On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Ninety-Eight

Considering this was a mental space, and that I could link my Silver Connection to others, providing a deep intimacy of thought and experience, I began. It didn’t feel good, having to share myself with beings I didn’t know well, like Tamamo-no-Mae and Shinkume-no-Hana, but I would do what I had to do.

“Besides, you feel a little sorry for us, do you not?” Nebisuki, now I was connected with her, alongside the others, I no longer addressed her with her true name in my mind, said softly. “I find it equal parts puzzling and endearing. Rather presumptuous too, but… you are an unusual mortal.”

“I don’t feel sorry for you. Wow, no way!” My sis interjected, scowling. “I wasn’t there, but I saw Eri torn apart, and that was at least half your doing, you and your little games. And don’t try and give me some crap about oh, I was only playing, if your brother lost, I would never have let that fox take Eri away, because I know that’s a lie!”

“Yes, it would be. I had no reason to be kind.” Nebisuki agreed, still deathly pale, her tails drooping. “Besides, much as I abhorred the little upstart, he was the most promising Kitsune to join the Parade in many long centuries. Ah…” She let out a bitter sigh. “It seems we Kitsune shall soon be extinct, if we fail here. So your need for vengeance is satisfied.”

“Revenge?” My sis snorted. “I don’t need revenge. Eri didn’t die, bro won. But just because we won doesn’t mean I can forgive you.”

“That is fair. In my long life, just like grandmother, I have doubtless done much that is hard to forgive.” Her frank admission threw my sis off for a moment.

“All right. That’s enough. We have a job to do here…” I cut their squabble off as I drew on Tamamo-no-Mae’s invisible, zeroth tail, and deepened the overlap between my Silver Connection and her. It was… difficult. Even with her lack of resistance, or perhaps because of it, getting a connection was hard, and the weight of her League, her existence, still surpassed mine. Although, the gap… it’s not so vast I can’t see the other side of it. It felt similar to when I had battled Shaeraggo when he visited Shirohebizumi shrine to seek Shaeula. I was suppressed, my actions having a lesser effect than they should have, but it wasn’t something that couldn’t be overcome with luck and willpower.

My Eye glowed, and I remembered the last scene, that of Tamamo-no-Mae being trapped by the Saint of Swallowing Sorrows, and his battles. In the mental space we all shared, I willed the image into life, and it was easier than I imagined, the slowly fading remnants of the Chaotic Winds blowing, firming up the images, giving them realism. The Tiānyì was watching us in silence, waiting to see how the situation could turn to her advantage, but I ignored her, only focussing a little of my attention on her. It was an odd scene, feeling the weight of the Kitsune in my arms, as well as seeing her chained mental projection, and in addition the Tamamo-no-Mae from her past, still proud and haughty as she dispatched the foolish helpers the monk had lured into being his pawns.

“Wow.” My sis declared, watching as even chained, the most legendary of foxes demolished the incoming Yōkai and humans. “She’s… like really strong, bro. Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Honestly?” I kept my attention on the mental projection, as her rusty chains twitched a little. “No, but I know that Nebisuki isn’t lying about what Uranai told her. Uranai could be lying, or wrong, but… I don’t think so. I don’t know her, but I do know Tsukiko, and I think they are inherently similar. I think that when it comes to prophecies, they won’t be able to lie. Of course, prophecies are tricky, and I’m still almost certain to die…”

“Nope, not happening, bro. You’ve come too far.” My sis insisted, still looking as the scene faded, and I now recreated the vision from the frozen north.

