On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Sixty-Three

Creating a Material body again, while dismissing my exhausted Astral one, since I needed all my wits about me, I was greeted by a somewhat tense scene. Foreign Minister Kang was confronting Arisu-san and Haru, her expression rather frosty, as she stood outside the strange spatial tear that was the entrance to Arisu-san’s room. Behind her were a number of soldiers from the South Korean army, armed of course, though they were making no threatening moves. Which makes sense. Arisu-san may have calmed a little since she was vindicated of her supposed crimes, but she’s still got a fiery temper. I certainly wouldn’t want to provoke her, she’s got the ice queen vibe, certainly.

“Yes, I appreciate you wish the victims and perpetrators alike moved to the destination.” Arisu-san was saying reasonably in English, though there was a definite chilly edge to her voice. “And I am hardly trying to obstruct that. But the simple matter is, your government requested the aid of Akio-san, and through him my aid, as well as others. We have significantly more experience and have already resolved the main issue. We have no intention of letting matters deteriorate now.”

She’s addressing me a little more familiarly after we went on that talk show together. It’s still distant, but… hopefully she’s warming up to me. Arisu-san wasn’t just a colleague with great skills and knowledge, but Shiro’s friend, so of course I wanted us to get along well. As I thought that, Haru stepped in as well, smiling professionally.

“Minister, the powers at play here were extremely insidious. Consider it like an infectious disease, in a way. Arisugawa-san has put everyone in quarantine, and we will facilitate the transfer safely, preventing any outbreak. Oh… here’s Akio-kun now.” Haru waved to me cheerfully. Before anyone else could speak, it was my sis who rushed over, she having been rather quiet as the others discussed the political matters.

“Bro, you’re up!” my sis cried, relief on her face. Beside me, Shiro let out a quiet laugh, amused at her excitement. “You shouldn’t worry me like that, you’ll turn back into a big bro moonstone, which would suck, as you’ve been kind of cool recently.”

Seeing her pouting face I ruffled her hair playfully, and she flushed, embarrassed, but she allowed me to continue for several more seconds until she batted my hand away, conscious of everyone looking at us. “Stop that.” She complained, though her tone didn’t sound displeased. “I’m not a kid anymore, bro. I fought here, didn’t I?”

“You did. So yeah, sorry. But Shiro told you everything was fine, right? And you came to see me yourself a few times?”

“Yeah, and I believed her, but… damn, if it was me, or Eri, or any of the others, you’d still worry, don’t try and act cool and pretend you wouldn’t, bro. Anyway…” she lowered her voice. “How’d it go?”

It was Shiro who answered, giving a thumbs up. “Not bad. We’ll discuss it later. Looks like we have problems here.”

“There are no problems.” Minister Kang said hastily. “We merely wish to put a close on this incident, and get the injured medical attention, and isolate the guilty. There is much we don’t know about this tragic situation, and there are many interested and involved parties who are extremely impatient for good news…”

“Speaking of…” Haru spoke up professionally. “One such party has been informed of matters here, and will be accompanying Hinata-chan. They are en route as we speak and should be landing here in under thirty minutes. Your timing is good as ever, Akio-kun.” She smiled, her expression a mixture of weariness and professional satisfaction. “There are some pressing issues to sort out first, though.”

“This whole site needs quarantining, Choe-Museon Academy locking down.” Miss Kang insisted. I looked around and saw that the military had an increasing presence here, surrounding the entrance to the Academy and setting up encampments in the mountains. “There is much to be understood, we need to go through the Academy inch by inch, missing nothing.”

“Which is fine.” I pointed out. “I’m more concerned about the survivors. Though of course, should there be any information about me or my comrades, I trust you’ll handle it sensitively.” My tone was a little harsh at the end, and Haru took over.

“Yes, as the under-secretary to the Minister for Spiritual Matters, as well as one of Akio-kun’s close allies, I must insist you tread very carefully. We risked our very lives to help you resolve this terrible situation, Minister Kang. I trust you and by extension South Korea won’t forget that.”

“For which Japan will be well-compensated. There’s no altruism here…” Miss Kang began, only for Haru to glare at her, surprising me.

“You honestly think that mere compensation is adequate reason to dismiss our efforts? You forget, we aren’t one of your Korean Hunter Guilds. We put our very lives at risk, of course we should be compensated, just as your own citizens were. Besides, we went to great lengths to save who could be saved, and without us, South Korea would have lost many more Chosen. Your power and influence on the world stage would be cut off before it could even sprout. Japan and by extension the Ministry have been very lenient in what it asked for. Take us out of the equation, and what do we have here as a chance of success?”

