On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

That was… oddly stressful. But… somehow I feel better able to keep calm. Yukiko sat down, muscles hurting a shocking amount, especially since she had always been physically fit, due to her upbringing, and that had only been enhanced further by gaining Statistics and Levels. I have aching muscles in places I didn’t know I even had muscles. Still… I think I’m grateful, although…

“Do not stare at me so, Yukiko.” Nebisuki laughed. The Kitsune had tried to reveal her ugly duckling complaints earlier, and even if Yukiko felt that way sometimes, it was mortifying having it said out loud, especially in front of Shiro, Tsukiko, and Akio! Fortunately, it had been a game to her, and Tamamo-no-Mae had encouraged it, as Nebisuki had only held her tongue or changed what she was about to say into something different if Yukiko had perfected whatever task or adjustment Tamamo-no-Mae had asked of her in the moment.

I can feel it, though. When I stand a certain way, when I walk with pride, when I keep my gaze steady, with just a hint of seduction, when looking at Akio… I feel a different person. Braver, bolder, calmer… more able to see to the heart of both myself and others.

“Oh?” Yukiko carefully inclined her head. Obviously, she had been taught how to carry herself at a young age, but the Japanese were diffident, and especially the Imperial Family. Her great-grandfather’s Humanity Declaration had changed them, made them humble. Now perhaps it is time to shed such humility, but… not in the way my brother did.

She could admit it to herself now that indeed, she was exhausted by her brother’s stupidity. I know why, of course. He is feeling threatened. It is as Shiro says. Before, being Emperor was important to him, of course it was, but now… when being Emperor meant so much more… he can hardly help but feel Akio and I are a threat to his dreams, his ambitions. Even so… to treat Tsurugi, Magatama and Yata with such disrespect, especially since we have failed them so grievously… She placed a hand around the Yasakani no Magatama, Magatama’s Regalia form, which hung around her neck, the jade warm, and pulsing softly, like a heartbeat. I feel guilty I too thought the same, wanting Akio to wake them so I could use them, but… they are all alive. Tsukumogami are just as much sapient, living beings with rights as we are. I see that now. And the three of them chose me and chose Akio…

“That’s a good look in your eyes. I can hardly even tell you are thinking troubled thoughts.” Tamamo-no-Mae accurately assessed her. “It also has utility in battle, being able to mask your turbulent heart and emotions. A skilled opponent will sense your weakness and hesitation. Far better to pretend to strength… or sometimes, feign weakness. Mastery over yourself comes before mastery over others. Caihong’er always said so. It is… the heart of Cultivation. Likewise, next I will teach you to make that wretched so-called Goddess’ power your own, not merely have it answer you, but… dominate it.”

“You very much dislike us, do you not?” Tan drawled, licking at her lips, which were no longer dry and cracked, as if she was stranded in a desert and parched, but rich, luscious and stained with deep purple lipstick, exotic and seductive. Seeing those lips, Yukiko couldn’t help but glance at Akio, and wonder… he was kissing her passionately earlier, and more. I… no, the time isn’t right. But… soon…

“Oh, undoubtedly.” Tamamo-no-Mae agreed. “Though I suppose for you, I can make an exception, Taṇhā of the Endless Thirst. Or is it even that anymore? You seem… well-watered, if you ask my opinion.”

“Indeed I am. It is… pleasant. Though it will be causing quite the incompatibility with my gathered adherence. But I am a flame that burns, and nourished by flame, so… I shall feed it into the furnace within me, my Divine Flame, and make it my own again. Better, purer… certainly sweeter to drink.” She laughed with a rich, haughty tone, illustrating her point with yet more Fae wine. They had emptied a phenomenal amount of both Fae spirits and expensive mortal alcohol Ginneka had brought over, and even though she was a member of the Imperial Family, Yukiko lived a fairly modest life, so the cost… no, I suppose to us, such Fae liquors aren’t priceless, merely available…

“I suspect you thirst too, famous fox with nine tails. I understand it.” Tan reached out and boldly took Akio’s hand, earning a flat jade stare from Tamamo-no-Mae in return. “Let a Goddess you so despise give you a little advice. You say you wish you could make different choices? In that, we are all alike. Then do not bring your past… disagreements… warranted or not, into this new future. You passed through a period of great change. This… this is another, a most unusual happenstance. It is enough to make me believe in fate. Perhaps Shao Siming or Bixia Yuanjun would laugh. I agree in principle. Power must be consumed, controlled, to be anything but a poison, a trap, a prison. And it is worthy of you offering to teach Yukiko how to tame such. Yet…” She gazed at Akio, and Yukiko, like the rest, followed her gaze as if drawn by magnets.

