On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Two Hundred And Seventy-One

As Bankei-san spoke, I let my gaze wander around the surrounding crowd. I could see a variety of expressions, some fearful, others hopeful, yet more contemplative. I also spotted several beings like Shirohebi, though none were amongst the Susanoo seats other than Shirohebi themself. Well, it’s obvious that others would be able to do what I do. Kikuchi Shuta-san proved that when with my guidance he managed to create a Throne of Heroes…

“We have carried faith for fifteen hundred long, often bitter years.” Bankei-san’s voice boomed, rich and deep, his oratory crisp and evoking emotions of loss. “Upheavals, wars, the destruction of shrines, the pillaging and rapine that often accompanied such times. Not every kami is remembered, many are lost to the sands of time, the hourglass ever flowing.” He sighed, the sound echoing over the speakers. “Though new shrines to new kami were established, and sometimes a prosperous, fortunate bloodline would split off, dedicating themselves to a new faith.” There were some nods and murmurs of agreement at that, and that answered one of my questions.

Prince Shōtoku, the kami we met at Tsukuyomi-jinja, the Diviner’s shrine, I remember from my old history lessons that he was born in the late five hundreds, right? That would be after the Gods withdrew and the Astral receded from Earth. So if the shrines during that and later periods occasionally established branch families, that would explain how later kami deified by the populace could still have true shrines and temples. Though more interesting is that kami can still be created, even when the Boundary is all we had. Though I suppose the Prince and other similar kami would be like Shirohebi, rather weak compared to the true divinity that are still distant from us, up in the higher Astral…

As I pondered the mechanism for becoming a kami, suspecting it was similar to my Fae-Souled class in a way, or perhaps required a lot of adherence, I listened to Bankei-san as he continued to speak. “But as the years, the decades, the centuries marched on, our bloodlines thinned. Perhaps it was the loss of so many families, forcing us to bring in new blood or marry outside the web of faith, or perhaps it was the distance of the Gods from us, but powers we took for granted, the ability to create miracles, to heal the sick and dying, to conjure fire and lightning to smite our enemies, to listen to the wind and the rain, hearing the voices of the kami… that dwindled to mere flickers of power. Though a power rightfully ours, this humble one says it still was.” He boomed, his talent for speaking impressing me further.

“Unlike other countries, who stood firmly on the altar of science, and purged anything that did not fit their secular dreams, we were isolated, protected. The Tokugawa shogunate kept our nation isolated for two hundred and sixty-five years. Only in eighteen sixty-eight did we open our borders, and that… well, that was the beginning of our second, more rapid decline.”

It really is like being back at school. Eri and I both studied Sakoku, the isolationist period. But to think it would be relevant here… I could see Shaeula’s eyes glazing over at the talk, and I held in a grin.

“First, Western science and beliefs came in with renewed vigour. The Christian faith, which had first arrived four hundred and fifty years ago, only to dwindle during the Sakoku period, came back, bringing with it danger to our native faiths. There were… incidents, as I am sure many of you know about. But worse was science. With technology and ease of life, faith perishes, and over time belief in the kami, the Gods, became mere rote tradition. And then… the greatest blow…”

He paused dramatically. “The Second World War! Whether right or wrong, Japan fought and lost, and in the war and the subsequent occupation, more true shrines and temples were despoiled, more bloodlines lost than ever before. And worse… our truest bloodline, the Imperial Family, said to be descended from Amaterasu…”

At that, Princess Mikasa looked down, biting at her lip.

“… they were forced to recant their divine blood. And from then on, we have truly been forced to hide our lineage, as with the advent of television, cameras, the internet and more, we would be discovered, studied, worse…”

That was Kana’s reasoning as to why she and her father kept their talents hidden. And it’s a good one. I know internationally there are several rather large prizes for anyone who can demonstrate genuine magical or psychic powers, but… yeah, those are traps, most likely. Science has definitely made the world a better place, no question, but it can be ruthless in search of progress. I bet many scientists wouldn’t think twice about doing horrible deeds to unravel the secrets of magic. I couldn’t help but think of Ixitt then, our own resident mad scientist, no, Mortal Engineer…

“But now, this humble one, and all of you… the times have changed. The past is the past and now we have to decide how to face the future. There are those chosen by the Gods themselves among us, and the once lost spiritual realm alongside ours, it is now accessible once more. There are those among us who are Chosen. So, we now need to plot a course.” He lowered his voice conspiratorially, through the microphone still made it audible to all. “We survived fifteen hundred years of war, plague, rebellion, clashes of faith and worse, because we were, if not unified, then of one mind to protect our secrets and our faith as a whole. Those that tried to betray us did exist, though fortunately they were few in number. We made hard choices, and our hands were bloody, but we survived. For this day.” He took a deep breath. “Now, I shall allow a moment to reflect, while Kudou-san prepares to update you on the current nature of the Chosen of the Gods, and what we know.”