Bintara was there, talking to the ghostly Tamamo-no-Mae, and Nebisuki barked a laugh. “I see. Sekka, yes. So you wish to seek her out for this…” As the icy coffins were revealed, Nebisuki clicked her tongue, ears flopping wearily, tails drooping.  “…but such an art, one breath as ten thousand, yes, but so much time has passed. Sekka’s Ice is the Ice that freezes all, even time, but… to ensure so long with such wounds…”

As she identified the situation with her practised knowledge, I felt the remnants of the Wind blow faster, shaving away at Tamamo-no-Mae, but I also noticed a minute shivering in the chains that bound her, not coming from the Chaotic breeze. As I expected. “Yes, I’m not going to lie. Su Caihong and Su Liena may well have passed on, but… if they didn’t, if by some miracle they have held on, their time passing as merest fragments of these long years…” I thumped my chest, grinning. “Healing has moved on. I’m damn good at it. Bintara has surely improved over the centuries. Even mortal medical technology would astound you. There’s still hope. Besides…” I heard a few tiny cracking noises, and only my Eye could pick up what had changed. “…if they have perished, then someone needs to mourn over them, give them a proper funeral. And likely only you know the funeral traditions of Kunlun. And then… there’s revenge.”

The scene changed, to the familiar one to me of Patriarch Zixin and Tamamo-no-Mae protecting the wounded women. On seeing the scene, Daiyu’s eyes widened. “Kunlun! And Cultivators of such power! Is… is he a Saint? A true one?”

“I think so. Just like I’m sure Su Caihong was. Two leaders of the true Great Sects. Take a look, this is a priceless opportunity for you.” I replied, and Daiyu nodded, black eyes shining, senses straining as she tried to absorb everything around her. Meanwhile, the scene played out as I remembered.

“I hate that bastard already. What a cruel piece of shit!” My sis swore, angry and pouting in her fury, hand clenching her bow. “If this was real, I’d put an arrow through his heart!”

“I get your anger, but sadly this is just a memory. However…” I turned to Tamamo-no-Mae’s consciousness. “Maybe we can kill him when Kunlun returns. I have a feeling it’ll be soon, the world is changing fast, too fast. But taking on a true Saint, as well as his entire Sect, and all their tamed creatures… wouldn’t your strength be needed? Besides…” I felt the Winds blow and embraced it. “…isn’t it better to take vengeance with your own hands? Even if Su Caihong and Su Liena live, He hurt those you care about. Don’t you want to crush him, make him pay?” The chains trembled, and there were more minute cracks and chips on the chains. “Remember… remember love. There’s no better emotion to guide you.”

The scene shifted, and now it was the scene of Tamamo-no-Mae and Su Caihong entangled. Nebisuki chortled, watching intently, while Daiyu was more concerned with the room it was taking place in, looking at every painted rune, every treasure, every scrap of jade. My sis, however, flushed a brilliant pink, and slapped my shoulder. “Wow bro. Not cool. It isn’t enough I’ve had to watch you getting laid. Now you’re giving me a Yuri show? Uh…” As Tamamo-no-Mae talked fondly of Su Liena, my sis narrowed her bright blue eyes. “…maybe we should leave the fox behind? If she likes young, unspoiled beauties, my chastity is in danger, bro! You wouldn’t like it if she eats me up, would you?”

“Mom was always half-worried you were on that team anyway…” I teased, and my sis flushed a deeper red, now pummelling me with both fists. Ignoring her, I turned my attention back to the consciousness of the nine-tailed Kitsune. “The world is full of people, humans, Fae, Yōkai and more. All the handsome, beautiful, cute… just like my sis.” As Aiko lowered her head I reached out, patting hers reassuringly. I can’t help but tease you sis, but it also serves a purpose. “Doesn’t it seem a shame, languishing in darkness, despite the world being a place to enjoy? Though of course, you can’t seduce Aiko, or I’ll leave you a tailless fox. That goes for any of my girls too. But… I’m not one to criticise your love life. After all… we’re not too different.”

“So, you going to start adding men to your harem then?” My sis got back at me, and I laughed, rubbing her head vigorously now, making her squirm until she had enough. “Quit it!” she smacked aside my hand.

“Nope, your bro is straight as an arrow. I meant more in... quantity. I can hardly blame her for affairs, when I have more than ten fiancées.”

“You would have some way to travel to match grandmother.” Nebisuki snickered. “But yes, you have made a worthy start for such a stripling. And quite important lovers too. Such as the daughter of Urakaze. It does please me to see her precious child plucked already. But…” She seized on my words. “More than ten? Surely you know your wives?”

