On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Four Hundred And Seventy-Seven

“Are you all right?” Christina asked me, and I blinked, nodding, getting back to what we were doing. The person in front of me, a middle-aged man of Caucasian origin, was looking at me, a trace of fear in his blue eyes.

“You’re smiling. Good news?” Christina pressed, and reflexively I touched my face, to realise I was indeed smiling. Of course I am. I’m excited, nervous, unsure, my emotions are a mess. But… I’m happy.

“Yes, unexpected but good. But that’s not important now.” I continued to address the man in front of me. “So, you’re not sure what happened to you over the last few months?”

“No… I… it’s all a blur.” The man said, looking a touch vacant, and his expression betrayed a nervousness even he perhaps wasn’t aware of the cause of. “I… well, they said I’d been in an accident and required rehabilitation. I don’t know why I’m here though. This is Japan, right? You’re Japanese… though your English is great.” The man said, impressed.

I turned to Christina, who shrugged, clearly unwilling to speak further in front of the victims, so I continued my kind questioning, my Eye shining brilliantly. On seeing that the returned citizens were surprised, but not shocked, as they obviously still remembered they had abilities of their own. I explained it was to help me check their conditions, and they all calmed down, though again their unease and fear seeped through, bodies trembling, eyes downcast. I guess even removing memories doesn’t entirely erase the traumas. Definitely going to need Haru on this one, once she’s finished dealing with the Korean situation. Haru was flying back for the big meeting this evening, though then she would be back to Korea for a few more days, as the victims of Choe-Museon were also extremely traumatised.

“Yes, you’re here as I have special skills.” I finished. “But soon you’ll be able to go home, see your families again. Maybe in a week or two. In the meantime we’ll make sure you’re comfortable. Might as well see some sights while you’re here, no? Japan’s a nice country.”

“Yeah… thanks.” The man said, and I moved onto the next one after a while, a Japanese woman in her late twenties. We exchanged pleasantries, but she was also still very confused, and concerned about her family, as she was the caretaker for her parents who weren’t healthy.

“We’ve made provision for their wellbeing.” Tsumura-san promised, and that calmed the woman. “They never gave up hoping you were still alive. I am sure they will be overjoyed for a reunion.”

The woman opened her mouth to ask about just what had happened, only to start shuddering, her jaw clenching, and she swallowed her words, only managing a strangled affirmation. Seeing that, and what else my Eye could discern, I gestured, and Christina and my soon-to-be father-in-law stepped aside.

“This is a mess.” I growled, furious. “I can still see scars on their bodies, despite your attempts to fix them. And they clearly still aren’t right. Talking to them, it’s as though there are bits missing. Their reactions are subtly off, and they seem scared of everything.”

“We’ve done the best we can.” Christina protested. “Yes, there are… absences. The memory alteration technique isn’t an exact science. We’re lucky we needed it, and the cat who has the talent is someone Adam is able to trust, or else…” Christina made her throat-slitting gesture again. “Mind control, memory alteration, compulsion, domination, illusions… anything that affects free will he deems exceptionally dangerous. It must be rigorously controlled. You’ve seen the Matrix, right?”

I nodded, having watched it when it was on TV a few years back. “Your point?”

“That it’s a terrible film. Makes no sense at all.” She snorted, amused. “The machines would be better off burning the humans and their food for fuel rather than introducing greater inefficiencies by using biological processes and their waste heat. Now I did hear originally they were meant to be used for a neural network, which does remind me of some clever research in Russia, but…” she trailed off, seeing I wasn’t amused. “It was a joke. Obviously my point was that once you realise that everything you feel and experience could be fake, nothing can be trusted. If your thoughts aren’t your own, are you really you? I can see Adam’s point, though the scientist in me says that if something is indistinguishable from reality, it is real.”

“I get that. And that’s not the only dangerous ability.” Hyacinth… honestly I think she could wipe out all life on Earth now if she tried hard enough, and that worries me. If she can do it, can others do something of equal scale?

