On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

After travelling around the spiral loop of the Tengokusentou shrine, admiring the beautiful architecture and craftsmanship which had gone into each and every monument (they were very different to traditional Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples, instead, being more… personal… for want of a better expression), we all reached the apex, where small statues of the Valkyries and their patron Gods and Goddesses, as well as Tan, her father, and additional ones for Shirohebi and those who had given my fiancées and girlfriends Favours, had been arrayed, forming a rather wonderful display under the stained-glass. Obviously, Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi were here too, and also part of the stained glass display, which elicited some praise from the Emperor and Hachiman, though the later was rather defensive on seeing the other Divinities represented.

While there were some questions (and a few grumbles from the shrines and temples who hadn’t the luxury of this second tribute), it was largely accepted, after all, it was our respect for those who had offered their support, and Nozomi-san and Arisa-san, despite their trepidation, had calmed down over the course of this mini-Pilgrimage, and had enthusiastically explained the relevance of some of the displays when asked. The talk on Runes had been particularly amusing, seeing a young girl like Arisa-san, beautifully attired in her kimono, eagerly explaining it was a spiritual language from a Pantheon far from here, would melt away anyone’s annoyance.

Once we had descended the opposite way, the walls decorated in plain, calming colours, so as to give the Pilgrims and guests time to reflect, Arisu-san had gathered the press again, and allowed a half-dozen questions, all from trusted outlets. That had hardly satisfied their craving to know more about the events which had transpired, in the Pilgrimage, the merging of part of Tokyo with the Astral, and of course, the imminent abdication of the Emperor, and his declaration of a twin Emperor and Empress to replace him. Still, our answers, modest as they were, had to satisfy them, and the Pilgrimage ended in success, or rather, successful chaos, after a brief ceremony reopening the renewed original Tengokusentou site. Which had then led to this unexpected situation…

“So yes…” Kaoruko was saying, swirling a glass of Fae brandy in her hand idly, her gaze on the canopy of brilliant, glowing indigo leaves that haloed the Treetop café, though Asha’s Tree was also capable of enough sapient thought to shift such leaves aside when people wanted to gaze out over distant central Tokyo. Faint fireflies of elemental energy were drifting down and floating like snow, and overall, it was a spectacular ambience, and indeed, the partial Favour which had imparted the Rhyming Tree its Skill had indeed allowed it to deflect the wind now blowing through this place, meaning even outdoor dining at this height was comfortable and opulent, an experience replicated nowhere else. At least on Earth, anyway.

“…I don’t think the Emperor was actually planning to hand half of Japan to cousin Yukiko, at least not like that. Sure, he’s old and tired…”

“I hardly think you should be so critical of grandfather…” Prince Hodahito sighed, shaking his head. No, wait, his name is actually Kousei, isn’t it? Kaoruko kicked up a fuss on the way here about how ‘the boys’, as she called them, tended to be far too attached to their Imperial names. “…it is hardly like he has a choice. Not after the initial broadcast…”

“I’ve told you to stop speaking so formally. You sound like a fussy old granddad.” I reckoned Kaoruko was quite drunk, but she was certainly fun, and acted like a big sister to Yukiko, despite being her cousin. “You look bad enough with the glasses. Why wear them? Your eyes are fixed, aren’t they?”

“Our cousin still wears hers.” he grumbled defensively, looking out to where Yukiko and her brother Gorohito, who definitely didn’t suit the name Hajime, as Kaoruko had revealed to me, were talking to the various dignitaries and guests. “So lay off me. I like to keep a low profile. Especially now, sister.” He dropped his formal tone and fussy word choices. “You’re the same, aren’t you? You hate the idea of being Priestess of Ise more than anyone. If I was to be Emperor that’d mean that Prince Gorohito had died untimely. Who wants that? Not me, that’s for sure.”

“Or he did something stupid, that’s more likely…” Kaoruko giggled, before glancing at Daiyu, who was sitting with us quietly. “…what do you think, Daiyu-chan? Oh, wait, you’re not Japanese, are you? You probably don’t get it. No offense, but our traditions are a mess. I was planning on leaving when I eventually got married. Article twelve, remember?” she snorted with wry amusement. “Anyway, how does it look to you, an outsider?”

Daiyu glanced at me, her dark eyes knowing, before she shrugged. It’s true. I know already. Haru found his mind a bit of a mess, but she was able to pick out his reasoning, and his original plans, and share them.

