On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“It is certainly something, this travelling through these Puertas Anulares…” Luciana suggested, as the brief moment of wrenching dislocation, which was accompanied by a deep, inky blackness which was somehow also a vivid violet, as impossible as that seemed, faded away, leaving them staring at the Boundary version of London.

“Do you have to do that, Luciana? I know your English is flawless. Shit…” Aliyah, dressed in her combat gear, folded her arms, expression sour. “…not just that, but your Japanese is coming along great too. Not like Trey, my brother’s got rocks for brains when it comes to languages. Never been sure why. His Russian is fucking tragic.”

“We all have different talents, Aliyah.” Luciana held in a smile. “Besides, it just seems wrong, to break my habits, don’t you think? It’s a charm point, la afectación.” Luciana held in a smirk at the growing consternation on Aliyah’s face. “Fine, just for you, I’ll stop for a while.”

“I’d appreciate it.” She shook her head, the beads she threaded through her thick, brownish-black dreadlocks chiming. Though don’t think I haven’t noticed that instead of merely being beads, a lot of those seem to be jewels now. I know the men of the Company, no, Fenrir now, don’t pay much attention to fashion, but I do, and your brother, he does as well. It’s almost cute. Perhaps if you were a little more feminine, you would find la compañera, a woman to love.

“You ain’t wrong though.” As they were greeted by the guards on this side of the Gate, they were quickly allowed past, being as they were Fenrir, the hunting dogs, no, hunting wolves of Akio, who had won their loyalty, by defeating Aliyah and Treyvon in desperate combat. And by offering what no-one else can.

Luciana was in the Fenrir uniform for this mission, but unlike everyone else, she had her Marquise rank insignia around her neck, along with her dog tags from the Black Wolf, and newer ones for Fenrir, which were made from an unearthly metal which could exist in both worlds. At first, I thought it… would be rather different to what it is. The expectations set…

Shaking her head, she dismissed such thoughts as Aliyah continued speaking, her own thoughts, sped up by her high Intellect, a rapid stream. It’s hardly like I am a virgen sonrojada, a woman who only knows of flowers and innocence. Many of the Black Wolf, they partied hard after missions, as well they might, alcohol, women, men if that was their preference. After all, while we were amongst the best, bullets, bombs and knives are no respecters of talent. The good die young, so the Americans amongst us say. And la malvada, those of us with hands not so clean, well, we surely die younger, yes? But while I have fought and even killed to preserve my own chastity, I’m hardly a prude. I’ve seen and listened to plenty of fucking, as Aliyah might well say. And I thought… well, I’m no prostitute, selling myself for money, but… all relationships involve transactions, be it comfort, safety, passion, lust, love… it seemed a worthwhile trade, to finally let go. Almost a relief in a way. But… I suppose it hardly matters. What will be will be, yes? I take pride in what I do, who I am. So I will do the best I can, as always. That’s my pride as both a woman, and a warrior.

“Yeah, this is the biggest shit going.” Aliyah looked around. “Think about it. We crossed from the East Coast to Japan and then here to London, in what, a couple of minutes? And it’d be less if emergency protocols were active, the intermediate step would be cut. How the fuck do you defend a country when you ain’t got an effective border?”

“A pressing problem, yes.” Luciana agreed. “Of course, if the method of travel can be seized, it is a dangerous reversal. Hence the defences at the Hub, which are growing closer to completion.”

“No kidding. They’re pouring ether into that.” Aliyah nodded. “I don’t fancy taking them on, those golden Hands would squash me or fill me full of holes, and they’ve got hundreds of well-armed weasels there from the Barracks now, all behind proper, built fortifications. About time Akio got his shit together. He’s the big boss, he ain’t got the leeway to make the same dumbass mistakes as before.”

Luciana held in a chuckle, knowing it would only annoy her erstwhile captain and comrade, fellow woman on a battlefield where few of their kind were welcome. Though it has all changed. Adamant should have been blooded by now, if all went to plan. I do hope there were no fatalities, but if so… A silent prayer, not to any particular God, like Aliyah and Treyvon, and indeed most of the old Black Wolf Company, she’d seen too much, done too much, to believe in any deities. Benevolent, distant ones, I suppose. I can believe in what I see and hear. In realidad. Taṇhā, she could believe in, if not worship, and she had spoken to those who had apparently somehow met three Nordic Goddesses. And then there is Tsukuyomi, Tsukiko, she has spoken to him, Akio too. Yes, Gods everywhere. But I prefer to rely on my mind, my fists and my knives. Self-sufficiency…

That was what appealed to her about Adamant. It was an organisation founded on principles of loyalty and devotion to one’s fellows and one’s leaders, to Akio at the pinnacle, which was rather too much ‘weird sex cult shit’, as Aliyah put it, but the drive to improve, and better still, the resources and capacity to improve oneself was unlimited, as her own ascent had proved. First learning elements and how to manipulate the mysterious energy called aether, and now her own Favour, perfectly suited to her high-speed, precision combat style.

