On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

As I trickled a little water element to clean the dribble of piss from my dick, as I clenched up, half-done, and tucked it back inside my pants, my unexpected visitor gave a wicked, throaty chuckle. “Hey, no need put it away, Akio-kun. If you want, I’ll show you mine, too, yeah? No fucking problem!” Her voice was bright, but it trembled a little, and Hotaru-san, Abe-san’s fiery and foul-mouthed daughter, made good on that promise somewhat by tugging open the collars of her hakama, the cloth parting easily to reveal a great swathe of her pale cleavage, and the hint of cherry areolae and nipples.

No bra, huh? And she’s certainly much more stacked than she looks, at odds with her rather boyish demeanour, but… that’s not the issue at hand here, is it?

A moment of thought, and my mind was made up. I had already been through one mortifying circumstance I’d handled very wrong today, and after the honesty around the table with Eri, Yu-mi and the others, I’d be damned if I was going to backside. It’s not about numbers, it’s about… feelings, the depth of them, and whether… whether it’s a relationship both parties earnestly wish to pursue. I can do it. I don’t know how yet, but… I’ll be man enough to handle everything and everyone within my arms properly.

“I know Aimi-chan sometimes complained that guys had it easy when it came to toilets on a night out, that girls often had to queue, even to the point of pain, so the temptation was to slip in the guys’ restroom and take a free cubicle… but somehow I don’t think that all the stalls are occupied, are they Hotaru-san?” I kept my tone polite but frosty, and my grey eyes were steely. “…and a young lady of good breeding shouldn’t expose herself so carelessly to a man and definitely shouldn’t come into this place. I know we’ve booked the whole hotel out, but even so… your reputation would be ruined. What would people think?”

“Who the fuck cares what people think? And shit, good breeding?” She moved closer, and her top gaped upon, fully revealing everything, but… I’m not such a clueless loser that a pair of breasts will win me over. And this mood is nothing like with Miyu and Michiru, and… Hotaru-san doesn’t have the bonds we share, the experiences we’ve had, nor… nor the emotions budding within us, I’d wager…

“I’m no sheltered flower like the good girls you hang around with from Hanafubuki, not even like big jugs and her sisters.” She snorted, though her face was red, down her neck and onto her cleavage too, and her breath was coming fast. “You know, my shitty dad’s a career politician, when he’s out, that’s fucking it. Game over. He relies on you, you know? Says there’s no fucking way he’ll win re-election without your endorsement…”

She stepped closer, and I backed off. I could easily have left, using Void Serpent Steps, but that wouldn’t address the issue, just delay it, and… I want to check that the lesson has stuck with me, and… get a perfect score. I won’t let you be the only one who understands the metaphorical Tokyu U of relationships, Haru. My thoughts sought her in an instant. I’m guessing this is the real exam you talked about.

It’s an exam, certainly. A multiple-choice one. Are you sure you shouldn’t just escape, Akio? Discretion is the better part of valour, as Princess Eleanor might say…

No, that’s my back-pocket last resort. If I did… sure I’d pass, but I don’t want a seventy, I wasn’t the full hundred!

I applaud your bravery. But, in the interests of being honest, since you were painfully so… I detected a slightly off tone in her thoughts, like she was bothered or irritated by something. …let me just check. I don’t think you know her that well, do you? But if you’re actually into the boyish brat, that changes the scoring metric…

You know I’m not. And ordinarily, a polite refusal would be enough, and something I should do more of… but… she came into the male toilets while I was here alone, and she’s flashing me her breasts. That’s going to take some more… careful… handling.

I see. So you don’t want her, at least not now. Great then. You’ll be as dead as I am if you mess this up then! But… I’ll be watching, just in case.

Sure thing, exam invigilator.

Another role, huh? You’re dead set on being a black boss, Akio. Fortunately, I’m not one to protest, even when I should…

That took barely a breath to conclude, so I decided that it was time to find out precisely why she was there. Not what she’s here for. I can tell that, I’m not blind or an idiot…

“So, I might be way off base here, but are you doing it for Abe-san, then? He wouldn’t be happy if his daughter was selling her body just to help his political career.”

That made her pause, and she shot me a withering glance, before bursting out laughing, which made her chest heave, but like the gentleman I was, I didn’t stare at her. When she calmed down, she clapped her hands, as though she found it all comical. “Fucking hell, Akio-kun, you’re funny! Shit.” she wheezed, tears beading up in her eyes. “I wouldn’t flash my tits for dad, nor open my legs, and they’ll be opening. I’m already wet.” She grinned, tugging at the straps of her hakama, and I was relieved to see she was wearing panties, albeit fairly scanty white ones and indeed, they were damp, but the smell itself… yeah, I get it.

“No, I’m not such a good fucking girl. But I can be. A girl good for fucking, I mean!” She made a ribald joke, but despite her bravado and confident air, I could hear her heart hammering, and by the scent she wasn’t that aroused, it was mostly sweat.

“So why are you here?” I persisted, and she rolled her eyes at me.

“Shit. I see why you annoy some of the others, fuck me. Are you that clueless? No, you can’t be… but maybe if I take my panties off and fucking spread you’ll get the idea. I’m here offering myself, you know? A ripe, cute virgin, just the sort of bitch who must get your dick hard, right? You know…” She eyed my crotch, where I’d mercifully hidden my dick, pale pink lips licked by her nervous tongue. “You’re hung. I bet it’s going to hurt a fucking lot the first time, but I’ll feel good soon enough, yeah? That’s what happens, isn’t it?”

“So if you’re not here on your father’s behalf…” I persisted, though I’d backed up to the far wall now, so was out of space to retreat, or so she thought. As she approached, I vanished, appearing at the other side of the rather expansive space.

“…I don’t get why you’d go so far. We’re not close, Hotaru-san, not at all.”

“Yeah, it’s fucking hard to get close to you. Always surrounded by other beauties. Shit, it’s frustrating. But… don’t you want to be close? I’ll be your fucking girlfriend, and I’m absolutely no hassle at all. I’m not demanding. Fuck me whenever you want, knock me up if you need to, though I’d appreciate it if you let me enjoy my youth a bit first. But shit, you’re the boss, I’m just a cute young virgin, so you do you. Or rather, do me, any way you want. I’m not fucking shy, so I don’t mind getting a bit freaky or experimental.” She winked at me, hands under her breasts, jiggling them. “If you’re shy, why not take these bad bitches out for a fucking spin? If I leave here stinking of your cum, that’s got to be hot for you, right?”

