On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred – Contains Status – Motoko 3, Natsumi 3

Motoko gave me a smile that was both bright and somehow endearingly shy. Seeing my warm gaze, she flushed, her pink cheeks deepening to red, her ears and neck as well, as Natsumi’s cheerful, knowing laughter only intensified her embarrassment.

“I admit… it feels greatly pleasing that my own efforts have borne fruit. It was difficult, but… nothing of value is ever easy.” Motoko suggested. “Though, I do wonder…” she continued as I made sure she and Natsumi were fully restored by Ether Healing. “Should it really be this simple? Divine Favours require very specific beneficiaries, it seems… unlikely that we could both be suitable for some of the few you have obtained, even with your aid.”

“I was thinking the same thing. Though I’m not complaining!” Natsumi chuckled. “I’m more than happy to get the boost in combat strength. If a situation like at Hanafubuki happens again, we won’t be so desperate.”

“Do not get overexuberant!” Motoko warned, her blush starting to diminish as she calmed down. “Even now, if a strong Chosen attacked, we would still be in a dire situation. However… we are not merely using borrowed power. Our Tsumura Arts, our own variations…” Natsumi was the one blushing now, giving Motoko and I a sweet smile. “…have started to take shape. There is no limit to the strength we can achieve, is there? If we but have the will, the discipline and the dedication.”

“And we never lack those.” Natsumi agreed. I let them express their excitement, before I interjected.

“Actually, I wouldn’t call it easy, that downplays your hard work.” I praised them both, earning warm smiles in return. “But honestly, we have an absurd conflux of events that helps us here. Firstly, we know about Truesouls, which certainly nobody else should, although… I have my suspicions about the Church of True Revelation. But Tan refused to talk about it until I found out via an alternate source, as the information is proscribed here, seemingly. Sure, elemental affinities and energies do seem to have a substantial impact, but the more I learn and my Skills improve, I realise that a compatible Truesoul is vital. And… it seems we can influence our own Truesouls, at least a little, through our will.” As the girls listened to me with rapt interest, I outlined the next point.

“Then there’s my Eyes and my Skills. It allows me to gather a lot of information and make adjustments others surely can’t. Though again, that shouldn’t downplay your hard work, as you gained the elements, fought the battles, perfected new abilities…”

“You don’t have to keep flattering us!” Natsumi looked at Motoko, who nodded. “We know you’re proud of us. And we’re proud you are proud of us. But we aren’t stupid, Akio. We know without you, we wouldn’t have this chance.”

“Indeed.” Motoko agreed. “We could strive as hard as we wished, yet without you opening this door for us, it would all be in vain.”

“I disagree. Sure, you wouldn’t have Favours, but even without it, you had Levelled well, trained hard, and become strong. Anyway… the third thing… we know so much about the Favours from my Eyes, but… we also know about the Gods themselves. For example…”

As the two of them hung on my every word, I felt great fondness for them, and was delighted I could help them reach their true potential, which had been stifled by their nature as noble daughters. “…Nkunim. Many say Nkunim is the essence of victory in battle, a concept rather than a God. Something intangible. Others believe him a spirit, but… clearly he’s actually a real God, else he wouldn’t be able to give out Favours. Though concepts having a Divine nature isn’t unusual in mythology, so perhaps he’s both a God and a concept. The internet has access to vast swathes of information. Not all of it is going to be accurate, it may even be misleading, and I’m sure there are Pantheons we don’t know about. Despite that, the combination of knowledge about all these aspects definitely gives us a huge advantage.”