Not showing any of her thoughts on her face, she nodded, knowing Aliyah was struggling with similar woes. Though of course not of an Adamant nature. If anything, she sees Akio as a younger, stupid brother, causing more trouble than her older, Treyvon, ever did. Aliyah may be gruff and annoying, and her advances, especially when drunk, persistently unwelcome, but she certainly has a soft heart underneath all the crudity and bluster.

“Indeed. Fortunately the lessons did not come at too high a cost.” Luciana agreed. “For now though, we have the advantage. It is only our Ring Gates…” She ignored Aliyah’s knowing smirk as she didn’t call it by the Spanish name this time. “…which can traverse the world. And even they are not set up for mass transit. Supplies, yes. Squads and Companies yes, maybe even a Battalion, but not whole armies…”

“Of course, we’re surrounded by mad scientists.” Aliyah grumbled. “I mean, I ain’t complaining.” She patted her assault rifle, which was the latest model, and had innumerable elemental bullet options. Older generations were constantly being recycled to new arrivals, some poor weasel bastards having effectively muzzle-loading single shot guns, but more and more were being equipped with proper, modern firepower, improved by Mortal Engineering.

“But when Ixitt talks about having trains running through newer, larger Ring Gates, and not passenger ones, but big military fuckers, with magic artillery carriages and shit, I get chills. How the fuck do you defend against that? Imagine if it slid through out by Trey’s new ranch? DC would be in fucking range of the sort of artillery the mad rat’s talking about.”

“Indeed. Though I believe there are wiser heads thinking of solutions. Arisu Arisugawa for one. I believe the aim is to find a way to lock the space down, so that only approved methods, such as the Ring Gates, and her Room, can traverse it?”

“Yeah. I don’t get it, but Trey yaps on that it’d be like limiting everyone else to horse drawn carriages, while we’re riding on fucking high-performance supercars. I can’t see the rest of the world liking that, can you?”

Luciana shrugged. “No, but what can they do about it? Better to annoy and infuriate the jealous world than to allow an enemy to move a nuclear device straight to the heart of Tokyo. Ot if not that, then some sort of magical apocalypse…”

“Like Hyacinth, yeah? Shit, she’s hot, if you like crazy… though…” Aliyah narrowed her blue eyes. “…she seems to have lost her edge a bit recently, she seems softer, more melancholy. Though I sure as shit ain’t provoking her still…” Luciana nodded as Aliyah continued. “…but if she tossed some bioweapon through the Gate into a city street, yeah… the death toll would be absurd.”

“Indeed. You are American, Aliyah…”

“So are you, since you naturalised.” she retorted, and Luciana resisted the urge to smile smugly.

“Indeed. Though now we are also both Japanese. How curious. Anyway, olvida eso, Aliyah, it does not matter.” Ignoring her narrowing eyes, she made her point. “You are used to the right to bear arms, but even then, a mass shooting kills perhaps ten or twenty. The arms we can bear now, if improperly used, can destroy entire cities, or worse.”

“Yeah. Shit, I get that things have to be clamped down on. Pisses me off though. I’m a free spirit. I ain’t letting life push me around. And I ain’t stupid, so you don’t need to say it…” she grumbled, tensing suddenly, as a spray of violet particles started raining down, likely signalling that Akio had arrived. “…somebody needs to keep an eye on Akio, that womanising bastard, else he’ll get into trouble, so big sis Aliyah’s bravely sacrificing her own…”

Akio appeared moments later, two others clutched in his arms, their expressions rather confused.

“…sanity to advise him. Oh, did you hear that? My bad.” Aliyah finished in a deadpan monotone, clearly intending him to, and Luciana stifled another chuckle.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Akio ignored her prodding, before setting down those he was carrying.

“Mind where you put your hands.” Bethany grumbled, adjusting her body armour, which was of the dress type, though it did have armoured leggings underneath. Matching her usual punk aesthetics, it had been sprayed silver in places and was quite eye-catching.

“You should have let him princess carry you, sis.” Zachary, her younger brother chuckled. He was in the standard black combat armour that most of them wore, though likely he and his sister would be due full top-level Brigandine soon, though demand could hardly keep up with supply, and the Adamant and Fenrir gear was being prioritised.

“I didn’t mind getting a piggyback.” Zachary finished, teasing his pink-cheeked sibling.

Luciana and Aliyah exchanged a knowing look at that, their thoughts surely similar. It is nice. Such a close sibling relationship. It makes Aliyah, who despite the constant bickering and brawling with Treyvon, is very close to her brother, more inclined to like them. And I hardly need to speak of Akio…

“No way! That’s too embarrassing, Zack! Besides, no, never mind.” Bethany flushed, then coughed, a clearly fake noise, before changing the subject. “So, why the hell did we have to take such a rapid trip to here? What’s going on.”

