On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

After making love several more times, Kana and I entered the shower, and we began washing each other, trying to get to a state where we’d be presentable enough to meet everyone waiting for us.

I do not think anyone here cares. Everyone knows what you are doing, Akio. So hurry back. We are eager to begin, before the whole night slips away! Shaeula’s thoughts chided me gently, but Eri was there to counter those.

It’s about respect. And also sparing Kana’s blushes. Besides, it sets a bad example, no matter what some people think about his fetishes. And some of those here aren’t Akio’s women yet, or will never be. So behave. Just… so long as Kana had a satisfying first time, we’ll be content. Looking back, though I was first, and am endlessly proud of that… I was just an ordinary girl, so after a single time I was exhausted.

Yes, but you most certainly made up for it since then! Shaeula insisted, and as they bickered, my hands continued to wash Kana, bringing an embarrassed gasp from her as I soaped up and cleaned her ample breasts, careful to make sure her nipples were spotless too.

“Don’t do that, we don’t have time for any more sex…” Kana pouted, though as I cleaned her, she was washing my shoulders and chest carefully, a smile on her face which was pink not just due to the steaming water of the shower.

“Not today.” I agreed. “Or rather, that’s not strictly true. I doubt I’m getting off the boat…”

“Yacht.” Kana corrected, but she was smiling now, knowing I was just saying it wrong on purpose to give her a chance to retort.

“Floating sex dungeon…” I countered, and she burst out laughing, unable to maintain her giggles, still light-headed and elated after our first time together. And second, third, fourth…

“Oh, you!” She shook her head, her long, black hair still soapy from the shampoo. “I’m sure that will cross their minds, but tonight’s about more than just that. We want to enjoy ourselves, together. After this, while we can enjoy Britain and our break a bit more, we’ll all be busy separately, so spending time as a group is nice. I mean, I’ll have to show my parents around, grandfather and Keomi-chan too, in a couple of days Hinata and Yu-mi have to go to Korea, everyone has plans and commitments… so we’re making the most of things. And yes, that includes having sex. I get it now…”

She suddenly hugged me, heedless of our nakedness, the soapy suds, or the cascading, near-boiling water, which to us was a comfortable temperature. “I don’t think I can go back, not after our sex. Especially not after the Fae way of making love. I felt everything you were, and you felt everything of me. It was magical…”

“And doing both at once?” I raised an eyebrow, and Kana smirked, her tone gently mocking.

“You wanted to make sure you’d taken all my firsts, you’re a greedy man. Still, my ass remains unviolated. Even if you did try!”

“Just playing around.” I teased, and Kana shrugged.

“Sure you were. But it’ll be nice to save something new for next time…”

“As Shiro says, there’s a near-infinite amount of firsts, if we’re creative enough.” I leaned over and kissed her forehead, the tang of soap a little bitter. “And even things done already hardly get boring, if they’re with those we love. Like you.”

“You’ve already slept with me, this is where you can get lazy and stop putting in the effort!” Kana accused playfully. “At least, that’s what a lot of guys do, so I hear.”

“For me… every day I want to try harder than the last.” I promised seriously. “So I want your day, everyone’s day, to set a new record for being a good day. But yes, Fae sex does indeed leave a lasting impression…” I trailed off, and Kana didn’t need to look at my hands to know what I was thinking.

“Miyu and Michiru then. Honestly, you should have known better! You’ve experienced it before. No, I think you did know better…” Kana was impossible to fool, even the lies we told ourselves stripped bare before her keen grasp on what people felt and wanted, even without her Eyes. “…but now you’ve done that… oh well, it wasn’t hard to see the pair of them had deep feelings towards you for a while now. And… it’s not entirely on you. Shaeula has one very bad habit, you must have noticed it?”

