On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Ten

“Seven arrows, seven strikes. Seven of the corrupted sent back to their rest, their tortured flames purified.” Tarōbō proclaimed, waving his brilliantly glowing staff. “Down in the dark, one must not miss, and be swift. Only those with such talents are fit to risk themselves, use what precious strength we can muster. We should suffer no more despoiled dead.” With those words the Tengu, even those still drunk from the previous challenges, managed respectful bows. A number of the Tengu were fetching small shield-shaped targets, while others were reaching for their bows, excited, wings flapping happily, raucous chatter and boasting, fuelled by alcohol, intensifying.

“I have a question.” I asked suddenly, and all eyes were on me, Fungbō and Shungbō seeming angry, Arangbō merely watching.

“Speak then, you who will brave the darkness.” Tarōbō said mildly. “But be swift, for the challenges must soon conclude.”

“Yes, I understand.” I agreed. “So far it’s been a fascinating cultural exchange.” I’ve had dealings with the Night Parade, the Seelie, and now these Tengu of mount Atago. While they all have similarities, such as they are all extremely emotional, acting far in excess of what most humans would, there are also differences. If I treat all spiritual beings as similar, I could trip myself up… “We’ve fought a number of the damned spirits…” at those words Haanōbō looked down, hair swaying. “… and ordinary weapons and even a lot of elemental attacks don’t do much to them. I doubt arrows will be effective.”

“You are quite right.” Tarōbō agreed. “Yet… I have my ways. A blessing on all those who brave the darkness and their weapons shall drive out the corrupted and cleanse the sacred flame of mount Atago once more. However, such is not infinite…” I saw his head shift a little, eyes going to the gem on his staff, so I understood. As I expected. “… so the arrow should be swift and sure, and might should be plentiful.”

I nodded then, and he continued. “So, those who would seek to strike down the corrupted, step forward, and earn your place with the other champions! For the flame!”

“You’ll watch me, won’t you Akio?” Bell said, quite flirty, her smile bright. “And not just me…” I could see Motoko and Natsumi unlimbering their own bows as well.

“Of course.” I grinned. “After what you all talked about during the eating contest, how could I not?” I reached out, stroking Natsumi and Motoko’s heads, and they leaned into me for a moment, enjoying the closeness, before their eyes shone with professionalism and the will to fight, and they parted from me. “Do your best, and I’ll watch.” I turned back to Bell. “You too.”

“Thanks.” Bell nodded. Her own bow was somewhere between a cavalry-bow and a longbow, and the shining blue string piqued my interest. On seeing that, she explained. “The bowstring is actually from my hair.” She grinned, tossing her head, her blue locks dancing. “It’s quite usual for elves, or female archers in general. Hair is strong, and our bows are crafted just for us, and enchantments take better on our own materials.”

“I see.” I was curious, as I had dabbled in crafting myself, up until Bjarki and Ixitt took over, and I was planning to get back into it when I had a chance. “So how does that work?”

As Bell happily continued talking, I could hear Motoko and Natsumi chatting to each other.

“I won’t lose this time, Motoko. I’ve been practising, and I think I reached enlightenment.” Natsumi said proudly, bringing a smile from her friend.

“I understand. I too…” Motoko agreed. “We must thank master Bellaera for that.”

Bell nodded. “Do not worry about it. I always enjoy teaching the eager and talented, and I have more reasons to train the two of you. Now, enough talk. I think it is time.”

I turned to see that dozens of Tengu had lined up with their own bows. Archery seemed to be a skill most Tengu knew, which made sense seeing as they could fly. The Four Directions were sitting this one out, but Arangbō snorted loudly, booming a laugh. “Not taking part? Are you not skilled?”

