On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Two Hundred And Sixty-Five

After Eri, Kana and my sis left, heading for a tourist area of Kyoto so they could find a café or somewhere similar to eat, Shaeula and I hopped in a waiting taxi, to take us to Kegon-ji, where we would meet Chiyo-san and the neutral shrines of Kyoto. It’s certainly been a busy day, and it’s not over yet. I can’t imagine how much more intense it’s going to be tomorrow, at the actual first day of Conclave. I also had a text from Kikuchi-san, saying that the head of his faction, Saionji-san, earnestly wished to meet me. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time today, being fully booked for the remainder. Maybe just before Conclave, after I’ve finished at Kiyomizu-dera and the light element there…

Firing back a reply, I considered the three girls. If it was before, I would have been concerned about them all alone in an unfamiliar city, but it would take a Candidate to cause trouble for Eri and my sis now, and Eri was still very wary of other people, especially men, so there was no need to worry. Besides, I promised to let them do their own thing, and take their own risks, so long as it was sensible. I cant wrap them in cotton wool, or treat them like trophies, to only be taken out when I want to admire them. It was hard though, as by nature I was a worrier…

“Thinking about Eri and the others?” Shaeula asked, leaning against me, content. She was a little sad to have not been able to see the Boundary version of Kiyomizu-dera, but on hearing of my heroics and how that pressured Yamato-san, she had laughed, happy. “They will be quite-quite fine on their own, you know that.”

“Yes, I was just thinking that.” I admitted. “But… it’s an odd grouping. I was under the impression that Eri didn’t really like Kana, although…”

“Although…” Shaeula echoed, a small smile on her face, looking annoyingly smug.

“… look, I like to think I’m not as dense as I used to be. She did think I was interested in Kana, right and… well, I think Kana is quite the flirty girl, so I was trying to not get the wrong idea, but…”

“I do not-not think you have read Kana right.” Shaeula sighed. “I do believe at our first meeting and subsequently, she did-did indeed try and flatter you outrageously, using her beauty to great-great effect, but that was because she wanted something from you. Ordinarily, I do believe she is not-not fond of males pressuring her and trying to … pick her up, I believe they say here.”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’ve heard her and her friends talk about being hit on by older guys and stupid idiots her own age, and they sounded pretty pissed off with it. But… she’s been very clear that she wants a monogamous relationship, one where the man pampers her. And I can’t say I blame her. I thought I was getting that with Eri.”

“Do you regret it? Regret me?” Shaeula asked, and I shook my head, hugging her tightly.

“Of course not. How could I?” I kissed her gently, a fleeting brush of our lips. “I love you too. It was… it was troubling. And … well maybe this was the best solution for everyone. But I still feel I got the better end of the deal.”

“Well, of course you did-did.” Shaeula snorted. “You have me, and you have Eri. But that does not-not mean we were denied our fair due. Akio, you love and cherish us, and more-more importantly, you accept everything and help us towards our dreams. You allowed Eri the choice to enter the Boundary by herself, though you did-did everything to make her as safe as possible. You accepted my foolish family and my dream, supporting me to achieve it with my own-own hands. It would be meaningless if it was just given to me. So have no doubts that I and Eri are happy. Do you… do you regret Hinata, or Motoko, or Natsumi?”

Regret? No… though I do regret I was pushed into it so easily. I’m not strong to sudden pressure, especially from girls who seem like Eri or my sis, though I am working on it. “No, no matter how it started, I’ve grown to care for them deeply, love them. I do like to see girls trying their hardest at their dreams…”

“Hyacinth then? Or this Shiro?” Shaeula persisted.

“You know I don’t. Hyacinth… she’s given everything to us, and… she seemed so sad, and now she’s so happy. What man could regret that? As for Shiro… I only regret she got so hurt. Every time I think about her arm, or her scars, it makes me so angry…”

Shaeula patted my head reassuringly. “Since she lives, there is surely hope, is there not-not? I will aid you, and Selensha can assist. Between the three-three of us… we shall succeed. So, you do not-not regret us all?”

“No, I guess not. And I promised Eri I wouldn’t let guilt poison me, so I’m trying but… it’s still hard not to feel bad, guilty.”

