On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Side Two Hundred And Forty-Eight – Pilgrims

Christina Bakker, Chion-in temple, Kyoto

“What brings you here, Scryer?” Christina managed to ask her… friend, I suppose? At least I think so. Colleague, certainly, even now. Scryer isn’t a woman who is faithless. Oh, look at me, thinking about such things. I viewed the world in black and white, didn’t I? Loyal or not. At least I thought so. What I saw as black, and what was white, wasn’t what others saw it as. The ends justified the means, and sacrifices were necessary. Rules and even laws were just obstacles to the truth, and while I understood the necessity of order, I believed I knew best, and thus could do whatever I pleased. It’s quite amusing, and rather ironic, that Adam is the same way. If the laws don’t work for him, he’ll sidestep them to get what he wants…

“Is that any way to greet me, you annoying portabujts?” Scryer crossed her arms as if exasperated, and Christina managed a smile, though the effort of moving her facial muscles sent daggers of pain into her skull, and shocking waves of what felt like electrical discharges ran through her nervous system, and she spasmed in her wheelchair, drool scattering from her numb, barely responsive lips.

“Christina, are yooou well? the Fae woman pushing her wheelchair, the dangerous Hyacinth, asked with concern, though Christina could also hear the subtle dislike in her voice. It’s fine. I’m well used to hearing worse. Open scorn or disgust. Besides… she’s an amusing woman, this one. She doesn’t feel much, if any, antipathy due to my past actions, it’s merely that annoyance directed at a fly buzzing around her man…

Christina had been surprised when Hyacinth was the one to offer to take her around today, but she wasn’t going to complain. She’d been friendly enough, talking to Christina with her odd, languid speech, which was quite relaxing to listen to if one wasn’t in a hurry, and she didn’t grow angry or frustrated at Christina’s slow, broken words and regular spasms. She even…

Christina’s skin flushed, remembering the accident. Under a pair of brand-new jeans she was now wearing an adult diaper. Hyacinth had merely tutted as Christina’s body misfired and she wet herself, guiding her into a nearby clothing store bathroom, stripping her off and cleaning her soaked thighs and bottom. She had done that with ruthless and practiced efficiency, and soon had returned with fresh jeans and the diapers, though where she had got them was a mystery. Perhaps another store nearby?

Freshly dressed, Christina had endured another wave of pain as her skin darkened, body hovering between collapse and slow recovery, only her iron will and Ether Healing keeping it from failing, as well as… that centipede venom is a masterpiece of both cruelty and genius. How could a creature evolve such a trait? Does the presence of aether break the chain of our current models of evolution? A fascinating area for study…

“I’m… fine.” Christina gasped, though objectively, she knew she wasn’t. Getting carried away was not an uncommon occurrence for her, and yet, it was why she produced results. Though also why she was taken off the front-line of research and ended up in DARPA. Too reckless, too willing to cut corners on safety, of myself and others. But since I always produced desirable and valuable outcomes, they thought I could still be used productively if I simply oversaw proposals. Of course, I kept my hand in where I could, calling in favours and accruing debts. Then of course, the world changed, and suddenly a researcher with… flexible… morality, a disregard for safety protocols and ethical constraints, and the ability to unfailingly get results was the most sought-after treasure in America, and her rapid rise back to the top had begun.

“Just… some backlash. My… body hasn’t… stabilised yet.” She gasped out the words, her brain a kaleidoscope of colours and exquisite torments. “I …went too far. Thanks… to your… aid, Hyacinth.”

The taciturn Fae merely pursed her lips and nodded, while Scryer watched the conversation with a conflicted expression, a mix of sympathy and knowing disdain.

“No… blame. I’m grateful. It’s just… trying to… show off, for Akio. Went… far too far.” Christina finished, the effort fatiguing.

Hyacinth sighed, and placing her hand on Christina’s neck, she let aether flow in. It didn’t repair any damage, oddly enough, something Christina had been noticing and had come up with a hypothesis about, but recovery wasn’t her aim.

“First Weal. Feel Nooo Suffering.” At Hyacinth’s words the aether surged, and suddenly the torment Christina felt and was managing by Splitting her Thoughts into multiple partitions, dramatically died off.

“But then…” she managed, lips working a little better, though her tongue felt heavy and slow, as if it would choke her if she wasn’t careful. If there is Weal, then there must be Woe. I have learned that. Odd that it follows Material Laws in such a way. Everything has its opposite, and to create something from nothing is impossible. Even virtual particle pairs which become Hawking radiation and slowly evaporate black holes pull their energy from the hole itself…

“First Woe. Cruel Thorns Ooof Pain.” Wood element bloomed, and Hyacinth shivered as several brutal-looking spikes pierced her thigh. Thin trickles of blood leaked down her leg, yet she paid it no mind even as spots fell on the floor, or rather, she did click her tongue and sweep the droplets away with aether, but she didn’t seem concerned by the pain or injury.

Scryer did, however. “Eh shoo dtzak! Why is everyone so crazy? You’re bleeding.” she grumbled to Hyacinth, fumbling for a handkerchief or something else to stop the bleeding, but Hyacinth merely grasped her wrist gently, shaking her head.

“It is nooot a problem. Hyacinth knows what I am doing. It is why I volunteered tooo take Christina around toooday. She should have rested, but…”

“No rest… for the wicked… Scryer!” Christina declared, upbeat despite everything that had happened. “Nor for the research… division! But yes… I got carried away, did… little Miss Christina. The Onmyōji, the centipede… venom… my burgeoning… Skills… and Akio has such… grand plans. So of course… I squeezed out… a little more. Who wouldn’t do… that?”

Scryer shook her head, but Christina was amused to see Hyacinth nodding, as one would expect from a woman who carelessly impaled her own flesh with wicked barbed thorns, heedless of the pain and blood loss that caused, just to aid another. It’s… sometimes nice to forget that everyone has great disdain for me. Though I suppose that’s a luxury I don’t exactly deserve? But… I don’t care how impossible the goal is, how difficult the process, I never did, and I won’t change now! I’ll earn what I want, even if I have to slice myself into bloody chunks again and again. Because to do anything else would be a betrayal of my own self, and also… it makes everything I’ve done wrong meaningless. And that… can’t be the case. Ever since I felt the weight of what I did in my mind, not that I can understand it perfectly, as who can truly know another, I’ve realised that, just like Weal and Woe… I’ve gathered Woe through my actions, so… if I don’t make up for it with Weal, balance it out… I’m not a scientist, but simply a butcher.

“Yooou did well.” Hyacinth patted her shoulder softly, and Christina leaked a chuckle, glad of the pain relief, though it still hardly helped the flux and creaking of her spiritual body.

“But if yooou die, whooo will annoy us? And your Eyes…” Hyacinth gently stroked her cheeks, the gesture not intimate at all, but merely removing tears and snot, making Christina appear more presentable. “…will help those whooo wish to serve Akio reach their dreams. Sooo thank you.”

