On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Well then, let me begin by saying I am deeply honoured to be covering such an unprecedented event, even if our viewers in Britain and worldwide likely don’t understand the significance. Can you explain it to us?” the reporter asked, and I nodded.

“Essentially, it’s a religious observation, in a way. Giving thanks to the many Kami and Gods which have extended their benevolence towards us on our Pilgrimage.”

“I see. That’s… a little hard for me to grasp, honestly.” The woman gave a soft smile. “I’m a Christian, so the idea of worshipping other Gods confuses me…”

“It really shouldn’t.” I explained patiently, wanting to make a point. “My mother’s not exactly devout…” Behind me, she pulled a face, grimacing at my words, though she quickly recovered, seeming both shy and delighted to be on TV. “…but she’s a Christian too. So I’ve picked up a little. And studied more.” I added, amused. “Those religious education classes back in Britain my mom said we should be glad we don’t have here in Japan are good for something now. But even the Bible mentions other Gods. Baal. Chemosh. Marduk. So it’s not far-fetched at all to believe in them. Besides…”

My patient smile turned into a wicked grin as a commotion buzzed, camera crews and others scrambling to respond. A massive shadow loomed over us, and the reporter, her professionalism breaking for a moment, turned, and her eyes widened and she let out a distinctly unsuitable curse for broadcasting.

“What the fuck?” she gasped, gaze going up, and up, and up… Tsukuruyama, the Daidarabotchi priest, Maker of Mountains, and erstwhile master of Mount Fuji, had arrived, towering more than ten metres tall. At his feet came Sakura-Sonojō-Honō, in full priestess attire, accompanied by her handmaidens, the Tennyo, as well as Yōkai such as Oni.

“That’s…” her eyes were spinning, and I gently chuckled.

“The old ruler of Mount Fuji… and beside him, that’s Sakura, and she’s a Tennyo, a Heavenly Maiden who serves the Gods. They’ve come at my invitation, to have a place within the Tengokusentou’s dedication ceremony. Sorry, but you can close your eyes to the truth all you like, the Gods are real. And there’s more than one. Though I must correct one earlier mistake. We don’t worship these Gods. We give them thanks and respect for their efforts.”

“I… see. Thanks, you say? That’s…” she seemed unable to keep to her train of thought, gaze going back to the impossibly large Yōkai. “How… how will he even fit?” she blinked, before apologising. “Oh, I’m sorry, you took the time to speak with me, and… I got distracted. Thanks and respect, you say? It seems a difficult concept, for Gods…”

“Well there are Gods and Gods, don’t you think? And relax, getting distracted isn’t unusual.” my sis spoke up. “Even I do sometimes. He’s a damn big one, for sure. But I’ve seen him bigger…” She winked at me then, even as father frowned at her innuendo. There’s a lecture coming in your future, sis.

“Yes, his true height far surpasses the Tengokusentou.” I agreed, even as Tsukuruyama decreased in size. He was still massive, five or so metres tall, but rather more compact, and able to get through the ornate double doors of the new pagoda, and inside, due to the way it was constructed, he would be able to stand comfortably, if not ascend the stairs to the upper chambers.

“Wait a minute. You’re Aiko Oshiro…” the woman was suddenly excited. “The footage of you in South Korea…”

As my sister’s expression faltered, I raised a hand. “No questions about that. And time is wasting. You wanted to ask about Eleanor…” I didn’t use her nickname, for obvious reasons. Got to be a little cautious. Knowing the Queen, she’ll be rather annoyed if I steal her thunder and ruin her fun. “…so to answer, she was very welcome here, we are firm friends and allies, but unfortunately, what with the situation in Britain, it wasn’t practical for her to attend. Which is a shame, but…”

“Oh. Yes. That reminds me…” the reporter suddenly changed the subject, though there was an odd gleam in her eyes. “…it’s certain you will be awarded during the New Year’s Honours ceremony, but… Japan and Britain are far apart. Are you attending remotely, despite the close relationship you speak of between Japan and Britain, between you and our Princess Eleanor?”

Of course she knows. She is from the BBC, after all, so arrangements have surely been made.

