“I think you should return to the estate with our pair of foxes.” Shiro advised me, seeming ed, and Asha nodded.
“You look extremely weak. It must be a great burden, taking the pain the sap of my Tree feels. Must you be so impatient? If you colpse, who will lead us?”
“She’s right.” Shiro stated firmly, leaving me no ce to disagree. “Sure, we want to Rank up the Territory as soon as possible, but saving a few hours won’t matter in the long run.”
Shaeu shook her head. She too was exhausted, having aided me to the st drop of her strength, but as she wasn’t uhe yoke of Shiro’s Berserk Blessing, her state was far less pitiable than mihat is true, but there are indeed-indeed reasons to remain.” Her amber eyes were knowing. “Besides, time is precious. We rest when-when we are victorious.”
“My thoughts exactly.” I managed a dry ugh. “Though you cut off the Berserk Blessing on me now, Shiro. I’m not doing any more difficult tasks, now I just want to recover.” Shaeu uands. It isn’t just the extra ether, though I’d love to make us ara couple of million via resonating and mitigating buffs on Asha’s Tree before I go. No, if I Rank up Boiling Blood Resonance Link, ush it harder in future. And I’m feeling it’s close… I was actually rather surprised that it hadn’t Ranked up already, but there was something a little different about a Tree than a person. Sap rather than blood. It’s irely dissimir, but… well, if I do break through, hopefully I’ll be able to raise the Skill faster in future.
As Shiro agreed, the slowly growing pain was cut in half, and I breathed out an exhausted sigh of relief, rubbing at my closed eye. Hyath wiped my forehead with gentle care, fussing over me, and behind me Mae barked a ugh, addressing her granddaughter. “A persistent, dedicated man. What say you? Men who are too forceful often be annoying.”
“You hardly seemed annoyed wheold you of that woman you liked, grandmother.” Nebisuki snorted. “And you let him persuade you to remain. But I myself do adore persistehose who have the charm and strength to match their eagerness, at least.”
Mae merely remained silent, while her granddaughter chuckled. I was finally able to rex, enjoying the atmosphere both here and ierial, as there Gin-san and Akai were apanyihrough the streets of Kyoto. “Nebisuki, you go back with Mae. I’ll get Ling to use her ability.” Having made up my mind, and feeling rather sorry for her, despite our previous ill-feelings, I relented. Besides, it’ll be good for Mae’s mental stability. “Just… try not to trouble Eri or her family. She’s still holding a grudge.”
“As well she might.” Nebisuki reached for her pipe, before putting it down with a frown, realising that I wasn’t a fan of the habit. Seeing the look ret in her eyes, I shook my head.
“You smoke. Just don’t do it in the house ierial, you go outside. I’m not a prude, it’s no worse than drinking, just the smell is a bit unpleasant.”
“I see.” Nebisuki put the stem in her mouth and took a long pull on the pipe, her lungs hissing as she breathed out a cloud rant, blue-grey steam. “Perhaps I shall sider giving up this habit. But right now… I he calm it brings me.” Her smile was a little sad. “At the time, you were eaining toys, there to pass a few moments of boredom for the Parade. I did enjoy seeing that old Matriarch disforted and raging, and I even find myself missing our little Kitsune. He thought he could surpass me, take my Number in the end. Why, even him calling me an old hag seems nostalgiow.”
“Speaking of the Parade, are not-not emissaries ing to colleore alcohol today?” Shaeu pointed out to Hyath. “We should make-make haste to receive them. The Hyakki Yagyō has gathered many treasures over the long-long years, we should not-not rest until all are in our hands!”
As the two of them bustled off towards the Ring Gate Hub, Hyath calling for maids t our test merdise, a mixture of Fae wines and spirits made from produce from the Spring of Clear Refles, as well as barrels and bottles of Material alcohht over by Ginneka, Nebisuki fot entirely what she was about to say, merely ughing, embarrassed. “It makes me fet everything, seeing this. Grandmother… Akio is quite correct. This world… it is different now. I ret my deeds, for I did not know any of you then, nor that I would be dependant on yood graces, but…” Her grin was mog. “I am an ior, no? Just as that annoying, tight-fisted Fae Ffionnan is. I tributed the Bezoar and persuaded the other o trade what you needed for pleasures. In many ways… I provided you dear grandmother here.”
