On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Eighty-Seven

I spent some time drinking with my parents and the others while the girls enjoyed the hot springs. Obviously I wasn’t going to peek, I was a gentleman, despite what some people joked. I was aware of the implications of what I had said to Yukiko-san regarding the Regalia when it was pointed out, but I thought I had made my stance quite clear afterwards. There was no need to worry about outdated practises and responsibilities, not when Japan and indeed the wider world was at stake. In the Boundary, as my strength recovered, my Astral body once more took on the burden of mitigating Shiro’s buff on Asha’s Tree, while Asha and Shiro returned to our estate. Every scrap of ether we can pull out makes me feel more confident. We’ve also stepped up clearing unclaimed areas within a hundred kilometres of Shirohebizumi, though even with support from the Fae, it’s slow going. But it is bringing in a wealth of additional ether and Etherites, as well as a few small groups of Yōkai and other Boundary-dwellers who will join us when we expand…

On their return, Shiro and Asha had gathered the rest of the girls who were at the estate, and they spent the night having a slumber party, me excluded. Mom, as expected, got totally hammered, and only some judicious Ether Healing prevented the disaster of her being violently sick everywhere. Of course, I did enjoy seeing Tsukiko’s family getting on so well with mine and Eri’s. The two elderly parents were certainly shy and withdrawn, but hearing stories about me and the other girls, and talking about their feelings for Tsukiko, it brought them all closer together. Of course, I was hardly spared, asked no end of embarrassing questions, not all of which I was able to deflect.

The next morning, I decided to prepare breakfast. While Hinata had been in charge of hiring maids for the estate as well as other personnel, and we had a number of Fae maids on rotation too, sent to the Material by Ling when she had the free time and energy, I liked to cook for my girls and my family myself when I had time. Of course, it wasn’t every day I got to cook for a Princess, although Shaeula and Shiro might disagree with that. Shaeula’s definitely nobility, but not really a Princess from how we humans understand things.

“This isn’t bad.” Yukiko-san said, surprised, picking at the traditional Japanese breakfast I had prepared, though there were Western staples too. She had changed clothes, and I recognised them as belonging to some of the other girls, which made sense, as she never brought any luggage with her on this visit. Seeing her in what looks like Eri’s jeans and one of Shiro’s jumpers is rather fresh. Yukiko-san’s eyebrows drew in as she saw me looking, but beside her, Tsukiko merely smiled gently, and Yukiko-san relaxed.

“I would hope not. I can’t say I was the best at cooking, but I did live alone for a while, so my parents insisted I learned to a certain level, and while I did often make do with cup ramen and other staples of a lonely single man, when I got my first lodger I started putting more effort into my cooking, and with my stats, I pick things up quick.” Yeah, Shaeula wasn’t content to live off instant food, even if she found the novelty fun at first…

“Except picking up on when you’re saying something stupid, right?” Shiro teased. She elbowed my sis softly, who giggled, having obviously heard all about it when she was dragged to the hot springs. This is a lively dining experience. It makes me happy, having the house so full. And there’s still so many people missing, like Shaeula, Hyacinth, Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi and Kana…

“No way, my bro won’t ever change in that regard. Though I never thought he’d ask for what’s basically a dowry from Yukiko-chan!”

“I know!” my mom gushed, looking at the busy dining room with glee, her blue eyes sparkling. Since I had healed her astonishing drunkenness, she was the only one of the parent group awake, or at least the only one who had come back to our mansion for breakfast. “My Aki, so bold! But despite everything, I’m really shocked to be having breakfast with our Imperial Princess! She’s even playing dress-up in Eri’s clothes. It’s like she’s a newlywed!”

Yukiko-san flushed at that, fiddling with her glasses, so I decided to throw her a lifeline. I really didn’t consider that my request was basically me saying I wanted to be a member of the Imperial Family, and Yukiko-san would be the only relevant marriage partner for that, unless her mother wanted a harem, of course… “She’s a guest, mom. Don’t tease her.” I warned. “Besides, it’s not like meeting royalty and important heads of state is unusual for us now. We’ll be going to Britain in a month or so to meet the Queen, remember?”

“I can hardly wait!” she squealed happily, and the subject was changed successfully, and Yukiko-san even gave me a grateful nod, though her face was still a little red. I’m glad the misunderstanding was resolved. Although… I glanced at Eri, who while a little exasperated at my blunder, seemed rather accepting. Seeing me looking, she sent out some thoughts, a very convenient ability she loved using.