“…do not overestimate yourself. Follow his way, and we shall tame it via a cage of Bonds, a web of Connections, a flame of warm Destiny. I may be a dabbler…” her plump lips curled into a mocking smile. “…in Cultivation, but I know enough to understand that power enslaved is power weaker than power convinced to submit.”

Tamamo-no-Mae was silent for a moment, before agreeing, tails wagging as if to concede the point. “Very well. I suppose it is time to be gracious and… relinquish old grudges. The times have changed.”

“Indeed they have. Besides…” Tan laughed, the sound rich and melodious. It’s still hard thinking of Taṇhāas Tan, it is wildly disrespectful, like nicknaming Amaterasu susu… yet it is the rules.We all agreed that despite our origins, nationality, or even our species, we would treat each other without formality, as true sisters. It is still hard though, sometimes…

“…not every Divinity is to be scorned. Oh, many, even those friendly, will try to use Akio, win him over, but… it is what I am here for. You could do it too, Tamamo-no-Mae. You have experience in dealing with such troublemakers. If they come to our side, then…”

This is… Yukiko exchanged a glance with Tsukiko, who as she suspected, was equally as troubled by the rather… impious, even sacrilegious nature of the discussion. Though can it be that when a Goddess herself is saying it? “I think we should be heading out to see how the others are doing.” Yukiko made sure to heed Tamamo-no-Mae’s lessons well, and while it was phrased as a question, her tone and body language made it plain it was a polite, yet insistent, demand, wrapped up in a request for a favour that of course they would have no problem granting her.

“Yes.” Tamamo-no-Mae, a sly smile on her face, agreed. “The hour is late. And your suggestion prudent. Shall we go and see how everyone has managed in our absence?”

“And if Ginneka slipped up and is now hung up for a beating?” Nebisuki smirked.

“Yeah. It’s true we’ll have to prepare for the Pilgrimage shortly. I’m not sure if you two are coming though?” Akio asked the Kitsune, only for Nebisuki to laugh.

“Of course we shall be. I know grandmother is worried about her recovered companions, but we are but a moment away, thanks to the cold woman and her Room. We certainly would not miss seeing your hometown. I would walk it in the Material too.”

“Just don’t cause trouble then. Gods help them all, seeing Yōkai walking the streets…” Akio conceded with a sigh, and Yukiko found herself smiling. Every day I see a new side to him, to myself, to Tsukiko, to the others… I too wish I could go back in time a little. Not much, just… just enough so I wasn’t such a whining coward, a bitter woman. After all, I had Tsukiko, and Uncle Daimon. I felt alone, burdened, but honestly, Akio truly had no-one, until he made his enemies his friends, and reached out to those he cared about. I… I was right. I was the ugly duckling, in both senses of the world. My behaviour was ugly. But… I can be the swan, not just for Akio and the others, but for myself too…

“I admit, I’m curious to see who won their wager? Though it might be unreasonable to expect success just yet.” he continued, and Shiro, taking over from Tan again, now the night of passion and relaxation was done, snorted with amusement.

“I wouldn’t count them out, Aki. Ai’s competitive, especially with Eri, and besides, due to the time dilation here, they’ve had more time than you’d think to work it out. And as for Eri…”

“Yeah.” Akio grinned, though he did seem a little ashamed as we tidied up quickly, leaving the proper job to the mansion’s maids. “And Eri knows how to leverage a favour. So giving her three… looks like little sis sapphire is in for a bad time…”

“That’s adorable.” Yukiko giggled. “You two are so close.”

“Yeah, after a long… if not separation, kind of like an absence… well, my fault anyway. I learned my lesson.” They headed next door, to retrieve Tsurugi. She was still sleeping peacefully, which brought a smile to Yukiko’s face. “Anyway…” Akio continued. “…I’m just playing off the nickname my sis gave me when I was being an idiot.” Gently, he shook Tsurugi’s shoulder. Her silver eyes slid open, gazed at Akio, and she smiled, before jumping up and grabbing his hand.

“Father, you’re back!”

“I am.” Akio ruffled her hair playfully, and the Tsukumogami squirmed and grumbled, though the way her eyes narrowed like she was a cat showed she was enjoying the attention. “Sleep well?”

