On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Thirty-Four

“Is that…” Sir Arthur asked, awed, and Eleanor nodded.

“Yes, a shard of the sheath that held Excalibur. I thought it lost. No, before recently, I thought it simply a story…” her tone was reverent. My Eye shone as I tried to examine it, but it came up as mostly question marks, perhaps because it was broken. There is one glaring discrepancy though. I’d have expected… I glanced at Shaeula, and then at Eleanor. It needs more research…

“It was, and it is, and yet it must not be.” Lady Nimuë said cryptically. “Such a treasure, even if broken down by age and loss, must not be left to drift through the rivers of time.”

“So, a Quest…” I pronounced the capital letter, as the Lady was saying it in such a manner. “What do we need to do?”

“Hold your peace, ye cannae nae rush these things.” The Scotsman said. “Just as t’moon waxes and wanes, and fruit is nae eaten before it be ripe, the time for valour and hope will come, ye ken.”

The Lady nodded elegantly. “Indeed. The time is not now. The mists have not parted yet…” She looked up at the moonlight shining down from above. “The first full moon of the year. Come, bring this other seer of the moon, and the mists shall part. Three Trials, three Quests, all shall be revealed.”

So, a side quest, huh? I looked at Eleanor, who was biting her lip. “Will there be danger?”

“When be there not, aye?” the Scotsman chuckled darkly. “This realm, it be not what ye ken, dark things dwell under t’surface.”

“Please be silent. You are not being helpful.” lady Nimuë said, before speaking more sympathetically. “As one who cares for what lies beneath the Tower… yes, I know of the Tower.” she said as Eleanor looked surprised. “After all, I see much reflected in my lake.” She turned to the screen which was now displaying footage of a sold-out idol concert. “…it is remarkable how humankind has progressed. Their technology apes mysticism, and oft even exceeds it. No matter…” She shook her head, dismissing such idle thoughts. “…if you know of what lies below, then you know the truth of things. The Quest for the Grail was not as told by later sages and scholars, or embellished by bawdy playwrights or sodden authors seeking to make some coin. Yet there was a Quest. Alas, it was not successful, and many brave Fae, mortals and even those rare spirits who were born of both vanished from these lands.”

“And that is what you want us to take up?” Eleanor looked down at the shard in her hands. She then looked over at me. “I can’t ask him to risk everything for us…”

“Why nooot?” Hyacinth said, coming over, looking at the shard of Avalon with curious eyes. “I dooo not care for you much, woman, but yooou have made an effort, such as it is.”

Eleanor frowned at her backhanded, almost insulting compliment, but let her speak.

“Yooou can ask, it is up to Akio whether he feels it is sooomething he would risk. It can hardly be mooore trouble than you have already caused him with your stubbornness, nooo?” She arched one eyebrow sarcastically. “Besides, Akio sees you as ooone to protect.”

“Is that true?” Eleanor asked, before nodding to herself. “Of course. I am one of these Princesses your Diviner spoke of, and I’m needed to protect Shaeula…” Her words were interrupted by Hyacinth hissing at her angrily.

“Nooo, stupid, idiot, fooooool!” she cursed. “I take it back, you are still annoooying and anger me! Do you honestly think that if Akio had nooo need of you, he would leave you to your fate?”

Eleanor looked at me for a moment, before looking down, ashamed. “No, I suppose not. I have issues with some of your actions, but… I can accept that you act for the good of those around you when you can. But… this seems selfish. After all, it sounds like Avalon would go to me, were we to recover it.”

“So? Isn’t it a weight off my mind if you’re indestructible?” I grinned. “Besides, Quests sound like they come with opportunities, as well as dangers. Besides, I’m hardly so weak as to be afraid of a little danger.” I promised, only for Duke Vulpatrius to snort sarcastically.

“You think you are strong, little… whatever you are.” He mocked me. “If the Lady of the Lake calls it a dangerous Quest, then you would do well to tremble under your bed and stay well clear. Besides…” he narrowed his eyes. “Fae treasures should remain with or return to the Fae. We have lost far too much already. And that was merely loaned to the King of you humans.”

“Oh, are you still here?” I replied coldly. “I don’t recall us discussing this with you. As for my strength, you’d do well to be careful. How strong we are today isn’t us tomorrow. You could ask Grulgor, if he was here.” I turned back to Lady Nimuë. “The first full moon of the new year, huh? I’ll be here, and I expect Tsukiko will agree as well. Though if you could then instruct her in her gifts, I’d appreciate it. So…” I said to Eleanor. “…don’t worry about it. I did say you could rely on us, if you let us take some of what your Tower guarded.”

