Four Hundred And Eighty-Six

Four Hundred And Eighty-Six

“This... is surprising.” Motoko said, swinging Utsuroihebi Twin with practised strokes. Beside her Natsumi was doing the same, brown eyes wide in wonder. “The balance...”

“Yes, it and the weight are just the same as always, but...” Natsumi agreed, testing the edge then sucking at her finger as beads of silver and red bloomed. She then flicked the blade with her nails, listening to the dull ringing of the metal. “...the sword is much sharper, and if I’m not mistaken it’s an entirely different metal. That shouldn’t be right!”

“It is perfect. As comfortable to use as an old friend.” Motoko enthused. “Besides, we should not be trapped in the limited world of our common sense.”

“True.” Natsumi agreed brightly. “For a moment I forgot that, as I was so surprised.” Taking another swing, she let out a laugh. “I should have expected this attention to detail from Akio. But...” She looked at Motoko, who thought for a moment, before she returned her own smile. The two of them then looked at me cheerfully. It’s amazing how I can tell their moods from their faces and body language, all of my girls, really, especially when they have such different temperaments. Motoko is usually composed and stoic, but unlike Daiyu she does show more of her emotions, while Natsumi is more light-hearted, yet not to the extent of Kana or Hinata.

“Yes. I think I speak for us both when I say you have no need to be worried. Yes, Utsuroihebi is one of our most precious treasures, a sword that represents Tsumura house for the longest time. But just as you would never harm us, you will never harm our katana or our other weapons.” Motoko said solemnly.

“We wanted to wield them, they aren’t just heirlooms. Weapons want, no need, to be used.” Natsumi agreed. “But you understand us. A new sword, while a gift from you would be a delight... revitalising the old is special, and now...”

“We can both wield the blade to defend you, our family, our honour and our fellow sisters.” Motoko swung the sword, marvelling at the feeling of energy within it.

“Sisters. I finally feel I have them again, after so long.” Asha declared, and Motoko nodded sharply.

“Indeed. We may not all be human, mortals, as you call us, but we are all women.”

“Women who love the same man.” Shiro joined in. “There’s a crude name for that, Rod Sisters...” Shiro grinned broadly at the dirty joke. “...but honestly, Aki, it’s good to have women we can rely on. Sisters. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Hina and Aimi are my friends who I trust, but... this goes deeper. They’re my friends, and if they were in trouble I’d do my best to help them out, even if it was tough or dangerous, but if it was Asha, or Tsuki, or Motoko and Natsumi here... I’d even risk my life. That’s what it means to be your woman, Aki. Anyone who can’t do that isn’t any good.”

Her words were poignant, and just as I was entering our home, looking down to see a number of unfamiliar shoes on the rack by the door, as expected, I relayed them to Eri, who agreed wholeheartedly. “See, I told you?” Eri declared triumphantly. “Even if Shiro has been corrupted by Shaeula’s way of thinking, she’s still the closest to me in terms of the way she sees things. And she’s right.”

I relayed her words to Shiro, who snorted wryly. “I’m Shirohime, the white princess, I’m always right. But besides us, there are other Dryads still out there, aren’t there Asha?”

“There are. They are my sisters still, I concede, though not close sisters, like those of us who dwelt in the grove together down the long years near the Spring. I do wish to reconnect with them, but I cannot, not yet, not until I have seeded new life to assuage my guilt.”

“That’s fine.” I assured her. “Whenever you are ready I’ll support you, and the others will do the same.”Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))

At Asha’s nod and gentle, warm smile, I realised we had moved off the subject. “So, the two of you are satisfied?” I explained Utsuroihebi Twin to them, and their eyes sparkled at the thought of sharing a connection with each other and me through their favoured weapons. “You’ll have to register the weapon with the Ministry, as I believe it will manifest with you in the Material too, though we still need to test that.”

“We shall do so now.” Motoko agreed. “Natsumi, you wish to as well, no?” At her nod, Motoko continued. “Akio, thank you. We love your gift, and though it is greedy, we hope and wish that Gurenyari and Hebihikoukiba can join them soon.”