“I think Aki did most of the work…” Shiro muttered, and Nebisuki merely blew out more smoke, gatherihoughts, ign the jibe.
“I still believe I cim much credit. But I agree, our paths have crossed with blood. So…” She looked at me sincerely, and I could see the lineage of Tamamo-no-Mae ihe shape of the face, her eyes, her chest. “…I do appreciate you trusting me. When even my siions, my wishes for you to save grandmother for my own ends, have nearly led you to death. I may be rather shamefully pathetic right now…” She looked down mournfully at her missing leg and shorn tails. “…but ordinary mortals, I could still cause them great harm.”
“Don’t worry, we’re no fools.” I promised. “There’s always somebody about who put up a fight…”
As soon as I spoke those words Asha shook her head, disappointed. “That is something you o leave unsaid. She knows, but also wishes you to uand… that she appreciates it heless.”
“It is fine.” Nebisuki sighed, her two tails waving in a desultory fashion, her ears drooping. “I have a grasp on what sort of man he is. He has much that appeals, but… someooo perfect would be exhausting.” Even Mae cracked a smile at those words. “Besides…” she tinued, smirking over at Shaeu in the distance. “It pleases me to hat Urakaze’s little flower lucked by such a man. I thought the world bleak, but… there are endless surprises still. Just like your miracles, grandmother.”
“Yes. It seems so.” Mae agreed, notig the surging build-up of ruby and violet energies around the Gate. “And it also seems uests from the Parade are arriving. How… nostalgic. It has been a very long time. Now… I shall watch my errant granddaughter, make sure little Hana causes no trouble.”
“How could I? Though I am not restraihrough my name forcefully, I hardly do such.” Nebisuki’s gaze was also fixated on the ring of mushrooms. “But regardless… despite my iments, I uand your cautiosune have wicked reputations indeed. So I appreciate you will allow me to recuperate in your world. For… I shall not be restored until your return now.”
“I do it tomorrow….” I began, but she shook her head in denial.
“It is not merely I wish to avoid the pain. I am not grandmother. I have no iron will and a pride.” Mae s that, perhaps remembering how her dignity was as nothing before the slow dissolution of her very spirit. “Though I endure hardships if brief.” Nebisuki once mnored Mae. “No, you will be venturing tn nds. You feel you should be able to recover there, but… even the powerful such as grandmother be taken unawares. You should rest a your best.”
“She’s right.” Shiro agreed. “How many times has a protagonist been caught out by not being at full strength? We’ve seen it in too many stories.”
“Fine.” I ceded, admitting it robably wise. “I’ll stick to helping Asha’s Tree and matters that don’t take aether or elemental energies. I admit to being exhausted. First the matter with Mae, and then the multiple tough crafts… I could use a day off.”
“He does listen then?” Nebisuki grinned, and Shired.
“Sure, though if something es up, he’ll try and ha. Let’s hope nothing does.” Shiro smiled wickedly then. “I’m sure us girls pamper you. After all, we’re going to miss you. Only Hinata gets to go with you for some of the trip.”
I was saved from answering her by the arrival of our visiting guests, and seeing the two burly Oni, oh skin a deep azure blue, the other a fiery red, arriving, Red with a rge sack slung over one shoulder, I buried my exhaustion deep, not wanting to show any weakness. We’re tentative allies now, through trade and mutual i, but there’s still o be careless.
Shaeu’s maids were ready, and I reised Klena and one of Ixitt’s daughters, Quae. She’s a lot more practised than she used to be. I guess Hyath is good at whipping the new maids into shape. We need more of them to maintain nity both here and ba the Material, it seems. I know Ixitt’s sneaked another bunch of daughters in. He’s persistent, if nothing else…
“Wele.” Shaeu greeted uests, though she did sneak a g the sack, her eyes glowing. Nodding in satisfa, she gestured, and Quae led the maids in Red and Blue refreshments, including rge cuts of roasted boar, shipped over from Mount Atagrabbed a leg-bone, covered in greasy meat, the skin crisped to perfe, and bit in with his sharp fangs, ripping it apart, while Blue was guzzling a cy jug of strong spirits. She gnced over, only to spot the two Kitsune. She fell silent, eyes wide, and on seeing where she was looking, Red spotted Nebisuki and stomped over, still eating, his teeth shreddi and bone alike.