Scryer stared on, dazed, and even Christina was taken aback. Thanks? That’s… that’s a novelty. But then… from what I gather, Hyacinth has a past that would make mine look tame. I won’t get upset about the double standards, what’s the use? I’ll just worry about my own actions, but… Christina liked, no, loved, no, craved results, and seeing the fruits of her labours was a thrilling feeling. But she was still surprised to find a newer feeling filled her with greater joy, blazing satisfaction. Akio’s pleased, so very happy at my performance! I feel so hot inside. And the fire just burns brighter when he is cold, when he is kind, when… oh…

“What is wrong with her? That expression is truly disgusting…” Scryer asked Hyacinth, though Christina was barely listening. Her Split Thoughts were something she never knew was possible, but suspected certain genius artists, inventors and mathematicians in Earth’s history might have accidentality unlocked, albeit at low Ranks, fuelling their amazing achievements. At this moment they were whirring, and she considered both Akio’s passionate embrace of her, which she knew would come as her performance improved, and also the key reason why, unlike repeatedly damaged parts of a body, her Donated parts couldn’t simply be regenerated endlessly.

“I believe she is looost in fantasy. Let her be.” Hyacinth shook her head.

“I will. Oh… I apologise if this is impolite but you look… different. Healthier, if I may suggest?” Scryer spoke politely.

“Oooh yes.” Hyacinth chuckled. “I am more myself than ever, though I dooo not feel I should speak of it yet. It goooes to show, there is nothing in this wooorld that is absolute. As for my feelings ooon her…” She sighed, though it wasn’t unkind. “I dooo not have the leisure to care for ooothers I do not know, and that Akio and the mistresses dooo not care for. Hyacinth is still selfish. So long as Christina gives her all to aid Akio, I shall respect her. She is rather annoooying though, I admit. Yet I understand. Sex with the one you love is sublime. I never knew that. But nooow I would never step back.”

“You… sounded different at the end there…” Scryer pointed out, embarrassed and puzzled by her frank words. “Besides, all this talk of love, that’s Christina Bakker! She only loves numbers, formulas and research papers.”

Hyacinth flushed faintly. “Fooorget that. I am Hyacinth. Nooothing more. As for looove… too much can lead to darkness, and yet toooooo much darkness can lead to love. Mistress Daiyu would call it Yang and Yin, I would simply say… emoootion is not simple. And anyone can change, or be changed.”

“I still find it hard to believe.” Scryer sighed, pensive. “Oh, I think she’s coming around now. Lost in her own world. A perverted one, judging by that expression.”

“Oooh yes. Definitely. But there is nothing wrooong with honest lust.” Hyacinth wiped Christina’s drool from her chin as her Split Thoughts started processing outside stimuli again, and she caught the tail end of their conversation. “It is still annoooying though.”

“Jealous? Don’t be, my dear!” Christina giggled. “Akio has room… for us all. I’m not greedy, just… a little, just the tip, that’s… all I ask!”

“Aboosh! You are such a fool, Christina!”

“That’s… so mean, Scryer! Anyway, while I… remember. Hyacinth, I ran some simulations… just now, thanks to you… clearing my mind rather a lot. Thanks for that. I’ll be sure… to tell Akio how helpful… you were!” she declared triumphantly, using one of the levers of socialisation and emotions she’d grasped.

And they said I was incapable of having empathy for others! I can understand just fine. She wishes Akio’s praise and affection, just like I do. But the lucky woman already has it. I’m so jealous, but… I’m not petty! I may be starting from minus one hundred on the affection meter, but surely I’ve gained fifty or so points with my efforts! I’ll reach positive points soon if I just keep on Donating and researching!

“And… if you’re… up for it…” Overexerting herself due to the diminished pain was starting to take a toll on her again, but she pushed through. “…tonight, Akio is away… yes? So it’s… self-study.”

“Nooo Donating for you. If you die it would be such a waste. Your Eyes are a great boooooon to many.” Hyacinth shook her head.

“Oh, I am… very much aware of that, Hyacinth. And testing to… destruction… is no longer viable. Not unless we capture some… rather unpleasant… enemies. Then…” Her sloppy smile turned wicked for a second. “…well, enough of that. No, I need… a volunteer. And I think you might be bold… enough.” She managed to move her limp arm, pointing at Hyacinth’s impaled leg.

“Shooould she be listening?” Hyacinth didn’t agree, but she didn’t reject Christina’s proposal, merely concerned about Scryer.

“Oh. Quite, But…” Christina turned her head with some effort, her blue eyes meeting Scryer’s brown ones. “…how’s it going? Adam losing his mind… yet? Really, we don’t… have much to hide. It’s not like anyone can easily replicate… what we are doing here. The Pilgrimage for one…”

Scryer nodded, her face set in an expression of resignation. “Tell me about it. I’ve of course sent the sketches of what I’ve seen of the trainees from that shrine with my own eyes, and I’ve detailed the rituals and affectations. Not that I can discover what you are doing in the so-called Boundary. If I showed up there… it might not go so well.”

“Nonsense, Scryer. You’re… no fool.” Christina disagreed. “And despite… what Hinata and Shaeula… try and do, people talk, don’t they? Especially youngsters, and… those amongst friends. But don’t despair, my dear friend…”

“Who’s your friend? I’m just your watcher.” she grumbled, and Christina tactfully ignored that without retorting. See? Social cues! I do learn…

“Of course we are… friends.” Christina breathed. “You were Healed after… the Church attack, and despite being… a foreign spy, we left you alone. So… I can help you make a report. All true as well!” Christina struggled to raise one hand, and her thumb curled painfully, as she tried to make a positive gesture. Sweat beaded on her brow and Hyacinth wiped it off again. “I’ll liaise with… Hinata, of course! I’m not going to get… into trouble. But… giving Adam what he wants might make him… realise… he’s too far behind. And also… he made a shrewd move… leaving me be here! I am still a patriot…after all. But I best serve my country… by showing our intelligence services that… clashing with Akio is doomed to failure.”

Hyacinth nodded, agreeing, and Christina’s smile broadened. “Then… I’ll be his… American bride, securing an alliance through… passionate lovemaking… and… ouch…”

She shivered as Hyacinth rapped her head gently, and even that was enough to cause great pain. Though that was then largely transferred to Hyacinth herself, her leg dripping more blood as the thorns quivered.

“Don’t do that. Akio… would be sad if… he knew.”

“You were doooing so well. I admit to not understanding matters ooof politics much.” Hyacinth grimaced. “Yet I agree, better to feed a rat than have it steal frooom the granary.”

“I find that metaphor rather insulting.” Scryer complained. “I’ll level with you, Christina, since you’ve been so annoyingly candid with me. Adam’s certainly desperate for information, and is pressuring me for results. He has his own sources, though they seem incomplete, from my limited knowledge of what goes on here. I’ve… lost my enthusiasm, and I’m an open secret. What he expects me to do, I don’t know. I’m not a fool like you, and I have too much pride to sell my body for favours, I’m a spy, not a whore, and it’s not like I could attract anyone from Akio’s inner circle either, certainly not himself.” She glanced at Hyacinth, who nodded, fingers flexing on the handles of Christina’s wheelchair.

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“That wooould be unwise. Hyacinth would have tooo take steps to resolve the proooblem. Permanently.”