He nodded, stepping back, and around the hall people started talking as Kudou-san was discussing something with Saionji-san and Uchida-san. “So, what do you think, Akio-kun?” Chiyo-san said, turning to me. “How would you proceed from here?”

“That’s obvious. You were at our big meeting. You know my aims. Look, keeping the faith preserved through all these years, and still a secret, it’s an amazing feat, just like Bankei-san said. I think it helps that we Japanese are generally superstitious and if we don’t actually believe in yokai and kami, we don’t disbelieve.” The difference was subtle, but it was there. “But now, we can’t keep it under wraps much longer, as the number of Candidates outside the faith far outweighs those within, who are used to keeping secrets, hiding their meagre gifts, and generally being wise. All it’ll take is one idiot, and this all gets out. Which is why we need to act fast and bring everyone under one aegis before the inevitable happens.”

“The Ministry, yes?” She said, and I nodded, though before I could elaborate, Kudou-san had taken the stage, holding another microphone.

“Well, this is all rather dull, is it not-not?” Shaeula yawned. “We already know this.”

“Yes, but they have to bring all the shrines and temples up to date with the same level of knowledge before we can decide on anything, so just bear with it, okay?”

She snorted at that, but held her silence, as Kudou-san spoke. “It is unusual for the three of us… well, the four of us, I guess…” he apologised to Bankei-san. “… to agree on much of anything. Yet here we are. The decisions we make here will shape our future, the future of Japan, the future of the world. So, we need to have a grounding on the basic facts. Sadly, most of you will not know, or have never met, any of these new Chosen, as they are rather rare. How rare? Well, Takakura-sama, our old friend, has provided us with information. Some of it from a surprising source.” I felt his eyes on me for a moment. “It seems that we are fortunate, and rewarded for our faithful service to the Gods, as the rate of the Chosen amongst us is far higher than the average populace. We estimate that out of roughly a hundred and twenty-five million, there is no more than two thousand. That’s one in sixty two thousand, roughly. The Gods scatter their favours but rarely, it seems. Yet amongst us here… the two thousand five hundred of us, there are actually over twenty Chosen. Though a couple are… guests.”

Many in the hall were looking at us, and I let it wash over me, though Eri was shrinking in against me, shy.

“You can do the maths.” Kudou-san continued. “While our numbers are small, the incidences of the Gods choosing us validates our faith. And it also gives us a responsibility. Because… why have the Gods graced us with their powers, after so long? The simple answer is… we do not know.” He said, and there was silence at the unexpected answer. “Of course, we have some educated guesses.” Kudou-san continued. “Though we rely a lot on the word of the Gods and those that they chose.”

Yeah, just like I rely on Ortlinde’s word that danger is coming. Or I did, anyway. It’s obvious from seeing the lands of the Fae, and the effect of Territories on the Material, that there’ll be danger and chaos eventually anyway. Besides, it was clearly better to be prepared for the worst, rather than ignoring the possible threat.

“Of course, for us, the true faiths of Japan, what could be more natural?” Kudou-san grinned. “If we do not trust our Gods, who can we trust? So, the reason we have been given is that, with the return of the spiritual, our world will be in danger from other places, other realms. Yes.” He said, his smile broadening. “The Americans with all their telescopes and radio dishes, they didn’t find alien life, but it is out there. And it may not be friendly. However…”

He paced the stage, looking over the crowd, separated into four groups, speaking to each faction. “… even if that is not the case, the situation is still troubling. Because it is not Japan alone that has been blessed by the Gods. No, we have proof this phenomenon is occurring worldwide. And if the ratio holds, then countries with much larger populations, such as our neighbour to the West that doesn’t think highly of us…” he scratched his beard, pensive. “… well, we will be quite outnumbered in this new order of things.”

