On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Father?” Yukiko asked, her expression a little tense.

“Yes, father! Father doesn’t need a sword other than me!” the Tsukumogami explained, even as the other two were slowly starting to stir, but this energetic seeming one with her cheeky face and sporty side ponytail in white and blue, was now bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet, confused, and I was now missing a sword.

“But…” I began, and the Tsukumogami nodded fiercely. “…father only needs to use me!” With a shimmering cloud of aether, the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi appeared in her hand, though it seemed rather more ephemeral, looking almost… transparent… as I observed it. The Tsukumogami too, seemed exhausted, dark shadows suddenly visible under her eyes, her earlier exuberance fading, and she yawned. “Father can… gather the clouds and… cut the storms…”

Even her words were languid and fatigued now, and Yukiko seemed concerned, even as the Tsukumogami pressed the hilt of the Regalia into my hand. “Akio isn’t your father. You’re one of the Imperial Regalia, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi! But… it’s good to see you awake.”

“You… seem nice. Nostalgic. Are you… mother?” the Tsukumogami asked, and Yukiko glanced at me, before flushing a deep crimson, though her eyes were showing conviction.

“If Akio is your father, then yes, I’m your mother. But… you’ve lived far longer than either of us. You can’t be our child, can you?”

Shiro was stifling her laughter, and Uncle Daimon was watching on quietly, burning the scene into his golden eyes. The movements of the other Tsukumogami were growing stronger, and soon they too would wake.

“I… don’t know.” The Tsukumogami of the sword in my hand tilted her head, screwing up her exhausted face, thinking hard. “Definitely father. Woke me up. I feel… close to father. Father is bad, using other swords, but I still like father, father has me! I am the best sword, gather the clouds, cut the storms, slice the heavens…” she repeated.

“I… see.” Yukiko glanced at me, and I explained.

“Well, when I was putting them back together, substituting for their dead spirits, trying to fortify their Truesouls, I used Chirurgery, and the base was a number of bonds. Perhaps that’s why? If so, it might be a problem…”

“Yes. I can see it might be. Though technically you passed grandfather’s test.” Yukiko laughed wryly. “Though that’s only part of it.” She spoke to the fatigued Tsukumogami. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, mother.” she replied slowly, stifling a yawn. “Just… the sun is missing. I… don’t remember well. But… first, the people stopped coming. Nobody held me, used me, for a long time. Or was it long?” She scratched at her head, confused, silver eyes vacant. “…yes, everything was so tiring, but the distant sun kept us warm, thinking. But then, one day… the sun went away, and… dark, cold!” She shivered, her face falling, and I reached out and patted her head.

The Tsukumogami seemed surprised, before smiling a little and leaning into my comforting touch. “But now… still no sun, but…” She blinked at Yukiko. “…you feel warm! Like the sun we remember!”

Seeing that, Shiro could take no more. She found the situation amusing, but also a little threatening, perhaps, as she stepped closer. “In that case… I’m your mother too.” she insisted, and the Tsukumogami glanced at her quizzically, seeming confused, though she made no efforts to escape from my stroking hand.

“You? You feel… there is a warmth there. No, not warm… hot, stinging… a little scary…”

“Scary? Me?” Shiro rolled her eyes. “I’m almost offended. I’m not scary, I’m a cool, beautiful big sister… uh, mother?”

The Tsukumogami looked to me for guidance, so I nodded, intensifying my patting, which made her giggle. “Yeah, Shiro’s mother too, if I’m father. In fact… there’s a lot of mothers.”

“All right, father. I understand.” she agreed at last, and looked as if she was going to say more, when the eyes of the second Tsukumogami here slid open. They were a dark, mysterious black, with flecks of green light flickering within, matching her beautiful, crystalline jade hair, which swayed as she slowly stood up.

“Sister!” the sword Tsukumogami cried, delighted. “You woke up too.” Her words were then interrupted by a yawn, and she muttered a few words, her tone sad. “The sun is gone, but… we have father, and mothers. His hand is warm, banishes the cold…”

The second Tsukumogami rose to her feet slowly. Fortunately when the dolls had taken form, they had clothed themselves, and I suspected it worked similar to Shaeula’s yukata, in that it was part of the image of herself. The three of them, for I could also see the one on the Material, though due to the time dilation it had not awoken yet, all wore simple white shift-dresses, plain and unadorned. On the sword Tsukumogami, it looked cute and impish, but on the tall, graceful and rather bustier jewel Tsukumogami… calling then sword, jewel and mirror will have to do for now. Until we learn their names… it gave off an entirely different impression.

“How… powerful…” Uncle Daimon muttered, his eyes glowing. “Such fierce Yin and Yang, and many Elements… the jewel, and the hole…” he murmured.

“Father?” the jewel asked, hesitant, glancing over at the sword, seeing her head being stroked, and the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi in my other hand. The sword Tsukumogami nodded.

