On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“You’re all looking wonderful.” I was impressed as the girls approached. The kimonos they had chosen were a little different to their usual style, Shaeula, for example, eschewing orange entirely, now wrapped in purple, with a white grape pattern. Hinata was in pale pink and white, Shiro in a vivid scarlet with white clouds or perhaps flames, Eri in white and pink, not dissimilar to Hinata, and my sis…

“What’s up, bro? Like it? This one’s a bit special.” She spun around cheerfully, and I couldn’t help but notice that, while at first it seemed a rather plain grey, an unusual colour for a festival, being a bit drab, when the light from the fireworks and lasers from above caught it, shimmering amber and orange sparkles ran through the cloth in wavy patterns, like oil on water.

“I’ll say. How much effort did we have to go through, Hinata?” Shiro chuckled, and Hinata shrugged.

“It was a nuisance, having an ordinary kimono tailored in the Territory by weaselkin artisans. But the results were as expected. I gave them a hefty bonus, so they are probably drunk atop Asha’s Tree in the café now. It was a very urgent task. Since Aiko here didn’t exactly give us much time…”

“Hey!” My sis puffed out her cheeks as if annoyed, but I could tell from the glint in her blue eyes she was happy. “You know how it was.”

“Oh, we do. We most certainly do.” Eri rolled her eyes theatrically. “I’m just glad that’s all over with. But…” She turned her back to me, staring at my sis, waving something, and Aiko flushed.

“Wow, bro, Eri’s bullying me again! What’s worse is, I know, I know. Oh, forget it. Anyway, yeah, everyone’s stunning, you’re such a lucky bastard, bro. Motoko, Natsumi, Kana, you all look wonderful too. Though… at least change up the colours a bit next time.” she advised Motoko and Natsumi. “Unless… oh, I get it. It’s a pair appeal, right?”

Natsumi nodded. “You got us, Aiko. Yes, we like to associate white and blue together with us. Encouraging Akio to see us as inseparable. Don’t get me wrong, we love spending time with you all, our world has changed, now there are so many colours in it we never saw before, but…”

“But you still like spending time with Aki and each other, yeah?” Shiro added shrewdly. “Especially in the bedroom.”

“That is true.” Motoko admitted without shame, though her cheeks darkened, and Natsumi tittered beside her. Kana merely leaked a knowing smile.

“I do feel complete when Natsumi and I serve Akio together. But… I feel similar emotions when I am with you, Shiro. With everyone. I daresay in London, there will be opportunities for… closeness.”

“I would hope so. Shit, I’ve become the same sort of man-obsessed woman I used to criticise as NPCs, back at my dorms. I guess I owe them an apology. Dating is great. Though I guess it’s only if you can find the right guy.” She winked at us.

“That’s true. Though could we ever have imagined Akio was the one?” Kana squeezed my arm playfully.

“I knew. And I wasn’t alone in that.” Eri glanced around meaningfully, leading to more red faces. “And nothing has changed. Not even with all of you here. Or indeed the newcomers. But those are worries for another time.” Eri gazed up at the skies, and the blooming fireworks and stunning laser display, which was using Asha’s Trees as a backdrop, much like one would Tokyo Tower or the Skytree. “This is gorgeous. You’ve done good work, Hinata.”

“Hardly.” She waved off Eri’s praise. “This is just a case of spending money. Some might call it wasteful, but I say making an impact is worth more than mere money. The Maker of Mountains helped out a lot. That sight will be on every news channel around the world. Power projection. In fact, yesterday as whole went wonderfully. And today will further that.”

“Oh?” I could see with my expanded perception that Ginneka and Kinneka had made their escape. Just so long as she’s ready for later. I suppose there’s nothing to worry about, she knows her role. I could feel her through the Throne bond anyway. It was far less detailed than Lovers’ Link, of course, but with my ever-growing understanding, I could divine more information from any such connection. “You mean in Britain?”

“It’s a bit of a dry topic for a date…” Hinata giggled. “…so I’ll make it quick, but yes. Japan, and by extension you, have projected incredible force, both militarily, and politically. I didn’t expect the Emperor to create the Empress of Heaven position, though it was a given Yukiko would be an exemption to the usual rules of a woman marrying out leaving the Imperial Family. They, and by extension Japan, would lose too much by letting Yukiko leave. But now you’re effectively an Emperor Consort, though no such position has ever existed here in Japan before, your political standing and power truly represents Japan.”

“Yeah, but there’s still Yukiko’s bro. He’s… a bit of a dick, you know?” My sis glanced at my waist. Tsurugi wasn’t with me, as her sisters were with Yukiko and Tsukiko, probably some others now, enjoying the festival. Even so, I got what my sis meant. After all, I understand her well.

Better than anyone, well, except for Eri, maybe? my sis added mentally, winking. I suppose you’re rapidly getting to know everyone here too, and those in Wisdom World. I’m a little jealous, I’ll be honest, but… Eri’s the same, yeah?