“It’s not exactly her fault… Shaeula was quite the childish brat, she tells me, so it’s no wonder her overprotective family misrepresented just what sharing lunar Chakras was. But… yes, her habit of speaking authoritatively on a subject she only has cursory knowledge of has got us into trouble a few times.” I cast my mind back to when she’d ignored me, and also her followers, and bored a lunar Chakra into my nascent network. Despite everyone telling her it was wrong, she had insisted her way was correct. It all worked out though.

Indeed. I would rather be fortunate than good, I believe you say. Shaeula was proud, but Hyacinth chastised her.

You should not abandon responsibility for your mistakes just because the outcome was good, mistress Shaeula! That way lies a descent into wickedness. Apologise!

So fierce! Very well, Akio. I am deeply sorry that I nearly killed you with my hubris. And that I overestimated my understanding of what it means to share our beings. I should have been clearer, but I thought you understood when I declined to touch males, or perform Chirurgery upon them except at greatest need…

It’s all right. I forgive you. But Kana and Hyacinth are correct. Don’t just blindly believe in what you think, as next time, it might not work out…

I shall… bear that in mind. Shaeula was a little sombre now, but I felt some quiet introspection wouldn’t hurt her. Besides, when we’re all together in a few minutes, that’ll cheer her up again.

“I’m a little jealous of everyone who can communicate like that…” Kana observed shrewdly, going back to cleaning my body, soaping up my thighs, though that put her head dangerously close to my treacherous cock. She prodded it with one finger, before shaking her head and going back to washing me. “No time for another bout, not even a blowjob. Anyway… I’m curious. I’d have thought that Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi would have managed it by now. After all, they adore you…”

“Yeah, but I think to break Rank ten it requires something monumental, not just ordinary love. For Eri, it was realising the true strength of her feelings, and straightening them out from destructive, obsessive ones into something genuine and unique. Hyacinth was remembering her past self, and still loving me the way she always had, no longer at odds with her lost memories. Asha and Shaeula were similar.”

“And Aiko?” Kana asked, as we finished soaping each other down, and the water rinsed us off.

“Yeah, let’s skip her for now.” I chuckled. “We can just enjoy the rest of the night, no pressure. Anyway, yes, I don’t think it’s fair to see those who don’t have a Lovers’ Link Rank of beyond ten as loving me less, or that my love for them is inferior. It’s simply not the case. Lovers’ Link isn’t just about love, the name is just terrible, and caused a lot of trouble with Aiko…”

My Eyes itched suddenly, though no message appeared. Sorry Yggdrasil, but it’s true, Brother’s Bond is fine, it aptly describes Aiko’s and my relationship, but Lovers’ Link isn’t just for Lovers… though certainly the best way to Rank it up, as Kana herself proved, is by becoming lovers and sharing all kinds of intimacy, connecting our hearts and spirits by every method…

Again, my eyes prickled a little, and I held in a chuckle. “Speaking of that, Kana…” We stepped out of the shower, and took turns towelling each other dry, even if it would have been quicker to use flame element or aether. The process is important. I want Kana to feel special after tonight.

Izumi Kana

Chosen Of Ksitigarbha, Mother Of Earth, Womb Of Stone

Bonded Kin

[Material Statistics]

[Intangible Statistics]

Might

608

Fortune

8

Fortitude

615

Majesty

6

Intellect

620

Charm

17

Resilience

712

League

17

Alacrity

650

Determination

14

Precision

701

Foresight

12

Aether

3065

Fate

10

[Skills]

Rank

Class

Type

[Aetheric Skills]

Silver Cord

Rank 4

Powerful (4) 

Foundation (4)

Eight Moons Chakra Network

Rank 4

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

Aether Manipulation

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Adherence Manipulation

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Law (5)

Ether Healing

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

[Elemental Skills]

Light Manipulation

Rank 4

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Third Eye Chakra Of Light

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Flame Manipulation

Rank 3

Powerful (4)

Foundation (4)

Solar Plexus Chakra Of Flame

Rank 4

Powerful (4) 

Foundation (4) 

