On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Thirty-Five

Gathered in a meeting room in the National Diet Building, the florescent lights flickering fitfully, I stifled a yawn, more mentally tired than anything else. Well, it has been a busy day. Not just for me though it seems.

The red-eyed Prime Minister, Abe-san, was looking down at a number of screens, the built-in desktop surface PC’s showing a number of livestreams and recorded videos. It looked rather futuristic, but if the most important government building in Japan didn’t have good technology, where would? To his side was Takakura-san, wearing a different red and white suit. Saionji-san had made the trip from Kyoto, picked up by a fast military helicopter, and strangely enough Akai was here too, already mostly asleep and drooling.

On the other side, was Haru-san, here as her role in the Ministry as Undersecretary to the Minister, notepad in hand, her expression tense, as was the head of it, her boss, the Minister herself, Morita Yuna-san, in a smart, expensive charcoal grey suit and skirt, her black-framed glasses and tight hair-bun making her look like a schoolteacher. Then there was Fujiwara-san, Miyu’s grandfather and head of his house, and lastly Tsumura-san, Motoko’s grandfather.

“So, that’s the situation. The question is, how do we play this?” Abe-san asked, clearly at his wits’ end. “The situation was… unprecedented, even with our knowledge from the Lady Diviner…” at that, Saionji-san and Takakura-sama bowed in grief. “… and the US tip-offs. I understand that the Diviner perished?”

Saionji-san looked at me, and I nodded. “Yes, she did. However, just like Haru-san here, we were able to engineer the circumstances that she should be able to return in time. Don’t imagine we can rely on that often, but because I knew of the threat to her in advance, I was able to set it up.”

“I’m relieved.” Saionji-san said. “She’s a figure of support to the faiths, which are already reeling. Besides…” his smile was sly. “… you made bold promises to her, and all of us, at Conclave. I’d hate you to be a liar, Akio-san.”

“Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon enough, I promise, though getting a Throne for her, well, we’ll see. Kudou-san has notified me we’ll be holding a funeral for her, as well as Engetsu-san and the other candidate who died in Kyoto during the week. I’ll attend, of course.”

“From a military perspective, we have to count this as a great victory.” Tsumura-san said. “Though not without worries. We lost two, and killed or captured twenty-three, if we just look in terms of these Chosen. In other terms, we lost the Shikishima and all crew, and three of the Special Forces you worked on were assassinated, and a number more injured, though I hope you can assist in recovering them to full health?” he looked at me, and I had no reason to refuse. “The Chirurgery on our Special Forces certainly proved worthwhile, the survivors, as well as Major Sasaki and Lieutenant Banri, say that without the extra strength and speed, the death toll would have been in the dozens, a loss we could ill-afford.”

“It isn’t as simple as that. We aren’t at war with China. We’re at war with the unknown. Every one of us lost is a disaster. But purely from a Japanese perspective, and ignoring the dead, only from looking at the absolute numbers, yeah we came out ahead in terms of Candidates. This information is top-secret for the Ministry and related parties only, but everyone here can be trusted, else we have bigger problems. Saionji-san already knows, as does his subordinate Yasaka-san…” I fixed everyone with a stern glare. “… I learnt from Shaeula the Fae ways of manipulating spiritual bodies. It’s not perfect, but I can sometimes extract the Divine Favour from a Candidate. I’m holding two, though one, I believe I’ve found a host for. Then we have Nie Ling, who we took into custody, as well as one Haru-san captured, though her Material body died… so potentially a gain of four.” No need to mention Shiro’s gain, though that’s a huge profit. The Chinese will regret letting that one go. Buffing abilities are huge…

“We also took seven of these so-called Cultivators into custody.” Haru-san noted, reading from her papers. “The Renyu’s physical bodies had perished, so they remain in your Territory as captives too. But when Nie Ling’s gift wore off, the Cultivators returned to the Material.”

“Hiding them underground was a fascinating trick.” Tsumura-san observed. “Fortunately Nie Ling and these Chinese fellows are cooperating with us completely. Even so, to think…”

“Yeah, that they would be able to invade the Boundary en-masse.” I agreed. “Let alone move equipment there. Really, without the preparations we made, we could have lost all of Boundary Kyoto.” At those words Akai woke up, bubbles of spit popping, scaring her.

“Uh, what, where am I? Uwa, it’s the scary man! He’s even scarier now!” she leapt to her feet, hiding behind Saionji-san, eyeing me warily.