I am. Of course. Eri added. But there is jealousy, and jealousy. It’s… honestly a quite bearable feeling. Shaeula was right all along. We’re mirrors of each other. And we’ve started to mirror Shaeula as well, since she came into our lives and upended everything. For the better. I’m not going to lie about it. Because even if I succeeded in moving to Tokyo and winning you over, Akio, we’d… still not be as happy as we are now. Would we?

Yeah, no kidding. I had my own dreams, but… I’m all for getting better ones!

I nodded, even as Hinata kept explaining, a faint flush of her own jealousy on her features. Despite mental conversations, due to our Alacrity, taking mere fractions of a second, everyone was getting very good at picking up on the slight signs they were happening, be it eye movement or micro-expressions.

Then Hinata should hurry up and hit Rank eleven, if she’s so bothered. Wow, I get why Shiro can’t, but that’s only a matter of time too…

Don’t be like that, Aiko. You know yourself. It’s… a surprisingly huge step. It wasn’t easy, even for me. But in the end, those who can’t do it, I won’t respect. But… in time, I believe everyone here can.

“Yes, the heir apparent, Prince Gorohito, is, as you so succinctly put it…” there was a bright amusement in Hinata’s voice. “…a bit of a dick. But tradition is important, and we don’t want to cross the Kami. Hachiman, as Emperor Ōjin, his voice carries a great deal of weight. So it makes sense to keep continuity. Don’t worry, when it comes to popular support, it’s only going to swing our way. More to the point… Britain.” Hinata continued.  

“I understand.” Motoko, who was educated to understand the levers of power, be they political or military, added her support. “Now Britain, with the upcoming announcement of Eleanor’s union to Akio, can share the same strength. After all, it is well understood Akio is not one to allow those he loves to be slighted or harassed. Indeed, he… and some of you…” Shiro nodded at that. “…already aided her and Britain before such a bond was established. Your defence of her and Britain will surely be more fervent now.”

“Yeah. And just like here…” Hinata pointed to the blossoming, multicoloured flowers of flame above. “Oh, I also set up displays, albeit smaller, around other key shrines on the Pilgrimage route. Got to keep up the sense of majesty the route projects, and help that Adherence flow. Besides, it helps stimulate the economy, spending money. It’s a civic duty. Anyway…” At her gaze, Kana released my hand.

“I know. I’ve had more than my fair share of Akio’s time.”

“Oh, don’t be like that.” Eri shook her head. “We decided it doesn’t matter tonight. New year shrine visits are a family thing anyway. It’s not Christmas Eve, which is for romance…”

“Oh. That reminds me…” I asked. “What about Valentine’s Day?”

“Do not-not worry about that, Akio.” Shaeula chortled, seeming excited by the prospect. “While Eleanor is not-not Japanese, it was still decided to go by Japanese traditions, so-so we will be organising everything. You can simply sit-sit back and enjoy our efforts.”

“And a great deal of chocolate.” Shiro added. “Shit, Aki, be sure to show the heap off to Yasu. It’d be even better if Hisano gave you some. She might, even if it’s giri, just an obligation.”

“We decided.” Eri echoed. “Christmas Eve was great, but you worked hard. So we want to pamper you. However…” She surprised me by winking at Kana, who understood.

“Oh yes. White Day. You’d best top Christmas Eve then, or we’ll be disappointed. It’s tough, being the boyfriend of all us fantastic women, so… best step up your game, Akio!”

As we all laughed at that, the fireworks overhead starting to slow, the display coming to a close, Hinata finished discussing her original point. “Pageantry and displays of power are more important than ever. And I doubt very much the wily Queen of Britain doesn’t know that. Their Prime Minister is renowned for being a bit of a buffoon, but he’s also a showman, so…” Hinata shared a small, sly smile with me. “…expect big events, and bigger hassles. Still, for Eleanor, you have to make an effort.”

“I do.” I agreed. Hinata took the hand Kana vacated, but they let her have my arm, while Motoko and Natsumi made room for Eri and Shaeula. Walking with four people clinging to me was a little awkward and rather embarrassing, but it did feel good, especially as Shiro, my sis, Motoko and Natsumi were following us closely, chatting away. Yes, it feels like I’m surrounded by vivid flowers in bloom, each different.

“So, it was quite the year.” I chuckled, tightening my grip on Shaeula’s and Hinata’s hands. “I wonder what this year will bring?”

“Oh, that is quite-quite easy to predict.” Shaeula giggled, and beside her, Eri nodded, cat ears springing into existence. I wonder if her tail is out too? It’s probably hidden under her kimono. “I do-do expect more of everything. Many-many great battles and equally great victories. We shall grow-grow stronger, all of us together, and… there will be more-more new sisters.”

“Hey. I’m…” I fell silent. “Okay, whatever I was going to say surely wouldn’t be persuasive. Yeah, maybe one or two. But crazy like this year? I can confidently say not!”

“Wow bro, I’d damn well hope so.” my sis chided me, to giggles from Natsumi and the others. “Don’t get me wrong, I guess I can see where mom is coming from, it makes me so proud of you, seeing everyone who loves you. But we’re trying to make a Rugby team of wives, not a league. Wow, leave some time for the rest of us, bro.”

