On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“It seems that Kitsune are… overrepresented in these shadows…” I said at last, after we tallied up the findings, having split into teams to analyse different portions of the vision.

“If you can call such… irritating depictions… Kitsune…” Mae seemed slightly offended at the shadowy, malformed and monstrous shapes they were twisted into. “I however am forced to agree. It… is not unexpected. After all, we Kitsune had one great advantage, back in the days of old.”

“Our tails…” Shinkume-no-Hana agreed, waving her fifth one proudly, as she was often wont to do, ever since it had sprouted. “It was said that we Kitsune would gain new tails, our strength magnifying, every century. Little effort required…” Her chuckle was wry and slightly bitter. “…not true of course, at least, not in these times…”

“The world is fair. Such a simple route to power would be… against the Heavens.” Daiyu observed, and Mae nodded.

“You speak the truth. If power could be gained so easily, there would be no need of Cultivation. However… the so-called Heavens…” Her beautiful features twitched into a sour expression, showing what she thought of that. “…some are more… favoured… than others. Being born with a noble bloodline, or even… as a potent being such as a Kitsune or Oni. While it is certainly true it was not merely a matter of growing older and stronger, in those times, when the spiritual and physical overlapped… it was certainly possible to gather the requisite strength and sprout new tails with… far fewer trials than my granddaughter here faced…”

“I am pleased you acknowledge my struggles, grandmother.” Hana chuckled. “But that makes me wonder…” She glanced at me, and I felt a gentle tug on the invisible tail I held, which she refused to reclaim. “…coincidence, or revelation?”

“Tsukiko is sure that the vision relates to the future, not the past.” I agreed. “Even if it contains shadows of the past, and hidden truths, its purpose is to guide us now. So yeah, I don’t disagree that the sheer number of Kitsune represented here seems important, and I can’t help but wonder if Uranai’s prophecy links into it too.”

“That gives me pause.” Daiyu, who was with our group during the analysis, frowned, as though something troubled her. “I have heard of Daji, the wicked fox who seduced and ruined King Zhou and his dynasty.”

“I do not… care to speak of the past. That was… another me.” Mae’s lips curled into a bitter scowl. “I do not deny my actions, yet… I have no need nor desire to recall them.” Her emerald eyes flickered in my direction for a moment. “If you must speak of such matters, speak of my… other deeds.”

Daiyu nodded, understanding. “That was… unfair of me. I apologise. Yet… my point is… now, your strength, even if not quite at your true peak, is indeed legendary, on a par with what the precious histories of my Sect say of Saints during the era of Kunlun. If your fellow Kitsune were able to grow to similar levels of power… why are there so few potent ones such as Nebisuki here remaining?”

Pleased at being called potent, Hana smirked, and answered for her grandmother. “I am delighted you consider me amongst the strong, little one. Here we are, surrounded by giants…” She winked at me and Mae. “…why, it is enough to cause me to lose my confidence. Fortunately, I am quite the tenacious woman. But… remember that pesky junior that you dispatched, Akio…”

Eri, in another group, must have heard that, as her expression twisted to one of furious hatred for a moment, before she smoothed her expression and went back to her task, studying drawings the others had made.

“I doubt I’ll forget him, much as I’d wish to.” I agreed. “I won’t shed a tear for him though. And honestly, I still hold a grudge, you know? Eri should have died due to your meddling…”

Hana curled up on herself, expression downcast, though I wasn’t sure how much was a mask. “…I was bored and bitter, and did not know any of you.” Her apology really wasn’t one, but that wasn’t what mattered now. “That is not my point, though. The young fool had few tails, but was rather skilled, hence his rise through the Parade. Yet many Kitsune… they had the strength, the spiritual powers… but strength not earned and forged through adversity is as false as the ice that forms upon this mountain.” She indicated the frozen vision. “It melts under the sunlight of greater strength, and shatters as easily as the fragile will that backs it.”

