On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“I’ll be going then, daddy.” Haru called, and then moments later felt rather embarrassed. If I had blood, I’d be blushing now. Fortunately I’m a ghost so I’m always pale. Maybe I’m getting too old to call him daddy? But still…

Her expression was rueful as she heard footsteps coming towards her. Moments later, her daddy poked his head around the doorframe. “Be safe then, my baby girl. And pass on your regards to your friends for me.”

“I will. Oh, you’re looking tired, daddy. You should get some rest. If you collapse, Abe-sama won’t be happy.”

Her daddy grimaced, before smoothing out his expression, as if worried he would offend or worry her. Haru resisted the urge to click her tongue, knowing that it was, in the end, her own fault he was so worried about her. “The Prime Minister isn’t my priority, Haru. Nor is the Ministry of Finance. I just… don’t want any more regrets. You understand?”

Haru nodded. “Yes, I do.” Her father had aged, since… since she died, and while that grief had been pushed back, washed away by her miraculous, if not rebirth, since Onryō were still clearly dead, then certainly a return, the scars still remained, and Haru didn’t even need to read his mind with Telepathy to know that. Glancing down at her watch, she realised she still had time. After all, I have advantages others don’t…

“Daddy…” Haru moved away from the door, back towards her father. The grey at his temples and the extra lines around his eyes pained her, but she was still grateful for every day she could live a normal life, with her precious daddy, the only family she had left, since her mom passed. Not that I’m ‘living’, of course. “…don’t say that. I’m happy you treasure me so, but we’re the lynchpins of the country, making sure everything runs smoothly. You taught me to be proud of that, to strive for excellence in all things. Besides…” Her smile was exasperated. “…if you don’t keep a tight rein on your Ministry, it’ll cause endless problems with the budget for mine. We’re already burning through cash faster than projections indicated. At this rate I’ll have to go begging cap in hand to a wealthy benefactor for a top-up.”

At her joke, daddy frowned, overprotective as ever, not that she didn’t understand. “I don’t think I approve of that. Private citizens getting involved in important government matters. Even if he is an advisor in an official capacity…”

“Everything’s unprecedented right now. Isn’t that the point?” Haru chided. “Besides, as Vice-Minister, it’s up to me to support Morita Yuna-sama in managing such matters. And while she’s certainly enthusiastic and competent… it’s still hard to understand the situation from the outside, her perspective is too… orthodox. Really, she should have made time to come on the Pilgrimage, but she claimed to be too busy, but I know she’s simply wary of…” Haru trailed off at the odd, almost wistful look on her daddy’s face. “What is it?”

“I’m just impressed at how much you’ve grown up. My baby girl, Vice-Minister! I had thought you’d follow me in the Ministry of Finance, but… this is good. It’s an up-and-coming Ministry, most definitely. And Abe-sama speaks well of you. Who knows, maybe one day soon I’ll be calling you Suzuki-sama.”

Haru snorted at that, the thought comical. Though if I am being honest… “The first female Prime Minister, you say? The position probably won’t be worth as much in a few years, times are changing, but… if anything, I’d probably be working less…” Shaking her head, she gave her daddy a reassuring smile. “I had to grow up. Not that I can grow now, daddy. I’m already dead, after all…”

A wince crossed his weary face, and Haru immediately felt guilty, but… I can’t help it. It’s… a release valve for me. Saying things like that relieves my stress, even if it’s uncomfortable for those around me. Still, if they love me, they’ll understand… Thinking that seemed harsh, but Haru knew she still had issues with trust. And while she could easily alleviate them by reading the minds of those around her, she hesitated, especially with those she was close to, as she wasn’t a fool, far from it in fact. I know the inner thoughts of others are never meant to be uncovered. I think… I think I’d regret it, listening in. They say nobody ever hears anything good when listening in to conversations others have about them. No doubt mind reading is even worse. Although…

It was strange. It would be very easy for Akio, Shaeula and the others to shut her out. While her Telepathy was strong, and she had increasingly precise control over it, a small mercy, as it meant that unless there was a particularly powerful being deliberately broadcasting their thoughts, she could finally be alone inside her own head again, there was no way she could break their mental defences. But… everyone allows me free access as a matter of course. It’s humbling and… both comforting and troubling.

“Are you all right?” At her daddy’s question, Haru realised she had sunk into her own thoughts. Waving a hand, she assured him she was well.

“Sorry, just thinking about something that perplexes me. It’s nothing really.” Yes, sometimes it’s rather funny, when he thinks something inappropriate about his lovers. He’s always so apologetic. Yet… he never hides it. If I had to guess… it’s because he believes in his heart that he’ll never hurt me, would protect me, so even if he’s foolish, his thoughts upset me, he wants me to know he’ll hide nothing from me, so I don’t have to worry, second-guess, be afraid of lies and betrayals. As for Shaeula and the others… it’s hard for women not to have secrets, but they follow his lead. In the end, during this second chance… I’ve been blessed to find trustworthy friends…

“So then…” she changed the subject. “I really need to get going, I don’t like to keep my friends waiting, and I have to make the most of these two days off. You should too, daddy. Open a bottle of sake, or… there’s that Fae brandy I brought back. Why not have a glass or two?”