“Har. Har. Har.” His ugh was slow and thunderous. “What do we have here? Looks like you have fallen on sorry times, sly fox. I’m gonna struggle to think of what to call you now. Four tails? I only see two. And…” He fihe meat, lig his fingers, before seizing a jug of sake from orembling maid and gulping it loudly. “Not just me who’s legless…” He ughed again at his crude joke, belg. “Ain’t that right, Blue?” He turo his panion, slightly smaller but with a chest that rivalled Mae’s, if you adjusted for her far greater height. “Blue?” he said again, puzzled, as she was just frozen, staring open-mouthed at Mae.
“It has been a while. Last time we met I believe I taught you both a harsh lesson in the differeween us.” Mae said nguidly, showing no fear, arms crossed under her chest, kimono straining. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was still at her full strength. Is that experie’s something I o emute.
“Ya old bitch… I mean, fox…” Blue stammered, eyes as wide as saucers. “So ya were still alive then? I did think ya wouldn’t have up and died, too old and too mean…”
Red blinked, before letting out a belly unch, g one fist. “Yeah, been a long old time, my bones hurt remembering.” He griusks jutting up making him appear sinister. “We used to try and take you down whenever we could. Never did win once.”
“Ya know, this ain’t the time for this…” Blue muttered. “…Nebisuki here always said ya weren’t dead. But what brings ya back… and here?” She paused, gng at Nebisuki again. “And why are ya so cut up, like a damn Ippondatara?”
Ouch? That’s the one-legged Yōkai, right? Stepping up, I forced my near-blind eye open, smiling warmly. “Mae is my huest and will be staying with us a while. As for Nebisuki, she was wounded honourably, but her recouperation will be swift. I assure you. I may not be Bintara, but I’m fident in my healing talents.”
“Mae, huh?” Red chuckled, waiting for something. After a moment, where we all stood staring at each other, he repeated himself. “Mae? Mae? This is ued. Found yourself a oy have you, nothing ever ges.”
“Hardly. I am a guest.” Her League surged, and the maids scurried off, the pressure getting to them.
“Cut it out, Red.” Blue interjected, giving him a hard strike across the shoulders. “Ya know I like a good brawl as much as anyone, but… the booze, booze!”
“Ah, that’s right.” Red ceded, and as Mae withdrew her League, letting it settle at a bearable level, he scratched one cheek, ying down the sack of treasures. “Much as I’d love to fight, just like the olden days… if we wreck this pce…”
“You’d be dead.” Shiro ughed, enjoying the reunion and the clear tension. Her hair and eyes were bzing with fme, and Tan took over. “I would not have my dwelling soiled by pointless squabbles.”
“I have to agree. Keep it peaceful, please.” I joined in, and Red sighed cavernously.
“I get it. Blue and me, we love a good brawl, but we love grand booze better. Aing old friends works up quite the thirst.” He ughed once more, massive body shaking with mirth. “So, little man, you met Grand Nurarihyon and lived to tell the tale, and now Mae…”
Mae narrowed her eyes dangerously but said nothing, and Red guffawed, enjoying her rea. “…is yuest, as she says. Few humans ever met either and lived to speak of it.”
“Though if ya pn to meet that old bastard ōtakemaru or the sulky Sutoku, ya better be wary. They’re not as weling as the boss of the Parade, ya get it? Now, ya must excuse us, we’ve worked up a damn thirst. And we o get bad tell everyohe news about ya return. Some old friends may want to see ya?”
