On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor Side One Hundred And Two – Yukiko, Princess Mikasa

Side One Hundred And Two – Yukiko, Princess Mikasa

Well, isn’t this awkward. I’m a little sorry I asked to co along. No, this is no ti to be timid. My friend, Tsukiko-san, she needs … Even just knowing her true na, I felt closer to her than ever before. Ever since I was young, as the Diviner, she had visited , offering friendship and counsel that was difficult for more ordinary people to give, After all, I’m from the Imperial Family. Since the War, we don’t have the prestige we once did, but along with the British Royal Family, when you think Royalty, you think of us…

“Uh, Akio-san, about last night…” I ventured as we entered a small side-room, away from the main Conclave. “Is… is your fiancée all right? I had heard…” No, what am I saying? I’m supposed to be trained in etiquette and appropriate small talk, but I’m making a ss of things! There was sothing about Akio-san that made nervous, and not just that he promised to help turn aside my fate.

“Yes, like I said earlier, she should make a full recovery, though I don’t know how long it’ll take.” He said, and I found myself sighing with relief, a hand to my chest. I had only t Mori-san briefly at Conclave, where she made quite the impression by blowing a crater in the floor, but even so, to have soone I knew, no matter how briefly, brutally wounded in that spiritual world… I can feel my heartbeat speeding up. It sohow makes the dangers seem more real…

“Well, I’m glad to hear that.” I said, once more cursing myself for my inadequate efforts at making conversation. I was feeling particularly tongue-tied today for so reason. “Well, I’m not glad that she’ll take ti for recovery, but…”

“It’s all right.” He said, his tone gentle, and I felt my face heating up, which made feel worse. “I understand. It’s been a tough ti for all of us that were Chosen by the Gods. After all, two… no, three are gone, just like that. Yamato-san… he won’t wake, I’m sure. I saw what happened to him.” His words were grim, and there was just sothing a little off about the way he said it. Though I shouldn’t pry.

“Yes, seeing it happen, even the aftermath, it definitely drives it ho how dangerous our situation is.” I said, taking a seat, careful to avoid embarrassing myself further. “The battles I’ve fought at Ise were frightening enough, but really, all I do is sit back and let the power of Amaterasu free, reducing them to ashes. Compared to that, what you must have been through was awful.”

“It wasn’t great.” He admitted. “The frustrating thing is that my Foresight told there was danger around my friends and family, but not myself. So I was alert, I had guards on everyone I could manage, but sohow Keomi-chan and the trainees still slipped through the net.” His frustration and guilt was plain to see. I turned a little, looking at Tsukiko-san, who had been strangely quiet so far, willing her to speak. But my wishes were in vain as she remained silent, so, sowhat stressed, I filled the silence with soothing words.

“Well, that’s the thing about prophecies, right?” Why aren’t you saying anything, Tsukiko-san? This is your area of expertise! A few kind words might alleviate his guilt… “I an, just look at mine. Princess of Heaven, the great golden-eyed maw… it’s hard to prepare for such nonsense, right? Not that you need to worry about that? You have your own Princess to look after. She’s very cute. I’m sure… I’ll manage sohow.”

“Actually, I think we are going to have a closer relationship than you think.” He said boldly. I gaped at him, mouth open. I know we’ve discussed the other Princesses, and whether he’s the one from Tsukiko-san’s visions that might be able to change my fate, but even so, that’s bold…

“Don’t worry, I’m not talking about that sort of a relationship. I wouldn’t be so bold.” He said with a touch of laughter, though his eyes were still lacking humour. “No, I found out so interesting things from the Night Parade, Nurarihyon in particular.”

Well, of course. With the girls he has with him, he wouldn’t be interested in . I’m plain, and I carry too much baggage. After all, I’m a mber of the Imperial Family, even if I’m not the heir. It’d draw a lot of problematic attention to him… ugh, why am I even thinking about this? I can feel my cheeks heating up again. Have I learned nothing? I glanced at the still, silent, veiled Tsukiko-san again, rembering when she had said that maybe I would manage to find my heart’s desire. Cursing my friend in my heart, I forced my racing heart to calm down, averting my eyes from Akio-san. “Oh, so what do you an then?” My voice ca out colder than I intended.