“That’s my question.” Akio grinned. “I got your text, saying to bring Zachary and Bethany with me to meet you, Aliyah. Since you’re here, guessing the Gate works fine? I know Hinata arranged the purchase of some land.”

“Yeah, nice place. Bit ass end of nowhere, but that’s the point, ain’t it? Trey’s going to turn it into a place for horse riding, so feel free to bring your girls for some rest and relaxation when it’s done. Just… tell me in advance, so I can make sure I ain’t there to get jealous.”

“Oh? Being very honest today, Aliyah.” Akio chuckled, and she scowled playfully.

“I’m always honest, ain’t I? Shit… forget it. Anyway, yeah, stage one in America is done. And we met with their father, so…”

At Aliyah’s words, the Wright siblings perked up.

“You spoke to dad?” Zachary asked. “He’s okay, isn’t he? We’ve been worried, you know!”

“He is fine, young man.” Luciana soothed. “In fact, that is why we are here, asking for you both. He would like to meet you, even if briefly. And to that end...”

“We can’t materialise the Ring Gate physically in America without me using one of my limited Satellite Anchors.” Akio mused. “And you didn’t ask for Ling, which is good, as she’s unwinding with Shuta-san, though she’s probably gone to bed now, it’s damn late here in the UK, or I should probably say it’s early… so, you want me to give him Chirurgery?”

“You got it.” Aliyah agreed. “We think it’s for the best. He’s a desperate man but could be a good ally.”

Akio nodded. “He was the one who revealed what was going on to Adam, so he said. It’s definitely a big problem I’m going to have to deal with, like the President, but for now… sure.”

“We can go home?” Bethany asked hopefully, and Akio shook his head.

“Only in the Boundary for now, but you’ll be able to talk to your father face-to-face at least. Well, it’s been one hell of a day, so we might as well get this done.” Akio stifled a yawn, and Luciana asked what was on her mind as they headed back to the Ring Gate.

“The battle, it went well, I trust? I do feel rather uneasy missing out.”

“Yeah. There were injuries, some pretty bad, but no fatalities, despite an unexpected adversary popping up near the end.”

Luciana tilted her head questioningly, and he explained. “A shapeshifting troublemaker, and some sort of enchantress witch. The witch died, and we captured and defanged our shapeshifter, Eri even got some nice boosts out of it, Ginneka too.”

That’s a relief. I had worried some of my new comrades would have fallen. Aliyah likely felt the same, as she let out a long sigh. “That’s good. I ain’t a fan of letting those young girlies fight, but… I ain’t so stubborn I don’t get it. Long as they ain’t dead, they can try again, yeah?”

“Exactly. And I’m rather proud of them all. Even those who got hurt are managing without Haru’s intervention, though we’re keeping an eye on them in case they develop any traumas as time passes, of course.” They stepped up to the Ring Gate and vanished, appearing back in the central Hub in Japan.

“Yeah, this is a lot better.” Akio chuckled as he looked up to the terraced layers of Hands Of Forgiveness, Emplacements, and weaselkin troopers from the Barracks, manning Mortal Engineering static guns and artillery. “No more having the Gate right next to Asha’s Tree and our Territory Anchor. That was almost as reckless as where I left my Anchor when I went to Vegas.”

As they took the short walk to the next Gate, Aliyah smirked. “Shit, you were a total idiot in Vegas. You and that little devil Shaeula, you did nothing but show off. Then you let Luciana trick your sister into handing out her phone number. Dipshit move…”

Santa Mierda, Aliyah. Don’t bring that up, please. Do you love dancing on the edge of a cliff just for fun? I guess you can hardly help yourself.

“As I recall, you made a few mistakes there yourself, no?” Akio fortunately didn’t rise to her teasing, and Aliyah fell silent, surely remembering. After the silence dragged on a bit, she snorted, the sound like tearing cloth, and crossed her arms.

“Yeah, and ain’t you still thinking about that? Too bad, Akio, but that was the only time you’ll get to feel me up and see what I’m packing. I ain’t one of your helpless little girlies.” She then paused. “Speaking of, how are the sleeping beauties?”

“Funny you should ask that.” He was the one smiling now. “The daughter, Su Liena, she woke up. She’s not a fan of me, as you can imagine…” Aliyah laughed loudly, as they entered the Ring Gate, and were soon through, back to America, another wrenching moment of dislocation a little nauseating.

“You made it then.” Treyvon, who was there still, alongside a number of Fenrir, greeted us.

“Yeah, easy job.” Aliyah slammed her palm into his upraised hand loudly, giving him a high-five. “Anyway, you were saying, Akio? She’s awake?”

