On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

At the rebuilt mansion in the lands of the Fae, I gratefully took a drink from the weaselkin maid Klena. Taking a sip of the fruity, restorative Faerie wine, I tried to fight off my bone-weary exhaustion, while in the Material, I was watching Tamamo-no-Mae looking around our estate with a mix of curiosity and detachment.

“I…” My hands trembled a little as I remembered the numerous times I had come close to death. Uranai wasn’t wrong. I had been through difficult situations before, but not a number of deadly threats in quick succession. “…never mind. It’s over.” I didn’t like gambling with my life, or putting the others in danger. But often it’s necessary. Uranai seemed to know just what to say to make me act. That makes me wonder… I had the gift of Prophecy myself, now that Tsukiko had given me the Divine Favour of Tsukuyomi. Perhaps the outcome was always meant to be my victory, but the way to achieve that was to predict something else? “Just like that movie, the Matrix. When the Oracle said that Neo wasn’t the One… she knew he was, but only telling him that would make him act the right way…”

At Klena’s quizzical look, I barked a laugh, starting to feel a little better. “It’s a classic film. Next time you are sent to the Material, why not watch it? You might not understand much of it though.”

As Klena protested that when she was there she was to serve her princess, as well as me and the other girls, I took several deep breaths, calming my nerves. Forgetting the sheer torment that Tamamo-no-Mae had inflicted on me was proving a challenge, the suffering carved deep into me, but fortunately, I could already feel my Resilience, which had grown significantly through my efforts to resist, first the Chaotic Winds, then the Tiānyì, and finally that agony, starting to soothe my mind, allaying my fears. Speaking of the Tiānyì…

My Eye shone. Fortunately, merely observing an item didn’t take much strength, as I was trying to recover as much as I could so that I could satisfy Daiyu as she wished on her birthday. Daiyu herself, while excited for tomorrow, had also been drained of strength, so was sleeping, though I doubted she’d let any of her day go to waste if she didn’t have to. She’ll be up early, I’m sure. Besides, as a Cultivator, and as Chang’e’s Chosen, she has excellent recovery.

Tiānyìèguǐnǚ Bell of I Whisper High On Golden Breeze… With Skies Like Sapphire And Jade… I Lure Those Fools To Desire’s Gate… And With Wings Unfurled They Meet Their Fate… In Cold Arms Tight, With Jade Skin Soft And White… Even In Death There is Surely Delight. [Item Class: Powerful] [Item Type: Law]

This Bell, crafted from a strand of a powerful Tiānyìèguǐnǚ’s hair, containing her unique Aetheric and ???????? signature, will resonate and ring when exposed to the Chaotic Winds, making her spirit tremble. She will then be able to determine where the bearer of this Bell is, and be drawn to it.

“Damn, she wasn’t kidding when she said her name was a poem. That’s a damn mouthful. At least Hisui definitely fits, considering jade is in her name several times.” Although, it doesn’t look like the Bell does anything useful for me. Why is she so sure I won’t just take if off, or destroy it? She’s right, though…

Perhaps I was too easy to read, Shaeula, Eri, the others, even my sis… they were all able to tell what I was thinking most of the time. Continuing to drink my wine, I shook my head self-deprecatingly. I survived, and if… no, when I inevitably rose to face such a Tribulation in future, better a familiar face than a Tiānyì I didn’t know. Besides, I had a feeling she would be easier to bargain with.

“That said…” I muttered, taking out the Spatial Ring I had crafted for Daiyu. “There’s one item that I need to do something about first…”

Withdrawing my own severed arm from inside, I grimaced. Of course, having been hastily infused with materials from the Sessho-seki, as well as a significant amount of High Moonlight Spirit Water, spatial and darkness elements. It was a strange deep blue colour, threaded with violet and orange veins. On seeing it, Klena shuddered a little.

“Master, what-what is that?” she couldn’t help but ask, and I answered her with a sigh.