Mae agreed. “Yes. I am not a legend merely because of my prodigious might, but because of my driven will, my cunning, my… talents. There were other foxes with many tails, and they were indeed powerful, but… the mighty fall to arrogance. I slew… none-too-few… myself. My hands were crimson. I hasten to add…” Her tone shifted, her bitter pride giving way to softer self-reproach. “…many came looking to challenge me, for reasons as foolish as you can imagine. They were… different times. Simpler ones, perhaps. The rule of the strong was all that mattered. The weak simply had to accept their fates were in the hands of others. It is no different now though…”

“It is.” I shook my head. “We all work together.”

“That is because it is your hand guiding this world now. Should your heart change, it would be no different. Who can gainsay you? I have the strength, but no longer the will. And…” She glanced over at where Shiro and Tan were pouring over their chunk of the vision, the volcano itself. “…with that enraptured Goddess, such as she is…” Her tone was slightly scornful. “…behaving like a young girl who has just discovered love, and the other forces you are cultivating… this world shall bend to your will. Might rules now just as it does then. The only difference is your intentions.”

“I am afraid I can’t let that slide.” Eri came over, her expression stern. “I don’t like you talking to Akio like that.” Her arms crossed in front of her, she was glaring, her onyx eyes intense, black-furred tail lashing restlessly, as if to show her disquiet. “Akio’s already thought of that. We’re keeping an eye on him, and we won’t let him go down the wrong path!” Beside her, Daiyu nodded, equally firm, and Mae let out a bitter chuckle, her tails framing her as she displayed her poise, her beauty both alluring and regal. ᴛʜs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛʀ s ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛ ʙʏ NoveIＦire.net

“How… admirable.” Mae declared. “But do you think you can always be his conscience? From what I see of you… you would be more than willing to follow him into Yomi if that was where he was journeying. Do you even care about others?”

“I would. If Akio is going to Hell, I’ll be there to stamp out the flames for him, and comfort him. And it isn’t just me.” She glanced at Daiyu, who nodded, and then at the others, all busy. In my arms back in the Material, Tsukiko let out an embarrassed chuckle.

“I too. Though it seems I am too weak to accompany you. But… our hearts are as one. That matters.”

“It does. And I draw strength from that, from you all. You as well, Tsukiko. After… the first mess in Kyoto, and those that died…” I remembered the trainees and Mine-chan with regret still, but that fuelled my need to prevent further sacrifices. “…being able to save you, even if it wasn’t the perfect result I wished for, it gave my back my confidence that had been shaken. And… also you as my reward. Who says good deeds never go unrewarded?”

At my teasing, she flushed adorably. “I am not a reward. That denies my own heart. But I know you understand that. Now, enough flirting… we are analysing the visions. Divine Tsukuyomi had the grace to allow us both to share his sight, with your aid, I admit… so we must not spurn that gracious… wedding gift.”

“Yes ma’am!” I teased, and back in the Fae realms, Eri was facing down Mae still.

“You are unfortunately right, Tamamo-no-Mae.” The way Eri spoke her full name was rather stern and confrontational, and for a moment I remembered the shy Eri of our youth, who always left the arguments to me or Aiko. She’s changed. And for the better, I’d say… sure, there’s something cute about shy girls that makes guys want to protect them, but… I’d rather Eri was able to freely express what is in her mind and her heart. And… I have trust that she’s still the same girl at the core. It’s a bittersweet feeling, watching her grow up. But a happy one, knowing that I’m the one that understands her deeper feelings the most…

“I don’t have a great deal of care for those I’m not close to. And why should I? It’s not like I wish others any harm, I just want to be left alone with those I love. And if it came down to a battle between their happiness and ours, obviously I’ll choose ours. But…” Her black eyes were unblinking as she challenged Mae’s green gaze. “…my world has expanded. I’ve made new friends, and… I know that the future Akio seeks will be a good one. You should too…” She rolled her eyes. “…after all, he risked much to save you.”

