On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Thirty-Five

“And lastly…” the four-tailed fox said, her smile gentle. “…A heart of deep compassion, one who will free Tamamo-No-Mae, my dear grandmother, I believe, from her endless suffering.”

I paused, stunned. Tamamo-no-Mae, the legendary Nine-Tailed Fox herself, one of the most famous and powerful Yōkai of all history? Can I do that? Should I do that? The question was whirring through my mind. It was hard to turn down, if such a powerful Yōkai would be an ally, but…

Shaeula spoke for me, crossing her arms and glaring at the foxwoman, even as I squeezed the Bezoar stone she had obtained from far distant lands. I suppose there’s no reason why spiritual beings can’t travel, seas are still seas, even if likely more dangerous…

“I do distinctly recall you saying you did not-not know where this fox dwelt. Are you a liar? Do you expect us to trust-trust the words of an untrustworthy fox such as you?”

“Your daughter is being so frightfully cold to me, Urakaze.” The fox laughed. “I have no idea why, I believe I have been quite gracious so far.” She waved her four tails behind her for emphasis. “Besides, you’re wrong, dear Shaeula, Seventy-First of the Parade. And while I am quite a free spirit, and seldom hung up on the petty matters of etiquette…” Suddenly her League flared, and the harmless image she was cultivating shattered in an instant. “… I am still the lower Number, so show me some of the respect I am due.”

Damn, her League is definitely higher than Tarōbō. She doesn’t quite match up to Prince Shaetanao, but even so, if I was to fight her it’d be touch and go… Around us the weaker Fae were struggling, before she reined in her presence, a smile on her face, the momentary terror of her presence forgotten. With a smile, she crossed her legs, leaning backwards, her kimono straining. “If you recall, I said wherever she now dwells. Surely as one of the Fae, you are used to weasel words.” She laughed at her pun, though the weaselkin didn’t find it amusing, and neither did Urakaze, who was glaring at her. “I can hardly be certain of her location, but considering the need for that Stone…” she looked at the Bezoar in my hand. “…I have a very good idea. Either she is slain, or imprisoned, as the greatest of foxes would leave tales and chaos in her wake wherever she goes. Since she is not, then…” she shrugged, again drawing all eyes.

“Hey, Tamamo-no-Mae, she’s like… super evil, right?” My sis said, fascinated and confused by the whole situation, but her blue eyes were sparkling. I guess she’s delighted to finally be a part of these events, not stuck in Nishimorioka. I do have reservations, but my sis is safer stronger, and being involved offers more opportunities to get that strength… “One of the Three Great Evil Yōkai? Besides, in every anime she’s bad news.”

“Three? Old Ōtakemaru would crack your skull for a goblet and drink wine out of it, girl. He hates that the old Tengu has taken the position he considers rightfully his.” The fox giggled. “But you are quite correct. Grandmother has done many things you humans would consider awful. But hardly through malice. We are merely… different.” She smiled. “Grandmother was simply a free spirit, doing as she pleases with men and women both, bearing many children and amusing herself as she willed. Not every kitsune carries her blood, but I would wager the majority do to some extent.”

“Oh great, that’s all we need, another slut. And one that preys on girls too. I’m cute, I’ll be in danger bro, I don’t think this is a good idea!” my sis protested. “Besides, in anime she’s usually not nice!”

“I think that what she is in anime doesn’t really matter.” I shrugged. “If the myths are correct though, I think it’s wrong to say that what she did wasn’t out of malice. She’s killed a lot of people by manipulating others to their ruin.”

“How cold you are.” The four-tailed fox sighed theatrically. “Were you not mere hours ago bragging about your slaughter of these poor Myconids? Has my grandmother killed fewer than you? Or do these Myconids not count, as they are not your race? How… uncharitable.”