Earth Manipulation

Rank 8

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

Root Chakra Of Fertile Earth And Fecund Stone

Rank 7

Imperious (6)

Rule (5)

Lunar Chakra Of Light, Fire and Earth

Rank 2

Noble (5)

Rule (5)

[Crafting Skills]

Ether Crafting

Rank 2

Sufficient (3)

Foundation (4)

Earth Shaping

Rank 5

Powerful (4)

Rule (5)

Mass Construction

Rank 5

Noble (5)

Foundation (4)

[Unique Skills]

Lovers’ Link 

Rank 7

Noble (5) 

Artifice (6)

Ksitigarbha’s Flowing And Flowering Earth

Rank 7

Legendary (7)

Principle (7)

Miko’s True Eyes And Mind Of Earth

Rank 4

Imperious (6)

Artifice (6)

False Domain Of Earth And Fertility

Rank 1

Powerful (4)

Law (8)

[Level]

48

[Classes]

Fae-Bonded 5/20

Wielder Of A Mutated Element 8/10

Beloved By The Earth 10/20

Domain Yet Unsparked 2/10

[Mastered Classes]

Kami-Blessed 20/20

True Miko 10/10

[Territory Rank]

0

“It’s embarrassing when you say it out loud like that.” Kana was red-faced as we began to dress, as we’d finished drying each other off while I narrated her stats to her. “But I’ve definitely improved.”

I nodded. “You definitely have. Few have worked as hard as you, even if your fields of battle have been different to most of us.”

“Yes, but… there’s a lot of overlap.” Kana seemed sad, so I pulled her into a hug, and she protested that she was getting dressed, but I simply held her tight, and she relaxed.

“Don’t worry. I’m here to carry the weight with you. After all… you said it yourself, there’s no way either of us can turn back now, is there?”

“You’ve got me there.” Kana grumbled. “It’s all right, you can let me go. I’m fine. Just… it’s been an emotional night, which has left me a little vulnerable to old scars. After all…” Kana dispensed more wisdom, her brown eyes earnest. “…when we open our hearts, we’re at our most vulnerable, but also at our most honest.”

“Yes. And your heart is beautiful, scars or not. And… so are you!” I praised her honestly, and she smiled, pushing me away and cheekily grabbing for her t-shirt.

“All right, I get it, I get it. Yes, I’m still affected by what happened, and what will happen. Because I’m just an ordinary girl, deep down.”

“Ordinary? Hardly.” I scoffed, and she shot me a mocking glower.

“I meant emotionally, not in terms of abilities. Yes… after you gave me the Favour, I tried very hard. And… I think I can be proud of that.”

“You can.” I agreed, a trace regretful as Kana covered her body with her t-shirt, and seeing that, she chuckled.

“Oh no, how sad for you. But later you’ll have all the breasts you can dream of. And you know it. Anyway… yes, I know I can’t take it easy now. I’m not Aiko, choking with the goal in sight. Though maybe… never mind.” She shook her head. “One thing is odd though. I’m not sure why my Eyes changed. I know that the Donated pairs were largely based on mine, with some input from Shaeula’s, and that Favour added in, but… even so, it seems odd.”

“I don’t think so. If anything, I think it’s one of those things which was meant to be, an ouroboros, which is quite apt, considering your Kami…” I joked, before reading her the full details.

Miko’s True Eyes And Mind Of Earthare a combination of Adherence-fuelled Eyes that allow mortals to perceive the spiritual on some level, as well as some elements of a potent pair of Mystic Eyes, and an addition of a strong Earth Elemental energy and Adherence. Since they are largely based on the original eyes possessed by the bearer, and she has multiple strong alternate Earth Elemental energies and great control over those, as well as Light Elemental energies, and she has lingering traces of perceptive and telepathic gifts within her lineage, all of these have fused together, as indeed, a white snake eating its own tail, and due to her nature as a Miko, a genuine Shrine Maiden to, and of lineage from, the Eight Million Invitations, and in particular, Tsukuyomi, the moon, her ability to perceive has greatly strengthened.

