On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

“Just what are you doing, you sly old fox?” Saionji-san asked, clearly a bit puzzled by the move.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Kudou-san grinned, stroking at his long white beard regally, clearly enjoying the discomfort of his political opponents. “I’m putting my weight behind Akio-kun here.” The way he addressed me changed, as if to show his new closeness to me. “Tsukuyomi was the balance between the extremes, and now the reason for that has finished.” He addressed his own faction. “Now, I’m not saying you have to join me, you can make up your own minds, but Akio-kun is right. It’s no longer a choice between trying to reclaim past glories or protect what we had. It’s a choice between whether we try and stand alone, or join the new order.”

“I think, having seen you in action, I can agree with Kudou-sama.” Taishakama-san, one of the Tsukuyomi faction Candidates I had taken through the Kyoto Boundary said. He was followed by Engetsu-san, and Kinkawa-san then got up too.

“Well, I’m not so fixated on being a priest as you all.” He grinned. “But I know you’re strong, man. So I’ll follow you.” I guess his gangster look matches his personality. With that the exodus started, and soon around a third of the Tsukuyomi faction had joined behind us, though the majority was uncertain, hesitant. Even so, it’s quite the haul.

“Why would you do this?” Uchida-san grated. “Letting an outsider come in and make a mockery of the Conclave…”

“Who invited him, eh?” Saionji-san broke in, to much laughter from the crowd, enjoying his discomfort. Uchida-san turned red with anger, but seeing the situation, he swallowed it down, keeping himself as calm as he could.

“I did, yes. And I stand by it, as clearly he has some influence and power. However… are you really satisfied to be a lapdog to the government and the nobility, Kudou? And to this boy who disrespected the noble Lady Diviner, and even the Priestess of Ise!”

Well, there is that. I glanced at them. The Diviner was still next to me, still, silent and yet my gaze could pick out the minute tremors that shook her. The Princess, however, merely looked confused, as if she wasn’t sure how she had come to be sitting there.

“Disrespect? It certainly was shocking, but…” Kudou-san frowned, looking at the Diviner as I had. “… I knew. The Diviner had informed me of the upcoming disaster and her death. I grieved, but what could I do? I’ve always felt…” he said. “… that you are like a daughter to me.” He turned to me with a sly smile on his face. “She’s not twenty though, not even close. Though I shouldn’t speak of a woman’s age so carelessly. To think she looks so young still. That or you are a dangerous flatterer, Akio-kun.” He glanced at Eri and Shaeula. “Well, perhaps both are true. But… I too wish for the Diviner to survive. And perhaps live a life she has earned. Even were I opposed to this Ministry, I would be thankful for your consideration, Akio-kun.” He turned back to the Conclave.

“The ten minutes of chaos with Akio-kun and his women may have seemed to derail everything, but those of us with sharp political minds gleaned much. Do you deny it, Bankei, my old friend?”

The nominal head of the neutral shrines and temples agreed. “Why else would I have allowed it? This humble one is hardly senile yet, Yasuhide-san.” He addressed everyone in his role as moderator. “This first session was to establish a leader, before we moved on to other matters. Perhaps we should have decided on our course first, as the young man and Yasuhide-san are right, there really are only two paths now. But… you all know us. We have stood at the head of the faiths for years. But… his character is a mystery.” He pointed to me. “Therefore we needed to see it. After all, power without the wisdom to use it properly is dangerous.”

“Hence why we were checking him out, right?” Kinkawa-san said triumphantly. “I knew it wasn’t just to grab a few bits of Kyoto.”

From the Susanoo benches, Mine-san spoke up, a female mirror to Kinkawa-san. “Well, like yeah, totally! He was pretty badass, I’m not going to lie, but… he shared his water with a kami so I could get a blessing. There was like, nothing in it for him, but he did it.”

On hearing that, Shaeula eyed Mine-san appraisingly, causing her to look away, face red. Still, she continued. “He helped Yamato-sama too. I don’t think he’s a bad guy, and the girls obviously like him. I don’t think they’d be so taken with him if he was a selfish man.”

