On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Fifty-Seven / Side Two Hundred And Three – The Pilgrims

“I’m starting to get a bit nervous.” I observed, as the Pilgrimage began. It wasn’t just the hundreds of people here, of varying degrees of fame and importance, being marshalled into groups by Kana, Tsukiko, Yukiko-san and Shiori-san. No, due to the events of the past days, the area around Shirohebizumi shrine had been cordoned off by the police and the military, yet that hadn’t stopped crowds gathering. Most were curious citizens or even a few gawking tourists, harmlessly kept back by the JSDF, but there was also a small but bitter demonstration going on, with placards being waved and angry shouting. At least the police confiscated their megaphones.

Arisu-san had nearly finished preparing for the broadcast, and I would be joining her shortly, but the look on her face as she beheld the protests was cold indeed. I worried that she’d go down there and crush them all with her Room. No, she wouldn’t do that… not… in public anyway. She’s very precious of our reputations. They should think themselves fortunate we have different plans for them…

“You? You are nervousss? How… almossst mocking!” Shirohebi, whose ceremonial vestments and hat were richly appointed, and custom made for this event, hissed at me. Even in their androgynous human form, there was certainly a little bit of a pale snake about them, with their slightly slitted yellow eyes and translucent, pale skin. “I… am mossst sssatisssfied that you kept your promissse to me, that my ssshrine would prosssper… but… I fear I am not ssstrong enough for thisss.”

“It’ll be fine.” I insisted, as we watched the groups begin. There were two sites of note here, the first being Shirohebi’s shrine, of course, and offerings were being made, both generic such as sake, rice balls and heaps of coins, but also specialised for the shrine.

Being a fertility and snake-related shrine, items such as fertility charms, baby clothes and even models of snakes were offered. This is why it’s such an expensive undertaking. Organising different gifts specifically for each shrine and temple… it wasn’t the sort of work we could have done alone. Luckily Karen-chan had support from Hayato-kun and the gang, as well as some Ministry staffers…

In addition to the offerings, everyone was attaching ema, the traditional wooden prayer tags, to the shimenawa ropes around the shrine that had grown in number just for this event. In the Boundary, the same thing was happening, on an even grander scale. As each one was placed, Shirohebi seemed to shudder a little, his tongue flicking out restlessly, which looked rather odd in their human form.

“Fine? I admire your optimisssm. I am merely a Kami, you sssurely know that. I am not a God. I am clossser to thossse you call the Fae, or a Yōkai. Thossse who are truly Godsss, such asss Tsssukiko-sssama worssshipsss… they are no longer here.”

I nodded at that. “It makes sense. Tsukuyomi, Amaterasu… they’re surely part of the Pantheons. But you, the Jade Beetle, Prince Shōtoku, Kofuku Jizo… you’re here. I’d imagine if the Japanese Pantheon won this battle for Earth, you’d be welcomed in easily enough though.”

“Mossst assssssuredly.” Shirohebi agreed, starting to sweat. “I praissse the great Godsss and wissshed one day to join their number, to regain passst gloriesss, no, to exceed them. However… we ssshould be careful what we wisssh for. I am ssstrained.” They mopped at their forehead with one weary hand. “To give my blessing to ssso many at once… isss trying indeed,”

“But you’ll manage it.” I grinned. “Adherence comes in, and you return it. A cycle of virtue. And since this shrine is the site of the start of the Pilgrimage, you’ll get a huge boost in belief after the coverage we have planned. After all, this is where it all began for us. Besides, it’s the Jade Beetle you should feel sorry for. They’re next. Just… do your best.”

“How… comforting that isss.” Shirohebi rolled their eyes, before steeling themselves. “Ssstill, you have done well for my ssshrine. The bloodline of my attendantsss ssshall be combined with yoursss through Kana, and you ssshall have many children. All who pray to me ssshall be blessed by the earth and be fecund and fertile.” His yellow gaze was slightly warm as he watched the worshippers tie their ema to the ropes.

“That’s a bit dangerous. There’s a lot of women here.” I chuckled. “And most of them are not allowed to get pregnant.”

“You ssshall have your work cut out for you.” Shirohebi taunted me, and I blinked in surprise, as their expression was sly. “Not merely with Kana, but… your children ssshall cover the land.”

“I think you are misunderstanding something very badly here.” I shook my head, and the snake merely laughed, their good humour restored.

“You think ssso? Then why?” They pointed at the second object of pilgrimage here. Asha’s Tree, far smaller here of course, was also surrounded by shimenawa ropes, and it was already heavy with ema, the wooden tags pulling down at the thick ropes. “I do not hate it, dessspite the Tree being foreign to usss. The rich earth, the promissse of fertility. The children it bears inssside… I desssire the continuation of life, as a sssnake eating itsss own tail, life comes, and life returns to the earth, begetting life once more. Yet perhapsss not entirely…”

“Yeah. The sort of life Asha carries… I don’t think it’ll be mortal. Though everything dies in the end. Even the sun will burn out one day, and even Gods can perish.” I shrugged. “But over any sort of term the mind can comprehend, yes…”

“A Tree that ssshall be the anchor of everything.” Shirohebi nodded. “I approve. And my ssshrine isss where it dwellsss now. Perhapsss… I can do thisss after all.”

