On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Six

After a brief, but also amusing, time in the bath, where we discovered an unlikely use for water element, making sure that Daiyu wouldn’t have any unfortunate accidents during our night out, we dried ourselves and dressed. The other girls had coordinated Daiyu’s outfit for the night, as while Daiyu had a very refined aesthetic sense, she wasn’t well versed in modern fashion. She looked a little surprised at first, but soon dressed, and I raised my thumb approvingly when she was done.

“You look great. That’s such a fresh style for you.” She was wearing tight, three quarter-length jeans, showing off her slender legs, as well as a red t-shirt, layered over with a paler cardigan-style frilly top. She had also piled her hair up and pinned it, giving off an entirely different impression to her usual stoic coolness.

“It does not hurt to dress more casually now and again.” Daiyu demurred, rather embarrassed. She then deflected attention to me. “You look rather splendid as well.”

“I would hope so. I never used to put much thought into my clothes, but I can’t show you all up now, can I?” I was in smart casual, a white shirt and blue jeans paired with a watch that while not the sort I wore on special occasions or meeting important people, was still more expensive than I would have ever considered buying before all this. After checking my hair in the mirror, the slight wildness of the style making me look a little dangerous, I gave Daiyu another once over, making her flush a little. “All right, we good to go?”

Daiyu nodded, and we said our goodbyes to everyone. Tamamo-no-Mae was being watched over by Shaeula and Hyacinth, while Shiro, Eri and some of the others were going out. I noticed Suzu-san tagging along with that group, and my mom and auntie Hana were joining them too. That’s quite the mixture.

After some playful teasing from my mom, Daiyu and I headed out into the Tokyo night. The December chill was hanging in the air, but with our stats the cold was nothing. A driver took us the short distance from our estate into central Tokyo, and our stop was the brilliant lights and bustle of Shinjuku. Daiyu was a little overwhelmed with the number of people around, having lived in a relatively quiet mountain hideaway until now, but she was gradually getting used to life in Japan. As we chatted, she admired the bright neon, in shades of purple, blue and green, that seemed to be everywhere. Soon we passed under the gate of red lights that marked the most well-known entrance to the Kabukichō district, and the flow of people and the intensity of the garish displays competing for our attention increased.

Daiyu looked around, fascinated. We were speaking Chinese, since it was just the two of us, and her birthday, so those around us couldn’t understand. “And why have you brought me here? It seems interesting, but…” She nodded to the numerous handsome well-dressed men propositioning women, as well as scantily clad young women, who despite the cold were braving the Tokyo night to speak to passers-by, trying to guide them into various establishments. “…it seems a little… exotic.” she said at last.

“Technically it is a red-light district, but we’re not here to pick up girls, or heaven forbid, guys.” I snorted, knowing anyone that tried to hit on Daiyu would be lucky if she didn’t break them, and if she didn’t I would. “A lot of Kabukichō is great bars, little restaurants and fun places to discover. I thought Akihabara, one of the main places I hang out, just wouldn’t tickle your fancy like it does Shaeula or Shiro. Besides, I’m told there’s a fantastic Chinese eatery down one of the side streets. I figured you might as well have the taste of home?”

Daiyu nodded slowly, a slight smile curving her lips. “I see. Yes, if you were here to find women of ill-repute, Eri would be most angry. And she would not be alone.”

“Yeah, I know. You’d be upset, Hinata, the others as well…” I began, but she cut me off, her words surprising me.

“Hardly. Those who would be angry would be Bellaera, Soliteare, Yu-mi and others who desire their chance. They would feel slighted that you would consider such women more important than them.”

“I can see why that would be bad, but Yu-mi? We’re not like that.” I protested, though then I cocked my head, thinking. “No, we’re not like that, but… in Seoul she did seem very relaxed around me, though that might have been the booze talking. And she did say the marriage was on hold…”

Daiyu clapped her hands together, rolling her eyes in a passable imitation of Eri when she was exasperated by things I said. “You were right, you have learned. I am not saying that Yu-mi would wish to marry you… the Elves certainly do, but setting them aside… she has complicated feelings, and it is only natural to regret missed opportunities, even if at the time they were spurned. You… have a habit of making us feel special.” Her hand reached for mine, but before we could speak further, a voice interrupted us.