“I intend to.” I promised. “That includes you, sis.”

“I know.” Her face was red. “Oh, anyway, you never commented on how we match.” She spun around again, kimono sparkling.

“Because it’s embarrassing. Couple’s outfits are bad enough, but…” Seeing the look in her eyes I shrugged, though that was challenging, due to the way Kana and Eri were clinging close to me. “…if it makes you happy, I’m happy too. Though I’m a little hurt…”

“Why?” my sis asked, and I grinned triumphantly.

“Because your kimono is so much flashier than mine, of course!”

Wow. Just wow. You can be a bit of a tease yourself, bro. Her thoughts were amused and slightly irritated.

“It’s fine.” I smirked. “I get that my eyes are plain and drab, so need livening up. The way it almost seems to replicate the amber glow is clever. Your eyes… well, sapphires are more precious than moonstones, aren’t they?” I winked now, and she flushed.

“To me, I value moonstones.” my sis insisted, idly pulling on one of her pigtails, as if restless. “I always have. Hey, maybe Eri should get a middle name too, Onyx, or Obsidian.”

“I’ll pass.” Her ears flicked restlessly as she scoffed at that idea. “Though I might like to keep Mori as a middle name. My parents will like that. It’s not usual for we Japanese, but we’re special passport holders, such details are trivial.”

“Oshiro Mori Eri… yeah, it’s got a ring to it.” Shiro noted, before smirking herself now, her eyes starting to flicker red a little, showing Tan was watching, likely enjoying the unusual, at least for her, situation. “But you surprise me. I didn’t think you much cared about what your parents thought.”

“That’s a rather cold way of putting it. But I can see why you might think that. I blame them, and also mother-in-law Emily, and father-in-law Taichi.” Eri tossed her head. Tactfully, Motoko and Natsumi ventured to some nearby weaselkin maids and secured us more refreshments, while Eri explained.

“Since they treated Aiko exactly the same as they did me, it… was hard to build up that feeling. Emily was just as much a mother to me as my own was. So our relationship is a little…” She tilted her head, not sure of how to explain it.

“Cool?” Shiro suggested, and Eri nodded.

“Yes. Exactly. I don’t dislike them, I suppose I do even love them, but it’s in the same way I love Aiko’s parents. In fact…” Her smile was now wry as she gazed at Aiko fondly. “…while I understand and appreciate being so loved, it caused a lot of our problems.”

“Hey, I’m not a problem.” Aiko insisted. “But I get what you mean. If I wanted a mother’s love, I could go to your mom just as easily as my own. And bro… well, normally you’d have grandparents pitching in, but mom’s were in Britain, and yours, Eri, they weren’t well at all. So bro basically raised us on his own.”

“Not quite.” I shook my head. “Obviously I wasn’t mature enough for that. I’m not that much older than the pair of you. But I know what you mean. We spent a lot of time playing together.”

“And you never made any distinction either, bro. But who cares?” my sis shrugged. “That’s the past. It’s a new year, and a new us. Eri does love our parents, but she’d certainly cut them off if they tried to stop her dating you, that’s for sure.”

“It’s harsh when you say it like that, but it’s true.” Eri agreed. “Familial love is precious, I wouldn’t say it isn’t…”

“Hey, don’t feel bad for me. My parents are shitty, but in a way, I have to respect them a lot more now.” Shiro shrugged, putting on a fake smile. “After all, there is no way they don’t know about my current situation. Shit, there are probably hermits living in caves who have heard about it. So since they haven’t bothered me, or come asking for money, I’m content.”

You might be, but I’m not. Still, that’s a worry for a different time. The others clearly felt the same way, but now wasn’t the time for such gloom. My sis thought so too.

“That’s our YandERI! I’d almost thought you’d broken and gone all dere-dere for bro.” she joked, and Eri raised one eyebrow.

“For someone who used to tease Akio about his hobbies, you’re awfully familiar with all the terms.” she countered.

“Hey, we used to watch stuff with bro when we were kids, remember? Besides, I know you secretly studied, just so you’d always be able to match bro’s interests and talk to him.”

“That’s dedication. Must have been hard, too. Anime and manga aren’t cheap.” Shiro added.

Eri’s ears flickered with irritation. She took a sip of amazake and let out a slightly ashamed sigh. “There are always ways. But it’s true. I want to like what Akio likes, love what he loves. That’s… very applicable to this situation, isn’t it?”

“It sure is.” Natsumi agreed. “Motoko and I are still grateful for your advice back when we first met though. And your consideration afterwards. For everyone’s really. We’re very happy, aren’t we, Motoko?”

“Undoubtedly.” Motoko agreed, sipping her own sweet drink elegantly. “And I am not one to deny others the happiness I have received. And I will fight to keep what we have.”

“I guess I’m grateful too.” Hinata agreed. “I sometimes forget how good and forgiving you’ve been to us, Eri. I respect that a lot. And I like you a lot too. I’m proud to have you as an older sister.”

