Four Hundred And Eighty-Nine

Four Hundred And Eighty-Nine

“This is fascinating.” Nebisuki wagged her tails, which provoked Shaeula.

“You are taking up too-too much room, with those annoying tails.” she complained, batting the golden-furred tails aside. “Sit down-down and be calm, this is nothing.” Shaeula’s smile turned mocking. “Compared to trains or planes, this is rather ordinary!”

“It is me, bro, or is it getting a bit heated back there?” My sis had grabbed the seat next to mine, leaving the others in the back, feeling it wouldn’t be fair to let either Shaeula or Daiyu have the seat and make the other miss out. It’s considerate, but definitely a self-serving sort of consideration. “I guess it’s good to be relaxed before a difficult mission?”

“Urakaze’s daughter follows her mother, it seems. So cold, so mean.” Nebisuki snorted, though she did at least wrap her tails around herself. “I am simply a poor fox who now is forced to beg and scrape for scraps of happiness.” She squeezed out some clearly fake tears, bringing a snort of derision from Shaeula.

“Wow, she’s seriously trying to get your attention, bro.” My sis remarked. “Must be hard being such a man in demand. Don’t worry, when you get stabbed, I’ll be here to lend you a shoulder to cry on. I always thought it’d be Eri that stabbed you though...”

“It doesn’t sound a joke when you say it like that.” Back in the Material, I only had to sit in the helicopter, so my Split Thoughts were mostly focussed here, allowing me to easily drive and pay attention to the hijinks in the rugged vehicle. “Nebisuki, play nice. A little teasing is fine, but I won’t have you upsetting Shaeula.” I warned her, and the Kitsune sat back down, frowning piteously, though I was fairly sure she was just playing again.

We were following the route that the convoy was taking from Shirohebizumi north towards Tokyo proper, though we would be skirting around the more populated areas, and heading much further north. Soon, our vehicle going at nearly a hundred kilometres an hour, we overtook the convoy and were out into largely uncharted lands beyond. Daiyu was sitting quietly, and Chen Na was beside her, looking terribly uncomfortable. I glanced back at her, finding something to say. I don’t exactly like her, but she’s effectively died and been reborn as Haru’s Chosen Hero, so she’s paid and will continue to pay for her crimes. That’s punishment enough, and it’s more important to use her skills to prevent further tragedies... “Please stay alert, Chen Na. We’ll be needing you to protect the car if we run into trouble, as we don’t have time to stop.”

At my words she nodded, having a task to focus on making her calm down. Beside her, Daiyu nodded approvingly, and my sis looked at me knowingly, but she didn’t comment on that, merely asking about something on her mind. “So, just what’s the situation in Tokyo here in the Boundary? Are there many other Territories getting in your way?”

“Getting in my way?” I raised an eyebrow, amused. “It’s not like I own Tokyo, you know.”

“Wow, he’s being deliberately dense again.” My sis addressed Shaeula and Daiyu. “My bro’s making a real push for Astral Emperor now, being humble doesn’t suit him.”

“Yes. If we do not have the biggest fist, we will be under those who do, and our safety and happiness cannot be guaranteed.” Daiyu agreed. “Besides, it is too late to back out now. You have a wager with Taṇhā, and I do not believe the Goddess is inclined to allow you to falter should you win, and should you lose...” she paused, a slight smile on her face. “...which I do not believe you intend to, such haste are we making now, then she will work you hard fulfilling all her needs. Either way, you either rule, or serve the ruler. So no false modesty.”

“Exactly!” Shaeula agreed. “Just as I saw the need-need to reform the Seelie Court, knowing only I have the capacity to do so...” She also paused, flushing pink, even to her ears. “...I admit, at first it was merely wishful thinking, foolish-foolish dreams of a petulant child, seeking recognition and petty revenge, but now-now having dealt with the endless, frustrating politics of the Court, I am not-not conflicted any longer. Someone must-must take charge, and if not-not the King and Queen, it should be us.”

“You would put your lands and fates in the hands of Akio here?” Nebisuki asked, suddenly serious. At that, Shaeula barked a laugh.

“Of course, all-all I have is in his hands already. It will not-not be different for the Hyakki Yagyō. Perhaps I will climb the Numbers, or mother will-will intervene, but... even Nurarihyon will have to acknowledge and obey, in due-due course.” Shaeula’s tone was full of certainty, brooking no dissent.

“I see. I find it hard to believe that Great Nurarihyon will be so easy to cow, but it seems that I am in august company.” Nebisuki purred. “I did see something special in you, when you slew that arrogant junior, despite his powerful curses and trickery, and slaughtered the Kijo. It seems I am the property of a powerful man. Hold me tight so I do not go astray.”Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))

“Property, huh? Branching out are we, bro?” My sis complained, and I waved that off.