“We’re not natural enemies, Akio. Not at all.” Christina giggled. “We have more in common than you think.” She looked at me, seeing as I was starting to look uncomfortable, a faint trickle of blood coming from my nose. “You’re experimenting right now, aren’t you? On yourself? I can tell.” She inquired eagerly.

“You’re not wrong, but… I’m not like you.” I insisted. She was right about one thing though, while I was taking care of my business here, I was also in my other subtle body, running through Shiro’s new buff and how I could mitigate the downsides. I had just switched to restraining it with both my bodies, using Boiling Blood Resonance Link and Soothing Waters Of Self-Sacrifice. Now that I was using my Material form as well, the escalating backlash was visible to Christina, who was annoyingly observant.

“How is it, Aki?” Shiro was asking me, seeing as I looked rather pained. The great Rhyming Tree was swaying even though there was no breeze in the Boundary, and the brilliant glow around it and the skies above had intensified, being nearly twice as strong.

“I’m more worried about Asha.” Eri was saying, and Daiyu agreed.

“Akio will be fine. Such wounds are nothing to him. But Asha is with child…”

Asha nodded, feeling a little tense, one hand on her belly, the other on her Tree, yet her expression was trusting. “I watched your tests, and how they were managed without harm to any but Akio. I believe no danger will befall my Tree, yet… the sensation is strange.” She stroked the bark tenderly, and she herself was glowing with the brilliant light of elemental energies, and I could see that a change was left in Asha, her spiritual body more dense, solid somehow. “I feel slow moving sap racing, the stately thoughts and feelings of my other self normally ponderous as the seasons, now rapid, like the tides.”

“Yeah, your Tree is so huge that it’s both a blessing and a curse.” I laughed, despite the pain, though I was more than able to cope with the escalating punishment through the Link, my Ether Healing keeping up. “The effect of Shiro’s Berserk Blessing is spread over a large area, but conversely, the backlash on me is magnified. I feel a bit like a used rag.”

“Aww, suck it up baby.” Shiro snickered, though one of her eyes were crimson. “Tan says this is a very impressive Tree.” she said to Asha, who looked proud. “The higher Astral of course has forests of similar plants, and other wonders, but this Tree is working at a pace that borders on the strongest worlds that have yet to shed their Boundaries. She’d be delighted to have it in her Territory… what’s the problem, you said it, I’m just sharing. Don’t get all tsundere on me now…” Shiro criticised Tan jokingly, before looking more serious. “There’s a problem though. No, two problems, really.”

“Yeah, Kyoto troubles.” I observed, seeing the sky trembling. “I don’t think the Boundary is supposed to have this sort of ether density.”

“It is rather refreshing though.” Daiyu laughed. “I can feel my Qi building just standing here.”

“Looks like we are getting to a difficult situation.” I grimaced. “I believe I can certainly keep this up a few hours more, especially since having two bodies I can cheat the resonance and split the punishment in half. But we are going to either have to deploy Artificial Ether Spires here as well to try and keep the ether density from spreading and causing the Boundary to fracture, or just suck it up and let the Boundary crack… but I don’t think we’re ready for the consequences of that yet.”

“Yeah, and the second problem is… this is going to attract a lot of attention. We’re already constantly being bothered by attacks on our borders.” Shiro observed. “I mean, calling it a bother is wrong, I suppose. Maybe call it free xp and loot?”

My sis laughed at that. “No kidding. They can’t handle the forces here, so they just get taken out, but the numbers are increasing, I hear, right? Especially on the coast.”

“We aren’t the strongest force out there. If an etheric tide happens, every damn thing that washes down from the lower Astral, or worse, further out there, will be drawn to us like we’re burning a beacon.” I sighed.

