Five Hundred And Fifty-Three
As we all gathered in the mansion on the borders of the Seelie Court, so of the less common visitors such as Kana and Daiyu glancing around with great interest, Velna, Klena and the other maids served us Fae drinks and delicacies, while we all sat comfortably in the grand sitting room. It had been refurbished since it was rebuilt after the battle with Kinneka and Ginneka ended with it burning down, and now it had comfortable, mortal-style couches and chairs, upon which all my won were relaxing, as well as Shinku-no-Hana and Tamamo-no-Mae.
Mae seed a shadow of herself still, frail and shorn of tails, yet despite that, she sohow managed to radiate haughty arrogance, while Shinku-no-Hana was sitting quietly next to Shaeula, whose glowering was keeping her in line. Yes, they don’t get along, not just because of the ss with Eri when we first encountered the Night Parade, but… well, in other circumstances, perhaps Shaeula would be calling her sister-in-law. That has to be complicated… it certainly makes feel strange, I agree… but that was all long ago, before we were even born…
“Are we going to discuss your secret then?” Shiro asked, leaning forwards eagerly. “It’s been driving crazy, not knowing, and Tan’s constantly been theorising in my mind. And before you deny that, Tan, your tsundere act is getting old, and everyone can see through it, especially .”
“Yes, I am quite-quite eager to know!” Shaeula agreed. “It is rather frustrating that Eri and Hinata have this secret they share with Akio that we do not-not.”
Eri and Hinata exchanged a sly glance with each other, before Eri leaned back, taking a long, slow drink of her wine, obviously stalling on purpose to tease the others. When she slowly placed her goblet down, she smirked wickedly. “It makes a change for to have a secret. I haven’t forgotten you kept Adamant from . I get that your intentions weren’t malicious, but I’m still pissed off…”
“Hey, Hinata kept it secret too!” Shiro protested, and Eri gave her a flat look.
“Yes, but Hinata genuinely understands her mistake and is sorry. You… you’re just evading responsibility. Don’t get wrong, I’m not petty…”
Kana giggled at that, and Eri gave her a grumpy look too before continuing. “…I don’t hold a grudge, but I don’t want to see it happening again. Consider this my small act of retribution. But we’ll be talking about Adamant here, won’t we?”
I nodded. “Yeah. We’ll be talking about the future direction we’ll be taking. I now know it, and the Path is set. So we all need to be on board with it. Especially you, Tan.”
Shiro’s eyes flared crimson, and Tan’s gaze hardened, as if she was trying to peer deep inside . Finally, she licked her lips with a sultry gesture after that long, uncomfortable inspection. “I see. But there is only room for one Astral Emperor. If it is to be you…”
“Yeah, I’m afraid so. It’s . But I’m getting ahead of myself.” I held in a grin as Shiro’s face flushed, and honestly, I was sure it was the usually unflappable Tan still in charge of her body there, because of what I implied. Even a Goddess is a woman at heart, especially Tan, who basically was a hikikomori, a shut-in, if you believe her stories, which I have no reason to doubt.
As all eyes were on , I began. “Firstly, Pilgrimage. If we can get everyone to maximise their Kami-Blessed Class, well, at least those of us who can get it…” I looked apologetically at Shaeula, Hyacinth and Asha, but then, they had access to Fae Classes we seemingly didn’t. “…that’s a huge step up in power. We’ve been growing steadily, but… events have shown us we can’t rely on just a few powerhouses anymore. We all need strength.” I glanced over at Motoko and Natsumi, who nodded, understanding better than any. They had won, yes, but it had been a close battle, and if their Chosen opponent had been less arrogant, they could easily have been the ones who died.
“If that strength cos from Classes, great. We’ll now try our best to min-max everything. From Favours… we no longer have the luxury to worry about the justification for taking them from our enemies. And while finding suitable hosts is still essential, you are all first. Those of you who don’t have Favours, we’ll make you compatible.”
“So, just what Favours do we already have at our disposal?” Shiro asked. “I know you have a few, Aki.”
