As Eri and I ehe living room, we were greeted by a few surprising faces. Suzu-san was here again, though not wearing her usual gothic lolita-style dresses, but a sparkly idol outfit, red waistcoat over yellow shirt and a short bck miniskirt. Seeing me looking, she brushed back her blonde drill-curled braids and greeted us.

  “M, boss! M Eri-. I hear you had fun fast night. She was quite jealous, it was cute. She really is ho with herself, unlike some.”

  “Oh, you mean Shiro?” Eri asked, and Suzu-san nodded happily.

  “Yes, she came over with a few drinks st night. Not that I touch alcohol of course, it’d be a sdal if an idol such as me was caught out indulging. It was quite lively though, we had uests too.” She those, and the ones she indicated surprised me.

  “Oh e on, Akio-oppa, I wasn’t going to stay in a hotel when you had a house with spare roht there!” Violet-nooured with her chopsticks, earning a frown of disapproval from auntie Hana, who was here this m and helping make breakfast. We did have maids, hired by both Hinata’s grandfather and also sourced from Shaeu, but auntie felt the o be busy. Though as she saw me ing in with Eri stig to me, her face radiant, auntie’s expression softened.

  “Yes, it was quite the party!” My mom said. She seemed to have hit it off with Violet-noona, and also had the two Kitsuh her. Mae looked as imposing as ever, her tails occupying the spa oire sofa, while Nebisuki looked a little pitiful in parison, though she now had an artificial prosthetic, likely sourced from the military, over her missing stump. Seeing me looking, she grihough there was a trace of sadhere.

  “Fear not. I have enjoyed my sojourn to the mortal realm once more. I am fully aware you shall restore me in time. Until then…” she giggled, her momentary sorrow buried deep behind her flirty fa?ade. “…I am tent to be a guest who is treated like a queen. Last night was rather fun.”

  “It was.” Yu-mi was the o speak up. “I enjoyed getting to know your mother, Akio.” This m she was dressed in a rather more casual set of jeans and jumper. Beside her were the other two from Korea. Eui was quiet as always, her eyes darting around, perhaps uo shed her hypervigier the long time trapped in the hellish useon, though she was eatiily, shovelling the food down as if she was worried it would be stolen from her. That’s good. She’s still terribly thin. She o get back to a healthy weight…

  “I was going to go to a hotel, but…” Suk-ja said softly in Korean, gng at Violet-noona, who was ughing uproariously, my mom tinuing to praise her tattoos.

  “There’s no need for that. I wele all cute girls! We have the space, and as Aki’s mom, I want to do my part.” Mom decred boldly, interpreting her expression. She then wi me, a sly expression on her face. “Yu-mi here told me all about how you met and what roposed. Silly Aki, she was handed on a pte to you!”

  “See, never a dull moment.” Suzu-san giggled, as Eri sat down beside her, while I listeo my mom tio embarrass us. Yu-mi’s face ink, but she merely smiled at me, one eyebrow raised in iseration.

  “I ’t just do that, mom. You’re a woman. How would you like to be forced into an arranged marriage with someone you don’t know, even if it’s food cause? And you didn’t raise me to extort women that way!”

  “See, Yu-mi! My Aki’s a good boy!” Mom said proudly, puffing out her chest and standing tall. As Yu-mi chuckled a little, she nodded.

  “I know it. Our acquaintance has been brief, but meaningful. My cousin is rec well, so dad says, and now… the future is what we make of it, right?” She wi me cheekily. “I’m aiming for a high position, and I’m an ambitious woman, I’ve found. So I’ll get it through my own efforts. I don’t o sell myself for it. That said…” she my mom. “…I won’t say there’s no thoughts of what if I’d have just smiled and accepted it? I didn’t, so I’ll never know, but… well, it’s on hold, isn’t it?”

  On hold again, huh? “If you want it to be. I’ll not pressure you.” I ceded, before ging the subject. “So, what… all of you had a party at the home Suzu-san’s crashing in?”

  Mom agreed. “Yes, it was a lot of fun. We’ve got legendary mystical foxes, guests from Korea and America…”

  “I’m Japanese.” Suzu-san grumbled, tossing her head. “And I have to practise. It’ll be Saturday before we know it, and I still o nail down my routi’s my big break…” She gulped dowea and stood, fshing her long legs in her daring outfit. “… for the wicked. Probably why my two bosses are always so busy…” She giggled, rushing out like a storm.