“You’re a cute, if rather reckless, younger sister.” Eri shot back. “In fact, you younger ones are always trouble.” Kana flushed at that, giggling.

“Oh, and don’t think that you’re exempt because you’re older, Shiro. You can be a troublemaker too…” Eri swept her gaze over the others. “…and Shaeula goes without saying…”

“Yes, but… when I do it, it’s endearing!” Shiro protested cheekily, and as they bickered and bantered, I occasionally interjected, enjoying the fact everyone was getting along. We ran into plenty of others around the shrine, and soon I was surrounded by a veritable army of women…

Yes, this is a wonderful way to begin the new year. But… playtime will soon be over. I have to say… I’m both excited and a little wary of what Ellie’s grandmother has planned…

***

“Aki, I’m starting to panic. Are you sure I have everything? That I won’t get in the way…” Mom was almost shaking, she was so high-strung with nerves and excitement. After all, this is like the fourth time she’s asked in the last thirty minutes.

After hanging around the grounds of Shirohebizumi shrine for a while, we’d all returned to the café atop Asha’s Tree and watched the sun come up. It was quite the romantic view, and a wonderful way to start off the year. After that, we’d renewed the buffs on the Tree, I’d spent the incoming ether, and the Ring Gate Hub was truly becoming a fortress worthy of securing our greatest point of vulnerability now. It did feel a little bad, not pushing Haru up to Rank Four as swiftly as possible, but even with me spending half, it was only a matter of weeks…

“Wow, mom. Just relax.” my sis bustled in. She’d changed out of her kimono, into smart but casual clothing, a pair of blue jeans, coupled with a red jumper. “I don’t know what you’re getting so worked up over, you met Eleanor, didn’t you? And Princess Diana. This isn’t any different, is it?”

“It may not seem it, but it is!” mom insisted. She was dressed similarly to my sis, wearing jeans and jumper, though in a more modest black. Mom had always looked young for her age anyway, and after Chirurgery, that had only intensified, so she could have probably passed as our much older sister. “This time we’ll be going to the Palace, meeting the Queen… you’re getting honoured, Aki! And so are a lot of my daughters-in-law… daughters… I’m so touched, overjoyed, proud… I don’t know what to do.”

“You can do what my sis suggested and calm down.” I chuckled, completely at a loss. Mom must be the most excited out of anyone. I suppose it is a long time since she’s been back to Britain.

“Emi, it’s fine.” Hana, Eri’s mother, not the Kitsune, chided from the doorway. She too was looking more youthful every day and was similarly dressed in smart casual. I could see uncle Junpei behind her, wearing a suit, nodding reassuringly.

“After all, you should be used to these shocks now. I know I am. Compared to a hundred-metre-tall giant, what’s meeting a Queen? We’ve already shared drinks with an Emperor! Technically with two, if you count… if you count Hachiman.” Hana was a little pale at that. “Besides, you have to get used to it. She’ll… she’ll be family soon enough.” Her voice faltered, but it was enough to perk up mom.

“Yes, yes, you’re right! That’s what matters! Eleanor’s going to be with Aki, so… oh, wait, have we packed enough for the trip? Or too much…”

“It’s not like we’re flying, mom.” I had to interrupt, amused and exasperated by her rapid changes of thought. “Take what you like. And we can buy everything we need in Britain. We don’t have to be frugal.”

“That’s right.” my sis agreed. “Bro won’t be happy if you don’t indulge. It’ll make him feel bad. And Hinata won’t let you be miserly, anyway. She’d say it sets a troubling precedent. We have to keep up appearances. Nothing will be wasted, we can bring everything back.” Aiko tapped her Spatial Storage.

“I… suppose so. But… what about gifts?” mom was still panicking, though it was mostly from elation, I suspected.

“Already sorted.” Eri was next to appear. Unusually for her, she’d put on a dress, a tidy black one with white accents, and she also wore white stockings. Her hair was also put up in a ponytail, perhaps to mimic her Bakeneko tail, though she would surely hide it in her skirts.

“That’s right.” Hinata agreed, giggling. She was also in a dress, rather more modest than her usual ones, her cleavage covered by thick lace. “Hello, mothers-in-law, father-in-law.” She greeted mom, Hana and Junpei. “I thought I’d stop by to say everything is ready regarding the luggage. As for gifts, we have more than we’d need. The finest Japanese products. As well as a number from the Boundary. Everything will go smoothly.”

She paused then, winking at me. “Oh, and Akio’s suit for the occasion is ready. Shaeula’s attire too, as well as Shiro and the others. It was a challenge, but… we’ll make a statement to the world.”

“I’d be more than happy to sit this one out and just watch…” Eri grumbled, her ponytail swaying. “…but I suppose that was never going to be possible.”

“It’s a bit of a complicated situation, yes. But for Eleanor’s sake, we have to do our part.” Hinata insisted. “Akio’s got the hardest part for sure. But you can handle it, can’t you?” she asked me, and I nodded.

