On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Two Hundred And Seventy

“So, we all know what we need to do?” I asked, looking at our rather large group, standing in a sheltered spot across from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It was quite the varied one, with a mixture of spiritual beings, kami, shrine personnel, our families and some American mercenaries, but we all had the same goal. Making Conclave a success for both Japan and us. I can’t just be a lackey, a grunt for one of the three factions. No, I need to be an equal partner at least.

“Of course.” Kana’s grandfather Masaji-san was the first to speak. Her could see the change, the confidence, that had come over his daughter, as she finally took the duties of her shrine seriously, and he was delighted and proud of her. “Though our shrine is Susanoo faction… our loyalty is to you, Akio-san. After all, our kami trusts and serves you.” He looked at Shirohebi, who alongside the Jade Beetle was waiting, ready for his debut before the faiths of Japan.

“I’ll be attending the main meeting.” His son, Daichi-san said. “So I’ll raise my voice in support. My daughter will attend one of the many smaller side meetings and look for those who might be amenable to listening to her.”

“Leave it to me. I won’t let you down, Akio.” Kana grinned, before unleashing a glowing orb of light on her palm that flickered and bobbled for a few seconds before fading. “I’ll be the talk of the Conclave. No, we will.”

“That’s not fair, Kana-chan, big bro Akio.” Keomi-chan, who was talking to Marika-san, turned to me, her big, guileless eyes wide. “You forgot to take me! I want to make pretty lights too! And Kana-chan and Marika-chan look so pretty now. Their skin is as soft as silk!” she poked Marika-san in the cheek, who flushed.

“It was not very fun.” Marika-san sighed, remembering. “It was scary and painful at times, but… Chiaki-sama and Chiasa-sama are kind. They helped me…”

“I don’t approve of hurting my precious Marika!” her mother complained. “But even so… I can’t believe it. Gods and spiritual powers. And Marika has them too now. I suppose… I should be grateful.” She said at last, looking at the Palace as groups of shrine maidens, priests and others were going inside, hundreds, thousands gathering for what would likely decide the course of Japan’s religion, and would have a huge impact on its politics.

“I want to be helpful to Chairo-sama. And to everyone.” Marika-san insisted, and everyone smiled, as seeing a young girl trying her best with such an earnest wish was definitely a heart-warming sight.

“I guess we missed out as well, huh Asami-chan?” Mio-san giggled. “You too, Takagi-chan, Kikuchi-chan.” The girls were closer friends now, and even the standoffish Takagi-san and the shy Maiko-san were opening up. “I hope next time, we’ll get our chance! Kana-chan said it hurt like hell, but for perfect skin, I’d sit in a vat of boiling oil!”

“I’ll be there too, along with my kami.” Shuta-san said. “My daughter will do her part, with the other members of Amaterasu.” At his words, Maiko-san paled, but she nodded, resolute, and as Takagi-san grasped her hand reassuringly, I could see the tension lift from her. “I will offer my voice in support at Conclave as well, but first… Saionji-sama is waiting.”

“I don’t know just what we can do.” Uncle Junpei said, and auntie echoed him. “But your parents and I, we’ll do our best.”

“Just being there and showing off what your Chirurgery can do is what you wanted, right Aki?” my mom asked, enjoying the feeling of being in hakama, and preening under the gazes she was getting from passing tourists and other shrine personnel, being a British woman of excellent looks, wearing such an outfit. “I’ll tell all the pretty girls they can be just like us if they ask you nicely, Aki!”

“I think our son has more than enough girls around him already.” My father shook his head, a little exasperated. “But yes, you can count on us, son. At first I thought you were hiding something when you said you were doing work with the shrine at Chairoakitara. And you were. But to think it’d come to this…”

“And we know our role.” Trey said in English, as his sister stifled a yawn. Beside him, Travis and Manx nodded too. “Since we don’t speak Japanese, we are just security. At least your family and the others…” he looked at Grulgor and Hyacinth. “… speak it too. So we’ll just be suitably intimidating.”

“Good. Because we need to be on high alert.” I had of course shared the warning of my Foresight with everyone. Aliyah and my parents hadn’t really believed it, until Shaeula and Kana supported me, talking about the yakuza attack and the betrayal of Shaeula’s maids. Now everyone was tense, but we had made preparations.

“Right. Well, don’t forget, we have other allies. Chiyo-san and her neutral shrines, as well as those others we brought in, and Hikawa-Kawagoe. So mingle with our friends and colleagues, and build our support base. I’ll work on those at the top, but even if they won’t play ball, if we win over enough of the shrine maidens and priests who support them, we can pressure them that way.”

