On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“So I have to offer a tribute of metal then?” my sis was saying, as we stood at the centre of the small Byakko-no-aki-tora-no-tsume shrine.

“Yes. Please do.” Tarōbō agreed, so my sis steeled herself, eyeing the small, white altar that was inconspicuously tucked away at the centre of the claw-like metal monoliths around us. “We must open the way.”

I’m getting curious about just what’s going on here. It’s at times like this I wish Tan was here, but…

You forget I am always listening, my Verr! Rose was with me as always. And when it comes to knowledge, I pride myself on delivering answers. Or if not, I can look them up. Or put my sisters to use. She giggled then. You have never seen them read so many dusty old tomes. Though Lin is worst of all. She enjoys reading, but is quite frustrated she cannot yet speak to you as I can. Soon though, I do hope…

Yes. Soon. Hyacinth had clearly been about to step into the realm of Rank 11, but had halted it through force of will, surely out of respect for Shaeula, and I understood that. Many were pushing the higher, normal Ranks, if one could call them that, with Rank 8, 9 and even 10 being more common now, so sooner or later, probably sooner, others would make their breakthroughs. I’m going to need dedicated Split Thoughts just to manage everyone’s chattering.

At least you will never be lonely. Now then…

As my sis channelled metal elemental energies into the altar, Tarōbō pointed the Staff Of Muted Desires at it, and perhaps a fifth of the energy contained within flowed out. I was fascinated at the way it converted strong emotion into power, but then, was that much different to aether or adherence? No, it was… potentially just harvesting a different aspect of it.

It is quite a fascinating trick, I agree. The power obtained is far from spectacular, but… it seems larger than I would have imagined from the numbers around you. Perhaps… wait… yes, I suspect that’s the reason. It almost seems like these… Tengu, yes…?

That’s right.

Yes, these Tengu seem to have been conditioned to feel greater joys in certain circumstances, magnifying what is likely a meagre strand of power into something usable, further amplified by the staff. A rather clever application of principles I would not have expected those upon your world to know. It never ceases to surprise me.

So, do you know what it does?

Feel it yourself with spatial element, you might sense the ripples.

Okay… I’d used up a lot of spatial element in the excitement of the boar hunt, but I still had enough for that. Radiating out faint, near invisible pulses of deep purple energies, I noticed that yes, indeed, after my sis poured in metal element and Tarōbō used his hoarded strength, it was almost like a small… channel… for want of a better word, had opened in space, pointing back towards the centre of the mountain. It was thin as a thread, and thus not for beings to traverse, but…

I daresay if you keep watching, you will have your answer.

Thanks, Rose. I may want more ideas on just what’s going on here. Suzaku and the others, especially the Divine Yellow Dragon, surely can’t be on Earth, but…

I glanced over at Emperor Ōjin, who was an Avatar, of Hachiman, a God everyone had heard of in Japan, though it wasn’t the same, as he had confessed to being native to Earth before becoming a Kami. I doubted that those beings moderating the Directions were the same and from Earth, but I supposed there could also still be an Avatar, as strange as that seemed…

As the Tengu offered music, prayers and even sake and boar to the shrine, we all gathered up again, and Tarōbō laid out the next steps of this mini-Pilgrimage. “We wind our way to the northern slopes, where the second station awaits.”

As the progression continued, Haanōbō spoke beside me. “I shall offer my prayers to Genbu. I feel rather… tense.”

“No need to be.” I promised. Sadly, both my hands were occupied, or I’d have patted her head, like I’d do for Aiko when she was stressed or upset. After all, despite all her grumbles and what Shiro would call her tsundere attitude, it seems she’s accepted me as her brother now in truth.

“There’s nothing that can stop us. I’ll sweettalk Suzaku and Byakko if I have to, and if that doesn’t work…” I winked, eye sliding shut for a moment behind my crimson mask. “…we can talk with our fists, man to man. Assuming that they’re both male, of course.”

“Look at them flirting.” Bell grimaced. “I can’t say I’m not frustrated, Teare.”

The green-haired Elf smiled ruefully. “Our time will come. This time for sure. It’s a day for Aiko and Haanōbō, so… just smile and play along! We’re Way-Captains, remember? And patient hunters.”

“Sometimes I forget the patient part.” Bell chuckled, hiding her smile with one hand. “The pace of mortal life has quite swept me up.”