Well, that’s not true, I’m plenty selfish. Even so, I like to be fair when I can be.

“Most of us have had the opportunity for our factions to see him in action.” Bankei-san opined. “And those that haven’t have at least a favourable impression, right?”

Saionji-san shrugged. “I wouldn’t have invited him to be my ally if I didn’t. Yes, I get it. The chaos was insightful to his character. A self-made man, rags to riches in both financial and power terms. Yet one who is looking to work with others.” He paused, thinking a moment, before continuing. “Though somewhat reckless, the way you rode over the objections of our Lady Diviner. You might want to think a bit more, Akio-san, lest you get yourself into trouble you can’t get out of. But then, you’re ruthless too. Kondou Kazuo. I expect everyone has heard of him. After all, he is Japan’s most prolific serial killer. There was a story in the news that he fell into a deep coma and is likely to die when the machines keeping him alive are switched off.”

Haru-san flinched at that, but Shaeula whispered to her reassuringly. Saionji-san didn’t miss that nuance. “I expect you had something to do with that, right Akio-san?”

“Those who do terrible things will find that this new world isn’t kind to them. And now we know there’s an afterlife of sorts. I’m not sure if there’s a Yomi or a Western-style Hell, but if there is, he’ll be enjoying a nice, eternal vacation there soon enough.” I declared, not confirming, but not denying either.

“I see. Well, abusing powers given by the kami is certainly something we would disapprove of.” Bankei-san agreed with me mildly. “So, having said all that, you support him, Yasuhide-san?”

“I want a future where my granddaughter Shiori, the Lady Diviner and everyone associated with the shrines and temples of this land can live happily, with honour and respect, and the Gods have the worship and adoration they deserve. It seems to me that Akio-kun is aiming for a similar goal. But…” he frowned. “… the danger coming is likely to be significant. And looking at the girls around him…” he nodded at Eri. “… as well as the aid he has offered my Shiori with this Chirurgery… Akio-kun is best placed to make us stronger.” He turned to Takakura-san then. “Takakura-sama, if the nobility and also mainstream politicians support this Ministry, then I shall as well.”

“Well, can I just say a few last words?” I said, as Kudou-san came to a conclusion. “It’s true. I want a world where we can all live in peace. But to do that, we need to make sure that power isn’t abused. And we need to make sure that whatever threats are coming, be it this Red Dragon, or anything else, we are strong enough to defeat it. And the best way is to work together. That’s what the Ministry is for. Sure, there’ll be some inconveniences, some concessions…” I frowned. Concessions, not sacrifices. I don’t want people like the Diviner to have to suffer. But in life there is always compromise. “… but working together is the best way. I didn’t get this strong alone.” I declared. “And even this morning, with the help of Yamato-san…” I nodded at him as he looked back at me, his face an expressionless mask. “… and your children, Hikawa-san, we were able to grow stronger still.”

“I have my commitments.” Hikawa-san said. “But were my son and the twins here, I would allow them to sit behind you.”

“Great, because the twins are actually amazingly helpful. Their gift is something special. And Ren-san can improve everyone’s light element. I’ll be working them hard, but in exchange, I’ll make sure they are always protected. That goes for everyone else.” I finished my pitch strongly. “Those of you who have gifts within your bloodlines, or have family who do, please get in touch with Haru-san here.” At that she looked at me, before nodding, understanding I was giving her secretarial work, as well as work the Ministry would find helpful. “Chirurgery is a limited resource, but I intend to prioritise those prepared to work with us, and those of you with talents, we should help them to flourish, as even seemingly useless ones might turn out to be the key to strengthening others. If I had to sum up my position in one go, it would be…” I took a deep breath, as this was my slogan that would form the basis of my support.

“One twig is easily snapped, but a bundle tied together cannot be broken by human hands. And bundles tied together, strengthening each other, well, even fate and destiny will not break them. What one cannot do alone, five can. When five are not enough, then fifty. If someone is facing inevitable death, then five thousand will oppose it. Preserve what is good, crush what is evil, and together make the future a shining one, where nobody has to stand alone.”