“Yeah. Mae, Daiyu and Hana are keeping her company, so she doesn’t feel so alone, and Bintara is there if she has any sudden health complications.”

“Did she… try and end it?” Aliyah asked, and Luciana wasn’t the only one hiding smiles. Aliyah is soft on young women. Though if I understand it correctly, she is no chica, despite her appearance. Cultivator lives are long. But I expect she will still have young mannerisms. Their long lives seemed like they would be lonely ones.

“Yes, but Mae stopped her. And she’s accepted the situation, at least for now.” Akio explained, and Luciana nodded.

“It makes sense. Think of it like this. It is like one of us waking up from a car crash, after being in a coma, and being told we are paralysed, our arms and legs useless. Perhaps there are still things we can enjoy, but the life we had, wanted, what is normal to us, is over.”

“That’s a good analogy. And previously, such was effectively untreatable. So I get why she’s wary of our promises that we can make her better.” Akio nodded. “Thanks Luciana. That was insightful.”

“Think nothing of it, my dear leader.” Luciana gave the Adamant salute, hands forming a diamond, her smile cheeky, and Aliyah spluttered something indecipherable. Oh, do behave. I know you can hardly help but tease him, even if it’s a clumsy big sister bullying her little brother. Just look at your earlier quip.

“Okay.” Akio seemed a little uncomfortable at her actions, and Luciana smiled to herself, understanding why Aliyah enjoyed arguing with him so. It is almost cute, the way he is so shy with women he doesn’t know that well, despite in other ways being a dangerous, confident man.

“Anyway, he’s waiting. Not too long a drive for him down from headquarters.” Treyvon, prudent as ever, changed the subject, dispelling the suddenly awkward, saccharine air, much to the relief of Bethany, who wasn’t sure whether to blush or scowl, it seemed. “Obviously he can’t come to us, but a few of the guys are keeping him company. It’s fine for you to bring your Material body here?” he asked, and Akio nodded.

“Yeah. We’re wrapping things up in Britain anyway. Nobody’s really in the mood for anything tonight, it was a tricky day, emotionally. So we’ll all probably just grab a few hours of sleep, then get ready for… uh, tonight? Time zones really mess with my timings when we can cross them so easily.”

“No kidding.” Zachary spoke up, excited. “I still can’t believe how we can jump around the world, even if we can’t do it on the Material yet.”

“Look at you, Zack, picking up all the terminology.” Bethany teased. “Not like you to be so studious.”

“And you’re not, Beth?” he retorted. “When you’re not lecturing Christina on how to dress and do makeup…”

“And not put her foot in her mouth constantly.” Bethany sighed. “Which is an impossible task, if you ask me. How can someone so clever be such an idiot? She nods as if she understands, then still makes a terrible mistake!”

“I hope you ain’t looking at me…” Aliyah growled, and Luciana chuckled.

“Perish the thought, Aliyah. After all, you do learn.”

“So does she.” Zachary defended Christina, which raised Bethany’s eyebrow as she gazed at him.

“Well she does, doesn’t she?” Zachary argued defensively. “It’s just her logic is warped. If you follow it through, it makes sense. She’s not making the same mistakes over and over, just fresh ones each time. It doesn’t help that she’s got no self-control when it comes to Akio here.”

“Been noticing her a lot, have you? I hate to admit it, but she’s gorgeous.” Bethany pouted. “When she dresses up she turns heads. Until she opens her mouth anyway. But she’s a bit old for you, Zack. And a bit crazy. Mom and dad would not approve!”

“Oh, come on!” he retorted, exasperated, and Luciana, Treyvon, Aliyah and Akio all shared amused smiles at their banter.

“I wouldn’t dare. She’s got her eyes on Akio anyway. But it doesn’t hurt to look…” he grumbled, and Bethany shook her head.

“I don’t know, Zack, sometimes looking can be costly. Anyway, can we change the subject? I want to speak to dad, and not just over the phone!”

“Fine. Give me a few minutes.” Akio promised, though nothing appeared to change, and Luciana knew he had likely just created his Material self again. I wonder what that is like? No, there’s no way I can grasp it. Having two very different sets of sensory information at once… his brain must be a jumble, or made of la chaira, solid as steel.

“In that case…” Treyvon suggested. “…how about we check the next steps of the plan? Flights to Vegas are booked, and we can drop down a Ring Gate there too, Luciana, you can handle it, can’t you?”

“Yes, it should be no problem.” She nodded.

“Great. And while you’re there, keep an eye out for the Thunderbird and her chicks. I hope nothing bad happened to her, I’d feel terrible if it did.” Akio added. “Oh, and that reminds me.” He turned his gaze on Aliyah, eyes glittering amber, and she stared back, deliberately not uncrossing her arms, despite the minute tremors running through her body. So childish. Definitely like siblings arguing.