“Now you are speaking normally.” Scryer sighed. “Yes, that would be a rather unpleasant way to die. My point is that my usefulness here is at its end. But with my abilities I’d hope I’m too important to America to just disappear, as… I know rather too much.”

“I’ll speak.. to Adam. He’ll listen to me!” Christina promised. “Especially if… we give him something.”

“Eshoo klookh! Have you Donated your brain, idiot? Listen to you? Adam wouldn’t believe you if you told him the sky was blue, he’d get the whole of the NSA to double check!”

Christina rattled a laugh that was more a pained cough. “You were taking notes, I know it! Anyway, let me preface what… I am… about to say with the fact… I can’t be stolen from, only Donate. So a bit of extraordinary rendition back to the… good old… US of A… will only lead me to kill myself. Brainwashing… drugs… won’t work. I’ve got Skills now… dear Scryer. Not like you… maybe, but… I am a genius, and… better still… I’m surrounded by others who are geniuses of… training and experimenting. It’s… a wonderful life. Whether I deserve it or not… it’s mine, and I’ll not let it go!” The long speech exhausted her, but she turned her attention to Hyacinth.

“You’re good with… pain and injury… yes?”

Hyacinth nodded. “Oooh yes. Hyacinth knows them well, though I wish I did nooot.”

“Then sorry… to ask. But I have to be certain.” She forced out the words, all business now. “Scryer, listen… well. If Adam is floundering… give him a taste, and… then he has to come to us for more! There’s… something missing in… our understanding of… how these spiritual organs work. I can… Donate, and… if supplied with… aether, and perhaps… that other thing…”

Talking about soullight is far too much of a taste for Adam. I merely want him hungry, desperate to ingratiate himself with Akio instead of seeing him as a threat that needs to be expunged. He may think he knows that already, but I know Adam. As time goes on his need to control everything will overcome his caution…

“…I should be able to recover… infinitely. But… I can’t, can I? Hence this wretched state. But… I’ll do it again, soon… as I’m recovered. But to prove my… hypothesis… I need a control. Science, you see?” As Hyacinth nodded, Christina unveiled the grisly truth. “I… would need to harvest and repair your eyes… a great many… times, to check for… degradation to the surrounding network. It… won’t be pleasant. And I can’t do it myself or I… would. My body’s changed. I hate to ask…”

“Nooo you do not.” Hyacinth shook her head. “You want to know, but…” Her expression softened. “Not just that. Hyacinth knows you want tooo feel vindicated, than your mistakes are nooot the end of you. Akio, the ooothers, they find it hard to forgive you. I dooo not. I will do it. But for nooow…” Hyacinth began wheeling the chair forward rapidly, Scryer struggling to keep up. “Pilgrimage! Our turn is looong over, and yes, you could catch up afterwards, but that is sooo wasteful. You will be under the knife a great deal, Christina.”

“How simply… delightful.” She chuckled, an odd mix of trepidation, understandable fear of the pain, and also eagerness, to know, and to prove herself, warring within her. “Sorry. It’s going to… hurt.”

“Nooothing hurts more than the pain of a broken heart, ooof hopes betrayed.” Hyacinth shook her head. “I endure. I must, for I wish this time tooo be different. What is blood and pain, compared tooo that hope?”

I… can’t match that conviction, not yet. But I will. She’s a goal to aim for, is Hyacinth. And… Adam’s greatest fear. Best keep her worst weapons under wraps, or Adam will be sending out assassins. I don’t think it would succeed, all it would do is leave America short of Chosen and professional agents. Even Adam won’t be able to convince the President and Congress to nuke or bomb Japan… but he has fears. Reasonable ones, if I’m being candid. Hyacinth could quite possibly drive humanity to extinction. But… if she can, others can too. And I’d rather have the Devil on the inside pissing out, than on the outside pissing in. Oh, maybe I’m one of those Devils too? If I’m right about what’s missing, why I can’t restore myself indefinitely, then… if Akio can fix that with Chirurgery…

Laughing wildly until spittle and a little blood leaked from her lips, matched by bleeding from Hyacinth’s pierced thigh, Christina nodded. “You’re a woman… after my own… heart. If I wasn’t already spoken for, we could have some… fun. Yes, let’s get going. Come on, Scryer. Hyacinth… do text Hinata, my fingers don’t work right… now. I’d like to get an okay for my… idea. And then we can… show Scryer the tasty yet… unsatisfying bait!”

“I am right here, you damn portabujts!” Scryer grumbled. “You think I’m going to go along with your plan when you spell it out to my face?”

“Yes. Because… you know gratitude. And you know… I don’t lie!” Christina pushed out her chest proudly, the effort fatiguing. “It’s to… nobody’s benefit to… be at odds. But there’s not much… trust. I’m here to make that bridge… and I can. So use me… Scryer. Because I’m not… a damn leech! I work… hard!” Her tone was emphatic and slightly offended, surprising Scryer.

“That’s what you take issue with, crazy woman? Fine then…” Scryer sighed. “Giving Adam something might stop his endless parade of requests for updates and orders which I can’t follow.” As they entered the main shrine, Christina craned her neck slightly, seeing Hyacinth watching Scryer with her violet eyes, which shimmered with flecks of silver.

Yes, don’t make the wrong call, Scryer. Honestly, I want to poach you. Your Eyes Of Wise Water… just what benefits could it bring to our Spiritual Eyes Of Earth? I can hardly wait to find out… but first things are first…

Scryer shivered a little, suddenly feeling the winer chill, pulling her coat around her, flipping up the collar to shelter her ears and neck, and the only sound in the silence was the creaking of the wheels of Christina’s chair and Hyacinth’s fingers tapping her phone…

…got to get myself back to health. Because once I have Hyacinth’s data, it’ll be time for phase two! Akio, you just wait and watch! I’ll exceed your expectations, that’s for sure…

***

Kudou Shiori, Ryōan-ji temple, Kyoto

This is exhausting, but… I have a responsibility. Besides, Ryōan-ji is our family temple, and the spiritual centre of what was Tsukuyomi faction. Shiori grinned tiredly. The Pilgrims looked to her for guidance, and it was certainly a great honour to be one of those leading the Pilgrimage. Sometimes she didn’t feel worthy, her gifts, growing though they were, meagre compared to others, but every time she felt down, depressed…

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“Fuck me, Shiori-chan, rough day, huh? This is worse than fucking Tokyo!” her companion, the loud, foul-mouthed and yet amusing Hotaru-chan, looking sexy, rather than pious, in her own red and white hakama, cried, slapping her on the back, and rather too hard at that.

“Stop that, please, I’m feeling uncomfortable.” Shiori sighed.

“Ah, okay. My bad. Shit…” Hotaru-chan let out a long whistle. “…I’m just bored without big jugs, little cutie and elegant-chan around. They’ve stolen a march on us, Shiori-chan! I’m frustrated enough to fucking burst. Well, we can grab some desserts at a café later then watch the Kyoto concert, right? Don’t fucking let me down, girl! I’m needing to cut loose!”