Miss Kang looked angry for a moment, before smoothing her face professionally. She turned to one of the few Hunters who were still outside of the room, Lee Jong-su, who looked exhausted but content, Eunbi beside him, leaning on her tall bow. They exchanged some rapid words in Korean, Miss Kang inquisitive, Lee Jong-su slow and weary. After a while, Miss Kang nodded. “I see. Guildmaster Lee is effusive in praise for your heroics, and admits without your aid, they would have lost at least one member of their Guild, likely more, and could not guarantee victory here. But… you have seen the abilities and talents of Korea’s premiere Chosen, as you are calling them. Yet you threaten us over our obtaining of your information, when you offered your aid, surely expecting this?”

“You misunderstand.” Haru’s smile was scary now, looking rather like the vengeful ghost she supposedly was. “We know there is no way that our performance and abilities can remain unknown to the Korean government. We simply wish to make it clear that information is to be kept secret, and if it leaks carelessly, as it will potentially put the lives of Akio-kun and others in danger, Japan, and by extension Akio-kun and all the other Chosen who back the Ministry, will be hostile to South Korea, and will refuse aid, no matter the circumstances.”

“I see.” Minister Kang replied at last. “Obviously with diplomatic relations strained, this is an opportunity to repair them, for Korea and Japan to reconcile. We have no wish to cause issues, but you must understand, Choe-Museon is a stain on Korea, and many powerful people are demanding answers and action…”

“Which is why you must let us use our expertise.” Haru finished. “We delivered what we promised, but to us, the job isn’t yet done. Firstly, we need to make absolutely sure that the abilities displayed here don’t outlast their wielders and cause further tragedy. Letting that happen after we triumphed would be a bitter failure. Then second, we have to provide aid to the victims. Which is our specialty. Physical wounds, malnutrition, other suffering… that can be addressed, but the spiritual and mental scars run deeper. I know it well.” she finished quietly, and the intense honesty convinced Minister Kang.

“Very well. I understand. But I insist on involvement, as is my role here!”

“If you cause no trouble.” Arisu-san insisted coldly. She turned to me then. “I hope your nap was relaxing. Here it has been an aggravating few hours. My Room is not meant for use here in the Material, I am most tired.”

“Yeah, I bet. Don’t worry, Aki will make it up to you, right?” Shiro nudged me, and I nodded. Seeing that, Arisu-san beckoned me to the entrance.

“We should deal with matters without delay. Your little fiancée is coming, and putting her at risk is something you have no wish to do, I expect.”

Without a reply, I followed her into the Room, feeling a slight dislocation as I passed the rift, my spatial element resonating. My sis, Shiro and Haru followed us in, accompanied by Minister Kang, who seemed rather awed by the experience. Inside, the area was lit by sterile orbs of while light, looking rather like phosphor lamps, and the number of holding cells had increased. On my entry, I spotted a large stone tablet, and I realised it was the carvings I had done under the influence of my Eye, detailing the inner workings of Favours that I could divine. I felt a presence behind me, leaping towards me, so I turned, only for Ginneka, in her cat form, to push up against me, rubbing up and down, panting, face flushed.

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“Nya, you came back. I did good, didn’t I? I think you should take a tumble with me, work out some stress. It’s been so long, nya, that I… Nyaaaaaa?” She squealed as Shiro hauled her off me by the tail, and she screeched unpleasantly as Shiro tossed her aside.

“Yeah, no. I get that Aki’s hot stuff right now, but you’re just a cat in heat. Go screw someone else.” As Ginneka rubbed at her sore bottom, ears flat against her skull, expression bitter, Shiro softened her tone. “Look, we all agreed. Once Aki’s, always Aki’s. There’s no other way it could work. So if you sleep with him, that’s it. No other men for you. And you don’t strike me as the sort that could be faithful.”

“You make too much of things, nya.” Ginneka pouted. “It is just pleasure. Why are you mortals always so serious, nya? Fun things are fun, and a battle makes the blood boil, and loins itch.”

“It’s not just mortals. Shaeula, Hyacinth and Asha all agreed too. Because… that’s just who Aki is, and who we are.” Shiro insisted, and behind me, my sister was nodding along in agreement, saying that Ginneka wasn’t sister-in-law material. Our rather inappropriate conversation was interrupted by Violet-noona, who was laughing in her holding cell.

