On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor - Six Hundred And Fifty-Four

“It’s rather curious…” Haru was saying, as she sat upon a comfortable chair hastily pulled up beside Tarōbō’s throne, in front of the temple which housed the Sacred Flame, which burned merrily behind us, throwing out pulses of light and sparks of shimmering red energies. I was sitting beside her on her other flank, and the rest of our group was waiting with us, watching as the assorted Tengu of the mountain offered their prayers to the elements the Four… no, Five, if we included the Centre, represented.

“…it seems like most Tengu are of wind, but that’s not one of the five Eastern elements, is it?”

Tarōbō grimaced, but allowed Haanōbō to answer. She seemed a little more talkative today, which made sense, as it was a day that my sis and I would finally inherit the position of Direction, assuming nothing went wrong.

“We do not like the term Eastern. They are simply the elements represented by the great Divine Guardians. Some call them the Auspicious Beasts, yet we despite such a term. Auspicious, yes, but Beasts…?” Sher shook her head, violet hair swaying, and I chuckled, reaching out to pat her shoulder reassuringly.

“Shaeula would agree with you, she despises the title Princess of Beasts, claiming she is of course no such thing. But it’s allegorical. Anyway, yeah, I always thought it a bit odd there wasn’t air, but thinking about it,  no system actually makes any sense, unless you visualise it from a Path standpoint.”

“Path?” Haanōbō asked, not being fully privy to a lot of the discussions I’d had with Tan, Rose and the others about our future direction. Direction, huh? Very apt today, isn’t it?  

“A way of assembling the disparate elements of the multiverse into some semblance of usable order.” Haru answered for me, before smiling slightly, her brown eyes, now mostly shimmering a ghostly, beautiful blue, due to proximity to the Sacred Flame, giving her an almost holy air. She then shrugged, rather nonchalant. “It’s not like I haven’t been listening. I can communicate with Rossweisse and others through you, since you make no effort to bar me at all. And I’m not alone in that.” she winked playfully. “You’re an open book, Akio. But… I still appreciate it.”

She smiled at Haanōbō and the other girls. “There’s a lot to be said for being transparent. I should know, after all, I’m a ghost!” Her smile changing to a grin, she became rather see-through, as if to prove her point.

“Anyway… perhaps the five elements exist because of the Directions, or the Directions exist because of the elements, but… either way, they have been forged into being by someone. If I’m not mistaken, that someone should be from Taṇhā’s Pantheon. It seems to me that the Six Paths are extremely major, and quite the mess of Earth religions. Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism… perhaps even a little Indian influence, though I think the main Hindu Pantheon is a separate entity and rival, from what she says. But… where was I? Oh, I’d forget my head if it wasn’t attached. Luckily I’m an Onryō, not a Dullahan.” Haru winked, referencing the mythical headless horseman of Fae folklore. “Anyway… yes, you Tengu aren’t exactly naturally suited for such a Path, but… I see most of you can use fire regardless.”

“I noticed that too.” Motoko observed. “Their prayers are almost all to the flame, and Suzaku.”

Indeed, the Tengu mostly performed with flame element. It was quite fascinating. Some went individually, downing sake and spirits, before breathing out tongues of flame in homage to Suzaku’s fiery breath, others ignited firepits and roasted boar meat, the smell enticing, and some even flocked in groups, wingtips painted with fire, drawing patterns in the sky with the flames, leaving burning afterimage trails, like a kid waving sparklers at a birthday firework display.

“We guard the Sacred Flame. Though Suzaku is no more revered than my Genbu.” Haanōbō insisted, wringing an amused snort from her brother. “It is only natural…” she continued, ignoring him. “…that we Tengu learned to wield the flames. I can also work such Onmyōji Arts, though not as well as those of water and ice.”

“Indeed, I too am proficient at the flame.” Arangbō boasted. “Though as the oldest and strongest of the Directions, even now…” He fell silent for a moment, casting his gaze at the frozen, twisted stony form of his errant, foolish brother, who had been roped off with ceremonial shimenawa ropes, left as both warning and grim reminder of the price of betrayal of family and duty. “…I can perform with all elements, though… in the speciality of others, of course I cannot compete. We all have our own talents.”

“The flames are in our very spirit now.” Tarōbō agreed mildly. As he watched two groups of Tengu having a duel via aerial display of flames, the sky streaked with comets of light, the jewel on his Staff Of Muted Desires continued to accumulate energies from the festivities. The sound of instruments, taken up by Tengu who had performed their prayers, increased the revelry, and Bell and Teare were enjoying themselves, but seemed troubled.

“I’m not much use at… any of those elements, really.” Teare shrugged, when I glanced at her. “I’m a little worried.”

“Yes, we’re archers, primarily, and Elves tend towards wind and water, though neither of us are particularly adept with water.” Bell agreed.