“I know you can.” I agreed, watching as the offerings to Asha’s Tree were made. Seeds of rare plants, spring waters sourced from Japan and indeed all over the world, charms to nature and more. “I’m not trying to make Asha and her Tree a Kami, though… the principle is a bit similar. If the Tree is going to be our World Tree, it’s going to need a head start in adherence, I reckon.” Especially if it’s going to be a Tree of Connections and Bonds. After all, that’s a bond too…

Money was also being donated, and building supplies, as the training school would be repaired, and the grounds damaged in the battle replanted, made better than ever. And this is only the first stop on Pilgrimage. This really is a money-pit…

I was about to speak when one of the staffers Arisu-san brought in rushed up to me, out of breath. “Oshiro-sama, it’s time. Arisugawa-sama is about to broadcast. Your attendance is required.”

“All right.” I nodded. Turning back to Shirohebi I grinned. ”At least being first, you get to relax after this, for the rest of us our troubles are only just beginning.” With those parting words I followed the staffer to where Arisu-san was set up. On seeing me she nodded cooly, and I couldn’t help but admire her poise. Yeah, no wonder Shiro’s so fond of her… Shiro…

I hadn’t seen much of Shiro for the last few hours, but I suspected that was more down to Tan avoiding me out of embarrassment. And also… the Eye… I had to deal with the Favours first, but the Eye was coming, and soon, and after that… I know she conceded the victory in our wager to me after hearing about what Rose did, but… she knows I wouldn’t be crass enough to take her up on that without paying what I owe. Besides… it works both ways. I’m confident that with Tan linked into my Eye, both Rose and I will benefit too…

As I approached, Arisu-san strode over. “Akio-san, you are cutting it fine. Hmm… I suppose at least you do not need makeup for the cameras. One advantage of your… presence… I suppose.” She scrutinised me with her cold obsidian eyes. “Now, we shall be succinct here. You are aware of what you have to say? Do not worry, I shall brief you before our next broadcast.” She let out a long-suffering sigh. “I am assuredly far too busy, but have no fear, I have paid my respects to Shirohebizumi shrine and also the Tree.”

“Great.” I didn’t want Arisu-san to miss out, especially with how hard she was working for us. I took my seat, and a few moments later the producer was signalling that we were going live in ten seconds.

Not the first time I’ve been on TV. All right then, here we go… As I took a deep breath, my mind calming down, Arisu-san was the first to speak. Her long hair was bound elegantly into a series of braids, and she wore a white gown with crimson piping and layers in the skirt, in homage to the Pilgrimage, and she looked magnificent, like a black rose amidst white and red petals. I could see she had applied delicate makeup, her lips slightly tinged with crimson, and her cheeks lightly blushed, perhaps to amplify her appearance for the cameras.

“Good morning. I am Arisugawa Arisu, and I am your host for the first programme on our newly rebranded television station, WTV. Here is our new logo.” She gestured to the crew, and the viewers would be seeing our logo on screen. It was of Asha’s Tree, as well as the moon, representing Japan and Tsukuyomi, and a string of silver around the trunk, glittering with the Seeds. It was a strange logo for a TV station, but as our station was World Television, or World Tree Vision, depending on who you asked, it was apt.

Moments later Arisu-san addressed the audience again. “You must excuse our patchy schedule. As you are no doubt aware, FujiTV conspired to spread unrest and work against the national interest, disseminating harmful lies and supporting terrorists. It is very much a shame. But actions have consequences, and we of course will be reporting on the trial of our former executives and those that aided and abetted them.” Her gaze was piercing, and I imagined the viewers would be shivering.

“Of course, as viewers, you are looking for… entertainment. To that end, we have reruns of the charity concert, footage from events in Britain, including some behind-the-scenes press coverage of the London incident and aftermath never before seen in Japan, and we have permission to show a number of idol concerts and other performances. Our station is… specialised.”

As she talked, I watched in admiration. Her cadence and pitch were perfect, able to capture the imaginations of the audience with ease. It was an effect that entirely relied on her own charisma, not Charm like I did, and I realised I needed to learn how to speak in public better if I was to be Astral Emperor. As Arisu-san explained that our TV station was going to be a twenty-four-hour station dedicated entirely to world and domestic affairs dealing with Chosen matters and the new world order, at least when we had the staff and programming in place, I couldn’t help but practice in my own head.

“We will deliver unbiased, thorough coverage, of both the political and social aspects. Hence why idols.” Arisu-san smiled cooly. “It so happens that we are blessed to have Suzumebachi, AKB0048 and Red and White with us today. Since Red and White are affiliated with Kanda-myōjin shrine, we will be holding a question-and-answer session with some popular idols, and I daresay there might be some spontaneous performances, though do not expect such polish as the concert.” She paused. “But all this begs the question, just what is happening here? To answer that, I shall go to my co-host, who I trust needs no introduction, but out of professionalism…” The crew smirked at her cold joke. “…I shall do so anyway, Oshiro Moonstone Akio, Hero of Britain.”