“The Myconids are quite-quite different.” Shaeula insisted, though I could see Duke Vulpatrius sneering behind her. “They exist to spread death-death and destruction. They also stole our lands, and…”

The fox cut her off. “Perhaps that is simply their way? I believe you Fae are hardly free of malice.” She looked at Prince Morioth, who was a black-and-white facsimile of a weaselkin at the moment. “Changelings, replacing stolen mortal children like a… what was it, ah yes, a cuckoo.” She grinned in satisfaction. “What happened to them, I do wonder? And that is hardly all. But setting aside that, you have killed enough of my kind, do you see yourself as free of responsibility?” She persisted, questioning me.

“That was to save Eri and the poor trainees!” my sis protested loudly, and the fox shrugged, blowing smoke.

“Reasons. Besides, all you have is myth and history. Who knows how grandmother truly was?” she sighed. “Even so… does your heart not ache for her, punished for so long? Is there no room for forgiveness?”

“I… I understand.” Eleanor said bitterly. “You should too, Akio. It’s hard to forgive Donovan, considering…” she shuddered at the memory. “But Sarah…”

“She’s just as culpable. She didn’t stop Donovan, and she would have let Mary kill you…” I warned. “But… Ling. She too has done terrible things, perhaps for understandable, maybe even somewhat justifiable reasons, yet even so…” I’m using her for my own ends, despite everything. Is that justice? Probably not. It’s necessity…

“I am aware Japan has the death penalty still.” Eleanor said softly. “But in Britain, even someone who commits many murders may one day find freedom after their sentence is served. Is it justice? I don’t know. And is it fair, when someone can live thousands of years, to measure the punishment for lives taken in mere decades?” She smiled at me then. “Isn’t that what your Ministry is set up to decide?”

“I don’t have the answers.” Yukiko-san said, having been listening. “These Fae, are they exactly like the stories told of them?” she asked me, and I snorted out a laugh, glancing at Shaeula, who looked proud.

“No way, there are similarities, definitely, but the reality is far different. I get what you’re saying.” I scratched my cheek, thinking. “That Tamamo-no-Mae might be different too. Although with the kitsune I’ve met, I expect there to be quite a lot of malice involved.”

“How rude, you wound my very heart.” She clutched at her overflowing breasts in mock-pain.

“I’ve agreed a deal with Nurarihyon, and I’ve brought Ginneka into the fold. Yeah, I get it. But…” The vision I had, one of the few, was of a volcanic stone, in a hellish land of reeking, poisonous fumes, surrounded by a sacred rope. There were some fragmentary words too, yet even with my potent memory they escape me right now. That does remind me of the… “Sesshō-seki, the stone said to be the corpse or prison of Tamamo-no-Mae… surrounded by poisonous gas and a barren landscape, as if her evil is seeping out.” I clenched the Bezoar. “I can see the use of this, but… even if I do release her, there’s no guarantee she won’t become our enemy. And if she is in the same class as Nurarihyon…”

The four-tailed fox let out a long hiss, foul-smelling herbal smoke streaming from her mouth. “I would have thought a man such as yourself would understand women and their gratitude by now.” There were a few laughs around me at that, my sis included. “I believe anyone would be grateful to be liberated after so long trapped and lonely, especially such a lusty and vivacious fox as the great Tamamo-no-Mae herself. At the least, I believe she would not repay gratitude with hatred. We may not believe in Boons…” she glanced around at the Fae. “But we are creatures of emotion, and we feel deeply. I wish you would feel compassion for her pitiful plight.”

“I do, to an extent…” I admitted. “So, how does this benefit you?”

“Apart from relieving the guilt of knowing poor grandmother suffers?” she grinned. “There have been other kitsune who have been stronger than I, yet if they still live they are well-hidden, and take no interest in the world. Yet none other than grandmother have reached the pinnacle, have nine tails. If anyone can aid me to finally bring forth my fifth tail, then it would be she. Sadly, merely living a century is not enough to grant us a new tail. Such is fortunate though, as it means none can guess our age.” she joked. Seeing me waver, she pressed her advantage.