“I understand that.” Motoko agreed. “Not that I can comprehend the habits of a being whose life is measured in centuries, not decades, but… the pace of things, the measure of experiences we feel… all are incomparable to what we lived through before. But I am content.”

“There’s a woman who knows she’s found her love, Teare.” Bell let out am amused sigh. “Oh well, I can’t say today has been boring.”

“That’s the spirit!” Natsumi chuckled, coming up alongside the three of them. “Besides, you have your trip to look forward to. And it’ll be here sooner than you’d think, I bet.” She glanced back at me, a teasing smile on her face. “Now he feels guilty about the events of the Migration. It can’t be helped, and we all know that, but…”

“I just like to be fair. Is that so wrong?” I sighed, though I deserved the gentle teasing.

“Not at all.” Motoko shook her head. “It is admirable. But… as Christmas Eve proved, your time is precious, and you need to be careful where you deploy it. Unless you are planning to split yourself in two once more? Four bodies might make your time manageable?”

“If he can get two in the same place, I don’t even want to dream of what kinky fun you girls would get up to…” my sis declared, before flushing, glancing at me with wide eyes. “Uh, forget I said that, bro!”

“Oh, I’ll not forget.” I chuckled, as the next shrine came into view. A ring of water, almost like a moat, surrounded a small, black shrine, ringed by equally dark shimenawa ropes. The water itself was still and flat, like an old-fashioned ink mirror, and I admired the craftsmanship that had gone into carving the channel into the slope so that the water was perfectly level, with not even a ripple, despite the updrafts, due to a cleverly raised lip of the moat.

“I don’t know what you were imagining, but I daresay Eri would be disappointed.”

“You think? Eri would probably be delighted at double the Akio fun.” my sis retorted, before her blush deepened. “Hey, you tricked me! No, I… heard about it from the two perverts in my class. The hentai kings are always talking about what they’d do to a girl together. As if they’ll ever speak to one once they graduate, let alone find one stupid enough to play around with that disgusting pair of sleazy idiots!”

Methinks your sister doth protest too much. Haru’s voice sounded in my head, and I had to hold in a laugh, my grip tightening on Haanōbō’s and Tsurugi’s. Though I doubt very much she is into such… extreme… romance. She’s probably got an interest, most women her age have, in sex. Especially since her ‘dear bro’… I could hear the chuckle in her thoughts. …has such an active love life. More to the point though, she’s probably not as embarrassed as she’s pretending to be.

I know, she’s trying to get a reaction out of me. It’s cute, and so very her, so I’m just playing along. Seriously though, Motoko’s not wrong, I could certainly use more bodies, but even if I could, I doubt even my Split Thoughts could keep up with more of me, all running at different rates of time dilation. Even adding a third, say Material, Boundary and lower Astral, would probably be nine times as hard to process…

Poor you. I’d have sympathy, but… you do bring it all on yourself! You need to give Karen-chan a raise, as your secretary, managing your schedule is more a war than a job.

Don’t I know it?

As we shared a mental chuckle, Tarōbō grounded his staff. “Here is Genbu-kame-no-fuyu-no-kagami. The turtle mirror of winter. Just as autumn cycles to winter, simply waiting for life to awaken from cold slumber. Haanōbō, make your offering.”

“Yes, Great Tarōbō.” She bowed, but didn’t relinquish my hand, leading me and Tsurugi forward, the young Tsukumogami glancing down at the still black waters with curiosity, seeing her reflection staring back.

“Hardy Genbu, I have returned. Open the way, so that… my brother and my sister… may take up the duties shed by my lost brothers.” She, in an act rather bolder than what my sis had done, brought her hand to her mouth before the altar, and tore at the flesh with her teeth. As blood sprung free, water element surged, and the blood froze to ice, which she dripped upon the black altar, before water energy flooded from her, as well as more energy from Tarōbō’s staff, and my spatial element detected another set of faint ripples, another hair-thin channel opening up, heading south this time.

I clicked my tongue and let Ether Healing flow into Haanōbō, and she seemed surprised her hand was suddenly Healed.

“It was very impressive, but… I don’t think it was necessary, was it? My sis didn’t bleed.” I pointed out, and Haanōbō actually apologised, shocking me.

“Yes, but I felt compelled to show Wise Genbu how serious I was. Yet, you are correct. No brother wishes to see his sister suffer, yes?”

“A dig at me there?” Arangbō chuckled. “The past is just that, sister. A far-off land none may visit. I would not dare disrespect you now, unless… you disappoint our dear new siblings.”