“Taking my earlier words as a challenge, yeah?” Aliyah sneered, and Akio only rolled his eyes, his spatial storage discharging a spray of purple sparks, and he produced a small metallic cylinder with a bluish tint, shining with jade energies. It was about the size of a large two litre soda bottle, yet the energies were dense indeed, everyone around able to feel the breeze shifting.

“Sorry, but I’ve had enough women troubles today, thank you very much!” Akio chuckled. “Catch!”

He tossed Aliyah the glowing metal, and she caught it one-handed, quite the feat as it was surely more than five kilograms, which was heavier than their assault rifles. Wind energies discharged briefly, tugging at their clothes, but Aliyah merely boldly eyed Akio, a challenging gleam in her eyes. “I ain’t wearing a skirt, ain’t you sorry?”

“Give it a rest, sis.” Treyvon rubbed at his temples.

“It’s just banter.” Akio chuckled, unbothered. “I wouldn’t dare peek on you, don’t worry. Anyway, don’t you have something far more pressing to ask, than whether I’d like to ogle your sexy underwear?”

“You bet it’s sexy!” Aliyah leaned back, stretching, mood improving as she eyed the chunk of charged bluesteel. “You never know when you might get lucky, do you? I ain’t taking some hot woman to bed, only to be caught wearing boring, dowdy shit. Hope that’s a lesson you learned.” She winked, and Luciana exchanged another rueful glance with Treyvon. Indeed, your sister never grows up.

“You’re completely correct.” Akio didn’t bat an eye at Aliyah’s taunts. “Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi were very insistent that even where it doesn’t show, clothing should always be top quality and appropriate for any occasion.”

“That’s right. Christina, she…” Bethany blinked as everyone gazed at her, face reddening, before she took a deep breath and got the dissatisfaction off her chest. “…all she has is an entire wardrobe of plain white bras and panties, with the odd set of skin-coloured ones, but even those are plain and dull, no ribbons or embroidery, no scanties or sexy ones!” She was speaking rapidly, as if unburdening herself. “And when I pushed her on it, do you know what she said?”

“No, but I reckon you’ll be telling us, yeah?” Aliyah chuckled, and Bethany nodded.

“She said it doesn’t matter, as when Akio got her down to her underwear, she’d just be stripping it off anyway, what he wanted to see was underneath! I mean, she… she…”

“See? Told you she follows logic, just not… our conventional one.” Zachary consoled his sis by patting her shoulder gently. “I mean, she’s not wrong if you think about it, but…”

“That’s bullshit.” Aliyah disagreed. “Who the fuck wants a decent steak and fries just tossed onto a plate without sauce, no care from the chef at all? Life’s about the experience. Seeing a woman in sexy lingerie, it’s the best, ain’t it?” Akio nodded, as did several of the Fenrir soldiers waiting around.

“Yes, I tried to explain that, and… well, she’s not quite grasped it, but she’s at least making an effort, you’ll see…” Bethany then blushed, as she realised what she’d said. “No, nobody should see! That’s not the point. The point is… a woman needs to wear cute or sexy underwear sometimes, to feel good about herself. It’s not always just about comfort.”

Now Aliyah and Luciana were nodding. She is correct, of course, though to be fair, I am dressed for comfort right now. The last thing I wish is for performance to drop due to la trasca rubbing tender areas. Though now, with my Statistics, such is not really a problem. Maybe I should be better prepared?

Lost in thought for a moment, Luciana was then interested in Aliyah’s next words. “Fun though this was, I ain’t talking about my underwear, or the crazy bitch, anymore. So…” She tossed the cylinder up and down in the air, catching it as if it weighed only as much as a baseball, and wasn’t a solid lump of metal, even if that metal wasn’t that dense, matching aluminium. “…giving me presents ain’t getting you any reward from me, so, what’s it for?”

“Simple. I think if you can learn wind element, then I’ll have a far more impressive gift for you. No strings attached, of course.”

“Of course.” Aliyah chuckled. “Well, no adult strings anyway. There are plenty of professional ones, ain’t there? Not that I can up and quit anyway. More impressive? You mean, like Trey and Luciana?” As she smiled knowingly, Akio nodded.

“Yeah. I think this one suits you well. Once you can get your affinity up a bit. So you need wind. Though balancing it with earth will be rough. But with your Ether Healing, and hopefully some advice from Luciana, who’s already managed the pairing…”

Luciana nodded at that, pleased at his recognition.

“…and of course your Spiritual Eyes, I’m confident you’ll manage it.” Akio finished, and Aliyah stood taller, smirking, and once more Luciana and Treyvon exchanged an amused glance.

“You’re damn right I’ll do it. About time you recognised my strength. Well, there ain’t no need to fret. I’ll take care of it. Hey, I can always pop back through one of the Gates and see if the twins are free. If I get stuck.” she amended, seeing Akio’s teasing grin. “Shit, stop looking at me like that. I’m just thinking of efficiency, Fenrir will be a lot stronger with me kicking ass. Though I hope it ain’t a weird Favour like Trey’s?”