It’s just proving me right, you know. Besides, it’s not like she was really offended. She’s just… rather modest and withdrawn for a Princess. In that regard I think she’s closer to Eleanor, from what I’ve heard and seen. I won’t tell you what we talked about in the hot springs and in our rooms, that wouldn’t be fair, but… never mind. Just… keep your word and help her wake the Regalia. Nothing can happen before that.

I sent back some affirming thoughts but couldn’t help but observe Yukiko-san as she ate and talked, though this time I used aether to expand my vision so as not to bother her. Having spent a little time with Yukiko-san, such as after Tsukiko’s funeral, I definitely understood she was a lonely, burdened woman. Despite the presence of these Onmyōji Chosen, Yukiko-san was still expected to shoulder a huge burden, being the Chosen of Amaterasu, the very God that the Japanese Imperial Family used to claim descent from. In fact…

“Yukiko-san…” I spoke her name suddenly, and her chopsticks jerked in her hands, before she calmed down a bit.

“Yes?” she answered, meeting my gaze.

“I was just wondering, have you considered having the Emperor reclaim the lineage of Amaterasu? Sure, we have the post-war agreement with America, but I think at this point we have some leverage, and if that’s not enough… the Americans are keen on having me visit them. I don’t like it, but… if I put in some conditions they will likely accept. After all, it’s not like it costs them anything, is it? It might bring stability, since you have the actual power of Amaterasu.”

She paused, surprised, chopsticks falling from her grasp, though as they hit her plate, the noise jolted her back to reality. “Reclaim the lineage? I can’t say grandfather hasn’t considered it, but… America. It’s surely not simply an ordinary visit they want. It would be dangerous.”

“That’s what we said, but Akio is confident he can handle it.” Eri pointed out, though her smile was wry. See? I know the inevitable when it’s thrust in my face. I’m good at pattern recognition, unlike you, Akio. You can’t just casually offer to solve one of the biggest regrets of her family out of nowhere and expect it not to pierce her deeply. Especially when it entails danger for yourself…

“Just consider it an apology.” Eri, whatever happens, Yukiko-san is my friend, Tsukiko’s friend, and also an important Chosen ally. Of course I’ll help her. If she was the Imperial Prince, rather than the Princess, I’d do the same.

I know. Which is why I’m not annoyed. Exasperated maybe, but not annoyed. Besides, it does make sense. I see what you’re aiming for.

“I don’t need an apology.” Yukiko-san started picking at her breakfast again. “I know what you meant, I was just rather surprised. I… I would need to consult my family, of course. It’s not a decision I can make for them. Grandfather was devastated by the outcome of the War and believed he had failed all our ancestors and Amaterasu, so…” She was seriously considering it. “There are certainly political implications as well…”

“I think it is not such a bad idea.” Tsukiko said softly. “The three pillars must all come together. What better way than announcing you represent Amaterasu, and Akio here Tsukuyomi, the sun and moon that protected these isles for thousands of years.”

“Hey, but…” my sis broke in, grinning. “I remember in history class, despite being brother and sister, they were married, right?”

As Yukiko-san flushed and Shiro chuckled, Eri just rolling her eyes, my mom looked positively delighted at the notion, before suddenly narrowing her eyes. With one hand, she bopped my sis on the head. “None of that for you, Ai! Sibling romance is strictly off limits!”

“Mom, no way, that’s… eww! I wasn’t thinking that at all!” My sis protested, to more laughter from the packed table. Fortunately, mom’s actions, and the protests from my sis and gentle teasing from the others, prevented the mood from turning strange. Good job mom, sis. Giving them a mental thumbs-up, I told Yukiko-san to take up the matter with her family and advised her that I had already set in motion plans for the Regalia. “Anyway…” I changed the subject. “…I dare say you’re busy, both as an Imperial Princess and student, and the shrine maiden of Ise. Must be tough. I hope staying here hasn’t interfered with your schedule.”

“It’s fine. I’ve taken a leave of absence from university. Honestly, I was only extending my studies to delay having to make a choice about what to do with my life. I don’t want for money, after all, so any career would only have been for my own gratification, to stave off boredom, to make myself feel ordinary. But now my path has been Chosen for me. I felt so alone, but…”

“You are not. Even when I told you about the threat to your life, I promised you hope, did I not?” Tsukiko said calmly, and Yukiko-san agreed.