“He’s grown up, hasn’t he?” Uncle said, and my father nodded, approving.

“So, bro. Will we see you in the break after the first session?” my sis asked, and I shook my head.

“Probably not. I dare say I’ll end up having to meet the Diviner, or Takakura-san, or maybe one of the other faction heads. Maybe more than one. If I do get chance, I’ll text you though.”

“Okay, that sucks but… whatever. What about afterwards though? No way you’ll miss out on that concert by Red and White. All of us girls are going, right?” At that they all nodded, Takagi-san looking particularly thrilled.

“Sure, your brother will be there to keep an eye on you.” I smiled. “Anyway… so there’s the first session until four pm, then a two hour break, then another session until ten pm. It’s a long day, so everyone, pace yourselves. Haru-san, Eri, Shaeula, you ready?” I turned to Shuta-san. “I suppose we had better meet with Saionji-san, we don’t have a lot of time before the first session begins, and we don’t want to be late…”

********

The inside of the Imperial Palace was luxurious indeed. Signs were up outside saying it was closed to the public this weekend, and now it was filled with thousands of visitors from all the true shrines and temples of Japan. As we admired the architecture and interior décor, a young priest led the seven of us to a small room, where three people were waiting for us.

The first was a middle-aged man sitting behind an antique desk. He radiated an aura of authority, as if he was used to being obeyed, and his black hair was neatly trimmed and styled, framing an austere face with a sharp nose that gave him the look of a hungry raptor. His dark eyes surveyed us as we entered, his interest plain to see. Standing behind him was a somewhat older man, a bit tired-looking, and hunched, with his hair going to grey. Still as our eyes met, I could feel power within him. Within both of them. So, Saionji-san is a Candidate too. And quite a powerful one. A match for Yamato-san at least…

It was the third figure that drew my eye though. She was sitting down, seemingly half asleep, her dark chocolate skin a shade lighter than Trey or Aliyah, but her body-line was tight and clean, with a decent chest, accentuated by the deep red sundress she wore, with white detailing around the bust, wrists and hem. Her long brown hair was covering her face, dangling down, and as I looked at her, one eye flickered open lazily, a brilliant ruby colour, yet her eye held little heat, only a dull exhaustion. She looked past me, to see Shaeula and Haru-san and the Jade Beetle kami, only to jolt upright, nearly falling out of her chair.

“You… you three are all like me!” The woman said, surprised.

I heard Haru-san take a mournful breath, and I couldn’t blame her. After all, she may be an Onryo now, but she’s human at heart still… not some spiritual being.

“Calm yourself, Akai.” The composed man said, who was surely Saionji-san. “If you are going to be annoying, you can go back to sleep until the Conclave.”

“But… that one is strong.” She eyed Shaeula warily. “I smell fire, and light, wind, a powerful water…” she turned to Haru-san then. “Light from her too.” She wrinkled her nose. “That one…” she pointed at the Jade Beetle kami triumphantly. “… is a divinity, though far less potent than I, of course. Stinks of wind.” She thrust out her ample chest proudly. “Flame, light and darkness… ugh, I dislike the dark.” She glanced at Eri, shuddering. “And you…” she turned to me, before her chocolate skin whitened, quite a feat. A sudden look of fear crossed her face. “No, he’s powerful! I don’t… I don’t think I can fight him! Darkness, light, fire, water, air, earth, wood… even hints of space. Ugh… a monster!” She shrank back in her chair, making herself look small, her hair wrapping around her like wings.

“I said enough, Akai.” Saionji-san sighed, exasperated, as I was unsure of how to respond, slightly offended at being called a monster, but also happy as it meant she recognised my strength. “I told you we were going to meet some fellows of yours, as well as a promising young man who has been doing the rounds of Kyoto since yesterday.”

She didn’t respond, merely hiding herself in her hair, as if that meant we couldn’t see her, so Saionji-san dismissed her with a snort. “I apologise.” He said, sighing, though I didn’t miss a gleam of interest in his eye. “Akai here hasn’t quite mastered the social graces of the human world. Do forgive her. Anyway, I should introduce myself. I am Saionji Gin, master of the Kinkaku-ji, Chosen by Avalokiteshvara, and leader of Amaterasu faction. This is as I said, Akai. A little chick I picked up. My adjunct here is Yasaka-san. He is also Chosen by a god, though not from these sacred shores.” He looked at Shuta-san and Maiko-san then. “Your son not with you today, Shuta-san?”

“No, he has little taste for these matters.” He sighed. “He’s making the most of his time to sightsee.”

“I see. Then won’t you introduce me? You told me so much about him at our last meeting.” At that, Maiko-san flinched, and that drew Eri’s and Shaeula’s interest.