“It definitely suits you, personality and all.” Akio promised, before he turned to Zachary and Bethany. “Anyway, all done. It took a little bit to explain what to do after I charged him up, so…”

Moments later, Christopher Wright, the Director of the FBI, appeared. His first reaction was shock eyes darting around, staring, taking everything in, before his gaze fell on his children. “Bethany, Zachary, you’re both unhurt and well?” He raced over, and Bethany stepped back, her blue eyes, which seemed green sometimes under the light, misting with tears.

“I’m fine, dad. Fine.” she managed, and Zachary stepped up, taking his father’s hug.

“Beth thinks she’s too old for that. Or she’s shy.” Zachary laughed, patting his father on the back. “But yes, we’re both good. Better than ever.”

“Are you? Really?” Christopher asked as he released his son, eyeing them both as if they were a difficult document crossing his desk. “I didn’t want to send you away, but it was for the best. I was proved right. America, right now, it isn’t safe…”

“Yes.” Akio agreed. “Sorry to interrupt, but it does seem the source of your mind control issues are the Church of True Revelation. Some, like your President, are even willing participants. Though many won’t be.”

“It’s as I feared.” Christophr sighed. “How… how is Adam? Did he reach you?”

“He did. And I persuaded the President to forget dismissing him for now and to send him all the information he has. It’s a shocking turn of events. I loathe the man and his black and white views on the world, his willingness to commit unspeakable atrocities… but…”

“If you ain’t punishing Christina more than you are, then you can hardly do it to him, can you? Not without looking like a total hypocrite when it comes to women. Which you are, ain’t ya? Shit, don’t even deny it. Still, best you don’t draw attention to it. But…” Aliyah nodded knowingly, beads jingling, and Luciana knew it was true, but not absolute. After all, they killed a witch. And witches are women, aren’t they?

“You’re not wrong, Aliyah, and much as I loathe him and what he stands for, he’s not doing it for personal gain, but out of genuine, if woefully misplaced, conviction. I’ll use him for now, he’s the best option for unravelling this mess. Alongside you.” Akio agreed. “But forget Adam, what matters is this reunion. Don’t worry, I took good care of Bethany and Zachary, and they’ve both been useful.”

“Hardly.” Bethany grumbled. “Sure, we’ve used our abilities a few times when asked, but Zack’s is way more useful. I can only make people unlucky, for what they want, it’s usually being lucky that matters.”

“Don’t feel down, Beth!” Zachary tried to cheer her up. “Your ability will surely have no end of practical uses, and if it doesn’t now, then just train it until it does! Isn’t that right, Akio?” He turned and smiled at him, inviting him to comment.

Oh, you sly el zorro, you.

“That’s right, Bethany. You’ve got a lot of potential. And don’t think I haven’t noticed you’ve been taking care of Christina. Whatever the reason, that’s a weight off my mind. I don’t like it when she’s running around unsupervised.” He sighed, as if contemplating that. “Yes…” He turned his attention back to Christopher. “Bethany and Zachary have both helped where they can and have been training too. Don’t worry, I know Bethany was grievously hurt in the early days, which is why I’m taking extra care.” He nodded at her. “That armour’s pretty decent, and they have weapons too. Having gained a number of Levels, they’re certainly stronger, and they’ve mastered a Class and gained a few supplementary Skills. They’re incomparable to when they first arrived.”

“Thanks, Akio.” Zachary puffed up with pride. Bethany merely murmured something quiet and dipped her head.

“So quickly?” Christopher asked, and Luciana spoke up.

“That is the beauty and the danger of it, no? America cannot compete. We cut our own limbs out of fear and still expect to fight. Even when the wounds heal, it may be too late.”

“I fear so. Still…” Christopher watched his children with a conflicted expression, one of mixed relief and trepidation. “…that’s why I allowed this. Bethany, you’re… getting on well with everyone, not causing trouble for Akio?” The question seemed rather loaded, and Luciana held in a snort of wry amusement. Aliyah wasn’t so polite, she let out a dirty chuckle.

“Yes, yes dad. Don’t get pushy. It’s just… everyone’s nice, and I don’t have any complaints, except maybe that they push us too hard…” Bethany grumbled. “…and I miss my friends from college. I… guess I won’t be making it back for the start of the new semester, will I?”

“No. It’s not safe at all, and…” Christopher shook his head. “…honestly, what can you learn there which can compare to what you can in Japan? You’ve grown so much. Even if I hate to send you away, it’s for the best. If you were here in America, you’d be vulnerable. I don’t want to lose you. And your mother worries constantly, even if to her, it’s not much different to her not seeing you because you’re at college.