“There’s no need for thanks between us.” I assured them, pulling the two girls into my arms, making them blush, while Shiro whistled. “And as for the other weapons, I plan to, but I need to recover. Crafting is hard.” As the Mortal Engineers and other crafters agreed cheerfully, Natsumi spoke up, her face a little pink, but her expression serious.

“There may not be a need for thanks between us, but we should always offer them regardless. In an arranged marriage, we were taught to make an effort, otherwise our lives would be lacking in joy.” Seeing my look she raised a hand to place a finger against my lips, silencing me. “I know, we don’t even consider this an arrangement anymore. Neither I, not Motoko, nor Hinata would deign to do so. But the lessons we learned are still important.”

“Natsumi has spoken what was on my mind. Love is not transactional, but we must still work at our happiness every single day. So again, thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.” Motoko agreed.

They’re good girls, they really are. It’s actually amazing that a lot of the noble daughters have grown up to be such people, considering the pressurised greenhouse they grew up isolated in. Though all of them have their issues and scars. But when those are worked out, the women beneath are beautiful inside and out. The Hanafubuki Academy and the rules that bind them aren’t all worth discarding. But we’ll use the influence of me, the others and even Adamant, which seems to be spreading through that school like one of Hyacinth’s fungi... I had noticed another couple of new faces about, wearing the uniform. It was obvious Hinata was getting Shaeula to perform Chirurgery while I was absent, not that I minded, Skills were for practising, after all. ...but yes, we’ll change it for the new generation, and a new Japan... led by us.

Back on the Material, I entered the spacious living room of our mansion to find it crowded and noisy. Mom and father were there, as were uncle and auntie, along with auntie Hana's parents. Mom’s were here too, and of course Tsukiko as well, her parents, who were being crowded by the others and offered snacks and alcohol that had been opened, and Yasuhide-san and Yukiko-san were present too.

“Welcome back, Aki!” Mom said brightly as she saw us enter. “You too Eri, dear!” Her face was flushed, and it looked like she had been drinking. At least her tolerance has been increased by gaining some Levels. Though she could really use Ether Healing... “I still can’t believe you ditched poor Tsukiko-chan and Yukiko-chan! That’s probably treason, right?” She winked at Yukiko-san, who seemed a little hesitant, being in unfamiliar company, but she shook her head.

“It was for a good cause. We’ve seen the footage. What a disaster.” Yukiko-san sighed mournfully. “We want to prevent instances where Chosen seem to be a danger to the public, and now this...”

“It is inevitable.” Tsukiko reassured her. “Power can breed arrogance and lead one down the wrong path. Though it is also not inevitable. For the Princess of Hungry Ghosts is now on a safer path. Though the Hungry Ghost inside her thirsts in a different measure.” She looked at me, and I wondered what she had seen. She then smiled shyly, and managed a wink, the expression unusual for her.

“That is enough of that son, Tsukiko-san.” Father said sternly, before apologising to Tsukiko’s parents. “Whatever the reason, my son should apologise for running off. Though it was work, good work that I am proud of.”

Father surprised me with that, and uncle Junpei echoed him. “Yes. Even though our daughter still hasn’t graduated from high school, she is out doing important things as well. It is hard being a father.” He looked at Tsukiko’s weary, old father and commiserated. “Especially of a daughter so talented and beautiful. Your Tsukiko-san is stunning, but our Eri won’t lose, I assure you!”

“Yes, little Eri is growing ever more beautiful!” auntie Hana insisted. “But that’s because she’s more in love with little Aki. I... don’t begrudge you happiness, especially after hearing your story, Tsukiko-chan. And we welcome you.” She addressed her parents. “Our little Eri hasn’t graduated high school, but it seems Tsukiko-chan was working her best from before she even attended elementary school. It must have been very hard and lonely.”

“It was.” Tsukiko said, surprising Yasuhide-san and her parents. “I seldom complained, because I was too proud of my role, too eager to serve and worship Tsukuyomi and the Gods and Kami of this land. But for a child the burden was cruel and too heavy. I gave up so much.” As she spoke frankly, Eri nodded supportively, once more unable to resent those who had tragic or painful pasts. Seeing that, the complicated gaze in uncle and auntie’s eyes, the mixture of pride, worry and acceptance, made me feel for them. Yeah, it’s hard to be a parent of daughters. A feeling I’ll know myself rather soon. No doubt they’ll enjoy my own discomfort when my daughters are all grown up and ready to leave the nest...