Yes, that’s obvious. Countries with a large population have an advantage, though as our higher ratio here proves, counties with a strong legacy of faith and tradition will be well-served too. A country with both though… I wasn’t an expert on Chinese traditions, but if stories such as Cultivation had any basis in fact… well, then they could be extremely well-provisioned with Candidates.

“Of course, most of you will wonder why that matters. After all, you are used to the fading sparks of power we have hoarded over the years.” Kudou-san continued. “Tiny flames, healing cuts and scrapes, minor feelings of aversion to danger, other miraculous yet useless feats. But the Chosen are not bound by such. No, they have the power we wielded fifteen hundred years ago. I shall be clear.” Kudou-san declared. “Until now, the blessed Lady Diviner, who we all venerate, was the only one amongst us with any true power, her visions clearly divine providence. But now anyone can have such power, be it divination, healing or destruction. We have arranged a demonstration, just to erase all doubt. Yamato-kun, if you would.”

“I see he is going to call on his tin-tin soldier again.” Shaeula scoffed. “Well, I confess it does look impressive, if naught else.”

As Eri snickered at that, Yamato-san stood up from the front row of the Susanoo section, where he was sitting near Hikawa-san, and resplendent in his decorated robes, he took to the stage.

“You all know me. I am Uchida Yamato, son of Uchida Ren, the leader of Susanoo. And now I am so much more. Thanks to my faith, Kannon herself, Goddess of Mercy, has gifted me her power, to call upon Warriors of Gold. Behold!” he declared grandly, making me sigh at his theatrics. Though I confess that everyone else is impressed.

As the golden statue winked into existence seemingly out of nowhere, the female figure nearly seven feet tall, carrying a large golden shield and crescent-headed axe, the hall burst into shocked cries. Men and women were panicking, talking over each other, and some were even standing, rushing over towards it to check if it was real, though they paused in fear as the warrior brandished its axe.

Looks like those who are Candidates or know one aren’t shocked, but everyone else is in an uproar. With my keen eyes though, I noticed that despite his triumphant expression, Yamato-san was rather pale, and his fingers were trembling. Since no-one was looking at me, I covered my Eye to shield the glow and peeked at him, only to see his aether stocks were dwindling to a minimum. Yeah, without the higher ether density in Kiyomizu-dera, it’s taken a lot out of him manifesting that here, I doubt he could maintain it for long…

“I think that proves our point. My thanks, Yamato-kun, it is quite impressive, and worthy of Kannon.” At that, Yamato-san dismissed the warrior, bringing more gasps from the audience as it simply vanished, faint sparkles of silver and rainbow light all that remained, which quickly vanished too. As he strode back to his seat after recovering what energy he could, our eyes met, and he nodded stiffly. What’s that about?

Back on stage, I could see Saionji-san hiding a smirk, and I wondered why that was. I had little time to ponder (and wasn’t going to waste the effort with Split Thoughts to think about it) as Kudou-san pulled everyone’s attention back to him. “As you can see, the Gods have blessed us. There are others with similar, varied gifts. It is simply not possible to hide matters for long, no matter what we decide to do. To that end, I call upon Takakura-sama to speak on what the nobility and the government have decided so far.”

As Takakura-san took the microphone, I realised his eldest granddaughter Katsuki-san was in attendance, sitting not too far from me. Still, my attention was on the elderly Takakura-san, as he stood in front of the crowd, who were still buzzing over the reveal of the Golden Warrior. He waited a while, allowing matters to settle, before he spoke.

“There is little need to introduce myself. The Takakura family has been nobility in Kyoto for as long as the faith has endured. Indeed, we have a legacy of our own, and our own shrines, though our once-proud bloodline has become rather diluted in time.” He glanced apologetically at Katsuki-san. “However, we have never forgotten our roots, and have always acted as the bridge between the secular nobility, the government and the Imperial Family, much as the Priestess of Ise always has.” At those words, the Princess looked down again, tense.

“Now, however, our mediation is needed more than ever. The emergence of these abilities poses a greater threat to the stability of Japan than anything seen since the war. No, it will likely exceed that chaos worldwide, when the populace at large finds out about it. And find out they will, as Kudou-san said. Make no mistake…” he warned. “… a secret known to so many cannot be secured for long. Already there have been several near-misses, where only government intervention has stopped the leaks. Imagine it, if a statue such as Uchida-san can summon was called in the middle of a school, crushing and killing pupils and teachers alike. Or…” he lowered his voice. “… as has already happened, a Chosen blessed by a cruel God used their power to abduct, torture and kill innocent people. Fortunately the perpetrator was stopped and received justice, but such power can surely lead the weak-willed into temptation. He will not be the last monster we have to face.”