  “There’s definitely something dangerous about her.” Violet-noona mused, watg her go, before shrugging, the material of the tank top she wore struggling to cope. “But theer that than being too soft, right. Fuck… I mean shit… no … uh… oh damn, trying not to swear is hard.”

  “It’s all right, Taichi doesn’t approve of bad nguage, but I’m not such a prude.” Mom giggled. “I know what you mean though.” Mom’s sapphire blue eyes, so like Aiko’s, narrowed as she looked at the exit Suzu-san had left from. “She’s definitely… a little etric, but… I think she’s had a hard life. I tried to get her to open up yesterday. I wasn’t just enjoying fawning over the new additions to our household.”

  “Don’t say it like that, Emi.” Hana pined as she brought over fresh food and drink, just as Motoko, Natsumi and my sis came in, fresh from their baths, the two nobles ged into the elegant Hanafubuki uniform, my sis in a casual tracksuit. You could at least make the effort, sis. Everyone else has. If you lounge around all day you’ll put o…

  “Bro’s thinking something rude, I tell. So, what were you saying? Suzu-, right? Yeah, she’s an odd one. But then, I get the impression she’s made a break from her past, reied herself. That’s not such a bad thing. Besides, bro keep an eye on her, and she looks up to Shiro, so… all’s good, I guess? Better her here with us thaing in trouble or causing trouble, right?”

  “Yeah.” I agreed. Apparently Suzu-san’s Karakuri puppets were excellent in battle, only limited to the base materials, stru, and what iy aher Suzu-san could i into them. I know some Mortal Engineers have been helpihough… she treats the puppets like members of her idol group, so she doesn’t want to risk them in battle unless she has to… “I know Arisu-san feels better having Suzu-san under our care, rather than having her sleep in i cafes, cheap hotels and worse…”

  “Yeah, no thanks. That’s just asking to get molested. Though I suppose Suzu- could kill any ordinary thug or pervert…” My sis decred, shaking her head. “So, you were living it up st night, mom, auntie? What were dad and uncle doing?”

  “They are spending time with my parents, and Hana’s too. As well as Tsukiko’s.” Tsukiko was absent for breakfast, and as an early riser that was unusual, so I assumed they were all together. “It’s been hard for us, but also for them. They… don’t uand how to rete to their daughter. It’s a shame. Tsukiko is such a good woman. Just what you need, Aki!” Mom smirked knowingly. “An older woman to pamper you. She has a very motherly figure too.”

  “This is… fusing.” Mae said tranddaughter, bemused. Though I hat’s hardly stopping her enjoying the food. “For such desperate haste in trying to free me from my prison, everyone seems rather… rexed. Perhaps I might even say… zy?”

  “I hardly think so, grandmother.” Nebisuki twitched her ears softly. “It is simply that a mind overstretched will crumble. Few have the disciple or drive to spend every moment struggling. Nor should they. We know better than any, do we not? A life of toil without amusement is a life that shall be brief.”

  “Hmm.” Mae murmured. “It is true that the pursuit of pleasure is the greatest motivator. But… the situation is dire, no? Hehe haste?”

  “Yes, but I stantly o reaffirm what I’m fighting for.” I told the ical fox who had lived far too long without hope. “And look around. Isn’t this worth proteg? Holy, I never dreamed I could have a life like this. That we could. I’m actually not as strong as you think.” I admitted. Most people were listening into my versation, though since I eaking in English, due to our Koreas, Yu-mi was transting for Suk-ja.

  “It isn’t as though I fouerday easy. F the Tengoku-seki, going beyond to repair you, Mae. But… I could do it because I wasn’t doing it just for me. But… also equally because it was for me.” I gri Eri and Motoko, both of whom flushed, remembering ht together. “The Night Parade s itself with pleasure, doesn’t it? Well, humans are the same. It’s a rare person who do good just for doing good. That’s not to say I don’t want to be righteous, if I do a little good here and there, all the better. But… I put our own welfare first, our family.”

  “Even us?” Yu-mi couldn’t help but ask, and it was Eri who answered.

