On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

While the first of the Chosen I was here to meet was being fetched, I decided to reexamine some details with my new, improved Eyes. There was something I obviously needed to check, but I decided to put that off for a minute, holding in a wry smile at the thought that despite all the changes I had undergone, at my heart, I still fell into the same patterns.

Unfortunately, the question marks plaguing the description for Silver Connection remained stubbornly present. I had suspicions they would, as that insight I had barely grasped, that feeling, it was profound and deep, and almost felt beyond what my Eye, Eyes now, would understand. Undeterred, I looked upon the information I wanted, seeing some of the question marks vanish and become legible, amber text.

This is… fascinating. Yet… honestly, it also makes me worry, in equal measure. I’m doing this… I’m… really… doing this?

Should enough Adherents gather, and the strength and purity of the Path be refined to the level of Laws or beyond by deriving a system from existent Rules and Principles, then a new Multiversal Construct that shall integrate within the overarching Laws of the Multiverse may be established.

Swallowing, I peered further, deeper.

An Adherent is someone who practises a Path with belief in the reality and existence of said Path, following it and utilising the Rules, Principles and Laws it provides, strengthening these Laws, making them more real and perfect.

I think I get it. If Daiyu was here, I could certainly confirm my thoughts, but… Examining Moonlight Jade Qi Refining, I delved deeper, almost imagining I could hear Rose’s amused laughter echoing far distant in my head.

Moonlight Jade Qi Refining [Class: Powerful] [Type: Artifice] – You can refine Aether, combined with Light and Earth Elements, into a potent Qi…

No, I don’t care about how it works, but…

Qi is a refined form of some of the fundamental energies of the Multiverse. It takes two forms, Earthly Qi, and Heavenly Qi. It is designed to function within the Path of Cultivation, which in turn is a Path created from the broader Six Paths ????????????.

The Path of Cultivation is governed by Laws that are immutable, yet all Laws sit within the overarching Rules, Principles and Laws of the Multiverse. Anyone who is an Adherent of the Path of Cultivation is bound by the Laws of Karma, and Heavenly Tribulation, yet such shackles imposed offer commensurate benefits such as ??????? ???????? ???????? ?????????.

I thought so. Cultivation is strange. But… to lift the veil of ignorance… I quickly checked my Chakras, and it was as I expected.

Earth Element is a refined form of some of the fundamental energies and matter of the Multiverse. It is present in a number of Paths, such as the Four Elements, the Seven Chakra Element System, the Five Elements and more…

Water Element is a refined form…

Flame Element…

So, that’s why elements are seemingly so disparate. Why we have compounds, actual elements, chemical processes, fundamental forces and particles, and even stranger concepts, all bundled together in various groups? It’s because a Path has been arranged that way. But just who did the arranging, and why? Do benefits accrue to the creator of a Path if others are Adherents of it? Isn’t that… kind of like being a God? But then… they are called Adherents, and adherence is the power of faith, of fervent belief… oh, there’s still too much I don’t know, but…

Whatever form my Path would take, I would have to plan it carefully. Whether it was something simple, like an element, or a whole, complicated system of incredible depth such as Cultivation, or probably even a Path that didn’t change what already existed, merely integrated within it, I’d have to choose wisely. But whatever I choose, it doesn’t seem like something I can do alone. Fortunately… that’s not the path I’m walking…

Despite these thoughts taking only a fraction of a second, Christina noticed something. Whether it was a scientist’s sixth sense, or a subconscious tell I had I wasn’t aware of, she realised I had understood something. “That’s a face of someone who has suddenly discovered a discrepancy in their perfectly planned experiment.” Her tone was light, and her eyes glittered with eagerness.

“But don’t worry. When something doesn’t go as expected, that’s when the truth is revealed.” She tried to soothe me, and I had to laugh.

“It’s fine. I’m just pondering some weighty matters, but it doesn’t change the next step. Anyway…” The door opened, and in came a tall, dark-skinned man. He overtopped me by a head, and though he wasn’t particularly muscular, he had a certain physical presence. My Eyes observed him, and though he was a World Tree Pantheon Chosen, he didn’t have a Bracelet or any Seeds. Not one of Lin’s or her sisters’ then.

