On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Seventy-Six

“Dead?” I confirmed. “How?” Narrowing my eyes, my tone grew harsher. “Did your experiments push him to his death?” If so, they must have been cruel indeed. I doubt a Chosen of Thor would be lacking in physical strength and endurance.

Christina was trembling again at my sudden outpouring of League, stirred by my fury, but she met my gaze as boldly as she could muster, despite her trembling body and more blood that dripped from her nose. “I understand you’re angry with me. After all, some might say what we’ve done was inhumane and cruel. But we didn’t do it because we enjoyed it.” She managed to strike back. “I’m Christina Bakker, genius scientist, and I pride myself on getting to the bottom of any mystery! If there’s other ways, I take them!” She puffed out her ample chest proudly, even as she shook and shuddered. “There’s always sacrifices. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. And I can assure you, we’ve done our best to put your citizens back into an… acceptable… state.”

The fact she thinks that is what’s so frustrating. “So if I put you or your family and friends through such experiments, tore your flesh, shattered your minds, all in the name of progress? Would you just clap your hands and forget it afterwards, and go ‘oh, the ends justify the means’?”

“I can only speak for myself, but most definitely so.” Christina said without hesitation, and I was surprised, though in hindsight, considering her previously scarred state and grateful enthusiasm for my Chirurgery I shouldn’t have been. “If it’s not torture for torture’s sake, and you can solve the mysteries facing us by breaking me, then by all means…” She spread her hands wide, her fear somewhat suppressed. “…do whatever you will to me. I won’t resist. Unless you like that.” She couldn’t resist a little dirty humour.

“I can see why you’re still single, despite your looks…” I muttered, my anger dying down to embers at her frank, and I believed honest, rebuttal.

At my praise of her looks, which was all she paid attention to in my complaints, she looked ready to speak, only to shut her mouth, realising I was in no mood for flippancy. “So if your experiments didn’t kill him, then what happened? I want the truth.”

“Adam’s going to be angry with me.” She muttered. “I’m almost too scared to go home for a while. Maybe I’ll have to stay here… but then, my research…” she groaned, before making up her mind to speak.

“We picked up the loudmouth with a set of our operatives. It took a lot of effort to bring him down, his body was extremely resistant to the drugs, and our rubber rounds which should have broken bones just made him angry. We lost two good men. Though compared to your efforts he fell a bit short.”

“Go on.” I urged. Titan scratched as his head, before speaking.

“Egil, he was a big guy, ya? Makes me feel a bit small. Shouldn’t have run his mouth though, man. Drew too much attention. Breaking world records so easily, plenty stupid.”

“That’s right.” Christina agreed. “Keeping a low profile was necessary before. Now it’s impossible, too many secrets are out to the public, but back then… anyway, we took Egil Andersen to our facility for interrogation, and all he would tell us is that he was blessed by Thor himself, a winged messenger brought him a gift. Oh, and of course, he promised to smash our skulls like Thor crushed Jörmungandr. I looked it up of course. Backwards mythology.” She snorted, bitterly amused. “Or not, it seems. Though without seeing a God, I won’t believe they actually exist.”

“Depends on how you define Gods, but I could certainly prove they exist.” I said, and she looked interested, before continuing.

“I’d very much like that. So many questions could be answered… without the need of the sort of experimentation you disapprove of. Anyway… his strength and durability were both significantly higher than his world record displayed, so I suppose he had some common sense, if by no means enough to escape notice.”

That’s rich, coming from you. “How strong are we talking? His word record was over half a ton, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, but in battle against our operatives, I’ve seen footage. He displayed strength a number of times that. He picked up and threw an off-road vehicle which weighed more than two tons. And his physical endurance was beyond human.”

“So, minimum of four hundred in Might. Probably more. Not bad.”

“You can share how you quantify things?” she asked, distracted again, and I shook my head, urging her to continue.