I narrowed my eyes, beginning to grasp an understanding. The thing is, she doesn’t actually seem to be particularly enamoured of me. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think she dislikes me, in fact, I’m starting to smell a little of her secretions now, not just sweat, so she’s getting turned on, but… yeah, while this seems the same sort of vulgar situation I was in with Michiru and Miyu, it’s completely different. Despite everything, even despite Michiru’s kinks and perverted nature, she was honest and pure about it. This girl here… yeah.

I felt Haru’s silent approval as she assessed my thoughts, though she wasn’t giving hints. Nor should she. This is my test…

“I still don’t get it. You’re not going to claim you’re in love with me, are you Hotaru-san?”

“Told you before. No need for formalities. Call me Hotaru. Or just Ru if you want. Nicknames are hot. I fucking hate that I’m baring my soul, my tits and…” With a sly grin she eased down her panties just enough I could see her twitching slit, clean-shaven. “…my everything, and you’re so fucking calm, like it isn’t anything you haven’t seen before. Fucking shaved too, wanted to make you have a good time. I’m not just going to lie there like a dead fucking fish, you know? I’m eager to learn, eager for…” She came closer fast, and I evaded her again in another splash of violet sparks.

“…oh come on, don’t fucking play hard to get, Akio.” She’d dropped honorifics too, and ordinarily I was rather easy about that, thanks to mom’s influence, but here I found it rude for once. Still, I kept my face expressionless.

“Shit, you’re a greedy guy, I know it, and you haven’t run off. I worried you might, you know. But…” Her breathing was ragged now. “…it’s good for you, isn’t it? Shit, all I’m asking is to be pampered, looked after, and I’ll be a decent girlfriend. Hell, I’m not into fucking girls…” she laughed then. “…didn’t even mean it that way, just slipped out, but yeah… if you want threesomes, foursomes and shit, I’m game. Really, what have you got to lose? Sure, you’ll probably get shit off your other girlfriends, bringing home another, but… easier to get forgiveness than permission, shit, am I right or what? And you’re clearly into me… just making me beg, are you? Well…” She grinned, and as she was about to prostrate herself on the floor of the room, that was my limit. I moved, grabbing her arm, and her breathing accelerated, her skin hot to my touch.

“Knew you’d fucking crack. We… probably should do it in the fucking cubicle. The fucking, I mean… unless exhibitionism is your thing? Or we could go up to your room, might be a bit awkward, but fuck me, I’m game. I’ll say I seduced you if it gets you off the hook, no fucking bother…”

She started rambling, face crimson, but was surprised by my next gentle moves, as instead of touching her or kissing her, or indeed anything like that, I pulled up her hakama and closed the top of her red and white outfit. She blinked, completely confused by my actions, and then grinned knowingly.

“Fuck me, I’m stupid, lost my head in the heat of the moment. Shit, yeah, can’t be walking through the fancy hotel with my tits and snatch out, can I? Unless that’s your thing, of course. But if I’m honest, I’d rather be for your fucking eyes only, yeah?”

Her constant tirade of bad language and rough speech was grating on me, something Shiro’s foul (yet comparatively tame) mouth never did, and I quickly shut her down. “I’m doing no such thing. I’m…” I rolled my eyes as I stepped away from her, putting some safe distance between us. I’m a little lucky nobody came in, but the numbers of guys on Pilgrimage isn’t that high, and a lot of them will be in their rooms… besides, I have a feeling you’ll alert me, won’t you Haru?

Silence was my answer, though I thought I could hear the mental equivalent of someone whistling to appear innocent. Very funny…

I could feel Eri on the edge of my thoughts too, and she was remaining silent, clearly making an effort not to show any approval or disapproval at this stage. Though I know you’ll judge me later. Which is fair. We’ll… let everyone speak who needs to. It’s ironic. We share each other’s thoughts, each other’s emotions, yet we still weren’t communicating properly. And relationships don’t work without that. But… we’re still learning. I leaked a small chuckle at that thought, that despite everything, I’d only even been going out with Eri for a handful of months, many of the others mere weeks, or even days…

Seeing me laugh, Hotaru-san brightened up, but my next words stopped her dead in her tracks. “…not as much of a bastard as you think, you know? Besides, I can hear my old self crying out in annoyance.” As she tilted her head at that, puzzled, I continued. “And I’m a bit annoyed you think you can get your own way simply because you’re decently cute, Hotaru-san.” Once more I ignored her entreaties to address her more affectionately. “I’m not so starved of love I need to keep bringing on girlfriends.”

Hotaru-san pursed her lips, and her flush was rather more purple now, and I could tell she was angry. As if to prove a point, she wrenched open her top I’d closed, tits bouncing free again. “Liar. Lying fucking liar.” She tried to keep her tone light but did a rather poor job. “Come on. At least be believable. Rumours are going round today that you’re screwing the rich girl from Hafaubuki, Miyu-chan, and even her bodyguard. Michiru-chan, I get… she’s elegant and pretty, rich too, and the way she looks at you shows she’s into you. Shit, I get it. But the idiot wannabe ninja? Sure, she’s cute, but she’s sullen, violent and off-putting. Come the fuck on, Akio. I’d be way more loving and fun. All I’m asking is to be taken care of, yeah? In exchange, I’ll give you my body and heart. A fucking great deal if you ask me! No way you fuckling lose out.”