“I will not.” Haanōbō promised, grip tightening. “He fought for me, and even Aiko, she willingly takes up our burden.”

“Why wouldn’t I?” my sis shrugged. “It’s not like I probably won’t benefit, and besides…you’re all right, you know? A bit standoffish and formal, but… I can see your ice melting, and you seem rather more fun than I thought underneath.” My sis winked at us again, and while the mask blocked her smile, I could imagine her teasing grin. “My bro’s flames of summer can certainly melt your winter coldness.”

“It seems you are correct. So… will your autumn give way to a barren winter, Aiko?”

“Nope. The thing about winter is, that’s the best time to snuggle up with a fire, isn’t it?” she giggled. “As for my autumn, don’t the trees look prettiest in autumn? Sure, there are no blossoms, spring is great too, but… it’s the start of a change, isn’t it? We can’t live in summer all our lives.”

“Wise words.” Tarōbō agreed. “And we shall proceed, from winter, to spring, and the east.”

Can’t live in summer all our lives, huh? I pondered her words as we continued around the mountain. The others were chattering amongst themselves, occasionally exchanging some conversation with me, but Aiko’s words had stuck with me. She’s right. If the world before was summer, peaceful… well, at least in terms of humanity surviving, then… we’re in autumn now, and… it’s both terrible and beautiful. So… if winter follows, humanity and the world in danger, I can be the flame that will return us to summer in time, and ward off the oncoming frost…

“Here lies Seiryū-no-haru-hana-no-ryū, the dragon blossoms of spring.” Tarōbō grounded the butt of his staff as we approached. This shrine was in blueish-green, and the shimenawa ropes were threaded through a thicket of vines, each covered in blue and green blossoms. Green blossoms are very rare… pretty though…

“This is my responsibility.” Arangbō strode onwards, a trickle of wood element parting the greenery, opening a path for him to the centre. Soon, he and Tarōbō had done their task, a third spatial channel opening, and by now I’d already worked it out, that the Directions were linking the Centre.

“From spring, to summer. The fourth station, of the flame, beckons.” Tarōbō led us on, the music of the Tengo overhead speeding up, as if urging our feet.

“This one’s yours then.” Kana came alongside us. She’d been walking with Daiyu, who was deep in thought. “I mean, in theory, I could handle the Centre, as that’s earth element, isn’t it? But usurping Tarōbō’s definitely a stupid idea. Hey, not even a chuckle?” she asked Daiyu, who blinked, her black eyes vacant for a moment.

“Oh, my apologies, Kana, I was just… considering implications.”

“You too?” I shrugged, unable to do much else with Haanōbō and Tsurugi trapping my hands.

“Of course. Having Prince Shōtoku and Emperor Ōjin here only makes the realisation starker. What we are presumably about to confront should not exist here, not rationally.”

“Yeah, I quite agree. Even Avatars are surely limited in scope.”

“Your words touch on some… troubling… matters.” Hachiman’s Avatar spoke up, clearly having heard us. As we wound our way to the southern slopes, he grimaced, his patrician face showing slight concern. “To enquire as to the nature of the Gods is… unwise. Though I do suppose, though she is absent this day, you have a… conduit… to knowledge of such matters.”

“You mean Tan?” I asked, and he nodded.

It’s a good thing he doesn’t know about our connection. Rose tittered. But he’s right. We Valkyries have an inherent talent for crossing realms and borders, so we simply suppress ourselves and descend, yet… Avatars are not without a cost. Think of your own nature. It is not strictly an Avatar, yet…

I get it. If it’s not an entirely separate clone, but conjoined spirit and Truesoul split over other bodies, then that comes at a processing and strength cost, surely…

Exactly. Your world is stranger and stranger the more we learn of it. For now, I shall observe silently, and perhaps cast Runes if I need further insights…

“Yes. The interloper. It is a… grave matter, but I have no interest in provoking conflict.” Ōjin stroked his small, nearly trimmed beard. “After all, your interests align with ours currently. Divine Tsukuyomi himself has spoken, and the light of Amaterasu still shines brightly.” He gazed at Tsurugi, as if to prove his point. “I simply pray she will remain… wise… for even if we do not protest, others will not be so charitable, if… agreements and compacts are broken.”

“I assure you, she says nothing that would void the agreements between the Pantheons, and all she has done is exploit some truly unexpected loopholes. Breaking the spirit, sure, but the letter of the law? That’s intact. But… we were speaking of Avatars, weren’t we?”