“For his own ends. A prophecy.” she countered, and Eri glowered at her.

“You think Akio went so far for that? No, you don’t… you’re far from a fool. You know your plight moved him. Despite all the terrible deeds you’ve done, all the evil you committed, not through malice, but simply because you were bored…” Eri’s lip curled disdainfully. “…Akio couldn’t bear to see you suffer like that. So prove he isn’t a fool. I love him, but I admit, sometimes he can be terribly naïve. But… we won’t let him falter, will we Daiyu?” As she shook her head in the negative, Eri continued. “I don’t much like the idea of it. You’re a rogue element, Tamamo-no-Mae. I don’t really understand you… but you stood for Asha. That matters. I believe in Akio, so I want to believe in the Mae he sees. I want to find the world I wish to see too.”

“I see. Yes, perhaps I misspoke. Though my point remains valid. It is still our strength that dictates the world now. Though strength is tempered by will and desire. And it seems yours align.” She let out a long sigh. “I… was burned away. To ashes. Most of my memories have returned, but many feel distant, if I am merely watching one of these movies you have, rather than remembering them as deeds I performed. That is… perhaps for the better, yet also a bitter burden. I gloried in my power and autonomy, in a world where women were mere playthings, I was the exception, the woman even the so-called Gods feared, who all desired, yet none could tame. But… the world has moved on. And I am chained too now. Comfortable chains, yet… chains nonetheless. Of course…” Glancing at the frozen lands of Hokkaido, she bared her canines in a smile. “…so long as Caihong’er and Liena can be free once more… I suppose it shall have been worth it.” She shrugged, bosom and tails bouncing. “I paid more than I had wished for it, and continue to pay… Caihong’er is mighty, yes, but in this new world, she will need guidance, support. Kunlun is yet to return…”

“It’s not like I care what harm you did to others I don’t know.” Eri pointed out. “Like you, I’d put those I cherished above them. But from now on… it’s time to forge a new you, just as I did. It’s hard to do alone, I get a lot of good advice, I have friends and sisters to guide me… you… well, you have your granddaughter, and Akio, and… even us. If you want to talk, I’ll listen.”

“How droll. You, a mere child of a scant score of years, would advise me? Little half-Yōkai, I find that greatly amusing. Yet…” She let out a sigh. “Power shapes the world. As it always has. I have learned a little about the mortal world now. And it has changed, but that lesson has remained. I suppose… better power in the hands of those who would use it for others, even if that other is the one you love. I am not one to demand self-sacrifice. And…” Mae stared at me now. “…you have made your views clear on that.”

“I have.” I agreed, relieved to be moving past this argument. “And… it’s a difficult one.” I glanced over at Christina, who was playing with Aine still, and oddly enough Tsurugi was there too, watching curiously. The scientist had been working hard, pondering over the visions, and I felt exasperated and also guilty. “What sins can be forgiven? What pains can just be ignored, what redemption granted? If… if Eri or any of those I loved had been tortured by her, could I… should I just allow her to carry on, unpunished?”

“Do whatever you want.” Eri shook her head. “If we think it’s wrong, we’ll say so. Everyone’s a hypocrite, Akio. We all look out for our own interests. There’s no perfect justice. Has everyone you’ve killed deserved death? Maybe not. But… remember that book your mom used to love reading to us when we were kids? What was it that the wizard said? Deserves it! I daresay she does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends. Of course, it wasn’t she, but he… the point still stands though.” Eri raised an eyebrow, amused, as I stared at her. “What? Wondering how I remember that, even now? Of course I remember. I was with you. I remember all those times. Besides, my memory is clear nowadays. It’s like the fog has lifted on blurry childhood memories. It’s another treasure you’ve given me.” She winked, surprising me.