“Sect politics could be harsh indeed.” Daiyu explained. “I was… somewhat insulated from that struggle, by virtue of being the daughter of the Sect Patriarch, and also a prodigy few could rival…”

“Modest too…” Kaoruko teased, and Daiyu gently inclined her head.

“I do not believe in false modesty. That is as poisonous as hubris. As I was saying, I escaped the worst of it, and I shall not be allowing matters to repeat themselves in the new Incorruptible Jade. After all, one of the biggest sources of conflict was resource scarcity. And we are entering a treasure-rich, wealthy period. And you are… how did Aiko put it, my sugar-daddy, Akio.”

Kaoruko doubled over laughing at that, while Hodahito, or rather, Kousei, I supposed, shook his head. “That isn’t… no, maybe it is what you meant to say, but it’s not a polite term, used by virtuous women, so I’d advise you to refrain from saying that where others might hear it.”

“Very well.” Daiyu nodded. “Regardless, even when the times of plenty are over, I am determined the Incorruptible Jade will be different. But… you asked what I believed. The answer is simple. No leader of power and respect would make such a monumental decision without talking it over with those involved first, to avoid… the spectacle and discontent of earlier, and the resulting loss of face. Respect is a currency equal to power, one all those who lead crave.”

“Yes. I agree completely. Though for once…” Kaoruko smirked at me, after sipping at her alcohol. “…it wasn’t really you causing a scene, Akio. Yukiko told me all about Kyoto, and some of your other exploits. Still, you’re right. It would have been hard talking to our cousin, wouldn’t it?” she addressed Kousei, who nodded.

“You might have a… bad impression… of him. I don’t suppose we can blame you.” He looked over at the final two members of our little group, Tsurugi, who was siting on Magatama’s lap, kicking her legs as she ate sweet crepes and drank juice, and Magatama herself, who had a solemn expression on her beautiful face, as she held a goblet of wine in one hand, her free one alternately patting Tsurugi’s head and wiping mess from her face.

“After all, he did treat them rather poorly. I still find all this hard to believe. Thank the Heavens I’m not ever going to be Emperor. It’s more than I’d want to face.”

“Yes. Though looking at them like this… it’s hard to believe that you’re both the Imperial Regalia.” Kaoruko agreed.

“I don’t find it any harder to accept than the other crazy things I’ve seen.” I chuckled, answering for the slightly troubled Magatama. “Besides, I knew a Tsukumogami before them. She’s over there. Hiding from Hyacinth still. Old habits die hard…” I pointed out Azuki, the little doll dressed in gothic black lace, who was hiding under one of the tables, sipping on her own drink, now she could come and go freely from our estate to here.

“My point is… he wasn’t a bad brother to Yukiko.” Kaoruko shrugged. “He even comforted her when all this started. Yukiko wasn’t strong. She’s changed. I suppose she had to. Have much to do with that?” she asked me with a wink. I turned to Daiyu, who knew what I was going to say, and she waved one hand dismissively, letting me speak.

“Not really. Yukiko grew by her own strength, and by the help of Tsukiko and the others who cherish her. She gets on quite well with Ellie too. Fellow Princesses, I guess. But if she needs my strength, of course, she has it.”

“How romantic. I’m happy for her, despite everything.” Kaoruko gazed at her cousins, before turning back to me. “Anyway, yes, he was a decent enough brother. A bit distant, but supportive in his own way. And not even Yukiko being chosen by Amaterasu changed that. Though…”

“I feel that was more down to our cousin’s suffering. It’s easy not to be jealous when the gift was poisoned. Now… now she’s finally shed her fear and grown, his insecurities have started to show.” Kousei added. “Worse… there is a popular movement to have Yukiko, or even worse, you, as Emperor. The voices are quiet, mostly the young on the internet and at university, but there was an upsurge of support for both of you after the lightshow which engulfed Tokyo. Obviously, not even the Prime Minister who is beholden to you would allow that, but changing the Articles so that a woman can inherit, making Yukiko Empress, while maintaining our bloodline… that was something to be feared.”

Daiyu agreed. “If I compare this to Sect matters, Yukiko cannot be forced to leave the family when she marries, else that would insult Akio and those he is also betrothed to, as well as lowers Yukiko’s perceived value. I know you do not desire her for her value, Akio, but the rulers and the mighty always think in such terms. They have to. I do not care for it, but even in my reformed Sect, such things need balancing.”