“Yes. Suffice it to say that an Avatar is not to be used lightly. I will not speak of why.”

“Perhaps the destruction of such is costly.” Daiyu surmised. “And I do not believe you could use your full strength here, no more than Tamamo-no-Mae can without consequences. Perhaps they would even be graver, as she would not be bound by your… agreements.”

Emperor Ōjin merely stroked his beard, before turning away, but that was an answer in itself.

“Scary.” Kana shuddered. “I still can’t believe the pair of you are bold enough to talk back to Hachiman, whether he’s an Avatar or the real thing.”

“He is but a Kami. Do not overpraise them. They are selfish and care only for their own interests.” Haanōbō criticised him. “Even now, when we have come to a common cause, I would not trust him fully. Just as in the strife of Kyoto, did he move to save your Diviner, Tsukiko, from peril? And do not think to tell me he knew Akio would prevent her spirit being devoured.”

“Yeah.” Kana was troubled. “I get you. But then, power has to be balanced with responsibility, doesn’t it? If everyone got to do what they want, the Boundary would be gone, and the Astral around us a warzone, or a blasted wasteland, right?”

I nodded. “I think so, but still. There’s a lot more here than we know about.” There are the events with the Kamuy, why so many Avatars of the Japanese Pantheon linger here, the Regalia, especially Magatama, and more… if I can, I would veery much like to ask the Yellow Dragon a question or three, but… first thing’s first…

We were approaching the final shrine, and this one was surrounded by a number of braziers, each blazing with flames of different colours, the shrine itself and shimenawa ropes a bright vermillion.

“Suzaku-kamado-natsu-no-fushichō, the summer offerings of the firebird.” Tarōbō declared. “It is your time. And the final step, to complete the Four Directions. Then… only the march to the Centre remains.” His golden eyes met my grey ones, and I nodded. Haanōbō released my grip, but not before a final reassuring squeeze, and Kana persuaded Tsurugi to let me go, pointing out she was still holding me with her sword form, still belted at my waist, and also offering her some sweet treats.

Striding through the gaps between the burning braziers, my nose detecting a variety of scents, likely metals and other things put in the flames to change their colours, I ducked through the red ropes, and stood before the small shrine. It was modest, little more than an altar of red stone, with a crude, almost lumpen carving of a great bird, the long tail feathers the only part done with any artistic detail. Right then…

“Suzaku, look favourably on me, and grant me your blessing. If for no other reason than to help Haanōbō and Arangbō continue what they started. We’re… a family now, as odd as that seems, so…” I let out my flame element, and the alter shivered, but it didn’t seem enough, so… Foehn, you’re up, but… carefully…

Around the altar I bloomed innumerable small motes of Foehn, like shooting stars, and fed each a trace of my other elements, momentarily changing their colours. I felt something then, almost like a brush of Telepathy, but it was faint, fleeting and distant. Behind me, Tarōbō’s staff swung, and half of what remained within was drawn out. I felt Foehn and my fire element shiver within me, momentarily spiking up, and my lunar Chakra spun wildly. Closing my eyes, I forced my body back to its proper state, and leaked out a little spatial element, and indeed, the final, fourth channel had connected, pointing to the centre of the mountain, though… I guess the Yellow Dragon takes the meaning of ‘earth’ seriously.

“It is done. Yet the cycle has not ended. From fire, to the earth, and… the Centre…” Tarōbō declared. Come.” He gestured, and the surface of the mountain beside the shrine shivered, and the rock shuddered, dust and small fragments of stone falling, sliding down the mountain.

“Need a hand?” Kana asked, and Tarōbō shook his head.

“No, this is my trial, my way to lead. Open!” he cried, ruby energies surging from him, and finally the rock split apart, revealing a tunnel, shimenawa ropes along the walls in the colours of all the Directions. The floor was a smooth, black stone, resembling the water of Genbu’s shrine, and the ropes were hung with bright blossoms. Small fires of many colours burned, despite the sealed nature of the cavern, and the light reflected off fang-like metal decorations, as if we were walking into the claws, or jaws, of a tiger.

“From now on… only those who shall partake in the ceremony shall proceed. Also… you may come.” Haanōbō turned to Haru. “For you now hold Mount Atago.”