“Sadly, my arm…” Seeing her glancing at my unwounded body, puzzled, I snorted.

“Don’t worry about it. I grew it back. Now, I need some peace and quiet. But can you fetch me something sweet to eat, like honeyed fruits? I know that the Mirror Bees are producing lots of sweet treats.”

She hurried off after a curtsy, leaving me to investigate my crude, desperate handiwork. I had to hurry, as the arm trembled, and I could feel it starting to corrode from the inside.

Crude Right Arm Of Tribulation [Item Class: Noble] [Item Type: Law]

Severed flesh, fused with potent Spirit Water, imbued with Light, Darkness and Spatial Elements, to form a crude cage to hold Mutated Elements of significant power. The workmanship was crude, and unless reinforced, the Heavenly Purifying Lightning and True Chaotic Winds inside will break free. As these Elements are part of ??????? ???????? ??????? ???????? this will attract the fury of the ???????? Heavens.

The design elements intended have likely not yet been implemented, as the Elements within, despite being frozen in the infused Ice created from the Spirit Water, are slowly beginning to revert to their base forms.

“For a rush job in those circumstances, I don’t think I did so badly…” Stinging at the implied criticism from my Eye, I grimaced. I was going to need Shiro’s buffs and likely help from a buffed Bjarki too to finish the work, but for now… Can’t let those elements get away after trapping them. Sure, I did it to survive getting caught in the Tribulation, but what idiot would let such a chance escape them?

I didn’t have long, though. While the Saint of Swallowing Sorrows had fooled the Heavenly Tribulation, when his tricks were revealed, his end followed rapidly. Now the Arm was free of the Spatial Ring, which contained several Formation Plates I had salvaged from the Sessho-seki, making the Ring in effect a similar thing, it was starting to crumble.

“All right, soon as I get this done I can concentrate on recharging myself, ready for Daiyu.” I hyped myself up, and began to work aether, as well as adherence. I had a lot more of the shattered remains of the Sessho-seki, and the mansion also had some crafting materials such as bluesteel and other metals, though it was a far-cry from what my Territory stored. As I worked, my Eye notified me of several more Rank-ups of my Skills. My overall power had increased a lot, and not just mine. Now that the immediate situation was resolved, and before I gathered the seeds I could, it was probably worth taking stock of everyone’s progress, and work out the best avenues for them to focus on. I’ll start with Daiyu, of course.

The key to this craft was to strengthen the spatial and isolating aspect of the Arm. Eventually, I hoped to improve it so that we could feed in wind and fire elements to strengthen the unique elements within, but the main thing was to prevent escape. I copied some of the patterns and runes I had observed and memorised, but I wasn’t able to make them work as a Formation. Maybe later…

After several hours, I was done. The arm had stabilised, and after a quick glance at it, annoyed that it was still called a Crude Right Arm, I stowed it away. It buys some time, that’s enough. Klena, who had returned a while ago and was waiting quietly, offered me a plate of the honeyed and sugared fruits I had asked for, as well as some baked treats that were clearly inspired by mortal cookies and as I took a bite, I closed my eyes, concentrating on relaxing and allowing my energies to replenish…

 

***

 

“Work hard, little pest, ooor else I will be angry!” Hyacinth complained, and Azuki darted behind the legs of Tsukiko, glaring with her little ruby eyes at Shaeula.

“I am doing my job, crazy maid!” Azuki shot back. “I have to protect the home. I’m doing it, I’m not being lazy!”

“Hyacinth has given this hooome my blessing. Your aid is nooot needed. Clean, tidy! This place is a mess, I wish I cooould spend more time here, but I have sooo many demands on my time. Nooot that I would complain, Akio, nooo, never, but…” Seeing me looking, she seemed ashamed of her complaints, but I was happy to see it, and as I smiled warmly at her, she flushed, her purple eyes narrowing in pleasure and embarrassment. I walked over and patted her head, stroking her hair a little.

