On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“…got justice on our side, go against us you’ve got nowhere to hide…”

Suzu was singing on the modest stage, a new song she had hastily thrown together after the attacks from the Church of True Revelation. Of course, despite the stage being a temporary structure, it’s actually quite decent. I suppose I shouldn’t expect any less from Arisu-san, she’s taking her role as the effective lead producer of WTV seriously. Honestly, I feel a little bad though…

“…because dance is a battle, and our songs are knives…”

I knew that my mom and the others had greatly enjoyed rewatching Arisu-san’s old films and TV appearances, though sadly I hadn’t had the time for that. It just showed, as did Arisu-san’s efforts here, that she still had a great passion for acting and the arts. I’d be delighted, and I knew Shiro felt the same way, if Arisu-san could rekindle her career. But unfortunately… right now, we need Arisu-san’s strength. Maybe… when things calm down.

“…against lies and hate our truth will prevail…”

“…so join us, move your body and sing, we won’t fail!”

Suzu finished her song, her smile brilliant, but I could see the shadows of worry in her sapphire eyes. Don’t be afraid. I gave you my word. So long as you want to stay here, the Castor family can’t touch you. I wasn’t the only one watching, of course. Those who had finished their devotions to the shrine had joined us, and that included a number of my uni friends. Hayato-kun, looking as sharp as ever, was accompanying Hina-chan, and seeing them hold hands made me smile. Aimi-chan was here too, and despite her smile as she watched the impromptu and brief concert, I could see that, like Suzu, she had a lot on her mind, and worry in her eyes.

Seeing me watching, Aimi-chan managed a shrug. “Good song! Suzu-chan is so talented. Though using her powers for idol work… no…” She tilted her head, thinking. “…isn’t that actually a good use?”

I glanced to the side briefly, meeting Hayato-kun’s eyes, and he silently urged me to do something, so I decided to change the subject. Suzu had leapt off the stage after a few words, and now AKB0048 were preparing to take the stage for their song, so I wanted to fix Aimi-chan’s mood so she could enjoy it.

“You’re right. Though I remember Arisu-san did worry about her. But then, she’s got very high standards. But enough of that… I had a feeling Kanda-myōjin would be the one to crack it for you.”

Aimi-chan was silent, so Hayato-kun filled in the gap. “It makes sense, from your descriptions. The best way to become a Kami-Blessed is to get the blessing of our home shrine, or one with a spiritual connection to our personalities, beliefs or talents. And this is the premiere shrine for otaku tech fans…”

“Are you saying we are all nerds, and that’s why we managed?” Hina-chan giggled, though it was a little exaggerated. “I’m a touch offended, Hayato.”

“Don’t be!” he chortled. “I love you despite your hobbies. I mean, we share them, don’t we?”

“In any case, now you’ve got the Class, it should be easier for you to gain extra Levels in it, though that’ll slow down. By the end it should all work out though.”

“I… don’t feel any different?” Aimi-chan said at last. AKB0048 had launched into their song, another hastily written and practised one that was new, though for some reason Hina-chan seemed particularly excited by it, which was odd, as compared to Aimi-chan, she wasn’t as big a fan of idols. Army of Love, huh? Seems almost like an Adamant-themed song.

“You won’t, really. Not at first.” I agreed. “Unlike Material Statistics, Intangible ones have a rather more subtle effect. After all, it’s hard to measure Charm and Majesty, as they are kind of individual to each person who beholds you, and League… yeah, you can certainly tell high Leagues and the difference between Leagues, but a few points doesn’t have much of a tangible effect.”

“It’s still better to have it than not.” Hayato-kun insisted. “Besides, there’s also the improvement in Aether, and also my Chakra network seems to run a little… cleaner, is that the word for it?”

“Trust you to notice.” I nodded. “Yeah, the Class also boosts your Aether stat. Not by a huge amount, but it also seems to have a positive effect on the Chakra network and Silver Cord too. Again small, but as they are foundational, you’ll get an overall boost. Really, Kami-Blessed is a surprisingly decent Class, we’ve just not had leisure to focus on it.”

“Fortune is at least easy to measure.” Hina-chan observed. “After all, our work with the Oracle Engine has made us very familiar with that. Uh…” She flushed red then, and as I raised an eyebrow questioningly, Aimi-chan cracked a smile, which was a relief to us, as she still seemed a little down.

“When Shaeula was providing her winds, we ran an automated bot on one of the gambling sites she uses. Let’s just say we won around a year’s salary. For each of us.”

“Don’t worry. We put the funds into the project.” Hayato-kun reassured me. “There’s no financial impropriety. You pay us well enough anyway. But it’s still shocking to see.”

“Shaeula was telling us about your Las Vegas exploits.” Hina-chan pointed out. “It sounded fun. But I couldn’t do it. I’m not cut out for gambling, the stress is too much.” As Hayato-kun patted her hand gently, I glanced back out over the performing group. As one would expect from AKB0048, the performance, even improvised and with lacking stage dressing, was excellent, and captured the watching audience, small as it was. And likely those on TV too, I’d say.