“For Akio, yes. But… are you sure?” she asked, and as he nodded, everyone’s disappointment at not being able to see what lay at the end of this journey diminished. Indeed, moments later, Haru had linked all our minds. Without Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan to help, it was a bit of a strain, but like us all…

Yes, I’m growing too. Oh… Eri, you surely want to see this!

I see. Yes, I’m a little busy, but… one Split Thought won’t hurt me. Oh, Aiko, Akio, you both look rather fresh in those masks.

Hey, so mean! You’re saying it’s better to hide my cute face? Why…

As Eri joined us through Lovers’ Link and Haru, the others waited patiently outside, enjoying the music of the Tengu. Yet through our eyes and Haru’s Telepathy, they could be with us in real time.

Sorry if that’s sacrilegious, Suzaku, but… we’re all family, even those of us who aren’t Directions.

“This way…” Tarōbō led the way through the long corridor, and the atmosphere was solemn, at least externally, but inside my head it was quite festive, everyone chattering and making observations.

…Haanōbō showed her face? Eri was asking.

Yep. Just to my bro, me and Arangbō, thanks to my bro and his clever mosaic magic. Wonder why he whipped that one up?

Aiko didn’t need to be in the conversation, as she was here with us, of course, but Haru had added her anyway. Only Tarōbō, Arangbō and… Haanōbō, were outside the link, and as I wondered why, Haru’s thoughts came to me.

I’m letting her have her privacy. She’s… ruminating on rather a lot. Usually I’d have to try to break through her stubborn resolve if I wanted to read her mind, but… she’s softened today, is easier to read. She’s still very nervous though, so… let her have her time to think, and do her proud, all right?

Got it.

As we reached the end of the corridor, Tarōbō raised his staff, and the remaining energy flowed from it, the glow of the gem finally diminishing. There was a small, humble chamber within the interior, and within…

“It’s empty?” my sis muttered, only to narrow her eyes a moment later. “No, not empty… just… yellow stone.”

Indeed, the chamber was plain, unadorned, and the centre was occupied by a different rock strata, yellow stone winding its way from the centre of the floor up the walls.

“Indeed. This mountain is part of the bones of the earth. Here, there is no winter chill, no summer heat, no spring renewal, no autumn fading.” Tarōbō began, his voice wistful. “To we Tengu, used to the skies, the earth seems threatening, treacherous, but… it is indeed a womb.”

Told you so! Kana’s thoughts echoed through us at his words.

“Yet… I took this task on willingly. To guard the Sacred Flame. For… while in the earth there are no seasons, there is still fire. Heat from below, the blood of the earth. Metal. The rock is filled with metal, including the gleaming yellow gold that the Divine Yellow Dragon has given us. Water… seeps down from above, cracking the stone, which allows life to bloom, wood winding even through solid earth, tenacious and persistent. For without earth there is no soil, and thus no nourishment for roots… the earth is the centre.”

He placed his staff in an indentation within the yellow rock, and it sank, vanishing until only the jewel on top remained above the surface. “Now… I, Tarōbō, once ruler of this mountain, and still its protector…” Haru nodded at his words, as did I. “…accompanied by the ruler, as well as my… my children, the Four Directions… wish the way opened!”

He released a tide of more ruby earth element, and the spatial channels responded, pulling through the energies he had left at each cardinal shrine, or station, as he called them. I had thought he meant like in a Pilgrimage, as the stops there are called stations, at least in the West, but… it also has a double meaning, I see…

A swirling vortex was pulled into the chamber, and space shivered, as if peeling away a layer of it. Purple sparks scattered, and with my own perception of space, I could see that we had actually entered a small dungeon. Then beside me, whispering faintly, like a mosquito, but trusting I could hear, Haanōbō breathed out an explanation.

“This is not the same space as the source of the Sacred Flame, nor the fountains which bring it to the surface. But it is equally as precious. Great Tarōbō worried so when the rifts started forming, eating into the other… dungeon… as you call it. For if it spread to here too, that would be a catastrophe. Fortunately… to open this sealed space is not trivial…”

I see that. As I nodded, my hand idly stroking the hilt of Tsurugi, so she was with us too, my sis let out a bright exclamation.

“Wow, what a change. I never get tired of seeing things like this. If nothing else, bro, you certainly take me to all the most interesting places.”

I had to agree. “Yeah, this one’s… quite the spectacle, in its way. But…” My sis was sweating, and she wasn’t the only one. Haru’s body flickered, rather transparent, Haanōbō’s wings drooped, and even Arangbō seemed a bit shaken. Only Tarōbō and I were largely unfazed, but even so, Tarōbō’s golden eyes dimmed a little.