********

“… if someone is facing inevitable death, then five thousand will oppose it. Preserve what…” The Diviner, her mind in turmoil, processed the words that Oshiro-san spoke, trying to stop the tremors that afflicted her, the tears that constantly flowed. Five Thousand cannot turn aside my destiny. Even so… I don’t want to die. If there was only a way, someone that could avert my death, then of course I would take it. The visions were a constant burning in her mind. Before, her gift had been sporadic, but since Tsukuyomi had given his true blessing, they had been her constant companion, eating into her psyche like poison.

“Well, those are fascinating sentiments, and this humble one approves.” Bankei, the leader of the neutral shrines and temples was saying, but the Diviner could barely hear him, so wrapped up In her own troubles she was.

Even so… if I must die to avert disaster, then I shall. I have that much pride left in me. She had struggled her whole life, since she first awakened as a young child, and though the path had been hard, and she had given up much, all the hopes and dreams of an ordinary girl, living nameless and unseen under her veils, she had resolved to do her duty and serve Tsukuyomi, fighting fate and leaving her mark on the world through that. Nameless and unseen. I… barely remembered my true name. Where… how… her thoughts were scattering, as she could feel the touch of others for the first time in… well, as long as she could remember.

It… is warm. He was holding her hands, Oshiro-san, the one that had sheltered the Princess of Beasts, who even now was grinning proudly as he was praised, alongside Yukiko, the Princess of Heaven, one of her few friends. He has turned aside the fate of the Princess of Hungry Ghosts too, if he is to be believed, and I have no reason to doubt him. Even so, she will still have to face a terrible threat, and somehow triumph, despite being far weaker now that her hunger has been curtailed. Was that change for the better? She bit down on her lip, ruby blood trickling, to match the red of her eyes nobody had seen until he claimed to. In her other hand a simple young girl was holding her, and it felt like her youth that she had never had. Perhaps if I was born ordinary, I would have held hands like this with a friend, walking through Kyoto, buying charms for success in academics, love, money…

“So, I think that we should decide.” Saionji Gin-san was saying to his rival Uchida Ren-san, trying to assert his position. Meaningless. Much like foolish charms. Even the Gods cannot turn aside definite futures, so what can a humble charm do? Still, if I was born ordinary… she considered the hands that held her again, shivering at their touch. Perhaps someone would call my name. Tsukiko-chan, they might have said. Perhaps a nickname. Tsuki, maybe. Perhaps I would have held hands like this with a boy, kissed, seen fireworks at a festival, wore a beautiful kimono like the Princess of Beasts… no. I cannot be weak. Not now. I have come too far. Given so much.

There had been too many visions, too many shocks, and she was worn down. Yukiko was her friend, and she had no wish for the Red Dragon, or the dark jaws with eyes of gold, to snuff her out. She is a little like me. A role thrust on her, a blessing she did not ask for, but the duty to carry the burdens. I must be strong, for her, if not for myself. Quelling her shudders, she realised that the girl, Mori-san, was looking at her, a trace of concern on her features, her dark onyx eyes sympathetic.

“I’m sorry.” She said, her voice barely a whisper, as if she knew that the Diviner would hear her. I suppose she would know, considering. “Akio didn’t mean to cause you trouble. He didn’t know that you’d die if… really. You’ll die if someone sees your face?” she seemed shocked by it, but also accepting.

“I shall. I knew it from the first moment my gifts stirred. I am not hidden for religious reasons, like those from some other countries.” She murmured back, her words barely audible. “But… he was right. I surely cannot die twice. And as my death is definite, if his actions are to be the cause, then I suppose I cannot blame him, for they were already predestined.” She then looked up in surprise as the grip on her hand from the girl had tightened uncomfortably, and if she was not blessed by Tsukuyomi, perhaps her hand would have bruised, bones cracked.

“Don’t say that. Haven’t you listened to us at all?” Mori-san breathed, annoyed. “Matsumuro-san…” she said the name deliberately. “… Akio has a terrible habit of wanting to help people in trouble. Well, it seems to mostly be girls…” she sighed. “… but he wouldn’t overlook anyone he can help. It’s not like he’s a saint or anything. He doesn’t go out of his way to find people in trouble, and if left alone he can be lazy, but… when someone enters his sight, he won’t be able to forget it. So just give up. He’s going to help you, whether you want help or not. I am too.”