I shrugged. “I’m not my sister. She has the archery talent in my family. I daresay I could do all right…” With my stats alone and basic knowledge, I’d certainly be more than competent, but I have no need. Besides, I’m more interested in the ‘doing battle’ Tarōbō mentioned. “…but why rob these eager Tengu of their chance to shine? I want to watch Motoko and Natsumi anyway, I’m always impressed by their dedication, and they look quite beautiful when they practice Tsumura Arts.” I can appreciate them more now I know a little myself…

As the two girls smiled happily, Bell giggling ruefully that I didn’t mention her, Arangbō laughed anew. “I see. How magnanimous. I too am not much of an archer, though my bow…” he gestured, and I saw he had propped up something huge, that looked more like a weapon you’d see mounted on a ballista. “…can pierce stone and steel. No, I await the final challenge, a battle between two warriors. Do you have the stomach for it? You had little for meat and sake.”

“Oh, my stomach is strong enough.” I promised. “I’m not sure what form the battle will take, but if I could be matched against you, I’d have no complaints.”

“I daresay Great Tarōbō will make it so. Such a clash will excite the others, raise morale before the battle, seeing me trample you into the mud as you trampled poor hapless Haanōbō, our little sister.”

So she was their sister. And Tarōbō’s daughter it seems too. That just makes me angry. I had thought there was a good chance she was a girl, considering the feel of her when I first battled her, as well as the voice, movements and gestures. My keen senses picked up on these things, but being as she was a Tengu, it was impossible to be certain. I would never hold back on an opponent just because she was a girl, Kiku and many of the invaders of Kyoto proved that women were no more virtuous than men, and enemies had to be beaten, but as a brother too…

“As I said, getting defeated by me is nothing to cry over. It’s something you’ll know soon…” I was unable to keep the growl out of my voice. As the girls joined the Tengu, I continued, addressing Tarōbō and all the Four Directions. “I have to say, I’m unimpressed. My sister is precious to me, as yours should be. If she was beaten after trying her best…” Haanōbō twitched at that, wings drooping. “…I wouldn’t criticise her, belittle her. I’d be happy she came back unharmed, and console her, like a god big brother should. I’ve already dealt with one foolish brother who doesn’t respect his sister enough. Though not alone…” I turned to Haanōbō. “Shaeula proved to her older brother she had grown. I can see you took part in these challenges to do the same thing.” Before she could continue, I finished my complaints. “If my sister was defeated after trying her best…” I repeated for emphasis. “Then I’d praise her, and help her train so that next time she wouldn’t lose.”

“There is no need for that. I could not stop you setting foot on our sacred mountain. You were right…” she said softly, her voice full of thick emotion. “…we struck first, from ambush, while you were embroiled in destroying the very foes you now all partake in hard trials to face. I am indeed a disgrace to the Winter North, to Genbu, and my father. But…” she said, her white wings lifting up. She strode over to me, and her brothers seemed surprised. She stopped, mere inches away from me, and suddenly lifted her head, long violet hair parting, and I could see her hidden face. Huh, I thought Tengu were…

Yellow-gold eyes gleamed in a surprisingly human face. Perhaps her nose was a little large and curved, but it was still within the bounds of a girl’s appearance, and her skin was pale and free from blemishes, her lips small and glistening, her eyes big. She’s actually pretty… Gasps came from the Tengu around us.

“Haanōbō, to show your maskless face… have you no shame?” Fungbō called, outraged.

“Only to he who trampled me.” Haanōbō shook him off, waving a hand. “Besides, you called me a failure and a disgrace, brother. What is one more disgrace to the already soiled and dirty?” she smiled at me then, hands steepled together, her face displaying her nerves. “Your sister is fortunate. Sometimes I too wish for tender care, but alas, like a frozen winter, the green shoots of such wither and die without growth. But… your words, they make my defeats burn less in my heart. So… I bid you triumph over my brothers. But more than that…” she bowed to me. “…I implore you, aid Great Tarōbō and cleanse the flame. Our millennia of work cannot fail because we were too weak!”

At seeing her honest expression, I paused. This can work for me. I need an alliance, and she’s an important Tengu. With her support…

“You see that Daiyu?” Kana whispered. “I can’t see her face, her wings are in the way, but if she’s cute, Akio is going to grab her, I know it. Eri’s going to be pissed off again.”

“She is talented. Her use of water element intrigues me.” Daiyu admitted.

