On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred And Twenty-Five

The air was eerily quiet, the cold blackness around overwhelming, all encompassing. I blinked, feeling the crisp chill of freezing air, and my breath streamed out as a misty fog. Looking up, all I could see was the massive moon hanging overhead, a silver sphere set in the blackness. So, it’s a dream is it? It’s been a while…

“Yes, I believe it is.” A voice reverberated beside me, though the echoes weren’t like sound bouncing off a wall or trapped in a cave, but… merely the effect of the silence, sound being compressed and muffled. I recognised the voice though, and I turned to see Tsukiko standing there, wearing the ceremonial garb of the Diviner, red and white hakama, though she now wore no veil, her beautiful, elegant face bare to the world and my sight, crimson eyes blazing with curiosity, and when she looked at me… fondness.

“So I’m dreaming of you then?” I chuckled, my own voice swallowed up, deadened, a brief sound in the silence. “I’ve had worse dreams.”

“You know very well…” Tsukiko’s smile was charming as she reached out a hand to touch my cheek, her flesh warm, a contrast to the chill I felt. “…that this is no mere dream. It seems that since we share Tsukuyomi’s grace now, the vision we see…” Around us, the darkness began to shift, revealing a snowy ground under out feet. “…is the same one. Though…” Her fond smile was suddenly a wicked one, full of desire. “…were you to dream of me genuinely, I would be flattered. For I often dream of you now.”

Taking her hand I squeezed it, showing her I was truly there. “In that case, I’m happy that even in my sleep, I’m not alone. The company of a beautiful woman in my dreams is all a man can ask for.”

“You flatter me.” she chuckled, as the scene shifted, or rather, the darkness blocking our vision receded further. Now faint flakes of snow were falling around us, drifting on the breeze, and it was quite beautiful, the moonlight reflecting off the flakes, and it reminded me of the Etheric Tide in the Boundary, when it rained silver sparks of ether.

“Considering you sleep upon a bed surrounded by women, you have no lack of beauty around you. Even I am a little envious sometimes, though I should be the mature one, I know, and as a latecomer I have little right to my jealousy. But then I welcome it too. Yin and Yang. For my desires show me as human, and despite everything, I wish to be so.”

“To be human is to feel.” I agreed. “More than ever, it’s just a label. I consider Shaeula and Tan just as human as us, and Tsurugi too. When you say human, you don’t mean Homo sapiens, but… a being who has the full spectrum of joys and sorrows, yeah? Though I’d definitely like to cut back on the sorrows.”

“I am not so sure. Without Yin, how can we know Yang? I can only appreciate my good fortune so keenly because I suffered the absence of it. And I am not alone in this. You draw us to you, and…” She was the one squeezing my hand now, reassuring me. “…thus we remain human, no matter how far we go. After all, you are certainly freed from the constraints of humanity in many ways. But you still…” Her expression was suddenly more teasing. “…are so adorably boyish. I did enjoy watching you sleep so peacefully.”

Not sure of what to say, I merely kissed her cheek softly, as the darkness around us revealed more. Much of the snow had melted around us now, forming a clear lake, and in it was reflected the moon, though it was crimson instead of the silver above. On seeing that, the colour not too dissimilar to Tsukiko’s beautiful, wise eyes, she frowned.

“The moon is reflected in water… this is certainly a true vision from Divine Tsukuyomi.”

“It seems he’s still watching over you.” I agreed. “So I suppose he is a benevolent father after all.”

“Your jealousy is always so cute. And so human.” Tsukiko giggled, the silence swiftly swallowing the noise. “The Gods are not as we are, but from knowing Taṇhā, and your experience with the three Norns, we know they still have emotions, both far greater than ever we could imagine, and also strangely absent. So I suspect Divine Tsukuyomi finds you amusing. As do I.” She touched my cheek softly. “I am yours, as you are mine. After all, was I not in your bed last night?” Another chuckle, as she looked around. “Sadly, I do not hear the voice of Divine Tsukuyomi. Yet… even without guidance, we can glean much.”

