On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

With the Ring Gate established, Kana and Shiro popped through, joining us. Apparently, the two of them were having a debate over who would drop their Anchor around Sekka’s old Territory. I had thought Kana might eventually want to position hers at Shirohebizumi shrine, but she had told me in no uncertain terms that would be a waste, and she was happy letting me keep control of the area.

On arrival, Tan immediately rose to the forefront of Shiro’s body, hair flaming from silver to red, dark eyes turning crimson. Peering at the exhausted Hyacinth, Eye shining with a faint amber glow, she seemed at a loss for a moment, before speaking slowly, her tone oddly calm, as if she was trying to mask a strong emotion behind her usual aloofness. “What has… happened to you? This is… I do not know exactly what this is. To experience such a change in spiritual strength, and your Truesoul…” In an unusual act for Tan, she gnawed on one fingernail, thinking.

I’d say Shiro’s not going to be happy you’re messing up her nails, but they aren’t painted anyway, and Ether Healing would regrow the damage easily enough…

“…what exactly occurred here?” Tan asked, and after we explained, her gaze strayed to the distant Rebun Island, where the churning lake of terrible energies was confined.

“I believe I understand. Now, a mystery that I did not fully grasp makes more sense.”

“Care to explain?” I asked, and Tan shook her head.

“For now, no. I still have not fully pieced together all the evidence, and I am wary of diverting your progress. So far, I have not been disappointed, I admit. If what I imagine is accurate, then there will indeed by one rather… problematic… trial to overcome, but…” She met my gaze, and Shiro’s lips twitched into a smile. “…so far you have progressed with only modest guidance, small nudges, here and there. I would not wish to alter a winning formula, as you humans say.”

I agree. Rose’s voice echoed in my mind. I’ve been watching you while we recover. It’s been… exciting, certainly. I too suspect I understand what Goddess Taṇhāhas surmised, and the potential… challenge… it holds for you in the future. Sadly, it is beyond my knowledge. Only the leader of we Valkyries, Sigrún, or Divine Urðr, would have the insights we need, and… they will not speak of it.

So it’s to do with being an Astral Emperor then? As I thought back to Rose, I gazed at Tan, and she shifted a little uncomfortably.

“I would tell you if I thought it a benefit. For now, trust that I shall continue my enquiries, and if you need any further nudges, I shall provide them.”

That’s correct. It certainly explains the oddities found upon your world, at least in part, and gives me an avenue for research. I shall set my more bookish sisters to aiding me in my sweep through the libraries here. Since matters are as they are… you can only try and overcome it as you have. With courage and will. Oh, and Lin sends her regards…

I nodded to both Tan’s words and Rose’s thoughts. Neither of them has steered me wrong so far. I’ll trust their judgement for now. But… is their revelation related to the Kamuy, to the massacre here, or both? Huh…

“That aside…” Tan grimaced. “I am very impressed that you managed to consume and purify such a tangle of chaotic power and make it your own. You certainly are not simple, Hyacinth.”

Hyacinth merely chuckled softly at that, curtsying elegantly.

“Now then, the next Anchor…” I began, and Kana cut me off.

“I still think I should.” she insisted. “Won’t I get a bit of a boost from reaching Rank Three? I could use it. You’re already strong, Shiro, Tan.”

“She’s right. I want to be useful, but… I can be generous.” Shiro graciously handed the honour to Kana. “Besides, Aki’s probably got to give Kana something, since he’s not slipped her the…”

“That’s enough of that.” I covered her mouth with my hand, and she playfully licked me, her black eyes sparkling, while Kana blushed. “Okay, Kana, Sekka, you’re in charge of sorting this. Hyacinth, sorry to be a pain, but can you create another Ring Gate on the Hokkaido mainland? We can’t reach it from here, and I don’t want to keep sending the Mortal Engineers and their cargo over the seas. That’s just asking for trouble. And we can’t ask Arisu-san to do more work.”

“I shall dooo anything for you, Akio, whether it is possible or not.” Hyacinth giggled, and as she walked past me, she exchanged a sly glance with Shiro, before trailing a gentle hand over my cheek, caressing me, which surprised me.

