On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As I entered my home, the first to notice me was mom. She was wearing a festive apron with a Christmas Tree emblazoned on it, as well as what looked like tinsel around her neck. Her woolly jumper was surely a Christmas-themed one, though it wasn’t one of the two she owned, which were now threadbare after years of repeated use, but a new one, and she paired that with blue jeans. “Oh, welcome back Aki!” She winked at me, delighted. “Happy Christmas!” She held out her arms, and I stepped into a hug, kissing mom on the cheek, something I’d not done in a long time.

“Happy Christmas!” I replied, enjoying the warm atmosphere.

Giggling, she patted my shoulders, just as, having heard our loud exchange of greetings, the girls came pouring out, Eri in the lead.

“You’re back?” Eri observed. “All right then… happy Christmas, Akio!” She was the first to greet me, and the others followed suit, though only my sister said happy Christmas, in the British style. The others were enthusiastic, but Yukiko gave me a rather rueful smile, as she’d been with me in the Boundary until only an hour or so ago.

“Happy Christmas everyone!” I returned their greetings. Many of them were wearing Christmas jumpers too, depicting snowmen, Christmas Trees and other festive imagery, though some, like Shaeula, were wearing Santa-themed dresses.

“Okay, you’re just in time.” Eri took charge, earning snickers from my mom, and also from auntie Mori, who was likewise wearing an apron, as she stuck her head around the doorframe.

“So, we’re laying down the law.” Eri insisted. “Today you’re relaxing. No spatial hops, no crafting, no messing around. We know you’ve got to do the rounds, but other than that, you’ll spend the day taking it easy with us!”

“That sounds delightful.” I admitted. “You’re all looking great, by the way.” I praised them, earning smiles in return.

“So, when’s Princess Eleanor getting here?” my mom leaned close, right in my face, blue eyes sparkling intensely. “I can hardly wait!”

“Uh… in a few hours. After I’ve done my ‘rounds’, as Eri put it, I’ll go pick her up.”

“Oh, I’m so excited!” Mom was rapturous with delight, and I felt myself cringe inwardly, imagining the scene. If only you knew who else was coming… damn, this day is going to be a struggle…

“I’m sure you are, mom.” my sis called out, grinning. “But it’s going to be a long day, if you get too excited now, you won’t last!”

“You’re right! Hana, how’s everything going?” mom called, and Eri’s mother shrugged.

“The maids know what they’re doing, Emily. Which is lucky. I don’t really know how to handle the turkey.”

“I know. That’s the one thing I missed about Christmas here.” Mom chuckled. “Japan just doesn’t do turkey. Of course, you can get it if you try, but… the cost is outrageous, and was well beyond our means. Before, anyway…”

“The KFC is ordered too…” auntie Hana suggested. “…the maids will pick it up. It’s fortunate we were able to get such a large order, we left it late as we didn’t know how many guests we’d have…”

“It still surprises me. Fast food as a Christmas staple.” Mom chuckled, before turning to smile at Hinata. “Thanks for arranging that, Hinata-chan.”

“Not a problem, mother-in-law.” Hinata giggled. “I’m happy to help. Now…” She glanced at Eri, who nodded.

“It’s time for presents. We can’t have Christmas without presents, can we, Aiko?”

My sis agreed. “No kidding. Even when we had nothing, there were always gifts.” She glanced at me, her face a little pink. “Bro always used to smile so happily no matter what I put together for him.”

“In honour of that, and also because just buying something expensive wouldn’t adequately convey our emotions…” Eri explained. “…it’s about the thought and effort, rather than the cost. So whether they were expensive or cheap, it doesn’t matter.”

As the girls nodded, I agreed. “Yeah, makes sense. All right then…” I followed them into the main room, where a very impressive Christmas Tree stood. Sofas and chairs had been pushed to one wall, as we’d had to temporarily extend the dining room to accommodate our massive dinner party, and some seats were occupied already.

“Hi there boss!” Suzu waved at me cheerfully. Her hair was in her usual blonde drills, but she’d threaded them with tinsel, and she was in a bright red Santa minidress and white stockings. “Merry Christmas! Also… uh, are you sure I can be here?”

“Don’t be like that!” my mom bustled in after us, giving Suzu a warm look. “You’re more than welcome, Suzu! You can even be my daughter if you want to be! I always thought it was a shame to stop at two kids.” Mom paused, before glancing at the surly-faced blonde girl sitting in the chair beside Suzu. “The same goes for you, Adelheid, you adorable little thing. She’s cute, isn’t she, Aki? Don’t your brotherly instincts just scream at you to look out for her?”

I bit my lip to stop from laughing. Adelheid was a furious little Tanya indeed, so seeing her in a Santa minidress was rather amusing.

“I’m… honoured.” Suzu managed, and her expression seemed a little confused. “I like it here, I’m living my dream, but… I don’t want to think about it, but… sooner or later my parents are going to cause trouble. Not because they want me back, but… it’s an insult to them, a potential source of shame…”

“I don’t know about that, Suzu.” my mom offered sympathetically. “But I do know this. Christmas is a time for miracles, isn’t it? And I’m sure Aki can handle it.”

“It’s true.” I nodded. “I’ve already given your parents fair warning, Suzu. That doesn’t mean you can’t reach out, but… I’d hope they’d heed my words. If not, I’ll deal with it.”

She nodded, hair drills bouncing and sparkling, though there was a hesitation there for a moment, before it was swallowed by her insanely cheerful, airheaded idol persona. “I don’t think mother and father, nor big brother, are used to listening to others, or at learning lessons, but… hey, it’s Christmas!”