“Daiyu’s right.” Kaoruko agreed. “The original plan was, I suspect, to have Yukiko remain as a unique role, Princess of Heaven. Thus she would remain part of the Imperial Family, even if peripherally. What changed, I’m not entirely sure, but… well, our dear cousins will have to work together.”

I think I know. The prophecy. Tsukiko asked me to prepare that display, and it seemed harmless enough. But it seemed to shock the Emperor into going further than he intended. And perhaps it was also Yukiko’s insistence she’d give everything up to Gorohito… I suspect the last thing he wants is for his designated heir to be in danger, or worse, cause catastrophe in Japan. Yes, Yukiko said we’d help him, and we would… but it’s too much to expect we’d care much for him if he robbed Yukiko’s rights, even if she offered them herself. Hence this… unexpected mess, exacerbated by the dislike between Hachiman and the various Yōkai who also ruled sections of Japan…

“I guess so. The problem is… can he handle it?” I asked idly, and Kaoruko snickered, draping an arm around my shoulder cheerfully.

“I know why you’re unconvinced, but what’s he going to do about it? That’s probably why he’s so bitter. If this happened any other time, then he wouldn’t be affected. Now he has to share with his more popular sister, and her fiancé. Astral Emperor, hmm?” She leaned in close, her breath smelling sweet with the Fae booze. “Looks like Yukiko didn’t need to be declared an Empress to still be one.”

“Come on, sister. Be more modest. I apologise for her.” Kousei sighed. “She’s in high spirts. While she feels sorry for the Prince, she’s happy Yukiko is getting the respect she deserves. Honestly, she’s always worried about her…”

“Yes. She’s too shy! She’s cute, even if she says she isn’t, and she’s nice, which is more important. You think so too, don’t you? You’ve helped her bloom…”

I exchanged a glance with Daiyu, who shrugged, and slowly stood up, leaving me to my fate. As she departed, heading for a group of her disciples, Kaoruko drunkenly began to extol Yukiko’s virtues, while Kousei occasionally interjected to stem the worst of her behaviour, and Magatama and Tsurugi focussed simply on enjoying themselves, seemingly without a care in the world…

***

“Looks like you had it rough.” Hayato-kun commiserated, as I slumped down on the wooden table, strong liquor in hand. I’d barely managed to escape Kaoruko’s drunken clutches after twenty minutes where she had talked about Yukiko incessantly. I suppose I couldn’t be too upset though, as it was never unpleasant to have someone you love praised.

Hina-chan merely giggled, showing me a sympathetic face. Aimi-chan, though, was bolder, as she slapped me on the back heartily, yet also gently enough not to hurt her palm, as everyone was learning.

“I saw it. So did Yasu-kun and Shugo-kun. Having another Princess draped over you. You’re a sinful man.”

“Hey, I’m not jealous, Akio-kun. Was I, Karen-chan, babe?” Yasu-kun addressed Karen-chan, who was here too, obviously, as one of my first colleagues, important secretary, and Pilgrim. Her smile was rather amused as she shook her head.

“I think you were, but… I think we women have to make allowances, don’t we?” She glanced around, and Shugo-kun’s teacher girlfriend, Akiko-chan, nodded, a bemused expression on her face at the spectacle of the day.

“After all, there’s no comparing Akio-kun to anyone else, is there? Even now…” she smiled at the two young women at the table with us, one of whom was causing Aimi-chan’s boyfriend, Kimura Atsushi-san, a significant amount of distress just by being there. But it can’t be helped.

“It is not even a question.” Miyu agreed, her hair elegantly pinned back into a ponytail, exposing the delicate nape of her neck. Seeing my gaze, she smiled, and I realised she’d been picking up on my preferences, either subconsciously, or though dedicated effort. I had a thing for elegant, prim beauties, of course, but the gap when they acted just a little bolder was also thrilling. “I see none but Akio in my eyes… when it comes to men.” she added, a beat late, as Michiru, also here, began to redden, and I didn’t miss Miyu’s subtle smile. Yeah, playing with Michiru again. I can’t say I’m a sadist, I like to treat my girls with tender affection, but I also can’t disagree that Michiru is adept at provoking the urge to playfully bully her. She’s a master of her hobbies, I guess…

“I’ve gone beyond hating you now, man…” Yasu-kun’s words were harsh, but we all knew he was joking. “…one beauty in Eri-chan is bad enough. Add Shaeula and it’s awful. But just keep adding more and more… at some point it just becomes impressive rather than insulting.”