“Yes, but that was in exchange for your aid in saving my life and that of my brother… now I feel awfully ungrateful.” Eleanor sighed, before she shook her head. “No, I’m not one for making the same mistake over and over again.” Ignoring Hyacinth’s disbelieving snort, she continued. “I’ll accept your aid in the spirit it was offered. Though don’t think I’m as easy to win over as the others, I have no interest in you that way, I’m not prepared to share.”

“Sure, it never crossed my mind.” I promised, while Hyacinth continued to snigger. Turning to Duke Vulpatrius, who was grinding his teeth, openly antagonistic, I shrugged. “As for Fae treasures, I’m no expert on the myths, and I don’t even know if they are accurate anyway, but wasn’t it the Lady here who owned the sheath in the first place?”

“That is hardly the point…” the fox snapped, only to be surprised by the giant form of Duke Formor, who loomed over us.

“Be tranquil, Duke.” The giant rumbled. “This is a day of celebration. Set aside your anger.”

“That comes from you?” Vulpatrius snarled. “Your fury and rage surpasses all others, and you lecture me?”

“I do.” He laughed, like stones grinding together. “For defeating the Unseelie traitors, the Wild Hunt, all our enemies we pour out our blood, our spirits, our lives. We know hatred, rage, a yearning for vengeance. If we must sacrifice to destroy our enemies, Duke, we would give it freely. So sacrificing my fury… that I can do.”

As Duke Vulpatrius looked stunned, Shaeula spoke up. She had been holding her peace at the provocations for a while, but had finally had enough. “Will you be-be silent?” she said to her father’s hated rival, before addressing Duke Formor. “We have had our disagreements, to put it rather-rather mildly.” She sniffed, somewhat amused yet still rather bitter. “But I do not-not wish to bring strife to the Seelie Court, not-not now. And you have done as pledged, and seem eager for battle.”

“Of course.” He chortled loudly. “I await the day the traitorous giants who hold Salamandrastrae pay in blood.” His eye burned red for a moment, before his accompanying giant urged him to calm himself, which he did with great effort, the glow fading. “I hate the weak, for the weak cost us much. But you are hardly weak. You say even Grulgor has grown stronger?”

“I will speak of that shortly. It is nearly-nearly time.” She looked around, seeing everyone broken into small groups, enjoying delicacies, booze or the entertainment. “As for you, fox… I want Risha to face justice. Your lies will not-not serve you. And you will fall into line. If not-not…” she looked at me and I nodded. “Akio will be more than happy to face you. A fox-skin blanket to warm my legs when I sit on my throne would be rather-rather nice.”

“Why, you little…” he snarled, before the presence of Shaetanao, Urakaze and Anna halted him.

“I shall help-aid him skin you myself.” Urakaze pronounced, eyes hard. “Do you not realise you have no friends-allies here?”

Duke Vulpatrius looked around, before slinking back to his seat, shooting us baleful glances. It was then my sis came over, trailed by a pensive Haanōbō. “Hey, what’s up? That fox looks pissed. You hate him right, Shaeula?”

“I do indeed. Yet that matters little-little now.” she turned to Lady Nimuë. “So, this Quest. I shall lend-lend my aid.”

“A quest? What’s going on?” My sis asked. “I’m up for it, now I’m finally here with you all, I won’t be left out anymore!”

The Lady of the Lake shook her head. “Until the moon reveals all, those who are chosen to undertake this ordeal remain obscured by the mist. Until we can see who will, who might, and who must not… patience.”

“Wow, waiting isn’t my strong suit.” My sis complained. No kidding. But… As Shaeula reassured her, we gathered up everyone once more, ready to move onto the next stage of the negotiations…

********

“So, what-what do you think of our Spring?” Shaeula said imperiously when everyone was seated again.

“It’s rather exciting.” Ffionnan declared, coins jingling in her long hair. “But what are you trying to accomplish? Other than currying favour. But there’s naught so expensive as free, so I always say. What’s the catch?”

Moira had joined us, and now she was manipulating the projector to display pictures, charts and graphs. She’s a quick study, she only had like thirty minutes of guidance before we came here… “The Spring holds a precious Spirit Water.” Moira showed an image. “It is feeble compared to the heights before the Myconids came, but it is slowly refilling. It is a place that water Fae find most sacred, as well as…”

“It’s where… I transcended myself. Oh, the world is spinning.” Estalian piped up, looking pale and shaky. I know Fae can get drunk, Shaeula does, but seeing this little one so wasted… it’s kind of amusing. As Primal Forest shifted, she turned green, holding her hands over her mouth for a moment, before she sighed and continued. “The Spring is for all Fae, the waters likewise. Though before you, it has been a long time… ulp..” she made a sickly noise, before cursing at Primal Forest to hold still. “…since any before you succeeded.”