Adelheid was next to speak, the prototype translation device from Ixitt putting in work. “I’m not a child! But…” She glanced over at the fireplace. It was a replica, heat in the room delivered by modern central heating, but it was displaying a roaring fire on the fancy LCD screen, giving the well-decorated room a rather cozy atmosphere despite its palatial size. “…but spending Weihnachten here isn’t so bad. Warmth, beer and cookies.” Indeed, it seemed she was snacking on a plate of sweet biscuits, and she wasn’t the only one. Hana, not my mother-in-law, but the Kitsune, Shinkume-no-Hana, waved lazily, and beside her, Mae nodded at us, already drinking.

“I’m here too!” Keomi-chan piped up. She was wearing a cute Christmas jumper with reindeer on it, as well as a denim skirt and tights. With her hair in ribboned pigtails, one could easily be forgiven for thinking she was a middle-schooler, but once again I had to remind myself she was actually going to the same high school as Kana. She’s got crumbs all over her face and clothes.

Seeing everyone staring at her, she blushed and giggled, though the attention didn’t seem to bother her much. “Mom and dad are coming as late as they can. They’re really nervous. Not like your parents, Kana-chan!”

“It can’t be helped.” Kana, her cousin, resplendent in her own festive jumper and skirt, looking like a more mature Keomi-chan, shook her head. “My parents and grandfather have been involved since day one. They’ve got used to everything. Oh…” She was interrupted as Tsurugi came rushing in. I blinked in surprise as she was in a Santa dress and bobbled hat, and she threw herself into my arms, much to the amusement of everyone here, as well as her two sister Regalia, who followed her in. Oh, and there’s also Aine, poking her head around the door shyly. Looks like Nie Ling has been working hard already. Once we’ve picked up Ellie and Princess Diana, she can have the rest of the day off. She might want to hang out with Chen Na, maybe…

“Father!” Tsurugi gripped my hand, nuzzling my chest with her cheek, her smile full of longing. “I’m so happy you’re back. Huh…” She sniffed then, her pale silvery eyes going wide with annoyance. “I smell dishonesty, father! Have you been using another sword?”

“No, I swear I haven’t.” I ruffled her hair playfully. “I held a mace-like rod for a bit, but I was just Crafting it. It’s a long story, and one best served with a few drinks over dinner. I promised, you’re my sword now Tsurugi. And I’m not a liar.”

“Be a good girl, Tsurugi.” the calm Magatama chided. Her ample frame was contained by a particularly fluffy Christmas jumper, her slender legs in jeans. Beside her, Yata was wearing red shorts and a Santa-themed top, as well as a bobble hat in red and while. The look was a bit incongruous on her, but she merely smiled fondly, her golden gaze knowing.

“I’m always a good girl, best sword!” Tsurugi insisted, still nuzzling me like a cat. “Father, today I can stay with you all day, yes?” she pleaded, and I ruffled her blue and white hair playfully.

“You can indeed, so long as you don’t mind a few errands.”

“Anything!” she cried out happily, and mom exchanged a warm smile with father, who had entered, followed by uncle Junpei, and mom’s grandparents. I could hear Hana’s parents in the kitchen too, helping out now that their health had improved due to Chirurgery.

“It’s nice to have a grandchild, isn’t it darling?” mom giggled, and my father rolled his eyes, an unusually expressive gesture. I held in my own need to show my amusement, as he was also wearing a Christmas jumper, this one with sparkling lights sewn in, resembling a snowman. I just know mom has forced him into that…

“By all definitions, it’s hard to call… Tsurugi… that, but… in this new world, who can say what is right or not?” He brought out a bottle of brandy, and topped up Mae’s and Shinkume-no-Hana’s glasses, being the gracious host. He then poured some for the older members of the group, such as Shiro and Yukiko. My sis protested, but father stopped her with a hard stare. “And Aiko, I shall turn a blind eye later, but for now, you youngsters should refrain from overindulging. It will be a… long… day.”

Father exchanged a knowing glance with me, before coming over and pressing a glass into my hand, full of brandy, careful to avoid jostling Tsurugi. I was surprised at the camaraderie in his stare, but I appreciated it, so I clinked my glass against the rapidly emptying bottle. “It will be an eventful one, definitely.” I agreed. “Cheers. Happy Christmas to you all too!”

As we exchanged festive greetings, mom coaxed Aine out, and soon the shy little Goblin was sitting in one of the open chairs, drinking warm milk with cinnamon, her pretty eyes wide with confusion and interest. “I bet Christina threw a tantrum when she wasn’t invited.” I smirked, and Shaeula agreed.

“Indeed, she was quite-quite the child. But she insists instead she will go ‘hang out-out with Bethany and Zachary, as well-well as the other Americans. The Koreans too-too.’ Shaeula mimicked.”

I see. Yu-mi, Eui and Suk-ja had been invited, of course, but it seemed they’d all decided not to intrude and were having their own little Christmas get-together. “Oh well, we’ll look after Aine, no worries.”

“That’s all very well.” my sis piped up. “But what about presents, presents? Princess Eleanor’s already had hers, hasn’t she?”

“Yeah, since I wasn’t entirely sure of her plans.” I grinned, turning to the massive pile of wrapped boxes and bags under the Christmas Tree. “But that just means she misses out on the communal atmosphere here.”

“That’s right.” Natsumi agreed cheerfully. “I can hardly wait. Though…” The girls communicated silently via their eyes, in the way girls did without even needing mystical powers like Telepathy, and Shiro spoke for them all.

“No peeking at your Territory until after we say the time is right. Let our communal efforts…” She grinned, and was also right, as while before, it was mostly the efforts of Shiro, Asha and Magatama, now everyone with Lovers’ Link was taking their share of the backlash from her Berserk Blessing. “…be the fitting capstone and most impressive gift.”

“Fine. But…” I took out the present Henry had given me on Ellie’s behalf, adding it to the pile at the foot of the Christmas Tree. “…we’d best get started. I’ve got a busy morning.”

“On it.” Shiro waved her hands. “Motoko, you were elected as president of present distribution, your orders?”