Yeah, this League, it’s on par with Mae’s, or that damn Saint. It’s maybe even stronger, in fact… should it even be possible here? Oh… it’s a sealed space, and…

Shimenawa ropes of solid gold, enough to make Hinata’s eyes sparkle, at least before she gained the ability to create her own precious metal, if she wished, ringed the chamber. At each corner was set a small, exquisite statue. An obsidian turtle with an onyx snake upon its shell to the north, a ruby firebird to the south, a fierce, ivory tiger to the west, and a wooden Dragon to the east, the material it was carved from a rich green with tinges of blue within the scales. And at the centre…

That is a work of art. I have seen many such, at the Tengokusentou in the past, for example, but… that is magnificent. Motoko was awed by the craftsmanship of the coiled golden dragon before us. It was only the height of a person, but with the way it was wrapped into numerous golden coils, the width as thick as my leg, the length when fully unwound would be impressive, and the sheer weight of gold…

The other statues are the size of dogs, but the Dragon is far bigger. Hey, is it sacrilegious to say it reminds me of Shirohebi a bit? Though if they were solid gold, I’d sell them for scrap!

There were mental giggles at Kana’s sacrilegious thoughts, but I was fixed on the silent statue. It had closed, lidded eyes of gold, but there was clearly a presence there, as we could feel the League. Moments later, the sound of grinding metal rang out, and the lids drew upwards, revealing piercing crimson eyes. Tarōbō, Haanōbō and Arangbō immediately fell to the floor, bowing low, and after a brief moment of hesitation, where we exchanged glances, my sis and I, Haru too, all bowed, though we didn’t go so far as to perform dogeza, pressing our faces to the yellow stone below as those three did. Well, masks, anyway.

[I have… answered] The voice of the Yellow Dragon wasn’t loud, but it cut through the silence like a blade. I winced, and the rest of us trembled.

“Yes, I apologise for waking you, Divine Yellow Dragon. But… there is need. I would not do it recklessly, I know you… cannot pay attention to the affairs of those beneath you.”

[Speak]

That’s… an Avatar, but… not in a traditional sense. Rose’s thought came to me. It’s… closer to a Divine Favour, in actuality. A… consciousness and a specific purpose.

So is it actually a clone, or connected to the real thing?

I think it’s like your Split Thoughts, so, be wary, don’t reveal too…

Before Tarōbō could speak, the Yellow Dragon interrupted.

[Prying Eyes. Begone.]

A surge of League, and even I flinched, but…

Nice try, but… that’s not how our Connection works. You can’t sever what we have, not without damaging our Truesouls, which… that representation doesn’t have the power to do.

I see. It’s like a terminal, with… some functions, some software running on basic hardware, linked to the central server.

I don’t exactly get it, but… from your mental images I think I understand. Yes, it has knowledge, but… not the power, not here, to exercise true ability.

[Frustrating. This is… unwise.]

May I speak through you?

Go right ahead.

With a smile, Rose wove Runes, replicating what I’d done to manifest with light and wind before the Norns.

Ansuz. To communicate with others, begins with… Pertho. The Aetheric Arts. Pertho. To bring forth knowledge, which cannot exist without understanding, through such. Ehwaz. I transport my consciousness, even if not my true self. Ansuz. Once more, I tie Wisdom with understanding, as the Runes are tied, and Words shaped. Raido. My Wisdom journeys, and reaches its end here. Appear!

At the end of her weaving, a holographic image of Rose flared into existence. She wasn’t in her usual armour, but in a simple, yet beautiful red gown. On seeing my gaze, her illusion smiled cheekily.

“You think… ah, it works. Fascinating.” Her words sounded, wind element forming ripples which transmitted sound, not mere telepathy. Everyone was going crazy inside my mind, getting to see a representation of Rose in the (admittedly illusory) flesh, not from mere memories. “Oh… poor Lin is eaten up with regret and jealousy now. But she needs to find a way to deepen her affection for you, to cross that last step. As for my attire…” Rose spun, ripples of light momentarily disarraying her image. “…We Valkyries do like to dress up. Which women do not?”

