On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Shaeula, can I have a word with you?” I asked, as I walked, Tsurugi in tow, clutching my hand as always, through the grounds of her Fae mansion.

Shaeula blinked, grinning at me broadly. “Of course-course, you can always have my time, Akio. But why-why so serious? Unless you have something to tell me? I did-did notice you with Haru earlier, and you were-were also eyeing Christina rather hungrily.”

We had finished the Pilgrimage for the day successfully, covering a significant number of shrines up to the northern coast of Honshu. To the north was the island of Hokkaido, where Su Caihong and Su Liena waited for Mae in their frozen coffins, guarded by the legendary Yuki-onna Sekka, who like Mae, was not part of the Hyakki Yagyō, but stood equal to the most powerful members, and perhaps even Nurarihyon himself. There’s also the mysterious vision Tsukiko and I shared. Whatever that was about, it seems to involve northern Hokkaido too… fortunately, we have time to prepare, and we’ve already brainstormed ideas…

All around us there were people chuckling, amused at her response. I merely rolled my eyes. “You know I’m not interested in Christina that way. As for Haru…” I was going to say she wouldn’t appreciate the joke, but… she said it herself. She’s not made of glass. I don’t exactly feel comfortable talking about that sort of thing with her, but… she knows we mean no harm. And she’s stronger than she imagines she is. “…never mind that.” I shook my head. “Besides, if I did make a move on Christina or Haru, why would I worry about telling you? You’d just accept it as natural.”

Shaeula nodded sagely, a profound expression on her face. “Yes, you do indeed-indeed speak the truth. Honestly, I find Christina rather annoying, but also quite-quite amusing. Regardless, she has her uses, does she not-not?”

“Yes, but I’m not here to talk about her yet. Shall we take a seat?” I suggested.

All around the mansion grounds groups were beginning their activities. My gaze couldn’t help but be drawn to my sis, who was training with Haanōbō, Hinata and several others, eagerly trying to master metal element, or better still, mutated gold element. Yeah, there’s something bothering her. Most of the time she’s her usual self, but… every now and then… well, it doesn’t matter what’s troubling her. I’ll lend her an ear, and if I can’t help, I’ll enlist Eri and the others. Speaking of Eri…

Eri was with Christina, an unusual pairing indeed, but… surprisingly relevant. Ginneka and her brother were there too, Kinneka as surly as ever, though the pride and viciousness had been beaten out of him by his defeat, death and subsequent resurrection, and also by the fact that Ginneka playfully bullied him with her newfound strength from her Favour at every opportunity. Christina has endless potential with her new Classes, and in combination with Eri, who can change her body… there’s synergy to be had, although… Hyacinth was also with the group, and Christina was about to experience true hell, with a crash course in Ether Healing to compliment her Donator Class.

Setting that aside, I focussed my attention on Shaeula. She nodded, and ushered me into the mansion, where Klena, her weaselkin maid, was waiting. As we sat down at a small, ornate table, goblets of brightly coloured Fae wine were placed down for us, and fruity juice for Tsurugi, as well as a tray of delicate pastries, infused with Mirror Bee honey.

“These are good, father!” Tsurugi gushed, snacking on one of the pastries. Shaeula chuckled at the sight, and cheekily she popped one into my mouth. I chewed on it, nodding.

“Yes, it is. Feel free to eat up. Once we’re done here, I’ll be needing your help.”

“Of course, father! You can count on me!” Tsurugi promised, before her expression shifted to one of faint regret. “I know I shouldn’t have broken that trash… oh, that… inferior sword. So I promise I’ll replace it, and you’ll never want to let me go! I’ll even… let him watch! But I don’t want him touching me, father! I’m yours!”

I nodded. Bjarki had taken the destruction of his masterpiece surprisingly well, though I had a suspicion it was probably due to Tsurugi’s breakdown, making the mood impossible to go against. Still, he was eager to test the limits of the new power he had been bequeathed, and he had admitted that Tsurugi was indeed the goal he aspired to, a weapon as great as those from the sagas and tales of both the Fae and the Dvergr. “Don’t worry. He can learn a lot just by watching. I’ll always respect your wishes.”

