On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Side One Hundred And Sixty-Six – Officer Usui Yoriko

“All this overtime should be criminal…” Yoriko sighed, yawning. “It’s so early in the morning.” Beside her, Bunta-san looked annoyingly fresh and composed. The difference between a true Chosen and those of us who have only had Chirurgery, I suppose.

“You said you were going out tonight, assuming we finish up. Just look forward to that.” Detective Reiji said to her, chewing on some nicotine-replacement gum. “For now, we have a lead…” He scratched his head, seeming embarrassed. “…as if we can consider random chance a lead.” I’m glad he stopped smoking, it was a disgusting habit. No wonder his wife and daughters were nagging him. I guess a near death experience will make a person reconsider things like that. Yoriko didn’t like thinking about that day, where she was sure he was going to die, and maybe her as well, but she had to admit, that day had changed everything for them. And hey, my pay is higher now too, which is nice.

“You saw it as well as I did. I don’t know how many chunks Tokyo was split up into… a hundred thousand maybe? But while there ended up dots everywhere, these six spots were way more uniformly coloured.”

“It… doesn’t seem a coincidence.” Bunta-san agreed. “Mathematically speaking, the statistical probability of clusters forming is very high, the same way that it only takes twenty-three people in a group before it’s just as likely at least one shares a birthday with another as not.” Oh yes, I forgot he used to be an accountant before this. He’s good with numbers. As they both listened, breath misting in the cold autumnal air of Tokyo, Bunta-san continued. “You could certainly argue that clusters will form, it’s inevitable with enough iterations, but… that’s why the different colours were interesting. The clusters formed were all individual colours, only one of each, weren’t they? The chances of that being coincidence… I wouldn’t bet against it.”

“You certainly are more talkative when you are on a subject you understand.” Detective Reiji said, and Yoriko couldn’t help but agree. It’s surprising. He’s usually so quiet and nervous, despite having such power. But then, power doesn’t always come to those who are suited for it, I suppose. Otherwise we wouldn’t be needed.

“I…” Bunta-san started to sweat, and Yoriko rolled her eyes. I’d have thought a yakuza accountant, especially one bold enough to steal from them, would be less timid. I guess it takes all sorts. Anyway, he’s technically in the Police now… “I just don’t want you to make a mistake, Detective. Besides, if you consider abilities we possess by common sense, you’ll get in trouble, just like Daizen-san did…” His face blanched at that. “Things like luck do exist. I don’t know how luck and fate work, but… I’m not going to question who explained it.”

“Oh yes…” Yoriko said meanly, amused at his expected reaction. “Shiro returned yesterday, didn’t she? I’m meeting her for drinks later, assuming we get done here.” Yeah, like clockwork. As Bunta-san shuddered, face pale, Yoriko continued. “I don’t see why you’re so scared of her, she seems perfectly nice to me.”

“It’s not her, it’s the red thing inside her.” He spat. “You can’t even run from her, she has ways of finding Chosen. But…” He took a deep breath. “I’m safe now, not like Daizen-san. I swore my loyalty, and…” He narrowed his eyes, looking ever more like a rodent, though his expression was shrewd. “I try and avoid spending any time near her, but… she seems to have taken an interest in the boss.”

“Shiro? Isn’t that obvious?” Yoriko asked, and he shook his head.

“No, the demon inside her. Compared to how she treated everyone but Arisugawa-sama, she treats my boss very differently. Curiosity maybe, but…” he shook his head, changing the subject. “Can we just drop it? We’re here to work!”

“Yes, we are.” Detective Reiji agreed. “So, what do we know and what do we expect to find?” They looked out over their target, one of the oldest shrine complexes in Tokyo, with a wealth of small buildings, tea houses and flower gardens, though the blooming azaleas were out of season, the bushes looking a little sad. “Officer Usui, if you would?”

Why me? You can ask Bunta-san too. “Nezu shrine. A history going back two thousand years, though many of the buildings added since were from the fifteenth century onwards. Supposedly in what used to be the Susanoo faction of shrines. I don’t entirely understand the shrine politics, seems a lot of nonsense to me, but basically it’s the group that suffered the most, right?”

“That’s correct.” The Detective said approvingly, and Yoriko was slightly embarrassed by his expression, which looked as if he was talking to his own daughters. “We know of the first Kyoto incident, though now we have the full picture from Hikawa-san…”

They had interviewed him at Hikawa-Kawagoe shrine, as apparently he was the leading figure in former Susanoo in Tokyo. He had revealed that the deaths of the young people in the first Kyoto incidents had been provoked by the son of the leader of Susanoo, a powerful Chosen, the hope of that faction, who now was comatose and had little chance of recovery. Worse, because of faction politics and Susanoo being the first to support Akio-kun, all of the people who died were heirs to Susanoo shrines.