Ugh, how little faith does Kana have in me? I have my hands full with everyone right now… although she’s not entirely wrong. Ignoring the comments, I turned to Fungbō. “I don’t understand your culture, and I would never belittle other beliefs and traditions, but if her face is so taboo, why tear off her mask? Great Tarōbō, I don’t know what this battle challenge is, but I would like to face Fungbō first before Arangbō, and Shungbō too, if he isn’t prepared to be a decent brother.” I grinned. “And if I win, then Haanōbō…” Everyone on the mountain froze, all eyes on me, waiting for what I was going to say next. “… I’ll take her as my sister.”

There was stunned silence. Kana was the first to break it, giggling. “I didn’t expect that. I was sure he was going to say take her as my bride!”

“To Akio, a sister is just as precious. He does dote on Aiko so.” Motoko agreed.

“That’s right. In fact, our relationship with Akio is quite sisterly.” Natsumi grinned wickedly. “You do dote on us, protect us, try and lead us… though it is hardly all so platonic.” She blushed.

“Yeah, you’re right. My mistake.” Kana giggled. “There’s not much difference, is there? It’s a bold move.”

“This… is unwise.” Prince Shōtoku spoke up for the first time in a while as the Tengu were frozen like statues, including Haanōbō, who was gaping at me open-mouthed. “The Tengu of mount Atago are fiercely loyal to each other and isolationist, and…” he stopped as Tarōbō banged down his staff, laughing bitterly.

“You believe you have the strength to defeat all three of the Directions in battle, one after another? Arrogance.”

“Not arrogance. Confidence. And I can show you the difference…”

“You dare!” the fiery Shungbō snarled, while Fungbō was hurling invective at me. Arangbō merely laughed uproariously at my declaration, while Haanōbō was frozen.

“I do dare. Here… none of you except Tarōbō are my match, I promise you.” League didn’t always correspond with fighting prowess, but it was an indicator, and while Arangbō was certainly on a par with Shaeraggo, the other two were weaker. Only Tarōbō had a League roughly matching mine. “But who cares about that? As a brother, the one thing I hate, and absolutely will not tolerate is an older brother hurting their sister for no reason. It goes against everything I believe in!”

“And what will you do if you win? Take Haanōbō away? Her home is here, her place is here.” Tarōbō proclaimed, long-nosed mask dipping.

“There is no need to anger Great Tarōbō over me…” Haanōbō said urgently, but she flinched as Kana took her hand.

“Hey, you are pretty. Though you look a bit bird-like with that nose.” Kana grinned. On further gasps of horror, Kana waved her free hand dismissively. “Oh shut up. If Akio is going to be her brother, however the hell that works, I’m her sister. Don’t tell me you siblings haven’t even seen each other’s faces?”

“Not from adulthood.” Haanōbō whispered. “We mask our faces, as is tradition. Only… only those special can see our unmasked faces. Since we are ashamed…”

“Do not speak further, sister!” Fungbō fumed. “Not to outsiders!”

“We are cursed with these mortal faces.” She said softly, ignoring them. “Some would say we are not true Tengu, not with bird heads, nor with the crimson faces our masks depict. Great Tarōbō is, but us, his children, we… disappoint. So we hide our shame, and pretend.”

“I see.” I raised a hand, and Foehn blazed, shooting up into the sky. “Shut up!” I roared, seeing as the Tengu were crying out in anger. “How damn stupid is that? You are what you are. Now… to answer your question, Tarōbō… no, she can stay where she wants, where she’s happiest. And if that’s here… not a problem. Because after we’ve cleaned your flame and I’ve taught her brothers some manners, you’ll be amenable to an alliance, I’m sure. And then, it’ll be smooth sailing between here, Kyoto and my Territory. They’ll all be connected. So I’ll be visiting regularly, and if I hear she’s being bullied, well, there won’t be a friendly challenge this time.”

“Confidence indeed.” Tarōbō banged down his staff. It was drawing in a lot of anger from the surrounding Tengu, and was now almost too bright to look at. “Be calm.” He ordered everyone.