“In any case, he was very useful to our research. We were able to test a lot about how a human body can be strengthened, and also the differences between here and the other world, the Boundary, as you’ve called it. But he was more cunning than we gave him credit for. We’d thought he was calmer, had accepted his situation, but he had kept an ability from us. When he was taken to the Boundary for testing, he called lightning and killed two of our own guarding him. In the scuffle afterwards, he too died. A shame, a real shame.” She shook her head, disappointed.

“You can’t cage a Chosen, not easily. Especially not in the Boundary.” I observed, downcast. What a waste. Three dead Chosen, and for nothing. There’s few enough of us to go around to begin with, and all over the world numbers are running low. I felt the pull of adherence from the Favours I was holding, more determined than ever to prevent their loss, yet worried about the consequences of hoarding so many. “Not without overwhelming advantages.” Like Arisu-san’s room, otherwise I’d never dare to keep that bastard captured, I’d have had to remove his Favour first.

“So it seems. It wasn’t the first accident we’ve had, but it’s never easy getting the balance between safety and experimental freedom right.” Christina sighed. “The situation is a lot better now that we are recruiting more beings from that world, but… there’s resistance, of course. They aren’t human, after all. Not that I care. I much prefer an intelligent monster over the average idiotic, self-absorbed and narrow-minded citizen.”

“Did you keep his body?” I asked. Honestly, I’ve not looked into what happens to a Chosen when they die. I know the Favour is pulled back, but…

“The corpse? Of course. Though many of my fellow researchers wanted to get rid of it. It’s evidence of our failures and… international diplomacy.” Christina did understand their actions were problematic, even if she felt them necessary. “But that would make a mockery of the work we put in, and also the sacrifice of our people and Mr Andersen himself. He’s dead, however it happened, so we might as well make use of him. Not that we’ve done anything yet.”

“Sometimes pragmatism needs to be balanced with emotion, but…” I sighed then. “I’ve done some pragmatic stuff myself, which isn’t exactly… good.” At her knowing look, I frowned and clarified. “I’ve not done anything as wrong as you did though.” Kondou Kazuo, the invading Chinese and the Chosen in South Korea were all justifiable… but Yamato-san, it’s harder to stomach. I had good reason, I did, but… I still wonder if there was another way, now my fury at his mistakes that led to Eri’s maiming and so many deaths has faded a little. And with the footage of my sis… “I want his body.”

“I don’t think Adam is going to allow that.” Christina hesitated. “The fact I’ve even told you is making me shiver. He’s of the belief that the few can be discarded for the greater good.”

“Yeah, unfortunately that doesn’t work.” I remembered the prequal to a famous visual novel, that had been adapted into a number of anime. “There was a righteous man, who gained the power to change the world. He wanted a peaceful world, but to do so the power required removing the few to protect the many. But then, more and more of the few would have to be sacrificed, until eventually… everyone was. Once you start down that road, it’s hard to stop. If sacrifices need to be made, we should make them ourselves, not force others to do them. I’m not messing around, I’ll be prepared to be diplomatic, and work with you all to not cause an international incident, but I’m not asking.” I paused, coming up with the most plausible excuse I could. “As a fellow Chosen of the Norse Pantheon, it’s my responsibility to make sure his remains are cared for properly and he has a decent, spiritual funeral. I’ll also try and make amends with his family, if he has some, pay compensation, not that any payment is enough to cover the pain of lost relatives. That goes for any other Norse Chosen too, and also the Japanese ones. I told you there’s more to the God that gave the Favour than you considered, and now you know a little more. Aren’t you lucky?”

Tsumura-san didn’t know what my purpose was, but supporting me, he agreed, seeing that Christina was hesitating. “Yes, if Oshiro-san requires this, then it is in your best interests to relinquish his remains into our care. Our relations are strained, an act of goodwill now would go a long way to starting down the road to repairing our cooperation, in these most troubling of times..”

“I’ll… talk to Adam. When I work out a way to not get killed.” Christina said wryly. Her expression showed she was joking, but there was genuine worry in her eyes. “So… do you want to go see the others now?” she asked, clearly eager to change the subject, so I nodded.