“So, what do you want?” he spoke gruffly as he pulled out a chair and sat down, legs crossed. He glanced over at Christina for a moment before eyeing me coldly, his brown eyes hard, and it seemed he was in no mood to pander to me.

Oh well, I guess my reputation doesn’t work on everyone, does it? Putting on my best smile, I sat in front of him too. “I just wanted to talk a little about some cooperation. Us fellow Norse Chosen should stick together…” As he seemed unmoved by my suggestion, I bit down on a sigh, and delivered my pitch as best I could…

***

“This has been a very mixed bag.” I grumbled, taking a sip of my coffee. Christina, a warm, sympathetic smile on her face, reached over and wiped at my cheeks and forehead with a handkerchief, surprising me. On seeing I was shocked, she flushed, her face pink, but she didn’t stop her ministrations.

“I’ve been researching what a good woman does, a good girlfriend.” She puffed out her ample chest proudly. Fortunately, after Egil’s corpse was dealt with, someone had found her a lab coat, and she now wore that over her revealing, low-cut dress, so the feeling of her chest against me wasn’t so distracting. Though honestly, I need a distraction now. It’s rough…

Even with my impressive Majesty and Charm, which was clearly having a greater effect, if Christina was anything to judge by, as the heat in her blue-eyed gaze as she looked at me had intensified since my return from the highest Astral, was unable to sway all of the Chosen I had interviewed.

“I suppose it makes sense.” I let Christina mop off my brow. It was embarrassing, but… I suppose I can grant her this small happiness. It’s not like Eri or anyone else will care, considering I’ve just established a pair of long term engagements without asking… I’m not cowardly enough to say it isn’t my fault, that Rose and Lin did it on their own… it takes two to tango, they say…

The only mercy was it would likely be years, perhaps even decades, before I managed to secure the Earth, and maybe even centuries before we were capable of truly travelling to the World Tree. Though maybe not so long. Siegrune did say she would come visit when she felt Earth had shed the Boundary. But yes, years at the minimum. But now…

Now I was worried. The Valkyries were constantly fighting, and it sounded from what little I had heard, the fact that they were driven to using the stolen Fruit to empower us, that the situation was grave. I don’t want to travel back there with my consciousness again, and find out that they’ve died in battle. Or even that one of their sisters has fallen. But… I can’t do anything. The only mercy is…

By being accepted as the Verr, pledged husband of a Valkyrie, Divine daughters of the Gods and Goddesses of the World Tree Pantheon, the Ver Valkyrju, not merely by troth, but also by tied Truesoul and Heitstrenging, the bearer will find their affinity and control of Spatial Element increasing. Fortune will also increase significantly, as will Charm. The Valkyrie, Choosers of the Slain, Gatherers of Heroes, are only won over by boldness, so Determination shows a greater effect.

However, to be Verr comes with obligations. Cowardice is poison, and those that flee from battle or abandon their allies in the midst of the fray will be disowned, and the Valkyrie will stop at nothing to slay them, then taking their own lives in the disgrace thereafter, of giving heart and spirit to a worthless man. In addition, as Choosers of the Slain, a Valkyrie must be impartial. The majority of Valkyrie retire from this duty when they become a bride, only with permission from the commanders of the Valkyries, Imperious Allfather Odin, Proud Sigrun, Mystical Frejya, or Cold Hel, can they continue to serve.

The bond between a Valkyrie and their Verr is deep. Should their Verr fall in battle bravely, weapon in hand, space itself will sunder, and despite the grave cost she will fly on Wings of Space and carry him to his deserved rest. Likewise, when a Valkyrie faces the travails of doom, strength will be drawn from the Verr, in an effort to stave off ruin.