The darkness was illuminating a snowy wasteland, and the silence was hiding a strange sound. Faint, yet growing closer.

“Yeah, you’re the expert, my dear Diviner.” I scooped her up into a princess carry, and she leaned into my chest, still holding my hand. “So I’ll bear witness with you. All I can do is be your steed.”

“How gallant.” Her laughter echoed into the silence once more. “In that case…” She pointed, and I carried her in the direction of the sounds we could hear. The snow intensified, and since this was a vision, or a dream, or some mix of both, I channelled wind to keep the snow off us. Soon, the sounds came closer, a mix of gasps and sobs, faint footsteps on snow too, and there it was…

It was a demon, or at least an approximation of one. It had pale skin, so white as to blend in with the snow, and the wings were ragged and torn, reduced to thin strips and strands, almost as if it was long hair, and it was a pinkish-gold, shimmering with metallic hues, though the ends were dipped in a reddish-black liquid, which reeked of iron. Its feet were bare, black and frozen, and though we couldn’t see the face clearly, the eyes were beautiful, shifting between blue, green and other hues.

“I see…” Tsukiko mused. “And it… or perhaps she, from what we can see of the gaunt bodyline, is carrying…”

I nodded, having noticed what she did, a beat later. A squirming crimson child, covered in wounds, was in the demon’s arms, and while it was sobbing quietly, the eyes… the eyes were full of wisdom, and didn’t seem like a baby at all.

Even though we were standing there, the demon ignored us and carried on running. Then, in the distance, a gleam of gold shone. The snow trembled, the lake with the red moon reflected within rippling, moon shattering into shards of light.

“I think this is the crux of the vision.” Tsukiko pointed out, and indeed, moments later it came into view. A golden statue, not unlike Aiko’s Golden Sister Army, though this one was taller, towering twelve feet high, and it had the head of a lion, and carried a great shield, upon which was carved a cross. A white tabard was adorning it, though it was scratched and torn, and behind it, a huge wing flapped, white feathers falling behind it, merging in with the snow.

“Not subtle, is it?” I chuckled. “I’m half-British. That shield looks like those the crusaders used to carry in old films.”

“It is the lack of subtlety that often masks nuance. With visions, always be wary of certainty. But… it is true. I feel the symbolism is reminiscent of some of my earlier visions.” Tsukiko agreed. Then…

Shit, what a racket. I channelled wind to block the sound, Tsukiko wincing within my arms. The lion-headed statue roared, and the falling snow scattered, but our vision was obscured by the snow being blown up from the ground, turning the world white, but we could still see the demon. It and the child in its arms cried in fear, and it burrowed into the drifting snow in an attempt to hide. Still, the statue came on, and the demon fled further, until it reached the lake, which was finally still again, ominous red moon reflected once more.

“Curious…” Tsukiko mused, her mind working, her experience in interpreting Tsukuyomi’s will brought to the forefront. “What is she doing?”

The demon had knelt down in the snow, and was staring at the water’s reflection, as if puzzled. The red, weeping child flopped out of her arms and picked up a piece of ice from the edge of the lake, and suddenly began to write on it with a bloody finger. The lion roared behind them once more, and the child hurried. Once it had scrawled on the makeshift tablet of ice, it let out a cry and threw it, and it landed on the reflection of the red moon, which swallowed it with only a few ripples. Satisfied, the demon and baby collapsed, and the snow that was falling began to cover them. Then darkness surged, washing over the scene, only the white moon overhead and the crimson moon below remaining, and…

I blinked open my eyes, as someone was shaking me. Looking up, I could see it was Eri, seeming a little apologetic, but the lights in the bedroom were on, and around us, all the other girls were up, except for Tsukiko, who was blinking her crimson eyes sleepily, as Yukiko gently woke her. “I wish you could sleep more, but… you’ve a busy day ahead.”

“Yeah, what time is it?” I asked slowly, and Eri told me it was half past four in the morning.

“You looked so adorable sleeping.” Kana chuckled. She was untying her ponytail, dark hair falling free, her red pyjamas really accentuating her charm, just as the thin cloth did her figure. “I should do this more often.”