“I understand.” Shaeula nodded. “But at least you are giving it quite-quite some thought. Now… Kana. Would you regret her?”

“Look, I said I’m not having any more girls. I’m stretched thin as it is, and even if I’m a bastard, I want to make sure you all have your fair share. As it is, Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi are being a bit short-changed. Once Conclave is over, I’ll have to make it up to them.”

“But… you like Kana, do you not-not?” she persisted. “And you know Kana likes you, much as you try to deny it to yourself.”

“It seems so. Though yes, I would like to deny it. Most of the things I’ve done that might have made her like me, like saving her from the yakuza, were my fault anyway really. I feel like I’m tricking her, somehow… and I don’t like it.”

“Foolish Akio. You do not-not understand the heart of a female. Yes, I am quite-quite sure that moment had a large impact on her heart, but if that-that was enough, then these police you have would have many-many females, no? You are pleasing to look-look upon, since you have started taking care of yourself, you show her kindness and pay attention to what she does and says, she trusts you to look-look out for her and her interests… many-many females would have their heads turned by such. It is the accumulation of many little things that grow love. It was the same for me-me. Though a large event can turn seedlings of affection into a mighty tree…” she grinned. “…so, if Kana asks earnestly for your love, would you refuse her?”

Would I? A good question… With that thought in mind I fell silent, and was deep in thought until our destination, Shaeula wordlessly leaning on me, breathing softly…

*********

The loud sound of crickets and cicadas chirping echoed throughout the evening air of Kegon-ji. The bamboo forests and mossy beds around the shrine were extremely attractive, and the statues and other sculptures gave the place a rather refined air. Though that air is somewhat overshadowed by the feel of a Territory surrounding us. Since it affects the Material as well, someone in the shrine must be a Candidate…

The priest that had met us, shaven-headed and dressed in Buddhist robes, pointed to one magnificent statue, the Kofuku Jizo, or wish granter of happiness. “This humble one has had the pleasure of… no, I shall let master Bankei and master Hakue explain.” The monk demurred, a slight smile on his face.

Since the temple was shut to the public right now, it was rather quiet, only us and the adherents of the neutral shrines present, so Shaeula was able to be as inquisitive as she wished. “It can grant-grant wishes? Powerful indeed. Though I do not-not believe we need to wish for anything, as together we can succeed by our own strength, can we not-not?”

I agreed with a smile. Approaching the main building I could see a number of Buddhist monks, priests and shrine maidens waiting for us, along with Chiyo-san, who was sitting down on a chair that had been placed in the gardens. On seeing us, her expression brightened.

“Well, you have certainly kept these old bones waiting. Bankei and the others are waiting within.” She said, standing with a sigh. “Be mindful of how you speak to him. Bankei is a forgiving man, but he does not care for liars, so speak the truth.” She eyed me, before letting out a loud snort. “Not that you should struggle with that. You are the garrulous sort, for sure.”

“Yeah, sorry, Uchida Yamato-san talked us into helping him out in the Boundary.” I apologised. “And it took a while.”

“Oho, well, we will need to hear about that.” She chuckled dryly. “Now, come.”

We followed her into the building, marvelling at the fact that the crickets were inside too, hopping about the place. It was lucky neither of us had much issue with insects, as some more squeamish visitors would have been rather put off. We were taken into a large hall at the back, where around a hundred more monks, priests and shrine maidens had gathered. At the front of the hall was a long table, and behind it sat four figures. Chiyo-san gave me one last smile, before joining the four, becoming the fifth sitting there. One, the centremost of them, was an old man, perhaps in his seventies or eighties, yet he still looked vigorous and full of life, his bald head and orange robes making him appear dignified. Beside him was a man of middle age, also with bald head and dark orange vestments.

I feel a sense of power about him, even as he is resting there. Another Candidate, most likely. I kept my Eye in check, unwilling to be rude and appraise them, but even so, he had a decently imposing aura, the equal of Yamato-san. Then there was a woman there, a bit older than me, perhaps, with long braided hair in a muted brown tone, and her clothing was not that of a shrine maiden, ordinary casual clothing, a denim skirt and lacy top. Lastly, a younger man, perhaps twenty or so, was there, but… Okay, he’s not human. I don’t even need my Eye to tell that.