“How simply adorable.” Shaeula smirked teasingly, observing us. “You do indeed-indeed seem like a father here, Akio. I expect Asha will be rather pleased, if not-not also rather jealous. Now then… you have a busy day tomorrow, so I will not-not idly waste your time.” She leaned forward, small shoulder pressed against mine affectionately, her amber hair falling in a cascade down my back. “Speak. I shall-shall listen.”

“It’s about Divine Favours, or rather… what we can do with them. I’m starting to understand them better, what the implications, benefits and costs are. My perception of the Truesoul and soullight is increasing, and by their very nature, they are a type of connection, so I’m sensitive to them. But… they’re not merely a gift, of course. Or at least, not a freely given one. There are downsides, but… I’m confident they won’t prove too onerous for us to handle.” I took a deep breath, orienting my thoughts. Back in the Material, I was handing over the last of the Christmas gifts that needed finishing by Japanese craftsmen or materials, and the Kobolds were finishing up the others. Looks like I’ll make it in time for Christmas. No, that’s not important now…

“The benefits are clear. The ability itself is drawn from the nature of the providing God, though usually only a singe aspect. It can often empower us in other ways, like a flame aspected favour might enhance and open the solar plexus Chakra. And it certainly strengthens one’s Statistics, due to an influx of easily absorbed aether and adherence. It also seems to prepare the body to further absorb and accept these energies, giving rise to the ability to Level up effectively. Lastly, the easy access to a Territory Anchor… they all seem disparate at first glance, but from my insights, as well as some hints from Tan and Rose, it’s easy to see how they all fit together. Though I’m still far from fully understanding everything there is to know about them, much less make our own.”

As Tsurugi simply listened, eating and drinking cheerfully, Shaeula pursed her lips, her eyes gazing into mine. “I see-see. Though I am surprised once again.” She let out a rich, delighted chuckle. “Do you see-see yourself as a God? Perhaps it is not-not so far-fetched, considering you have bedded a Goddess…”

“Hardly. I don’t have delusions of grandeur.” I scoffed. “Though if I’m honest, while it’s seemingly not exactly the same, being an Astral Emperor is certainly approaching that sort of scale. No, my point is, we need to understand any power we use, lest it control us. Daiyu has that right. It’s like Christina. She’s clearly a loose cannon, and without proper supervision she could cause disaster, just like before. But properly managed, she can be made a force for good, her abilities put to use.”

“You are indeed-indeed soft-hearted.” Shaeula grinned. “I do not-not hate it at all, though. After all, I was saved by that. Even her, you would not-not leave her without a chance at making amends. You are quite-quite correct, however. Power is to be tamed. Besides…” Her expression was keen, insightful. “Power can be gained via other means, can it not-not? The Winds And Waters Of Devotion And Worship were created with power distilled from a broken Favour, yes-yes? And you and Shiro have such as well-well. As for… Levelling up. Yes, I do concede having no-no so-called cap is beneficial, yet… it is less-less important as time goes on. Not-not only has your Level increased significantly, making each-each Rank of Lovers’ Link so very-very effective, there are other means, such as the White Snake Earth Altar, and surely other-other Buildings. And you can share Lovers’ Link far more freely. Why, even I, without a Favour, can hardly keep-keep up with as strong as I could be.”

“That’s true. And… damn, it seems all I do today is talk about Christina. It’s frustrating… but her research showed it is possible to Level up beyond any cap, even if the efficiency is dreadful, for now at least. I suspect that as time passes and the Boundary collapses, humanity will adapt. Perhaps children will be born with fully functional Chakra networks and also become better able to absorb and integrate aether, naturally growing.”

Tsurugi wasn’t interested in the conversation, and Klena was listening silently, but Shaeula was nodding, intrigued. “Yes. In fact, I do-do suspect that Treyvon, Aliyah, Luciana and the rest-rest of their forces have exceeded what-what the Earth Altar can give them. After all, they train-train most rigorously and often spend many-many hours battling at the coast. Even at a ten-ten percent efficiency, or even one-one percent, they surely would have grown a Level or two. But that makes me curious.” She nibbled on my ear instead of a pastry, and I patted her head.

“Come on, this is a serious talk.”

“I am always-always serious when it comes to you.” Shaeula winked. “My point is, what-what of we Fae? Yōkai? Other spiritual beings?”

