On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Huh? Looking over the President, I couldn’t detect anything particularly out of place. His body was circulating a modest flow of aether, since I’d performed Chirurgery on him in hopes of getting the concession of his support in overturning the Ningen-sengen, the Humanity Declaration, which had been a greater success than I’d imagined. There didn’t seem to be any strange aetheric energies or adherence lingering on him. In fact, he seemed… normal.

Hinata, Kana, and Hinata’s grandfather, they all seemed unfazed and unaffected by anything, though Kana was doing a somewhat bad job of hiding irritation, not that I blamed her, as the President’s gaze was rather… sticky… when he talked to her or Hinata.

“I don’t see anything. At least nothing obvious.” I spoke into my phone, and Adam fell silent for a moment.

“And you’re sure you’d be able to tell? Christina was very clear on the potency of your vision, exceeding Scryers, apparently, if very light on exact details.” His next words came out as if he was chewing on glass, it clearly pained him to say them. “I must make you aware Christina has insisted she will never share information with us which endangers or compromises your safety or goals. What magic did you use? If only she was half as loyal to us. No, I suppose it hardly matters. Just know you can keep her, as… a gesture of goodwill, and a hope that you remember America has many good… damn it. There’s no way my conscience will allow me to say that.”

His bitter words poured out, as if unburdening himself. “She’s a terrible, barely human creature in most ways that count. But at least she’s beautiful. I suppose Devils often are, otherwise nobody would listen to them. I used to think she was born into the wrong era, she’d be right at home during the World War Two era, in certain company, if you know what I mean. But now… I think this is the perfect time for her. If so, God has a vile sense of humour I don’t appreciate.”

“I hardly think you get to criticise.” I shot back. “It’s largely your orders that have led to so much suffering and cost us irreplaceable allies. And much as I find Christina annoying, it’s not up to you to give her away. She has her own will.”

“Able to find the good even in that mad scientist… I suppose in a way I have to admire you. Which is what makes you even more dangerous. But in this case, better the Devil I can predict, and who has been shown to have at least some semblance of honour.”

“Get to the point, I’m drawing too much attention. This is a place where many important people, including your President, are watching me.”

“Yes. Oh, and congratulations again, it seems…”

“Yeah. Thanks.”

“Fine. I get you dislike me. I’ll stick to the point. You’re sure there’s nothing you’ve overlooked?” he repeated, and with some irritation, I confirmed again what I’d seen.

“No. And while it’s not impossible to fool my vision, it has happened a few times, it’s unlikely. He’s in better health than even I imagined, maybe he took to the Chirurgery well, But I don’t see anything wrong with him, nor anything that could spread.”

“I see. Shit. I despise that events have forced my hand. Can we meet up later?”

That shocked me. “You’d meet me? Away from your home ground? Alone? Aren’t you afraid that I’ll kill you or worse, considering that I’m the Trojan Horse of the Gods, so you fear?”

“Of course. But I did say I’m trusting to your honour, and also… you will want to be aware of this danger.”

“Fine. But I have the Banquet next, and then a Ball. I can slip out after that.”

“Excellent. Here’s the address I’m staying at…” he rattled it off, and it was an oddly low-key hotel, the sort an ordinary traveller would use. Out of deference to his desire not to be alone with me, I looked up a small bar nearby and agreed to meet there. That done, he explained a little further.

“We don’t know what’s happening, but… the President and a significant number of Senators are compromised, as well as those who have been in close contact with them. Their brain chemistry has changed significantly, and their Amygdalas, Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortexes and the Temporal-parietal junctions have all shown similar abnormalities.”

“What does that mean?” I asked.

“We don’t know. Not exactly.” Adam was frustrated, angry and afraid in equal measure, it seemed. “We will talk more later. I have copies of the files. I expect it’s too much for you to examine the brain in that level of detail?”

“For me, yes, but…” I considered it carefully. It’s a long shot, but we do have some medical professionals here… “Leave it with me.”

“Be careful. Such elevated levels of dopamine could lead to psychosis, mania, increased impulsiveness and aggression. Though we aren’t seeing that. It’s more… behavioural changes, in certain aspects. But I do worry… if such isn’t… addictive. We don’t know how it spreads, and the secrecy is total. So just… don’t let anyone you care about be alone with the President or anyone in his delegation, or anyone you think has spent time alone with them. Better safe than regretting it endlessly.”

I understood. “Yes. I do have to wonder if such side-effects can be mitigated by high stats from Chirurgery and the like. Anyway, I have to go…”

“Yes. One last thing…” Adam cut in. “Keep Bethany and Zachary close.”

Huh? “As far as I know, they’re flying back to the US tomorrow.”

“Fucking idiots. They should listen to their father for once.” Adam’s fragile calm shattered. “Listen. Do not let them return. Not until this mess is resolved. Keep them there however you can. If you need to, tell Bethany you love her or something, use that charm you wooed your Princesses with, be forceful if you have to…”

I was offended by that. “I’m not some sort of playboy, and I’m not going to assault her. You bastard…” The one thing I truly loathed was scum who hurt women, so just the suggestion pissed me off.

“Better that than the alternative. Chris treasures his kids, hell, I understand that well. But better she’s in your care than she ends up a brainwashed victim, and even Chris wouldn’t stand in your way if it’s what Bethany wants or is in her best interests regardless. It’s not impossible they know Zachary and Bethany are what you call Chosen, and even if not, as Chris’ kids, they’ll be targets. Honestly, by now, Chris might even be compromised himself, poor bastard. We still don’t know how it spreads. It’s a colossal failing on our part. The NSA only works if people don’t realise what we have access to. With isolated rooms, no electronics, perhaps some of your strange abilities to mask sound escaping… we might as well be blind.”