I twitched, Hotaru-san having pissed me off. Not at the blatant selfishness of it. Honestly… Hinata’s, Motoko’s, Natsumi’s… their approaches were grounded in self-interest, at least at first, though as Hinata loudly declared, she was the one to fall in love with me at first sight, so she was just following her heart too. The thing is… I’m past such things. Yes, Yukiko and Ellie, they were both arrangements, but by the point such things were proposed, we were already close, and I had a surprising amount of affection for them both. Shy, diffident yet oddly strong Yukiko, and fiery, judgemental, but earnest and absurdly innocent Ellie. So to me, to us… the arrangements were just a way of pushing past the inertia that prevented us getting together. Likewise, I need to settle how I feel for Bell, Teare and Moira. Moira’s great, no interest in me as a man at all. I’m relieved, but… Bell, Teare… I can’t lie and say I don’t really like them. It’s not love, of course, but… like with Yu-mi, who once more revealed her wise, charming side tonight, it’s more than enough that I think I want to find out if it could be…

Worse, I didn’t entirely know how to face Miyu and Michiru after the mistakes of the day, from all of us, but I knew one thing. Their emotions are a million times more genuine than yours, Hotaru-san. So to say that… yeah, shit. I’m angry. It’s like when that bastard Furuihonō insulted Yukiko. What gives him the right? Only we who are involved can judge us.

“Oh? Let me tell you something about Michiru.” I stepped closer, and I was pleased to see that Hotaru-san’s clumsy seduction attempt shook for a moment as she backed away from me involuntarily, before she clenched her teeth and stood firm, meeting my gaze. “She may indeed seem standoffish, angry. When I first met her, she attacked Hinata, which was unforgivable. Or it would have been, if I didn’t know her.” Of course, before, I only knew the depths of her loyalty to Miyu from her actions, from her deeds, but now, after our Fae sex, in which I’d drank deep of all she and Miyu were, and they’d taken in a tide of me… I understood them on the truest, purest level, and Lovers’ Link pulsed with cold yet somehow heated emotions from her, a pleasurable thrill that I was thinking of her.

“She was desperate, not for herself, but for the woman she cherished and loved. Michiru… feels such emotions very keenly. And when she accepts someone into her heart, it’s… genuine.” There were no lies in her declaration that I was to Michiru as a man, like Miyu was to a woman for her, and that she wished to serve us for life. That made me uncomfortable, just as Hyacinth’s insistence on being a servant did, but… if we did decide to pursue a relationship in earnest, it would be something we could address, compromise on.

“Love…” I continued. “…comes in many shapes and sizes. It’s not for me to dictate how she lives her life. Not even if we become lovers, Hotaru-san. I don’t think you quite get that. It takes more than sex to build a relationship. Yes, it’s important, relationships without physical intimacy are doomed to failure over the longer term, but… she’s so honest. In both her loves and her desires. Yes, she’s a heavy woman for sure, no wonder Miyu wants to share handling her, but she wouldn’t unless she knew they both felt the same way for me. Honestly, I’m still in awe I win the hearts of all these wonderful women. Each so different too. But you… Hotaru-san, I’d take one Michiru, one day of Michiru, one simple kiss from Michiru, over a week of sex with you, even if you did anything I asked. Because… there’s no heart in you. Only calculation. And that’s what makes Michiru herself, and special. For all her foibles and irritations, she’s got a pure heart, and a giving one. When she greedily wants sex, it doesn’t turn me off like you do.”

The harsh truth delivered, Hotaru-san froze, before, after a long moment, she sighed, fixing her hakama. “Well shit. Fuck. You’re a cold bastard, Akio. That hurt me a lot. I’m a tender young girl, did you have to be so fucking ruthless dismantling me? I think you misunderstand me too. Yeah, I want an easy life, I want to be the girlfriend of someone special, to keep living the life, no, a better life than I have now, without fear it’ll all go up in fucking smoke if my shitty dad gets booted out of office next election. But I also want to be yours, you know? You’re fucking great, aren’t you? Generous, kind, hot, hung…” She licked her lips, glancing at my groin again, as I rolled my eyes, but was finally pleased by her honesty. “…I did not see this shit going down this way. Maybe I’m too confident? Thought you’d not be able to resist me.”

How’s that, Haru? I was honest with her, and with myself. Let her down gently and didn’t give her false hope. Sure, I’m a little insulted she thinks I’m easily turned by a fine pair of tits…

Aren’t you? Eri spoke up. I’ve noticed you can’t resist checking out the chests of those on Pilgrimage…

Sorry. Force of habit. But you girls are the only ones I look to, truly!

Sure. But… what you said about Michiru. It was sweet, but… a bit different to how you treated her earlier. You were cold, Akio. I wondered…

Yeah. Whereas Miyu wants affectionate praise, Michiru… honestly, she’s a Christina who isn’t… broken, maybe? I felt her joy when I was cold. Of course, it has to be the right sort of dismissal and disdain to get her engines running. She has to know that there’s actually affection hidden beneath the snub. But… Lovers’ Link doesn’t lie.

Oh. Well, that’s a relief. Or is it? Sounds like the two of them will be difficult to deal with.

You know it. But… nothing is decided yet. We misstepped, but now we can start afresh with clear eyes, knowing how we all feel, and see if we can come together, if we’re truly compatible, meant to be together.

I’m relieved to hear it. And… I’ll lend you an ear. More ears if you need them. And offer helpful advice, and be more open too. I promise. But if you need it, I’ll still be firm too. I need to be true to myself as well.

Great.

“Yeah, totally thought we’d be fucking like rabbits here. Hot girl like me, in the male toilets? Shit, if that didn’t get you horny, I thought you’d be a fucking saint. You’re not, but…” Her face fell. “…I’d even worked out a plan B, you know?”

I had a bad feeling, and her smile was suddenly wicked. “All I’d have to do was call someone over. Big jugs maybe, though she’d probably not be prepared to bust in here. Too fucking worried everyone’s always staring at her monster tits. Shit. It’s all projection, she secretly loves the attention, the fucking cutie. I fucking would too, if I had her figure, you’d have cracked.”

I began to sweat, as she revealed she’d been planning to frame me in a dalliance, either caught screwing her, or in a compromising situation. This girl is… I don’t know if I should say bold, or just dangerous? No wonder Abe-san’s pulling his hair out with her!

“Anyway, you’ve been in here with me a while. There are cameras outside, yeah? Shit, staked a lot on this play, you know? My reputations fucked, even if I’ve not been. If I was truly bold…” She grinned, patting her groin. “…thrust in a dildo, wreck my insides good. Come out bleeding and sobbing. I’m no fucking actress, but I reckon I could manage that.”