“Calm down Akai, he’s a friend. Without his help, we could have died.” He chided her, talking to her as if she was a child. She wrapped her crimson hair around herself like wings and sat down, still scowling at me. “Akai and others like her helped in the battle too, hunting down soldiers and these Cultivators. Without them we would have lost more shrines and temples, as it was…” That’s right, I did wonder where Akai and a lot of the defenders of Kinkaku-ji were. I guess Kyoto was pretty large for a few of us to cover alone…

Takakura-san took over. “Sixteen minor shrines have suffered spiritual desecration, their kami slain. It is like the shrine of that fool who got themselves and their kami killed by being reckless.”

Saionji-san agreed. “Yes, it seems that if a kami dies, the shrine in the Material world shows it, sacred statues suddenly shattering, or fires breaking out, despoiling it. Symbolic, but saddening. Even so, compared to what we faced, it was a small price. You lost some allies too, didn’t you?” he asked me, and I agreed.

“Yes, we lost some Fae. Shaeula was terribly angry. I have to agree though, the losses were moderate compared to what they could have been.” Thank the Gods for Kin Restoration.

“I believe compensation should be paid to those shrines that suffered loss, as well as to those of you who fought and suffered these losses.” Abe-san said, and Morita-san pursed her lips, tapping on the touchscreen below her.

“We have considered these matters, but the legislation isn’t passed yet. We’ve been careful and secretive, so the Ministry for Spiritual Matters is barely functional, legally speaking. And then there’s the biggest issue…”

“Civilian casualties.” Abe-san groaned. “Nine hundred and four dead. Too many the elderly, women and children. Could we have done more, ladies, gentlemen? Could we have stopped this?”

I shook my head. “Not without knowing the powers Nie Ling had in advance. The only thing that could prevent that sort of clever attack is having a strong Territory to defend the area, which would prevent entry. I think that Territory is going to become vitally important. It offers too many benefits in the Boundary, to say nothing of the Material protections.”

“I agree.” Saionji-san commented. “If I didn’t have a platform to defend in Kinkaku-ji, my battle might have been very different. Besides, with monsters such as the golden-eyed devourer Akio-san described, we will need greater security.”

“I can hardly believe the reports.” Morita-san sighed, looking at the sketches and description of abilities I had provided. “And this was just a fragment?”

“Yes, a clone.” I agreed.

“It was vile. A monster.” Haru-san shuddered. “I wouldn’t have dared to face it alone.”

“China has a lot of issues, it seems, but from your talk of the Boundary fragmenting due to it, that’s a global concern. What does it mean for us?”

“It means creatures like it might be regular visitors, even invading armies of them. And we don’t know if it’ll remain confined to the Boundary. After all, the Renyu were given bodies en-masse while the clone survived.” I warned.

“So, what can we do? We can’t invade China, not even spiritually.” Saionji-san pointed out. “The only thing I can think of is strengthening the reach and power of the Territories all around Japan. We know the location of all of them in Kyoto, but countrywide…”

“Suzuki-san, a report, please.” Morita-san asked, and Haru-san swiped her touchscreen, and moments later all of ours were displaying graphs and figures I had provided, as well as a map of Tokyo and the surrounds that the Government had put together.

“So, you control this then?” Saionji-san asked, curious. “It’s large.”

“Yes, thanks to Shaeula’s family, we managed to bring it all under my control. Ten kilometres from the Anchor. We need more Rank 3 Territories in Kyoto, but right now there’s a slowing. Still, at a million for a rush-build to Rank 3, I intend to funnel that ether to Haru-san as soon as possible. I trust there’s no objections.”

“Protecting Kyoto is the most important thing. The faith has suffered. We cannot allow further blows.” Takakura-san spoke, and Saionji agreed.

“I’m fine with it, Akio-san. After all, we’re allies. I’ll also work on mine as well. Between us we can protect a good swathe of Kyoto. But what of Tokyo?”

“Well, as you can see, we’ve identified a number of Candidates, as well as Territories that we haven’t identified the owner of. Using methods you suggested such as the placement of the centres, we have been able to narrow a lot down, but until we have full authority under the law… well, we should be able to cover Tokyo with what you call Rank 3 Territories, I believe, but…” Morita-san explained.

“Yeah.” I nodded. “One Rank 4 would offer an order of magnitude better defences. Potentially more…” I used my finger to draw a line on the map.

“Yes, from our prisoner, Nie-san, we have discovered that the Chinese are already forcing their Chosen to combine their efforts, and they are already working towards stronger Territories. We should do the same. But we don’t have the power or authority of the CCP.” Abe-san admitted, frustrated.