“I think I might.” he agreed at last. “Are you sure you want to spend Christmas Day with me? You’ve got friends…”

Haru shook her head, her smile gentle. “I do, but Christmas is a time for family. Don’t you agree, daddy? I do have to go out in the morning to drop off some presents, but then I want a quiet, relaxing day with you. We can talk, just like old times. But not about work, all right? I’m not a workaholic, despite what people think!” She puffed out her cheeks childishly, and at that, her daddy smiled in relief, making him look years younger, closer to his actual age again.

“I’d like that. Don’t worry, your daddy has plenty of interesting stories to tell!” he insisted, pounding his chest, before his expression was serious. “I know you are sick of hearing it, but… be safe out there, okay? You and your friends. It’s… a dangerous world.” His voice cracked with emotion, and Haru felt her eyes burn a little. I shouldn’t be affected by these emotions. After all, I’ve already experienced the worst a person can. But…

“I’ll… be careful.” Haru said at last. “I’m not going to be careless. Just because I’m already dead doesn’t mean I can’t be harmed. I learned my lesson. But you shouldn’t fret too much.” She raised one hand, a ball of ghostly flame forming on her palm. “Ordinary troubles can’t affect me. I’m not a normal, weak girl anymore. I’m a vengeful Onryō!” She chuckled at her own sense of humour, before becoming serious again. “Don’t worry, daddy. If I have to protect myself, or others… now I can. A single flash of light, and most problems disappear. Besides…” She reached into her pocket, clutching a token of blackish-purple material, a little like a gambling chip. “…if I need to, I can call for aid, and it’ll come quickly. I don’t believe I can be taken down in an instant. So it’s fine.” She waved. “Look at the time. Got to go. I won’t be back too late, daddy, but don’t stay up! You need your sleep, unlike me!”

“Yes. I won’t wait up…” he promised, though Haru knew he was lying. He won’t be able to settle until I return, I know that. I won’t be late. My friends will understand.

“Have fun, and once again… stay safe.”

Haru’s response was a gentle nod, and then she was leaving, gently floating into the air. I’m a little behind schedule, but if I fly fast I can still make the next train…

***

“Haru-chan, over here!” Haru heard the voice of one of her friends, Haruna-chan, calling out over the noise of the bustling izakaya. A hand was waving, and she soon found her friends. Moving through the crowd of Christmas Eve revellers, which included a lot more couples than usual for these establishments, she quickly found herself in front of three familiar women, the aforementioned Haruna-chan, the oldest of her friends, wearing a sparkling silver minidress, a shawl around her shoulders her only concession to the winter chill. Her brown hair was bunched into a medium length ponytail, and while the makeup she was wearing was a little heavy, Haru had to admit her friend looked good when she made the effort.

“Hi there. We just made it. Here…” Her second friend, Madoka-chan pushed a glass of beer into her hand, letting out a wicked giggle. She was the shortest of them all, and she had a little protruding tooth, almost like a small fang, which made her seem even younger. No doubt Shaeula would be amused by her. What was it she said Akio calls those? Yaeba, wasn’t it? A snaggletooth? “…you’re late, if only by a couple of minutes, so at least take a big gulp! Punishment time!”

Madoka-chan was also in a dress, hers black and longer than Haruna-chan’s, matching her equally black hair, which was in two side buns, again a style to enhance her youthfulness. Tightening her grip on the mug, Haru drained it easily, before gently wiping her mouth politely and handing it back to the shocked woman, sparking giggles from Haruna-chan and their last friend, Utako-chan, or Uta-chan for short, as Uta-chan hated her name, calling it painfully old-fashioned. Unlike the others, she wasn’t in a dress, but tight blue jeans and a black turtleneck jumper, paired with a long tan coat, making her seem fashionable and professional, an image helped by her braided black hair and glasses.

“You didn’t have to go that far.” Uta-chan remarked at last, waving to the bartender for a replacement beer. There were already ostumami, the traditional snacks served with drinks at such small pubs, piled up, and Haru’s stomach rumbled a little. I still wonder why I have to eat. Ah, I don’t suppose it matters. Akio is always complaining about the concept of breathing in the Boundary, I suppose it’s the same concept.

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Though I suppose you won’t want to stay out too late, will you?” Uta-chan observed correctly. “Your father will worry. Not that I can blame him. Anyway… it’s a shame the others couldn’t make it, but… you know how it is.”

