On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Thirteen

“Should we really be sitting here doing nothing?” Kana asked, as the feasting and revelry continued. “The waiting is starting to get to me…”

Smiling, I reached out and patted her on the head. “It’s all right. Worried about missing school?”

She snorted at that, her tension lifting a little. “Hardly. Though Mio-chan and Asami-chan might worry about me. Or think I’ve just played truant to go on a date with you.”

“It is rather like a group date.” Haru-san said wickedly. “Though of course,  I’ll leave the fun to you and your girlfriends, Akio-kun. Don’t worry, I’m not here to spoil your fun.”

“Is it me, or have you lightened up a bit, Haru-chan?” Kana asked, face red with embarrassment. “I mean, that’s a good thing, knowing what… happened… and all…” her voice trailed off, getting smaller as she continued, the subject hard for her to touch.

“It just hit me, watching this mess…” She looked at Haanōbō, who was sat next to me, her boisterous brother Arangbō seated opposite her, as all of the champions to face the rift were on one large table in the shadows of the temple and the sacred flame. “That most of my fears are groundless. And that the path I’m following now is right.” She clenched her fists by instinct, before forcing her hands open, picking up a mug and taking a sip of sake. “…I died, but the fear didn’t die with me. It grew inside. Fear is like a great dark tree, spreading branches, making us cower underneath it. I did my best, and I was happy, but I always felt frightened, not being alone in my own head, remembering…” everyone was listening to her now, even Haanōbō, who knew nothing of Haru-san’s past struggles. “… but seeing how far we’ve come, and the stupid, amusing farce of Akio-kun claiming a new sister, it all seemed to melt away. It’s strange…”

Just what do you really want to do, Akio-kun? Her voice sounded in my head suddenly, showing the greater control she had over her gifts. The Tengu are very confused. Although at least one seems to be having a good time. She inclined her head at Arangbō, who despite supposedly resting, gathering his strength, was laughing raucously, another massive mug of sake being poured down his throat, quite the feat considering the long-nosed crimson mask he wore. Poor Haanōbō doesn’t know where to look or what to do.

I know. If I’d have just challenged her brothers and beat them into the ground anyway without the wager, this would have all resolved itself. But I got rather pissed off. I guess Resilience wasn’t doing its job properly. Really, there’s no harm in it though is there? We are all going to be allies after this…

Tell that to your actual sister. As for allies… don’t you still have to fight Tarōbō when all this is done?

Yes, possibly. I cast my gaze over to the powerful Tengu, whose strength was certainly on a par with mine, by the feel of his League. But first we have to deal with the dungeon… Our mental conversation concluded, taking a mere fraction of a second, Haru-san continued speaking to Kana.

“… the death of fear is humour. That and strength. I’m strong now… and so is Akio-kun. And he’ll protect us… so…” she took a deep breath, despite being an Onryo and in the Boundary, where such things were merely a matter of reflex. “…I decided to be braver. I can’t stay afraid forever.”

“And to answer your question from before, Kana…” I changed the subject, as even despite Haru-san’s brave words I could see some darkness hidden in her eyes still. Yeah, I’m glad she’s taken a step forwards, but despite what she says, letting go of such a traumatic fate as she endured will take many such steps… “We used a lot of effort during the trials, so we’re recharging. No point taking risks. And speaking of risks…” I turned to look at Yasaka-san, who sighed.

“Time for another question then? I’ll see what I can do.” He complained, and that drew the attention of the Four Directions too. Seeing everyone watching, he groaned, only to be reassured by Prince Shōtoku, who was also staying behind. With some kind words, Yasaka-san waited for the question.

“We’ve established that the Lost Flame Of Naraka is something else that has leaked through the cracks in the Boundary, drawn to a similar fire already inside. And that it functions close to a Spawning Spire, in a way…”

“The questions to get that far hurt my head.” Yasaka-san complained, though this time there was no blood or damage to his Chakra network, merely exhaustion, the levelling and training he was doing obviously paying off. “So, just ask it.”

“…how can we destroy the dungeon below the sacred flame, and if we do, will it have a negative impact on the flame and mount Atago?” That was important, I had no wish to destroy the very flame we were here to save.