“Yeah, but next time…” Shiro chuckled. “…I don’t think Aki would be able to hold back…”

“You mean you wouldn’t be able to.” Eri retorted.

“Are you any different?” Shiro countered. “But yeah, we’d swarm over Aki like a pack of hungry wolves. Still, if you’ve got to go, any guy would dream of dying that way.” Shiro winked at me, before stretching, her loose white top and shorts barely concealing her gorgeous figure. “Anyway, it was a fun night. Since we weren’t as tired as you we stayed up and had a little girl talk. There was even a surprise…” Seeing Eri’s warning look, Shiro chuckled. “Oh well…” She mimed zipping her lips. “…my lips are sealed, I suppose. But yeah, we haven’t been pushing ourselves as much, and we won’t be today, at least not most of us… so a couple of hours was fine for us.”

“That’s good. But…” My mind, slightly sluggish after waking up, cleared. “Tsukiko, do you remember, I dreamed of you and…”

“Indeed I do.” she agreed, cutting me off, face pensive. “That was indeed a vision. The reflected moon, and that we both remember it, shows it to be so.”

“Dreaming of Tsuki, were you?” Shiro grinned. “I guess I’ll have to try harder.”

“That is not-not the point.” Shaeula cried impatiently. “A vision, you say? Why not-not share it with us?”

I let Tsukiko do so as I got up, interjecting where I could. It didn’t take long, as the vision was short, and soon everyone was thinking.

“The golden lion statue is the Church of True Revelation, right?” Natsumi suggested, looking adorably cute in her white and pink pyjamas. “So the woman…”

“A female demon, yeah?” Kana pointed out. “Doesn’t that remind you of anything?”

“There’s three of us gathered here…” Shiro agreed. “…and we were talking to Miss Human Princess yesterday…” She gave Ellie an odd nickname. “Princess of Demons then? If so… what’s the baby?”

“Sending a message…” Motoko mused. “That must be important…”

“There’s not much time to think about it. We’ve a lot to do and no time.” Eri chided. “And we can’t keep Arisu-san waiting, can we?”

“Lucky there’s room in the shower…” Shiro grinned, grabbing Tsukiko and Yukiko. “Tsuki, Yuki… come with me. Besides, I’d like to tease… I mean get your opinion… on how it was sleeping in the same bed with Aki, Yuki.” Leading them into the bedroom’s attached bathroom, the other girls filed out to get showered and changed, ready for the renewal of the Pilgrimage, whereas I quickly cleansed myself with a little elemental water and sprayed on some deodorant before getting changed.

If she’s the Princess of Demons then obviously we have to find her. But there’s too much we don’t know… let me think. Motoko said she was sending a message… but how, and to who… wait, she threw it to the moon, even if it was just a reflection… no, there’s too little evidence to make any snap judgements, but…

The sounds of the shower stopped, and soon Shiro stepped out. She hadn’t bothered to cover herself with a towel, but Tsukiko and especially Yukiko, whose face was almost as red as Tsukiko’s eyes, had. Seeing me staring, Yukiko fidgeted restlessly, before I turned my back like a gentleman and let her flee to her own room for a change of clothes.

“The shy ones are the best, aren’t they, Tsuki?” Shiro teased. “I’ll go change in a minute, but I had an idea, Aki, while we were showering.”

Oh? My interest piqued, I urged her to speak, and she grinned. “I know you’ve got to get going, since today’s the big day. But why not take a detour first and try the Oracle Engine? Isn’t that what it’s for? Not like you can ask poor, knocked out Yasaka, is it? Shaeula can charge it up, and I’m sure Hayato and the gang will have some ideas. It can’t hurt to get fresh eyes on it while we’re busy, can it? They can do it while everyone else is getting set up for Pilgrimage.”

“An excellent idea.” Tsukiko approved. “I confess to not being knowledgeable about computers, but any narrowing of avenues might be worthwhile.”