…I don’t intend to die, forcing them to come for me, but… knowing that in their hour of greatest need they can borrow some of my strength is reassuring. It also means if that’s not happening, then they shouldn’t be in any great danger…

Setting that aside, my thoughts went back to the Chosen I had met. It made sense that they would be proud and hot-tempered. While it had only been around half a year in Material time since we all received our Favours, in Boundary time it was well over a year, and those that remained were either those who grew stronger and had talent, or those who cowered and hid away. I suppose there’s also the ones with special abilities who were nurtured by others, like Yasaka-san. Shit… Yasaka-san… He was still comatose. He had been flown over to Tokyo, since he could no longer enter the Boundary, and Shaeula had stabilised his ruined network. Losing that Favour is a huge blow. A lot of other Japanese Chosen seem to have been removed as well…

Regardless, most of the Chosen from the Norse and the Japanese Pantheons I had met here weren’t exactly eager to join me, though a few seemed a little impressed to have met me. Also, so far none of the World Tree Chosen were ones which had received the Seeds. That was helpful, certainly, as I was able to observe more of the differences. A couple showed some interest in collaboration though, so I had hopes we’d be able to work something out. There was still one more remaining, and as the door opened, ushering in the newcomer, I saw it was a woman in her late thirties, with a rather charming look. She had a heart-shaped face, medium length blonde hair which floated in curls around her, and a petite yet graceful figure.

Seeing me, she widened her greenish-brown eyes, and let out a small chuckle. “So, the Hero of Britain. What an honour for me.” She nodded respectfully, before taking a seat, crossing her legs clad in powder-blue jeans carelessly. “I didn’t particularly want to come, but it’s not like I had much choice.” She looked at Christina warily. “Oh, I remember you. You… seem a little different?” She was the first to speak to Christina, though most had looked her over, which wasn’t too surprising. She is quite the appealing sight, so long as she keeps quiet, after all.

Christina paused, thinking. She then turned to me after a moment, face falling into a rare expression of apology. “I made an oversight! This is not like me at all! I’m sorry. Little miss Christina was too wrapped up in trying to appeal to you… I mean, be helpful…”

As she corrected herself, the woman who had sat down laughed, idly playing with the laces on her strappy white shirt. Christina ignored her, instead fixing her gaze on mine.

“I never thought that my presence would cause you problems, but… I think a lot of the Chosen we met might have been more willing to join you, or at least work together, if I wasn’t here. I have a… bad reputation.”

“No kidding.” Christopher agreed. He had been keeping quiet in negotiations, his seat against the far wall, but it seemed he couldn’t let that slide. “I still can’t believe I’m letting my kids go to Japan while you’re there. Honestly, I’m trusting Akio here more than you, and… also your change. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but… I don’t think you’d do something to make him hate you.”

“Of course not. But I’ve blundered here! I’m too used to those who see me without fear now.” She glanced at the bored Adelheid, who was idly drinking coffee that had been provided. Yeah, she sure does act like Tanya when coffee is involved. Though she also drinks plenty of beer too…

“Anyway, even those who I haven’t met and ran tests and questionnaires on likely talked, so… all the American Chosen know of me. Seeing me with you… it’s bound to taint you by association.”

“Yeah, that’s my fault too. But… I’ve a lot on my mind.” The fact of the attacks worldwide, then the sudden surprise marriage ambush of the Valkyries, even if it would be a long time before we would be in a position to truly spend time with each other, it all threw me off, made me overlook things. Careless again. I’m getting better, but I’m still weak to sudden shocks, it seems…

“I’m sorry. It’s a bit late, but… I should go.” Christina seemed crestfallen, so I shook my head.

“No, in a way, it might be a good thing. After all, you’re working with me now. If they turned up to Japan and found you there, and panicked, well… perhaps it’s best to weed them out early, and in time, if you can reform your reputation…”

“The rumours definitely do you justice.” The last World Tree Chosen giggled, seeming younger than her age. “You’ve seduced even the rumoured psycho scientist, and…” Her expression looked significantly less friendly as she beheld Adelheid. “…it seems you like them young too. But me, I’m married, so don’t get any ideas!” She brandished her hand, a wedding band on one finger.