“I know. Shaeula needs you when she meets with the dignitaries of the Seelie Court. It’s a status thing, having a powerful maid, and is there one stronger than you? I don’t think so.” At my understanding she seemed relieved. “I like spending time with you too. But just like I’ll be going abroad without you soon, sometimes we have to be apart.”

I glanced at Azuki. “Try to get along with Hyacinth. And you… get along with Azuki, all right?” As Hyacinth pouted, Azuki nodded.

“I try my best, but she’s so unreasonable! I’m a Zashiki-Warashi, I don’t clean or cook. I… I play with the children, protect them from Ill-fortune. And I’ll make sure they sleep well.” She yawned. “Anyone who comes here to harm then, they will sleep deeply! I will do what I am meant for. As should you, and stop bothering me!” She glowered at Hyacinth again.

“This is quite the amusing scene.” Tamamo-no-Mae, who was sitting on one of the couches in the room, a bottle of expensive sake in hand, turned to Tsukiko, addressing her. “I know Zashiki-Warashi well. They are usually lazy little tricksters, but they do love children, and would never hurt them. Expecting them to clean… little Brownie… or Boggart perhaps? No… you are… rather unique.” She looked at Hyacinth, perhaps comparing her to Fae she had met in her travels. “No matter. It seems I will have plenty of time to understand these new circumstances. But as I was saying…” She took a hefty swig of the sake, letting some spill down her front. She was currently wearing some of Shiro’s clothes, as her figure was the closest fit to Tamamo-no-Mae’s, though the shirt was barely held closed by a few buttons, as her immense chest outmatched even Shiro’s impressive assets. I’m sure she’s doing that on purpose. I have to remember who she is.

As I ignored the rivulets of liquid seeping down her expansive chest, she continued. “…they are not as you are. In fact, they likely cause mess and annoyance, playing their little tricks. Though this one seems particularly lazy. Yet… I feel a sense of kinship with her. Do not bully her, little maid. Besides…” She glanced at me then. “I hear that you have a pregnant wife. Children are such a joy…” Her tone was sarcastic.

“They will be for us.” I promised. “Perhaps some people aren’t fit to be parents, it doesn’t suit them. Honestly, I thought I’d be the same. I could never see myself as a father. I’m still scared, you know. I mean, you nearly made my child an orphan before she’s even born.” I teased her, though I still felt a little bitter, considering I was trying to help her and she almost killed me.

“If you reach for the sun, you can hardly blame it for burning you.” She sniffed, though her smile was mocking. “Anyway… there can be few better babysitters than a Zashiki-Warashi, so long as you appease them to prevent their pranks.”

“As for why you feel such kinship…” I decided this was a good time. “Azuki was like you. She was held prisoner and tortured, and tried to sleep to keep her sanity.” I explained a little about the corrupted Kami and how we rescued her from the Boundary version of Takakura Antiques.

“I see.” Tamamo-no-Mae said at last, her emerald gaze a little softer as she looked at the shy doll. She then turned to Tsukiko, who was elegantly drinking sake alongside her. “Am I sorely mistaken, or do I see a pattern? He does so love to meddle, save women in distress.”

Tsukiko nodded. “I am no different. My death was foretold, inevitable, Definite. But yet here I am. But is that something to lament? I am rather satisfied with how things are now.”

“I see. But women seldom like men who meddle too much.” Tamamo-no-Mae warned, and Tsukiko laughed, hiding her smile behind one hand.

“I think he would disagree. His issue is too many women seek him. But yes, we have all suffered in our own ways. I the least of it.” She glanced at Hyacinth, but didn’t speak. Tamamo-no-Mae glanced over again, before frowning for a moment.

“I see. I suppose it behoves me to at least attempt to repay favour with grace.” She emptied the rest of the sake bottle into her mouth, spilling more. Hyacinth twitched, clearly uncomfortable with the way Shiro’s shirt was getting dirtied, and Tamamo-no-Mae laughed. “You can wash it later, little maid. Would you strip me bare in front of a man and shame me?”