Kondou Kazuo. That bastard. I already knew the position of Takakura-san and the government, so I tuned out most of his talk, as he discussed the need for maintaining secrecy as long as possible, and the plans for a Ministry to oversee everything. In fact, a good chunk of it is my plan, anyway. “… as the shrines and temples of the faith have a long history of managing such abilities, and have many Chosen, we ask your cooperation. In exchange, there will be incentives and protections.” He finished. A bit light on the actual details, but yeah, that’s for later discussion.

“Thank you, Takakura-sama.” Kudou-san said as he finished. “Now, I would call upon the Priestess of Ise, the most honourable and divine of shrine maidens, Princess Mikasa, who carries the will of the Imperial Family.” At that the crowd focussed, and under the gaze of more than two thousand people, the Princess gathered herself, managing a wan smile. Taking a microphone, she stood, her red, white and gold hakama shimmering under the lights.

“I… well, this is difficult. I never expected I would ever be called to a Conclave.” She managed a weak laugh. “The Imperial Family, my family… we have always claimed to have the blood of Amaterasu, the Goddess of the Sun, within us. There are those of you here who worship Amaterasu, and yes, even one of the factions here is named in honour of our Goddess.” Saionji-san looked proud at that.

“Even so… divine blood. I… as the Priestess of Ise, it shames me to admit, but I didn’t really believe. I’m sorry.” She apologised. “I was content to live my life outside the public eye as much as possible. I’m not the most outgoing person, you see.” She laughed a little, nervous. “And I’m certainly the least bold Princess in the world.” She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “But that choice is gone. For the truth is…” she paused, allowing tension to build, her oratorial skills overwhelming her shyness. “… I was wrong. Whether the Imperial Family has the blood of Amaterasu or not… she does exist. For I am one of the Chosen of the Gods.” At that moment a bright sun bloomed, shining above her head, and I could feel the heat on my face from here. Some of the cloth and tapestries around the hall started to smoulder, before springing into flame, and she gasped, realising she had gone too far.

The sun winked out of existence, and as several priests and shrine maidens grabbed nearby fire extinguishers and doused the flames, she slumped down in her chair, exhausted. “I am not skilled in controlling the power of the Goddess.” She admitted. “Do forgive me.”

I can feel light energy, no, sunlight from that. It makes Ren-san’s look like a candle though. I wonder if Aiko can get as strong as that if she trains hard?

“As to why I have been granted this power… well, every country has a legend, and ours is, if the Imperial Family does not have a shrine maiden, a Priestess, at the Grand Shrine, then Japan will fall. I am just the latest tasked with the role, yet the burden has fallen to me… I wish it went to someone else, but it didn’t. But that is irrelevant. What matters is… what does the Imperial Family want, how do we wish to deal with the return of the old, the faiths? Well, I have spoken to father and grandfather, grandmother too.” She took a deep breath, steadying herself. “We want stability, and Japan to remain a country of the old ways, yet adapting to the modern world. Chaos is anathema to us. So… please come to a consensus. We can’t have everyone doing as they please. There is too much at stake.”

With that she bowed, and gentle applause went through the room. As the relieved Princess placed down her microphone, Kudou-san spoke once more. “Our thanks to the Princess, now true heir to Amaterasu! That sun sure was brilliant, wasn’t it?” He grinned, stroking his beard, amused. “Obviously Princess Mikasa and Takakura-sama will have more to say, once the discussion starts, but finally, before we begin… I would ask Lady Diviner to speak.” He passed the veiled woman a microphone. “Everyone knows of her, though few have spoken to her. Up until now, she was the one with the truest powers, the like of which had not been seen since the Gods abandoned Japan. We have used her gift to avert disasters both amongst the faith, and the wider country. And now, her guidance is more important than ever!”

He bowed, and the woman stood, her unearthly presence bringing the hall to a hush. Yes, there’s something very special about her. But… she seemed so very sad and afraid.

“I am the Diviner. And I prophesise… Japan, no, the very world itself is facing doom, and will surely be destroyed!”