Haru sat down, nodding, her hand deftly grabbing some fried chicken and ferrying it to her mouth. “I suppose so. Either boyfriends, or…” There’s no point worrying. I should just be grateful that most of my friends accepted me. After all, it can’t be easy, not at all. I’m dead. They went to my funeral, cried over my family grave. Then I came back.

“Futaba-chan will come around.” Madoka-chan insisted, her expression severe, at odds with her cute face. “Give her time. She’s always been sensitive. She took your… uh, wow…” She slapped her forehead in confusion. “…death, I suppose… the hardest out of everyone. So expecting her to…” she trailed off, and turned to Haruna-chan, a girl with a name so close to Haru’s own, a constant source of humour and jokes between them, and why Haruna-chan was often called Na-chan by them.

“Hey, Na-chan, take over!” Madoka-chan flushed, and Haruna-chan shook her head.

“What’s to say? We can’t rush her, but… I believe our friendships won’t break so easily. After all…” Her expression was warm. “Even death couldn’t tear Haru-chan away from us!”

“Well said!” Uta-chan cried, and soon they were all holding beers, and they clinked the glass mugs full of foamy amber liquid against each other. “Looks like the only thing that can is men! To Futaba-chan, may she pull herself together, and to those traitors who chose love over friendship. For this one day, we’ll allow it!”

“Kanpai! Cheers!” they all cried, and Haru’s smile returned, though it was a little sad. Masking that with a long sip of beer, she was accosted by Madoka-chan, who tugged at her sleeve. Glancing at her friend, who was smiling in her cute, lopsided fashion, she raised an eyebrow questioningly.

“Looking good tonight, Haru-chan!” Madoka-chan insisted. “A little pale, might want to use a bit more foundation, but… killer outfit. Though…” Madoka-chan looked her up and down, and now her other friends were appraising her too. Haru felt a little uncomfortable, even under their scrutiny, but the feeling soon passed. It’s fine. I’m with friends, and around the bar… There were certainly men checking them out, but Haru told herself repeatedly that was only natural, and she had naught to fear. I’m fine. Not every man has bad intentions. In fact, most are good people. I’ve met plenty. Akio, his friends, the brothers and relatives of Hinata-chan and the others… it’s just a learned fear response. One I’ve grown beyond.

Taking a dep breath, Haru almost missed that Madoka-chan was talking about her choice of outfit. “…so yeah, you look great, but… it’s a bit modest, isn’t it?” Haru was in a long-sleeved, high-neck black dress. It did hug her figure, but it revealed almost no skin. Under the long skirt, just in case, she also wore leggings.

“Ma-do-ka-chan!” Na-chan warned, tapping her on the head gently, but hard enough to prove a point. “Bad choice of conversation. Sorry Haru-chan.”

“It’s fine.” Haru sipped her beer to cover for her reaction to the sudden troublesome topic. “Really, I don’t mind it. Really…” She let out a wry chuckle, remembering. “When you’re around those I work with, every day… it’s hard not to become accustomed to a little… romantic chaos.” That’s putting it mildly. I almost feel sorry for Akio today. He’s not going to just be able to relax with his friends, kick back and enjoy a few quiet drinks, talk about old times. Just how many dates is he going on? Fourteen, I think? Oh well, he brings it on himself, I have no sympathy!

“Help me, Na-chan, Uta-chan!” Madoka-chan shivered in mock-fear. “Look, Haru-chan’s smile is scary! Protect me!”

“Oh, do be quiet.” Uta-chan taunted, pushing a handful of snacks into Madoka-chan’s mouth. She chewed them and swallowed, face slightly red.

“Don’t try and suffocate me with food, Uta-chan, that’s so mean! Everyone’s against me…” At her cute pouting, which reminded Haru a little of Shaeula, the atmosphere recovered, and Haru told a few of the funnier stories, as they emptied glass after glass of beer, the other three girls becoming slightly tipsy.

“You know…” Madoka-chan peered up at Haru. “Now that I look, you aren’t wearing any makeup! Lucky! I get terrible acne which I have to cover up. Us women have it hard, it’s much easier being a man! Ugh… why are we still single?” she complained.

“That’s probably because you are like a little kid…” Uta-chan countered, and Madoka-chan clutched her chest, faking pain.

“So cruel! No, it’s because we all work too hard. I don’t know… we can’t all be go-getters like you, Haru-chan!” she grumbled. “Your dad’s a bigshot, and now even you’ve moved up the ladder. Me, I’m just a grunt who gets worked to the bone with little thanks. Doesn’t my superior know there’s only twenty-four hours in a day? I can’t work more than that!”

Na-chan nodded too, commiserating, and Haru couldn’t help but let out a tired chuckle. Poor, naïve girls… on hearing that and seeing her smile, Uta-chan asked what was so funny, and Haru leaned back, tapping her fingers on her half-empty mug.