“Kanzaki-chan really is dedicated. And this is her second centre track.” Hayato-kun pointed out, as we watched, the crowd around us growing as the activities at the shrine were winding down. Keiko-chan was indeed sparkling, her smile brilliant as she sang, Ema-san and Asuka-san with her as always, the rest of the group formed into cells of three and four, mirroring their moves. “I guess it was her good fortune when she did that interview declaring you were her ideal boyfriend, Akio-kun.”

I shook my head ruefully. “She’s certainly rather bold. I mean… that Adamant-style idol outfit certainly makes an impression. The song too…” As I watched the forty-eight women dance together, an intricate choreography that was enhanced by their new gains from Chirurgery, I shook my head. “It’s just a shame that idol culture is a bit… problematic. I know she lost fans after that interview.”

“Yeah, guys can be jerks.” Aimi-chan agreed, and that was the opening I needed.

“Not every guy.” I countered, Hina-chan and Hayato-kun urging me with their eyes to get Aimi-chan to open up. Sadly it does make sense why she’s down. She was at the Tengokusentou, after all, though I hear she was brave in helping others to escape…

“After all…” I suggested with a smile. “Hayato-kun and me, we’re not so bad, are we?”

“Maybe not Hayato-kun…” Aimi-chan conceded, her smile becoming a little more like her usual one. As she crossed her arms, she raised an eyebrow knowingly as I couldn’t help but glance down, and she managed a weak giggle. “…but you, you’re the sort of playboy that can hardly be called good.”

“Guilty as charged!” I held up my hands in defeat. “But sometimes it takes a bad man to do good in this world.”

“Excuses as always. You never used to be so silver-tongued. Seducer of idols.” Aimi-chan snorted, before she leaked a little sigh.

Now’s the time. “So, uh… how’s your boyfriend then, Aimi-chan? It must have been rough for him too. Oh, that reminds me, you never said how you met. While he’s not strictly nobility himself, he is a long-term member of a Fujiwara branch family, right?”

Aimi-chan glanced at Hayato-kun, who looked away, while Hina-chan was deliberately engrossed in watching AKB0048. Turning her attention back to me, Aimi-chan let out a long sigh, before her smile was back to her old one, the shadows in her eyes dispersing. “Yes, that was a little clumsy, almost like the old Akio-kun.”

“Hey, I may be a bad man, but I’m not enough of a bastard to steal a girl from someone else, not even a great one like you, Aimi-chan.”

“Oh?” Aimi-chan pouted a little as Hina-chan held in a giggle at my banter, but she let me distract her. “Well, compared to Shiro, I know I come up short. But… that’s not so bad. I’ll give in, in deference to your good-natured efforts. Where to begin… yeah, it was a chance meeting. I had finished a job, and at the celebratory party when the project finished, I had a little too much to drink.” She winked at me, her crossed arms heightening her assets. “I was dressed quite provocatively too. I’ve always believed in flaunting my best qualities. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

As I nodded, she continued. “Anyway, it was at quite a swanky place in Ginza. Luckily, I didn’t have to pay. But I went out for air, and that’s when I ran into him.” Her smile was wistful. “He’s quite the handsome man, especially in a suit. He’d also had too much to drink and was looking rather pale. Fortunately, I had a spare bottle of water in my purse and offered it to him. From there, we got talking… I didn’t really know much about his job, only that he worked for an extremely powerful company. Of course…” Her expression was wry now. “…I know more about it than I want to now.” She turned away from the stage, looking out over the sea of noble daughters who were watching the idol performance with a mixture of emotions.

“I can imagine. But… he wasn’t malicious, was he?” I asked, and Aimi-chan shook her head.

“No. Obviously Haru-chan checked him. He was just a pawn. It’s… broken him though. He was so proud, he thought he was part of a grand negotiation, bringing honour to himself, and his master at Fujiwara house, this Hidemasa prick.” It was unusual for Aimi-chan to be so crude, but we understood. As the performance on stage wound to a close, she continued, her brown eyes distant. “Realising he was just a scapegoat, and that he was likely going to be killed there as a way of tying up loose ends… all that pride is now a weight on him.” She then gave a nervous laugh.

“Of course, we had our troubles before that. In the run-up to this he was stressed and distant, often working every hour, even worse than when we were doing crunch in the run-up to project releases.” She shrugged again. “But I wanted to be supportive. I mean, we were serious. We are serious.” She let out a mournful sigh. “I just want things to go back to how they were before. But now he’s unemployed, and tainted by association, and… he can’t handle it.”

“Don’t worry!” I insisted. Red and White were about to take the stage, and Tamami-san looked particularly radiant, her miniskirt-and-sleeveless shrine maiden-style idol outfit very fetching. As she began to say a few words for the audience watching, about the significance of Kanda-myōjin shrine and the faith in general, I focussed all my attention on what mattered, cheering up Aimi-chan.

“It so happens I have a lot of sway with Fujiwara house. I’ll get him reassigned to an honourable position, it shouldn’t be hard, he was gullible, too trusting, not malicious. And honestly, from what I’ve seen, loyalty and obeying one’s superiors unquestioningly is ingrained in the nobility and their subordinates, even more so than in we Japanese as a whole.” I grimaced. “The whole senpai and kouhai dynamic isn’t great. It’s not who is oldest or who has been there longest who should have seniority, but the ones best suited to it. I think… we have to change that.”

