On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Promise? You mean the kidnapped citizens? Yes, we wanted them back, but showing up out of the blue like this…” Since she was glossing over her injuries, I chose to ignore them for now.

“Kidnapped? Adam hates it when you say such things. Though from a scientific standpoint, which values accuracy, it’s hard to argue.” Christina responded, though her eyes showed no hint of shame. “But yes, we did have some idea of inviting you to retrieve them yourself…”

“As if we would let Oshiro-san travel to America after the attempts on his life by your agents!” Motoko’s father snapped. “You must think we are fools and pushovers.”

“Don’t be like that.” Christina shrugged, while Titan seemed ill at ease, worried the situation would escalate. He was sweating as he looked at me, clenching one hand reflexively, probably remembering our prior meeting. “While I’d just love to get my hands on Akio here and find out what makes him tick, I’m not a fool. Besides…” Her smile was now strangely off, a little disconcerting, as she hugged herself. “…I still need to thank you for your gift. Investigating that other world and the secrets it hides within has been so very rewarding!”

“Even so, to show up unannounced…” Tsumura-san said bitterly. “…especially now. The timing could hardly be worse. It’s almost deliberately problematic…”

“It was an interesting broadcast.” Christina changed the subject, looking at her phone. “I didn’t take you for a show-off. Or did the Koreans leak your performance on their own accord?”

“What do you know?” Tsumura-san growled, and Christina giggled.

“Don’t go blaming us. I can assure you that America had nothing to do with it, or if they did, they weren’t going through us. Adam hates you, but he also doesn’t believe in poking the bear. In fact, he’s rather pleased, I would imagine. The one thing he hates most of all are powers that influence the mind. I can’t say I disagree in principle. After all… intellect is the precious root of all things, and without free will, there can be no true discovery, or enlightenment. But since you dealt with the matter that will be another couple off the Vermillion List.”

“Vermillion List?” Tsumura-san said, seizing on that, and Christina shrugged again.

“My mistake. Adam will be very angry if I leak any of his secrets. It wouldn’t do for me to die before I’ve finished researching all that this new paradigm has to offer.” She glanced at me, remembering what I had asked for in exchange for Chirurgery. “All I’ll say is it’s a ranking of all the enhanced humans… and I suppose non-humans too… that the US is aware of. Don’t forget, we are world leaders in technology, and have many political connections. South Korea is no exception. We have quite the military presence here. Just as we do here in Japan.”

“Is that a threat?” Tsumura-san asked, and Christina simply laughed derisorily.

“A threat? I’m not in any position to threaten anyone. I’m merely a scientist. Besides, matters are… more complicated… than you probably imagine.” Tsumura-san opened his mouth to interrupt again, and Christina looked at me, seeking help. “Akio, can you please tell him to stop barking at me? It’s giving me a headache, and I don’t want my excitement to dim.” She looked at me, cheeks flushed. “I have much to ask you.”

“Father-in-law, please calm down. I’ve met her before, she’s… well, not very diplomatic. Don’t try and read into her like you would a politician or military man. Besides, I can handle it.” I wasn’t anywhere near as close to Motoko’s father or mother, as I was with her grandfather, but after going to London with them our relationship was starting to improve. “Miss Bakker…”

“Please, just call me Christina. I hardly have the time or inclination for such formalities.” She countered, so I did so.

“Christina… I’m grateful you finally kept your end of the bargain and returned the Japanese and British nationals, but there are a few issues. Setting aside your abrupt arrival… what about citizens of other countries you’re holding?”

“The others? Well…” she looked around. “You’re recording this, right?”

“I’m not here to make diplomatic incidents out of this matter.” I shook my head. “I think what you’ve done is wrong and evil, and I don’t condone it, but I can’t force America to do anything. However, you must know that sooner or later you’re going to have to come clean. And the longer you leave it, the worse it’ll be.”

