On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

The noise and bustle of the party was starting to get to her. Looking down at the elegant and overly expensive watch on her wrist to check the time, she saw it was nearly ten pm. I’ve stuck this out long enough. I knew it wouldn’t help. I don’t feel well…

Her brown eyes darted to and fro as she watched the jovial people around her talk and make merry. Feeling bile rise in her throat she rushed to the bathroom, finding an empty stall and emptying what little was in her stomach. Looking at the mirror on the back of the stall door she considered herself once more. Her long brownish hair was shoulder-length, framing a thin face that was pale and tainted with a sickly pallor. She had done the best with her makeup, but it couldn’t quite cover the hollow look of her cheeks and eye-sockets. Damn, I look a fright. Well, no wonder.

Taking a deep breath she sat down on the western-style toilet, head in her hands. I never should have come tonight. Still, her daddy was constantly badgering her, saying that she’d ‘feel better if she mixed with people, especially the elite.’ Feeling another bout of stomach pains coming on, she fumbled in her expensive designer purse, a deep blue to match the expensive dress she was wearing. After a few moments she dragged out a bottle, and popping the lid revealed some capsules in garishly bright colours. Depositing two in her mouth she swallowed them, before taking a sip of water from a bottle that was also in her purse, washing them down.

I just want to be better. Life was looking up just a few months ago… Haru remembered securing a position as a secretary at the Diet, and while her daddy was no doubt behind it, pulling the strings to get his beloved daughter into politics, Haru had earned the chance herself by finishing a Politics and Economics degree at a prestigious Tokyo university. I had friends too, and while daddy wasn’t keen on letting me date yet, there were a few good guys I had my eye on. How did it all go so wrong? Everything was normal, then after one night…

Feeling a bitter tang in her mouth, she closed her eyes, fighting off the dizziness that suddenly surged. “To think… I’m going crazy.” She laughed, her tone falsely bright and brittle. “What a way to end my career.” Her father was covering it up, but no-one with a history of mental illness was getting anywhere near political power, or indeed any top job in Japan.

Several other of the female guests had entered the bathroom and were chatting away by the sinks. Haru squeezed shut her eyes, tried to block out the voices, and waited for them to go away. Oh no, it’s happening again… even with her eyes shut she could see vivid white sparks drifting across her vision, and something deep within, something other, was telling her to… no, no, NO! I don’t want to hear it!

She dug around in her purse and took several more of her medicines, despite the dosage warnings. She then jammed a pair of wireless earbuds in, and cranked the volume up to maximum, listening to the soothing white noise. After a while, the feelings, the whispers, passed, and she staggered out of the bathroom and back into the main hall where guests were still talking, flirting or making deals.

Mingle with the beautiful people, daddy said. Put aside your worries and talk to the nobility, rich business-people and politicians. Shaking her head, she made for the exit, nearly stumbling over the hem of her dress. As she left, she could feel eyes on her, watching her go, though sometimes she wasn’t sure whether those eyes were real, or… ugh, enough!

Emerging into the still-warm early September night, she sighed in relief. I mean, I did recognise plenty of people here, they were important, but I’m in no mood to talk to anyone. Luckily most people sensed that, so I managed to keep to myself for most of the night. There were a few acquaintances who did approach her, but they quickly lost interest, and Haru could see when their looks of friendship and sympathy changed to disgust, condemnation… ugh, I don’t feel well at all. I just want to sleep… though without dreams… The dreams were the worst, all swirling colours and warped visions of her house being strange and otherworldly…

I need something to drink. She reached into her purse, only to find the small water bottle she kept was empty. Staggering over to a nearby vending machine she fumbled some coins into a slot, and a can of soda was soon in her hand. She cracked the ring pull and then took a long swig. That’s better. She squeezed shut her eyes, blocking out the light, and spent several blissful minutes in silence, before the ringtone of her phone jolted her out of her reverie. Checking the caller ID, it was her daddy.