Aimi-chan listened as I spoke, and for a moment I worried I was being too preachy, before I dismissed that. Aimi-chan is one of my best friends. If I can’t be honest with her, try and help her, then who can I help? Though… I’d have been far less bold in the past. I’d have subtly nudged her, perhaps distracted her with some of my own woes… but that’s changed.

“I know I’m being pushy, but… I want all my friends to be happy. Even Yasu-kun!” As I hoped, I got a brief snigger from Aimi-chan at that. “Just say the word, and I’ll intervene. Although…” I paused. “…maybe that’s not the way to do it. We men have our pride, and his has been wounded. So… I think maybe you should be the one to help him. But not to do it for him. Just… point him in the right direction, drop a few hints. Give him some confidence? After all, you clearly had something good together. It’d be a shame to lose that.”

“Since when did you get so good with relationships?” Aimi-chan sighed, nodding. “Oh, I suppose you’d have to. Not only are you head of a harem, some of the women aren’t the easiest to handle. Though don’t tell Shiro I said that, or she’ll be upset.”

“Don’t worry, my lips are sealed!” I promised. “So, what do you think?”

“I think… I’m grateful to have you all as my friends.” Aimi-chan conceded, shaking her head. “We should have plenty of time to have a drink during the Pilgrimage, right? We can hash it out then. Shugo-kun, Shiro and yes, even Yasu-kun, will be hurt if we don’t include them.”

“Sure. Though tonight I have plans, and tomorrow…” I began, but Hayato-kun interrupted me, a knowing grin on his face.

“Tomorrow’s Shaeula’s day, right? Don’t worry, there’s no rush. We’ll brainstorm some ideas. And speaking of…” He glanced at Hina-chan, who smiled shyly.

“We didn’t just win money with the Oracle Engine. It’s a genuine supercomputer. It has a lot of spare processing power. You know… I’m very much an artist at heart.” It was true. While all of us could code and create both 3d and 2d art, we all had our specialties and areas of specific interest. Hina-chan was probably the best artist out of all of us. As I nodded, I let her continue.

“It’s hard not to be inspired by all the beautiful women around here.” She pulled out her phone, and quickly brought up some anime-style images. As I looked at them, seeing Shaeula in a yukata, Shiro in white, a catgirl Eri, I noticed something they all had in common, brilliant platinum borders around them, almost like they were cards…

“Wait, is that… gacha?” I asked, and Hina-chan flushed, giggling.

“I knew you’d see it. It’s not like we haven’t spent far too much money on those games in the past. But… the merchandise from the charity concert, the gacha there, it made me think.” Hina-chan explained. “You want to do good deeds. Now more than ever, considering the lies and slanders that were broadcast about you.”

“Yeah. But… gacha? It’s all right as a one-off for merchandising, but those games are seriously predatory.”

“It depends.” Hayato-kun explained. “We’re actually thinking of how to balance that. But… when we spoke to Shiro about it, at first she was really embarrassed, but then she went quiet, and seemed to come on board. It makes me wonder… do you think that Tan persuaded her?”

“Sharp as ever.” I quickly considered the ramifications. “The focus on people trying to roll their favourite… ugh… no, no way! I’m not going to have other people calling my girls their waifus! I don’t like it!”

“That’s rather petty, but kind of adorable.” Aimi-chan teased. “It’s amusing how you can get so jealous considering you are hardly in a position to criticise. But… we know. That’s why the story…”

“That AKB song would be perfect, and if we used it as a tie-in, we could get huge publicity. Here’s the plot…” Hina-chan was rather animated, explaining that obviously there wouldn’t be romance options, and the outfits wouldn’t be overly sexy, though of course, there’d be a lot to collect. Basically, it would follow a new wannabe recruit to Adamant, and their journey to being accepted, rising through the ranks and finally becoming a hero. Along the way, they’d gather fellow Adamant members and other girls, forming teams to defeat rivals and threats. All classic gacha ideas.

“There’d be base building elements too, and it’d be split over the real world and the Boundary.” Hina-chan finished, just as Red and White’s song came to a climax. “We’d also give bonuses to those who meet certain criteria, when certain real-life funding goals are reached, such as a bonus to healing rate when a hospital has been built, or extra in-game currency when a facility to shelter and feed the homeless is opened.”

“I see. Yeah, it seems a big undertaking for such a small team though…” I pointed out, and Hina-chan shook her head.

“Actually, with modern AI, and a supercomputer to run it, there’s a surprising amount we can do rather quickly. But… spending money to hire on some staff wouldn’t be such a bad idea.”

“No, it wouldn’t.” I considered it. “The adherence potential… I see. Look, there’s a lot on my mind right now, and we have to discuss Aimi-chan’s problems, but… it would be an interesting way to get the population of Japan used to all pulling together and contributing to certain goals. Look, you’d have to get everyone’s permission that you wanted to make into characters, and I must insist it remains tasteful. If AKB0048 is prepared to let Keiko-chan’s new song feature, then maybe you could persuade them to do some promos, tie it in with some limited edition AKB gacha…” Despite my misgivings, it was impossible to ignore the potential. After all, I have my own shameful history with such games…

Aimi-chan smirked meanly. “It’s a shame there’s no male version of Adamant yet, or I’d insist on a BL version with you as the star, Akio-kun! But anyway, you’d still have to make a number of appearances, so maybe we can squeeze a tease or two in…”

I groaned, heading that idea off, but I was pleased to see that Aimi-chan’s mood had improved. Glancing at Hayato-kun and Hina-chan, she smiled at me and he winked, showing that had been their intentions as well. Holding in a grin of my own, I nodded. All right then. Though it’s time to go… and I admit to some nerves.