“Yeah, I wondered about that. From what my Eyes can see, and from what I’ve surmised… you naturally absorb aether and other suitable energies, such as wind element, in your case, at least when we first met. That strengthens you, in much the same way Levelling does. After all, Fae such as your brothers and sisters, Ulfuric, even Selensha, are far stronger than humans ever were, and can even measure up to weak Chosen. I’d imagine it’s an abstraction, just as my Eye reads Skills, Classes and so on. They exist, but they also are a method of explanation, rather than a tangible thing. It’s the snake eating its own tail again. A Skill is given for having proficiency in something, but then having the Skill gives proficiency. I suspect that I’ve been influencing the growth of you, Hyacinth and the others, so you’ve become a little more… human, if that makes sense?”

“We are what we are.” Shaeula seemed unbothered by that. “I shall always-always be myself. But we are indeed-indeed mutable. The poor, pitiful Kobolds and Goblins have shown that.” The compassion in her eyes warmed me. She’s come a long way, shed her arrogance. Now instead, she’s got deserved confidence, and understands others, not just her own wants and needs.

“Yeah, so really, we don’t need the Favours themselves for that. Though it’s been welcome helping my sis, Eri, Kana and the others get a spike in power, in time, they could train enough to not need it…”

“That leaves the Territory.” Shaeula understood. “It is a great-great advantage to hold land. Especially now-now. We need-need to expand the Ring Gates across the world. But… we do not-not need to fret. We have a fair-fair number of Anchors yet to be placed, and… we know-know it is quite possible to make a Territory without this crutch, yes?”

“Yeah, invest enough effort and time, and anyone can make a Territory. And judging by Mount Atago, it’s quite possible to build similar structures to what we do here. Duke Myrcolaxriath’s wasn’t a good example, he didn’t care about any infrastructure, but fortunately he’s an outlier. Honestly, if he did properly manage his Territory, we might not have won.” Shaeula nodded at that and cut to the heart of matters.

“So we do not-not need further Favours. Therefore… you wish to give me power, but not-not a Favour, yes?”

“Exactly. In Motoko’s case… I think if she doesn’t match Natsumi it’ll be rough for her. And there’s no harm in having Favours. But… I think in this case I can make something better for you.”

“I do not-not need further gifts. I am quite-quite assured in my path forwards.” Shaeula murmured thoughtfully. “Not-not that I would ever refuse a gift from you, Akio. It is-is Christmas, yes? Emily has been most-most insistent that it is a special time for presents.”

“All right then.” At my suddenly serious demeanour, Shaeula stopped her playful teasing, and I asked her an important question. “Shaeula, do you still want to be Queen of the Fae? Even now?”

“That is quite-quite the unexpected question.” Shaeula flushed, and put a pastry to her lips, nibbling it nervously. That done, she took a long gulp of her wine, before sighing. “I was such-such a child then, in temperament, if not-not in any other ways. Do not-not tease me!” She snorted, as I glanced down at her modest chest. “I am serious. I thought-thought… the way things were, it was a disaster. The Court was crumbling, the Fae fractured. And… I craved respect. I have it now-now. From those I need it from. I care not-not what fools such as Duke Vulpatrius think of me. I have no-no time for imbeciles, not-not when I have those I love to impress and support. However… we did-did swear Oaths, and I would not-not invalidate them. For they are precious to me, for I swore them with you.”

“So?” I pressed, and she shook her head.

“We shall see. The Court is moving in the right-right direction. The Princes and Princesses are falling in line, we reclaimed the Spring, and one day shall-shall liberate Salamandrastrae, even that brutish thug-thug Duke Formor is eagerly supporting us. Perhaps the change I sought shall come-come regardless. Yet… the Queen is not-not fulfilling her duties. Despite that… I am in no-no rush. Perhaps in a thousand years…”

“Playing the long game, huh?” I chuckled. “So long as we’re still hand-in-hand in a thousand years…”

“Me too, father!” Tsurugi tightened her grip, and I nodded.

“Yes, you too. Your sisters as well, Eri and all the others… so long as we’re all together, a thousand years will pass in the blink of an eye.”

“How… Fae-like. It does-does make my heart throb.” Shaeula winked. “I did-did enjoy my birthday. But I do-do wish to share a bed with you again, Tsukiko must-must come as well. Yukiko too!”

“You can ask Tsukiko, but Yukiko probably can’t until we get married.” I insisted.

“Nonsense. Even if she can not-not make love… she can sleep together, your skins touching.” Shaeula disagreed.