Titan looked very uncomfortable at my accusations, but Christina merely rolled her eyes. “Adam has it well in hand. I know you think me… wrong and evil…” She repeated my words in a dry tone. “…but progress is vital. We simply have to know. Science is built on the backs of hard decisions, sacrifices and the misfortunes of others. War drives progress. Many technologies we take for granted come from wartime efforts, and some of them were from terrible regimes.” She paused, touching her scarred face. “I’m not a fool. I know you despise me. But I am no hypocrite. I simply need to see the truth, and I had no ways before. Now I can, thanks to you. But…” she looked around. “You want to discuss some matters best left unknown, don’t you?” Her senses were keen, and she had picked up on some of my body language.

I turned to the others. “It’s all right. You can go. I’ll handle this.”

“Actually, I’d rather stay, if I can, son-in-law.” Tsumura Minoru-san said, his expression still icy as he looked at Christina. “This is a matter involving the military, due to the actions of the Americans, and father is still in Korea handling the other mess.”

“Fine. You can stay.” I agreed. “Major…”

After agreeing, the soldiers left us alone with Christina and Titan, knowing I could protect Tsumura-san with ease. “So, yes, as a matter of fact I do.”

“First, here is the manifest of the returned citizens.” Christina passed me a file, which contained twelve names, seven Japanese and five British citizens, ranging from nineteen years old to forty. “The classifications have been amended. You know, originally we divided them into three types, Physical, Effect and Mystery, with an additional three Growth types, but now my research has shown…” Once she started talking, her eyes were shining with enthusiasm, and she couldn’t help but explain grandly. “…that’s incorrect, as every ability has power to grow. Not just that, but even I have been able to achieve a measurable shift. Though with a sample size of one, it’s premature to conclude that…”

“I get it.” I scanned the documents as she continued to explain her reasoning. It was certainly interesting that Christina had been able to increase her abilities without actually levelling up, even if the gain was small, but thinking about it, it was only logical. Being exposed to aether is beneficial, and I assume that it’s not impossible to Rank up Skills as well which will grow stats… it’s not hugely different to exercise building up strength on the Material… but Levelling is an easier, more significant boost.

“These are some interesting reports.” I mused out loud, turning to my soon-to-be father-in-law. “I assume you’ve read them before I arrived?”

“Of course. The information is of vital importance to our national security.” He agreed. “There seems to be a few gaps though. Like it doesn’t mention which God they have Favours from.” Seeing my surprise, he had the grace to look a little embarrassed. “Motoko and I talk, of course. She is always eager to discuss you, and you’ve made no secrets of your blessings to your allies.”

“True.” I agreed. Hearing our conversation, Christina nodded vigorously, as though her neck was a spring.

“It’s not something we deem relevant. The classification of the ability, the effect, general power scaling… those we care about. The so-called God has little to do with these strange powers other than flavour.”

“That’s where you’re not exactly right. You’re still trying to apply scientific logic to everything.” I disagreed. Besides, it matters for one more reason.

“Without logic and causal connections, there can be no consistency, no effect.” Christina disagreed, however she paused. “Though from our last meeting, I am highly aware that you are more experienced. Would you care to enlighten me?” She leaned forwards eagerly, twisting her body, showing off her ample assets, even hidden by her turtleneck, and she crossed and uncrossed her legs in an attempt to look sexy. “I’d be more than grateful to repay your favour.”

Beside me, father-in-law looked furious, and I scoffed, remembering her insinuation before that she’d happily give her body to me if it would gain her some research materials. “I think you need to look in a mirror and learn to read the room. You look a fright, and I’m sitting here with the father of one of my women. In fact, you met her at the gala in London.”

“You already have like a dozen, so you can hardly claim to be concerned about that. Besides, I may be a bit damaged, but my figure is good. Men like large breasts, and it’s not like you can’t use my hole still. I’m feeling offended.” She crossed her arms, emphasising her chest.

I held up a hand to forestall Tsumura-san. “Yes, I do have too many women, I admit it. But why would I need any more, especially you? However, I am prepared to explain this, if you promise to answer me a question or two. You did agree to that when I performed Chirurgery, remember?”