“it’s… difficult. There’s a lot to consider.” I have some decisions to make, and hard ones at that. But now, just like Eri says, there’s no point in running from them, or complaining, or wishing things were different. What matters is I’m happy, they are happy, and in the end, it’s for the best… “But my point is… it’s a wonderful world. Sure, there’s bad things that happen, you’ve suffered, and caused a lot of it yourself…” The scene switched to the callous way she killed the Cultivator for an ill-judged insult. “…but... I have the solution.”

At that her chains creaked again, and the scene went pitch black, just leaving us and her alone again, the Tiānyì still watching, though her eyes were now narrowed with interest.

“Don’t look at her bountiful chest, bro!” My sis grabbed me, turning my head. “I don’t think she’s a good choice, don’t let her figure seduce you!”

“Nothing is happening?” Daiyu said, leaking a sigh, sad that she could no longer see Kunlun.

“Yeah, these were all I saw. But…” I looked at Nebisuki. “You have some memories with Tamamo-no-Mae, don’t you? Share then with me.”

“I see. I understand what you need.” The fox agreed. She closed her eyes, a slight smile on her face. “It will not be the… prettiest of scenes. I … apologise.”

Connected as we all were, I was able to shape the scene, though it was a drain on my mental strength. Fortunately, Split Thoughts made it tolerable. The darkness around us changed into a mountainous grassland, the spring sun setting, casting a vivid purple glow over everything. The flower-filled grass was blowing in the breeze, only this breeze was the Chaotic Wind remaining, and it surged into Tamamo-no-Mae, winning my gamble. With the scene set, it tries to erode her with it, but doing so reinforces the scene, pulling from Tamamo-no-Mae’s memories too…

Quite fascinating. Hisui, who had remained outside this mindscape, possibly out of respect for her younger sister, interjected. Using the lingering Tribulation… but beware. The Heavens are not apt to be used and abhor being mocked. You tread a dangerous line, a razor’s edge… I could imagine her licking her lips sensuously. But should you fall and be cut apart, I will be here to feast on your remains.

Wow, thanks… My reply was monotone, before I switched attention to the scene. A dozen Kitsune were kneeling, and Nebisuki was one of them, though she only had three tails. Glancing over, she shrugged.

“I was very young. Nobody is born all-powerful. Even those from strong bloodlines like the daughter of Urakaze have to struggle for dominance.”

The scene unfolded, and we watched. The oldest of the Kitsune, with an astounding six tails, was confronting Tamamo-no-Mae. “Elder Sister, you cannot be so selfish. The spiritual energy, the Aether, as the annoying humans are calling it, continues to diminish. Now I have aged, yet I cannot condense my seventh tail. Nor can…” he gestured over at another, who had five tails. “…she condense her sixth. This is wrong. Now none can reach your heights, and yet… you do nothing to help the Kitsune who are halted by fate?”

Tamamo-no-Mae, wearing a beautiful white kimono, open lazily to the waist, grinned, showing her fangs, her vulpine ears flickering, fur golden under the setting sun. “Of course I do nothing, little brother. What do you expect me to do?” Her green eyes narrowed sharply, and as we watched the scene I knew I wasn’t the only one chilled at the intensity and anger within. “Those who have the wisdom have made preparations, and those that need a push…”

“Hang on, just how old are you?” My sis asked the question on my mind. The numbers in Nebisuki’s story and Uranai’s prophecy didn’t add up. Nebisuki merely shrugged.

“Foolish girl. You will not like it when you are old and people question you. As I said, I tried many ways to cheat time. Not coffins of Ice, such as Tamamo-no-Mae had Sekka construct, but… there are pleasant lands to spend frozen centuries in. They move, but…” She giggled. “I would be more than happy to take you and your wives, Akio. After all, we share no secrets between us, not now.”

“Sounds fun, but… sorry, there’s too much to do to let time pass us by. So, you’re from the oldest of times, like Nurarihyon and Tamamo-no-Mae?”

“Not that old. I was merely two centuries old or so here, a mere stripling. I forget my exact age, but I know as you mortals reckon time I am… certainly mature. No, I prefer… ripe.” She giggled.

“More like rotten.” My sis hissed.