“Yes. Father! And our mothers! Woke us up from the cold darkness. Still cold and dark, but his hands are warm.” Her expression changed then, and despite how well she spoke, she definitely gave off the aura of a child. “Father can be bad though. Had another sword. No other sword is as good as me, father doesn’t need any other sword! I cut it!”

Shiro couldn’t help but snicker again, but she was looking at the cute Tsukumogami with a different expression now, one I’d never seen on her. Shit, that’s cute. Who knew Shiro was a sucker for kids? Maybe… it’s because she didn’t have a good relationship with her own parents? In any case… one day we’ll have children of her own. Until then there’s Asha’s, and… I guess these?

“I see.” The jewel Tsukumogami nodded slowly, even that graceful. “In that case… father. Just… how long have I slept? The heavens have cooled, and the ground is frozen, as were our hearts.” She had rather more poetic diction than her brattish sister, and it made me uncomfortable.

“A… long time.” I admitted. “But… sorry, calling me father… you look so mature. It feels… wrong… somehow. Besides, I simply helped restore you, that’s all.”

“Father is modest!” the sword Tsukumogami giggled. “I will call the clouds and cut all his foes!” She swung her arms happily, as if miming that action. “I haven’t cut anything in so long…”

“I… see.” The jewel Tsukumogami nodded, glancing around at Shiro and Yukiko. “Mothers? I smell the familiar, lingering scent of the sun on you.” She gazed at Yukiko, who glanced down instinctively, before sighing.

“Yes, but I agree with Akio. You… don’t seem like a daughter. Your chest is… never mind that. In any case… how about… brother, and sister? It will do for now, won’t it?”

“If it pleases you.” the Tsukumogami agreed. “Father, I shall call you brother, and the mothers shall be my sisters. Though…” She pinched the hems of her skirt, lifting them elegantly, before curtsying. “…for waking us, you have my thanks. I… remember. I felt great sorrow, but the Yata no Kagami, at that moment, she said we would perish, turn to dust, and even if we were to be rebirthed, we would no longer be… ourselves. Yata no Kagami, she was the wisest of us all, she knew things, many things.”

“Yata didn’t know this!” the sword Tsukumogami insisted. No, if the mirror Tsukumogami is Yata, then she should be Tsurugi, I imagine? And the jewel… Magatama? Not perfect, but it’ll do for the moment. Better than just calling them Tsukumogami named after their Regalia.

“No, father kept us as ourselves, although…” She screwed up her cute face. “…a lot… is gone? But I still feel like me!”

“Yes, I can hardly remember everything.” Magatama stepped closer, nodding, her black eyes showing some confusion. “But I remember enough. More… far more than Yata no Kagami predicted. It is not like her to be wrong.” She then reached out, taking my arm. “Father. Would you wield me too?”

I glanced at Yukiko, who seemed both troubled and delighted. Seeing my worry, she frowned. “Honestly… do as you see fit. I don’t care what grandfather or my parents think. I told you I loved you, and I meant it. We are getting married. Even if it doesn’t work out perfectly as grandfather wanted.”

“That’s the spirit!” Shiro chuckled, slapping her back heartily. “You need to be at least that bold to be one of Aki’s women. Besides…” Her eyes flared crimson, and Tan took over, sounding extremely satisfied. “What can they do, but howl and wail impotently? Akio here is the one who woke them, claimed them. This one here…” she nodded at Yukiko. “…holds Amaterasu’s Favour, which is the lineage they claim. All the levers of power are in your hands. Not theirs. I do confess to being… distant… from the bustle of the politics of the Pantheons… yet even I know were it to come to a battle for the hearts and minds of the mortals who dwell in this land… there would be surely one winner.”

“It’s true.” Yukiko agreed, her face falling, before she shook her head, plastering on a smile, though I could see she was troubled by the look in her eyes. “And if I have to, I will. I’m… a shy woman. Always have been. But Tsukiko was right, no matter how much she embarrasses me. I always wanted to be loved, have an ordinary romance, be treasured, and find someone to treasure in turn. I failed on… ordinary…” Her dark expression lifted a little. “…but I was always going to, especially after Amaterasu blessed me. I dithered and hesitated. Honestly, I needed a push. It just so happened that you’re enough of a catch to entice my family, and… well, I spoke to Tsukiko of course, but also some of the others in a similar position. Hinata-san for one… no, Hinata now. I like your family rules.”

I tilted my head at that, and Shiro snorted. “They never bothered me. I’m not one for politeness. But it’s an agreement, one of them anyway… can’t tell you all of them, some are secrets known only to your women, Aki…” She grinned, enjoying her superiority over me in this moment. “…but this one’s fine. Basically, can’t be having us all distant from each other. Sure, some find it harder than others, like Eri, and there’s room for affectionate nicknames and shit like that, but… use the names, and become close as sisters. It’s necessary.”

“Yes. From now on, no more honorifics. It’s especially hard for me too, I always have to be distant, I have my position to think of, but…”

“But your position isn’t as important as following your heart, right? However…” Shiro winked at me. “…Aki’s surely got a plan. He wouldn’t want you to sacrifice your family, unless there’s no other way, or they’re dumpster fires like my parents.”