She nodded, her offended face giving way to curiosity. Pushing at her glasses, she peered at me. “I did, and … well, Adam isn’t stupid you know. He doesn’t want trouble with you, not yet, anyway. But if I leak anything truly classified, well…” she drew her thumb across her scarred neck. “…he’d dispose of me without hesitation. With some regret, as to be honest, there’s nobody out there better than me at this field.” She spoke with a mixture of pride and sadness. “But regret wouldn’t outweigh his pragmatism and patriotism. I can’t even fault him. I may not look it, but I do support my country. I’m a proud American!”

“I’m sure you are.” I snorted. “Anyway, you’re surely aware of the situation with the upcoming breaking of the Boundary…” I repeated the explanation I’d given about this a number of times. “…even the Pope has said similar.”

“Yes, some of the black cats…” Christina paused, embarrassed. “…oh sorry, that’s Adam’s terminology. It might be rude to you.” I waved off her apology, which while sincere was more perfunctory than for a reason she understood. “…they mentioned they were told various things. But hardly all. It’s not consistent, and there’s no empirical way of testing it, unfortunately, just like it’s hard to test increases in strength in this other world. If only we could find a way to transport equipment and measurement tools…”

“It’s not so hard.” I interrupted her, causing her eyes to widen in surprise. “The way you’ve been handling your research seems to have left some loose ends.”

“Wait, you can transport materials between the worlds?” she asked, and I shrugged.

“You mean you can’t? I can see why that would slow down your research.” Though honestly, I’m rather impressed with what they’ve achieved, even if they’ve used means I’d never countenance. I can’t deny her brilliance, even if I do her empathy. “It’s linked to your mistake about the Gods. It’s not merely symbolic or indicative. No more than it would be if you asked where a gun came from. Sure, the firing rate, ammo capacity, accuracy and range might be the most striking, obvious features, but the country that made it, the person that bought it…”

“An oversight!” Christina agreed, slapping her forehead, wincing a little as her scarred flesh tugged. “You’re corroborating some information I was dubious of. That the Gods themselves have groupings. I studied some history, of course, but it seemed to have little relevance to how things worked…”

“Yes, the Gods are grouped into Pantheons. I guess you could say they are almost like countries…” I gave a brief explanation. “…so it’s foolish to overlook such information.” There are other reasons as well, such as potential compatibility, but that’s not something I’m going to disclose to her.

“Fine, I see.” Christina cocked her head, thinking. “You know, America is a great country for the rich and famous. I think you’d very much enjoy emigrating. You’re hardly poor, I’m aware, but why have tens of millions when you could be a billionaire? I’m more than prepared to help you acclimatise, in any way necessary…” Her words were cut off as Tsumura-san thumped the table.

“You insolent woman.” He fumed, unusual for a man of the nobility. “You would preach to my future son-in-law and try and poach him right in front of my face? You Americans really do have terrible manners.”

“You shouldn’t judge everyone by her, father-in-law.” I calmed him down, though I was feeling a little irritated myself. “I can’t be bought, Christina Bakker.” She shuddered, feeling a chill at how I pronounced her name. “But if you think I’m not going to make that sort of money, then your intelligence operatives need to work harder. I’m confident that being a billionaire is something I can achieve right here. Besides, you must be aware that I have a Territory, and would be unwilling to give that up.” Even if I was willing, Asha’s Tree is rooted here, and I’ll never abandon that now, as it would mean abandoning her.

“Yes, it’s an area of research almost as interesting as these mysterious powers themselves. And I’m quite aware it would be a setback, but with support, you could rebuild, America is a large country, unlike Japan, and we have a vast amount of resources.” Christina pressed.

“Again, your knowledge falls short. Even if you promised me the support of a hundred Chosen, I doubt it would match what we are achieving here.” My words were both a denial and a threat. “I’m sure you investigated my last trip to America.”