“In any case, the Kitsune were already feeling the decline, as the growth of our tails and our strength relies heavily on the world itself. And it was breaking. The spiritual, separated from the physical, by the cursed Boundary. We thought that Tamamo-no-Mae would know why or at least be able to help us. Me, at that time, I was simply led astray by the others. But… grandmother helps only who she chooses, such as the Cultivators from Kunlun. And those she deigns not to help, she often hurts. Kindness and cruelty, love and hate, calm and anger, healing and harm… there was always a duality about her. Perhaps it is the burden of power, or… perhaps something else. Even at this time, Tamamo-no-Mae had lived long enough for nine tails. Time weighs heavy on us. Why these mortals strive for immortality I cannot fathom it.”

“But you want to live, do you not?” Daiyu asked the question shrewdly, even as the scene devolved into chaos, the persuasion of the Kitsune finally provoking Tamamo-no-Mae to act. I noticed the past version of Nebisuki throwing herself down on the ground, almost grovelling, and raised an eyebrow. Nebisuki only winked, not needing to speak on that subject.

“Of course. But not for the sake of living, little Cultivator. Where is the beauty in that? It is rude to force a woman to divulge her secrets, but since you are a treasured woman of my man, I will speak.” My sis frowned at that, and I agreed the phrasing was very wrong. Though technically I have bound her… “Mostly, I hate losing.” She grinned. “Fate… why should I yield to it? Secondly… unlike grandmother, I have not tasted all life has to offer. After all… is this not exciting?”  She licked her lips, watching, as we were showered in phantom blood, Tamamo-no-Mae slaying her brother.

“No way! Killing her younger bro… that’s sick.” Aiko was pale, glancing at me. “I’d never… not even if you did something terrible.”

“If I ever do become an evil person then it’s up to you, and Eri and the others, to stop me. Whatever it takes. Even that. But…” I reassured her. “I won’t let it come to that. I agree… her actions are… huh? No way…”

“You have very keen senses.” Nebisuki laughed. All of the foxes but her and one other who had also cowered from the start were slain, but Tamamo-no-Mae didn’t take any of the ether their bodies radiated, instead, letting it disperse. “Grandmother hates being annoyed, but she is also easily amused by fools asking for their own bitter fates. Spiritual power was fading, the only way was to return spiritual power to the world. Of course, the world is vast, and it would never work. Not unless it was a small, isolated realm, like the Hyakki Yagyō, or…”

“Kunlun.” Daiyu connected the dots. “So she gave her brother what he asked for, he did say that none could grow condense their tails. Perhaps he thought he sounded more noble, asking on behalf of all…”

“Yes, which is why I ask for myself. I learned that day.” Nebisuki snorted. The scene continued, and the other fox grovelled before Tamamo-no-Mae, only to be reduced to ether as well. Tamamo-no-Mae looked down at her, and asked why she should be spared. Her answer surprised us.

“Because I do not wish to die?” Nebisuki had said, and Tamamo-no-Mae burst out laughing. Flicking one elegant hand, painted nails clicking, she gestured down the mountain.

“Go then. And remember, if you are begging for aid, best pray that the one you seek from is either foolishly kind-hearted or loves you dearly. I am neither, little girl. Hmm… granddaughter, I suppose. I recognise your looks, you have his eyes and facial features. Best forget about reaching my level. None ever will. This world is rotten. So… so boring. Think yourself fortunate girl.” With that the scene faded, and Nebisuki laughed. “Grandmother was right. The world only weakened, until now. Even with that, it comes too late for us Kitsune. Unlike many spiritual beings, our strengths are tied to our ages, a tail every century, or at least it used to be like that. Every resource is finite, spiritual power as well, it seems.”

