ShipTeaser
As Haru stepped into the fmes, Kana was looking rather worried beside me. My Eye couldn’t see too much due to the gre, though the amber letters scrolling ay vision matched the physical phenomena I was seeing, the source of the fme bobbing uneasily, while the dark flecks of Lost Fme were moving towards the shadow of Haru I could just make out within.
“Will Haru- be all right?” Kana asked.
“I hope so. But we just have to trust her. Haru is a smart woman, unlike me, she had a proper job before all this started.” I said self-depregly, trying to lighteense mood. “She was a career woman, and people like Haru don’t risk everything on a gamble they aren’t sure of. Especially not after…” I trailed off, gng at Motoko and Natsumi. I know they know Haru was murdered, but not all the gruesome details, unlike Hinata, who is more worldly-wise, and also could have been a potential victim, if circumstances were different. And I don’t want to pollute their ears with tales of suhuman cruelty. Let them enjoy their innoce as long as they .
“I get it.” Kana said softly. “Yes, you’re right. Haru-’s got it in hand, I’m sure.” she said, more to vince herself of it than believing it.
“The battle seems to be over then.” Motoko said, and Arangbō snorted, his voice still coloured by pain and anger.
“You wish to fight more, hearty eater?”
Motoko realised her attitude was a little inappropriate, and she bowed politely in apology. “I have been thoughtless. When there have beehs, the battlefield is a solemn pce, and I fot that.”
On seeing her downcast look, Arangbō shrugged. “Five me, my mood is grim. After a victory, there should be joy. No, we will raise sake a for our fallen brother.” He gred at the imprisoned Fungbō, who was beating on the inside of the barrier bubble uselessly. “And Great Tarōbō will pass judgement.” He then turned baotoko. “Do not seek the battlefield. Peace is more rewarding than war. But keep your ons sharp, for when war es, peace be lost forever if you are weak and unprepared.”
Motoko nodded, her brown eyes showing her uanding. “I thank you for the lesson. I shall take it to heart.”
“She is a polite one.” Arangbō said to me. “Though spirited. I fear my dear sister will have a difficult time ahead.”
“I am sure I do not know what you mean.” Haanōbō pouted. “We should be fog on what matters, sing the fme. We have e too far and lost too much to fail now.” She eyed the r pilr of fire Haru had entered.
“That’s right.” I agreed, rexing, the after-battle banter l my tension. “I don’t want to leave the job half-done. But Haru’s fident she hahis, so we should believe in her.”
“It’s lines like that which get you into trouble, Akio.” Kana giggled, her own worry fading a little. “Is it me, or does it seem like there’s fewer dark spots in the fire?”
I looked closely, and it did seem the fme was brighter, if a little smaller. While I was watg the fme, Natsumi and Daiyu were searg around the cavern, and had found a number more fragments of burned shimenae, enough to identify that the inal rope would have been huge, easily as thick as a metre across or more.
“I think it was here…” Bell pointed out, her elvish eyes keen. “The ground has been ruined by our battles, but… these iions do not seem natural.”
The Tengu didn’t seem to be ied, but there were a number of things I had experienced since arriving at mount Atago that didn’t quite add up, or if it did, it painted an unusual picture. The Sacred Fme. The kami giving mount Atago into the care of Tarōbō, and his distaste and isotion from Kyoto. The Staff Of Muted Desires, the Ainu architecture, the shimenae burned away… Atago-un-kamuy. There’s definitely a secret here. Perhaps Prince Shōtoku knows. And if not… looks like Yasaka-san is having another workout… There were some long iions in the ground, holes deep enough to fit a sword, and the bottom of these round holes were full of puddles of melted metal. They were spaced regurly as far as we could tell, though some holes had certainly beeroyed by the flict here.
“It’s a ring around the hearth. With some sort of pins, I’d guess. You certainly do pay attention.” I praised Bell, whhtened, preening.
“To be a Way-Warden, you need observation and hunting skills. The Unseelie are more of a direct threat, but those wily and treacherous Wild Hunt bastards are tricky. If you do not pay attention to the details and have keen eyes and ears, you might find their jaws at your throat, or worse, see one of your rades die.”
After a little more talking, the ges in the fme were being more pronounced. It was smaller, brighter and the number of spots of Lost Fme had diminished signifitly. The shadow of Haru within the fmes still looked intact, and my Fht wasn’t giving off any particur warnings, the needles of disfort having died down after Fungbō was defeated, but that didn’t mean there wouldn’t be a problem or Haru would be safe. I’m never going to rely on Fht. It’s aool in the box, and when it triggers we have to pay attention and take precautions, but it’s the very definition of unreliable.