On seeing our gaze, the man nodded, and I had to re-evaluate his age. No, he looks older now. No, younger again… it’s… hard to place.

“Welcome, honoured guests.” The centre man, the oldest, boomed. Bankei-san, I presume. “Oshiro Moonstone Akio, the one who has brought together a number of shrines, and his companion, the spiritual being, Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan.”

At his words Shaeula nodded grandly, accepting his greeting, and I did likewise, offering my own. A shrine maiden pulled us out some chairs, and we sat down facing the table, the ring of other shrine and temple adherents behind us in a semi-circle, watching silently. Damn, this feels like a job interview. I hate those. It’s one of the reasons I stayed freelance.

“I am Bankei. No need for honorifics with me, I am merely a humble servant of the Buddha.” He grinned, and he reminded me of Fujiwara-san and Ichijou-san. Are all these powerful old men cast from a mould or something? “This here is my nephew Hakue, who has been chosen by the noble kami of this land.”

At that the non-human grinned, putting his feet up on the table rudely, where I could see he was wearing a pair of well-worn sandals, at odds with the rest of his attire.

“You know Chiyo. You have my sympathies.” Bankei laughed, bringing an annoyed sigh from her, and then he introduced the woman. “This is Kyoko. She is like you and Hakue, one blessed by the gods. Which shows they have a sense of humour, at least.”

“Rude much?” Kyoko-san sighed. “Just because I lost my faith, doesn’t mean… ugh, why talk about this? We are here for him, right?” she glared at me. Which isn’t my thing. I’m not one to enjoy women being angry with me…

“Peace.” Hakue-san said calmly. “We are indeed. Uncle, do continue.”

Bankei-san agreed. “Yes. We, the gathering of the shrines and temples in Japan who have true lineage and understand the will of the kami, yet are not bound into troublesome factions, have called you here, at the behest of Chiyo here. She has been rather taken with your actions, and believes… well, I’ll let the old woman speak.”

“Enough of the old. You have five years on me, you damn fool.” She flushed, irritated. “Yes, I’ve been watching you, ever since that boy Hiroto-san asked me to check you out. And to be honest, though you have your flaws…” her gaze flickered to Shaeula, who grinned and shrugged. “… most notably your lack of faithfulness and womanising ways…”

“That is not-not right. Akio is absolutely faithful to the females he accepts.” Shaeula snickered, interrupting her.

“You would say that. I know enough about you to know you seem to push him towards every pretty girl you see. I have had to keep a close eye on my granddaughters… but you keep your word, and are generous with benefits. And more importantly… you seem to be interested in the greater good.”

It's embarrassing to have such an elderly woman praise me. “Well, after all, those I love live in this world. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no saint. I don’t like seeing people suffer, but… my family and friends come first. Once they are safe, then I don’t mind helping others.”

“An honest man indeed.” Bankei-san laughed. “I tend to distrust those who trumpet their righteousness. Unless they are a Buddha, of course.”

At that, there was more laughter, from the non-human in the sandals. “Indeed, wise Bankei. There is an old saying, those who speak fair words of themselves often hide the foul. I am curious. A question for you both, if I may? What would you wish for?”

Shaeula answered first. “That is quite-quite simple. I merely wish for the current happiness I feel to endure. Before I might-might have wished to return home, to be accepted, loved, by the Seelie Court. But now I realise there is nothing we can not-not get with our own hands, should we support and love each other.”

That echoes what she said in the taxi. It’s… well, I like the sentiments. “As for me…” I grinned. “I want to know what the light, the dark and the twilight means.”

That surprised everyone, and the sandal-wearer cocked his head, puzzled. “I don’t follow.”

“No, you wouldn’t.” I agreed. “I think Shaeula is right. If we need to do something to ensure the happiness of those we love, we’ll just do it. No matter the hardships, we have to succeed. Actually, to be honest, it doesn’t matter what those are, I don’t believe in prophecy or destiny. If I honestly had to say a wish… there’s a girl who sacrificed for me, and she was horribly hurt because of it. I’d like her to recover. But… we have time, and I have hope. And allies. Together we are strong and can achieve much.”