“Oh, don’t worry, we’ll certainly be there in person. I wouldn’t dream of rejecting such an honour. And it’ll be good to see Eleanor again.” Not that anyone knows I saw her last night… more than saw her…

“Curious. I suppose it would be possible due to time zones with a fast jet. Still… we’re told something surprising is going to occur. We can hardly wait. Oh, one more question…”

“Best make it quick.” More guests were arriving, Nozomi-san and Arisa-san greeting them as they entered. My eyes widened, to see that it was Prince Gorohito as well as the rest of the Imperial family, barring Yukiko, who was already inside. Seeing that, I used it as an excuse. “Otherwise you’ll miss out. The Emperor and his family are just going in…”

The camera turned, capturing that image, before the woman reasserted her poise and asked the question. “In that case… there was another surge of strange light a while ago, visible for many miles around. We’ve seen footage of the great tree which as appeared from nowhere, defying all logic, glowing brilliantly, surrounded by a halo of dark blue light. Care to comment? The population isn’t sure if it’s an omen for good or for ill.”

“For good or for ill, you say? Easy. For good, certainly.” I chuckled. “Just like you can see and meet the Gods and Kami… after all, there are quite a few in attendance here today, though I doubt you’ve heard of them...” I held in a chuckle at that. Prince Shōtoku, Shirohebi, the Jade Beetle, even the Brown Dog of the Mountains had been fetched from Nishimorioka. Then there was Emperor Ōjin, Hachiman’s Avatar. Tan too, of course, but she can’t show herself, though that doesn’t mean we haven’t embarrassed her by setting up a shrine to her and her father. She insisted we did not include her sisters though, which seemed a little petty, but their relationship is terrible, if one listens to Tan, so…

 “…wonders will keep on coming, one after another. As it happens, that was… preparation.” I chuckled, and my sis, understanding how I thought, and eager to be broadcast to the world, took over, as I’d explained it to her earlier.

“Wow, yeah. It’s amazing up there, you know. And impossible. That Tree is well over a hundred metres tall! And on top, amongst the branches and leaves, there’s a roof terrace café. Great food, awesome booze…” she faltered under father’s stern gaze, though uncle Junpei was cracking a smile, amused. “…not that you’d catch me breaking the law and drinking it. I sure am going to indulge in Britain though!” She gave the camera a victory sign. “…more importantly, awesome views out over Tokyo, and… the people you’ll meet, sights you’ll see… my bro and his girlfriends hang out there a lot. Of course, you can’t bother them not unless you want to see what they’re like when they are angry, but… even being seen in the same place is a big deal, wouldn’t you say?”

“But… surely the wind would make it impossible… at that height…” the reporter asked, taking the bait, and my sis shook her head.

“You’d think so, but you’d be wrong. My bro was setting up a barrier to keep out the wind and rain, though… it can let the rain in if you like, on a hot day.” She winked one blue eye playfully. “It’s also security. It can even stop a missile! Totally safe.”

Well, the fact we’ve added a strengthened Rank Four Territory barrier around it, and now the new Skill, I’m confident it’s no longer a sitting target. “It’s like Aiko says…” I finished up, ostentatiously glancing at my watch, signalling we were out of time. “…it’s a beautiful, unique place. Perfect for a romantic date, or a business meeting. We’ll be opening it up to the public soon. Though it won’t be easy to get a seat.” I winked knowingly at the camera.

“And not just that…” I put on my most sincere expression. “…I understand that the world right now is confusing, frightening. But we’ll adapt. Imagine what it was like when the Industrial Revolution happened. It must have seemed like witchcraft, to the uneducated, isolated people of the time. But humanity pressed on. The Information Age has completely transformed the way the world works, how people interact. It’s made the world smaller. Here… yes, the changes are unprecedented, even on that scale, but… we’ll make it work. And the benefits will be great, if we all work together. That’s what this is about…” I gestured to the Tengokusentou. “…what the Pilgrimage was about. Not just seeking the blessing of the Gods of this land, but… about bringing together people from different backgrounds, different circumstances, and… just like Japan and Britain, making friends and allies of each other. And everyone will see that shortly. Anyway, I’m afraid we have to go.”

“Oh, thank you. That was… quite moving.” The reporter returned our smile. “Perhaps if I’m still in Japan, I’ll have to go see this treetop café…”

“You should, if you can get a table, it’ll be like trying to get one at Sushi Saito…” my sis waved a hand, quoting the legendary sushi house in Roppongi, which was virtually impossible to access for normal people. But…

“…still, it’s a Fae restaurant, and they believe in the nature of Fortune, so… there’ll always be that lucky longshot you’ll be accepted. So soon, check out the upcoming website, and try your luck!” She winked, that statement clearly an end to the interview and as we turned away, other reporters were begging for our attention, but I leaked a little League, and they fell silent.