“I know that. I… oh, I don’t know.” Bethany stammered, before taking a deep breath, calming her emotions which had been released by seeing her father again. “It just feels different. I’m not a kid like Zack…”

“Hey!” he broke in, chiding her in an amused tone, but Bethany ignored him.

“…I’m a young woman who’s popular and likeable…”

“Grumpy, bad-tempered and cheeky too…” Zachary spoke loudly, and Bethany’s face reddened, but she still ignored him.

“…but I get it. The world’s so dangerous. And all I can do is make someone unlucky, and a few other tricks I’ve learned. Though…” Bethany sent a bolt of light into the ground, proving a point. “…I can do this now. But I learnt that here. It’s just… I liked my life, you know? I miss my friends, going to class, even the parties…”

“You told me you were studying hard!” Christopher was suddenly the stern father, and Luciana and the rest of Fenrir here chuckled at that, some seeing the shadows of their own parents, likely estranged now, or in the case of Luciana, Aliyah and Treyvon, of what might have been if they lived a different life. But never can be now. Even Taṇhā, she knows the past is written. Gods are not omnipotente, which matches what we have seen of life. Else why would there be so much suffering?

“I was. I am!” Bethany spluttered, before laughing helplessly. “Look, dad, I’m a beautiful young woman. Of course I’m popular. But I’m also choosy, you know? So don’t worry…”

“More like her temper scared them off… sorry sis, sorry!” Zachary backed away as she raised her fist threateningly, and Akio stepped in.

“We are encouraging as much normal life as possible, honestly. Firstly, to help balance everyone’s mental health. Secondly, to remind us of what we’re fighting for. But your options are limited, Bethany. We could remove your Favour, but… I don’t think that’s wise.”

She nodded. “Yes, before, when I got hurt, when I thought I’d die, when I was in so much pain…”

Christopher’s gaze hardened at her words. She surely hid or downplayed her wounds. Foolish young woman. But I understand her.

“…I’d have given it up, but now, I see that’s not a solution. Is it, dad?” she asked insightfully, and Christopher sighed.

“No. If you become a target because of me, or because they still believe you have such power, being weak means… I don’t want to think of what could happen. Akio…” he addressed the master Adamant fought for with a serious expression on his face. “I know we talked about this while you were performing… Chirurgery… but… I am just as much to blame as Adam and Christina Bakker. I didn’t push for such measures, but… I knew they were happening and trusted that Adam understood the necessity. I’m such a hypocrite, considering I sheltered Bethany and Zachary, yet let others be rounded up or worse. Gnadenakte. I know enough history to understand my shame.”

Is that… German? Akio is nodding.

“After all, I did study military history during my term in the Service. It’s no different than the Nazis asking for exemptions for those they liked, so they wouldn’t be sent to the camps. And look how well that worked out.”

“Dad…” Bethany held in a sob, and Zachary patted her shoulder, while Akio stepped up at his urgings with his eyes and reassuringly tapped the other, and Bethany managed to hold herself together, while her father continued to berate himself.

“You have no reason to like me or trust me, except that… Bethany and Zachary, they are in your care. I treasure my kids, just as Adam does. His family… I suspect you know where they are.”

Akio nodded. “Our intelligence may be nowhere near as efficient as yours, but they entered on their own passports. Fujiwara Security is keeping an eye on them discretely. They won’t run into any trouble.”

“My wife will be taking a vacation soon. It’s a bit of a blow, losing her wages, as I have a feeling it might be… protracted… but she’s always wanted to see the shrines and temples of Kyoto.”

“Dad…” Bethany breathed, understanding, and he smiled ruefully.

“I can’t leave, not now. Adam has to start helping out again too. I know he desperately tried to reach you, but… It’s only a matter of time before I’m compromised.”

“Yeah, the devices we’ve put together to block it are too crude. But…”

“Akio. Please.” Bethany turned, staring anxiously into his eyes. She is tall for a woman. But then, I have other atractivos.As Luciana pushed her arms together, Aliyah gave her a knowing smirk. Oh, do stop that. At least I have better reason than you to constantly be doing so!

“Help my dad. Help us! I miss my normal life, but it wouldn’t be normal, without dad! I’ll be very grateful, you know I will!”

“I’ll be grateful too. Not that you care.” Zachary chuckled. Akio reached out and caught everyone off-guard when he didn’t just playfully pat the head of Bethany, but he also ruffled Zachary’s hair too, making him laugh.

“That’s where you’re wrong. Your Favour to boost Fortune is crucial to upcoming projects. You can thank me by working yourself to the bone for us!” Akio suggested.

“And I will. How can Beth thank you?” he asked slyly, and Akio sighed. “By smiling. And keeping an eye on Christina for me.”