Motoko, resplendent in a festive yukata, sort of a Japanese equivalent to a Christmas jumper, clapped her hands. “Very well. Hinata, Natsumi, Kana, Eri, aid me in sorting the gifts into piles. We shall then take turns, one per person.”

As they chorused their agreements, my sis spoke up. “So, yeah, they’re all nothing amazing, and we clubbed together on some of them. So… keep your expectations in check, yeah bro?”

“It’s the thought that counts.” I promised, winking playfully, and she looked away. Tsurugi, still in my arms, watched in curiosity as the girls sifted through the gifts, and soon we had an ample pile of them.

“Very well then!” Motoko, as the ‘president of present distribution’, as Shiro had coined her, declared that the festive morning was ready to begin. The first gift out was for me, and it was passed over, a small, wrapped box, though instead of paper. It was covered in some sort of glittering plastic. The label read that it was from Asha and Hyacinth. An odd combination?

Opening it up, I found a small glass jar, and inside… is that a mushroom? And it’s… rather phallic and suggestive.

Daiyu, who other than our festive greetings, had been largely silent, let out a low chuckle. She was in a Santa minidress too, with the matching hat. “Hyacinth and Asha have provided much support in attempting to replicate the many herbs, mushrooms, plants and spices Cultivators use in their diets, as well as those from the old Sect records. This one, though…” She glanced at Hyacinth, who giggled, pale skin flushing. “…is their own invention. I can take no credit for it.”

Trying to dodge a bullet, are you, Daiyu? I wasn’t the only one holding in a laugh. I examined the mushroom, which had a purple head, threaded with reddish veins. It certainly looked vile enough, but, as my Eyes flashed, the text was… just as bad, honestly…

Reishi Phallus Toadstool is a fungus created by natural Wood Elemental energies and grown by a Dryad. It contains a great deal of verdant energy, and on living beings, particularly those who have a spiritual aspect, it will encourage libido and fertility, as well as having a mild euphoric affect.

“So, do I need my libido enhancing?” I asked mildly, staring at Hyacinth and Asha. “Haven’t I satisfied you enough?”

Asha merely smiled gently, leaving it to Hyacinth to answer, which she did, without any trace of shame.

“Nooo, I am always satisfied, as are the ooothers, Akio! But you must be prepared. Our numbers grooow, and we are always eager for your love! And with newcomers, whooo seem hungry…”

I heard quiet laughter, though I wasn’t sure from who, and several wry snorts.

“…your need for stamina shall ooonly increase.”

“I suppose so. Though…. No, it’s the thought that counts, and the pair of you were surely thinking of me. Thanks, you two.” I gave Asha a hug first, feeling the slight roundedness of her belly, and then moved onto Hyacinth, who giggled happily. That done, Motoko pulled out the next gift.

“Hinata, you are up next. This one is from Akio.” She passed her my gift, which she took eagerly, a bright smile on her cute face.

“I always liked getting presents at home, but… I’m feeling very excited now, for some reason.” She tore at the paper, revealing the contents. “Oh, it’s gorgeous.” She pulled out her ring, which was studded with artfully cut diamonds and emeralds. In Hinata’s case the gems weren’t based on eye colour or the like, but were symbolic, as the two jewels were both exemplars of wealth. Which very much fits her.

“I knew my sense for treasures was tingling!” she continued happily. “Let me see… it’s… a weapon, right? Contains Foehn?” She slid it onto her finger. “Oh, and this isn’t just a watch… it’s elegant though. You’ve good taste in both women and accessories, Akio.” Hinata teased me, her brown eyes considering it. “It’s… spatial storage, I imagine?”

At my affirming nod, she pulled out the last gift, a pair of delicate platinum chains, studded with diamonds, emeralds and polished black garnet. “These, however, are just pretty.”

“That they are, to match you.” I promised her. “While the watches and rings are similar, apart from subtle customisation, everyone’s third gift is unique. After all, you like wearing your hair in side buns when you’re attending big events, don’t you?”

“Oh.” Hinata understood and quickly bundled up her hair, threading the chains through to hold them in place, stones glittering prettily under the light. “So, how does it look?”

“Beautiful…” I affirmed, and surprisingly, Motoko spoke up.

“Yes, you are most pretty, as always, and the gifts are charming, but if we all dally, we shall never be done.”

Hinata apologised with a rueful chuckle, and the next gift was fished out. It was to my mom, mother-in-law Hana, as well as Evelyn, Eri’s grandmother Haruyo-san, and Tsukiko’s mother Kaoru-san. Oh, from Hyacinth, Asha and all the girls? I’m… a little nervous. I glanced down at my phallic mushroom gift for… male potency… and watched as mom cheerfully tore off the wrappings on behalf of everyone. Moments later, she was holding a number of jars filled with a pale cream, which sparkled faintly with aether.

“What’s that, Emily?” Evelyn asked, Tsukiko’s mother shyly behind her.

“Seems like… face cream, maybe?” mom mused, and Asha explained.

“Indeed it is. Blended carefully with Alchemy, made from herbs and plants that have restorative and beautifying properties. It shall help you all look far younger.”

“A queenly gift indeed then!” Emily giggled, eager to try it out. “Our complexions have improved since Chirurgery, but no woman will ever turn down the opportunity of some miracle cosmetics!”

“Indeed.” Hinata agreed. “It’s a potential product for our German enterprises. It may not be as… useful… as healing or aether-restoring potions, or the ‘reds and blues’ as Akio calls them…” Shiro snickered knowingly at that, while Hinata continued. “…but when we can ramp up production we can sell if to wealthy women and make significant profits.”

“Enough with the business chatter.” Motoko kept everything running smoothly. “Next is… oh, it is for you, Tamamo-no-Mae.” Motoko hefted a large, wrapped object, which was surely a bottle. And indeed it is, I know, as it’s from me.