“You did. I wasn’t sure I believed you, but…” Yukiko-san looked at me searchingly. “…I think you saw Akio-san under the light of the moon.”

“I do not know whether I did or not. But… better he who is here, than he who might never be.” Tsukiko’s face broke into a smile.

“True, but this is a heavy conversation for breakfast.” I complained, adding more dishes to the table. “Eat up! Our stronger bodies need a lot of energy to run properly, I’ve made plenty for seconds, and even thirds…”

As the girls complained I was trying to fatten them up, I exchanged a knowing glance with my mom. She can’t transmit thoughts like Eri, but mom’s always been easy to read. Yes, Yukiko-san is a good woman. She might be a little on the plain side, but she’s hardly unattractive, and as she grows stronger she’ll start accumulating Charm and grow prettier. But her personality is good. She’s a bit fragile and prone to jealousy, it seems, but despite that she’s been a friend to Tsukiko for many years, and from the time I’ve spent with her, she’s good company. But it’s entirely possible for me to have female friends who aren’t lovers. It’s not like I’m trying to sink my fangs into Aimi-chan or Hina-chan, am I? Or Kana’s friends. It’s just… Yes, just because Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi were married in myth, that wasn’t an instruction manual… Thinking those final thoughts, I let the conversation at the table turn to other, more relaxed matters…

********

“It’s you?” I said, surprised. My Astral body was in great pain, suppressing the boiling blood, or sap, more accurately, in Asha’s Tree as the buff ramped up. Around us the skies shone brilliantly, the aurorae that streaked the Boundary bursting with light and energy. Motes of shimmering water, earth and wood elements were also plentiful and ever-increasing, and the Ether Spires were filling our Elemental Silos nicely.

“Yes, it is I.” the busty, kimono-wearing woman declared, her four bushy golden tails waving behind her. Though saying she is wearing it is a bit of a stretch. If she leans over any more her breasts will fall out. Her bountiful chest was straining, the cloth barely containing it. In one hand she waved her long pipe, smoke leaking from it. “Why the surprise, did you miss me?” Her smile was seemingly kind, with a predatory undercurrent within it.

“I’m surprised because I didn’t expect a response so soon.” I had sent a message with one of the members of the Night Parade who had come to collect more booze as part of our trade agreement, asking to speak to someone with the authority to speak for Bintara, but for the four-tailed fox matriarch Nebisuki to arrive so soon was unexpected.

“I see. Let me give you some advice. When a woman asks if you missed her, you should always say yes.” She chuckled lasciviously, tails waving.

“Sorry, but I already have women troubles, adding more by being too flirty isn’t a good idea.” I waved that away.

“A man is measured by the number and quality of the women he binds to him, and the offspring he sires. A powerful woman can be measured in reverse, like my poor trapped grandmother, though I do not complain if one measures worth in the strength and majesty of the man she dwells with.” Biting on the stem of her pipe Nebisuki sucked in a cloud of the herbal smoke, before blowing it from her mouth and nose in a steaming cloud. “A truly worthy man or woman gets who they desire, and let none stop them. And they have a limitless capacity for greed.”

“I’m not sure I agree, but then, I’m not a Yōkai. The Fae have strange customs too.” I conceded. “Anyway, are you here about my request?”

“I have travelled far.” She purred, showing her canines. “At least offer me a place to sit and some fine alcohol. I am quite parched. Manners maketh the man, I heard a mortal say long ago, and it stuck with me. It really is such a trial, being surrounded by boorish, uncouth brutes such as Red all the time. You should pity me!”

“Yeah, I imagine that’d be rough. But then, you also surround yourself with men such as that worthless Kitsune bastard.” I gestured to some nearby Fae to fetch a maid.

“Not anymore, since you slew him in fair battle.” Nebisuki demurred, clearly enjoying our banter. “It is barely any time since we last met, in the realms of the Fae, which brought back so many memories.” No kidding, it seemed like you and Shaeula’s father had an affair way back when… I didn’t know what to think!

“It seems you have grown stronger once more, your sprit burning brighter, your presence palpably more intense. Yes, this is most excellent. The timing could hardly be better.” she finished. Moments later a maid hurried over, carrying a jug of fruity Fae wine, and as it was poured for the four-tailed fox she sat down, wrapping her tails around her waist in a manner that I had to admit intrigued me. So that’s how she sits… or I guess she might make the tails vanish sometimes?