“You can keep the Bezoar, it is a great treasure, is it not? I’ve no need for it, but even so, it has great value. And I will invest in your schemes, and help you wring more treasures from the fools who lack the wisdom to plan for tomorrow when they can drink and make merry today. I will aid you in times of trouble, and… should you wish it…” She then stopped, as a bullet of air caught her off-guard, snapping her head back. She glared at Shaeula, who lowered her hand.

“He does not-not need you, fox.” She said coldly. Fortunately the bullet had merely been a light warning, so it caused no injury but a little redness on her pale skin.

“How upsetting. I hardly see why, am I not beautiful? You press for many lovers, I know. Yet why not me? I may be fickle, but a truly strong man could bind me down and make me his…”

“I don’t like it!” My sis joined Shaeula. “All the girls right now are the sort I can bring home to meet mom and dad! You… you’d just upset them!”

“A fresh-faced, eager virgin is nice.” The fox agreed, licking her lips, coiling her tongue around the stem of her pipe. “But there is much to be said for experience…”

“All right, enough of that. I’m not in the market for any more wives right now. And even if I was…” I glanced at Prince Aethelathrion, who nodded, understanding. “I can think of others who I’d like to get to know better first. However, other than that, you make a tempting offer…”

“Then let me apologise. For I told one… no, not a lie, but an omission.” The fox grinned, and from the look in her eyes I knew what she would say next was going to make up my mind, one way or the other. “I added the part about a compassionate heart, for it is true. Forgiveness is hard. But I trust you are pragmatic enough to make compromises to save those you protect. You have already, merely having me here. No, Uranai said the third riddle. Only someone who can be in two places at once can break the prison, the curse. It seemed impossible, and truly befits a prison able to hold grandmother. Yet…” she looked into my eyes, and her furry fox-ears twitched. “I have very keen ears. I have heard you mention what is going on with the others, as if you can be there and here at the same moment.” She puffed out her chest triumphantly, and I realised she was doing it to entice on purpose. Knowing I knew, she merely stood taller, the cloth just barely covering her nipples. “It therefore must be you.” she finished, her tone triumphant.

“Prophecy is not certainty. This Uranai you speak of…” Lady Nimuë said into the silence around us, as everyone, myself included, pondered her words. “…her words carry the weight of such, though. Do you not agree?”

I had to nod. Yeah, it could be something the four-tailed fox made up, but when you’ve heard prophecies, even dreamed them yourself, you get to feel the flow. It definitely strikes me as genuine. “I suppose that’s true. But…”

“What more can I offer you?” the fox asked. “I have offered everything. Everything!”

I glanced at Shaeula, who shrugged, waving her hands up and down. Not sure, huh? I was grateful that Shaeula understood me without words a lot of the time. In that case… “Let us finish up here, and I’ll give you my decision later, when I’ve sorted through everything in my mind.”

“Fine. I hope your compassion wins out.” She smiled at me, her eyes pleading. Wait, for a moment then she looked cute. No, she’s definitely not my type. She’d eat me and probably the girls alive…

“All right then, Princess Ffionnan, now’s a good time to further discuss your involvement.” Happy to change the subject, I got Moira to hurriedly project more tables and charts…

********

“I see. It does make a lot of sense.” Princess Ffionnan was saying. “Though I am curious… if I am to provide my treasures, I need to see what I am getting in exchange.”

“Yes, though you’re about on the borderline of what I’m comfortable experimenting with.” I pointed out. The League of Ffionnan, at a rough guess, was not inferior to Tarōbō’s. She was weaker than Shaetanao, for sure, but even so, she’d be the strongest being that Ling would send into the dream and let her wake in the Material. Preserving the Boundary is ultimately a futile effort, I imagine, but we don’t want to be needlessly destructive and hasten its end without good reason.

“Such matters will have-have to be solved.” Shaetanao declared, and I nodded.

“I know, the tactical advantages are obvious, and…”

“…if my daughter is to be wed in the mortal world as well-well, I should be there!” he declared, arms crossed defensively. “I would not miss it, not-not for all these investments.”