“I’ll text them while you’re getting ready.” Shiro promised. “So let’s get this done. I’m curious myself about these Cultivators from the past, so…”

As Shiro chattered away, I nodded. Yes, today could be the fruition of a lot of my efforts, but more than that… Tsukuyomi’s vision bestowed upon Tsukiko and I while we were atop Mount Gassan was fresh in my mind, and as our gazes met, Tsukiko seemed to be thinking the same thing. …today could be an opportunity, or perhaps… perhaps a threat…

***

“Are you ready then?” Hayato-kun asked Shaeula. I had brought (or rather, Arisu-san had) over those I was taking with me on the Pilgrimage today, which was Shaeula, Hyacinth, Daiyu, Mae, Tsurugi (in her sword form, as she was sleeping, clearly too excited by the events of yesterday) and lastly Shinkume-no-Hana, who had begged and pleaded to be included, annoying Mae enough that she gave in. Shiro was here too, but only to see Hayato-kun and the others.

Tsukiko had been thinking about the prophetic dream, and had come to the conclusion, with her expertise, that it was likely something that had either just happened or was just about to happen. The lack of Tsukuyomi’s guidance could have been because he was no longer able to provide it, but she suspected that instead it was because the events were close at hand.

“Yeah. Though we’re not sure what to ask.” I pointed out. “Any ideas? The message seems to be the key to it all. Though there are a few other interesting points…”

“Snow.” Hina-chan muttered, pushing at her glasses idly with one finger, thinking. “It might have been to set a scene, aren’t a lot of Christmas movies full of struggles in the snow? Or it might be to rule out hot countries.”

“I reckon the lion is important.” Shugo mused. “I’ve checked the internet, and lions symbolise strength, courage and Divine authority. But a golden lion is one stage more noble, and signifies royal authority and also defence of the faith.”

“It’s got to be the message, hasn’t it? Why are you all ignoring that?” Yasu-kun snorted. “And the baby with the knowing eyes.”

“Do you know what that means then?” Aimi-chan asked brightly, and Yasu-kun fidgeted, clearly at a loss.

“No, but… I’ll come up with a question to ask, see if I don’t!” he countered, to some laughter from us all.

“We must be swift.” Arisu-san declared, tapping her watch. “If you are to proceed with your early Pilgrimage. My strength is not inexhaustible.” She was wearing black jeans, fashionably tight, and a matching black wool turtleneck jumper, since it was quite cold today.

“We must-must pick wisely.” Shaeula grinned, and then winked at me. “For me-me, the Moon calls to me, and I know-know it is the same for Tsukiko. Why-why was the reflected Moon red? Tsukuyomi is God-God of the Moon, Tsukiko is the child of the Moon, no? And you-you are Moonstone…”

“Yeah, Tsukiko noticed that too. Her conjecture was that they were trying to reach out to the moon to save them. If we’re the moon… still, that doesn’t help much. But… let’s try the obvious first. Can you see if the vision was tied to any location?”

“Very well-well…” Shaeula’s fingers danced on the keyboard, a sight that always amused me, but she had adapted to life perfectly here. Soon, the Oracle Engine began to work, creating random numbers and allocating them at further a random way, using clever external methods to create true randomness. I think they’ve added various devices measuring atmospheric jitter, temperature fluctuations and even the decay of some relatively harmless radioactive isotopes. With multiple avenues of measurement, it should be as close to truly random as can be imagined.  

“And we have a result.” Hayato-san declared. “Just one, which is telling in itself. Though of course, we have to remember that it’s all based on probabilities, so even with your great Fortune, Shaeula, it can still be meaningless.”

We all nodded, understanding that, though with her fortunate winds blowing around her, further buffed by Shiro, who had scraped the energy out after doing her usual set of buffs on me, Magatama, Asha and her Tree, Shaeula’s Fortune was monstrous.

“Romania, huh? Can we check something? Snow in Romania… huh, interesting. It started falling on Christmas Eve and carried on through Christmas Day, and while it didn’t affect the whole country, a good chunk of it saw flurries…” Hina-chan seized on that, and Shiro and I exchanged a warm look as our friends gave their all to our efforts.