Thinking about that, they nodded. Motoko pursed her lips, considering that, before asking the question that had perplexed and puzzled Tan, as well as bothered Rose and Lin. “I can just about understand that our world has had some prior contact with various Gods. From talking to Shaeula, and those of the shrines such as Kana and Chiaki-san and Chiasa-san, it seems there was a significant event some fifteen hundred years ago which led to a separation between the Earth and the Divine. So it would not be terribly unusual for the Japanese Gods and Kami to have been present. Perhaps not even the Norse Gods in Europe, or even Nkunim and his ilk in the African subcontinent. Separate spheres of influence…”

Natsumi nodded, taking over. “Yeah, but, it’s not just them, is it? You talked about gathering information on the internet… we do as well. Honestly, the internet is amazing!” Natsumi enthused, her brown eyes shining, and my smile was fond as I realised that before, what the noble girls could access was extremely restricted, Fujiwara phones that all the girls carried their only gateway to it, and that had a customised firewall that made China seem liberal. Oh, that reminds me…

“A question. I know you two and Hinata have the firewalls released, but how are the other noble girls in regard to access to information?”

“I don’t think that’s a question for now.” Natsumi giggled. “Though it’s very like you, to worry about everyone. Our phones have all been largely unlocked, though… Hanafubuki did do a few extra classes on what to avoid, and if confused, who to ask.” She exchanged a glance with Motoko, who leaked a little embarrassed sigh.

“Indeed, our positions are strange ones. When it comes to these matters, it could be argued we even stand above the granddaughters of the Three Great Houses. Though Hinata is one now regardless. But matters of… romance, intimacy… we field… there have been some unusual questions, and…” She glanced to Natsumi for support.

“…yes, we are still very inexperienced. And now with Hanafubuki having closed early for winter due to the attack, we get more. Fortunately though, we can tell them that what we were taught isn’t wrong. You should only experience love with those you are due to marry, though… when it’s certain, it’s not wrong to follow your heart!”

“That aside…” Motoko was blushing, and it was that gap between her composed, noble demeanour and her shy yet passionate nature which made her so delightful. “We can seek advice from the others, who have more life experience. Now, back to the subject of Gods… even a cursory search reveals dozens, maybe even hundreds of complete systems. Some even overlapped in the same geographical area. It seems simply inconceivable that all of these were present here on Earth. After all, it is but one world of many. Even if it is just missionaries, such as the Jesuits who tried to bring Christianity to Japan in the fifteen-forties, spreading the word… we have such a rich wealth of knowledge of various Divinities that significant effort was surely invested here. And that does not even include Fae, Yōkai and other creatures. Tan insists that a world with a Boundary should have a far less active spiritual ecosystem…”

“Yeah.” I agreed with them. “The Norns’ gift, which my body is still trying to process, shows that Earth is strange. Honestly… I can’t believe that something as potent as Foehn was just lying about too. Then there’s the Mortal replicas of legendary weapons Shaeula and Hinata have, and even Tsurugi…” I glanced over at the Tsukumogami, who was enjoying some refreshing juice, her eyes trying to slide shut, as she’d tired herself out. “…and her sisters. But it’s a puzzle we are missing pieces on. Still, I’m pleased you are taking an interest.”

“Everyone is!” Natsumi insisted. “Nobody’s content to simply be a trophy, a flower on your arm. Not even Kana. We’ve all realised life is only fun if we are all working together for the same goal. And maybe if we all search for answers, one of us will find something unexpected.”

Touched and impressed, I grinned, pulling them both into a hug. When Tsurugi saw that, she let out a sleepy grunt of jealously, so Natsumi extended a hand, pulling her into the embrace. After a moment of comfort, we separated, and I let my Eyes shine. “Well, while it’s all relevant to the topic of Favours, there’s no point delaying… Motoko, I have just one question.”

Serious now, she looked into my eyes. “Ask me anything. Neither I nor Natsumi will ever have secrets from you.”

“Unless it’s something fun, like a surprise gift or party.” Natsumi amended.

“Me too, father!” Tsurugi insisted, pouting. “I will always be your sword!”