“There will be an opportunity for some questions later, I’m sure.” I promised, knowing Arisu-san. “Now if you can excuse me and my family? We’ve got to be in attendance, and it wouldn’t do to be late.”

The crowd of the press parted, and soon we reached the entrance to the new pagoda, where the two Shiraishi sisters were waiting. Their expressions were tense, but it seemed to me they’d been holding up well.

“Those are lovely kimonos.” I praised them. Indeed, the two of them looked quite beautiful and as Arisa-san puffed out her cheeks a little but grudgingly nodded her thanks. Nozomi-san smiled prettily, before making the diamond salute of Adamant.

“Thank you. I am sure Arisa appreciates the compliment too.” Nozomi-san responded. Her face was a little pale from nerves yes, but due to the great care she’d put into her makeup, and also the fact that she wasn’t alone here, she was managing to keep her composure, and for once I was reminded she was indeed a daughter of the Fifty-Eight, or was, even if Shiraishi house was on the lower end, a Fujiwara house vassal.

“I suppose I do. Thank you. My older sister always looks lovely.” Arisa-san was defensive, but seeing her prising her bis sister, I found myself nodding in approval.

“Yes, the kimono suits her well. As does yours, Arisa-san. Now, stand proud. The Tengokusentou is yours again. And it’s restored to its former glory, no, better than before.”

“We will never allow it to be taken or harmed again.” Nozomi-san promised, again making the diamond salute, her little sister following after a moment. “For it is not just our heritage, but… but our future. Japan’s future, perhaps even… the world’s.”

“Yeah. Today is going to be… unprecedented.” I grinned. Add it to tomorrow and… the world is going to be thrown into more chaos, but… better some troubles adjusting now, before the world spirals into chaos, rather than trying to calm and educate everyone in the midst of a disaster. “Anyway, we can’t hold up the other guests. You’ll be coming to the afterparty, yes?”

“Of course. We would not miss it.” Nozomi-san promised, and after we handed over the ceremonial offering, bunches of symbolic flowers, mine chrysanthemums, the symbolism not lost on me, Nozomi-san and Arisa-san adding them to the blooming pile by the entrance, which fortunately were far enough to the side not to have been crushed by our visiting giant, we went inside.

As we did so, auntie Hana took a deep breath. “It’s magnificent.”

“It is.” father agreed. “Though I am more interested in the crowd…”

“Yeah. Though to me, it’s nothing special.” my sis boasted, elbowing me playfully in the side. “We see this sort of thing every day, don’t we bro?”

“Yes, but… not like this.” I admitted, joining my mother-in-law and mom in admiring the architecture. To build it so fast was miraculous, but fortunately the Rank Four merger meant a lot of the work we’d done in the Boundary could be carried over, and here the ether lay thick, as it was just as Nozomi-san had said, while they were the family that owned the Tengokusentou once more, to prevent their feckless parents from interfering, I held it in trust for them, mediated by Fujiwara house, and so it counted as part of my Territory. Which is good, otherwise the spiritual guest list would be utterly impossible for poor Ling to sustain, even with us constantly flooding her with aether.

Indeed, the guest list had expanded, and was now an incredible sight, made more striking by the construction of the second Tengokusentou. The great central chamber was empty, a beautiful mosaic tiled floor beneath out feet, and it offered an unobstructed view to the roof, which was artfully crafted stained glass, something which would have been impossible to finish in mere weeks, and would have cost a small fortune, except it was assembled in the Boundary, and the glass was impregnated with Astral materials. Even so, the symbolism of it was elegant and beautiful.

We are grateful you included our Pantheon… Lin was embarrassed. …despite the deaths we have caused, the burden we placed upon you…

There is no need to fret. Shaeula disagreed. You did it not out of malice, but out of desire to aid this world. I for one am grateful, as I would never have met Akio had you not, and likely even would have died…

Shaeula, who was already here, snorted, looking around to where Grulgor was in attendance in his flashy, strangely handsome mortalform. Beside him was that rather small half-Giant we’d met before, who always giggled and smirked annoyingly. Beside him… wait, is that… Duke Formor?

I was so surprised seeing him in what was surely mortalform, that I missed out on some of the mental conversation, hearing but not taking it in. The Giant was powerfully built, with coal-black skin and blue eyes that had a distinctly crimson tone, and he stood easily two metres tall. A number of smaller Giants and Trolls, who like Tsukuruyama, could fit through the great doors with some difficulty, were there too. That wasn’t all. The aforementioned Estalian and Ffionnan, Shaeula’s father, Prince Aethelathrion, Ala and several Treekin, Shaeraggo and Shaeranna… the Fae had descended en masse for this ceremony. Opposite them were the Yōkai. Ginneka and Kinneka, Mae and Hana, Blue, though Red was absent, still playing around with his new friend, no doubt. Tarōbō and Arangbō, as well as a handful of other Tengu. A number of Kappa from our newly submitted tribe were here too, and…

Wait, where’s Haanōbō…?