“My baby girl, how are you? Did you have fun at the party?” her daddy asked jovially, but she could hear the concern in his voice.

“Not really, it.. it was a bit noisy for me. I’m not good with crowds right now.” She answered. “I’ve just left. I did manage to speak to a few people I knew though.” She lied, as what she had done could hardly be called holding a conversation, but she didn’t want her daddy to worry too much. The look in his eyes when they talked was already painful enough.

“Well, that’s good, you need to spend more time with others. It isn’t healthy to be alone in the dark all the time.” Realising that this line of talk was one they had been through before, to little avail, his voice softened a bit. “Once the medication stabilises your mood, you can come back to work. I know it isn’t easy, but these things happen. It’ll get better soon, I promise. My baby girl has a bright future, a little setback like this won’t stop you, right?”

Feeling tears well up in her eyes she scrubbed them away, trying to keep her voice free of sorrow. “I know, daddy. I know. I’ll… I’ll get through this. I just… need some time. I’m not ready for being out yet…”

“I really think you need to…” he began, but she cut him off, his voice starting to trigger another episode. It was like the aura migraine sufferers were said to have, lights flashing in her vision, but these were different. They were… they felt… real.

“I’m going to get a taxi and come home. I’ll see you soon, daddy.” She managed to get out. His reply was disappointed, that she wasn’t trying harder, but she paid it no mind. Hanging up she struggled to remember where the nearest taxi rank was, while her vision was flecked with silver and white sparkles, which somehow felt tangible, cold, when they touched her. Ugh, to think I can’t even remember simple details like this, when I’m a secretary to the Diet. The medication… still, I need it.

She began to set off in the direction she thought she needed to go, the quiet streets around the residence of the famous Takatsukasa family largely deserted. Her heels clicked on the stone pavement, ringing loudly in the night. As she walked, she occasionally caught the sounds of other footsteps behind her.

Another guest leaving, no doubt. The footsteps were coming closer, so she stepped aside to let the person pass, only to be grabbed from behind, a hand clamped over her mouth…

********

The predator, Kondou Kazuo

Kondou Kazuo watched the girl leave, idly licking his lips. She was just his type, pretty, though best of all, scared.I’m not sure why she is so jumpy, but I really enjoy the frightened rabbits. Though breaking proud girls is good too.

Finishing off the glass of wine he held, he passed it to a passing waiter, before bowing and heading for the door. The party had been quite something, and getting an invite through some acquaintances in business hadn’t been easy. Still, after the mess Kiku was making of defending his domain, Kazuo needed to unwind. There were so many beauties at the party. That daughter of the Takatsukasa was so elegant. I’d love to have her under my control… but no, messing with nobility is dangerous. That daughter of the Nichibotsu chairman as well, she looked stunning in that purple dress. There were easily a dozen other beauties too. Damn, now I’m all excited…

Still, Kazuo prided himself on being no fool. That was why he preyed on the foreign backpackers who stayed in his hotels, one here, another there. Although recently his …. entertainments …. had become more frequent, and he had toyed with a few locals. Prostitutes, trash that would hardly be missed though. Still, jumping to good daughters of powerful families was a step too far. For now. After all, am I not a chosen one, destined to gain everything I desire? If only my subordinates weren’t such useless fools…

The night was warm and quiet. Looking at the magnificent residence of the Takatsukasa family, he vowed that one day such luxury would be his. Still, he had other prey on his mind. He had enquired subtly about his jumpy little bunny girl, and apparently she was the daughter of a politician. Normally she’d be way too dangerous to toy with but… I saw her popping pills, and with my superior eyesight, I saw they were anti-psychotics. If a girl like that goes missing, well, as long as Kiku disposes of her body, who will ever know? They’ll just expect to find her body in the river one day… after all, suicide is a terrible thing.