“Hey hey, beautiful people! Why not come this way? We have food, we have drinks, we have handsome men and women, eager to please!” The Chinese was heavily accented but passable, and we turned to see a lanky, blond man wearing a vivid purple shirt, gold chains around his neck, grinning at us. He wasn’t bad looking, I supposed, but Daiyu didn’t seem to care, annoyed at the interruption.

“Make yourself scarce. We are busy.” she declared coldly. “And we have no need of other companionship…”

“Don’t be like that. Is he your boyfriend? But you were talking about other women. Turnabout is fair, and…” The man froze, as I let out a trickle of my League. Everyone on the street around us felt a brief chill, glancing around surprised, but the purple-shirted man shuddered, taking a step back.

“Sorry, but Daiyu’s mine. I may be a bastard, but I’m a protective one. Besides… if you were going to offer her some guys, they’d have to pay her. And you can’t tell me you have any girls her equal in your bar?”

The man gaped, suddenly looking at us more closely. “Hang on… are you…” He swallowed, throat working fearfully. “…the hero of Britain?”

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“That’s me.” I agreed, and the man blanched. Apologising hastily, he backed off, and Daiyu relaxed.

“They thought we were foreigners, as we weren’t talking Japanese.” I grasped her hand now the interruption was dealt with and led her through the streets. Seeing a little izakaya bar that seemed nice enough, some overworked salarymen and women drinking alongside students from some of Tokyo’s universities, I led Daiyu over to a pair of open seats and sat down. “Japan’s generally rather safe, but they occasionally do scam foreigners. Of course, if they tried that on us…”

Daiyu laughed meanly and switched to Japanese. “I do not drink often, what do you recommend?”

“Hey, does she have some identification? She doesn’t look legal to me.” The owner of the bar spoke up sternly, glancing over, and with a smile, I gestured, and Daiyu flicked her Spatial Ring, which she was wearing with pride, and there were gasps around as her Ministry Passport popped out. I took it and opened it, and while she was under twenty, the special exemptions and diplomatic status it conferred made the man’s eyes widen in shock.

“Don’t worry, you won’t get into trouble, we have a certain measure of extra-legal status.” I promised him. “It’s a bit cheeky, but as you can see, it’s her birthday, and I want to make it fun.”

“I would most appreciate it if you were to relent.” Daiyu said politely. “Besides, I can hardly get drunk, my body is extremely hardy.”

“Hang on… oh.” The barman swallowed, recognising me. “Sure thing. I… recommend something sweet for the lady. Here…” He pulled out a bottle of Umeshu, plum wine, and poured her a generous measure over some ice. “As for you…”

“Whiskey on the rocks. A good one, best you have.” I laughed.

“Can… I have an autograph?” one man asked, and with a smile I took the proffered pen. “Sure, but… make it quick, okay? Like I said, this is Daiyu’s birthday, and I wanted to show her a good time in traditional Japanese fashion. So, anyone else?”

After that, I signed for a number of people, some requesting I jot brief personalised notes. Even Daiyu got asked, a little bemused, but she offered her signatures while sipping on plum wine, her glass constantly being refilled. A couple of the students who were women had taken to her, and Daiyu showed off, summoning money from her Spatial Ring to pay for drinks for them. I had offered, of course, but Daiyu was insistent on paying for them herself, only letting me buy for her. As I chinked my glass against hers and took a sip of the fiery liquor, I frowned, as conversation around us had turned to the volcanic eruptions in the Nasu mountain ranges.

“Hasn’t been a big eruption for a long time, it was long overdue.” one man was saying, drink in hand, gesturing wildly. “This one was a doozy though, came out of nowhere.”

“Hey, you see that comedian on TV last night?” another replied, smiling drunkenly. “He said that it was probably Tamamo-no-Mae, right? After all, isn’t she supposed to be sealed in some rock up that way?” The man snorted. “Load of nonsense.”