With a flick of her tail, Mae opened the wrapping, wind scattering the papers and carefully collecting the debris so as not to sully the floor, a touch I appreciated. What was revealed was a magnificent bottle of sake, REIKYO Absolute 0, an expensive and sought-after brand. Seeing that, her granddaughter’s eyes lit up, and I gestured to Motoko, who fished out an identical, if smaller bottle for her.

“Why is mine not so grand?” Shinkume-no-Hana complained, though she was smiling. “This is quite simply prejudice!”

“I can hardly help it if the boy finds me more charming, granddaughter.” Mae teased her. “A worthy gift. I do enjoy sipping sake under the plum and cherry blossoms. You shall have to join me next time. I still have that comb…”

“My comb.” Shinkume-no-Hana coughed, but she seemed satisfied with the fact she had received a gift, as she was basically a freeloader, who Nie Ling seemed to take pity on regularly.

“Next!” Motoko kept things moving, and Shaeula received my gift, the watch, ring set with polished amber and diamonds, as well as fire opals, and a tasteful hair stick of platinum, amber and jacinth. As she tried them on, next was a strange gift indeed, and Suzu frowned.

“Sorry if… I’m not the most thoughtful. Christmas… I don’t have many fond memories of it, being honest. Sure, I got gifts from my parents, even my brother…” Suzu seldom acknowledged the existence of her family back in America, so I supposed this was progress. “…but they were always annoying. Drab, boring clothes like plain sun dresses and stuff, like they were trying to fit me into a mould… as for them, they didn’t care, so…”

I unwrapped it to see it was a CD, in a case with a picture of Suzu and her karakuri puppet band emblazoned in front. It was even signed.

“…sorry! But when Suzu’s famous…” She switched to talking in the third person, like some young idols did. “…it’ll be all of you who have the first originals!”

“It’s… a good gift.” I managed, before shaking my head. “No, it is. Because I can feel your heart and spirit radiating from it. You gave it thinking of those of us who were going to receive it, so… I like it.” With a grin I passed my copy, for Suzu had indeed made enough for everybody, to my father, who understood, and he popped it into our sound system, replacing the quiet Christmas music with Suzu’s bold singing. I wonder if she had these made after the charity concert.

Shiro opened her gift from me, followed by Tan. That was a tricky one, as Shiro and Tan shared a body, and it wasn’t like Tan needed help from my Foehn, but it felt wrong to leave her out, so her rings and accessories came in matching pairs. Shiro’s with white jewels such as diamonds and white sapphires, Tan’s with rubies and garnets. Likewise, Shiro’s jewellery was silver wrist bangles, while Tan’s were golden anklets, which would shine beautifully when she danced with her Allure, just for me.

“One for you, now.” Motoko handed me a gift, and it was from Eri and Shaeula, as well as Tan, oddly enough. It was small, and I opened it up, to find it was a locket pendant, the sort that could hold a photograph or two, of family or lovers. I glanced at them both, and Shaeula gave Eri leave to speak.

“I know what you’re thinking. That it’s not fair that you only wear our pictures. One solution would be you wear a number of lockets, but…”

“He’d look like Mr T if he did that. It’d be ghastly, Eri. Our Aki isn’t one to look good with that much gaudy jewellery.” Mom giggled, and Eri nodded.

“That’s right, so… you need to thank Arisugawa-san too.” Eri insisted. “She provided spatial element for the crafters. And Tan…”

Now Shaeula spoke up. “Yes, Tan was most-most helpful. She has many talents, it seems. Now then…”

Taking the hint, I opened the locket, and was surprised to see a beautiful portrait of Eri inside, rather than a photograph. There were also small, delicate jewels inside the lid, and when I ran my finger over them, a faint spark of spatial element shimmered, and the image changed to Shaeula, then Hinata, and cycled through everyone else. When I reached the end, expecting it to cycle back to Eri, I was surprised to be greeted by the fiery red hair and golden eyes of Lin, and then finally by the pale pink hair and pearlescent eyes of Rose. Seeing my confusion, Tan shrugged, momentarily taking charge of Shiro’s body.

“You did say you wished to see my talent for the arts. Besides, I have seen those two, through you. It was easy for me to replicate their visages, and… though they cannot be here, I am sure they shall be pleased.”

Yes, I am sure they will be. Touched by their cleverness and the lovely gift, I put it around my neck. “Thanks everyone. I’ll treasure it forever!”

“How simply wonderful.” Mom gushed, the festive atmosphere getting to her. Some more presents from the girls to each other were cute dresses, perfumes and other standard gifts. Motoko ended up opening up her own gift from me, admiring the watch and the ring, while her accessory was a sword-shaped hairclip, made with rubies and emeralds to match Utsoroihebi. She was so pleased she momentarily paused the gift giving, until Natsumi urged her to continue, and she did so with a mortified expression, bringing out a gift from my sis.

“And this is for you, Akio, from Aiko…” Motoko left off her honorific, perhaps because of the nature of today. I turned to my sis, who flushed, glancing away, but Eri merely whacked her shoulder.

“Uh, so… yeah, I’m not the best with gifts, bro, but… thanks for everything. This year, in the past, and… take care of me for years to come, okay?”

“Sure. Happy Christmas to you, sis.” I chuckled at her embarrassed display. I guess she’s still a little drained after yesterday… Kana winked at me, glancing at the pocket where I held the embarrassing purikura photo, and I had to admit my sis had technically already given me a gift, in her usual clumsy, insincere way. Opening up the wrapping paper carefully, I found something small, sealed in an envelope. A book? Too small. Tickets, maybe? Oh, wait…

“We never had much money as children…” Eri spoke up for her. “So we did what a lot of poor Japanese kids do. We gave out booklets of gift tickets, to last the year.”