“There is another solution.” Tan declared. Not letting Shiro speak for her this time, and I found it rather amusing that she was so easy to tease. “Simply reach a Territory of the fourth Rank and it will buy you some time. The problem will not go away, but…”

“Of course.” Eri pointed out. When Yu-mi asked her what she had realised, Eri explained. Yeah, I get it too. It’s obvious really. “Shaeula’s home, the Seelie Court, has a number of Trees like this, right Asha?”

“As my Tree is now, perhaps only three to match or exceed it. But in its normal state, unaffected by your great powers, Shiro…” Shiro flushed and looked away at her praise, a charming sight which made me smile. “…likely hundreds. Though many are lost and few are born anew. Although…”

“Yeah.” I met her eyes, my expression resolute, my mind made up . “New ones will be born.”

“In that case…” By rough estimations, we could reasonably expect to double the ether output of the Tree, though not all the time, as it took time to escalate, and it would eventually reach a point the Tree would be harmed. That would happen almost instantly if I wasn’t resonating and soothing, but fortunately I’m able to cope… “We can pull the Artificial Ether Spires back to here for now, and concentrate on squeezing out as much ether as we can. We need another hundred and fifty-five million, give or take. I reckon if we aim for an extra million per day on the Material, then that would take us to roughly five million a day, or just after the turn of the year for the instant construction. We might make less, or possibly more, but if we say an average of a million, it makes estimation easy.” I can’t always be available to pair with the Tree, and there’s no way we can use Berserk Blessing without me mitigating it. Asha’s… Asha’s pregnant. At least we only have to worry about preparing clothes and toys for one sex… it’ll be a girl.

“Great. When we reach Rank four, we can swallow up all of the greater Tokyo area, and even Mount Fuji…” Shiro boasted.

Back on the Material, Christina seemed insulted. “It’s exactly the same. You are prepared to push beyond your limits, even harm yourself…” She put one hand on her waist and pointed triumphantly at me with the other, looking rather like a teapot, which amused me. “…hence why you’re bleeding. And I would wager that you have done experiments on others too. Go on, I’ll wager anything I’m right.” She bent her waist, pushing out her chest.

“No thanks.” I declined her dryly. She’s not totally wrong. Kondou Kazuo… that’s something I can’t exactly deny, though it was also justice for Haru. It does show how easily one can justify things, and perhaps start on a dangerous path. No, Christina Bakker is an example of what one can become when they let curiosity get the better of their reason and morality.

“Don’t think that I’m some sort of monster.” Christina shook her head. “If the situation is as dire as you describe, and Earth is in danger, the luxury of leisurely, ethical research isn’t one we can afford. But I am prepared to shoulder the burden. As are you, it seems. So you can judge me, if you must, but at least understand I hardly do this lightly. Besides…” her eye gleamed with curiosity. “Don’t you want to know all there is to know? And if you could save the lives of those girls you are so proud of, such as his daughter…” she nodded at Tsumura-san, who was looking on, stony-faced. “…wouldn’t you accept knowledge, even if gained through less than savoury means?”

She had intuited some of my thoughts, and the truths within her words annoyed me. Just as I accepted the power from Yamato-san, and the other Chosen I’ve killed, I can’t back down now. But I want a world where we don’t have to make the crueller choice… Turning to my father-in-law, I sighed. “Have you documented the scars and remaining injuries on the victims?”

He nodded. “We’ve photographed them, and have records. We used a female to photograph the women, of course.”

“Right. Well, I’ll remove their scars and check to make sure everyone is fully healthy, but we don’t want the wounds forgotten.” Christina made an embarrassed gesture at that. “What about the families?”

“The Japanese ones have been notified. It was a shock, most thought their loved ones dead. Fortunately it’s not so hard to convince them of uncanny things nowadays.” His tone was dry. “As for the British citizens, we’ve notified their Government, but perhaps you should speak to the Princess yourself, considering your cooperation?”

