On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Side One Hundred And Sixty-Nine – Officer Usui Yoriko

“Cheers!” The delighted cries echoed around the restaurant’s private room, as glasses chinked together. Yoriko took a deep gulp from her glass mug of beer, starting to feel relaxed. It’s been one hell of a day. We’ve got some hints to a bigger picture, but no concrete leads, although as the Detective would say, my intuition is telling me something big is up. But putting work aside… Yoriko took another big swig and raised the question she had been wondering.

“So, who’s the newcomer then?” Yoriko looked at the delicate woman with the prominent nose and long, elegantly violet hair. Despite the warmth of the restaurant, she was wearing a long coat, though it bulged at the back a little. My job involves noticing tiny details. Not that it takes much perception to notice something this abnormal.

Before the woman could answer, Shiro spoke up happily. “That’s Haanōbō.” The name was very old-fashioned. “She’s Aki’s…” Shiro gave a long pause, enjoying the moment. “…sister.”

“Huh?” Yoriko was surprised. “Sister? That can’t be right. I’ve met Akio-kun’s sister, Aiko-chan. And he only has one!” I’d believe it if she said this Haanōbō was his lover, but sister?

“I do so wish you would not tease me.” Haanōbō declared, eyes downcast, her face slightly flushed.

“But it’s all true though, you can’t deny it.” Shiro laughed meanly. As her friends scolded her, asking her to behave, she waved their chastisement off cheerfully. “I wasn’t there, but I know what happened, and it’s a very Aki story!” As she explained, Haanōbō interjecting sullenly at points, everyone listened to the tale. When Shiro finished with a flourish, declaring “So yes, Aki bagged himself a new sister, and the respect of Tarōbō, ruler of mount Atago…” everyone laughed and clapped, and Haanōbō dipped her head.

“It is rather frustrating, though I do feel grateful he defended my honour against my brothers. Despite how it turned out.” Haanōbō dipped her head in mourning. “Speaking of such, Great Tarōbō is waiting for Akio to return, so that the investiture as Summer South can be performed. Though… we still lack an Autumn West.”

“Oh, sorry. Motoko and Natsumi did say it was pretty terrible.” Shiro felt bad for a moment, it seemed. “Don’t feel bad for your traitor brother though, only the one that was betrayed. Though… easier said than done, I admit.”

“I think that’s enough gloomy talk.” Karen-chan said. I’ve got used to calling her Karen-chan, as most people do, and she doesn’t seem to mind. I guess we’re following Akio-kun on that. The older woman had a calm expression on her face, as she addressed Shiro and Haanōbō. “I do find it funny Akio-kun has to justify himself that way, but…”

Shaeula, the small Fae who had helped with the Oracle Engine, nodded. Unlike the others who had listened intently to Shiro’s funny, likely exaggerated story of mount Atago, she had continued to drink. Beside her was the silent Hyacinth, though unusually she was not standing behind everyone in her knock-off Akiba maid outfit, but was sitting wearing a rather elegant white dress, though her eyes were twitching and her pale skin was clammy with sweat. “He is not-not so honest.” Shaeula smiled, licking her lips to extract the last drops of beer, as she reached for a bottle. Hyacinth stretched out a hand to grab it, but at Shaeula’s stern expression she withdrew it, trembling a little. “Hyacinth, I know-know you take pleasure in serving, and I have no-no wish to deny you usually, but you agreed that tonight you would make an effort to be just-just as any of us. That is your duty as a bride of Akio.”

“I knooow.” Hyacinth said. “Hyacinth will try, I promised. But it is sooo hard.” There was laughter, gentle and kind, and Yoriko shook her head. Such a strange girl. But she sure is exotic, with those eyes and that hair… Unusual hair colours, instead of being something one in a million possessed, such as Shiro, were now cropping up everywhere. Though the Detective did say he loves unique hair and eye colours, not because they make a girl look pretty, but because they are easy ways of catching a culprit. That’s so like him. No wonder his daughters aren’t always impressed with him.

“Yes, see that you do-do.” Shaeula smiled kindly. “We all must-must rise above our natures. The same likely goes for you, Haanōbō.”