“Thank you, Arisugawa Arisu. It’s always a great pleasure for me to appear alongside you, I’m just sorry I couldn’t make the concert. Sadly I had business overseas. I’ll be brief, as I don’t want to overrun our timeslot. Arisu-san is trying extremely hard to manage our schedules. She is not only a talented actor, but also skilled at management and organising. She’s a woman of many skills.” I lowered my voice conspiratorially. “And I rely on her greatly. You know what, I bet she wouldn’t lose in singing and dancing to any idol either. Now, before she’s embarrassed…” I varied my own tone, keeping the words clipped and sharp, and I saw a hint of approval in her eyes, even if she was uncomfortable at the praise. I don’t know why. This is only the truth. She’s genuinely a prodigy.

“…let me be frank.” My tone suddenly dropped, and my air became intimidating. We had worked out that we were going to address the slanders initially in this manner and give full rebuttals during the course of the Pilgrimage. We have several guests scheduled for our later stops today which should counter a number of talking points.

In fact, not only was Pilgrimage hopefully going to secure everyone a lot of power, it would also serve to bolster our reputation, gain national support, and draw out a great deal of adherence. “…I don’t know if you can hear it, but… there are protesters outside, chanting some awful things. Honestly, it’s rather hard for me to stay calm. Take a look around.”

“We set up the cameras in this specific spot for a reason. We will also show windowed footage of the actions of the terrorist group, the Church of True Revelation, while we talk…” At Arisu-san’s words, one of the technical staff ran some footage, and on checking the monitors set into our desk, we could see the overlay was working perfectly, showing the chaos at Shirohebizumi shrine. “…behind us, the damage to the building is severe. This was a school. And not the only school that was attacked. Teachers and students alike perished in one rather famous Academy. Now, the callous amongst you…” Her eyes were like black holes, drawing in everyone’s sight, and it would take a brave person to meet that gaze and not be moved by her words. “…might feel they deserved it, or that they have a point, that we Chosen are dangerous, to be feared. Yes, we are dangerous.”

“But we need to be.” I took over for her. “There were good reasons for secrecy, but that time is over. So here at WTV, we will allay your fears, answer your genuine concerns. But we will also not go easy on our condemnation of those who would suggest innocent lives, be they men, women or children, should be sacrificed, simply for being different.”

“Yes. I am no theologian, but I believe it is said ‘let he without sin cast the first stone’.” Arisu-san coldly pronounced. “Sadly, I cannot attend to the matter myself, but a film crew is preparing to go and interview these protestors, and we will be airing that while we set up for our next slot. We are fair. I myself hate lies and deception. I was accused of many crimes I was innocent of, and so… be very… cautious when choosing your words. If you have genuine grievances, we shall listen. But the unrest must stop. We are Japan!”

“Yes, we are.” I agreed. “We are orderly, civilised and patriotic. Being stirred up by outside powers is a great shame to us. But I do concede the unknown is frightening, and we Japanese prefer the traditional, the familiar, the comforting… so now, more than ever, what we are doing here is important…”

The cameras that had been set up around Shirohebizumi shrine and Asha’s Tree switched on, showing the Pilgrims offering prayer ema and other religious trappings. “…faith. Have faith in us. It is not simply a matter of religion. Be you Shinto, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or any number of other faiths, we do not disavow you. But… we are tracing a Pilgrimage. From shrine to temple, sacred site to hallowed ground, we shall offer our own prayers that Japan, and all within it, and nay, the wider world, shall weather the storm. And a storm is coming…” As Arisu-san continued, me interjecting at various points, I marvelled at her intensity, the way her pleas for support were so heartfelt and enticing, and I suspected that the shrines and temples would be seeing an influx of visitors when we passed by.

My gaze then went to Asha’s Tree. Leaving Shirohebizumi shrine unguarded was folly, but we also wanted to allow visitors. A number of the Black Wolf, or rather Fenrir, who weren’t involved in the construction of our underground facilities, would be remaining to safeguard the site, along with a strong military presence. The Seeds burned hot within my wrist, as I considered our next steps. The more adherence the Tree gathers, the better. Our own World Tree, of the Material and of the Astral, nourished by adherence, and spreading branches of Bonds and Connections across the skies…

***

Bellaera

Prince Aethelathrion, her noble grandfather… When it comes to us Elves, it hardly matters whether one is a granddaughter, a great-granddaughter, or even beyond. We live a very long time, and while our offspring are sparse, many generations have been born from the eldest of us… was looking around the shrine with a great deal of interest, though there was some disquiet and disappointment on his handsome face. He swept his moss-green hair back as his nose wrinkled. “It is… not as pleasant as I suspected. The air… it is rather dirty, and the noise…”

It wasn’t the bustle of the hundreds of pilgrims that bothered him, but the endless buzz of city noise that was a constant background hum, even out here in the suburbs. As Bellaera exchanged a glance with her friend and companion Soliteare, who merely shrugged, a slight smile on her beautiful face, it was Princess Ffionnan who answered, her coin-filled hair jingling softly as she shook her head, a knowing smile on her elegant yet somehow cheeky face.

“Oh yes, I understand you well.” she agreed. “I was a little disappointed at first too. It is like the great bonfire festivals held to celebrate great victories, the air thick with smoke and dust, yet… all the time. But…” Her smile turned into a sly, avaricious grin. “…that is most excellent for my investments.” She rubbed her hands together. “I have visited several times now, Aethelathrion, my old friend. And while there are disappointments, there are wonders in equal, nay, far exceeding measure.”