My sis nodded firmly at that, though it was fortunate she was wearing a mask, or her eyes would have bulged in a rather unsightly manner, so shocked she was. “Shit bro… wow.” She swore, again unusual for her. “She’s the Valkyrie bride you have waiting for you? Your rush with the Territory makes more sense now. Just… wow.”

“How sweet. I am indeed his Brúðr, yet not the only one that awaits. Now then…” Rose turned to the statue. “Noble Divine Huánglóng. And… your four wanderers, I see.” Rose glanced at the four cardinal statues. “I apologise for my intrusion, but… attempting to sever my connection is an unforgivable trespass, and I could count it as an attack on me, and the World Tree itself.”

The silence stretched on for a while, and then the statue spoke. [Nonsense. If anything, your presence here severely violates the Compacts. You have no foothold here]

Tarōbō seemed lost, and in the end decided merely to keep his head down, as did his children, while Haru cheekily relayed all the entertainment back to the group, showing her greater Skill in keeping connected, even though we were separated by a spatial barrier. In fact, that makes me wonder, have you grown that much stronger?

Let a woman keep some mystery, Akio. But knowing your curious nature, I daresay you’ll peep with your Eyes soon enough. Let us finish up here, but… with some help from Arisu-san, I have indeed made a small breakthrough.

“Broken them? Hardly.” Rose disagreed. “We have scrupulously upheld them.” That wasn’t true, as the Seeds were probably a breach, but if they were, then so was this golden statue, obviously. Gods sure do like leaving their junk around here on earth. The Lost Droplet, now this…

“We simply established a connection when, by some miraculous circumstance, he ascended in spirit to the Pantheons and survived. Thus… we did not give knowledge to a lower world, for… he is one from the Pantheons. And thus my own spirit being here is no greater transgression than yours.”

[Sophistry. But accurate, I concede]

“I’m glad.” Rose held in a chuckle. “Now then, I didn’t mean to intrude, but I wish to make it plain that you are not to sever any bonds or connections from him, or those around him. You… would not wish to bear the consequences.”

[Threats? Unwise, little Valkyrie]

“Merely advice. I am sure if you think about it, you can see why. Anyway, none of us benefit from being at odds, or even mentioning this clever little jaunt.” Rose drew four more Runes. “Sowulo. To see what lies hidden, to illuminate. Kenaz. Torch to illuminate, and see with the light the sun casts. Raido. To see the purpose and destiny of this place. Ehwaz. To enlighten, in both senses of the word. Scry!”

Energy flared, and the space around us rippled. Rose’s image nodded, light shimmering, and her pale, pearlescent eyes shone with understanding. “I approve. A cleverly sealed, isolated space, and the four wanderers help to anchor it. A great deal of effort, but then…”

[You are dismissed. Your World Tree and your lackeys are not for this place]

“Wrong. He is of no Pantheon. If anything, he’s closer to yours. Besides… while I can see the strain it puts on the energy gathered in this place, while you remain connected…”

Now she mentions it, I can indeed feel the bond. It’s… like my Silver Connection was, just… far superior. I let my Eyes glow, and a brilliant platinum radiance, almost shining to multiple colours of metallic gold, as paradoxical as that sounded, nearly blinded me, my Eyes bleeding a little. My sis hissed in fear and upset, but I waved her off, Ether Healing equal to the task of fixing it.

“…they came for a reason, and for your benefit, in some regards. Best speak now… father-in-law.” Rose chuckled, and Tarōbō gawked at her, shocked, and not just her, as Haanōbō raised her head, narrowing her golden-yellow eyes.

“Yes. Forgive me, Divine Yellow Dragon.” Tarōbō rose, bowing as he did so. “We would not disturb you without great cause. But… Summer South perished… at the foolish hands of Autumn West, who I then punished, as was proper. I ask that you call upon Byakko and Suzaku, and grant… my new children, by right of conquest and… union…” Haanōbō’s wings dipped at that. “…their blessing to become the new Directions. They have the aptitude, and the will.”

My sis and I exchanged glances, and I didn’t need to see her bare face to know she was excited, her efforts about to pay off. If this time you get knocked out before winning, it won’t be your fault, sis…

The ruby eyes glowed, taking us in, and I felt an unwelcome intrusion, but shrugged it off, figuring it was what I got for using my Eyes all the time. It seemed a very potent type of aetheric inspection, like QI Perception, just… different.

[Strong flame, voracious, yet controlled. And potent metal, one from these lands. In those terms… suitable. But… the duty…]

“They are prepared to guard the Sacred Flame, and also… the guilt.” Tarōbō promised.