The next destination was the Imperial Palace, and the Regalia that lay within, and while I was eager to see them, I was also feeling some trepidation… After all, it’s quite likely I’ll meet his Imperial Majesty, and also the head of Japan’s hidden Onmyōji, Yin-Yang Grandmaster Daimon, who Yukiko-san has spoken of quite respectfully…

***

Takatsukasa (Fukumoto) Hinata

“So how are you finding all this, Sakura? It must be a little overwhelming, being so different to what you are used to, but… if you have any problems, you know you can speak to me or any of the other commanders.”

Her adopted sister, who used to be her cousin, paused. She was wearing the uniform of an Adamant soldier, the black skirt and jacket, paired with a crisp white shirt and a peaked military cap. It was attire the likes of which she had never worn before, and she looked a little uncomfortable, but also… Her eyes have cleared up. Before, she was lost, but… hopefully I can help her find herself, find her way.

“I… this feels rather strange.” Sakura swept back her long, elegant black hair, which was bunched into a neat braid so as not to interfere with her movements. Hinata held in a smile as she beheld her. We are definitely related, we’re both extremely attractive, and our faces share a lot of features. Although… I am more on the cute side, while Sakura is more on the graceful one… before, I think I was jealous of that, of her. But now…

“I… do not understand everything that is going on, like this… this concert. It seems a little… energetic.” She paused. “No, that is my past speaking. I have… thrown it away.” Her dark brown eyes were resolved, and Hinata was pleased to see that. “You were right, Hinata. Takatsukasa house was not my future.”

“No need to be hasty.” Hinata disagreed, her smile somehow both a little exhausted and reassuring. “I wouldn’t want you to take the wrong lessons from this. You’re certainly right that you were never going to inherit Takatsukasa house, no, your fate was like your aunt’s, after all, there was no good candidate in the Three Great Houses for your engagement, and while many of the upper Fifty-Eight would be happy to receive you…” Hinata glanced around at the group she was with. Miyu, Honoka-chan, Sakura, Motoko, Natsumi and lastly, the enthusiastic Mayumi. All the most powerful daughters of nobility. Well, there are certainly a few others who come close, but…

“…most likely a deal like with my grandfather would have happened, and you’d have been married to a rich upstart. Especially with… circumstances being as they are.”

Sakura’s face fell at that. “Indeed. My shameful birth…”

“Didn’t we tell you it doesn’t matter?” Natsumi sighed. They were freely able to talk about these matters, as their bodyguards were all moving separately right now, in the Boundary doing their part of the Pilgrimage. After all, there’s certainly no safer place to be than here right now. We have Akio, Shaeula, Hyacinth, Shiro… and even me. I can’t forget, I’m no weakling now. Indeed, Claíomh Solais was belted at her waist, the weight reassuring, her Pot of Faerie Gold, which was still recovering, tied to the other side of her belt.

“You are not your birth. Besides, I’ve always respected you, and I’m not alone in that.” Natsumi continued.

“That is correct.” Motoko agreed. “Your elegant grace, your skilful performance at dancing, your kind, affable charm. Even the way you tried to steer Hinata safely through the currents at Hanafubuki. Your kindness is admirable.”

“Yeah.” Hinata agreed. “I did get annoyed by what I saw as your condescension, and… no, I’ll make no excuses. It was a ‘me problem’ as Shiro would say.” She chuckled at the thought of her fellow commander of Adamant and fiancée of Akio. Normally she’d be enjoying this fresh musical performance, she does like these idols, as she calls them. But right now Taṇhā is in turmoil, so she has to keep to herself. Later… later we’ll talk and tease her mercilessly.

“I was jealous you had what I wanted… despite us being the same, no matter what people thought.” Hinata bit her lip, annoyed at her pettiness. “But fortunately, it wasn’t too late to learn what truly matters, what I truly dreamed of. Nor is it for you. Sakura… I’m proud to call you cousin or sister. When the situation is desperate, and despair is contagious… that’s when the calibre of your heart shows. And you weren’t found wanting.” Her grin was cheeky now. “And that’s the sort of girl I want for Adamant. Brave, noble and beautiful. Oh, and of course… loyal.” She winked, and Sakura flushed.

“Don’t bully her, Hinata.” Mayumi chided. “It’s been hard for her. I have enough stress just being your friend, being your cousin must be a nightmare sometimes.”

As Hinata snorted, amused at her banter, Sakura shook her head. “No. I… I was in the wrong too. I never tried to understand you, Hinata, and… I took out my own insecurities on you. What was it we learned in philosophy class? We often despise what we embody. I… felt I was not truly noble, merely a base-born imposter. So when I saw you flout the conventions, approaching Mayumi-sama…”

“Mayumi!” she insisted. “We all have to close the distance between us. Now more than ever.”