“Yes, we probably should.” I certainly hope they aren’t in a terrible condition, but I’m not holding out much hope…

********

At the same time as I was talking with Christina in the Material I hurried back through the Ring Gate to my Territory. Going to the warehouse, the first girl I found was Daiyu, who was studying the Heirloom Jade Seal Of Kunlun, as well as the Yin-Yang Karmic Desolation Measure Formation and a number of other items. On seeing me coming, she looked up, her usually expressionless face breaking out into a small yet delighted smile.

“You have returned, I see.” She said, and I opened my arms for a hug. She was still shy, and Shiro laughing behind me didn’t help (Shaeula had stayed behind to manage some matters in the Fae Realms, but would be back later for the meeting, bringing Hyacinth too), but after a moment she stepped into my embrace, arms encircling me. We kissed softly, before she told me she had missed me.

“I’ve missed you too.” I said and meant it. “About the Talismans…” I confessed I hadn’t needed them, and Daiyu only shook her head softly, a gentle smile on her lips.

“If you managed to triumph without aid, all the better. I am hardly angry. I did enjoy showing you one of the Six Noble Pursuits. This is just the beginning. We have much to learn together.” She gestured to the Seal. “The old Kunlun dialect is troublesome, but it makes a fascinating study.”

“That’s great. It’s not like we can’t use the Talismans later.” I agreed, before pausing. “Daiyu, you never told me it was your birthday next week.”

She flushed a little, the barest hint of pink in her cheeks. “I did not think it was particularly important. Cultivation milestones are celebrated, rather than the mere fact of one’s birth.”

“It might not be important before, but now it is. We care. I respect your traditions, but you can also enjoy ours.” I replied, and Shiro backed me up.

“Aki’s right. Besides, we’re all going to demand Aki spoils us on our birthday, so you should do the same, or you’ll just get jealous. Don’t blame us if you don’t take advantage of your opportunities.”

“In that case…” Daiyu thought, before smiling broadly. “I do indeed have some wants I desire, if you would be good enough to fulfil them?”

“Of course. You just say what you want.” I agreed, and Daiyu looked at Shiro wryly, her subtle expressions as charming as ever.

“Sometimes I feel rather lost, like I am simply robbing Akio of his sweetness. I find it comforting, and I would not be without him, but…”

“Well, don’t the Chinese say it’s the job of a beekeeper to rob bees of their honey?” Shiro chuckled. “So for us, it’s our job to make Aki sweet to us. Besides, you offer plenty, girl. So don’t start filling in for Eri. Now we’ve got her over her issues, we don’t need you starting with a fresh set.” Shiro patted her shoulder reassuringly. “You offer more than enough…” she repeated. “…and more importantly, you like the idiot, so that’s what counts.”

Daiyu nodded, relieved, and I kissed her, more passionately this time. Red-faced, Shiro demanded a kiss as well, and after I had kissed them both several times, we headed towards Asha’s Tree, while I checked our ether stores. It had mostly been transferred over to the Silos in Haru’s expanded Territory, but I could see we had reached just shy of twenty million ether now. I’d be probably two or three million more if Shiro hadn’t been delayed and the buffs wore off, but even so, we’re filling up nicely. The Queues were moving down too. The two Anchor Spires both had twenty-three Astral days left, while the Rank 4 Ether Spire had one hundred and thirty-one. Lastly, the Rank 4 Boundary To Material Connection had six hundred and twenty-eight days remaining. We always planned to rush-build that just before we go for the Territory upgrade. We can’t wait for that to finish, that’s getting on for a year in the Material.

“Miyu has been working hard with her dancing.” Daiyu observed as I checked the details, noticing it had moved slightly faster than time would have indicated for the first three Queues. “I have observed her, and with her elegance and grace, perhaps she might be suitable for the path of Cultivation. If her will is firm.”

“Really?” I said, surprised. “Miyu doesn’t strike me as someone strong-willed enough to push through like that.”