“But if asked if I regret it, would change it? I would say not. I have saved many and helped guide Japan. More importantly... though I still carry the burden through choice, I have those who carry it with me, and the sacrifices I made have not robbed me of the chance to find happiness, merely delayed it. I shall simply start now.”

“See? We always thought we had it easy. Little Eri was going to marry little Aki, they were perfect together. We worried it wouldn’t happen when little Aki moved away, but he came back, they started dating, got engaged... but now... it feels very... conflicting. Now your daughter has fallen in love, and it’s to the same man as little Eri. We feel your pain.”

As everyone ate and drank, tongues were loosened and true feelings spilled out. In the Boundary I was taking a break, regaining both my elements and aether, as well as healing my mental exhaustion by spending some time with the girls there, but here I was under quite a bit of stress.

“Our daughter...” Tsukiko’s mother said, glancing at her child. “...we barely have the right to call her such. We were fortunate to have a daughter so late in life, and when she turned out blessed... we embraced that. But we saw only the role, not our daughter. We were... poor parents.”

“Yes.” Her father agreed. “If... if Tsukiko wishes to experience love, find those to share her life with, we will bless her choice. We have no right to do otherwise.”

Tsukiko sighed, frustrated. “It is not a matter of rights. It is that you are my parents, and so should be a part of my life, our life. I never hated you, though at times I admit to resenting you, wondering what it would be like to live as an ordinary girl. But now I wish to find that out. I want to experience love, and friendships...” she looked at Yukiko-san and Yasuhide-san then. “Do not mistake me. You two have been my only solace these past years. But I now wish for wider connections.”

“I always wondered.” Eri agreed. “Since so many shrines have endured being passed down family lines, there should be more spiritual items. It stands to reason.”

“Yes, Japan is a land of Kami, the Eight Million.” Yasuhide-san agreed. “After all, an item lovingly used and cherished for a hundred years becomes a Tsukumogami. Somewhat like our little Azuki here.” She frowned at that, as Yasuhide-san took a sip of his tea. “That’s better. My old throat was dry. It was well-prepared, Eri-chan.”

“I’m learning. I am going to be a wife, after all.” Eri said proudly, letting the Eri-chan from the overly- familiar old man slide.

“My point is... yes, there should be many tools and treasures. However, that sadly is not the case, for a number of reasons. The first is... many shrines were destroyed and rebuilt, their contents lost. While our bloodlines go back fifteen hundred years and more, the shrines themselves... sadly, few survived the ravages of time as unscathed as Ise.” He nodded at the Priestess of said shrine, Yukiko-san. “Of course, families carried away what they could, preserving such treasures, even at the cost of their lives, only letting their children carry on their family. But time ravages stone, wood and metal just as it does flesh.” He said mournfully. “Then the occupation after we lost the War and the Emperor was forced to recant his Divinity... much that remained was scattered. Though not all lost.”

“Yes. Despite the delicate balance between the faith and the Imperial Family, a number entrusted their treasures to us. It is far from what Princess Eleanor Windsor can boast of...” Yukiko-san said self-deprecatingly. “But it is not without value.”

“The rest... well, during the Pilgrimage, it would be the ideal time to take stock, save what we can.” Yasuhide-san finished. “Hopefully we can meet many Kami in the flesh and obtain their permission to use the treasures of their shrines, but those of greater Gods... it would be up to the family that owns the shrine.”

“I see.” I nodded, agreeing. “Yes, we could definitely use more treasures. In addition, we gathered a lot of data on the abilities of certain bloodlines. We could perform Chirurgery as we travel, as both incentive and reward.”

“You catch on quick, Akio-kun.” He praised. “Yes, restoring the power of the bloodlines we carry is worth more than a few relics, but they are still precious to us, so have to be handled with respect.” Just like the weapons of Tsumura house. Yes, it makes sense.