Over there, bro. My sis sent the thought to me, even as she pointed. She’s with our family and the others. Indeed, ours, and indeed Eri’s, grandparents had come earlier and were with the girls and their own family. Kana waved, seeing us looking, and beside her, Shirohebi, still dressed in their usual white, nodded a greeting.

There were also the Kami we had met along the Pilgrimage, led by Emperor Ōjin, who was standing with the Imperial Family, though Yukiko was glancing longingly towards the larger group of my family and lovers. Seeing us, her cousin Princess Takahime, who graciously allowed me to call her Kaoruko, smiled and raised one hand subtly in greeting, and at her whispered words Yukiko turned, her smile on seeing us both relieved and resigned.

When you add the Mount Fuji delegation too, as well as a small number of independent Yōkai we met and absorbed during the Pilgrimage… it’s like the Night Parade come to life… just far less… murderous. Speaking of the Parade, Bintara was here, though she tossed her horned head aside when she saw me looking, launching into a sudden conversation with the bemused Sekka, who was trailed by a handful of her Yuki-onna who had returned safely from the wars of Hokkaido.

On the human side of things, that was impressive enough. We had the Imperial Family, of course, but also the heads of the nobility, in fact, it seemed that nearly every head of the Fifty-Eight was in attendance, as I saw many faces I hadn’t even met yet. A number of the Three-Hundred were too, though it saddened me that Kanami-chan’s parents were obviously not present, after their betrayals.

I see Hiroto-san with Hinata, and he’s keeping to his best behaviour. She was furious, but she’s calmed down a bit at least. Though she’s not letting him know that. Making him sweat on his potential future punishment will do him some good, she says…

There were the Pilgrims, obviously, the sisterhood of Adamant, the faith, soldiers, Fenrir, forming clumps of colour further adding to the festival feeling. Even our new Romanian guests were present, Valerian and his family looking around with interest, Ileana and Valeska with Bianca on the outskirts of the group of my family and friends. Karen-chan, my uni group, other workers…

“It’s turned out very nice.” My mom, after gawping at the eclectic thousands of guests lining the central area, surveyed the structure, gazing upwards, blue eyes wide. “I’m curious though. Why this design? It’s got a lot of Western influences too, it looks a bit like a cathedral.”

“Well, firstly it looks very impressive.” Indeed, the walls were covered in ornate staircases, going up to the shrines, which were dotted around the walls. We had considered making the floors transparent glass to add to the spectacle, but that left those above vulnerable to the gazes of those below, which was clearly unacceptable for women in skirts, so we settled on artful coloured glass, just translucent enough to leave silhouettes visible.

The shrines themselves differed depending on who they were for, but they varied from statues and incense burners, for Tan and her father, to indoor trees and statues for the Valkyries and their Gods and Goddesses, to even having a beautiful reflecting pool surrounded by plants and full of lilies and lotus flowers for Chang’e. Essentially it was constructed as a looping pathway, one would climb to the first floor above, walk around the glass floor, visiting dozens of shrines, then take the staircase around the walls to the next floor, and so on, right up to the roof, where the most meaningful shrines were. Then a descent down the other set of stairs would conclude the symbolic journey.

There are a few interesting tricks too. This is… well, it’s probably one of the most interesting religious buildings in the world now. It lacks history sure, but… it makes up for it in significance, especially in this moment…

“Secondly, we designed it this way for this day. To make a statement. One none can dismiss.”

As my mom seemed curious, I exchanged a glance with my sis, who held in a smile, and then we walked to our positions. Seeing me, Tsurugi came running over, grabbing my hand, though I could see she was still shooting bitter glances towards Prince Gorohito. As we joined the others, the remaining attendees were filing in, and lastly Arisu-san and her staff entered, and the camera crews for the various broadcasters worldwide were finally allowed to take their places. While they’d become inured to some of the major shocks seeing the otherworldly guests arriving, observing the Fae, Yōkai and more all standing together was certainly a spectacle, and I knew footage would be being displayed worldwide even as we waited.

Arisu-san gave the signal, and I nodded.