There’s another clue in this. It was indeed an excellent vision to share. Another insight into the personality of Tamamo-no-Mae, and also her sorrows. Cruelty and mercy, ennui and craving…

“If you can hear me… I know you have no responsibility to save the Kitsune, no more than I have to save every human just because I am one. Though… your actions here were unjustified. Even if you gave them the answer they sought, what use is an answer in death? But… you’ve been punished enough. You really have.” The Winds blew up, their dying breath surging, and the scene started to resolve into another, and I knew this was the moment. “…even so, atonement is a good thing. You have a chance to help the Kitsune you discarded. You…”

The scene now was seeing Tamamo-no-Mae fighting two familiar Oni. The blue one was down on the ground, club shattered, both arms bent the wrong way, while the red one, Red, roared, swinging a long bar of crude metal. Tamamo-no-Mae merely swatted it aside, and with one punch, Red vomited blood and bile, stumbling to his knees.

“Feisty bitch as always, ain’t ya? Still can’t touch ya!” Blue complained. Her arms were twitching, bones snapping and crunching back into place, as she regenerated. Red leapt up, only for a hail of foxfire to blast him down into a crater.

“Stop your howling, it gives me quite the headache.” Tamamo-no-Mae complained, massaging her temples. “Of course you cannot, Blue Oni. You are not my match. So few are…” She yawned. “As to why you must undertake these pointless battles every time we meet…”

Red crawled out of the blasted pit in the ground, grinning, despite now being crimson from his own shed blood. “Pointless?” He laughed, a great booming one that shook the surroundings. “How is knowing if our strength has improved pointless?”

Tamamo-no-Mae sighed, and she shook her head, long reddish-gold hair tickling the ground, her tails waving. “How… simply boring…”

The scene changed again, and now Tamamo-no-Mae was confronting Tarōbō on mount Atago, the flame burning behind him. I could see his Four Directions as they were back then, Shungbō and Fungbō still alive. “Such a thankless, uninteresting task.” Tamamo-no-Mae snorted scornfully. “Covering for the sins of those who came before us. I will not cower. It was me or them…”

“Even so, I will not relinquish this duty.” Tarōbō declared, slamming the butt of his staff into the rock of the mountain. “At least I have duty, and family. What do you have, fox? Only momentary release.”

Her lips curled, and Haanōbō flinched, making me smile. I see. She was the same, even back then. Not the most confident of them. “Living in the moment… when each moment is followed by another, one after another, in a near-endless stream… I am simply too tired to pander to others, too fatigued to spend what little of my heart is left on the unworthy. A moment in which I feel alive is a good moment. I am so… tired….”

The scene shattered, Tamamo-no-Mae shuddering in her chains, and I could hear more cracking noises. It wasn’t enough, and worse, I could see the Tiānyì looking at her hungrily, and hear voices on the winds, more of their strange poetry.

So exhausted, how sad, but life…

…through hurting others is not life…

…but simply slow death, but not…

Death where peace is found, but torment…

And torment ends… when you cease to feel…

We were now back within the Sessho-seki. The Winds were almost spent, and they had been digging at her most fragile, weakest points of her spirit, and thus I knew even the short scene with Tarōbō held meaning. This final scene… it was obvious as to what it would be, and we watched, our expressions grim, even my sis, who had an opinion that Tamamo-no-Mae was a villain deserving of justice, looking on, pitying the trapped fox.

“It is quite useless. I planned this series of Formations from even before you cheated me, Tamamo-no-Mae.” The Saint of Swallowing Sorrows declared to the trapped Kitsune, who was glaring at him, her expression fierce. “Perhaps none of the Saints of Kunlun are your match individually, but strength is worthless before technique, artistry.”

“I… did not ask for that Formation for myself.” Tamamo-no-Mae flickered her ears weakly, pleading, though I could tell doing so hurt her pride. “Those treacherous swines betrayed me, took my ideas and…”

“…just as I was betrayed. How does it feel?” the monk sneered. “Amitabha, those who betray will be betrayed in turn, those who steal will be stolen from. Those who are strong will nurture… strength.” He paused, and Daiyu was once more fascinated by the runes and Formations on display. It’s a shame most of them were destroyed, but I still have some within Daiyu’s birthday present. “I am not a fool. You are notorious for being fickle and untrustworthy. So I never planned to receive your payment. This humble monk is never so foolish as to be tricked twice. No, your idea truly was inspired. This is Kunlun, just on a more… humble scale, befitting this seeker of the Dao. Amitabha!” He clasped his hands in mocking greeting. “But even my Formations cannot gather enough Earthly and Heavenly Qi, not so many years late. But… they can plunder you!”