“Mayumi…” Sakura struggled to be what she considered as impolite, her face pink. “…I wanted to stop you. Yes, I couched it as guidance, and it was, but… it was also selfishness.”

“Should we be listening to this, cousin Miyu?” Honoka-chan asked. She was also wearing a hastily tailored adamant uniform, since she had no place now but Akio’s care, at least for the foreseeable future. Fujiwara house… honestly, this is outside my expectations, but I’m not one to overlook such a golden opportunity. And it plays into our long-term goals almost too perfectly. Fujiwara-sama is no fool. Perhaps he is aiming for this too, to position Fujiwara house just so…

“I think we should.” Miyu was calm and composed, and Hinata was once more struck by how she had changed too. From the selfish, bitter girl who wished her Favour gone, to someone who could stand in front of her enemies and dance, striking them down. Better still, her closed world, just her and Michiru, had shattered, and now she was surprisingly affable and pleasant company, and put on very few airs, probably the humblest of them all.

“After all, we are all of one purpose here. You need to learn that too, Honoka-san…”

“Too formal!” Mayumi insisted again. “At least show your closeness…”

“Honoka-chan… saying it seems strange. Only mere weeks ago, we were near strangers, and addressed each other extremely formally. But… I think this is better. Now more than ever, family is important.”

“I… humbly apologise once more.” Honoka-chan made to bow, but Miyu grabbed her arm, stopping her. As she widened her eyes in a rare expression of surprise, Miyu shook her head, her own long black hair flowing as she did so. She wore an elegant furisode, in shrine maiden red and white, since she was going to dedicate a dance later.

“There is no need. You are not your father. And you had no malice. Besides, just like Sakura…” Not using honorifics was hard, but she persevered. “…you were brave during the terrifying siege of Hanafubuki. I am proud you are my cousin, and… I trust Hinata and the others to watch over you and do what is best for you.” She took a deep breath. “I trust Akio too.”

“That’s better. I know you are his Vassal, but it’s time we reorientated our relationships.” Hinata insisted. “All of us here… with one exception…” she glanced at Mayumi, a cheeky light in her eyes. “…are firmly in Akio’s camp, for various reasons. And as the daughters of the Three Great Houses, as well as Akio’s other fiancées from the nobility.” She nodded at Motoko and Natsumi. “…it falls to us to chart the future course of the nobility.”

“I’ll have you know I’m his business partner!” Mayumi, who hated to be left out, complained. “I’m just as tied too!”

“Then prove it.” Hinata smirked, knowing just how to irritate her. “You can put on the uniform, and then I’ll call you sister!”

“I can’t do that! I’m Ichijou Mayumi, I can’t lower myself…” she began with her usual denials, only to pause. “No, that’s… not exactly true, is it? Look, since it’s just us here, I’ll be honest.”

“This should be good!” Hinata giggled to the others, which set Mayumi off again.

“You cheeky girl! I know you are tyring to rile me up on purpose to make me promise, knowing I won’t go back on my word. I’m wise to your tricks!” However… I can concede… marrying Akio-kun isn’t lowering your position. Far from it. Though I still don’t see what the end goal for Fujiwara house is. Miyu, do you plan to inherit?”

“If I must.” She glanced at Honoka-chan. “Though… since neither of us would be in charge of our own volition, and we would simply be the trophies that our husbands used to take ownership, I would decline, and I would that Honoka-chan never knows that hardship either. In a way, Hidemasa-san… he did us a favour, twisted though it is.”

“Cousin Miyu…” Honoka-chan muttered, a little lost, so Hinata patted her shoulder gently.

“No tears or sadness. You’re a sister now. Adamant are all my sisters. And yes, some will likely leave us one day, their duties fulfilled, but… I hope many will stay, forever. Miyu isn’t wrong. It’s not a worthy goal, being a trophy wife. None of us want that. Every one of us is striving to be our best selves.”

“That is correct.” Motoko agreed. “None of us wish to be mere ornaments. Though we equally have no wish to relinquish what makes us unique. The charms of the nobility, the merits… they shall be retained. Besides…” Motoko’s face was a little flushed now, her eyes moist. “…Akio very much appreciates our charms when we do our wifely duties. Apparently our noble poise and upbringing makes us quite alluring.”

“I think that subject is a bit spicy for the others.” Hinata grinned, enjoying the way that Mayumi, Sakura and Miyu all flushed at the thought. Honoka-chan seemed rather too innocent still to understand. “But the point is… you’re right, Mayumi. But do you think Fujiwara-sama, and Kira-sama, even grandfather Itsuki, aren’t aware of the message they have sent. Akio controls Miyu’s marriage and life, though obviously should Miyu have any wishes, he’ll accommodate them. That goes for you too, Honoka-chan. Though in your case, you’re still young, too young. But in a way, that’s an advantage. By the time you reach our age, you’ll be a skilled Adamant champion, leading others!”

“Please guide me. I understood the oaths and will abide by them. But I am insufficient, and do not find it easy to relate to others, so please forgive me my inevitable mistakes.” Honoka-chan admitted.