“Frooom what I can see, you have no shame. But I dooo not wish Akio to be beguiled by your cooow tits.” Hyacinth complained, but at my urgings she too sat, and I fetched more sake. It sure is amazing to me. Now I have this beautiful home, it even has a massive walk-in pantry and wine cellar. Though that cellar does make the construction plans a little more difficult in some ways.

As I poured Hyacinth a glass, Tamamo-no-Mae snorted. “Cow tits? How very disagreeable of you. Besides, you are hardly small. But we women who have suffered should stick together. Though…” She narrowed her eyes, truly looking at Hyacinth. “I suspect you are a woman of my ilk. The scent of cruelty hangs heavy on you.”

“I… Hyacinth was bad.” Hyacinth’s hands trembled on her glass. I wanted to stop the conversation, but perhaps having someone in a similar position to her would help soothe her troubled heart. “I could nooot turn her from her path, despite… I shooould have done more.” she said finally. “Then… I… did many, many bad things. But nooow… I am not her, I am Hyacinth. Even if annoooyed, I hardly ever get the urge to strangle and burn and break.”

Azuki continued hiding from her, but she clutched a child-sized glass in her hand, so I filled it up. Hyacinth seemed as if she wanted to serve, but with a sigh she held it in, making an effort. Seeing Hyacinth so pained, she surprisingly offered some kind words. “Annoying maid… you need to forget it. Regrets…. You like it here, don’t you? Why dwell on the past?”

“Good advice.” Tamamo-no-Mae flourished her glass so I filled it again. It was odd, seeing her sitting there, her long tails taking up one side of the couch. “I make it a principle to never dwell on anything but revenge. The past cannot be changed. So why regret it? Live for the now, little maid.”

“That’s… almost good advice.” I sighed. “Not the revenge part, though. Regrets are natural. But if they can’t be solved, then just try and replace them with happiness. I think the four of you are similar in many ways. Speaking of…” I glanced down at my mobile phone. “…I sent a message to Yasaka-san to ask his Book of Providence about Su Caihong and Su Liena. If they still live he can tell us. Though we’ll still need to send someone to fetch them in either case. Hopefully he’s able to ask it, considering he’s still got to find the location of a few more people for me… he really needs to train harder.”

“He wooould complain he is an old man, not young like yooou!” Hyacinth gulped her sake as if competing with the Kitsune. I was relieved, as her mood had shifted for the better. “Nooow, it is getting late. Dooo you not need to sleep before the morning? Mistress Daiyu will want you fresh fooor her day. If you need soooooothing, Hyacinth can warm your bed!” She squirmed, flushing, and Tamamo-no-Mae snorted, spilling more sake.

“Warm the bed? Is that a role of the servants here? I had best watch myself, I can see you admiring me with lustful eyes.” Her tails wrapped around her, mockingly, and I laughed, Tsukiko too.

“Don’t worry, I have my hands full already.” I promised, gently rapping Hyacinth on the head. “Besides, I think you are far too much of a handful for me.” I then narrowed my eyes, suddenly serious. “As for what I want from you, just don’t cause any trouble. Besides, you’re in no fit state for anything, your Chakra network is an utter ruin. If you exerted much strength you’d probably disintegrate. Before I leave I’ll see if I can perform some Chirurgery, get you back on your feet. But for now, you should just worry about meeting mom. She can be intense when she meets someone who piques her interest.”

Tsukiko nodded, remembering. “She is a compassionate woman though. She has shown me naught but kindness. Though she does insist on calling me her daughter-in-law. She has taken my parents under her wing as well.”

“Yeah, that’s my mom. A busybody, too excitable, has an obsession with my love life… but kind. So just let her annoying exuberance slide and be nice, okay?”

“I have little choice.” The foxwoman replied languidly. “After all, for now you hold the upper hand on me. Despite what my foolish little granddaughter says, I hardly believe it will continue indefinitely. Although…” Her tails no longer covered her body, and she reached for the bottle in my hand. “…I do know gratitude. So I daresay I can do you a favour or two.”