Good luck, bro. You’ve got this! I believe in you! Can’t you feel it?

Do your best, Akio. Though you always do. I am proud to stand at your side, watching as the future outshines the past.

Be bold and stand proud. As my husband do not show weakness.

It’s like Aiko says. Compared to the trials on the Pilgrimage, this is nothing. So get it done.

I and my Tree are with you. And I rather like this place. Nature indoors… it is quite the wonder.

This is an important step. If Divine Taṇhā’s confidence is not misplaced… becoming Astral Emperor is more than just forcing everyone to submit…

You should call her Tan, littlest sister Lin. Though your embarrassment is rather adorable. Akio, Wisdom is understanding how to change the world through the most appropriate means…

Don’t worry, compared to all the work we’ve put in up until now, this is easy. I had a far more stressful afternoon, don’t worry. I need the afterparty to unwind, so… let’s do this.

Aiko, Hyacinth, Shaeula, Eri, Asha, Rose, Lin… and one last unexpected mental reassurance… filled my mind. I glanced at Haru, who winked. I sent a mental word to Tsurugi, who nodded and returned to sword form, so as not to be a distraction, and honestly, to get away from Gorohito.

There was a dais set at the back of the hall, set up with a podium for me to broadcast from, and I admitted to myself I was still nervous. But when everyone is with me, how can I fail? Besides, you’re right, everyone. This, compared to the trials and tribulations of the Pilgrimage, not all of them from without…

Honestly, thinking back on it, we’d done and experienced so much over the Pilgrimage, but what had caused me the most stress weren’t the battles or the politics, but the tangled mess that were the Bonds and Connections I’d forged, and continued to grow, shape and weave. But do I regret any of it? Of course not. This world… I’ll make it mine, because I can’t trust anyone else to do so, and… because I want the world those I love inhabits to be safe and wonderful for them. This… this is the next step. My honest declaration…

Arisu-san gave the signal, and from above, spotlights in a number of soft colours shone down on the stage, and the eyes of the world were upon us. Moments later the space around us was filled with a myriad of falling blossoms, a storm of pink, white and yellow, as from the floors above staff emptied out great containers of them. I wove wind element, gusting them artfully into a tornado around me, hiding me from view for a moment, before the petals exploded upwards, forming a sixteen-petal chrysanthemum made up of the myriad blossoms, before in a surge of flame and light they burned away to fireflies of ash, leaving a momentary sweet scent behind.

The spectacle over, it was time. “Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the Tengokusentou’s rebirth. There will be time to see the repairs to the historic buildings and gardens after this for those interested, and for our foreign viewers, and indeed most of the Japanese, it will be a rare occasion to see inside a building with so much history that only a few have ever set foot in.” I saw Nozomi-san and Arisa-san, now with the Adamant noble daughters, appearing both proud and nervous. “Needless to say, it’s no longer merely a building. But a symbol. As was this Pilgrimage.”

I paused and took a deep breath. Arisu-san’s coached me,  but… I’m still not confident in giving a rousing speech. Battle is easier. But… if I’m going to lead, then I have to get used to it. History shows us that the people will follow a good man, an evil man, a fool, a genius, a monster, a saint… but they won’t follow someone lacking in charisma… “Look around us. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Sometimes it doesn’t even feel real to me.” A murmur of laughter went around the Tengokusentou, though some of it seemed forced. “But this is as real as the ground beneath our feet, the air we breathe. You don’t need me to tell you the world has changed.”

At the sudden silence, I took comfort in the warm emotions with me through Lovers’ Link, and the encouragement of those in Wisdom World. The Valkyries have had struggles I’m sure I can’t even imagine. Sure, those travails lie ahead for us, but… right now, in this moment…

There were so many people watching me here. Family, friends, lovers, allies, rivals, and of course, through the media, even those distant, such as Ellie, were surely focussing their thoughts and attention on me. Taking another deep breath, I began to make my point.

“This hall is the greatest example of how things are, how things will be, that I could give. There are humans from all walks of life. From different counties and races. Compared to the spiritual beings that are amongst us, that’s nothing, though. I’ve heard many believe that we humans always need someone to fight against, be that another country, race, religion, or for even stupider reasons, and that the only way we’d unite is if aliens came, and gave us a common enemy. I think that nonsense, personally…” I admitted, varying my tone and cadence to an almost jocular, friendly whisper, amplified by the microphone upon the podium.