“I think there’s been a grave misunderstanding. Adelheid here is a lot older than she looks. She’s also not my lover or anything like that. She’s a Chosen I picked up. She was having a hard time on her own, so…”

“You didn’t deny I was seduced!” Christina giggled, though her heart didn’t seem to be in it, and I guessed she was still troubled over causing me problems. Damn, I didn’t think she could even feel that sort of remorse. Women… sure are complicated. My mind going back to how easily Rose had taken me as her husband, despite us literally having spent perhaps an hour together in their frame of temporal space, I once more understood how little men like me could understand women.

Although… I do get it, to an extent, I suppose. Interest in my abilities is what piqued Tan’s curiosity, well, that and sharing a body and mind with Shiro, and constantly being bombarded with her feelings, I guess. And it seems like they are desperate. Besides… uh… I kind of hate myself for saying this, but… I’ve become quite the catch.

“Yes, you have!” Christina agreed, mirroring my thoughts, and I froze, confused.

“You were wondering why I like you, despite us having only been acquainted a short time, yes?” Christina was slightly off, but not entirely. “If you say such things, Hinata will get angry, no? I hear her bragging about love at first sight. I’m too logical to fall prey to such, but… what’s not to like? So long as a woman can accept sharing, you’re perfect. And while many women dream of love, a perfect, fairy tale love… I’m a realist. Me… I seek a connection, shared interests and passions. A mind that can match mine. Don’t judge other’s reasons. What might seem small or stupid to you may mean everything to them!”

“When did you learn empathy?” Christopher groaned. “It’s messing with my head. But… it relieves me.”

“Yes, so… let’s hope Bethany doesn’t fall for him!” Christina couldn’t resist causing trouble, and as Christopher shot back, and they began to argue, I once more considered Rose and Lin. Ortlinde… Lin… I get. She chose me, and gave me a piece of her Truesoul. She nurtured me, felt guilt for the dangers, worried I would die… and I have repaid her gamble so far with hope. But Rose… no, she has her reasons. Not just the Eye I gave her. When she smiled at me… it was teasing, cute… but genuine. Honestly… I have to accept I’m not who I was anymore. I’m going to be Astral Emperor, rule a world, be stronger even than the Valkyries, so they said… I can’t just think in normal terms now…

It was certainly easier for me to rationalise. Thirteen wasn’t much different to eleven, especially as it wouldn’t truly be thirteen for years, or even decades. As those thoughts passed in an instance, the woman spoke up.

“Yes, quite the seducer. Now… I’ll set aside the fact that she is here, since it seems to trouble her, and I’m a kind woman.” She smiled teasingly. “Now, I wasn’t briefed much on why I am here, simply that you wanted to meet anyone who has been blessed by Viking Gods, yes?”

I nodded, my Eyes glittering, and everyone froze. With a grimace, I reigned in my Charm. Not only has it spiked a huge amount since Rose and Lin pledged to me, the effect of all my Intangible Statistics has also increased a lot… I need to get used to controlling the new intensity… ah… perfect. She’s…

“Yes. Though as it turns out, you were the one I wanted to meet, Mrs Carrie Srensen.”

“Enough with the flirting. I’m married. Happily even!” She pouted, again brandishing her ring. “Make do with that crazy scientist, thank you!”

“I’m not trying to hit on you, I promise. But… you’re one of just eighteen. Though there’s few of us left, I’m afraid.” My Eye saw that she was carrying a Bracelet within her. Helmwige’s Lyre-string Bracelet Of Harmonic Wisdom was its name, but the Divine Favour was not within it, instead it was a part of her, curling from her heart up to her throat Chakra,  indeed also looking like a number of silver strings. It was Bragi’s Words That Shape Wind And Song, and looking at it, it had some applications in attacking, being largely wind element, but it also had several similarities to Miyu’s Favour.

“What do you mean?” she asked, suddenly wary, and I smiled as reassuringly as I could. Seeing the tense atmosphere, Christoper and Christina stopped their arguing, and Adelheid was looking at us, her blue eyes wary.

“When you were offered this Favour, do you remember who came for you? A Valkyrie, yes?”

“She was cloaked and hidden, and didn’t speak her name. But… from the set of her body and the way she moved, the occasion when her purple ponytail swung free of her hooded cowl… yes, I knew she was a woman, and not one like me.” Carrie replied.