“Curious?” the Nebisuki smirked. “If you ask nicely, I can show you what is under my kimono, where the tails join my body. You can even touch, if you please?” She took a deep gulp of wine, licked her lips and let some trickle out, down her ample bosom and away from my view. I looked away and declined her offer, and she giggled. “But you are still as charmingly shy as ever. I do wonder what that daughter of Urakaze is doing with you, for the modesty to still remain. Perhaps I will have to offer her some advice.”

“I don’t think she needs any, and I assure you, when it comes to my own wives, I’m far from shy.” My manly pride wouldn’t allow me to ignore her quip, even though I knew she was teasing me. “So, can we get to the point?” Speaking of points, I’m rapidly getting to the point I’ll need to start resonating with my Material body too or start taking actual damage. Damn, why won’t these Skills Rank up and make my life easier?

“Of course. I can be quite pointed when I need to be. To be blunt…” She was all business now, her flirty nature suppressed. “… Great Nurarihyon is rather put out with you. His toy is far less fun that he would have liked. And while he can keep his anger in check for the benefit of the Hyakki Yagyō and our future trials… he sees little need to aid you in what is surely a personal matter.”

“Even if it would increase our chances of beating the golden-eyed devourer?” I asked, and she shrugged.

“He believes in Uranai’s prophecies. After all, she is the greatest and most long-lived of all the human-faced calves, and her wisdom is boundless. Since you have agreed to act with us when the time comes, then Great Nurarihyon believes he will surely survive. If you do or not is little concern of his. However…” She narrowed her eyes, her smile now showing its true nature, greed shining through. “…Bintara will listen to me. We go… way back. Should I ask her for a favour, then she is likely to accept, and she has worked with you before.”

“I get it. A favour for a favour then.” I decided to get to the point. “So what do you want? I can certainly provide you with enough booze of the finest kind to last for months.”

“Tempting, but no.” She shook her head. “I have already been good to you. I know you hold an unworthy grudge over my actions during your ill-fated first meeting with the Parade, but I was simply helping out a reckless junior of mine. I did not know you then. And the results have been beneficial, so holding a grudge seems petty. More advice from someone who knows…” Her ears slanted down, as she gazed at me seriously. “Women do not like petty men. Forgive discretions generously, and you will win hearts. Besides…” She sniffed. “You still carry the Bezoar I gave as proof of my trust.”

I touched the stone, hidden within my armour. It’s true. And it’s immensely helpful with my earth element. There are numerous ways to cheat it into strengthening me, especially with my Ether Healing being so effective. “And I will certainly consider freeing Tamamo-no-Mae just as soon as I can be sure that she poses no danger to Japan. But you can’t expect me to take risks with that.”

“Such is reasonable.” Nebisuki agreed, after finishing her wine and gesturing for more. At my nod, the nervous maid refilled it. “But then, if you continually receive favours from me, others might get the wrong idea. I might.” She paused to let that sink in, sighing in satisfaction as she licked her plump lips again. “I questioned Uranai once again, about how I might persuade you to aid me. Now, Great Nurarihyon said I should simply force you, but… I am a woman who prefers to charm rather than outright threaten. Noble Seirei asked if he wished for you to obey, but I of course begged their pardon.” I sweated as I remembered the incredible power Seirei displayed within their Territory. “So Uranai answered me thus… Prithee, the time will come when the one-handed moon dips, begging for aid from the fork-tailed dragon of the sea, but thou must go to him, and tell him thus. Now is the moment to prepare for a harvest. Before seeds can be sown, first must the ground be prepared, and the seeds gathered. But when seeds are sown, the farmer shall surely be distracted, and winged beasts will come to plunder thy lands. But a fox scares many crows…” She recited the words, mimicking the old-fashioned accent of Uranai that I remembered. “Now, you may think that Kitsune are untrustworthy, tricky beings, and while it would wound me…” She clutched at her chest, tugging the cloth of her kimono dangerously. “…I can hardly deny I do enjoy a harmless prank to two. But I believe I have done much to show my sincerity. Perhaps I have lied to you, twisted Uranai’s sacred words… or perhaps I simply very much wish for your aid, and what I say is true?”

I can’t argue. The Bezoar, her help in setting up profitable trade with the Hyakki Yagyō and even her cunning in getting other Yōkai to spend their Etherites and treasures on our products. But this is still a big ask, especially now… The issue is… I could see the Favours of Tsukuyomi and Tyr being translated together as a one-handed moon. And the metaphor of the seeds was too on the nose to my plans to be ignored, as were the winged beasts. Seeing me wavering, the four-tailed fox offered her final words.