One day I’d hope you can at least talk it out, even if you don’t reconcile, but… there’s no rush, and until then I’ll see that you are happy, I promise. I nodded. “Yes. This is all speculative. But…” I glanced at Magatama. “I don’t mind, but… you belong to the Imperial Family. If I am taking Tsurugi here…” She seemed surprised at the name, but nodded happily, rubbing her head into my hand. “…which I need to as she ate my sword…” Sorry Bjarki. Though… honestly, shouldn’t this just inspire you to make an even better one? Though I doubt I’ll be the one wielding it…

Tsurugi didn’t look guilty at that but satisfied, and Magatama let out a small, charming laugh at her expression, as I continued. “…then I have claimed my price from the Imperial Family. Although… these Tsukumogami are alive, they aren’t merely items. We… can’t just treat them as they are.”

Magatama paused, blinking, surprised, before her elegant smile returned. “You would let us choose then? If I was to walk away…”

“So be it. I’ll just be happy you can live again. Though… isn’t it cold without the sun?” I picked up on their earlier words, and it seemed to confirm some of our speculation. “I may have restored you, but… your lost memories are because your spirits were dead, starved over long years then shocked by a tragic event. Honestly… I blame Yukiko’s family for that.”

Yukiko seemed a little offended, but she asked me why that was, and I shrugged.

“Sorry. But… I’m half British. I know both sides of the story. And Japan… wasn’t exactly on the right side of history. If we’d have stayed out of the war, then America never would have defeated us, and forced your great-grandfather to recant his Divine lineage.” My Eyes shone for a moment. “The Regalia weren’t created by the Imperial Family, they were gathered like Eleanor’s treasure trove in the Tower. So the act that hurt them… whether it was justified or not, whether it was your family’s fault, or just what happens to the losing side in a war… the fact is… it broke them. And I’m sorry I couldn’t save all your past selves, but… enough remained to reignite with soullight, so at least you still feel yourselves. I give you the choice.”

Yukiko thought for a moment, and then sighed, conceding. “I, as the representative of the Imperial Family, and as she who carries the blood and fire of Amaterasu, the Sun, apologise. We failed you, as we failed Japan. But… as Imperial daughter… I will put matters right!” she insisted, and Uncle Daimon couldn’t help but speak.

“A bold declaration. I thought you wished naught to do with politics?”

“I don’t. Ideally, I’d leave that to my husband…” She winked at me slyly. “That’s the Japanese way, isn’t it? But… Akio is right. I hated hearing it, after all, great-grandfather was broken because of the war and the Ningen-sengen. But I am no longer a woman who looks away from things I don’t like. Else… I can’t match up to you, Shiro. Or the others…”

“Flattery will get you everywhere! All right, Yuki…” Shiro gave her a nickname, adding her to the few such as me, my sis, and Tsukiko, who Shiro honoured that way. “…let’s not overthink this. I have an idea, but… first, I think our daughter here, or is it sister…” Shiro grinned wickedly. “…wants to speak.”

“You… would let us choose?” Magatama asked again, and this time we all nodded. Seeing that, she smiled regally. “In that case… father, no… brother. Words matter not so much as the truth. Yata no Kagami would say that, though she reflects truth. What matters is… you grant us autonomy, grant us choice? We are… tools. Tools that are loved and treasured gain life, and tools that are ill-treated break. But tools can always be replaced with newer, better ones.”

“Tools can be.” I agreed. “But you aren’t tools. You have emotions…” I looked down at Tsurugi, who was silent now, listening, her cheeky face screwed up in an expression of concentration. “…hopes, dreams, memories, such as remain. But… before you decide, I’d ask you wait a little while. For… I think we can bring back your sun…” I grinned confidently, and Magatama smiled warmly.

“A bold statement. Be you a God then? Only Divinity can move the sun…”

“Nope. Actually, a single event that sweeps through the consciousness of a nation can. And…” I glanced at Yukiko, and I knew she understood my idea, if not all of it. “…if you are prepared to give Yukiko a chance, I know we can ignite the fires of the sun of Amaterasu once more. Brighter than before.” After all, there are many more people in Japan now than there were at the time of the war. Twice as many, in fact. And even then the populace wasn’t as educated or as knowledgeable. And also… the world now is connected, news travels in an instant…

“Yes. While I felt I would be more suited to the Yata no Kagami… I understand now you are free to choose. But… I would hope you give consideration to us in the Imperial Family. For even if we failed you, we nurtured you for fifteen hundred years as best we could.” Yukiko asked humbly, bowing.

“I think you’re all overthinking it.” I suggested, my Eyes glowing as I looked at Magatama.