“No need to be so serious.” I ruffled all their hair playfully. “Though the question itself is, in a way. I’m not extracting the essence of the Favour, like I did for Bjarki, but… there’s certainly the opportunity to influence it a bit, both with your Truesoul and the Truesoul strands that bind the Favour. Now, Nkunim’s Favour is basically… martial prowess, a warrior’s spirit… and of course victory. The question is what you wish to lean on more?”

Motoko paused, considering, before making her choice with a smile. “Victory is important, but… as a warrior, I know victory is built upon endless hard work, will, blood, sweat and tears. I wish to be proud of my strength. I wish you to be proud of it. I dreamed of this day… and many others. That my husband would wish me to be a warrior and love me for that! So… my martial pride does not allow victory without the requisite effort!”

“Well said…” Natsumi murmured, and with a smile, I began. I’m not a warrior at heart, I guess. I want to win a victory with the least sacrifice and effort possible. But… Focussing on the Connection that the Truesoul strands had, I gently teased out a little more of the nature of the Truesoul. Adherence scattered, but I absorbed it, using it to further strengthen what we needed. Motoko’s Truesoul was barely visible, only the faint, dull glow of her soullight outlining it, like a dwarf star in the heavens, but the light was pure, with purpose, and to me it was radiant.

All right then… Aether and adherence surged, wrapped in my own soullight, and Chirurgery began, the more advanced version I had mastered easily making adjustments to Motoko’s subtle bodies, creating a link to the Truesoul that I had done unconsciously before. She shuddered, tears in her eyes, but soon it was complete, the Favour connected to her Chakra network, an integral part of her. Nkunim’s Favour seemed almost like a fern, branching out from her root Chakra, all the way to her crown, fronds stretching out through her whole network. It was quite the unusual Favour, which is why Natsumi certainly could have been compatible as well, and so could a number of others, with a little work.

“It is done?” Motoko wiped her eyes, and I nodded.

“Yeah, you’re a Chosen now. How do you feel?”

Motoko clenched her fist. “I feel… strange? I do not feel the immense surge of strength Natsumi obtained, yet… I know it is there. But it is not… time for it?” At her quizzical expression, I gave her a smile.

“I think it’ll become clear when I explain. Besides, it’s probably a good time for you both to understand your current strengths. After all, a warrior needs to know themselves and their opponents before they fear no defeat in a hundred battles, right?” I winked cheekily, making their uncertainly vanish.

“Sun Tzu. Yes.” Motoko agreed, exasperated. “You do not need to cheer us, not when you have given us both such precious gifts. Even should I receive naught for Christmas, I will be content and treasure this forever…”

“But you know he’ll have something planned, right?” Natsumi chortled, before winking slyly at me. “But I’m sure you’ve planned something for Tsurugi too. After all, she’s worked hard, right?”

As Tsurugi brightened up at that, curious, I shrugged. “Wait and see…” Damn, that’s a good point. Fortunately there’s still time. And I can’t leave her sisters out either… “Now then, let’s make a start…”

“I see.” Motoko was elated when I explained what she had gained. Her Statistics had undergone a significant leap, of course, but the main thing was that her Tsumura Arts had evolved, as mine had, and was now truly a Style. She even had a Class regarding it, seemingly, which was very interesting. “I truly feel capable of standing beside you now!”

“That’s a little arrogant, Motoko.” Natsumi teased. “After all, we’re still a far-cry from his strength. But… yes, we hopefully won’t be a burden to him anymore. Now…” She clapped her hands brightly, staring at me eagerly. “I know Motoko surely wants to go into more detail, and I’m interested in some of her gains, but… shouldn’t we compare?”

Motoko nodded slowly. “Indeed. I should not be so eager. If you please, Akio, allow Natsumi the same pleasure I have received.”

All right then…

“Hmm, we’re still quite similar, but there’s definitely differences.” Natsumi observed.

“Indeed.” Motoko agreed. “You have clearly exceeded me in elemental abilities. I am impressed.”