“That’s a good idea. I was planning to.” I agreed. Taking out my phone, I called Eleanor, who picked up a few moments later, sounding tired.

“It’s early yet, what do you want?” she yawned, her tone casual yet somehow regal.

“Sorry to bother you so early, time zones are a pain, I know. But you really should have been up by now.”

She snorted sourly. “I had a late finish last night. There’s always more to do. So do forgive me for indulging in a long nap. We can’t all have shed our humanity, can we?” Her tone was acerbic, but not in the way she used to be, where my very presence seemed to have offended her. “So what do you want? I doubt you called because you were eager to hear my voice. Trouble, I assume?”

I laughed at her phrasing. “It’s mean to think I always call you when there’s a problem. Though in a way there might be.”

“I thought as much.” Eleanor said, sounding satisfied. “Well, out with it.” She yawned again. “I have to meet some distinguished visitors later today.”

“You’re government now knows…” I didn’t hesitate, but explained. “…so they’ll be returned when I’ve established just what long-term effects the memory manipulation has on them and I’ve confirmed their health.” I finished. There was a long silence, Eleanor clearly thinking, before she spoke wearily.

“Curse those Americans. The poor, pitiable people they abducted…” I could tell she was upset, and that spoke well of her kindness. “…for now, we not only need to deal with that matter, but several other issues.” She paused, hesitating. “I saw the news about South Korea. In addition… I have a favour to ask of you, if you would.”

“Sure.” I agreed without hesitation. “No problem.”

“You could ask what it is first, but… I shouldn’t argue when you are being generous. Fine. I think we need to speak in person, but I can’t fly to Japan today, I’ll use the Ring Gate, as you call it. Is later this afternoon fine?”

I agreed. “Yes, but I’ve got a big meeting scheduled, so I’ll need to take care of that…”

We hashed out the details, and Eleanor would come later with her close-knit group, and we could discuss what we were going to do. Eleanor wanted to reunite the stolen citizens with their families as soon as possible, but she also realised that as they were Chosen, and had been through a grave ordeal, we had to make sure they were psychologically ready and stable enough to reintegrate to society. Christina, having listened to my conversation, grinned. “It seems she is warmer towards you than before, you lady-killer you.”

“Enough.” I sighed, not wanting to indulge her nonsense. “Now we need to do some baseline personality tests and give them an assessment…”

“That’s fine. We provided the results of our tests in the files..” Christina said, for a moment looking like a proper doctor or scientist, before her teasing grin came back, ruining the image. “Not that you’d trust them, of course…”

No, I wouldn’t. I wouldn’t indeed…

********

“All right then.” I said to Eleanor, who had arrived, wearing her usual green and copper plate. She was accompanied by David, who greeted me with a casual wave, Sir Arthur, and the two women, Miss Aditi and Mrs Mary-Jane. The last two had been undergoing training in our Territory regularly, and had even mastered several elements, their enhanced Astral bodies, even damaged by the loss of their Favours, more adaptable. “Sorry about this, but I need to set things in motion, and then I can spare you time to hear your request.”

“It’s fine.” Eleanor shook her head. “I’m not so ungrateful as to demand you prioritise me when we are here asking for favours, and you have also done us a service helping secure our kidnapped citizens.” David snorted, amused by her words, and Eleanor turned to glower at him, her blue eyes stern, before she looked out over the crowd, sighing. “However… there seems to be an awful lot of women here…”

Glancing out over the crowd, comprising of the members of Adamant, Yu-mi looking proud in the front row in her new officer uniform, as well as a number of trustworthy others, such as Ulfuric and other Fae, and some male allies such as Arangbō the Tengu, and even Hikawa Ren-kun, who was with Asami-chan, Kana’s friend, arm-in-arm. Seeing that, I glanced at a tired-looking Kana, who was with my other girls up on the podium alongside me. She smiled, amused. “Looks like she’s persuaded him to go out with her. I knew she would. Asami-chan’s like me and gets who she wants.” She winked again, and I felt a little guilty for the way I’d strung Kana along, but that was the past, so I set it aside. “I wonder who Mio-chan has her eyes on. She’s pretty too, so she’ll have no trouble finding a decent boyfriend.” Kana finished.