Her chuckle was bright, and Bell felt a pang of envy, and from the look on Teare’s face, she knew she was feeling the same way. It wasn’t often they had the liberty to walk the mortal world. Though their other companion, with her pale skin and raven-black hair, coupled with her fussy, skin-covering clothing, didn’t seem to share that jealousy, she was merely observing, lips pursed prissily, and rather unattractively. Her refined features are going to waste, as always. That’s Moira, the bane Elf, the unlucky one, the crow, for you…

“Yes, buildings that tower as high as the great Rhyming Trees of the Court, great metal birds that can fly through the skies, snake-like carriages that move like lightning, carrying hundreds of thousands across the lands… and the delicacies. What we have sampled is but a mere portion of all that is to offer. And yes… mortal science… it is crude, and dirty, and rapacious. Primal Forest especially abhors the way that humans mistreat the lands. Though I have different concerns…”

“True.” Grandfather agreed with her, peering at the great heaps of golden jewellery that Princess Ffionnan, preeminent of the feykin, wore, torcs, bracelets, rings, necklaces. It was a little comical, but all the Fae knew how attached Princess Ffionnan was to wealth. “Gold is wrung from the earth, so you and the Treekin sometimes are at odds.”

“…that old tree is always so preachy.” The Princess giggled. “…but even he is being won over.” She took a deep breath. “Unpleasant, but… it all tastes and smells of profit.” Her laugh was wicked, and she was drawing attention from a large group of young, beautiful humans, all dressed in near-identical fashion, though Bell was pleased to note none exceeded her charms. I am a little jealous of these mortal women. They understand and know how to win mortals best. One mortal, anyway…

As Daiyu forced them all to pay attention to their tasks, offering treasures to Asha’s Tree, which was an interesting and unique idea, one that ironically the Fae Prince they were discussing, Primal Forest, would have found both perplexing and also somehow fitting, the Princess explained. “Mortal technology is inherently unclean. Why, even long ago, before the Boundary, those humans cut down the forests and burned the trees, to cook food, to forge… iron…” She shivered a little at that. Bell was an Elf, so her tolerance to iron was far greater than most Fae, but she still found it unpleasant, her skin and spirit itching if in close contact to it.

“…and more…” the Princess exposited. “…and times have changed. These black rocks, coal, the liquid remains of endless eons of life, oil… even strange rocks that they call nuclear, all in service of their need to create the true power that humanity enjoys, electricity. With it all these wonders are made, and their civilization thrives. And yes, the cost is the unclean air, polluted rivers, and denuded forests.” She shook her head, coins jingling.

“Which is why…” Princess Ffionnan exclaimed, hands on hips, chest puffed our proudly. “…we shall reverse this and take all the wealth the mortal world has to offer.”

“Don’t you mean Akio and princess Shaeula will?” Bell couldn’t resist interjecting cheekily.

“I am an investor. I have shares.” She insisted proudly. “Perhaps I shall not be the richest, which pains me, but my wealth will soar unto heights unknown. For… replace the coal, the oil, the wood, the nuclear… with ingenious, clean, bountiful energy. Who controls this controls mortal civilisation itself. And the air shall become pure, the waters run clean, and the land can be restored. Honestly, old friend…”

Her expression was calm yet intense now, and Bell was reminded that she was one of the Princesses of the Seelie, and despite her avaricious and playful personality, she was a being of great power, her League intense. “…I know you worry. After all, while I am… not old, but… I have lived long enough to see many things…” Her gaze strayed over to where Shaeula was, alongside her fey, dangerous maid Hyacinth. “…you are amongst the oldest of the surviving Fae. You know the reasons we broke with the mortals, the wars, the suffering, better than most.”

“I fear our world is changing too fast…” he shook his head. “…not all is bad, certainly. I welcome the reclamation of the Spring, certainly, but…”

“Grandfather…” Bell couldn’t help but speak up. “…I think you are missing the point here.” Beside her, Teare was nodding her agreement, while of course Moira was paying them no mind, merely observing the surroundings carefully, muttering darkly to herself.

“Oh? Do enlighten me. I have placed a burden upon your shoulders, Bellaera. Yours as well, Soliteare, Moira.” Moira merely rolled her dark eyes at that, and Teare looked down, ears slightly pink.

“It is hardly a burden…” She glanced over to the backdrop that had been set up, Akio going in front of what was apparently the mortal world. She still didn’t fully understand all the methods mortals used, and asking Ixitt or any of the other Mortal Engineers usually only left her with a headache, their explanations far too opaque. “Can’t you feel it? His spirit has grown again. It burns as fiercely as any, as yours. It calls to us.” Teare nodded her agreement again. “Before, it was your will, and he was handsome enough. Not like an Elf, but enough. Now… now I am serious, for my own desires. I know Teare feels the same.”

Her head turning to gaze at Akio as well, green hair blowing in the gentle breeze that carried the first hints of winter chill, Teare agreed. “Bell’s right. At first, well, it is all just politics, isn’t it grandfather?” At his gesture of agreement, she continued. “But now… I find myself wanting to win him honestly. How… meteoric… his rise has been. Even when we first met, he was half the man he is now. And… the prospect of a handsome, brave, and spiritually powerful husband… it appeals. Besides, while I have not spent as much time with him as Bell…”

Bell smiled triumphantly at the envy of her longtime friend and fellow Way-Warden, but let her continue, as she was speaking many of her own thoughts as well.