“Sorry.” He apologised, thinking I was offended. I opened my mouth to forestall that, feeling stupid, but my words were swallowed by the tale he told next, of Nurarihyon, the strange doll-wife that granted seemingly endless wishes, and the human-faced calf, and the prophecies it had offered.

“So… that doesn’t sound like a coincidence.” I gasped when he was done, admiration on my face. How did he survive such a eting? re luck? Or destiny? I’ve always believed Tsukiko-san, ever since I was a child, but even so… my heartbeat sped up as I connected the dots. “I think… no, it isn’t my place to speak. I’m sorry.”

“If Princess Mikasa, Chosen of Amaterasu, isn’t qualified to speak to one of her subjects, who is?” He said wryly, and I cursed him for saying sothing so flippant, yet reassuring.

Damn, he’s dangerous. Is this the charm of a man who womanises so casually? Well, I for one will not be fooled by his charm. Our relationship is simply business, the fate of Japan hanging on our cooperation. “Well… I may be an outsider, and my combat experience pales compared to yours. As I said, all I do is burn my foes up, safe from harm…” What am I even saying? I said this already… “… but from listening to your story, can’t you be proud that you saved four lives? You can’t carry everything. They made decisions, good or bad, and well… it sounds like you beat the odds. It was a miracle.”

“But, if I hadn’t trained them then most of them wouldn’t have been there. And I had a premonition. I knew sothing bad was happening, and I goofed off at a concert with my sister. Sure, I thought I had everyone covered, but…”

“Nine minutes.” I found myself saying. He raised an eyebrow, and I continued. “Rember? You said it yourself. You prepare so that your loved ones are safe, but also so that you can be with them. If… if you are on a constant war footing, always alert, won’t you break? Besides, you say you knew, but it isn’t like you are Tsukiko-san, you only had a vague idea, right? And even if you had made different choices, well, bad things still would have happened. But putting that aside…” I could really use so help here, Tsukiko-san, you are the one who wanted to speak privately, so say sothing! I’m floundering here! “… have you never made mistakes before? The perfect being doesn’t exist. Even the Gods make errors. Trust , I know. I’m the Priestess of Ise, after all. Besides, look at their selections. I… I don’t think I was the right choice either. Soone like Mori-san, she’s brave. If she had my power, then…” seeing the look on his face I knew I’d said sothing wrong, but I wasn’t sure what.

“Yes, I made mistakes before. Failed projects, endless reworks. But back then, if I made a mistake, it was just money, or setting a project back. It was bad, but now… shit, most of them were kids, still in school. And Mine-san, she died in my arms, still wishing I could save her. I let Shiro get hurt before, and Eri is like her now. Sure I’ve had great victories, but… the cost of defeat isn’t just sothing I can shoulder. After all… Shiro, Shaeula… the world rests on their shoulders, right? Yours too…” he said, realising it. “Damn, sorry. I shouldn’t be taking it out on you, Princess. You know better than anyone the weight of shouldering the future.”

No, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go. Still… when was the last ti I’ve had such an honest conversation, soone treating as a person, not a Princess? Unafraid to throw my words back at , or argue? “Damn right I do. You think I want to face the Red and White Dragons, get killed by this golden-eyed devourer? Sotis I cry myself to sleep at night. I’m no fighter! I’m just a sheltered woman nobody listens too. They only listen to my title, what I carry. That’s why I respect you so much, you and Mori-san, and your sister, and anyone else willing to fight. The trainees too. Even if they didn’t expect battle, they went, and must have known there could be danger!” I was shouting now, red-faced and irritated. Still, it feels good to let loose. As a Princess, I always have to be proper, elegant. But there’s only Akio-san and Tsukiko-san here. And we all understand. After all, we’re all the sa! “And if they didn’t, well, that’s still not your fault! I get it must be tragic, and I heard the anger of the families of those left behind. But even if it was your fault, what are you going to do? Lie down and quit? Wallow and let worse things happen? Didn’t you say you’d protect ? And Tsukiko-san, dood to die? Didn’t you say fate could go to hell? Are you giving up on that?”