“Much as I do love talking about romance, this is not-not the time.” Shaeula grinned, having returned with Hyacinth. “No, this is the time for showing our true-true power!”

Ignoring the girls as they bantered with each other, I replied to Eleanor. “Not just girls, as you can see. Though there are a few, yes. Please overlook it.”

Eleanor merely sighed. “Of course. I have learned my lesson. It isn’t for me to dictate how you live your life. Even grandmother wouldn’t try, not even if you were a British citizen. Oh, I forgot to tell you, you are, again.” That didn’t surprise me, what with the new Japanese laws allowing dual nationality, and considering I was being honoured early next year, it had to be sorted quickly. “That goes for your Fae as well as your sister. The others… that would be more diplomatically challenging. But it’s not necessary for you.” She nodded at Shiro, who shrugged.

“Yeah, I’ve no connection with Britain. So it’s fine. Anyway…” she narrowed her eyes, and I understood her meaning.

“Obviously what we discuss here is a secret.” I said, and Eleanor’s group promised their silence. It was now time to speak, so I addressed the crowd, as Eleanor’s group left the podium to join the throng. 

“You’re all aware that I went to another country to deal with some people abusing their powers.” There were nods, the humans having either heard about it from others or seen the news, while a lot of the Fae had heard Shaeula’s boasting about my victories. “We were successful, thanks in no small part to Shiro, my sister Aiko, Haru, Arisu-san and Ginneka.” Arisu-san, who was watching from a chair at the side, nodded cooly. Suzu-san was beside her, toying idly with her drill curls, looking bored. Ginneka seemed thrilled at my praise, meowing loudly, and my sis was proud too, waving to the crowd, which got a few laughs.

“However, there are certainly problems to deal with.” Haru nodded at that. She had returned, but even now Motoko’s grandfather was still arguing with the South Korean government over their at best careless, at worst malicious, leaking of our abilities in action. “But setting that aside, more importantly, we have to prevent others from misusing these abilities, and what better way than by taking them for ourselves. However…” I took a deep breath, before explaining. “It’s not so simple. Not only is it a grave responsibility, one which will change your life forever, binding you to my cause, your life no longer entirely your own, but it is a responsibility not so easily grasped. Most people have no compatibility, and those that do, often have to undergo trials and challenges to improve themselves so the Favour will hold. I won’t force anyone to try out, but…” I looked around, and my girls who didn’t have Favours were looking at me with interest in their eyes. I had explained the Favours we were holding to them before this, and so they had all been thinking about it in their own ways.

“…it will change your destiny.” I promised. “Great responsibility comes with significant rewards. You’ll be under my full protection, and I’ll never betray you, so long as you do your duty. Now…” my eyes narrowed, and I was surprised, as I could already feel someone perfect for a Favour, surprising me. I followed my instincts, only to see a small doll-like figure kicking her legs in desultory fashion. On seeing me looking, she was stunned. “… there are three Favours. One that honestly I think is not of great use, but even a weak Favour allows Territory construction and no level cap, so it has value.” I explained about Aergia’s Favour. Unfortunately other than Azuki, the Zashiki-Warashi, there seemed no other suitable candidates.

“The second…” I raised my voice to address the crowd. “Is a martial favour, the ability to cast forth arrows of light to strike distant foes with unerring accuracy. I believe those skilled with the bow and light element should be suitable…”

“Motoko, you should go for this.” Natsumi said eagerly. “With your skills, and Aiko graciously ceding it to others…” My sis flushed at that, proud but embarrassed. “…you should take advantage. We need to learn more elements, so light makes perfect sense for you.”