Bethany made an unpleasant frown at that, as well she might have. “I will. I promised dad anyway.” She sighed softly, scrubbing at her eyes. She then batted Akio’s hand away. “Look, stop that! I’m… oh, forget it. Please, help our dad, okay? And then, I’ll do anything you ask.”

“Girls shouldn’t promise that. Guys shouldn’t either, honestly, but girls especially. Anyway, don’t worry, I’ve plenty of favours you can do me.” Akio agreed. “Now then, I have an idea, so when we’re done, give me a minute to explain. It’s following the idea of the devices to lock your brain state, but by weaving in some Connections… worst case, you’ll know it triggered when you lose a day or so of memories. A small price to pay, I think.”

“Yes. I can live with that.” Christopher agreed. “Though…” He glanced at his children again. “…I’d dearly love to see them more often, even if only like this. Can I?”

“It’s not a problem, except…” Treyvon spoke up. “…you can’t come here through the Boundary yet. We’ll be borrowing troops from Japan to clear out the neighbourhood, but we can’t expand the Territory too much.”

“No shit. That defeats the whole point of coming out here away from all the good bars of DC.” Aliyah agreed.

“Even then…” Luciana spoke up, having considered the risks. “Even if we do clear a passageway, we will not be enforcing it to remain clear. It’s too dangerous for someone like you.”

“I know. I can drive down here like I did today. This site will be manned, won’t it?” Christopher asked, and Treyvon nodded.

“Yeah, we’ll have a small group of Fenrir on rotation acting as staff to look after the horses. Even so, man, I hate to tell you this, being a patriot, but… if you get followed and it turns into a firefight, or worse, an attack in the Boundary by US Chosen, we won’t hold back. This is our beachhead and insurance.”

“That’s right. You best not fuck up and give us away.” Aliyah agreed sourly. “The minute shit goes down here, this place will be crawling with Akio’s troops. Then the US will be down a few more Chosen. You don’t want Beth and Zack to be the only two left, do you?”

“No. definitely not.” Christopher agreed. “I’ll be discreet. And I’ll contact a phone only we know about with burners. Bethany, Zachary, can you meet me here in… two days? Buy a phone secretly, and don’t ever discuss the number outside of here. That way I can keep surveillance free.”

As they agreed, Akio nodded. “All right then. I’ll leave you to have a chat with your children, Chris. Then when you’re done, I’ll fix you up with a little insurance. As for the rest of you…” Akio cast his gaze over Luciana and the others, and she couldn’t help but smile as his gaze lingered on her just a moment too long, and she released her clenched arms, her body shape becoming more normal. He is a breasts man, Aliyah has that right, if not much else.

“…you’ve done good work. Now continue to do so. Once you’ve occupied a new Territory in the West, then you have a more difficult task.”

“Retrieval, yes.” Luciana agreed. “Two of your poor, dead kindred, may their spirits rest in peace.”

“Yeah. We have narrowed down the location of one in Nevada thanks to our previous questioning, and the Oracle Engine. Shouldn’t be too far of a jaunt for you.” he suggested, and Aliyah chuckled.

“Yeah, not compared to all the other shit we’ll have to do. But we ain’t moving an inch until we’ve had a day or two to relax in Vegas, right guys?” The rest of Fenrir, barring Treyvon, who met Luciana’s eyes, exasperated, all raised their fists and cheered.

As Akio chuckled, saying that was fine, but hoping that Aliyah didn’t end up losing any games of poker again, of either kind, which earned him a playful punch in the ribs, which left Aliyah cursing and shaking her hand, while a bemused Christopher and amused Bethany and Zachary watched on, Luciana nodded at Treyvon, half of her former captain pair. Yes, your sister, she will never change. Somehow, that is almost a little consoladora.

“All right then. Let’s get shit done. I have a hankering for some booze and bad decisions!” Aliyah crowed, and Luciana broke in, nodding at the lump of metal she held.

“Instead of that, why not make a good decision, and practice? I will aid you, Aliyah, have no fear.”

“Ain’t you suddenly the good girl, Luciana?” Aliyah snorted, shaking her head, jewelled beads clinking together. “Trying to score points with Akio here?”

“Always. I am in Adamant.” Luciana laughed lightly. “However, in this case, it is more I am trying to stop you losing them, Aliyah. Akio is offering you a wonderful treasure. Prove to him you are worth it.”

“Shit! No need to worry!” Aliyah declared. “I’m going to rock his world with how awesome I am!”

“Poor choice of words there…” Luciana retorted, and as Aliyah grumbled everyone knew what she meant, the tense atmosphere Christopher’s arrival had caused dissipated. Well then. Time to get to work. Las Vegas. This time, I doubt we will find it so easy to achieve our objectives in the Boundary. Hands going to her waist, where a pair of custom-made Akionite alloy knives waited, she found herself grinning to match Aliyah. I wish to give both my Blowing Breath and Lightning Sword Of Purification a good workout…