“Of course. I’d give Ellie face, even if we weren’t getting engaged. I love how hard she works, and while she might be stubborn and rather set in her ways, she’s got a good heart, and does listen to others, and think carefully about what’s right and wrong.”

My mom squealed, hearing me talking about Ellie so tenderly, and Hana shook her shoulder, exasperated.

“Calmn down, won’t you? Oh, one day you’ll know my sorrow…” She cast a glance at me, a faint smile on her lips. “You know, Aki, you looked very fetching in blue. It was quite a familiar shade. And wasn’t Ai lovely in grey… with amber highlights, yes? I still don’t know how that was done.”

“It was clever craftsmanship, sure.” I changed the subject. “But I suspect our formal attire for the New Year’s Honours ceremony will all be equally impressive.”

“They sure will.” Hinata agreed. “Now then, we need to stick to the schedule. It’s not easy lining everything up. So, Akio, can you come with me?”

“Sure.” I left Eri and my sis in charge of our families. Jack and Evelyn were delighted about the fact they’d be returning to Britain for a vacation, and Eri’s grandparents had never been, and now they were healthy again, they were eager to see another country for the first time.

As Hinata took me outside, she smiled. “Your mother is amusing. You know, we always had to worry about whether our mother-in-law would like us, when we finally got married. I’m glad she’s nice.”

“Yeah. Mom likes you a lot, Hinata. And why wouldn’t she? You’re an extremely likeable little gremlin.”

“Oh? A gremlin, am I?” Hinata chortled. “I’d kiss you to prove a point, but alas, I can’t afford to mess up my makeup. Later.” Her laughter was now charming giggles. “I’m just grateful she doesn’t treat me differently to Eri. It would make sense if she did, considering your history, and what Eri and Aiko were saying earlier. But no, I feel accepted. Which is good. as I’ll fight for our future together.” Hinata grabbed my hand. “Come on then, you’ve got a lot to check before the jump.”

“Fine. We’re still on schedule.” I joined in with her laughter as she pulled me away. It didn’t take too long, until we reached the waiting group.

“We’re all good to go.” Treyvon raised a hand in greeting. There was a large holdall by his feet, which contained enough supplies to mask the fact all the true tools and weapons were hidden away in their storage treasures. “It’ll save us some hassle, flying from London, especially as we’ve got to go to Germany first.” He nodded at Adelheid, who was with them, looking very smart in green jeans and a lighter green jumper. 

“It will be good to return, I suppose.” Adelheid grumbled. “Oh, and don’t worry, I’ll do as I’m supposed to. I know Berlin, at least the worst parts, like it’s my breast pocket.”

Yeah, that one’s quite the idiom. I... think… I get it?

“That’s great.” Hinata pulled out some documents, which Adelheid took, and vanished into her own storage for safekeeping. “The land for the factory is purchased, and there are house deeds there. It’s quite a nice little home, you should be well-satisfied. Of course, we’re going from your memory on the locations of the elemental deposits needed, but judging by our investigations, you should be fine setting up.”

“I know. You certainly like to talk, don’t you?” Adelheid grumbled, though we all knew it was bluster, evidenced by the way most of the Fenrir men were smiling, as if looking at a daughter or sister warmly. “One shouldn’t praise the day before the evening, but I’ll get the Ring Gate set up. Herr Karl will handle the other matters.”

“Right. He’s an interesting man. His backstory wasn’t a lie.” Hinata’s eyes were bright. “And we do need competent men and women on the ground. Here.” Hinata handed over more documents. “The relevant permits and forms for the redevelopment. While we’ll have to move a lot of the machinery and specialised equipment and some materials through the Ring Gate, most of the rest has been secured on consignment. So work can begin right away. As for our promise to Heal and revitalise the workforce…” Hinata glanced at me, and I nodded.

“We’ll need some training cases for the staff at the Free Hospital. While they’ll want to work on as many British people as possible, they can take up some of the slack.”

“It’s settled then.” Adelheid stretched lazily, like a cat, and I held in a grin, as Hinata passed her another small bag. When she finds out what’s in it, I bet she’ll be annoyed. But somehow, seeing our little Tanya frustrated or irritated is soothing to my spirit.

“Yes. I wish you good luck. As for the rest of you…” Hinata left that hanging, and Aliyah, dressed in smart but casual, almost manly, clothing, suitable for long flights, grinned.

“We know. Twenty of Fenrir are remaining, to continue training and doing protection duty. The rest of us…” She tapped her eyes, which shone with ether. “…we’ll be globetrotting. We’ve got the mushrooms safely hidden away, so it’s just finding a spot. Don’t worry, we’ll drop off Bethany and Zachary. It ain’t much of a bother. I’m surprised though…” She shrugged, her hair beads clinking. “…didn’t think they’d offer to help out that way. Guess I ain’t as good a judge of character as I thought.”