Mae sniffed, shrugging. “If I am not too busy with my own affairs, and they cause no trouble.” she ceded, and as the maids carried forwards a massive barrel of whiskey, that held nearly five hundred litres, the temosphere dissipated, and Shaeu quickly started iating a price, Asha shot me a ed look, and I let her lead me off to one side, where I could sit and watch the proceedings, leaning my weary head against her chest, while she stroked my hair. Red gnced rinning toothily, but the back to haggling, so I rexed, diverting most of my attention to Kyoto again, where Akai was toug the fabric of a white summer dress, making noises of appreciation.
“Are you sure you shouldn’t take a rest, Akio-kun?” Gin-san asked me, not for the first time. I was wearing a mask and suo avoid being reised, but I did look rather dreadful.
“This is restful enough. With our stats, just walking around isn’t too bad, is it? And matters are more rexed ba Tokyo.”
“I still ’t get over how you be in two pces at ohough, thinking about it…” Gin-san smiled, sidering something. “…if Sun Wukong was a real God, perhaps his Favour would allow oo e themselves? Though I believe his ins are rather more fictitious.”
“Who say? Many people would sider a lot of mythical beings fi, but we know they aren’t. I’ve met a number of Kami and even actual Gods.” Seeing Akai looking troubled, torween the white dress and a pink oo it, I gave some advice. “I think the white one would look nicer with your skin tohat pink’s a bit too garish. If you really like pink, how about…” I cast my gaze around the store. “That one… no, it’s a bit toly cut, you suit cute more than sexy, I think. How about this one?” I took a dress off the rad passed it to her.
Akai hesitated for a moment, before taking it and holding it up to her body. Seeing her hesitating, I advised her to try it on in the ging room, and she clutched the clothes to her chest, gng around before scurrying off, head down.
“She’s so timid.” I ughed, finding her cute, like a younger sister. “Hard to believe she’s a phoenix, or powerful in battle.”
“Some strength only be shown in crisis.” Gin-san said piously. “Akai’s jumpy and easily flustered, like a little chick, but when threatened her fme burns all. But…” He looked at me, amused. “You seem to have a way with girls, Akio-kun. A lot more makes sense now.”
“Hardly.” I snorted. “It’s just that Shaeu, my sis and the others love shopping. Well, Shiro’s a bit of a slob who prefers to just order white jeans and t-shirts off the i, but I’m breaking her of that habit now. Most of the girls are eager to grab clothes, jewellery, makeup, and all sorts of accessories. And of course they wao like them. Trust me, you ’t just say things look nice, you have to help them choose, which usually means pig the ohey like and helping them justify it.”
“I see. The life of a married man is hard.” Gin-san smirked.
“I’m not married yet…”
“But your fate is sealed. Even if you wao back out, with you marrying the daughters of Takatsukasa and Tsumura houses, you’d have to flee the try.” he pointed out, and I shrugged.
“I know that. Not that I have any objes te, in fact I’m looking forward to it, which I hought I’d say only a few months ago. But even so, despite everything, I’m still a man, so talk of marriage makes me nervous. Anyway… ging the subject… how do you mah Akai?”
“She’s not too hard to look after, apart from the money. I have the shrine maidens of Kinkaku-ji and other nearby Amaterasu shrines py with her and normally they’d take her shopping.” As we talked, he expined his routine of care for Akai. Obviously, she had to train too, though she didn’t like fighting at all, but she could be persuaded to ve into the surrounding areas around Kyoto outside Haru’s Territory, where numerous monsters lurked.
“I don’t know…” Akai came rushing back, both dresses in hand, pouting, cheeks puffed out adorably. “I like them both!”
“That’s easy then.” I decided I could spoil her. Akai was a crucial po of the Kyoto defence, so deserved a reward. “I’ll treat you to them both, okay?”
“Really?” Akai blinked her big eyes at me, and I nodded. With a delighted little skipping hop, she flounced over to the ter, and I quickly paid. Holy, these aren’t even that pricey, now that my girls have to hang around in circles with Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi everything they buy has to be quality.
With those purchased, Akai clutched the bag tightly and began looking at straw hats. After we had bought one, and she was wearing it on her head cheerfully, we took a break, and sitting in a café overlooking the Kyoto Imperial Pace, Akai was eating from a jumbo parfait, easily big enough for four ordinary girls, while Gin-san and I enjoyed a beer. This is rexing. And matters are in hand in Tokyo too.