I nodded. “Yes, it’s a good ti for this. Firstly, we have the prisoner from South Korea. You’ve… checked him, right Shaeula?”
Shaeula nodded, her face twisting into an unpleasant expression as she rembered. “He is not-not a pleasant male. But I have-have indeed used my winds and waters to make him speak-speak the truth to . He was not-not brainwashed, like the other poor-poor fools. He seed to have fallen for the mad female Chae Cho-Hee.” She sniffed then. “I do not-not think much of his taste. But even were he an unwilling puppet, you would still-still take his Favour, no?”
“Yeah. Though obviously if he was innocent, he’d be compensated.” I agreed. “His Favour is one of speed, which is a simple but well-balanced one. In addition, we also have that pervert who tried to attack the AKB0048 idols. He had a paralysing eye ability. Not terribly interesting, but… I’d rather soone was putting it to use, and in a situation like Hanafubuki, wouldn’t it have been helpful?”
As Motoko and Natsumi agreed, I continued. “I myself am holding a number of Favours. There’s the Taranis’ Wheel Of Thunder, that ca from that traitor Donovan. But in addition, I picked up a few more on my trip.”
“It was very profitable.” Hinata giggled, patting Eri on the shoulder. “We both gained as well. So we know the value of these Favours, and… also the proof that Akio treasures us.”
“Yeah.” Kana agreed, glancing sympathetically at the mortal girls who still didn’t possess them. “It certainly makes you think. Aki is holding so of the most priceless treasures in the world… and he gives them to us. Honestly, I wanted my boyfriend to be generous and give surprise gifts, but… this goes far beyond what I could ever have expected.”
“Of course. The priceless treasures for my priceless loved ones.” I grinned. “Anyway, back on topic…” I reorientated my thoughts, eating a large, candied fruit from the plate beside , the sweetness sohow not cloying, my body feeling reinvigorated. “I also have Favours from Shango, Nkunim, Mamlambo and Ògún. They’re a mixed bag, but I’ll go into details later.”
“Five?” Tan spoke up, surprised. “It should hardly be possible for you to sustain such a drain on your adherence, holding such. Yet you seem capable…” Her eyes narrowed, she licked her lips again and sniffed, as if simultaneously tasting and slling . “…there is a strange scent, an… intriguing one…” She narrowed her, or rather Shiro’s, crimson eyes. “I see. I am hardly an expert in matters of space and ti, but it seems you have been partially frozen?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “Using adherence is very difficult for right now, as the Favours are frozen within . Paynt for a debt.” I rembered Zozibini’s annoying attempts to entangle in her sches, but at least she paid compensation. “It’s how I managed to collect so many Favours, though I did break down so others to keep my adherence topped up. In any case, I’ll be breaking the seal very shortly, as I need to use all my Skills for what we need to do next. So, we’ll quickly have to find hosts.”
“Speaking of Favours…” Kana spoke up. “Eri and Suzu-chan were amazing. Not only did they defeat their enemies, but they also thought to capture them. We’ve got a couple imprisoned, Though… they’re not in a pleasant state, I hear.” Kana shuddered, and Eri’s dark eyes narrowed.
“They ca to kill us and our families. They should be thankful they are alive at all. Besides, limbs can be regrown, but when you’re dead… well, maybe we could be like Haru-san or Tsukiko, but… not everyone is that lucky.”
Getting the picture, I shook my head. Ugh, I get that would be the safest way to restrain a Chosen, but it’s still grueso. Eri’s… certainly ruthless when it cos to our safety. I don’t hate it though, I’m just a little sad she has to make such choices. But… it’s only going to get worse, until our fists are big enough to deter other enemies from causing trouble.
“The two we captured, one uses lightning and the second, we have no idea. I’m hoping you can find out, Akio.” Eri suggested, only for Tan to shake her head.