“That aside…” I changed the subject. “Lightning is the Royal Element of the Queen, isn’t it? So… the stronger your lightning…”

“Are you thinking the lightning you trapped-trapped from the Tribulation?” Shaeula asked, and I nodded.

“Yes, but… it’s exceptionally dangerous. I don’t think it’s safe to tame, though your efforts in cultivating…” I snorted at my own pun. “…it are appreciated.” I glanced down at the bracelet of bells that hung around one of my wrists, occasionally chiming softly. “But… I have access to… a number of Favours dealing with lightning. Three, in fact. Better still… one is a Favour that also involves wind.”

“I see. And there is-is also wind trapped with the lightning.” Shaeula nodded. “Three, you say?”

“Yeah, Thor’s Thundering Might is still trapped within the Seeds I obtained. It makes sense. If you look at the weightlifting records he set, he probably only had gained a few Levels at the time. Enough to push him past his prior limits, sure, but… not enough to save him from the Americans. Now, I can leave it there to be dyed and eventually access it… or I can try and salvage it. I expect I’ll break it, as I’m still far from as skilled as the Gods that make these Favours, but it should probably be enough to use with the other two…”

Shaeula couldn’t help but widen her eyes at the realisation excitement creeping in. “So you plan… just like-like with the remains of Morana’s and Jarovid’s Favours, to harness their intent? And to mix-mix them with the captured fury of this-this Tribulation?”

“Basically. It’s not going to be easy, and worst case, we might lose the Favours, but… I think it’ll be worth it.”

“I see.” Shaeula nodded slowly. “How can I turn-turn down such a gift? Though I do expect you too-too shall benefit?”

“I’m hoping that multiple people can be enhanced by it, after all, we’ll be pouring in three Favours plus a lot of unique elements.”

“In that-that case… I shall spare no-no effort to further increase the supply! Besides…” She narrowed her eyes knowingly. “You do-do so wish to assist Motoko tonight, yes?”

“You know me well. But not just that.” I squeezed Tsurugi’s hand, surprising her. “I want to make my own breakthrough too. Motoko won’t be satisfied if she doesn’t do it alone. That being said, as her fiancé, if I can’t help a little, who can? It’s all about how I do it… anyway, are you ready, Tsurugi? It’s time.”

“Always!” She jumped up, scattering crumbs from her wealth of devoured pastries. Moments later she shimmered, changing into her sword form, sitting comfortably in my hand. “I am your sword, father! And I will cut what you wish cut, and…”

“You won’t cut what I want preserved, right?”

As Tsurugi giggled guiltily, I exchanged one last glance with Shaeula. Yes, we’ll both be busy tonight…

***

“Are you ready then?” Ulfuric rumbled. “Princess Shaeranna, I am grateful you would assist me. You too, prince Shaeraggo. As well as you, Way-Captain Talaisha.”

“Call me Anna, I insist, I prefer.” Anna grumbled. She was wearing light silver mail over her black fur, and her green eyes were shining with anticipation. In her hand was a wicked spear longer than she was tall. Shaeraggo was wearing similar armour and carrying his favourite bow. Talaisha, the red-furred foxkin, her eyes shining with a rainbow glow of aether, merely nodded politely. She was carrying a large sword, while Ulfuric was unarmed save for a pair of heavy, studded gauntlets, and his usual golden plate armour.

“Of course-course I would help out.” Shaeraggo insisted. “I am not shameless.”

“I appreciate it.” I chuckled. Opposite the four Fae powerhouses, I was waiting, Tsurugi in hand, Beside me was Natsumi, smiling brightly, and Motoko, who was clearly more tense and nervous. Natsumi tilted her head at me, her eyes clearly urging me on, so with a wry smile I suddenly pulled Motoko into a hug, and she let out a rather indelicate noise of surprise, quite unusual for her.

“It’s all right.” I used my free hand to pat her back. Her frame was slender, and I could feel her body trembling a little through the training hakama she wore, which was woven from a number of metals dug from the mines for extra protection and ease of movement. At my words she looked into my eyes, her brown ones displaying an unusual uncertainty.

“I am fine.” she insisted, only to blush as I kissed her forehead.

“I am sure you are, Motoko. You’re always so poised and elegant. But you’re also desperate. I know that. It must be hard.” I winked, and she pursed her lips in another unusual display, showing her irritation.

