandfather no doubt delighted in.

“The Kami were closer to us Yōkai. But not… not the Gods.” Her soft words brought a knowing look from Tan. “They shared the secrets of belief with what would become the foundations of the Eight Million Kami. But… this land was already largely under the dominion of the Kamuy, and also of powerful Yōkai. And what is one thing nobody who has power will tolerate?”

It was Daiyu who answered. “Those who have more power.”

“Yes, little Cultivator.” Mae smiled warmly, showing approval. “You are indeed of the same mindset of the Cultivators of old. It is almost reassuring. The Gods… do not share well.”

Tan coughed, as if personally attacked, but she did concede that was true. “I however…” she insisted. “…am the exception. I have made sure to be generous to the princess here, and also… also to my dear Akio…”

She faltered towards the end of the sentence, and Shaeula cackled wickedly at her discomfort, not even cowed by Tan’s bitter scarlet gaze.

“It makes me wonder, bro…” my sis spoke up. “Mom made sure we knew the history that school wouldn’t teach us… doesn’t it seem to be leading to… a parallel?”

“Exactly what I was thinking.” I agreed. “With thinking like that, you’ll surely ace your final exams after New Year. Yeah… the Ainu. We’re people, the same as them, but the Japanese drove them out. So… the Kamuy… did the Kami and the Yōkai…”

“It pains me to admit it, but… why do you think the Hyakki Yagyō does not Parade through hallowed ground? It is not merely a matter of power…” Hana gave her own input. “After all… the Kami left… while there are some we would genuinely avoid, like Emperor Ōjin, who is an embodiment of Kami Hachiman, of the Kyoto Imperial Palace… the majority…” She directed a challenging stare towards the few Kami who had accompanied us to the Fae Realms, such as Prince Shōtoku, who had come to find out the results of my consummation with Tsukiko, and also Shirohebi.

 “I alone, even before my fifth tail…” She hugged that one lovingly, and the blush on her cheeks made her seem younger, more innocent, for a moment. “…would be enough to raze a shrine, to say nothing of the full might of the Parade. No… while I was not born then, being a mere… young kit… in comparison…” She couldn’t resist teasing her grandmother, who gave her a stern, aggrieved look, which she laughed off, waving a hand. “…I am a Number of great renown and might. And I too am well-travelled. …I know that even Great Nurarihyon, who hates the Gods and the Kami… made an agreement, back in the distant past, though I knew not what that was. Now… I believe I have the answer.”

“I… am now curious. Though…” Tan seemed troubled. “It does not explain all, but… I believe I understand why this world is so… unprecedented. There is surely more to it, yet…” She closed her mouth, troubled. “The vision. Can we see it?”

“I guess we’re up, girls.” Haru sighed, hugging the twins around their shoulders. They seemed surprised, and Haru seemed a little shocked herself she’d touched them so casually, but her eyes were sparkling with wry amusement as she shook that off. “Though connecting everyone here will be… extremely uncomfortable…”

“I’ve got a better way.” I suggested. “It’s going to take a chunk of aether, but to solve this mystery what’s a few hundred thousand or so?” Saying that, when I’d have done anything for such a sum only a few months ago, seems crazy. But… we can always get more aether. Knowledge and opportunities are priceless…

Haru quickly read my thoughts, and chuckled. “How… oddly boring. But yes, the strain will be lesser. Thanks. For learning not to work me to death. Oh, wait…” Her smile was gently mocking but warm.

“Yeah, yeah. I get it.” I waved a hand apologetically. “At least you get Christmas Day off…”

“Such a kind boss…” she giggled, before connecting me to Shaeula, Tan and the others here skilled with aether manipulation. They understood my thoughts, and I shared my memories with them, of the vision from both viewpoints. They quickly grasped what I wanted, and soon…

“This is rather impressive, isn’t it Natsumi?” Motoko was saying, as everyone observed the large holographic-style image we had stitched together. Even with my decent Skills, reproducing it perfectly alone would have been challenging, but together…

“It sure is, but… that bird is huge! You fought that, Tamamo-no-Mae?” Her tone was respectful, and Mae shrugged, her massive bosom bouncing seductively.

“Not… alone.” she conceded. “And… not like this. Though… I am rather surprised that troublesome moon would deign to show you their unpleasant history. Gods seldom wish anything known that casts dirt upon their image, or would earn the ire of their worshippers.”

At Mae’s words, I felt a nagging doubt. Tsukiko understood when I explained, and she clarified. “Yes, Tsukuyomi’s visions are for the future. So something within clearly leads to a thread we must either seize, or…” she gazed at me warmly, her smile rather cheeky. “…perhaps cut. It seems our roles are divided, and that Tsukuyomi’s moonlit eye has been watching you with curiosity too. I wonder… did he ever imagine you would take me from him?”