Motoko looked at her, frowning. “While I am reluctant to focus on one part of the path of Tsumura Arts above the others, I do want to be useful to Akio. However… is not what you have said to me also applicable to you, Natsumi? You are equally skilled with the bow, and can learn light element just as easy as I.”

Natsumi shook her head. The crowd were also talking to each other, and before they could speak further, Bell spoke up, raising a hand. “I wish to try for it. I understand it makes more sense for one of your wives to take it, since you are a generous husband…” She grinned, teasing me, our relationship having deepened a little since we had fought together in the trials of the Tengu. “…but even if you decline my feelings, my loyalty you wouldn’t dare to question, would you?”

I shook my head. “No, I have no complaints, Bell.”

“Me too!” Soliteare also volunteered. “I’m as skilled as Bell and rather disappointed you never took me on your trip. I was so jealous. I want to try as well. Grandfather wanted me to be helpful to you, and… other things. But I am no less worthy than Bell.” She paused, looking at Moira. “How about you? Interested? Though you’re more towards the dark than the light.”

Moira pursed her lips, frowning. “No, I am no fighter, but in charge of strategic thinking. It would be wasted on me. However, ideally, it should definitely be retained by Akio and his direct family or subordinates. Such rare powers are too valuable to mishandle.”

“I agree.” Natsumi pressed. “Motoko, your competition is fierce. Do your best to win, I’ll be cheering for you!”

“Will you?” Motoko didn’t seem grateful, instead, her face was pale with suppressed fury. Seeing that, I opened my mouth to intervene, but Eri grabbed one arm, and Daiyu the other.

Mouth shut, Akio. This is one of those times we girls have to sort things out ourselves. It must be tough for them, their relationship is old, deep and complicated. They’ve changed, but some habits are hard to break. Eri’s thoughts echoed in my head, so I shut my mouth, uncomfortable. Widening my vision with aether I could see that Shaeula, Tsukiko and Shiro were looking on knowingly. Hinata too. She had hurried back with Haru, and her bad mood caused by the Korean situation lifted a little as she looked at Motoko and Natsumi affectionately, with some exasperation too.

“Yes, of course. You’re my best friend…” Natsumi began, only for Motoko to take a deep, shuddering breath.

“Akio, can you shield us from scrutiny for a moment? This is a … family matter. Just for us.” she asked, so I nodded. I told the crowd we’d be a moment, and to consider their own options carefully, and a wall of rock blocked us from view.

“Am I your friend, Natsumi?” Motoko asked, and Natsumi seemed offended.

“You’d ask me that now? I love you Motoko, I always have. I’ve always been by your side, so I want what’s best for you…”

“Tell me the truth, Natsumi.” Motoko pressed. “You want the Favour just as much as I, do you not?”

Those words silenced her, and Natsumi looked sad for a moment. “I do, but you’re better at Tsumura Arts than I am, and…”

“I do not want to hear excuses or rationalisations. I want the truth. If I am your friend, no longer your master, or above you being as my family is high in the Fifty-Eight… then give me that. I never lie to myself, nor should you. Not even if you think it is what I want, what you want.”

“I… I…” Natsumi looked sad, before slapping herself across her cheeks, the sound loud. Lowering her hands, I could see her cheeks were now red, and her eyes too. “Of course I want to be someone Akio relies on, I want the power to be by his side in battle, not a burden. I want to use Tsumura Arts to make a difference. But I have to be true to myself, you should go first and…” Natsumi was surprised as Motoko hugged her. Motoko’s eyes told me what I needed to do, so I encircled them both with my arms, a three-way hug, feeling each other’s warmth.

“Motoko, Natsumi. You’re both equal in my eyes. Who’s better now, who can stand at my side, who can fight… we’ve only just started this path. The future isn’t determined by the now, only by how much we support each other. So… Motoko, tell Natsumi how you feel.”