“Are you sure?” one girl asked, leaning forwards, expression intense. “I mean, we’re sitting here with Oshiro-sama, he’s a hero! And he’s already said that Yōkai are real. They are, you said so, didn’t you?” she asked me, leaning in, only for Daiyu to gently guide her away, muttering that she shouldn’t throw herself to the wolves and expect not to get eaten, which hurt my feelings a little. She’s only a random woman I’m talking to in a bar, I may find it too easy to fall in love, but I’m not going to devour every girl I meet!

“Very real.” I agreed. “All sorts of mythical beings exist. Barkeep, another round for everyone.” As more glasses of booze arrived, I glanced at Daiyu. She nodded, sipping at her drink. It seemed she was enjoying the very different experience to her usual routine, and while she was shy at first, being so domineering and forthright, she was soon relaxing, and proved very popular, especially with other women.

“So, do you think it was natural, or was it that fox?” one of the women asked Daiyu, and she glanced at me, unsure of how to answer. I winked, and Daiyu let out a sigh.

“I do not need to think. I know. For I was there, as was Akio.” Daiyu told an abridged story of the tale, skipping the sensitive details, but everyone listened in wide-eyed amazement as they were regaled with a story of us standing up against a wicked Cultivator in amidst the chaos of the eruptions. It almost entirely omitted Tamamo-no-Mae, merely mentioning she was real, but even so, it thrilled the onlookers. More drinks arrived, and when I tried to pay, the barman shook his head.

“On me. For the story. But… can I have a photograph and…” He hastily found some paper. “Could you write that down? It can be a treasured memento of the bar, a real talking point!”

At his words, everyone clamoured for selfies with us, and in the end I agreed, so long as they didn’t post them until tomorrow, as we didn’t want our night to be swamped with eager fans.

“Maybe you need to wear a disguise, huh?” one man laughed, and I let out a weary sigh of agreement.

“Seems so. But then, I’d attract attention being out with Daiyu anyway.”

One of the women was asking Daiyu what it was like living with my other women, and Daiyu was about to answer, when a familiar voice spoke up behind us.

“Akio-san. It’s you? And Daiyu, wasn’t it?” Ichika-san was standing there, dressed up to socialise, wearing a fashionable long coat and small fluffy hat. Beside her was the smiling Usui-san, who, on seeing Daiyu with a glass in hand, snorted.

“Breaking the law again, huh? Setting a bad example, Akio-kun.” She looked at the owner of the Izakaya, who was fussing with the document I had written out, putting it in a frame. “Don’t worry, I’m off duty. I barely get any time to myself nowadays, the overtime is brutal. So many troublemakers.” She yawned theatrically. “So, going to buy us a drink?”

“We can’t. Shaeula told me it was Daiyu’s birthday today so Akio-san was spoiling her. We’d be intruding!” Ichika-san protested softly, embarrassed.

“So who are they?” some of the other patrons were asking with interest, and Ichika-san shrank in on herself, still as nervous as ever. Holding in a sigh, I gestured to the guys next to me, who took the hint and moved aside, freeing up a pair of seats. Daiyu nodded, rather enjoying the change of pace.

“Friends.” I said. “So be nice. I’d have thought you might have gone out with the others, Ichika-san. You know Shiro and the rest?”

“I was invited.” Ichika-san sat down, and soon had a glass of the same wine Daiyu was drinking. Usui-san asked for the same, and quickly got annoyed I was calling her by her surname, insisting I call her Yoriko.

“I just didn’t feel good about going. I feel such an outsider.” Ichika-san lamented. “And since Shaeula is apparently looking after some guest and staying in, she said I could come over for a girls’ night in… but that’s your house. It wouldn’t be right.”

“Poor Ichika.” Yoriko-san snorted. “You really have to grow a backbone, girl. It’s your attitude as to why you attract wolves and scammers. Get a load of this…” Yoriko-san leaned in. She was dressed up as well, and her baby-face gave her a certain charm. “…the number of hosts and shady guys that tried to lure her into their establishments just walking to here was … it was crazy! Tell me, you think she has to toughen up, right?”