“Fine. We’ll talk later, but I can at least delay them. Now I really have to go.” With that, I ended the call, trying not to show the irritation I was feeling on my face. The way Adam said that, it was like he expected me to force myself on her if she refused. What a bastard. Bethany’s a nice young woman, she and her brother have blended into the group well enough. And she seems to be coaching Christina, I think… well, anyone who can turn that mess into a functioning woman has talent, that’s for sure. Right…

Dropping my wind barrier I finally gave in and strode over to the waiting President, though not before subtly inspecting his bodyguards. Yeah, I’ve read textbooks, but I’m hardly learned enough to establish what parts of the brain have become abnormal from just an inspection, and if there’s no suspicious flow of aether or adherence…

“Sorry about that.” I apologised. “Urgent phone call. You know how it is, I’m sure. Good afternoon to you, Mr President. It’s been a while.”

“It has indeed.” The most powerful man in the world, or so the saying went, smiled at me, offering his hand for me to shake. I took it, and it was a firmer, surer grip than I remembered, which made sense as his body had fully acclimatised to the Chirurgery and was using the boosted stats. “I’ve been watching with interest though. As for calls, oh, don’t I know it. I’m the busiest man alive, none of my aides and staffers can do a damn thing right, so I have to oversee everything myself. I’m not missing out on being informed about what’s truly going on again. Being at the top is a privilege, but it’s thankless work, let me tell you!”

I noticed Kana wincing at his rhetoric, and I once more sympathised. Still, that didn’t stop the President from carrying on.

“There are always those who tell you ‘it can’t be done’ or ‘it shouldn’t be done’ or ‘that’s unethical’ but what do those fools know?” His gaze lingered on the Pope, who was being entertained by some of the girls and their families, as well as Prince Charles. Though amusingly enough, I did spot Shiro watching him, one of her eyes a rather fiery crimson, and the expression on her face was pensive.

“I appreciate you aren’t the type to be bound by the whims of lesser men.” His gaze now flickered over to Ellie, and his smile offended me, but I took a deep breath as he continued. “Not one but two Princesses? You’re a man after my own heart. Winners recognise each other, wouldn’t you say? And these two…” His eyes licked over Hinata and Kana. Hinata’s practised smile never faltered, but I imagined if she had Rank eleven Lovers’ Link she’d be cutting him apart in my mind. Kana’s smile remained bright, but her brown eyes were hard, and I supposed she’d used her experience of getting hit on back in Tokyo as a shield.

“…very beautiful. Admirable. You’re a man who I can respect. They remind me of my daughter when she was their age. Beautiful.” he repeated.

“Yes, they are.” I cut in, allowing them to shelter behind me slightly, one grasping each arm. Hinata’s red and gold gown was a little less daring than she usually wore, but was still showcasing her charms, while Kana was similarly dressed, though her gown was entirely golden, just paired with red hat, heels and silk shawl. The pair of them could certainly be sisters, both of them are gorgeous.

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“You should have brought them to America. I’d have shown them a warm welcome, as I did you.” the President continued.

“I’m sure they’d have loved it.” I lied. “But at the time it simply wasn’t… prudent. You know how the world is right now.”

“Indeed I do.” The President narrowed his eyes, and I focussed all my vision on seeing any abnormalities. Does his face show too many micro-expressions? Is that a faint tremor, not caused by age? No, I can’t really tell…

“Nasty business, those attacks. Didn’t happen on American soil, you know. And why would it? They know I’m the man in charge, and anyone who crosses America, crosses me, and I’m prepared to use all the might of our world-class Military. We don’t need troublemakers who can’t recognise the way things are, stirring up trouble. Oh…”

He smiled, as if realising something, but to me it seemed rather… fake. “…if you mean that business with Director White, well, unless he shapes up he’ll be out. I’ve no need for someone who can’t follow orders and tries to keep me in the dark. Got to drain the putrid marsh infesting American politics. He hasn’t even been answering my calls. He answers to me. I’m the Commander-in-Chief. I bet you have the same problems, don’t you? Being a leader is hard, but people are saying I’m the most beloved and successful US President ever. They’re not wrong. My popularity has never been higher. Like yours.”

In my expanded vision, I could see the Queen, still chatting away with the other guests, looking my way with sympathy. I suppose this is the price of power. Not everyone has the class of the Japanese nobility, or the Queen…

“Anyway…” the President carried on, and as I had thought last time, he definitely loved the sound of his own voice. “I was talking to young Hinata here… very pretty, good girl, you’re a lucky man, I certainly wouldn’t say no. I can see why you like her. Oh, and young Kana too. Charming. Good body. But I was a bit surprised you’d let a woman so young handle your finances. A man should keep control of his wallet.” he declared piously. “Now, I’m thinking… we should make a deal. I’m great at deals, make the best deals going, everyone says so. A real win for me, and a win for you. It’s impossible to turn down.”

Hinata’s eyes urged me to maintain my calm, and I did so, though he was grating on me. I hate the way he’s talking about Hinata and Kana… but what’s more important is… I don’t see much, if any difference in his behaviour than the last time I met him. Does that mean it’s Adam who is the trap? I don’t know, I’d best be cautious…

“Perhaps we should do this another time?” I ventured. “The Banquet will be ready soon…”

“There’s no time like the present. I didn’t get to be President, or New York’s premiere businessman, looked up to by all, by waiting. Strike while the iron is hot. You don’t seem to be a man who wants to miss out on the finer things in life.” He smiled at Kana and Hinata again. “You want it all. Greed is good, power, money, women. America is a nation where those who have the drive can get ahead. And the connections, goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. And didn’t I help you out, like you wanted? That was a great deal, wasn’t it? This one will be better.”

“I’m afraid it seems impossible at this time.” Hinata spoke up politely, and the President scoffed.

“Listen, your husband is talking now. I know he indulges you, but this is business. It’s a man’s world.”

My eyebrow twitched, and Hinata squeezed my hand. “You know…” I managed, not wanting to make a scene. “Hinata’s fought and killed people. Just as bravely as any man would. I don’t think women are any worse at anything than we are. Better, at some things, but… I suppose we can talk, man-to-man.” As the President smirked in satisfaction, I asked him what he wanted, and was unsurprised by his answer.