His lips curled into a smile as he followed her towards the more populated parts of Tokyo. If I want to do this, I need to do it now… She was walking in a daze, as if unsure of her destination. She had just finished a phone call, so wasn’t very alert. Quickening his steps, he closed in behind her. She paused, as if to let him pass, but that was a mistake. One meaty hand reached out and covered her mouth, silencing her, while the other landed on her back, gently caressing her.

She tensed, shocked by the sudden attack, only to suddenly be inundated by a searing blast of pain that robbed her of her consciousness, her eyes rolling back in her head. Reflexively her bladder let go, and urine streamed down her legs, soiling her dress and shoes. Kazuo stepped back, letting the mess miss him. So she’s a squirter I see. The pain takes everyone differently.

Kazuo chuckled, and hoisted her up onto his shoulders. Pulling out his mobile he called an acquaintance who was involved in shady business, and asked him to send over a discreet vehicle. After all, I can’t take a taxi, that’d be traced.

Twenty minutes later the foreign car with tinted windows pulled up, and the driver got out. Seeing Kazuo, who had hidden the girl behind a nearby bush, he grinned. “Hey man. Boss got your message. Just drop the car off tomorrow, okay? He don’t want to know what you are using it for, so no worries. I’m off to play some pachinko, maybe hit a soapland, so later!”

With that the rough-looking man, who was wearing an ill-fitting white suit, sauntered off, leaving the keys in the car. Kazuo retrieved his bundle, pushing the unconscious girl into the backseat, before getting in and starting the engine. The Yakuza have their uses. Still, be it Yakuza, Big Business, Politicians, the Nobility… one day I’ll be ruling over them all, and all their daughters, wives and sisters will belong to me, to do with as I wish. After all, I am the new god of pain, and who can stand against the purest torment?

Grinning wolfishly to himself, the car pulled out, heading for his hotel. Behind him, the girl was gasping and moaning in her unconscious state, unaware of what awaited her…

********

Kiku, The Widow of Nails

“No, this… is…just… another… ah, god, no, stop!… daddy, daddy, help me!” the cries of the woman were heart wrenching, and Kiku silently listened, her face expressionless, merely stroking her scored and battered golden ring idly. The meaty sound of flesh being struck resounded, and the crunch of bone made her cries suddenly far less intelligible.

“Da…bb…y, maee it sfop!” her faint, pained slurs through a ruined jaw drifted out of Kondou-dono’s playroom. Suddenly the screams restarted, and damp sounds and groans could be heard once more.

Once more Kondou-dono overreaches. This girl seems to be of a wealthy lineage, judging by her attire. When prostitutes and beggars go missing, the samurai care not, but when daughters of merchants or nobles disappear… she raised her hand to her mouth, metal teeth digging into her ring and bony fingers, drawing brackish blood.

With a final wail the noise was cut off, and moments later the naked Kondou-dono strode out, expression satisfied, his body streaked with blood and other fluids. He grabbed a towel and started wiping himself off, whistling cheerfully. Until he saw Kiku’s gaze. His expression hardened, and he stood, not covering his nakedness. Striding over to her his hand struck Kiku across the face, drawing more stale blood from her split cheek and lips.

Oh how this reminds me of my husband. He too… had a temper. Though his appetites were never so base… as Kiku didn’t respond, Kondou-dono clenched his fist, and waves of agonising pain rippled through her. She gasped, dead nerves ablaze with pain, dropping to her knees. As she did so, Kondou-dono drove his bare foot down on the back of her skull, forcing her head to the ground, her bony back arched. More waves of torturous agony followed, until blood was seeping from her nose, ears and eyes. He is very angry indeed. Though he was of good cheer mere moments ago. Oh, how poorly us women fare handling the whims of cruel men…

“You don’t get to judge me, bitch.” Kondou-dono snarled. “I am the master here. I am god in this place, never forget that. Besides…” he pressed down harder, until her metal teeth were scraping the floor. “… again you have failed me. Why have we not wiped out those few pathetic interlopers who think they can take away my domain? I told you to use the fool from Hisuikomushi if we had to, he has no way of resisting.”