“I confess it is. Natsumi… Natsumi has gone ahead of me. I feel rather lost. I was always the teacher, now… now I am but the pupil.”

Natsumi giggled wickedly, yet with sympathy, trusting me to handle things, so I spoke words from my heart. “And isn’t that a good thing?” At my words, which weren’t the consolation she was clearly expecting, her eyes widened in surprise.

“After all, you wanted to be closer, to be true friends. A bit of role reversal now and then can only help you better understand each other, right? Besides…” I kissed her again, this time on the lips, just a modest peck. “…there’s a perk to being behind. You get more of my personal attention.”

“That’s true.” Natsumi chuckled. “I’m such a fool. Is it too late to pretend I need help? Actually, I honestly do. I think I’m close. To my Tsumura style. My own variant, just for me. Yet, it’ll always be yours too, Motoko.” she promised. “Not just because you are from the Tsumura family, and because you are my teacher, but… because without you, I wouldn’t be the me of today. I did enjoy beating you for once, but then… we’re rivals as well as friends, aren’t we? And right now you’re winning over me!”

“Am I? Oh…” Motoko realised what she meant, and leant up to kiss me, this time her tongue was seeking mine, and our lips parted, a deep kiss leaving Anna grumbling gloomily that I should be doing that ‘with her beloved, her adored Ula instead’ and Shaeraggo embarrassed, shifting restlessly, looking away. Ulfuric and Talaisha paid us no mind though, simply waiting for the sparring.

When we parted, she licked her damp lips, her expression now calm. “I see. Yes, I strived so long to be strong, to carry on our family Arts, that I forgot how pleasant it can be to be just a girl, a damsel in distress and need. But…” She suddenly stopped her trembling, her back straight, her poise shining through once more. “…now is not the time for that. Now is the time to catch up to you, Natsumi! And then surpass you! And… it must be tonight.”

“Oh, why?” Natsumi asked impishly.

“It is simple. Tomorrow, my Christmas Eve date, I wish to train with Akio, but… not to gain a Favour, but to show off the true Tsumura Arts that belongs only to us.” She hugged me tight, and I enjoyed the sensation of her lean body against mine, since I wasn’t wearing my armour. “So therefore, we must unlock them this night!”

“That’s my Motoko!” Natsumi approved. “As for me… I have my own plans. No training though.” She winked at me. “Surprise me, obviously, Akio, but… save a little time for something I wish to show you.”

I nodded. “Don’t worry, I can hardly wait. Any man would kill to take either of you on a Christmas date, and I get to take both of you.”

“You would think that, yes. But our history proves otherwise.” Motoko complained with surprising vehemence, Natsumi chuckling along. “I can hardly count the failed omiai I attended. Marriage meetings were always so… frustrating. Maybe I shall vent to you later. Women are delicate flowers and should tend to the home. Hold nothing heavier than chopsticks…” She let out a shrill scream of remembered rage. “That is it!” She stepped away. “I am done being weak. Let us do this!” Her Utsuroihebi in hand, spear and bow at her back, she stood by my side, and Natsumi joined us, her own matching katana unsheathed.

“If the preamble is over…?” Ulfuric asked, and at our nods, he grinned, showing his teeth. “Well then. We shall not go easy on you. You would not learn if we did. But just as your Arts comprise of body, bow, sword and spear, so too we shall embody one aspect. But be cautious, for battle can change in a heartbeat.”

“No kidding.” I looked down at Tsurugi. “You ready?”

“Of course! My edge is blunted. It feels strange, as I am made for cutting, but…”

“But today, it is only the skies that limit us which will be sliced.” I promised. “Motoko, feel the essence of what it means to triumph, to battle for what you believe in and win. After all… haven’t you already?” As her eyes widened once more in understanding, she nodded.

“Yes. I fought to never give up my weapons, yet also to still find love and hope for the future. For Natsumi, so she might share in my joy. For you… and for those who cannot defend themselves. We fought and bled to protect our classmates… and shed blood of our enemies. I shall win again!” she roared, and Natsumi cried out that she would not lose either.

“I like those eyes. Resolute. Warrior’s eyes.” Ulfuric growled, gesturing with one bulky hand. “Come! Let the fires of our spirit decide things. Just as the earth bleeds flame, pulses with fury, so to do our hearts, warrior’s hearts!”