“Honestly, I did not change anything. Uranai is our seer, our diviner of the mysteries. I would hardly be so imprudent. But I did leave out some words. Did you know… we Kitsune are strange beings. Only grandmother, Tamamo-no-Mae, has her true name spoken out loud. A true name is our zeroth tail, the one that we cannot see, but does exist. Uranai finished with these final words. …yet crows are not what come but dragons. Ravenous, albino dragons. And so only the greatest of foxes, one who can devour the moon, shall hold the power to scare the winged predators from thy garden. Yet… to shatter stone in worlds twain, to brave venom that burns immortals… three times are offered. Now the fox can protect the fields, but thy death looms likely. Past the wolf moon, holding the scabbard of immortality, the fields shall be fallow, but death is merely a shadow. Or one year hence, on the longest night, the fox shall be freed without harm, yet thy salty, bloody tears of loss will be wept many times afore you see the face of the slumbering one.”

“That’s a lot to take in. But again, it sounds all too clear.” I clenched the Bezoar, undecided. Tears of loss wept many times… does that mean if I don’t do it either now or after I go on the Quest in the lands of the Fae then I’ll suffer losses that make me weep? But if I delay for the Quest, I’ll lose the seeds I hope to gain?

“Our names, our immaterial tail, they can bind us. Only grandmother, with her impossible strength, would have the courage to allow others to speak her name without her jaws at their throats, teaching them the merits of silence.” The Kitsune before me observed. “I know you believe in keeping your word. So if you agree to go, and go now…” Her voice lowered, and for a moment she looked vulnerable, her teasing façade fractured. “…I shall tell you my name, my true name. Then you can force me to speak the truth. Nebisuki is merely the alias I go by.”

It means that much to you? Why? Troubled by her expression, even though I largely distrusted her, I wasn’t going to make a hasty decision. Although by the sounds of it… I have to rush it either way. Will everything stop happening all at once? I’m just one person, even if I can be in two places at once… “I have to call everyone. Just … sit there and have something more to drink.”

As Nebisuki watched me, her gleaming eyes staring unblinking, I quickly spoke to the girls on the Material, as well as sent a runner to the Fae lands through the Ring Gate…

********

“So that-that is it, is it?” Shaeula frowned, eyeing the Kitsune warily. “We certainly considered your request, but to be quite-quite honest with you, the risk is grave. Whoever or whatever was capable of sealing her away must be of great-great strength and dangerous indeed. To say nothing of the terrible risk she poses herself.” Shaeula and Hyacinth had returned at my call. We were all gathered here except for Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi, as I didn’t want to distract the latter two, and we couldn’t wait for Hinata to fly back from South Korea.

“There’s lots of different stories told about her, right?” Kana said, eager to be involved, and equally as eager to take a break from her construction work alongside Grulgor and Ixitt. I definitely have to make it up to her in the future, she’s been working very hard. “Killed by a great warrior, a Buddhist monk, other Yōkai…”

“I too have concerns.” Daiyu agreed. “Being sealed away is not unusual, sealing talismans are a traditional staple of Cultivation. Though it has been long years since spiritual beings to warrant their use appeared. But I remember reading tales of unsealed beings. If they were still capable of rational thought and not merely rage-filled beings of appetite and destruction it was a rare outcome, and those that were capable of restraint were husks, personalities, thoughts, emotions and memories eroded away by the endless river of time.”

“That sounds awful.” My sis shuddered. “Though don’t you feel sorry for anyone who is trapped like that for so long?”

“Yes, you are wise, girl” Nebisuki agreed, but my sis glared back at her, not forgiving her for the role in Eri’s grave injuries. Eri then put a hand on her arm, before speaking herself.

“I get that you seem desperately eager to free Tamamo-no-Mae. You said she’s likely your grandmother, well that makes sense. Except… I don’t think you have many familial feelings towards her. I mean, you’re not even certain she is.”

“A fair point.” The Kitsune conceded, chewing on her pipe stem. “But I do dearly wish her freed. I travelled far to find the Bezoar and laid many other plans and schemes.”

“So just tell us the truth.” Yukiko-san, who was just about to head home when I spoke to the girls, said, having been unable to miss this. “If you do, and the reason is good, I might support you. Assuming Akio-san can handle the danger.”