“Sure, it’s our duty to give proper guidance. But my point is… Fujiwara-sama gave Honoka-chan into our care too. Yes, it’s politically expedient, but… expecting Akio to return a gift is unbecoming of such a noble man as Fujiwara-sama. So…”

“So, just who will rule Fujiwara house?” Mayumi asked, frustrated. “I’ve wracked my brains over it, and all I can think of is that Akio-kun will take either Miyu or Honoka-chan as a bride in the future. But… then Takatsukasa house and Fujiwara house would merge, and that weakens the nobility perilously…”

“I… understand it.” Sakura spoke up, surprising everyone. Seeing their looks, she blushed, but held her ground, taking a deep breath. “I was always watching Hinata. And… I have had a lot of time to think. Yes, originally I was proposed as his fiancée, and it would have rebuilt Takatsukasa house. But… Hinata alone is enough for that. Hinata alone. Your children will inherit.”

“Yours still can. If that’s a dream of yours.” Hinata admitted. “But I always knew you were clever, Sakura. You get it.”

“Asha’s children will not even be fully human.” Motoko observed. “We will love them no less for that, and they will be treated with care, afforded opportunities… but they would have no wish to take over all of Akio’s endeavours, I suspect. My child will learn Tsumura Arts…”

“You aren’t?” Mayumi asked, eyes wide, and Motoko hastily shook her head.

“Of course not. Now is not a good time. But in future it is certain I shall have many children with my dear husband. Hinata and Natsumi too. But… my brother will inherit Tsumura house.”

“My parents were considering calling in a cousin to take over when I marry out, but now they’ve said they might just wait until I have my own child and train them in our family techniques. So, my child will have their hands full with just Hori house. The same goes for the children of the others.” Natsumi agreed.

“Don’t you see? We have room to share.” Hinata grinned. “But more to the point… every daughter of decent standing and character will be inducted into Adamant at some point. And yes, I expect most to do a brief tour of service, but during that year or two, we’ll mould them, instil them with loyalty, discipline and respect. Even when they leave and go on to marry the men their family decides for them, or those they find for themselves, as no member of Adamant shall be forced against their will, I detest that, they will remember. And will answer the call. And of course… those who stay, and I hope they are many… they will be ours. His. So to answer your question, Mayumi. You know the answer. It’s why you are jealous. You’re the only one who is on the outside!”

“I’m… it’s difficult.” Mayumi admitted. “I admit it! I’m jealous. The only place I feel safe now is near him. South Africa… it was terrifying. And then it happened again, at the Tengokusentou. You were shining, Hinata, but… it’s not your own strength.”

“Oh, now it is.” Hinata disagreed. “But I understand what you mean. It’s strength that would never have been mine without Akio. And now… you get a part of that strength too. Can’t you feel it?” Hinata grinned. “A Class, pushed to the maximum. You can’t buy that, not with money, or family history. Only through us… and, here you are. So remember this well… those who join early get the greatest benefits, and… if you truly love Ichijou house, don’t let it be left behind with the times. The same goes for you, Sakura, Honoka-chan. If you are proud of your heritage, your status, make the right choices…”

As the three of them had differing expressions, Honoka-chan a little uncomprehending, Sakura painfully resolute, and Mayumi uncertain, Hinata let her attention stray back to the idols of Red and White as they finished up their song.

This Pilgrimage isn’t just for strength, though of course the Kami-Blessed Class, and also what we’ll extract from rigorous training, is welcome. No, it’s for unity. The beginnings of Adamant, our clumsy attempts at putting together something Akio would praise us for, has blossomed into an idea, an idea so grand that it almost terrifies me. But… there’s no fear greater for us than being left behind. Many noble families have perished, and Sakura knows what it is to be the daughter of a collapsing, hollow shell, only history keeping it from disintegrating.

Hinata would never let that happen. Nor would she let her family suffer. Not her blood family, nor her found family. And neither will I abandon my friends. No, we’ll all advance together, into a new world. I can hardly wait… As Hinata suppressed a giggle, she imagined the tangled web of children that would become the new ruling family of not just Japan, but the entire world. No, entire worlds.

Yes, no wonder Taṇhā is hiding from everyone. She surely imagines her future wrapped up in this sweet dream too…

***

Yukiko, Princess Mikasa

“You seem… very cheerful.” Yukiko spoke to her best friend Tsukiko, who had pulled aside the thin silk veil she wore, carelessly exposing her face, as she took a drink of ceremonial sweet amazake. Once more Yukiko was struck by how inhumanly perfect her friend’s appearance was, with her slightly slanted crimson eyes set in a symmetrical face, pale, flawless skin and delicate yet striking features coupled with her waterfall of midnight-black hair which fell to the ground like a cloak. That’s not even counting her explosive body. She… isn’t wearing her usual corset.

Before, Tsukiko had kept herself modest, her figure restrained by a specialised corset-style hakama, but now she had let herself free. Of course, she still dressed modestly, like an elegant shrine maiden, and was far from vulgar, but… It’s like she has become honest. I… rejoice to see it, but… Glancing down at her own body, she resisted the urge to gnaw at her lips, frustrated.

“Oh, I am.” Tsukiko agreed. Wiping her lips elegantly, she replaced her veil, but seeing the direction of Yukiko’s gaze, she let out a gentle laugh.

“There is no need for jealousy, Yukiko. You are a charming woman in your own right. Your heart is pure and you are kind and self-sacrificing. Yes, I know you worry you are far too humble for the position thrust upon you, but… despite your misgivings, you have acquitted yourself well. I am proud of you. Please think well of yourself.”