“Personally, I think climate change is a hoax. Always have. Liberals trying to harm the West, if you ask me. And not just me, plenty of people, influential, clever people, are saying it. Scientists, proper ones, you know. But… I think I could be persuaded to give it a second chance, if you know what I mean? I’ve the Primaries in March, a sure thing. My Party knows I’m responsible for their success, why would they want anyone else? They need a strong, experienced, well-connected leader, who’ll stand up to those who mess with America and our interests. America first! Then there’s the election. It would be a disaster if I didn’t win it. Of course I will, everyone knows it. But you should understand the benefits of having a man in the Oval Office you can work with.”

I forced a nod. It was true he wasn’t the sort of person I liked, not at all, but if he wasn’t under some sort of strange control, like Adam had intimated, I had to work with him or at least tolerate him.

“Then, let me be blunt. Global waste and carbon dioxide, yes? A load of nonsense the so-called experts parrot, but whether its true or not isn’t the point. If there’s a solution, one that makes a lot of money, and gets popular with the voters… you catch my drift?”

“I do.” I nodded. “But currently we’re in the small-scale testing stage. And scaling up requires significant resources…”

“Which only you control. Young Hinata was telling me that, yes.”

“Oh, if I may speak up?” Kenji-kun, Hinata’s grandfather, interjected. He was looking dapper and elegant in his evening jacket, and Chirurgery had given him the energy of a man in his fifties. I expect he was giving Hinata quiet support but letting her and Kana deal with the President themselves, as it’s experience they’ll need. All of them, in my mind, they don’t have to back down to anyone, as if they are in the right, I’ll support them no matter the opponent…

“By all means.” I agreed, and he smiled and nodded firmly, brown eyes shining with amusement.

“Indeed. It’s not too dissimilar to the situation America is in with China and the supply of rare earth metals, as well as gallium and germanium. All critical for modern industries, but the majority, around seventy percent of global mining, and more than ninety percent of the pollution-heavy refining, takes place there, and they have around fifty percent of global reserves, by various estimates. And yet they restrict these key exports, using them as political leverage.”

“It’s frustrating. Those Chinese don’t know who they are messing with. But sooner or later they’ll come to the table. I’ve my best people working on it.”

“I’m sure.” Kenji-kun agreed. “My point is… doesn’t the United States restrict technologies and some high-end hardware from being exported to China, Russia and the like? It’s only natural for countries to protect themselves. Though…” He smiled at me, and I knew what we wanted.

“Yes. There should be a comprehensive trade deal and sharing agreement signed between Britain and Japan to reinforce what we already have. So long as I’m around, and trust me, I’m always going to be around, I don’t need to run for re-election, my marriages aren’t a business arrangement, even if Hinata here is running mine…”

She smiled, pleased at my affirmation, and Kana seemed a little envious, so I made sure to praise her too. “…and Kana here is the construction queen. No, our alliance will last, and Britain will benefit.”

“No elections would be wonderful. The problem with the system is that it isn’t fair. Rigged. Always have been. But I broke the cycle. You can’t keep me down. Everyone knows it, everyone says it. My election win was the biggest ever. Look it up. Of course, next term could and should be bigger. With the right… endorsements.”

“Yes, but…” Kenji-kun smiled as he absorbed the President’s words. Looks like we need to wrap this up soon, thankfully, as I think that the seating in the Throne Room is almost ready. The Palace staff sure are confident, Hyacinth must be in her element…

“…my point is, why would we share our leverage, any more than the United States or China would?”

“Because it’s a deal.” the President insisted. “Give and take. But we should talk about this somewhere more comfortable. It seems it’s time for the Banquet. I was honoured to be invited. The Queen is a close friend of mine, you know? Always has been…” he boasted for a bit more before his bodyguards escorted him inside.

Other guests were going in now, but I paused for a bit to talk to Kana, Hinata and Kenji-kun. With the military orchestra as the backdrop, it was a scene to wash away the foul taste that dealing with the President had left in my mouth, further amplified by Adam’s warning, and my doubts over whether the President had indeed been compromised. From some of the things I’ve heard about his policies, how could you tell? No, I’m probably being unfair, I’m not American, so I only know what the news I’ve seen says…

“That must have been rough…” I commiserated quietly, and Hinata shrugged.

“It was a valuable learning experience. Though grandfather taught me, and also Hiroto…” She smirked knowingly. Her brother was missing out on this visit as part of his punishment, but in the end she’d relented on the most forceful measures of a shotgun wedding, though she was still insistent on him at least picking the right women to socialise with, trustworthy ones. “…how to recognise a good businessman, and stay wary of a bad one. What’s the most important part of a deal?”

“If I had to say, it’s getting what you want without giving up what you can’t?” I offered, and she shook her head.

“That’s not untrue, but if you want further profitable deals afterwards, the key is to make sure that both parties leave thinking they took advantage of the other. That way you’ll be able to work together again.” As Kenji-kun nodded approvingly, Hinata delivered a fairly scathing rebuttal. “That man doesn’t want anyone to get ahead, even if he gets what he wants. A narrow mindset. I only think he did what you asked regarding the Ningen-sengen because he didn’t understand the significance, it didn’t matter at all to him, and what you offer is just so valuable. But he’s envious of what we have. What he offers in return… I’m not convinced.”

“He’s a creep…” Kana whispered. “I can tell. I’m sharp, you know.” She brightened, winking at me. “I’ve always been able to tell when someone’s looking at women with lustful eyes. And don’t even try and tell me you didn’t find Shaeula cute, even from the start. Even if you couldn’t admit it to yourself. Anyway, he’s awful, and I hated the way he was ogling and dismissing Hinata, so I had to jump in.”

“I’m glad you did.” Hinata giggled softly, hiding it with her hand politely. Most of the guests were heading back to the Throne Room now, so we had to be swift. “I got to observe him more keenly when he was distracted by your charms, Kana. That dress wowed him.”

“Yours too, don’t be modest, it doesn’t suit you. Ugh!” She made an indelicate sound and shuddered. “I got the urge to sink him a thousand feet underground, but I didn’t want to wreck Eleanor’s family home… uh, is it a family home?”