“Well, my Territory at Rank 4 would cover the entirety of the greater Tokyo area, and just encompass Mount Fuji. I can also further increase the defences, as I suspect I’d be able to build another Anchor Spire, and I could take the Barrier Spire. However…”

“The cost. These figures are obscene.” Haru-san chuckled dryly. “If I wasn’t already dead, I’d have had a heart attack!”

“Ten million just to begin the upgrade.” Morita-san pursed her lips. “More than ten years in duration, and a cost to complete instantly of a further one hundred and sixty million units of this ether. How much have you raised so far, do you think, Oshiro-san? Just so we have a frame of reference.” she asked me.

“Well, more than ten million, maybe as much as fifteen or so, but most of that came from defeating Duke Myrcolaxriath. If we had twenty more of him, that’d be one thing, but… well, my Silos wouldn’t be able to protect it all anyway. All I can think of is gather the ten million, go for it, then pour everything into speeding up the upgrades. We can hurry it a bit with Miyu too.” I looked at the impassive and contemplative Fujiwara-san. “Your daughter is blessed with a great skill. Even if she can shorten an hour a day, which seems feasible…”

“That would save a little over four percent, or two hundred days.” Morita-san mused. “Which by my calculations… would save six point four million ether. It seems thirty-two thousand ether would shave off a day.”

“Well, the tides ebb and flow. Right now time is only a bit above one to one. When it gets back to a more normal rate, each day here on the Material would pass between two and three there. When I look at the numbers, it doesn’t seem impossible. And I’m wondering just what we could do with a buffed Miyu… oh, sorry Fujiwara-san, I don’t intend to abuse your granddaughter, but she’s resolved to use her skills for the benefit of us all.”

“I cannot say I was enthused at having my own precious granddaughter be one of you Chosen.” He said. “However I am pleased to see my timid granddaughter start to be more assertive, like Honoka. I trust you know what will happen if she is harmed though?”

“I do. I look after my own, have no fear.” I promised.

“All right then. Can we implement a tax in this ether, as a price for Ministry recognition and support? I think pushing Oshiro-san’s Territory to Rank 4 would be the wisest course, considering his status as the Advisor to the Ministry and his wide backing in politics, the military, nobility and faith. Are there other ether sources we can gather?” Morita-san got straight to the point. She’s certainly dynamic and decisive, I’ll give her that.

“Well, experiments in Material to Boundary drawing should commence soon, when Ixitt gets some free time, and our scientists have come up with the safety plans.” I said. “We also intend to flood Kyoto with Ixitt’s Artificial Ether Spires, made with every blue and green Etherite we can beg, borrow or steal. Not only do we hope that should slow the degradation in Kyoto, but it’s also all profit. When the Territory begins to upgrade, it’ll drop my Ether gain a lot, but even so, I can funnel it all in, shortening the time. I’ll need to rely on others to defend the Territory, but…” plans such as Fae Stone Wards and more were discussed, and in the end, the decision was reached.

“Rank 4. As soon as we can. Multiple Rank 3’s in Kyoto and other major cities. Then eventually a Rank 5 would be able to cover all of Japan, I expect.”

“Akio-san, you should gather more vassals. There will be a lot who would be more than happy to exchange some freedom for protection. I know I am.” Haru-san observed. “Then you can tax them directly too, right?”

That was something to think about. We had covered the military situation internally, now the next issue was more pressing. “So what do we do about the leaks and the cover-up?” Takakura-san asked.

“I can field this one.” Abe-san sighed. “I wish I couldn’t though. We’re blaming it on what it is. Chinese aggression. Though nothing supernatural happened. Fortunately with the previous event in Kyoto, the second layer of our deception ties into this, reinforcing it. Some of the smarter investigative journalists and conspiracy nuts have already picked up on that trail of breadcrumbs. The USA has agreed to back our story, since they still owe us for their actions and our citizens. That reminds me…” he blinked. “… there is a chance we may be able to get our kidnapped citizens back, those that still live. Though from the hints I am receiving, they are… far from well.” He clenched his fist. “Fucking Americans. If we didn’t need their support, and have their troops on our soil still… well, if we can, they’ll be mentally damaged, most likely.”