“Of course I’m not.” He snapped, and his dull eyes flared to life, and in the grey, with faint, beautiful sparks of orange in one, that I had never noticed before, I could see resolve. “I know I have to get through this. After all… I lost people before. Trolls, white snakes too. It was different then, because I was new to all this, and they were unlikely allies. But I realised they won’t be back either. Shaeula’s spoiled . Kin Restoration is too heavy a power to possess, it makes losses hurt much more fiercely…”

Kin Restoration? I wanted to ask, but I was happy enough he was opening up to us.

“… still, it’s a tool I’ll never lay down. If I have to crawl across broken glass to reach the end I want, I’ll do it. But shit, I can’t afford to make mistakes like these again. I took Eri to a place she wasn’t suited for, just because I can’t say no to those I love. Well, that ends today. After her rehab, if she wants to be a part of this, she’s going to have to train until she can take out a dozen Kijo at once. Minimum.” His passionate gaze turned to . “And as for you…”

“Yes?” I squeaked, hating how my voice sounded.

“Well, it seems that Shiro is going to be needed to defeat the shadow that threatens you. I’m not going to force her, but she’s a lonely girl. I doubt she can abandon you. Hopefully the healer from the Night Parade can do sothing about the damage to her, as currently she’s nowhere near strong enough, even with… well, that doesn’t matter. What does is… we have more information. Don’t we, our silent friend?” He addressed Tsukiko-san.

“Well, I did not wish to interrupt this heartfelt conversation.” I felt she was smiling behind her veil. “It is good to talk, to understand. Foreknowledge is a curse. One that I have long struggled with. It robs you of what it is to be human. Much like this Kin Restoration you speak of, I believe. After all, how much grief and guilt can one shoulder, knowing and being helpless to stop much evil? Better to know nothing, than to be helpless. I should not have told you about my death. Do you now see it cannot be halted? All I have done is cause you pain. I am sorry.” She bowed her head. “I thought I could help you prepare, raise your chances of surviving, Yukiko. Instead, I have burdened you all. Still, I am pleased. A piece of the puzzle unravels with these words from what surely was a legendary Kudan, prophesiser of great calamities. If you can be saved, Yukiko, and save in turn… well, four Princesses have been found. Will you protect them all, until they reach their destiny, Akio?” she said, using no honorifics, as if speaking to soone close, or an equal, and I found myself surprised.

“Destiny? I’m starting to hate that. My Foresight is garbage, I need to get a ton more points in it to match yours. Being human… I’d give up my humanity if it’d stop even one of my loved ones or those I’ve chosen to protect from suffering. After all, I’m already a decent chunk Fae.” His grin was angry, but it had more to it than his gloomy smile previously. “Now, let’s cut to the chase, Matsumuro-san. But first, lose the damn veil. I don’t like not looking in the eyes of the person I’m talking to, when we get serious. I could use my Eye, but that’s discourteous. And I’m about to get serious.”

Yes, I think he is. His hesitation… it’s gone. Did… did my words help? If so… “I admit, I’d like to see your face. After all, it must be hard, not having anyone know what you look like. And isn’t your prophecy of the dangers already activated? So it won’t matter if I see. Please Tsukiko-san, I want to know you better.” I pleaded, and after a mont there was a rusting of cloth, and for a brief second I stood stunned, wishing I hadn’t asked, a gasp leaking from my mouth, while Akio-san only smiled in satisfaction.

Beautiful… ugh, now I feel even frumpier in comparison.

“That’s better. It’s a sha for soone so stunning to hide their face. Besides, it’s dehumanising. The sa with not having a na, only a title. I don’t care for the reasons. That ends now.”