“Messages from Romania. Shaeula… can you ask about that?” Hayato-kun guided Shaeula to further action, but unfortunately this time we got a number of odd results, either the question was wrong, or her Fortune had failed her.

“How would someone contact us, anyway?” Aimi-chan mused. “Assuming we’re… or rather you’re the moon, Akio-kun. The government has your details locked down. And I doubt they’ll stumble over any old posts you’ve made online, not unless…” She winked at Shiro, Shaula and the others. “…they are going on some lewd websites.”

“I resent that.” I chuckled. “My past is squeaky clean, and my conscience just as clear. Huh… what’s known about me? My relationship with Yukiko was just made public, but the Imperial Family don’t have a method of public contact. There are a lot of Fanclubs online for Shaeula and the other girls…”

“…you too, Aki.” Shiro chuckled. “Stop avoiding the truth.”

“Yeah, well… none of them are official, are they?” I shrugged. “So there’s no point getting in touch with them. My family isn’t exactly well-known, either… and none of your contact info is public, is it? Not from Romania, certainly, if the first Oracle is correct.”

“There’s the idol groups that put members of Adamant on display…” Yasu-kun suddenly spoke up. “They’ve all got websites and emails. Maybe there?”

“That’s not a bad guess.” I praised him, and he blushed, grinning.

“I’m not just a handsome face, you know?” he preened, until Aimi-chan slapped his shoulder, saying he was embarrassing her by being so needy, and if he was going to blush, he should at least do it if a girl complimented him. Once we’d finished our laughter, Shaeula had asked the Oracle Engine again, and it had come up with a negative response. The Engine was still a work in progress and far from flawless, but when we asked it to generate an answer to a yes or no question, which it could do billions of times, it was far more accurate.

“Ask it if it was an email message.” Shiro pressed, and soon the answer came back that it was. Shaeula was beginning to sweat though, the strain on her Fortune brutal, as the revised, better Oracle Engine also took a far bigger toll on the user. Though I have an idea for the future, of course that depends on Ixitt and some other matters…

“Okay then, good job.” I patted Shaeula on the back, mopping her brow for her. “So we know an email has been sent. Unfortunately we’re not the Americans, otherwise it’d be easier to track it. Any more ideas?”

It was Arisu-san who spoke up. “I have been thinking. If it is over the last few days, then looking at our WTV programming, which seems to be the most popular avenue for those abroad to get Japanese news now…” She paused, suddenly smiling coldly. “…if I am being honest, WTV is a massive financial drain, only made possible by the confiscation of FujiTV assets, yet our international syndication fees are flooding in, and despite making them so cheap as to be negligible to most budgets, it is making our balance sheet less of a black hole. But I digress.” She coughed elegantly, hidden behind one hand. For Christmas I’d gone for more traditional gifts for Arisu-san, as she of all people didn’t need spatial storage, and had ruthless defence and offense. But I noted she was wearing the black diamond and ruby earrings I had bought her, though Shiro had helped me choose.

“The point to note is… there were several programmes detailing the Ministry for Spiritual Matters, as well as the new legislation, including our immigration and special passport policies. They are regular broadcasts. So perhaps…”

That’s it! With a smile, I pulled out my phone and dialled Haru, who picked up quickly.

“Good morning.” Haru yawned as she answered, which always amused me, considering. She must have thought the same, as her next words were a quip. “I’m dead tired. Or was that just dead? I shouldn’t get fatigued, how does it even work? Emotional stress, maybe. Anyway, is there a problem? I’m on track for Pilgrimage, though after yesterday everyone is hyperactive. It’s like herding cats. I’m tempted to shine my light on everyone to calm them down. Oh… thanks again for your gifts. I’m sorry my return presents weren’t up to much.”

“I wouldn’t say that. That you even thought to give me any made me happy.” I insisted, and there was a long silence, before she sighed.

“Don’t do that, Akio-kun. It’s bad for my heart. If it was still beating it might have stopped for a moment there. So, what did you need?”