“I wish I only worked twenty-four hours in a day! You girls have it easy. Yesterday, I think I must have put in around forty hours, you know? Even with all my assistants, what with the Pilgrims, Territorial matters, supporting Morita-sama… it’s rough, you know!”

“You do know you can’t work more than an hour every hour… though I suppose if you count working two jobs at once…” Madoka-chan mused.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Haru disagreed. “There’s not much talk about the mechanics of the other world, for obvious reasons, but time runs faster there. So yes, it’s quite easy and common for me to work an absurd number of hours, especially since I don’t really sleep now. I get dead tired, but… ghosts have no need of sleep!” At least there’s one idiot who works longer days than I do, constantly… misery loves company. Though really, it’s all his fault I have to work so hard! He owes me bigtime for all my efforts. I expect a luxurious Christmas gift! And speaking of…

Her three friends were tittering nervously, and Haru realised it was her reflexive humour about being a ghost that had triggered that response, so she reached down and picked up the bag she had brought with her, containing their gifts. “It’s a little early, but… merry Christmas, you three.”

“What’s this? Booze? Hope it’s the good stuff…” Madoka-chan laughed, As they unwrapped it, Na-chan was first, and she blinked at the bottle, a little confused, since it didn’t have any labels or branding, but the liquid within was a rich, golden honey colour, like whiskey.

“It’s definitely good stuff.” Haru insisted playfully. “Though we’re still deciding on how to market it. In fact, right now it’s nearly priceless. We’re only contracted with one person at the moment, as supply is scant. But don’t worry.” She winked. “When it’s finally on the market, it’ll go from priceless to merely expensive.”

“Now I feel bad our gifts aren’t as impressive.” Na-chan grumbled, as they exchanged presents. Haru ended up with a nice necklace, shopping vouchers for one of the designer fashion boutiques in Ginza, and a pretty glass ornament, shaped like a small cherry tree, with rather tasteful pink highlights.

“It’s the thought that counts.” Haru whispered, touched. I’m so happy I can have… days like this again. It makes it feel real to me. Sometimes, I feel a little adrift, disconnected, but… I have anchors to cling to. Like my friends, my daddy, my job… the thoughts freely shared with me without any attempt to deceive or conceal… “They’re lovely presents.”

“So are yours. Must be nice, being on a Vice-Minister wage!” Madoka-chan teased, and Haru shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. I do get paid, I know that. I think it’s around twenty million yen a year, which… now I think about it, I’ve made it in life… or in death, I suppose. But…

“Did I hit a nerve?” Madoka-chan was nervous, but Haru merely shrugged again.

“No, I was just… thinking how meaningless the concept of a wage is. If I need to buy anything I can’t afford, I can just ask, and I’ll get given money. In fact, our departmental budget is so overstretched, if I had patriotism, I’d be donating my wage back to the Ministry!”

There was a long silence, before Na-chan spoke up. With her arms folded sternly, and her sparkly silver dress, she actually looked a little imposing. “Just who would give you money? Are you holding out on us, Haru-chan?”

“No, it’s just… Akio’s like a mother hen, sometimes. He likes to take care of people. Shaeula’s the same, she’s got no problem giving out handfuls of money to help her friends. They’re rather reckless, financially.” she conceded. “Thankfully, Hinata-chan keeps them from being truly reckless.”

“Hmm.” Uta-chan narrowed her eyes. “Very suspicious. It seems to me he takes care of you a lot, Haru-chan. Not that I blame him, but…” she looked at her two friends, who agreed, and both chorused that it was “indeed very suspicious.”

“I thought so when he made the effort to explain your revival. Though back then, he wasn’t such a bigshot, like now.” Uta-chan pressed. “At the time I thought he just felt responsible, but… now I’m not so sure. And you must know. You can read minds, right? Oh…” She paused, suddenly a little downcast. “Sorry. I know… you don’t like to talk about that. It’s hard for us too. And for Futaba-chan. It’s just… hard to deal with for everyone.”

Don’t I know it. “I don’t look into your thoughts. I promise.” Haru insisted. “It’s… not the sort of gift that should be used carelessly. People’s private thoughts are their own, no, not even that… our subconscious can guide us into thinking things we don’t mean. I’d… never pry, not now that I can control it. I’m deadly serious. Cross my heart and hope to die… again.”

“Don’t panic, Haru-chan.” Na-chan took charge. “We know you wouldn’t abuse it. And… we’re not scared of it, not really. Sure, everyone has their secrets, their insecurities… things they never want to be known. We’re women, of course we have our ugly sides, our petty jealousies. But no matter what, we’re friends forever. Even… even now.”