I exchanged a glance with Haru-san, and she smiled, reassuring me. “Well, between Haru-san and I, we’ll help them somehow. But for now, we need other incentives, much as it pains me.” Getting them back to their families is important, and having more Candidates is vital. But right now…

“The US issued a joint statement, and the UK, France, Germany and other Countries we have warm ties with have supported us. We criticised Chinese militarism and terror on our soil, calling it an invasion. Of course, this…” he pressed his touchscreen and a video came up, of the Chinese Foreign Minister and head of the People’s Liberation Army, soundly denying responsibility. There were subtitles, but Haru-san and I understood Chinese just fine.

“We deny the unfounded and lurid accusations from the Japanese, accusations that could easily stoke a war that none of us want or can afford.” The Foreign Minister was saying, while the General looked on sternly, in full dress regalia. “Such rhetoric as invasion is rich considering the history of Japanese Imperialism in the region, and their own history of sudden, illegal invasions and wars, and the atrocities they commit during them.”

The General took over. “Does the world really think if mighty China invaded, we would be so easily defeated, send such pathetic forces? No, if China is roused, then Japan would be squashed without any defiance. I do admit…” he put on a stern expression. “… that dissident, anti-Party elements did indeed defect, stealing our military assets, and strike at Japan. We thank the Japanese for serving them the just desserts for their betrayal, but we are in no way responsible. Every country has terrorists, undesirable actors, and no country can be held responsible for the actions of such.”

“We further deny…” the Minister spoke next. “… the Japanese request for recompense for the damages. While we grieve for the dead civilians, until the Japanese recognise their historic culpability for…” the video was shut off, Abe-san looking sour.

“Well, we don’t need to rehash old history, open old wounds, do we?” he sighed. “Well, like us, the Chinese seem eager to keep their own mistakes and this new paradigm under wraps for now. So since all our stories match, it’s just… the public. When the J-Alert system activated, we managed to get the majority of the citizens off the streets, but some foreign tourists escaped the police and military response. Fortunately none were killed, or it’d be a diplomatic nightmare, but we had to take them into custody, to prevent them leaking any footage they might have, which is a stopgap measure at best, and politically hot. Some has already got out, however, and what is worse…”

“Chion-in.” Takakura-san said sadly. “The shrine there has been streaming what they should have sworn to keep secret, and released a lot of lurid information to the internet and media.”

“Fortunately, we have significant sway in the media. Most of it is owned by nobility.” Takakura-san said, frowning. “Though the internet is a different beast, a newer one. We managed to capture a lot of the released data and scrub it, but it was impossible to stop it all.”

“Some other Susanoo faction shrines were involved as well. Was Uchida-san?” Saionji-san asked, and Takakura-san shook his head, denying it.

“No, he is still too grief-stricken with the fate of young Yamato-kun to partake in such treachery. But rest assured, the faith will come together to prevent this happening again.”

“Once more, the US is on our side. At a cost, of course, politically, but we have advantages. So they are also using their know-how to restrict the data on the internet. But this can’t last. We need to accelerate our plans, to prepare for the inevitable, when the cracks shatter the dam of secrecy, and the water of truth floods out…” the Prime Minister said, and we all agreed, putting our heads together, planning what we could…

********

The sun was shining outside, our talks running through the late night and into the next day. I was about to leave, when Fujiwara-san and Tsumura-san stopped me.

“Do you have a minute, grandson-in-law?” Tsumura-san asked.

“Of course I do.” I agreed, and we went to a separate room. “So, what can I do for you both?”

“Well, we need to talk about the visit to Great Britain.” He said. “The date is set, two weeks from now. You will accompany my Motoko as her husband-to-be, and attend a gala at Buckingham Palace.”

“My granddaughters will be going too, as will I.” Fujiwara-san said. “Ostensibly we have been invited as it is an internationally-focussed goodwill event, celebrating cultural, military and economic ties, so I represent Japan. As for your attendance… it is as a Chosen. With the information from the Lady Diviner, who sadly… is no longer with us… for now.” he amended. “… it seems that the Queen’s Granddaughter is an important Chosen as well, one we have to make contact with. It seems she has a team of her own, so you’ll scout them out, assess them, and hopefully build good ties. And if she is facing the danger that the Lady Diviner predicted, if we can provide support, then we will accrue many favours and closer support from the United Kingdom.”

“That sounds wise. Well, the UK are backing us in the cover-up with China, right? Besides, I’m half a Brit myself. That should earn us some favour.”

“Yes. I do not believe there is any danger, Buckingham Palace will be guarded by significant strength, both mundane and… special. But I would like you to make sure my granddaughters are protected, should the worst happen.”