“You lot never stop making me laugh. Akio-oppa, Shiro-unni, I’m glad you are both safe. Nobody would say where you were, but I believed there was no way you’d screw things up at the end, not when…” She nodded to the most isolated cell, where Chae Cho-Hee was resting, shackled and chained by more of the clear, glass-like substance that made up the structures of the Room.

“Kang Bora-nim…” Minister Kang stepped forward respectfully. “And Kang Da-nim…” she addressed her brother, who was watching over his sister, something I approved of. “Are you well? I have had reports, but…”

“Well? Fuck, no I’m not.” Violet-noona cursed loudly, scratching at her tattooed arm. “I got hit by the blood, nearly lost my damn mind. You don’t get just what was happening here. Luckily… shit, I don’t even want to think what would happen if oppa and unni weren’t here.” She spat rudely, and Arisu-san raised her eyebrow coldly at the mess in her Room. Seeing that, Violet-noona flushed and wiped it up with the cloth of her tank top. “I do feel better, thanks to our ghost here…” she nodded at Haru, who sighed.

“I told you, I’m Suzuki Haru. I may be dead, but I still have my human rights, even if I’m a ghost!” Her tone was a little sulky, and I smiled, finding it cute. Her words had also attracted the attention of Kim Eui, who was looking at Haru with a mixture of yearning and sadness. Makes sense. Haru was the one to comfort her after her outpourings of sorrow. If anyone understands what she’s been through, it’s Haru.

“Sure, ghost-unni. Anyway, here to give us more of that light?” she asked. Haru looked at me, and I shrugged.

“That might not be necessary. Now I’ve had a rest, I should be able to remove the remaining traces of water and blood.” My Eye flared, and while Minister Kang was watching, I knew that we had Korea completely in our debt, and showing a little goodwill and revealing a bit of my ability would only ensnare them further. I’ll leave most of it to her imagination, though.

“I would be grateful if you could help Bora-noona.” Kang Da bowed, and as one brother to another, I promised him there would be no issues and she’d be fine. Aether flowed, and my Chirurgery, which had indeed remained at Rank 11, which still surprised me, effortlessly enabled me to remove the remaining traces of invasive aether and adherence. It had left behind some instances of harm to her Chakra network, so I polished those up, and soon she was healed. Violet-noona stretched lazily, yawning, looking satisfied, her mind clear, and I didn’t know where to look, as her ragged tank top didn’t cover much anymore.

“Noona, show some modesty! You’ll never find a man like that, I’ve told you a number of times!” her brother warned, and she only laughed nastily.

“Don’t worry about me, little brother. This has been a wakeup call for me, as well as quite the lesson.” She winked at me. “I know the sort of man that it’ll take to handle this scorpion. One who can tolerate my sting!” She then bowed to me, and I had a feeling she was doing it on purpose, as her top wasn’t fit for its intended use right now. “Thanks, Akio-oppa. I feel myself again. Though to be honest, I do feel like shit. I wasn’t much help, and all but Five died. I’ll have to start again. But…” she paused, and her eyes sparkled. “Huh. Maybe… uh… you go help the others. I need to have a think.”

“You go on ahead, Aki.” Shiro said. “I’ll keep our purple-haired friend here company for a bit. You’ve got work to do.”

I nodded and removed the remaining traces from the other Chosen in the Room, as well as repairing the scarred hand of Suk-ja. Her eyes brightened as her flesh healed, and she also bowed to me politely, a much safer spectacle than when Violet-noona did. Showing off her pristine hand to Choi Ji-ho, her childhood friend and Guild leader, I was pleased he expressed happiness, though he certainly could have been more enthusiastic about it, judging by her exasperated reaction. I guess I’m not the only dense idiot who doesn’t get the feelings of a childhood friend. Though in my defence, I do now. Although… Eri still troubled me a little. She was taking a great burden on her heart, one I didn’t know how to solve, or even if it could be solved. All I can do is make sure I put my all into making Eri as happy as I can, within the constraints I’m working under. There has to be something more I can do for her…

“You were right, praise the Buddha.” Dong said in Chinese, after he too was cured. He looked warmly over at Suk-ja in her cell. “You are indeed blessed with great talents. But you should remember, such talents are not yours, but are blessings. Never forget that, and believe you have the right to use them for selfish ends.”

“Yeah. I’ve seen where that leads. But…” I replied, still thinking. There was one selfish thing I wanted, but first I had to confirm something. Beside me, my sis sighed, seeing where I was looking.