The Diviner faltered a little under our gazes, which was adorable. She looked young, a similar age to , though I knew she was quite a bit older, yet her flawless, pale skin shone, and her slanted crimson eyes were otherworldly, yet looked natural. And worse, she’s … I couldn’t help but look down and compare. Under her shed veil she had a sort of corset-like part atop her upper hakama, but even so, her chest was massive. It seems impossible she hid it under her veil all this ti. But her body is slender other than that…

“Looking good, ladies!” he clapped his hands as we returned, and I felt oddly self-conscious. Akio-san was now in a similar outfit, though not a dress, obviously, and several more were lying around him. “I wish I had more feathers, they are great material. But the basic work is done. Apparently there are a ton of nests on the outskirts. Maybe I can make a deal with them. I’d feel guilty to just kill them off unless they attack first. Oh well…”

“Enough about that!” I said, wanting to get to the main point. “Kin Restoration! Can it really save Tsukiko-san?”

His expression was… complicated. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Here’s the thing. In theory, yes. In ti, I could restore Tsukiko-san, and she could live in my Territory. And while it’d take a ton of resources for a Throne at Rank 3, it’s sothing I want eventually anyway. After that she’d be like Haru-san, able to walk the world again.”

I don’t quite get what he ans by Rank 3, but if it’s similar to what I can do at Ise Grand Shrine… I think I get it. “Well, if it’s resources you need, can’t we help?”

“I appreciate it, but I think my Territory is probably producing way more than yours.” He said, proud. “We have had a lot of battles and lucky breaks. Besides… well, that’s not the issue. I thought it would be able to save Eri in the worst-case, but I discovered that the soul-lights people leave behind in death can be taken or destroyed. So depending on just what we are up against… it’s no guarantee. But it is hope. Of course, I’d rather prevent your death in the first place, Tsukiko-san.” He said to the silent woman. “That’s why Haru-san is here.”

“I’m going to set up a Territory here in Kyoto, since you won’t leave.” She said. “Then Akio-san will get into debt with a bigshot of the Seelie Court to link the two places, so we can reinforce in an ergency, or worst case, you can run to us. Be thankful he has connections via Shaeula. Princesses sure are great, right?”

“Are you teasing ?” I demanded, feeling relief at the thought Akio-san was putting into protecting Tsukiko-san. Wait, aren’t I forgetting I’m in danger too? No, Tsukiko-san said she would die first… and while I barely know Akio-san, I can tell he regrets what has happened so far, and he won’t forsake . It feels… comforting. For the first ti in a while, I feel a little hopeful…

“Just a little.” Haru-san said. “There’s another problem though, isn’t there?”

“Yes, you ntioned that. Just what is kin?” I said, rembering our recent conversation. “Akio-san, can you explain it?”

“Yeah. Here’s the rub. I tried desperately to see the dying trainees as Kin. I couldn’t do it, as I’m not Shaeula, who thinks differently to . She sees all her weaselkin as Kin almost instantly, even those that betrayed her.” His expression was cold, and I knew there was a story behind that. “For … it’s family, very deep friends, or… well, those I love and am connected with.” He sighed.

“So, what does that an?” I pressed.

“It ans… uh… well, I guess… Tsukiko-san, we should get married.”

“Wait, what?” I howled, not believing what I was hearing. “Are you insane, Akio-san? You can’t just propose to Tsukiko-san, you hardly know each other! Besides, you already…” I was spluttering in shock.

“He’s so dood. Shaeula will love this, but he promised Eri-san and the others he’d not have any more wives after Shiro. Not that they believed him.” Suzuki-san giggled. “His promises on the subject aren’t very persuasive. But…” her smile turned serious. “… he isn’t doing it for that. I know. Not in front of . He knows… I hate n who treat won as their playthings.”