“I have one question first though, if I may.” I touched Tsurugi at my belt. Tarōbō’s shoulders were set in shock at my outburst, and Arangbō trembled, as if not sure of whether to laugh or howl.

[Speak, insolent one of flame, you who would bear Suzaku’s mantle. Yet be respectful before this Golden Emperor]

“Always.” I bowed. “I am deeply honoured you’d deign to hear me out. But… the Sacred Flame, it’s born from the Sacred Hearth of Apemerukoyan-mat Unamerukoyan-mat, a Kamuy. And that’s not all. I have a companion, a Tsukumogami, and a magatama bead. And she used to be… Kamuy Suma-no-kamuy, a brilliant stone in the possession of Apemerukoyan-mat Unamerukoyan-mat. Can you tell me… what happened, and how she came to be the Magatama she is now?”

Tsurugi trembled at my waist, and I continued to stroke her hilt soothingly, while Kana, Motoko and Natsumi reassured her outside. Everyone was listening closely, and Rose seemed extremely curious. The silence dragged out, and then adherence surged, and the four statues glowed, their eyes now opening.

[Wake, Qīnglóng, Zhūquè, Báihǔ, Xuánwǔ. The names you are venerated here by… Seiryū, Suzaku, Byakko, Genbu… rise, and wake!]

Huh? They’re not different? But judging by Minerva’s Book Of Providence, Roman and Greek Gods are different…

I am not an expert, but I have heard a little of these beasts. They are not of one Pantheon, but rather follow a Path instead, almost like… mercenaries, perhaps? So they have different names, and slightly different adherence, from each aspect. Balancing that is hellishly hard and fraught with drawbacks and perils, yet… if done successfully, great power can be cultivated…

Despite being able to speak via her Runes here, Rose chose to wisely use her thoughts, though… the Divine Yellow Dragon clearly could hear them, or at least know such was taking place, even if the contents were private.

“Wow, I want one!” my sis giggled, as Byakko shuddered, and the metallic fur seemed to move, as if real. It moved its head, metal cracking and creaking, drinking in the energy Tarōbō had bequeathed to this place, before growling fiercely, a mental burst of static that made us all wince.

[Where is Fungbō? My West?]

He was not alone. Genbu hissed sibilantly, at least the snake head did, while the turtle one greeted Haanobo, and the wooden Seiryū creaked around, before roaring a greeting to Arangbō. But Suzaku only flapped crimson wings, the material it was made of suddenly white hot, and it breathed out a stream of words which were accompanied by searing heat.

[The sun has set in the West, Byakko. And the Summer has come to an end. Dead. I sense Shungbō no longer. Though… lingering traces of Fungbō remain, prisoned in unyielding Earth]

[Tarōbō, your Earth has slain your own son?] Byakko roared, and Tarōbō shook his head.

“It was just, Mighty Byakko. My foolish son… betrayed his duties, and put all at risk, slaying his brother, attempting to kill his sister as well. I had no choice. I grieved, but… replacements have been found.” He was sweating, even as the sealed dungeon we were in trembled, violet sparks rippling.

[I see] Byakko turned slowly, slight cracks running through the material of his carving, to gaze upon my sister. [Your metal, and lingering prayers… I find you… suitable]

“Great, in that case…” my sis began, only for a beam of shining metallic element, full of adherence, to shoot out, piercing her, as the statue roared. She panicked, eyes going to me, but I had other things to think about, as Suzaku screeched, and a similar burning blast of fiery elemental energies and adherence struck me, and my Chakras began to heat up, churning.

[Fear not. Recognised, your efforts have been] Huánglóng rumbled, voice cracking the space, beautiful, fractal fissures spreading through the surroundings, leaking purple mist. [Prove you can control power, put it to use, and…]

I could detect connections between the Golden statue and the four others, and something was passing between them. It was then Seiryū spoke.

[You wish to know of why we remain, and what befell the Woman Of Rising Fire Sparks, Of Soaring Cinder Sparks? Then… face your baptism, and I shall speak of it, for I… I was there, to my grief…]

Damn, that’s a… portentous beginning. I reached out and grasped my sister’s hand, as we fought to tame the surging energies injected into us. My Eye flared with amber letters, and I focused on them, and on the ones I was seeing from Aiko too. We’ll accept your blessing, become your Directions. But on our terms, not yours. Especially… depending on just what happened here, so long ago…