“Yes, I was very tired. But now I’m all better! So, father, will we have more to cut today? Yesterday was satisfying! I’ll cut anyone who bothers you or my mothers.”

She’s so… adorable and innocent. A bit of a fool, but… she’s young again. We made her this way. Yes, my brother did indeed… shit the bed, as Shiro so rudely put it. Even as Emperor, he can’t be allowed the Regalia, he would only treat them as tools. I can’t believe my brother can be so cold. Perhaps it is just he doesn’t understand how things are…

“There shouldn’t be any troubles that need you to slice them today.” Akio insisted, smiling warmly at her pout. “But you will get to see my hometown. Come on then, we’re going to join everyone else.”

They all left the mansion, and Yukiko took a deep breath of the still… wait, again, it’s not really air, is it? …atmosphere… of the Seelie Court. It was remarkably festive, what with the training taking place. But instead of seeing Aiko-chan and Eri, instead they first came across something rather… oh my, oh… no… that’s… unpleasant. I’m glad I’ve been under Tamamo-no-Mae’s tutelage today, so I can keep my calm…

“Oh, wonderful…” Christina, the unpleasant scientist grinned, though her face was ghastly pale, and covered in silvery sweat. She had taken off her lab coat, and the blue, thin t-shirt she wore was reduced to little more than scraps, a black bra visible underneath, and her blue jeans were likewise a ruin down one leg… if you can… call that a leg… oh my, I feel quite nauseous. “…you’re back at last? I wanted you to check something for me…”

Her voice was oddly cheerful, though it was clear she was in a great deal of pain, as her tone was higher-pitched and her words breathy. Not that it takes a genius scientist to see that, she’s… she’s…

“…I think I’ve got the hang of these Eyes, at least in interpreting a gain. I did research Levelling before, though I didn’t exactly know what… what it was.” Her words faltered as pieces of flesh dropped from her exposed midsection, hitting the floor and rapidly decaying into horrid black mushrooms. “Anyway…” She gulped, trying to maintain her poise, smiling at Akio winsomely, which was a horrific sight in itself, considering her condition. “…I’m sure that when I saw a great flow of aether cycling through my body, lighting me up all of a sudden, it was the bottleneck breaking, as you put it. Can you… confirm for me? I do hope so…”

“Shit, don’t you think you might be… going a bit far?” Akio asked, and Yukiko agreed. What was worse was Hyacinth was standing there impassively, and twisting around her neck, back and shoulders was a large, snakelike centipede, mandibles opening and closing on… both ends, how does that even work?

“Oh, not at all. Progress requires sacrifice. And instead of pushing it on others… I’m making it myself!” Christina insisted, puffing out her chest proudly.

“Fuck me, that’s the first time I’ve seen Aki resist looking at tits…” Shiro whistled. “…though I get why. You’re… shit, I can see bones through your flesh. Is that… is that a lung?”

Indeed, her torso, chest, one arm and one leg were all denuded of tissue and sprouting dozens of assorted virulent-looking varicoloured mushrooms, toadstools and other fungi. It seemed a miracle she was still alive, never mind talking and managing to move.

“Don’t you worry. Hyacinth is a professional in these matters. My lungs are clear, as are my major internal organs.” Christina insisted, the effect spoiled by more flesh corroding. Her blood wasn’t seeping out much, which surprised Yukiko, and Akio soon provided the answer.

“You… congratulations, I guess?” He sounded both puzzled and exasperated. “Rank six already. Okay, I get it didn’t take Shaeula and I that long under Hyacinth’s methods, but… anyway, you’re manipulating your blood flow through aether to keep from bleeding out or haemorrhaging? Wait, what. The. Hell? Split Thoughts at Rank four? You’re making me look bad…”

“It’s a matter of compatibility. And of course, Hyacinth’s excellent talents.” Christina reached out with her good arm to give her a comradely pat, which she didn’t avoid. “And that centipede… a treasure. Why, the venom, despite being utterly excruciating, sharpens the mind, and helps the body function without certain essentials. Why, I think it could be the basis of many new medicines and drugs, if properly processed… anyway, that aside…” Christina giggled girlishly. “…would you mind awfully patching me up? I’m rather dry on aether, you see, this was… certainly a struggle, and…” She tapped her jeans, and Yukiko could see they were actually soaked.