Haru nodded, feeling touched, but Na-chan wouldn’t let up. “So, spill it! Does he like you? I can’t imagine why he wouldn’t! You’ve got a lot prettier, Haru-chan, even if you’re a bit too pale. And you’ve always been conscientious, up… up until it happened. We’re sorry. We thought… you were having a breakdown. Work related stress maybe.”

“So did I.” Haru admitted. “But we’ve talked about this before. It’s gloomy, and I don’t like it. Not… not today.” She finished her beer, slammed it down on the counter and signalled for the bartender to bring a bottle of something stronger. When the shochu was placed on the table, Haru upended the bottle, pouring them all generous measures. “Look, Akio’s just… well, he’s just an Akio, as Shiro might say, though she’d use a nickname. He does feel responsible for my fate, even though he never could have prevented it. I was killed before we met, and in fact, I put him in peril. But despite that, he helped me get back on my feet, helped me get closure… is still helping me now. Though…” she insisted boldly, feeling better having someone to talk to about it, as despite her strong friendship with Shaeula and the others, discussing Akio with them was an unusually trying experience. Some of them are more rational than others, but all of them are lovestruck. I’m happy for them. They never have to see… the unfair darkness in life that can strike suddenly…

“…I more than return the favour. I manage Kyoto, provide a lot of support in training, clean up after some of his more foolish requests…” As Haru launched into a litany of complaints, just like any employee grumbling about her boss, she missed the amused looks her friends exchanged. “…anyway, he definitely cares for me. Like a sister!” Haru insisted, not lying, trying to dissuade her friends from this line of questioning, as it was making her vaguely uncomfortable.

“I see. I guess I’ll accept that for now.” Na-chan spoke for all of them. They pounded a few glasses of shochu, and then Madoka-chan, admiring the pretty colour of the alcohol in the bottle she was given as a gift, frowned.

“Oh yeah. I was in Ginza shopping a few days ago, and I saw that a new pub is opening. There’s a giant metal cutout of Shaeula out front, saying it’ll be coming soon, and promising magical Faerie drinks and all the ambience and entertainment of the Seelie Court. Do you know anything about that, Haru-chan?”

“Of course I do.” Haru groaned. “The paperwork, even with help from the nobles, was a pain! That’s going to be the first bar opening in Japan from the Kelly’s Rest chain. It’s American, but Akio formed a friendship with the owner, and he helped out with some other matters… in fact…” Haru flicked a bottle of the Fae spirits one of her friends had left by her. “…they’ll be selling this sort of alcohol, if you have deep pockets. Though it probably won’t be open until the new year…”

“We should go then.” Madoka-chan insisted. “I wonder if Shaeula will be at the grand opening? I’d love to meet her…”

“If that’s what you want, I can sort that any time.” Haru shrugged. “In fact… honestly, you should get Chirurgery. It’s… not a safe world.” She realised her voice was getting fainter, before putting more certainty into her tone. “You were moaning about your bad skin, Madoka-chan…”

“Rude!” she complained, pretending to be offended, but Haru pressed on.

“There are a lot of benefits. Greater stamina, health, and your skin will indeed clear up and look radiant. It’s not a problem for me anymore… but you’ll look years younger. Sure…” She held up the shochu bottle, which they’d done a good job of draining to near empty. “…there are also a few downsides, like it takes more effort to get drunk… but it’s a blessing. No matter what anyone says, strength…” She clenched her other fist, her arm trembling almost imperceptibly. “…it’s too late to wish you have it when you need it. Trust me. Nobody knows that better than me.”

“I don’t know.” Uta-chan was unsure. “Obviously I’ve heard talk about it in my Ministry. Not that I’m a boss like you, Haru-chan, just a humble secretary, as you well know!” As everyone, including Haru, chuckled at that safe, ordinary humour, she continued. “It’s for the bosses and important players. I’ve heard people reckon that the cost alone to just buy such a makeover would be more than your yearly salary, Haru-chan!”

“Yeah, it sounds nice.” Madoka-chan agreed. “But… it feels bad you are offering. It makes me feel a bit mercenary.”

“Yes, we’re friends. Friends through thick and thin!” Na-chan supported them. “We wouldn’t want to let greed come between us! We…” She glanced at Haru’s other friends for support, and they nodded firmly. “…don’t want any regrets. Not since you came back to us, by a miracle, and stopped our tears!”

I’m touched, but also… they are wildly overreacting. Wiping at her eyes, which stung a little, Haru couldn’t help but smile. “Thanks. I value our friendship a great deal as well. I apologise I’ve not had a lot of time to catch up recently. It’s just so hectic…”

“Forty hour days, right?” Madoka-chan giggled, and Haru rolled her eyes.