“Sort of. Maybe Windsor Castle would be more that? I’d think you should have been more worried about starting a war by assassinating a sitting President. Ellie and the Queen would have forgiven us the damage if we fixed it, I’m sure…”

“That’s hardly the point.” Kana pouted.

“No. Anyway…” I wove a little wind around us to swallow sound, and the three of them realised it was serious, as we trailed behind the other guests. “…did any of you notice any unusual behaviour? Or feel any malign influences? Like mind control?”

“No.” Hinata exchanged a glance with Kenji-kun, who nodded. “Nothing like that. Besides, we’ve played around with Shaeula’s befuddling winds… actually, I suppose it’s winds and waters now… before, remember? We know what such would feel like. If anything, he seems more… I don’t know how to put it. You’ve met him before, grandfather. What do you think?”

“Yes. There’s a greater… I don’t know how to say it. A hunger. For satisfaction or for power, perhaps? I haven’t had the pleasure since he became President, so maybe that’s changed him, or perhaps intensified what was there before. Rising to a new level of wealth or power can affect people that way.”

“He’s just… I don’t know. He doesn’t feel clean.” Kana declared finally. We all nodded as we trusted Kana’s perception. “There’s an impatience in him, I think. Like there’s a hole that needs filling. Did you notice his hands were sweating, despite the ballroom being cool?”

“I didn’t. I was too focussed on his face and body language.” Hinata praised.

“I always check the hands.” Kana shot me a sideways glance. “You want to work on that yourself, Akio. When you are talking to a pretty girl or beautiful woman, your hands get restless. His though… I can’t say he’s being controlled, not that I’d know, but I do know I want to stay far away from him, so I doubt anything has affected me.”

“Great. Then let’s forget we had this conversation for now.” I let the wind barrier drop as we re-entered the Throne Room. Just what are you playing at, Adam White?

Once inside, we were shown to our designated seats. I was quite close to the grinning Queen, and I was sitting with Ellie on one side, as expected, and on the other, Shiro was there, and she gave me a lazy wave. Seeing that, the Queen tittered playfully. “Of course there is no way we can keep a Goddess away from her chosen husband, can we? All we ask in return is that you treat our dear granddaughter with kindness.”

Shiro waved a hand. “Tan says she will accept her as she is. Just like anyone. Which means she agrees. Tan’s not the most honest, I’m afraid. Oh, I know, I’ll stop embarrassing you.” Shiro leaked a chuckle, clearly talking to the Goddess inside her. “Anyway, Aki, today’s been crazy. Moreso than last time we were here. Though I’m not sure I like being filmed eating. Tan’s… well, you know.”

I did indeed. Several film crews were present in one corner, though again, they weren’t permitted to film sound, only their voiceovers to be broadcast. Tan was a ravenous eater, so when she came out during the feast, it seemed Shiro was worrying about being shamed, which was rather cute.

“Oh, and on your other side…” The Pope and his aide, an old man who was his personal secretary and companion, took their seats opposite us, and beside them was Asha. An odd choice? Of course, in her surprisingly sexy orange gown, which had floaty, petal-like skirts and a looser bodice, to highlight and not pressure her pregnant figure, she looked amazing, and the wide-brimmed hat in orange and white contrasted with her pale green skin beautifully.

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“…do enjoy a riveting conversation, though the time for private chatting is during the Ball. Though we fear you won’t have much time for that, young Akio, as you will need to turn a dance with your fiancée… as is tradition. It’s a shame you have rather too many, isn’t it?” Her smirk was wickedly teasing. “Oh, but do take the first turn with Eleanor. Though she would never admit it, we suspect she has been waiting for this moment since she was a little girl, dreaming of a Prince to sweep her off her feet, like in the fairytales.”

“Grandmother!” Ellie flushed, her tone irritated. At that chiding, the Queen merely raised her glass, as we were amongst the last to be seated. With my widened perception, I could see that the vast majority of the guests were from our party, which was quite the spectacle, and I was pleased so many people could make an unforgettable memory. Though it’s certainly not the last time we’ll be here. And when the Ring Gate is safely moved tomorrow, travel will be significantly easier…

“Now then. A toast to all our guests, and all those honoured. As you suspect, we have rather an ulterior motive in the selections for today’s Honours. As you saw with Mr Michaels, such miracles exist now. But they are not simply the province of my new grandson-in-law, Duke Windsor. No, they can be learned, and taught, though currently that is his providence. And it just so happens…” Her smile was delighted and charming, belying her advancing age. “…that the Princess… no, the Queen Eleanor, First of her Name, Free Hospital, is a fitting tribute to her crowning, and also a declaration that, no matter how the world changes, Eleanor, and the Royal Family, will stand for the people of Britain. And of Japan, for our two nations are tied close together with bonds as hard as steel. Now then, enough blather from this old woman. Do enjoy, but… keep it civil!”

The President and his guards were opposite Shaeula, Hyacinth and Daiyu. I wasn’t sure if the Queen had arranged it on purpose, or it was just a coincidence, but I had little to fear regarding those three and their mental strength. No, all I have to worry about is if Hyacinth disintegrates him if he ogles Daiyu and Shaeula. No, she wouldn’t do that anymore. She’s changed… wait, who am I kidding? She still would, she’d just consider the consequences a little more… no, it’ll be fine.

Daiyu’s eye-catching down had drawn attention, as it was distinctly Chinese in style, but still Western, and the ivory silk called to mind her usual white Cultivator robes, while the grey highlights made it seem regal and exotic. Her hair was beautiful too, styled into a dark cascade, studded with white and grey seed-pearls, subtle gold chains running through forming a net. Of course, Shaeula and Hyacinth carry off their own styles flawlessly too. The Palace staffers have done an amazing job…

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“I think you should look forward to this…” Ellie added when the Queen was done. “…I hear no effort has been spared. We do have some very important guests, after all…” She then smiled. “To me, you’re the most important guest.”