Really, this girl. I can see in her eyes she is jealous of me. It is quite the fascinating experience. I am used to reverence or fear, but never jealousy of me. Perhaps my gift, my connection to the Gods, but never me. As a woman. She has not even seen my face and yet… a soft giggle escaped her lips, the tension loosening up, and Mori-san tilted her head questioningly.

“It is nothing. I… I do not wish to die, but I do not wish to abandon all I have struggled for all these years, averting cruel destinies. I would rather die proud of what I have accomplished, than throw it all away and cower. I cannot leave Kyoto, as you asked. Though I do appreciate the suggestion.” Her lips curved into an unseen smile.

“I get that. Well, kind of.” She said with a quiet sigh. “I admit, I’m a shallow girl. I was only happy when with Aiko or Akio, I only yearned for their company and friendship. And love. But now … I can count others as friends, rivals. It’s honestly surprising to me. But if I think of Aiko… she’s dedicated a lot of her life to learning kyudo. It’d be like giving it all up at this late stage, right? But you are thinking about it all wrong.”

“Oh, how so?” Her trembling and tears had stopped, the conversation restoring her inner equilibrium for the first time in a while.

“Well, isn’t death a cruel destiny for you? And if you want to avert the fates of others, than you can’t criticise Akio for wanting to turn away yours, can you? He learnt light element since you said he needed it to be the one you are looking for, but… does it matter if he’s the one you are waiting for? You could wait and wait, and he might never come. But Akio is here now, Matsumuro-san, offering a hand. So what if he’s not perfect, a match for whatever vision you’ve seen? He’ll do his best, isn’t that enough? You aren’t alone. Kudou-san worries about you too, so much so that he came to us because we want to help you. Princess Mikasa too.” Mori-san gestured, and the Diviner turned to see Yukiko eyeing her worriedly.

Yes, people do worry about me. I am lonely yes, but… not alone. Inclining her head in reassurance, she turned back to Mori-san. “I see. I have thought along the same lines. But to save Yukiko. Oshiro-san… he does fit much of the person in the visions. After all, he has two Princesses by his side. But much is not all.”

“Damn, you’re frustrating.” Mori-san squeezed her hand again. “What have you got to lose? You’ll die if you are right, and you might die if you are wrong, but you’ll live if Akio can save you. There’s no reason to turn him down. And if this prince on a white horse you are waiting for comes charging in, well, I’ll be glad to see the back of you, he can take it from there and whisk you away to safety.” Her smile turned bitter. “Otherwise I see how this will go.” She groaned. “I hate this. But… I know what it is to feel that the world is shit, grey and lifeless, that only bad things are coming ahead. So… if you help Akio, try your best, well, miracles do happen. Shaeula said so, right?”

I have nothing to lose. It’s true. Though… it is likely that if they get involved with me, they will share my fate. But… who am I to tell them not to try? She is right. I have been doing this for nearly thirty years. It would be hypocrisy to turn them away now. And… I do wish to live. I wish it dearly…

********

Well that was a tough conversation to hear. Even though Eri and the Diviner were whispering to each other quietly as mosquitos, I could hear them over the noise of the crowd with ease, and when I started hearing it, I couldn’t stop myself from listening, Split Thoughts easily allowing me to process the conversation as well as the Conclave.

I’m glad though. Eri’s really grown up. To think she’d admit to having other friends than Aiko. I expected she meant Yae-san and Rika-san. They were good girls, despite being flashy and outgoing, unlike the shy and plain Eri. Though Eri isn’t so plain anymore. After all, she looked gorgeous in her shrine maiden attire, and was even wearing some makeup to accentuate her pretty face. I’m glad she realises it isn’t just girls I help though! I helped Shuta-san too! It just seems that everyone I run into in trouble lately are girls…

“I don’t disagree.” Saionji-san was saying. “And yes, those with talents should be prioritised. But those of you in minor shrines where your bloodlines have thinned should not be forgotten. After all, there might be some hidden gems.”