“That one.... ugh, my head.” Yasaka[-san’s face twisted into a pained expression, and this time there was some blood, a trickle leaking from one nostril. The book appeared, only visible to Yasaka-san and those of us with special eyes, and he read the words. “The source of the flame… it’s eaten into the space within the mountain, causing the dungeon to spread and intensify the creation of the damned spirits of fire…” he read. “And as the Lost Flame spreads, causing further expansion, it’s leaking into the flame already here, corrupting it. To banish it, we need to remove every scrap of the Lost Flame, and if it is removed safely from the sacred flame, it should do it no harm, even strengthen it, perhaps…” The book closed and vanished in a cascade of aether, and he slumped down. “Is that it? Any more questions?”

I looked around, my expression questioning, and nobody had anything to add, as we had gathered enough information, until Arangbō spoke up. “I have a question, knowledgeable one.”

“Oh really. What a lucky break for me…” Yasaka-san groused.

“Yes, will my dear sister Haanōbō find happiness in the future with her new family?” he guffawed loudly, clearly either drunk or in good spirits. As Haanōbō’s wings dipped, her screech of annoyance ringing out, I couldn’t help but notice that Fungbō was glaring at me, eyes filled with bitter feelings. Grow up, you lost, live with it. Your other brothers have… even the arrogant Shungbō seemed to have put aside his anger and was gathering his strength for the mission ahead.

“Hah, not even Minerva can answer that one. And I’m not stupid enough to ask. Touching on the future hurts.” Yasaka-san laughed, tearing into a chunk of boar meat still on the bone. “Ask Akio-san that, not Minerva.”

“I think we hardly need the power of the Gods for that.” Motoko said happily. She and Natsumi had used little of their strength, so were eager to get started, and had been checking over their weapons again and again, making sure they were in perfect condition. “Akio does not abandon those he chooses to protect, and like us, she too can find comfort in being cherished and defended.”

“That is quite enough.” Haanōbō said bitterly. “I am grateful my pride and honour is restored, but this talk of being a sister… it is a mistake, a misunderstanding…”

“I see. Aiming for more? Get to the back of the line.” Bell laughed. She was examining her arrows, and also the several quivers full of shafts the Tengu had brought, trimming the fletching and feathers to her taste.

“No, this is all a mistake!” Haanōbō’s wings shook as she protested yet again, and laughter filled the air. I closed my eyes for a moment, checking my elemental resources. I recovered many of them quite quickly, due to having a lunar chakra, several classes relating to the elements and other benefits, but I was still far from my peak. It should be enough though. We don’t have to rush, slow and steady wins the race…

“Silence, Haanōbō of the Winter North.” Tarōbō boomed out, and his staff slammed down. She immediately clamped shut her mouth, and I opened my eyes to see him looking out over our table. “It is time. The hour grows late, and the corruption spreads.” Several Tengu had returned, injured, and brought word that more of the burning spirits had been spilling out of the cracks in the mountain. Haru-san closed her eyes, and then spoke.

“Yes, some have reached the border of my Territory. The barrier keeps them out, and the forces within can handle them, but if it keeps escalating…”

“Eventually all defences fail. The growth of these poor tormented fragments of spirit, wrapped in a sad, lost flame, is ever-increasing. A million fire ants can bring down a bear, can they not?”

Many of the girls shivered at the image, and I didn’t blame them. “All right.” I agreed. “We’ve recovered somewhat, though a little more wouldn’t hurt too…”

“Are you afraid?” Fungbō sneered. He had changed his robe, the ripped and muddy white robes now replaced with a pristine set, and he had hastily cleaned his wings, but my keen eyes could still pick up some mud amidst the feathers. “If so, you need not participate. Wait here, gather your pitiful strength, and wait for us Tengu to triumph! Mount Atago is ours, the flame our charge, outsiders!”

“Pitiful strength that ground him into the mud…” Kana whispered to the others loudly. Natsumi and Motoko managed to hide their smiles, as did Daiyu, but Bell burst out laughing. Offended, Fungbō went to speak further, but Shungbō stopped him, grabbing his arm and shaking his head.

“I understand caution.” Arangbō spoke up. “Bravery is all well and proper, but caution should never be forgotten. We have lost brave Tengu learning the dangers, but… as Great Tarōbō says, the danger grows even as we speak. A balance between caution and haste is necessary. Besides… tell him, sister.” He turned to Haanōbō, who sighed.