“I remember those…” mom agreed, her smile kind as she watched us. “…so cute. We never did stuff like that back in Britain, but here in Japan it’s not uncommon. Tickets for hugs, backrubs, even borrowing favourite toys…” Her eyes crinkled as she reminisced. “…Ai’s good with her hands, though Eri… neat handwriting, but terrible at arts and crafts.”

“True. I’m a little better now though.” Eri insisted. “And this isn’t the usual.”

“No. No it isn’t.” Aiko spoke up. “Look bro, what do you get the man who has everything? How about… nostalgia, right? Besides…” Her cheeks were red. “…I worked hard on this one!”

“I can see that.” Indeed, the small paper booklet was in the style I remembered from our childhood, but the clumsy writing and plain nature was completely absent. It seemed it was on rich purple craft paper, and a number of sequins had been glued on artfully, and the tickets were all written with different colour pens, and even had gold and silver thread stitched around the edges, like it was embroidery. “Let’s see… ‘I’ll listen to anything you want to talk about for an hour, no judgements’, ‘I’ll give you a sports massage when your muscles ache…’ ‘I’ll treat you to a meal…’”

As I flicked through, I found myself grinning, though at the back there was one final, more impressive ticket, the penmanship having used a golden ink. ‘I’ll fulfil one request, no matter what.’ “Yeah, you haven’t changed, despite everything, Aiko.” She seemed surprised when I used her name. “But you still haven’t learned, you can’t give guys a pass for anything, all men are wolves when it comes to pretty girls, you know?”

“Yeah, and you’re the biggest, baddest wolf of all.” She rolled her brilliant blue eyes mockingly. “But damn, bro. We’re siblings, it’s fine. I’d have said you were too cowardly for anything naughty, but…” Her face was flaming, and my father coughed, not liking this rude banter, and my sis took that as her cue to backpedal. “…what the hell. Anyway… Happy Christmas bro, and this way, you’ve got a lot of treats you can space out over the year!” She pumped her fist proudly, despite it clearly being Eri’s idea. I bet my sis probably forgot gifts, anyway… too much on her mind.

“Then I think turnabout is fair.” Motoko chuckled. “Aiko, your present, from Akio.” She handed it over, and with a smile, my sis tore into it, glad to no longer be the focus.

“Wow, this watch is gorgeous. Spatial storage too, right?” She ran out of the room, and we heard the door slam, leaving us a bit bemused.

“Oh… this one… was added to the pile just a short while ago.” Motoko was puzzled by my sis and her odd behaviour, and she handed me the gift I’d been passed by Henry. “It says it is for you, Akio, from Princess Eleanor.”

I’ll spare her blushes that she forgot, much like my sis surely did. I’m admittedly curious… Opening it up, I was surprised to see it was a wallet. “Looks high quality. And unique, not branded. I guess I could use a wallet…”

“I doubt that’s all.” Kana was curious. “A wallet to a guy is like a handbag to a girl. It’s got to be top quality! But… what’s inside?”

Opening it up, I found Kana was right. Within the wallet was an expertly stitched in metal plate. It had a rampant unicorn facing a massive wolf, a shield (though rather oddly shaped, from what I knew of heraldry, this one looking more like a diamond) in-between, which had quartered segments. A Full Moon, the Green Man, the Sun of Amaterasu, and the Grail. Underneath were etched some words in Latin. “Praefectus ordinis equitum scuti Adamantine.”

“I don’t speak Latin…” I muttered, but oddly enough it was Shinkume-no-Hana who spoke up, her five tails waving for emphasis as she grinned.

“Oh, how fortunate you are, commander. An order of knights it is…”

At her words, I quickly discovered a note in the wallet, and reading it, I couldn’t help but smile, imagining it in David’s surly yet mocking tone of manly friendship. “Yo, Akio. Our little Princess is the sort of woman who’s got no romantic experience, so forgive me and her brother for taking matters into our own hands. I figure every guy needs a wallet, and this one’s a custom job from Ettinger. Same blokes that make the Queen’s handbags and the Prince of Wales’ own wallet. Don’t worry, the Princess is paying for it. As for the… other thing…” I could surely imagine him laughing at me as he wrote this. “…we’re stealing the Queen’s thunder a little, as she was going to announce it at New Year’s Honours, but… what the hell, it’s Christmas, yeah? You’ve got your hot diamond cuties, but that’s a ‘girls only’ gig, am I right? Damn player! Even snared our Princess… anyway, so for the guys… well, you’re now officially the head of an order of Knights, the Diamond Shield, to match your Adamant. They sometimes call a commander ‘dux’. My Latin’s garbage, who needs a dead language anyway, but the point is… I wouldn’t be surprised if after the wedding, you’ll be a Duke, but I’m not going to bow and scrape to you, just so you know! Anyway, that’s the Princess’ gift to you, commander. Happy bloody Christmas, and say hi to the girls for me, okay?”

After reading that out, mom was in shock and practically rapturous with joy. I stared at it with bemusement, and Shaeula exchanged glances with Shiro and Hinata, before Shiro laughed. “I guess we’ve agreed already we needed a male version of Adamant. I think it makes sense from a British perspective too. If Adamant’s a Japanese organisation, then this one will be British, gives Eleanor an even chance at having influence. Of course, it’s not like they’ll exclude international membership, I’m guessing, else it defeats the purpose. Shit, our Aki, a damn commander of Knights.”

“That is correct. We shall need-need to discuss how to move forward with Eleanor.” Shaeula agreed. “There is not-not a need to have the Knights pledge their chastity, I have no-no wish for male rivals… yet we shall surely need equally stringent methods for-for enusirng absolute loyalty and cultivating adherence.”

“Leave it to me. I’ve been thinking of ideas… it could work though. If Adamant are our brave Valkyries, then these Diamond Shield Knights can be noble protectors…” Hinata mused.

“This conversation is getting a bit dangerous…” Junpei murmured, and fortunately, before the girls could spiral out of control, my sis burst back in, face aglow with excitement.