She nodded. “It’s in your entry on the Vermillion List. You had a clash with another, in Las Vegas. Obviously we’ve investigated the area. The desert is vast, and we found a number of creatures there. In fact, there was a bit of an accident. Thunderbirds, it’s hard to believe it. Unfortunately that was before I was able to enter that world, so I can only go by the reports. Several of our trusted people were injured.”

The previously silent Titan spoke up. “Big fuckers they were, man. Throwing lightning about, gave some boys a nasty set of scars.”

“Did you kill them in the end?” I asked, a sinking feeling in my heart. The one I saved was only protecting her young.

“From what I understand they were injured but flew away. Why, are you interested?” Christina asked. “Did you see them during your trip?”

That’s a relief. Perhaps I should consider… “I did, but I didn’t fight them. There’s plenty of creatures who do deserve to be battled though. But Japan is hardly short on spiritual resources. And I don’t lack for monetary and political support.” Tsumura-san nodded beside me as I said that.

“A shame. Are you sure there’s nothing we can do to change your mind? I mean, we’d accommodate your unusual living arrangements, and American girls are pretty, you know? This little Christina here…” she tapped her chest. “…certainly is. Or was. In any case…” she clapped her hands together, giving up on that. “Just name your price. And it’s not like we are going to ask you to betray Japan. We’re all good allies here. Just like we are with South Korea.” She said, meaningfully.

“All right then. I can take a hint.” It wasn’t the first time she had mentioned them. “What do you want to say?”

“As a show of goodwill, I can assure you that while we were aware you were going to Korea to resolve their little problem, we had nothing to do with them releasing footage of your group in action.” Christine clarified. “In fact, while we of course obtained our own footage, and Adam pressured them into sharing theirs, it’s not in our interests to cause further problems.” She paused, thinking. “Adam certainly wanted to show the dangers of uncontrolled use of magical powers, and the mess at their school was ideal, but that could be achieved without causing you anger. There was one thing though…” I waited as she paused, and after a while she continued, bringing up footage on her phone. “Just like Las Vegas was investigated, so too was your background. We already had information from some military contractors you are no doubt familiar with.” I nodded, not liking where that was going, as she brought up pictures of my sis. Then the video played of her fighting the Chosen with incredible speed. “She was just an ordinary schoolgirl before, wasn’t she? But now…”

Shit, this situation is getting worse. Though my sis is able to protect herself to an extent, there’s too many people who will have cause to target her, and us… At my silence, Christina continued. “Your training school can’t be kept secret, and after what you’ve done for me, I can only assume your knowledge surpasses mine. So I don’t think it’s impossible that someone could develop unusual powers.”

“No, you’re right.” I said, dissembling. “It’s very possible to learn how to control fire, the wind, water and so on. Not trivial, but we have a decent amount of success.”

“But probably not summoning strange automatons like those golden women.” Christina pointed out. “If it was that easy, I’d be surprised. We have a saying in America. There are no free lunches.” Christina, while clearly lacking background knowledge from spiritual beings, was certainly sharp, her intellect and curiosity leading her to some realistic conclusions. “It’s not impossible for brothers and sisters to both manifest these new powers. I had made the mistake of calculating odds in a standard fashion. One hundred thousand to one and the same again is ten billion to one. I thought that Chris’ kids were just lucky lottery winners,”

Chris? Must be someone from America. I remained silent as she continued.

“But that’s assuming that powers were awakened at random, which clearly isn’t accurate. After all, the situation in Korea was caused by a pair of siblings, and we’ve several other pairs on the Vermillion List. So it’s far from impossible you and your sister both display such powers. Except for the fact she was utterly ordinary beforehand. I don’t believe you were all hiding it. Does this have to do with the Gods? I think so…” she mused.

“And what do you want to do with this information?” I asked, my tone menacing, and Christina smiled again.

“I’m not threatening you. Don’t look so scary. I’ll wet myself in fear.” Christina said, body twisting nervously, red-faced. “I’m just pointing out that if we know, others will too. As for why the Korean government decided to publicise matters, I can only assume it’s either political interplay between government factions, or outside agitators.”