“My point is… sure, Christina Bakker has done many terrible things. But at least in her case, she did it not out of malice, but out of curiosity. She… can be harnessed. Honestly, even if a Devil could be of use to you, I’d say you use them, so long as you can control them. And if…” Eri unsheathed her axe, swinging it, scattering sparks of aether though the air. “…not… then I’ll help you take responsibility. The dead, those who’ve suffered, might spit on you, cry out in hatred, but… Akio, think of the living. Think of us. We can always make amends in other ways. I won’t turn aside a weapon just because it’s cruel or because my hands will get dirty. We can’t protect anything we cherish, unless we are prepared to do what needs to be done. Yet… if we stray, use means too dark… everyone will help pull us back to the light. We can’t see all ends. Not even the Gods can. But we can see this…” She pointed to the frozen vision. “…and we know her…” Now she was pointing at Mae. “…so we’ll have to see what ends we can. And make sure it’s the best one it can be.”

“You speak with conviction, little girl. No, Eri.” Mae chuckled. “It seems I am defeated. I shall never apologise. Whether I feel the weight or not, my deeds have shaped the world, and caused untold suffering…”

“But also saved some. Like Su Caihong and Su Liena.” Eri pointed out.

“Yes. A few sparkling deeds amidst the sludge. Sludge…” she murmured. “They say that the black and white wagtail created Japan from primal water and mud, all churned together. I do not know if such is truth or simply a myth. Even I am not so ancient as that… but in Cultivation, sludge… sludge is impurity. My deeds are awash with such sludge. Now… I shall strive to live as though my spirit is made of pure water, bright, clear… nourishing.” She smirked, somewhat self-consciously, I thought. “To wash away the ocean of grime upon me… will take many, many years. Perhaps an eternity. Yet… while I shall never repent of my past actions… I shall not repeat them.” She winked then. “Boredom is a curse that plagues the strong and the long-lived. But… I see excitement enough for all in the endless future.”

“I don’t disagree.” Eri giggled, surprising me. “I also don’t care if you are sorry or not. Sorry doesn’t bring back the dead. I think that’s what the wizard was trying to say. Killing Christina, killing you… it’d just be for satisfaction, and would rob you both of your chance to make the world better. Now don’t get me wrong… sometimes death is necessary. There are those who won’t change, who will just go on to do more evil, and in battle, sometimes killing is the only outcome…”

Kondou Kazuo. Even when he had a final chance to apologise to Haru, all he did was taunt and hurt her. So he would never have been a positive to the world. But… yeah. Eri’s right…

“This was a good talk. It doesn’t help with untangling the prophecy though…” I clapped my hands. “We were talking about the overrepresentation of Kitsune here. Though… there are surely other Yōkai too…”

“I don’t know, I have a few ideas myself.” Eri shrugged. “Hinata knows there’s a treasure we want. But is that all? We can assume the treasure is tied to the visions. If the creation myth is relevant…”

I have been talking with eldest Gerhilde… Rose spoke up, though her words were directed at Eri. I think you are on the right track. We Valkyries are close to the Norns, for we appear when the threads of brave warriors are cut. We are also sensitive to the unwoven future. So… we were debating… if mud and water give rise to solid stone, as in the myth… why was the volcano and the land to the east already there?

“I was thinking that too.” Eri spoke aloud and in her thoughts. Seeing everyone looking at her, she shrugged. “I was just talking to Rossweisse.  It’s still hard to believe, I can communicate with a woman entire worlds, perhaps even a universe away, but… I like her. I’m still a little jealous about how she’s helped Akio, but… better a twinge of jealousy than lacking aid.”

“If my sis could hear that she’d be amazed at your growth.” I chuckled. “Anyway, I’ll let you explain then.”

“It seems to me, and to the Valkyries, that the creation of matter itself is important. Or rather, not so much the matter, but space. What if it’s signalling that space has warped, forming a dungeon? It wouldn’t be surprising. Just like Anchors often form such areas around them… wouldn’t a powerful treasure be able to do the same?”