“Him, huh?” My sis looked at the sleeping man. “He’s no good. Completely crazy. But maybe he’s being controlled…”

“That’s what we have to find out.” My Eye glowed, looking for traces of the controlling water or blood, but there was none to be found. Clicking my tongue, I examined the Favour within him. This is the one my sis said was super speed, right? That’s powerful… I nodded to Arisu-san. “Can we wake him?”

“Of course.” The prison he was bound in shifted, and with a groan the man opened his eyes. He was confused for a moment, blinking, before remembering his defeat. With an angry roar he tried to move, only to realise he was bound with nigh-unbreakable chains. He blurred, his Favour working, but all that broke were his bones, and as he cried out, blood splattering the clear walls, bed and floor, I sighed.

“You don’t understand me, do you?” I asked in English, and he merely spat back in Korean, howling. Miss Kang listened, before translating.

“He says you should let him go and he’ll forgive you for this. I believe he is one of those we sent for the initial investigation, is he not?”

“Yes, and unfortunately he isn’t under external control. It seems he willingly betrayed your country and those sent with him, and more afterwards.” I sighed, a mixture of relief, bitterness and incomprehension warring within me. Really, the Gods have chosen their champions very poorly. I get that they are limited, but… oh well, no point regretting it. If they made good choices, perhaps I’d have been passed over. I was pretty pathetic to start with…

Minister Kang spoke to him again, and the man spat back more angry words, glowering at my sister, who stuck out her tongue at him, taunting him. The man tensed, but on seeing his ruined arms didn’t try and escape again, instead shouting back at the Minister, who sighed. “He wants to know what happened to his princess, to his love, Chae Cho-Hee. Is she…”

“Yes.” I nodded, and I pointed to another cell, where the comatose girl slept. On seeing that, the man struggled at his bonds, spitting and cursing, heedless of his injuries, only for him to fall unconscious, as I struck him with blades of aether, Chirurgery able to disrupt his network enough to knock him unconscious again. The cell shifted, and greater restraints grew and ensnared him.

“I… don’t think you wish to hear everything he had to say.” Minister Kang said at last. “He… was not flattering. And he said things regarding your sister there…”

“I can imagine.” My expression was hard. “In fact, Haru, we have a problem, don’t we?”

Taking my cue, Haru agreed. “That’s right. While I would need detailed records from Korea to be sure, Minister, other than lying to the original rescue team and perhaps being involved in tampering with the sprinklers in the encampment, he doesn’t seem to have been involved in the killings that occurred here. Whereas he attempted to murder me, Aiko-chan and another Japanese citizen.” She didn’t mention the Greek siblings, as it would likely complicate our pitch. “As we are effectively visiting diplomats, in a sense, that’s a grave thing. We would request extradition, so he could be tried under Japanese law. The Ministry does have laws regarding this on the statute books now.”

The Minister frowned, clearly uneasy, as the prisoner was a Chosen, and Korea had so few. But one thing was irrefutable, and his behaviour showed his complicity with the perpetrator. “That is… not something to discuss lightly. There are many political considerations involved. We do have a bilateral extradition treaty, so it’s by no means unusual, but… the circumstances are special. Especially if he is to face a death penalty…”

“Attempted murder doesn’t carry such a sentence. Not even multiple counts.” Haru promised. “But… we have the ability to restrain him, as you can see. If he was to serve out a term in any normal prison, he would be a great danger, or escape easily.”

“We can discuss this later.” Miss Kang agreed, as Shiro re-joined us, her talk with Violet-noona done. She was smiling wickedly, and I asked her why, having a bad feeling about it.

“It’s not what you fear, Aki. Well, maybe it is, but that wasn’t what we were taking about. Damn, I’m getting goosebumps, this is going to be awesome!”

“What is?” my sis asked, and Shiro pulled her aside, whispering very quietly in her ear so I couldn’t hear. She brightened, glancing at me a few times, before nodding happily, blue eyes glittering with anticipation. Damn, now I’m curious!

I spent a while performing Chirurgery, removing what traces I could find, and also healing any potentially fatal injuries on the victims. It was then that Constantine came in, entering the room, looking around in awe, before snapping back to reality. “There you all are.” He began in his accented, slightly fumbling English. “A helicopter has arrived, you have guests.”

On leaving the Room, there was indeed a large transport helicopter waiting outside, and in front of it were some familiar faces. Seeing me, Hinata raced over and leapt into my arms, a bright smile on her face. We hugged for a minute, before she kissed me gently on the lips, face red. “Akio, I missed you! I know it’s not been long, but…”

“It’s a bit sickening just how much everyone loves my bro.” My sis said loudly, and Shiro snorted a laugh in response.