“Yes. It is an acknowledged fact-fact that we Fae can change and grow. You, who managed it twice, are a legend I deeply-deeply respect.” Shaeula flattered her, though I could tell it was genuine too. “And now we have proof it can be done again. Not just me. Selensha, and Grulgor too-too. I intend to allow once-once more the Spring to offer a chance of such feats. Yet…”

“The waters replenish slowly. No, perhaps it is more accurate to say the Spirit Waters. The lake itself is filling nicely, and has nearly reached the levels of before. But within, the moonlight needs more time to fortify it. Yet eventually…” she showed some graphs. “… the water will return to prior levels. Though we do not want to wait the required centuries.”

“Taking water from the Spring will slow-slow the return.” Shaeula said, and more charts displayed the projected effects our Mortal Engineers had calculated. “But we plan to accelerate this, by Mortal Engineering and also by…” she smiled at me. “…a fair-fair exchange.” She smirked at Ffionnan. “Indeed, I do not-not trust free myself. After all, an Oath must have a matching Boon.”

“Even Grulgor of the trolls, known for being rather slow and full of anger, has managed to transcend his base elements. Ixitt, an unaspected ratkin, has become one of flame. I have not had time, however…” Moira looked at me, and I nodded, giving her permission. “To prove our worth, please say now. Which element should I master? I will return within a moon, having become a being of that element.”

“Darkness, surely, you ill-omened, misfortunate child.” Vulpatrius taunted, and while Prince Aethelathrion made to defend her, I stepped up. Moira’s been good to us. Besides… I hate stupidity like that. Just because she’s got black hair… it’s no more true than black cats being witches’ familiars…

“I know you’re only saying that because you think it a challenge, Darkness being rare for Fae. If it was because you were trying to insult Moira, then I’m afraid that would be the sort of thing where I’d have to ask you to step outside.” I growled. “Because I’d have to defend her honour, and I don’t think you’d like it.” He’s like a shittier Shaeraggo, without the redeeming love for family, even if overbearing. No, wait, he wanted to marry his own daughter so… ugh, forget it, he’s creepy. Prince Aethelathrion smiled at me, while Moira looked on, stoic and hiding her thoughts. “Do you mind Darkness, Moira? It’s one we’ve only scratched the surface of so far.”

“No, if it will prove our point.” She pursed her lips, looking more like a prissy secretary than ever. “So be it. By the next moon, I will have mastered Darkness. And why, you ask? Because…”

“The Spring was for all the Fae, and it still is, yet Akio and I, along with staunch help, did-did reclaim it alone. And Asha here, she is the last-last who lived here before. So we shall protect it and allocate the resources. But…” she grinned. “…for proper compensation, we offer more-more than merely wasting such precious waters. We have combined the study of mortal science with Fae knowledge.”

Moira brought up more slides. “Earth, Water, Flame, Wind, Darkness, Light… even Space.” Moira intoned. “Those who wish to learn can, and with revolutionary knowledge and the aid of some special mortals, even Grulgor can grow stronger. Those of you who wish to learn the purer Spirit Water can too, though in exchange…”

I listened to the discussion on prices. Spatial was obviously the most expensive, requiring many Etherites, treasures or other services in exchange, as it likely would require the aid from Arisu-san as well, as we couldn’t rely on just the Klein Bottle. For Spirit Water, the compensation was to spend time generating more water to replace what was taken, and pledge time to help refill the Spring for some years afterwards. We also plan to erect an array of mirrors to further reflect down more moonlight, hopefully increasing the generation and potency of the moonlight Spirit Water. When it returned to its previous volumes, we could then even consider trying to concentrate some, to make it High moonlight Spirit Water once again.

“So there you have it. But I understand proof we can deliver is key.” Moira finished. “So I will be the proof. Of course…” she looked around. “…perhaps we have a volunteer?”

Princess Ffionnan raised her hand. “I understand the principle of payment. After all, we did enjoy fooling mortals with Faerie gold, trash that turned to stones or base metals when the sun came up. Oh… sorry.” She apologised. “I forgot we had some mortal guests.”

“No problem!” my sis laughed. “You said it yourself, nothing in life that matters is free. Unless it’s my bro, of course. No, wait, I pay for that by being the best sister ever!”