  “Adamant… much as I don’t like the way Hinata and the others went about it… I uand why they made some of the rules. It’s te a rger family, a group that lives and dies for each other. So yes, you’re family, Yu-mi. And… I personally am grateful to you. I don’t fet when someone helps me. Not anymore.”

  “Of course…” mom said, eyes sparkling. “Yu-mi, dear, you could always take that final step… now’s the best time, before the wedding…”

  “Mom, this is a serious talk…” My sis sighed theatrically, and mom ughed.

  “I am serious, Ai dear. Yu-mi here is a well-bred young woman, and pretty too. Eri likes her as well, so…”

  “I see.” Mae snorted, idly bing the fur on one of her tails. “Yes, perhaps my experiences have left me rather… distrustful. I know you saved me from endless impriso, slow agonising dissolution, but… I always feared your motives. After all, am I not a great betrayer, the ruin of empires, the trickster who led many great men to their demise? I… do not trust easily. But seeing this… simplicity… I uand. You are a fool. But a fool with power aermination. I suppose… I am not ungrateful enough to spit on that. Not anymore.” She stood, her tails spreading out behind her, nine parts of a furry halo. Aether surged, and she stretched, yawning. “You say you fear for your seeds, no? I shall watch over them, until I get bored. For now you may have the upper hand, but I am Tamamo-no-Mae, and I am fident soon you shall be under my spell. Until then…” Her green eyes were distant. “…and until I see old friends again, I shall aid you.”

  “That’s reassuring.” I grinned, pleased. A willing helper was worth ten coerced. “But for now sit down and enjoy your breakfast and some time to unwind. You’ve been trapped so long, and a little freedom ’t hurt. Besides, disturbing dreams or no, what will e will e, and we have time yet, I think.”

  “Dreams?” Mae said. “You mean prophecies? I have heard the woman Tsukiko speak of her gifts.” I nodded, so she tinued. “In that case, we should speak to her. I too am ner to foretellings, though pared to Uranai, that greatest of Kudan…” She turo Nebisuki. “You need not think you rest, despite your injuries, little Hana. You may be crippled, but your mind is still sharp. I suspect that the whole of the Parade is buzzing with news of my return, brought by those idiot Oni. We use that to our advantage.”

  “You mean…?” Nebisuki titled her head, surprised.

  “I do. When it es to the shifting tides of the future unwritten, a Kudan simply must be sulted. Though such power es at a great cost. Kudan almost always die in their infancy. Only a truly stubborn and powerful creature such as Uranai has the will to ehese louries.” Mae pointed out. “I am not at my best, but…” Aether still bubbled through her, and she smiled, and around me everyone flushed, as her Charm was incredible, even the girls were momentarily affected. “…you did not lie. All my pain, these… Chirurgeries… you worked upohe etal, gss and gems fed into my spiritual flesh… I am strohaerday, far more than I would have expected. A pittanpared to my peak, of course, yet… likely enough to proje illusion of strength.”

  I nodded, and as we chatted, Violet-noona piped up. “Well shit, oh, oops, uh… yeah, anyway, being in a Guild is like being a family too. And you’re the boss now, Akio-oppa. It’d be good if you take my little bro under your wing, he’s a bit of a coward when it es to women. He could use an older bro for advice, as he doesn’t listen to me, the fug… oh, the idiot.”

  “Really? From what I’ve seeelling you to get in a retionship, Bora-unni.” Yu-mi smiled teasingly, and Violet-noona actually flushed, before tappiattooed arm, flexing it.

  “Sure, but let’s be real. I’m crude and wild, and I’m strong. You’re Korean, so you knoan’s the same, right? Women like me aren’t popur, in fact we’re looked down on, hated. No mother-in-w’s going to wele their son dating me…”

  “I think you’re cool!” mom chimed in unhelpfully. “You’ve got a wild charm, and you’re funny, Violet dear.”

  “Be serious, please.” I chided her. “Look, Violet-noona, don’t worry about that. I think soon any mother-in-w’s going to want a strong daughter-in-w over a demure homemaker. So don’t sell yourself short. And you’re right. You appointed me as leader of the Violet Scorpions, so yeah, I am like an older brother to the members. I’ve done all right with my own sis…”

  Eri ughed at that as my sis flushed, but I ighem.