No, just dangerous. Damn, she’d go so far…

“Shit, don’t look at me like I’m a monster. You hear about what guys do to get girls at uni all the time. My shitty dad’s always warning me about that. He’s worried I’ll get drugged or drunk and then fucked and blackmailed or some shit. I’d like to say I’m not a fucking idiot, but… it happens, yeah? You’ve been around a while, Akio, you must know.”

I wanted to refute that, but I’d warned my sister about it often enough. “There were rumours about it, sure. Though it mostly happens at bigger universities than I went to. The drugging, I mean. Getting girls drunk… I never did it…” I hastened to add. “…but yeah, a lot of guys see plying women with booze as a flirting technique. It’s going too far to call pretending I’ve raped you similar though! Do you want to get me arrested, ruin my reputation? That’s not just affecting you and me, Hotaru-san. People could die if I lose support from the powers of Japan! Besides, it wouldn’t work anyway… it’s not like I’ve…”

“Maybe not. I could say you forced me to drink it, since you didn’t want ‘to get my fucking hot ass pregnant’.” She chuckled. “And sure, I’m no idiot, DNA tests and shit would clear you soon enough, then I’d be screwed, yeah? But that’s not how it’d work. My dad would insist you take responsibility for me, in exchange for helping clean up the mess. Though he’d probably tell you he wouldn’t care if you mistreated me, treated me like shit, bullied the fuck out of me, afterwards, just so long as we got hitched. Kind of stings, but my shitty dad always puts the job first. I know you wouldn’t though. I’m not fucking stupid. Just… desperate, I guess?”

“What do you have to be desperate about? You’re a trainee, since your father paid you into Pilgrimage. It’s likely we’d continue to train you…” I pointed out, eyeing her warily, and she shrugged.

“Yeah, but… compared to being your lover, that’s dogshit, and you know it. But it’s not like I’m going through with it. Maybe I’m just too much of a coward, or maybe now I see the disgust on your face… still going to be difficult though. People saw me come in. And I’m on camera, and so are you. Been in here quite the fucking while, and my clothing’s not exactly neat.”

I nodded. “Yeah, but none of the Pilgrims will speak out, and the hotel staff… Hinata would have them ruined if they did. Besides, I can just prove I’m not lying, even if I have to reproduce events here with aether, or submit to Haru’s or the twins lie detection… why are you laughing?”

Hotaru-san was chuckling now. “Oh, you think so? Let me tell you something, you’re too close to see it. Magic… what the fuck does that prove? Oh, sorry. Aether. I mean, you’re the one telling us how it works, so who’s to say you don’t get to fake it? It’ll never be reliable for stuff like this. Nope, if you can recreate a past scene, for example, why couldn’t you create an altered one? I mean, you totally fucking could, couldn’t you?”

I had to nod slowly, and she cackled again. “So yeah, you’re too careless, Akio. Lucky I’m such a fucking nice girl. I’m going to ask one last time. I’m pretty great, want to be my boyfriend?” She flashed me again. “A lot of fucking guys would kill to hit this.”

“I’m afraid not. Your problem is…” My words were cut off by the door banging open, and it was amusing to see Hotaru-san jump, craning her head to see who it was while frantically covering her breasts, face scarlet. Yeah, you do have shame. You’re forcing yourself. I’m… honestly not as angry as I thought I’d be. Though the amount of thought she’s put into ways to trap me does unnerve me. Damn, this is why Hinata has the cleanup crew. Hotaru-san’s totally the sort of girl who would use any of my spent liquids, either to frame me so I’m stuck with her, or to get pregnant. Offering Hinata a silent prayer of thanks, I saw who had entered, and it was Michiru, in her temporary red tracksuit, and her face was pink, and her eyes warm, as she stared at me, affection flowing through Lovers’ Link, as well as pure arousal.

As the door slammed behind her, I asked the question that was on my mind. “Did you… hear everything we said?”

Michiru nodded, eyes sparkling. “You truly are the man I wish to serve alongside Miyu-sama my whole life, Akio-sama! You understand me very well. But…” she took a deep breath, before glowering at Hotaru-san. “Sullen, violent and off-putting, am I? An idiot ninja?” Her eyes were hard. “I am most displeased. Akio, if I had my way, we two would grab her, and take her away somewhere, where you would give her exactly what she asked for, then toss her into the trash like the garbage she is! Miyu-sama would persuade Fujiwara-sama to support your actions, and everyone here would understand!”

As Hotaru-san tensed, face pale at Michiru’s threat, her mind, her oh-too-clever, scheming mind, was surely suddenly wondering if perhaps I’d do it, leaving her in true disgrace with nothing, before I shook my head.

“I’m not that sort of man. Even if she had actually tried to frame me, rather than just plotting it, I’d have not done that. But even so, she definitely needs punishment. I’ll be having words with your father, young lady.” At that, she deflated, and Michiru grinned triumphantly.

“They sent me to handle cleanup. You have done well. Firm, but not impatient.” Michiru relayed the words from the others, and I knew they were likely all discussing my performance, through Haru’s and Eri’s witnessing of it. “Now… I ask you, Hotaru.” It was unusual for Michiru to be so disrespectful. “…where do you think you went wrong?”

“Don’t fucking know. I’m as hot as you, girl.” She pouted sullenly, realising her schemes were over now. “In the end, don’t have your guts though, do I? Hear you fucked him earlier, people are saying it. Making it official?”

Michiru sighed. “We were almost as foolish as you. Though fortunately we have one advantage.” She turned to me, and her smile was brilliant, bringing out her charms, as when Michiru wasn’t being overly defensive of Miyu, or unleashing her perversions, she was sharp, intuitive, and rather ninja-like. The good kind of ninja. “We discovered we love him. And we made no claims on him. Love does not demand, it revels, it accepts.”

I nodded, and despite herself, so did Hotaru-san. “I… fucking hell. Is it so wrong to pursue him? You’re doing it now, aren’t you? Coming here at this time?”

“Yes.” Michiru agreed without shame. “Everyone agreed that Akio-sama was cold to me, so felt sympathetic, and offered me the chance to end this mess here. But…” she smiled at me. “…we both know you were thinking of me. I will… try my best to mould myself into a woman who is more to your tastes, like Miyu-sam…ah?”