Who can say? There can certainly be no perfect prediction of the future, else free will doesn’t exist. But… if one is nearly perfect at guessing, then an image of the future can be formed. It’s Laplace’s Demon, once more. The more closed and smaller the scope, the more believable it is to be able to predict from first principles, and the more knowledge one has of the starting conditions… and looking at Tsukiko’s status, it makes me wonder… if the bastard was Matrixing us after all, or simply trying to make me think that to save face…

Matrixing?

You’re always so curious, Rose. It’s… a famous film. Surprisingly big in Japan despite being a foreign one, probably because a lot of the influences were from Japanese media. Anyway, it has a fortune-teller called the Oracle, and she seemingly lies to the hero, telling him he isn’t the hero, as she knew that was the only way to actually make him the hero. Supposedly, anyway…

I see. That sounds like a cunning manipulation of destiny indeed. Or clever sophistry. Either way, I am deeply curious as to these… entertainments… you speak of. I await the day I can see them with my own eyes. A hundred years, yes?

I’ll aim for faster. I promise. Anyway…

I took the opportunity to refresh myself on Tsukiko’s Status, as it was relevant now.

Matsumuro Tsukiko

Bonded Kin

Chosen Daughter Of The Moon, Diviner Of Tsukuyomi

[Material Statistics]

[Intangible Statistics]

Might

166 +30

Fortune

10 +1

Fortitude

181 +30

Majesty

5 +1

Intellect

284 +30

Charm

15 +1

Resilience

190 +30

League

15 +1

Alacrity

234 +30

Determination

2 +1

Precision

178 +30

Foresight

96 +1

Aether

2057 +30

Fate

30 +1

[Skills]

Rank

Class

Type

[Aetheric Skills]

   Silver Cord

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Eight Moons Chakra Network

Rank 5

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

Adherence Manipulation

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Law (8)

Aether Manipulation

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Elemental Skills]

Light Manipulation

Rank 1

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Third Eye Chakra Of Light

Rank 2

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Darkness Manipulation

Rank 1

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Throat Chakra Of Darkness

Rank 2

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Unique Skills]

Lovers’ Link

Rank 6

Noble (5) 

Artifice (6)

Divine Possession: Tsukuyomi

Rank 4

Legendary (7)

Law (8)

The Future Reflected By The Moon, Fates Severed In Silent Darkness

Rank 5

Legendary (7)

Fate (9)

[Level]

12

[Classes]

Divine Medium 15/20

Mediator Of Destiny Between Mortal And God 4/10

Fae-Bonded 4/20

Kami-Blessed 18/20

[Mastered Classes]

Diviner Of Fates And Fortunes 20/20

Daughter Of The Full And New Moons 10/10

I still can’t believe how terrible Tsukiko’s elemental manipulation Skills are. Though I suppose she never really understood she had them. I expect when she starts using them and crams the basic scientific knowledge for light, at least that one will spike a few Ranks…

Her Statistics were largely pathetic as well, and wildly unbalanced, with unusually high Intangible Stats, though Determination was notably deficient. She hadn’t done much grinding, obviously, and Tsukuyomi’s Favour didn’t seem to offer much in the way of boosts, other than in aether. Her Chakra network, despite being odd, had been strengthened by long exposure to Tsukuyomi’s blessings (and Divine Possession for her visions, seemingly, judging by her Classes) so when I did the Chirurgery, her Eight Moons Chakra Network stabilised at Rank 5, and she had an equally solid Silver Cord. So she’s got the foundation for growth, certainly… that Class, though…

Diviner Of Fates And Fortunes was a fairly understandable Class. It dramatically strengthened her Foresight, and she really did have a ludicrous stat, only Tan I had seen with Intangible Statistics at that level. It grew stronger by averting disasters and by making predictions that led to benefits for others, so with her many years of that it was only natural it was maxed out. But her other Class…

Daughter Of The Full And New Moons is a Class that is representative of two extremes. As the adopted daughter of a Divine being with a portfolio of Prophecy and Mystery, as well as having tasted the destruction of her mortal form and the subsequent reconstruction and rebirth, just as the moon moves between full and new, this Class increases Fate and Fortune significantly. Adherence related to Fortune, Fate, Rebirth, Light and Darkness is more easily utilised. This is a Class that is likely only shared by a barest handful of women throughout the Multiverse, due to the stringent acquisition conditions, and the Path ??????? ???????? ?????????? ??????????.