I glanced at the mortified Ichika-san, who was pink-faced and teary-eyed. I then nodded firmly. “Honestly, I do. Because evil loves weakness. But… you have to understand. You’re Shaeula’s friend now. My friend too, Ichika-san. And one thing we can say for certain is, we don’t let our friends down!”

“What about me, Akio-kun?” Yoriko-san wheedled, and I realised she was already quite drunk. She gripped my arm, and since she had received Chirurgery as part of the Ministry package, she had enough strength to make an ordinary grown man groan. Not me though.

As Daiyu sniffed, I pried her hand off gently. “What about you? Yoriko-san, haven’t I saved your life before? Of course we’re friends.”

“Yeah, worst day of my life that was. I was sure I was going to die.” As she started to complain, I exchanged a look with Daiyu, and she merely shrugged, a slight smile on her face. I guess this isn’t so bad. Ignoring Yoriko-san, who was now pounding on my shoulder, wincing a little, I ordered more drinks. The night’s still young. And tomorrow is another day…

***

“I’m sorry about this.” Ichika-san was apologising again to Daiyu, and I could see her getting rather exhausted with all the apologies. “I didn’t want to intrude…”

“It is no intrusion. It is not like I need to be alone with Akio. Those matters have passed, although…” She looked at me boldly, and I realised I might need to find a love hotel later.

“I see. Yes, I do.” Yoriko-san elongated her words meaningfully, a glass of beer in hand. We were eating in the Chinese restaurant I had searched out, after having extracted ourselves from the fans at the bar. It was just the four of us, and there was a certain charm of sitting in a somewhat dark corner of a busy restaurant, the area only lit by hanging Chinese lanterns and candles. “That’s probably a crime too, Akio-kun!”

Daiyu shook her head. “I do not believe so, not even by your laws. I consider myself married, as Dao companions are bound in a manner that even the Heavens shall not sunder.”

“All you ladies are the same.” Yoriko-san sniggered, guiding some food to her mouth and swallowing it, barely pausing to chew. “Damn, this is the best. Beer and restaurant food. Beats surviving on cup noodles and bento boxes. Work is rough right now… there’s definitely something about to go down. Reiji-kun…” She addressed her superior rather disrespectfully when not with him, but I could hear affection in her voice. “…he says his intuition is never wrong, and to be fair, it led us to you. But you don’t need intuition to know when shit smells rotten. Oh, excuse me, we’re eating!”

“You certainly are.” I agreed as she stuffed her face. I was tucking into some aromatic duck myself, and Daiyu had eaten her fill, satisfied. Ichika-san was picking at her food, still shy, and I turned to her. “Look, this is getting a bit silly. We’re not strangers, Ichika-san. Let me give you some advice, as someone who’s struggled with guilt himself.”

Daiyu laughed out loud at that, and Yoriko-san put down her beer, interested in what I had to say. “I know you feel you’re a bad friend, and you probably don’t like yourself much… but try being me! I felt I was the worst boyfriend ever. But… just as you’re Shaeula’s friend, and Shiro’s friend now too, and you’ll soon be friends with everyone… I’m their boyfriend, their husband. Feeling bad is only to soothe your own conscience. Now… didn’t I save you from the worst situation?”

“You did.” Ichika-san nodded slowly, wondering where this was going.

“In that case, to repay the debt, you have to do one thing for me, all right? I won’t take no for an answer.”

“I can’t let you extort her, Akio-kun! I may be off duty, but I have my pride!” Yoriko-san joked.

“I… all right.” Ichika-san said hesitantly, and I held in my annoyance. Yeah, her attitude is dreadful. Honestly if I was a meaner person, I might bully her a little. She just cries out that she’s woeful. But… fortunately I’m not. So I’ll help her get on the right track.

“You’re doing okay at university now, aren’t you?” I asked, and she nodded, unsure of where I was going, but again her response was self-deprecating.