The woman nodded, and Shiro continued. “Well, it’s just us older women today. I don’t like saying adults, as Hinata, Daiyu and the others are shouldering the weight of responsibility of any of us and know their own minds. But…”

“Yeah, we get it.” Shiro affirmed. “Anyway, Hinata’s still dealing with the Korean situation, Aki and Eri are having fun in Korea still, Kana is working hard, poor girl… Daiyu says she is in a delicate stage of her Cultivation, Motoko and Natsumi have some noble function or other… so yeah… that just leaves Asha really. But since she’s pregnant, she’s taking it easy…”

“I still can’t believe it.” Aimi-chan, the short friend of Akio-kun’s with a surprisingly large chest, which made Yoriko a little jealous, if she was honest with herself, said. Not that this room is good for anyone who’s insecure. When you look at Shiro, and also Matsumuro-san… she glanced over at the so-called Lady Diviner, who was a picture of stunning Japanese elegance, only her crimson eyes differing from the norm. Meeting her gaze, Matsumuro-san covered her shyness with a sip of her beer, glass hiding her face, and Yoriko had to bite down on a chuckle. From what I’ve heard, she always covered herself with a veil, hiding her appearance from the world. It must be embarrassing and uncomfortable showing herself now.

“Me neither. I never thought Akio-kun would be the first of us to have kids.” The pretty yet quiet Hina-chan said softly.

“Yes, I thought it would be you and Hayato.” Shiro agreed. “Well, he doesn’t know yet, so that’ll be a surprise.”

“Just how long is a Fae pregnancy anyway?” Aimi-chan asked, and suddenly all eyes were on Shaeula, who flushed adorably.

“I do not-not know. I understand that mortals typically take nine months, but we Fae… it depends on a number of factors. Dryads are not weaselkin, nor are they Brownies, so for me to say-say…” she shrugged. “The stronger the mother, the quicker, and the stronger the child, the more-more time it takes to incarnate. In some-some cases, it could be years. In others, mere months or days…” she paused. “I do wonder what my-my child with Akio will be like.”

“Damn, that’s cute.” Karen-chan laughed. “I remember the first time I met you, Shaeula, I thought Akio-kun had crossed the line and kidnapped a schoolgirl. I was shocked.”

“I… I had a strange first impression too.” Ichika-chan spoke up nervously. She was sitting between Yoriko and Shaeula, keeping to those she knew best. “But now… we’re friends…” Her voice dropped to a nervous murmur, and Yoriko sympathised. I’ll help her out. Since we’ve got along after the incident with the art scam and loansharking. Clapping her shoulder warmly, Yoriko grinned.

“Of course you are. You’re here, aren’t you? Besides, I don’t think Shaeula is one to let someone slip out of her grasp.”

“Yes…” Ichika-chan agreed softly. “She even persuaded me to have Chirurgery, I… I didn’t need it, but…”

“That’s where you’re wrong.” Yoriko shook her head. “I was telling the Detective the same thing, when he was hesitating to have his wife and daughters worked on. Better to be strong than not, right?”

“Yes.” It was Matsumuro-san who spoke up softly. “Better to have strength and not require it, than need it and have none. That way only lies regret.”

“That’s right.” Shiro puffed out her chest proudly. “I’m living proof of that! But that’s over with, Tsuki.” She shortened the name adorably, making the only woman who could match Shiro’s beauty blush. Though to be fair, Shaeula and Hyacinth are stunning too, there’s just something… inhumanly perfect about the other two. But then, damn it, I’m cute too! There’s not a plain person in the room! Feeling defeated somehow, she downed her beer, before taking another bottle and tipping it into her glass, foam frothing.

“Look, can we change the subject? We aren’t here to talk about Akio-kun.” Yoriko said loudly. “Otherwise you will all just end up boasting all night. At least let’s have a subject we can all enjoy!”

“Well said…” Haanōbō muttered, only for Shiro to call her out on that, for being an ungrateful sister, which made the woman dip her head, face red and mouth set in a pout.

“I think that’s fine.” Aimi-chan said, giggling. “The boys are having their own party too, and they won’t want to talk about Akio-kun all night either. In fact…” she glanced at Shiro slyly. “They’ve invited that guy Bunta-san. They are just desperate to find out about the sides to you we don’t know, Shiro.”