  “…so yeah, don’t sell yourself short. We’re all a team here. And it’s not just us.”

  “Where do I fit in?” Suk-ja said, frowning, feeling out of pce.

  “Hey, aren’t we all allies?” Violet-noona ughed heartily. “We all went through shit at useon together, and we’ll be w such shit jobs together again iure. For now, might as well enjoy your easy task. Not every time has to be a shitshow like the Academy.”

  I agreed. “Yeah, I want you to tinue w with Daiyu while I’m away, helpithen and realise her Jade Qi. You also store any excess crystal element in bluesteel batteries for ter use…”

  Breakfast tinued, Motoko and Natsumi leaving after kissing me on the cheek, being driven to sore people came dowhey woke up, and I ehe bustli harmonious atmosphere. But unfortunately, Mae is right about ohing. Today… I have a great deal to do. Siomorrow I’ll be away for over a week…

  ***

  “I see.” Tsukiko nodded. Mae and Nebisuki were with me in her room, and she sat in Seiza, wearing her shrine maiden garb, as the Diviner. It’s a shame, as I like seeing her in casual clothes, but since we sought her advi interpreting Tsukuyomi’s dreams, she felt it ropriate. Not that she looks in any way bad in this outfit.

  “The difference is clear. There are actually several types of visions.” Tsukiko tinued. “The first set, the creatures that spilled out into the streets, killing as they pleased, and the shadow over the moon… that is a Realised vision. I believe those creatures exist. A more dista often be shown as such, if Tsukuyomi wills it, though being so clear is often not possible. I hardly cim to uand the Gods, even Tsukuyomi, who I revere, but… there are definitely certairis on how knowledge be dispyed. Realised visions are rare. The sed…”

  “They are Allegory.” Mae decred, bringing a nod from Tsukiko. “Such are the difficulties of interpreting the future. After all, even a future such as the sun rising tomorrow, as it always does, has not actually happened yet. So a true image of it is merely a likeness, a facsimile. Even Realised visions tain a measure of uainly, of allegory. And it will be iably coloured by the perception of the receiver of the visions.”

  “Many of my visions are thus. The Red and White Dragons, the Princesses of the Six Paths. None are simple, though I was able tnise some, the nature of the dreams clear to me.” Tsukiko agreed. “Perhaps even the Gods are restricted, or there are some risks to clear, Realised visions. But real or metaphorical, the issues are the same. The danger is ing, and we have to be ready.”

  Seeing Tsukiko so pumped up, the rest of us smiled. “Indeed, you have ce, woman.” Mae nodded. “Now…we have the information.” She the tablet puter I had typed everything onto, rather intrigued by how it worked. She said some jade tags and ptes in Kunlun had simir funs. It makes sense. Sagic, both will try and ihe same venience, I’m sure.

  “And what is ?” Nebisuki asked, and Mae smiled, wiggling her vulpine ears in amusement.

  “Simple. The delegation from the Hyakki Yagyō will seek me out. After all, my return shall bring ge to the world of Yōkai. Besides… old friends will wish to renew our acquaintance, reminisce over the olden days.” Mae said fidently. “I shall visit the Parade and speak to Uranai. After all, I do so o thank her for her words which pushed you to act, my dear granddaughter.”

  “That is dangerous. You have many enemies, grandmother. And the Parade reises only strength. You are… still weak.”

  “Yes, though…” She stretched, the cloth of her kimono protesting. “…I am far from the broken shell I should be. I certainly project strength, and I shall not spare my effort to revitalise myself. I shall be able to chastise any i fools who disregard my reputation by the time we must go. The wise will be wary of antagonising me, knowing I hold grudges and nurse slights for turies, and the fools… I marshal power for a brief time, enough to dissuade or punish them.”

  “I see. It would help to seek another opinion. But…” Since I wasn’t going to be here, I was wary. “Take Shaeu with you. That way Uranai will be on your side, and it lessens the ces of any… is.”

  “Hark at him w about me. How… ued.” Mae chuckled.

  “That is simply how Akio is.” Tsukiko said softly. “And I would not have him ge.”

  “It seems he means his words from this m.” Mae tinued, and I shrugged.