Daiyu disagreed. “She has changed from what I understand. If you do not see a woman for a day, she will have transformed beyond all recognition.” she quoted. “Besides, her dancing fatigues her, but every day she dances longer and better. Rigorous training, no matter the form, increases one’s inner strength. I believe she is suitable to undergo training. Eri has already begun, and I also believe Motoko and Natsumi are suitable, though they would likely follow the path of a Martial Cultivator.”

“I see. We can ask Miyu if she’s interested, but she has a lot of demands on her time. I feel bad enough making her dance for me. Though it is for her own benefit too…”  As we approached the Tree, I noticed that Shiro and Daiyu seemed off somehow. Reaching the Tree, I asked some of the Fae around us where Asha was, and apparently she was up on the café terrace with some of the others. On reaching the top, I found Asha sitting peacefully there, taking in the view and feeling of closeness with her Tree, as well as Tsukiko, Eri and Yu-mi sitting together. My sis was with them as well. On seeing me, my sis grinned, then waved a hand at me.

“Bro, over here!” she called me cheerfully. As we approached, I frowned.

“Sis, shouldn’t you be doing your remote schooling? You already missed some to come with me to Korea.”

She puffed out her cheeks, irritated. “Oh come on, bro. You let Eri skip any time she wants. I’m not a mediocre student anymore. I’m ready for exams after the Christmas break and them I’m done. So long as I show my face online a few days before Christmas, I’ll meet the attendance requirements.”

“All right, I’m just being concerned. You do want to get into the university of your choice, don’t you?” I asked, and as some of the others laughed, my sis clenched her fist, confident.

“It’s in the bag. No need to worry. Anyway, don’t you have someone else to speak to?” She nodded at the wide-eyed Yu-mi, who was looking around in awe at everything. Behind her, Eri looked amused, but offered some reassuring words.

“It was the same for me.” she assured her. “When I first saw the Boundary, I was stunned. In fact, usually I still am, though sometimes I don’t have time to think, when I’m too busy fighting.”

“Look at you, Eri, being all supportive.” Shiro laughed, and Eri rolled her eyes.

“I’m a new me, and Akio has realised the way things need to be as well. Don’t think that means I’ll let you get away with everything though.” Eri promised, and as they bickered, Yu-mi addressed me.

“Hearing about things is very different to seeing it. It’s beyond belief.” Yu-mi sighed, awed. “I can hardly believe my life has changed so much in under a week. But I have to get used to it. After all, I’ve made promises, to help you in Korea. Even so… I can barely believe my eyes.” She paused, thinking for a moment. “Seeing this, and hearing that not everyone can have this level of development… our President really is a fool. Honestly, I don’t know if they were just careless, or trying to get back at the Japanese, but you’d be the last man I’d provoke right now. Idiots. I’ve seen the results of your negotiations first-hand, it’ll cost them more than they are willing to pay.”

“Yeah, but that’s not my worry.” I pointed out. “Sis, you need to be careful. Now that your Golden Sister Army has been exposed…”

“I get it. I know where it came from.” she said sombrely. “I’d rather have it than him, Eri almost died due to his screw-ups, but… Tsukiko’s already warned me to be careful. You know me, bro. “

“I do.” I replied dryly, and my sis protested that I was being unfair to her, so I was serious for a moment. “I know you’re not weak, not anymore, but that doesn’t mean something bad can’t happen to you. I’ll discuss it at the meeting tonight, but we have to step up security, and this time… no oversights.” It’s going to take a lot of manpower to protect all the trainees, their homes, our families and more, but… this sense of dread I feel is only starting to grow, and… Tsukiko met my gaze, and I knew she understood and was feeling the same, perhaps even more keenly than I was. “Well, enough doom and gloom. As long as we stay sharp, we’ll be okay. Anyway, good to see you again, Asha.” I greeted her, giving her a hug, which she gave me with an elegant smile, her long auburn hair wrapping around us. “I’m sure you’ve heard we have a new buff to try out.”