She hasn’t… in public… I know there’s only Hyacinth around to see, as everyone is training separately, but…

Christina touched her jeans again, as if not hearing Yukiko’s thoughts. “They really got soaked, it’s uncomfortable having wet panties. I’d love to get them off… anyway, I drank so many blue potions to refill my aether I feel quite sick, even though they kept leaking out. My stomach does have holes in it, you know…”

“Oh, and here’s me thinking you pissed yourself from the pain…” Shiro grumbled.

“Oh, I very much did that too. I know it won’t soothe the hurts of those I experimented on, and definitely won’t aid the dead in any way, but… perhaps if they are vengeful in whatever afterlife they are lurking in, they got a good laugh at least. Yes, today was utterly excruciating. But… no pain, no gain, don’t they say?”

“She is nooot quite right up here.” Hyacinth cheerfully tapped her head and they were all surprised that Hyacinth, of all people, would say such a thing. “Oooh, well I would know, do you not think?” She chuckled warmly. “I have a great deal of experience with pain, remember? So I am quite aware of just how… exquisite… the agony must be. Yet she doooes not complain.”

“Do I have the right to?” Christina shrugged, and Akio, with a sigh, went to her and started pouring in aether, regenerating her ravaged body. “Firstly, I’m doing this because I want to. It would be awfully selfish to whine about it after that. Secondly, well, there’s the obvious fairness aspect. I gave it, so I can take it. Though being fair, while my experiments were surely cruel and inhumane, they never came close to this, I assure you!”

“How is it you can make this sound like bragging?” Akio sighed, clearly bothered by it all.

“Natural talent?” Christina laughed, now looking scandalous due to her healed flesh and ruined clothes. Hyacinth pulled out a maid dress from her storage, and Christina thanked her, before slipping off her ruined and sodden jeans and panties. Yukiko winced, looking away, but Christina merely shrugged, pulling on the outfit and turning to Akio so he could do up her toggles.

“We’re all girls here, aren’t we?” she asked, and Akio frowned, though he did fasten the zips and clasps, hiding her bare skin from view, though the dress did have a deep cut for cleavage, the sort Hyacinth liked wearing.

“I’m not…” he grumbled, and Christina winked.

“No, but I’m just giving some fanservice for your aid. You’ve seen it all before, anyway.” She took a deep breath, chest heaving. “Oh, wonderful. I don’t have to use aether to hold myself together now. Ugh… we definitely need to make a more concentrated, slow-release blue potion. Would it be purple?”

“No, I’d suggest more calling it an elixir.” Shiro added, and Yukiko, who had at least played some RPGs, even if she was hardly much of a gamer, just bored, sometimes, understood.

“Anyway…” Christina worked her shoulders and legs, as if checking they all functioned properly. “…I sent Aine away to play with her fellow Goblins, maybe just sit around and have some dessert. This isn’t for her to see.” Christina reached over and patted the centipede, which made Yukiko shudder. “Now then… since I met my goal, I’m probably ready for my next experiments. But time is not on our side for today. Though… you know, I’m probably ready for harvest!” Once more she puffed out her chest, and this time Akio did look.

Seeing that, Yukiko exchanged a glance with Tsukiko, who shrugged helplessly, a knowing smile on her face. You know, somehow, this really annoys me. I don’t really mind him grooming Nebisuki and Tamamo-no-Mae, but… leering at Christina… okay, I’ll be fair, he wasn’t exactly ogling her, it was just a quick glance, but still… I’ll make you look at me like that all the time soon enough, you know! And Tsukiko and Shiro are here!

“I think we’ll leave that until tomorrow.” Akio shook his head. “You might have recovered, but you’re low on aether, and… you probably don’t want to drink any more potions, do you?”

“No, they taste nice, but… too much of anything becomes torture.” Christina stuck out her tongue. “Oh yes, you’ve had a tiring day, haven’t you? So topping me up with Chirurgery is probably a pain. I can be patient. By the way, who is next for the Eyes?”

“Honestly? Judging by our imminent future plans, I’d appreciate it if you can dig deep. I’d like Aliyah, Treyvon and Luciana to get implants, and… for experimental purposes, if she’s up for it, Eri would be a solid choice.”