“I beg your pardon.” Shuta-san said in a hurry. “This is my master, Oshiro Moonstone Akio-san. He is a Chosen, his god also not from these lands. His fiancée, Mori Eri.” Eri nodded at that, pleased.

“Suzuki Haru-san. Another chosen by the gods. I am unaware of which, though. Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan… uh… Oshiro-san’s fiancée as well. Please do not ask.” He looked a little embarrassed, which tickled Shaeula, causing her to grin, and strangely enough, Maiko-san looked a little amused as well. “She is as you can see, not a human. And lastly… my kami, the Jade Beetle of Hisuikomushi.”

“Charmed to meet you.” The beetle said regally, his jade-green priestly vestments and jewellery we had secured for him making the beetle seem impossibly regal.

“Well, now introductions are out of the way…” Saionji-san gestured to the seats set up, and we all took them, while Yasaka-san started making tea. “… this is quite the gathering. Five Chosen by the Gods, and three spiritual beings walking the earth once more. As well as…” he frowned at Eri. “… well, you are not ordinary, are you, Mori-san?” he said, certain of her value. “After all, Akai could smell elemental power on you. A triumph of this training school I have heard of, no doubt?”

Eri held in her dislike of talking to other people, knowing she needed to help me here. “Yes. In fact, I would say I was the test case, the first. So it’s only natural I’m furthest along.” She said, implying others could reach her level. “I can demonstrate if you wish?” she eyed a rather heavy-looking statue in the corner of the room.

“No, I think that won’t be necessary.” Saionji-san said mildly. “I can feel a decent level of strength from you. You are stronger than some of the Chosen who have come to Kyoto, I’d wager.”

Eri looked proud at that, grinning, and Saionji-san nodded politely to her, before turning to me. “Now, I shall be blunt, Akio-san. I can call you that, right? I have no wish to be too formal with someone that I hope will work with me.”

I nodded, not being a particularly formal person myself due to my upbringing, so he continued. “Shuta-san here has been forthcoming about your merits. It was quite educational.”

“… dad didn’t say anything he shouldn’t. I promise.” Maiko-san said in barely a whisper, trusting my ears to pick it up. “… but he’s weak to pressure, so… I’m sorry.”

“I see. Well, why don’t we get to the point? I wouldn’t want us to miss the start of the first session, right?”

“No. After all, Uchida will be counting on your voice, I am sure?” he said slyly, and I returned his insinuation with one of my own.

“Oh? That’s an interesting thing to say. Yes, my invite came from Uchida-san, thanks to mediation from Hikawa-san from Hikawa-Kawagoe shrine, but I’m sure you are aware I’ve met with Kudou-san, Bankei-san and also have met Takakura-san previously.”

“Yes, and the Diviner as well, I believe.” Saionji-san agreed, not rising to my bait. “I’ll get to the point then. I don’t know what promises you’ve made with the other factions, but it is clear that Amaterasu is the only true path for the faithful moving forwards. When ours was just a legacy of bloodlines with some small spiritual gifts that went against what science, the true god of the current would, could explain… well, I can understand the reluctance of Susanoo and Tsukuyomi, even if I hate the cowardice of it. But now…” he gestured to Akai and Shaeula, Akai flinching under her blanket of long, dark hair. “… fears such as being experimented on, or the shrines and temples being taken over by the men of science and their ungodly tools… would you let that happen to those under your protection, Akio-san?”

Shaeula snorted loudly. “I do not-not think so. Nobody may harm who Akio wishes to protect.”

“Exactly.” Saionji-san approved. “And that is the Amaterasu way of thinking. The shrines and faith are needed. Not merely needed, but should be instrumental in guiding, leading the country. I don’t want to give all my reasons, as you will have to listen to my speech again in Conclave, but… the kami, the Gods… they are returning. And if they find their worshippers lost to secular science and their shrines and temples nothing but tourist sites and relics of the past… well, I suspect they will be far less than pleased.”

As Yasaka-san handed out tea and snacks, I took a sip, gathering my thoughts. Still, it was Eri that spoke first. “You don’t seem to approve of science. But… there’s science behind the spiritual, surely. We just don’t understand it all yet. Everything has a reason. All the training I’ve done, it follows logic, and where it doesn’t, it should, if we just understood it better.”

“A bold claim.” Saionji-san looked interested. “So are you saying…”

“I don’t want to bore you with the details right now, as you’ll have to listen to my speech again in Conclave…” I returned his earlier words. “… but think about it. How many of those chosen by the kami will be here at Conclave? Ten? Twenty? A few more?” I let that sink in. “Compared to how many Japan and the wider world has, it’s merely a tiny portion.”

