Three Hundred And Nine

Three Hundred And Nine

“Back in Kyoto already. It seems like we’ve hardly been away.” I sighed, stepping out from the helicopter, offering a hand to help Haru-san and Daiyu down, while Shaeula elegantly leapt out herself.

“That’s because we have only just left.” Haru-san smiled, covering her nerves at what we were to do here.

“Well, whatever.” We had landed the pair of helicopters on the outskirts of Kyoto, a bit south of the Katsura river, not too far from Matsunoo-Taisha Grand Shrine, Kegon-ji, and more importantly, Tsukuyomi-jinja, which was the shrine Tsukiko-san oversaw, and the heart of her Territory. I wonder what it’s like now she’s given up her Divine Favour to me?

The Special Forces soldiers trooped out of the helicopter too, showing their toughness, as they were seemingly unphased by the painful Chirurgery I’d done over the last couple of hours. Trey was leading his Black Wolves out of the second helicopter, and several mercenaries as well as some Special Forces stood by, guarding the site, while the guests here to greet us smiled, bowing in welcome.

“I’d say it’s been a long time, Akio-kun, but that would be a lie.” Kudou-san declared happily. Beside him was Taishakama-san, the Candidate from Matsunoo-Taisha, whose Territory encompassed and surrounded Tsukiko-san’s shrine, so would be a vital part of any plan we devised.

“Welcome back.” Taishakama-san said warmly. “So, we will be venturing into the world of the kami again, I must say I am quite pleased at the prospect. Our last sojourn together was quite beneficial for me.”

Daiyu suddenly tugged at my sleeve, and I turned to look at her, curious. “What is it, Daiyu’er?”

“The Earthly Qi here is strong and pure.” She took a deep breath. “It reminds me of the mountain fastness that is home to the Incorruptible Jade. Is this an area of Heavenly significance?” she asked.

I nodded. “Kyoto, the old capital, is sometimes called the City of a Thousand Shrines. It’s an exaggeration, so I’m told, but it’s true that many of the most important and ancient temples and shrines in Japan are here, and their enshrined kami too. I’ve even met a couple.”

“I see. That would explain matters.” She frowned. “It is not as rich as around the shrine you took me to. Is that a major shrine as well?”

I shook my head, knowing Kana would be both pleased and mortified at her shrine being mistaken for one to match Matsunoo-Taisha. “No, that’s mostly down to my Territory flowing down ether from the Boundary. Before, the ether rate in Tokyo was pitiful. I’m a bit jealous of areas like Kyoto where the density is naturally higher.” Well, it would have made my training easier, and in the early days when I only had a partial network, I wouldn’t have had to wait two or three days to gather the required aether to enter the Boundary. Though the density here is, what, roughly five to ten times what it was back in Tokyo? It’s still thin compared to the Boundary, there’s no question. My Territory is several times higher still within the radius of the Boundary to Material Connections, though again, only a fraction of what the Boundary possesses.

“I see. It is like those domains the Party possesses...” her face twisted slightly, and I could see the animosity in her eyes. “...turning barren areas into ones where the Qi is rich enough a Sect would fight for it. Though none were as rich as yours.” her expression changed slightly, now mocking and bitter, rather than angry. “How the Sects have fallen. Before Kunlun departed, even your domain would be seen as a poor, Qi-starved backwater. Now it is an oasis. No wonder our Cultivation has stagnated, with only access to the Spirit World the Heavens and the Dao has granted us allowing any hope we can reach the heights of old.”

“Such is nothing.” Shaeula said to her. “We will need-need to increase the rate of ether flowing between the Boundary and the mortal realm-realm, if we are to achieve the feats of mortal engineering here that Ixitt dreams of. But for that, we need ether. Much-much ether. My brother is proving useful, conquering, and the endless creatures of the deeps-deeps provide a good source of wealth. We must work-work hard. You too, Daiyu.” She eyed the Cultivator. “We are giving you time-time to become accustomed to Akio and Japan, but you can not-not simply partake of his kindness without providing compensation. Your revenge will not-not be fulfilled that way.”

“I know that well enough.” She complained. “I swore, upon the Heavens and my Dao. I will be useful, and grow stronger!”

“So, who is this, Akio-kun?” Kudou-san asked. “That’s Chinese, right? I learned a little in my misspent youth.” He grinned, stroking his long beard.

“Yes, she’s someone I’ve picked up. The Government asked me to look after her. We’ll need to speak about that at length too. I could do with speaking to Bankei-san, Saionji-san and... Uchida-san, if he’s up to it, as well.”