Urakaze rolled her eyes, and Annae scowled a little, but Anna joined in, agreeing with her father, eager to see her Ula wed. At least she’s more accepting that Shaeraggo. No, that’s not fair, even a superior siscon like him has come to terms with it. I suppose I should be grateful…

“Still as popular as ever. It must be so hard. David would be challenging you to another bout.” Eleanor remarked, and I had to nod in response.

“Sorry, I agree, the wedding should be special. And the logistics of the guests is a nightmare. A lot of you are too strong to easily come down to the Boundary or Material, while I doubt that ordinary people just with Chirurgery can withstand the higher ether density of the Fae realms. But it’s not going to matter yet, we have time, the wedding won’t be until next year anyway. I’d like to deal with our immediate problems so we can truly celebrate. Perhaps this isn’t the time to discuss this?”

“He’s learning.” Yukiko-san whispered to Eleanor, who hid a smile behind her hand.

“It seems so. Though he did still end up talking about his wedding in front of all these dignitaries…” Eleanor whispered back in a voice clearly meant to be audible.

“Hey, considering most people here will need an invite, as it’s effectively a state wedding, I think it’s at least a little relevant!” I protested, before shaking my head. “Anyway, Princess Ffionnan is providing the most investment…” We had obtained a number of blue and green Etherites, as well as some yellow ones. Orange and red weren’t so important, as they seemed to condense around the Artificial Ether Spires. Not often, but as we were running more and more of the Spires, putting them into Kyoto as fast as the Mortal Engineers could make them, we were accruing a number of them. They still had uses in production and alchemy, so were accepted at a discount. “…so it’s only right that she gets first mover privileges.”

“I look forward to it.” Her coins jingled in her hair as she nodded excitedly. She looked at her fellow Princes and Princesses proudly. “You’ll be sorry when I am swimming in treasures!”

“Not all of us share your passion for such worthless trinkets.” Duke Vulpatrius said sourly, not enjoying the way this event had progressed. “I will not be offering so much as a scrap to these fools.”

“Suit yourself.” I shrugged. “But when Moira returns with darkness element, I hope you’ll be more civil. Now…”

“…to more important matters.” Prince Aethelathrion took the lead. “We must not forget, no, how could we forget what we are here for, considering the location? The Spring, retaken from our enemies. But we have many foes remaining. A common front, united against the Wild Hunt and the Unseelie. As well as other, stranger foes.”

“Since Akio is acquiescing to my humble request…” the four-tailed fox said cheerfully, and I rolled my eyes, as I hadn’t definitely agreed, though I had a feeling I would end up trying to release Tamamo-no-Mae sooner or later. “…I shall of course lend my aid and urge the Hyakki Yagyō to do likewise. You will do the same, no, Urakaze? Since your dear daughter asks?”

“I have no objection-issues.” She said coldly. “Not to alliance, though we expect reciprocation-compensation. When our battle comes…”

“Yes, it works both ways.” I agreed. “As for you…” I turned to Eleanor, who nodded.

“Having heard tell of the Wild Hunt, I believe I have already been battling some of their forces in London. I can’t say I cared for them overmuch. Besides, I have already agreed to work with you, Akio. I am a woman of my word, and grandmother would never let me shame Britain by being a coward or a turncoat.”

“I too will offer my aid, in exchange for the same. I do not speak for all of Japan, in fact, you have a higher standing than me in these matters…” Yukiko-san said self-deprecatingly. “…though I do have some secrets I wish to share. I haven’t received permission yet…” she said, a bit ashamed. “But it’s only a matter of time.” She looked at the shard of metal Eleanor held. “No, I can say no more.”

“The kami of Kyoto also agree.” Kofuku Jizo said. He and Shirohebi had been keeping a low profile during the meeting, but they had been watching, listening and weighing up the assorted guests, and had now come to their decision. “We stand together, or we fail apart. I approve of those words. And I have already seen war that we alone could not win.”

“I see. Then we have no objections?” Prince Aethelathrion asked, and Duke Formor was first to speak.