“…we’d still struggle to come together. This Pilgrimage…” I drew everyone’s attention back. “…was quite eye-opening, in a number of ways. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve travelled the length and breadth of Japan, both here and in the Astral, and I’ve seen and learned many things, met many people, spiritual beings and more. I’ve seen both the beneficial and the baleful. I’ve seen sights both wonderful and terrible. This Pilgrimage was not merely a journey to find favour from the Kami that inhabit the Japan we never saw until now, but also… to strengthen our minds, our spirits, and our resolve.”

You are doing well. But do not lose focus. Arisu-san’s voice was transmitted to me through Haru, and I could also feel her support, so I continued, carefully balancing my Majesty and Charm, quite the taxing effort, to not overawe those before me, but to subtly encourage their attention and interest.

“I thank the Kami, of course. Those here today…” I nodded at Ōjin, or rather Hachiman, and the Kami with him. “…and those distant. I also thank the Gods who bestowed us these Favours. Some may say we never asked for this, and I agree, but… I know the majority were given to us for the best of reasons. We… are not the only ones suffering here.”

I could feel Lin’s and Rose’s warmth at my words. I’d seen what they faced regularly during Verðandi’s trial, her frozen moment, where a Valkyrie was slain. I knew and wanted to one day be there, beside them. No, I knew I wanted to change that future, to drive back the invaders and turn their lives back into those of leisure. Just sitting there, all of us together, Lin smiling, Run laughing, Rose reading a book, arguing with Tan over something trivial, while the rest of us played around, ate, drank and made merry…

A wonderful dream. Lin’s thoughts were tender, gentle, yet like steel wrapped in velvet, determination lay beneath. But it is beyond you for now. Focus on what you must achieve here. Show the world it is your way, your Path, which leads to the ending.

“The Gods are far from omnipotent, else why would we be suffering so? But they are above us. I think our Kami pale in comparison to our expectations at times…” More nervous laughter followed a weak joke to temporarily soothe the rising tension of my words. As I stared into the cameras pointed at me, red lights unblinking, I finished my statement, which would lead into the crux of the matter. “…but above them are Gods. Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu…”

Yukiko smiled at that, though her brother and parents stiffened, and I could feel Tsurugi’s annoyance, even as Yata and Magatama remained calm and unbothered, from where they stood with my family and friends.

“…and not just those. Tyr. Thor. Chang’e, Huánglóng, many more. As you take the stairs and ascend the Tengokusentou’s structure… it’s interesting, isn’t it…” I lowered my voice, as if speaking to a friend. “Tengoku… Heaven. It seems an apt place to build the ultimate shrine with a name like that. “…anyway, excuse my digression. As you ascend, you’ll see the shrines to those and more. Now, it’s not so much for worship, as it is gratitude. Of course, prayers and offerings for Kami and Gods are a good thing. In fact, I daresay many of you watching will have visited some of the shrines and temples along the Pilgrimage route yourselves. We did make it public after the event. Faith… is a wonderful comfort, and a good thing… if applied properly.”

I’m at the crux of it now. “On this Pilgrimage, we’ve seen and experienced a great deal. Some of it unpleasant. I’ve seen the sins of this country made manifest…” Again, the Imperial Family barring Yukiko, and also her cousins, who seemed rather laid-back, surprisingly, frowned, showing displeasure. “…but I’ve also seen that those sinned against can sin themselves. And I don’t mean sin in the usual sense. This isn’t a matter of religion, though… even the Gods can err. They are far from perfect beings. And we humans, and spiritual beings left behind…” Mae’s tails and ears drooped guiltily. “…will have to take a side. As we did on the Pilgrimage.”

Yes, I stayed my hand perhaps a little too much out of a sense of guilt, that father’s nation, our nation, treated the indigenous population so poorly. And the Gods, Yōkai and Kami were no better to the native Kamuy. But even so, while I understand vengeance… I thought of Shiro and Tan, and my near madness and rage as Shiro was dying. …there are better ways to make amends, pay restitution. Two wrongs don’t make a right, mom says. I know I’m a hypocrite, as if Eri, Aiko or any of the others were killed, I’d go mad, but… well, isn’t that the prerogative of a lover, a brother, a friend?

“I know the world is frightening, and that faith holds certainty. I’m not going to ask anyone to abandon theirs. In fact, I promised that I’d make some shrines reclaim past glories, exceed them…” I nodded at Shirohebi. “…and I believe I’ve fulfilled my promise. In fact, faith has almost become certainty, now. For Gods walk amongst us, give out blessings. But… faith is no shield for crimes, for injustice and malice. No, just as the Pilgrimage was a walk of not just faith and piety, but of camaraderie, friendship and understanding, so too is the path I shall walk. And those with me shall walk it alongside me.”