“Wise words from you, Yasu-kun.” Aimi-chan giggled. “I’m touched. You’ve finally grown up. Thanks to Karen-chan maybe. All you needed was a good, older woman to keep you in check.”

“I hardly do that.” Karen-chan’s cheeks reddened as she sipped at her sake. “Besides, Yasu-kun’s a hard worker. The Oracle Engine upgrades, though rather delayed, are going well.”

“Yeah, I’m glad someone notices how great I am. I’m so lucky to have you, babe!” he gushed, before his gaze went to another table, where Hisano-chan and a dozen others were playfully celebrating. “You know… it seems only yesterday little Hisano-chan was clinging to me, calling me ‘big brother’, smiling so sweetly you’d hardly believe it. Now… now she’s all grown up. Her aura is totally different. She’s… confident.”

“That’s just her becoming an adult. It happens to everyone. Some later than others.” Hayato-kun teased him. “Are you not going to warn Akio-kun off her like usual?”

“I’ve given up. Besides, she told me it’s none of my business.” Yasu-kun conceded. “Not that she’s said anything about you, so don’t get your hopes up!” he warned me, in a mixture of teasing and genuine irritation. “The thought of you and her… hey, just be grateful with who you have, don’t go looking for more!”

“Oh, I am.” I put my arm around Miyu. It was a bit forward, considering our position, but… she seems to want it. Ah… Before I could offer Michiru my other arm, she darted in and sat on my lap, a very bold move considering her usual short skirt. Yeah, she deliberately flipped it up to sit against me without that layer of fabric. It was expertly done too, so that nobody but me got a flash of her red panties. Uh… transparent is a bold look. Though with how little fabric there is, it hardly seems worth the bother.

“Allow me, Akio-sama!” Michiru shot a rather superior look at Miyu, who remained composed, but by the gleam in her black eyes as Michiru lifted my glass to my lips, I could tell Michiru had succeeded in attracting some punishment for later. I took a sip and then asked a question that was on my mind.

“Takeshi-san seemed rather… battered… when accompanying us today. Did… did you do that?”

“Yes!” Michiru declared without a hint of shame. She shifted her bottom, somehow managing the lewd feat of stimulating my groin while doing so, as if her cheeks were gripping me like hands. I tried to ignore it, and fortunately she knew this wasn’t the time nor the place for sexy fun, so she contented herself with just an occasional caress. “I explained to honoured father that you had already dyed me in your colours, I had memorised your touch, taste, smell…”

“That’s… awfully bold of you, Michiru-chan…” Aimi-chan’s face was red, and she wasn’t the only one, Miyu the sole woman amongst those here who remained composed.

“Honoured father would not listen to reason. All men are wolves, he says, out to exploit and torment women, but Akio-sama can hardly be placed in that category. Why, Miyu-sama and I have been giving blatant signals for quite some time, inviting him to conquer us.”

“That’s Akio-kun, for sure.” Hayato-kun chuckled. “He was always good at deliberately failing to notice what he didn’t want to see.”

“Yes. it can be quite frustrating, but then, as a woman, while I was ashamed to employ such vulgar tricks, I was also gratified when my charms were recognised. I too spoke to my parents and grandfather and secured their approval to begin courting. Not that I particularly required it. Akio did take control of my future marriage, with grandfather’s blessing. It is only natural either to marry him or be used as a bribe to one of his allies.”

“That sounds… a bit cold, Miyu-chan.” Soft-hearted Hina-chan was troubled at that suggestion. “Marriage should be a happy event, with the one you love.”

“Such was a luxury for those of us raised in the walled garden that is the nobility.” Miyu was unmoved, though her expression relaxed as she eyed Hina-chan. “I see that now. I complained about sacrifice, but we all have our own to make. Fortunately, it shall be a happy event, though… I have to do my best to win Akio over. I have been allowed to reach out a hand, now I need to become desirable enough to make him grasp…. will you please stop that, Michiru?” She changed what she had been about to say as Michiru shifted on my lap, making sure her chest brushed my body as she offered me another drink, face pink.

“There is a time and a place for such a play. But Akio is surely exhausted…” Miyu continued, only for Aimi-chan’s boyfriend, Kimura-san, to stand, his expression melancholic.