They also have been flavoured with the aspect of the Divine Favour that was used as the basis for this construction, however, this has been subsumed by the stronger Earth Elemental energies she possesses. Earth Elemental affinity and control significantly improves, and as the bearer of these Eyes already has significant affinity, the effect is strengthened. In addition, the bearer can channel Aether and Earth Elemental energy to create a potent paralysing effect, though stronger foes will sometimes resist this. In addition, Earth Elemental workings can be performed by sight, rather than by close touch, though the difficultly significantly increases.

She also has significant affinity for the Moon, yet fortunately she is not the Sun, unlike some… [Class: Imperious] [Type: Artifice]

“It’s true.” Kana agreed. “I can send earth element through my eyes, it helps with construction, even if it tires me out…”

“In battle too. You can use Ksitigarbha’s power at a greater distance, making you that much more deadly.” I added, and she frowned.

“Lucky me. No, I won’t be a bitch. It’s a good thing, you’re right. That last line though… what does it mean, affinity for the moon?”

That, huh… “Yes, it wasn’t there last time I looked. I think it’s the World Tree upset at my complaints about the nomenclature of Lovers’ Link. Though I have genuine reasons to be irked. A lot of the stress with my sis was caused by that!”

“No. I don’t think so.” Kana rolled her eyes as she pulled on her dress, straightening the lacy golden cuffs. “That mess was going to erupt sooner or later. I see a world where it didn’t, but… this one definitely only ended one way. I’m not saying you’re to blame, though you have to take your share, but… forget that. I’m in too good a mood to be annoyed. Though…” Kana frowned. “…seriously, Yggdrasil, the World Tree? Even I’d heard of that, and I’m about as far from a boyish otaku as one can get. And you’re telling me she has the time and the leisure to send you snippy comments just because you were thinking something critical? I’m not sure whether to be impressed or appalled.”

“Both, maybe? But the fact she does, and always answers my Eyes, makes me think that she has an absurd Rank in Split Thoughts, no, probably a far more advanced version. I could use that…” I chuckled ruefully. “In all seriousness, much as her naming sense irks me, she’s a spectacular role model. She’s the… anchor… for want of a better expression, though she may also be the Anchor…” My pronunciation made the difference clear and Kana nodded. “…of her entire Pantheon. And with her Wisdom…” I smiled at Kana, who was almost fully dressed now. “…well, it’s given me a long-term goal to work towards. And with Asha and her Tree getting stronger day by day, and the potential of gathering the remaining Seeds…” I’m hoping Aliyah, Treyvon and Fenrir can manage that while linking up as many Ring Gates as possible at strategic points around the world. We’ve got to think in terms of years, or even decades ahead now… “…let’s just say if we can achieve even a tenth of my wild ideas, we’ll be set for victory. And… you’ll have your part to play.”

“Don’t I know it.” Kana sniffed playfully. “But… as you can see from my Status, I’m happy to do it.”

“I know you are. Anyway…”

True Miko was indeed a Class related to what our snarky World Tree had said about Kana’s Eyes, and it was an advanced, but more focussed, version of Kami-Blessed, requiring the support of, and prayers and offerings to, a genuine Kami, as well as the acknowledgement of a genuine God. It offered boosts to the Aether stat, League, and also in handling adherence, hence why Kana had likely developed the Skill. I’m a bit surprised that Tsukiko and Yukiko don’t have that Class too, but thinking about it, they both have slightly different situations. Kana’s the purest shrine maiden out of all of them. Hmm, but the Class isn’t bad, I reckon we can work it so they both get it and maximise it quickly. Some others like Kikuchi Maiko-chan too if she’s not already got it…

And not just that…

Domain Yet Unsparked is a Class gained by those who have, without having kindled a Divine Flame, not even the faintest Spark, managed to either usurp, or be willingly granted, and able to control, a Divine Domain. League, Aether, Fortune, Majesty and Fate all increase. Any Skills, Classes and the like related to the Domain possessed will be strengthened significantly, and the ability to manipulate Adherence will be strengthened.