“I did make a breakthrough with my understanding of wind element, and Chollima’s Favour has only helped further boost that.” Natsumi stood straighter with pride, and giggled as my eyes were drawn to her chest. “But speed… it also helped me understand light a little better too. My stats also seem generally a little better than yours too. But… why’s my League lower? League is the most important stat, isn’t it?”

“That and Aether.” I suggested. “Though no Statistic doesn’t have value. The difference here is that Motoko’s Classes have reached the breakpoints. Other than Conqueror, which seems to be every five Levels, every ten Levels a Class gains gives escalating League.”

“But why has Motoko’s Fae-Bonded Class gone up and mine hasn’t?” Natsumi asked. “I’m happy for you, Motoko, but… even if I’m ahead in some areas, I’m behind in others. And I’m competitive!”

“I am pleased you can speak so boldly to me.” Motoko gazed at her friend fondly. “But I too have my own grievances. I have grown more confident using elemental energies, but I do not have your graceful use of wind. Besides, you have an extra Tsumura Style Skill I do not!”

Tsurugi turned to me sleepily, clearly not understanding their gentle argument. “Why are they fighting, father? Though they seem happy…”

“Exactly. This isn’t fighting, it’s banter between lifelong friends.” I chuckled, and that embarrassed the two of them. “Honestly, it’s almost more evil separating them when they get married than the arranged marriages in the first place.”

“Arranged marriage is not evil.” Motoko shook her head. “After all, we, and Hinata, and even Princess Mikasa…”

“You should call her Yukiko now, we agreed.” Natsumi broke in, and Motoko frowned, before changing her manner of address.

“Yukiko… that is difficult for me to say. As nobility, it is ingrained in me to show the Imperial Family great respect. But then… Eleanor too… she is also an arrangement. And despite our rocky start, she is hardly unhappy.”

“Maybe so, but just because you’re happy now doesn’t mean the process isn’t wrong.” I countered, and Natsumi agreed.

“It’s true. Remember all our omiai, before we chose to pursue Akio? Even the best offer I had was to be a concubine, which was tolerable, but… unlike Akio, who strives to love us all… I knew I’d be second best, and second best by a wide margin. As for you, it was even worse!” Her words were vehement, and Motoko found herself conceding.

“I suppose so. Regardless… losing the companionship of our bodyguards was considered only natural. And while painful, for us it was worse, for we are the inheritors of Tsumura Arts… no, now it is Tsumura Style, yes? A truly reawakened system of martial arts. My dream… is fulfilled, the multiverse you speak of has recognised us yet again.”

“Yggdrasil at least.” I agreed. “But seeing you both now… Tsurugi…” I turned to the Tsukumogami. “Don’t you think they should always be together?”

Tsurugi peered at them, her white and blue-tinged hair flowing as her head turned. “They are both friends of the sword. I know they treasure their weapons. I like that. But… I still only want you to wield me, father! Though…” she paused, clearly wrestling with her emotions. “If it is mother Yukiko, or… mother Natsumi and mother Motoko… if an emergency… I would live with it.”

Being called mother made the two of them flush, but both of them looked delighted, and they quickly offered Tsurugi some of the food and drink I had given them while they were recovering. Natsumi even cheekily patted Tsurugi’s head, and she squirmed as though she disliked it, but if she truly did, she would have batted her hand aside, I was certain.

“I am honoured. And yes, any child of Akio’s, be it Asha’s, our own… or even a being such as you, Tsurugi… shall be ours, and we shall show you the utmost care and affection.” Motoko promised, Natsumi nodding beside her. “We many not be in the Imperial Family, but you are free to choose your own fate now, as we are. And besides, Yukiko shall be our sister, and thus it is not that different.”

Tsurugi nodded, stuffing her face with treats.