“None.” He rumbled. “As long as I can crush the life from my enemies, I am content. These other creatures are no foes of mine, but if they endanger us, I shall stomp them to bloody paste under my feet!” He crossed his massive arms, eye flickering red, and I could feel heat from it, before he calmed down.

“I have many reservations!” Duke Vulpatrius spat, his tone abrasive. “But one thing is true. Our enemies are the Unseelie Court and those pests from the Wild Hunt. I can tolerate some worthless allies if it prevents collaboration with our enemies. You of the Parade are their natural brothers and sisters.”

“You would know, little fox.” The four-tailed fox laughed heartily. As he glowered at her, she tilted her head, amused. “But the past is the past, we are here to negotiate the future. With some foreknowledge, it seems.”

“Aye, we have plenty enough foes tae be worryin’ about foolish grudges and past mistakes, ye ken?” the Scotsman declared. “I be sure t’Queen wishes for an end tae this sorry war. With her own hands, she surely wishes she could choke t’life from…”

“Nooo!” Hyacinth declared then, interrupting. Seeing all eyes on her she flushed and trembled but continued to speak. “Hyacinth hates, hates, hates those of the Dark Cooourt.” Her words were laced with bleak, bitter emotions, and Asha and Shaeula urged me to go to her, so I stood and held her shoulders, feeling them tremble under my hands. So thin. She’s strong, but still a woman, seeming so fragile. “I will choooke and kill and turn their hooome to rot and ashes, but…” she blinked, and tears the colour of her silver-violet eyes shimmered as they slid down her cheeks. “…it is sooo sad. The Queen, she must nooot…” she shut her mouth, biting at her lips. “…no, it should be ooother hands. Else there can be nooo forgiveness…”

“Forgiveness?” Duke Formor rumbled. “For our dead? Are you addled, woman? We did not rebel, we did not attack the humans first, we did…”

“Oh shut up, shut up, shut yooour mouth! I hate you, you put me in the booox! I ooonly forgive you because you gifted me to Akiooo, my one true master I was always destined to meet. No, there was befooore… agh, my head, it hurts! I dooo not want the Queen to…” I pulled Hyacinth into a hug, calming her down.

“I think we need to change the subject.” Yes, Hyacinth has a very tangled past. It’s understandable she’s conflicted. “We know our enemies, so let’s cut the bragging and the boasting, and get down to what matters. Their movements.”

“Yes, I think we should.” Prince Aethelathrion agreed. “As you know, there are many elves amongst the Way-Wardens, so I am kept abreast of matters, although we have a rather famed one here…” he looked at Anna, who preened proudly.

“Indeed, I have not had much time, many opportunities to patrol the borders of late, a great shame, bitter sorrow.” she lamented. “But what we find surprises us.” She then explained that the Wild Hunt had almost entirely stopped their attacks. There were a few skirmishes outside the Fae Stone Wards, but nothing of any note. The Unseelie too were quiet, though that was far less unusual.

“Perhaps it is because of the ideas you presented, brought forth.” Anna mused as she finished. “With the broken lantern you provided, as well as the clever ideas, cunning ruses to escape the defences of the Seelie Court, perhaps they are simply at a loss, without recourse now we have tightened our defences?”

“Thinking such is folly.” Duke Formor grated. “The Wild Hunt are wily, dishonest and without honour.” He clenched his massive fists. “I too have heard of these weaknesses. It came as quite the shock to me.”

“To us all.” The mournful voice of Princess Moraine drifted to us, echoed by her ghostly handmaidens. She hasn’t really done much but listen until now. But then, everyone was surprised she even came, apparently she sits out almost all matters of the Court. “If what has been surmised is accurate, I expect bitter tidings in our future. For how would we ever stop their intrusions? The Wild Hunt…” she wailed, her voice a dirge, her handmaidens waving her spectral train of black cloth for emphasis, repeating parts of her words. “…they are too skilled at their craft to let these setbacks dismay them…”