“…which is a cause of great envy for me, though… my time will surely come.” Teare threw her challenge down, much to the surprise and wry amusement of their grandfather. “Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. He… he is like the tales you tell of the King and Queen, grandfather. I fear if we don’t win his affection soon, he will be too distant from us. Already we feel overawed…”

Bell nodded. “I… am not as pressured as Teare. After all… we’ve shared more together!” She winked in a way she knew would tease and irritate her friend. “…life or death struggles and many trials on Mount Atago. And that isn’t the end of our story. I won’t have it. Only Moira here seems unmoved.”

“Of course I am. I am here for the furtherance of our alliance, and to strategise and plan.” The raven-haired Elf scowled without any humour. Grandfather did think that Moira would be Akio’s type, based on information received, and… perhaps she is. But Moira herself is an iron wall. What would Ixitt call her… oh yes, a robot. And I’m grateful. It gives me more of a chance!

“I know what you all say of me. Nonsense superstition. I am not a child of misfortune, a black crow. In fact, I have empirically tested my Fortune, and it is no lower than anyone else’s.” She frowned. “That aside, I believe I grasp what Bellaera and Soliteare wish to impart to you, Prince Aethelathrion.”

You can call him grandfather, you know. Always so distant. Even Akio won’t approach if you are so thorny, dear cousin.

“Do explain.” their grandfather asked, and Moira nodded slowly.

“You fear that mortal ways will contaminate the purity of the Fae. Unfortunately, some melding of ideas is inevitable, but… what you fear shall never come to pass. Because Akio respects Fae ways and culture, because he desires to see princess Shaeula fulfilled. Yet… he is also a mortal. So of course he seeks the familiar. But knowing which to adopt and which to reject… it goes both ways. He will change the mortal world as well, to be rather more like the lands of the Fae. And yes, I have seen the reports. It is not hard to grasp the way the mortal economy works. It is on a grand scale, and requires a broad mind to understand, one not fixated on mere trivialities like romance…” Her expression was cold.

I feel personally attacked here! I see Teare feels the same. Maybe we should tell Shaeula that!

“…essentially, humans do desire nature, but they also desire progress. And the two have been at odds. But now…”

“Progress can be made by restoring nature.” Princess Ffionnan finished for her. “And in human terms…” She rubbed some of the coins in her hair between her fingers. “…that just makes it more expensive.”

“Quite.” Moira agreed. “So to allay your concerns, the war between the Fae and mortals should not happen again. If it does… well, we would simply be annihilated anyway. Yes, there are those such as you, my Prince, who is equal to a mortal host, but… we are so few, and the humans so great in both number and strength. It is simply inconceivable we would survive. Fortunately…”

“We don’t have to.” Bell agreed cheerfully. “Akio dearly loves his Fae brides, and he has a sense of wonder and joy at what he has seen of the lands of the Fae. And we are here to ensure that he doesn’t falter or go astray, like the humans, or… her.”

Don’t think I didn’t see you glancing over there. It makes us curious. But I know you won’t tell us.

“Yes, Bell and I will throw away our chastity and become his brides, further strengthening our ties.” Teare giggled.

“Your ulterior motives are blatant and transparent.” Moira sniffed. “But I do accept it is a time-honoured practice amongst both the mortals and we Fae. I have more important matters than such pointless endeavours though. Look around us. This simply will not do!”

“What will not?” grandfather asked, and Moira gestured around them.

“This place is too unguarded. It is no wonder there was trouble here. Worse, Asha’s Tree now has a presence here as well, and to lose it would be unthinkable, potentially killing Asha and her unborn children. That would be deleterious to the mental state of Akio and those around him. Why, it could lead to him following the path of the Unseelie…”

Again, grandfather is glancing over towards Shaeula. No, not the princess. Hyacinth. I know she was Unseelie before, but she has reformed…

“Worse… this is a point of ingress for the heart of the Territory. I know that the shrine must accept visitors, especially now, but… plans must be made to protect this place thoroughly. This is far, far too lax and worse than I had imagined. I should have petitioned the woman Nie Ling to send me here sooner…”

 As their unlucky cousin began to mutter to herself about her plans for overhauling the area’s defences and policies, Bell and Teare exchanged wry glances. Yeah, she’s always such a pain, but… she’s an earnest one, I suppose. Maybe we’ve been too cold to her. But she’s just so hard to like…

“We strayed from the topic of my wealth a little…” Princess Ffionnan giggled. “…but it is as Moira says. Look at the Spring of Clear Reflections. It has been reclaimed and made beautiful again, but it is also… strange to us. Now I have visited the mortal world several times I understand it, and the intent behind it, and I no longer feel discomfort with it. The cafés, bars, shops and more, it mimics mortal ways, yet in a way that harmonises with the Spring. I know that little scamp Estalian highly enjoys a soak in the Spring, drawing on the rich water element within, and then drinks herself to sleep with delicious alcohol both mortal and Fae, and buys… souvenirs, as well. The mortal-style clothing they sell is rather endearing… no, we have stagnated, without the King, and with the Queen in seclusion. A reckoning is coming…”

That’s right. Bell and Teare exchanged glances again. “Things have been too quiet. The Wild Hunt raids have diminished to a mere trickle.” Bell observed. “As for the Unseelie, there has been no stirrings from their strongholds. It is… a calm before the storm, I fear.”