I spent a few minutes explaining, and I could hear her exasperation on the other end of the call. “Really, Akio-kun? You are trying to send me to the grave again. Do you have any idea of how many messages the Ministry gets every day? Even the spam alone would shock you. We can’t hire staff quickly enough, and even with keyword and rudimentary AI searches, it’s still groping for pristine needles in a stack of rusty ones… although… Romania, huh? If we can narrow it down… and I do have three new assistants…” She let out a long sigh. “All right, I’ll set my staff on it. I can’t make any promises, but we’ll pick out all the ones that aren’t useless rubbish.”

“Great. I appreciate it!” We exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then she hung up.

“All right then.” I grinned. “We’ll keep thinking about just what the vision meant, but now everyone needs to get ready for Pilgrimage. We want to finish Hokkaido today. So we’ll be counting on you, Arisu-san.”

“As you always are.” she countered, though Shiro merely smirked knowingly at her reply, muttering that ‘a tsundere Arisu was dangerous indeed’.

True, but I’m not sure if she’s tsundere or genuinely exhausted by everything. Still, at least yesterday she had a nice break with us… all right then. Pilgrimage…

***

“The Hyakki Yagyō rather does enjoy this island.” Hana was saying. Her usual scandalous kimono had been replaced by more proper, warm clothes, similar to a fashionable parka with wool cuffs and neckline, and seeing my expression, she grinned. “Not the cold here, of course. It is rather too… brisk… for my taste.” She glanced at her grandmother, who gave the cold no thought, her usual attire all she needed. “No, what we enjoy is that the Divine is minimal here. As you have discovered.”

I nodded at that. It was why this leg of the Pilgrimage across the island of Hokkaido was only scheduled for one day, though it involved some rather ruthless use of Arisu-san’s Room, and fast transportation for most of the Pilgrims. We had set off early, and were racing through the scheduled shrines, making our offerings and prayers quickly, so that we’d have time for our most important tasks in this cold northern island.

“This land… was not the land of the Kami.” Mae shook her head, baring her teeth in an expression of annoyance. “This was their land. I do not care for this place, not at all. Too many… memories. Ones even I cannot forget.” she remarked sourly, though her eyes were fixed on the north, and I sympathised.

It won’t be long now. Today is the day you sacrificed yourself for, even though I know you didn’t intend it to end up that way…

“It’s certainly true that compared to the other islands there are only a handful of true shrines and temples here. And most of them actually seem to have been set up by other families moving from the south, rather than having already established sites of worship. Still, as we’ve seen, they still have Kami.”

We were in the Boundary here, and had just met with several Kami who were rather cute, a pair of giant white rabbits with soft blue scales, who served the God Okami-no-kami, the Dragon Divinity of rain and snow. Obviously we didn’t meet the God himself, as he was clearly far too powerful to remain here, if he ever was present, but we still paid our respects, gave our offerings, and the Kami agreed to grant us their blessings and favour.

“I am sure that many, including your sister, will be delighted to visit this shrine.” Daiyu observed, a slight, nearly unnoticeable smile on her face, and I was pleased to see she had taken her mind off the potential meeting with two senior Cultivators whose knowledge surely far outstripped her own. “I am not one for cuteness, but as Kami go these were certainly… not unpleasant.”

“True.” I laughed. “Girls tend to go crazy for cute, furry animals. Me, I’ve always been wary of cute white bunnies.” Yeah, that was one of my favourite Isekai stories. But the damn rabbits… well, Shaeula will know my pain soon enough, I think season two is out next year, assuming the world doesn’t spiral into chaos by then…

“Anyway, the next shrine is on the outskirts, we might as well run there through the Boundary. I’ll make sure your Material bodies get there safely.” That’s the advantage of having a Material and an Astral subtle body…

As everyone agreed, we passed through the Boundary. The natives, a motely mix of creatures, wisely scattered, as we were not to be trifled with, and Mae herself gave off a rather threatening aura, but as we neared our destination, her tails twitched, and her eyes narrowed, a frown on her beautiful features. Moments later I sensed it too, as did the others.