“Is that all you have to say, Aki?” Shiro complained, and Eri rolled her eyes as well, openly disparaging me, something she never would have had the confidence to do before.

“I agree with Shiro. Akio, is Asha just a source of ether to you?”

“I do think you are being rather tactless.” Daiyu agreed, and Tsukiko nodded her support.

“No, of course she isn’t!” I insisted. “Asha, you are as important to me as anyone else. It’s just time is of the essence. I do agree we need a round of final testing to check your Tree won’t be harmed, but…”

She placed a finger against my lips, her yellow eyes warm. “I understand, and I and my Tree, my two Trees as one, both wish to aid you in any way we can. You are my saviour, and my love. Just as I and my Tree are one, so too are we. But that…” Her expression was deadly serious, but also contained hints of worry. “…is precisely why we must be cautious, lest the fruits of our love be wounded.”

As everyone around me looked a little strange, I agreed with Asha. “Of course, our safety is always my first priority, yours, your Tree, and your fruits…” My brain caught up with my ears, and in the Material, Christina was looking at me quizzically, wondering why I had frozen. Fruits? She doesn’t mean…

“I… you…?” I managed lamely, my thoughts racing. Asha slowly nodded her head, her worry evident.

“This is a wonderful place now. Rich earth and water elements, the power of nature… and a blessing I do not comprehend, but is fecund with the power of fertility. Besides…” She reached for my hand and took it, and for a moment my thoughts turned to Asha when we had first met her, a tortured, near-broken spirit, covered in pestilent fungus and other parasites. Now she was vulnerable again, in a different way. “…I wish to bring forth life, while I can never replace my sisters lost to save me, I wish to make the world, our world, bloom anew. But only with you, the one who saved me from my despair and suffering. Are… are you not pleased?”

I didn’t need to use my expanded vision to know that everyone around me was glaring at me. Even so, despite my great Alacrity and Split Thoughts, it was as if I was wading through treacle, my thoughts slow and ponderous. Me? A father? For a moment I didn’t know how to feel, what I was feeling. I immediately felt inadequate. After all, up until just a few months ago, I had run from any responsibility, from those I cared about, and this… this was the greatest responsibility of all. But then… I’ve changed. I’ve accepted love from many, and given love back. Even… even Eri…

Stop looking at me, idiot! Asha should be your focus now. But I get it. Your thoughts and emotions are leaking. I’ll say my piece in a minute. But… you love Asha, right? Else you never would have slept with her in the first place. You may not be faithful to us alone, but I know you’ll only share your heart with those you want to love. Now don’t be an idiot moonstone, as Aiko might say…

Eri’s thoughts through Lovers’ Link jolted me from my shock, and I squeezed Asha’s hand gently. My thoughts were coming back to normal speed, and I realised the biggest worry. That the world wasn’t safe. But was that a reason not to have children now, waiting for a better future that might be years, decades, centuries away, or instead… I think I get it. Or maybe I don’t. Damn, I’ve never talked to father about this sort of thing, for obvious reasons. I probably should have…

“Asha, you’re sure? Oh, of course you are. Don’t mind me, I’m feeling a little shaken up…” There was some gentle laughter from the others. “I… I don’t know what to think. I wasn’t prepared, but…” I pulled Asha into another, heartfelt hug. “Asha, when I accepted you, I agreed we would be together forever, and… yes, one day, I thought of children. With you all.” I reassured Eri, Daiyu, and Shiro. Tsukiko too, though she looked away, not fully intimate with me yet, though her face held some strange longing.

“Not with us, I hope.” My sis said to Yu-mi, who laughed heartily, though her expression was warm. I guess talking about pregnancy and children hits most women the same way.

“You are not displeased?” Asha asked, voicing her true worries. “I know your mortal women are taking some strange preventative measures…”

“Yes, we’re on birth control.” Eri agreed. “Well, apparently you don’t need to, right Daiyu?”