“That… makes a great deal of sense.” Hana mused, and her grandmother agreed. Daiyu was listening silently, but I could see her thoughts whirling behind her dark eyes.

“Yes. A creation… from scattered blood. I think the fact it is blood may be relevant too.” Mae mused. “Blood is the symbol of existence, of life. There is adherence there.”

We have… not heard of this Pantheon, the Kamuy. Rose admitted. And asking for books on such is… difficult to justify. The Norns agreed not to disclose our actions, but one fact that cannot be hidden is that we took you as our Verr. Sigrún has not yet returned, thankfully, but I wish to give her no cause to look in on us. But setting that aside… a creation myth is universal. From either utter chaos, such as the mud and water, or from overwhelming order, such as the void of Ginnungagap… words are born. And fluids such as blood, or the milk of Audhumla, or even the body itself, such as fallen Ymir… create the world.

“It’s very different from our understanding. A hot, dense point of energy somehow exploded to create the universe. The Big Bang. I daresay Arisu-san could explain it better than I could…” Eri suggested.

A fascinating idea. And not entirely dissimilar. If empty space is Ginnungagap, then the vast cold emptiness is Niflheim, and this ‘Big Bang’ is the fires of Muspelheim. Of course, as you say, it is likely allegorical, and none, not even the Allfather himself, were present for the beginning. After all, it is the beginning, isn’t it? Rose’s words were amused.

“If so… I wonder about the fire, the ice and the lightning.” Daiyu interjected. “While the myth in the vision seems to support it, from your earlier conjecture…” She nodded at Mae respectfully. “…it is far from a perfect match. Thus I suspect the nature of fire, ice and lightning is also relevant.”

“That would make sense.” Eri agreed. “Trust you to notice that, Daiyu. You’ve got keen insight.”

As Daiyu smiled gratefully for the compliment, the discussion continued, turning to what each individual component could mean in isolation, and whether there was a greater connection… It’s a bit of a shame to interrupt the training camp, but seeing everyone pulling together to try and interpret Tsukuyomi’s vision certainly fills my heart with pride…

***

Discussion had continued, and while we had no definitive answers, we were starting to come to a conclusion on what we expected. The other groups had agreed that a distortion in space, a dungeon, was a likely feature, though oddly enough there were two ideas as to where. The treasure’s location was obviously one, but Christina and her group had come to a different idea. They had been puzzled as to why Rebun Island wasn’t present at the start of the vision, so they suspected that was significant.

There’s a few other odd points as well. Of course, this is all conjecture, and we’ll have to adjust our strategy depending on what we find in the north, but being prepared is surely for the best.

I was snatching a few minutes to myself, preparing more of the Christmas gifts for everyone, when I heard a knock on the door. Hurriedly, I hid the items I was working on within the spatial storage I had, and called out for her to enter. “Come in, Kana. Did you need something?”

“As it happens, I did. But I know you are busy.” Kana grinned cheekily at me, still in her shrine maiden attire, torc around her throat gleaming. “So I’ll keep it brief. Anyway… I was thinking. I know you want to spend some time with us all on Christmas Eve, at least as much as you can. It’s going to be rough, and poor Arisu-chan is going to be annoyed, but… everyone’s looking forward to it.”

“You too, I hope?” I asked, and Kana sighed, face slightly pink.

“I was, yeah. Christmas Eve is fundamental in dating, isn’t it? It’s a day for romance. Not that you have any shortage of that. Tsukiko’s surely kept you busy.”

“I won’t deny that.” I admitted, before picking up on the way she had phrased it. “What do you mean, you were?”

“Don’t pout, Akio. It makes you look far less manly.” She let out a soft giggle, sitting down beside me, leaning her shoulder on mine affectionately, her black hair covering my shoulder. “It’s not that I’ve got anything I’d rather do, or I’m going cold on you. It’s just… I’d like to donate my time to someone else.”