“Four? I’m confident I can manage that!” Christina promised. “Anyway, for my next experiment, I’ll need to speak to Haru. It will be rough, but… if it works…” Christina stared into Akio’s eyes, and Yukiko paused, as there was none of her usual lustful expressions, or inappropriate humour present. “…it’s the sort of thing that will revolutionise everything. Of course… if it goes wrong… well, then perhaps you’ll forgive me if I end up like they did? My victims, as you call them, I mean.” Her solemn expression collapsed, and a grin returned, though Yukiko could see it was a little forced. “At least I won’t die, so you should still be able to extract Eyes from me if I’m properly cared for. It’ll have come full circle. Quite ironic, don’t you think?”

Hyacinth frowned at that but kept her silence. After a long moment, Akio spoke. “I don’t think dying or wrecking yourself solves anything. It might be justice, but… justice can leave a sour taste. I’d rather you survive to make amends. Besides, don’t you keep saying how science needs you, and how you don’t mind dying, but you want it to mean something? Come on, safety first. Ixitt would be sad to lose you too, you’ve worked together so well. And besides, I have an idea or two I’d like you to try out. So… yeah, try not to do anything stupid.” He paused, before cracking a wry smile. “Stupider. But I have to say, I am impressed. Your claims about being a genius are certainly well-founded. The way your Skills go up…”

“I can hardly take all the credit for that.” she declared modestly. “I am standing on the shoulders of giants, here. You have all blazed the trail for me, and I’m just clever enough and reckless enough to run to the horizon I can see from where I stand atop you all. You know, that’s a line little miss Christina always wanted to say. The other one is, ‘now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds’, but… I’ll leave that to Hyacinth. I can think of four ways she could do it right now… she can probably imagine others.” Christina chuckled, breaking the solemn atmosphere, and Yukiko was relieved, as were everyone else, she believed.

“But yes, Ixitt and his Mortal Engineers are rather refreshing. Coming from an aetheric perspective, they see things differently than I do. And two perspectives can see much a single one can’t. But…” She suddenly had her usual smirk back. “Would you be sorry if I became a vegetable, or died?”

“You ruined it at the end there. For a moment you almost seemed endearing.” Akio laughed. “Come on, I’m even sad when I’m fighting an enemy who was clearly doing evil. I prefer atonement over vengeance. Now come on, the Pilgrimage starts again soon. Let’s wrap this up and go see if there’s a winner…”

Akio turned to them and bade everyone follow, so, after exchanging a few knowing glances, Yukiko and the others trailed Akio, who was holding Tsurugi’s hand, the little Tsukumogami asking questions about just what contest they were talking about, Akio answering earnestly and humorously…

He looks just like a father with his daughter, with our daughter… At that thought, Yukiko felt hot inside. One day… he will be. Though we will surely have sons as well. If so, will they take after him, or after me? I hope Akio, I worry, what with my brother, that the men in our family aren’t the brightest…

***

“…so who do you want to win then?” I asked with a grin, teasing Tsurugi. “Eri, or my sister?”

“Oh…” Tsurugi screwed up her face. “I don’t know, father. That would be between a mother and an aunt. It’s hard…”

“It sure is.” I chuckled, ruffling her hair, enjoying her reaction, of her trying to pretend it bothered her, but still leaning into the stroking like she was a cat. “I have to stay impartial too. But there’s no grudge there. They’ve been better since Christmas Eve. My sis can be a real handful…”

“Takes after you, Aki.” Shiro snorted. “Still, I guess it’s not easy having you as a brother. God knows I’d hate to be your sister. For reasons.” Shiro then chuckled, enjoying my discomfort. “Anyway, either way, we can have some fun. I doubt either of them will back down since this is a trade of favours. I hear you didn’t, when Shaeula passed hers to Eri.”

“Yeah. Eri and my sis are both stubborn, and both love each other a lot. So it’s not like they’ll have the other do anything bad. In fact, it’ll probably be for their own good…”

The remaining trainees here by the mansion had largely gathered, their efforts halted, and they were watching Eri, Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan, facing off against my sis, Hinata, who had a wicked, teasing grin on her face, and Haanōbō, who had folded her arms, white wings drooping loosely. I couldn’t see her face behind her crimson, long-nosed mask, but judging by her body language, she was clearly done with the situation.

“Oh come on, Eri! That’s cheating!” My sis clenched a fist, face pink. “I can’t believe you’d do that!”

“You think?” Eri raised one eyebrow mockingly, and she had manifested two black-feathered wings, a mirror to Haanōbō’s. She flapped them and this time, in a glow of green energies, she left the ground, hovering. “I don’t see it that way. You’ve never been a bad loser before, you’ve always taken defeat with grace and dignity.”