His eyes shone with madness and malice, and Tamamo-no-Mae stared at him defiantly. That pleased him, as he chuckled. “We will see how long you endure. This also takes from your frozen coffins, and time will flow slowly, compared to the Spiritual outside, or even the world of us humans. So… do not expect I shall die before I receive my reward.” He grinned, and after fiddling with several of the Formations the chains holding Tamamo-no-Mae began to pulse, and the veins in the rocky walls of the Sessho-seki glowed balefully. At first the Kitsune merely dangled stoically in her chains, only her fur standing on end and her trembling giving away her pain. But as time passed, her eyes sparkled with tears, and her teeth ground together.

“Amitabha. This is wonderful indeed…” Aether, pulled from the fox, was refined by the Formation, impurities stripped off. “Spirit Funnel, the Time-Killing Ice, Kunlun, you… everything works so perfectly together. It was as if it was my destiny. Have no fear. I shall strike back at the betrayers of Kunlun, so you will have company on your way to reincarnation…”

The Winds shifted the scene, digging into her weaknesses ruthlessly, and I could see why so many likely failed the Tribulation, even without the interference of the Tiānyì. My sis had squeezed shut her eyes, after watching Tamamo-no-Mae degrade herself by offering her body, her heart, her love, her everything for release, twisting coquettishly in the chains, pain, torment overriding shame and pride. Sadly, it was a mental vision so she was still subjected to it.

The monk pretended to be interested, giving her hope, only to crush it callously. “I am afraid this old monk has followed a Dao of celibacy. Even if not… I would not seek one so… well-used.”

“What an asshole…” my sis whispered, and Nebisuki agreed.

“Yes, he is indeed a vile excuse for a being. Should experience preclude love? As long as one is loyal now, what does the past matter?”

That’s… not a question I want to get into. For the sake of one girl. I’m not sure, and I’ll never ask, but… now isn’t the time for such thoughts. Eventually Tamamo-no-Mae simply shut herself off, giving in to oblivion to isolate herself from the endless pain of being scraped away, body and spirit, inch by tortuous inch over the long years, but I caught her final, whispered words, before they were swallowed by the dying Winds… “At least… feeling nothing is… peace…”

With that the last of the Winds vanished. The Tiānyì grinned, coming over, her expression malicious. “Yes, it is peace. Become part of me, my sustenance. You have experience in it. And your sins are heavy.” She looked at me, twirling her orange hair with one finger. “Your efforts were appreciated. She has been ground down even further, yet somehow some fragments have risen to the surface. It is still a poor meal, but at least it has some seasoning. Now… leave. My elder sister has given you her bell, I would not dare to take you. But these others…” She grinned at Daiyu, my sis and Nebisuki. “There are a lot of us who will be returning above hungry. And we have little time…”

“No.” Indeed, as the Winds died down and finally retreated, many of the Tiānyì were riding them back up towards the upper Astral and places I could scarcely imagine. “I think not. I’ve been wondering… just what could change between now and after the Quest. Spirit Water, sure. But the scattered Tribulation is only one threat. There’s you all. Even if I hesitated and lost the chance to gather seeds… there’s still another way.” I tapped my wrist. Originally I was planning it this way, and if I lost my chance I still would. I believe it would succeed, though it would permanently stunt my prospective future growth from the treasure Ortlinde gave me. But it might still have proved worth it, to grow through my own merits, and to help certain others. And… for one more reason too…

“No? No?” The Tiānyì growled. The choir of voices intensified, and numerous spirits, young and old, started entering the mental world. Hisui was no exception, though she merely watched, as if waiting for me to fail. “You think I was asking? You might be strong despite your feeble Cultivation, but in a battle of minds you will be devoured if we go all out!”

The thing that could well have changed, that would deal with the Tiānyì, is… Using my better understanding of my bonds, I reached out, and soon I had overlapped another Silver Cord on mine. Great mental force surged, the space trembling and cracking, scintillating prismatic light leaking through the wounds in the space. My sis staggered, but even then, she steadied herself, glaring furiously at the Tiānyì. Daiyu was calling on her own disciplined mind, and Nebisuki barked a harsh laugh.