“Hey, what about us?” Shiro asked, pretending to be annoyed, as the impeccably dressed staff began to bring out the first course, a light, delicate fish soup served in magnificent British china bowls inlaid with gold. “You’re hurting our feelings…”

“You know I treasure your friendship, Shiro. And you too, Tan. But am I as important to you as Akio is then, Shiro?” Ellie rejoindered, and Shiro chuckled.

“You got me there. Shit, you’ve changed so much from when we first met. Guess love does rot the brain. But it’s a happy brainrot, wouldn’t you say?”

“I would.” Ellie agreed, before pausing to take a mouthful of soup.

“Oh, this is excellent. I believe it’s trout soup, the fish sourced from the Royal estates.”

“Yeah, it’s great. Wouldn’t you agree, Asha?” Shiro pointedly ignored the Pope, who gave no indication he was offended.

“I do find it pleasant.” Asha agreed. “My diet has certainly changed.”

“Yeah well, got to eat for two, or for three, you reckon?” Shiro winked. “Anyway, won’t all those estates be yours soon, Ellie?”

“Don’t remind me.” Ellie grumbled, in-between quiet, polite eating. “The pressure is immense, but… with everyone beside me, I can manage.”

“Yeah. Aki’s reassuring like that. Not just him. We have Hyacinth ready to decimate any enemies, Asha’s Tree is like the perpetual motion machine, just giving out energy without end…”

“That’s down to you as well, so be proud…” I murmured. Damn, this soup is good. Light, flavourful and not overpowering. Definitely food fit for royalty. I always wanted an impossible life like this for Eri, Aiko, our families… now they have it. And all those within my grasp too…

“Shit, Aki with the critical hit from a sneak compliment attack…” At Shiro’s mock agony, Ellie and Asha, as well as those sat beyond them who knew us, smiled or laughed.

“You’re right though.” Ellie agreed, as we finished off the soup. “I don’t think I could face all this stress alone, not after having tasted how sweet it is to have Akio and all of you to rely on. If I tried, I’d go bald from the stress.”

“No, don’t lose your beautiful hair.” I teased, and while we finished the soup, we bantered and chatted, Asha offering occasional interjections. Soon, everyone had finished, and a rich buzz of conversation was breaking out around the Banquet. Our corner of the room was no exception, but our pleasant time was interrupted by Pope Francisco, who seemed older and more shrunken than when he had appeared on TV, almost seeming dwarfed by his traditional white Papal cassock. With his careworn, gentle face, and passionate, if exhausted eyes, he seemed a kindly old man, but then his gaze sharpened, and we realised he was indeed the most powerful voice speaking to all of nearly one and a half billion Catholics worldwide, and still an influential one to around the same number from other Christian denominations.

“Forgive me for interrupting…” He spoke in slightly accented English, considering we were doing the same since Ellie was not yet fully fluent in Japanese, and we were in Britain. I expect she’s cramming though. Her stats should be high enough to master it soon enough…

“…but if I may, a question?” It was directed not at me, but at Shiro.

“Sure? I guess. It’s a bit annoying, interrupting my happy time with Aki, Eleanor and Asha, but I’ll give you face, as Daiyu might say…”

The Pope didn’t seem offended by her bluntness, even as Ellie and I winced. He even seemed amused.

“My apologies. I would hate to intrude, but I must satisfy my curiosity. It is good to see more love in the world, though it is… a little troubling. Adam had but a single Eve, after all…”

“But also many Kings of Israel and notable figures in the Old Testament had many wives, I remember that much.” Ellie added.

“Yes. I do know that. And it is as I have always said. God is love. I am not one to condemn you, so long as all are happy.”

I nodded at that, and he made his actual point. “But if our God is love, what, pray tell, do you stand for, Taṇhā?”

Shiro let out a sigh, before her hair turned crimson, her eyes blazed red, and her skin darkened, as she allowed full Divine Possession. That attracted a buzz of attention from those who hadn’t been used to it, and the Queen and her sons looked on in interest. Well, most of her sons. One is conspicuously absent, and is a source of shame to Ellie, from what I gather…

“Me? I stand for a great deal less suffering than the Throne you so worship, Pontiff. Now do not mistake me, the powerful impose upon the weaker, such is the way of things, but I prefer not to be so hypocritical. Where was the love when the militant arm of the Ninth Heaven attacked schools and innocent family homes? I own my cravings, my rages, my furies. I never claim to be better than I am, nor worse. I am simply Taṇhā, she who has found cool water to quench her thirst.” Her gaze was challenging, but her tone was oddly respectful, and seeing we’d noticed that, Tan lazily waved one hand, while with the other she grasped her wine glass, ready to sate her physical thirst.

Spoiler

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“Oh, if I do equate the rank of this Pontiff to that within his Pantheon, he would be perhaps at the level of Saint? Though many would instead be Astral Emperors, of course. A ruler of a world. I too rule a world, though not in the same sense. And my sisters do contest that, but their childish tantrums, jealousy and bad behaviour shall be curtailed when I return, have no fear of that.” She drank deeply, a waiting servant pretending to hear nothing, probably wishing he was somewhere else, refilling her glass quickly. Maybe best to get Shaeula to give all of them a quick binding Oath to never speak of this again or share what they heard while serving here…

“I do indeed lead. But not all follow. The Church of True Revelation is as old as the faith itself. Perhaps even older. And I do strongly condemn their actions, though I do somewhat disagree that the schools were entirely free of military…”

“I think that is quite enough.” Tan cut him off. “The princess is disdainful of your dissembling. Yes, you could argue a handful of women there were warriors bound to Akio’s cause, but many more were not. Should the blood of the innocent be shed to strike down the guilty?”