“I’m sure you’ll come up with something. If not, I’ve an idea.” I promised, reassuring them. “Anyway, this is more relaxing, compared to the boar hunt.” I sipped at my sake. “That was quite stressful.”

“If Shiro was here, she’d be telling you to get used to that.” Kana giggled, quite tipsy, face pink. “After all, if you annoy us, we outnumber you a lot! And you can’t beat us all… or actually, maybe you can. You did handicap yourself a lot…”

“All in the spirit of the contest.” I chuckled. “Anyway, Tsurugi, do you want to offer a prayer?” I asked the Tsukumogami, who had woken up from her slumber and was now sitting on my lap, eating pork and drinking sweet, fruity juices imported from my Territory.

“I don’t know, father. All I can do is cut.” She puffed out her cheeks cutely. “Is that bad? Do I need to do more?”

“No, you’re fine just the way you are.” Natsumi promised, patting her head. “Oh, sorry, did I steal your thunder, Akio?” She winked at me, as Kana burst out into further giggles, and even Daiyu smiled.

“Hey, as one of her mothers…” I made sure to tease the cheeky Natsumi back. “…it’s fine if you want to show her some affection. And you’re right…” I ruffled Tsurugi’s blue and white hair playfully, and she giggled happily. “…Tsurugi, I don’t want you to feel that all you are is a sword. Because you’re also Tsurugi, not merely Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi. If you want to cut, cut, if you want to play, play. If you want to learn, do that too. Though… I’ve actually an idea. You’re also known as Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, at least recently. We can use that, I think.”

As she stared at me quizzically with her pale eyes, Natsumi giggled and wiped off grease from her face, making the Tsukumogami squirm.

“Oh, I believe I understand.” Daiyu remarked. “Yes, that makes sense. Though, the adherence required…”

“Isn’t a problem, thanks to Hyacinth’s efforts. So, that goes for you two as well.” I nodded at the Elves. “Considering I owe you both, I’ll make sure you can participate fully.”

“I don’t like talk of owing.” Bell shook her head, even as a group of Tengu were doing the fire-leaping we remembered from our first visit here, feathers slightly singed, raucous laughter echoing, Tarōbō’s staff glowing brighter. “Back when we made our plans, things were simpler. There has been so much chaos…” Beside her, Teare nodded, agreeing, and despite their different hair colours and builds, their family lineage, through Prince Aethelathrion, was clear, as their faces were quite similar, as well as their mannerisms. “…that we were just grateful we could help resolve, in our own small way.”

“That’s right.” Teare agreed. “The Spring was reclaimed, and the Court is starting to change. Seeing such grumpy old menaces like Duke Formor standing side by side with Royalists such as Prince Shaetanaeo, and all of the seven Princes and Princesses throwing in efforts to prepare for our next big push… even though on that day, you missed the chance to honour the fallen, for perfectly valid reasons, due to the chaos of the Spring and what was beneath it…”

“…I have no doubt that their spirits, wherever they may lurk, have nothing but respect for your efforts. Thanks to those, many Way-Wardens who will fall with the honour of defending the Seelie Court will instead live. So… don’t think that we merely see you as a political union. We deeply respect and admire your strength, kindness and boldness.”

“Yeah. It’s not just us.” Teare giggled girlishly. “Other Way-Wardens, especially the Elves, crave your attention. It’s only dear, single-minded Moira who is cold to you. Yet she throws herself into the greater tasks with all her heart. I can hardly wait to see Duke Vulpatrius eat his smarmy, barbed words.”

I nodded at that. The foxkin was on my bad side for any number of reasons, but not only had Princess Ffionnan achieved her light element, as part of her payment, but Moira had managed to double up on light and darkness herself, a feat of sheer will, even aided by the twins. So yeah, he can’t really object to how things are going, and Duke Formor insists that the fox would never jeopardise the Court, even if he hates Shaeula’s family. I guess we’ll see how it plays out, I might find out more of how the Court is faring before the Quest…

“It seems I am to go next.” Daiyu finished her sake quickly, standing. She wasn’t much of a drinker, as she liked to feel in control of herself at all times, but in safe company she would indulge a little. “A prayer to the elements, you say? I have just the things.” With a smile, she produced her bells. The pink jade one of wind was useless here, but she could use those of fire and earth. In addition, she could call upon water, and glancing at Haanōbō and I, she smiled slyly, and for once it was a clear expression others could notice.

“Looks like Daiyu’s in the mood to tease.” Kana giggled.

“I am Zhao Daiyu…” she began boldly, and the eyes of the Tengu were upon her. “…and I offer my prayers to the flame and the water!” She raised the reddish-purple bell and swung it, and the firepits around her which were dimming, flared back to life, casting pillars of sparks like pretty fireflies into the sky. Tsurugi watched them with bright eyes, and Kana and the others gasped. Yeah, like a mini fireworks show.