Clapping and even some cheers from around the hall echoed, and I let that die down before making my point. “Change is frightening, and it’s far too easy to listen to those who claim to have the answers. Believe in our God, do as we say, listen to us, and you’ll be saved. I understand wanting the comfort. I understand the easy way. But… the easy way might start off smooth and unimpeded, but trust me, I know the result. Far better to walk the harder, surer way, even if the path is lined with jagged rocks, and you have to crawl on bloody hands and feet. Because at the end is the future we look for, rather than a dead end, filled with sorrow and regrets.”

You remember my words and advice then? Lin asked, and my reply was a mental snort.

How could I not, Exposition-san? As Lin was clearly embarrassed by my old nickname for her, before I even knew she was a her, I offered her my thanks. At times, during some of my early fights against clearly stronger foes, like that bastard Kondou Kazuo, I was a little resentful, that I had to struggle, when they had it easy, but… now, I’d regret it endlessly if I took the easy way, and didn’t have the strength to protect those I cherish, and this world. And in the future, you! Oh, and you too Rose, don’t pout. Your sisters as well. And it might be presumptuous, but the Norns too, and even that frustrating Tree… not just your Pantheon, of course, Tan’s too… anyway, I’m being boastful, but…

Not at all. Lin was now proud. I wish for you to dare to challenge even the impossible. My sisters and I gambled everything. If we lose, we shall pay the price. If we win… then Tan… She struggled to speak of her so casually, which was oddly adorable, the gap between her usual calm stoicism cute. …is correct. If we win, we should win the highest prize of all. Fear not… Rose and I… we are your Brúðr, your wings. If you perish, we shall accompany you to the end. Though you would deserve a seat in Valhalla, perhaps all we can offer you is Hel. I am ashamed…

 Don’t be. My sis interjected, clearly revelling in being able to communicate so freely and so deeply. If my bro fails, he’d never accept a reward like Valhalla. Anyway, you two wouldn’t be alone. I’ll be there, Eri, Shaeula, everyone… if Akio falls, we’ll be there alongside him. And I can tell he hates it… Her tone was gently teasing. …but we don’t care. I don’t care. Just as much as Akio wishes to take the risks, protecting us, we all wish the same. So we’ll just have to win, it’s the only solution. Besides… my sis addressed Rose and Lin. …not sure the tables in Valhalla would have enough room for all of us who’d accompany Akio into defeat if that was our destiny. We can get all cozy together in Hel, snuggle up and keep each other warm for all eternity…

Sis, no… Aiko…

Don’t get all emotional on me. Keep going with your speech…

The mental communication was near instant, only those with incredible mental acuity noticing the momentary pause, so I set those thoughts aside. “So yes…” I addressed the Pilgrims, who I knew understood by now, as well as Japan and the wider world. “…there are two paths. The Pilgrimage is a microcosm of the path I choose, we choose, to walk. Everyone helping each other, growing stronger together. Sure, we came across enemies, and had conflicts, but united we came out stronger, and even some enemies could become friends. I’ve had many shocks and surprises…”

Though honestly, sis…

I know, I know. Hey, I’m almost proud!

Holding in a chuckle, amused that my sis was pridefully puffed up even as she watched me, I continued. “…but because everyone has come together, we’ve had the best results. A Pilgrimage is a journey. Often taken for reflection and self-improvement. The path I want to lead you all on is such a path. Look around us… this isn’t the building that was damaged in the terrorist attacks, but we’ll see that later. No, this is built to exemplify the best of it, yet with techniques and materials that are foreign and even otherworldly. But still… it carries the traditional spirit of the Tengokusentou. Just as, despite us using new materials, replacing the burned-out gardens, the main pillar of the Tengokusentou is still epitomising what it was. Yet not exclusively.”

Shige-san, Miyu’s and Honoka’s grandfather, nodded approvingly. His brown eyes were still fierce and wise, though the way he gazed at me was a little pressuring. I guess Miyu’s spoken to him? Damn, I’m feeling a quite intimidated…

“The best of us all, combined. We won’t lose what makes us who we are, but… we have to change. Yet change can be good too. Even now, spiritual technology will enable us to transition away from our polluting industrial lifestyle, without compromising, and perhaps even improving, our standards of living. Yes, it can be frightening meeting spiritual beings, but… like it or not, they were always here, hidden behind a Boundary we couldn’t perceive. They have a right to this world too. But again, on the path I choose, they come as allies, and while they will have to adapt, as will we, they can keep their identities. Our journey is like the Pilgrimage. Many stops, many trials, but in the end, we’ll reach enlightenment.”