Daiyu agreed. “I can regulate such functions of my body with Qi. It is a vital art for female Cultivators. I… I see myself having sons and daughters in the future to carry on the Incorruptible Jade, but… not now. I have too much to learn, too much strength to gain, and revenge to obtain. Besides…” She smiled at me warmly. “... I wish to spend time with my Dao Companion, without the distraction of caring for a child. We are young yet, and will live long. There will be time for responsibility after we have lived our youth.”

“I left it to chance the first time.” Eri said to Asha. My sis muttered that she remembered, flushing crimson, and Eri waved a hand at her, before continuing. “I wanted it for the wrong reasons. Now… until I truly have the strength to protect a child, I won’t have one. Besides, perhaps I would have been a bad parent before this. Too wrapped up in my own selfish desires. But…” she gazed warmly at Asha, who was still in my embrace, trembling a little, but happy. “…while I’m jealous I wasn’t the first… I’ll have my time. I’ve learned what’s important, and maybe even some patience. And Asha… perhaps giving Akio children will make him less reckless. When you’re a father, you have to be more responsible. Otherwise uncle… father-in-law… will kill you.” she said to me, firmly.

“I never thought I’d have kids. I mean, my body would definitely not be able to carry a child to term, and it would likely have killed me trying. Now… I’ve got too much going on. But… I agree with Eri. I’m damn jealous, Aki. And our kids would be bloody gorgeous. Yours too, Tsuki.”

Tsukiko also gave her blessings. “Just as the moon is a symbol of fertility, so too is Tsukuyomi one to encourage us to be fertile and procreate. I too never thought of ever having children. I never believed a man would look at me as you do, beneath the veils I hid myself with. My own parents… they loved me, I know it, but not in a way that raises healthy children. So…” she looked at me, her crimson eyes shrewd. “…I am not confident I could be a good mother. But I will learn. One day. Together with you, I do believe. So I offer my blessings. Asha, Akio. May you both learn how to be better parents than many of ours.”

“Couldn’t be shittier than mine, But if he is…” Shiro looked around, and nodded at Eri, giving her leave to speak.

“As the first of us, I think I should be the one to say we’ll not be pleased. We may be jealous, fight for your affections… but we all agreed, back before even Shiro was a thing, to never bring each other down, only raise ourselves up. So… if you’re a bad father, Akio, we’ll correct you. Though we might need help learning to be good mothers ourselves. Asha… you’re going ahead of us. So when our time comes…” She bowed, as did the others, my sis and Yu-mi merely looking on, amused. “…please take care of us!”

“I will.” Asha said, glimmering tears sparkling in her eyes like jewels.

“In that case… time to say what’s on your mind, Aki. And be honest.” Shiro prompted, and I looked at Asha, my swirling emotions a mess, but one thing stood out. I’m nervous, scared, unsure, worried… but most of all I’m happy.

“Asha. Thank you.” I said, and she looked at me puzzled, as I simply repeated it. “Thank you. For loving me enough to bear my children. I promise to always protect you, protect them, and protect our home.” Words were coming from my heart now. “I’ll also protect your sisters, both those here who also love me, and those others you have that I’ve not met. If you want the world to bloom, for our children, then bloom it will. I’ll…” I clenched my fist. “…I’ll never let Earth be destroyed. I’ll become Astral Emperor, and fend off any who would threaten it. There will never be an ending like the Spring under the Myconids. Only an ending like where we beat the Myconids, and make it beautiful again.”

Asha was looking at me, her fears dissipating, her eyes now like clear golden pools, full of love and trust, and I bent to kiss her soft lips. For a long moment we kissed, and as we parted, I continued gazing into her eyes. “So thank you. I’ll thank you every day, with words, deeds, love and affection. And I’ll offer the same to our children. Because they’ll be the fruit of what we’ve shared, and precious treasures to us too. Thank you.” I was choking up, something I never expected to happen, and Asha’s smile was blinding.