“You know how much Mizuki-chan hates that nickname. Be nice.” Shiori chided, and Hotaru-chan snorted, her boyish yet pretty face seeming to suit the sound of disdain perfectly. She yawned, stretching, and her chest pressed at the partially unwrapped hakama, showing her cleavage.

“I’m always fucking nice! Me and big jugs, we’re tight! And she knows it. I’d throw a punch for her if any molester came after those rocking tits of hers, no fucking question! Anyway… can’t lie to me and say you’re not pissed off, can you? We’re the fucking forgotten of the five superstar sisters! No fancy Eyes or pampering for us, was there, Shiori-chan? Fucking frustrating, that’s what this is!”

I admit, I do feel a bit left out, but on hearing what it was like from Katsuki-chan… I don’t feel too sad… “Maybe so, but apparently the Takakura sisters have precious bloodline talents that need to be optimised.” Shiori turned back to what she was doing before Hotaru-chan had interrupted her, tidying the remaining offerings into the proper place, though other shrine maidens and priests from Kyoto, the shrines and temples having pooled their resources for this grand day, would soon be here to clean the temple, and make sure the offerings were properly attended to. This is really busywork. I should be going soon, for the next stop, but… that’s Kinkaku-ji… I still don’t feel comfortable being in the spotlight there. I’ll let Kana-chan… oh, no, she’s already done… uh, Matsumuro-sama can handle it there then.

“Whereas you, Hotaru-chan, don’t have any gifts. And while mine are strong, mere elemental gifts are replaceable. It’s the unique that gets prioritised.”

“I don’t have any gifts? Bullshit, my dear Shiori-chan. I’ve got my sexy body, charming nature, and willingness to be a damn good wife, as long as I’m kept in the luxury I fucking deserve! I’ve got ambitions, girl! Dad’s not going to cling to power forever, not unless Akio-kun props him the fuck up. Money’s great, but… well, you get it, don’t you Shiori-chan? Your grandfather was one of the biggest of the big shits running the faith, and now…”

“Oh… and now? Do tell, young Hotaru-chan!” A familiar voice echoed behind them, and Shiori turned excitedly, to see her grandpa watching, wearing his priestly robes, a casual smile on his face, stroking his beard cheerfully.

“Oh, shit, uh… no offense, old man Yasuhide.” Hotaru-chan stammered, and Shiori’s grandfather merely shook his head.

“Don’t worry about it. I know you’ve got a wicked tongue, Hotaru-chan, and wicked heart too.” He winked, and Hotaru-chan flushed, clearly embarrassed.

“I’m not.. wicked, just… playful, yeah. Shit, that’s it! I’m playful!”

“You’re certainly cute, but… if you think you can ensnare Akio-kun like that… good luck, is all I’ll say. He can keep his hands of my Shiori though, I’ve told him so!”

“Really? Why?” Hotaru-chan seemed genuinely curious, and so was Shiori. I know grandpa really likes Akio-san. But then, it’s not as though he’d give me a second glance. I’m not plain, I don’t like to denigrate myself, but like my bloodline, only being ‘good’ isn’t enough when we’re competing with those who are ‘amazing’ and ‘unique’.

“You have to ask, my dear Hotaru-chan? I should have words with your father, tell him you’re going fishing. I’m sure he’s have a great deal to say on the subject.”

“Not if I hook the big fish. He’d be fucking overjoyed, tears in his eyes, as he pushed for the wedding as soon as possible.” Hotaru-chan giggled boyishly. “So don’t keep me in suspense and bullshit me, old man, why not Shiori-chan? She’s cute and talented, isn’t she?” Hotaru-chan, who was very touchy-feely for a girl, seized Shiori in a hug, and as she flailed her arms to try and shake her off, she yelped, and Hotaru-chan gave her a wicked leer, flexing her fingers like a molester. “Got a great ass too. And I’ve seen her in the bathhouse, she’s got nice legs. Proper fucking cute, yeah!”

“I’m… not sure what to make of that compliment.” Shiori sighed. “Mizuki-chan is right, you sometimes seem more like a boy than a girl.”

“Are you fucking blind, Shiori-chan. I’ve got these babies to bring in the fish! No boy has these!” She bounced her breasts with her hands, straining her already loose hakama, before flushing. “Shit. Forgot you were there a second, old man Yasuhide. My apologies, or should I be charging you for the free show?”

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“I’ve told you to call me grandpa, or uncle.” Shiori’s grandfather smiled gently. “As for the show, I’m a bit too old to be appreciating you young things. I’ll leave that to younger men. Though as I said, I don ‘t think Akio-kun is a good choice for you, Hotaru-chan. You were complaining about being left out, weren’t you?”

“Damn right I am! The five of us are tight, best of friends, and only the three sisters get the benefits? That’s so fucking unfair!”

“Oh, and who says life is fair, Hotaru-chan? Anyway… let me get you some tea. Kinkaku-ji isn’t far from here, so you can catch up with the Pilgrimage, which…” Shiori held in a grimace as he sharpened his gaze, brown eyes knowing and stern. You’re right, Hotaru-chan. Grandpa was indeed one of the spiritual leaders of Japan, and despite everything, he still is. So don’t take him lightly, he may appear a jovial old fool, but his political rivals respected and even feared his wisdom…

“…is a benefit you are accruing, Hotaru-chan. You ask why I don’t want my Shiori to catch Akio-kun’s eye? It’s simple, and not just because I’d like her to have a more ordinary romance, find love, have children, grow old gracefully and happily… happiness is down to each individual to decide, Hotaru-chan. If my Shiori chooses another path, so long as she’s content, then I’ll cheer for her. But that way of life… it’s not a laughing matter.” He poured out some mugs and handed the steaming tea over. Hotaru-chan took it without her usual boisterousness, and she was listening earnestly, quite unlike her.

“No…” he continued, eyeing them through the steam rising from his own mug. He took a slow sip, extending the moment, and then delivered his advice. “…it’s because there are no bystanders at Akio-kun’s side. Even those that perhaps should have been, Eri-chan, Hinata-chan, Kana-chan… no, there will be blood, fire, despair and chaos, as well as joy, victory, ease and love. And there’s no guarantees that in the end it will finish well. Of course…” her grandpa chuckled ruefully. “…if it ends badly for Akio-kun, then we are probably all in for a terrible time. But… to be in his orbit is to be put at risk. Here on the outskirts, where Shiori is, where we can gain influence and help, but aren’t dragged into the true dangers, it’s the comfortable place to be. A place your father spent a lot of money and political capital to earn you, Hotaru-chan.”

He took another long sip of his tea, before finishing his thoughts. “A place you’re trying to discard. To move closer to the sun. And there are myths about that, Hotaru-chan. Now, I know you feel these the rantings of an old man, so I’ll leave you to enjoy your tea and the rest of the Pilgrimage, but… do at least consider it.”

With one final slurp of his tea, her grandpa left, a satisfied expression on his face. Hotaru-chan stared after him, expression unusually pensive, before she shook her head, gulping at her tea. “Hey, this is fucking good. Oh well, sorry, I know he means well, Shiori-chan, but… I’m a realist, girl. The edges may seem the best, but… I want to be somebody. No, not just fucking somebody, I want to be someone Japan, no, the world, looks to in awe! And if I have to have my eyes gouged out for that, and swapped for magic ones, if I have to slave away, I’ll work damn fucking hard! Though I’d prefer it easy. Lying on my back and thinking of England, maybe.”