“It’s a bit late.” Shiro snorted. “But sure, I’ve nothing to hide. Though Bunta had better watch his mouth…”

“If he could hear you say that, he’d be quivering in fear.” Yoriko giggled, remembering the way Bunta-san had spoken of her earlier. “He’s really frightened of you, or at least what he calls the ‘devil inside you’.”

Shiro laughed, only for her eyes to flare red, and her voice and facial expressions to change, looking entirely unlike herself. “How… insolent. I can see my lessons have not stuck. I am no devil, I am a Goddess, far above mere mortals.”

“It’s actions like that which have him convinced you’re a demon.” Yoriko couldn’t help but smile. “It’s crazy seeing it in action though…”

“The Gods are indeed above mortal concerns.” Matsumuro-san said happily. No, I think Tsuki-san suits her better. There’s something pure about her, like paper that’s yet to be written on, or a pool of clear, untainted water. “Although, you seem rather wrapped up in the concerns of Akio.”

Shiro, no, the being known as Tan blinked, surprised. “You have grown bold to speak thus to me, priestess of Tsukuyomi. How very… curious.”

“I simply speak the truth. I abhor lies.” Shaeula nodded, pleased, at Tsuki-san’s words. “But I apologise, we were changing the subject.”

“Nah, it’s fine. All roads lead back to Aki right now.” Shiro took control back. “Anyway, he’ll be back in the morning, and he’s bringing gifts. So everyone’ll be all fired up tomorrow. So we might as well party like there is no tomorrow, as when the day rolls around, we’ll all be so busy. Ugh…” Shiro explained about her new ability. “…so yeah, I’ll be working with Asha to further strengthen her and her Tree. Once we’ve worked out it’s safe, of course. Asha’s not just got to worry about herself now.”

“Speaking of work…” Hina-chan looked at Yoriko, curious. “How did the predictions of the Oracle Engine go?” Ignoring Shaeula’s boasting that since it was using her Fortune, it was likely flawless, Yoriko shrugged.

“I’m not supposed to talk about an investigation in progress, but considering we came to you for help, I’m sure I can let it slide.” The Detective is big on following the rules, but even he knows when to bend it, like he did when he thought he was going to die at Shirohebizumi shrine. “Basically, we have found some clues…” Rattling them off, everyone listened intently, though some, like Haanōbō, seemed rather confused by a lot of the strange terms. “…so yeah, it’s not a hundred percent sure, but the last two attacks, one which led to death, and the other just a horrible maiming, seem to have a different perpetrator. Although… did you know Shinohara-sama was healed by Akio-kun?”

“All-all roads lead to Akio indeed.” Shaeula snorted. “I believe it was Hinata’s idea. The situation in this Southern Korea is quite-quite tense, but we can not-not neglect our own struggles. She called it… ah yes, pre-emptive PR…”

“In any case, Shinohara-sama is a good woman, who has done many good deeds over the years. So we can hardly complain. Though the Detective grumbled that it would be hell getting a conviction on the crime of causing her injuries when they have just up and vanished without a trace!”

“Hospital records would surely exist.” Hina-chan pointed out, and Aimi-chan chimed in too.

“Yeah, and it was on TV. Besides, isn’t that your job now, Usui-san?”

“Call me Yoriko. I like the informality you all display. It makes sense though.” She giggled, enjoying the pleasant feeling of drunkenness already spreading through her. “We have Faeries, Goddesses and… uh, sorry, you’re a Tengu, right?” Haanōbō nodded at that. “…as well as people from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s only natural to be relaxed. But you’re right. It is our job.”

“It sounds to me…” Ichika-chan spoke up hesitantly. “No, sorry… it’s nothing.”

“We’re all friends here. No need to be shy.” Yoriko reassured her. “Besides, this is a party. Just a light-hearted gathering. If you say something stupid we’ll just all laugh and drink some more.”

“Well said indeed!” Shaeula approved. “I do not-not think you need be so timid, Ichika. I understand you have had hard-hard times, but they are over now, and will not-not return!”