As I rolled my eyes at her antics, I took over. “Yes. Now, I know that the Fae aren’t entirely used to paying for things, though there is a barter system for goods or services. No society functions without such. But we don’t intend to bring the worst excesses of the mortal world here either. Only luxuries and things that require maintenance, such as the level of Spirit Water in the Spring, require payment. We’ve trialled it in my Territory, and it seems to work.”

“There will always be those-those of noble status.” Shaeula agreed, nodding to Moira, who changed the display again to a list of prices. “I welcome all to my Spring, and all can-can play freely in the waters, or be served tasty booze. But those who want-want to indulge, to taste expensive, mortal or specially crafted luxuries, to sit-sit in gilded comfort… then a contribution must-must be made.”

“I see.” Ffionnan continued, rubbing at her chin, eyes bright. “So…” she pulled out a glittering Blue Etherite from her pot, looking at it a little regretfully before tossing it to one of the servants. “Can I take home a few barrels?”

“Of course, Princess.” Shaeula gestured, and soon Ffionnan’s own escorts were carrying a number of large wooden casks.

“It pains me, I like shiny things, treasures. Perhaps I am part dragon.” she said with a mirthful smile. “So, I volunteer. It will be free, no? Except for my support and endorsement? I’ve always wished for the element of light. Treasures look so brilliant under the glow of the moon, yet I feel that it doesn’t reach their true potential, the illumination is lacking. Although…” she paused. “…if I keep having to offer tribute, eventually I will run out…”

“You Fae are amusing.” The four-tailed fox chuckled. “None of us of the Hyakki Yagyō would ever care about that. Why, our coffers are running quite bare. I expect Red and Blue are already out rampaging, looking for more treasures to pawn for booze. Pleasure is all.”

“Treasure is my pleasure.” Princess Ffionnan retorted. It was then I spoke up.

“I get that. But nothing is more wasteful than dead money. Not that I ever had much money up until recently, so I feel a bit of a fraud saying it. But using money, or in your case treasures, to make more… There’s such a thing we humans call investing…” I took a deep breath, and accompanied by Moira’s presentation, I delivered my pitch…

********

“I see. That’s crafty. It seems we Fae are not the only ones who pretend things are treasures.” The intrigued Ffionnan said. “Yet you say my wealth will increase if I invest in these shares?”

“Yes. Basically, what matters right now is we have many ideas and plans, but not enough resources. So now is the ideal time to make an investment, you give us support and Etherites and other materials we need, and when our profits start rolling in, you get a share based on your investment, what you’ve contributed. You can also loan us more and we’ll pay interest, so you make a profit.”

“I do so hate parting with wealth, but…” she looked hesitant, yet greedy for more.

“I can hardly believe I’m sitting here watching you give investment advice to spiritual beings.” Yukiko-san said. “But from what I’ve seen, this isn’t the strangest thing even today…” She shook her head, before offering her support. “It’s standard practice for humans to raise money in that way. There’s obviously risk… he left that out…” she smiled at me slyly. “…though in this case, I don’t think that’s a problem. Maybe I should invest myself. I know Ichijou house has. I don’t have much money, but…”

“…what about us, Princess?” Sir Arthur stroked his beard pensively. “Closer ties might be desirable, especially since…” He looked down at the fragment of the Avalon she was still holding tightly.

“Aye, things have changed a great deal, ye ken.” The Scotsman grinned. “Though moneylenders still be around, it seems. They be snakes and nae trustworthy, but…”

“I’m somewhat offended. I’ve actually crushed some illegal loan sharks… sorry, moneylenders before.” I wonder how Ichika-san is doing? No, that’s for another time. Now… what we need is more Etherites to make more devices and scale up production, as well as Rhyming Trees. Now that’s a brutally unfavourable ask, Primal Forest is sitting there in silence ever since we presented that part… but…

“How sad for us. You simply sell, yet to these Fae you offer a partnership?” the four-tailed fox said languidly. “I feel so discriminated against, so unloved.” She turned to Urakaze. “It seems your dear daughter favours her father’s side of the family over us.” She blew smoke from her pipe, chewing the shaft once again.

“Oh, you wish to invest?” Shaeula said, surprised. “I do not-not care where the necessary funds come from, so long as all-all parties abide by the agreements. With the Fae, we can-can trust our Oaths, but Yōkai have no-no such certainties…”

“Yes, such bitter disregard. I feel so heartbroken.” Her four tails were wagging in response. “I hardly think we have done anything to earn your distrust. Oh, well, perhaps there was the issue with the kitsune and the Kijo Matriarch… but then, I think my fellow fox…” she grinned at Duke Vulpatrius. “…would be just as eager to see you dead, and for less reason.”