“Yeah, though I still don’t see a motive for them to be involved in this case.” Yoriko said after thinking about it. “It’s hardly Akio-kun’s fault, is it? Even Hikawa-san admitted that.”

“Yes, I don’t see it myself, but… three shrines showed up on the machine. I don’t believe in stuff like this, but then we’re here with a man who can manipulate shadows and make them tangible.” Bunta-san nodded at that. “And yesterday we had tea with a Faerie. So… I’m not prepared to ignore this. Two shrines were Susanoo faction, and one was of no faction, not a true shrine, as Hikawa-san put it. If we set aside who is at fault, all we know is that Susanoo faction has largely collapsed, and Oshiro-san, while not responsible, was definitely near the centre of the incident. Humans are seldom rational.”

“But one thing we know is that the strength displayed in the recent attacks isn’t normal. At minimum it would need to be someone who has had Chirurgery.” Yoriko disagreed. “Nobody from Nezu shrine is on the list.”

“Yes, that’s true.” Detective Reiji agreed. “The numbers of the faith which have been given Chirurgery is still reasonably low, due to Oshiro-san often being busy, and Shaeula refusing to perform it on men. But low isn’t none. Some visitors have been squeezed in, based on recommendations from Saionji-san and Kudou-san, and others were predicated on their potential long-term. I don’t quite get it, but apparently some lingering abilities within bloodlines have value if enhanced.”

“That’s like Izumi-chan.” Yuriko nodded. I can’t say I fully understand, but we’ve talked, and apparently she can see mystical things occasionally, or feel emotions sometimes? Her dad can conjure a small flame too. “So, you’re saying that people related to these shrines might have already received Chirurgery?”

“Yes, the numbers are growing over time. It’s far from impossible.” The Detective scratched his cheek, thinking. “You know, my daughters are always nagging me, wondering when they can have such abilities. I’m a touch conflicted. They’d have to go on the list, and it’s not like they are going to be involved in any fighting, but…”

“Trouble can always come looking.” Bunta-san said darkly. “Just because you’re weak doesn’t mean the strong won’t bully you. I know it well. The yakuza love the weak. And so does…” He shut his mouth, troubled.

“Yes, I know. Honestly though, it’s hard not to worry. My youngest is a huge fan of Shaeula after seeing her on TV, she never used to like traditional clothing, now she’s always pestering me to buy her yukatas. My eldest… she’s… just troubling. Not that they listen to me. I remember Oshiro-san saying he worries for his sister at university. And we’re Police. We know bad things happen to girls all the time.” he sighed. “I suppose I’ll have to bite the bullet. Besides, it is part of the renumeration package. And neither of them are interested in sport, where it might be an issue…”

“Yes, I guess it might be considered cheating.” Yoriko agreed. “Just give in. Your daughters won’t respect you if you keep this from them. Besides, honestly, I agree with Akio-kun. Better to be strong than not. As for being on a list, well, it’s no different to a gun-owning register, is it? And it serves a purpose.”

“Yes. For cases like this.” He agreed finally. “Well, we might as well go in, no?”

********

“That’s very troubling, but I’m afraid I don’t see what I can do to help.” The man in front of them was saying, dressed in the grey robes of the shrine priest.

“It’s simply a routine enquiry, Bando-san.” Detective Reiji said professionally. “You needn’t have troubled yourself to get us tea.”

The man, who was in his forties, and rather non-descript, little standing out about him, merely nodded. “Maybe not, but I have a great respect for the rule of law, and seeing three esteemed Officers here, a little hospitality is only natural.”

Yoriko couldn’t help but snigger a little, though at her superior’s hard look she was able to keep it under control, sipping at her tea. Sure, everyone loves it when the Police visit. Even the innocent worry, because nobody has truly done nothing illegal, even if it’s as minor as speeding or littering.

“I see. If only more citizens were so inclined, we’d have a much easier job.” The Detective replied sunnily, though Yoriko knew him well enough to know he was being false. “In any case, you’re no doubt aware of the attack on Shinohara-sama recently? It was all over the news.”

“Yes, a bad business that. Her philanthropic works show the world that the rich are not always bad people. Compared to her, our charity work is hardly impressive.” Bando-san agreed. “I hope she can recover, but I hear that her injuries were… severe?”

“Lost an arm, amongst other grave internal wounds.” Detective Reiji said solemnly. “It’d take a miracle for her to live a normal life after that. Well, being as you’re one who serves the Kami, perhaps you believe in miracles more than most?”