“But, the faith should guide, after all, we speak for the kami.” Saionji-san disagreed. “Who better than us, who understands the will of the Gods?”

“Do you? Even kami such as the Jade Beetle here don’t really get what the more important Gods, those that gave us these powers, truly want.” As the beetle agreed quietly, I continued. “But you aren’t wrong. The faith is important. Guidance… yes. The faith should be involved, and have a powerful role. As should the wider Japan.”

“You mean the nobility. I understand you are close to Takakura-sama.” He sighed. “In this modern world, money is power. And they have it all. Surely you don’t mean to let them buy and sell us? Have you no pride in your own…”

“Enough.” Shaeula snapped, and Akai flinched again, letting out a choked squawk. “I think you forget yourself, Gin.” As usual Shaeula spoke without any deference or honorifics. “We are on good terms with some of the nobility, it is quite-quite true.” She smiled, no doubt thinking of the other girls. “But we are not-not their lapdogs, far from it. They too must understand that they must come together, compromise. The rulers of the country too-too, this Prime Minister.” Shaeula smirked. “Besides, the world of the spiritual as you call it, the Astral… it has far more within than merely-merely your gods.”

“This is bigger than any one faction.” I said calmly. “I want us all to work together. Yes, we have our own interests, and we should look after those, but not at the expense of the whole.”

“I see. That is closer to Kudou and his fence-sitters’ philosophy.” He said sourly. “I understand you met with Kudou and the Diviner. I hear that she has taken ill. Disturbed by a dark portent, some say.”

“Yes, I did meet Kudou-san, and the Diviner. And yes, she feels some grim times are coming. I expect we’ll hear more at Conclave. I would help her if I could. I’ve already provided a little service to their faction. I gave Yamato-san a hand too, and of course I’ve met with Bankei-san and his neutral group, at the request of Chiyo-san. I want to hear all sides and get a balanced viewpoint. I’m not beholden to anybody.” I grinned. “If anything, they owe me now.”

“If I may ask, what services were these?” Saionji-san leant forwards, curious.

“Power, of course. I helped them consolidate their Territories. Kyoto is pretty dangerous, right? What with the Night Parade and other powerful beings. Though to me, it was simply some decent experience.”

“The Night Parade.” Saionji-san shuddered. “They are supposed to roam over the entirety of Japan, yet for the last few months they have stalked Kyoto. Did… did you face them?” he asked, incredulous.

“Just some of their offshoots who picked a fight. They won’t be doing it again.” I said. No way I’m going to fight the whole Parade head-on. Just seeing it was enough to tell me that would be total suicide. “As for dealing with them in the long term… well, let me say I have an idea.”

Behind me Shaeula grinned, though there was some nervousness in it, no doubt as she worried her mother wouldn’t be pleased to see her, wouldn’t accept her, so my hand snaked out and grasped hers. Eri took her other hand.

That gave Saionji-san pause. “I see.  That aid… I would have given much for it.”

“Well, it isn’t as though I can’t help you.” I said mildly. “But I don’t work for free.”

“I see. Well…” Saionji-san frowned, finishing his tea, so I did the same, drinking down the remaining liquid in my cup. “… I had feared you were determined to support Susanoo. Or was a puppet of the nobility. I see that isn’t the case… well, that allayed my fears a little.” He looked down, checking the time. “Well, we should be going. Conclave awaits. Akai, I know you aren’t sleeping. Get up.” He chided his spiritual being.

“Sorry, sorry. I don’t like them. They’re strong!” she said, nervous, peering at us through her hair.

“I am quite offended.” Shaeula sighed. “What does my strength have to do with being likable? I am quite-quite the charming female, and Akio is very kind, should you not-not threaten him or his loved ones.”

“One last thing.” Saionji-san said, standing. “I intended to introduce spiritual beings to the faithful at Conclave, but now I know I am not alone in having such a companion. I would ask that you let me raise Akai here first. Surely a small favour like this is nothing?”

“Fine. Although I want time to speak, so make sure you don’t shout me down when it’s my turn, all right?”

As we haggled over some details on how we would proceed at Conclave, Maiko-san left to attend one of the smaller meetings. I told her to be careful, and she nodded, a small smile on her face. We reached the grand hall, where Conclave was taking place, and it was already bustling, four blocks of seating arrayed in front of the raised stage that occupied the back of the hall. A throne was the centrepiece, and it was actually occupied by a girl around my age, wearing a rich red, white and gold hakama, her hair pulled into a pair of brown braids, her face looking pale and nervous, her eyes darting about behind her red-framed glasses. Is that Princess Mikasa? I’m meeting a real princess. A real human one, anyway…

“I must take my place. Akai, go with Yasaka-san and don’t fall asleep.” Saionji-san ordered her. “Shuta-san, join the others.” He turned to me then. “And where will you sit? With Susanoo?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I think I’ll sit with Chiyo-san in the neutral seating for now. I can always change places later.” I grinned.