“If they are tools of the Throne, you shall have little success, I fear. I cannot speak of their thods, in truth… I do not understand them well myself…” That admission seed to embarrass her, and Tsukiko and the others smiled warmly at her wry discomfort. “…yet the Throne’s Favours are difficult to grasp, and often slip through the fingers of others, only to reappear in fanatical hands once more. Although…” Her crimson eyes peered deep into mine. “…perhaps you have an advantage others do not. How envious…”
Envy no more, Tan. Soon it’ll be your turn. “Anyway, great job Eri. It’s risky, and honestly I’d rather you just made sure of your own safety, but… I know you were just thinking of everyone else.”
“I just…” Eri glanced at Motoko, Natsumi and Tsukiko, which gave away her true thoughts and feelings. Yeah, Eri takes being first wife seriously. She wants everyone to be on an equal footing. It’s cute. I’ll definitely spoil her later. Especially since when we’re not alone she can be a little dishonest… Proving my point, she shrugged. “…hate waste. With Suzu-san’s help, I had the ability, so I did so.”
“I am most-most impressed. Daiyu and I, we were too concerned about slaying our enemies, and protecting the Territory.” Shaeula grimaced, rembering, and Daiyu nodded.
“Of course that’s important. If we lost the Territory, or Asha and her Tree…” And our children too, of course. “…that would be far worse than missing out on a few Favours we may or may not be able to use. Honestly… everyone did so well.” I was imnsely proud of everyone. Even without there, they had stood in the face of disaster and turned it aside through bravery and will. “During the Pilgrimage, I’m going to spoil each and every one of you!”
“ too? How… salacious!” Nebisuki smirked, and I rely ignored her, which made her grin broaden, teeth showing.
“So, we will be endeavouring to beco suitable for Favours?” Motoko asked. “Natsumi and I have so experience in that. It should be possible, if we know just what the Favours are and from which Divinity. Though we shall need to research.”
“Yeah, it’s why I want Karen-chan along on the Pilgrimage. Yasu-kun, he’s probably not going to want to go on a trip without her anyway.” I grinned at that. I wasn’t sure how far their relationship had actually gone, but Yasu-kun seed quite taken with her. I didn’t bla him, really. An older woman was probably what he needed, and Karen-chan was intelligent and attractive, and with Chirurgery looked younger than her actual age. Though she’s been through a lot, if Yasu-kun doesn’t treat her right, he’ll answer to .
“She’ll be in charge of information gathering, while my other staff hold down the fort. Speaking of…” I took a deep breath, as we were getting to the point of explanations. “We’ll need to bring in more people to my project. Arisu-san, Haru, Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan, my sister of course, Ixitt and Bjarki, and also…” I took a deep breath at this. “Christina Bakker.”
At that, Eri narrowed her eyes. “Why? I don’t like her. She’s… cold. Ruthless.”
“And you aren’t, Eri?” Shiro shrugged. “Who ended up capturing two enemies and delimbing them, just so we can plunder them?”
“It’s different!” Eri had the grace to blush. “But… you’ve seen the news! Akio’s already being criticised for Nie Ling! The leak that one of the terrorists who attacked Kyoto is not only still free, but working for us, has hurt our image a lot! Bunch of ungrateful idiots. Without us, Kyoto would have been a massacre…”
“I am afraid it is human nature.” Tsukiko comforted her. “People are easily moved to anger and condemnation. But any storm shall pass. Just as the moon can be obscured by storm clouds, it still shines, and we will see it again.”
“Nice taphor, Tsuki.” Shiro grinned. “Anyway, who gives a shit what they think?” Shiro shook her head. “Arisu’s going to handle that, you mark my words. But… I agree. I don’t much like her. Why do we need her?”
“Simple. She’s… got ideas. And…” I hesitated.
“Spit it out, Aki. Nobody here will think less of you.” Shiro promised, and I sighed.