Shiori-chan nearly spat out her tea at that. “Just what are you saying?”

Hotaru-chan finished her own tea before responding. “Akio-kun’s half-British, isn’t he? But seriously, think about it. Anyway… we should be going, shouldn’t we, Shiori-chan?”

“Oh, yes. I forgot!” Flustered, Shiori-chan downed her tea hurriedly. She left the empty mugs for the clean-up crew, and hurried off with Hotaru-chan. As they headed towards the next shrine, that which belonged to her grandpa’s big rival, Saionji-sama, Shiori asked what was on her mind.

“You… really… want those Eyes? Despite everything?”

“I don’t much like the idea, no, but… it would mean I’m important, girl. Shit, that’s what fucking matters in this world. Being somebody. I’m a pragmatist, you know? Before, it was money, political power… but that doesn’t mean shit, does it? Not now. If Akio-kun and his allies decided to overthrow the government right now, my dad would be fucked, let me tell you.”

“They wouldn’t be able to do that. The JSDF…” Shiori-chan trailed off, suddenly unsure, as the look in Hotaru-chan’s brown eyes was both fond and pitying.

“Yeah, you’re a nice girl, Shiori-chan, especially considering your family are bigshots. Most political families are full of shitty pretentious men and grasping, bitter women. I hope you stay that way. Yeah, sure, drop enough bombs and shoot enough guns, and people will fucking die. But you think Akio-kun and the others are idiots? Assassination, decapitation strikes… they could fucking do it, believe me!”

“But they won’t.” Shiori-chan insisted, and Hotaru-chan shrugged.

“Sure, but my point is… someone might. Don’t worry about the old ways, or what people fucking think. It’s the endgame that matters, and I’ve got my eyes on the prize.” As the golden edifice of Kinkaku-ji drew closer, Hotaru-chan let out a long sigh. “Tomorrow or the day after. Since Akio-kun’s away today, right? Don’t worry though, Shiori-chan! When I’m in, I’ll put in a good word for you! Hey, if I offer up big jugs as a sacrifice as well, I’ll get tons of fucking credit!”

“That’s rude. And Akio-san’s not that sort of man…” Shiori protested, only for Hotaru-chan to chuckle and push up her chest again.

“It’s all tits, you know? Guys can’t resist, and judging from most of the women around Akio-kun, he’s no different. Trust your big sis Hotaru, she knows what’s up!” As she patted her chest, Shiori shook her head.

I think you’re a very bright girl, Hotaru-chan, but you’re going to fail here. Even if by some miracle you manage to get a chance to seduce Akio-san, it’s more likely that one of the women around him will end up punishing you quite severely. But then, whatever I say won’t stop you, so… good luck, I suppose? I’m not exactly cheering for you but… huh, do I, should I, want the Eyes too? If so… I can get grandpa to ask… he doesn’t want me in the centre, but… Hotaru-chan might be right. The world is changing too fast even for my grandpa to keep up…

***

Kanzaki Keiko, Adamant, Kinkaku-ji Boundary, Kyoto

“Thank you very much!” Keiko bowed, clapped her hands twice, and then placed them together, offering a small prayer to the Kami in front of them. When she was done, she bowed one final time and stepped away, making room for Ema to step up to the Kami, who was a strange, deer-headed man in golden robes. Glancing over at their fellow Adamant idols, Keiko couldn’t help but smile at Asuka, who stood beside her, also resplendent in the idol-style Adamant uniform.

Seeing her gaze, Asuka chuckled. “I know I’m cute, Keiko. But if you stare like that, I’m going to blush.”

“My bad.” Keiko apologised with a smile. “I was just thinking, didn’t Hinata-chan say she’d made a breakthrough, and we’d be getting brand new uniforms soon. Red, gold and black. We’ll look even better on stage.”

“And in battle.” Suzu-chan, the American… No, I’d best think of her as Japanese, it’s what she wants… idol who had been accompanying them on today’s Kyoto leg of the Pilgrimage, as Arisugawa-san, who she usually followed around, was making preparations for another major WTV broadcast and mini-concert, in which they’d be partaking in later, singing A.D.A.M.A.N.T (Always Dreaming, Always Marching, Always Now Triumphing), as well as a number of AKB hits.

“We idols always need to look our best, you know. Especially in times of trouble. After all…” she smiled, and Keiko had to admit that, despite obviously not looking Japanese, being a pale-skinned westerner, in contrast to the different sort of pale Japanese women were, she was truly beautiful, especially her natural blonde hair, styled into her usual massive hair drill twintails. “…we’re here to make the days of our fans a little brighter, and what better way to do that than by triumphing over their enemies, all the while looking composed, beautiful and charming?”

Seeing Suzu-chan’s hair made Keiko idly touch her own twintails, though they were braided normally. I’d not have the energy to spend so long styling my hair each morning. Though that does make me wonder, can she take shortcuts with aether? Oh my, I’ve changed so much. Now I’m actually thinking about how to use the powers that our seniors in Adamant and Matriarch Daiyu are teaching us in our daily life. It… doesn’t take much getting used to. I guess we idols are adaptable. We have to be, if we want to stay at the top! It’s a cutthroat business. In a way, Adamant is charming in comparison. Everyone helps and supports one another, because… it’s life or death if we don’t. I can still hardly believe it…

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“I think there’s a flaw in your reasoning there, Suzu-chan.” Asuka replied. “Don’t you agree, Tamami-chan?” she addressed one of the members of Red and White, the smaller idol group from Akiba, who had more of a religious bent, being from Kanda-myōjin shrine. They had joined Adamant and Daiyu’s Incorruptible Jade too, much to the delight of Aiko-chan. Akio’s idol fan sister, and thinking about her made Keiko smile. She’s… energetic. But supposedly, just like Hinata-chan, our High Commander, Aiko-chan made a breakthrough last night. We… can’t be left behind. Our training must succeed too.

“I don’t know about that.” Tamami-chan was wearing the same style of idol Adamant attire, yet since they were from a different group, the detailing was of another style, in their case, the skirts resembling hakama, while Keiko’s was more of the traditional idol style, replete with frills and bells, though the bells could be silenced easily enough by pressing the belt, since this was also a combat uniform. “I still haven’t forgotten how our performance at Kyoto last time was interrupted by tragedy. At the time we had no idea what went on, but now… we’ve heard the stories. And some of the trainees who died there were our fans, and surely yours too, Keiko-chan.” Beside her, Tsubame-chan and Kanako-chan voiced their agreement. They were obviously dressed the same way, though the girls were allowed a certain measure of customisation, showing their character, for example, Kanako-chan, who also wore her hair in a twintail style, had some cute ribbons on her shoulders, matching those in her hair, though they were the sort to detach if pulled, so they couldn’t be grabbed successfully in combat.