“You know, it never would have happened, as I was a nobody, but… maybe in another lifetime, I’d have married you both anyway. I couldn’t think to separate you.” I chuckled, feeling better about my choices. Honestly, I feel I’ve come to accept everything, but despite that, I still have the thought processes of a human, so sometimes the guilt creeps back. But… the good I’m doing for them all helps me crush that and set it aside. I never thought such a pure friendship such as they had could exist. If they were into each other sexually, I’d understand, but… maybe it’s the way they were raised, ignorant of all sexual matters, and then I intruded into their lives. In a different world, they’d certainly be together. But I’m fortunate indeed we live in this one. The thought of not having them by my side saddens me…

“Okay then, back to business, as I still have to see Shaeula, and also assist anyone who needs help, before my day of dating doom begins.” I smiled to rob that of any sting, showing I was joking. “Motoko, your stats have fallen a bit behind Natsumi’s, but that’s because your Chakra network didn’t get as large a correction as Natsumi’s from the Favour. But… if you run Body Enhancement, you’ll overtake her, and in addition…”

Divine Wellspring Of Strength Demanding Victory is a Skill that draws upon the Aether, Elemental energies and Adherence within the Spiritual and Material bodies of the bearer, temporarily enhancing any self-strengthening abilities significantly, as well as releasing a significant stream of energies to replenish spent fighting force. The more dire the situation, the greater wounds one bears and strength that has been depleted, the greater the effect shall be.

Just as Nkunim is the embodiment of Victory gained through determination, spirit and through hardships, so too shall the bearer of his Favour find their strengths equal to the task of seeking Victory despite all obstacles. [Class: Imperious] [Type: Artifice]

“It’s a great Skill. It’s a shame it’s only self-strengthening, though, otherwise if we could somehow get it into Asha’s Tree we’d basically be headed for Rank Five!” I teased, and Motoko laughed, understanding.

“While I would relinquish this blessing for the greater good, I do confess to being relieved. It suits me well.” Motoko joked. “I assume that Body Reinforcement is such?”

“Ether Healing too. I can see you’ve pushed it to Rank five by the tried and tested method of abusing your body. Don’t feel bad though, Natsumi. Both of you will be breaking the first bottleneck soon enough. In fact…” I could make out distant screams with my keen hearing, and quickly placed them as Christina’s. I can hear Hyacinth’s giggles too, though they aren’t malicious. If I had to imagine, she’s probably teasing Christina with how impressed I’ll be, or some such. That’s another headache I have to endure, but… much as I am repulsed by what she’s done, and her constant attempts to hit on me, which would be flattering from any other beauty, are just creepy… if I’m to use her, I owe her the chance to repent, make amends, and also… to pursue her own goals, so long as they aren’t wicked… damn, being a leader can be rough sometimes…

“…both of you can have a go later. I hate causing you pain, but…”

“But pain now for safety later is a worthy trade. Besides, unlike some of the others, we don’t fear it.” Natsumi reassured me. “A shame for you, Motoko! One of your advantages over me will be gone!”

“I have others!” she insisted. “Like our Classes. Though it makes sense to me. After all… you two are indeed my disciples. Just as Daiyu is our Cultivation teacher, I am the one who taught you the Tsumura Arts.”

I looked at the Classes for them. First was what their Elemental Warrior had turned into.

One Who Pursues The Peak Of A Warrior is a Class gained by those who have pushed multiple Combat Skills to the level of a Style, whilst also integrating seamlessly a number of Elemental Techniques as well as possessing the Elemental energies to fuel them. In addition, one must be able to learn and utilise supporting Skills of the Style, which enhance other aspects needed for combat and battle. Skills relating to Combat Styles are easier to improve, and all Elemental energies utilised in the Combat Style recover more rapidly and controlling them becomes significantly easier. ?????? ?????? ??????….

Question marks… huh, wait, my Eyes are resolving them…

Even as I watched, the unclear text became legible. The nature of the Truesoul becomes more attuned to Paths that emphasise and embody Martial Valour, Heroism, Combat and Bravery.