“But surely those in the faith should be prioritised above soldiers or the nobility.” Uchida-san argued back. “You said so yourself only twenty minutes ago!”

“Yes, well, I’ve seen the error of my ways.” Saionji-san was controlling the flow, keeping Uchida-san on the back foot in the debate. “Akio-san, if I may ask…”

“Go ahead.” I gave my agreement.

“Assuming that you continue your commitments to the nobility and the Ministry, how many of our priests and shrine maidens can you perform Chirurgery on? Is it a flat number, or is there hope for growth? Can others learn it?”

All good questions. “Well, as I grow more skilled, I can do more, though I have many other things I have to do as well. And Shaeula can do it too, though she insists on only performing it on females for… cultural reasons, I guess? As for can it be learned, yes, in theory, although it is a rather challenging ability. I doubt that many will have the aptitude.” Without a sight-based ability or some other sense of a person’s network, it’s fumbling blind and can easily do more harm than good.

“I see. And would you be prepared to share such prerequisites, and perhaps offer teaching? It would go a long way to establishing cooperation, and it would take some of the burden off your shoulders.” Saionji-san asked.

That’s sly. But it isn’t unreasonable. “I can agree to that. Though I would have to insist that the Ministry keeps a list of everyone that Chirurgery is performed on. I don’t want to accuse anyone of impropriety, but the last thing we want is for yakuza and organised crime gangs to start powering up.” It’ll happen sooner or later. In fact, odds are there are a couple of yakuza families with Candidates already. Even so, keeping a handle on things from the start will prevent problems later.

“You heard him, Uchida.” Saionji-san smiled. “Really, I see little choice. He’s right. Working with the Ministry from the start is the best course of action.”

Wait, Saionji-san is falling into line with my plans now? That’s… quite the turnaround.

“It seems so.” Uchida-san relented. “Yamato, what do you think?” he addressed his son, who had seen me in action.

“I think it’s inevitable too. Even so, we should have a position of authority equal to Oshiro-san at the least. In fact, in matters of faith and the Gods, our voice should be heard loudest, as we have taken care of Japan’s faith for fifteen hundred years, and to go unrewarded for that spits in our faces, and those of the Gods themselves.”

Well, looks like the major decision is reached, although now we are arguing shares and roles, I expect things to get very messy next session after the break. “Well, I’m not speaking for the Gods, so I can certainly allow other voices.” I conceded. “However, I also can’t make any decisions on that, and neither can Takakura-san, without the other participants…” as I detailed in-depth more of the planned structure of the Ministry, Saionji-san declared a branch should be placed in Kyoto, and that sparked fresh discussion…

********

“It seems clear to me that as the heart of the faith, a branch of the Ministry should be in Kyoto.” Saionji-san declared, and the Diviner, as she still thought of herself as, pondered that. It does make sense. From what Oshiro-san has described, there will be bureaucracy, military, law enforcement, political, legal legislative and research elements. Faith should definitely be included too. And likely the Imperial Family. She looked at Yukiko, her veil shifting as she moved. I do not need my gift of prophecy to see work there in your future, should you survive. No, you will survive! Her hands were still being held, otherwise she would have clenched her fists determinedly. It was annoying, but she knew they were holding on to reassure her. But I am fine now! My mind is clear. Although…

She pulled at her hands, and they released her. She nodded politely, placing them in her lap, while she listened to the arguments of Amaterasu and Susanoo, unable to tell the difference between them now. And Yasuhide has effectively disbanded Tsukuyomi, throwing in his lot with Oshiro-san. He has the favour of the moon indeed…

“Perhaps we can compromise.” Saionji-san was grinning. “A Ministry needs vice-ministers. One of us, as the most worthy, should surely take up such a post. Although..” he assumed a look of pity. “As a Chosen of Avalokitesvara, I have divine qualifications. And as I made a promise to Akio-san, for the good of all…” he was laying it on thick. “… to not abuse my gifts, I should not only be compensated, but I would have the time and leisure to devote myself to keeping the faith in order.”