“Father will get to the bottom of it.” Tsumura-san promised, and I nodded unhappily. I was starting to get a vague premonition of dread forming, my Foresight no doubt starting to chime. Was it Christina’s words that started it, or… My phone that rang, and Christina’s nervous yet teasing smile vanished.

“By all means, answer it.”

Seeing the caller was Tsukiko, I had an idea what it was about. “Hi, sorry I haven’t seen you since I returned.” I apologised, but she wasn’t upset.

“It is fine. I understand you have many demands on your time.” She said with little preamble. “Akio, I have had a dreadful dream. I closed my eyes for merely a moment, and…” She let out a long, worried breath. “The great White Dragon of the West roared, feathered wings stretching out and shining more brilliantly than the sun. Many beams of light were cast forth, raining down around the world, scorching the lands below to glass. Many bolts struck Japan, but as the bolts fell on China, the serpentine Red Dragon with scales of shining jade roared, and the light shattered.” She paused for breath. “I do not believe it was merely a nightmare, but a vision from Tsukuyomi, who has graciously not forsaken me.”

“If Tsukuyomi had, we’d be having a falling out. You’ve given everything for him.” I assured her. “Do you get a sense of danger too?”

“I do.” She agreed, worried. “A thick cloud of it is starting to build, hanging heavy over us.”

“In that case, it’s time to take precautions. We’ve been through this before. I’m planning to have an important meeting with everyone this evening, we can start then.”

“I will not keep you. I am aware you are busy.” Tsukiko said, having imparted her message. She paused for a moment, then let out a worried sigh. “Akio, tomorrow, I was hoping we could finally see my parents, accompanied by Yasuhide. I… wish to establish a new relationship with them, and… have you do so as well.”

The nervousness in her voice is oddly cute. It’s the gap between her age and maturity, and her utter lack of normal life experience. “Of course. We definitely need to settle it. After all… I need their permission to date their daughter.” I said slyly, and there was an embarrassed silence, before we exchanged farewells. Hanging up the call, I turned back to Christina Bakker.

“You might not believe me, but I have ways of knowing when something bad is going to happen. And talking to you, I started feeling very troubled. I hope for your sake you aren’t planning anything…” I released my League, and Christina went pale, eyes wide, and her body started trembling.

“No… I… have no… cause to… harm you. I…” Blood was trickling from the corner of her mouth and nose. “… you told me… if you hel… helped me… that I would…. have to…” I relaxed my League, and she let out a shuddering breath. “That was cruel. Titan, why didn’t you do anything?” she wiped away the blood.

“Ya think I can?” Titan said, his own trembling stopping. “He be a monster, I’m not on his level. Besides…” Titan narrowed his eyes. “Just a warning, no? You mentioned his sister a lot.”

“Exactly.” I nodded approvingly at Titan, who while arrogant when we first met, seemed to be a realist and held no grudges, having accepted I was above his level. “There’s little trust between us, with the history between me and America right now. But…” Deciding to show a little goodwill, I stepped towards Christina. Titan half-moved to block me, before realising he couldn’t.

“What… what are you going to do?” she said uneasily, and I sighed.

“I don’t like looking at your face.”

“How rude. I’ve always been praised for my facial symmetry and clear…” She let out a cry as I placed a finger against her horsehead and let aether flow. Her scars began to fade, burns vanishing, and even her missing finger regrew, though she moaned and sweated at the pain of that. Once I was done, I returned to my seat, and after a short while, she recovered. Glancing down at her fixed hand in surprise, she touched her face and neck, before pulling up her turtleneck, exposing her belly. “Even here…” she said, surprised. “I must admit to being rather shocked you’d help me. After all, for some reason you don’t seem to like me very much.”

“I think the reasons are plainly obvious. But it costs me nothing but a little effort so…” I wasn’t entirely sure why I did it myself. I definitely didn’t like the woman, but she had brought us information, even if I was sure that Adam White, her boss, had vetted it and so I couldn’t fully trust it. “…just be grateful.”