“What is on your mind, Yukiko?” Tsukiko asked her friend, who appeared a touch troubled as Yasuhide-san talked. After a moment of hesitation, she turned to me.

“The Imperial Regalia... Until I saw them in the Boundary, I thought them merely historical items, with no true strength. But...” she glanced at Azuki. “They are Tsukumogami as well. Yet... they sleep and cannot be roused. I consulted with Yin-Yang Grandmaster Daimon...” she paused, realising that name meant nothing to me. “Yin-Yang Grandmaster is the head Onmyōji of the Imperial Family. Daimon-dono...” She used an old-fashioned respectful honorific. “...who like us is a Chosen, for who better is qualified?” She realised she was getting distracted and calmed herself with a sip of tea, also thanking Eri, who waved it away. “...his Favour I can’t disclose, it would be wrong, has studied them, and he thinks that the Regalia are simply too powerful for the low level of spiritual energy in Japan, even there. He calls it Yin-Yang energy, but I don’t think that’s entirely right. I prefer your aether terminology.”

“I assume you’ve tried?” I asked, and she nodded.

“As has Daimon-dono and the several other Onmyōji Chosen. The Emperor wished to keep them as a trump card, to deal with troublesome Chosen who misuse their powers, but... for a start, the Ministry and you have taken on that role, and... while the Onmyōji are greatly knowledgeable, and are certainly a level above most Chosen I’ve met in terms of prowess, compared to you or Shaeula.... There would be little chance for them. So instead the Emperor has asked me to beg for your assistance.”

“You would certainly be much safer with the mirror, Yata no Kagami of wisdom, the sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi of valour, and the jewel Yasakani no Magatama of benevolence. You must remain safe, Yukiko. For Japan and the world. Though perhaps Akio will defend you better than such Tsukumogami can.” Tsukiko observed.

At our talk, Azuki stood, waddling over to us eagerly. Her ruby eyes were expressive, and she knelt before me, legs creaking. “Master, ever since you saved me, I’ve been wondering... why am I alone? In the past, there were many others like me. I wanted to sleep, to forget the pain and the torment the corrupted Kami put me though, but... now I like being awake. Alas, that mad maid, she bullies me, but... I have a home to look after, and a family again. Now...” Her pale cheeks flushed to match her eyes. “...there will even be children to play with me once more. I think... I want them to wake up too. The world may be sad and scary, but it is full of good things too! We living treasures, we should have just as much right to be happy as...” she stopped, surprised, as I patted her head. I knelt down, meeting her eyes.

“Yeah, be they human, Fae, Yōkai or anything else, so long as they follow the laws and live a good life, they are welcome.” I promised. “Don’t worry.” I turned to Yukiko-san then. “I don’t mind trying to wake them up.” My mind was already spinning with ideas. We need some specialists. Bintara, certainly, and Selensha would be helpful too, I reckon. If it’s just the lower ether density, we could take them deep into the Fae realms too... well, my Eye and Chirurgery should be able to give us some clues.... “Of course, even though we’re friends, I hope you’ll be offering a reward?” The Imperial Regalia should be easily on par with the gear we got from the Tower of London, even Mortal Fragarach. If we had one, then it would help ensure the safety of my girls when we go abroad or in their daily lives, as they have a presence in the Material.

“Of course. The Emperor and my parents are hardly stingy. Besides, it would offend your backers in the shrines and nobility.” Yukiko-san agreed, feeling more positive now. “I’m not sure what I can offer you though. Land maybe? You have plenty of wealth.”

“It’s obvious. One of the Regalia. At least to borrow.” I conceded that gaining full ownership was unlikely. “I’d like to use it for my girls, like Tsukiko, who lack offensive and defensive strength. Uh...” My words seemed to have caused a commotion. Everyone was staring at me in silence. Eri was shaking her head, rolling her eyes, while Yukiko-san looked away, fiddling with her glasses.

“I know it’s a big ask. They are national treasures.” I said slowly, the sudden heavy atmosphere pressuring me. “But it’s a good deal. If I can wake them up, you benefit a lot, so loaning me one as a gesture of goodwill...”