“You’ll have no luck there. Since his boy Yamato-kun is still in a coma, he’s been completely withdrawn from religious matters. Well, the others we can arrange. So, more soldiers, I see.” He glanced at the Black Wolf and the Special Forces. “Kyoto sure is getting crowded nowadays.” He shrugged. “Well, this will not do, will it? We’re keeping all you young ladies standing outside. We should at least discuss matters somewhere comfortable.” With that, we followed the two of them back to Matsunoo-Taisha, and were soon seated in a modest room, being served tea by several apprentice priests and shrine maidens.

“Greetings.” Tsukiko-san spoke, back in her veil, I noted. “I see you have returned.” Since I wanted to see her face, her expressions, I allowed amber light to leak out of my Eye, and I could see she was smiling gently, with a touch of melancholy.

“Of course. I did say I’d protect you, Tsukiko-san. Yukiko-san, the Princess, too. Is she not here?” I asked, only for Tsukiko-san to laugh softly.

“No, Yukiko has returned to Tokyo. Even despite her blessings from Amaterasu, and her role as the Shrine Maiden of Ise, she has no wish to have her life consumed by these matters. I understand her sentiments, even if it is too late for me.”

“It is never-never too late to change.” Shaeula disagreed. “After all, I changed. Akio has as well. But that does not-not matter. You will know in time, when Akio saves you from your burdens.” She grinned broadly, as if imagining such a scene. “For now though...”

“Yes, for now we need to talk contingencies. Not just for Tsukiko-san, but for Kyoto as a whole. You’ve noticed the increased military presence, but I don’t know if you’ve been told...” I explained about the information we had from the US Government about the Chinese deserters.

“... so landfall in Kyoto is unlikely. I mean, geographically, it’s quite the detour. So normally we’d worry about coastal areas to the West. But coupled with Tsukiko-san’s visions... well, like I said, I’m not taking any chances. The mess in Kyoto over Conclave was bad enough...”

“Yes, quite the tragedy that was. Poor foolish Yamato-kun.” Kudou-san agreed, and Taishakama-san clasped his hands and bowed his head in prayer. “Well, Kyoto is still in uproar, the fake information that the Government dispersed is fooling people for now, but how long will that last? Takakura-sama did inform us of the Chinese threat, but not in so much detail. Even so, do you believe that an altercation in the streets of Kyoto is actually likely? What would be their endgame in that scenario? A few rebel PLA units, some of these Cultivators...” he eyed Daiyu curiously, and she merely stared back, unintimidated. “... and more dangerously, some Chosen. Even so, against the might of Japan’s JSDF, they’d surely be killed in short order.”

“Well, they would do significant damage first. Though combat forces would be dispatched from the local base and would be here quickly.” Haru-san mused. “Even so, it doesn’t seem a logical objective.”

“Well, people don’t always think logically when pressed to extremes.” I looked at Daiyu. Shaeula was translating for her, so she nodded.

“I believe that Mountain Fang Sect, at least, would not act without some plan in mind.” Daiyu said confidently. “Nor would they wag their tails to the Party and this Ministry, not even in defeat. So I doubt this is some ruse, and they are acting under the orders of my enemies.” Her dark eyes were filled with hate, talking about this Ministry.

“I suspect an attack in the Boundary is more likely.” I stated my opinion, to nods from the others. “Even if it’s just their Candidates, if there are a number of them and they have decent Divine Favours, even with the penalty for attacking Territories, it’ll be possible for them to overwhelm us.”

“Especially with Yamato-kun and Susanoo faction having been massacred.” Kudou-san mused. “What a bother. What ill timing.”

“And that’s why I’m here, to make sure that if the worst does happen, Kyoto doesn’t fall, and we don’t lose any more precious Candidates, like you, Yukiko-san.”

“I am no longer Chosen by Tsukuyomi.” She said, surprising Kudou-san. “Though I still retain his grace, as I always have. My well-being is hardly as important as all of Japan.”

“What do you mean?” he asked, but Tsukiko-san ignored him.

“So, have you received guidance under the moon?” she asked me, and I shook my head.

“It is not a lie. I have accepted my fate. I have changed so many, and failed to change more. If you have to turn aside the destined, then Yukiko, Shaeula, the hungry ghost you shelter... turn aside their destinies. Even the Princess of Britain. My life or death will change nothing. Theirs will doom all.”