Sekka, after grumbling that ‘she should not have to be dictated to regarding her own home’ followed, and Hana winked at me, promising to make sure they reached their destination safely. Since she was here anyway, Shiro planned to tag along, and I was reassured, as with the option of Tan using Divine Possession, any remaining dangers would be curtailed. Shaeula too offered to guard them, and that finally soothed my worries. Even tired, Shaeula’s still a force in combat. With her and Tan, I can’t see any trouble they can’t handle now…

“As for you two…” I spoke to Red and Blue, and after explaining that tomorrow we would be meeting an Oni who idolised Red, after a mocking snort from Blue, they agreed to come back with us, especially if the promised booze would be delivered. I agreed, though I also had a slightly selfish motive, as the two resilient Oni, who even now were shrugging off their injuries from the battles, would make excellent sparring partners for some of the training. If you’re going to drink us dry, you can at least both be useful…

Before she followed Hyacinth, Sekka, Shaeula and Hana though, Tan once more had her attention distracted, this time by the mysterious object Hyacinth had dug up, the mass of roots and what looked like a piece of a trunk, neatly severed by some sort of powerful force. Seeing it, she drew in a sharp breath, before shaking her head. “Just where did you find this?” Her Eye that she had obtained from me shone amber as she stared at it intently.

“Do you know what it is?” I asked, and she shook her head, fiery hair swaying distractingly.

“No, how could I? If this Eye cannot fathom its secrets, how should I know? Though what information the World Tree reveals is illuminating in itself, would you not say? All I can tell is… it contains an ancient, yet unfamiliar strength within. We should certainly take it. It is a spoil of victory, is it not?”

“Yeah, I was planning to.” I chuckled, hefting it up. It felt heavier than its size would indicate, and even my impressive Might stat struggled with it. “We can have Ixitt, Christina and the others investigate it. All right then, look after Kana and Hyacinth, won’t you?”

Tan scoffed at that. “Look after them? I do believe even greatly fatigued, Hyacinth can quite easily look after herself now. Have no fear…” Her smile was teasing and wicked. “…you are a treasure, as is this Eye. Now too is she. Were we to lose and this world to perish, my father would certainly welcome our return with open arms, considering what we would bring. Though I have my pride, if not my chastity.” Her smile turned into a wicked smirk, and I knew Shiro was laughing inside her. “It would still strike me as a defeat. Even so… she has achieved much, that Fae maid. Much indeed.”

“You’re not wrong.” I agreed. With that, Tan followed the others, her hair fading back to silver as Shiro came out again. I turned to Daiyu and she nodded, following me towards the Ring Gate, along with the Oni pair, and also Bintara, who traipsed after us in silence. As I was swallowed up by the spatial distortion within the new portal, bringing the massive hunk of strange wood with me, I couldn’t help but turn my attention back to the Material.

Arisu-san had picked Mae, Tsukiko and I up, now that the JSDF and the JMSDF had matters around Rishiri island and Rebun Island under control. Both were blockaded, but Rebun Island had an even smaller population, under three thousand residents. There was no indication that our captured Chosen had spread the Evil Wisdom there, but with the leakage of the dungeon in the Boundary, there was no point taking chances that contamination would spread. Evacuating the populace for now, under the auspices of a radiation leak, was the smartest move, if costly for the government.

Oh well, it’s still cheaper than having a problem crop up. Next year, we’ll turn this country’s finances around if all goes well, anyway…

The Major and the Lieutenant, as well as those undertaking the Pilgrimage with them, were going to be collected and taken back to Tokyo later, much to Arisu-san’s annoyance, but as always, she put up with our unreasonable demands with grace and dignity. I could tell her mastery of the spatial element was still increasing, probably due to all her hand work, and the solidity of her crown Chakra was impressive, indicating a rapid generation of spatial element.

Once we arrived, Tsukiko excused herself, heading for her room, so she could return to the Boundary, and then onto the Seelie Court, for our nightly training. That left me and Mae alone, and I knew what she wanted.

“This way.” I led her to the room we had set aside for the recovery of Su Caihong and Su Liena. Outside, a nurse was taking a break, and on seeing us, she bowed deeply. I nodded back, thanking her for her had work, but Mae was cold, aloof, her nine tails swaying as if pendulums. Seeing that, the nurse began to sweat, and I resolved to give her a bonus when all this was done. Taking Mae by the hand, I led her through the door, to where another nurse was keeping an eye on the beeping equipment that measured heart rate, electrical signals in the brain, blood oxygenation levels, and more. They were on ventilators, though they probably could breathe unaided, we weren’t taking any chances, and IV drips were in their arms, making sure they had enough nutrients and also suitable medication.

“Oh, Oshiro-sama… and Tamamo-no-Mae…-sama?” The nurses, who were JSDF staff, had been briefed on the situation, of course, but knowing that the legendary Kitsune from the Three Most Evil Yōkai of Japan was here, and fervently dependant on your efforts, was one thing, seeing her in person, quite another.

“I do not need politeness. I need results…” Mae’s voice was cold, and I squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“And they’re doing their best. For now though, it’s enough to keep them alive. Waking them, and more importantly, fixing their ravaged bodies, is our role. Though modern medicine and scientific progress should help. Anyway…” I smiled at the nurse. “…we’ll watch for now. Go take a short break.”