“I… hardly think I belong here, in such company. Not now, not… my apologies.” He stumbled over his words, and Aimi-chan seemed stricken at his shrunken, weak mien. I was about to offer my aid when Miyu beat me to it.

“I am not here as Fujiwara Miyu, simply Miyu. Do sit back down, just because you worked for my foolish uncle, and were swept up in the Tengokusentou plot, does not mean you are truly at fault.”

“But…” he seemed uncertain still. “Fujiwara-sama, you were involved in battle, and I put your grandfather at risk, as well as…” he glanced at me, and I shrugged.

“I can’t say I’m happy that Hinata, Miyu and the others had to fight for their lives, but we were being schemed against. They would have found a way to strike, regardless… so just do better in future. And look after Aimi-chan, okay?”

“Indeed.” Miyu agreed. “If grandfather wished it, you would surely be imprisoned alongside my uncle. But we established you were simply doing your job for Fujiwara house, and were also a sacrifice, to tie up loose ends. And in the end, we were unharmed, and the Tengokusentou restored. Outcomes matter. Even if you should have spotted some of the warning signs. Besides…” her expression hardened, and she clutched my arm tighter. “…you are making Akio uncomfortable. That I cannot forgive. I wish any time he spends with me to be comforting and pleasant. After all, I might as well use what I was taught.”

“They’re right!” Aimi-chan agreed, nodding fiercely, which did draw Shugo-kun’s and Yasu-kun’s eyes, though Karen-chan let out a dry laugh, and Yasu-san was all smiles again, fussing over her, even as Aimi-chan blushed.

“Just… just relax. Yes, technically you’re unemployed at the moment, after you resigned, but… I’m sure Akio-kun could find a proper role for you. Despite everything, you’ve got experience at helping run major enterprises.”

“Yes. Karen-chan, after the new year break, see what we’ve got.” I added, and Aimi-chan shot me a grateful smile.

“Now, we changed the subject a little. Michiru, you say Koga-san took matters poorly?” Miyu asked, more for our benefit, I suspected, as she surely knew what Michiru had done.

“Yes, you could certainly say that, Miyu-sama!” Michiru bounced up and down on me, excited. “He is such a pain. Honoured father, even without the benefit of my Statistics, was always a tricky fight for me, but now… I taught him I am ready to make my own way in the world, with my fists!”

She smiled, her tone proud, though her cheeks were a little pink. “I cannot say honoured father did not acquit himself well. It was a learning experience. Simple speed and power are not enough. Honoured father’s techniques and tricks can turn aside a blow of a thousand pounds with a mere ten pounds of delicate force. In the end, I had to shock him. Just a little. But…” She leaned back like a cat, content, and her fragrance filled my nose, slight sweat and perhaps even a touch of perfume, unusual for her.  “…honoured father, despite his tears, was proud of me. I have graduated the Koga Arts he wields, he says. Though… I suspect I shall want to learn the Kōga variants, from the village, as well.”

“I see.” Miyu was pleased. “It seems we both triumphed. Not that I believe we are alone in that. Finally…” she addressed my uni friends politely, clearly eager to make a good impression on them. “…Akio is finally unable to look away from what he should see.”

“Yes. It seems so.” Hayato-kun chuckled. “Of course, maybe he was thinking of his health. It can’t be easy.”

“Hey, the stats are good for… don’t be upset, I didn’t mean to say it…” Shugo-kun hastily apologised to Akiko-chan as her expression fell as he implied a lot about their private affairs. As he continued to placate her, that reminded me.

“Sorry, you guys.” I bowed my head, careful not to knock Michiru’s as I did so. “I’ve even given out a Favour to Michiru here, amongst others, but… there were none suitable for you. As some of my oldest and closest friends, it makes me feel terrible…”

“I wondered what was up.” Hayato-kun shook his head, his gaze knowing. “We talked about this, between ourselves. We don’t need Favours. Honestly, we’re not fighters. It just makes me more impressed by the young ladies here, so resolute at their tender ages.”

“Hardly. I was a coward and a wretch to start with, until Akio and Hinata steered me correctly. But I see what you mean. But you know he does not want to offer you these treasures because he wants you to fight, he does it because you are treasures to him as well.”

“You know Akio-kun quite well, don’t you?” Hina-chan asked, and Miyu gently nodded, the barest movement of her head.

“I have been watching him ever since we met. I would feel a fool if I did not come to understand him. Even then, I still made mistakes.” Her cheeks were dappled with a light pink of shame, but Hina-chan reached out and patted her shoulder comfortingly.