Wow. Wow. Just fucking wow. Now I’m pissed off. I shouldn’t be, I know it’s not her fault, she’s been told to finally lay down her burden, and she doesn’t know what to do any more. She’s backsliding. I thought after she gave me her gift she’d realised what she wants, but I guess after I left she reverted. But anyway, I’ll be damned if this is the reward she gets for all her good deeds. “Yes, perhaps your death won’t be as meaningful as the deaths of those others. But to say it’ll change nothing? That’s utter shit. Kudou-san here treasures you like his own daughter.” The old man blushed at that, quite the funny sight, and he covered his embarrassment as Saionji-san jeered at him, by taking a long draught of the fragrant wine.

“Yes, but still, I am not...” Tsukiko-san began, before I cut her off, continuing.

“Those of Kyoto and even from as far afield as Tokyo who know of you, the priests and shrine maidens, they all deeply respect you.” I continued. “If that’s not enough, then what about Yukiko-san? Princess Mikasa will be heartbroken if you die. You’re her best friend.”

“She has many burdens. I am sorry I have failed to ease them, but I have brought the two of you together. My role is done in her life...”

“Fuck, this is annoying.” I shouted, shocking everyone. “No, as a friend, your role is never done. Your role is just to be there, be her friend. Not give up. Besides, your role in my life isn’t done, either. You’re kin to me now, and like Shaeula, I never abandon my kin.”

“Oho!” Shaeula chuckled, still downing wine from the seemingly inexhaustible bottle. “Yes, Akio and I are quite-quite alike in that regard. But kin... yes, perhaps he means like an older sister. He lacks one-one of those. Or perhaps...” her smile broadened, and I wanted to correct her, but it wasn’t the time.

“Look, you’re still wearing the clothing I created to protect you. I’m going to try, with or without your blessing, but I want you to fight, to struggle, to believe! If Tsukuyomi is a generous, kind God, you won’t be thrown away after you’ve done your best. And even if he isn’t, well, I’ll step up. If you give up, you’ll devastate those who care about you. If in the end, you can’t be saved, but you fought and clawed at what you call definite, biting until your teeth shatter, gripping on until your bones break, then in the sadness, at least we can remember that. Wish for happiness, even if it’s impossible. And maybe, just maybe we can make it work. I thought you were ready for that, when you stopped waiting for this mythical, non-existent hero with the light, darkness and twilight, and settled on giving me what you can only give once.”

“I’m dead. I know what it feels like, to die. Worse, to lose hope.” Haru-san said quietly. “I wished someone would have saved me from the horrors of my death. Well, I suppose...” she sighed, before nodding at me. “... being saved after death will have to do. Hearing you speak, it reminds me of myself, when I thought I was mad, and there was no way out. Look, Akio-san here is an idiot. He won’t stop just because you tell him to, and he won’t allow you to stop either. Besides...” she grinned. “I have telepathy. Sorry. I don’t like to use it that much, it reminds me of when I thought I was having a psychotic break, but... I can hear your thoughts, the voice of your heart. You do want to live. You wish for it. But wishing for it and not getting it terrifies you, you aren’t used to wanting something, so you vacillate between flickers of hope, and thoughts it would be better to just give up, so your hopes can’t be betrayed. You don’t want the Princess to be sad, and you want to watch over her as she survives what’s to come, and fulfils her long... cherished... dream?” Haru-san’s pale face flushed pink. “Oh my. That’s what you want for her? Bold. Well, good luck with that. It’s a nice dream. A wish, shall we say?” she glanced at Kofuku Jizo, who looked on, amused. “But being a part of that, wouldn’t it be more fun?”

Tsukiko-san looked down, and I winked at Haru-san, hoping she could read my thankful thoughts. She nodded, and I prepared my final argument. “Tsukiko-san, even if you don’t believe you can be saved, I’m sure any event that kills you will be massive. What about the others? I’m here anyway, I’ve planned anyway, so what harm is there in grabbing hold of what you want? The worst that happens is you fail. But success, and you are free for your own path in life. I remember those tears. They were the most genuine I’ve ever seen you. Your veil is back on. You’re masking your true self. I hate that. Strip off your veil and live on.”

“I... it still feels selfish of me. I have served, done everything I can to serve Tsukuyomi, to save people, avert tragedy...”

“So then wish for it. You deserve it. And even if you don’t, I want you to have it, and I’m a selfish bastard with seven fiancées, you can see I always get what I want, no matter what.”

She bowed her head, silently, and I could see fresh tears behind her veil, soaking her perfect cheeks. Even so, she was smiling, sad, but also relieved. The same expression as before. This one suits her much better than cold, stoic resignation. Though I can think of other expressions that will suit her better still!

“Your wish, I like it.” Kofuku Jizo said. “I shall walk up on these feet and visit you soon. Not every wish comes true, but you have my blessing, and I shall fight for you if needed!”