“I agree.” Teare supported her. “The Moon is shifting, and times change. I for one am more than happy with the changes, and we have the opportunity to shape them ourselves, be it through investment, or through our relationships with those that have the strength and the will to direct these shifting tides. Whether that is Akio, princess Shaeula or anyone else.”

“So yes.” Bell agreed. “We will press on, but not without caution. Just because humanity and the Fae became estranged, warred in the past… this time it can be different. Will be different. Besides…” Her smile was now wicked. “…just what can you do about it, grandfather? Will you fight Akio? Right now, I’m not even sure you could win!”

Prince Aethelathrion’s smile was rueful now. “How cold, my dear Bellaera. Do you think I have grown old and senile? There is more to one’s prowess than the force of their existence, their League, though I do admit it is the foundation of all great strengths. But I have lived long and have picked up a trick or two. I am not so easily beaten.”

Maybe not. But considering that Akio was an ordinary mortal who had never held a true weapon before only mere moons ago, and now he can contend with Barghests and other dreadful foes with ease, I would hardly say he is without tricks of his own. But… as a dutiful granddaughter, I shall let your presumption pass.

As conversation turned to the Pilgrimage itself Bell found her eyes drawn to Akio again. As she looked away, her ears flushed, she met the gaze of Teare, who was also suddenly shy. Breaking out into giggles, they ignored the cold gaze of Moira, and the rather bemused one of their noble grandfather, while Princess Ffionnan looked on with a knowing, cheeky smile…

***

Zachary Wright

This is kind of cool. I know we had it explained on the flight, but it’s still hard to wrap my head around. And that’s… not the only thing I can’t quite understand.

“So, I attach the wooden plaque to the rope, and it carries all my prayers, hopes and dreams. I see, I see. How… shockingly unscientific. No, that’s merely the surface level, I can’t be fooled, I’m better than that now…”

Zachary glanced at his sister Beth, who was looking on with equal bemusement. This… this is Christina Bakker. The demon scientist who would simply dissect a person as soon as look at them and wouldn’t bat an eye at acts everyone else considered abominable, with no time for human emotions, seeing them as irregular and useless. And she’s now…

“…so, obviously, I want to know and understand everything…” She scrawled on the wooden tablet rapidly, the ema, as they had heard them called, with a special pen and ink. “…but… hmm, do you think two prayers is a bit greedy, Scryer?”

“Leave me out of it.” The woman, who was codenamed Scryer, shrugged, rolling her big brown eyes. “I have no wish to take part in your madness. Mr Oshiro is crazy indeed to take in a viper such as you. Or his taste is terrible. I never thought the Director would let you return here. He must have bargained hard for you, more fool him.”

“That’s so mean, Scryer!” Christina giggled, and her chest heaved, which was a sight as she was wearing the odd red and white garments that many of the women were wearing today, some sort of priestess vestments, though her shirt was red as well, since she had paired it with her usual lab coat, though this one was clean and rather elegant, nothing like her threadbare and stained ones. Zachary then held in a groan as he felt a sharp pain in his ankle, turning to see his sister glaring at him, having booted him in the shin.

“Don’t stare at her! She might notice you!” Beth mouthed silently at him, and he held in a chuckle, even as his ankle hurt. Come on Beth, she doesn’t care. She’s only interested in one guy. If he can even bring low the famed Christina Bakker, he really is a hero, and my role model. I mean, this place is crawling with women. The gender ratio here is like nine to one! I know if I was a superhero, saving the world, I’d do the same. He’s a real man! Oh, well… I guess I could be a hero. But then, there’s a big difference between Superman and Timber Wolf. Both are superheroes with enhanced strength and speed, but… one’s the strongest superhero of all, who makes the other look ordinary in comparison.

“After all, Akio made sure you were fully healed. Got all your fingers back, yes? You could have done it yourself with your gifts, but for some reason, you can’t quite get it to work on yourself as well as you can on others. Is it because you use your special eyes to see? An area for study…” Christina rambled on, Scryer, no, Miss Samuelian, with a scowl as though she was sucking on something sour.

“…don’t be so cold. I won’t be testing on you!” Christina smirked. “I’m quite excited. But first… prayers, wishes… dreams. Oh, I’m a greedy woman, so I’ll go for two. Akio will fall hopelessly in love with me, he’ll finally push me down and we’ll experience all the delights of biology together. At great length and repeatedly. Childbirth… it makes me wonder… my child shall surely be a genius like his mother, and strong like his father.” Her giggle was incredibly dirty, and Zachary found himself reddening. No, I can’t let my guard down and start thinking of her as a woman! She’s like a sea anemone, she may be pretty but she’s lethally poisonous. Only Akio will have the strength to rein her in without getting stung.