However, if the user of this Domain does indeed ignite their Divine Flame, it will almost certainly be aspected to this Domain.

Coupled with… False Domain Of Earth And Fertility is the Divine Mandate of the Kami Shirohebi, and the Goddess Ksitigarbha, yet without their conscious direction. It can be fuelled by other Adherence, though Adherence with poor compatibility with the embodied concepts of Earth, Stone, Fertility and Growth will power it imperfectly, but it can draw directly from the source, if the Kami and the Goddess allows… Kana truly was what we considered shrine maidens to be, here in Japan, but recently dismissed as mere fiction. Of course, the potential here was obvious, but the issue was getting a suitable adherence, and testing to make sure it wasn’t harmful.

We can’t risk Asha or her Trees. At this time we’re strongly ahead of my schedule, so… yes, pulling further ahead would be great, but I’m not so greedy as to take chances with Asha’s wellbeing, and lose everything. Slow and steady wins the race, as mom used to say. I don’t entirely agree, but we’ll go swift but steady…

Beloved By The Earth is a Class given to those who have dedicated themselves to understanding and manipulating the Elemental Earth energies all around us, as well as the Material equivalent, and who also have a number of powerful Skills or Blessings which favour such. Aether increases significantly, and all Earth-aspected Classes and Skills will be strengthened significantly, and bottlenecks to progress will be significantly mitigated.

Coupled with Kana’s crafting Skills, which, other than Ether Healing, as now and then she had to make adjustments to some of the materials she was using to build with, and Ksitigarbha’s Favour, which could liquefy and manipulate earth with great efficiency, Kana truly was the queen of mass construction, and also… almost unstoppable in battle when one’s feet were above stone or soil. I can get out, and Arisu-san probably could as well, but… yeah, Kana’s basically a one-trick pony, but that trick is a death sentence for most enemies…

Lastly, there was… Root Chakra Of Fertile Earth And Fecund Stone is a double-Mutated Earth Element. It has come into being through a conflux of fundamentally compatible Earth Elemental energies and Adherence, and a host suitable for it. In addition to having greater power to manipulate the earth, Wood Elemental affinity is significantly increased, and if the wielder learns Wood Element, there will be further significant synergies.

The bearer of this Element shall be fecund and fertile, and while carrying life within themself the effect of these Elemental energies shall be magnified, and after germinating new life, bottlenecks will be temporarily relaxed, and strengthening their Earth Elemental Skills, Classes and related abilities shall be easier for a number of years.

Yeah, Kana’s right to worry, she’s stacked more fertility buffs than is healthy, not that it’s her fault. Fortunately we can take precautions. As I straightened my tie, my Eyes glowed, as I inspected Kana, and the amber letters flaring across my vision were clearly irritated now.

Izumi Kana, not currently pregnant, active sperm inside her is zero. This takes no great Wisdom to see nor solve. If one fears children, one should practice abstinence.

Sorry! I apologised in my mind. But… that’s not fair to Kana. But… all she needs to do it find a way to control her buffs, or reduce their effects. Shiro, out buffbot extraordinaire, might have some ideas. But for now… safe!

“All right then. Shall we go?” I asked Kana, and she took my arm, not knowing what I was thinking, perhaps fortunately.

“Yes. We should. It’s been a wonderful date. Even though we’ve deepened our relationship…”

“Yes. Nothing’s changed. We’ll still be dating, doing fun things couples do. Just now we can do all of that.”

“Yes, just not in my bed at the shrine.” Kana sighed, exasperated, and I kissed her cheek softly as we walked down to reception to hand back the room key.

“Don’t worry. It’s not exactly far to London, is it? As strange as that is to say. We’ll reserve a room in the Goring for us to have a little fun when we need to. Won’t that be date-like?”