“I see. A worthy wish, for another. Though to be honest, I think there’s some self-interest there too?”

“I’m not a saint, I told you.” I said to the non-human, who even without my Eye I was fairly sure I had identified from the hints and the statue outside. “Of course I want Shiro to be beautiful again for me. But it’s more for her. Now, shall we get back on topic? I doubt very much you are going to grant my wish, are you, Kofuku Jizo-sama?”

“I told you, other than with money or women, he’s no fool.” Chiyo-san cackled.

“So, what gave me away?” the kami grinned.

“Well, I already know kami and other spiritual beings can manifest here in the Material world, and this place is a Territory, I can feel it.” Beside me Shaeula nodded her agreement as I continued. “And then… you made to show off the sandals. They match the statue. And talk of wishes… come on, don’t make it too easy.”

“Yes, he is Kofuku Jizo-sama.” Hakue-san agreed, looking proud. “This humble one did find him within the Shrine, and he explained to me how he could be brought forth. The time of faith has returned.”

Kyoko-san muttered a complaint at that. “Yes, and how did I get lumbered with this mess? I had given up Buddhism and faith, all I wanted was to live a normal life, away from my shrine. It isn’t fair…”

“Fair?” Shaeula snorted. “Life is not-not fair, nor did anyone claim it would be. Be grateful you have a stake in the new world.”

“Hey, I don’t recall asking for your opinion…” she began, angry, but I stepped in.

“Sorry. Shaeula can be quite opinionated. And… well, she knows what it is to be in the shoes of the powerless, her fate not her own. And she’s clawed her way back up out of that hole. So she understands. It’s better to have a choice than not.”

“I see.” Bankei looked at us searchingly. “Better to have a choice than not. This humble one thinks those words are wise. So, tell me, Oshiro-san, what choice would you make, were you at the head of the faithful? Do you wish to claim power, dominate? Or advise those in power, while protecting your own interests? Or sit aside, and see what happens, hoping to pick up the pieces?”

So that’s the question. And relevant to the three factions, I believe. “That’s simple. Preserve the best of faith, throw out the worst. Just like with nobility, business, politics. Seriously, this is no time for games. The end of the world could be upon us at any time. I don’t know if you have any knowledge for us, Kofuku Jizo-sama, but I was told it is coming by a Valkyrie. And I’ll be damned if I’m unprepared and let those I care about suffer. Hell, even those I don’t care about deserve a chance to prosper.”

“Alas, I have not met one of the great Gods for a long time.” the kami said. “I was slumbering, the spiritual energy of this place only enough to sustain me in my rest. Though recently, the shell around this world, the Boundary that separates the lowest of the Astral from the rest, has begun to crack, the lower Astral leaking in. Kyoto is one such place. Yet I know this. As we become ever more bathed in the Astral Tides, creatures long banished from this world will return, and… you are not ready.”

There was silence in the room, but nobody looked shocked by this. No doubt they’ve been discussing this. “In that case, what we have to do is clear.” I declared. “We strengthen ourselves as much as we can, and our Territories too. But that won’t be enough. The faith alone. Nobility alone. Government alone. Candidates alone. If we all do our own things, only worrying about our own interests, then we’ll fall. But if we all work together, not only can we have a chance of surviving what’s to come, we can also take the opportunity to make the world better for everyone. Out with the toxic baggage of the past, but bring in ideas that will create a bright future.”

“You said similar to Takakura-sama and the nobility, didn’t you?” Chiyo-san cackled. Turning to Bankei-san and Hakue-san, she explained about my training school, and how it was run. After that, Bankei-san looked at me, thinking, stroking his chin.

“So, you have nobility, the common people, the military, the shrines and temples… all working and training together? Interesting. This humble one does wonder though… do you see yourself in charge?”

“When I make deals, I like to make sure both sides benefit. For example…” I explained about the rather losing deal I made with Yamato-san earlier. “… but if infighting and stupidity are going to cost me and everyone else, I’ll put a stop to it. I don’t have to lead, but if I can’t see a better alternative, or those that do are making a mess of things, I’ve decided I’ll step up.” I looked at Shaeula then. “After all, I have those I need to protect, and I’d rather regret doing than not doing.”