As the nurse nodded and hurried out, almost as if fleeing, I sighed. “Try not to intimidate them, okay?” I reached out a hand, stroking her long, golden-blonde hair.” Though they’re JSDF nurses, so I’d hope they’d be made of sterner stuff. Anyway, we have doctors and surgeons on call too, staying in one of the smaller buildings on site. All female, of course. Though that reminds me, I should make sure to give them Chirurgery, to increase their energy levels. And as hazard pay.” I chuckled, and Mae let out her own sigh, leaning her head, and my hand instead grabbed her flickering ear.

“I itch.” she muttered when I was surprised by this. “Perhaps it is the stress. I am not usually so… turbulent. But after rescuing Caihong’er and Liena, and seeing old friends again, as well as… as well as an old enemy… I feel it keenly. So much time has passed, yet… it almost seems like none has passed at all.”

Nodding, I scratched at her fluffy ear, kneading it, before moving to the other one. After a while, Mae was satisfied, and her eyes, clear as finest jade, surveyed the gaunt figures, merely wearing white hospital gowns, her expression somehow forlorn, not what one would have expected from her, based on her legends.

 “It seems I am feeling sentimental. You might think such is not like me…” She seemed to have read my thoughts, as women quite often did. “…but you would be mistaken. All we Kitsune are is emotional. We feel things deeply, and act upon them. Restrained, we are not. It pains me, seeing them lying here, so frail, so… worn. They were both beautiful, you know.” She smiled knowingly. “Cultivators often are, such as young Daiyu. Good breeding and then pursuing the Arts strengthens and enhances the body and spirit. Of course, there are always exceptions, but the flowers of Kunlun were unrivalled, and Ten Thousand Flower Throne, Caihong’er’s Sect, gathered many of the greatest beauties, the most charming maidens. Not all of course, but… many women sought to join her, if they had the talent.” Mae’s lips curled into a smile, as I silently combed through her flowing hair with my fingers.

“There were not ten thousand, of course. Such would strain the resources of even Kunlun’s Great Sects, but that was her dream. You would think that Cultivation would allow men and women to stand equal, but… such was often not the case. Women were bartered as treasures, for begetting children, Dual Cultivation, or to take advantage of special Constitutions. For some reason, they appeared more frequently in female lines. Only those with unyielding strength could protect themselves, have a say in their lives, their futures.”

“It sounds rather awful… Daiyu’s tales are similar. She often says for my Spirit Water, her father would have given her to me as not just a concubine, but even as a toy to use and abuse, if it got him what he wanted. I desire power, yes, but… not at any cost. Cultivation is a tool, and just as a hammer can be used to build, or used to break… I think Cultivation must be the same.”

“So idealistic.” Mae breathed, eyes still focussed on the two sleeping figures. “I would say you are a fool, a reckless fool who does not know his own hubris, yet… results are what matter. All Cultivators, all beings, know this. And I have seen these outcomes. I even stand here as one of them.” Her tails swayed, brushing against my legs and belly. “As I was saying… they were beautiful. I am shallow, yes…” she snorted bitterly. “I enjoy attractive things, entertaining people. When you live long, mundane pleasures fade. It is something you will have to deal with. It can be lonely, not just living long, but living long with great power. It is why I connected with Caihong’er. She too was powerful, long-lived, and so terribly lonely. She poured a great deal of affection into her only daughter, Liena. The disgust that she had to give her body to a man to bear her was a constant thorn under her skin, though she had but a single night with a carefully chosen man with a suitable rare Constitution. I hear the fool bragged about it constantly, how he plucked the untouchable flower from the throne of flowers, until he met with a sorrowful accident one day.”

Accident, huh? The way your eyes have narrowed tells me you had something to do with that. “It’s a shame, with modern medicine, it would be possible to bear a child just using the sperm of a man and her eggs, without having to… well, you get it.”

“Indeed, it seems I do. But such… might not be prudent for Cultivators. Creating a child with a suitable Body, as it were, a Physique, is not merely a matter of pouring your seed in. But yes, it did not help with her disgust of men. But Liena was worth it, so she believed. She was very beautiful.” Mae chuckled. “I would very much have liked to bed both mother and daughter. You… have never had that pleasure, no? Nor sisters.”

“No, I can’t say I have.” I continued combing her golden hair, as it seemed to be distracting her from her worst ruminations, keeping her calm.

“You surely should try it. Such pleasures are what makes life worth living. At least in terms of sisters, I believe you would not find it difficult.”