“How… generous.” I laughed, and let her take the bottle. Yawning, I closed my eyes, listening to the conversation between them, using both bodies to gather as much aether as I could…

 

***

 

My mom, as expected, had come over for breakfast. On seeing Tamamo-no-Mae she had predictably been shocked, and she was fussing over her, even trying to touch her tails, which Tamamo-no-Mae had endured with good grace after a long look at me. I had rested up, and while I was hardly full of energy, I had accumulated enough aether and elemental essences to be supportive for Daiyu. Speaking of Daiyu… my eyes went wide as she walked into the room, and the table went silent for a moment, before the girls around me started complimenting her. Beside me, Shiro elbowed me, about to remind me to speak up, but there was no need.

“You look stunning today. Happy birthday, Daiyu!” I got up and gently hugged her, careful not to crease her beautiful Chinese-style dress. It was a cross between a traditional cheongsam and her Cultivator robes, a pure white with golden and jade stitching. The skirt was long and the cut modest, but even so she looked incredible. Her arms were wrapped in golden bangles, and her hair had a beautiful white jade lotus flower hair stick, trying her long black hair up nicely.

“I thank you.” Daiyu said, arms encircling me for a moment, before she addressed the others who greeted her. “I thank all of you. It will be my first time celebrating such a day. To do it with such close family and companions…” Her eyes were distant, perhaps remembering her lost Sect and her father.

“Gift, Aki!” Shiro hissed, elbowing me again, and I rolled my eyes. I know. I’m well prepared. With a smile I pulled out a small, wrapped box. My mom’s eyes sparkled, and as Daiyu took it, she squealed.

“A ring, it has to be!”

“It doesn’t matter, mother-in-law Emi.” Eri smiled. “I don’t quite understand the difference between Dao companions and marriage, but they’ll be together forever, so why worry about little details like a ring?”

“I must say, you’ve become calmer, Eri dear.” My mom replied, and as that was happening, Daiyu unwrapped the box, revealing the jewellery within. Her Qi Perception touched it, and she looked surprised.

“Happy birthday.” I said again. “Here’s your gift. It’s a Spatial Ring. It’s a staple of Cultivation stories. Also… I managed to salvage a fair few things from the Sessho-seki. So they’re inside. There’s something else in there too, which has to stay there, but… anyway, I hope you like it.”

“I do.” Daiyu agreed, flushing. Sliding the ring onto her finger, she let out a little Qi, and produced one of the Formation Plates from inside. “This is a princely gift.”

“I’m just sorry he missed our birthday. But there’s always next year, right Motoko?” Natsumi remarked. This was one of the nights they stayed over at our estate, though they were too drained and exhausted to do much more than sleep. I noticed neither of them were wearing their school uniform or even their customary training hakama, instead wearing robes similar to Daiyu’s usual attire.

“That is correct. I hope to have a wonderful day next year. But for now…” Seeing me looking, she smiled. “This is Daiyu’s day, and she has gathered her disciples. We are happy to be able to share a part of it.”

“We’re skipping school. Fortunately we actually get praised for it.” Natsumi giggled. It was then that the door opened, and a familiar face walked in, though she looked pale and exhausted.

“Hinata, you’re back.” Eri said, and Hinata nodded tiredly, holding the door for some other guests.

“Excuse me. We meet again.” Yu-mi said with a smile. She was wearing a smart skirt suit and white shirt, looking rather mature and business-like. Beside her was another familiar face to me, Suk-ja, the young Korean Hunter I had hired. She was wearing jeans and a jersey, but on seeing me she nodded.

“Thanks for coming.” I said in Korean, having picked some of it up from Yu-mi. “Don’t worry, it should be an easy job. I just want you to use your Winged Diamonds of K’uk’ulkan so we can extract the Crystal element.”