“That’s very sweet. And just like you said to Atsushi-san…” it seemed like Hina-chan was on slightly less formal terms with Aimi-chan’s boyfriend than I was. “…it’s the outcome which matters here. And I don’t see Akio-kun shying away from you.” She eyed me up and down, and now I was the one flushing. Michiru silenced my words by pressing the glass to my lips, and after a long sip, I smiled ruefully.

“Yeah. Once I saw them as their true selves, the one worry I had faded, and… well, I suppose Yu-mi helped me put my thoughts in order too. She’s got a good grasp on human nature…”

“And also seems very satisfied.” Yasu-kun grumbled. “I’d say ‘leave some for the rest of us’, but I wouldn’t do that to you, Karen-chan, my Goddess babe!”

“Oh, I’m upgraded to a Goddess now, am I? I wouldn’t dare, not after seeing all the Kami at the Tengokusentou. Nor knowing Shiro and Tan…”

There was laughter, and the conversation steered away from romance after that, to a talk about the Oracle Engine, the factory, and other wonders the group was involved in. Now that we have a near-unlimited supply of resources both Material and Astral, as well as the wealth to put it to use… I’m excited to see what wonders everyone will come up with. Though I can’t help but wish we had some additional specialists. Oh well, now we have the cash, time to help Japan’s unemployment worries by recruiting some more top talent…

***

After spending a little more time with my uni friends, their partners, and Miyu and Michiru, eventually I decided it was time to talk to other groups. Extricating myself from Michiru, which was oddly difficult, I straightened my slightly rumpled clothing with some embarrassment, and said my goodbyes, though we’d all meet again shortly anyway, as the first shrine visit of the new year was fast approaching.

I moved between a number of groups, exchanging pleasantries, talking about Pilgrimage or the events of the day, and after several rounds of switching tables, I found myself with a very eclectic group. Ffionnan, Estalian, who once again was staggeringly drunk, and ended up flitting onto my shoulder, perching there and pulling on my hair to keep her balance, Grulgor, Duke Formor, still in his imposing mortalform, and lastly, Ixitt. Duke Formor’s accompanying Giant was taking to Shaeula’s family, though by the sour expressions on their faces, they dearly wished they could dispose of the irritating, smarmy Fae.

I haven’t forgotten either. Though since you did send us Hyacinth, even if you meant it very differently, I suppose I can hold down my anger. But if you cross the line again…

I shook my head to clear it, earning a grumble and a tugging on my hair from Estalian as she complained I was making her feel dizzy, and then listened in to the rather fascinating conversation.

“What is the point of this, rat?” Duke Grulgor rumbled, a ruby light glimmering in his eyes. “Such notions of time are mortal conceits, unnecessary for we who dwell within endless twilight.”

“Oh, yes, I am sure.” Ixitt responded, brushing off the pressure radiating from the Giant. “We Fae do indeed have a rather more… lax…  relationship with time than the mortals do. Not to our benefit though, my dear Duke. Princess Ffionnan understands, yes?”

The red-haired, slender Fae nodded eagerly, coins jingling in her hair, and I was amused to see she had a ribbon made from stitched together ten-thousand-yen notes tying the end of her braid. That’s certainly a… statement. “Indeed I do, Ixitt, indeed I do! Time… is money!” She declared that most mortal of idioms boldly. “Perhaps it stems from a shorter lifespan, or the cycle of both sun and moon here, but the humans are always so busy! And from their efforts, comes wealth. Look around, Duke. I know you have little love for me and mine, but… take it in!”

Duke Grulgor nodded. “I concede… this Tree is impressive. No doubt that old, fossilised fool Primal Forest would love to claim it, but… it has a Dryad, yes?” He turned his gaze to where Asha was talking to the Maker of Mountains and his entourage, large vats of Fae spirits being broached and shared freely.

“Indeed. This is Asha’s Tree. Nobody claims it but her.” I insisted, and the Duke snorted, large fists clenching.

“You… you have the presence of one of us. I would love to test your mettle…”

“Grul thinks you should, respectfully, I might add, not do that.” Grulgor, in mortalform to escort his previous lord, hastily waved his big hands. “When your blood is up, the fire of your Mystic Eyes burns bright, destroying all you see, like the accursed forefather of the Fomorians, Grul thinks. Best just relax, there can be no risk of damage here.”