“That isn’t a quip about my own sister, is it?” I retorted, and Mae shook her head, a smirk on her lips, seemingly enjoying the banter.

“That would be a different forbidden pleasure.” Mae snickered. “No, there are those who would comply, and some would certainly even be honoured, yet… you do not seek them. I understand. You feel your arms full enough already. I do not argue. This is… not the time to be idle, to wallow in pleasure to stave off boredom.” Her gaze hardened. “There will be no lack of excitement to come, it seems. Now…”

She reached down, stroking the gaunt cheek of Su Caihong, careful to avoid disturbing her breathing mask. “…to matters of how we shall save them. You could certainly reforge them as you did me, but that… that would surely cut off their path to ever regaining their lost Cultivation. You have shown wisdom, not carelessly interfering with Daiyu and her body. Unlike we spiritual beings, who are more malleable, Cultivation is rigid, regimented. To meddle is to cause misfortune. Barring great knowledge or luck. So I do not discount your chances.”

“Yeah, I felt the same way. I’d certainly like to incorporate Cultivation into our strength, but for now, the Night Orbs of you Yōkai seem the next logical, safest step. So… just how can I fix them? I have a few ideas, and worst case, I could replicate as much of Daiyu’s spiritual self into them as possible, but… that might work for Su Liena, or rather, not be as harmful to her Cultivation, but Su Caihong was a Saint, wasn’t she? That’s going to be wildly different, or rather, wildly more perfect, than Daiyu’s spiritual form.”

“Indeed.” Mae smirked, grabbing my hand from her hair and pressing it to Su Caihong’s other cheek. “Oh, do not struggle so. I know she loathes the touch of men, but if she hates it so, perhaps it will rouse her to wake. Besides, it is a novelty, a man who gazes on her with only compassion. You are not truly a Cultivator, despite your dabbling, but even so… perhaps the experience will be good for her.”

I nodded slowly. Su Caihong’s face was cool, almost as if still frozen by the ice, and deeply wrinkled, her cheek’s bare flesh hanging over bone so soft it felt like it would crack at a touch. Yes, we’d restored their frozen, gangrenous flesh to a healthy state, and repaired the internal injuries, but they had still been asleep and wasting away a long time.

“If I knew what I was working with, I could make adjustments, or perhaps… maybe Christina could donate spiritual organs, such as Dantians, as well? But to do that, ideally, I’d need to see them as they were. Damn, it’s at times like this Yasaka-san’s Book would have been perfect. But I suppose we couldn’t rely on it forever or grow too dependent on it. Rose wouldn’t know, as Cultivators don’t seem to have much to do with the World Tree Pantheon, and Tan’s Cultivation never reached a high standard, she just dabbled. Though maybe she has some ideas. I’ll still ask.”

“I too shall consider all options.” Mae grinned, showing her fangs. “Though perhaps the easiest way would be to storm Kunlun and drag that wretch Zixin out and dissect him.” Her tone was dripping with malice and hatred. “Yes, there are surely differences between them, due to Constitution, Foundation and more, but… it would be a worthwhile example.”

“Sadly, even with the Seal we found, I don’t think that’d be easy.” I shook my head, and Mae released my hand, stepping back from Su Caihong.

“Yes, I fear not. Though the idea does appeal, despite its obvious flaws.” She turned away. “Come then. The others shall be awaiting me. I was never one for putting in effort, I simply grew stronger, yet… I can see the benefits.” Her lips curled into a smile. “Besides, if I try hard, it will encourage you to put further efforts into Caihong’er’s and Liena’s care.”

“I assure you that I’ll do everything I can regardless. But yes, your expertise and wisdom will be a great help.” I agreed, leading Mae out, casting one more glance back to the two sleeping women. Yes, it’s not just waking them. I can do that, given enough time and effort, I’m sure. But waking them in a state which won’t break their minds and spirits, their Dao Hearts, as Daiyu might put it. That’s the challenge…

***

After performing Chirurgery on the medical staff, a process that was once more fraught with embarrassment, as the pained groans, blushing and squirming of the female doctors and nurses was a trial. Still, after the usual safety explanations, which fortunately, as JSDF staff, they would surely follow, I dismissed my Material body, concentrating fully on the Boundary.

Damn, I’m exhausted. One day over Christmas was not really enough to unwind and recharge my supplies. Fortunately, I can’t see any need for battle occurring during the next leg of the Pilgrimage. So I’ll concentrate on helping others, rather than my own training. With one exception…

“I’m not too far off, Hinata!” my sis declared, seeming much brighter than she had before Christmas, and while I admitted to myself that she’d pulled the wool over my eyes, as mom might have said, before that, appearing cheerful when she was clearly hurting and in pain, indecisive and forlorn, now I was sure it was the genuine article, my cheeky, playful, sometimes a little foolish sister, back to her truest self.