Music, shouts, screams, laughter. The drab, white and black buildings of Obihiro, one of the larger cities on the island, were painted brightly by the light of glimmering paper lanterns in long chains hung over the streets, and the heat and smoke from a roaring bonfire, the acrid black fumes rising straight into the rainbow skies of the Boundary like a pillar, was overpowering, only our strong stats enabling us to get closer.

“I see. I had wondered where they had gone to.” Hana muttered. “It seems they too seek the far north this day.”

As we advanced, our path to the next shrine we sought, Obihiro-Myojin, a shrine that while far from old, had been taken over by a traditional family, was blocked by the sprawling ranks of the Night Parade. It would be easy to go around, but before we could, two very familiar figures stepped forwards, their feet almost seeming to shake the ground as they stomped in our direction.

“Har. Har. Har.” Red, the powerful Oni, laughed loudly, his fiery howls momentarily louder than the revelry behind him. In one massive, crimson hand he held a gourd of sake, though from the sloshing sounds it made, it was almost empty. Beside him, the slightly smaller, but still imposing Blue, was crossing her arms beneath her huge chest, staring at Mae as if she was her fated rival.

“Fancy meeting you here. Care for a drink?” Red waved the gourd. “Though I fear…” He let out a cavernous belch, and the stench was quite off-putting. Behind me Shaeula wrinkled her nose, as if disgusted. “…we are almost dry, so how about you stand an old friend a jug or three…”

“Friends?” Mae snorted. “Since when have we been close, Oni? Unless you enjoyed being beaten senseless whenever we met?”

“Ya think I enjoy pain?” Blue grumbled. “I’m not as foolish as Red. Though it does infuriate me, ya attitude. Besides…” She turned her attention to Hana and Shaeula. “We are all fellow Numbers of the Parade, ya? No need for… unpleasantness.”

“In that case…” Mae spoke for us all, impatience clear on her face, and for good reason. “Just why do you bar our way, Oni?”

As Shaeula burst out laughing at that unintentional imitation of her own famous catchphrase, I couldn’t help but smile. Still, I too was in a hurry, and in no mood to play, but Red’s next words surprised us.

“Har. No need to be so hasty, woman. You always were impulsive and quick to anger.” Seeing Mae’s tails rise, he grimaced. “Just like that, brings back pleasant memories.” His grin bared his teeth, jagged fangs lending him an intimidating air. “Much as I’d love to give you a good fight, nothing beats a brawl after meat and booze…”

“Get to the point, will ya…” Blue grumbled, and he snorted sourly.

“I am, I am, stop nagging at me, Blue. My point is… the Parade has been waiting. Word has been passed down that old friends would be stopping by. So come…” He waved a hand towards the camp of the Hyakki Yagyō, which right now almost seemed a literal Parade, as Yōkai were singing and dancing, beating crude drums, blowing horns, roasting unidentifiable meat and breaching barrels of booze, and setting off what looked like crude fireworks in the streets. “…there’s someone who wants to speak to you all.”

“Ya.” Blue agreed. “Besides…” She smirked at Hana and Shaeula. “…how can ya just walk by without saying anything? Ya will hurt a lot of feelings.”

We exchanged a quick glance. Yes, we were in a hurry. But honestly, we had wanted to bring Bintara along, if she was willing, just in case her talents were necessary to help Su Caihong and her daughter. Still… If they knew we were heading this way, that means Uranai is involved. And following her words before hasn’t steered us wrong. Mae seemed to feel the same way, as the intense aura around her retreated.

“Fine then.” I waved a hand, conceding. “Though I’m afraid I don’t have much booze on me. Though if you wait a little while, the Pilgrimage offerings will be coming this way, and we can probably spare a barrel or two of the good stuff.”

“Har. Har. Sounds wonderful. We aren’t fond of waiting, are we Blue? But…” Red began, and Blue finished for him.

“…sometimes ya have to take things slow, not be hasty. Ya get what we mean?”

At their meaningful looks, I nodded. All right then. Last night Tsukiko and I had a dream, and now Uranai has led the Parade here. Haste makes waste, as mom would say, and if even these two muscle-headed, hot tempered Oni caution us to be patient… well, it can’t hurt to hear them out…