“Suzaku, of the Summer South, may you accept Akio as your Direction, for… none burns brighter than he, his love is a furnace, and his will to fight for what he must protect a blazing star.”

Motoko clapped her hands once in agreement, while Natsumi nodded. Daiyu wasn’t done though, as her other hand was raised, and water fell, droplets striking the flames, flaring to steam, and the sparks and mist entwined, rising together to the heavens. “Genbu, if you are watching, bless the union between Haanōbō and Akio…”

Our white-winged Tengu suddenly spat out her sake, only some deft and rapid weaving of wind by me preventing her soiling us. She was so shocked her mask slipped a little, revealing her delicate chin and dainty, pink lips.

“…as brother and sister…” Daiyu slowly closed one eye in a surprisingly cheeky wink. “…whose lives are now bound together. And…” Lastly, her yellow bell was in hand, and she swung it, and she rose up on a pillar of stone which sprouted beneath her feet. Once she was above the fires, she smiled slightly, her more usual expression. “Divine Yellow Dragon, Huánglóng… as the Centre, keep them, keep us all centred. For we walk upon the Earth, but… the Heavens are above, and we seek them too.” She leapt down, chiming the bell one more time, and the pillar shattered, and motes of ruby earth element joined with the flames and the mist.

Bowing once to each cardinal direction, then one final time, facing the earth, Daiyu returned to us, to hooting applause and cheers from the Tengu, taiko drums being thumped harder and faster, like the heartbeat of the mountain.

“Wonderfully done.” Tarōbō praised her. “You understand what it is to know the Directions.”

“It is not entirely dissimilar to some Cultivation practises, though the old scrolls and jade tags were partial and unclear on full specifics.”

“I feel sorry you forgot me, Daiyu!” my sis pouted, before her expression brightened. “Oh, I know, it’s just because you’re short on metal element, isn’t it? I forgive you.”

“You already have an eternal union…” Daiyu merely retorted, at ease dealing with my feisty, and also rather drunk, sister. “If you wish a second kind of union, be clear and say so, and I shall offer my prayers for your good fortune and eternal happiness…”

“Wow!” My sis flushed crimson at Daiyu’s unexpectedly spicy retort. “I did not expect that. Why is everyone bullying me today, when I’m one of the stars of the show?”

“Search your heart, Aiko-chan!” Kana giggled, narrowing her eyes teasingly, before stepping up. “I’ll go next. Anyway, do you need me to print you a picture, Aiko-chan?”

My sis only flushed deeper, but wisely held her silence, which just brought renewed giggles from Kana, which she finally forced down, her face now serious. “I’m exhausted after the boar chase, it really tired me out, but… I can squeeze out a little more.” She made the ground ripple beneath her, ruby energies sinking deep below.

“Divine Yellow Dragon, I’m not used to dealing with such as you, our Kami is a snake, and I know they say snakes can become a Dragon if they live long enough, but… yeah, there’s no way.” She shook her head. “But… the Earth is what gave birth to us, and in a way is our mother, so…” She gestured, and the boiling mud formed a crude serpentine shape, before hardening. “…my Skills aren’t sufficient for detail work, but… hope you like the idol. Watch over us, as the Earth itself does, and… I agree with Daiyu. Protect and accept Akio, Aiko-chan, and also Haanōbō. Thanks!” She performed the bows and handclaps of traditional Shinto prayer, before retreating, leaving the makeshift idol behind.

“How was that?” she asked, and Haru smiled.

“Pretty good, Kana-chan. You know, get better at that, and use different materials, and you could be rich. Imagine sculpting out of marble the same way?”

“I could use the money, but… not the work. I already do large-scale construction, if I do detailing too, I’ll never be done.” Kana grasped a cup of sake, drinking deep, before mopping her sweaty brow, as Tengu swooped down to admire her handiwork, impressed, and soon offerings of alcohol and boar meat were laid before it. “I’m happy being a woman of leisure, kept by my husband. Though… as gifts, sure.” She winked at me, and Haru chuckled.

“Yes, you’re a hard worker despite your words. So we’ll both pretend you won’t end up doing it after all. Anyway, who is next?” Haru asked, and Motoko strode forward.

“A Dragon needs… fire!” she declared to the Tengu around her. Placing her hands on the mouth of Kana’s statue, she grinned, pouring out her flame element. “It shall not burn as brightly as Akio’s Foehn, yet… that would just break Kana’s hard work, so… perhaps a gentler flame is best. Suzaku, Akio shall not let you down. Find favour with him!”

Stepping back, now the Dragon idol was dripping flame, and its mouth was full, illuminating the area around it.

“Me next!” Natsumi nodded to Motoko, smile on her lips, before calling water, using it and some of the sake to soak the Dragon. “Genbu, you and flame are often seen as opposite, but here… that’s not the case. Watch over us, over Haanōbō, and the pledges that they both made today. To become sister and brother, under your care! And to be forever together. Since we’ll be together forever too with Akio, we’re the same!”