“Why are you doing this for me?” Haanōbō hissed. “I was your enemy, I tried to kill you…”

“You tried to defend your Territory.” I said in reply. “And I’ve given you the reason. I hate seeing little sisters suffer. If I ever make Astral Emperor, I’m sure I’ll insist on that being a capital crime…”

“He’s probably not joking.” Kana laughed. “Gods and kami help us all when the time comes. Oh well, I’m safe, Aiko-chan and I get on just fine. Just accept it, Haanōbō. Akio here is a bit weird, but it’s reassuring. There’s no downsides in it for you.”

“I, Tarōbō, lord of mount Atago do declare…” he said grandly. “… I am impressed by the sheer gall of you. But such confidence comes at a price. To take one of the Four Directions from me… my flesh and blood… to defeat her brothers is not enough. Nor will you win your alliance that way. However… anger is a potent source of power. The blessings I can grant have grown. Add two arrows…” he said to the Tengu who were bringing quivers round to the competitors. They now each had nine arrows instead of seven. “Defeat South, East and West and I will forgive your insults and the sin of seeing Haanōbō’s face. Cleanse the flame and I shall give her to you.”

“No, you’re missing the point…” I began, but he spoke over me. I’m not taking her anywhere, it was a spur of the moment thing. It’s not as if a stepsister isn’t a sister, for example, or say parents remarried and you end up with a sister without blood relations that way, she’d still be a sister who’d need looking after and protecting…

“If you wish this alliance, only when that is done… I shall face you.”

“Great Tarōbō, you should not have to lower yourself…” Fungbō growled.

“Enough. I have spoken. The flame first. If you have no wish to see me stride forth to battle, then you have simply to show our brave guest that he is not as strong as he thinks he is.”

“I shall do it.” Arango boomed. “And enjoy it too. But…” he looked at Haanōbō then, and his wings dipped in perhaps a sign of remorse. “Haanōbō, sister. You showed your face. Do you... I can talk to our father, perhaps he will relent…”

“Do not talk to me.” She curled up, hair and hands hiding her face from all others again, but what flesh I could see was crimson. “I am so ashamed I wish I could die…”

“Nope. No dying.” Kana said, dragging her off. “Daiyu, get her other hand. Her first job as Akio’s little sister… hey, I bet you’re way older than him, right? But you’ll still be the younger sister to him, that’s the way he likes it. Anyway… yeah, first job is to watch your other new sisters do their best. You should apologise to them, Akio.” she told me, and I agreed. Yeah, that got out of hand. But it worked, even if not quite the way I thought it would. Now I know the steps for alliance. Sure, it involves fighting Tarōbō, which I am not sure of, unlike his sons… but if I win, no problem!

“Sorry Motoko, Natsumi, Bell. I’ve probably spoiled your preparations.” I apologised sincerely.

“No.” Motoko spoke for them all. “Do not concern yourself with it. I have no sister, just a brother, but if I think of Natsumi as my sister, and she was being treated so… I too would be furious. Besides…” she smiled at the confused Haanōbō. “…I welcome all who are warriors. I would learn from you.” She bowed, martial-arts fashion, followed by Natsumi.

“As for me… I cannot help but feel I lost here.” Bell chuckled. “It makes me wonder if it is my hair which is black, not Moira’s. So I shall have to win here to make up for it.”

“Yes, we should begin.” Tarōbō declared. Small wisps of emotion were still feeding the jewel, even as he spoke. “Nine arrows, nine targets. The corrupted, tortured spirts of flame are not easy to slay. So every blessed arrow must be used carefully and skilfully. Only those who can display such skills will be sent underground. We would not lose more of our brethren, our kin. We have lost too many already.”

The rules were simple. Nine Tengu, each carrying a small, shield-sized target, would rush towards each competitor, starting from a far distance. The number downed would be the score, and it would measure speed, power and precision at range. Just what Shaeraggo challenged my sister over. I guess archery has universal routes and skills. Huh… I wonder, swordplay, spears and martial arts as well? Is that another reason why styles matter?

As I ruminated on that, the first challenger, a Tengu, stepped up. Beside me, Haru-san drifted over. “An interesting development, Akio-kun.” She said dryly. “Now you’re grabbing sisters as well as girlfriends? I wonder what your real sister, Akio-chan, would think of that?”