That stung me. I had noticed the flame red hair of Ortlinde on occasion under the hood, but had thought nothing of it, and with her deep, resonant voice, I had thought she was perhaps male, though seeing her in her natural state, I wondered how I could have made such a mistake. My sis was right. Back then I was big bro moonstone, unable to tell many things about women…

“Why did you take the gift? I also see you are using your Favour. Did you…?” I left the question hanging, and she glanced at Christopher, who nodded.

“It’s all right, Mrs Srensen. You’ll be paid for your time and efforts here.” he reassured her, and after a while she nodded.

“I don’t like talking about it. I… don’t want to get hurt. I don’t much fight. I quickly got rid of that Territory, as she called it. Because losing it… it’s dangerous, right?” I nodded, and she continued. “As for ‘the harder path of growth’, no thank you! Instead… this gift…” she paused, embarrassed.

“I’ve always dreamed of being a singer. I write songs, play the guitar… but I never amounted to much. Always been poor.” She sighed self-deprecatingly. “So, when I was offered a devil’s bargain to gain this…” She started singing her words, and indeed, her voice was moving, beautiful, captivating. “…of course I took a chance, my dream was within reach. I have even signed a record deal recently. My first true album will be out soon. My husband loves it too. I’m so much prettier and…” She flushed then, glancing at Christina.

“Better able to take a tumble in the bedroom, huh? Lucky!” Christina chortled. “It’s not an area we studied, but… Akio here satisfies a lot of greedy girls. His libido can’t be normal.”

“Enough of that.” I coughed. “Do continue.” I tapped my foot to the beat as she sang her next explanation.

“I kept a low profile. I didn’t want to get captured and dissected somewhere. But… even that was no good. I shouldn’t have used my phone to do internet searches. The NSA picked me up. It’s no wonder we all got caught. Nobody thinks someone is always listening.” She took a deep breath. “I may not be strong, but…” She sang, wind and aether swirling, and it was as if a full orchestra was playing. “…I can still do this. And this…” The sound formed an invisible blade, and an unoccupied chair was smashed to splinters.

“I see.” After listening, I understood. “Me, I took the riskier way. And I’ve fought to raise my strength. But… since you chose the path of strength first, you’re greatly helpful as a point of comparison. Besides, I promised… Ortlinde, Rossweisse and the others I would look after you. I’ve not met Helmwige, who gave you this Favour, but… in a way, we’re related.” After all, Helmwige is my sister-in-law now… damn, it hurts my head just thinking about it…

“Helmwige? Was that her name?” she sang, and I nodded.

“Yes. So… you’re a singer, huh? That gives me an idea…”

“I know I’m pretty, but I’m married!” she insisted again, and I snorted, amused.

“Christina, maybe it was my reputation that put the other Chosen off. Most of them were men, after all. Maybe they’re jealous, or think I’ll steal their sisters, lovers or daughters.”

“I understand that…” Christopher grumbled, but we ignored him. I then addressed Carrie again. No point being excessively formal. Americans are quite relaxed, and… we’re both those the Valkyries chose.

“Did you see the charity concert that happened in Japan a few days ago? You might not have…”

“Of course I did. Everyone in the industry was watching. It was a big deal. Worldwide coverage… the artists that performed there were lucky. There’s… even an American girl, yes? Though she was acting Japanese?”

“Don’t remind me. I’ll be meeting her parents during a brief stopover on my return home.” Yes, the few extra hours I can save crossing the country in a military jet are going to be wasted, but… I also want to drop off my Astral body near Las Vegas while I’m there. I want to investigate the site Foehn was found again…

“Regardless, it was a good show. I sing pop, country, that sort of music, but I appreciate talent.” Carrie finished. “But…” She shuddered then. “I worry. The troubles around the world. I’m not particularly religious, you know? But the thought of others hunting me down, because I took this power… I knew there’d be a cost…”

“Well, how do you feel about coming under my protection? Japan’s a nice place. And you’d be able to learn relatively safely.” She’s clever in a way. A Territory is essential, but it’s also a big point of weakness if not properly defended…

As she looked at me, I made my pitch. “As for your music career, that’s something to encourage. After all, from the concert, you might have guessed what we’re going for. Besides… not everyone has to fight, but you can still contribute. For Helmwige, to prove she was right to choose you out of everyone else. I know she’d be proud of you then.”