The heat of Motoko’s flames ignited the sake, and then the water began to steam and boil, shrouding the skies with a faint, sweet-smelling mist. It was quite the spectacle, and the Elves glanced at each other, nervous, but I grinned. “Trust me. You’ll be fine.” I reached out and poured out adherence into them.

“It’s like everyone else says…” I smiled at Motoko, Natsumi and Kana as they were praised by the others, though my sis was hellishly embarrassed, as was Haanōbō. As for me… yeah, I don’t care too much anymore. I’d rather have the smiles and laughter than worry about my dignity…

“…the Earth is in a way, a mother, the centre. Though I’ve often heard that said of the oceans, too. So… go forth.” I used adherence to hold some of my earth and water element, as well as wood, and transfer it via Chirurgery. Ordinarily that wouldn’t be wise, and likely cause their Chakra networks a lot of damage, but I glanced at Haru, who rolled her eyes and connected me with the two Elves. We rapidly communicated my idea, as I stroked Tsurugi’s head, as she would finish this stage off, and the two Elves exchanged a long glance, blue and green eyes glittering with anticipation and amusement.

“You’re certainly a sharp one, Akio.” Bell praised. “I look forward to the day we can get to know each other better.”

“Me too!” Teare agreed. “The way you think is fascinating to me.” Her long ears flickered. “We’ll hunt, and drink, and see the wonders of the Fae realms. And also…”

“Yes, we will show you the hidden delights we know of, and in exchange, you shall show us those of the mortal world.” Bell declared.

“It’s a promise.” I agreed seriously.

“Then we should go, although…” Teare winked at Haanōbō. “…perhaps you should have provided the water element.”

The two strode out, and picked a spot a bit away from the Dragon, lest it be caught in what was to come next. Though their position was chosen carefully for spectacle.

“This is quite the scene.” Emperor Ōjin remarked. “Pagan, perhaps, but… rather impressive.”

Prince Shōtoku, rather less abrasive, merely nodded. Chen Na was beside him, and had declined to participate, saying she wasn’t worthy, but that hadn’t satisfied Tarōbō, so she had earlier taken a flaming torch and extinguished it with her barrier, as an offering to the flame.  

“I think it rather charming.” The Prince disagreed with his superior Kami, though arguing with an Avatar of Hachiman clearly made him uncomfortable. “We should… all respect each other and their ways.”

“Wishful thinking.” Ōjin raised his sceptre, so it caught the light, even as the pair of Elves worked their own offering, with my granted aid. “Prayer, adherence, may seem inexhaustible, so long as life exists, but… all sources of power are finite.”

He watched as more energy was drawn into Tarōbō’s staff. “Perhaps some could put it to better use? But…” He then shook his head. “…you are correct about respect, Prince Shōtoku.” He glanced at Tsurugi, and I didn’t miss that. “I have no right to interfere here, and to do so… would only reignite embers of a conflict held in abeyance. Those are not the offerings to the flame anyone would see now.”

At Tarōbō’s fierce golden glare they fell silent, and Bell and Teare were smiling broadly, as the energies they had drawn from me had formed a hill of mud rising from a sudden lake of water. Grass bloomed on the hill, a thick carpet of greenery, and in the water reeds rose, to match.

“Accept our offerings, Genbu and Divine Yellow Dragon. May you both receive the element Seiryū mediates. And bring life to the lands and oceans!” they chorused together, before stepping back, exhausted from, even with the assistance and fortification of significant adherence, manipulating such elements.

“And now… you ready?” I asked Tsurugi, who grinned, manifesting herself as a sword as well as remaining as a Tsukumogami. I grasped her, and with one casual swing, she cried out.

“The grass, life… is cut. I am a blade that reaps life, but… I can protect, not just kill!” The slice seemed to cut even space for a moment, and the hillside and small lake were split down the middle, and all the plants were sliced in half. That wasn’t the end of it, though, as the trajectory of the blade’s swing swept the greenery into the path of the flame leaking from Kana’s Dragon sculpture. The plants ignited, forming a long stream of what seemed like Dragon’s breath, and I rubbed Tsurugi’s head, praising her.

“Good job. Yes, you can cut, even grass, but then what you cut can still have purpose. Just as wood feeds fire. And as a plough breaks the earth to enable seeds to be sown, and clouds… can be gathered and cut, to allow rain to fall, nourishing those seeds and bringing life… Tsurugi’s prayer, please accept it, for she is more than just a sword!”

“Firebird, be nice to father, or else…” Tsurugi grumbled, but the broad, cute smile on her face showed how happy she was to be a part of this.