With my expanded vision, I could see Mae, her tails still vanished so she could wear her tight-fitting and attractive ballgown, listening, ears flickering. Seeing me watching, she idly waved one finger, and a gust of green flew to my ear, before bursting into a bubble of vibrations which simulated speech, yet couldn’t be heard by others due to the shock of vacuum it also threw out. Clever. That’s the benefits of both power and experience for you…

“Always so quick to rationalise. They are my exact opposite. I did as I pleased, and accepted the consequences of such, even if I hated them. Effect follows cause. Yet they believe that the effect is set no matter the cause, that those who perish are saved, joining their Ninth Heaven. Thus any suffering here is but a brief moment compared to their eternity to come. Sophistry. Though not all were so cold…” As her strangely modulated words of wind died down I nodded.

“Yes, the innocent have no sin, and we should not judge them. Too often we have done that.” Pope Francisco agreed, his companion nodding slowly. “Again, we strongly condemned the attacks, and the threats. But who would know better than you, Goddess who is not within the Bible… what they say is not untrue, is it? The world will fall, unless it is saved.”

“Indeed. I am no hypocrite, I say. I shall not deny it. But… just because the Ninth Heaven is strong in this world, as it so often is, does not mean that their way is correct. We follow… a different Path now…” Tan glanced at me for a second. “…far better to take the sacrifices upon ourselves, or better yet, to walk without sacrifice, than forcing others to pay in blood and death, even if you declare that they shall see paradise. Have you ever seen the Ninth Heaven? No, of course you have not.”

Tan asked a very pertinent question, and as the next course, Windsor pheasant and lamb served with fresh vegetables from the Crown estates and a rich, fragrant gravy, was laid out, the Pope hesitated.

“You know I have not, we mortal men are not so lucky. But… God is in his Heaven, yes? So it must be magnificent.”

“Oh, I am sure.” Tan smirked dryly, as she began to devour the food before her. I hope she at least shares the taste with Shiro… “I have never visited, of course. They are… insular to those who reject the Throne and formed their own Pantheons. But there must still be envoys, at least in the past. I have read of it. Myriad worlds, all of the faithful. Yes, a paradise. But no more than Valhalla is an eternal realm of feast halls and combat where the Einherjar dwell eternally, are the worlds of the Ninth Heaven truly what is taught. Nothing is truly eternal. Not even we Gods, no matter how mighty. The current… situation… proves that.”

She is correct. Lin agreed softly in my mind. The Einherjar are living beings. And when slain… yes, we can Choose them, though Rose and I shall do it no more. We can give them a second chance through the auspices of our power, a second life, though it is coloured by, as Taṇhā puts it, feast halls and battle. But it is not an endless existence, as eventually they will perish again in conflict when none of our white wings cast a shadow upon them, or… they fall to something which allows not even the Truesoul to escape…

I had an idea of what she meant, Verðandi’s test for me fresh in my mind. I get it. Heaven, in a truest sense, doesn’t mesh with how you talk of the Pantheons, of what I’ve seen…

“So you are saying our holy Bible is a lie?” the Pope asked mildly even as we ate, though Tan was on her second plate already.

“Not strictly. Even you must realise it is coloured to this world, and this world is far from all there is.” Tan countered.

“I’m not a religious scholar, but even I am aware the Bible contradicts itself constantly. Oh, damn…” Ellie’s face fell, and Asha, concerned, asked what was wrong, but Ellie only clutched her head.

“If I’m to be Queen, I’ll have to be the figurehead of the Church of England! I don’t want to… especially not now!”

“It is hard to be in such a position, these days. If I could retire, I would.” The Pope was oddly jovial. “But it would be a sin to step down in this time of crisis. As for the Bible, yes, it is imperfect, for we men who wrote it down are also imperfect. The spirit of the words matters more than the exact text. But alas, my struggle, both theologically and morally is…”

“That the Book the True Revelation holds was not written based upon this world, by fallible mortal hands.” Tan agreed knowingly. On her third plate while we had barely eaten half our first, I felt sorry for the servants hurrying to bring more food over… “It tears you between your faith and obedience, yes? Faith, adherence, it is cruel. And not just for those who believe. Akio…” She changed the subject, seemingly at random, but we knew better. “What do you think matters more? Obedience or conscience?”

“That’s easy. I always try to follow the law when I can. After all, laws are there for a reason, usually. But if I had to obey an unjust law, or the law was commanding me to sacrifice those I loved… hey, isn’t that the story of Abraham and his son Isaac? I remember that one because it involved Mount Moriah, the name amused me. I draw the line at that. And any law that demands such can, if you’ll pardon my rudeness, Your Holiness, go fuck itself, and any God likewise.”

“It will be a hard path, Godhood then.” Tan smirked, her fourth plate beginning to empty as if she was vacuuming it up, even as she gestured with her knife between huge bites. “Sparking is not for you, not unless… no, speaking of such things will only rub salt into your wounds, Pontiff, when salt should be a delicious additive to meals, though it does make me… thirsty…” She licked her lips seductively, and even the Pope was entranced for a moment, before he shook her Charm off, shaking his head in rueful self-loathing.

“Faith shapes the object of faith, just as your book shapes those who worship it. There are of course methods to control such, but… regardless, that is irrelevant, what matters is what will you sacrifice for faith?”

“It reminds me of the tale of Job…” Ellie mused, and the Pope nodded slowly. “He did nothing wrong, but suffered so much just to prove a point God wanted to make. Worse… Job’s children were killed to make this point. Yes, he was rewarded in the end and had as many children as were lost, but… is that truly what matters?”

“What of the original children?” Asha asked the obvious question. “I wish to seed new life, as tribute to my slain sisters, yet… I would never claim that would replace them or make their suffering and death less meaningful.”

Everyone else had finished their meal as we talked, barring Tan, so the third course, a refreshing salad to cleanse the palate, was placed down. Tan got three plates given to her, the servants no doubt learning.

“I expect you’ll say they went to Heaven.” I asked, and the Pope nodded. “But even if they did, what kind of being uses the lives of others as props to test someone’s faith? I’d say, in that case, what’s the difference between God and the so-called Devil he wagered with?”