“That’s the spirit. They didn’t want me to go, apparently I wasn’t trustworthy enough… I didn’t inspire confidence…” Suzu-chan giggled. “I suppose that’s fair enough. I was a little hurt, but the boss told me to keep a low profile. That’s not my specialty. I’m an idol, I have to shine the brightest wherever I go. Oh, not brighter than the boss, though. Arisu-chan’s a star too. Thinking about it…” Suzu-chan grinned, and when she did, she was truly dynamic, her bright personality at odds with her goth-loli stage attire and her black parasol she had slung over one shoulder, even here in the Boundary.

“Oh, I’ve a question!” Ema asked, having finished her offerings, while several other members of AKB0048 took their turns to pray while the deer Kami watched on. “Where are your backup dancers, Suzu-chan?”

“Arisu-chan will bring them when it’s time. But…” Suzu-chan grinned triumphantly. “…it’s good being a Vassal, or really, it’s better being a sister, to Akio-kun. The boss would argue it’s even better being a lover…” She glanced at Keiko knowingly, her smile seeming rather teasing and salacious, and Keiko struggled to meet her blue eyes, eventually looking down, knowing her face was red, as she chewed at her lip a little. “…but I’m an idol, I’m for the fans. But… that’s not the way it has to be. Adamant idols are for Adamant, and for Akio-kun.” Suzu-chan winked, popping out one of her ever-present lollipops from nowhere, unwrapping it, and starting to slurp on it playfully.

“Where’d you get that, Suzu-chan?” Ema asked, and Suzu-chan produced another, and Keiko narrowed her eyes, picking up on the faintest trace of purple in the air.

“Spatial storage?” Keiko guessed, and Suzu-chan grinned.

“Of course you’d know.” She cast her gaze on Keiko’s rank insignia and what it portended. “Mine’s a Christmas gift from my big brother.” Her tone was playful. “Arisu-chan says I don’t read the situation properly, but I get that one just fine. To be a sister is… special. And isn’t as limiting as you girls would think. Anyway… mine’s a bit bigger than yours. Not big enough, though. When Pilgrimage is over, I’m going to get Akio-kun to make me one large enough to hold all my backing dancers. That way I’ll be ready, both to fight, and to perform, at a moment’s notice.”

“How cool.” Ema gushed. “But I don’t know if I’d like that. Rumi-Rumi would definitely keep us all locked up inside until we were needed!”

“Hey, I heard that!” the older idol called over, pretending to be mad, and Ema ran to hide behind Asuka, feigning fright. Laughter spread throughout the idols around them, and Keiko shook her head, her own laughter cheery.

Yes, I definitely want to push my limits. And I can do it. This Pilgrimage has shown me the way. My control over Qi and aether has grown a lot. Even if I’m still a novice. Tonight… Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan might have an opening, considering Akio-kun and his group are away at Mount Atago…

With a smile, Keiko asked just how Suzu-chan was going to persuade him, as the larger the storage, apparently the spatial element was consumed exponentially, which is why the ordinary Adamant members only had enough space for a few personal effects, their combat uniform and a weapon or two. The answer surprised her.

“Oh, it’ll be easy, trust me.” Suzu-chan popped out her half-finished lollipop and waved it to make her point. “I’ll just take him out on a sister date. It’s a family tradition, it seems. Once we’ve done karaoke, taken some purikura, cute ones, nothing else will do, maybe done some indoor baseball and crane games, I’ll flutter my eyelashes, and ask nicely. ‘Big brother, I need a favour… you’re the only one I can turn to…’”

Huh? Really? I mean, everyone in the Adamant group chat has seen some of the date pictures, and he was out with Aiko-chan, but… doing all that? Well, who am I to question it? It’s nice, seeing siblings so close, I guess.

“Hey, I could try that!” Ema laughed. “I’m the little sister sort, everyone says so.”

Juu-chan, who had finished her offerings, came over and tugged on Ema’s pigtails playfully. “You’re the little sister of the group, certainly, but… I think you’d better not. Or Akio-kun might eat you up. You’ve got that cute appeal, Ema-chan.”

“Yeah…” she flushed, giggling nervously. “Maybe I’ll give it a miss then. If I did then Keiko would be upset I beat her to the…. Mmm…mmmh!”

Keiko covered Ema’s mouth quickly, and shook her head. Though everyone knows. I was maybe half-joking when I said Akio-kun was my ideal man in that interview, but… yeah, it’s not like it’s a lie, not at all. But… I’m focused on Adamant, on the Sect, on AKB, and on… being the best I can be. I don’t have the right to pursue my dreams unless I can do it well.

“Training tonight is doubled!” Rumi-Rumi called, and there were laughs, groans and ironic cheers. “Will you be joining us, Suzu-chan?”

“Sure, why not, though I might be late. It’s torture time again, you know?” The way she said it so chillingly calm, tilting her head in a cutesy fashion, still licking her lollipop, parasol slung over her back, sent chills through everyone. Seeing that, she pouted. “I’m kidding. Mostly. It’s more an interrogation, you know? Of the prisoners Eri-chan and I captured. They don’t like to talk, that’s for sure. Anyway, they’re disciplined, Haru-chan can’t read them yet, so… we have to break down their mental resistance. It’s all perfectly humane, I assure you. Though we did break parts of their Chakra networks, so they can’t cause trouble!”

“I… see.” Keiko managed, unsure of what to say. Seeing that, Suzu-chan knuckled her head in a charming gesture of apology for her clumsiness.

“My bad. I didn’t mean to ruin the mood. We’re performing soon! Cheer up, it’ll be fine, I promise. Besides…” Her blue eyes were suddenly devoid of emotion, her cute smile replaced by a colder one. “…they came to kill us. I don’t sympathise. Live by the sword, die by it, right? No more than you should sympathise with your fan who tried to… break the unwritten rule between idol and fans!”

Keiko nodded slowly. Sora-kun. Yes. He was horrible. Evil even. And the Church attackers were worse, targeting schools full of innocents. Yes… I’m not just an idol now. I’m a Cultivator, and I must be resolute. And I’m also Adamant. I’ll not shatter, nor break. Not anymore. I protect myself, I protect my fellow idols, my fellow warriors of Adamant, Akio-kun, and even our fans. No, we do…

Glancing around, she saw many of her comrades were thinking the same, especially those who formed Pleiades. Yes, we’ll sing our hearts out, and when the time comes on the battlefield, will fight with as much passion as we do with our songs. Let Doki★Doki Diamonds, Invincible Shooting Stars! be our battle cry!

***

Ileana Roșuluminel, Shijō-dori fashion shopping mall, Kyoto.

“Are you… sure?” Ileana asked the young woman, Eri Mori, who merely shrugged.

“Hey, I get it. You have noidea how I struggled with having money, to start with.” Eri shook her head, as if annoyed at herself. “Shaeula took to it naturally, of course, to an almost disgusting degree. But then, she is a princess, and also a Fae, so it’s not surprising she just egged Akio on. Honestly, some of his early spending was terrible if he wanted to keep everything a secret. Mother-in-law Emily thought he was dealing drugs. Can you imagine it?”

“Drugs?” Ileana tilted her head in confusion. She asked her blood child, who snorted sourly, even now holding a rather plain but serviceable set of jeans and a more masculine-cut shirt, as if to imagine how it would look on her.