“That’s right. It’d be the quickest way to being Kin. I can’t just will it to work, much as I wanted to. If I could, Mine-san… she died in my arms, poor girl. I forced myself to believe it, but nothing happened. It has to be my whole being that accepts it, just as Shaeula wholly accepts her weaselkin. So… if we were married, well, of course we’d be Kin, right? That’s what marriage is all about.” He frowned, embarrassed. “Look. I’d never touch you, all right? And when the crisis was over, we can break off the engagent, no problem. Other people wouldn’t even have to know. Hopefully you’ll survive what’s coming. But if not… well, in ti you can return.”

“But…” I protested. “Even by your logic that wouldn’t work. If it’s just a fake marriage of convenience, how will that convince you?” I looked at the silent Tsukiko-san. “Say sothing! This is stupid. I an, I don’t object to anything if it can save you! But… this is dumb!”

“Yukiko is right.” She replied, and the expression she was making, that nobody but us had ever seen, amused and sohow also resigned, made my heart ache. “If the definite was that easy to cheat, we would not struggle so with the future. I do believe such an arrangent would fail. Tell , when did you consider your others as Kin? Was it not when you truly realised you loved them? A fake dream with will achieve nothing. I will die, and vanish. Though before that I have a task I must perform.”

“Shit, you’re right. I’m feeling impatient. Sorry.” He sighed, and I felt suddenly sorry for him, despite his shocking request. He does care. And not just for the Diviner and her powers. For the woman beneath, Tsukiko.

“Look, there is… one other way. I know it’d work. But even saying it, I hate myself. Look.” He sighed, and I held my breath waiting for his proposal. “You’ve carried the weight of being denied your humanity long enough. You’ve given up everything before any of us even knew being Candidates existed, for decades.” His words resonated with , and I felt my eyes misting as I thought of having no na, no face, no life except trying to avert nurous tragedies, heart cut apart by failures.

“I know of four Princesses, thanks to you, and while I don’t know if I’m the one you saw, I’m the one you have. And even if he ca I don’t think I can step aside. Shiro and Shaeula are for to protect. If this guy exists, he’s more than welco to help, I won’t let my pride put them in danger, but even so, they are truly Kin to . I’ll protect you as well, Yukiko-san, and even Princess Eleanor, though I have no idea how I’ll pull that off. Red Dragon or White, Ants or Golden-eyed Devourers, I’ll put them down if they threaten us. I won’t lie and say I can achieve everything perfectly. I’ve already failed at that, and I don’t need your powers to see I’ll fail again in future.” His expression was pained, but resolute. “So I want you to lay down your burden for a while and enjoy what you’ve earned. If the world and the Gods can’t even allow that, does it even deserve to survive? Let pick it up for a bit. I said I’d beco a demon to save those I care about. I’ll carry it forwards. So…”

What he said next shocked . I went red, looking away, and Suzuki-san shuddered, though more at her mories than at Akio-san, it seed.

“I see.” Tsukiko-san said. “You would ask for that? Bold indeed. Blasphemous too.” Her own smile was wry, troubled. “Let ask you… is it only to save , or do you desire ?”

“I’m a liar if I said I look at you and don’t think of that. You’re stunning, and well, I hate that you’ve not had any life experience other than being the Diviner. I’m not so pure hero, I have my flaws. Even so… tell another way. I’ll take it. What can I do to prove to you I want to help you?”

He said it, he ant it! That’s crazy, but… if… if Tsukiko could be saved…

“I … still struggle to understand. You know the pain of the future, of knowing and failing. You would take up the burden, release ?”

“Release you? I’d like to. But that’s arrogant. If you truly want to continue this path, then do so. But let others, such as , help you. And no longer hide your face, your na. Be Matsumuro Tsukiko, not the Lady Diviner. Then take the ti to have fun, find love, be happy. What’s the point of protecting a world that has nothing for you in it? I’m sure Yukiko-san wants that for you too.”

“I do! I definitely do!” I shouted, still stunned. “I… I don’t think… no, if you can survive that way, no, damn what are you making say?” I was so hot I could almost feel steam boiling from my crimson skin. “I want Tsukiko-san to be free too. But that’s sothing every girl should treasure… I an, you’re not terrible, but we barely know you.”