“Exactly.” Tan agreed. “But the nature of faith is to always demand, always push the limits, and always be expected of. And the Throne is remarkably proficient at such, and those who imitate… are always simply tithing.” The salad was devoured, and she licked at her lips again, though this time the Pope averted his eyes. “Now, surely you are not here to bring a protest that my presence is an affront to your Bible, and that I should return whence I came? I cannot and will not. I am functionally a dweller of this realm, at least in terms of the Compacts, and I have not shared knowledge I am proscribed from doing so with those who have not descended from the Pantheons above.”

Oho, how wonderful. Tan could indeed be a Fae, with such delightful turns-of-phrase. Shaeula, like the others listening in to our conversation via my thoughts, was amused. No lies are told, but the truth is remarkably different.

“I see. I… do not claim to be as versed in such matters as the Revelation-Cardinal.”

“No, I suspect you wouldn’t be.” Ellie agreed. “But you are here for a reason, yes? And despite everything, you are the Pope, your Holiness, and you don’t seem to care for their methods. Can’t you do something? Excommunication, perhaps?”

“I fear not.” He shook his head. “But you will not believe me as to why. I can, however, assure you that we are doing everything we are able to resolve this peacefully. I would not test Job, if he was a good man. His goodness should suffice.”

“Peaceful? Sure, those who attacked Japan have faced justice.” I agreed. “As did Mary Stuart, who threatened Ellie’s life and worse. But there can be no true justice until the Cardinals behind these attacks, and also those who committed atrocities elsewhere, are held to account.”

“And what of redemption, of forgiveness?” the Pope asked. “Have you not committed acts of violence, are those with you entirely clean? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

Yeah well, you’ve got my hypocrisy pegged there. But it’s a bit different. Those who have done evil are at least trying to make amends. That would need to be a first step.

“A valid point.” Tan sneered. “If disingenuously made. Yes, there are those with Akio who many might say did not deserve the second chance they were given. But we know the methods of the Throne. Your True Revelation will not stop, will not cease, until they either win, or face extinction. For what is death of the flesh compared to the enduring spirit? And what amount of flesh for bricks and blood for mortar is sufficient to build a monument to the Ninth Heaven’s glory? So cease your posturing. You came for a reason.”

I tried to peek. Haru’s voice sounded. But I think he has some sort of treasure which protects him from my mind. When I try to get in, I’m repelled and it gives me a headache.

Don’t force yourself. It’s been a long few weeks for you. And you must be hurting due to the attention. Did you dress quite sexily on purpose?

You know me too well. It’s kind of sweet. Yes, I wanted to push myself, start breaking free of my fears, start afresh. Dance with me later, okay? I won’t be frightened if all eyes are on me when I’m with you…

Count on it. Though if I have to dance with everyone, I’ll not get much time to take a break.

Aww, poor unfortunate Akio, crying because he has a score of beauties who love him. If I had a beating heart, it’d bleed for you. Wait, my heart does beat when you’re with me. Maybe I do have one after all…

I know you do. I can feel it. So yes, don’t risk mental injury…

It’s fine. His secretary isn’t so guarded. I managed to extract some information. The Pope has a gift for you, and an entreaty, it seems…

Tan must have thought the same, as when our dessert, a collection of wonderful ice cream sorbets, served with mountains of sweet fruits, arrived, Tan didn’t even glance at it. Though she’s unconsciously licking her lips…

“I am waiting. We are waiting.” Tan insisted, and in the end, Pope Francisco sighed.

“I hardly wished this meeting to go so poorly. After all, I applaud your heroics, that you strive to save many.” He nodded approvingly at me, as Tan finally began to dig into the dessert. “And though you may think me weak, I genuinely believe that their faith is strong. Stronger than mine, honestly.” He gave a gentle, kind laugh. “If I had a child, and God called upon me as he did Abraham, I do not believe I could hold fast to my faith in the face of pain. As you say, the innocent should not be caught up in the struggle between…” His smile faltered, and his face flushed with shame. “…I was going to say good and evil, but that is not apt, is it? Your deeds are hardly evil, and the True Revelation, while inspired by the words of the Throne, can hardly be called good.”

“You understand. This is a matter beyond right and wrong.” Tan had devoured the mountain of fruits and was spooning ice cream of various flavours into her mouth.

“Grandmother’s bill for this banquet will be astronomical…” Ellie whispered to me. “…those sorbets are made from the finest milk from father’s prized cows…”

“Even so, I do intend to… suggest rules of conflict, at the least. Though whether they will listen to me… for fear is sadly a decent motivator.” Pope Francisco sighed softly. “But we do wish to avoid the deaths of innocents. Whatever you believe, I pray the Lord does not wish such suffering. Despite what our guest from beyond might think.”

“Any condemnation of them is better than inaction.” I approved. “The last thing we want is for them to radicalise the public. That way lies ruin. But…” I narrowed my eyes. “…you’re being shrewd. Thinking we’ll owe you a favour for very little more than some lip service. That way we won’t completely disdain your faith even if we win a bloody battle. I’m sorry, but that’s not enough.” I pushed, knowing what Haru had sensed, and indeed, the Pope nodded to his companion.

 “You might be aware, but the Vatican archives, especially the Apostolic Archive, is one of the most, if not the most extensive collection of ancient texts in the world. Alas, Archbishop Sergio, who served as Archivist, and Cardinal José, the Librarian, have both vanished without a trace. But…” He nodded, and his personal secretary produced a small, exquisitely wrapped envelope, bound by ribbon and the Papal seal in wax. My Eyes glowed to check it was safe, and since it appeared to be, merely containing what looked like a digital disk, I reached out a hand, and vanished it into my storage in a faint spray of purple. The secretary paused, shocked, but the Pope merely watched on, a solemn expression on his face.

“Miracles once thought the province of the Lord, unveiled casually by man. The End Times are indeed upon us. I do sympathise with their fears, no matter what you might think. But I abhor their methods. Now then…”

Tan had finished her feast, and the servants were laying down strong coffees and rich teas, while supplying further wines, champagnes and spirts, and some traditional British biscuits and sweets.