“I am far too weary and wounded for this. But… I hope you have a plan?”

“Yeah, I do.” I agreed, sending my request to the one who could aid me. Are you sure? I was most generous, giving you no limit on the time required to succeed. You believe you can do it in mere months? Hubris. Though a man with confidence has its own allure…

Yes, once the Quest is done, Avalon… It may not be for me, but if Eleanor lets me borrow it… I don’t think I can fail. So…

I can hardly let you fall here. My soon-to-be… there was a long pause in her thoughts. …servant. Have no fear, I shall treat you well, you and the princess both. I will not interfere in your love, for though it is often cloying and tedious, it does break up the boredom. Boredom…

Yes, you get it. Tan read my mind, before I literally screamed, the sudden, unbearable weight on my Silver Connection making me respect Shiro all the more, knowing she had to feel similar during Divine Possession. It’s fine, Aki. I’m used to pain. Besides, as I get stronger, it hurts less. And pain in the heart is worse than pain in the body. You get it, right? Shiro too shared my memories of the recent scenes, and she had picked out one of the key points. Anyway, bold move, Aki. Makes me feel kind of hot, how you’ll put everything on the line for the win. But… oh yeah, best finish this quick. It’s Daiyu’s day tomorrow right, and …it’s nearly tomorrow!

As the Tiānyì rushed forwards, Tamamo-no-Mae’s mental space shuddered further, and a great vivid violet flame blazed into existence. It soon resolved into Taṇhā, though her appearance was no longer mirroring Shiro’s, though there were great similarities. I guess all stunningly beautiful women are the same…

“Of course!” Taṇhā boomed proudly. Her skin was a rich, dark chocolate brown, and her eyes and hair vivid crimson. Her bodyline was the sort men could only dream of, slender and voluptuous at the same time, her long legs drawing my eye. Her voice too, didn’t sound like her thoughts, and I had to look away, resisting her with all my might. “I am Taṇhā, even if I am merely a projection, I am she who was chosen to Allure the Buddha. Of course I am one of the most beautiful in my Pantheon. No, the most gorgeous.”

“But… you failed, right? Failed on my bro too…” My sis was breathing heavily, even as a girl, feeling the immense Charm Taṇhā radiated.

“Did I now?” Taṇhā looked at me, smiling faintly, and I felt my chest clench. Damn, this is just a mental projection, and how high is her Charm? It’s making me feel bad, do I do this to girls? “With his… eagerness… to see our wager done, I would think differently. Now… to business.” Flames roared, and the Tiānyì flew back, panicked. “Begone. I believe I told you this was not your place to intervene, dream parasites.”

“How rude!” Hisui complained. She hadn’t advanced with her sisters, hanging back, and she adopted a haughty pose, though I picked up small trembles in her body. “Even you have no right to interfere in a Tribulation! The Laws ingrained in the Astral over long aeons are…”

“Enough. Speak not of secrets mortals should not hear.” Tan said without a trace of shame, and I goggled at her for a reason other than her beauty. Not that I’m complaining, but that’s sheer hypocrisy.

Do you wish my aid or not? Be silent. Her complaining thought echoed through me, and she continued. “This is not a Tribulation. This creature is not a Cultivator. So I can interfere if I so wish. And wish I do.”

“I… I will not let my meal, poor as it is…” The orange haired Tiānyì cut her words off as flames started rising around her. “…maybe… I am not so hungry after all. But…”

“If you are thinking of telling my father I am here, be my guest. Perhaps he has noticed I have tarried, or believes I am just killing time somewhere, passing the uniform days and trying to maintain my sanity. But remember…” She licked her lips, and for a moment I wanted to rush over and hold her. Several of my Split Thoughts shuddered, but I just managed to hold on, Shiro’s mocking laughter in my head, praising me sarcastically for a good job. “…when I return, and I shall… I will remember this. Of course…” She smiled then, perfect, luscious lips quirking into a benevolent expression. “…I also remember when favours are done for me. When I return, and I shall… it will perhaps be in glory you can barely comprehend. Father will praise me, and I shall have a realm of my own, or at least a realm I can claim.” She glanced at me, her ruby eyes glittering with seductive droplets of moisture, looking like diamonds on her perfect… Damn, yeah… uh… honestly, I’m not sure whether winning or losing the wager will be more problematic. Maybe it doesn’t matter either way. Resisting Tan was definitely an act of sheer willpower, and I had gained several points of Resilience and Determination in just these few moments.