No kidding. Ignoring the annoying question marks… what are the odds Tsukiko would have died and been restored to life through Kin Bonding And Restoration? This one specifically states it is a vanishingly rare Class, which does make me wonder why it even exists… though… huh… there’s quite a few stories in mythology of the moon, involving the death and rebirth of women. Maybe I need to do more research. Like I have that kind of free time… no, I need to set Karen-chan and her team to it…

Saying a silent prayer for Karen-chan in my thoughts, the other Class of note was one similar to the embarrassing one Shiro possessed, and as I checked it out, I held in a rueful chuckle.

Mediator Of Destiny Between Mortal And God is a Class granted to the rare Divine Mediums who have the love and favour of a Divine Being and form a bridge between that Divinity and a mortal who uses their power. All Skills and Statistics related to Spiritual bodies, Divine abilities, Ether, Aether, Adherence and Soullight grow significantly more quickly, and Fate and League also increase as this Class grows stronger.

A bridge between me and Tsukuyomi, huh? I guess we can consider that later. And he was more reasonable than I expected. But for now, the vision is what matters…

“You’ll have some hard training ahead of you…” I teased Tsukiko, as we rang the small bell that summoned Etsuko-san. Immediately, the door opened, and her expression was subtly questioning.

“Relax, Estuko. I am quite well.” Tsukiko’s face was pink, as her long-time maid and confidant seeing the aftermath of our lovemaking must have been excruciatingly embarrassing for her. “Better than well, in fact.”

“I see. I am so happy for you, Tsukiko-chan…” Etsuko-san was beaming broadly. In her hands she carried a tray of rice balls, as well as another jug of sake. “Oh, I do not normally recommend eating so late, it is terrible for one’s figure, but…” Her expression changed to one of rueful shock as she saw the state of the futons, only deepening Tsukiko’s flush. “…it appears you have worked up quite the appetite. It seems… you have learned the joys of womanhood. I’m so glad!”

“Yes, I am certain I have…” Tsukiko was practically shaking with embarrassment now. “I… have no regrets. I feel a great connection with my husband-to-be, and… even Divine Tsukuyomi approved.” Her smile changed, her emotions mercurial right now. “He accepted all fathers must see their daughters wed one day. And this night was the time for me…”

“Thanks for the food.” I changed the subject, to some gentle laughter, and back in the Fae Realms, we had come to a conclusion, helped by Tsukiko’s insight.

“So, there’s something about the past that leads to a future event?” Eri remarked, and Shaeula nodded.

“Yes, it seems that must-must be the case. Can-can we replay the vision once more?” We’d watched it several times, and with a grimace, Haru nodded, linking those of us who were performing the feat together. As the great bird stamped down into the mud and waters of the Earth once again, and the vision moved forwards, Hinata exclaimed out in surprise, and when I glanced at her, I could see the rising surge of adherence around her.

“I can feel it. I’m sensitive to treasure. There!” She pointed at the droplet of blood wrung free from the Kamuy, which flew through the sky. The vision couldn’t quite show the landing point, but… it was surely on the volcano somewhere, or at least near it. “I am certain… and Ajé-Shaluga’s Favour whispers to me… that’s something priceless. We have to obtain it!” Hinata’s eyes were sparkling with excitement now.

“I see. So even though the vision details the past, it’s affecting the threads of the future. Huh… that’s not too dissimilar from the Norns and their trials.” I mused. “Right, so… a treasure. Now… where is this? Where did the battles take place?” I asked, and Mae shrugged, once more drawing my eyes, and not just mine, though Eleanor stamped on David’s foot, which amused me.

“What was that for?” he grumbled, and Eleanor sighed.

“She’s… no, I don’t quite understand it, but the way she looks at Akio is different. I thought you didn’t need to steal any man’s woman, David?”

“I don’t, but shit, looking is free! She’s the one with the bouncy… oh, fine, I’ll shut it. Don’t lecture me, teacher.” Mrs Mary-Jane indeed looked ready to give him a stern talking-to, and Miss Callie also was amused, looking at everyone with warm eyes.

“I think you mistake the situation.” Mae declared. “There was no battle such as this. Yes, we fought, many times. It was… unpleasant.” Her lips curled into a sneer. “I admit to losing interest towards the end. I do not take to being coerced well. But…” She pointed to some of the shadowy figures, and I did recognise one of the beasts seemed to have a number of tails, perhaps even nine, though they blended together and shifted irregularly, and the figure was monstrous, twisted and malformed. “This is merely a… depiction. An unflattering one…”

“I would not be so sure, you were a demon indeed at times, grandmother. I remember… urk…” Shinkume-no-Hana paused, gulping, as killing intent radiated from Mae, and she amended her words quickly. “…to your enemies, surely. And you were far from hideous…”

“I see… Tengu…” Haanōbō spoke up next, her expression hidden by her crimson, long-nosed mask, but by the set of her white wings and tone, I could tell she was troubled. “Great Tarōbō, my father… he took up the task he was set, even beyond the expectations and wishes of the treacherous Kami.”