  “Of course I did. And hopefully one day soon, Su Caihong and Su Liena be sitting there as well, experieng a world unlike anything they remember.”

  Ears and tails twitched, and Mae was silent for a long moment, before letting out a cavernous sigh. “I find this hard to deal with, granddaughter. I have strode across the known world, courted and wooed by many, from humble beggars to kings and emperors, Yōkai, spirits and humans alike. I am well used to fttery, to obsequious fawning, gifts and promises both grandiose and foolhardy. Yet… I find myself quite believing he means it, and not to win my affes.” She addressed Tsukiko and Nebisuki, rather puzzled.

  “That is so. I find it strange myself. The mortals have certainly ged. He deals with both the Hyakki Yagyō and the Seelie Court with such ease, as though we are merely the same as he. And it is not only him. Last night… ordinary, uing mortals, chatting and drinking with us as though it was nothing. I… find the world strange. Yet now…” She clutched at her two remaining tails. “…I would soon be healed, and dense my fifth tail, and live. There is too much I have not seen, too much I have yet to do. And as for the other Kitsune… yes, many will perish, but those who ehey will surely thank you in the end, grandmother, Akio.”

  “I too wished to live, despite being fated for death, the dissolution of my entire being. So I sympathise.” Tsukiko said with a slight smile. She touched her face, uo being without veil in shrine maiden hakama, but her ruby eyes were resolute. “I have chosen life, a life here, with everyone. Perhaps I could have chosen another path…”

  “Yeah, Yukiko-san would be happy to take you in.” I agreed, and Tsukiked.

  “That would simply be this path, merely deyed. I am certain of it. You shall shelter the Princesses, and stave off disaster. That it not prophecy, or the world of Tsukuyomi, but what I believe, from seeing it with my own eyes.” Tsukiko insisted. “…no, this path is the one I wish to walk. Perhaps it shall not be perfect… but I will take ear efforts and what happiness I hold, rather than pining over dreams that may never e true.” She paused then, and flushed, smiling ruefully. “Though that sounds like this was not my first choice. I would hate for you to think me unwilling or g in eagerness.”

  “Such amusement.” Mae snorted, waviails for emphasis. “I am quite dismayed, to be lectured by one who vees those worthless Gods. No, I uand your faith, woman, but… we Yōkai have no love for the Kami and those above them. But… you are indeed speaking true. pared to the suffering I have ehe loss of dignity, pride, hope… this is paradise. And even without that…” She looked at me wolfishly, lig her lips. “…promises were made. I lie, but I abhor being lied to. And I admit… your straightforward desire to aid me… it certainly is fresh. I am not a hasty woman. What is a year, or ten, or a hundred, here?”

  “Grandmother, if I am not mistaken…” Nebisuki began, only for her to fall silent as Mae looked at her fiercely.

  “Enough of this.” Mae chuckled. “There are words to say and words not to, granddaughter. There are few of my blood left, no doubt. At least try and have the wisdom, grace, poise and charm I have. Else you will end up with only inferior lovers.” She me then. “I believe you are also in the Boundary, yes? At that great Tree?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I’m rec my energy, and I’ll be mitigating the Berserk Blessing so we get more ether. I’ll be meeting Eleanor ter, as well as Miss Aditi, and hopefully handing over Jumong’s Favour. Meanwhile, here I’ll be meeting up with Haru soon.”

  “We should go then.” She seized Nebisuki by her ear, giving it a ge insistent tug. “If I am to appear before the Hyakki Yagyō once more, ahat ue Nurarihyon, I ot shame myself by being so weak…”

  I nodded. Yeah, and the faster she works her newly Shapercrafted body, the better pced she’ll be to py her part in Uranai’s prophecies…

  ***

  “You’ve worked hard.” I handed Haru a coffee, and she sipped at it gratefully.

  “And who’s fault is that, Akio-kun?” she said with a smile, clearly not actually angry. “When I took the post as Undersecretary for the Ministry, I never expected I’d be doing so much work… not even daddy… father works so hard.”

  “I told you, you don’t have to watch your words in front of me.” I griaking a sip of my own coffee. It was high-quality stuff, as expected from the private stash of our Minister.