“As the moon waxes, it must wane. But the moon then waxes again.” the Prince said piously. “The moon has passed on, to be reborn. Though...” he looked at Daiyu curiously. “We have a second moon here. A mirror to the first.”

Shaeula translated his words, and Daiyu frowned, no doubt wondering what he knew. Still, the Prince continued. “Kofuku Jizo, old friend. I too wish to fight if I can. I have lived a long time, venerating Tsukuyomi, and though Tsukuyomi is not omnipotent, I do feel sorrow that his finest priestess has such grim prospects.” He turned to me then. “When last we met, I asked if you could extend a kind hand to her. I am pleased to see you heeded my words. Respect for the kami and the greater Gods is always welcome.”

“I didn’t do it because you asked.” I shook my head. “I did it because I wanted to, because she deserves it. But... I am still grateful for your blessing, so thanks. And if you fight, I’ve got your back, presumptuous of me though that might be.”

“Hardly. You are quite strong.” The Prince demurred. “Well, Tsukiko-san. Your moon wanes. Your legacy could be all the good deeds this new waxing moon can do with the gift you bequeathed. Or it can be something more. You deserve the right to choose. To wish, as my good friend here would say.”

“I am still... it is hard.” She muttered, but with trembling hands she removed her veil, letting it fall to the floor. As those around us looked at her stunning face, our eyes met, and she smiled. “But... I do want to see the world outside Kyoto, do many things. But I am worried that trying to defeat the definite will break you. and you are sorely needed. For Yukiko and many others.”

“You let me worry about breaking. I’ve been broken before, but I’ve got back up. This time won’t be any different.” I promised. “The more I have to protect, the stronger I am. So be my strength, and I’ll be yours!”

“You know, if she was my daughter in truth, I’d be seriously worried that he was asking her to marry him with lines like that.” Kudou-san said mildly, to much laughter around.

“Well...” Tsukiko-san picked up one of the mugs of umeshu and drank deeply, skin flushed, her red eyes gleaming with a mixture of longing, mirth and sadness. “it is rather amusing you should say that...”

********

“So, here will do.” I said, handing over a handful of orange and yellow Etherites to Haru-san. She had already shattered a handful of red ones to top up her ether prior to this, and was now prepared. The river was a few hundred metres distant, orange energies rising in a misty veil, while just under a hundred metres south of us ruby earth energies gushed from fissures in the rocks. I wonder if any mines could be set up here... “When we push to Rank 2, we should be able to reach your Territory, Taishakama-san, and that gives us unbroken access to Tsukuyomi-jinja as well, all protected. Though we’ll need to clear the area first to bring it under our control.”

Yasaka-san groaned at that, correctly realising I was going to force him into numerous battles, as I had with the few encounters we had so far outside safe Territory. “Suck it up. You need to get stronger to use your Divine Favour better. Besides, you aren’t the only one who has suffered today...”

Haru-san and Shaeula had made me the target of their ribbing over my desperate proposal when I was trying to activate Kin Bonding, and seeing that, everyone other than the serious Taishakama-san, the diffident Yasaka-san, and the uncomprehending Daiyu, had joined in. It’s lucky my Resilience is so high, or I’d want to bury myself in a hole. So embarrassing...

“Well, we might as well begin. Daiyu, watch closely, and let me know if there are any differences with how you do it.” At her nod, Haru-san concentrated, and a small beam of light shone down from above, forming a small pillar.

“Here goes nothing.” She declared, shattering the remaining Etherites and absorbing their energies, quickly funnelling them into the Anchor. Moments later it was done, the light coalescing into a rather attractive golden and crystal needle, not too dissimilar from my Anchor.

“I see. So this is a Territory...” Haru-san mused. “I feel it. It’s definitely strange.”

“That seemed... anticlimactic. And rather fast.” Saionji-san observed.

“Yes, Isamu, I believe you told me this was a far more taxing, lengthy process.” Bankei-san asked Taishakama-san.

“It should be...” he said, surprised.

“Well, if you think that is something special, just you wait.” I produced the mushrooms for the Ring Gate, smiling evilly. “But first, we need to clear out everything down to there.” I pointed at the ruby earth energies, and the buildings in the way. “Haru-san, Yasaka-san, you’re up.” I then looked at Daiyu. “If you want to show off a bit, feel free. I still don’t know what you can do.”

With a determined nod, she smiled a little, looking eager for battle. I wonder, how do Cultivation techniques differ from our own? I admit, I can hardly wait to find out...