She trailed off as I patted her head fondly, and she blushed like a ripe tomato, though again… yeah, it’s almost reassuring. Her thighs were rubbing together, and her breathing roughened.

“Just… improve yourself in general, try your hardest to be the best Michiru you can be. And I’ll like that. Maybe one day I’ll come to truly love it.”

“I already love everything about you, master!” she declared shamelessly, before Hotaru-san sagged against the wall, defeated.

“I’m done. Fuck. And… oh god, my dad’s going to fucking kill me. A Sōtō Zen nunnery is in my future. No men, no TV, head shaved, dowdy black robes, best years of my life fucking wasted… fuck. Fuck!”

Seeing her so heartbroken did stir my pity, but I knew I had to be firm here. “Okay, you didn’t actually try to blackmail me in the end. And you’re damn sure not going to try again, right?”

Hotaru-san nodded slowly, while Michiru scowled at her.

“I… damn it.” She started to cry, not loud sobs, but the scattered, bitter tears of frustration. “I don’t get why it’s fine for her…” she nodded at Michiru. “…and not for me!”

“I told you, it’s because of the feelings involved. Look, I’m not thrilled about being honey trapped, but… when Miyu and Michiru offered themselves, they weren’t trying to trap me, they did want to appeal to me, but also… they genuinely wanted to be happy being one with me. You… sure, okay, I may be a little arrogant, but I guess you don’t mind, or might even enjoy sex with me…”

“Yeah. I wasn’t into a fucking sacrifice play.” she admitted, glancing down at my groin, and Michiru placed her lips close to my ear, and whispered something that surprised me, so faint Hotaru-san clearly couldn’t hear.

“I… see the appeal of a sudden attack on you, but… we agreed to treat each other with respect and to be open and honest. Honestly…” Michiru’s breath tickled my ear. “…I have been seeping ever since I overheard your kind words, the way you understand me. But it would be far too bold, and wrong of me to jump ahead and ask for sex. Yet… I want to…” What she asked was shocking, and I was a little hesitant, but, despite knowing everyone would be privy to this via Haru and Eri, I searched my genuine feelings and… it didn’t seem like something I couldn’t accept, as Michiru had already… yeah. No excuses. I’m utterly horny and pent up, and she’s offering something we both can accept. Sorry Eri…

Don’t be. Though if it wasn’t Territory upgrade time, Hinata and I would be taking you to bed here and screwing you until you cried for mercy instead. But we’ll let Michiru have her small victory. Though it seems she played us a little, pretending to be upset at how you treated her.

Hey, with just you pair, I think you two would be the ones going down. As for Michiru, yes, she’s cunning. Cheeky. But… that’s her charm. She’s like a cross between a cat and a dog, loyal as hell, but also wickedly playful and needy…

Rude! We’d call in reinforcements! But I’ve new tricks, you know! Shifting Cat isn’t just for show… and yes, Michiru… she’s someone I can personally accept. As for the others…I think you’ll still need to be open about it, but… in the future, if you do decide to take her and Miyu…

They way you’re going without honorifics, it seems you already think…

Miyu’s a very good woman. Honestly, the me from before would be dying of jealousy and inferiority. But now… Shaeula, much as I hate to admit it, was exactly right. We need that friction, fresh blood, to keep us moving forward, bettering ourselves. If it was just Earth, then no, but… there is a wide, wide multiverse out there. And we’ll be the mice under the gaze of some very big cats, even when you win Earth and become Astral Emperor.

I was grateful for Eri’s earnest understanding and showed my gratitude with gentle affection. Nodding to Michiru, her smile lit up her face, and even Hotaru-san was shocked.

“You can fucking smile like that? I… see. Fuck.” She slumped down, still crying. “That’s the difference between us, is it? If I can’t smile at him like that, I’m just a fucking piece of garbage.”

“Yes.” Michiru said unhelpfully, even as she unzipped her tracksuit, revealing her bare breasts. Compared to Hotaru-san’s decent hills, Michiru was rather flat, as was her gaze, as she divined what I was thinking. But she was too wrapped up in the moment to care, and as she knelt down before me, she pulled down my pants, revealing my cock, which Hotaru had peeked at earlier. “You are. Not for wishing Akio-sama’s affection. That just means you have a functioning brain!” Michiru brought her head close to my dick, sniffing it eagerly, before dabbing at it with her tongue, which quickly brought it back to towering strength, and Hotaru-san even stopped crying in shock.

“Fuck me? It gets bigger. You’re a monster!”

“Hardly.” I shook my head, knowing that there were plenty of bigger guys in the West. “Above average, certainly though. Enough to…”

I was going to say “…get the job done” But my words were swallowed up by a groan as Michiru began to gently tease my dick with her mouth, the glans wrapped in her lips, tongue darting. I’d hesitated over whether to let her do this, but… honestly, she was eager, and she’d already drank my cum earlier today. Sure, this was going a little further, but… I’d searched my heart and my conscience, and I didn’t hate the idea. And… I wanted to give back to Michiru a little.

Hotaru-san swallowed, still sniffling, but couldn’t tear her eyes away from the scene, as Michiru began to treat my dick as if it was precious, her hands caressing my balls, gently stroking my shaft, as more and more of it slid into her mouth. She roughly used her cheek, stimulating my dripping glans, and made sure to lick up the oozing precum, and also keep showing me her modest chest, as she sucked and licked my dick fervently.

“I… ah… like… this…” Michiru insisted, her words muffled by my cock deep in her mouth. “Bitter, but… mwah… hmmm… somehow addicting. I regret… ah… nothing. So… hah… thank you…” She gaped her mouth open, saliva covering my dick, to show Hotaru-san, trying to break her delusions, before she forced her head right to my balls, taking my dick deep. She gagged and coughed, spit scattering, but her lips and mouth and tongue were all caressing and squeezing my dick, and it was a very good effort for a first timer…

I think she’s been practising. On an anatomical model, or so Miyu says. She’s… been bizarrely serious about this the whole time, hasn’t she? Eri marvelled at her preparation and dedication. On the surface through, Miyu and Michiru set out to do the same thing as that bitch, but… they were thinking of you and your benefit, your love, as well as their own desires and needs. And… they knew they were in the wrong, as did you. From now on…

From now on… I… It was a little hard to think, as Michiru’s blowjob was a heart-racing experience. Her eyes were gazing at me earnestly, only at me, and they were windows to her spirit, affirmed by Lovers’ Link, which felt her joy at getting to be closer to me, and… also her joy at being lewd in front of Hotaru. The shame fuels her too. Dirty, adorable girl… oh, sorry Eri… didn’t mean to tangle my Split Thoughts like that…

It’s fine. We’ve decided though. Tonight, once the Territory is done, we’ll leave the capturing of land to others. We have to reinforce that, while Miyu and Michiru may be new prospects, those of us why have loved you longest and best are not to be discounted! Prepare yourself!