Interesting? I’ve not seen that before. Something to ask Rose about, but… I don’t want to disturb her. Rose had fallen silent for a while in my thoughts, though like Eri, I could always sense her presence, but I felt she was busy with something, only natural since she was an important figure far away from here, so since it wasn’t an emergency I opted not to distract her, and I’d wait for her to contact me.

“It seems an excellent Class.” Motoko enthused, and Natsumi couldn’t help but agree. They were more interested in the next ones though…

Architect Of A Forgotten Style is a Class for those who take a dormant, fragmented Combat Style and breathe new life into it, while retaining the true essence of what makes it a unique Style. Innovation and modernisation while reawakening a Style is truly difficult, and the bearer of this Class will find it far easier to understand the nature of combat and battle and have an instinctive grasp on which other martial arts and Skills can be integrated successfully within their reawakened Style.

In addition, as Disciples master the Skills that comprise this Style, you will gain a measure of their understanding, and conversely be able to teach them your wisdom, hastening their growth. Adherence related to this Style will be slowly generated, increasing as the proficiency and number of Disciples grows, and you will find it slightly easier to utilise Adherence with related Martial flavours.

Natsumi’s Class was similar, but lacked some of the benefits, though there was certainly potential there as well.

Disciple Of A Forgotten Style is a Class for those who learn a once-dormant, fragmented Combat Style and practice it diligently, gaining a true understanding of the lost Style. The bearer of this Class will find it far easier to understand the nature of combat and battle and have an instinctive grasp on which other martial arts and Skills can be integrated successfully within their practiced Style.

In addition, if you have a Master who also knows this Style, you may share in their wisdom, and their ability to teach and enhance your understanding will rise, hastening your growth. In addition, your own experience will strengthen them, and if you integrate suitable additions into the Style, you will be able to gain further benefits.

“I see.” Natsumi grinned. “It’s hard not to feel a little disappointed, but… it’s only right and proper you should be the Master of Tsumura Style, Motoko.”

She was about to agree, smiling sympathetically, when she glanced down, shock on her features. On her hand was the glove she had obtained from the Tower of London, and the design of bronze and copper rings and plates was quite fetching. But it wasn’t the looks that mattered. The glove was glowing, and with my Eyes I could see adherence strands pulling around it and integrating with Motoko. She then turned, eyeing the leather bracer, with its elegant eagle stitched on it in gold and red thread, which Natsumi wore, her treasure.

“I… yes. The talents of these ancient warriors… they linger within the treasures we were given. I see.” Motoko closed her eyes. “Pelleas. You raise your spear, swing your sword, string your bow… and you, Bedwyr, your spear… it was sharp and beautiful indeed…” As Motoko murmured dreamily, Natsumi exchanged a glance with me, and I shrugged.

“I think Motoko’s communing with the treasures you both received.” I whispered, and Natsumi nodded. We watched in silence for several minutes as Motoko muttered to herself, before her beautiful brown eyes snapped open, shining with excitement.

“Natsumi, Akio… I understand! These great warriors of the past, legends all… they too hard their own Styles! And Tsumura Style… it is the style of the serpent, the Hydra… enduring, flexible, wise and also greedy. Just as snakes shed their skin and are reborn, and a Hydra regrows severed heads…” Motoko’s stare pierced me. “In fact, your Style incorporates the Hydra. It simply will not do unless I, as the Mistress of Tsumura Style, can claim the same.”

She smiled then, showing she was, if not joking, not upset, just jealous. “But first… Natsumi, we must meditate. The lingering will of these noble warriors must be inherited by us, and…” She winked at me. “Akio, please speak to Eleanor. I am not greedy enough to demand more of her country’s treasures, but… there may be more we can learn from. After all, that will cost her nothing.”