“It sure will. Not date-like, a date!” Kana giggled, as I swept her up in my arms, and leaving the bemused receptionist of the hotel gawping in awestruck confusion, we disappeared in a spray of purple sparks, only to reappear at our destination, guided by the thoughts of those who shared mine already on the boat. Landing on the wooden dock. I put Kana down, and she straightened her dress.

“Somehow that seems more exciting than it should. After all, we use the Ring Gates all the time…”

“I get it. There, the destination is known. Here, it’s like we can go anywhere. Within reason.” I added, and Kana chuckled.

“I guess so.” Waving to those on the boat who’d spotted us, she called up. “We’re back. Sorry for taking up so much time…”

“It’s fine.” Ellie waved that off, Eri beside her nodding, cat ears and tail lashing in the chilly breeze blowing up off the Thames. “I just hope you… had a pleasant time.”

Kana and I exchanged a glance as I carried her up to the yacht in a single bound, setting her down carefully. “Oh, we did, I’d say.” I responded, and Kana agreed.

“Yes, it was… well, I’ll not spoil the surprise for those who haven’t had their own experiences yet.” Kana’s cheeks were pink, but her smile was both alluring and proud. Seeing that, Ellie gnawed at her lip for a moment, before gazing at me intently, then shaking her head.

“I… didn’t particularly wish to pry. Now then…” She changed the subject, as Shiro came sauntering over, grinning at Kana like a predator. “…I’m glad you could make it. We can cast off at any time. The food is prepared… oh, I do hope you didn’t overindulge on your date and kept an appetite?” At our denials she continued. “In that case, yes, the servants have prepared quite the feast, and yes, there is a great deal of alcohol. I never was much of a drinker, but Shaeula certainly likes to indulge. Oh, and the orchestra is prepared. Can we call it an orchestra?”

“Hey, they’ve got instruments, they play music, and there’s a lot of them. I’d say it counts…” Shiro insisted, draping an arm around Kana’s shoulder, a smirk on her face. “So then, Kana, come tell your big sister Shiro and big sis Eri all about your date. Professional curiosity, you know?”

“I don’t mind, but…” Kana shot a glance at Haru, who was wearing a modest yet attractive dress in a brighter colour than usual.

“Oh. I see. Well, I’m sure she won’t mind company. Speaking of, we’re borrowing Kana for a bit. Be a good Aki and do the rounds, okay?”

“Sure. Oh…” As I agreed, the yacht left the docks, and the gentle sound of music began, Tillyae’s weaselkin musicians, all dressed in very nice dresses or tuxedos, a bit incongruous, considering none of them were in mortalform, but quite an impressive sight, starting to play a rousing, orchestral theme, though with a jaunty, Fae edge to it. I imagine Ling had to send them, as sure, they could use the Gate, but then they’d be outside my Territory and wouldn’t remain long before returning to the Boundary…

“Yes, seems we’re moving.” Ellie agreed, her long hair, not bound in her usual ponytail, streaming out behind her, and for a moment I smiled, and she tilted her head quizzically at me.

“You just reminded me of the figureheads on ships. You certainly look a picture tonight.” I praised her, as she was wearing the clothes I’d picked out for her, rather boyish but a sharp, almost military look, with her shirt, waistcoat and shorts.

“I see. At least say you think of that scene from the movie Titanic.” Ellie snorted. “Maybe we’ll recreate it later.” Her tone was a little wistful. “I always wanted to do things like that, but… I have to always be careful of who’s watching.”

Yukiko wandered over, having heard, a wry smile on her face. “Maybe so, but with us, you can let loose, Eleanor. You know, I rather liked that movie as well.”

“In that case…” Shaeula had woven wind element around the vessel so that Tillyae’s orchestra didn’t disturb those who lived along the Thames, since it was very late at night now, so it wasn’t hard for me to add a light element screen. Not invisibility or the like, just a larger scale version of what I’d used to make Kana (and me, I supposed) less noticeable, slightly fuzzy and blurred, on our date earlier. It probably makes other Chosen sick, thinking about how half the time, our abilities are used for having fun, rather than battle, but… eventually the fighting will be over, so… what use abilities then that can’t be used for anything but war?