“I’ll go first!” Natsumi cried. “I am the wind!” Jade energies flared, and we were buffeted by a rapid breeze. Natsumi shot forwards, sword flashing, but arrows from Shaeraggo were flying towards where she would be, his hunter’s instincts predicting her move.

“Too direct.” he snorted, but Natsumi merely spun, moving at a right angle, slipping past.

“You think?” Her words were quiet and confident. “Tsumura Arts is about speed! I am speed!” She swept her sword out, and in her other hand held her replica spear, which she launched at Shaeraggo, wind accelerating it, forcing him to back off. “Lightspeed!” She chortled, lashing out with a spinning kick, which Talaisha parried, though a blinding flash of light erupted, trying to blind her.

“A nice attempt…” Talaisha praised, though Natsumi was sent flying backwards by a well-placed slash, her ribs creaking. “…but my eyes are keen, not so easily blinded.”

“Never stop moving…” Natsumi soared into the air, and her bow was now in her hand, arrows accelerated by wind like meteors as they rained down against Anna, switching opponents. I exchanged a glance with Motoko, who was grinning eagerly, now without fear or doubt.

“Shall we?” I asked, and she nodded.

“Yes. Indeed we shall! For my victory!” Motoko cried, accelerating herself too, wind flaring around her legs, though compared to Natsumi’s speed, it was sluggish, easily tracked. “She is right.” Her katana flashed, and Talaisha’s blade fended it off, her own rainbow eyes shining with battle lust.

Shit, I forgot she’s a battle junkie too. Just like Anna beat me up when we first met, Talaisha’s a fiend for sparring too…

“Tsumura Arts emphasises speed. But not… just… speed!” Motoko spun gracefully, and suddenly exploded, flames surging around her, coalescing around her sword, lengthening the blade. “Cunning and strength!”

“Intriguing!” Talaisha’s own flame roared, and Motoko was pushed back, as Talaisha was clearly more practised, being a Fae of flame. Motoko’s hair was smouldering a little, but emerald wind gusted, and a vacuum formed, protecting her and smothering the foxkin’s flames, dimming them. Light flashed, forming a second sword, and Talaisha barely ducked it.

“Guess I’m up!” Ulfuric was moving in, fists raised, and then I was there, spatial element scattering as I appeared to block him. “Speed, cunning, power… honestly, there’s no such thing as the perfect move, David taught me that. It’s like…” My foot slammed into Ulfuric’s fist, and Tsurugi was swung down, and he parried, though even the great badgerkin winced at the force of my strike. “…rock, paper, scissors. And even if…” I used the footwork of hebiodori, the Snake Dance, to slide away from his retaliatory kicks and punches. “…there was, knowing I’m using rock… even useless paper can beat it.”

“Your form is as adequate as ever.” Ulfuric laughed. “But you are less predictable.”

Behind me, Natsumi had created a bow from wind, and was firing off arrows of water and light, all the while darting and weaving, barraging Anna, who swept her spear from side to side, parrying frantically. Her Favour gave her incredible straight-line speed and acceleration, but in battle that alone was useless. Hence, she had covered that weakness, by using wind element to change her course.

Likewise, Motoko was pressing against both Talaisha and Shaeraggo now, She was moving with a technique she had created, the Ten Thousand Steps Leap, wind element glowing, but now it had changed, flame element swirling too, creating a blazing maelstrom that propelled her with fiery explosions. Long hair flapping behind her, she drew her arm back, wreathing her fist in a vibrating shroud of wind, catching Talaisha’s sword. Her arm trembled, her stats inferior to Natsumi’s, so she wasn’t able to easily withstand the strike, but that wasn’t her aim.

“Cunning!” she cried out, light coalescing into a single point, focussed by the wind. There was a splintering sound, and a small hole was bored into the blade, cracks spreading. Blood bloomed, Talaisha’s shoulder winged by the beam, and then her sword shattered, leaving her surprised, holding only a hilt.

“Up!” Ten Thousand League Steps took her into the sky, just as Talaisha released a torrent of flames, her fur blazing, breathing out a tide of orange like she was a dragon.

“Nice move!” Natsumi shouted, as she continued to oppress Anna, though her elemental arrows were useless against Anna’s wind barrier. “Keep it up!”