“That is quite a statement. It will annoy Uchida, so I don’t disapprove. I hope when you hear my reasoning, you will see that supporting me and my plans is the only viable path for Japan.”

“Right back at you. My plan shouldn’t totally disappoint you, even if you have to compromise a bit.”

“Well, I shall listen, in deference to you having saved Shuta-san, one of my own, and your honesty during our meeting. Just don’t let fools drag you to their own pace. Susanoo reeks of defeatism, and that old fox Kudou… well, the splinters you’ll get from sitting on the fence will annoy you.”

With that he headed for the front dais. I could see the veiled form of the Diviner next to the Princess, Kudou-san next to her. Yamato-san’s father was on the other side, and Takakura-san was there too. As Saionji-san took his own seat, I went past the Susanoo area, drawing a lot of looks, including a searching one from Hikawa-san, who was in the front row of the chairs. I merely nodded back, winking, and he sighed, getting the message. I’ve talked to each faction, and while before I was begging for this opportunity, now I’m owed it, earned it. Things have changed.

The four of us were attracting a fair number of looks. Shaeula wasn’t in shrine maiden attire, but her kimono, while Haru-san was in a suit. I didn’t look like a priest either. Eri was in hakama, which was a fresh look for her, but even so, we looked out of place. Still, we took seats in the second row of the neutral area, a few people grumbling as they had to move for us, but Chiyo-san, who was sitting directly in front of us, smirked.

“So, sitting with us today, Akio-kun? A good choice. It’s a statement. So, you had a good talk with Gin-kun, the reckless fool, right? That’s everyone then. What did you think?”

“I think you’ll find out when I get to speak.” I said, earning a raised eyebrow. It was then, as the last of the attendees were taking their seats, over two thousand people filling the hall, that the great doors boomed shut, and the last of the moderators, Bankei-san, took his seat on the stage.

Picking up a microphone, Bankei-san spoke. “Testing, testing. Can everyone hear me, especially at the back? It has been a long time since the last Conclave. Many of us were not even alive for that.” There was some laughter at his joke, an amused ripple that went around the hall, but there was uneasiness too.

“I shall introduce those of us who are key to this. Though I expect you all already know us. This humble one is Bankei, and I shall be chairing this Conclave. So while I expect there will be heated debate, accusations and the usual infighting, please do not forget why they called me Bankei the Hammer. I may be old, but I can still smite you young ones if you step out of line.” More laughter, and the mood lightened a little. “Saionji-san, Uchida-san and Kudou-san are well known to you all, keeping everybody in line. They will each have their chance to speak, as will any of you who need to, though we only have two days, so try and stick to the point. I do not wish to have to cast any of you out. Everyone should have their chance to hear and be heard.”

I see. Well, it makes sense having a respected and unaffiliated priest like Bankei-san take the reins.

“The Lady Diviner is watching. Do not disgrace yourselves in front of her. As the voice of the kami, we will of course need her wisdom.” He continued, and she raised a slender hand, though my keen eyes could see it trembling a little. “And as for the representative of the Imperial Family, one of our own, shrine maiden of Amaterasu, of the Grand Shrine at Ise, protecting the country from all spiritual ills, is Princess Mikasa.”

“I am honoured to be here, though I don’t know what wisdom I can impart.” She said, despite her nerves, speaking clearly and with elegant diction. I dare say she’s used to public speaking as a Princess, even if she’s kept out of the public eye most of her life.

“Lastly, representing the nobility of Japan, is the friend of the faiths, Takakura-san.”

“I am pleased to be here in these troubling times. As ever, I shall speak freely and fairly, honest to the needs of the wider Japan. I ask only that you listen with an open mind.”

“So, now this humble one…” he paused, allowing the gravity of the moment to sink in. “… shall open with why we are all gathered here. It is simple. The kami, the Gods… they are returning. The world lost fifteen hundred years ago… the spiritual, both good and bad, the Yokai and other beings… soon the world will have to deal with them once again. To that end… we have to make a choice, as to how we shall respond. A choice that affects not just us, but Japan, no, the very world!”

As Bankei-san spoke, I felt a rising tension within me. Here we go, this is it. I planned to be here months ago, and I’ve laid the groundwork for it. Now all I have to do is convince those here of my plans. And it won’t be easy…