“Here!” Her crimson Kyūdō Yumi appeared and disappeared. “It was a spatial storage. Thanks bro!” She hugged me tight, before realising everyone was watching, hastily releasing me and straightening her cute Christmas outfit. “Oh, but… yeah, no ring for me?”

“Of course not.” I patted her back warmly. “Do you want a ring from me? Isn’t that a bit… bold, even for you, sis?”

Auntie Hana let out a snort of delight at my retort, and my sis lowered her eyes for a minute, before her good cheer, which had been rather absent up until yesterday ended, reasserted itself. “No, you’re right. I’ve probably already caused enough trouble taking selfies with you on our date, bro… ah, I say date…” she began, rolling her eyes as auntie Hana’s laughter increased in intensity, and mom appeared uncomfortable. “…but I meant in a sense of you keeping me company.”

“I know.” I continued patting my troublesome little sis. “Anyway, you got too excited by the watch, take a more careful look.”

“Oh, yeah…” My sis flushed, and quickly unearthed an earring, with a single sapphire set in carefully crafted platinum and bluesteel. “I don’t normally wear earrings, since I do sport, but… I’ll make an exception.” With a grin, she snapped it into place. “So, got some fire for emergencies, and…” The last item was a necklace, tasteful, platinum and sapphires forming a slender, modest yet fashionable design. “…it’s cute, bro. Ordinarily I’d be too scared to wear something this expensive, but… anyone tries to mug me, I’ll punch their lights out!” She made a fist, but it was mom who retorted.

“If anything, I’d worry you’ll just leave it somewhere, Ai…”

“Wow, rude much? Have more faith in me, mom…” As they bickered, more gifts were unwrapped. The girls knew what they were getting from me now, but the anticipation was still high, since they wanted to know which gems I’d used for their rings, and what additional jewellery they got. Eri’s ring was diamonds, both clear and black, and black onyx, while she received a necklace like my sis did. Daiyu’s was also black, black jade, coupled with other varieties forming a nice gradation, and she had a hair lotus ornament.

“This next one is for… Magatama. From Akio.” Motoko declared, and that surprised the full-figured Tsukumogami. Beside me, still holding my hand, Tsurugi was looking on with envious eyes, so now that I was safely disentangled form my sis, I ruffled her white and blue hair, exchanging a loaded glance with Motoko, who actually winked back cheerfully, understanding.

“Oh, and we have Yata’s and… Tsurugi’s here as well.” Motoko quickly produced them, and soon the three were before us, holding gifts, though Tsurugi’s was the largest by far.

“I see.” Magatama was surprised when she opened her box to reveal a delicate chain, forged from a mixture of bluesteel and other mystical metals. She let the elegant, silken chain run through her fingers, before smiling in understanding. “For me then…” She materialised her other self, the Magatama bead, not that I understood exactly how it worked, only that the Tsukumogami were closest to me in that they could split their consciousness over several bodies. Hanging herself, at least her jade bead, around her neck via the beautiful chain, she smiled benevolently. “…it is rather attractive. And… to be valued is a good thing.”

“Of course you’re valued.” Yukiko insisted. “And… I have presents for you too. It’s the least I can do.”

“First mother is kind!” Tsurugi cried, and after unveiling the scabbard I had made for her sword form, Tsurugi insisted on transforming into the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi and trying it out, resting comfortably within, her mental link with me showing her pleasure. Though she’ll want to take human form again soon…

“I do feel shamed that we have not prepared anything…” Magatama murmured, but Yata, who was looking at the beautiful hairpin she held, polished so brightly it was perfectly reflective (and so large it also functioned as a way to secure her alternative form) shook her head, her eyes shining with wisdom.

“Hardly. After all, you have given a priceless gift.”

“That’s right.” Shiro puffed out her chest proudly, which was quite the sight, and I was amused that my father looked away politely. “Sorry Motoko, but let’s get cracking.” She fished out her own gift for me. “Here, Aki. You take a look while we girls check our gifts from you. Then we can get to the big one.”

Opening up the envelope Shiro had provided, I wondered what it was. She teased me, even as Natsumi was opening up her gift from me, a spear hairclip to match and contrast to Motoko’s sword, made in the likeness of Gurenyari. 

“I was going to give you some saucy pictures, I’m told that’s what guys like, but I figured you can do better whenever you want. I’m not exactly playing hard to get.” She teased me, only to blush, realising that my parents, grandparents and other family were listening. Watching her, Shaeula couldn’t keep in her cackles. Tsukiko was opening her gift now, her ring with red and white gems, a beautiful moon-patterned bracelet the included jewellery.

“Instead, I thought I’d be a bit more cunning. After all, Aki, I’m the one who knows your otaku side best.” Inside was something unexpected. “Uh, Arisu thought it’s a good idea, for WTV and propaganda anyway, but… I figured you’d get a kick out of it.”

“What’s this… studio ufotable? On Astral Tides?” I blinked, confused. “This is…”

“There’s going to be a pilot anime. I did the rough script.” Shiro was full of pride. “Massively dramatized, of course. Got to stay on message, and Shaeula tells me you were quite the weakling to start with, always getting your ass beat.” She winked playfully. “Anyway, it’ll be a WTV exclusive, and Arisu’s going to be one of the starring roles. I mean, we could have played ourselves, but that’s a bit… nah, best leave it to the pros. And…” She winked again, enjoying my reaction. “…Keiko and some of the idols will be doing voicework too, as well as an original song. As will Suzu.”

“I’m composing the ending theme!” Suzu declared proudly. “So hopefully that’ll help make up for my… meagre gift?”

“I’m shocked. I really am. Do you think people would enjoy watching my early struggles?” I muttered, and Shiro shrugged, even as the girls were opening up their gifts, putting on their storage watches.