My Eye glowed, and as the st fragments of Lost Fme vanished, seemingly drawn into Haru, the fme shuddered once more, and the three ns of fire that soared into the spatial rifts above were and shining a brilliant golden yellow.
Sacred Fme Of Mount Atago – The source of the fme which burns brilliantly, freeing ghosts and other tormented spirits of their impurities, ive Karma and griefs. Ghosts, wraiths and other spiritual beings who are not ed and twisted by evil will be strengthened and purified, their natures enhaempered, and by abs the now pristine fme, their existence will be distilled and refed, and damage to the spirit be repaired, lost energy replehis fme tains a powerful, a Adherehough it has been shackled by another Adherence, bound to burn here eternally while the Adherence remains.
I see. More information this time. Adherence shackled by another. Isn’t this rather simir to the Tower of London, just on a far smaller scale? It’s too soon to be certain, but I think I’m starting to put these puzzle pieces together… Moments ter, Haru floated out of the fmes, and she looked a little different, her hair and eyes now tinged with a faint golden glow, like her brown hair had pretty blonde highlights. On seeing she was safe, everyone called out in relief, and she smiled, the fmes that were ging tone.
“Were you worried? How sweet.” She smiled warmly, her misty, formless lower body transf into legs again as she stepped out of the hearth and onto the shattered ground. Seeing Kana was greatly relieved, her smile intensified. “Don’t fret, I’m perfectly fine. In fact, I feel better than ever. It’s almost like I’m filled with life. Which is odd, sidering.” She winked. “Akio-kun, I know you are just dying to take a look at how I’ve grown stronger, so feel free. But be careful how you’re peeking. A dy always has some secrets, and I’d hate to have to tell your lovely girlfriends here you were being a pervert.”
“You know I wouldn’t do that.” I said softly. “Not to you, Haru.”
“Oh, so you’ve do to others. Oh yes… Matsumuro-san.” She eyed the spirit light, whiow the Lost Fme was all gone, was back to bobbing around me in a gentle orbit, though it was rger and more luminous than previously. “Best be careful, Haanōbō.” Haru joked. “He has a roving eye. I would say you should be safe, as he took you for a sister, but then with Akio-kun, you just never know…”
Haanōbō snorted sourly, ign her to ihe fme, along with Arangbō, seeming relieved it ure once more.
“Oh, I’ve taken out everything within the fmes I reach.” Haru reassured them. “There are probably some dregs remaining in the fme above, and scattered about the dungeon, but without the source of Lost Fme, they should wither up and die soon enough.” She paused, glimmering eyes going distant for a moment. “The Lost Fme was dangerous, definitely. But there was a sadness within it. It existed to purify, to take in hatred, suffering, wrath… but just like paper is stained by the ink that writes on it, so too this fme ged. How it got here… I couldn’t tell. But it’s not from this world, or at least it didn’t inate here. I think… like draws like, the two fmes are simir.”
Daiyu that when I trahe harder expressions. “Like draws like. Yes, that is a principle of Cultivation. It does not seem so far-fetched. Not with all we have seen these st weeks.”
“We’ll get to the bottom of everything.” I promised. “But for now… you’re right, Haru. I am curious. It’s been quite a while since I’ve checked your abilities. You definitely feel stronger.”
“You hardly wait to y me bare. It’s like I said.” She giggled softly to Kana and the others. Spreading her arms wide, she waited, and my Eye fshed.
Suzuki HaruChosen Of She Who Shows passion And Mercy, KannonOnryo[Material Statistibsp;[Intangible Statistibsp;Might69 449+15Fortune2 +0Fortitude59 439 +15Majesty1 +0Intellect120 511 +15Charm3 7 +0Resilience19 424 +15League10 +0Acrity180 563 +15Determination10 +0Precision120 401 +15Fht1 +0Aether603 2003 +15Fate7 +0
[Material Skills]RankCssType[Aetheric Skills] Silver CordRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Chakra workRank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Aether ManiputionRank 1 Rank 3Suffit (3)Foundation (4)Light ManiputionRank 5 Rank 7Noble (5)Foundation (4)Third Eye Chakra Of LightRank 5 Rank 6Noble (5)Foundation (4)Darkness ManiputionRank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Fme ManiputionRank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Sor Plexus Chakra Of Purifying Spirit FmeRank 3Noble (5)Foundation (4)TelepathyRank 2 Rank 6Noble (5)Rule (5)Split ThoughtsRank 2Noble (5)Foundation (4)Enhanced Spiritual FormRank 1Noble (5)Principle (7)[Intangible Skills] [Unique Skills] Blessing Of Sharing LightRank 5 Rank 6Noble (5)Rule (5)Mind Healing Light Light Of Muted EmotionsRank 3 Rank 6Imperious (6)Principle (7)
[Level] 0 38[Css]Empath 2/10 Ghost Of Light 4/10 8/10
queror 1/50 Purified One 3/10
Wielder Of A Mutated Element 1/10
Spirit Guider 1/20
Pledged Vassal 4/10
[Mastered Css]Empath 10/10Territory Rank3 - Vassal Territory To Oshiro Moonstone Akio Rank 3“What’s up with all those csses?” I said, surprised. “Are y to give me a run for my money?” I couldn’t help but be impressed. On hearing the numbers, Motoko and Natsumi looked extremely envious, and Haru, just like an older sister, offered them words of fort, while Daiyu merely stood there impassive, but I knew enough of her emotions to see her slight distent, so I surprised her by stroking her head, and as she looked at me with her bck eyes in surprise, I smiled reassuringly.