“You sound like you know what they think.” Carrie pointed out, and I nodded.

“Of course I do. I’ve met and talked to five of them. You could too, if you grow stronger.” After dropping that bombshell I explained further about what she would potentially be doing, and the protection I’d offer.

“I don’t know. It seems… risky.” Carrie was idly rubbing at her wedding ring, frowning. “I’m scared, but there weren’t any attacks in America… people died, schools were attacked in Japan, right?”

“Yes, but each time we are better prepared.” I continued to talk to her for a while, my Eyes observing her all the time, while the others occasionally spoke up when they had something to say…

***

“Do you think she’ll accept? That last thing you said was rather cold.” Christina giggled. “It’s the sort of thing I’d have said. And everyone knows I lack empathy and emotions!”

Christina had changed out of her dress, and was in casual, comfortable leggings and jumper, paired with her usual lab coat, of course. Adelheid was also dressed in jeans and a hoodie. We had said out farewells to Buck and Mrs Kelly, and now we were standing outside the aircraft that were going to whisk us away.

I don’t fancy my ride much, but… A fighter jet was on the runway, unladen with weapons and with extremal fuel tanks attached. It was a single seater, but with my stats, I was able to squeeze myself awkwardly in along with the pilot for the duration, and instead of nearly five hours, I would be able to reach Las Vegas in two. Giving me time for that damn meeting. Though how I cross the Pacific ocean… I’ll find that out when I get there. The fighter was an F15 of some sort, though I was hardly an expert in American military hardware, but I was told I could do over two thousand miles with the extra fuel tanks.

The private jet that the others were taking was much nicer, and while it would stop on the west coast for refuelling, it would still take everyone back to Japan. Setting that aside, I answered Christina. “Her Seeds are precious. All I’m asking is that if she does die, that she doesn’t get cremated prematurely.”

“Yes, but that almost sounds like you are hoping she does die. Shit. I get what you mean! But you can be an ass sometimes!” Aliyah was here too, along with Trey. They were both comfortably dressed ready for the flight, and I’d cured their hangovers. The coffin containing Egil Andersen had been loaded aboard, so it was just our group waiting.

“What Aliyah was trying to say…” Trey explained reasonably, patting his sister on her shoulder gently. “…was that broaching the subject with someone you just met was a little… uh… forward?”

“Maybe so. But… there’s not many of us left out there, so losing any is a blow. Anyway, you both look pleased.”

“Of course we do!” Aliyah preened. I steadfastly refused to check out her chest, and she strained harder. Wait, do you want me to look? I thought you hated it.. oh, wait, I get it. You just want an excuse to be pissed at me, right? Yeah, men sure can’t understand how women think. Giving in and doing what she wanted, and getting a harsh glare in return, I listened to their report. “We’ve done just what you wanted. With the information from that Oracle Engine, we think we’ve narrowed down the location of the last one here in America. And they weren’t cremated. It’ll be robbing graves though…”

“It won’t come to that, I think.” Trey shook his head. As we waited for our final passengers to arrive, they continued to speak.

“It fucking well might!” Aliyah grumbled. “Especially if they’re really a walking pile of treasure. Anyway, enough of that. The info’s here.” She handed me a tablet, and I glanced over it, nodding.

“Great. So I’ll let you two handle the arrangements. How did the rest go?”

“Like clockwork.” Trey replied. “Honestly, once all the drinking and the fighting died down…” He glanced at his sister as he said that, and she had the grace to look embarrassed, shrugging, hair beads jingling. “…and we made our pitch, plenty were interested. Times are tough at the moment, and honestly… seeing Aliyah kick the shit out of the heads of four PMCs, then single-handedly win a bar brawl against a dozen others… yeah, they can see the way the wind is blowing.”