“That’s where my scriptwriting genius comes in!” Shiro insisted. Mom was delighted about my life being on TV, but I shrugged. I’ve been on TV plenty… “I can polish up your mistakes and make you seem like a hero, even before you changed. Anyway…” The pile of gifts under our Tree were still going strong, but Shiro wasn’t done. “Now’s as good as time as any. Aki, why not check our big gift. It’s all a communal effort, isn’t it?”

The girls all agreed, and so I closed my eyes for a moment, before they shone a brilliant amber. “All right then. I admit, the curiosity has been killing me…” I can scan Haru’s Territory for her storage. Even after spending on the Throne… whoa… is that accurate?

“I can tell he’s wowed by our efforts.” Shiro boasted. “Just look at his eyes.”

I managed a slow nod. Wowed? No kidding. It was true. I expected to have somewhere in the region of one hundred to one hundred and ten million ether by now, going by my best estimates of the buffing Shiro had been able to do. It wasn’t applied constantly, obviously, due to circumstances, and likewise, her Berserk Blessing was unreliable and hard to utilise properly, though we’d hopefully helped fix that now. Despite that, we were way past my estimates. “One hundred and twenty-four million ether? We’re… closing in fast.”

“No kidding. Magatama’s able to really amp up my buffs, you know?” Shiro was proud. “At between four and five million a day normally, when our buffs are fully rocking, we can push it to closer to double that. And with the new ability to share the damage and resonate my Berserk Blessing, we might even be able to go further. Though I admit, we’re about at the stage I can’t see us getting it much higher without some major breakthrough or unlikely bit of good fortune. Despite that, we’ve shaved three or so days off your projections already, and while it’s a bit of a pain during Pilgrimage, Arisu wants this done, so… she’ll pitch in with transportation. We need a bit over forty-six million more, yeah? By my count, we might even make it for a great New Year celebration.”

“It is not an exact science.” Asha suggested. “But certainly, we are in the final stretch. I and my Tree will spare no effort.”

“Nor shall I.” Magatama agreed. “To feel useful, to once more rebuild this land, it is our honour. And to serve our father, who brought back the Sun…”

“All right, all right.” I snickered. “You’re embarrassing me. Anyway, let’s keep going. There’s plenty more gifts to look at…” I’d certainly feel better having the Territory upgraded before going to London… but can we keep this up? Oh well, that’s a worry for another day, not for Christmas. There’s still plenty of gifts both to give and to receive, so let Santa Akio see you all smile…

***

The gift opening had proceeded, giving everyone a great deal of joy and entertainment. Tsurugi had indeed tired of being in her new scabbard, resuming human form, but she was now clinging to it with the hand that wasn’t tight in mine. All the girls had opened their gifts from me, and sporting watches, rings and jewels cut fine figures in their Santa dresses, fluffy shorts and Christmas jumpers.

As for me, I’d received more gifts. Of course, after the shocking result that by working together, Shiro, Tan, Magatama and Asha had managed to increase our ether generation tremendously, as well as the reveal of an upcoming anime pilot penned by Shiro (though I supposed she did have scripting experience for her game, not that we talked much about that anymore), and the post as Commander of my own Knighthood, which Eleanor (or at least, on her behalf) had given, some of the other gifts were prosaic, but no less heartfelt.

“And for you…” I’d received some hand-crafted Talismans and medicines from Daiyu, which she’d created herself, using the Six Noble Pursuits. Yukiko and Tsukiko had similar ideas, the pair of friends having provided me with some relics I felt probably shouldn’t have been given away. I had a pen, an old-fashioned, antique fountain pen used by Yukiko’s great-grandfather, which made me smile, as I’d had a pen commissioned for Haru, and was due to deliver it after this, while Tsukiko had brought a delicate bonsai tree, a cypress that mirrored the trees in Tsukuyomi-jinja in the Boundary, and which was full of verdant wood element. Surprised by my reaction, she’d merely shrugged, saying that the shrines had been doing an inventory of their treasures since Conclave, and as the shrine priestess of Tsukuyomi-jinja, she was within her rights to give it away, and… it would serve as a proof of her love, and we’d take care of it together, helping it flourish. My mom loved that, gushing all over Tsukiko’s gesture, and Asha was pleased too. Tsukiko’s parents were so tearful they had to sit down…

Natsumi had personally been involved in the creation of a rather handsome male kimono for me, and now I was receiving Motoko’s gift. I had worried it would be a weapon, upsetting Tsurugi, but Motoko knew better. Unwrapping the long box, it turned out to be a telescope. It had an antique bronze outer shell, but on inspection it seemed to be a modern device, just refitted.

“I know you enjoy seeing the stars with Eri and Aiko.” Motoko remarked. “I myself have not had such a curiosity, but… I feel it would be rather nice to spend the nights gazing upon the skies. However…” she pointed to the shell, and I noticed what she meant.

“Oh, I see. You’ve had Ixitt or his engineers adjust it.”

“Indeed. I wonder, just what is the Moon in the lands of the Fae? And what could we see, looking upon it so?”

“That’s a marvellous idea.” Eri agreed. “I’d be more than happy to spend a little time watching the skies when things calm down.”

“You know, I’m feeling such a cheapskate now…” my sis whispered as Eri and Motoko conversed, while I stowed the telescope, but Kana shook her head in denial.

“No way. In fact, I’m sure Akio’s delighted by your gift. We both know how he is. Besides, mine’s coming up, and it’s not anything special.” she assured my sis. “But before that…”

“This one’s for you.” I grinned, taking over a box to Keomi-chan. She blinked at me, surprised.

“For me? Are you sure?” She glanced over at Kana, who smiled knowingly.

“Don’t worry about it. But it’s from all of us, okay?”

“Oh, wow, that’s amazing! Merry Christmas! I feel bad I didn’t bring anything good now…” Keomi-chan giggled nervously. “I never thought…”

“You brought yourself.” I ruffled her hair playfully, and she unwrapped the small box.