Uchida-san was thrown off by that, but rapidly countered. “No, it would be a waste. Your gifts, much as my sons’, should be put to defending Kyoto. After all…” he turned to the crowd, looking at her. “The noble Lady Diviner has foreseen her death, and as she never leaves Kyoto, that means some disaster here. You would be better served in the defence of Kyoto, rather than playing at politics. I should be vice-minister, and my son Yamato could head up the local branch here.”

“Ah, but those mighty Golden Warriors should be at the forefront of any line of defence. If I am too useful for leadership, then surely your son…”

As usual, they seek power, influence. It is always so tiresome. One blessing is Yasuhide sheltered me from that as much as he could. Power. I must… make a choice. Tsukuyomi bade me find someone to accept his blessing. Doing so will remove much of my strength, though doubtless what I already possessed will remain. But… it is the most important task I have been entrusted. But there was no guidance given to me, no visions. Does that mean… I am free to choose?

As she pondered that, the argument was coming to a head. The old monk Bankei was trying to moderate, but they were going in circles, and just listening to them was giving her a headache. I am trying to think about something more important than these petty squabbles. I will likely be dead soon, and all they can argue about is this? Feeling rather irritated, she stood, drawing all eyes.

“Lady Diviner, do you have something to say?” Bankei asked solemnly.

“I do.” She declared. “This squabble is unseemly. A disaster is coming, one that will surely take my life, leaving my work undone, but do you think I shall perish alone? Those of you who argue over who shall be in charge of what, would do well to consider that soon you may be dead.” At her words there was a shocked silence, only for the Princes of Beasts to burst out laughing.

“That is quite-quite true. Fools divide the spoils before the battle is even won, do they not-not? I like you, Tsukiko. I think you will be a fine-fine ally for Akio and I. Your death? Bah…” she spat, annoyed. “I have no wish to see you die, and nor does Akio. You like the moon, yes-yes? Well, the moon in the lands of the Fae is quite-quite the sight to see, so huge that it can cover much of the skies above. Until you have seen such, I shall not-not allow you to surrender…”

“I am not giving up!” she declared, surprising herself. “Though I am not so foolish enough to believe I can turn aside a fate that Tsukuyomi has decreed inevitable, I shall not turn my face away. Until the last minute I shall strive and struggle.”

“Oh, Diviner…” Yukiko said, her eyes behind her glasses tearing up. “… you gave me confidence, a little hope, so I’ll stand by you. After all..” she swallowed. “The flames of Amaterasu burn within me. I’ll blaze until anything that threatens you is ashes!”

“I like this much better.” Oshiro-san said with a bright grin. As he looked at Yukiko and I with his grey eyes, he nodded, as if pleased with something. “Yes, I’m not asking you to deny your fears, I’m just asking that you don’t give up until the end. And we have more than ten minutes until the end of your world, right? If you’ve resolved to fight, then we’ll help you.”

“Right.” Mori-san agreed. “I’m still weak, but… I’ll do my best.”

“I too. I have died. It is… unpleasant.” Haru-san echoed mournfully. “I would like others to avoid that fate if they can.”

“Well.” Bankei declared. “I think this is as good a time for our recess as any. It is somewhat early, but we shall resume as planned. I suggest that for our next session, you all prepare your thoughts on what concessions the faith would require from this Ministry, as well as those we are prepared to give in return. We shall open the floor to all speakers, though do try and be brief and not repeat previously raised points, as our time is finite.”

“Well, I’m hoping I don’t have to waste my time demonstrating my abilities since things went a bit different to how it seemed to be going, thanks to Kudou-san here.” Oshiro-san nodded at Yasuhide. “So, we have some time. Matsumuro-san, Princess Mikasa. We should talk. If we are going to fight fate, we need a solid plan, and I need to know precisely what we are up against.”

Seeing his confidence, the Diviner found herself nodding. “Very well. Yukiko, come. We have much to talk about. Much that is frightening and little that is hopeful. But…” she smiled under her veil. “… little is not nothing.”