“It’s an illicit substance, like alcohol, just worse. And very illegal.”

“I see. Thank you. Oh…” she responded to something else Eri had said. “Shaeula is the Princess of Beasts, you termed her, yes?”

“That’s right. So don’t be put off by your title, or crumble under the pressure. Just do what you do anyway, and if there are any problems, we’ll all come together to deal with them. Oh, you should definitely take that…” Eri pointed to a black and purple dress hanging up in the corner, and Ileana frowned at it.

“It is indeed beautiful, with a lot of detailed craftsmanship. The lace and ribbons are gorgeous. But… the style…”

“You’re a Vampire… excuse me, a Dhampir. So this is traditional. Gothic fashion is a must. Besides, with your pale skin, you’ll look great. Of course, you need other clothes too. And underwear.”

Ileana looked at the dress dubiously, before Eri raced off. Soon she was back, and had secured permission for Ileana to try the dress on. Moments later, she was inside the small changing room, the curtain drawn, giving her some privacy, and the dress and assorted accessories and underwear were present. She had become used to these bras and panties now, so swiftly changed, though the toggles, buttons and ribbons on the dress took a little time to get used to. Soon she was done, and she looked at herself in the mirror, shocked by what she saw. The dark colours accentuated and drew attention to her pale skin, and set off her rose-gold hair and multichromatic eyes well. Swallowing, Ileana shook her head. It seems Eri was not mistaken. However, I feel like this will draw too much attention. I need simpler clothes as well.

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Stepping out, she winced, head down, as Valeska’s laughter embarrassed her, but she did praise her appearance, as did Eri.

“Yeah, definitely taking that one. Money well spent, Akio would say for sure. Anyway, try on those jeans and skirts, and then if they fit we’ll have them sent back to the estate, once you change back into your camouflage.”

“The estate? I thought… we were going elsewhere?” Ileana asked, and Eri shook her head.

“No way. Don’t worry though, you won’t be forced to sleep in Akio’s room any more. That was for last night. There’s plenty of space in one of the other houses. If you wear that dress, you’ll get on well with Suzu-san, I imagine. Anyway, until we’ve established for definite whether you’re this Princess of Hell, you’re under close watch for your safety, and even if you aren’t…. as non-humans, or rather partial ones, you’ll both have needs, and we’re best placed to help you settle in. Of course, you’ll have to help us out in exchange.”

“I still… do not get why you are so welcoming and generous.” Ileana was concerned this was all a cunning, long-term trap, and Eri rolled her eyes.

“You might not think that soon enough. You might think Akio ensnared you. But… you won’t hate it. I really should be angry, or upset, or even just exhausted, but… I’m at peace with myself, and with Akio. Besides…” She sniffed tiredly, as Ileana slipped back into the changing room. “…once you get a taste of his blood, there’ll be no turning back. We both know that. Is it a trap if you willingly walk into it?”

Blood. Ileana paused, almost dropping the clothes she was carrying. Her canines itched, and her nose burned, as she remembered the utterly alluring smell he had given off, the ruby droplets perfect and a solution to her current weakened state. With such potent blood, she could certainly recover her former strength, and also help her blood child repair her remaining internal wounds, though after whatever Akio did for her yesterday, she had become noticeably healthier, her hair thicker, and even shading to black in places, wrinkles fading from around her eyes. But to do that…

As she tried on a pair of jeans, Ileana shook her head. I do not believe they mean us harm, but… that does not mean our destiny lies with them. It is… too soon… to make any decisions. But… we have no choice but to depend on their generosity, and also… they seem good people. Whatever happens, a few days of peace to calm our racing hearts… racing, hah… she snorted at the image of that, of her black blood flowing at anywhere near the rate a human heart would. Regardless, we need to rest. Recuperate. And find out just what this new world holds for us, and how we can find a place in it. And if that place is here… that might not be so terrible…

“Can you hurry it up a bit? Do we need to come in and help?” Eri called, startling Ileana out of her thoughts. “I still have to do my Pilgrimage stops.”

“Sorry. I shall be right out.” Pulling off the jeans she tried on a long skirt, then another, and soon she stepped out, back in her unusual red and white outfit she had been loaned. “They fit.”

“Great. Grab some of the same in other colours then, and that will have to do.” Eri once more shocked her with further extravagance, but numb to it all, Ileana merely nodded, letting her dictate the pace of events. Whatever happens, I hope that Valeska and I never have to flee with only the rags on our backs again. It will be nice to have clean, fresh clothes to wear as I wish… as for other, weightier matters, they could be set aside, at least for this peaceful day…

***

Izumi Keomi, Kiyomizu-dera Boundary, Kyoto

“It’ll be fine, Hotene-chan, cheer up. Look, I’ve got cake!” She produced it out of the small Spatial Storage she’d received for Christmas. If I think about it, this is really expensive, isn’t it? Akio-kun’s just the best, I see why Kana-chan loves him so much. She’s adorable. Always so cold to others, but secretly I know she’s nice. She always looked out for me, and also for Marika-chan. Speaking of…

As she let out a titter, Hotene-chan and Marika-chan, her two companions, both eyed her, though Marika-chan, polite little cutie she was, was far less stern. I really want to have her as my sister! Or at least a cousin, Kana-chan always treats me like I’m a kid, I’m almost as old as her!

“Why… are you laughing to yourself?” Hotene-chan asked, her voice as soft and slow as ever. The dark-skinned girl wasn’t good at expressing herself, which was definitely a problem. If you don’t say what you want, people won’t give it to you.

“Just thinking how cute Marika-chan was!” Keomi pulled her into a hug. All three of them were in shrine maiden hakama, and the adorably small Marika-chan looked just like a little adult, so very mature. But she still likes cake, I know it! Everyone does. Everyone’s mood improves when they eat something sweet. Mine definitely does. I’ve never had so much good cake since Akio-kun came into Kana-chan’s life… though… mournfully she glanced at her own tummy, which was uncomfortably tight against her hakama where Marika-chan was pressed against her. I can’t have put on weight again, surely not? It’s hard when you’ve had Chirurgery, right? Right?

“You’ll get cake on her clothes…” Hotene-chan warned, pulling at Keomi’s arm, and she released the flushed Marika-chan with a giggle.

“Nope! I put the cake back in, and here it is again!” In a faint flash of purple, the cake, slighty squished, reappeared, as did a few small plates and some knives and forks. “I’m always prepared! Kana-chan says that after what happened at her home, we should always be ready for trouble. Oh, sorry, Marika-chan. I remember you were really frightened.”

“I was.” Marika-chan agreed, looking for a moment like the younger girl she was, before her calm gaze returned. “But I believed in Akio-sama, and he did not leave us to suffer. It was… a great relief. Kana-san was very brave, standing up for me… I would have never forgiven myself if she got hurt.”

Yes, she’s as adorable as the cake, for sure, but not as tasty! “Here.” She cut them several slices. “Nothing beats eating cake in the Boundary. Oh, unless it’s at the café. Those fruity juices are sweet, refreshing and tasty, all at once! Now then… stop calling Akio-kun –sama, Marika-chan! He doesn’t like it. He thinks it makes him sound old.”