“Thanks to the money Shaeula gives me. I suppose that comes from you as well, doesn’t it? I never did get all of my money back…”

“In that case… I know Shaeula’s offered you chances to work with us in the past. Now… I’m going to insist.” I said firmly. “We’re always short of people, and we can work around your studies.”

“Do you mean to have her join Adamant?” Daiyu asked, and I shook my head.

“No, but it might be nice to have her attend a few training sessions.” As Ichika-san blinked at me, like a deer in the headlights, I elaborated. “I get it. You’re afraid because you don’t feel in control, and you’ve had too many bad experiences. There’s an easy answer to that. Power. If you feel at the mercy of others, of life, then put yourself in a position life bends to you. It’s not easy. But… you do have friends who can make that happen, whether you like it or not, Ichika.” I made sure to strip away any distance between us by removing any honorific, and that startled her, but I felt a shock was needed. “You may be a friend to me, but Shaeula really appreciates you, and for her, I’d do anything. So… quit being beaten down by life. You think your luck is bad? I’d say the opposite.” Compared to someone like Kim Eui, she’s been lucky. But the answer is the same. Power and control.

“Akio is quite right.” Daiyu interjected. “From what I understand, you only lost money, not your virtue or your life. Perhaps it was upsetting, you felt hopeless, but such losses mean nothing compared to what you have gained. Do you honestly believe that if danger threatened, no one would aid you?”

“No, I know they would, that’s why…” she began, and Yoriko-san snorted, slamming down her now-empty mug of beer.

“This is ruining the mood! It’s Daiyu’s birthday, don’t be like this! You know, Akio-kun, you’re right. She’ll never change unless she’s made to. She’s tried before, but as soon as she stops thinking about it, she starts moping again, and we’re back to this. So… this Officer will overlook your coercion and blackmail and turn a blind eye!” She looked away, whistling cheerily, and after a moment, even Ichika had to laugh.

“I’m sorry. I’m pathetic, I know it. But… honestly, I do want to prove I’m a friend Shaeula can count on. But it’s hard. I mean, she’s one of the heroes of Britain, a princess, and I’m just…”

“…the same as me.” I insisted. “I wasn’t born anything but ordinary. I got a lucky break, braved danger, and here I am now. Daiyu’s the same. She’s just a girl, who is the prodigy of hard work!” Daiyu smirked at that, letting me speak. “And you experienced fortune amidst your misfortune. Because you met us. So, just accept it. I won’t hear any refusals, right Ichika?”

She looked down, before finally breaking into a shy smile. “All right. I get it. This time, I promise! I hate feeling this way. I know I’m wrong. I’ve always been an idiot, and slow on the uptake, it’s why I got fooled so easily. I… can see why Shaeula likes you so much now. And you too, Daiyu. Fine. But I don’t want to give up university. I was ready to quit, but… that feels like they won.”

“Sure. Like I said, we’re short-handed. You can work around that. But… first mission, all right?” I tapped away at my phone, and moments later it beeped, indicating a response. Yep, Shaeula is as active on her phone as ever.

”What is it?” she asked, nervous, and I grinned.

“You’re heading to our estate to hang out with Shaeula. You can go too, Yoriko-san. Don’t worry about the hangover, Shaeula can fix that. Finish up here and a car will pick you up in about half an hour.”

“Me too, huh? Getting to check out your mansion would be fun.” Yoriko-san agreed. “And it has nothing to do with you wanting to get rid of us so you can smooch with Daiyu here?”

“Maybe?” I equivocated, and that lifted the mood. As Yoriko-san insisted she’d stuff her face with as much as she could before she had to go, I exchanged a glance with Daiyu, who smiled back at me, enjoying the occasion…

***

“That was fun, wasn’t it?” I said to Daiyu as she looked out over the water. We were along the Shibuya promenade, and weren’t alone, as the brightly lit street with a rather picturesque overlook was popular with couples, and even on this chill December night, plenty of people were enjoying themselves.