“Trying to be funny, are you? Let me tell you, once I’m pretty sure I worked a seventy-two hour day! Sure, the employee benefits are good, and… I’m among friends, but it’s still exhausting. More mentally than physically. After all, I’m a ghost, I don’t have a physical body! Oh, well, I actually do… but… never mind, if I have to explain it, I guess I’ve ruined the joke.” She coughed, embarrassed, pale face slightly pink. “My point is, once the Pilgrimage is done, and everyone’s heading for Britain, I’ll have some free time in the new year. I promise we’ll get together more often. And even drag out those who abandoned us for love today!” She chuckled, once more thinking of Akio and the endless dates he was no doubt suffering through. Though he’s surely smiling like a fool at each and every one of them. Her lips curled into an amused, satisfied smile.

“Sounds good.” Na-chan spoke for all of them.

“In that case… let me get you Chirurgery. And don’t even complain about the cost!” Haru insisted, not backing down. I’ve changed. Before, I went with the flow a lot more. Now, I’ve realised to get what I want out of life, I have to insist on it. “Firstly, the government gets Chirurgery at far lower a rate than you’ve heard. It’s practically a steal! Besides, it’s only an issue of time, it’s not like it costs Shaeula anything. More importantly…” Her expression was now deadly serious, and her friends instinctively held their breaths. “…I don’t want any of you to suffer like I did. Chirurgery won’t stop someone…” She took a deep breath of her own. “…like Kondou Kazuo. But against an ordinary pervert or predator, unless you’re really careless or unlucky, you can fight off even a strong, grown man. And… it does happen, right? People drugging drinks?”

They all nodded, having heard the horror stories. It was more common at university mixers, even then still infrequent, but everyone knew someone who had a relative or friend who’d had some sort of near-miss, or worse case, been affected.

“It won’t prevent that, not without further training, but… you’ll have a much higher tolerance to harmful drugs and contaminants. You’d surely be able to escape most bad situations. I’m not trying to worry you. I just…”

“Fine. I feel conflicted, but… if it makes you feel better.” Haru was surprised as Na-chan reached over and took her hand. Uta-chan took her other, and then Madoka-chan grumbled that they had left her out, before she laid hers on top of Uta-chan’s.

“We’ll do it, so long as it doesn’t bankrupt us.” Na-chan teased, and Haru, feeling a warmth in her heart, and further dampness in her eyes, nodded slowly.

“Shaeula will do it for me. She’s… exactly as you imagine her. Funny, haughty, cute and above all, she’s good to her friends.”

“Oh, she won’t bar-bar your way, if you make a request then?” Madoka-chan sniggered, and Haru shook her head.

“No, she most certainly won’t. For her friends she’d do anything. She may be terrible with money, but she is a princess, after all. generous to a fault. Besides, she likes to make friends, especially with women.”

“Whoa!” Madoka-chan was shocked, brown eyes going wide. “So she swings that way then? But she’s with Akio-sama!”

Akio-sama? It always amuses me and makes me shiver in equal measure when someone calls him that. To me, he’s just a soft-hearted fool, but one you can’t help but turn to for comfort when times are rough…

“Maybe that’s why he has so many women?” Uta-chan asked, and Haru nearly choked on her shochu.

“Uh, you’re not entirely wrong… Shaeula’s very pushy when it comes to love. But… she is only interested in Akio. She’s just…  oh, you’ll see when you meet her.” Haru gave up. They spent a while longer drinking and chatting, topics turning to lighter ones such as office gossip, talk about music and tv, the romantic exploits of friends and acquaintances, the sort of topics they used to discuss late into the night all the time, before… before the unpleasantness. It’s good. It relaxes me. Just like old times, when my only worries were rising up the ranks at daddy’s Ministry…

“Oh, look at the time.” Na-chan observed. “It’s getting late. I’m sure you want to get back home to your dad, right?”

Haru nodded, but Na-chan wasn’t done.

“However, it’s not far until midnight.” Her words were coming out a little slurred, and Haru was worried. I wish I knew Ether Healing, if only so I could easily purge the excess of alcohol in their bodies. Perhaps in the future… I’ll just make sure they get home safely. Sorry, daddy, but you can sleep in tomorrow, while I’m delivering presents and receiving them. I’ll even pick up the KFC…

“Can’t you stay out until then, so we can wish each other a merry Christmas?” Na-chan asked, and Haru gave in.

“Fine. But then I’m taking you all home! Time to show you just how to abuse power!” She smiled wryly and quickly sent a text to Akio. He responded moments later, promising to send a driver for her friends.

“You’ll get to see how the truly rich live.” Haru explained. “Make the most of it. It’s not every day you get taken home by a private chauffeur in a luxury foreign car. An armoured one at that!”

“Love you!” Madoka-chan lisped, grabbing her in a hug. For a moment, Haru’s heart froze, and she felt a little sick, before she squeezed shut her eyes and opened them again, patting her drunk friend on the back.