“You shouldn’t threaten Suzaku.” Haru chided, before smiling. “Though if our firebird…” She held in a giggle at Tsurugi’s description. “…refuses to make nice, well…”

It would be rude and against the spirit of the ceremony to say it out loud, but… I’m always in the mood for fried chicken.

Now it was me stifling my giggles, as Haru’s teasing voice echoed in my mind. She then clapped.

“Well done, Tsurugi, Bellaera, Soliteare. The Tengu liked it too.” Indeed, the music had picked up in intensity, and witnessing the creation of a miniature garden, and its subsequent conversion to a fiery breath, had riled them up. The fire dancers in the sky swooped and pirouetted, and the sound of flutes, drums and stinged instruments was a backdrop to the festivities. Our two Kami guests also nodded, offering their approval for the piety and sentiments.

“I thank you, Haru.” Bell spoke for them, nodding. “Though we only contributed through Akio’s assistance.”

“I find that pleasing. As I am sure the Divine Yellow Dragon agrees.” Tarōbō rumbled, golden eyes gleaming under the ever-intensifying light of his staff, which was rivalling the Sacred Flame behind us for brilliance now. “For the Directions, the Seasons, the Elements, all are cycles, and all are part of such a cycle.”

“Well said.” Arangbō laughed. “It is we Directions that remain. I shall… go first.”

“Wait, what about Haru?” I asked, and Tarōbō shook his head.

“She needs no prayer, for… she is flame itself.” Indeed, Haru’s azure eyes were glowing with potent energies, and behind her occasional tongues of Sacred Flame, faint, but still detectable, were drawn into her. “Perhaps she would be a good candidate for the Summer South, yet…”

“I’m afraid we’re not related, Tarōbō.” Haru chuckled. “And while I can certainly see how we… could… become so, I’m afraid I’ll pass. Besides, I wouldn’t want to steal the honour from Akio.”

Yes, I too could become family through marriage. I’m not prepared to do it via kidnapping a sister, like you did, Akio. But…

I get it, marrying Tarōbō is a bridge too far. Unlike his children, he’s a fully-fledged Tengu, and while he might have a mortalform, that…

I can read your thoughts, you know? And not just your surface ones. Do try not to be an idiot. You know exactly what I meant.

Yeah, I guess so. Seriously though, you know that we’ll always be here for you, for as long as it takes, until you are finally free. And if that’s never possible, I guess…

Don’t say that. It sounds far too cheesy, and borderline romantic. Sometimes I wonder how you win the hearts of so many different, amazing women. And then I don’t wonder… but yes, I don’t know if I’ll ever fully be able to move on, but… I’m dead, I’ve all the time in the world, and at least… there are plenty of those who will live as long as me… wait, can I call it living? Saying die as long as me sounds like I’m cursing you and the others…

If you can joke like that, you’re fine. But… I mean it. Thanks. For everything…

As Haru and I exchanged a rapid mental conversation, Arangbō flapped his majestic wings, and landed where Daiyu had worked her own prayer. “Seiryū, witness my piety. Like spring, bloom! Look to the East, where rises the sun, and grow!”

Just as had happened during the boar hunt, the ground shuddered, and vines erupted. The firepits which had dimmed after Daiyu’s display were filled with blossoms, which quickly flared into a brilliant display of fiery flowers, showing Arangbō’s control of the two elements.

“Wood feeds fire, yet…” He turned his head to me, and I could only imagine the burly Tengu was grinning behind his mask. “…do not expect me to feed you, my brash young brother, though it is true you have upheld this mountain, and our father’s will. As the fire feeds the earth. Then…” He glanced at Aiko. “…metal is forged from the earth.”

“Got it.” My sis set down her cup of sake and strode forward confidently. “That’s how we’re playing this game, is it? Though you took my bro’s part.”

“Of course. He can manage what comes next, can he not?”

“Yeah, he totally can. Anyway, bigger bro, looks like it’s a pair of brother and sister duets. Makes sense, considering. Though just remember…”

“I know, I would not even think of such. We do not have such an.. endearing relationship… as my sister Haanōbō and Akio.”

“No kidding.” my sis laughed. “Anyway… so, the earth begets metal, but…” she turned back, and asked Daiyu a question. “I’m no expert, but… isn’t metal element sometimes referred to as gold in Chinese?”

“Indeed it is. For gold is seen as the purest of metals, incorruptible, just as jade is the purest of earth, though… I suppose I see jade as crystal now.”

“Yeah, shoddy, confusing systems. Whoever built those Paths…” she winked at Haru, remembering her earlier words. “…should have tried harder to make it make sense, though… I suppose if you compare it to the elements of the Periodic Table, it’s certainly easier to grasp! Chemistry never was my subject… anyway, yeah… gold might be grand, but… I have better, and… it contains fire! Which makes sense, in a way. So, Byakko, big white tiger, and Suzaku, fiery red bird… this is for both of you. Don’t dismiss my efforts, nor those of my bro… and we won’t let you down either!”