At that, Eri started clapping, and soon Shaeula and the others joined in, and it spread around the room. Once the applause finally started fading, Arisu-san mentally urged me to maintain the momentum, and I changed my expression, now spiking my Majesty and Charm to their maximum, and silence fell quickly.

“The other path…” my tone was cold. “…we have seen. Wounded and dead children, indiscriminate terror. Unyielding and unquestioning faith. Yes, their God is real. Yes, it is certainly… comforting… to be thought of as simple cogs in a grand, unknowable design, that you’ll get your reward in Heaven if you just do your part, that any sorrow or crime now is meaningless compared to that. But I say… so what? I may not know the end of my path, but I know I’ll walk it with a clean conscience. They attacked schools, Me, my sister and others, we risked our lives to rescue from schools. They try and rule you through faith, ignorance and fear… we offer wisdom, respect for the Gods but not blind subservience, and instead of ignorance, we offer understanding. Fear? I have fears, we have them. But we won’t cause you to fear.”

I fell silent, everyone’s eyes on me, the cameras following my every gesture intently. “I know why they do it. They surely believe in their cause, in their God. And why not? We have to adapt, to change. This Pilgrimage, this hall full of disparate yet allied beings, proves that the old world is dead. And there are threats out there which we are unprepared to face. Even all our guns and our weapons of war, from tanks and planes, to warships and even nuclear bombs, won’t be enough. There’s a third path, which is to do nothing, bury our heads in the sand. It might buy us a few years, even decades, but in the end… all of this will be as dust.”

I swept an arm out at the beautiful interior. “So each of you watching has to choose. But we… we chose already. It may be a harder path, one that means we have to struggle and suffer, but… better that than trading our will for obedience, our kindness for ruthless pragmatism. Our love for blind, slavish devotion. We stand at a crossroads, but… remember this well. We are not alone. And we… we are stronger together than apart. Our Bonds, our Connections, are what guide and support us. Just as we are connected to the Kami, the Gods, we pay our respects to here, on this day. Because we are all walking the same path, we and these Gods. Yes, they may be further along, graciously leaving us some sustenance before us, but… one day we’ll reach where they are. And I don’t know about you…”

I finished on a lighter note, as Arisu-san advised it would cut the painful tension, and make the message sink in deeper by contrast. “…but I’d say a God who demands such bitter sacrifices is less worth my time than those who’ve reached out sincerely, even if their intentions are equally selfish. I’d hate to get to the end of my path, and find out I was walking into indentured slavery. I work hard enough as it is! I’m Japanese, if religion turns out to be a black company scheme too, not even the afterlife, Heaven, safe from bad bosses and endless overtime… yeah, no thanks!”

Not bad. Some awkward phrasings and metaphors, but in general… I approve. A passing mark. Arisu-san passed on her lukewarm praise, but from her, that was enough to wring a smile from me. I bowed, stepping down, and this time the applause was louder, even some of the reporters joining in. As I stepped down, I met Arisu-san’s obsidian eyes, and she nodded.

Yes. This was the time to declare our stance, while the world is watching. Pilgrimage is indeed a model of cooperation, shared and mutual benefits, and in this place, it is a more meaningful contrast. This is… a declaration of war, I guess. Theirs was an attack on schools, on shrines, on those I loved, but ours… ours is an attack on their ideology, and their ability to sow fear. Now then…

The Emperor stepped forwards, cutting me off. He spoke to Arisu-san, who seemed surprised, before she turned to me, a troubled expression on her face.

Akio-san, he is asking to address the crowd and the world. It is… unplanned, but… what do you think?

Tsurugi grumbling mentally at my waist, I considered it for a moment, before nodding in response to Arisu-san’s mental query. “Sure. It’s not like we’re unrelated, and after the last press conference we shared, I doubt you’ll do anything foolish, will you?”

He nodded solemnly, glancing at the katana at my waist. “I shall not cause problems. Your speech… it was quite inspiring. My granddaughter Yukiko is fortunate her future husband is so steadfast and wise.”

At that I chuckled ruefully, making way, and as the Emperor ascended to the podium, I felt my tension draining away. All right, just the Emperor’s unplanned speech, the ascent to the summit of the Tengokusentou’s shrines, paying our final respects, and then a brief tour of the restored original building, then… then we’re finally done!