“Good judge?” Luciana, who’d seemed a little bored, spoke up. “Madre de Dios, Aliyah. You are terrible, especially when it comes to las mujeres. Your taste in women…”

“Hey, shut it. Didn’t I used to…” Aliyah trailed off, embarrassed. “Never mind. Shit, you might be right. Fuck it. What matters is, if you don’t mind some flexibility in where it’s sited, we can save one of our Anchors.”

“It brings a tear to your eyes, doesn’t it?” Treyvon confided loudly, purposefully annoying his sister. “See how she’s grown up?”

As the troops of Fenrir snickered, Aliyah shot them a frosty blue glare, and they fell silent, though judging by their trembling faces, they were laughing inside.

“And you can shut it too, Trey! I ain’t an idiot. Hell, I still speak Japanese better than you. And don’t even get me started on Russian. Shit, of course I ain’t going to miss out on studying the new lay of the land. Those that don’t, well, like that redneck creep Alex Trakand and his boys, they die.”

“True.” Treyvon nodded, suddenly sombre.

“Well shit, my dear brother.” The one with the upper hand now, she pounded him on the back. “That ain’t happening to us. After all, we’ve got you and Luciana, ain’t we? The enemies will be quaking in their boots. As for me…” She grinned at me, and on the surface it seemed friendly, but I knew better, as she was clearly sulking, which again, for some reason I found oddly cute.

Guess it’s the gap again, between her surly, foul-mouthed usual demeanour, and her oddly feminine side which shines through on occasion. “I’ll have to make do. Any shit that goes down, well, they’ll regret messing with us wolves. Divine wolves now, yeah? We have sharp fangs and tough fur.”

“You do indeed.” I chuckled, knowing they were carrying Ixitt’s best new-generation firepower, and also had a modified version of Brigandine, using new, better mass-production methods of Duke Myrcolaxriath’s remains. “Anyway, so long as you get the objectives done, you can enjoy yourselves, treat it as a vacation. Oh, but if any interesting jobs come up…”

“We got it.” Treyvon nodded. “So long as it fits all our morality, and doesn’t take too long, we’ll reconnect with some old friends in the PMC business. More recruits with experience would be nice.”

“No shit.” Aliyah agreed, but her expression was cold. “But we ain’t fucking taking back the bastards who cut and ran when we were in the shit. I get looking out for themselves, but… fuck me, even young girls like Hinata here, and her little diamond pretties, showed more fucking fight when the shit hit the fan.” Hinata puffed up at the praise, and at Adamant being complimented.

“I ain’t compromising on that, Trey.” Aliyah finished, and I nodded.

“Yeah. Loyalty is important. I trust your judgement on that. Anyway, you’ve got the most up-to-date information we have, and you’ve got contact details. The Oracle Engine and Yasaka Yoshio-san’s limited talents are available. And of course you can resupply or bring back the injured through Ring Gates.”

“Yeah. It’s going to be quite the ride.” Treyvon agreed. Now that everyone, barring Bethany and Zachary, of course, were ready here, I turned my attention to other matters. Hinata had to dash off to take care of another few last-minute details as her phone was beeping with messages constantly, so alone, I found Chen Na with Ling. They were sitting in the garden, Chen Na… I suppose I’d best just call her Na, otherwise it seems odd… rather tense as she observed the morning skies.

“Morning.” I greeted them.

“Good morning.” Ling replied. “Oh, don’t worry.” she yawned, having been up all last night. “I’m rather nervous, but… I’ve been using the power of the Duke of Dreams a lot, I’ve grown more proficient. And I’ve tested it on a different target. It should work.”

“Yeah. If there was any doubt we’d have just taken the fastest flight possible right after midnight.” I chuckled. “Do your best, and then you can enjoy a bit of a break.”

“Hardly. I’ll still have to assist in many ways, I have no doubt. But yes…” She even smiled, a rarity for the young Chinese woman. “…it will certainly be more restful and easier on my mood to be rid of you for a while.”

“I’m so hurt.” I chuckled. “As for you…” I smiled at Na, who was smartly dressed in a black pantsuit, a hat with a black veil, rather similar to a mourning one, in her hands. “…sorry, there is no getting out of it. The Queen insisted, since you were part of the rescue operation. Besides, Chen Na the dissident from China is dead. Literally. You’re a new woman, new passport. Though it’s still prudent to keep your face obscured.”

“It’s quite the nuisance.” Na lamented, and Ling shook her head, still smiling.

“Yes, I certainly wouldn’t want the stress. I’m happy enough to keep my head down.”

“Sooner or later, if you want to go back to China, it might be possible.” I promised. “But not while that toad bastard is there, and not while the Chinese leadership are exploiting Chosen. But things will change. For now… we can only keep doing what we’re doing, strengthening ourselves both materially and politically, and see what happens.”

 “It would be comforting to go home again, but…” Na sighed softly. “…so much has changed. I am not myself anymore. Not… not after what we did.” Ling slowly nodded too, and a sympathetic look crossed my features.