“And the Flame of Mount Atago…” I glanced at Magatama, troubled. “Yeah, I’m starting to see how the pieces fit together.”

“I am quite-quite curious.” Shaeula asked. “Lightning, fire-fire and ice… are these the Kamuy?”

“It is not a matter of accuracy. Lest you think I am such a wicked-seeming creature?” Mae complained, drawing a chuckle from her. “From the viewpoint of the Kamuy, though, we certainly were. Invaders, usurpers… pillagers, murderers. But back then, when the world was young… it was a time of whims and chaos. The only law was that strength dictated all. And do not think them as merely victims.”

“So then, why this particular scene?” I asked, looking at the replaying image, aether flowing out of me to maintain it. “Obviously it’s to do with the treasure that Hinata is sensing, but…”

“If I may.” Miyu interrupted. “Honoka-chan…” she addressed her younger cousin. “…do you remember? I dare say grandfather took you to Hokkaido as well.”

“How could I forget, Miyu-chan.” Once more I was pleased to see the formality that had kept their relationship tense had broken, especially now I had been entrusted with Honoka-san as well. “I enjoyed the skiing, though grandfather was obviously too old. But…” She reminisced about times past. “…in the evenings, seeing the snow fall, warm drink in hand, watching the aurora borealis shining in the dark skies… it was a happier time.”

Miyu raised one eyebrow at that. “I understand. Your father… he was very foolish. And I know you are uneasy at your future prospects. Yet… happiness is what we make of it, it seems.” She glanced at Hinata and Shiro, who both nodded, though it was Hinata that answered.

“That’s right, Honoka-chan. You and Sakura… I get it. Things have become… chaotic. But as members of Adamant, we’ll look after you. And as friends and family too, right?” She winked. “Now, I’ve also been skiing in Hokkaido too with father and mother… but from your words, you recognise the particular place, yeah?”

“It is surely Rishiri Island, and Mount Rishiri. It is very distinctive.” Miyu suggested, and Honoka agreed.

“Yes. And judging from the position of the sun in the vision, and the location of distant lands… northern Hokkaido is to the east, and one of the mountainous rocks that come from the sea when the bird strikes the water… must be Rebun Island?”

“I see. So the treasure is either on Mount Rishiri, the island itself, the sea between it and the western coast, or… the coast itself.” Hinata mused. “If it is in the ocean, that would be a problem, but… I’m confident I can find it, if it’s treasure.” She patted her Pot Of Faerie Gold reassuringly. “After all, I found my Claíomh Solais…”

“I think there must be more to it though.” I had some misgivings. “Visions are seldom that clear and straightforward. There’d be no need to show us this battle, would there? Everything must have meaning. We just need to seek it.”

“In that case… we need to analyse everything.” Hinata was getting excited now. “The obvious thing is… why lightning, fire and ice? Does that have some relevance?”

“If you believe the myths… in the beginning, there was the muddy sea and the thunder devils in the skies.” Mae suggested. “Not even I walked the world then. But from what little I have learned since my… return… to the mortal world, that seems… improbable. The Earth is far, far older than I had ever known.” She considered it idly. “Though the first Kamuy of note were formed from fire and water… and ice is frozen water. The northern island is annoyingly cold, yes? Of course… considering how… repugnantly…” Her tails were standing up, fur fluffed out, and her canines were bared aggressively. “…we are portrayed in this vision, expecting accuracy is a fool’s hope.”

“Perhaps that’s relevant too…” I considered. “All right then. We’ll try and identify as many Yōkai and Kami as we can through the vision. Though it’d be helpful if we can get these sketched down, this is tiring…”

As back in the Material, Tsukiko and I enjoyed cups of sake and food together, making the most of our night, before yet another busy day of the Pilgrimage, I reflected that it was fortunate we were heading north, and would indeed reach Hokkaido soon enough. There’s not many notable shrines or temples there, but there are some we need to visit, and more importantly…

Back in the lower Astral, my gaze met Mae’s, and she smiled a little. Yes. Su Caihong and Su Liena. In the frozen, bitter north of Hokkaido, Sekka the Yuki-onna dwells, and the frozen coffin that keeps the two alive despite all the odds is still waiting… waiting for you to finally come save them…