“Actually, there’s a pair of reasons. Firstly… I’m planning on so truly shocking Chirurgery. And… I love you all too much to risk any of you. Christina feels her best role is to be the guinea pig for any dangerous experint. And honestly… the second reason is… she’s trying to change. Maybe it’s all a fake, maybe she’s got tricked, but… if she wants to make ands, she should get the chance to. She’s right. Nie Ling got a chance, and…” I glanced at Mae, who rely stared back, her eyes dark and exhausted.
“That’s trye. I… wanted to say sothing about that.” Hinata spoke up. “While Shiro’s right, and it should only be our business who you like, Akio, I’m afraid we do need to balance our public image. Tamamo-no-Mae… the tales of her cruelty and evil deeds are legendary. People are going to talk if you romance her, Akio.”
Romance? Uh… I was going to deny it, but paused. I won’t lie to myself. I feel a great deal of affection for her, especially after her heroics, but… it’s difficult to get over the fact she’s effectively controlled by , at least for now. It feels… you know, a bit like those bad isekai stories where they get the harem of compliant slave girls so they don’t have to face rejection or conflict…
“If I may…” It was Nebisuki who spoke up. “…nobody knows of grandmother’s deeds better than I. But… who has suffered more than she? I have travelled the world in search of a way to avert my death, and now have found it. I have heard many philosophies, and one I like is thus… Repentance is not sha or guilt. Sha does not make ands, and guilt is only self-serving. Expressing regret and apologies is good, humbling, but without actively bettering oneself, and striving to balance the harm one has caused, there can be no forgiveness. But even if one tries and fails, so long as one sincerely attempts it, karma will balance.”
Tsukiko nodded. “That is a central Buddhist tenet, no? Bankei-sama has spoken of such many tis. I… hardly disagree. If failing invalidated genuine effort, then the world is a cruel place indeed. After all…” She managed a faint smile, her red eyes, which were a different lustre to Tan’s, but similarly like brilliant rubies, glittering with an odd sense of mischief. “Akio failed to save my life!”
“Still on that, huh?” I chortled, knowing she was just teasing. It was hard for her, to reclaim her sense of self, rather than the Diviner’s mask, but her shell was cracking more and more every day. Spending ti with the others, without veils and other barriers, was humanising her.
“Yes. I am still ‘on that’, as you put it. Because that way, you simply have to make it up to .” Tsukiko smiled, cheeks pink.
“Shiro put you up to that, right?” I asked, and as the woman in question looked away, whistling, Daiyu spoke up.
“I too understand. I saw much of her past during the false Tribulation. Her petty cruelty, disregard for others, and selfishness. Yes, it was balanced by her great willingness to go beyond for those she cherishes, but… anyone can be kind to those they care for. The question is… do you wish to change?” She asked Mae directly, and for a mont there was silence, before she shuddered.
“Buddhism. I rember that.” Mae began. Shiro’s eyes glead, and I knew Tan had complex emotions towards that religion as well, thanks to the Buddha walking on by her. Though now I’m grateful he did. I’m not into stealing other people’s wives…
“I thought it rather foolish. Doing as I pleased seed the only thing of worth in this world. I disdained the weak, and pitied the selfless. Why deny ourselves joy? But…” She shuddered then. “…sha does not make ands? If it did, I would be a Buddha myself. I shad myself endlessly during the years I was imprisoned, denuded and dissipated by that false Saint’s tortures. Guilt is self-serving? Perhaps. Perhaps not.” She looked at her granddaughter. “Do I feel guilt for my deeds? What good would that do? Do you think the spirits of my slain kin would howl any less were I sorry? Would you?”
“Honestly, I would find it insulting and wrong. If Tamamo-no-Mae was to turn back, what was it all for? But…” Her two remaining tails wagged, as she gnawed on the stem of her unlit pipe. “…can you better yourself, grandmother? You lost, you were a beaten cur, you said it yourself. All pride gone, all hope, all sha, all of your past self… ashes in the flas. Even now… you are not who you were, are you?”