“Oh, I am, you shy boy.” She grinned. “I’m hardly well-versed in romance, but I’m not an idiot. You did it because you like me! No need to hide it!” she preened, and I was once more struck dumb by her totally unwarranted confidence. “Anyway… I assure you that America will in no way attempt something stupid like kidnapping your sister or your family and trying to blackmail you. That time has passed. You’re too much to control. It’s like riding a tiger. Getting on might seem a good idea, but then how the hell do you get off without getting mauled to death?” She giggled happily. “Now, I need to point out that even if there’s all these mysterious powers, which science can’t yet explain, such as luck manipulation or energy creation, perceiving the future has to still be impossible, as if you can perfectly predict the effect, then there’s no such thing as free will, and I refuse to accept that as a scientist and an atheist!”

“I thought the same to start with. Even with all the weird happenings and strange powers, I found foretelling the future hard to swallow.” I admitted. “But I’ve seen too much. I’ve heard various explanations, such as it works a bit like a Laplace’s Demon.” Saying that, Christina’s eyes narrowed, her interest piqued. I thought a scientist of her calibre would have heard of that. “It’s certainly not immutable, though, the predictions can be changed, courses shifted. So free will and cause and effect aren’t disregarded. I know that for a fact.” Tsukiko’s rebirth proved it. We succeeded in changing her fate.

“That’s… hard to swallow, but it makes sense.” Christina mused. “But again, I assure you I’m not here to cause trouble.”

“Says the woman who turned up unannounced.” Tsumura-san complained. “There are proper diplomatic procedures to follow.”

“There’s hardly time for that. I have research to do!” Christina shook her head, unwilling to be bothered by such things. “I agreed to …. provide you with some help.” She hesitated to say the word spy, but she remembered our agreement. “So I’m willing to do so, to an extent. I’m a woman of my word, you know!”

“In that case, just to be clear, America isn’t going to be involved in any upcoming trouble, right?” I pressed, and Christina shook her head.

“Not that I know of. Adam is a pragmatist. He won’t press you, after all, we heard of your threats last time. Nobody wants you coming after us. But that doesn’t mean that certain factions aren’t working towards their own interests. America is hardly politically united, and our President… he’s got his focus on next year’s election, and he’s not the most… calm of men.” She snorted sourly. “Not that I care who runs the country, Republican or Democrat, just so long as I can do my work unhindered, and with a suitable budget.”

“Right. In that case…” I narrowed my eyes. “I do have some matters I want to know. And it’s in your interests to tell me.”

“If I can.” She said airily, though her eyes narrowed warily.

“I’m looking for specific Chosen. We touched on it earlier. From the Norse Pantheon. I have reason to believe that there’s at least two in America.” I explained the locations I believed they were to Christina, and her eyes widened at the level of detail I provided, thanks to Yasaka-san. Though he collapsed before he could use his Book to find all of them.

“That’s one of the of Project Star Mirror facilities… uh… the black one.” Christina muttered. “Oh, if Adam finds out you know about that, I’m in serious trouble.” She tried to look seductive. “You’ll make it clear you’re protecting me, won’t you Akio?”

“I’ll think about it.” Honestly, I really dislike her, but if she helps me, then I’d feel too guilty to let the Americans disappear her for treason. “So, since you’re their head researcher, you must know.”

“Oh yes. We weren’t too concerned with the Gods involved, some didn’t even know, but this one stood out. He was… memorable.” She sighed. “Always shouting about ‘Thor this, Thor that’. I thought he was a bit wrong in the head even before… well, everything.” she said, expressing some remorse, although it was clearly superficial.

“Thor? Sounds like he could be who I’m looking for. Can you release him to me? I understand if that might be an issue, but we’ve already taken back the British hostages as well, so…”

“Adam wouldn’t like it, but we could… except for the fact he’s dead.” she said bitterly, and I paused, stunned. Dead? That’s a shock, but… according to Minerva’s Book, some of the seeds still exist there?