“It’s not that.” Yasuhide-san rubbed at his beard again, barely able to hold in his mirth. Since I was confused, back in the Boundary I asked Shiro if she got what was up, and she burst out into deep laughter, clutching at her stomach. When she finally stopped, she looked at me as if I was an idiot.

“Seriously, I know they say dumb guys are the cutest, but... when you keep telling us your Intellect is over two thousand, either it makes me think your Eye is broken, or there’s a hidden stat about social graces which you are definitely substandard on. But I love you anyway! Let big sis Shirohime explain. You asked for an Imperial Regalia. With me so far?”

I nodded, and she continued. “Good, stay with me! Now, the Regalia aren’t just the treasures of the Imperial family, but they can only be used by members of the Imperial Family as per tradition. Get it now?”

Oh. Yes. I do. I missed that in my eagerness to get further strength for us. My comprehension must have shown on my face, as Shiro was laughing again, and I was glad Motoko and Natsumi had gone back to trying to improve their compatibility with Jumong’s Favour so couldn’t see my blunder.

Back in the Material, I grimaced. “Sorry, I didn’t think of the implication. That wasn’t a...”

“I know.” Yukiko-san managed at last, once she regained her composure. “I’m just a plain woman anyway. Compared to Tsukiko or even Eri-san over there, who would be interested in me?” I was going to open my mouth to disagree, but Eri shot me a hard look so I kept silent.

“I’m sorry.” I repeated, defeated. “But yeah, honestly... just like Eleanor gave out what was within the Tower with the permission of the Queen, I think you could persuade the Emperor to change how things are. We’re all in it together, and while I don’t really believe all that much in Fate, Destiny and the Definite like you and Tsukiko do, I know that I want to protect you, Yukiko-san. Princess of Heaven or no, we’re friends. Though don’t get me wrong, I’ve seen your flaming sun of Amaterasu, I’m sure you can look after yourself.” I managed a little laugh.

“Dodged a bullet there...” Yasuhide-san clapped his hands together, clearly amused. “Much as I do enjoy seeing you youngsters in the throes of youthful exuberance, I’m sure you are all busy.”

“That’s right.” I agreed. “Uh... well I’m planning to go abroad for a while soon, when the plans are finalised, but I’ll try and make time to check on the Regalia before I go. I’d like to meet this Grandmaster Daimon too.”

“That’s fine. We do dearly want the Regalia to awaken.” Yukiko-san had calmed down. “I assure you, we’ll show largesse befitting the Imperial Family. Assuming that you can do it.” She added, a touch acerbically, and Tsukiko took her arm with a gentle smile.

“Before you return, why not relax here with me in our hot springs? Nobody but Akio and we are allowed to use the one at this house, and Akio would hardly be so crass as to peep... Eri, will you join us?”

“I think I should.” Eri agreed, and she scooped up Azuki. “You can come too. You’re alive, just as we are.”

As they left me alone with Yasuhide-san, I sighed. “I get I made her uncomfortable, but I had no ungentlemanly intentions. Anyway... I need to lay some groundwork, but... I’m at least fifty percent certain I can wake them up.”

“Perhaps your lack of intention was also offensive? But who am I to say? I’m just an old man who enjoys watching the younger generation do their best.” He replied. “Well, since I am returning to Kyoto alone...” he left his words hanging, and I conceded the point.

“We do have a guest mansion on the estate as well. I’ve got people to contact, so why not join my family back downstairs and stay the night? It’d help Tsukiko’s parents to acclimatise.”

“Don’t mind if I do. Your home seems well stocked with tasty booze.” He grinned, standing and stretching.

“Of course it is. Shaeula’s a big drinker, and now Shiro’s healthy she enjoys it too.” As does my sis, much to father’s chagrin. “Besides, if the parents of Hinata, Motoko or Natsumi visit, we can’t serve them supermarket beers.” As I rambled on, my thoughts were turning to how to contact the Hyakki Yagyō and request Bintara’s aid. And more to the point, what it’ll cost me? Well, we have Ginneka, so hopefully some mortal pleasures can be sent their way as a fair exchange...