“Don’t worry, your stats aren’t that much lower after the boost you got when your Chakra work properly stabilised and your Dantian was fixed. A lot of it es down to the Rank of the Silver Cord as well, and yours is several Ranks lower. Besides, I think Haru finds it easier tthen herself, as she’s a being of spirit.”
“I was merely surprised.” Daiyu said, though I noticed she didn’t brush off my hand, and I ehe soft feeling of her silken hair for a short while. “My Dao ot be shaken by such, my heart is true. It simply motivates me to try harder.” She then turo Haru. “Most impressive. I doubt anyone bully you anymore.”
“That’s true. Except for Akio-kun. Who could stop him?” her lips quirked in a wry smile. “But it is a relief to me. Were… were I to meet Kondou Kazuo again, thankfully as impossible as that is, this time it would be him who falls. Besides, my mind feels clearer, my mood better. I still remember, and it saddens me, but… it feels more detached from me, the memories, the fear.”
“Wouldn’t that have something to do with your csses or skills?” Kana pointed out. She was quite used to how things worked, having been in my camp from nearly the start, even if she only started expl the Boundary side of things once I had mastered Chirurgery.
“I think so.” I g Haanōbō and Arangbō, but Haru shook her head, denying my unspokeion.
“I believe it’s fine, Akio-kun. We are going to be in an alliance soon enough. Though a woman does like to keep some mystery, so maybe just the perti points?”
“All right then.” I had to ugh at her attitude. “I see you’ve mao get some Split Thoughts.”
“Yes, keeping everyoraight in my head, passing on information, especially when lio the twins, it does take a toll. I o partitiohoughts, aually I found I was able to keep them separate.” she expined, and I nodded.
“That makes sense. Also, you have darkness manipution, but no chakra produg any. It’s the first time I’ve seen that. I suppose it could be because you’ve verted yht element to darkness via yhost Of Light css?”
“I would think so. I o use it sometimes, dealing with dark emotions, and I certainly had to experiment here, holding the corruption of the Lost Fme at bay.” She agreed. “And speaking of fme…”
Purifying Spirit Fme – This ultra-pure double-mutated Fme Element is a spiritual fire that damage existehat do not have a tangible form. It also serves to purify, destroying corruption, curses aive Karma. When used on a spiritual being, it either cause harm or aid ioration of a damaged spirit. It is also highly effective against Darkness Element, ing the ive aspects of such.
“That sounds a mix of both fmes.” I pointed out, and she agreed. “Enhanced Spiritual Form I’ve seen before, it’s basically my Spiritually Pure Physique for spiritual beings, so it’s a good catch.” We then moved on to her csses. “Empath is maxed out, I’m not surprised as you have raised a lot of skills reting to Telepathy and dealing with emotions. You got queror… well, you know when.” Even though Haru seemed more rexed about her terrible ordeal, even if the experience here had helped her, it didn’t ge the fact that it was still something that had scarred her, and I wasn’t going to touch it lightly. “Wielder Of A Mutated Element is self-expnatory. So that leaves…”
“Spirit Guider, Purified One… and Pledged Vassal.” Natsumi said happily, and Haru flushed.
“Is it fun embarrassing an older woman?” she joked, red-faced. “We might as well get that o of the way. Though a gentleman might have omitted that one in public, Akio-kun.”
“My bad.” I smiled. “I’ll be diplomatic. So, Pledged Vassal…”
Pledged Vassal is a css gained when someone willingly accepts Vassalisation, and feels a great deal of gratitude and loyalty to the object of their service. Going above and beyond the duties and work of a mere Vassal, the Vassal Territory be from a portion of strength from the maiory if both parties permit, and likewise with agreement, special Buildings aures in both Territories share their effects betweewo Territories, the effect growing stronger and closer to a hundred pert as the level of this css increases.