“Oh, I shall!” Motoko agreed, spinning in the air, sword drawing in flame and wind, only for her to parry desperately, as Shaeraggo’s arrows were homing in on her.

“Eyes on me.” Ulfuric rumbled, and I grinned, as Tsurugi once more parried his blows.

“They are. I’m simply expanding my vision… and also…” Tsurugi swept down as I swung to the side, dodging his armoured knee. Instead of aiming for him while he was off-balance, I trickled a little spatial element out, and suddenly Ulfuric staggered, as the thrust he thought was the standard strategy at this point, a strike to disable his standing knee and fell him, instead curved through space and struck his back. Armour splintered, and Ulfuric let out a bitter grunt.

“Admirable. I would be dead if you were using a less… special… weapon…”

“Yeah, but this is a spar, so we’ll keep it up.” I laughed. Now Tsurugi was hard to track, rippling through space, though I wouldn’t be able to keep it up for long, as my spatial element stocks hadn’t exactly recovered from hard usage over the last days. “I call this… hebikagamiken! Mirrored Snake Blade!”

“I can see… I shall have to try harder!” Ulfuric roared, earth element surrounding him, and for a moment he resembled Grulgor, a towering figure of rock and muscle, charging into me. I vaulted over his head, and he reached out with a massive, stony fist, to grab my leg.

“Sorry, but no…” His rocky armour shattered, as did his gauntlet, and blood bloomed, my leg suddenly wrapped in a series of rings of vibrating water, each as sharp as a buzzsaw, glittering prettily like jewellery. “…touching!”

“That’s very cool!” Natsumi enthused. “I’m stealing that!” Water element surged, an orange glow lighting up her sword, and it was surrounded by a series of clumsy imitations, enabling her to easily block Anna’s spear, and even slice the spearhead from it, as one of the rings crept down and then contracted sharply. Moments later, she surged forwards, Chollima’s blessing propelling her, and Anna was knocked off balance.

“It is not theft…” Motoko muttered. “We are students of the same school. I cannot do that, but… I can this…” Her own katana was flashing now, mirrored into a dozen blades of light, and Talaisha’s flames were cut apart. She channelled wind, and one of the earlier thrown spears was flung at Shaeraggo, though he ducked out of the way with an annoyed growl.

“My eyes control the wind and see through your tricks…” His Mystic Eyes Of Wind Reading blazed, but Motoko was waiting for that.

“Do you see this…” Her luminous phantom swords exploded into brilliance, and Shaeraggo was momentarily blinded, his Eyes different to Talaisha’s. Wind also erupted, and she stepped to Shaeraggo, fists striking his wrists, before she rolled low, and viciously twisted his knee joint, putting all her strength into it. Blood bloomed, and I wondered just how Motoko was exerting such effort, as her veins were bulging, and blood was trickling from her eyes, nose and ears.

“That hurts, damn-damn it…” Despite his balance being lost, he ground his teeth together and booted Motoko rather savagely, though she crossed her arms and blocked the impact. She pirouetted again, and her sword flashed. Wind clashed, and both were thrown back.

Motoko… she learned it? It’s basic and unstable, but… it’s better than my early attempts…

“Way to go, Motoko.” Natsumi chuckled, even as Anna dodged her rapid attacks, which came in seemingly random patterns. “You’ve worked hard.”

“Of course I have…” Motoko spat blood, red and silver scattering onto her hakama and the ground. “Strong body, disciplined mind, practised arts. That is… our foundation! But we are not chained by it.” Talaisha rushed in, only to back off as I hurled a beam of water of my own, buying Motoko some time to regroup and attack Shaeraggo once more. She had unsheathed her bow and was exchanging arrows with him at point blank range, a losing proposition, but with one leg hobbled, Shaeraggo’s speed and accuracy had dropped. “Point blank, close range, mid range, long range… Tsumura Arts covers… each…”

She winced as an arrow cracked her collarbone, numbing her arm, but Body Enhancement thrummed within her, wind increasing her oxygen levels, flame allowing her muscles to produce energy faster, light to increase the speed of her nerves, reflexes accelerated… even Qi was involved, catalysing and enhancing those processes.

Damn, doing it without any form of mystical vision is rough. It’s breaking down her body, and she’s relying on Ether Healing to brute force it. It’s bold, but doomed to be a brief spark of defiance…

“…style of combat. And…” Her wrist broke as she pulled her bowstring back so far it snapped, but not before she released the arrow, which struck Shaeraggo in the stomach, knocking him backwards. With her free hand she swung her sword, and wind flared, forcing him to his knees, black fur scattering.