“I’d have said the same a few months ago. Life comes at you fast.” Shiro shrugged. “Besides, you’re proud of him, aren’t you, Aiko?”

“Yes, but it’s embarrassing to say it.” she sighed. Hinata giggled as she listened, snuggling into me.

“Of course I love you. Why wouldn’t I? And even though we all had faith in you, and knew you’d be safe and keep everyone else safe, staying behind was still tough. Though things are going well in your absence, don’t worry.” We released our embrace and she straightened her coat, taking a deep breath. “Now I’ve recharged, let’s get down to business.” She gestured to the two people behind her, both of whom I recognised, though the man was in heavy disguise, wearing oversized sunglasses, a medical mask and a hooded coat. “Park-ssi can’t be recognised, just in case.” Hinata whispered. “Not if we are going to use him regarding the Tengokusentou and its recovery. But of course, he wanted to see his nephew no matter what. Good job on the rescue, Akio.”

“We meet again.” His daughter, Park Yu-mi said cheerfully. She was wearing lighter makeup than when last we met, and her business suit was cut more modestly, the skirt longer, and she was wearing sensible shoes, making her look a little shorter. “You move fast, it seems. It was only a couple of days ago Dad went down on bended knees to you, and here we are.” She looked back out over at Choe-Museon, where the military were completing their blockade, and bomb-disposal squads and other troops with special equipment were gathering. “Yes, I’m really glad I never went to that stupid Academy. Though I’d have graduated before this mess, I suppose. Anyway, you’re a man of your word. And I’m a woman of mine. So, my promise to show you around Gangnam and celebrate still holds.” She smiled, and it reminded me of Hinata a bit, she had the same sort of good-natured, slightly teasing humour.

“I’m not sure you’ll feel in the mood for celebration. Yu-jun isn’t in a good condition. It truly was hell in that Academy.”

“Before you go, I need to fill you in quickly.” Hinata said. “We’ll be moving everyone here to a facility set up on the outskirts of Seoul. That will function as a hospital, and also a staging area to gather information and piece together exactly what happened. I’ve had some… visitors… sent there too. Sorry Akio…” she smiled at me winningly. “I have to ask you to put in some effort. I’ve got some worries, and I want to get some insurance in place before there’s problems, not after. It’ll help our case.”

“All right.” I agreed. “If you think it’s for the best, you’re likely right. I trust you.” I said, ruffling her hair, but instead of her usual happy reaction, she seemed downcast. That’s surprising?

“You trust me, if I think it’s for the best, it’s right?” she muttered, her expression pained. “Akio… in a little while, we need to talk. I… hope you’re not angry, but…”

I pulled her into a hug. “Don’t worry. If you’ve made a mistake, we’ll put it right. You’re mine, and I’m yours. We carry things together, don’t we?”

Yu-mi let out a quiet whistle. “That’s adorable. You really do have a good relationship.”

“With me too.” Shiro said, unwilling to be left out. “Hinata, are you talking about…?” she trailed off, unwilling to say more.

“I’m afraid so. We… we were disrespectful. I talked with Eri, and she made me realise that.” Hinata said quietly.

“Shiro…” I said, and she turned her head, whistling in an unconvincing display of innocence, in contrast to Yu-mi a moment ago.

“Fine.” She sighed. “I get it. But it’s not like we don’t have our reasons. And it’s not bad, honest. Yasu would be shaking our hands and crying…”

“I’m not Yasu. Thank all the Gods.” Though honestly, Yasu is a good guy and a loyal friend. It’s just he seems to be unlucky in romance. Probably comes across as too needy. Hopefully his luck will turn, there’s a lot of great women about. “So yes, we’ll make time to talk. But right now, we’re keeping Park-ssi and Yu-mi waiting.” I could see Park Do-yun’s anticipation and nerves on what little of his face was uncovered.

“Yes, you’re right.” Hinata steeled herself. “Okay, can we send Shiro and Ginneka back to Japan? The Tree needs buffs, and without Ginneka, a lot of the construction work will slow to a crawl.”

“Ginneka is fine.” I wanted the horny cat out of the way anyway. “But I need Shiro here for now. I still have matters to… process.”

“I see.” Hinata understood. “How was the harvest?”

“There’s still a ton to establish, but if all goes well, we should easily be able to make up the loss of a few days’ worth of ether from the Tree. And hopefully… no, we’ll talk about it when it’s just us.”