“He… is old.” Hotene-chan managed, shaking her head. “Compared to us, and especially to Marika-chan.”

“You’re thinking about it all wrong.” A fork in hand, Marika-chan devoured a slice of the strawberry shortcake, her expression melting. “And I know you respect him, Marika-chan. I sure do too! He’s always looking out for us. But… sometimes too much formality is bad, you know?” She tilted her head, thinking of how to express that. Better have some more cake, sugar helps me think, and strawberries… they make me happy, happy people are naturally smarter, right? I’m sure that’s true. Kana-chan used to be miserable and now she’s not, and she’s cleverer! I’ve got lots of cake, every day… apart from those few, anyway… is fun, so… I’m smarter too. My grades went right up as well.

“I still do not want to disrespect him. After all, he is the benefactor of our shrines, Keomi-chan.”

“He sure is. All the more reason…” Keomi waved her fork, realised it was empty, and speared another slice of cake, taking a huge bite and chewing happily. After she swallowed, she repeated the action, vanishing the cake so fast it almost seemed she was using spatial element. Oh, it’s gone? Boo, how disappointing. Oh, I think I’ve got some chocolate cake still, right?

“…why you should treat him like a big brother, not like some important guy. I’m not saying Akio-kun isn’t someone special, I mean… we get to hang around with Princesses and even Kami, yeah?” She tittered again, tugging on one of her braids idly with her free hand as she contemplated whether eating the cake now would leave her enough for later.  I have to be prepared. But… later we can just buy more. Fine!

“But…” she continued as the chocolate cake appeared. “…he wants to feel liked, not praised. He’s an easy man to read, you know? That’s why Kana-chan likes him. Oh, that and the whole ‘saving her from a fate worse than death’ thing. But I hope you’re too young to know what I mean, Marika-chan.”

“No, I get it.” Marika-chan was quiet now. “Perhaps even I…”

“Nope, no dwelling on that.” Keomi patted her head, careful not to get cake in her hair, though she did manage to smear it across her own hakama, leaving a brown smudge, which made Hotene-chan sigh, and Marika-chan giggle weakly. “Nobody got hurt except the bad guys. And we’re always prepared now!” She struck a pose, getting chocolate on her leg.

“I don’t think… having cake counts as being prepared. What will you do? Feed an enemy to death?” Hotene-chan rolled her eyes, but Keomi inwardly smiled, knowing she was distracted from her memories of this place. It’s hard for her, being here. As for me… I don’t worry about it anymore. It was frightening, terrifying, but… everyone came to our rescue, even though we were wrong. I should have spoken up, stopped everyone going somehow, but nobody would have listened to me anyway…

“I’ll think of something, you know?” Keomi tilted her head. “My point is, do me a favour, okay? Call Akio-kun big brother and you’ll make him happy. I know I’d be happy, you little cutie! As for you, Hotene-chan… want to leave some incense sticks where… where she died? It’s not much, but…” Keomi swallowed softly. We lost so many acquaintances there. But it was our fault. We were told not to follow anyone but Akio-kun into the Boundary, and we did it anyway. I’ll… always regret that. But I’ll always remember that shining moment when Akio-kun, Shaeula, Eri-chan… they came flying to our rescue. Life’s too short to dwell on sorrow. Oh… I’ve eaten most of the chocolate cake too…

“Best have some cake before I eat it all.” she tittered. “We… we have to eat cake, because Ayai-chan can’t anymore. But you can, Hotene-chan. You can.”

The dark-skinned girl trembled for a moment. “My cousin, she was as close to me as a sister. I… miss her so much still. But…”

“But you’re still here, thanks to her pushing you out of the way.” Keomi whispered. “I’d like to light some incense. To thank her. For keeping you, my friend, alive. And maybe me too. Even delaying a second mattered.” Poor Hotene-chan. If I lost my cousin, if Kana-chan had died or was hurt bad… oh, I don’t ever have to worry about that anymore. No way Akio-kun will ever let anything too terrible happen. Eri-chan and Shiro recovered just fine, and even Tsukiko-chan… oops, Diviner-chan, can’t be rude… came back to life. It’s just a shame that Ayai-chan and the others weren’t… no, that’s mean. Can’t think that… maybe I’m low on sugar. But…

“We’re here. If you can’t do it, I can place the offerings for you, Hotene-chan.” Keomi suggested gently. “The Kami wouldn’t be petty enough to withhold their blessings, I’m sure. Our White Snake wouldn’t, and I’m sure your Brown Dog wouldn’t either, Marika-chan.”

“That is correct. Chairo-sama is benevolent. Come, Hotene-chan.” Marika-chan offered her hand, and Keomi stuffed the rest of the cake into her mouth, before putting away her plate and cutlery, and surreptitiously wiping her hands on the back of her hakama. It’s already dirty, and nobody can see what’s behind me, anyway!

“Yes.” Keomi grabbed Hotene-chan’s other hand. “We should go. It’s like visiting a grave. It makes you cry, but… also makes you happy to be alive. How do you want to live your life now, Hotene-chan? Me… I’m going to have fun, laugh, and cheer on Kana-chan! Oh, and play with you two, and eat cake, and go to karaoke, and buy pretty clothes…”

“They would be… wasted on you.” Hotene-chan sighed, though a faint smile quirked her lips. There! Mission accomplished!

“You would only dirty or tear them, like always. Your face is filthy, and your hand is sticky!” Hotene-chan finished acerbically, though Keomi knew there was no malice in her harsh words, it was just the way she was, so she smiled knowingly, before making a suggestion.

“Oh, sorry. Well, we can rinse off at the Chōzu-yawhen we are purifying ourselves.” Keomi shrugged cheerfully.

“And you call yourself… a shrine maiden. That water is for the ritual, not washing.” Hotene-chan sighed.

“Oh, I know that. But who’s going to know? And if the Kami objects, I’ll tell Akio-kun all about it. He’ll stand up for me, I’m sure!”

Laughter filled the air, and Keomi nodded, well satisfied, humming to herself. Hotene-chan’s still grieving, of course she is, but… so long as she’s distracted, she’s still able to smile. Now… maybe I need to get her to explain how she’s so good at learning new elements? I’m really struggling. Maybe it’s because I’ve not had enough sugar? But if I eat any more cake, Kana-chan will tease me for being a little piggy, and Akio-kun might not think I’m cute. Oh, this is such a terrible choice. Maybe I’ll flip a coin? Let Fortune decide for me? No, then I’d just feel bad if I didn’t get the result I wanted… cake it is. But… afterwards.

Her compassionate gaze fell on Hotene-chan, who was walking to the centre of the shrine in silence, the golden edifice that was Haru-chan’s Territory now very impressive. Tonight Kana-chan and Akio-kun are all lovey-dovey at Mount Atago, so… maybe we can slip away and find a café? I have spending money, I don’t mind treating… She exchanged a glance with Marika-chan, who nodded solemnly, understanding. Yep, you’re so cute I could just eat you up, Marika-chan, but… I like cake better. And I like eating cake with friends and family even more. So long as there’s plenty to go around, of course…