As she attached her prayer tag to the ropes, he asked Beth what she had prayed for. “That’s a bit personal.” his sister huffed. Honestly, my sister’s wasting her beauty. She’s really bad tempered, but I can’t deny she’s pretty. Even now she’d made far more of an effort to dress up compared to him. Zachary was wearing casual jeans and a shirt, while Beth was in her knee boots, white and red velvet and lamé skirt, and white silk shirt. 

“Maybe I should have wished for you to not embarrass me, Zack.” She let out a sigh. “Don’t be perving on all the women and girls here, okay? If you do, I’m not going to step in. Honestly, he’s a bad man…” Beth had been shocked when the entirety of an idol group, rather famous even outside Japan, had trooped in en-masse. I can’t say I wasn’t shocked either. But Akio’s a real man among men! And…

Being American, Zachary had a soft spot for royalty. Politicians and important people didn’t seem so special, after all, his father was the head of the FBI. But Princesses… Princess Mikasa of Japan was right here, and he had even exchanged a few brief words with her, feeling rather tongue-tied. Supposedly, we’ll be going inside the Imperial Palace as well, where no ordinary tourist ever gets to see. Awesome!

“You do him wrong, Bethany.” Christina shook her head solemnly. “If he really was as you think, why would he hesitate to have his way with me?” She pushed together her chest with her arms, and Zachary felt another surge of pain, this time in his other shin.

“It was hardly as if little Miss Christina here was playing hard to get. And I am objectively a fine woman. You’re certainly staring enough Zachary. I don’t mind, you can look, but… I’m only for Akio, so don’t get any funny ideas!”

“I think perhaps you have an overinflated sense of ego. Barab glir, you truly are an empty-headed woman. Have you not considered he simply doesn’t like you, and that a relationship with you would be like sleeping with a scorpion? You sting because it is your nature. I accept… you intend no malice, but… that doesn’t excuse the poison now, does it? You are portabujts, a problematic leech. If I was Mr Oshiro, I would have left you in America. You think he lacks for a fine bosom or shapely features?” Miss Samuelian gestured to the crowd of attractive women, and Zachary found himself nodding.

“Oh, yes, I do think my chest is rather magnificent.” Christina took the wrong message from the criticism as usual. “And I’m pleased you think I have beautiful features, Scryer. You’re quite decent yourself.”

“That is not what I am saying…” she began, but Christina shrugged.

“Isn’t portabujts rather… unpleasant an insult? I don’t speak Armenian, but I’ve picked up a few words from our time together, Scryer. I’m no parasite! Why, I intend to pay with my very body and soul…” Her face was red now, and Beth was backing away quietly, gesturing for Zachary to follow her, but honestly, his fear of Christina, while still lingering, was fading more and more the longer they spent together. It’s nearly impossible to stay scared of her right now. She’s… kind of a hot mess, isn’t she?

“…tonight, he says he needs my aid. We’ll experiment together, yes, there’ll be pain, but… I hear it hurts a little, the first time…”

Beth gagged. “Shut up, you pervert! I’m almost ashamed to be a woman if you’re one too!”

“I get just how you feel! Truly I do.” Miss Samuelian agreed. She wasn’t partaking in the Pilgrimage but was watching the start with some curiosity. “Christina, I understand you have… peculiar… tastes… but are you really eager for… whatever it is you are going to do?”

“Honestly?” Her face was still flushed, but her sloppy grin vanished, and now she was looking more like the frightening scientist the rumours made her out to be, and Zachary swallowed, taking a step back. “I find I get a thrill deep inside, a tingling, my chest feels tight and I burn down below, when he is cold to me. But… that’s because I’m confident he’s just a tsundere. He doesn’t mean it!” She winked. “But as for the pain… yes, of course I fear it. But… look, Scryer, be honest. Do you think Akio dislikes me?”

“Yes. It is quite clear he does.” She nodded quickly. “Although…” she didn’t elaborate, and Zachary glanced at his sister, who shrugged, though her expression was rueful. Yeah, I know, sis. He’s still a bit soft on her. I don’t exactly get it, but… I think if he truly hated her…

“Much as it pains me to admit it, my past actions, no matter how I justify them… they are at odds with his morality and philosophy. But… nobody can turn back time.” She shrugged. “Anyway…”

They moved aside, allowing others past to hang up their own wooden prayer tags and offer tribute, and started heading towards the parked buses, as it was nearly time to head to the next destination.

“…I am a cold, logical woman. But not a parasite!” She glowered at Miss Samuelian, surprising Zachary again. I didn’t think she cared about what others thought of her.

“No…” she continued. “I believed that the ends justified the means, and to save ten, you can sacrifice nine, and the mathematics are in balance. Naïve. I disappoint myself, you know. Life isn’t just numbers. I mean, it’s like this!” She gestured around her. “It seems unscientific, irregular, inconsistent…” Her tone showed what she thought of such unreliable concepts. “…yet deeper order underlies it. And order is shaped by us. I never believed in the quantum theories which said that observation shapes reality, at least not in the new-age sorts of ways the gullible do. Of course it does. Making a measurement is itself interfering with what is being measured. There’s no wish fulfilment involved. Simply science. But… that’s not necessarily the case. Here, if the world bends, we can shape it. That’s partially what this is all for. Imagine it. The weight of belief of more than seven billion people, and what it can achieve.”

Zachary was caught up in her impassioned explanation, and so was his sister, who was listening despite her clear distaste.