“Shut your yap, abomination. You are no true fox.” He grated in return, and she merely blew more smoke, pleased her taunting had an effect.

“Am I not? My lineage is purer than yours, I have no doubt.” She turned to us then. “I have spent a little on alcohol, I confess it, but… I am a wise fox, one of the oldest Yōkai in the Parade, below Lord Nurarihyon and his inner circle, perhaps. I have secreted many treasures. The world is changing.” She laughed. “So, how about this?” She looked straight into my eyes. “If I am an investor in your enterprises, I am your ally in truth, no?” She turned to Princess Ffionnan, her expression sly. “That is the true profit to be had here. For they would slay anyone who harms their own. Or to reclaim what they hold dear. After all, where are these Myconids now?” she shrugged, and mine weren’t the only eyes dragged to her overflowing chest. Annae is hauling on Shaetanao’s ear rather painfully, and I think Shaeula’s noticed by her expression.

“Of course, I do believe you will indeed see the promised wealth. And you even gain a new element for free, shrewd woman that you are.” The fox praised her, leaving Ffionnan looking a little perplexed. “But I myself… I am the last of the great kitsune of old. Perhaps some of my sisters and cousins yet lurk in the corners of Japan, but if so, they are well-hidden. Now even a second tail is a rarity. How far we have fallen. But time has not been kind to us, spiritual power wanes. Yet now… it returns. And I know where I would stand. After all… you did indeed make a bargain with Lord Nurarihyon. That shows a certain… character.”

“I do not-not like your flirting, fox.” Shaeula warned, and the foxwoman ignored her, turning to Lady Nimuë this time. “You seek aid to recover this relic, no? Well, I have a relic too.” She grinned, removing an item from the chest of her kimono. Where was she hiding that? “You like quests, and seek power? I quite agree. Now more than ever, power is needed. Prophecy is a strange thing.”

“It is. But you do not seem to possess the gift.” Lady Nimuë said, her eyes narrowed. “Although…” she looked at the lake beneath us, and her eyes shone with reflected moonlight. “I see… not clearly, but there is a fog… no, not a fog, a poisonous, reeking gas…. That blocks my view.”

“You know of Uranai, no?” she asked, and I nodded, remembering the human-faced calf that prophesised for Nurarihyon. “One day, to assuage my curiosity, I asked her about a certain matter. And she gave me three riddles. The first…” She tossed the object at me, and I caught it, my Eye shining. A black stone… no not just a stone…

Bezoar Of A Great Basilisk - Item Class: [Imperious] Item Type: [Rule]

This Bezoar stone was carved out of the stomach of a great serpentine Basilisk, and contains the essence of both poison and petrification. It draws in toxins, especially airborne poisons, and neutralises them, growing stronger and more solid the more that is purified. The stone also strengthens the Earth Element of the bearer in proportion to the poison cleansed.

This is a treasure of immense value… My inner earth element was reacting, my root chakra churning, even as I held it. Surprised, I looked up at the four-tailed fox, who was smiling in satisfaction. “…was that I needed to venture abroad, and find a serpent to kill. It was quite the battle.” She puffed out smoke, lost in fond memories. “My clothing was turned to stone, and my poor fur fell out, my skin turning black. I was so ugly… but in the end I won, and the creature was slain. I dug that from the corpse.” She winked at Shaeula. “Let that be a lesson to you. Win beautifully, or win grotesquely, it’s all the same. You won. The human girl, Eri, she knows. For her body was maimed, yet in the end she stood while her enemy died.”

“But why? What’s this for?” I asked.

“At this moment, an investment. I want a share!” she declared. “But for the future… two more riddles I received. Even with the stone, it would require someone with great strength in both earth and wind, two opposing elements…”

“To do what?” I asked again, though I had a vague idea.

“Why, I would have thought the answer was obvious. Or it would be, were I to tell you what I asked Uranai that day. I asked, how can the decline of the kitsune be halted, and how can I gain my fifth tail after all these years?”

“And this stone was an answer?” I asked.

“An answer. This Bezoar, the one with both great earth and wind attributes, and lastly…” her eyes glittered as she spoke, and it wasn’t just me that cried out in surprise, Urakaze and Yukiko-san did as well. I was right… I should have known. Clenching the Bezoar in my hand, I felt my skin crack, despite its durability. Can I turn this down? But can I afford it either? It’s hard to decide…