“I get it. Anyway, I’ll see you both shortly.” I checked my watch. “It’s almost time…” Yes, almost time to confirm our grand scheme is going to work. I don’t know if the world is ready for it, but we’ve planned it out… projection of force is the key. We’d rather be overestimated, so our enemies are wary of risking our ire. We don’t… ever… want another incident like the Church attacks when I was absent. Though sadly, that’s a forlorn hope…

***

“It’s a rather large crowd.” I chuckled, surveying the many hundreds of people with us. Behind me, Kanami-chan was clearly nervous, but Natsumi and Kazumi-san were keeping her calm.

“Yes, you are quite-quite correct.” Shaeula agreed brightly. In a Western dress, light and airy despite the winter chill, a broad-brimmed hat on her head, she looked like the picture of a young lady. “I blame you, of course. After all, did you not-not rather expand the numbers of those who wished to go?” Her gentle smile showed she was just teasing me, but I couldn’t help but nod.

“Yeah. My bad. It’s a bit forward of them, but…”

“But you must trust your heart, nooo?” Hyacinth insisted. She had also made an effort, and wasn’t wearing her maid attire, but simple yet neat trousers and jumper, highlighting her explosive curves. “That you are… intending tooo date, as you say, means you are at least interested in their happiness, and they in yours. I find it rather tooouching.”

“You’ve got me there, I guess.” Haru was here, Michiru and Miyu too, and of course, Yu-mi. She’d talked me into letting her Korean friends come too, just to sightsee, as the trip she had planned back to Korea had to wait on Hinata’s return, anyway. So it’s no big deal. If this works, then rapid transit between London and Tokyo will be, if not trivial, quite possible. And if we expand still further…

“Indeed.” Hyacinth chuckled, perhaps enjoying chastising me gently, and her expression softened. “Not all of it is your doooing, though, is it? There are many servants and hangers-on…”

“That’s not nice.” I chided. Yes, a number of Japanese civil servants and senior representatives from the government and nobility (though most of the nobles were the family of the girls accompanying us) were heading to Britain, to hash out the details of our alliance and my engagement to Ellie. “They have an important role. Saving Hinata some effort. Anyway…” I glanced around. “…everyone’s here, and so’s the cargo.”

Whilst the most important gear was all safely stored away, we had a lot of other stuff to take with us. What we couldn’t easily take were spiritual beings, since we’d be leaving my Territory, where they found it easier to manifest, but while Ling wasn’t going to be overworked anymore, she’d still probably have to send a few over the normal way later.

Right then. I checked my watch again. “It’s coming up for six in the evening. We don’t want to be late, so…”

“It will be fine-fine.” Shaeula soothed. “But yes, you had best get started. It would not-not do for such an obstacle to bar-bar my way…” She winked playfully, and I felt my tension diminish a little. In the Wisdom World, Lin and the other Valkyries were watching on with some interest. Apparently gateways and other means of near-instant transportation existed, and the Ring Gates were woefully crude in comparison, but using them this way was still an interesting application for them to observe.

I stepped through the Ring Gate, to Bermondsey Isle in the Boundary. Ling and Ginneka were waiting there for me. As the curious Selkie of the isle watched on, I went back and forth through the Gate a number of times, bringing back several bluesteel barrels shimmering with orange water elemental energies each time. I quickly positioned them around the Ring Gate, and Ginneka, her ears flat against her skull, tail lashing, grimaced as she used Laverna’s Favour to send them back to the Material.

“Nya, if they fall in the water, don’t go blaming me, please. I am doing my best, nya, but the island doesn’t exist in the Material, does it?”

“I’m sure the Queen has made arrangements. Actually, I’m a little scared to see what they might be. She’s rather intense.” In the worst case, the barrels would sink into the Thames, and I’d find and fish them out, as my Eyes could spot the energy within them easily enough, even through murky river water. “Besides, Ellie carried back the details of my plan.”

“Then I’m done, nya.” Ginneka purred, rubbing at her eyes. “Time for a catnap, and some strong booze, nya.”

“Fine. You did well.” I praised her, and her ears perked up. “Just keep doing what you’re asked to, and the rest of the time you can relax. Now then…” I turned to Ling, who was staring at the mushrooms, her brown eyes pensive. “…time for you to do your part. I know you can do this. You practised, remember?”

“Yes, but… not with something so important. I suddenly feel sick, now it comes down to it.” Ling was nervous, but I reassured her.

“Worst case, Hyacinth can regrow it, or we can use some of the tools that Fenrir have with them. Now, just do it, it’ll be fine.”

“Very well.” She took a deep breath, aether gathering around her, which pulled in the surrounding ether, creating a shimmering, rippling cascade of silver sparks. “Do plants even dream?”

“Asha’s Trees certainly do. Maybe not as we think of it, but… all living things have two sides.”

“Then… Zhōu Gōng, the Duke of Dreams bids you wake from this dream for a brief time and feel the wind, the sun, the rain. Live a butterfly dream for a moment, before slumber returns to you…”

Her energies flooded into the ring of mushrooms, and the watching Selkie backed away as the glow intensified. Ling mopped at her brow, sweat as silvery as the aether around us forming, and she narrowed her eyes. “…wake! Whether life is but a dream and the dream reality, or from dreams you are born… wake! Rise!”