I will. I most… definitely will. And I now know… in heart, spirit, head and conscience… just how to assess those who… seek me and those… I seek. I’ll… do better.

That’s my Akio. Bold but reserved, greedy but reluctant. Loving and… mine!

“Fuck…” I swore like the watching, silently crying Hotaru-san as Michiru’s tongue was caressing me passionately, and even the faint gagging shudders as her throat constricted felt great. I couldn’t resist, grabbing her side ponytail roughly, knowing it was what she desired, to be used like a servant, a toy, a more extreme case of Hyacinth’s servant play. She coughed and spat spit, but never stopped moving her head and sucking, and moments later, I could hold it no more, and I erupted, hot, warm semen pouring out and down her throat. She gulped frantically, pleading with her eyes for me to release her hair, and for a moment I thought she was choking, only to realise... I should have guessed. It’s Michiru, of course.

I let her go and she slid backwards, not to relieve the pressure or the flood of my cum, but instead to hold it in her mouth. Her cheeks puffed up, and thin rivulets escaped from her lips, staining her chin, before, with one last mighty sucking gasp, she drew the last of my cum from my dick and released me. As my cock flopped out, Hotaru-san shook her head, defeated.

“I could… have done that for you, you know.”

“Yes, but… could you have done it with the feelings Michiru embodies?” I asked, still glowing with the pleasure of my orgasm. Michiru laughed, opening her mouth to first show me my large lake of semen she’d captured, before she then made Hotaru-san look, then swallowing it, her expression ecstatic and enlightened.

“Yes, bitter, but delicious. Like coffee. Oh, I do not mean it tastes that way, just… it is addictive, and makes my heart race and my lower lips burn…” She pulled down her tracksuit pants to illustrate, and indeed, her pussy was drooling strands of nectar. She proudly laughed in Hotaru-san’s face, before mercifully, dressing again, though she made no effort to hide the fact her face, and indeed now the collar and front of her tracksuit top, were stained with cum, and her bottoms were damp enough for others to notice, since she had eschewed underwear since the events at her village.

“Thank you.” She smiled at me then. “I know it was presumptuous to ask, though I think it will help this fool understand…” She jerked her head at Hotaru-san, ponytail dancing. “…that our desires, our respect, our commitment is different.”

“You’re… going to walk back out there like that?” Hotaru-san asked, her boyish yet still pretty face now rather ghastly from her crying. “I know I said I’d do it, but… I was only trying to get him horny…”

“Of course I would!” Michiru declared. “If he wishes it, I will proudly walk out there naked, dripping with his manly seed from my upper and lower lips!”

“That’s your fetish…” I muttered, and she flushed, her smile suddenly shy.

“…but I know he would not wish that. He is jealous, possessive. He would not have me seen carelessly by other men. Though the play is sorely tempting. See? Love is… give and take. You wanted to take, and what you offered…”

“I’m cute… sexy even.” she sniffled, and Michiru shook her head.

“He has no lack of the beautiful, but… all are beautiful in spirit too. Miyu-sama especially.” Michiru didn’t forget to praise and appeal her to me, which made me smile. “She is very sorry for everything, but… we will not hurry you. If anything, I half-expected you to refuse me here, Akio-sama.”

“Yeah, but I searched my feelings, and understood yours, and I didn’t want to.” I patted her head. “Thanks, Michiru. You were beautiful in that moment, and your enthusiasm moved me.”

She gaped, turning red and suddenly fidgeted, shy and entirely unlike her usual self, and I held in a grin at her clearly enthralled state. Yeah, let her shame build, and then hit her with genuine praise and compliments, and she melts. It’s… her charm point, for sure. I’m not going to be hasty, I can’t treat any relationship carelessly anymore, but I’m not going to lie to myself or others either. To that end…

“I get it. I fucking lose. But…” Hotaru-san began, and I sighed.

“I know. I won’t tell Abe-san about what you tried here. Because while you had planned it, you weren’t stupid enough to go through with it. You don’t win any Nobel prizes for planned Chemistry, do you?”

“No, but you can go to prison for planned murder…” Michiru added unhelpfully, face still scarlet, eyes moist with happiness, as she smirked at Hotaru-chan, lording it over her.

“Yeah, well, I think she’s learned her lesson. You have, haven’t you?” Honestly, seeing how heartbroken she was, I even felt sorry for her. And though there was no way I could just dismiss her actions, I wasn’t going to destroy her life over a clumsy seduction plot, where she clearly thought herself better than she was. Though to be fair, plenty of guys would have succumbed to her allure. When she released her breasts, they were surprisingly bouncy and large…

“Yeah. I’m a loser. I get it. Fuck. Now I can’t get married anymore. I was so sure you’d want to fuck me, Akio-kun.” She was back to using honorifics. Too informal still, but at least it showed she’d backed off. “You’ve seen my tits, my pussy, had me beg you to fuck me…”

“How dramatic.” Michiru sniggered. “It is not like you suffered great indignities. If anything, Akio-sana should have taken what you offered, then threw you in the trash. While it is indeed a great shame to seduce men, especially those far above you…”

Ouch. I winced at that, and Eri was laughing in my head, praising Michiru, and I realised that they could probably form a rather unlikely friendship.

“…only we three know of it. There are no cameras here.” As Hotaru brightened, Michiru, smirking mischievously, hammered down her hopes. “…oh, and also Eri-sama, Haru-sama, Miyu-sama, Hinata-sama…” As she rattled off the names of those who were observing, Hotaru-san’s face fell, and she began to shake as if terrified, but in an act of samurai’s compassion, I shook my head.