“Now we’re obscured. Consider it a bit like a mosaic…”

“Oh, and you’d know all about them, bro…” My sis grinned wickedly, here too, of course, and having followed over behind Yukiko. “…Eleanor probably doesn’t get the joke. Maybe not Yukiko either…”

Shaking my head, I tutted. “Don’t be crass, sis. Not everyone’s like you… but… I’m glad you look like you feel better.”

“Hey, you know I do, bro. Who knows that better than you?” she shrugged. “Anyway, I’m good with light, and I can tell this is clever. I guess from the outside it’s like we’re within a heat haze, silhouettes only?”

“You got it. Anyway, are you sure you should be here?” I asked her, and she shrugged.

“Not exactly, but… I think mom and dad need time to cool off. Not that it’ll change how they feel…”

“It wouldn’t, would it?” Ellie shook her head. “It’s not the sort of thing time heals. Especially not a day or two.”

“Ouch, cutting me to the quick there, girl!” My sis winced and let out a long hiss. “But I get it. And I appreciate…” She stopped as Ellie held up one hand.

“Let’s not go over old ground. Not tonight. It’s not every day you can cruise down the Thames with a Faerie orchestra and a lavish feast, is it? You’re not wrong, Aiko, but you will have to face things. Sooner rather than later. But… yes, some space and some perspective might be helpful. It… should be fine, your plan.” Ellie gazed into my eyes, and I nodded.

“Even if it doesn’t help them understand us, seeing the situation we face every day first-hand can’t hurt. The only problem is…” I held out my phone to Ellie, and she took it, grimacing at the messages displayed.

“My foolish older brother I get, he was a soldier,  and he wants to build me a squad of trained veterans who can function like Adamant… without the implications.” she added wryly, and my sis, Yukiko and I had to smile at that. “Especially since it’s a good excuse to persuade you and Shaeula to restore a lot of them back to health. Even Haru’s mental abilities can salvage some traumatised veterans, I’m sure. And of course, having them see what they’ll be up against… is a smart move. But grandmother… she may be abdicating, but she’s still the Queen, and an old woman!”

“I think she’d say she’s young at heart.” Yukiko patted her shoulder reassuringly. “I understand though. If my grandfather wanted to visit an active warzone, no matter how safe we can make it, I’d have reservations. But… the Queen is rather more proactive than my family.”

“Nicer too. No offense, Yukiko.” My sis shrugged yet again. “Oh, I suppose Kaoruko-chan and her bro are actually kind of down-to-earth. I’d hang out with them.”

“High praise indeed.” I added dryly, and my sis waved dismissively.

“Sure, sure. Anyway… that reminds me. Here.” She paused for a moment, face red, before in a flash of purple, a new gift ticket booklet appeared. It was very well done, actually, and I could see she had put plenty of effort in. At my knowing gaze, her face reddened, and she whistled innocently. “Don’t think I did it just for you, bro…”

“If not him, then who? You really are a troublesome young woman…” Ellie was exasperated, and Yukiko nodded, while my sis threw up her hands.

“You got me. But it’s embarrassing to say, isn’t it? Anyway, even I sometimes feel the need to get tsun-tsun when I’m feeling shy. At least I don’t go into a YandEri mode… anyway bro, not that the last booklet wasn’t full of young men’s hopes and dreams, like hugs, head pats, shoulder rubs, ear cleaning and so on… but this one… yeah, you’ve got a real treasure here.”

She placed it in my hand shyly, before clenching a fist and pumping herself up. “There. I did it! Eri bet I wouldn’t have the guts! Anyway… I’ll honour all of them. Just redeem and you’re good to go. But… remember, my birthday’s coming up! I don’t give to receive, but it’d be pretty lame if you didn’t exceed me, as both my older brother, and a man… no, also throw in as the future Emperor of Earth! I want to be wowed!”