“Akio has decided that to save ten, you can’t give up the nine, no, you save nineteen. Though he is not a fool. He’s had too many failures to believe it’s always possible for a perfect outcome. But that doesn’t mean that trying is futile. It’s idealistic, and before I would have called it hopelessly foolish. But now… I embrace it. I know the one thing Akio does love in a woman.” She winked then. “And sadly, it’s not phenomenal breasts or brains.” Her laugh was self-deprecating. “No, it’s bettering oneself, and in the case of those of us who have done wrong… redemption. At first, I thought if I acted as if I was sorry, made amends, well, a perfect replica of the thing is the thing itself. But that’s not enough. I don’t want to be a fake, even it it’s indistinguishable from the original. I’m Christina Bakker, and I have more pride than that!”

“I don’t think so.” Beth disagreed. “The way you throw yourself at him so shamelessly…”

“What’s shameless about it? I’m in love, you know.” Christina giggled. “I don’t flirt with other men. Maybe you’ll find someone soon, Bethany, then you’ll understand. You’re rather attractive yourself, it shouldn’t be hard. Anyway, where was I… oh yes. I am going to make amends as best I can. I know it doesn’t come down to balance. If I killed five, I can’t simply save ten, or even fifty to make up for it. But… if I do something that saves a million… why, perhaps then the scales will tilt in my favour. But I shall not rest. After all, life goes on. So yes, I’m frightened of the pain, I don’t love it… but… if it’s Akio using me as he needs to, if I’m useful, if I’m unwrapping the secrets of the universe with my own pain and suffering… better me than anyone else. I see that now.”

That’s… surprisingly honourable. I couldn’t make that choice. I don’t think Beth could either.

“I’ll grin and bear it and try not to shed a tear. If… if I die or break, well, at least he’ll feel guilty. It’s not what I want, but… if it’s a place in his heart and memories, even such a sorry one has value. Of course, I hope that my stoic suffering and totally not-parasitical…”

I think Miss Samuelian really touched a nerve…

“…aid wins his favour and respect, and why wouldn’t he want to soothe away the tears of this beautiful, tragic scientist? He would hug me, hold me close, wipe away my tears, our eyes would meet, he would lean in close…” Her breath was coming fast now as we boarded the bus, her face crimson. The other people aboard were looking at her askance, and he couldn’t blame them.

“You ruined it. You almost had me feeling sorry for you.” Beth grumbled as she took a seat by the window.

“I can’t help it. This is what it is to be in love, little Bethany.” Christina chortled. “I am Christina Bakker, I don’t believe in half measures. My intentions are still pure, but I am allowed to hope, no? Besides, it… does help with the fear.” Her tone was serious again. “Do you know the sorts of things I have planned? Honestly, I’m quite certain I shall certainly die or be broken. I hope it is merely broken, as I trust Akio can put me back together, if not now, when his talents bloom in the future. After all, do you not wonder just where knowledge is held in the brain? Akio can regenerate an arm, but can he regenerate lost memories…”

“Stop, please!” Miss Samuelian grumbled. She had taken a seat on the bus, as she was headed that way anyway. “I do not wish to hear about your horrifying experiments. I saw enough before… you truly are an incorrigible fool. Your love is far, far too heavy. This is what happens when a single-minded monster like you blooms late. I worry what will happen when you realise he can never love a woman such as you…”

“Oh, you think?” Christina seemed terribly confident, so Beth couldn’t help but ask, and Christina smirked.

“See over there?” She pointed to the lead bus, in which the true leaders of this Pilgrimage were travelling. “The one with all the tails?”

“Oh yeah.” Zachary nodded. “I’ve got used to crazy sights, but she’s certainly something.”

“That’s Tamamo-no-Mae, apparently. I looked her up when I heard that. And Akio seems very protective of her. But if you read this…” She unveiled her phone. “…her crimes and evils make mine seem like the fumblings of a small child. So…” Striking a triumphant pose, until those behind them chided her to sit down. “…if he can forgive her, then I should be no problem at all!”

“That’s… I hate that your words seem reasonable.” Beth complained, blinking in confusion. She couldn’t help but glance over at the beautiful woman half-seen through the window of the other bus, golden tails standing proud behind her. “Tamamo-no-Mae, huh? Give me that…” She snatched Christina’s phone and started scrolling through it. “Hey, is this all true?”

“I daresay a lot of it is hearsay, tall tales and myths. But there’s certainly enough true.” Christina chuckled. “Now then Bethany, you stick with me during this Pilgrimage, and I’ll see you maximise your benefits. You know, I’m certain you won’t want to leave after you’ve got a taste of paradise here! Perhaps you’ll even fall in love. If so, we can learn together!”

“As Beth was teased by Christina Bakker, Zachary shook his head. The last passengers were on the bus and the doors had shut, and the final buses were being loaded. This sure is something. I don’t know what I expected when I snuck out to meet Akio that night, but… I’m not sure it’s this!

As Christina was mock-crying as Beth had kicked out to make her let go, he realised he was grinning. Damn, we’ve got nothing like this back in America. I’m glad dad came around and let Akio take care of us. Take care of us, huh? As the lead bus containing Akio’s many fiancées pulled away, Zachary couldn’t help but glance at the two arguing women once more…