“Yeah, but none of them will say anything. Basically, this secret dies here tonight. Assuming you don’t try anything particularly foolish like the schemes you were cooking up. Even if you did successfully manage to trick me into sleeping with you… it wouldn’t go anywhere. Because even if I felt obligated, Eri and the others would make your life a living hell.” Best case. Honestly, I’d be worried one of the more aggressive girls would… disappear… her, one day.

“So what do I do then?” she asked, forlorn, and again… Okay, I don’t mind getting a ninety. That’s still enough for Tokyo U.

Now it was Haru’s chuckles I could hear, but she seemed supportive, so I pressed on. “Finish the Pilgrimage. At least get your poor father value for his money. If you want to continue training, you can, and make something of yourself. Though I’ll be squeezing Abe-san for a favour if he wants you to keep going, after today. So be nice to him, you’ve cost him leverage, made his life harder.”

She winced, but nodded slowly, even as Michiru, the afterglow of my praise and her arousal from my cum fading, nodded. “There are many eligible men out there. Best set your sights on someone more reasonable. If you want a life of luxury as a trophy wife, seek a man of suitable station. Either that, or strive to improve yourself, so the truly great men find you worthy.”

Hotaru-san sighed wetly, wiping at her nose with her sleeve, defeated. “So, there’s… really no fucking chance of us…?” She trailed off hopefully, and with my new resolve, I gave it to her straight.

“I’ll be blunt. There is nothing certain in the multiverse. It used to be death and taxes, but death seems a bit more of a nebulous concept now. But… think about it. If a normal starting score is five or ten, and you need a hundred to fall in love… you’ve torpedoed yourself and any trust or affection I have for you. You’d be starting at negative one hundred. At that point… isn’t it better just to live for yourself, or give up and find love elsewhere? And that’s what you should be going for. Unlike Michiru…” I hugged her out of nowhere, delighting in the way it suddenly made her heart race, in contrast to my usual coldness. “…you didn’t think of love, only profit. Sure, I’ll grant you that you thought just giving me your body and company was enough, but… sorry Hotaru-san, I deserve more. Honestly, so do you. Think better of yourself.”

She contemplated that for a moment, before nodding. “I’m… fucking stupid. Guess I thought I was too smart, that I was too cute. Shit. Yeah, I’ll… think about it.” She rose to her feet, before bowing shallowly to Michiru. “Sorry I called you names. If you want to slap me, go right ahead.”

Michiru declined. “There is no need. If anything, I should thank you.” She smiled at me then. “I was able to hear his true thoughts on me thanks to your insults.”

“Shit. I’m done. Beaten…I’m just going to hide in my room and cry myself to sleep.”

“Nope.” I shook my head. “Tonight’s the big night, so you’ll meet up with everyone in the Boundary shortly. But… take a shower and do something about your face first, okay?”

“Fucking rude…” Hotaru-san shot back, seeming almost her old self, though shame and melancholy were eating at her. “…a lot of guys would fucking comfort a heartbroken girl. But yeah… later Michiru-chan, Akio-kun. I’m… such a fucking dumbass.”

With that she made sure she was presentable, checking in the mirror, before leaving, and after a moment, Michiru smiled. “We should go too, Akio-sama. The others are waiting, but first… a kiss?” she asked cheekily, and I saw no reason to refuse, so we tangled our tongues, lips together. It was a curious mingling of my own tastes and hers, but when we parted, Michiru was once more delirious with happiness.

“I think… we ought to cool it on the kisses. It’s not like we’re resolved to date yet. It’s just… today has been crazy, hasn’t it?” I suggested.

Michiru nodded. “My lips have already been taken, I now see it merely as purely affection for you, master.” She lied shamelessly and knew I knew it.

“Even so, I’m not going to be dishonest emotionally.” I chided her, flicking her forehead, back to the meaner version of me she delighted in. “You’re going to have to face Miyu’s punishment later, you know?”

She brightened at that, taking my hand, and heedless of her dirty clothing, led me out of the troublesome bathroom. Oh, wait…

“Fuck, I stopped in the middle…” I hastily had to piss, and Michiru delighted in watching, before we left again… Yeah, I probably shouldn’t drink so much in future. Though maybe it was for the best, nipping a problem in the bud before it blooms…

***

“Welcome back, darlings.” Soo-ah grinned, and the other girls were watching us. As Michiru sat down beside Miyu, she shrunk under her black-eyed glower, though her legs were twitching, and I knew she was imagining Miyu’s chastisement out of jealousy later. I’m a little jealous myself, which… honestly says a lot about my budding feelings…

“You went too easy on her.” Hinata spoke up, a hard expression on her face. “Idiots who try to steal the goose that is laying her golden eggs should be purged.”

“Just keep an eye on her.” I shook my head. “And I know I was too lenient, but… at least I understand that, and I’m doing it for the right reasons. Now then… I’d score myself a ninety there.”

“I think that’s fair.” Haru agreed, after sharing a glance with Eri. “Yes, you realised you could have avoided the situation, but you wanted to avoid letting it fester. Admirable, I suppose. But don’t think just because you sidestepped her, others won’t try and fool you, Akio.”

“She’s right.” Yukiko agreed. “While I still do feel bad about denying others when I’m a latecomer, she’s not the right sort. Untrustworthy and selfish. At least these two are honest.”

Miyu bowed at her praise. “Thank you, Yukiko. I will… work much harder, until Akio’s heart has room for me too.”

As they chattered, I saw the change. I’d only been gone a barest ten or fifteen minutes, though it seemed like a lot longer, but in that time they’d bonded, and clearly Miyu was more comfortable with the others, and they with her. I met Yu-mi’s gaze, and she winked.

I know. Thanks again. You’re… a really great woman. If I was greedier… nope, it would never have been as good as it could be then. I’ll spend time with Yu-mi, have fun, grow closer… and we’ll see where life takes us. And if it takes us where it started… right now, I’m feeling that might be okay…

As if sensing my emotions, her face reddened and her smile broadened, and she lightly tapped her Marquise insignia. But then, talk turned to the Territory, and as I checked, once Eri asked me how close it was, I grinned.