Mae nodded. “I have the mories. Most of them. But… they feel as if I am observing them. As If an outsider. My only true mories are…” she glanced at , her expression pensive. “…from the mont my chains were cut, to now. And also the ones I regained during the Tribulation. They live within !” She ground her teeth. “Caihong’er, Liena, and that bastard… Zixin…” she spat, her dull eyes blazing into furious life.
“Your point is?” Eri asked, and Nebisuki shrugged.
“If you are talking about the opinions of others, then I suppose I have none. And I am aware you hate . With good cause. But I was desperate and petty, expecting my end soon. And bored. I… understand grandmother well. Better than anyone, perhaps. The only opinion that matters is ours, no?”
Eri had nothing to say at that, frowning, but after a mont, she nodded. “She saved Asha. That counts for a lot with . But… it’s hard.”
“It is. But… grandmother.” Nebisuki’s expression was earnest as she leant forwards, though that made her chest nearly spill free of her kimono, and Shiro chuckled as she caught looking.
“…the greatest of the Kudan, Uranai, she gave a prophecy. That only through you, or he who could save and compel you, would any of us Kitsune survive what is coming. Our tails must be in your grasp. Now… you could pass the responsibility on to Akio, yet… perhaps it is fated, the wheel turns.”
Tsukiko agreed with that. “I no longer believe in the immutable Definite. But… I most certainly believe that Destiny always leaves a thread of hope, a spiderweb strand to cling to.”
“You wish to make up for my past actions by saving my poor, diminished kind?” Mae snorted tiredly. “That will not bring back the slain. Nor offer them any succour. We Kitsune are treacherous and fickle. The dead would likely hate more, and cry ‘why them, not us?’ do you not agree, my granddaughter?”
“I do. I would! After all, my actions were all motivated by grief, resentnt and spite. So I understand.” Nebisuki smirked nastily. “Nobody can change the past. But the future…”
“You are a bother, granddaughter. No, Hana.” Mae grumbled, and Eri rolled her eyes at that, probably thinking it was stranger her mother sharing a na with this… rather bold..,. fox.
“This is why I had little grief when I was provoked into disposing of my kin.” Mae’s smile was bitter and amused. “We are all irritating pests. So very aggravating.” She took a deep breath. “I lived a life of my own, because power is the one truth.” She narrowed her dull green eyes. “I am glad you realise this. If sohow the great Tamamo-no-Mae, greatest of Yōkai, she who has been lauded and praised by nations, even worshipped by many, was to beco the licking dog of a weak, foolish man…”
“Licking dog?” Hinata asked, and Shiro choked, nearly dying from holding in her giggles.
“It’s… a rude term. You don’t need to know it.” I insisted, my own face feeling a little hot.
“…then those that died to my whims or my deeds, or who suffered, will have their only solace, that they were part of the story of Tamamo-no-Mae, diminished.” Even her apologies were rife with arrogance, but… Yeah, I see it.
“I can only be who I am, granddaughter, even when I no longer feel entirely myself. But…” She let out a cavernous sigh. “…I did not hate standing against that worthless trash who called upon the abominable stink of their corpse God. And… if needed, I shall do so again.” She preened, looking like an Empress in truth for a mont. “I even secured a rather interesting prize. You should take a look at it later.”
“Oh yes, the Wheel.” Asha nodded. “I… shall speak for her too. I am grateful. Alone, I was surely dood. And she suffered so.”
“A re fraction of what I have endured in the past.” Mae snorted. “And many would say no less than I deserve. But… granddaughter… I shall reach out a hand. Though it seems we are both snared in the sa net. But any who seek for salvation, I shall not slap away their hands this ti. Perhaps… trying sothing new is amusing enough.” She looked at then, serious.
“My love is… not kind. But possessive. Yes, I would face the world for those I cherish, but… because my love is self-serving, it is for my sake. Caihong’er, Liena, they were mine, and Zixin taking them from , hurting my possessions… it enraged … I… have likely never loved truly, where I desire others to be happier than I.”
I don’t know. Your feelings seed genuine enough for , but who am I to judge? “I see.” was all I answered, allowing her to speak.