“A good question. I think she’d agree that a brother should always look out for his sister.” I said, and Kana disagreed.

“No way…” as we watched, the Tengu managed to hit four targets before the last five Tengu reached him, though only three counted, as the first hit was too shallow and bounced out. “She’s going to make his life miserable with jealousy. She’s got that my bro’s so cool, he’s got all those girlfriends, but don’t forget, I’m his only sister vibe. It’ll be funny though, Shaeula’s going to have an explosion of laughs over it.”

“I think so too.” Haru-san said as we watched a number more Tengu. One managed five hits that counted, with two that weren’t strong enough, and he strode off, basking in a few words of praise from Tarōbō. Now it was Motoko and Natsumi’s turn shortly, after a couple more challengers. “But you bring it on yourself. I expect you are saying something trite to yourself, along the lines of it was all for the alliance… and you probably even believe it, but words matter. You’ve meddled with a maiden’s heart Akio… I doubt Tengu are much different to us in that respect, Shaeula and Hyacinth aren’t, Asha neither.”

“Yeah. I get that.” The Tengu threw down his bow in shame, only managing two hits, and some energy was drawn from him. “But it really did piss me off too.” As Yasaka-san sighed audibly, and the girls giggled, I strode over to where Motoko was limbering up.

“A kiss for luck?” I asked, and she flushed a little, nodding. We locked lips, a relatively chaste kiss, but it still made our hearts race. I pulled away, squeezing her hand, and she smiled at me elegantly.

“Since you believe in me, I will have to show results. And as your senior and instructor in Tsumura Arts, my pride will allow me no less than my best efforts.” She ran her fingers over the nine arrows. “Each arow is subtly different. Natsumi, you’ve noticed now, right?”

“Yes.” She agreed happily. “In our training before, we used expensive, custom-crafted shafts. They were made to be identical. But in battle, subtle differences in weight, balance, the fletchings, centre of gravity… all can affect the shot. It’s not just atmospheric conditions, temperature, moisture… everything goes into the shot.” She looked at me then. “Just as everything that makes up a person goes into love. Now Motoko, my precious friend, sister and instructor… go forth and crush them!”

“I will. Thank you. I shall cheer for you too.” She turned to me. “Watch me. Take me into your eyes and your heart. I will stand beside you in this endeavour, and we shall win mount Atago, if you need it. I dreamed of this day. I wanted to be a wife who could support her husband by his side in battle, impossible as that seemed, a mere fantasy in this modern world. This is the next step on the road to my near-forgotten dream.”

“Enough chatter, hearty eater.” Arangbō chuckled. “Show me if you have skill to back up your appetite!”

She nodded, and as the nine Tengu began to run towards her from several hundred metres away her first arrow was already gone.

“She picked the best shaft for the hardest shot.” Bell observed. “Clever.” The Tengu holding the shield discarded it, arrow sticking in the wood just off-centre. “A little sloppy, but at that range, with a moving target… she has improved.”

“As we grow stronger, our senses improve. Before, I doubt I could tell the difference between these.” Natsumi held several shafts, weighing them. “Now we can…” Motoko’s next two arrows were also hits. The fourth bounced off, and she grimaced.

“Bad luck…” I whispered. “The Tengu changed direction at the instant the arrow arrived, so it glanced off…”

“There is no such thing as luck on the battlefield. Look, she is hurrying as they close in. The shots are easier in theory, but test the nerve more than skill…” Bell warned.

“Fortunately, Motoko has always been calm.” Natsumi muttered quietly, and as we watched, the remaining arrows all found themselves in the targets, barring the final one, the Tengu a mere arm’s length from Motoko.

“I will not back down. I am not just an archer, and the Tsumura Arts not just for bows…” Her last arrow she stabbed into the shield, burying it deeply just as the Tengu touched her shoulder. Confused, it paused, unsure whether that was a victory for Motoko or not. I began to clap, Natsumi and Bell following, joined by the others of our group, Haanōbō hesitantly joining in, still confused by everything.

“Not bad.” Arangbō boomed. “You put many of our warriors to shame.”