“Of course.” The man nodded. “Though miracles are miracles because they are rare.”

“Yes, excuse me, but… I’m not well-versed in shrine politics. I spoke to Hikawa-sama earlier…” Before they were granted audience with Bando-san, the head of the shrine, they had blended in with the tourists, enjoying the culture and history, and the Detective had briefed them on their roles. Yoriko’s was to observe closely, seeing if she could see any tells in the expressions Bando-san showed when answering questions. Bunta-san was to carefully talk about Chosen matters if needed.

“Oh, Hikawa-sama. Yes, I remember when he first came to us… I felt an outsider wouldn’t be wise to put our faith in, so I was not one of the shrines that supported Oshiro-san. It seems I was wrong though, as Conclave proved…” he paused for a nearly imperceptible moment. “…that he had the favour of the Kami. Of course, even Uchida-sama, in his grief, has agreed.”

A bit of a pause there, but there’s still no indication of much more than regret.

“So, you’ve not been selected for Chirurgery, nor has anyone at Nezu shrine.” The Detective observed. “Is there a reason for that?”

“It’s simple. Our bloodline, while old, doesn’t seem to have any particularly worthwhile remnants of spirituality. Though of course, everyone is promised the blessings eventually.”

“That’s not such a bad thing.” Bunta-san said, nodding sympathetically. “The sad events in Kyoto must have sounded some warning bells.”

“Yes. Yes.” Bando-san agreed, taking a sip of tea. “A bad business. A bad business indeed.” He looked down, before sighing. “I am good friends with Hanabusa-san. Poor man. His daughters were so young. Too young. To lose them both in such a manner…”

“It’s a tragedy.” Bunta-san agreed, and Yoriko was impressed by his acting, the ratty man actually looking sympathetic. I thought he only knew how to look out for himself. Though I guess working for the yakuza he would have to develop some acting skills, especially as he double-crossed them, so he’d have had to fool them. “I expect it must be frustrating, seeing them taken into danger, and this being the result.”

Yoriko was watching closely, and there was another pause, before the man agreed. “Yes, they were too young. Children should be children, not getting involved in adult matters. It was a tragedy. Poor Uchida-sama. Yamato-sama was a shining star, blessed by Kannon. May she have mercy on them and let him wake up. It’s a great failure, why did Yamato-sama have to suffer…”

“Yes, though wasn’t it Yamato-san who led the young people of the Susanoo shrines into the danger?” Detective Reiji asked, a question that didn’t please Bando-san.

“I can’t deny it, but he had the best of intentions!” Bando-san said fiercely, before he realised what he was doing. Visibly calming himself, he apologised. “I got too heated. But I feel such grief for him. I… with Oshiro-san so skilled, it seems unbelievable that he was unable to save them, bring Yamato-sama back safely. And now Amaterasu is in the ascendant. Oh, do ignore my complaining. I am glad that the faith is getting the recognition it deserves.”

“Of course. I’m a secular man, I don’t have much understanding, so it’s interesting hearing your viewpoint.” The Detective agreed. “I don’t know too much of the details about Kyoto or the spiritual world, but from what I have gathered, Kyoto is a dangerous place, or at least it was.”

As they continued to talk, Yoriko watched for body language, facial expressions and other micro-indicators, and after a while, Detective Reiji finished up. “I’m sorry to take up your time. This has been interesting, but I’m afraid it doesn’t help us.”

“It’s no problem.” Bando-san said magnanimously. “Even nowadays, running a shrine leaves me plenty of time to meditate and relax. I’m not Hikawa-sama, in the thick of things. So go with the blessings of the Kami.” As he rose to see them out, he paused. “Out of curiosity, I can’t imagine what could have brought you to my door, investigating such crimes. Can you say? I understand if you can’t, but…”

Yoriko’s eyes narrowed at his casual tone. Obviously he’d be interested, so it means nothing, but… he’s playing it very cool…

“Oh it’s no secret. We just had a tip-off, anonymous, of course.” Detective Reiji lied. “A suspicious figure, armed of course, with a weapon matching what was used in the last attack. But as usual, like most leads, it came to nothing. Though…” he paused. “We do have several other tips. It’s puzzling. Just why would anyone be reporting in multiple shrines?”

“Multiple?” Bando-san asked, and Yoriko didn’t miss his sudden interest. Yes, again he’s curious.

“Yes, it’s strange indeed. We’ll of course have to follow it up, but it’s such a waste of time. Oh well, thanks for your aid…” He answered, and as they left, the Detective narrowed his eyes. “What do you think?”