“You hold my na. It feels… uncomfortable, yet… also sohow fresh. I am like all Kitsune, flighty, irritating and selfish. My heart is small and covered in thorns. To make it yours… do you even have the strength to do so?”
“My thorns have already been filed down.” Shinku-no-Hana chuckled, only to fall silent as Mae glowered at her. She chuckled, before addressing us. “She is not honest. How can she be? She has ruled herself her whole life, only to be stripped of everything. Now, she has it returned, or will…” She glanced at her tailless grandmother. “…it is only natural she is confused. But… we Kitsune are all earnestly seeking one thing. Grandmother was simply too strong ever to find it. And when we do not get what we desire, we beco bitter, and cruelly playful.”
“What is that?” Daiyu asked, curious.
“Domination!” she barked a laugh. “Why else would we be this way? Our very nas binding us, but only if one has strength in excess of our will? We are all simply waiting for he or she who can force us to heel. After all, are foxes not rely wild dogs? And dogs need a master to fawn over.”
“Speak for yourself, Hana.” Mae sniffed. “I am not so weak. Yet…” She looked at us all one by one. “…If you can truly restore to my full splendour, and still I cannot shake you from my tail, then… perhaps it was ant to be. I respect strength, and while I do not understand it, loyalty. Perhaps I had little because I was jealous of those who could be loyal.”
“That’s one thing we can never allow.” Eri stepped up. “If you want to be one of us, you can never betray Akio or us. If you do, only your life will suffice for an apology! It goes doubly so here! Since you’ll be too dangerous to let run free!”
“So cold,. You remind of my younger days.” Mae laughed, irritating Eri. “You worry far too much. Now, let be blunt. I owe a great debt. I swore to any being that would listen, were I saved from my tornt, I would dedicate my all to that which saved . But now I am freed, I find that no longer so important. After all, when the pain passes, one forgets the lesson. But…”
She leaned back, eyes distant. “My dear granddaughter Hana is right. I have never tried it. Being truly in love, giving of myself to give, rather than to simply receive more in return.” She looked at then. “This has run long, and I can see the Goddess within her…” she nodded at Shiro. “…grows frustrated at the delays, eager to know your tale. As… am I. Let simply say this… my heart of thorns, my bitter ennui, my lost sense of self… if you wish to claim it, show you are the greatest, a light that shines so bright it dazzles my eyes and sets my dull wooden heart ablaze. Make desire for you to possess , for to fawn on you, and lick your feet, just to have a re mont of your ti.” Despite her weariness, she puffed out her massive chest imperiously. “If you wish to claim Tamamo-no-Mae, do what none ever has before, and make love.”
I blinked at that. “That was quite the impassioned speech. But nobody’s asking my opinion?”
“Don’t be stupid.” Eri snorted. “My senses of who you’ll fall for are flawless!” Eri insisted. “After all, you’re going to prove right in a minute, aren’t you?” At her knowing look, I had to laugh.
“Yeah, I guess so. But honestly…” I glanced at Mae. “…you’re certainly problematic, but… I owe you a chance.”
“You owe nothing, I acted on my own will. I admit it, I was not compelled. I am… wishing to see where the future takes . And as a place to start, here is… not so bad, not so bad at all.” I had a feeling if she had tails still, they’d be wagging now. “So, tell your tall tale, assuage our curiosity, and move my frozen heart. And not just mine…” She glanced at Shiro again. “…show sothing I have never seen, show that I shall never be bored again, and show … that indeed, your rescue of was ant to be!”
At those impassioned words, I surrendered. How can I answer that as a man, without showing off? All right then, you want a tale that moves you, that interests you, that will banish your despair and rekindle your will to live? That shows I’m strong enough to rule you? Here goes then…
“I’ll skip over the boring parts, like South Africa. We’ve talked about most of it anyway, but… Egil Andersen…” I looked down at my wrist, my eyes sparkling with faint orange lights. “…the Seeds within, I was able to extract them…”
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