Shiro had joined in on spoiling me while Shaeu and Hyath hahe iations. It actually weer with Mae there, her preseh excited and scared the two Oni, and Red quipped that seeing her again drove him to drink. Our Etherite stock was replenished, and we also received preetals, gems and materials from sin monsters and Yōkai for crafting. It’s ly cheap selling such rge quantities of expensive booze, but ohe factory is running, money should flood into our coffers, so spiritual resources trump material ones for sure.
“Isn’t that difficult?” I asked Akai, as with her unusually hot body temperature, the ice-cream melted as she tried to eat it, but she shook her head. ”No, it’s fine. Cold is delicious!” She spooned a mouthful of melted cream and chocote into her mouth, making a gasp of pleasure.
Looking around Kyoto, which still mourhe housand dead, as there were floral tributes and inse sticks still left at the sites, I once more affirmed my desire to prevent it happening again. Seeing my ging attitude, Gin-san patted my shoulder gently, the older man, who had been sant when we first met, trying t me under his and, smiling knowingly.
“Don’t worry, everything that be done has been, and we’ve pnned for everything we think of. Yasaka-san has been asking questions stantly, iween your errands. Unfortunately, we don’t have much to go on, but… look, we trust in the Gods. They gave us this ce, but all we do is our best. Besides…” He took a swig of beer, before tinuing. “…we are but mortal. And even those of us who aren’t, like Akai…” He gnced over at the girl as she drank a big gulp of her melon soda, before she started spooning ravenously at the parfait again, ropes of melted cream scattering. “… or indeed your Yōkai… are all still living beings. As Avalokite?vara says, the greatest mercy the vast Universe bestows on us is we are not omnipotent. All we do is our best, and if we fail, then so be it. That doesn’t mean we won’t feel regret, but… it is irying that we show our true passion.” He finished his beer, sighing tentedly. “Of course, such ramblings likely seem foolish to you youngsters.”
“You’re not that much older than me, Gin-san.” I pointed out, and he snorted, amused.
“True, pared to that old fox Yasuhide, I’m still in my prime. And now I’m a powerful voi the Ministry, my ambitions are secured. So don’t worry, Akio-kun. I’m the st man standing, what with Yasuhide haviired and Ren m his fool of a son. I’ll not let all that slip from my grasp now. Another beer?”
“I want cake!” Akai decred, even though she hadn’t finished her parfait yet, but si leasant afternoon, the breeze chilly but not unpleasant, I shrugged.
“Sure, why not.” I waved over the waitress, who looked at Akai in amazement, quipping she wished she could be as slim as her while eating so much, and soon fresh beers and cake were oable, more soda for Akai as well.
Ba the Boundary, Red and Blue had left, hoisting great barrels weighing over half a ton apiece over their shoulders, bottles strapped to them. Ohey departed, Mae had sighed in relief, finally showing her weakness, so I had sent her and Nebisuki back to our estate after Ling arrived, fresh from sending people to and from the Boundary elsewhere. That reminds me… o keep an eye oime.
“Excellent spoils, I am most-most pleased.” Shaeu grinned, as she helped her maids sort through the treasures. “We most-most certainly repce our expenditures. We used a great deal of materials today.”
“That we did.” I yawned, my head still resting on Asha’s chest, though Shiro’s hair was tig me. Speaking of Shiro, she suddenly ched her fist a out a yelp of delight. As she did so, I bolted upright, the pain from the Berserk Blessing I was suppressing for Asha’s Tree spiking up. Seeing that, Shiro’s joy faded a little.
“Sorry Aki, I didn’t think. But I’m damn sure I Rahe Skill up. Which is something to celebrate. Wao stop it now?”
“No, I ha. You and Asha will just have to keep me distracted.”
“You hear that?” Shiro grinned. “Hyath, Shaeu, hurry up and t that. Better yet, leave it to the maids… this is more important!”
As she eaking, Asha gently turned my head until I was fag her, her yellow eyes gentle, and she softly pressed her lips against mine. I opened my mouth a little, aongue slid in. I responded, and after a moist, tender kiss we pulled apart, only for Shiro to grab me and seize my lips firmly, her own tongue darting around mine. We too parted after some wet, breathy kisses, a thin bridge of saliva linking us.