“When did you get so… eloquent, Grulgor? Change… we Giants are as immutable as the earth itself…” Duke Formor rumbled a retort.

“But the earth does move, just slowly and carefully.” I pointed out. “Doesn’t your mountain home have volcanic vents, fires gushing from below? Those happen because the earth is always shifting. Well, I suppose I can’t be sure it’s the same in the Fae realms, but here, that’s how it works. So change is not to be feared, if it’s careful, and respects what comes before.” I glanced over at the Emperor and his wife as I said that. I was shocked that they too had visited Asha’s Tree, but I supposed a show of goodwill was warranted. The media had been thinned out, of course, and now only Arisu-san’s handpicked WTV crews were here, since they knew what they could safely record and broadcast.

“Yes. I have no liking for the craven Royalists.” he agreed, and Ffionnan giggled, ignoring the Giant’s tantrum. While Ffionnan certainly felt amongst the weakest of the Seelie Princes and Princesses I’d met, she still gave off an august presence and had no fear.

“I daresay they liked you equally little, dear Duke.” she returned his words, and Estalian giggled, nodding her head, wings on her back humming, as she sipped from a shot glass, which was large in her hands. “But what you like is results, yes? Dead enemies, reclaimed lands, avenged slights? And… if we are to retake Salamandrastrae… the plan is set, isn’t it?”

“Indeed it is.” Ixitt grinned, showing his teeth. His daughter Quaela, who was serving as a maid, like always, passed by, rolling her eyes, but we ignored her. “Our weapon technology, combining Mortal Engineering with science, has now reached a level to match the finest weapons the mortal world has to offer, though we are still not quite there with their tanks and armoured cars. We will get there, however. And could even bring them from the mortal world. This is a gateway indeed…” he spread his arms wide, elated. “…oh, have no fear…” he assured me. “…we have not wasted the old equipment. As our numbers grow, we pass it down to others, so even the lowliest Fae might have means to protect themselves in the event of another incursion.”

“Get to the point…” Duke Formor rumbled, and Ixitt did so.

“The crux of the matter is, we are gathering the equipment and supplies needed to break the renewed defences of Salamandrastrae, their fortresses of basalt and obsidian, and sustain a protracted siege, if it proves necessary. They have dug deep, and, though ironically, the Spring of Clear Reflections was deadlier, more hostile, it could be bypassed by ingenuity, rendering the threats largely benign. No such joy will we find at the fiery mountain. As you well know, the Giants will not easily be dislodged. So we have to prepare. Spending lives recklessly is folly. Not when patience can bring us the firepower to crush them. Though alas, it will still come to hand-to-hand combat within the tunnels in the end. But by then, their numbers should have been whittled down. Giants are, by nature… prone to provocation.”

“Grul thinks it is too fine a night to dwell on this.” The Troll was sweating, and Ixitt, taking the hint, grinned.

“And so it is. We now come full circle. Akio, your thoughts too, if you would?” After I nodded, he brought out several watches from his pocket, digital and mechanical. “I was saying that the time here in the overlapping areas is closer to the Fae realms, though there are… localised distortions, though I expect these will even out in due course. This… causes a great many complications. Though it is constrained to areas you control here. Yet…” his grin was wicked now. “…you claimed the roads, the parks, and other communal property. A journey that would have taken an ordinary mortal twenty minutes still takes them twenty, yet outside, only perhaps five minutes have elapsed.”

“Oh, it is just like the old tales.” Estalian giggled drunkenly. “Wandering into the lands of twilight, only to return as if little time had passed at all. or for those unlucky enough to stumble into a calm in the tides… they return to find they have been gone for many, many years…”

That piqued my interest. Shinkume-no-Hana had spoken of such rare places, where time flowed so slowly compared to the outside, rather than faster, as was ordinary. It had very little practical purpose, outside of her case, and those of Su Caihong and Liena, but the reverse, a place where time flows wildly faster, would certainly be valuable. A hyperbolic time chamber, though only those of us who are past being ordinary humans would be able to use it. Otherwise they’d still age, getting out of step with their ordinary lives…

“Not quite, but it causes confusion. We need a method of keeping time between the various temporal flows. A new timepiece, using fresh methods, if you will. Otherwise it will cause chaos, and hurt both the cohesion of the civilisation here, as well as potentially damage businesses and effect scientific endeavours. After all, with precise requirements, both cutting-edge machining and revolutionary science require strict, known, measurable and above all, consistent conditions. A disturbed flow of time causes failures.”