“Forgive me, Kondou-dono.” Kiku grovelled, the taste of iron paired with humiliation. “I will do better, but, if you were to lend us your mighty aid, none can stand against the lash of torment you wield…”

“I don’t have dogs to bark myself.” Under his foot her skull felt like it was dipped in molten lead, her brain seared. As she panted in agony, the pain faded slowly. “But… damn, seeing all those fine women at the party made me realise I need more power. Very well. I am quite the generous man after all.” He removed his foot, and Kiku staggered to her feet, fresh stains on her dirty kimono. “Tomorrow. Bring all my forces to the battlefield, and make sure to destroy those pests. Their base of operations has to be around that shrine, right? Their defences are concentrated there.”

All my forces. I see. “As you wish, Kondou-dono. I have failed you before, but I shall not again. But, if we need your support…”

He sighed, going back to towelling the filth from his body. “If you must call upon me, do it. I want to consolidate and move up in the world. Tonight has proved that better educated girls are more… entertaining. The way she called out ‘daddy, daddy…’ sent shivers down my spine and I was hard as… well, never mind that. Just clean up the mess and use her as one of your ghosts.”

With that he strode out, giving Kiku much to consider. Sooner or later he will order me in a way I cannot misinterpret. Still… she strode into the room, her kimono dragging in the spreading blood. The girl was dead, no breath leaving her cooling corpse. Kiku knelt down, heedless of the mess, and snapped off one of her metal nails, ignoring the ache in her bones. Phantom pain, lingering hints of Kondou-dono’s grace…

“Alas, you poor girl, just another in the long line of victims of the cruelty of man.” Her face was thin, though it was hard to tell under the gruesome wounds Kondou-dono had inflicted during his… sport. Her dress was torn and stained with unmentionable fluids, and her body bore the marks of hard abuse. Still, Kiku had no time to mourn her. With a single thrust she drove the nail into the forehead of the corpse, her sight seeing the confused spirit rise from the body, misty and insubstantial, mouth flapping open and closed.

“Where… where am I? Was it all a horrible nightmare?” the wraith said, and Kiku recoiled in shock. She has kept her ability to speak? Such a miracle…

“I know I’m crazy, I’ve gone mad. But this was… was so awful.” The ghost shed phantom tears, sparkles of aether trickling down, before melting into silver mist. “That man, he… he… I need my pills, it has to be a delusion. There’s no way that…. Horrible thing… could have… happened to me. I want to go home, I hate it here… wherever here is. Daddy, where are you?”

“I see.” Kiku realised as the aether sparkled all around her new daughter. “You are the same as Kondou-dono. Blessed. But your end was cruel. Never fear though, my child. The gods will not allow his sins to go unpunished forever.” Her nails scraped against her ring, flakes of metal blowing away.

“Who… who are you?” the spectre asked, still erratic and addled from her gruesome end.

“I am she who will protect you from the cruel hands of men. I am your mother now.” Kiku promised, much to the ghosts’ confusion. As Kiku looked down at her corpse, she remembered what exactly Kondou-dono had said. Just clean up the mess and use her as one of my ghosts? Bending down, her mouth opened wide, metallic fangs gleaming. With one bite she severed the wrist of the dead girl, nails shearing through flesh, muscle and bone. Spitting out the now-severed hand, expensive watch still glittering around the torn wrist, Kiku placed it within her kimono, before starting her grizzly feast, consuming the rest.

We woman are not powerless. Frailer, yes. Bound to serve your whims, of course. But powerless, helpless? No, Kondou-dono, eventually a limit is reached, and a chance taken…

Making soothing noises to comfort her hysterical daughter, who was wailing something about needing ‘stronger medication to numb the hallucinations’ as Kiku devoured her corpse, Kiku remembered the last time she proved she was not without a way to defend herself…