She summoned a Crimson Sister, and fittingly enough, this one was in the likeness of Haanōbō, even down to the mask, though as the entirety was crimson and metallic the effect was spoiled somewhat. As the Tengu gasped and hooted in admiration, Haanōbō herself was silent, before she turned to her father. “It seems… I am destined to be a spectacle today.”

“Does it displease you, my daughter?” Tarōbō asked, his tone oddly kind, and she merely let out a long sigh, turning her gaze to me.

“I dislike being misunderstood, yet… I suppose it is what it is. By the Four Directions, and the Divine Golden Dragon… I am not discontent.” She glanced at the petrified statue of her other brother one final time. “So be it. It was all meant to be. And I shall not fly from it.”

As the Haanōbō Sister stepped into the flaming flowers of Arangbō, she held out a hand to me. “We are a family. In whatever shape that takes. Not by blood but by… choice. Now then…” She leaned in and whispered into my ear.

“If we… remove our masks, can you make it so none but we can be seen? Oh, and Aiko and Arangbō too, of course.” she insisted hurriedly, and her exposed neck flushed pink. “As… as a family, we should have no shame.”

“I can.” I agreed, weaving a clever mix of light and darkness element, mixed with aether, preventing light from passing through, except that which our eyes perceived. A faint, fuzzy display, almost like a mosaic, formed, and Haanōbō reached out, pulling off my mask, before removing her own. The Tengu around us gasped, but then realised all they could see were indistinct blurs. Me, however…

“Yeah, you’re very pretty.” I praised her. “But I knew that.” With big golden-yellow eyes, small, dainty pink lips, a rather slender yet youthful face and petite chin, it was only her larger nose that broke the balance, but even that merely gave her a slightly unusual charm, taking what would otherwise merely have been cutely beautiful, to oddly striking and unique.

“Sister, I can see your…” Arangbō began, even as my weaving obscured his face too. My sis had already understood, pulling off her mask, and with a smile, the face of her Crimson Sister changed, mirroring what she could see, though the smoke from the rising flaming flowers largely obscured it from view.

“My bro, he doesn’t like veils. Not Tsukiko-chan’s, and not those masks. But hey, at least your masks are cultural, right, so we don’t mind. But… for a jealous guy, my bro’s got one quirk. He wants to show off those he loves. And…” She gazed at Haanōbō with her blue eyes, meeting her golden stare. “…wow, you sure are a pretty one, sister.”

As Haanōbō tugged me along, Tsurugi having hopped off my lap, giggling, enjoying the unexpected show, she shrugged.

“To you humans. To other Tengu, we are monstrosities.”

“Yeah well, screw them. My bro and I think you’re pretty, and that’s what counts. Well, my bro’s opinion is the one that really matters. I mean, I imagine if you wanted to look like your dad, Chirurgery could sort it, but… be honest, and look into my bro’s eyes…”

My sis gestured, and a little wind blew off Arangbō’s mask. He reached for it, and she tossed it back to him. “Leave it off. Family bonding time. Your sister has the courage, and… you aren’t so bad looking, anyway.”

Indeed, he wasn’t, while he did have a bit of an off-putting moustache, his features were handsome, again set off by his large, almost curved nose. Aquiline, isn’t it? Yes, a very aquiline profile, and not unpleasant. Though… I prefer Haanōbō’s…

“You’re fine the way you are.” I promised Haanōbō, and wood element bloomed, and I crowned her statue, and her as well, with a circlet of vines and flowers. “Your name means fire flowers, kind of like fireworks, doesn’t it? Well there are the flowers, and here…” I gestured, and the flowers burst into flame, mimicking Arangbō’s efforts. For a moment, Haanōbō panicked, flames licking at her hair and bare face, but then she realised she wasn’t burning, as the fires were quite cool, and also…

“I used my own water, but… you are Winter North, aren’t you?”

“Of course.” She took a deep breath, before bowing to Aiko. “Yes, reflected in your eyes, and his, I do not see myself as ugly. I thank you… sister…”

“I’ll be whatever type of sister you want, just say so.” my sis chortled. “Ask Shaeula, I’m the best wingwoman for sure, and I don’t mean I have wings, unlike you.”

“I shall… bear that in mind.” Haanōbō managed, before her own water surged, and turned to ice, protecting her from the flaming crown of flowers. “Fire, water, wood…”

“Needs metal too…” My sis gestured, and woven fibres of Hihi’irokane crudely twisted around the flower crowns. “Sorry, Tarōbō, or rather… second dad…” My sis winked at him. “Sit this one out, this is for the kids…”

“One for you too, sis.” I chuckled, creating another crown of fiery flowers, and Haanōbō reached out, soaking her hair and forehead, freezing it. My sis shivered a bit at the cold, but as I placed the flower crown on her head, she smiled radiantly.