“It was. But it is now no longer my birthday. A shame.” Midnight had come and gone, after Yoriko-san and Ichika had left, Daiyu and I had visited several other attractions, including a pretty outdoor Ferris wheel, which had allowed us to appreciate the lights of Tokyo from a fresh perspective, as well as enjoy a brief bout of kissing in the privacy of our own glass-fronted booth.

In the end I needed to wear a scarf over my face to prevent us being constantly recognised, and we had listened to a lot of talk about Korea and also the volcanic eruption, as well as troubles worldwide. It was only natural people were talking about it, normally sudden eruptions were rare, Japan’s Meteorological Agency monitoring for earthquakes and other tell-tale signs. Fortunately, a lot of talk was praising the swift response of the government, but what surprised me was that it wasn’t just the guy we met at the bar earlier who tied in the eruption with the legends of Tamamo-no-Mae, we heard it mentioned at least a dozen times. It seems like all these new phenomena are being accepted by the public. Makes sense, as there’s no end of evidence about Chosen and spiritual beings worldwide now…

“I’m not so pedantic.” I pulled Daiyu closer in my embrace. Our breath was steaming in the chill night air, yet we weren’t cold, the warmth of our bodies pressed together despite our light clothing more than enough for us. “Tomorrow I may be endlessly busy, but… the night is still young!”

“So it is.” Daiyu agreed happily. Our keen ears picked up the words of some other couples nearby, poking fun at our closeness, which made Daiyu redden a little. “I must say… I understand everything now.”

“Oh?” I raised an eyebrow, not following, and she snorted, gently pinching my cheek, before kissing the tender spot.

“What it is you wish to protect. All I have known up until now was the ascetic rigours of my Sect. I do not disparage it, how could I? It has made me who I am today, and it is as you told Ichika. Strength allows one to control their own life. And strength brought us together and will keep us together. But… the Incorruptible Jade was too pure. We need a reason to fight. And I see your reason is to preserve this. A warm world, full of light, colour and sound. Full of people living happily.”

“You understand me well.” I agreed, playfully poking her cheek in a reverse of earlier. “I think that’s why I could get along with the nobility in the end, despite their problematic viewpoint on some matters. Not everything they want to protect is worth it, and Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi… hell, even Miyu, Mayumi-san, the Shiraishi sisters, the new recruits… we’ll all tear down what shouldn’t stand, but… they believe Japan, and its people, traditions, places… they have worth, and I agree. I mean, I bet you’d look great in a kimono.”

“In that case, I shall borrow some from Shaeula.” she said, and seeing me glancing down a little, following my gaze, her flush deepened. “I believe my chest straining against the cloth would please you.”

“So long as it’s just me who sees it.” I kissed her, past the point of caring who was watching. “Yeah, I think people who have something to fight for are stronger than those who don’t. it’s only natural. I worry. If something like the Sessho-seki and the eruptions happen here in Tokyo… the damage would be terrible.”

“Then you should hurry. A Rank four Territory will make a grand bulwark against such disasters. Perhaps you should suffer more and let your blood boil!”

“My blood’s already boiling, thinking of what’s coming next.” I promised.

“Are you that eager to Cultivate with me again?” Daiyu teased.

“I sure am. You look great right now. It’s like you’re a different person.” I looked her up and down, and Daiyu laughed.

“I feel different. Before, to walk like this, drinking, meeting people, enjoying the scenery… it was all a waste of time. Another minute, hour, day I could Cultivate. Now… I feel more motivated than ever. Though I must still work hard, to not lose my title in your heart.” She winked, fuelling my ardour.

“Don’t worry, your place in my heart is secure. So… shall we go?” I scooped her up in my arms into a princess carry. Daiyu was embarrassed but didn’t protest. “I saw a hotel on that street we passed a while back. We can cap the night off there nicely.”

“Fine. I shall allow you to spoil me.” Daiyu gave in, her smile radiant. “Carry me, my Dao companion! Carry me to bed and your embrace!”

Needing no further urging, I abandoned any attempt to disguise myself and leapt forwards, covering a dozen metres in a single easy bound. It’s convenient they say Chinese food is good for sexual stamina…