“Forgive the interruption again, Great Tarōbō, but they do not know the power you have stored.”

“Isn’t it just a way to convert negative emotions into an attack?” I said, and all the Tengu froze. Oh, yes, they never said, I got that from my Eye…

“That is not all…” Tarōbō declared, detaching the brilliantly glowing gem from his staff. “The jewel can also gather other stronger, positive emotions, and convert them as well…” my Eye shone, and I could see the difference from before.

Gem Of Muted Desires [Item Class: Noble] [Item Type: Artifice]

This gem can draw out and supress extreme desires and emotions of the bearer or those it targets around them. Such energy can then be converted into Aether and Light Element and used to restore strength to others, or grant a blessing of Light Element.

“I see. So the staff turns it into a weapon, but originally it’s kind of like a battery, converting emotions to power., Hence the trials and the revelry. I see…” Understanding the purpose now, and Tarōbō’s earlier talk of blessings and power, I nodded.

“Your eyes are keen indeed. Too keen, some might say.” Tarōbō replied. “Now, I shall continue.” As we all settled down, he spoke, raising the jewel up high, the light falling on us. I experimented drawing in a little with my third eye chakra, just a trickle, and found it quickly started replenishing my lost aether. Interesting, but then aether can perform light element attacks, if with poor efficiency, so the reverse is true, just that the efficiency here is great…

“The corruption spreads!” The leader of the Tengu repeated, starting from where he had left off before. “Now, I do not know this Minerva, God of a foreign land, but the words her servant speaks…” Yasaka-san grumbled at that, though he had the good sense to do it quietly. “…match my own fears. Fragments of the dead, brought together by flame, granted a bitter existence… such goes against all our sacred flame stands for. Brave Tengu, heroes all, have fallen, scouting these rifts, this dungeon…” he said the word with some disgust. “… and it only grows, spreads, rotting the very mountain we have long protected, claimed for our own. But no more. Mount Atago, the Tengu, we shall never yield!” With that everyone was roaring, wings flapping, and a few more fireworks were set off. The gem absorbed some further energy, and Tarōbō held it high.

“All of your despair, your hurt, your grief, your pride, your anger, your bitterness, your rage, your joy and love, your loss and hatred… all your emotions are our strength!” The gem flared, and suddenly rays of light pierced all of us who were selected as champions, to enter the dungeon. I felt energy boiling within me, and amber letters surged through my vision, even as my body started to shiver, exuding dark, vile fragments of impurity. Oops, Eri just got a nasty shock…

Daiyu too was arched over, seeping similar dark ooze. On seeing my expression, she managed to speak. “Uncomfortable? I too am feeling rather unpleasant… yet it is not so bad as the first time.” She sniffed. “But I would dearly like to wash before entering this place of danger…”

Kana giggled, waving her hands in front of her nose, saying that the pair of us stunk, and at the slightly offended expression on Daiyu’s face, she apologised, saying she was joking. Everyone was looking at us, so I put on a smile, lightening the sudden tense mood. “Don’t forget, I’m not just here. I was having… a moment with Eri right now, and… well, she’s gone to rinse her mouth our after being sick all over my… uh… torso?”

Many of those here seemed confused, but Haru-san looked a mixture of gleeful and horrified. “She wasn’t? Really? At that timing?”

“She was.” I said, embarrassed. “She swallowed something she wasn’t expecting…”

“That’s hideous. You owe her!” Haru-san warned, and I told her I knew that, and was already phoning for a reservation at a nice hotel for the evening. As the light continued to fall, bathing us all with the stored and converted energies of the combined Tengu and indeed us, Haanōbō, whose wing had narrowly avoided being splattered as some more dark slime exuded from my flesh, asked what was going on.

“The energy is great. And it’s resonated with my Spiritually Pure Physique. Daiyu’s too. I guess good deeds don’t go unrewarded. Karma, I suppose.” Apt, considering the skill that rose and what the jewel does. At least I’m finding it less difficult to exist on the Material as well as here now. All thanks to…

Your Skill, Spiritually Pure Physique has advanced from Rank 2 to Rank 3. Your resistance to curses, misfortune, poisons and impurities further increases significantly, and your body has been cleansed of negative Karma by absorbing purified energies stripped of their negative aspects. Your ability to generate Spirit Water has strengthened significantly. Your Eight Moons Chakra Network now functions with less resistance to the flow of Aether, Elements and Adherence, and your Silver Connection is better able to handle transmission of self.