“Jewellery? I don’t really wear it…” She looked up, her brown eyes confused, but I merely smiled silently, and she opened it up. “…a medal?”

“Look closer.” Kana called out jovially, and Keomi-chan lifted it out. Inspecting it, her eyes widened, and she let out a squeal.

“Wait, is this…?” she gasped, and I confirmed her speculation.

“Yeah, a VIP pass to one of the finest cake buffets in Ginza. You can even take a friend. All you can eat.”

“Oh, wow!” She again sounded like my sister when surprised, but her excitement was palpable. “That’s amazing!” She leapt up and hugged me, before rushing over and glomping onto Kana, who spun her around laughing.

“Just don’t get fat, okay? If you put on weight, we’ll up your training regimen!” Kana teased, and Keomi-chan pouted. We watched the heartwarming spectacle, before Motoko passed me Kana’s gift. I unwrapped it and revealed a belt.

“See?” Kana told my sis, still fending off the excited Keomi-chan. “It’s just a belt, a nice belt, yes, but… nothing special. Although…”

I was admiring the buckle, which didn’t seem ordinary, and Kana noticed.

“So yeah, the buckle is made from silver, but… it’s from an ore I found using Kṣitigarbha’s Earthen Womb, while digging under the shrine. I passed it to Ixitt, and he melted it down and sorted it out for me. That ingot was special to me, it’s the proof I’ve changed, the proof I’m defined by more than my appearance. Now… I want that close to you, so that I’m close to you, and you remember what you have given me. A chance to be better, and a chance to find love.”

“Aww…” Keomi-chan was pink with emotion. “You really love him, Kana-chan.”

“Yes, believe it or not, I do.” she agreed. “What about you, little rascal?”

“Of course, Akio-kun’s awesome!” she flourished the medal pass. “He always brings me cake…”

“I’m not sure whether to be happy or sad that you’re such a child, Keomi-chan. Now then…” Kana pulled at her cheeks, a bright smile on her lips, and as Keomi-chan protested, laughter rippled around the room.

“We are nearly done for now.” Motoko suggested, picking up a reasonably large box. “Though there are gifts for those coming later. For now…” She gestured to the shyly watching Aine. “This is for you.”

The quiet little Goblin seemed confused, but at my gentle nod, she shuffled forwards, our parents watching on warmly. She reached out, taking the box, and slowly opened it. Inside… I can see you’re confused, but…

“What are… these?” Aine muttered, her yellow eyes curious. She pulled out a furry figure and stared at it.

“It’s a doll. That one’s Shaeula.” I grinned. “Well, furry Shaeula, anyway.” Indeed, it was her in her weasel form, with beautiful and soft amber fur. “You hug it and play with it, so you’re not lonely. There’s… a Goblin too, and some others.”

Aine fished around and found the Goblin plushie. She squeezed it softly, expression rather hungry, before pulling out the furry badgerkin which looked like Ulfuric. Soon, Aine was hugging the furry toys, while Tsukiko’s mother was softly stroking her hair, the other women watching on warmly. Speaking of our parents, in addition to the herbal cream, more traditional gifts such as alcohol were given to my father, uncle Junpei and the others. Adelheid… I’d fortunately resisted the urge to get her a Tanya cosplay, instead having secured her an engraved beer tankard and collection of imported German lagers and foods to make her feel at home.

“And to finish off…” Motoko produced the last gift, at least for now. If Father Christmas does exist, he’ll think we plundered his workshop…

“This one’s mine.” Hinata grinned, and Motoko nodded, handing it to me. I hefted the box curiously, feeling the weight, and unable to guess what it was by that or its size, I unwrapped it. This is…

“Impressed? I’d hope so.” Hinata giggled gleefully. “You know how good I am with treasure now.” Her fingers stroked the watch I’d gifted her. “I made my Pot Of Faerie Gold cough it up. It’s not refined yet, but… it should be usable.”

“I see. It’s an Adder Stone. Though it’s not enchanted, like the one Chen Na got from the Tower. Even so…” My Eyes detected adherence around it. It was a fist-sized chunk of sone sort of volcanic glass, with a smooth hole bored through the centre, perhaps by rain or the flow of a river. “…I think it could be a great material for a similar item. Hmm…” I glanced at Magatama, who smiled back. “Anyway, thanks Hinata. Thanks everyone! I’m flattered to receive so many wonderful gifts. I won’t play favourites, of course…”

“If only to spare my feelings…” my sis joked, and my lips curled into a teasing smile.

“Don’t make me start using the coupons already, I’ll do it, right here and now! Anyway…” I checked my own watch. “Damn, it’s already been an hour just giving out presents. Thanks for presiding, Motoko, but I’ve got to go drop off gifts to Haru, and also…”

“Yes-yes…” Shaeula agreed. “The Adamant and Fenrir presentations. We shall-shall prepare. Are you sure-sure you do not-not wish to come, Eri? All of us have a stake in Adamant.”

“Maybe so, but you, Shiro and Hinata are the commanders. I’ll leave it to you three. Besides, there’s a lot to sort out and prepare here.”

“Yes.” Hinata agreed. “Once Sakura has her presentation, the family will be coming over.”

“My parents and Keomi-chan’s too…” Kana agreed.

“Don’t forget Arisu-chan!” Suzu grinned.

“Anna too-too…”

“And cousin Kaoruko and cousin Hodahito.” Yukiko chimed in. “As well as… Eleanor.”

Yes, as well as Eleanor, and Princess Diana. Oh well… It’s been a wonderful Christmas so far, and there’s a long way to go… “Yeah, we’ve got a full house. And…” I glanced over at two empty chairs, which I’d told had been left for Rose and Lin, since they couldn’t be present, a shockingly kind gesture from Eri. “…it’ll only get busier in the future. I just hope that those of us who can’t be here are having a wonderful day as well…”