Motoko bowed at his words, before turning to us, face flushed. “Seven then. The last was merely vanity. I did not want to look weak in front of you all.”

“You weren’t.” I said, snatching her into a hug, she didn’t resist, merely enjoying my embrace and another kiss for a moment, before she stepped aside.

“I rather love feeling your strong arms around me, arms used to fighting for what they need to protect, unlike the weak, untrained arms of our peers.” Motoko said. “But now… Natsumi. It is your turn.”

“I’ll surpass you, I almost never win. But I can’t stay in your shadow forever, now we are equals.” Natsumi boasted happily. “So, my kiss? I don’t need luck, but I want that!”

Grinning, we locked lips and hands, and as she stepped away, a spring in her step, she selected her first shaft. The Tengu began to charge, and she loosed it, followed by a second, and a third… three quick successful hits in succession.

“I have this.” The Tengu began to change directions, just as they did for Motoko, so Natsumi paused her shots for a moment. Then arrow after arrow hit, each biting deep. Even so, she was still left with one shaft as the last Tengu approached.

“The pause helped her hit, but even momentary delays in battle can be fatal…” Bell said. “But…”

“I too am a warrior of Tsumura Arts…” the Tengu watched as Natsumi thrust her arrow, stabbing the shield-shaped target. “… and I’m no less vain than Motoko. Wasn’t I cool, Akio?” she said, grinning brightly.

“You sure were.” I pulled her into a hug and kissed her again. When we were done, she turned to Motoko.

“I finally beat you. But I know we both have a long way to go…” as Tarōbō praised her, Bell stepped up. “… until we can match our teacher.”

“If you grow, I do too.” She said proudly, before looking at me cheekily. “Kiss for luck?”

“No, sorry.” I clapped her on the back. “Best I can do I’m afraid. But I do wish you luck.”

“You’re so shy. But I know your weakness.” She winked at me. “All I have to do is find a brother to bully me, and you’ll take care of me, right?”

I paused, open-mouthed in surprise at her cheekiness. She then giggled, tossing her head, brushing her blue hair away from her face. “How about this.” She said confidently. “When I nail all nine arrows, you owe me a small favour.”

“I’ve fallen for that one before…” I warned, and she laughed.

“I hardly think taking me as a lover is a fair favour, do not worry. But… you like to gamble, I am told?”

“True. All right then. As long as it isn’t something I can’t do, you’re on. Can you do it?” I agreed.

“Can I?” she snorted. “I am an elf, I was born to wield the bow. And not just any elf, I am a proud Way-Captain. If I miss these, how can I shoot down the dreadfully fast and elusive Unseelie, or those dogs of the Wild Hunt? Watch me and see.”

The next nine Tengu had gathered, and as they began their charge, the first arrow left her bow, the string shimmering blue and green. Wait, not one arrow…

“She shot two at once! With just the faintest breath of wind element…” Motoko gasped.

“That’s cheating, surely…” Natsumi pouted, only to suddenly shake her head. “No, it isn’t. We were naïve, Motoko! This isn’t just a test, it’s a sorting ritual for a genuine, dangerous battlefield! We should have used wind too!”

“That is right. you were sloppy!” Two more arrows left her bow at once, followed by two more. Six clean hits before the Tengu had reached halfway. One had even split a target clean in half. “But I am a good teacher, so consider this a free lesson. Always give your best.”

“She’s right.” Natsumi sighed. “I beat you, but that’s just once. You’re still in the lead, Motoko.” Two more clean hits, and the last arrow was in Bell’s hands, and wreathed in wind. With a casual gesture she loosed it, and the shield exploded.

“The past does not matter. We are only as good as our next contest.” Motoko said, before bowing deeply to Bell. “A great demonstration. You truly are skilled.”

“Yes I am. But I am not the best. Shaeraggo is a better archer than I am, though his is the way of the hunter, not the battlefield. There are several other Way-Captains who can best me too. So do not let yourself be discouraged. There are always better people. Even if you overtake me, which will be no easy feat, your next challenger will be harder still…”

“But that is what gives training, struggle, hardship meaning.” Motoko smiled. “The lesson is well received though. So…” she turned to Natsumi, a faint smile on her face. “… do not grow conceited. I shall defeat you next time!”