“Good deeds? Hardly…” Haanōbō narrowed her eyes. “I would almost suspect you were sent here to plague me.” She crossed her arms under her slender chest, yellow-gold eyes fixing me warily.

“You sound like my sister. My other sister.” I corrected cheekily. “If you prefaced that with a cute ‘wow’ it’d be just perfect.”

“Here comes the siscon…” Kana laughed. “I have to say though, I feel fully refreshed, it’s as if all of the struggle before was days ago.”

“Not just that, but…” Bell held up her arrows, and the heads were glowing with light element. My Eye shone, and it seemed that they had temporarily been imbued with a purifying light. I then turned to Haru-san, expecting her to have benefitted as well, and she nodded.

“You’re sharp as ever, Akio-kun. At least in matters that don’t relate to the feelings of girls.” Her smile robbed that of its sting. “Yes, the light, I’ve managed to absorb it. It has strengthened my Mind Healing Light and transformed it. Take a look…” She’s right. Mind Healing Light is gone, and in its place…

Light Of Muted Emotions Rank 6 – This Unique Light Element has evolved and passed the first bottleneck, and it absorbs strong and harmful emotions, converting it to a benevolent, gentle Light that can soothe the mind, drive out possessions and curses, and temporarily increase the Resilience and Determination of those this Light touches. It can now also affect the bearer of such Light, though the effect is significantly reduced. At higher Ranks it may allow permanent increases to Resilience and Determination, helping to cure mental ailments. An overflow of excessive emotions, either positive or negative, can be converted into Aether and Light Element, and repeated exposure to such converted Light will strengthen the Third Eye Chakra Of Light. [Class: Imperious] [Type: Principle]

“That is different…” I agreed, impressed. “It can… affect you now?” I asked, and she seemed to understand.

“Yes. Though I assure you I am fine. Didn’t I make a breakthrough just before this, Akio-kun? I don’t… need a crutch. I’m living my best life, despite being dead.”

“I know you are. But if you ever do need it, isn’t it a good thing to have it?” I said gently, and she nodded, pouting a little.

“You could be right.” Her brown eyes were solemn. “But the best thing is the strengthening. And I can also change the light to darkness element through my Ghost of Light class, can’t I? I wonder if I can strengthen my throat chakra and learn darkness element that way?”

“It must be worth a shot…” Now that I had stopped expelling impurities, the energy that was slowly beginning to fade from the gem in Tarōbō hands filled me up, and my elemental energies surged,  chakras raging. I may not be fully topped up, but I’m certainly full enough to feel comfortable…

The light finally diminished entirely, and Tarōbō slid the gem back into his staff, the jewel now clear and sparkling like a diamond, almost entirely devoid of the brilliant glow. He looked at us all with satisfaction. “The gathered power refreshes, strengthens. The tormented, cursed spirits that plague us cannot be destroyed by mere force of arms, only by purifying them can they be released. Take the weapons blessed, and make every arrow count, every blade strike true.”

As the Tengu cheered, those of us at the head table looked at each other, resolute. Prince Shōtoku stood, saying a few words. “Tarōbō, lord of mount Atago, from the kami of Kyoto, who bear you no ill-will, despite your long estrangement, I offer prayers for your success, and for the flame to burn eternally. As neighbours, we should aid each other, and come to a fruitful alliance in times of trouble. I wish you to remember that.”

Tarōbō nodded. “Shōtoku, it was likely Fate that brought about our meeting. Should these outsiders who have braved our challenges fairly help cleanse the flame, then I shall look favourably upon them. After all…” his gaze turned to me, and I wagered he was smiling behind his mask. “….Did not he fight for the sake of the Winter North?” As Haanōbō ducked her head, embarrassed, the Tengu continued. “… but alliance is only sealed by deeds, and we Tengu have little love for outsiders, nor their interference. Your words have been proven so far, however… should… no, when this accursed lost fire is banished, for we cannot fail, I shall raise my staff against your sword. If you think me easy to defeat, you are a fool. I am not my errant children. Should you seek access to our mountain, you must prove you have the strength to force us to yield, which even the kami can not!”