“Yeah, not the same as making daisy crowns like when Eri and I were kids, is it? Anyway… big finish?” she asked, and Arangbō, having realised none but we could see his face due to my mosaic, grunted.

“Very well. Your… immodest replication of my sister… accurate as it is… should be sacrificed. To spare her modesty if nothing else, dear new sister. After all, baring her face like this should very much only be on the bridal night, though my immodest Haanōbō has stripped herself bare for him once before. But you would not wish others to gaze upon her likeness like voyeurs, would you?”

As Haanōbō’s entire face flushed, my sis giggled. “Wow, nope. Can’t afford the great Tengu massacre of Mount Atago when my bro gets all jealous. That would really ruin our chances of impressing Suzaku and Byakko. Anyway, today was pretty much a wedding, wasn’t it?”

“In spirit…” Haanōbō insisted, and my sis merely chuckled.

“If that’s the way you want it. So…”

“Your water, Haanōbō.” I urged the embarrassed Tengu, and she sighed, raising one hand, and a black tide engulfed her metallic counterpart. It then froze, covering her likeness in a thick layer of frost, which made both she and Arangbō let out relieved breaths. He raised his hand, and his creeping greenery constricted the frozen Sister.

“A shame to have it destroyed, but… what’s a religious ceremony without an offering, yeah? It’s only aether and elements, at the end of the day…” my sis remarked. “…now then…”

“Foehn!” I declared, and flames roared, and not thorny, tough vines, frozen ice, or even magical metal, could stop its hunger. Soon, the likeness of Haanōbō flared to ash, and in its place was a single small flame, jiggling and hiccupping within a crater, seemingly satisfied at its feast. Then, we heard a thud, and all eyes returned to Tarōbō, who had grounded his staff, which shone with a brilliant nimbus of light. That glow radiated, pulling in more energy from around us, and as my mosaic workings began to fray, I placed the mask back on Haanōbō’s face, eliciting a sigh of relief from her, but her hand lingered on mine a moment, as I withdrew it to don my own mask, just as my sis and Arangbō were doing.

“Thank you.” she whispered. “Blood or not… since we met, I have experienced much with you. Defeat, despair, humiliation, pride, vindication, grief, longing, acceptance… I anticipate many more emotions in the future. And… when we are alone… I shall need no mask.”

I raised an eyebrow, unseen behind my own mask, at that, but had no time to respond, as, Haru seated beside him, smiling at me knowingly, clearly reading my thoughts, Tarōbō spoke, his words carried out across the mountain. “A marvellous prayer, calling to all four Directions, and the Divine Yellow Dragon, who is the Centre. My new… children… bring new ways, and yet… I rejoice that my surviving offspring had the courage to bare their faces and more. For… siblings who are not close, do not trust each other… lead to grief.”

Mournful music, horns and whistles, echoed, and once more he silenced everyone by slamming down his staff. “Now then… to awaken the path to destiny, only those of great willpower and strength should follow. The Four Guardians of Mount Atago are not for the faint-hearted to spy, to say nothing of he who holds Divinity over Earth and the Centre. Yet… you may witness the Pilgrimage to the opening of the way! For the first time since my youngest, Haanōbō, was birthed, and chosen by Patient Genbu.”

As the Tengu roared and cheered, more energy was pulled from them to the staff he held. Leading the way, he strode to us, and my group followed, Tsurugi rapidly running up and taking my hand, while Haru floated over, grabbing Haanōbō’s arm, surprising her, especially as she placed her hand in my free one. Lastly, the Prince and Emperor Ōjin exchanged a long, meaningful glance, before they stood and followed at a respectful distance.

“It’s a happy day.” Haru winked. “Besides, this is what he wants. To show you that losing your brothers wasn’t the end. You lost two, but gained one and a sister in exchange. It’s not the same, but…”

Best finish it yourself. Say what truly matters.

I know.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t save Shungbō. I know you grieve for him, despite everything. I can’t replace him, but I can be as good a brother as I can be…”

“Better than he was. My bro’s like the brotheriest brother around…” my sis declared, and Kana burst out laughing.

“What does that even mean, Aiko-chan? Oh, wait a minute, is it terrible I actually think I get it after all?”

“Yes, rather terrible.” Haru agreed, and Motoko, Natsumi and even Daiyu were smiling and laughing. Chen Na merely nodded her head, and Haru chuckled, winking at her, them likely having communicated mentally.

“Yes, well…” I grimaced playfully, not that anyone could see it, squeezing the hands of the two I held. “…ignoring little sis sapphire here… I’m not a replacement, I can’t be. But… I’ll be what you want me to be. My sis has an easier job. She’s got to take Fungbō’s place…”

“Yeah, I just not have to kill Arangbō and try and murder you, sis, and I’m coming out ahead!”