“Sure you do.” Haru deadpanned. “I… don’t dislike you either.”

As Madoka-chan howled in fake disappointment, and her friends roared with laughter, Haru asked for water and snacks, in the hopes of warding off vile hangovers from her friends’ schedules for tomorrow. Though that might be asking a bit much, considering what they drank… After a few glasses of water and some grilled chicken skewers, they had sobered up at least a little.

“I was wondering…” Uta-chan, who held her alcohol better than the others, steepled her fingers under her chin, looking pensive. “…what do you get for Christmas for a man who has it all, even if he’s just a friend and your boss…” Her smile was teasing. “I mean, we all saw the broadcast. He’ll be marrying the Imperial Princess Mikasa, won’t he?”

“He sure will. She’s nice. I like her. Not snobbish at all. rather too easy-going and lacking confidence, if you ask me, but… she proved herself when she faced down her older brother.” Haru agreed. “If you are fishing for what I got him… it’s obvious. What he needs more than anything is good advice.” She rolled her eyes, exasperated. “He’s also the sort that’s embarrassingly happy to receive anything from a girl. Though from what I gather, he’s never been short of chocolate on Valentine’s Day. Eri-chan and Aiko-chan used to give him some at school, and when he went to university, Shiro and his female friends always made him some. Though Shiro probably either bought it from the store or persuaded the others to help her out. She’s not exactly girly…” Haru’s eyes sparkled as she regaled them with an amusing tale, once more not noticing the sly glances her tipsy friends were exchanging.

“…anyway, he had a dry spell for a few years since he left uni, but this year… I can hardly wait for the carnage, honestly. Serves him right.”

“Oh, wait… it’s coming up to midnight.” Na-chan pointed out. A couple of minutes more of idle chatter, and soon they were counting down.

“Twelve. Eleven. Ten.” Na-chan began.

“Nine. Eight. Seven. Six…” Madoka-chan took over.

“Five. Four. Three…” Uta-chan intoned, smiling.

And I’m up. “Two. One. Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas!” All her friends, as well as the other patrons of the small izakaya bar, called out, bowing to each other, the closer, more usually female, friends hugging. Haru’s own friends followed suit, and reached out their arms for her, only to pause, just as Haru had, frozen.

“What’s wrong…?” Madoka-chan asked, concerned, her outstretched arms leaving her looking rather foolish, but despite her tipsy state, she and her friends were only worried for Haru.

“It’s just…” How to explain? I don’t think I can…

Haru lacked Akio’s Eyes, of course, so it wasn’t like she was able to keep track of things as well as he could, but she could tell something had happened in her Territory. The second midnight had hit, she’d felt something change. It was like when she had bound Chen Na to her Throne. It can’t be that, though. I’m still saving my spare ether, and the majority is going towards Akio’s vital Rank Four…

“Are you all right?” Na-chan pressed, and Haru nodded slowly.

“Work troubles. Right on the cusp of Christmas.” she managed to deflect her question. It was then that her eyes widened. Suddenly she could feel a presence, no, three presences. From the busy street outside, three women walked in. They were dressed casually, and all had different appearances, Asian, but only one of them appeared Japanese, yet to Haru they seemed achingly familiar.

Wait, are they?

She locked eyes with them, and they started coming towards her. Haru ignored the voices of her friends asking if she was all right, if she knew these women, as they came to a stop in front of her.

“I am Ravee. At least I am now.” the first woman spoke with a faint accent.

“I am Sharada.” The second woman, taller, with dusky brown skin, bowed politely.

“And I’m Fuyumi. At least I am now.” The third, a pretty Japanese woman declared.

They then all bowed. “You kept your word. We are alive again.”

“Wait, what?” Haru’s friends were confused, but Haru’s mind was whirling.

“You three, you’re…” she began, only for a fourth person to appear, a bright grin on her face.

“Whoa, it’s Shaeula!” Madoka-chan declared, shocked, and other patrons at the bar were equally surprised. Before Haru could say anything, her phone pinged, and she looked down to see a simple text from Akio.

“Happy Christmas. I’ll drop by your other gifts tomorrow. For now… I hope you like them.”

“I…” I…

“No need-need for tears, Haru.” Shaeula flicked a finger, and a gust of wind blew the sparkling droplets off her cheeks, leaving her friends awestruck. “This is a time-time for joyous celebration.” Shaeula then winked. “The timing was quite-quite a nuisance, but since you are Akio’s Vassal, and I have full-full permission to utilise the build queues and aether, it was not-not hard to quickly build and upgrade your second Throne. A mere-mere trifle. What is eight hundred and fifty thousand ether to us? Especially now-now, when we have Shiro’s greater talents, and the aid of Magatama? Besides…” Her smile was truly wicked and teasing, and yet Haru knew it was kind.

“…you are always complaining about the workload. So now-now… you have some extra, loyal hands.”