Yasakani no Magatama [Item Class: Mythic] [Item Type: Law]

This priceless jewel was snatched from the native Divinities of this land, and imbued with power to bless and strengthen, benevolence personified, but seems to have been left in mortal hands for reasons unknown. The Jewel That Draws And Dispenses Benevolence was once able to call upon the strength of the Sun, gathering it within its crystalline structure, reminiscent of Divine jade, and could radiate it from the central void, blessing the bearer and the land they commanded. Yet the strength of this jewel was split, its Adherence forming a Tsukumogami spirit. This spirit was beholden to the Imperial Bloodline and the Adherence within, and would refuse to be held by any inferior, unworthy hand. Without the Tsukumogami, this jewel is simply a pretty stone of unknown material. Now however, the Tsukumogami has been offered freedom, and is rather confused.

Rather confused, huh? I get it, waking up without a lot of memories, your ‘sun’ gone. And… the bonds between us. But really, it’s simple. Let me help you.

“After all, you’re a being with your own memories, sense of self. Why constrain yourself to be an item, a toy? Just be yourself, and… if you choose to use yourself to help out now and again, that’s great. If you need to find a person to serve for your own peace of mind, I’d ask you consider Yukiko, but… it’s not like you wouldn’t help me if I needed you, is it?”

“I will only sit in father’s hand!” Tsurugi insisted, clearly angling for more head pats, so I gave them and she grinned, but Magatama was merely thinking.

“I… see. Yes. That would be… different. I remember feeling a great closeness to the sun and the blood that boiled with it, but… now I feel a different closeness.” She smiled at me warmly then, and on her elegant, charming face it was like the sun coming out from behind dark clouds. “I see. Father, you are indeed as a father should be, thinking of your daughter and her happiness.”

“Brother…” I insisted, and she laughed, covering her mouth with one delicate hand.

“Maybe. I shall have to ask Yata no Kagami…” she insisted. “For she is the wisest of us. And… I can feel her stirring…”

Indeed, in the Material, the time there running slower, she was only just awakening. I had kept everyone back, though Tsukiko was with me, murmuring that I had indeed created miracles. Though all I could think was that mom was about to get incredibly excited. Out of courtesy, my parents had been allowed into the Kashiko-dokoro, though once we were done here, the Pilgrimage would also pass through it, though the Regalia had to be removed first.

“This is… miraculous!” the Emperor intoned. “From the old records, I knew of the spirits of the Regalia, but to see one, and here…”

“Yes, it is quite the scene, isn’t it, granddaughter?” the Queen asked Eleanor. “Though nothing as unusual as all that. Why, Raidre, Shaeula, Hyacinth… we have seen many spiritual beings walking among us. The world is a place that never fails to surprise me…”

“Well I wasn’t surprised.” Eleanor insisted, clearly a bit drunk despite her high stats and Divinely-inspired recovery. But then, she’s been guzzling that brandy like it was cola while I was working. “No, I knew he would succeed. The outcome was simply… a little unexpected. But I should have expected it!” Her blue eyes were a little accusing. “She’s… very pretty. Is that your sort?”

I began to sweat as the Tsukumogami, Yata, opened her eyes, revealing sharp golden eyes, similar to Uncle Daimon’s, multicoloured sparks of colour shining within. Her silvery, metallic hair shimmered as she sat up, blinking, before her gaze fixed on me, and once more my Eyes advised me I had been subjected to an inspection, but this time was a little different.

You have been subjected to Reflected Light Holds No Secrets. Your Eyes have responded to allow access to your information due to the connection between you and the bearer of these observing Eyes. Your Mystic Eyes Of The World Tree have been strengthened by absorbing some of the remnant energy, and your affinity to Light Element has strongly increased, commensurately increasing your affinity to Darkness Element.

“I… see.” Yata spoke, rising to her feet and daintily brushing off her dress. She wasn’t as tall or as elegant as Magatama, nor as short and energetic as Tsurugi, though said Tsukumogami was extremely fatigued from the efforts of summoning her sword form, it seemed. No, Yata was quiet and contemplative, and her eyes reflected a deep wisdom, but also a confusion and yearning. “Creator… no, father, perhaps?”

At hearing her call me father, my mom was predictably excited. She turned to me, clapping her hands. “Aki, she called you father? But she looks Ai’s age, or so… no, she can’t be anyway, but… she popped out of nowhere… she’s so cute!”

“Please calm down!” Father was sweating, and I did get a biting sense of amusement watching him struggle in front of all these important people. Now you know how I feel!

“I… prefer brother.” I managed. Again, unlike Tsurugi, who felt young, Yata felt my age, no, older. Despite her appearance, she radiated wisdom, which made sense, as that was supposedly the virtue of the Yata no Kagami. But that wisdom seems fractured… “And I’m not your creator, am I? Try and remember, you and your sisters existed long before I ever did. No, I just… fixed you up, helped pull together what fragments of memory and spirit you had left after the sun was taken from you.”

“Yes… I remember. Some. Are the others… well?” she asked, and I nodded, everyone watching in awe, though my new brother-in-law Gorohito seemed eager.