“I see. It is much as you said, Chiyo.” Bankei-san agreed. “Nephew, Kyoko, what do you think?”

“I don’t see why you are asking me.” Kyoko-san sighed. “There’s no backing out for me. But I’d like to follow someone who knows what they are doing. He seems strong. Her too.”

“Yes. This humble one would like to exchange information.” Hakue-san agreed. “Kyoto is dangerous, but it sounds like you assisted Uchida-san well. I would appreciate your expertise. You too, I presume, Jizo-sama?”

The kami agreed. “Well, with those terrors stalking the city by night, and the many hostile creatures who make Kyoto their own lair, I am hardly eager to venture out of Kegon-ji. I don’t wish to end up destroyed like that poor fool…” he shuddered.

“Yes, a shrine lost its kami, and collapsed, the chosen of the gods within dead by her own foolishness. A great and bitter shame.” Bankei-san mourned. “We wish to avoid that at all costs. This humble one mourns the other deaths as well. Conclave… it has come at last, though long delayed by infighting and jockeying for position. So now I ask… what do you aim for? Make it plain.”

“Right. Chiyo-san should know already, but I believe that we need to work together. For now, I agree with the government that we need to keep matters secret, but we should start preparing for the inevitable day soon when it is revealed to the world. The first thing we need to do is pool our knowledge and prepare a united front. To that end, we plan to set up a Ministry…” as I narrated our plans, the eyes of the neutral shrines were upon me. Chiyo-san was smiling, which I hoped was a good sign, but even so, I exerted all my Majesty and Charm, hoping it would make them listen…

********

“That was exhausting.” I said, watching the autumnal trees on the riverbanks pass us by as we took the boat through the night air back towards our ryokan. “Still, I don’t think I did too bad a job.”

“Indeed.” Shaeula nodded, her amber eyes watching the play of the moonlight on the water. “An agreement to join with the Ministry and have some-some input in forming the new rules, as well as stand in your corner in Conclave. Their numbers are few-few, but two more who have the blessings of the Gods shall be your allies.” She snuggled close, autumnal chill creeping in, though with our stats it was no problem for us to endure, even lightly dressed as we were. “And another who can walk the mortal world as well. This Kofuku Jizo.”

“Yes. It went much better than with Kudou-san or Uchida-san, though we still have tonight to earn full support from Kudou-san.” I remembered the Diviner and her worries. “Still, so long as we have the Susanoo shrines in our corner, we can make this work.”

“Yes, so long as we do.” Shaeula declared, frowning. “I just hope they do not-not try anything foolish.”

“You think they would?” I was surprised by that. “We’ve been good to them, and are allowing them leeway to keep up with their prior commitments. There’s no benefit in stabbing me in the back. Only demerits.”

“True…” Shaeula agreed. “But then, the Seelie Court is the same. The Aggressors, the Isolationists. They make little sense to me, as often they take actions that hurt their own-own interests. Do not-not deny the possibility of foolishness.”

I see. Yeah, not everyone is rational. And people act on their own interests. Hell, I do the same… “Yeah, politics is hard. But I’m waist-deep in that now. The minute I got involved with Shirohebizumi shrine that started, and now the bill is coming due. But… I’ve also learned I need to look after my own interests.”

“Yes, such as multiple marriages.” Shaeula grinned saucily. “You are indeed-indeed weak to females.”

“Not just that.” I laughed. “Suitable laws governing our powers, and more. If Conclave goes well and the factions can agree, we can integrate the faith into the Ministry, and gain access to a wealth of potential knowledge and abilities… bridging the gap between the political world, Imperial Family, faith and nobility… a new Japan, that is both spiritually strong, and in a good place to endure whatever might come…”

“A noble goal indeed.” Shaeula agreed happily. “And the Seelie Court shall surely be the same-same, and a close ally to your land. After all… this is the land of my mother, is it not-not?”

Pulling her close, I agreed. “Yes, and who knows… maybe you’ll see her soon.”

“I would like that, though the thought does-does scare me.” She admitted, as the boat pulled int the dock, our ryokan visible, paper lanterns shining prettily all around us.

“Well, we are both scared. But we’ll power though.”

“Yes.” She agreed. “We will, for we both must…”