“Bring it on!” Natsumi giggled, and I felt warm watching them. She then turned to me and winked. “Oh, and Aiko will be in Tokyo soon, we can train with your sister as well. Oh, I should say which sister now, shouldn’t I?”

“Very funny.” I said, resigned to a lot of teasing and mockery over the next few days and weeks, even if it was indirectly helping us with mount Atago. Looking around, the last few Tengu yet to go were looking resigned, and soon they were loosing arrows in frustration, unable to compete…

********

“Bellaera, you from a distant land, and you mortals, Motoko, and Natsumi…” Tarōbō declared. “You have the right to challenge the corruption. May your arrows strike true. Know, however, that in the darkness below, facing these tormented, burning spirits, it will not be as easy. When death stares you in the face, can you keep your composure, and use precious blessed weapons well?”

“You forget, we were fighting these damned spirits before.” Motoko assured him regally, adopting the poise of her noble upbringing. “As for blessed weapons… Akio, Haru-san, Daiyu… they all have their ways, and they can share.”

“That’s right.” Natsumi agreed. “We can keep our composure, because we aren’t alone.”

“Each foe we will slay is one less to kill your Tengu.” Bell said, having been declared the victor, and she looked at me knowingly. Guess she won that favour. “But since we shall be allies soon, maybe I should say our Tengu?”

“Do not worry.” Motoko continued. “Akio treats spiritual beings and Yōkai just as he would his human allies. All are precious to him.”

“Yes, he’s got three Fae wives already.” Natsumi giggled. “And soon to be a Yōkai sister…” Haanōbō shrunk at that.

“Enough.” Tarōbō declared, slashing his staff, leaving trails of light as an afterimage. “Time drags on. We must conclude the final challenge.”

“This one, I wish to take part in.” Daiyu said. “I may have already obtained the qualifications, but to test myself… that I desire.”

“That’s fine. I have faith you’ll do well.” I said, before glaring at Haanōbō’s brothers. While the archery had been going on, the Tengu had erected a strange arena. It was a small circle, with little room to dodge, and it was shrouded in darkness, only a few flickering braziers giving an odd, weak, irregular light to the interior. To simulate this rift, the dungeon, I guess? “So, which of you is first?”

“I am of flame… I leave crude bashing and clashing of arms to others.” Shungbō scoffed.

“I too.” Fungbō echoed, only for Arangbō to laugh.

“Byakko would weep, Fungbō. You are of metal, the best suited of us all to fight. Besides…” he looked at Haanōbō. “I am not such a fool as you are, brother. I was enraged and disgusted by our sister’s defeat. But… look around you. Our guests have won many challenges. Defeat is the enemy, but truth matters too.” Haanōbō’s wings quaked at that. “So do not shame the Four Directions. At least she fought.”

“If you claim it isn’t your forte… both at once.” I said, sneering. “If you won’t even do that, then step aside and admit I’m a better brother than you, and support our alliance with mount Atago.”

“Great Tarōbō!” Shungbō declared, incensed. “Will you let this outsider mock us? I daresay you should cast them out, they insult and profane our sacred…” he paused dully as Tarōbō gestured, and two sets of manacles made from blackened iron were thrown down.

“The one mocking us is you, my children. We fear not the kami of Kyoto, nor these defiled spirits that threaten our home. But you fear this outsider?” Great surges of energy were drawn from Shungbō and Fungbō. As they fell silent he turned to me. “Confidence, arrogance or dangerous recklessness? If it is the latter, despite your skills, I wish no part of you in this most vital of battles ahead. I cannot risk my mountain, the flame, my Tengu, my children… on the whims of such a one. Both at once. Prove your words, for deeds matter.”

I grabbed the manacles, which were around three metres in length, and would keep us close in the cramped arena, I nodded. Clasping them on me, one to each wrist, I started swinging them mockingly. “Come on then, let’s see if you can laugh at your sister after I beat some manners into you. I only wish Shaeraggo was here, you’d at least have someone to sympathise with you…”