“I want a Favour. You are correct. But I do not merely want to be given it, if it could also be yours, Natsumi. Because… I struggled to see the correct path. It was Hinata and Aiko…” the two of them were surprised at her words. “…who showed me it was wrong to merely treat you as a bodyguard. We… we love the same man, and we love each other. And Akio is right. If it is not now, then it will be later. But I will never rob you.” She turned to look at the others as well. “None of you. My love for Akio and for you all is no lesser than anyone else. And I have my pride too. Natsumi… I may be your instructor in Tsumura Arts, but in terms of serving our husband, we are equal. I shall merely be Oshiro Motoko, and you will be Oshiro Natsumi. Our status, our skills… meaningless. All that matters is our hearts. So… please do not try and bow to me, step down in front of me. I would hate that, it would break my heart, and Akio would hate it too.”

“I would.” I agreed. “Deciding who gets what Favour is hard, as it’s such a treasure it feels unfair to those who miss out. But I’ll be sure to be fair, and I have some ideas. Trust me.” I winked. “Besides, you might not win, Bell and Soliteare seem fired up!”

Natsumi suddenly giggled, face flushed. “I’m ashamed of myself. Honestly… yes, I want to be the one who wins, but thinking that I’ve taken the opportunity from you, Motoko, it’s hard! I know we’re equal.” Her flush deepened. “When we served our husband together on the bed, my heart accepted it. But what the heart accepts, the mind doesn’t always. Sorry. I see you as my big sister, my teacher, my lord and my friend…”

“We are the same age…” Motoko said, a little irritated. “I am not the big sister.”

“You seem more mature.” Natsumi laughed. “Honesty time… I’m jealous of you all. It sometimes seems I’m not needed. I don’t have powers, I don’t bring connections like Motoko does, not really. I… sometimes wonder why you…”

“Nope.” I kissed her then. She was surprised, but moments later she responded, her tongue tangling with mine. As we parted, Motoko rapped her on the head.

“Silly girl. As your teacher, I am disappointed. Tsumura Arts requires a steadfast heart, clear mind and unclouded eyes. It is about love, not gain.”

“Well said. I know you understand, Motoko.” Eri approved. “None of this! Now I’ve finally resolved my heart and mind, I won’t let Daiyu or you go off the rails, Natsumi! Akio loves you. He loves me. He loves us all. He probably has a lot more love inside him, more’s the pity. But what matters is not which of you takes the Favour, only that whoever gets it ends up helping Akio. There’s always a path to power. After all, I don’t have a Favour, and I’ve developed a new way of helping a lot!” She said smugly.

“All right, less boasting.” I smiled. “So… Motoko, Natsumi… you both have an interest?”

“We do.” Natsumi said, her mind made up. “Sorry, Motoko. I wasn’t thinking with my heart.”

“I shall punish you with a thousand repetitions of the basic forms, to clear your mind of doubts.” Motoko smiled charmingly. I gave her a kiss too, to be fair, and released them, the rock wall crumbling behind us.

“Sorry about that, everyone.” I addressed the crowd below. “Family drama. In that case, anyone else think they might have what it takes?” Honestly, Motoko, Natsumi, Bell and Soliteare weren’t incredibly compatible, and certainly couldn’t take it now, I could tell, but with some adjustments, they might be barely able to, like Kana was able to take Kṣitigarbha’s favour after mastering earth element. Other than Azuki, who I would speak to when this was done, nobody else stood out, except…

“If I may speak?” A surprising hand shot up, and it was Miss Aditi, one of Eleanor’s companions. “I was favoured by Arjuna, and though I was robbed of my strengths, I still have an urge to fight for princess Eleanor, and for what is right. I… if I may challenge your trial, good sir, I would be forever grateful.” She curtsied elegantly.

Now that… I did not see coming! Exchanging a glance with Eleanor, who also seemed surprised, I frowned. Her compatibility isn’t there yet, but… it’s no worse than the others. What to do, what to do?