“I should hope not.” Hinata raised one eyebrow. “After all, I’d hate to think your resolve is that weak!”

“Ouch. Big sis Haanōbō, Hinata’s bullying me!” Aiko whined playfully, even as the chunky bluesteel battery before her thrummed with gold, silver and Hinata’s other metallic elemental energies.

“Who is your big sister?” Haanōbō sighed, her white wings dipping in time with her head, which lowered, her crimson, long-nosed Tengu mask hiding her expression, but not the fatigue in her eyes.

“Why, you are, Haanōbō. Since my bro is your bro, and you’ve got to keep the Four Directions in the family. Hey, you get to do the ‘help me, step-bro, I’m stuck!’ trick if you want! It’s totally guilt-free!”

I nearly spat at that image, and I wasn’t the only one. Eri, who was training nearby with Ginneka and Kinneka, trying to speed up her transformations and develop battle forms, came charging over, her face pink. “Ai-ko!”

Oh, you can tell Eri is angry when she breaks a name into syllables.

“You can’t… I mean… just where…” Eri spluttered, chest heaving, breathing fast.

As Haanōbō watched, uncomprehending, face as blank as her mask, most likely, my sis put her hands on her hips triumphantly. “If you know what I’m talking about, aren’t you just as much a pervert as me? Or is it just roleplay for you? I bet I my bro came in and you were stuck in the washing machine, wiggling your ass, it might get sexy…”

“I’ll stick you in a damn washing machine!” Eri shot back, face crimson, before she took a deep breath, calmed down, and then extended her arm out, stretching it to several additional metres in length, and knocking on Aiko’s forehead firmly. “Look, this is training, get serious. And stop trying to tease Haanōbō, she has no clue what you are talking about.”

“Oh, you want to leave me all helpless for you and my bro to… all right, stop hitting me, that kind of hurts!” my sis protested, as Eri’s knuckles ground into her forehead. “I’m sorry, I’m just a little hyped up today, got a lot of energy to burn.”

“I suppose that’s better than you being miserable, but why can’t you just find a middle ground?” Eri sighed, retracting her arm, before concentrating, and sprouting a pair of wings to match Haanobo’s, only these were covered in black feathers. She tried flapping them, but she didn’t rise off the ground.

“We do not fly with our wings alone.” Haanōbō declared, deciding wisely to ignore my sister and her banter, which was the right decision, I suspected. “All Tengu embrace the wind, and shun the ground, barring Great Tarōbō, who commands the Earth of the Centre. If you wish to fly as we do, it will not be easy.”

“Thank you.” Eri nodded, understanding. “I will try my best to master wind element next then.”

“Cool, how about a wager, Eri?” my sis winked. “You and wind, me and gold. Loser owes the winner one request.”

“You think that’s fair?” Eri raised one eyebrow, her tail lashing. “You’ve been practising for a while now and have Hinata’s and Haanōbō’s assistance.”

“Oh, scared, huh?” My sis put her hands on her hips, grinning. “I’ll make it worth your while then. If I win, one request, if you win, you can have three. How’s that?”

“I’m not sure why I’d want three favours from you, Aiko, but fine. If you’re going to be so irritating about it.” Eri strode off, and as my sis raised two fingers in the salute for victory, I walked over and chastised her.

“Come on, sis. This is serious. I mean, I don’t want you to feel pressured, you told me that was bothering you, but… can’t you see there’s a bit of a sombre mood today?”

Indeed, Mae was working hard, filling up bluesteel batteries with various elements she knew but we had in short supply, all the while utilising multiple elements at once to stress her rebuilt body, and see just precisely how much Hyacinth’s shared energies had smoothed out the remaining flaws in my work. But her pensive, unusually withdrawn expression was infecting everyone else, even the two Oni, who were brawling with Motoko, Natsumi, Daiyu (who was trying to improve her own close combat talents, to be able to exceed Relentless Thirty-Two Qilin Horns, and do it without injuring herself) and Ulfuric.

That’s quite the skirmish, they work together sometimes, but surprise attack each other when the opportunity arises. Motoko and Natsumi really have come on tremendously, and not just due to their Favours. Tsumura Style is unpredictable, and like snakes, strikes swifty, fiercely and from odd angles. Of course, I could do without seeing Blue so transparently attempting to flirt with Ulfuric…

She was trying, I had to give her credit for that, but her idea of courtship seemed rather direct, constantly taking swings at him with a sickly expression on her face or jumping in and taking blows he was throwing at others in the brawl. Setting that aside, I listened to Aiko’s reply.