“No, I imagine it’ll be a fierce battle. One for filling up that staff of yours again, no doubt.” I grinned. “Prince Shōtoku, Yasaka-san, we’re off. If there’s any problems…”

“Yes, I know. I’ll be keeping an eye on your progress and any danger with the Book of Providence. Kyoto is just down the mountain…”

“You would allow us to bring further aid if required, noble Tarōbō?” the Prince asked, and Fungbō spoke up again.

“More outsiders? You think we, the proud and mighty Four Directions, cannot handle…”

“Silence!” Tarōbō boomed, his staff slamming down.

“But, Great Tarōbō, they insult us…”

“I said ENOUGH!” Tarōbō roared, his League surging. His son bowed down, wings drooping. Tarōbō then addressed the Prince. “If the situation becomes so dire, it means that the Four Directions, and he who bested them, are all defeated, or beaten back. If so…”

“I understand.” I chimed in. “If that happens, you wonder what difference a few extra people can make. All I can say is, listen to Yasaka-san. He can hopefully identify whether some aid will be useful or more is only a lost cause. But…” I said proudly, not showing any weakness. “… I’m confident we can handle it. So…” I looked at my party. “You all ready?”

“Always.” Daiyu was first to declare, though the effect was somewhat spoiled by the remains of the expelled impurities across her face and clothes. With a smile I conjured a little water, washing the worst away, and she flushed a little under my touch.

“I too am ready. Finally, a true battle at your side.” Motoko declared. Beside her, Natsumi was grinning too, clearly excited.

“Me too. And I can’t wait!”

“I understand your excitement.” Bell said, lightly slapping the backs of their heads, calming them down. “But this is a serious life-or-death battle. A moment of carelessness or inaction…”

As Motoko and Natsumi bowed, apologising to her and to me, Bell smiled. “That said, I remember my first battle as a Way-Warden, so I do sympathise. As for me… I am also prepared. These poor tormented spirits are pitiable, so let us put them to rest. It will make a change from those bastards from the Wild Hunt…” her laugh was wicked, and I found myself smiling.

“I’m quite scared.” Kana admitted, taking my hand. “But I knew this was coming when I took the Divine Favour.” She took a deep breath and then put her other arm around me, giving me a hug, her chest pressing against mine, her hair tickling me. “And you’ll be with me, won’t you?”

“Yes. He’ll be with us all.” Haru-san added. “I can sympathise, I’m an Onryo myself. But that won’t stop me from putting them to rest.” She promised, before turning to Chen Na. “And with Na-san here, we have our defence covered. We won’t make the mistake of splitting the party, will we?”

“Nope.” I shook my head. “I know time is of the essence, but safety first. We’ll advance at a measured pace, all together.”

“And which group will Haanōbō be joining?” Kana said suddenly, and the Tengu in question seemed a bit confused, before her brother Arangbō spoke, laughing heartily.

“I hate to separate you two, but as the Four Directions, our strength is magnified when we fight together. So alas, Haanōbō must come with us, as Winter North.”

She nodded. “Yes. We Tengu fight best together. But…” she dipped her head politely. “I wish you safety and good hunting. Despite our ill-fated first meeting… you have been generous to me. I will not forget it, even if your deliberate misunderstandings irk me greatly.” She seemed unable to resist a final complaint.

“If you say that, you spit on the word of Great Tarōbō…” Arangbō continued, clearly enjoying her discomfort, as the group of them headed for one of the dark rifts seemingly carved out of the mountainside. Shungbō turned back to look at me, before sighing and setting his sights on the hole in the mountain, a number of flames suddenly blazing around him to light the way, while Fungbō merely growled a bitter curse, the set of his shoulders angry. As they led the other chosen Tengu into the darkness, I watched, concerned.

“You worry for them? You may have defeated them, but my children, they are not weak.” Tarōbō said calmly.

“No, I’m just strong.” I replied. “But even when it comes to me, there are stronger foes out there.” The golden-eyed devourer, Tan … and more. “And… I have a sudden bad feeling.” The prickles of Foresight where starting up again, and I knew better than to ignore it, not this time. “Before we enter, Yasaka-san, a quick question or two, if you would…”