“I… guess not.” Ichika-chan said softly. “You know, some… some of the girls who went missing I used to know came back. Not all…” she shuddered. “I imagine that some of them never wanted to see Tokyo or anyone they knew again. To think, that was almost me…”

“But it wasn’t.” Aimi-chan put her arms around Ichika-chan comfortingly, and Ichika-chan squirmed. As well she might, those boobs are massive. Lucky girl. “And Shaeula is right. It won’t happen again.”

“I hope not. I still feel bad, but…” Ichika-chan swallowed, struggling to put her thoughts into words. “…while I still don’t feel I’m a good friend, I want to be. So I’ll try hard.”

“It is not something you try.” Tsuki-san said softly. “It is something you are. All relationships are not dictated by others. If someone loves you, or feels you are a friend, best not to worry about why. Such things are precious, I have found, and not even the Gods know they why of human emotions.”

Shiro spoke up, laughing. “Tan disagrees. Tan says the Gods know emotions just fine, in fact… they often feel some more keenly than humans. Love, lust, envy, vengeance, hatred… though some indeed have an absence. She says she understands love just fine…” Shiro rolled her eyes. “I bet you do Tan. Oh…” she paused, grinning. “…she says even her sisters understand, in their backward, wrongheaded ways. Her words, not mine.”

“I… I know. I just don’t think I contribute.” Ichika-chan sighed. “But I know that’s my own problem. Anyway… I was listening and… the attack on Shinohara-sama seems a bit like a warning. Or a message. Just like the company that loaned me the money used threats of what happened to the others to scare me, to scare us…”

“Then who would be the target of such a message?” Aimi-chan asked, troubled by it all. Hina-chan was looking sick, she didn’t like thinking about dangerous things, so Aimi-chan patted her hand reassuringly. “It wouldn’t be Akio-kun, I mean… it’s not even something he knew much about.”

“Maybe not, but there’s a lot of resentment for him in those shrines.” Yoriko pointed out. “I think there’s more to this. A long game.”

“In that case, you should not-not delay and simply ask Yasaka regarding the matter. We can not-not have any sparks falling on Akio.” Shaeula insisted. “Although right now he can not-not answer you. He was sent further, rather interesting questions, and while his Book answered, he was left in a very-very weakened state. He will sleep for days, I imagine. But be happy, for Akio is bringing gifts, as you said, did you not-not, Shiro?”

“Yep.” She agreed brightly. “Though you’ll have to wait and see just what they are. I think you at least will be pleased, Shaeula.”

“We can’t ask. If it was up to me, I’d do it.” Yoriko snorted, drinking more beer. “But I do understand why the Detective is suck a stickler for traditional policework. I mean, if you and Yasaka-san are gone, then if we rely on you, we’ll get lazy and lose the ability to investigate properly.”

“That’s one reason for the Oracle Engine, right?” Aimi-chan smiled, jiggling as she drank her beer. Is she doing that on purpose? “So that you can cheat without worry of the resource suddenly disappearing?”

“Though with lesser Fortune than mine-mine, results will be less striking.” Shaeula puffed out her modest chest, a sight that didn’t cause Yoriko twinges of envy. “But I shall not-not be swayed. I shall ask Yasaka myself when he recovers, to make sure nothing threatens Akio.”

“You do you!” Yoriko shrugged. “Feel free to drop me a tip-off, I’ll keep it a secret. Anyway, this topic is gloomy. Let’s keep drinking!” I’m going to cut loose, as I feel overtime is on the horizon for me yet again!

********

“Cheers!” the cry came again, and glasses were slammed together loudly. Yoriko took a gulp of beer, before turning her attention back to the sumptuous spread in front of her. I guess working for the Ministry and being tight with Akio-kun’s group has its perks…

“…so yeah, it’s very exciting.” Hina-chan was saying, her face flushed from the booze, pushing up her glasses slightly with one finger. “I’m more specialised in art and computer graphics, but just like everyone else I was on the programming course at university so I know what I’m doing. But seeing it all come together… it’s the joy of creation. No lesser than making a pretty picture or animation.”

“That’s right.” Aimi-chan agreed. “Everyone thinks the same way, even Yasu-kun.” She squinted at Karen-chan. “So… uh, is he brothering you much?”

Karen-chan shook her head, smiling. “Hardly. He’s a bit like a pushy younger brother, I guess, always trying to flatter me and show off. But it’s almost cute.”