“Yeah, my bad. Though she ought to cheer up.” My sis gazed at me, her blue eyes solemn. “They’re alive, so that means it’s just a matter of time, isn’t it?”

Now I was the one flicking her forehead, though I did it gently. “I don’t disagree, but people’s feelings are complicated. Anyway, what do you want to make Eri do?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know, bro?” my sis giggled, rubbing at her forehead. “Anyway, you look tired. Rough day, I hear.”

“It was. Now don’t use me as an excuse to slack off, or Eri will beat you. Balancing wind with fire’s a pain, but it’s something plenty of us have managed, whereas metal element is a new frontier.”

“All right. Haanōbō, Hinata, back to work! I’ll show results!”

As hyper as ever. Turning away, I walked past Suk’ja, who was once more creating crystal element. Her Winged Diamonds had definitely improved during the time she had been seconded to us, and she could now conjure more of them, as well as vary their sizes, and even shoot rather nasty crystal bullets, which were closer to flechette rounds in function. She waved at me cheerfully, and I took a short break to chat to her, before heading to where Ixitt, Christina and the others were investigating our new acquisition.

Wait… is that… Aine was there, sucking on what looked like a sweet drink, with ice cream floating on top. Our High Kobold, Darkflame, was watching from a distance, a sly smile on his face, but beside Aine were a pair of Goblins, one of which I was sure I recognised, but… he’s different…

“It seems what falls has indeed risen again.” the Goblin spoke with a smile as he addressed me. He’d grown a little, and was leaner, and the shade of his skin was a lighter, somehow healthier green tone. His eyes too, were no longer a dirty yellow, but were almost golden. Two little nub-like horns, such as Oni had, just smaller, were at his temples, and his fingers had lengthened and become more delicate. Beside him, his comrade was a bit burlier, but he too had the same horns and clear eyes.

“I am a Wanderer no longer. Now, I have a name. I am… Abhaneade. It means, in the Goblin tongue, which was near forgotten, to return home. You can call me Abhan, for I know our names are hard for others to speak. This here, one of the last chieftains left, is the second to wake. You can call him Taoiridh, or perhaps simply Taoh.”

The Goblin bowed deeply to me, fervour in his golden eyes. “It is known that you broke the Woe long heaped upon our kind, and we shall repay that grace. We Goblins shall return to our long-forgotten roots, as Fae with quick hands, quicker minds and much craft and ingenuity.”

“Yes.” Abhan agreed, gazing fondly at Aine, who was watching curiously as Ixitt and a group of ratkin and weaselkin, as well as a few other odd species of Beastkin Fae such as hedgehogkin and even a burly, giant rabbitkin, who towered over all the others by a head, long ears flopping comically, were poking at the strange tree fragment we’d brought back, Christina taking notes on a tablet, as well as snapping pictures. I guess Ginneka must have brought it here for her. At least we’ve worked out how to take pictures and shoot video in the Boundary, thanks to Arisu-san and her crew’s experiments, ready for WTV’s groundbreaking programming goals.

“While we grieve for those who turned to the path of darkness and hatred, so long as the Blood of the First lives on, we can endure. Now… there is hope that we Goblins can be renewed, and our long decline halted. You… you are our path, and we will follow you, so long as you protect her.” He glanced at Aine meaningfully, a fervent smile on his face.

“Don’t worry, of course I will.” I promised, and at my voice, Christina spun around, excited. She wasn’t wearing her glasses today, but she was still in a lab coat, though this was a still clean, new one, her pockets stuffed full of devices and tools. Under that she wore skinny jeans and a thin t-shirt, both in vivid blue.

“Oh, Akio, you’re here.” she smirked, her eyes sparkling. “You brought back something wonderful again, I see. We’ve tried carbon dating it, though of course, it will be wildly subject to error, as we are using the latest experimental equipment and rapid techniques. And who can even tell what it is made of, though we are running a small sample through our portable mass spectrometer… but early indications are it’s from around fourteen thousand BC. It’s ancient… and technically still living, we think.”

“That is old…” I agreed. “Careful with it…”

“Oh, don’t you trust me?” She gave me what she likely thought was a winsome smile. “Don’t worry, we are using only tiny samples, we wouldn’t dream of ruining your treasure. Anyway… can I ask you what your Eyes say about it? I’ve detailed my findings.” She tapped under her own eye with her free hand.

“Sure.” I repeated what my Eyes stated, and she added it to her file, prodding away with practised, deft movements. Seeing me watching, she cheekily circled her thumb and forefinger, miming a handjob, and I grimaced.

“No, I think I’ll pass.”