“I also agree.” Duke Vulpatrius threw in his support. “You would have to be either empty-headed, without wit, or a coward who does not have the stomach for battle…” he glared at us. “…to suspect that they are held back by the discoveries that can be brought by such as you.” His eyes were cold, and I resisted the urge to ask him to settle it with our fists. I’m not normally violent, but this fox is trying my patience severely. My sis felt the same, as she was glaring at him, and I didn’t even need to expand my vision to see Shaeula was acting the same way. No, if I get too irritated, it’ll only bother the girls. Right now we’re having a lot of fun, they’re happy, so… Allowing my divided attention to focus more on that, soothing my rage, I merely smiled, which annoyed the fox Duke.

“It does not matter what the reason is…” Primal Forest spoke, he too had been silent ever since we had raised the possibility of further Trees and also getting more areas connected with Ring Gates. “We have learned not to be hasty, to never trust the Hunt acting in ways we anticipate.”

“That’s right…” Estalian said. She’d had a small nap and was now feeling better. “They could be trying to lower our guard or searching for something. There are endless possibilities, but we should always assume the worst.”

“I agree.” Shaetanao joined in. “If we assume their ability to intrude remains undiminished and are wrong-wrong, we suffer no losses. The reverse however, and…” He drew a finger across his neck, the meaning clear.

As the talk dragged on, everyone sharing their views, I continued to comfort Hyacinth while relaxing myself with what was going on back in the Material. Shaeula looked at me quizzically, and I resolved to make it up to her, Asha and the trembling maid in my arms later…

********

“I shall settle some affairs and then journey to your lands forthwith.” Princess Ffionnan declared. “I expect to be treated to the finest of delicacies, as such a serious investor!” She said the unfamiliar word with gravitas, having taken a great liking to it.

“Of course-course.” Shaeula agreed. “Asha’s Treetop café is simply outstanding. But before that, we must-must introduce you to the twins…”

“Noble Primal Forest, I hope you are not offended.” Asha was saying to the colossal Treekin. “I understand that you care deeply for the Rhyming Trees, and the Ring Gates have long been under your purview… but look around. We care as well. You know I could never give my Kiss to one, my heart and spirit, to someone who would misuse nature. Besides…” she covered her mouth and said something I couldn’t hear.

“Oh really?” Estalian giggled, as she was still perched in Primal Forest. “You don’t say?” She looked at me, a playful expression on her tiny face. “That’s not usual, is it? Well, you old fossil…” she slapped Primal Forest with one small hand. “Stop sulking. Isn’t it something to celebrate? As part of an alliance we all agreed, you can contribute. You always complained how hard it is to grow those mushrooms, so… why whine now? It isn’t that you are a miser like young Ffionnan is it?”

“I heard that!” the aforementioned princess shot back. “If I was a miser, then I would never have become an investor!” She looked proud once more. “Besides, we all know Primal Forest is greedy, he thinks every Tree and plant and blade of grass should be under the care of the Treekin.”

“Enough.” He rumbled, closing his eyes. He pondered for an uncomfortably long time, where I said my farewells to Prince Morioth, who had secured a promise from Raidre to at least consider a return to Court, as well as the sombre Princess Moraine, who left me with words of warning, that the closer one came to succeeding, the more likely one was to fail. Words as gloomy as her countenance…

“Ala, go with them. See for yourself if they can be trusted.” Primal Forest said at last, and the Plantkin comprised of vines nodded, agreeing. “For now…” he continued ponderously. “…I will allow the formation of further Ring Gates without becoming angry. But be cautious. Such a Gate is a blade with no hilt. Used unwisely it is as dangerous to the possessor as the enemy.”

With those last words, he departed, Princess Estalian going too. I waved off the Prince of the Elves, not before he fervently extoled the virtues of Moira, Bell, Solitaire and the others one more time. Duke Formor had left, Duke Vulpatrius going with him, unwilling to stay and exchange pleasantries with us, and soon out of the Fae nobility, only Shaetanao remained.

“So, my Shaeula, son-in-law…”

“Yes, father?” she replied.