“I think I should go back.” Bunta-san said, frowning. “I can hide myself in the shadows. It’s not perfect, but…”

“No.” he shook his head. “We’ve no grounds for that. But… well, we should discuss this somewhere more private.”

Yoriko nodded. “Yes, I don’t think that Bando-san is a murderer. He didn’t look the sort, but… he has a guilty conscience, definitely.” There’s something slightly off about some of his responses. But I can’t quite put my finger on it…

********

“This would be a lot easier if we could just ask Shaeula to use her winds on him. I’m told she can compel the truth from people. She was bragging about her sword too, it snatches the voice of liars, apparently.” Yoriko sucked on her iced coffee through a strew, sighing.

“We can’t do that. It’s tyranny and abuse of power.” The Detective shook his head. “Only in a situation where we have absolute cause to believe it could stop a crime with clear risk to someone’s life would we have such grounds. It’s like lethal force. It has to be used sparingly, and as a last resort.”

“Why did you stop me going back in?” Bunta-san asked, and the Detective sighed.

“Again, there’s no grounds for it. Besides, what do you think we’ll find? There’s no motive for the murders I can see.”

“Maybe not, but I do see one thing.” Yoriko pointed out, the caffeine helping her brain to fire. Chirurgery is good for more than just strength. I find it easier to notice the little things, and my thoughts are clearer than they’ve ever been. “He was more nervous than he should have been. And he hates Akio-kun. His words say he doesn’t, but the look in his eyes, especially when Uchida Yamato-san was mentioned… you can’t have missed it.”

“Oh I didn’t.” Detective Reiji agreed. “Hence why I asked about it several times. But what would be the connection to the murders and attempt on Shinohara-sama? I can’t see the link.”

“Me neither.” Yoriko admitted. “Do you have any ideas, Bunta-san?”

He shook his head, though he was frowning, narrowing his eyes. “No, but… if it was the yakuza…” he mused. “Uh, my boss, he’s too strong to fight, and he’s surrounded by monsters. If you wanted to strike back at him, it’s impossible. Ordinarily…” he paused. “…I just handled the money, I never did anything like this!” he insisted, and the Detective waved for him to continue. “Say they were after a bigshot, one too high-profile or secure to deal with, they might go after his family, or failing that, some acquaintances. There’s always a weakness.”

“Akio-kun’s family is well-protected. Guards with Chirurgery and combat skills, or they’re Chosen themselves. That won’t work. And I don’t think Bando-san has the power or connections. Like he said, though he was pretty bitter about it, Hikawa-san is in Akio-kun’s camp, and so are what was the other two factions. It must piss them off. They supported him first, only to get screwed.”

“Language, officer Usui!” the Detective complained and she snorted, sucking coffee through her straw noisily.

“I’m only speaking the truth. Anyway, they can hardly get revenge directly. But none of the victims have any relation to Akio-kun or anyone else in his group. We’ve checked, right?”

“Yes, of course. Thoroughly.” Detective Reiji agreed. “So there’s no motive for the crime. All we have is a great dislike for him. Which while not exactly fair, is understandable. As close friends with someone whose two daughters were murdered, and Oshiro-san, while not to blame, was certainly the catalyst… it’s only natural to despise him. But taking action…”

“So, now you’re going to tell me that the Oracle Engine just happened to find us the location of two of the victims, and three shrines, the first of which has someone who loathes Akio-kun. My intuition is screaming that there’s some connection.”

“Touché.” The Detective replied dryly, often having dragged her out following his own hunches. “I don’t disagree. But I’m certain that he’s no murderer. Nor the attacker who maimed Shinohara-sama.”

“But then, I could have infiltrated…” Bunta-san began again, and he was once more denied.

“Again, if we could take such extra-legal actions, we might as well use Shaeula after all.” Detective Reiji sighed. “However… the thing is, ordinary people who try and commit crimes are sloppy. And if he is involved, he’ll try and warn others involved too.”

“Let me guess.” Yoriko grinned. “Then he’ll make a call to the other shrines.”

“If they are connected, almost certainly. So, next we’ll see if they aren’t surprised to see us. If so…” the Detective began. “…it still doesn’t prove anything in regard to the murders, but… we are also missing several pieces of the puzzle.”

“Yeah, like what’s the sixth location. It’s in a residential area, so we can hardly check every house, the Gods know that would be too….” Yoriko trailed off, looking at the printouts from the Oracle Engine. “Hey, are we stupid?”

“What do you mean?” Bunta-san asked.

“There’s no shrine here, nor any victim, but…” she pointed to the edge, where a small, unobtrusive building was located. “Our Lady Of The Sea, Saint Maria’s Church. It may not be a shrine, but… it’s a big coincidence.”