“Someone else?” I was surprised but also curious. “That’s not like you, Kana.”

“What? Calling me selfish? I won’t deny it… but… girls are allowed to be selfish about this sort of thing. That’s not it though. It’s just… I think you should make time for Aiko-chan. Just the two of you. You’ve noticed, right? Surely you have. Nobody but Eri is closer to Aiko-chan than you. And even that’s debatable. She’s been struggling with something. So… sort it out.”

“Of course I’ve noticed.” I agreed. “She’s been a bit strange ever since she got her Territory up north. I was angry she kept it during the disaster when the Church attacked, but considering it was linked to the Ring Gate Hub, I suppose she wasn’t being reckless but taking a calculated risk.” She’s been pushing herself, and… a little standoffish with me. Like earlier… normally she’d laugh it off when I’m being embarrassingly affectionate with her…

“I doubt it’s that, but yeah. It seems to have started from around then.” Kana agreed. “Look, I’m your girlfriend, and so your sister is my sister too. Honestly, I like Aiko-chan a lot too. She’s a fun girl, pretty without being a snobby bitch, and… she’s got a lively personality. She’s the sort of girl other girls admire. The classic onee-sama girl… I bet a fair few girls back in your hometown had crushes on her.”

“Probably. Far too many of the boys did.” I agreed, and she giggled, patting my arm consolingly.

“That tone. It’s amusing, how jealous you sound. Oh, as your girlfriend, I’ll call it… overprotective… instead. Anyway, I’ve heard about the baseball. Aiko-chan loved telling that story. Though… she’s not said anything about it for a while. Look, she won’t be able to turn down a Christmas Eve date with her ‘big bro’, so… I’ll step aside. It’s for the best, and…”

Wait, I can hear…

“How… self-sacrificing of you, Kana.” Eri entered the room I was working in, shutting the door gently behind her. Seeing Kana’s surprise, Eri’s black cat ears flickered restlessly. “I have excellent hearing when these are out…” She seemed a bit self-conscious of them, but seeing my fond gaze, she straightened her back, tail lashing. “…and I was curious when I saw you running off over here. I didn’t really think you were coming to flirt with Akio, though I was curious. You’re very sharp, Kana. Of course you noticed.”

Eri sat down on my other side, and now I was sandwiched between two beauties. The talk was what drew my attention though, as Eri continued. “I did too. But Aiko is just annoyingly evasive when we talk. She laughs it off, but I know she’s hiding something. After all, we’re mirrors of each other. That’s the problem though. Maybe I’m too close to her for her to talk to. I suggested Shaeula give it a try, or even Hinata or Natsumi, but… she just shrugs it off. It pisses me off a bit!” Eri swore, unusual for her. “But… nobody knows better than I do it’s hard to open up. But I also know there’s no point keeping it all bottled up. So…” Eri narrowed her eyes. “Kana, go on your date with Akio. I’ll give up my time for Aiko. It should be me, anyway.”

“No way. You’re always wanting to spend time with Akio.” Kana disagreed. “I know that. And… Christmas Eve dates are the highlight of a dating life… oh, Valentine’s Day as well, I suppose…”

“Exactly.” Eri was firm with her. “Didn’t you tell Akio you wanted to have a fulfilling dating experience with him, since… he rather jumped to the end with the rest of us? If so, just accept my goodwill. And make Akio’s day fun for our sake too. As for me…” She was smiling, a sweet, relaxed one, which accentuated her pretty face. “…just like you, I don’t want to be mistaken. Not that Akio ever would. He knows my feelings. But yes, I’d love to spend time making more happy memories with you.” Her eyes stared deep into mine. “But these last few months, I’ve made enough to keep me going for a hundred years. After all… when you left Nishimorioka, I was afraid I’d never get the chance again. I always dreamed, but never believed, we could be so happy. So Kana, I can give up a day, as I waited years in loneliness. A day is nothing, not when I know the future is beautiful. Besides, Aiko’s my best friend. And if she won’t speak to me…”

“You think she’ll open up to me? She’s been distant…” I pointed out, and Eri sighed.