“Don’t mind her, she’s just teasing. Anyway, yeah, to answer your earlier question... even as Astral Emperor, we agreed rules to be fair to other Chosen, at the Ministry, didn’t we? I can’t just take their Territories, especially because it’s harmful to them, potentially fatal, even. Honestly though... there’s my Territory on the outskirts, then there’s our allies and Vassals, those are fine, as well as some from the military, such as Major Sasaki’s. There are surprisingly few others around, a lot less than we would have expected. Some have come forward and have been identified by the Ministry, and others the Ministry is working on pinpointing the owners of. Most of them are Rank two, or Rank three but not having extended to their maximum extent...”

“So what will you do?” My sis pressed me.

“Simple. Those who agree to work with us we’ll respect their rights. I might try and incentivise them to either become a Vassal, or at least move outside of Tokyo. Transporting them some ether as compensation isn’t a problem. Those who don’t... well, they don’t get the Ministry protections, right? If they are unknown, then I’ll have their Territories dismantled, but not by Chosen, to hopefully prevent their injury from the Anchor being pillaged by those with the Conqueror Class...” As we discussed it we were speeding past strange architecture and groups of puzzled creatures dwelling within the Boundary. “...of course, if they are hostile, then we’ll take appropriate measures. We need to eliminate chaos and opportunities for trouble. I admit it, It’ll be me who is the Astral Emperor, and this mission is potentially a huge step towards that, but I’m not a tyrant or a dictator, or if I am, I at least want to be a benevolent one. There’s plenty of room for others to expand their power bases, but we have to put ourselves first.”

“I see.” Nebisuki nodded, understanding. “Just how Great Nurarihyon allows the Parade to do as it wills, so long as it does not cross his decrees, you will do the same. I do approve!”

“Your approval means little-little to us, fox!” Shaeula complained, and as they fell to bickering again, I relaxed, amused. I might as well make the most of this, as soon it’s likely we’ll be plunged into severe danger, if Uranai is correct, and I’ve no reason to believe she isn’t...

The tall, warped buildings of Boundary Tokyo started to diminish, replaced by more natural terrain. Unfortunately this was coupled with the easier terrain to drive on starting to vanish. Driving became more taxing, but I continued to steer us north, until we came to a massive river winding its way through the Boundary.

“The Edo river, huh?” I remarked. It was four or five times wider than on the Material, and far faster flowing, foaming whitecaps and spray cascading out, rainbows of light shining above it. Unlike in the Material, there were no bridges either.

“It is rather like the Thames, in London, is it not-not?” Shaeula observed, curious, eyes glowing a brilliant amber. “However, there are other problems.”

“A worthy show. It makes me rather hot...” Nebisuki grinned, fanning herself with the cloth of her kimono, and I could see her invisible tail swishing happily. “Now then. We have carved our own path across, one in fire and death. Mocking Grand Nurarihyon and worse still, Akio, ruler of this land, is unwise. But worse is coveting what is his.” Her eyes narrowed. “We seek to cross. Should he need to drive another blazing path across, or will you show obedience and atone?”

The Kappa looked at each other, then back at the blazing trail of flames that bisected their river. The tides were starting to pull it apart, blazing tongues of light flowing away, but it still gave off a fearsome heat, and I could see the Kappa nearby weakening, water that was kept in a strange hollow on their heads slowly evaporating, silver light rising. In the end, a Kappa riding a giant turtle waddled onto land, his expression wary but cold.

“I think you should kneel.” Nebisuki said coldly, and suddenly one of the fiery balls of light flew from above her tail and burst above the Kappa, the shockwave throwing it to the ground. The other Kappa gasped, eyes glued to where the bowl that was part of the Kappa’s skull emptied, water spilling to the ground. “Much better!” Nebisuki snorted. “Now speak. But first...”

The Kappa, stunned, reached out, one hand finding his bowl empty. With a shudder, it knelt. “You have bested this one. I am yours, to do with as you will. But as brother of our fallen leader, I implore you, hold your blazing flames. If... if it pleases you...” He gestured, and three more Kappa came to shore, riding smaller turtles, one of them a smaller albino one. They dismounted, and hesitantly, at his gesture, all knelt as well, heads down, waters spilling. They all shuddered, the smallest Kappa, who rode the albino turtle even crying loudly, but they remained prostrate. “Four lives for the four we threatened. We cannot resist. But spare our Bitter River tribe from death!”

“All we wanted was to cross.” Nebisuki reminded them mercilessly. “But you are kind, are you not, Akio?”

“Yes.” I regretted having to use the power of Foehn and Prominence Twilight, but it was the most efficient way to remove the arrogant Kappa who had dared threaten what he shouldn’t. “I have no need of your lives. Had I wished them, my flames would have consumed you all, everything my light could touch flaring to ashes. Nebisuki speaks true. Soon I shall dominate this area. But I do not force anyone to leave, or make you slaves. You simply have to follow the laws everyone must abide by. Though willing allies will find me generous, and much profit in it. As for you four... I don’t seek your lives, though my anger burns as hot as my flames. You dared threaten my allies, my sister and two of my lovers...”