“Yes. Though like you, their memories were disordered. But enough remained to form a core, and… I reconnected the bonds between yourselves and your Regalia, your other selves. If you feel exhausted, it’s because…”

“Yes. That which nurtured us, the sun… was torn from us, but not before scorching our fragile minds to ashes.” Yata agreed, her golden eyes narrowing, and I detected a little hostility from her, though not towards me. “In valour and strength, protect, in wisdom and intellect, guide, and in benevolence and temperance, shelter.”

The Emperor shifted , suddenly restless. “Those are the words we swear when we are coronated, and take over the mantle of this great Japan, land of the Rising Sun…”

“The Sun is dark and cold.” Yata declared, crossing her arms. Mom was still watching us eagerly, and her blue eyes were urging me to say something, but before I could, Yata spoke to me, ignoring the Emperor after her dismissive words. “Yet the Light reflected from you is warm. A father creates a child, does he not?”

“Not without a mother. Though in your case… you’d have a fair few of those.” I managed with a laugh. “There’s even two here.” I nodded at Tsukiko, who took it calmly, and Eleanor, who flushed a bright scarlet.

“I’m not named Mary!” she insisted. “I don’t have any children yet, you will have to wait until the crisis passes…” She realised what she had said, clamping shut her mouth, only to stream tears as she bit her tongue savagely by mistake.

“I see you are one who tells the truth in her cups…” the Queen chortled, further embarrassing her granddaughter. “I for one think you are quite lovely, Miss…?”

“I have no name. I am the Yata no Kagami. The others, they sometimes called me Yata…”

“I see. Miss Yata then. Or should it be Yata-chan? I find these Japanese honorifics rather odd. But I for one welcome a new great-granddaughter. I imagine you feel the same way, Emily, yes?”

Not even caring that it was the Queen who was speaking to her, much to the discomfort of my father, mom nodded so fiercely it was like her neck was a spring. “Yes, your Majesty! Very much so! She’s adorable! And while little ones are cute, at that age they can hang out with us, go shopping, do hair and makeup…”

“I insist you call me simply Elizabeth, or if that’s too much of a mouthful, Liz will do.” The Queen smiled, enjoying the raucous scene. “After all, my Eleanor will be marrying your son, which makes us family. And besides… there are so few I can simply chat like this with… and when you reach my age, you know how precious such diversions are.”

“Don’t worry, you’ll be here a fair few years yet.” I promised, and Eleanor nodded despite her embarrassment, her face scarlet. I then turned my attention to Yata. “Just because I restored you, doesn’t mean you have any obligation to me. I’m just pleased it worked, it was harder than I imagined, although…”

“I trust you did not intend it then?” Yata asked, and I nodded.

“I just wanted to restore your bonds. With your fractured spirit, and your true selves. I had a working theory, and honestly, the experience has refined my knowledge and understanding of not just bonds and connections, but Chirurgery as well.” My Skill Ranks up when Shiro’s buffs are in play, but retaining that feeling when the buff ends is hard. But… I’ve internalised more of it, and also new insights from this. I think… a genuine Rank twelve is possible for me. Which is shocking, really. Every Rank after ten is its own wall…

“I can see that. The Light reflected from you is kind and warm, and I see no malice, or wish to exploit from you, father.”

“I told you, brother is better.” I was embarrassed, and Yata smiled for the first time.

“As you desire, my big brother.” I wonder what Aiko will say. Haanōbō too… “Then…” she continued, concentrating, and a shining silver mirror, like a round shield, the glass made of polished diamond, the frame the same platinum as her hair, appeared in her arms. That made the Imperial Family take notice, and their breaths were taken away by the beauty of the Yata no Kagami, so much more gorgeous and otherworldly than the Material form that had been brought here from Ise Grand Shrine.

“I am… weak, the sun has set on this land and us, and… the ones who used to claim us…” Her gaze was cold as she surveyed the Imperial Family. She had become exhausted, much like Tsurugi had, and her steps were faltering, but she passed me the shield, our hands touching, and she shivered. “Warm. Not the sun, but another light. Familiar somehow. Now… I am the Mirror that Reflects Truth, and Deflects Ill. I am yours, father, no, brother.”

“In that case, you have claimed the Yata Mirror. I can only say you have passed my trial. Yukiko must be delighted.” the Emperor began. “I have no objection to the marriage, and you shall wield the Mirror beside Yukiko.” Hang on a second…

“I disapprove of someone not of the blood wielding such a priceless part of our heritage, especially now…” Gorohito began, before managing a smile. “However, since you are marrying in and need to protect my sister, I’ll allow it.”

“Allow it?” Eleanor muttered loudly, probably thinking she was being quiet. “What an idiot. He doesn’t need your permission, he’s never needed anyone’s for anything, it’s why he annoyed me so much…”

We can hear you… faces in the room turned stiff, especially Gorohito’s, but he used his Imperial poise to move past it, face smoothing out, pretending he hadn’t heard. “…the Yata no Kagami is to protect. The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, that is a sword fit for the future Emperor!”