“I thank you too. For my life, and my home, and for your pledges. I shall always be yours, our children shall know my love, and your family and home shall be protected, sheltering under the shade of mine and many other great Trees. So I do swear these three Oaths. In exchange… I ask for the boon of your love eternal, your protection and care for the daughters I shall birth, and… that who you take under your protection will always find succour, shelter, safety and love.”

“I offer those Boons willingly.” I promised, feeling the solemn nature of her words. “But… I’m not Fae, not entirely. So I’ll not stop at three. Four, five, ten, a hundred, a thousand. I’ll give you as many boons as the stars are in the sky. Hell, I’ll pull down the stars if you want them, or our children need them. So… thank you, Asha.” I touched her belly gently, though obviously I couldn’t feel anything through the cloth. At that, the girls whooped and clapped, even Eri, who was doing it wryly.

“So, does everyone know but me?” I asked, embarrassed, after kissing and hugging Asha again, and she snuggled into my shoulder, her long hair warm against me. If so, that’s rather mortifying. But… I find I don’t care anymore…

“I’m afraid so. Mom’s been going crazy. She’s driving auntie Hana up the wall.” My sis laughed. “I don’t quite know how I feel about being an auntie, I’m not old enough. But… it doesn’t feel bad. And if they are Asha’s daughters, they’ll be adorable little saplings, I bet…”

“I have a question.” Yu-mi asked, curious. “How will you handle inheritance? It’s a thorny issue for an ordinary family, or one that’s had a remarriage.”

“Simple.” I said. “My children… our children, they won’t get to fight. You agree, right Asha?”

She nodded. “So long as they have their Trees and the beauty of nature, and… and our love for them, they will be content.”

“That’s not all they’ll have. I’ll make sure I have enough wealth and power to make every child we have happy. And… all of us will guide them on the right path. Rise up, not cast down, right?” I repeated Eri’s sentiments, and she nodded firmly.

“Exactly. Anyway… Asha, are you happy now?” she asked. “I know you believed in Akio, but… I know it has to be a big step, your first child. I can barely even imagine it. I can’t believe I was so immature before.” Eri seemed shocked as my sis put her arms around her.

“Wow, don’t be so down on yourself. You just had to grow up, and stop being the girl that only followed my bro around. You had to grow up too, bro.” she said to me as well. “It took you longer than it should, but in the end, I’m proud to call you my bro, and I’ll be sure to spoil your kids rotten!” She turned to Asha. “You and my bro can be the strict ones, we’ll be the aunties they really like!” She winked, and there was good-humoured laughter. Asha looked up at me, my hand still on her belly, and whispered in my ear.

“I do not fully understand human childbearing, but I know… as a Dryad, it will not harm my daughters to continue to… be as one.” Her smile was teasing, and I found myself kissing her fiercely, while everyone else started up conversations around me about the uncertainties of Fae pregnancy and the fact we didn’t have any clue about the due dates, while in the Material, I shook my stunned immobility off. Just how many kids does Asha want? When she said she wanted to make the world bloom, does she mean with our daughters in every open Tree? If so… if so, I would be having a lot of children, and equally as many with the others as well, I was sure. I’d best work hard. I’m going to need a bigger house…

With that, I shouted loudly. “All right, it’s a toast! Break out the good booze and snacks, and when everyone’s gathered together and we have a spare minute to ourselves, we’ll have a proper party, inviting everyone.” My sis cheered loudly at that, and goblets of fruity wine were pushed into our hands. “I’ve said it, but I’ll say it again, and again. From now until eternity. Asha… thank you!”

“We need no thanks between us. Only love to moisten parched ground, and trust to sprout happiness.” She countered. “Otherwise I would have to spend eternity thanking you. So let us set that aside, and instead say…”

We clinked our glasses together and took a sip, to the cheers of the others. “I love you. And I’ll love our daughters too.” We said together, and while my worries about whether I was ready, whether the world was ready, for me to be a father, didn’t vanish, they faded to the background, replaced by a certainty that I would fight to the end if anyone tried to harm Asha or the life she was carrying within her…