In one final surge of her strength, the Ring Gate vanished, and I momentarily created my Material body, lasting for just an instant, to check if Ling’s efforts had worked. What the hell? Uh…

Blinking at the momentary sight, I patted Ling on the shoulder. “Nice job. At least the Gate has moved, and it seems to be drawing from the water element we placed there. You can go rest now.” I watched Ling’s Silver Cord trail off into the distance before vanishing from sight. We had worried that it might potentially be severed, if the gateway she had travelled through suddenly vanished, but fortunately Rose had a solution to that problem, and Ling was able to control her Cord a little, so it wasn’t directed through the Ring Gate. It put a bit more pressure on her, but her Rank was more than high enough to tolerate the distance. In fact, generally speaking, it’s only significant travel through strange, distant realms that endanger a proper Silver Cord. My problem was my crappy White Cord which was fragile like glass…

“Thank you. I will.” She sighed, rubbing at her temples as if she had a headache. “Things with very little conscious self are difficult to work with.” She then yawned, and winked out of existence, surely waking up back in Tokyo. I then grinned. You’d think I’d be stranded, but fortunately, I have a method that can keep track of things. Eri, is it time yet?

There are a couple of minutes remaining. I’ll count you down. Will it work?

It should do. From what I saw, the Ring Gate is subsisting on the water element from the bluesteel, and the aether Ling imbued it with should run out and send the Gate back before it starves.

It’s not as easy as it seems, is it?

No, but this is only the first try, and… it’s not exactly the best position for this. But we’ll improve the method and soon have a network that can move us between places in both the Astral and the Material.

Arisu will no doubt rejoice. Shaeula’s amused thoughts sounded now. We chatted for a while until Eri began her countdown. As it reached one, I returned to the Material, timing it so it appeared that I was coming through the Ring Gate at the same time as everyone else began to filter through, at the head of the delegation. Blinking in the early morning sun of Britain, for once the sky clear and not cloudy, as if even the sun wanted to watch this particular occasion, my breath streamed mist in the cold air, as the Ring Gate cast out vivid sparks of purple and orange.

Yeah, this… sure is something. Obviously we weren’t walking on water. I could, with aether, or the appropriate elements, but such wasn’t needed. Instead, we… for Eri and my other girlfriends were the first to emerge from the towering Faerie ring, as was fitting, had successfully arrived, were standing on a polished floor of varnished wood. As were the toadstools that made up the Ring Gate, and the barrels too. Looking around properly, I could see that instead of Bermondsey Isle, we were upon a sleek wooden barge, some fifty metres across. The bow was carved into the shape of a swan, yet it wore garlands of wooden greenery, reminding me of the Green Man from mythology.

All around the decking were terraces of wooden platforms, and as more and more of our party arrived through the Ring Gate, looking around in awe at the craft created to facilitate our sudden arrival, they noticed we were being watched. All around on the terraces were camera crews, the BBC and other British, as well as some international, broadcasters eagerly filming us. But that wasn’t all. Upon the highest tier, a replica of the British Throne was set, and an elderly woman, with keen, piercing eyes, was sitting on it. Next to her was a face I recognised, and I smiled warmly. Ellie smiled back, cheeks pink and not from the wintery chill blowing off the river.

In addition, the dais was thronged by Queen’s Guards, in their traditional red and black uniforms with the large bearskin caps, standing to attention flawlessly. As the final surge of purple light faded, piles of boxes and bags disgorged through the portal, the sonorous, haunting sound of bagpipes started, and across the deck came a collection of young boys and girls, dressed in cute outfits, carrying bouquets of flowers and baskets of petals.

I watched on with some bemusement, as Ellie leapt down from the high dais, landing effortlessly in front of me, her long ponytail, tied by blue ribbons, swaying. She straightened up, her bent knees which absorbed the impact relaxing, and with a rueful yet embarrassed grin, she handed me a bunch of blue chrysanthemums, the symbolism not lost on me. Ahead of us, some of the boys and girls were laying down flower petals, forming a path to where the Queen waited above, while the rest passed flowers to the amused girls behind me.

“Sorry about this. Grandmother wanted to go all out. She loves embarrassing people.” Ellie whispered, using the sound of the bagpipes as cover, before raising her voice. “So then, I, Princess Eleanor Eloizabeth Diana Winsdor, on behalf of her Majesty, the Queen, bid you welcome. Akio, it’s good to see you again.” She held out her now free hand, and with mine I shook it, the world watching.

“It’s good to see you again too, Ellie.” was my answer, and as the Queen beamed broadly down at us, I knew that nickname would shake up the politicians and brokers of power observing this day with interest. Of course, when the Queen has her way… this will be nothing. Though whether it can top the affair at the Tengokusentou shrine… I wasn’t certain, but with one glance at the delighted, mischievous Queen, I had a sudden feeling, not of Foresight, but of experience, that she certainly had some schemes in mind…