“I’ll see what I can do.” I chuckled. “And speaking of the Hydra… might as well compare notes on our own Tsumura Styles…”

Tsumura Style: Unyielding Noble Serpent is the reinvigorated and restored Tsumura Style, an Art long forgotten as the practitioners dwindled, and the Elemental energies needed to activate the true Techniques vanishing into the mists of history. The Tsumura Style involves a balance of personal combat, as well as close, mid- and long-range Techniques with a number of weapons. All of these Techniques are not merely physical but are meant to be paired with various Elemental energies. Tsumura Style also focusses on unpredictable, swift yet elegant movements, as it is a mobile Style, and also on heightened perception.

In addition, Tsumura Style practitioners were trained to resist grave injuries and keep on fighting and were even capable of switching to one-handed styles of archery and spear-fighting, or still dodging with but a single leg. Tsumura Style practitioners were as stubborn and as unyielding as any serpent, and as hard to behead.

This variant of Tsumura Style is orthodox, with a greater emphasis on balanced, fundamental Techniques, as well as physical resilience and unyielding will to triumph, as befits an elegant, noble spirit.

I see. Looking at Natsumi’s and mine, the last paragraphs are different…

Natsumi’s was… This variant of Tsumura Style sacrifices some power and defensive Techniques to give a focus to swift, graceful assaults, maximising speed and evasion, befitting a graceful, teasing spirit.

Mine was a bit stranger. This variant of Tsumura Style, while lacking combat sense and refined Techniques, is extremely flexible and hard to pin down, while also being brutally effective, and just as the Hydra is a many-headed serpent, able to act independently, so too can a multitude of Elemental energies be integrated into these Techniques, as befits a crafty, vicious spirit.

“Uh, hey, I can’t help but feel slightly insulted here.” I muttered. Motoko was hiding a chuckle behind one hand, while Natsumi was openly giggling. “Crafty, I get, but… vicious? I don’t even like violence!”

“But father, you beat up that big badger who was on fire!” Tsurugi suggested unhelpfully, and now even Motoko was unable to hide her laughter. I rolled my eyes as they calmed down, and finally admitted the truth.

“Okay, I still think it’s unfair, as I’m generally more than happy to resolve things through diplomacy! But I do admit I’ve learned when an enemy is beyond reconciliation and proves a threat to us, it has to be eliminated or else I’m putting everyone at risk. Pragmatic sounds better than vicious, though!” I’m noticing more and more of these odd turns of phrase with my Eyes now…

“That aside…” Motoko had her laughter under control now. “It seems that to go from Serpent to Hydra is simply a matter of breadth of elemental proficiency, perhaps?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I think so. In addition, here’s the description for my Void Serpent Steps, and also your Winged Serpent Steps, Natsumi…”

Tsumura Style: Void Serpent Steps is a Skill to utilise Spatial Element to relocate yourself or other items within the surrounding area, only being blocked by other Spatial distortions and wards, though it is possible to bypass such distortions that possess inferior Spatial Elemental energies. Void Serpent Steps specialises in not just motion but also combat, and the scattered Spatial Elemental energies used for motion are also converted into a savage Spatial attack, forming a blade of Spatial distortion as a second point of offense. [Class: Imperious] [Type: Principle]

Tsumura Style: Winged Serpent Steps is a recovered Skill to utilise Wind Element to forcibly move through the air in three dimensions, but it is not merely for motion, but also combat, and the scattered Wind Elemental energies used for this forcible relocation are also converted into a Wind attack, forming vibrating blades of Wind Element as a second point of offense. [Class: Powerful] [Type: Foundation]

“It seems to me…” Motoko observed. “That Natsumi’s mastery of wind has blessed her with the Tsumura Style Art I have not yet learned. But also that it is inferior to the Void Serpent Steps. I suppose that is natural. Spatial element is a form of teleportation, whereas wind element might be swift, it is still moving through space normally.”

“Don’t be jealous.” Natsumi chuckled. “But you’re right. It’s the same with Serpent Senses, I’d imagine? Using various elements such as wind and fire to enhance our perception, give us access to more information? It’s only natural it might fall behind yours, Akio.”