“We can hardly have that!” Estalian declared. “My investments cannot be compromised. Not now I am finally recovering some of the vast sums I expended!”

“Don’t worry.” I promised. “We’ll all be fabulously wealthy. Though I’m not going to hoard it all. I do want to make the world a better place. And not just for ourselves. Though our happiness comes first, of course.” I wouldn’t compromise on that. “Anyway, I wonder if consulting the Oracle Engine might help, Ixitt? You can ask it before we go to Britain, there should be time.”

“I might well do that.” he nodded. “So, Duke Formor, to answer your earlier question… the point of this is that everything is connected. Do you think Grulgor here gained his strength purely through martial means?”

As his old master turned his grim stare upon him, Grulgor shivered, before gathering his pride and standing tall. “Grul says Ixitt is correct. Work is training. All can be for battle. In digging, in shaping, Grul grows more precise. Measurements must be to the millimetre.” he parroted, parodying Ixitt’s voice. “Grulgor can crush foes with mighty fists…” He clenched one for emphasis. “…yet, to smash, break and demolish, with the minimum of strength… that, Grul thinks, is true power.” His eyes then gleamed with a vivid hue, not red, like Duke Formor’s, but a blueish shade. Intrigued, my Eyes shone too, and I could see Grulgor was drawing in motes of the light Asha’s Tree was giving off. It was causing terrible damage to his body, burning through his Chakra network, but Grulgor didn’t even flinch at that, recovering quickly, and…

Oho. I know he said he was asking Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan for guidance, but still, I’m impressed… despite the terrible damage to his body, light elemental energies were gathering around his third eye Chakra and slowly starting to integrate. Eager to see if Grulgor would merge himself with yet another element, wondering just what a Grulgor made of light would be capable of, I shook my head once more, getting a clout on the ear from my miniature passenger.

“Speaking of the time…” I checked my own watch. It wasn’t flawless, but I had one calibrated to run at the average faster speed of the Territory. “…it’s very nearly midnight. It’s a tradition here…” As I spoke, I was interrupted by the Maker of Mountains, Tsukuruyama, who had returned to his own size, though mercifully he had leapt off the terrace first, probably because Shaeula and Eri had warned him if he, instead of making, was breaking, it wouldn’t end well for him. His head came to a bit below the Treetop terrace, but as he lifted one arm, it rose above us, and in his hand, he held a colossal bonshō bell, the massive bronze gong gently rocking. His other arm joined it, and then one finger, replicating the wooden beam that usually sounded the bell, stabbed the metal.

The booming sound rang out, followed by another wave of sonorous noise. Asha’s Tree reacted, the barrier muting it down to a pleasant level, no longer making our bones shiver and insides ache, and the unaugmented amongst us, like the reporters, quail and tremble. As the bells rang out again and again, Tsukuruyama called out greetings, this voice equally as loud.

As the bell tolled for the hundred and seventh time, he drew back his fist one final time, and with the final ringing of the bell, the year which had started so prosaically, and in the middle had spawned all this chaos and insanity, but also given me happiness I never could have dreamed of, became a memory, and the new year started.

“Amitabha. Amitabha.” the giant Yōkai cried. “May this be a year where much is made, and less destroyed. May we all move closer to Nirvana. For only a heart free of attachment can truly be called pure!”

“Tiresome fool…” Duke Grulgor growled, clearly irked that he was a smaller Giant, even in his true form, though in terms of might, honestly, Duke Former seemed far more dangerous. His words were washed aside though as my thoughts were filled by those who shared Lovers’ Link with me, wishing me a happy new year, and the Valkyries followed suit. Soon, friends, family, lovers and more had crowded around me, offering their blessings, and as I hugged, and in the relevant cases, kissed them back, the moment was only spoiled by Estalian, tired of being jostled, puking on my shoulder.

Though I suppose it’s hard to complain too much. I’m seeing in the new year with Faerie vomit smearing me, a hundred metre tall Yōkai giant ringing the bells, atop an even taller Tree, surrounded by lovers I couldn’t even have dreamed of before now, with Valkyries from myth talking in my mind, eagerly asking about Earth traditions. Damn, I wonder what next new year will be like? How can it top this? Oh yeah… Tsukiko’s prophecy. Well, we know it isn’t this year, so… let’s hope we get a couple more peaceful celebrations, before it we have to face whatever trial that vision will bring…