“Hmm. It seems a stretch.” The Detective looked at the map again. “But I suppose we can check it out. But first, we need to see if there are any links between that and the shrines.” He pulled out his phone and made a call, leaving Bunta-san and Yoriko alone.

“Personally, I’d have let you infiltrate. Assuming you can.” Yoriko sighed, watching the Detective as he stood outside, talking quietly.

“Yes, it’s foolish not to use everything we can. But… I respect him, I guess.”

That was surprising. Her eyes widening at his response, Bunta-san explained.

“I’m not a brave man. And sticking to your principles takes courage. It’s why I ended up working for the yakuza clients. I didn’t have the courage to say no. Then when I saw the ill-gotten money, while I was living a modest life… I didn’t have the strength to resist taking it. Then I couldn’t protect myself, so I fled, and I didn’t have the will to refuse the power I was given. Then White found me…” He shuddered, and Yoriko could see he still had genuine terror of her. “…nobody could be brave enough to resist her. Sure, Shiratori-sama….” He now knew the name of his erstwhile boss. “…is beautiful, but with that monster inside her… I have no idea how he can bear it. No, I’m getting off the subject. All I’m saying is, you can see how a chain of weakness led me to here. I’m still scared, you know. Being strong just means you draw strength to you. That’s why my power can be used to restrain, to hide and… to assassinate. Though I haven’t!” he insisted again.

“Don’t be such a baby, I believe you. And it doesn’t matter. Just like Oguro Daizen’s death was deemed an… act of God…” Her lips curled into a bitter smile, and Bunta-san couldn’t help but murmur that indeed it was. “…your crimes would be likely extra-legal as they were committed in a time before spiritual matters were considered. Besides, you’ve got someone to stand surety for you. Just like that Chinese woman, Nie Ling.”

“And I‘m grateful. But my point is… having the ability to hold fast to one’s beliefs is precious. We should respect it. But… there comes a limit. If he wants to protect people, then he has to be prepared to get down in the mud, use everything. I’ve learned that.”

“No kidding.” I’ve seen it. A group of people willing to go to any lengths for each other, for the good of Japan and the world. At the time all I saw was him killing a man to protect me, to protect the Detective, but now… now I know. “But following up on the Oracle Engine was a big step. And he’s right. If we rely on Shaeula now, and… something happens to her… then we may have solved a crime, but we’d have learnt nothing.”

“Exactly right, Officer Usui.” The Detective had returned, and was smiling warmly. “I can see you’ve absorbed a good amount of my teachings. We, as a new branch of the Police, do indeed need to learn new methods of working, of investigation. But methods that rely on fragile, single assets… not that I can ever see Shaeula dying, but who is to say she won’t return to her home, wherever it is, and we certainly can’t ask her help constantly. No, we do this the old-fashioned way, but making use of what other abilities we can muster.” At their nods, he continued. “No connection between the shrines and the church were apparent… at first. But…” he grinned. “I got a hit on the internet. Apparently a mixture of Japanese, Chinese and Western religious facilities, a group of temples, shrines and churches, were involved in fundraising for disaster relief. There were a lot of floods last year, after all. It was one of the worst years on record…”

“Let me guess. At least one of our shrines, and Saint Maria’s, were both involved?” Yoriko said, and the only answer she needed was his knowing smile. “In that case… I don’t see how this can be a coincidence.”

“Beware of seeing what you want to see. False positives are everywhere in policework. But… it certainly requires further investigation.” He agreed. “Finish up, and we’ll pay our other two shrines a visit.”

Yoriko grabbed her half-drunk iced coffee and swilled it down. Yeah, I’m extremely curious. But I think I already know the answer. They’re involved, but how? That Oracle Device may be a miracle, or is it Shaeula’s luck that just bends reality?

********

“They definitely had been tipped off. They were trying to hide it, but amateurs are worse at covering things up when their minds are on it.” Yoriko quoted her training. “So many tells. And my eyes are sharp enough to pick them up easily.”

“Yes, the priests of both shrines were nonchalant, and tried to cover up their anger, but prodding them about certain subjects, such as Oshiro-san and what happened in Kyoto, they weren’t able to keep it together.” The Detective agreed.

“It still proves nothing, but not even you are going to tell me that it’s all a coincidence now?” She stretched, yawning, glancing at the small church they were in front of, nestled in a residential district of Tokyo.

“We still have no connection to the attacks. But… there’s something.” He agreed. “Anyway, let’s go.”

The door to the church swung open, and the three of them crossed the threshold. I wonder what we’ll discover here…