  “You don’t get it, Akio-kun. How a man with eleven… it is still eleven, isn’t it?” At her words I had a troubled look on my face, and she sighed. “Yes, you’re definitely getting stabbed iure, Akio-kun. Then you be a ghost, like me. But yes, you should have worked out by now that women don’t like to seem too childish, especially iain pany.”

  “All right, I get it.” I apologised. “So, did you at least take time off and have some fun st night?”

  “Yes, I went out drinking with some old friends, thehe night talking to father.” She was very clear in her words. “He’ll be relying on coffee to stay awake all day too, but he has capable staff under him, so he’ll manage. As for me…” She pulled out her own tablet, cheg some files. “…the preliminary work on soothing the minds of the useon hostages is done. Obviously they are far from fine, but they are in a state where they lead a funal life. I’ll likely have to supplement ordinary psychology for them iure, but it shouldn’t be frequent. The other matter, the Blue House releasing footage of you, your sister and the others involved… I don’t like it. It seems careless, or spiteful. Yes, there’s a lot of anti-Japanese sehere, but we aided them in their hour of need. It doesn’t seem quite right.”

  “You think it’s part of a wider scheme?” I asked, and she shrugged.

  “My instincts are tellihat’s the case, but we have no proof, Akio-kun. And so far the footage hasn’t caused any problems in Japan, as we mao shut down the broadcasts apart from a few outliers. Word is spreading online, but… your popurity is high. Oddly enough, Arisugawa-san is also incredibly popur. And you should see some of the gossip online.” She giggled then, and I was happy to see it. I know she won’t heal quickly, but… pared to the early days, she’s got a broader range of emotional responses, and seems less down in general.

  “Do I want to know?” I asked, and she shrugged.

  “Depends. A lot of people online say the two of you would be perfect for each other. Both Chosen and celebrities…”

  “I’m fttered. Arisu-san’s a real beauty, and clever too. But… yeah, no thanks. Shiro would be upset, and Arisu-san would kill me if I ever suggested that.” I ged the subject. “So, we don’t know why the Koreans did it?”

  “Not yet. But we’re digging. Hinata-’s a fiend you know. You’d have thought she was ten years older, the way she raked that diplomat over the coals. She did secure you a lot of pensation, but… is money and a few trade deals worth whatever they are doing in the shadows? I don’t know…”

  “We ’t do much except be wary.” I agreed. “Anyway, you take a bit of a breather now you’re ba Japan…” I trailed off as she gave me a ft stare.

  “ I now? Hardly! There’s so much that needs my attention. I have to manage Kyoto, deal with various requests, I even have the cert to oversee at the weekend, though I’m getting help from Miyu-san’s father and his Ministry, while someone swans off abroad to party with Hinata-!”

  “It’s hardly that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there will be some of that, but it’s important work.” I protested, and Haru ughed.

  “Sure, sure, I get it. Holy, I io hang out with my friends after the cert too. I dare say I’ll introduce them to your fiahat aside though… I’ve heard you were at the heart of the Nasu volos during the eruptions. Obviously you’re all right, but…” She was ed, so I smiled warmly, reassuring her.

  “Yeah, it was a mess, but… everything worked out. And it portunity we couldn’t miss. Speaking of…” My Eye shone, and I ied Haru.

  Suzuki Haru

  Chosen Of She Who Shows passion And Mercy, Kannon

  Onryō

  [Material Statistics]

  [Intangible Statistics]

  Might

  449 469+30

  Fortune

  2 4 +1

  Fortitude

  439 459 +30

  Majesty

  1 2 +1

  Intellect

  511 544 +30

  Charm

  7 9 +1

  Resilience

  424 486 +30

  League

  10 11 +1

  Acrity

  563 583 +30

  Determination

  10 13 +1

  Precision

  401 421 +30

  Fht

  1 +1

  Aether

  2003 2285 +30

  Fate

  7 +1

  [Material Skills]

  Rank

  Css

  Type

  [Aetheric Skills]

  Silver Cord

  Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Chakra work

  Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Aether Manipution

  Rank 3 Rank 4

  Suffit (3) Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Telepathy

  Rank 6 Rank 8

  Noble (5)

  Rule (5)

  Split Thoughts

  Rank 2 Rank 4

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Enhanced Spiritual Form

  Rank 1 Rank 2

  Noble (5)