“The gloomy spectral wench is not wrong-wrong. You have shown your power, swept-swept aside doubts, but now you are exposed. It is no longer possible to appear weak to fool your enemies. Be wary. As for you…” he turned to me. “If my daughter suffers, I shall-shall…”

“You’ve no need to worry. Man, I get this a lot.” I had to laugh at another lecture. “I guess it’s a cross I have to bear.”

“Yes, David would be delighted to hear it.” Eleanor sighed, exasperated. “Arthur and I must return to England, we have much to do. Raidre too, for now. But do take care of Aditi and Mary-Jane. Training in your Territory is giving them hope, taking their minds off their sorrows.” She then looked at Yukiko-san. “We must keep in touch. I expect we will have many worries only we… and perhaps Shaeula… can understand.”

“I agree. My phone number is…” As the two women exchanged details, I turned to Urakaze, who was looking at Annae and Anna with a bitter expression on her face. Suddenly she spoke. “I will remain-stay here for now. There is much to discuss-consider.”

“You damn bitch… uh…” Anna paused, Shaeula giving her a knowing smirk. “… I did not mean that, think it. I just…”

“Do not expect too much, Shaetanao.” she said to the suddenly bright Prince. “I merely wish to discuss our daughter. There have been those who wish to harm-hurt her, even see her killed-dead. Perhaps if we put our knowledge together, we can determine-divine the culprits that yet remain hidden?”

His eyes hardened at that, and he nodded. “Yes. Annae, Shaeranna, put-put aside your anger. Shaeula comes first…”

“Damn, every day a wonder with you now bro. To think I was a part of this. Hey, wow, do you think this will go in the history books one day, bro? I mean, it was a meeting of some very important people.” My sis was curious, and I shrugged.

“It could, it definitely could. But who’d believe it for now?”

It was then that Haanōbō tugged diffidently on my sleeve, her masked face pointing downwards. I glanced at Arangbō, who had done little but drink throughout the event, who shrugged, wings bobbing.

“We… we did not invest, or pledge support. It feels wrong…” she said slowly, and I laughed, patting her head reflexively, before freezing, realising what I had done. My sis puffed out her cheeks, irritated, while after a moment the Tengu smacked my hand aside. “I am not a child. I am older than you, likely by… no, that is not the point.” She stopped herself from revealing her age at the last moment. “I am no child, nor… nor one of your women!”

“Yeah, sorry. You just seemed down so I acted on instinct. Look, you already have contributed. Mount Atago is under my protection, so we’re already a team. That’s why your brother was so carefree.”

“That’s the reason? Okay.” my sis said, unconvinced, while Arangbō boomed a loud laugh. It was then that the last of the guests came to say goodbye to me.

“I will see you on the first full moon of the year ahead of us. Along with your seer.” Lady Nimuë promised. “For now… do not be hasty. For before the full moon rises, there is the darkness.”

“What she be tryin’ tae say is, best be watching out.” The Scotsman slapped my shoulder, and he had quite the firm blow, though it paled before such as Grulgor or even David. “It was good tae get out, the Palace is nae always a happy place.” He frowned, as if he had said too much, scratching his bushy red beard. “It seems that t’world has moved on. Moving paintings, music from strange boxes… looks like the Fae nae have the dominion of magic nae more. Until we meet again, which may be sooner than ye be thinkin’, I ken.” With that they too left, and I pondered the implications of his words.

“All right then. I am eager to get going.” A voice said, and I turned to see the four-tailed fox, her tails wagging.

“What do you mean?” I asked, and she smirked at me, arms under her chest pushing out her assets dangerously.

“What else would I mean? We still have to discuss the details of my own investments, and your rescue of my poor misfortunate grandmother. After all, Urakaze is attending to her own matters, and I have no pressing need to return to the Parade.” She smiled seductively, and for a moment I had a bad feeling, before finding refuge in the happiness I was sharing with the girls back at our new home on the Material. At least that’s not causing me any headaches, although… is that actually true? Things have become rather… heated…