“I’ll do my best!”

Hint. Hint. Hint.

I suddenly burst out laughing at her monotone repetitive thought, calling back to before, and as Ellie and Yukiko gazed at me quizzically, shook my head, putting away the precious and dangerous gift Aiko had given me. I haven’t even looked at it yet, but… I’m sure there are some landmines in here. Fortunately, I’m holding the detonator… uh, that metaphor was a bit mixed.

Sure was, bro. Anyway, flick through later, just… when I’m not there. Wow, so embarrassing. I went hard, even on the cute, ordinary ones. This could be your once-in-a-lifetime late Christmas treat, bro, so make the most of it!

I promise I’ll at least use some…

With that, my sis scurried off, headed to the booze, of course, and after a few more pleasantries with Yukiko and Ellie, I started doing the rounds. I spotted Magatama with Yata and Tsurugi, listening to the music happily, and there were a few others I wasn’t expecting to see here, like Christina Bakker, accompanied by Bethany, but not Zachary. Oh, it makes sense. I guess they don’t want any men on the cruise tonight…

I decided to put off talking to Christina until later, though I’d definitely have to be kind, as once more she’d suffered gravely for our goals, and I was curious if she’d had chance to check out the disk the Pope had given me yet. I spotted Yu-mi and her Korean cohort, and was about to walk over, when I heard the tapping of heels on wood. Turning, I saw it was Hyacinth, wearing the stunning silver dress I’d picked out for her. I’d bought it, of course, so one of the others must have given it to her when she arrived back. With her purple, sleeveless cardigan barely buttoned, showing off her shoulders, cleavage and arms, she cut a stunning sight. A little too pale, still, but not the unhealthy pallor of her prior state…

“How rude.” Hyacinth chuckled, hearing my thought but replying with her words. Her violet eyes narrowed in amusement as she held out a bottle of Fae brandy and two glasses. “I am tooold that pale skin is highly sought after in your land, Akio. Besides…”

“Yes, you’re right. However you look, you’re still gorgeous, Hyacinth.” I took one glass from her, and then, after she’d poured, we clinked them together. “Cheers.” Taking a sip, I then asked her how her trip to Hokkaido had gone. Her only answer was a smile, and…

“Oooh, quite well.” Hyacinth’s whole body glowed, a wave of her League hitting me, tightly controlled so it didn’t affect the others, but even with that, everyone around us turned to watch, and the musicians faltered for a moment, before Tillyae urged them to continue, a sour grimace on her face, baring her teeth, at their unprofessionalism. I get it, though…

“See? Hyacinth cannooot take it all, else I would simply explode, the hatred, the sadness, the suffering, the sooorrow, it is all far too much and far too bitter, but… each time I grow stronger.”

I nodded, my Eyes flaring to life, indeed seeing Hyacinth suffused with adherence. She then calmed her League, once more appearing as gorgeous yet fussy Hyacinth, the glow dying down. “Yes, if this keeps up, you’ll overtake me soon enough.”

“You jest, Akio. Even with greater power, it is not that which makes yooou strong.” She tapped my chest with her hand playfully, and I once more rejoiced that Hyacinth’s true self was showing more often, and more completely. “Besides, even with Wheel Of Creation And Wisdom, Destruction And Chaos, I cannooot do entirely as I please. Besides, I wish to share the wealth. As you do.”

Nodding, I smiled at her once again, noticing the watching audience. Oh, Ileana and Valeska are here as well, Bianca too. This is quite the gathering. Taking a sip of my brandy to orient my thoughts, I couldn’t help but think of Kana’s Status I’d updated earlier, as well as… the Tower of London passed by us, a stark spire within a sea of festive lights which still hadn’t been taken down. Slow and steady, fast and steady… but, there’s always the temptation to try and go further, isn’t there? Yes, yes there is…