“No way Asha gets all the fuer hurry, girls, or you’ll miss out!” Shiro wi them, and Shaeu, abandoning her dignity, waved to her maids.
“tialoguing all-all our spoils. Hyath and I will check it when we are done!”
There’s definitely worse ways to recuperate. My thoughts scattered as Shaeu leapt onto my p, small bottom pressed against me, and she too forcefully took my lips, Hyath following behind eagerly, her silver-violet eyes shining with lust… Yes, definitely worse ways…
***
“I’m sorry.” Akai said, as she skipped back towards Kinkaku-ji, gng back at Gin-san and me. Her red eyes were glimmering with little tears, and her pout made her beautiful faore childish than usual. She pulled her hair around her, only to stop, looking unsure, before making up her mind.
“It’s all right.” I said, but Akai shook her head rapidly.
“No it’s not. I thought you were scary. But you’re not bad. Even though you feel weird.” she persisted, gently sniffing. “So many elements, it’s not , not pure, but…” It seemed even Akai wasn’t aware of what she wao say, but I uood. So did Gin-san, who smiled at her, a trace of exasperation on his face.
“I think Akai has very sensitive spiritual senses. And perhaps because she is a mere chick, she is particurly attuo danger, strong spiritual beings. And you’re certainly that, aren’t you?”
Akai nodded. “Very strong, very dangerous. If I fight… I won’t win.” Akai said, and she shivered, before looking down at the bags she carried. “But I was wrong. You’re not bad.” she repeated.
“I’d hope not. I won’t hurt you, Akai. I suppose phoenix are solitary creatures ih, so it makes sehey’d o be alert for potential dangers, especially when young.” I accepted her apology with a smile. “Don’t worry about it. And I know it must be hard, cooped up with this old man.” I poi Gin-san, who snorted derisively.
“You e and py in Tokyo, it’s not the same, but we do have a café in the Boundary. You at least have some ice cream.” I promised, and she brightened, before looking at me, really looking at me. She pursed her lips, and then nodded, seemingly firming something with herself.
She reached up and tugged on one of her long, brown hairs. With a yank, she pulled it free, and it transformed into a tiny, soft-lookiher, which immediately burst into fme, a brilliant crimson tinged with purple. She then scuttled over and offered me it. I opened my Eye to check it, only to realise I still couldn’t see properly. Akai reached up, stretg, and patted my shoulder with her free hand.
“Take it. I’m sorry.” Akai pressed the feather into my hand. “Today was fun, Akai is full for ohose who feed me are nice.”
“With an attitude like that, you’ll be lured into someone’s van…” Gin-san muttered, but I ignored him.
“Are you sure?” I asked, and she nodded.
“Yes, you’re all beat up. It must hurt. I hate pain. So… Akai makes it go away!” And with that she folded my fist around the feather, and I was immediately wreathed in fme as it burst into light, vanishing in a spray of energy. It’s lucky we are in a back alley and…
My thoughts scattered as the fmes, instead of hurting, felt warm and soothing, like drifting to sleep in a hot spring. My fatigue vanished, energy flooding through me, and the pain in my head and the disastrous state of my Eye was reversed, my vision clearing. I blinked a few times, while in the Boundary everyone was shocked at how my state recovered, before tinuing to kiss and hug me.
“There, all better.” Akai said, satisfied, twirling away. “e oooooon.” she pio Gin-san. “We should go home. I want to put these away.” She rattled the bags at him, as he sighed. Gng at me again, Akai smiled brilliantly. “See you ter, Akio!”
“Yeah, see you ter!” I grinned, waving, and she waved back. Gin-san wryly wished me a good evening, and as I watched them reach Kinkaku-ji, I stretched, feeling relieved. Though it’s only fixed my injuries and healed my physical exhaustion. I’m still low oher and elements. It sure was miraculous though. Is that phoenix fmes in a? Cheg that nobody was around, I dismissed my Material body, leaving my only sciousness in the Boundary, where with my strength restored, I was close to a breakthrough.