“Oh, I know.” Yukiko shook her head. “I never thought I would come this far. But… charming in my own right, am I? I would have preferred you to call me beautiful, even as a lie, but you are always truthful. That… must be hard. Sometimes lies grease the wheels of relationships. You’ll… have to learn that now.”

“A lie? I have no need of such.” Tsukiko shook her head. “I think you quite striking nowadays. We have both changed. I in my heart, you in your strength.”

“Striking, huh?” Those words surprised her. Yukiko had always thought herself plain, with her mousy brown hair and bad eyesight forcing her to wear glasses. Her skin was often bad and she broke out in terrible acne when stressed, and her figure, while not terrible, was certainly only average.

“Yes. Striking.” Tsukiko agreed. “How could you not be? Your inner beauty is merely being reflected without now.”

“Coming from you, that seems a little like mockery.” Yukiko sighed, but she wasn’t annoyed. “But I know you mean it. Honestly, I can see I’ve changed. Not just the obvious changes brought about by my increased Statistics.” I can’t measure them myself, but I know they exist. The way she thought about being a Chosen had changed. And not just her. Yin-Yang Grandmaster Daimon will surely be delighted to finally meet Akio. As… as will my parents and grandfather…

Seeing that Yukiko had fallen silent, Tsukiko let out a soft chuckle. “Yes. Hard exercise and vigorous training has shaped your figure. I never worried about my weight before, such womanly concerns were beyond me, but now I find myself hesitating when dessert is offered.”

I have lost weight. And my legs and arms are far tighter and toned, my tummy too. But still, compared to the others… “I don’t think you have much to worry about. You are truly beautiful, as we would expect from the blessed child of Tsukuyomi…” As she said that, Yukiko realised she had made a mistake. No, talking of that will only ruin the mood…

Surprising her, Tsukiko didn’t flinch. “It is true, though not in the way you are thinking. From knowing Shiro, I can only surmise that if I was not blessed by Tsukuyomi, I would surely be dead now, from the frailties of a body adapted to aether, yet with no way to generate it myself. Fortunately, I will never know for certain, but just as she suspected she would never see thirty before Taṇhā came for her, I too would have wasted away.”

“I’m sorry. That was insensitive of me.” Yukiko apologised. “I’m just… rather stressed. And not from being one of the leads of this great Pilgrimage, though that is enough of a headache.”

“But I rejoice to see you shining.” Tsukiko praised her, and Yukiko felt her cheeks heat up. “My dear friend, you were born for this. If I am the moon, then you are the sun. Both compliment each other, and both… shine with the same light, and overlook the same vistas.”

“You still like your cryptic words.” Yukiko couldn’t help but chuckle, even it if was a little bitter.

“But these are all mine now, not Tsukuyomi’s. Though I do miss his clear voice. But…” Her expression softened behind the veil, and Yukiko’s eyes were good enough to pick it out. “…apparently soon I shall be receptive to his unclouded words once more.”

I never thought she could make a face like that. Will I…? Shaking her head, Yukiko helped herself to some amazake as well, enjoying the sweetness. The host of Pilgrims was looking to her with eagerness, though Kana-chan and Shiori-chan were taking some of the focus from her. “You know…” she began, hoping her tone was idle enough. “…I never thought you would change so.”

“Yes. I never thought so either.” Tsukiko agreed. “But if I remained the same, the only outcome was my end.”

“I was going to ask if you regret it, but that makes it a little hard.” Yukiko tittered nervously. “Setting that aside… don’t you think you are moving a little quickly?” Ugh, what happened to being subtle?

“Oh?” Tsukiko’s tone was knowing. “That is your question, is it? I understand. Perhaps. But I have denied my own self a very long time. I simply yearn for what I have never had before. And if it proves a mistake, at least it will not be a fatal one. The pain of heartbreak is nothing compared to having one’s spirit torn by the severing of one’s Silver Cord. Trust me on this. Besides…”

Her ruby eyes were almost glowing behind her thin veil. “…I expect to be very happy. It does not come easy to me, these lazy days where my responsibilities have ended. So I certainly seek new ones.” Her lips curved into a smile. “But responsibilities must come with rewards, I now believe. Being selfless is all very well, but… it is hollow, empty. You must seek your own rewards as well. As for me…” She gave a gentle shrug. “…yes, I have not known him long, but… it is a very pleasant feeling, having someone who would shed tears for you, fight for you, overturn the Definite itself just so you can continue to smile.”

Yes, his bold declaration, that he would never let Tsukiko die, gave me goosebumps. It was wrong, he failed, but… what measure a failure that succeeds in the end?

“Yes, you understand.” Tsukiko continued, her tone almost hypnotic. “It is not the length of time that sparks emotion, but the depth, the richness of it. And my silent heart was moved. Now… I feel happy to be selfish, to cling to what I want. But, just as responsibilities come with rewards, so too must selfishness also come with giving. I choose to give of myself, and just as when I was the Diviner, I gave everything to Tsukuyomi, now I am simply Matsumuro Tsukiko, I shall give my all to Akio. For yes, these feelings, I am sure they are love.”