“Yes, well, I think you know I’ve decided to be a little more selfish.” my sis declared, before gritting her teeth. “Don’t get me wrong, congratulations, Eri, you’re amazing. Mastering wind element and balancing it with fire isn’t easy. I want to do it too, you know. And I will, as soon as I’ve cracked the various metal elements. I’m proud of you, but… it’s not exactly fair, is it? The twins have all those experiences of doing it memorised.”

“They do.” Eri smiled warmly at the two younger girls, who were in their Adamant shrine maiden attire. “In fact, their talents aren’t being utilised properly…” Seeing me looking, Eri flapped over, moving through the air clumsily. “Oh, this takes some getting used to. In fact, I’m feeling rather nauseous.” She landed beside me, smiling, though it was a touch lopsided.

Hey, is Ginneka… oh, there she is… the lazy, lustful cat was pretending to be busy, clearly unwilling to admit she’d sneaked off to try and seduce me while appearing as Eri.

“…Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan…” I smiled as Eri spoke, as it was highly unusual for her to use the -chan honorific, even for younger girls. It showed just how fond she was of the twins, which made sense to me, as, like Marika-chan, they were both charming, polite, bold and full of fervour for their faith. “…need more. You know…” She glanced at Tsukiko, who had come up beside us. “…don’t the two of you have a split Favour from Tsukuyomi?”

Tsukiko nodded. “Indeed. I gave it to Akio, he returned it, yet… now we both share it, in a way. It is… comforting. That Akio can hold onto what I hold dear.”

“Seems like you had a fun night and got closer to him.” At Eri’s observation, Tsukiko agreed, her smile slightly shy. “That’s great. Anyway… in that case…” Eri turned to me. “You need to find a Favour that Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan can share. I know they’d do wonders with one!”

“It’s not like going to the supermarket and buying one…” I chuckled. That reminds me. I have the regenerative Favour tangle to unpick and share out. I have ideas about who can benefit… tomorrow is time enough for that though. I need to relax after today…

“…but if the opportunity arises, I’ll certainly see what I can do. Though if they keep growing like they have been they might not even need a Favour to kick ass. They are amongst the few of us that understands spatial element. Anyway… looks like you won. Congratulations!”

“I did, yes.” Eri giggled. “Maybe it wasn’t exactly sporting, but Shaeula would agree that it is Aiko’s own fault for making a risky wager in the first place.”

At that, my sis ran over, eyeing me ruefully. “Way to show favouritism for your fiancée bro. Want me to be nicer to you, get you on my side?” She winked, before sighing. “Honestly, I’m a little bit annoyed. I’m so damn close, it’s like I can almost feel it. But metal is rough, bro. Really is. And wow, gold, silver… they blow ordinary metal out the water.” She suddenly grinned wickedly. “How’s your crystal element going, my dear brother? If you reckon you can beat me, then I don’t mind offering a request reward for the winner. It’s a risk, knowing what a siscon you are…”

“Yeah, but aren’t you just as much, if not more, a brocon, Ai?” Shiro chimed in. “If anything, Aki should be the one worried.”

“How rude, Shiro! But I respect you leaping to my bro’s defence. He’s so stupidly lucky, having such a cute childhood girlfriend, and a stunning university girlfriend… anyway, up for it, bro? It might motivate me to get over the edge. It isn’t long until we’ve got to go to Mount Atago for the ceremony… if you’re worried, I’ll offer you the same deal as I did Eri, three to one!”

“You really are a risk-taker.” Eri rolled her eyes. “Yes, don’t forget you owe me three requests, no backing out. I’ll hold onto them for now. I need to use them carefully.”

“Wow, my knees are shaking. You’ve got a scary look in your eyes, Eri.” my sis joked. At least I think she’s joking. Eri does look unusually serious. Beside me Tsurugi was grinning, enjoying the spectacle.

“I’ve learned that these Oaths…” Eri emphasised that. “…are treasures, which can solve an unsolvable situation. Though, since I do have three, don’t make me use one just to tease you.”

“Fine, I’ll be good!” my sis cried. “Anyway, you up for it, Aki? Crystal versus metal?”

“Sure.” I laughed. “But I don’t need odds. I haven’t really focussed on it much, I’ve been too busy, so… tomorrow I’ll put my all into it. I saw how useful cheating it with Prominence Dawn was earlier today. Okay sis, you’re on.” I held out my hand, and she shook it, grinning.