“Thanks.” I said dryly. I’m honestly not sure I can, and Uranai’s words clearly said the risk was insanely high. But protecting the seeds I’m sowing implies I’ll get the seeds I’m searching for. If so… everything might work out as we’re planning for…

“I hear the ring of truth in the words.” Tsukiko observed, Nebisuki having repeated Uranai’s warnings at my request. “You must feel it too, Akio. Tsukuyomi whispers…”

I nodded. “Yeah, I get it. But that doesn’t mean we need to take it as read. Just like we didn’t with your death, Tsukiko.” As she conceded the point, Nebisuki spoke up.

“It is simple. If I do not grow my fifth tail, Uranai long ago said I would not see the dawning of my nine-hundredth year. Now, it is rude to ask the age of a lady such as myself, and besides, time is a difficult concept for us Yōkai. It was easier, in grandmothers time. Why, one could grow a tail just by surviving a mere century, though the world then was cruel and vicious, and even foxes with many tails could die, killed in disputes over little more than an insult or spilled sake. Now… I am proud of my tails, showing my age and power, but poor little Kitsune like the one you slew…” she glanced at me, serious. “…they struggle so, barely able to grow new tails at all. When I was younger I plotted and struggled. In middle age, I gave up, revelled in debauchery and sin. I even travelled to wonderous places deep in the lower Astral, where time slows to a crawl, compared to the mortal world, all to lengthen my time. But as I grew closer to doom I once more laid schemes, though I was also resigned to my end. Yet now I see a way… you can wake grandmother, and if she is still sane, still powerful, she surely knows a way for me to sprout my fifth tail. Or perhaps it is my sixth, if you count the invisible tail that is my name.”

“That’s all very well, but the risk is huge.” Eri pointed out. “And Akio is bearing all of it.”

“Hence why I offered my name, my true name, my invisible tail, not Nebisuki.” She slouched, legs crossed, tails waving and with a growl Eri snapped that she should cover herself. Languidly the fox tugged her Kimono up, reducing the swell of bosom visible. “Yes, I shall be bound, but I believe him an honourable being. I would not be tortured or abused. And if I were, so long as I was able to sprout further tails, my strength would grow, and like grandmother, perhaps I could free myself and proudly name myself to all. Oh what a delightful, fleeting dream.”

“In that case…” Asha suggested, having watched quietly. Once more Shiro’s aggressive buff was withdrawn from her Tree, costing us further ether, so I wanted some compensation for our wasted time, but the absence had left Asha calm and composed. “…you should offer your name to another of us. That way if there are tricks, Akio can deal with it.”

“The only one strong enough to bind me fully…” Nebisuki glanced at us all. “Perhaps you could manage it, daughter of Urakaze, but I am not as delicate as I look.” Several of the girls held in bitter laughter at that jest. “It would not be trustworthy. No, only you…” She looked at Shiro. “No, what dwells within you. And I suspect she would not have the patience to deal with such as I.”

“Yeah, though Tan does wonder what you taste like.” Shiro quipped, licking her lips reflexively. Nebisuki quivered at that, clutching her body tightly, tails wrapped around herself.

“I have eaten and been eaten many times, by men and women both, but… I fear I would be devoured in the literal sense. And then, I would definitely not see the dawn. No, only Akio here has the strength. And I trust him enough.”

“Because you have no choice, right?” I questioned, and she shrugged.

“If that is how you choose to interpret it. It is hardly far from the truth. I know much of the Fae from my travels, and I know you are akin to them now. So let me say this. Great danger gives great opportunities. If you wish your fields to sprout, and I wish to see a new century of life… then we have no choice but to act. And to act now.”

“What do you think?” I asked everyone, and the decision was split. Shaeula, Asha, Shiro and Eri all believed I could handle the danger, whereas Hyacinth, Kana and my sis were worried I would get hurt or worse. Daiyu was troubled for a different reason, but when I asked, she blushed a little and said she hoped I would not miss her birthday tomorrow, since she had not cared before, but now was eagerly awaiting it. She also believed in my strength.

“I doubt very much my vote counts…” Yukiko-san said with a faint smile. “But for what it’s worth… I think you’ll survive. Tsukiko…” She glanced at her friend, who nodded.

“Yes, whether Akio is he of light, darkness and twilight, favoured by the Kami of this land and Gods of a foreign land… that is unimportant. What is important is… he is Akio. And I believe in he who faced down the golden-eyed devourer for me.”