“… each has an element that compliments it. But… to switch between… to be strong like stone…” Talaisha showed no mercy, and Motoko was booted away, ribs cracking. Still, she landed well, despite the pain. “That hurt. But… it hurt less than at Hanafubuki.” She wiped blood from her mouth. “Unpredictable like water… fierce like fire… swift as the wind… stealthy as darkness, brilliant as light…” Talaisha was forced back, dodging Motoko’s lasers, as she struck Shaeraggo through several joints, clearly non-lethal, but enough to disable him.

It’s a good job Shaeula’s not watching, else you’d feel bad taking another beating. I sympathise, as a fellow brother…

“And everywhere our foes… wish us not to be!” she cried out, and as she hurled the last of her wind energy at Talaisha, only to have it swallowed up by her flames, I couldn’t help but marvel at Motoko’s move. Damn, it’s like looking in a mirror.

She had used her Ten Thousand League Steps without care for her safety, and had soared through the blocking wall of flames, having retrieved her Utsuroihebi. Talaisha merely smiled grimly, arm held out ready to intercept her.

“Alas, my Eyes see through such trivial…”

“Do they?” Motoko laughed, as all Talaisha caught was an illusion, which scattered into sparks of indigo light, before Motoko’s legs wrapped around her body, the light that shielded her dissipating. “It is my… victory!” Motoko managed, her blade laid against the foxkin’s throat, and for a moment there was silence, even our battles pausing, before Talaisha nodded slowly.

“A worthy gambit indeed. To fool my eyes that see the truth of things…”

“You can… see, but…” Motoko then sagged to the ground, spent, coughing blood.

“You did it, Motoko!” Natsumi called out, proud.

“Yes, yes she did.” I agreed, my words not mere praise. A true victory. But more than that… you understood the essence of victory in these moments. Outclassed, but not daunted. Prepared to sacrifice, but not recklessly. And laser focussed on not only your own fight, but the wider battlefield…

“So I guess…” I grinned at Natsumi as Tsurugi held off Ulfuric.

“…we’d best show the same spirt? Got it!” Natsumi agreed, leaping backwards to dodge Anna, before soaring high into the sky, wind surging below her. Her spear in hand, she gathered her strength, before launching towards the ground and Anna like a falling star. “Hebiryūsei! Serpent Meteor!”

Anna faced the descending Natsumi head on, and as the ground shook, dust flying in all directions, a mushroom cloud billowing up, I made my own move.

“Tsurugi, it’s time. You can do it!”

“Oh father, this… this is hard. But… you believe in me. I am a sword… any sword you want me to be… so…” Her blade shrunk, and her hilt began to extend, slowly at first, and then more rapidly. I slid backwards, and Ulfuric charged, only to grunt as the tip of Tsurugi pierced his armoured gorget, pinning him in place. A bead of blood leaked free, and he peered down, puzzled.

“A… spear?”

“Nope.” I laughed, holding the metal shaft which had extended to nearly two metres in length, while Tsurugi’s blade had shrunk to a fine, vicious point. “Just a very odd-shaped sword. Couldn’t you say that’s what a spear is? Looks like I win again! Although…” I watched as Natsumi fell to the ground, though Anna was also lying in a heap, Natsumi’s unstoppable strike leaving them both battered and broken. “We can still go on, can’t we? I’m almost there. They’ve inspired me, and I feel so close to the end I seek.”

Pushing aside Tsurugi’s blade gently, Ulfuric nodded. “Very well. I shall stop holding back.” With a smile he turned away, and I knew he was going to retrieve his many weapons.

“Great. Just as the girls know, there’s no worthy victory without one’s opponent giving it their all. Tsurugi, you ready?”

“Always, father!” she insisted, and as a crowd was gathering to watch us now, Natsumi’s devastating descent having drawn a lot of attention, she shivered, her spear-point changing to a more elegant, perfect form. “I am your sword, now and forever!”

That’s quite the declaration. A heavy one too, but… it doesn’t feel so bad. All right then… time to take on Ulfuric blade to blade, and fight until my body, mind and spirit understands the essence of the style I seek… ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ N0veI.Fiɾe.net