“I see.” Yukiko nodded. “Then I’m relieved. Honestly, I wanted you to have a gentle life, full of joy. You deserved it. I… don’t want to think of you being broken-hearted.”

“If that was to come to pass, it would be an experience of my own, so I would never regret it. But again…” She placed a hand to her generous bosom. “…I do not think it likely. For since he saved my life, I have reconnected with my family, found many precious new friends and sisters, and… can I perhaps see your own dream come true?”

Now Yukiko’s face was burning up. Looking down, resisting the urge to hide her scarlet features, she managed to shake her head. “I wasn’t asking because of… that. I just… worry about you.”

“And I am grateful. I too have my concerns for you.” she countered. “So we can speak candidly here. For next… is the Imperial Palace. And the Regalia. You know what that means.”

“I do.” Yukiko took a deep breath, fanning her hot face. “Do… you not resent this?”

“How could I? So long as you accept it. If you tell me now you wish to be freed of this burden, I shall make it happen.” She pulled aside her veil and gave an absolutely breathtaking smile. Yukiko barely noticed several of the Pilgrims, men and women both, staggering to a halt. One girl even walked into a shimenawa rope and pitched over, eyes still on Tsukiko even as she hit the ground with a dull thud.

“I… don’t think even you can change it…” she began hesitantly, but Tsukiko shook her head.

“I can. You think me not persuasive enough?” Her smile was one Yukiko had never seen. Not that big of a surprise. Unfortunately, I’ve had little chance to see her genuine emotions, but… now I can, I’m actually feeling a little moved.

“I assure you, Akio will heed my words. After all… he is eager to shower me with love and affection. He is a simple creature. But… I somehow find that adorable.” She narrowed her red eyes knowingly. “When we see something as ours, we treasure it, find it lovable. Even if we must share it with others.”

“I… just wanted to be normal. But as an Imperial Princess, and now, as Amaterasu’s Chosen, that’s just a dream…”

“No, it is a reality. If you wish it, Akio could remove the burden from you. Both burdens. But really, you never sought to be ordinary, did you?” Her gaze was knowing, and Yukiko met it, though the effort made her tremble. Nobody knows me like you do, Tsukiko. Your crimson eyes see to the heart of me and make all my lies meaningless.

“It’s true. I just wanted… someone to see me for me, and that seemed ever more distant. But…”

“Your status, your power, your responsibilities… to him, they are lighter than feathers.” Tsukiko chuckled. “Compared to bearing my continued existence on his shoulders, or the weight of a Goddess he is soon to embrace… you are likely a pleasant distraction. Besides, you got along well, yes? In my absence. I have heard you went drinking with him after my funeral. It seems odd saying that, but it is true, yes?”

“Yes, I admit it. He’s easy to get along with.” Yukiko nodded. “But… well, there’s the possibility of closer ties with Britain, so…”

Tsukiko narrowed her eyes. “It hardly needs to be said how that will end. There is one logical path, and to those who listen, whispers on the wind. Besides, I shall never allow you to sacrifice your true dream, as I so nearly did, for this country and the Gods. It may be blasphemous, and rather unlike me, but I find myself agreeing with Akio. Gods that merely demand are hardly worth our respect or worship. And a country that does the same… should be reforged. Now… time is wasting, is it not?” Tsukiko veiled her face once more, though it didn’t hide her amusement. “It has been long since I saw the Three Palace Sanctuaries. Few ever get to see them, only a select few during weddings and enthronements. And this time… perhaps we shall see three miracles? The awakening of the Regalia? If so…”

“Stop, please!” Yukiko was embarrassed, feeling hot inside. “I understand. Yes, I am just nervous, all right? This Pilgrimage is a big responsibility, and… waking the Regalia could change everything for me and the Imperial Family. And more importantly…” He did it for me, I know it. Because I told him how great-grandfather withered away when he was forced to recant our Divinity after the War, he persuaded the Americans to relent. A call from the President himself, and an executive order…

“…no, nothing is certain. But…” The next few hours perhaps will change my fate as much as Tsukiko’s changed. I find that equal parts terrifying and thrilling.

“Your expression is much better now.” Tsukiko remarked cheerily. “I understand what it is to be nervous. The thought of the heights of Gassan make my heart clench and my breath come fast. But that is the savour of life, I have found. Find your own fire that heats your heart and spirit. And if you fear that you are stealing my warmth, remember, the moon merely reflects the light of the sun, our light is the same, and I would wish to share it with no one else.”

“Never mind that! We have to go! If it is us who hold up the tight schedule here, I shall never live it down!” Composing herself, she pretended not to hear the amused laughter from Tsukiko, as she adjusted her richly appointed hakama in red, white and gold. “All right then. Gather up everyone and back to the busses! It’s just a short ride to the Imperial Palace…”

Yes, a short journey indeed, but one that makes me shake with every step. But then, if my dear friend Tsukiko can embrace life, despite being more sheltered than even I was… Amaterasu, if I truly bear your blood, then… like the sun, I wish to blaze brightly, and no longer live in the shadows of my own self-doubt and self-loathing. Perhaps… with the wakening of the Yata no Kagami, I can truly see myself, free of my own lack of wisdom… and with Benevolence and Valour, truly learn to love myself and fight for what I truly want…?

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