“There are no such things as miracles.” Tan warned him, as she released Shiro, who stretched as her skin and hair paled, and eyes darkened.

“She says everything comes down to power in the end.” Shiro finished for her, taking a sip of tea and wolfing down a handful of biscuits. “Damn, I’m starving! I could taste everything, but when Tan eats I don’t get full. It’s spiritual… hey…” She smirked at the Pope. “I could use a miracle right now, multiplying these biscuits like they’re loaves and fishes, yeah?”

Ellie clicked her tongue as the Pope chuckled, mildly amused and somewhat shocked by her casual blasphemy. Though he probably expects it from Tan’s host.

“Don’t say such things, Shiro. There are plenty more to satisfy you. We won’t let any guest leave hungry.” she chided, and Shiro gave her a thumbs-up, while still eating.

Well then. That’s curious, don’t you think, bro? In my mind and in Wisdom World, there was discussion on what the Pope had given me and why. He’s definitely hedging his bets.

I would do the same. Oddly enough, Eri defended the Pope. Think about it. He’s up against us. I’m sure, while he doesn’t agree with our enemies, he’d rather have Earth join the Ninth Heaven. But if we win, we’ll… what, be independent? Allied to the Six Paths and the World Tree?

We’ll see when we get there, but yeah, I don’t intend to just blindly join a Pantheon, even those of my friends. No offense, but I’d like to see things for myself first, get a feel for matters…

None taken. Very wise. Rose chuckled. I like wisdom. And to think Lin used to say you were too cautious and unlikely to succeed…

Do not tell him that! Lin blustered, embarrassed, and there was much laughter and merriment.

Shaking my head, I took a sip of the strong, black coffee, letting it clear my head, even as I contemplated the disk the Pope had given me. And to say that the heads of the Archive have vanished… yeah, the plot thickens…

***

We’d passed the time by talking about far less loaded subjects, and the Pope and his secretary were quite amusing company, telling us tales of what the Vatican was like, and in exchange we’d talked a little about the open secrets of the Boundary, nothing too risky. After a while, the Queen had signalled it was time for the Ball, and so we all began to file back towards the ballroom, the sound of the military orchestra having restarted.

As that happened, Haru came over, accompanied by Catherine Allison, the first recipient of an Honour here tonight. She was clearly nervous, her face, more handsome than beautiful, and feeling a bit overshadowed by her blue gown, showing tension, but I smiled winningly.

“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. You probably know why I wanted to speak with you.”

“Yes. It’s about the miraculous healing phenomenon. Of course I’d be interested. The lives I could have saved, the side-effects and lingering disabilities cured…”

“Yes, you’ve grasped the main point.” I nodded. Glancing at Haru, she smiled.

Yes. She’s a fully qualified doctor, surgeon, and even a researcher. Not as brilliant as Christina, but then, who is? She’s a genius only a handful of exist on Earth. But Miss Allison is still in the top ten percent, certainly. And before you ask, while the brain isn’t her specific area of expertise, she has been involved in a number of cases of dealing with childhood brain tumours and cancers, such as astrocytoma and medulloblastoma.

Great. Thanks.

“So, I know you have always worked with Great Ormond Street Hospital, and honestly, we don’t see them as competitors with Ellie’s new hospital. We’re all allies in the fight against childhood suffering.” I declared piously, and she cracked a gentle smile. “We’ll even be happy to donate funds and take on critical cases medication and surgery can’t fix. But we’d still like your expertise. Care for a taste?”

“I already saw what you did for Simon Michaels.” she argued, and I smiled reassuringly.

“Oh, that’s nothing. But for this, you need to open your mind up to link with us.”

“I explained it. She’s doubtful, but when I spoke in her head…” Haru chuckled, and Catherine flushed.

“I very nearly wet myself. Here, in front of the Queen, TV cameras rolling. I never would have survived the shame…”

“I’m a ghost, but I don’t like frightening people.” Haru chuckled, again drawing a puzzled frown from our guest. “Now then, this won’t hurt a bit.”

“Wait, what? I can see… through your eyes in my mind?” Despite her uncertainly, the woman was caught up in the moment, and I chuckled.

“Yeah. It’s to show you this…” My Eyes glowed, though I masked it from outside view with light element again, and suddenly I was seeing the flow of aether and other energies in everyone. But I could go further. Zooming in on the President of the United States and his bodyguards, I expended aether to simulate x-ray vision, and Catherine gasped.

“That’s amazing. More detailed than our best scans. But what are those strange lights and conduits? They don’t match up…”

“Those are spiritual features. You’ll learn about then in due course. Do me a favour. The brain’s the most complicated organ, isn’t it?” I led her gently, without giving anything away. “We have the capacity to slowly give out vision similar to this, so we want to check it’ll actually be useful.”

“Useful?” She was incredulous, attracting the attention of those nearby, and I felt amused that some seemed to think I was hitting on her.

“Sorry…” she lowered her voice. “But yes, if we can see into the body like this, diagnosis, and I presume treatment, will advance by leaps and bounds. The brain, you say. Let me see. Oh, it’s so clear… Can you look to the left a little, down… forward…”

She’s already ordering me about like I’m a microscope…

Aww, poor Akio. Want me to hug you better?

I’ll pass. If we dance, I guess I’ll be holding you close then.

Yes. Yes, I guess you will…

As Catherine marvelled, she suddenly paused. “No. That’s… not right. Huh… can I see the other man? Same spot. Wait. No, no. No… are your eyes faulty? The President now. Hmm… check someone else. Wait… normal?”

Increasingly infuriated, she had me check a dozen people, before biting on her little finger, pensive. “Everyone else looks just like they should. So then why…”

“Is there a problem?” I asked, and she lowered her voice, letting the music hide her words.

“A problem? I’m not sure. It could be the way we are seeing things, but… it’s odd, that only the President and his guards seem to be… wrong. It’s hard to explain, and I can only speculate, but…”

“But?” I asked meaningfully, while in my thoughts I shouted out my delight.

Jackpot. Looks like Adam White wasn’t tricking me after all…

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