“Be warned, bro, I’m not losing again! Seriously, I’m honestly super close. It’s just… well, now I have fire and earth you’d think it would be easier to make it work, but… it’s just… abnormal.”

“Indeed-indeed.” Shaeula agreed, having enjoyed the show. “Lightning is the same. It is certainly wind-wind and flame, yet… not-not. Likewise wood element. Composites are far-far more… challenging, to integrate. Hence why they are rare. Crystal even more-more so. Mixing light or darkness with an element is quite-quite the trial none of us have managed yet. Fairly, at any-any rate. Though I suppose Daiyu might-might disagree.”

“Well, a bet’s a bet.” I chuckled. “That just means I’ll need you to work hard, Suk’ja!” I addressed the young woman, who smiled and nodded cheerfully, before one of Yu-mi’s new recruits ruffled at her hair playfully. I guess they’ve earned the right to attend the mansion sessions rather than the training school, huh? It seems they’ve been working hard. Makes sense, Yu-mi is ambitious, she wouldn’t bring on slackers…

“I’ve really stocked up!” With a smile, Suk-ja handed me a bluesteel battery, shimmering with energies of an odd, almost glassy purplish shade, perhaps a magenta. “So I’m rooting for you!”

“Hey, once more, I’m feeling wronged! Aren’t I cute enough?” my sis mock-pouted, but then she winked at me. “Anyway, Eleanor… or should I call her Ellie…” Her pout quickly became a teasing grin. “…wanted to speak to you, but when she heard what you were up to, she just blushed and threw herself into her own training. She had to head back, but she did give me a message. Apparently, your cargo is on route via air. Three out of four packages should be delivered, including the one which fits the best?”

Ah. Three, huh? I suppose we can look into whoever didn’t turn up. Sounds like we might have located what the Oracle Engine was predicting though. Great. It seems everything is coming together. Though that makes me paranoid. Just when things seem to be going well is when complacency and inattentiveness creep in, and things can go wrong in a heartbeat…

“Cool. Thanks for letting me know, sis. Anyway, is everyone about done? We need to get ready for Pilgrimage. Time to head south of Tokyo. You ready to see Nishimorioka again?”

As Eri smiled, my sis rolled her eyes. “Oh come on, bro. I’ve barely been gone any time at all. But it sure will be strange. Anyway, we’ll barely be there an hour, will we? Got to hit other shrines and temples on the way, then down past Inuyama to Nagoya for a few more, then onto Ise.” She winked at Yukiko. “Spending the night on your home turf, eh? Excited, Yukiko-chan?”

“More nervous than anything else, though Uncle Daimon and his Onmyōji will be eager, especially to see the Regalia and how they’ve adapted to their restored forms.” Yukiko held Magatama in her hand, smiling at Tsurugi, and glancing over at Yata, who had probably been flitting about assisting various groups of trainees with her wisdom. “I’m just embarrassed to show my Territory to Akio. It’s not comparable…”

“Oh, whose is, my dear Yukiko-chan?” My sis grinned, grabbing her arm. “Anyway, I need a bit of a break before I start my final push for metal element. Fill me in on the gossip about last night, okay?” My sis glanced at Mae and Hana. “And tell me if my sexfiend of a brother ate the foxes, please.”

Even as Yukiko seemed bemused, she still let my sis lead her away. I gave Eri a kiss and a hug as a reward for her hard-fought victory, and she told me to treat the twins to something nice as thanks for their aid. That done, I yawned, ready for a hopefully far more relaxing day.

One would think we’d do the true shrines at Mount Fuji since we’ll shoot past it on our travels… well, honestly, we’ll be more relying on Arisu-san’s Room, but… Tsukiko and Yukiko, Yasuhide-san too, they all agreed that it should be on the final day, and then we’ll finish at the shrine we’re assembling at the Tengokusentou… I’ll take their word for it… even so, I’m quite excited to see the Grand Shrine at Ise. As only certain priestesses, Onmyōji and the Imperial Family are allowed entry in normal circumstances. It should be… a once-in-a-lifetime experience…

Of course, no matter how exciting that would be, I was equally interested in our cargo. Judging by the timings, they would likely arrive at some point late tomorrow… today now, I suppose… so… yeah, there should hopefully be no more life-or-death struggles today, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be equally as important everything goes perfectly…

And with that, we returned through the Ring Gates, ready for the next day of the Pilgrimage, which was slowly starting to reach its end…