She nodded again, but before she could reply, a woman swaggered in, wearing a skimpy tank top and shorts, despite the autumnal chill. “So this is your house, huh? Nice. And it’s as full of cute girls as I imagined.” Violet-noona grinned savagely. My mom’s eyes widened in surprise at seeing such a… unique… woman, her vivid tattoo sleeve drawing her attention.

“Oh my, so bold.” Mom chuckled. ”Aren’t you a fiery one? I love the tattoo!” Being a British woman, mom didn’t have the same distaste for them as the majority of Japanese citizens. “So, you are…?” Since Violet-noona was speaking in English she replied in the same manner.

“Oh, I’m Akio-oppa’s subordinate. But the Blue House is getting really annoying, so I decided to cut and run… ah, I mean, leave things to my little bro and head over here for a while. Someone has to watch little Suk-ja here. It’d be way too annoying to deal with Ji-ho if something happened to her. At least she’s from Inevitable Victory. If she was one of Lee Jong-su’s girls, you’d have him acting like a worried chaperone.” She grinned wickedly. “You do have a reputation, and it certainly looks well-deserved.”

“I told you I can handle it.” Yu-mi shook her head. “But I suppose it doesn’t matter.”

“Happy birthday, Daiyu.” Hinata ignored their bickering. As Daiyu thanked her, Hinata turned to me again. “Sorry it’s taken me so long. There’s definitely more to this situation than mere incompetence. I’ve extracted monetary and political compensation out of the Korean government, but… there’s an undercurrent I don’t like.”

“You’ve done your best.” I gave Hinata a hug, and she kissed me on the cheek softly.

“I don’t want to take up more of Daiyu’s day. Besides, I need a bath and some sleep. I only snatched a little on the plane.”

Yu-mi suddenly widened her eyes, pointing at Tamamo-no-Mae, her nine tails draped behind her. “Who… what is that?”

“Rude child.” Tamamo-no-Mae sniffed. “Am I not a beautiful, alluring woman?”

“Yes, you’re certainly beautiful, but… oh, I see. One of those.” Yu-mi glanced at me for confirmation, and I nodded.

“Yes, she’s a Yōkai. She’s staying here for now.”

“Not one of your women then?” Yu-mi questioned me with a little smile, and Tamamo-no-Mae simply snorted in derision at that.

“Nope, just an ally.” I said firmly. As we were talking, the door opened, and Suzu-san burst in, excited. Since she was staying in the empty house on the estate to prevent her risky lifestyle of sleeping in internet cafes and cheap hotels in shady areas of Tokyo, she was often a visitor for breakfast, but today she was positively giddy with delight. Following her in were three women wearing training-wear, tracksuits and t-shirts.

“Uh, should we really be here?” Ema-san said shyly. Her tracksuit was pink, increasing her youthful vibrancy.

“It’s fine.” Kanzaki Keiko-chan reassured her, winking at me. Her tracksuit was a pale blue, and beside her, the warmly smiling Asuka-san was in bright yellow. “Our manager said we can, since we’ve mastered the routines for the weekend so fast. In fact…” Keiko-chan lowered her voice a little, embarrassed. “…despite you saving us from Sora-kun… they now want everyone to have the same procedure we did. It seems a little ungrateful, if you ask me. Sorry!”

“Nope, no problem at all!” My sis bounded over eagerly, standing beside Suzu-san. “Wow, you’re here. Awesome. Told you it made sense. So…” As Suzu-san and my sis began chatting to the idols, I turned to Daiyu.

“Sorry about this, it’s supposed to be your day, but there’s so much going on.”

“It is fine. After all…” Daiyu smiled. “While I wish to spend it with you, I also wish to make a start on other matters. I believe that Miyu and Michiru will be arriving soon.”

“In that case…” I looked at the eager trainees Daiyu was going to instruct in the basic arts of Qi Refining. “…I’m sure I can help.” Today is going to be a welcome change of pace. No life or death battles, merely making the day special for a girl I love…