“Unfortunately… Tsurugi destroyed my sword and insisted she won’t let anyone else wield her…” I apologised, and the look on Gorohito’s face was barely veiled fury, as he glanced at me holding Yata’s Regalia. Yata was also rather angry, and her eyes glowed, and I felt a pulse of her light scanning the room, inspecting everyone.

“There is no way you can take both!” Gorohito insisted. “Unless you intend to deprive my sister of one? This is… theft! I know Yukiko believed you could restore them, and restore then you have, but… you did something sneaky to them, didn’t you?” His voice was near a shout now, and his younger cousin was shaking his head, and Kaoruko-san tutted loudly, before telling him to ‘cool it, before you get yourself into trouble.’

“I am… disappointed.” Yata tilted her head. “I… must have misremembered. I remember the Imperial Family being mighty, burning like the sun. Wise. Benevolent. Valorous. Not… foolish. Greedy. Cowardly.” She frowned. “Perhaps… it was best to stay asleep. The sun was taken, and now… even my fragile memories are tarnished.”

“That’s not so.” I insisted, before handing her back the Mirror she had given he. She seemed surprised, more so when I patted her head gently. “Your sisters will be coming here in a moment. Then… we can talk.” I glanced around the room, Tsukiko urging me on silently, Eleanor watching with feigned disinterest, the Queen, mom and father quietly supportive, and the Imperial Family confused and showing a whole host of different reactions, Kaoruko-san and her side of the family more relaxed, the Emperor and his son pensive, Gorohito… clearly furious at her biting words. But then… just because you are born to power, doesn’t mean you deserve it. Eleanor, Yukiko… they embody what it is to be noble, putting themselves, their hopes and dreams on the line for this.

Moments later, Yukiko and Shiro came out of the tent where they were sleeping, and seconds later, Tsurugi and Magatama appeared. Immediately, Tsurugi rushed to my side, complaining. “Father, no sword here! I’ll make you me again!” As I felt her aether surge, I quickly pulled her into a hug, stopping her.

“No, you’re too exhausted without the sun. Wait a while, I don’t need a sword right now.”

“Father is mean! You should always have a sword, but… father is also kind. I’m… tired, sleepy.” She snuggled into my grasp, and mom’s eyes were sparkling, and I could hear the Queen teasing Eleanor some more.

“Yata no Kagami, it is… grand to see you again.” Magatama smiled benevolently, but what drew the Imperial eyes were that Yukiko was wearing a brilliant jade magatama bead around her neck on a diamond chain. Seeing that, the Emperor paused for a moment, before addressing his daughter.

“Yukiko, you succeeded in taming the Yasakani no Magatama? You always were a kind girl, it suits you well, and I am proud. Though… we have a problem here.” He glanced at me with Tsurugi in my grasp, and Yata holding her shining shield-like Mirror.

Shiro merely snorted, stepping over to Tsukiko and nodding to her, before crossing her arms and sitting down, ready to enjoy the show, as I’d used the advantage of time dilation in the Boundary to fill them in on what was happening here, as well as my plan, which fortunately Magatama had no objections to. She had then handed her Regalia to Yukiko, and now looked as fatigued as the other two, her elegant face drooping and her skin pale.

“Actually, we have no problems, father.” Yukiko disagreed. “And no, I have not tamed the Regalia, no more than Akio has. Tsurugi here simply adores her… father…” She managed to say that without choking, but couldn’t hide a wry smile. “…so much that she will never let him touch another sword.”

“That’s right, first mother!” Tsurugi agreed proudly, nestling against my chest. “All other swords are bad for father! That one was trash. I call the clouds, cut lightning, slash the heavens, and I’ll even cut any Kami that are mean to you, father!”

“How can we argue with that?” Yukiko shrugged. “Akio has not tamed or controlled her, she simply loves him because he has saved her from the darkness. He’s saved a lot of us, yes?” She glanced at Eleanor, Tsukiko and Shiro in turn, and each nodded knowingly. “Father, the… Imperial bloodline has lost the sun. Amaterasu’s Sun. And in doing so, we condemned the Regalia that had served us, striking the final blow. Even if Uncle Daimon is right and in time they revived, they would not be as you see here, but… new Tsukumogami. So… is it any wonder they disdain us? But…” She touched the shining jade-like jewel on her chest. “…I promised to restore that Sun, as Amaterasu’s Chosen, and the bearer of pure Imperial blood, and… and…” Her face was crimson now, and her eyes were watering, and as her mother, granddaughter and cousins watched on tenderly, she coughed out her final words. “…and as the wife of Akio, and their… their mother. And sister.”

She adlibbed a bit there. But it was cute so… I’ll let it slide. “That’s right. Yata, please take back your Regalia. You don’t have to choose. You simply have to live. But if you could lend us your aid when needed, that would be great. And also… help us in rekindling the lost sun, brighter than ever before.”