“Younger brother, huh?” Shiro scoffed, downing her beer. “Sounds like Yasu is striking out again, huh? Good to see the world never changes.”

“I wouldn’t say that.” Karen-chan hid a gentle laugh behind one hand. “I just wonder why he would be interested in an old lady like me.”

“Old? You’re only in your thirties. Shaeula here is well over a hundred, right? And Hyacinth and Haanōbō …”

“Leave me out of this.” The Tengu sighed. She certainly enjoyed the food and drink, Yoriko observed, but she was still very reserved. “Though as you mortals reckon years, I have lived long enough.”

“Speaking of brothers, you lost two, sadly, but you gained one and also a sister, right? Aiko?” Shiro pressed.

“I do not think it works like that.” Haanōbō sighed. “But it is true Great Tarōbō, my honoured father, he does wish to welcome Akio, since he helped save mount Atago, and is now our protector.”

“You say that, yet I have-have spoken to your surviving brother, Arangbō, and he has told me of your treacherous brother who has received his just-just deserts. His element is metal, no? Aiko, her Golden Sisters are metal, are they not-not? It would make a great deal of sense to me for Aiko to be your Autumn West.”

Haanōbō seemed troubled, turning back to her meal. Yoriko met Shaeula’s eyes and the Faerie winked slyly. I don’t get this at all, but it seems Shaeula is trying to get some benefits for Aiko-chan. She sure is dedicated.

“That aside, so Yasu has a chance then? Honestly, you’re looking pretty great for your age, Karen-chan.” Aimi-chan pointed out.

“No way, I have crows feet and my hair is showing some grey.” She denied it, only for Tsuki-san to deny that.

“I think you need to be more objective. Thanks to the Chirurgery and your own efforts, you have changed. I think you will find your skin is clean and neat, and your hair looks black to me. Besides…” The taciturn woman gave a wry smile. “I do not know which of us is older. You will make me feel bad.”

“That’s not fair.” Karen-chan blushed. “Comparing anyone to you isn’t fair, Tsukiko-san.”

“Life is not fair. But you are certainly not unattractive.” Tsuki-san replied.

“In that case… honestly, Yasu-kun can be an idiot, and a pervert. But he’s always been a good friend to us, and if one of us were in trouble, he’d be there, giving the shirt off his back if necessary. Admittedly, we’d rather turn to Hayato-kun or Akio-kun to get things sorted, but… it’s the thought that counts.” Aimi-chan laughed. “I mean, he was desperate to help out Akio-kun when he heard about what was really going on, and not just because he dreams of his own harem.”

Karen-chan shrugged. “If his taste runs to older women, well, It’s not like I’m dating anyone so we’re both free adults. But I don’t take things fast, not anymore.”

“He’ll be delighted to hear that. No doubt the guys are ribbing him over you.” Aimi-chan giggled. “Anyway… yeah, making the Oracle Engine feels like a joy, you know? It pays well, we get to help our friend, and the new friends we’ve made through Akio-kun, and honestly, I think it’ll go down in history. Even Daiyu-chan is interested.”

“Yes, Daiyu is more talkative now she’s conversational in Japanese.” Hina-chan agreed. “It seems she’s studying the runes and glyphs on some items she and Akio-kun have gathered, as well as combining it with her own knowledge. But it’s slow going. Although…”

“I see.” Karen-chan said, understanding. “With a lot of processing power and the right simulation, which can maybe be achieved with Shaeula’s ludicrous luck, she could test combinations and extrapolate without having to actually do it…”

“Yes, the possibilities for the Engine are limitless. But… it’s tough. Fortunately we have Ixitt and his friends to help too.” Hina-chan agreed.

“I do not understand what anyone is talking about here.” Haanōbō said sullenly, and Yoriko felt the urge to comfort her, but Shaeula was first.

“I did not-not either, at first. But you will soon adapt, though your sojourns here are brief as of now, only brought here by the woman Ling. There are many-many joys to be found here in the mortal realms, not-not just the alcohol. Though our spiritual homes have many magnificent sights as well, and things to experience. The best of both-both worlds is what we strive for.” She turned to Hyacinth then, who was still looking uncomfortable. “Though we must all-all have goals. I am so very-very busy recently, this has been unusual for me. I believed being a princess lent itself to a life-life of leisure, but it seems I was greatly mistaken. Now I am fulfilled every day. Mortal lifespans are short, but full-full of joys and sorrows.”