  Principle (7)

  [Elemental Skills]

  Light Manipution

  Rank 7

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Third Eye Chakra Of Light

  Rank 6

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  Darkness Manipution

  Rank 4 Rank 5

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Throat Chakra Of Darkness

  Rank 1

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Fme Manipution

  Rank 4

  Powerful (4)

  Foundation (4)

  Sor Plexus Chakra Of Purifying Spirit Fme

  Rank 3

  Noble (5)

  Foundation (4)

  [Unique Skills]

  Blessing Of Sharing Light

  Rank 6 Rank 7

  Noble (5)

  Rule (5)

  Light Of Muted Emotions

  Rank 6 Rank 7

  Imperious (6)

  Principle (7)

  Lovers’ Link

  Rank 1

  Noble (5)

  Artifice (6)

  [Level]

  38 40

  [Css]

  Ghost Of Light 8/10

  queror 1/50

  Purified One 3/10 4/10

  Wielder Of A Mutated Element 1/10

  Spirit Guider 1/20 4/20

  Pledged Vassal 4/10 5/10

  Fae-Bonded 2/20

  [Mastered Css]

  Empath 10/10 Ghost Of Light 10/10

  Territory Rank

  3 - Vassal Territory To Oshiro Moonstone Akio Rank 3

  “You’ve really increased your mental and healing Skills and Csses.” I observed, and she smiled at me wearily, c her embarrassment by sipping more coffee.

  “Of course I have. If I wao get done before Christmas I had to multitask. Of course it helps that my brain isirely physical. I’m a ghost, remember? So I don’t think I have the limitations others do. But as I reached into more and more minds, often multiple o once, I found what I could think about expanding. Perhaps it was Kannon showing mere, so I could foore work at o’s the only way I’ll keep up with the Ministry. Now all I o do is work out how to grow more arms…”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’d upset your father.” I joked. “I don’t think I’d like to see that either. Anyway, I’m not sure that being a primarily spiritual being makes it any easier to overwork your brain. You shouldn’t downpy your efforts.”

  “You won’t get anything from fttering me, Akio-kun.” She rolled her eyes. “It’s Arisugawa-san that the i is shipping you with, not me.”

  “Yeah, whatever.” I snorted, amused by her defle. I won’t mentioended her the Rank of Lovers’ Link I grant anyone suitable. Having the extra stats from me might save her life in an emergency. But… the name of the Skill might upset her. “Anyway, hopefully that means you’ll be able to help the British and Japanese Chosen a little easier, now that you’ve got better Skills.”

  “I would think so. And, speaking of… aren’t you on a simir crusade ter?”

  “Yeah, I’m visiting a pair of hospitals. I know I’m supposed to be preserving my aether, but… we want to get ahead of any problems, so we’ve arranged for some patients for Ether Healing. It’s a shame I ’t help everyone, but…”

  Haru finished her coffee and gave me a sympathetic look. “Most people t help anyone, Akio-kun. Doing a little good is better than g that if you ’t help everyo isn’t fair to help anyone. I certainly don’t feel bad at being helped, even if… not all of us made it.” Her brown eyes were distant, and I didn’t like her dwelling on her harsh past, so I spoke quickly.

  “Speaking of helping… are you ready for this? She’s… annoying as ever.”

  Haru looked at me knowingly, a slight smile on her lips. “I’ll let you distract me. I appreciate it, even if you’re as a clumsy as usual. And yes, she is annoying, but… if yoing to America, you have to use every tool at your disposal to stay safe. Do you really have to go? Alone?”

  “I do. There’s things I ’t leave there. As foing alone… I’m more vulnerable with others, as they be used against me. If America wants to take me hostage or kill me… I won’t say they ’t, but they’d o know more about me than they do, and be prepared to pay a ruinous price. Eveheir odds aren’t great…”

  “Fihen.” Haru stood, and I finished my coffee. A mier we were entering a secure room, the door sliding open, and the smiling face of Christina Bakker greeted us, as she bounded off her bed.

  “Akio, you came back! That’s great. I have so many questions I need ao…”

  Haru and I exged exasperated gnces, before I forced a smile. Here we go again. She’s… very hard to deal with…

  ShipTeaser