“Secrets always intrigue a woman.” Yu-mi said, toying with her hair idly. “But… dad’s about to burst. We should go.”

“Yu-mi, don’t be rude to him!” he said firmly, and she shrugged.

“It’s all right. I only met him briefly, but I know what sort of guy he is. He appreciates honesty. Besides, he turned me down, dad. It’s not like we’re actually getting married. Though I definitely want to be friends, at least.” She winked at me, and I had to admit she was certainly the sort of girl who I would have looked twice at back in my younger days. Though I’d have been too intimidated by her self-confidence, most likely.

“Yes, being friends sounds great.” I agreed. “I’m not enough of a bastard to demand your body and heart to save a family member anyway, no matter how cute or kind you are.”

“Hmm. You think I’m cute, huh? You do have good eyes at least.” She giggled, before her expression turned serious. “Dad’s at breaking point. Can we see my cousin?”

With that we took them inside Arisu-san’s room. It shocked and awed them, Yu-mi’s mouth dropping open, and then her gaze fell on the cell holding Yu-jun. A moment later her father saw him too, rushing over, nearly crashing into the clear cell wall. Pressed up against it, he could see Yu-jun, emaciated and unconscious on the bed, all skin and bones, a few nasty scars visible on his flesh. “Oh Yu-jun… nephew. Son of my dear, departed sister Soon-Jung. How you have suffered.” He was crying, fists against the glass, and I gestured to Haru. A soft light left her, and bathed the crying, grieving uncle, and his sobs quietened, his breathing returning to normal.

“What was that?” Yu-mi asked, shocked. “Everything around you is so strange, otherworldly.”

“Just a calming influence.” I assured her. “There’s no way I’d hurt your father. Not when we’re allies in the same boat.”

“Yeah, that hotel. It’s only been like a day, but dad’s already found out some stuff you might like to know. My dad makes quick decisions, and never regrets them. I mean, he offered me didn’t he?” She was still toying with her hair artfully as she spoke. “But he won’t be able to perform his best until my cousin recovers.”

“Yes, aftercare for both physical and mental ailments are part of the package.” I promised. “But for now, you’ve seen he’s alive.” I turned to Arisu-san. “You can seal everyone in the Room and transport it safely, right?”

Arisu-san nodded imperiously. “Yes, I can do so. Though we will have to hope that the facility has adequate capacity to hold the victims, for I will have to close the Room soon.” She glanced at our unconscious Chosen, the one who we would have to pass judgement on. He doesn’t even have the mitigation of being controlled. He’s just crazy, or obsessed, or a pervert, or damn well all three of those. While I considered the brief alternate past where I fell for Shaeula or Shiro and aided them unconditionally in things that might perhaps have seemed evil, I shook my head. Yes, I’d have wanted to help them, but… I’d have tried to steer them away from acts of cruelty. In fact, in a way I did just that… “He can stay…” she jerked her head at Park Do-yun. “But we should leave.”

As we stepped outside, where Hinata had bundled the hissing Ginneka into a helicopter, as well as my sis, who was heading home, her task over, I also noticed that Constantine and Sophia were getting in. Seeing my look, Hinata hurried over. “We need to make sure we know everything they know, and also impart the consequences of being careless and crossing us.” She paused, looking at them thoughtfully. “Aiko-chan says that they know things about other Chosen, and that they seem good enough people. Don’t worry, we’ll show them proper hospitality.”

“In that case we should be going. I want to get home to everyone as soon as I can.” I said, eager to see if I could find a host for any of the Favours remaining.

“Don’t be in such a hurry.” Yu-mi smiled, accompanying us to our own transport. “We still have to party like the world is ending the next day. I promised you a celebration, right? And while my cousin Yu-jun doesn’t look so good, he’ll be all right, won’t he?”

I nodded. “Yeah. I’ll sort his physical injuries without any problems, and then we’ll go from there. It might take time, but just like poor Hotene-san and Keomi-chan are recovering…” Keomi-chan seems almost her old self, though occasionally there’s still moments when she freezes up… “…Yu-jun will recover too. The worst is over.”

As everyone was in the helicopter now, Arisu-san the last to enter after sealing her Room, the doors shut, and as the helicopter took off, leaving Choe-Museon behind, I let out a sigh. There’s still so much to do before returning home. I have to decide what I’m doing with Morana’s Favour, whether to take it or break it, and also clean up the political mess here. Fortunately… looking at the others in the helicopter, Arisu-san, Haru, Shiro, Hinata, my sigh evaporated, and I felt warm inside. …I don’t have to do it alone…