“You should, Yata! Father’s asking!” Tsurugi chided, adopting an imperious and superior facial expression, which didn’t suit her but certainly was cute. I caught sight of mom clutching her nose, moaning she was ‘going to get a nosebleed from the adorableness’, and rolled my eyes, exasperated. It was then father surprised me by speaking up. He was a man who was always very aware of manners, decorum and the time and place of everything, so seeing him speak here was a shock.

“Akio, my son. While I am proud of you, it seems you have done a good deed here… going back on your word is not something I approve of. One of these…” he paused, ignoring mom glaring at him. “…should accompany Prince Gorohito, as agreed.”

“Yes.” I nodded, surprising mom, who was now glaring at me, but I didn’t let that stop me. Hang on a minute mom, let me speak! “I never go back on my word, as a Faeduine I’m very particular about that. Besides, we’re all family here. That goes… for the Regalia too.” With Tsurugi in my arms, that seemed particularly persuasive, as at the moment she looked like a kid sister playing with her big brother. “If they were treasures, items, like my poor unfortunate prior sword…” Tsurugi hissed at that, and I wondered just where the material that made it up had gone. Has she digested it? Can she eat metal? I guess it doesn’t matter for now…

“…then yes, I’d take the Sword, Yukiko the Mirror or the Jewel, and we’d all be happy. But… they’re people.” I glanced at Azuki, who had been sitting quietly, half-asleep, and she nodded, agreeing. Since she got Aergia’s Favour, she’s somehow even lazier… but it doesn’t matter. So long as she’s ready when it counts…

“Tsukumogami are no different to us. Sure, they’re spiritual beings, but they have memories, emotions, hopes, dreams, desires… they aren’t simply tools, even if that’s what they were. Nobody has the right to force them. I may have restored them, they may call me father, though I prefer brother, I’m still a young man!” I cried out, trying to lighten the mood. “But just as parents can guide their children, but can’t live their lives for them…” My father nodded at that and shrunk back on his seat, withdrawing his objection, realising I was right. Sometimes when the situation changes, we have to do what’s right, not what we agreed. That’s not breaking our word or lying, it’s simply facing reality.

“…I don’t mind guiding and supporting the Regalia, but… in the new Japan, they’ll actually be able to have a special passport and sign up under the Ministry, and have full right of autonomy, within the law. I’ll help them to do that.”

“But, they have always been ours! For fifteen hundred years, no, more!” Gorohito declared, furious. “I knew it, father, grandfather!” He turned to the others. “He’s scheming to steal from us! He stole my sister, he stole the Regalia, next he’ll steal…”

A great glow enveloped the hall, and I froze, feeling a menacing presence. For a second I thought it was Shiro and Tan, but a ray of fiery sunlight punched a hole in the priceless shrine in front of Gorohito’s feet, and he stepped back, eyes wide in horror. Yukiko, the radiance of Amaterasu’s Sun blazing around her, the heat carefully controlled, showing how her level of skill had risen with all her training, simply glared at him with contempt.

“Stole me? Am I a thing, to be taken? I’m just a woman, brother. Ordinary enough, but blessed with an extraordinary fate. Honestly, I can see why Eleanor turned you down. Even if Akio wasn’t in her heart, you’re… too proud. Grandfather remembers the shame of defeat, father too, but you… all you’ve known is Japan as a powerhouse.”

“It’s all you’ve known too!” he shot back, and she laughed scornfully.

“True, but I’ve also always felt inferior. But you… always you’ve thought yourself the Emperor in waiting. And it’s true, you are, but… is that such a big thing? All it means is responsibility, especially now.”

“We agree.” The Queen adopted her usual manner of speech. “We have privilege, but, perhaps as the Throne has changed hands many times in Britain over the years, we never grow complacent. A true Royal serves the land, is one with the land, lives and dies with the land. We think you should read your Chrétien de Troyes, young Gorohito, and read about the Fisher King.”

“As for Akio, all he stole was my heart…” She was terribly embarrassed saying it, but speak she did. “And isn’t that the way it should be between a man and a woman, no, anybody looking for love? I still feel giddy but fearful. After all, I’m not beautiful…”

“No, you look beautiful now, cousin Yukiko!” Kaoruko-san shook her head, bright smile on her face. “You’re shining. Don’t you think so, new cousin Akio?” she teased me, and I nodded.

“Yes, right now she’s beautiful…”

“Only right now?” Yukiko pouted, to laughter from Shiro.

“I misspoke. You’re beautiful always, and will only get more beautiful over time.” I promised, and she chortled.

“Much better. I don’t know what’s come over me. I feel as shy, as nervous as always, but my chest burns, and I feel I can go beyond it, no, that the feelings are almost sweet!” She then shook her head, the halo of sunlight and flames rotating behind her, similar in appearance to Prominence Dawn. “Gorohito, as for stealing the Regalia, didn’t you listen? He woke them like we asked, did more than we asked. He could have restored the Regalia as blank slates, but instead he tried his best to save them, and they are grateful for that.”

“Yes, father is kind, even if he touches other swords. But he promised he won’t again!” Tsurugi insisted, and her sister Regalia watched her with weary amusement.