“Damn, under four hundred Astral days. That still sounds a lot, but ether is still flowing in steadily. We’d best get moving. I’ll leave my Material body here to protect the hotel and those sleeping here. That’ll be more than enough.”

“A shame for poor Hotaru-chan…” Haru’s tone was dripping with false levity. “…if only she’d waited until now, she could have had you all to herself overnight.”

“Very funny.” I snorted. “I’ve told you, I’m a new man. No more hesitating, no more bullshit, but also… I’ll listen to you all if you think I’m going wrong.”

Haru nodded. “Yes, I’ll be dead before I let you take the wrong path again, Akio… oh, I already am!” Laughter greeted her quip, and as the girls left, I made my way to the bar, though I wasn’t going to drink, instead, just watch TV and read a bit, while keeping my new Energetic Perception expanded, both for training, and to keep an eye out for any dangers to the Pilgrimage, since we’d be largely undefended here.

As I entered, I was surprised to see that Ileana and Valeska were still up, before I realised that made sense. They’re tagging along for protection, but they don’t do the Boundary. Yet … My Eyes glowed, and I realised they were both equipped for it. Ileana, perhaps feeling the effects of my gaze, turned, and on seeing me, relaxed.

“How’s it been so far?” I asked, sitting down beside the two of them. “Oh, you look rather fetching in hakama, by the way.” It was true, though Ileana was rather too pale and too slender, almost gaunt, the red and white set off her hair and eyes beautifully.

Valeska rattled out some Romanian, and Ileana winced, before smirking, fangs visible. They were drinking red wine, a rather fine vintage, and Ileana took a sip, before explaining. “My… blood child… says that while she is not related by blood to me, merely bound by it…” She gave a wry chuckle at that. “…she sees me as her granddaughter in truth, so she would thank a predator like you not to flirt so openly with me in front of her.”

“I’m hurt. That was a genuine compliment.” My smile was light as I explained. “You’re looking better, Valeska.”

“Yes, her lingering wounds have healed, thanks to the efforts of you and the others upon this… strange tour of Japan. Visiting so many shrines, I do not see the point of it.” Ileana sighed, pensive. “Still, it feels… welcome… to not have to fear for my safety, even for a little while.”

“I’d love to say for a long while, but the situation is rather dangerous. The Church isn’t done, I’m sure of it. But as we have mutual grievances, there’s strength in numbers. And speaking of…” I poured myself a coke, since we had free access to whatever we wanted, thanks to Hinata. Taking a swig, I grinned. “It’s a huge day. Don’t you want to see what all the fuss is about? It might help you understand your pursuers a bit better too, and see… see where one of their Cardinals fell.” I smiled warmly. “Have you met Mae?”

“The nine-tailed fox? No.” Ileana shook her head. “Though she is talked about my many here.”

“Makes sense. I expect she’s with Su Caihong and Su Liena again.” I smiled gently. “You know, I think you could be friends. Caihong and Liena were frozen in time, like you, just… in a far more grievous state, perhaps for ever longer, though the timescales get a bit fuzzy, trying to work out what happened when, back then.” I explained a brief version of the story, Ileana translating for Valeska, who seemed intrigued despite her wariness of me.

“That is… a tale I find beyond my understanding. These Cultivators sound far stranger than anything I have heard of. That was not taught by my tutors, yet I suppose… the world truly is vaster than we ever knew.” Ileana mused, and I nodded.

“It sure is. And only getting bigger. Anyway… I’m wondering if you want to enter the Boundary and go along and be a part of this huge event?”

“In the… unformed land? Where danger lurks and death beckons?” Ileana was sceptical, but she was surely aware that the other Pilgrims had been visiting it at every stop, so she exchanged words with Valeska, who shrugged in the end.

“I… confess to some curiosity. I have not had the leisure to indulge in such, since I woke. Always harried, always pursued, always threatened. Yet here… I admit, it has been calming. Very well. What must we do?”

I explained, and while Valeska was annoyed when I said I’d pour in aether and guide them, when I agreed to touch only their backs, she relented, though she warned me to not do anything to Ileana while she was slumbering, and the words Ileana used to explain that sounded a lot kinder than Valeska’s tone did. I reassured them, thinking I‘d had quite enough excitement with new women today, without adding more drama, and after getting them settled and guiding them in, I split off my Astral self, and the large crowd of Pilgrims, including Hotaru-san, who was chatting with the three Takakura sisters and Shiori-san as usual, though when she saw me, her smile faltered before she covered it with a laugh and a dirty, curse-laded joke.

She’s been put in her place. She won’t have the guts to try anything again. If she does, she’s a lost cause, and Hinata or Eri will certainly punish her, regardless of her father’s influence.

As the remaining time ticked down in my mind, ether being burned recklessly, bringing the number of Astral days remaining down to three hundred, Arisu-san appeared, and opening up her Room, large enough to accommodate us all, we were soon moving through it and emerging back in Tokyo, where the skies…

Holy crap… it’s like the deepening etheric tides… The skies over my Territory were boiling, silver lighting flashing, rainbow snow falling like a modest blizzard. Behind the flashes of lightning, unlight aurorae burned, and the air felt heavy, as if we were underwater. All around me, people were entranced by the spectacle, Ileana and Valeska included, and seeing the surprised but excited smile on Ileana’s face, as the light from above reflected off her ever-shifting eyes, made me smile too. Turning to the Anchor, I saw everyone there, and as Shiro waved at me, I could feel Tsurugi stirring again, the pressure waking her up.

Shaeula was here, concentrating, her face stern, her eyes hard, and as she saw me, she smiled, breaking her tense demeanour for a moment, though her face was pale, silvery sweat leaking, fragments of the ether snow turning to dust and scattering around her. More mobile Silos were coming and going, more ether sucked into the now blinding, much bigger Anchor, and the days ticked down again. Two hundred and eighty. Two seventy-eight. Two seventy-seven…

As everyone followed me over eagerly, I grinned. Damn, this has been a long time coming, but… we’re finally doing it. Rank Four… at last. Though my smile cramped a little as I realised saying ‘at last’ was implications that would piss every other Chosen on Earth off. But I can live with it. I can live with it indeed…