“We?” Suzuki-san said mildly, and my skin darkened even further, nearly purple.

“You know what I an! Akio-san, I appreciate your preparations, and I think it’s a good fallback, but…” I was silenced as Tsukiko-san held up a hand.

“Akio.” She said, her voice calm. “I will ask one final ti. My weight… it is sothing that only the strongest can bear. You have had a small taste of the suffering that awaits, and it wounded your heart. Can you taste the sa, ten, a hundred tis more painful?”

“I don’t want to suffer. But if I look back and hear you are gone, and I could have prevented it… then that’ll certainly hurt , whereas the future, despite what you say, it’s not set in stone. I’ll take possible future pain over definite future pain.”

“In that case…” she sighed, a long exhalation, as though she was releasing her fears. “I am a boring woman. And yet … well, you say that if we share sothing intimate, sothing I can only give once, your heart will see as Kin, and even if the definite future claims my life, that may not be the end?” she closed the distance between herself and Akio-san, in her new armour, feathers vibrating softly.

“Yes. I’m certain it’ll work. I know my own heart.” He said quietly, a touch of sha on his face. “Sorry. If I had power like Nurarihyon, perhaps I could see a better way…” she reached out her hands, clasping his cheeks.

No way, no way! Is Tsukiko-san going to… but… she…

“In that case… yes, I am weary. It would be delightful to have soone to share the weight of the future with …” she admitted, her lips closing in until her breath was hot on his face. “However, I have a different idea. I have no wish to make you a liar. Besides…” she leaned in.

She’s going to kiss him! Oh my god, she’s… huh? The expected contact didn’t happen, as her head was pressed against his ear, whispering sothing I couldn’t hear, even with my excellent senses. Akio-san’s eyes went wide, and he nodded. As Tsukiko-san pulled back, a satisfied smile on her face, hands still holding Akio-san’s face, a brilliant halo surrounded her, and she groaned, her face twisting in pain.

“Here. I give… you… what I can only give once. Now, even if… the one who holds light, darkness and twilight cos… you’ve stolen what should be his! Perhaps it is not what you wanted from , but…”

“No.” his grey eyes were compassionate, despite the pain that was on his features too. “I’m not such a bastard. Don’t get wrong, I’m sure any man would be delighted to have a beauty like you. And teaching you all the pleasures you’ve missed out on, all the fun the world has to offer…” he groaned, sweat glittering silver on his body, the glow around the two of them blinding. “… well, I’ll settle for just lessening your burden. So I’ll take this. And use it to protect you, Yukiko-san, and all the others. Thank you.” He said, and I could barely see it, but it looked as if Tsukiko-san was happy, her face pink.

“No, thank you. I still have little hope. But… the fact that you and Yukiko treat not as the Diviner, but as simply Tsukiko… well, in the end I am happy, and I have fulfilled the task Tsukuyomi left for . Now I can have no regrets. Because you will protect Yukiko, will you not?”

“Of course.” He said, and I felt a rush of happiness. “And if you have no regrets, your duty done… then live for yourself. If you still want to face the future, then fine. Do so. But not alone. After all…” his smile was wicked, charming. “… I’ve certainly taken your first ti, right?”

“More than one.” She laughed, and I turned away, unable to look any further, happy tears streaking my face. I t the eyes of Suzuki-san, who shrugged.

“Yes, Shaeula is going to be overjoyed… even if nothing lewd happened, this is still definitely cheating!”

Nothing lewd? The glow was starting to fade, and Tsukiko-san fell, to be caught by Akio-san. She was panting, her chest heaving under her black armour, sweat running down her face. It sure looks lewd to . Even so… sothing had happened, sothing monuntal. Sothing even Tsukiko-san, no, The Diviner hadn’t planned for. That ans… There was hope. Just a little, but hope was there for the taking, the future uncertain…