“They are not things, and I hope they continue to want to help us. But we have to be worthy of them, and right the wrong our family did them.” She then narrowed her eyes. “As for your final accusation… are you implying he’ll steal the Imperial Throne through marriage to me? Pathetic, my dear brother, pathetic. Though… if the Imperial line wasn’t Patrilineal, I would ask grandfather to consider me at this moment. Really? Akio aims far higher than Japan.”

Tan spoke, adding her flaming presence to the room. “Indeed. A mortal throne is not… purposeless, but Astral Emperor stands above all Kings, Princes and Emperors upon a world. This seat you fight for is merely one of pride. True power lies in the hands of the one that controls…” She trailed off, glancing at me meaningfully, and I nodded.

“You make light of us!” Gorohiro snapped, and I shook my head.

“Your sister is simply trying to be truthful. I get it… seeing a sister get a boyfriend must be hard…”

“You get the wrong thing, Aki, he’s not you!” Shiro threw out a retort.

I ignored her quip. “But I assure you, I’m just thinking of the best for everyone. Though…” I glanced at Yata. “…what do you think?”

“I think until I remember my lost memories, I… have no wish to lend myself to any of these.” She then saw Yukiko, the Yasakani no Magatama shining around her neck. “…though if I must serve the bloodline of the Sun, then yes, you are not objectionable… mother.” Her words made Yukiko flinch.

“I still can’t get used to that. I can laugh when it’s Akio, but when they say it to me…” she confided to Shiro and the others. “…but I also don’t want them to call him father if I’m not included.”

“No kidding, the perils of being Aki’s bride.” Shiro snorted.

“Don’t make light of me…” Gorohito was heating up, but the Emperor spoke.

“Grandson, calm yourself. I fear… that Yukiko is correct. The Regalia have their own wills.” He bowed, apologetic. “And… this sun you speak of… it is our Divine heritage, yes? The cursed Ningen-sengen, declaring us merely as any other humans, has robbed us of that.”

“Even if we do carry Amaterasu’s blessing, just as I do now, I’m still an ordinary human.” Yukiko glanced sideways at me. “We haven’t all become more yet. But… we will.”

“Damn right. I don’t know about you, Yuki, but me and Tsuki here, we’re not going to grow old and leave Aki behind.” Shiro insisted, clapping the shyer Tsukiko on one shoulder.

“So…” Yukiko addressed her father. “…yes, our ancestors may have had the right to command the Regalia and their Tsukumogami, but… times have changed. And…” She glanced at me, and I nodded.

“I don’t know about being their father…” I ignored Tsurugi’s grumblings. “…but I do know the old saying. When you save someone’s life, you become responsible for them. I don’t agree, but… I do think someone needs to help them until they understand the new world.”

“I see. The Light reflected from you is pure and bright.” Yata nodded. “I shall lend myself to you and my… sister.” She changed her manner of address, which relieved Yukiko. As Gorohito opened his mouth to object, the Queen spoke up.

“Young man, words said in haste are repented at leisure, and should you seek to be the future ruler of your country, you can ill afford careless words. We go by the maxim, speak little, think more. You should do likewise. Besides, having ill feelings and discord between family members is a terrible trial. We do not recommend it.” She seemed sad, and Eleanor reached out a hand to comfort her.

“I agree. Grandson… go cool your head. There is time before the broadcast. Get some composure. It would not do to appear angry or jealous.” the Emperor warned, and Gorohito nodded stiffly. He gave me a jealous glare and scowled at Yukiko, before he stomped off. His family watched him go, but the Regalia didn’t, their eyes on us.

“In that case… since I couldn’t give what was promised, I intend to repay you in another way. Doing good deeds is its own reward they say, but… the one I did in America is already proving useful. But to make it work we’ll need to prepare…”

“I’m afraid we’re rather ahead of you on that…” Yukiko smiled, a touch embarrassed. “I know you wondered why Nie Ling and Ginneka were here, well…” As she explained, my eyes widened in surprise, before I nodded in understanding. Yata and her fellow Regalia seemed extremely excited, and promised to do their part, and as we hashed out the final details, amused that my plan was so close to the one the Enperor had already put into motion, with Yukiko’s aid, I grinned.

The Sun will shine again over Japan. And the light will give us power. Yukiko, the Regalia, probably me as well… though it’ll likely also draw the ire of our enemies. No matter… it needs doing. As the younger members remaining here of the Imperial Family crowded round Yukiko and me, congratulating us, I caught sight of my mom, who had leapt out of her chair, coming closer, eyes fixed on Tsurugi and the others, though she kept tearing them away to glance at Yukiko and Eleanor fondly…

Eleanor, you’ve got the best seat in the house! Mom can only watch you, since you’re safe in England. As for us… I held in a sigh. Mom’s going to be uncontrollable… oh well, best let her get it out of her system before the live broadcast. I glanced at Yukiko once more. Guess we are meant for each other, we think the same way. Though I never would have guessed we could use him…