“A shame.” she chuckled, entirely without shame. “It’s rather unlikely, considering your harem, but if you are ever pent up or in need of some relaxation, little miss Christina is always happy to lend a hand. Of course, if you’d rather give than receive, feel free to slip a hand down my jeans, or if you’d prefer to get a good look… ouch!” I flicked her forehead with a light air bullet, and her grin grew more lopsided.

“No sense of humour. Though obviously I’m not joking, unless you want me to be. That aside…” She suddenly smoothed her sloppy expression, becoming all business. “I was very much… hoping…” she shuddered. “…oh, it’s difficult even for me to say it. But it’s true… best get it over with. I was hoping Hyacinth could guide me through to Rank six of Ether Healing today. I don’t want to try my next experimental Donation without at least that level of safety. I’m prepared to risk myself for both restitution and for what’s needful, the progression of science and the deepening of our knowledge, but… I also don’t want to take unnecessary risks. Necessary ones are a different matter.”

I sympathise. Even with Christina, I sympathise, as the only thing that’s ever hurt more than pushing Ether Healing that high was the Tribulation… I glanced at the bracelet of bells on my wrist, wondering just what Hisui was up to, high above in the Pantheons. That reminds me, I need to check on how our Tribulation Lightning and Chaotic Winds are doing. We’ve been feeding them well…

“I dare say they’ll be back soon, oh, speak of the devil.” Hyacinth and the others had returned, the Ring Gate to Sekka’s old Territory obviously now secured. Hyacinth looked wretched, I had to admit. Despite all her incredible gains, she’d also pushed herself far too hard and then made another Ring Gate on top of that. I waved her over, and she hurried to us, a smile on her face, leaving behind a bemused Sekka, who must have been visiting to sate her curiosity.

“I see you’ve changed.” Christina observed, eyeing Hyacinth up and down. “My Eyes see you are far more densely layered with energy, even if your supplies seem to have been exhausted. Do tell me everything that happened, it might be useful. Now, I’m… if not eager, then inured to the necessity, of getting cracking on my torture… uh, Healing training…” she gave a knowing smile. “…but you seem too exhausted. Why not take a rest and eat, and when you’ve recovered you can start rotting my limbs again and dissolving my insides. What joy…” She grinned at us bashfully, before rushing off, likely to fetch something for Hyacinth.

“She is nooot exactly a complicated woman to figure out.” Hyacinth smiled. “I have knooown worse. Many, many worse.”

“Yes, I’m sure you have.” I agreed. “So, I’m assuming things went smoothy?”

“Indeed they did. Mistress Kana has secured the Territory as you requested. We did spend a little extra, tooo build a Silo and some Elemental Silos to stooore ice element. Only around three hundred thooousand ether…”

“That’s fine. For ice element, that’s well worth it.” I trusted their judgement, and it wasn’t like we weren’t still ahead, even after all the expenses, thanks to destroying the enemy Territory and Hyacinth’s heroics.

“Yes. Kana alsooo spoke with Sekka, it was… quite a fun conversation.” Hyacinth put a finger to her lips teasingly. “But that is fooor us women to know, and you to pooonder over, Akio. Needless tooo say, mistress Kana was greatly intrigued, as was mistress Shiro. Mistress Shaeula is simply greedy for mooore power. But ice element has a special benefit for wooomen, you see…”

Oh? I wondered what that was, but before I could consider it much, Christina came back, with some food the maids had surely whipped up. Warm soup, bread, and a glass of fruity wine. She passed the tray to Hyacinth and then sat back down. “Go on, eat up. Oh…” she flushed. “…should I have brought you something too, Akio? How rude of me…”

“Uh, don’t worry about it. It creeps me out when you’re being so… normal.”

“Now who is being rude? Though there’s nothing wrong with being abnormal. Few of us here could be considered typical. Anyway, Hyacinth, don’t push yourself. That’s the beauty of this magical land, we’ve got more time for everything.” she chortled happily. “Of course, you have to factor such things into the scientific theories, or our measurements are going to be wildly inaccurate…”

As she was lost in thought, Hyacinth rolled her eyes, smirking, and I patted her shoulder. “Don’t work too hard. Though I know Ether Healing training isn’t too taxing on you, not like making Ring Gates. There should be wood element in the Elemental Silos, the Rhyming Trees don’t take it all. Top up and start when you’re ready.”

She nodded, and I left them to it, waving back to Christina with a sigh as she raised her hand. I spent some time talking with the members of Adamant who had the privilege of coming to the mansion in the Fae lands, before dropping back through the Ring Gate and chatting to the various idols and others still training in the Boundary.