“Mistress, I…” Hyacinth began, but Shaeula patted hr shoulder gently.

“You have time yet. Do not-not hurry to a decision. We will all support you.”

“That’s right.” Shiro laughed. “We’re all in this together. But you need a hobby or a goal. For me… well, shit. I just wanted to be healthy, now I am. I guess…” she went silent, and Yoriko imagined she was communicating with what was inside her.

“I have a hooobby.” Hyacinth said then, surprising us all. “I cook in my cauldrooon.”

“Cooking, huh?” Yoriko said, amused. “That’s a very maid-like thing to do… huh, why are your faces so strained?”

Shaeula and Shiro were both looking ashen, and Hyacinth explained further. “My cauldron makes interesting plagues. Ooour enemies will be laid waste, I will permit nooo harm to come to those I serve, those I looove, not again.”

“Uh… have I just heard about a war crime or act of terrorism?” Yoriko said slowly.

“Get used to it.” Karen-can laughed. “I hear things I shouldn’t all the time!”

“Like Yasu-kun calling you Karen-chan babe all the time?” Aimi-chan giggled, and after more laughter, the subject mercifully moved off the dangerous subject.

“Anyway… I’m glad Arisu isn’t here now.” Shiro said, having finished her internal conversation. “But she was exhausted after Korea. Fortunately our planning and contingencies worked. Anyway… yeah, you’re up next Haanōbō. Your goal in life?”

“To protect mount Atago.” She answered, and Shaeula scoffed.

“Boring. That is no goal, merely a fact of life. After all, your Territory is ours now-now. Try again…”

As they talked, Yoriko couldn’t help but smile. The alcohol had left her rather tipsy, and her stomach was pleasantly full. Listening to the table of chattering women of all species, she reached for her glass, finding it empty. Looks like I’d best get a top-up…

********

“… starting to complain I never see him. I mean, damn, I’m busy!” Aimi-chan was saying, thoroughly drunk.

“I know, but… you shouldn’t neglect him, Aimi-chan.” Hina-chan said gently. “Your life is important too.”

“I know, I know.” she sighed. “But sometimes, he… oh, never mind. Hey, let’s go shopping on our next day off…” She peered at Haanōbō, grinning lopsidedly. “You shouldn’t wear such shapeless coats, you need cute dresses! Oh, and the Elves should come too… in fact…”

As Aimi-chan rambled on drunkenly, Yoriko pushed her chair back, checking her watch. “Is this the time? Whoa, it’s late. And I have to work in the morning.”

“Have no fear, I shall cleanse you of the effects of the alcohol.” Shaeula said, reaching out for her, only to stop as her phone rang. “Perhaps it is Akio?” she wondered, pulling out her phone. “Though he should still-still be with Eri… I see.” Accepting the call, she spoke.

“Haru, what can we do for… huh. I see. Wait… now?”

Is it trouble? Shaeula exchanged a few words, before hanging up. “This is most-most annoying. I fear our evening must come to a close.”

“What’s up?” Yoriko asked, and Shaeula frowned.

“It seems that the female Christina Bakker has arrived at Haneda airport, along with a number-number of Japanese and British citizens. Border control is unsure of how-how to handle her, as she has a diplomatic passport, and she is demanding to see Akio immediately.”

“That woooman?” Hyacinth grinned maliciously. “I remember her. She was mooost annoying. But…”

Shaeula nodded. “Yes, indeed. Akio does-does wish to help the stolen citizens. In his absence, we should act.” She then looked around. “But first, I do-do believe some Healing is in order.”

As Yoriko felt her mind clear under Shaeula’s hands, she yawned. “Want me to come along? It seems it might be a Police matter as well.”

“That would be helpful.” Shaeula grinned maliciously. “Hyacinth, Shiro… you shall-shall accompany me. Haru is sending a car.”

Not the way I saw the night ending, still, it’s definitely been fun. We should do this more often…