“It’ll be tough, but… after all, aren’t you her siscon older brother? You won’t take no for an answer, will you? Besides… while I’m not certain what’s eating at her, I have some ideas. And I think it has to be you who reassures her. Because while you may be an overprotective, overbearing brother… we don’t hate that about you. And Aiko… she’s a sister who equally adores you. So break down her walls and help her feel better!”

“I’ll accept that mission. Eri, Kana, thanks.” I took their hands and squeezed them gratefully. “You two are the best.”

“Don’t mention it. I’m worried about Aiko-chan too.” Kana was pink-cheeked at my compliment. “And… I’m grateful to you, Eri. You’ve definitely changed.”

“Saying I was a bitch before, were you? Oh, don’t deny it. I was extremely rude to you when we first met. I’d been crueller to Shaeula though.” Eri admitted. “But it was because I was insecure, fearful what I had would be taken away from me by others. Because… I’d never tried to do anything on my own. Now… now I have dreams. Of course, my biggest dream is to be Akio’s beloved wife. But that alone isn’t enough. For him or for me. So I’ve been thinking and learning, and I’ll be a woman who has some self-esteem.”

“And why wouldn’t you have it?” Kana chuckled. “After all, you’re beautiful enough I, Izumi Kana, the prettiest girl for miles around, recognised you as a worthy rival. And… you’ve certainly grown strong enough to stand by his side. I haven’t, not yet… but…”

“You’re just as vital. The building work wouldn’t proceed at pace without you.” I interrupted, only to receive a flat look from Kana.

“So all I am is a construction worker to you?”

“You know that’s not true…” I began, but I knew she was teasing me, and she simply shook her head, smirking.

“Yeah. You’re so easy to read. Don’t ever try and cheat, we’ll know it instantly, without even needing Haru-chan.” Kana winked. “Anyway… are you sure, Eri?” she asked again, and Eri clicked her tongue.

“Of course I am. Just enjoy yourself for my share too.”

“In that case… Eri, I’ll owe you a favour… oh, and you too, Kana. Since you were concerned for my sister and prepared to give up your own time for it.”

“It seems like virtue is its own reward.” Kana intoned with mock-piety. “Though I didn’t do it to earn your thanks, you know.”

“I know. But I’m still grateful.”

She glanced at Eri, who nodded, so she smiled brightly. “In that case, I won’t be a fake good girl and decline. A favour from you is certainly useful.” She winked enticingly. “And in exchange, I’ll have you show me a good time on Christmas Eve. I’ll probably make you jealous, Eri, but…”

“I’ll live with it.” Eri chuckled dryly. “The favour is handy for me too. I know Akio will do his best for us, and give us whatever we need, so… maybe I’ll sell it to someone else.”

“Not another woman?” Kana chuckled. “That would be so unlike you.”

“It very much depends on the woman. It’s not like I haven’t used one before.” Eri shrugged, and after some more playful banter between the three of us, talk turned to tomorrow’s… or rather today’s, it isn’t long until everyone needs to start heading north once Arisu-san ferries them all to the start… leg of the Pilgrimage.

So, we’ll start by visiting the last few major shrines in Yamagata prefecture, then pass through Akita and Iwate prefectures, before finishing up in Aomori. Picking which shrines to visit and which we can leave out was a bit of a hassle, but Tsukiko helped with that. And it seems like everyone will be able to max out the Kami-Blessed Class by the end of the Pilgrimage, as this is only the northern half of Japan, after all… and we still have Hokkaido too… yes, Hokkaido…

Considering the earlier vision, my Foresight was prickling, a mixture of anxiety and excitement poking at my thoughts. In opportunity lies danger, and this time, there’s no mistakes. Everyone knows about the vision and our Foresight, and… together, we’ve prepared as best as we can…