I suppose I do need to relax. Yeah, I’m going to let my reserves replenish. Though there is one thing I want to try. Finding Shiro, I asked her to buff my newly strengthened sacral Chakra, and when the buffs were layered on, it temporarily surged to Rank nine, breaking the second wall, and it felt close to Rank ten. Sadly, even with the Lost Droplet having loosened due to Hyacinth’s ministrations, I still couldn’t quite crack it open and absorb it. I think… Rank ten would do it though. So either Shiro’s buffs need a little boost, or I need a small breakthrough. Though…

Obviously, we were still resonating, sharing the burden with everyone through Lovers’ Link, so if we could keep that up long enough, just like it had an escalating benefit for Asha’s Tree, it would for my Skill as well.

“Don’t push yourself so hard, Aki.” Shiro warned me, as we finished up our experiments. “There’s no rush. Shit, I know that’s not exactly true, but… you get what I mean, yeah? Just look at Hyacinth, she’s come back hilariously busted, I bet. Even Tan’s impressed. So you don’t have to do it alone.” She waved her arm, to show the others training hard. Eri was with Chiaki-chan, Chiasa-chan and some others, the glow of elemental energies surging. Shaeula was pouring wind and lightning element, what she had left after our battle, anyway, into our growing, strengthening cultivation device. The irony of that, we’re actually Cultivating a Tribulation, in some small way…

Yes, everyone was working hard. Shiro patted me on the shoulder, before leaning in and kissing my cheek. She flushed red, still a little embarrassed by public displays of affection, but then her hair and eyes turned crimson, and she leaned around and kissed my other cheek, which shocked me more.

“Yes, you should unwind. Too much tension is not healthy.” Tan insisted. “I know you are troubled, it has been explained to me. This fool you defeated, he claims to be of an oppressed race, no? I am sure that makes you sympathise, but the forces he was manipulating, the allies he chose… they were beyond his understanding and could bring ruin to everything. If it is revenge he sought, I do not dismiss his choice, but…  you clashed, and he lost. It is as straightforward as you wish it to be. Show clemency, if you think it warranted, but never regret your victories. Though I would allow your government to decide. Otherwise, what use are they, if you must do everything yourself? Now, I insist, no further exertion until tomorrow, and even then, keep it minimal.”

With that, Shiro’s colouration returned, and she grinned. “It’s not just me who’s worried, Aki. Yeah, go chill out. I don’t mind pampering you, but… I really should train my buffs some more. But…” She pointed, and I could see Hana, dragging her grandmother in this direction, a smile on her face. “…seems like someone else is coming this way with an intent to have some fun. It could work, you don’t need to stress yourselves with them. Relax, cut loose, have some sake, read a book, chat, whatever. We can manage without you for now. If there’s a genuine problem, someone will come get you, okay?” With that, Shiro waved a hand, nodded to the two Kitsune, and strode off.

“Ah, she is a wise woman.” Hana chortled, ears flickering. “I could hear her advice clearly. Grandmother needs to hear it too. Now then… you promised, remember?”

I nodded slowly. “It’s just grooming, all right?”

“Oh yes. Intimate, but innocent.” Hana promised. “Besides, you have experienced it with dear grandmother, did you not. She did not devour you, did she?”

“No, but…” She did get rather… dishevelled. It was horrendously immodest, but again, it’s a cultural thing, so…

“There you have it. Besides, we shall drink, and talk of better times, and the future.” Hana winked, before tugging at Mae, who surprisingly was letting her granddaughter push her around. “You have the comb in your storage, yes?”

I nodded. “I do. But…”

“No but. I will hardly eat you. You are so paranoid. You will simply spend a pleasant time with us, attend to our tired tails and knotted hair, and we will talk, and drink, and share our wisdom. It will be fun.” She pounded my shoulder happily, and I exchanged a glance with Mae, who must have still been feeling the strain with her goal of saving Su Caihong and Su Liena so much nearer, yet still so far from her. She nodded slowly, her ears and tails limp, and I gave in.

“Fine. I could use a few drinks, and some idle chatter. I suppose…” I produced the comb in a spray of violet sparks. “…it’s not too much trouble. Like having a pet, maybe?”

“Did you hear that, grandmother? Oh how bold he is, calling you a pet…”

I was clearly referring to you! As I screamed that internally, Hana grabbed one arm, pulling it to her, and after a moment’s hesitation, Mae did the same. I ignored the amused, resigned and sometimes envious stares from those around us as the pair led me towards Shaeula’s mansion, and as I glanced at their faces, Hana’s teasing, Mae’s like still, placid water, I shrugged. Yes, I did promise. And if it lifts Mae’s mood, it’s a small price to pay…