“My Motoko as well, though I shouldn’t need to ask about that, should I?” Tsumura-san grinned.

“No, you should not. I’ll protect Motoko and Natsumi to the death.” I promised. “And Miyu is my precious vassal, and since Honoka is her cousin, and we’re already acquainted, leave it to me.”

“That reassures me. Well, I will take my leave.” Fujiwara-san said, leaving me alone with Tsumura-san. There was a bit of an uncomfortable silence, before he spoke.

“My Motoko is extremely excited about the first event as your fiancée. I believe Natsumi-chan, while she cannot formally declare herself so, is also thrilled to be going with you both. I’ve prepared suitable clothing, watches, accessories and gifts. I’ll need you to come and have a final fitting a few days beforehand.”

“Not a problem.” I promised. “I have to admit, I’m looking forward to seeing what dress they’ll wear.” They looked gorgeous in their outfits last night, so at such a gala…

“I see.” He smiled faintly, but I could sense the tension, and when he spoke, the question surprised me. “You do love Motoko, don’t you? You’ll not abandon her in shame…”

I blinked, shocked. “Where did that come from? I’m offended. Sure, I’ve not spent much time with Motoko compared to Eri or Shaeula, Natsumi neither, and the way we got together… yeah, it was awkward. But no, I do love them. Your granddaughter is a proud, dedicated girl, who shines wielding her weapons, and also retains the elegance and grace of a noble daughter, and is kind to everyone, even her fellow sisters. I’d be a fool to discard such a treasure, and I’m no fool. I do love her, and I’ll make her happy, just like the others, Natsumi too.” I vowed, meaning it. Going to need to invade Kunlun though, sticking to that joke…

“I see. Well, forgive this old man for worrying about his granddaughter and her future happiness. Well, I am relieved to hear you so openly praise her.” His smile turned sly. “I hope you don’t mind if I tell my Motoko your exact words here, do you?”

Wow, embarrassing. But I guess not. I should say them more myself. Shiro’s dead on. I have to maintain… no, it’s not an illusion, I do love them… but I have to maintain the effort, so that they know it’s true. Words are part of that. Words and deeds. “Feel free, though I should tell her myself, more often anyway. So, what’s this about?”

“Well, this event has frightened me. If even our own country isn’t safe from attack by supernatural abilities… I want Motoko to be stronger, safer. I’ve spoken to the Hori family, and they agree.”

“I see?” I asked, though I had an inkling.

“If you will not forsake my granddaughter, and the marriage is set in stone, then… for the sake of strength, safety… I give you my blessing.”

“Your blessing? For what?” It can only be…

“As I said, I spoke to the Hori house, they discussed it with you, did they not? Lovers’ Link. With such, our beloved granddaughters can gain strength similar to the Mori girl, from your hometown, right? Strength that can potentially keep them safe against these Chosen.”

I knew it. “Yes, it can certainly strengthen them a lot, with some extra training. Against a competent Candidate, they’d still lose hard, like Eri would, but… yeah. Uh… have you talked about this with them?” I asked, and he put his arm around me, smiling, a touch scarily, I thought.

“While they do wish to maintain noble traditions, they and we recognise the extraordinary nature of the times. It will be a secret, and medication has been prepared to prevent… accidents. As far as the world knows, they will remain pure until the day of the wedding, preserving their honour, and not stirring up trouble with other noble daughters, who would be horrified. Do you have any objections?”

I imagined Motoko and Natsumi in my arms. How could I object to that? And it’s true, I would like them to be safer. Hinata too, but I’m a bit resistant to her as she’s still young, even if old enough for marriage, but then, isn’t Daiyu a similar age to her, I haven’t asked… Shaking my head, I denied it. “Of course not. How could a man hate holding the woman he loves? Well, women.”

“Well said. Then I leave my Motoko in your care. Just know… if you ever disgrace and abandon her, I’ll use all my strength to crush you! Well, that will never happen, I believe in her charms! Besides, you’ll be showing her off as your fiancée to the world soon.” As he patted me on the back, laughing heartily as he walked away, I nodded, impressed at his guile. He’s trapped me good. After showing myself in front of the Queen of England and assorted dignitaries worldwide, he knows there’s no way I’d ever be able to break my engagement then. Not that I ever would. When I decide, I decide. Well, as cages go, it’s a rather nice gilded one to be trapped in, but… how do I broach this to them? Feeling hot, I went outside to where a Ministry car was waiting for me, to take me back to Shirohebizumi shrine…