“With that said, Hinata and the others aren’t here. I’ll count Yukiko-san’s vote, and I believe at least Hinata would believe you capable of this. Motoko and Natsumi are more cautious, but even if they dissented…” Eri tallied up the count. “…worst case it’d be eight to four in favour. Not that it matters.”

“No, all that matters is your call, Aki.” Shiro agreed. “For what it’s worth, Tan believes you can handle it too. And I quote ‘a mindless, rampaging beast, no matter how powerful, will be little match for his cunning and devious tricks’. Hey, don’t go all silent on me Tan!” Shiro started arguing out loud with Tan, probably to lighten the heavy mood on purpose. Looking at Nebisuki, I asked her one final time. “You’re not lying to me, are you? How long do you have?”

“I lie often, I admit it. Though my lies are more in the way I present things. That is the way of us foxes. We are not dissimilar to Fae in that regard. I am indeed an old hag, as that departed upstart proclaimed. I do not know how or why I shall perish, but Uranai was clear. But bind me, and I shall answer all your demands. But… you have the Bezoar, and the ability to be both hither and yon. If you cannot free grandmother, nobody can.”

“All right. I’m not saying it’s a go yet, but… if it is, it has to be swift. Because I’m not missing your birthday, Daiyu.” She brightened at my words, and I continued. “The first option, going now, has the gravest risks, but saves the crops I want to grow, right?”

Nebisuki nodded. “So it seems.”

“In that case… someone get a helicopter on standby and get me details of the weather and also volcanic conditions around Tochigi prefecture. That’s where the stone is in the Material, I think? As for me… damn, it’s going to be murder getting there and back…”

As everyone scattered to the tasks I gave out, soon only I and Nebisuki remained, the Kitsune surprised but grateful. Even with that expression on her face, I was worried. “You aren’t tricking me, are you? If so, and it puts anyone I care about at risk you know the consequences. Anyway, I’m not sure I need to take your…”

“My name, my true name is… Shinkume-no-Hana. Crimson Plum Blossom.” she said suddenly.

“I didn’t need to know that.” I said. “It’s not a matter of enslaving you to trust you. You should know if you treat me fairly I’ll do the same. And if you put those I care about in harm’s way, then I’ll make you regret it. Briefly.”

“So manly.”

Ignoring her dreamy sigh, I shrugged. “So, I’ll call you Nebisuki still. Not like I should put your name out there. Besides, Hana is my mother-in-law’s name. Shinkume isn’t bad, but…” As I said her name, I could faintly see a fifth tail glowing behind her, and I had a thought. Prophecies are treacherous and lie with the truth. What if she already has her fifth tail, and… my Eye shone, and as I examined it, aether poured from me, soaking into her illusory tail. Nebisuki groaned and her own aether fought me, sweat scattering from her like silver rain, but despite my efforts to stop it, soon she was overpowered. I’m not that much stronger than her. She… didn’t fight it? As her shimmering fifth tail was now fully visible to me, amber letters burned across my vision, and she fell to her knees in front of me, tails wagging.

“Order me, master of my name, and I will do as you bid!” Her head turned up towards me, and I could see rings of prismatic light in her pupils, and a similar set of rainbow chains that reached from my Chakra network around her phantom tail.

“You didn’t have to do this…” I lamented, but she shrugged, which was dangerous as I was looking straight down at her.

“Oh I did. Foxes lie, you know. And Uranai gave one final prophecy. So ask of me.”

“What did Uranai tell you? Tell me fully and don’t lie or hide anything.” I ordered, giving in, and I could feel her tail surging with power, trying to resist, though Nebisuki herself merely gazed at me loyally.

“It is quite simple. Uranai declared that as the border between the old world that is somehow new and the new world that is also ancient collapses, those that were banished and driven from these lands, betrayed and persecuted will wake from their slumbering dreams, and blood of the Yōkai and Kami shall soak the ground deeper than the Sanzu river. The Kitsune shall perish, and only those who give their name to Tamamo-no-Mae or the one who frees her shall live.”

At her heavy words, I paused, stunned. Is this one of the disasters Tsukiko saw, or else something new? Though the one upside is… At least if Tamamo-no-Mae was capable of communicating and understanding names, she couldn’t be the sort of degenerated beast of destruction Daiyu talked of. At least I hope not…