What the hell did you do? Obviously the shock was showing on my face, as Aliyah chuckled, crossing her arms and standing tall.

“I could beat up those dipshits before. Though… no more than a couple at a time. Anyway, we’ve got a list of names. I wouldn’t say they’re all trustworthy, but Shaeula can work her magic or whatever.” She shrugged again, drawing my eyes. “The worst thing is, a few of the fuckers who quit the Black Wolf have tried to come crawling back now.”

“Can’t you recruit them?” I asked, and Trey shook his head.

“No way. They were our friends, still are, really…” Aliyah snorted derisorily at that, but he ignored her. “…but the one rule is, don’t quit when things get tough. They bailed. So… no room for them.”

“Okay. I trust you. Anyway… the Pilgrimage…”

“I ain’t much for God. Might as well pray to whoever gets me some damn benefits.” Aliyah suggested. “So I’m in. All of the new recruits for Fenrir will be.”

Fenrir, huh. Makes sense. The greatest wolf from Nordic mythology. The Black Wolf Company was going to be split, and take on new recruits. The Black Wolf part would handle security, counterespionage, policing and so on, while Fenrir, the elites, would be trained to fight in both Material and Astral, and specialise in retrieval of treasures such as the fallen Chosen with Seeds, or discovering anomalies, unique elements, strange Buildings, species of spiritual beings we could trade with or recruit, and more. Of course, they’ll be powerful combat assets too, but right now… we need to gather what we can, before others take it away.

“Just one question though.” Aliyah asked. “Luciana… is she in or not? I mean, she’s got her own thing going on with Adamant, yeah? Fancy uniform and all…”

“We’ll have one too, sis.” Trey chuckled.

“Just so long as it ain’t skimpy!” she grumbled. “But yeah… Luciana’s moving up in the world. Even if there’s no way you’ll get me to join your growing squad of groupies.”

“It isn’t like that.” I explained for what seemed like the dozenth time. “I’m not going to force them into anything. I have my hands full right now anyway, and they’re getting fuller!”

“Sure, sure. I’m so fucking jealous… I mean… never mind what I mean.” Aliyah smirked, though she didn’t actually seem angry, it seemed like she was more enjoying the pretence. Maybe we’ve finally got used to each other.

“Still, Luciana’s a beauty for sure. She’s a cold one at heart, not much love for men. I get that. But she’s not a hater like me…”

“You don’t hate all men, Aliyah. Just…” Trey broke in, and she sighed.

“Yeah, guess not. I mean, there’s some good guys around, I’m sure. Not that I’ve ever fucking crossed paths with many. But… all I’m saying is, she’s living her best life, and seems keen on rising the ranks. I kind of miss her, it’s not like there’s a whole lot of women in the Black Wolf, though at least you keep plenty around you. Speaking of…” Aliyah looked at the newcomers, blue eyes gleaming. “Who is that cutie? She’s totally my type…”

Christopher had arrived, followed by his children. Zachary was gazing at us all with sparkling eyes, plainly dressed, while Bethany… while she wasn’t as flashy as on our night out, she was wearing a lacy black top and pleated skirt with long stockings and boots just below the knee. Both of them were pulling suitcases behind them.

“Don’t leer, Aliyah. You’ll scare her!” Trey warned, as Christina giggled at the banter.

“Here we are.” As Christopher warned his children to be careful, and always listen to me and not to do anything dangerous, Aliyah then charged over to introduce herself, ignoring Zachary, who like me, couldn’t help but watch as she bounced along. As we exchanged wry, understanding glances, his sister shrinking under Aliyah’s passionate introduction, I relaxed a little, though I couldn’t help but glance at my own transportation, the pilot running through his final checks.

Yeah. We’ve gained a lot this trip. More than I’d have imagined. But… I need to get back to Japan. There’s too much I need to sort out, and now that my resolve has been made, and even the multiverse seems to have accepted it… it’s time to start laying down the first stones of the Path I’ll build that takes us beyond the crisis Earth is facing… all the way to the heights of the Astral itself…

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