Arangbō boomed a shocked laugh, and while Haanōbō was taken aback for a moment, she then tightened her grip on my hand, and let out a rather scandalised laugh. “Your human sense of humour escapes me sometimes. But yes, you can hardly be worse than he, little sister. If you are sapphire, and Akio moonstone…” she glanced at me for a second, face deep in thought, before she said something shocking. “…would I not then be big sister chrysoberyl?”

Our faces cramped, and my sis choked out a laugh. “You explain, bro…”

“Sorry, but when we call each other that way, we’re teasing each other for being overly foolish or wrong. It’s a playful insult.”

“Ah.” Even though she was masked again, the way her wings shuddered, I could tell she was wincing, but, she then leaned in, lifting her mask a little so I could make out her chin, mouth and her smile it bore. “In that case… I have indeed earned that manner of address a number of times. But I shall strive to do so no longer.”

Her breath was hot on my face as she was so close so that none could see her skin. “Now then… we must finish the ceremony, and have you win Suzaku’s favour. Else… we might have to resort to extreme measures to convince him we are truly family.”

“Hey, what about me? Don’t care about me and our big white pussycat?” my sis teased, and Haanōbō chuckled.

“If you are the problem, then… I shall merely try harder with Akio, as you two are undoubtedly brother and sister.”

“They most certainly are.” Motoko agreed, and the others chimed in quickly.

“Yes, they’re very alike. Almost too much so.” Natsumi giggled, and Kana agreed.

“Yep, a picture-perfect…” Watching my sis flinch, face reddening, Kana’s smile broadened. There was nothing malicious in it, but she did enjoy teasing my sis due to her rich reactions. “…brother and sister couple.”

“I believe siblings should be close, yet… such was not always the way in the Sects. Quite often they compete for the same resources. But… Akio would give his up to her in an instant, with no regrets. That is the kind of brother I wished I had. Yet…” Daiyu’s onyx eyes narrowed. “…he makes a better lover, I assure you. I delight that he is my Dao Companion.”

“Lover, huh?” Bell and Teare exchanged glances.

“I think that’s enough of that.” Haru clapped her hands. “We can tease each other later. For now…” She nodded at Tarōbō. “…let’s be all business. We hurried Pilgrimage today for this, after all, and prepared very thoroughly, at great effort…”

“We did indeed.” I agreed. Tarōbō then raised his staff.

“To finish at the Centre, we must start from the West, where the Autumn sun dips. For all cycles must start from where they end. Be tranquil, new daughter…” Tarōbō reassured my sister. “…you have offered prayers to Protective Byakko, and I have accepted you. Simply hold your wish in your heart, to safeguard what must be defended.”

“I will.” my sis swallowed, determination in her eyes. “No more falling at the last hurdle, or bottling it. I’m… calm, collected, and… not alone.”

“Indeed you are not.” Arangbō laughed. “Your brother won you two new siblings. I never did think he would succeed in his feat, I burned to humble him, as did our… lost brothers…”

As he regaled everyone with a rather exaggerated tale of my first visit to the mountain, which really only worked on Teare and my sis, since everyone else had been there, we circled the mountaintop to the west, descending a little, and as the Tengu flew overhead, we soon spotted a small circle of what would have been standing stones, except they were made of polished, yet pitted metal, showing both care and great age, and their tops were a triangular, almost sharp shape. Shinagawa ropes were strung between the structures, yet instead of the usual colours, they were a pure white.

“Behold.” Tarōbō declared. “It is… perhaps not quite accurate to call it a shrine, as the White Tiger of the West is not a Kami, but… it is Byakko-no-aki-tora-no-tsume. The tiger claws of autumn. And the first station to reaching where their will abides…” He then gazed at the Prince and the Emperor for a long moment, before deciding to hold his words close, remaining silent.

So, he wasn’t wrong, a Pilgrimage within a Pilgrimage. But… their will resides? I know he said we’d meet Byakko and Suzaku, but… surely they are far too powerful to be residing here? And… why would they even be on Earth, when the multiverse is vast?

There was surely a mystery here, but it was one to be solved quickly, and as we approached the small, plain-looking shrine, the Tengu wheeling overhead, my sis turned to me, her expression a little nervous, but not showing too much tension.

“Okay bro, time for our hard work to pay off. Didn’t you say that training would never betray us?”

“I did indeed.” I agreed. “So relax sis, you totally have this.” At my confident words, I earned a tilt of her head, and presumably a smile, though her crimson mask blocked my view of that. Leading Tsurugi and Haanōbō forward by the hands, I stepped towards the shrine, and as we did so, I could see faint wisps of energy starting to be pulled from Tarōbō’s staff, drawn into the metallic pillars…

Ah. So that’s why there were the prayers and the festivals. To gather power from emotions once again. I confess to being nervous, but also… I’ve a lot of anticipation about just what’s going to happen next…