“We will not let you down.” Ravee promised, her exotic accent making her Japanese sound more musical.

“I don’t remember much…” Fuyumi agreed. “…but I can learn.”

“A second chance is a precious thing.” Sharada agreed.

“Now-now then…” Shaeula strode to the bar, tossing down several ten thousand yen bills. “Barkeep, whisky. A fine bottle. We need-need to toast…”

“But my friends, they’re drunk…” Haru insisted, still reeling from the shock of seeing the ghostly women, fellow victims of Kondou Kazuo, though they were not as… fortunate… as Haru was, and they barely retained their ego and lost the majority of their memories under Kiku’s cruel nails.

“A simple matter.” Shaeula gestured, aether surging, and Haru’s friends were stunned, Madoka-chan crying out that she suddenly felt clearheaded. The barman put down a bottle of expensive Japanese whisky, and soon Shaeula was pouring a number of glasses, filled nearly to overflowing. Grabbing one glass, she raised it to her lips and chugged it, a smile on her face.

“Ah yes-yes, that hit the spot indeed. It has been an interesting day. I do-do enjoy Christmas Eve, it seems.” She pushed a glass into Haru’s hand. “Now, do not-not be shy. Drink up. And then notify your father you shall not-not return at least for a little while. The night-night is yet young! Besides, it was quite-quite a pain to time this so perfectly.” Shaeula snorted ruefully. “But Akio believes it is not-not the value of a gift given, but the thought, and the effort. So it is surely-surely worth the hassle.”

“What hassle?” Uta-chan asked, curious, and Shaeula waved one hand for emphasis.

“Oh, the timing to get these three-three spirits Enthroned. They then moved to the Material near-near here, jumped in the car, and we drove-drove here. Their Astral bodies are being taken back-back to our Territory by helpers, so there should be no-no danger to them…”

“It’s… a waste of a precious Throne though…” Haru whispered, feeling guilty. I very much wanted to give them another chance, like I received, but… a part of me held back, knowing such boons are limited. Offering Throne slots to Mortal Engineers like Ixitt, or Trolls like Grulgor, offer greater benefits… so I hesitated, vacillated…

“Do you really-really think that?” Shaeula fixed her with a knowing amber gaze. “If it makes you happy, Haru, then it makes-makes Akio happy, and it does most-most certainly please me too. Accept our good-good wishes and have a drink!” Shaeula grinned wickedly. “Much-much as I would like to drink the night away with you, I must-must return to the mansion, and you surely do not-not wish to worry your father. Now then…” Shaeula looked around wickedly. “You three must-must be Haru’s friends. It is a pleasure to meet-meet you!”

“Whoa, no way, the pleasure’s all ours!” Madoka-chan insisted, and as her two friends echoed her sentiments, Haru took a deep, shuddering breath, looking down at the message she had received, wishing her happiness on this day. Other gifts? You… foolish fool. I’m not a greedy woman, I… am happy enough just the way things are. I’m not searching for more…

Taking up her glass, she too drank deeply, the fiery Japanese whisky, hotter and stronger than the smoother Irish whiskey that Shaeula usually brought, leaving her, despite her stats and great resistance to alcohol, pleasantly numb. “Can I ask a favour?” she muttered, and Shaeula nodded.

“Of course you can-can.”

“In that case… before they go home, can you do Chirurgery on my friends? I’ll explain the risks and what not to do. And in the future, I have a few more close friends…”

“A trivial effort.” Shaeula agreed easily, as Haru knew she would. “It shall be my Christmas gift-gift to you, Haru. Now then…” She raised her glass, and Ravee grabbed the bottle, topping everyone’s glasses up. Once they all had their glasses filled, Shaeula continued her toast.

“To a new-new exciting experience, this Christmas, and to new-new friends!”

“To new friends! Cheers!” Eight glasses were clinked together, and as Haru drank, her other hand tapping out a message to her father, advising him she was fine and would be back in an hour or two, she found she was smiling again, a mixture of rueful delight and fierce confusion swirling in her brain. Now I’m apprehensive. I know that it’s not a competition, but I feel my gift is completely inadequate, and worse, it sounds like Akio has more gifts for me too! He needs my advice more than ever, he should spend more time and effort on his numerous girlfriends, not bother with me! Something like a fountain pen would have been more traditional for work colleagues…

Lost in her thoughts, she missed the cheerful whisper from Madoka-chan, who pointed out her puffed out cheeks and pouty expression, then the explosion of Shaeula’s giggles that followed.

All right then… I’ll have a little time in the morning, while daddy is sleeping in. If you’re trying to show off, two can play at that game, Akio! Feeling better about things now, she clenched her free hand into a fist. I’m a professional, mature woman, a Vice-Minister, no less! I won’t lose when it comes to reading the room!