“All right, it was fun, and I appreciate it, but I o trate.” I patted Shaeu otom as I picked her up off my p a her down, and stroked Hyath’s hair for a moment, while she hummed tentedly.
Closing my eyes, I felt the fury of the Berserk Blessing Of Blood surging through Asha’s Tree, slowly growing stronger. Much of it was flowing into me, mitigating the strain oree’s circutory system, which onderous, slow yet powerful, airely unlike mihe girls gave me some space, watg, and after around an hour of refining my trol, my renewed Eye dispyed a message, the letters seeming a brighter, more brilliant amber than usual.
Your Skill, Boiling Blood Resonance Link has increased from Rank 2 to Rank 3. Your Boiling Blood and that of those you resoh will be moderately strengthened, and the dista which a Link be maintained increases. You further mitigate the backsh of others who are suffering from the effects of Boiling Blood, or simir destructively strengthening effects, and the damage that you experien their behalf will be mitigated further, redug the injury and pain you suffer.
Asha smiled, aree seemed happy, branches dipping, seeming to move in the breeze, but of course there was no wind in the Boundary, ordinarily. “The disy Tree feels has reduced. Have no fear, it is not currently harmful, thanks to your efforts. I would not risk it, or me, or my daughters yet to be.” Asha touched her stomach tenderly. “Just as you bear pain without harm, so we, and a Tree is majestic, yet lives in a slower world than we do.” She paused, suddenly enlightened. “It is much like you do, with your split selves. We match.” She seemed pleased with the realisation.
“All right, that’s fine and all, but he’s paired with my Skill, so it’s time we synergised!” Shiro pined, hands on her hips, and with a smile I lit up my Eye, appraising her. At the same time, now I was refreshed, I summoned my Material body, ready to go meet Kana at the stru site, as I promised I would watch her work…
Shiratori Himeko
Bonded Kin
Divine Medium: Ta?hā, the Thirsty
Chosen Of Anesidora, Bringer Of Gifts
[Material Statistics]
[Intangible Statistics]
Might
725 749
Fortune
5
Fortitude
730 755
Majesty
3
Intellect
961 991
Charm
21 22
Resilience
980 1004
League
11
Acrity
964 988
Determination
12
Precision
940 970
Fht
2
Aether
3367 3540
Fate
35 36
[Material Skills]
[Aetheric Skills]
Rank
Css
Type
Silver Cord
Rank 6
Noble (5)
Foundation (4)
Divine False Moon And Star Chakra work
Rank 5
Noble (5)
Principle (7)
Divine Spark
Rank 3
Noble (5)
Law (8)
Adherence Manipution
Rank 3
Noble (5)
Law (8)
Aether Manipution
Rank 6
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Sor Plexus Chakra Of Fme
Rank 4
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Fme Manipution
Rank 5
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
Ether Healing
Rank 4
Powerful (4)
Foundation (4)
[Intangible Skills]
[Unique Skills]
Lovers' Link
Rank 7 Rank 8
Noble (5) Imperious (6)
Artifice (6)
Divine Possession: Ta?hā
Rank 4
Legendary (7)
Law (8)
Fmes Of Thirst And Famine
Rank 3
Imperious (6)
Artifice (6)
Alluring The Buddha
Rank 2
Noble (5)
Artifice (6)
Blessing Of Many Gifts
Rank 5
Legendary (7)
Law (8)
Blessings From The Box
Rank 5
Legendary (7)
Law (8)
Berserk Blessing Of Blood
Rank 1 Rank 2
Imperious (6)
Principle (7)
[Level]
61 63
[Css]
Divine Medium 11/20 Mortal Spark 5/30
Fae-Bonded 2/20 3/20 Mediator Of ?????????? 1/10 2/10
Shiro hadn’t ged much sihe battles at useon, but her strange Mediator Css had gone up, as had Lovers’ Link, though she was still bitter about it gging behind, deg that she would have t me to bed and talk body to body until the multiverse realised she was serious. Rolling my eyes, amazed that such different women could all have the same rea to the same issue, I set that aside and began further experiments on Shiro’s buffs…
ShipTeaser