“Yeah. But Tsumura Style can integrate spatial element, I’m the proof. It makes me wonder what about other elements. It said my wood element was integrated, but using it… I haven’t worked out a way. What of more exotic ones, such as metal, dust, radiance?”

“It is certainly fascinating.” Motoko was radiant, despite her freshly Healed injuries and clear exhaustion. “Natsumi, you agree, I am sure. We cannot stop now. We have finally… finally…” Her face was red, and not from embarrassment. Her eyes were wavering, dampness building, her lips quivering. “…reconstructed what my ancestors treasured, father to son, mother to daughter, cousin to cousin, passed down through the centuries, through war, plague, famine…” Her expression hardened. “I find it hard to forgive them, Natsumi. Those who treated it as trash, as unworthy…”

Natsumi glanced at me, but I was already moving, pulling Motoko into a hug. She was surprised, but quickly settled into my embrace, chest heaving with quiet sobs. I let her cry it out, while Natsumi watched on warmly, and Tsurugi seemed puzzled but silently offered her one of her snacks… Yeah, she’s been under a lot of stress. But… it’ll be all right now, she has us…

***

“I feel mortified.” Motoko dabbed at her face, wiping away the tears. After a while she had recovered, though she still seemed pale. “Oh, and thank you, Tsurugi. I appreciate your care.”

As the Tsukumogami shrugged, uncertain and embarrassed, Natsumi spoke up. “I get it. Akio gets it. No need to be embarrassed. If you can’t cry in your fiancé’s arms, when can you?”

“That’s right. Obviously, I’d rather your tears are ones of joy, but… emotions are complicated. All I’ll say is…” At my serious expression, Motoko listened carefully. “…forgive your family, all right? I know they didn’t treasure what you treasured, but… they did let you come to me, which is acceptance of what we wanted. And I wanted what makes you happy. So Tsumura Arts were always going to be treasured, and passed down to our children. Natsumi’s children too.”

“He’s right.” Natsumi agreed. “My parents found it a bit… difficult… I made my own choice. Honestly, it’s a choice a bit above my station. But they accepted. So I’ve no more reason to complain. What does it matter if we had it hard, if in the end, in the now, we won?”

Motoko nodded, now more composed. “Yes, I… am not usually so ill-mannered. But…” Her smile was suddenly warm. “It did not feel bad, crying in the arms of my husband-to-be. To feel cherished. With you looking on as well, Natsumi. Oh, and you, Tsurugi. Whether you are a Yōkai, a Tsukumogami, a Fae, or even a Goddess… family is family. And… yes, I was resentful of mine, though I tried not to show it, but… I shall let it go. For in the end… we have won, Natsumi. Our life is now truly blessed.”

“I quite agree. Sure, things are hard. Hanafubuki was terrible, though it could have been worse. But what matters is we are happy. So go, Akio. You’ve got the joy to spread to others too, yeah? Motoko and I will talk about our new Skills and investigate our treasures.” She tapped her Bracer. “Besides…” Her smile was wicked now. “…it’ll soon be our Christmas Eve dates. We noble daughters don’t have such traditions, but now we’re very much looking forward to it, right Motoko?”

“Yes. It has not been long, though it has seemed like an eternity since we met, every moment precious, the good and the bad alike… yet I would trade no moment of it for anything. While I wish to be a little more selfish…” She took a deep breath, before kissing me softly on the lips. “…I am fine now. So go. Natsumi and I have much to do. Yet the hardest work is done. Thanks to you… and yes…” She rolled her eyes, an unusual gesture for her, as Natsumi chuckled. “…I know you are going to say it is borne by our own efforts. And true, we worked hard. But… without you, I would not have the courage to take this path. Natsumi neither. So be proud. As we are.”

Natsumi joined in, kissing me too, Tsurugi looking on bemused, and after a final flurry of goodbyes, I set out back to the others, ready to see what miracle I could work with Shaeula, and aid whoever else needed my assistance…