“Only two...” Nebisuki joked, but I ignored her.

“...so I am afraid I had little choice but to exact retribution. That is enough. Though...” I glimpsed at the largest turtle. “...give us passage across the river, and I’ll forget this happened.”

The first Kappa who came forward shuddered, but nodded, and the others breathed relieved sighs, though the last was still crying. “We spilled water. Our lives are yours. The Bitter River clan will serve as long as our family remains the strongest.” He then glared at several Kappa behind them. “My brother may have burned away, but I am still mighty, and my son, younger brother and sister are powerful!” At that booming declaration, the Kappa reflexively bowed, their own waters spilling into the river which were starting to steam and bubble from the Foehn. “Come. I shall ferry you.”

I glanced at Nebisuki, who snorted a loud laugh. “Kappa are dreadful foes in water, but on land they rely on their tamed beasts. Besides... they believe that their spirits dwell within the water in their bowls. Spilled within water it returns to water, but spilled on land... that binds them. A nonsense, but... useful.”

Back in our car, I drove slowly onto the back of the giant turtle. It rocked, sinking a bit, before straining and lifting us. It then cut across the current, away from the Foehn, and the other Kappa who knelt escorted us. Soon we were across, and the new Kappa leader once more bowed low. “Thank you for sparing us. I and my family will serve and remain your friends for as long as we survive.”

“In that case...” I said, thinking. “In a few months, I’ll control this land. Join with us, and we’ll make sure you benefit.”

“As you will it.” The Kappa grovelled, leaving me feeling a little sorry for him. Unfortunately, we had wasted some time here, so after a few more parting words, I started driving us north again. My sis was the first to speak.

“You know, I’m not sure I could surrender if someone killed you in front of me, bro. Let alone grovel like that...”

“Even to save the lives of Eri and the others?” I asked, and she opened her mouth to retort, before a thoughtful look shone in her eyes. “See? Not so easy, is it?” I pointed out, and she nodded.

“We Yōkai, and other spiritual beings, such as the daughter of dear Urakaze here...” Nebisuki began, tails wagging, though this time Shaeula didn’t scold her. “...all have our quirks. We do not see matters like you humans. After all, the Fae take their Oaths and Boons to heart, to their very being. Humans lie and cheat and do as they please. But we have many of the same emotions, but not all. We are creatures of passion.”

Shaeula nodded, agreeing, and let her continue. “The Kappa, perhaps he was merely going to appease you, so I forced him to kneel, knowing if he spilled his water on land, he would be compelled to obey you. He then made the choice to force his family to do so as well. Now they are yours, though if they sadly perish...” Nebisuki gnawed her teeth together, perhaps missing her pipe, as Shaeula didn’t allow it in the car. “...then we gain little. I advise on our return sending forces here to ensure they live until you can conquer this place properly. A clan of Kappa would make useful troops.”

“I’ll do that...” I said, agreeing. “I suppose I should thank you. That did make things easier.”

“Of course. I live to serve.” Nebisuki teased. “It is only right for the strong to coerce the weak, in the Hyakki Yagyō. Hence the true Hundred Demons is limited to the strongest. Of which you now have two as lovers!”

“Nope, just the one.” I insisted, ignoring her teasing. “Anyway, Aiko...” Seeing as I was saying her name, she knew I was serious, so she paid attention. “...I never want to have to be in a position where I’m forced to choose between avenging you or bowing to save others, so... just be careful, okay?”

My sis blinked her blue eyes, before breaking out in a brilliant smile. “Got it, bro. I won’t make you worry.” She opened the window, sticking her head out, the momentum making her black hair blow despite the lack of breeze. “Can’t you go any faster? We’ve got to get to our destination soon!”

With a wry smile I put my foot down, pushing the car’s engine to the maximum. Meanwhile, in the Material, our helicopter was closing in, the skies ahead filled with a clearly visible dark cloud of ash and dust, lightning sparking within it, visible from many miles around. The windscreen was being plinked by small dust and rock particles, and the air smelt of sulphur, just like rotting eggs.

“We can’t get too much closer, if the rotors get choked by the dust we’ll crash!” The pilot shouted out over the noise. “We need to set down.”

“Just do it.” I calculated. There was probably only fifty or so kilometres to the destination, and with the government having ordered an evacuation of the area, just in case the second wave of eruptions were fiercer, I could run as I pleased without an audience. As it descended, I leapt out, dropping the last twenty metres to the ground, and with a military-issue breathing mask to protect me from the poisonous gases and ash over my face, I started to sprint through the deserted landscape, at a speed that exceeded the car in the Boundary...