“We will of course follow the Laws above in such a place, and perhaps you will find yourselves welcome.” The flames increased in intensity, and the orange haired Tiānyì backed down.

“I would not dream of speaking of you, peerless Taṇhā! We Tiānyìèguǐnǚ bow before the Craving of Thirst!”

Hisui nodded slowly. “I held back, did I not, as promised? Though when he faces true Tribulation in the future…”

“By all means test him.” Taṇhā agreed. “I would not care for an unworthy servant, or a weak… well, no matter. My business is just that, mine. I am not here to merely assuage my boredom, Tiānyì, no, I have purpose, and father will most certainly understand and reward me greatly, in addition to what I shall gain. Stay on our good side and… time will tell you made the wisest choice.”

The flames died down, several Tiānyì visibly pale from nearly being burned, and with some last frightened pleasantries and lingering looks, Hisui eyeing me with greater curiosity than ever, they retreated on the faded Winds, the remnants of the Tribulation coming to a final halt. Relieved I had evaded a second almost certain death, I thanked Taṇhā, who merely laughed, a beautiful, musical, alluring… Damn. Uh, sorry to be a pain, but… you’re not good for my heart right now.

Tan’s mental manifestation dissipated, and she spoke to me through Shiro again. How amusing you are. At least you appreciate my beauty. The Buddha, he was a fool, no? I may be cold, but the fire inside me burns hot. And though I was sent to trip his feet, distract him from his Dao, what man would not abandon their path to walk to me?

“Yeah, you sure are something.” I muttered, the words heartfelt, remembering her appearance. It was hard to tell just what was more perfect about her looks than Shiro or Tsukiko, but… somehow, perfect pieces assembled that way made more than a perfect whole, Charm magnifying the effect. You really are a Goddess. Seeing you like that drives home the point.

Hmm. Of course I am. I always have been. I am glad you realise what a mistake the Buddha made. But there are no do-overs in life. He walked on by. Learn from that. Now, you have borrowed a favour from me you have not earned at the cost of time. But I shall not aid you further. As I proclaimed to them… win or lose. Show you are worthy to catch my eye!

“Yeah, it’s showtime.” I agreed. “The danger to myself from the Lightning and Wind was resolved, and the danger from the Tiānyì is also done. But…”

“That was crazy.” My sis was sweating. “Bro, I can’t even deal. When you joked I was on the other team, it somehow didn’t seem a bad idea now… wow, no, no good! I’m totally straight!” She shook her head like a dog would, shuddering. “Wow, my bro’s even seducing beings like her now… mom and dad will freak out.”

“Yeah, not the time for that.” I snorted, amused. “Daiyu, are you all right?”

Daiyu nodded. “I simply focused on my own thoughts, digesting what I have seen in these visions. But it was hard. It also… tests my Dao heart. As your Dao companion, to compete with her… no, you were correct. It is not time. So… how will you break her chains?”

“We nearly have.” Nebisuki interjected. On seeing me looking, she waved her tails triumphantly. “You hold my name in your clutches. Only if you relinquish it can I be charmed away. To be held by a strong man… a delight I have not experienced. For even in my youth I was no pushover. Perhaps… perhaps grandmother needs that too.”

“I know what she needs.” I rolled my eyes at her. “You do too. But…” Without the Winds we couldn’t go into her past any further. What we had would have to do. “…now it’s just a case of doing it and hoping for the best.” And of course, hope that the danger has passed. But if not… I have no fancy tricks left. So now…

“Tamamo-no-Mae…” My voice resonated through her mental space, overlapping as we were. “Can you hear me? If so… I have a proposition for you…”