Yeah, I won’t embarrass Haru by telling all the details. I have to say, I’m rather touched though, to think she trusts me so much, after what happeo her… “It’s powerful. We should have looked into this earlier, it’s my mistake. We haven’t really lost anything by deying, but we might as well gain all the bes we . The Glorious Idol Of Kannon, and my White Snake Earth Altar… they should both be shared.”
Haru uzzled for a moment, but after I expihe details and a little fumbling we worked out how, and I could feel an additional e between our Territories. “ is… “
Purified One is a css gained when a spiritual being ied with signifit curses, regrets, despair, ive Karma and other such attributes is sed, and it mahrough force of will to set aside such misfortune. League increases, as does Fate and Resilience. Abilities that manipute Darkness, Light, Yin and Yang Elements are strengthened, and abilities and effects that a such curses and dark emotions are magnified.
Yeah, I’ll edit that one down to the positives. “Basically, it’s a League and Fate booster, and buffs your elements. I’ll tell you the details ter, but… it says you only get it by having the strong will to fight your misfortune, so… good job Haru, you ear through your own efforts.” I imagine dealing with the Lost Fme bzing origgered it, but she might have eventually got it on her own anyway…
“Me? Strong willed?” she shook her head, surprised. “I was so pathetid fragile, I felt like I was going mad, uo cope, even before I experienced anything like you did, Akio-kun, Daiyu-. But… I suppose I turned my life around. Or I would have, if…”
“Yeah, we get it.” I smiled soothingly at her joke. “Moving on, we have…”
Spirit Guider is a css that alloiritual being to guide and succour other such beings. Spirit and mind-affeg abilities are strengthened when applied to spiritual beings, with the effect especially pronounced when using blessings, sing and other beneficial powers. Charm increases and Majesty increase slightly, and the affects of Charm and Majesty on spiritual beings and their ilk is magnified.
“I did wonder why you seemed a little prettier, Haru.” Bell ughed. “I think sing the Fme like you did has had an effect.”
“Yes, looks like Haru- got all the rewards this time. Don’t feel bad though Akio, I’m sure you make do with the alliance.” Kana teased me, and I smiled wryly.
“Yeah, Haru was the MVP here, no question. But I wouldn’t say I gained nothing. My level increased to one hundred and thirty-seven. And my Foehn, while it didn’t rank up, noarently after feasting on the Lost Fme, it’s better able to affetangible and incorporeal targets, and it should be easier to break the wall to Rank nine iure.” Yeah, it was hardly a great ge in my bat abilities, but levels are always good, especially since my gain tely has slowed, and breaking the bottlenecks to Rank six and nine is always an effort, so anything that helps my main abilities like Foehn do that is well worth it. Though as it isn’t even at Rank 8 yet that might be premature…
“I suddenly feel less special.” Haru sighed, though I could tell she was teasing me. “Nearly a hundred levels ahead of me. And I’ve been w so hard too. It’s just you work me to the bone day and night, never getting a…”
“That sounds like something my sister would say to deliberately rile me up.” I sighed.
“Which sister? Haanōbō?” Haru tinued in good humour, and I shook my head.
“All right, enough teasing. The rest of you, at least you all gained a few levels. And nobody died or was injured, except for Shungbō. Sorry, that was a bit iive of me.” I apologised to the Tengu, but Arangbō shook his head.
“The losses were not caused by our enemies. I hardly fault you for celebrating a safe return from battle, even if not all of the Dires will return together.” He hammered his fist on the bubble holding Fungbō, his eyes bzing. “Great Tarōbō will deal with his foolish son. Foolish sons and daughter. For we allowed this to happen by our carelessness. We should return and put this ordeal behind us. My hand craves a gourd of sweet sake and some fatty, juicy boar, the meat crisp and tender, brown and fragrant…”
“Not so fast.” Haru said, surprising us once again.
“Is there a problem, Haru-?” Kana asked, and Haru de.
“A problem? No. But an opportunity, yes.” She looked at me, then up at the spirit lights. “See how they grow? The Sacred Fme fuel a spirit, if properly applied. And I believe I do it. Now the ination of the sad Lost Fme is burning away, there should be little danger. Don’t you want to hasteurn of Matsumuro-san, even see her again? Just… take the advice of a woman your own age, Akio-kun. When you do, don’t apologise. That’ll only hurt her. Trust me, I know.”
“I see. I’ll… try.” I said mely, and she sighed.
“Yes, it does go against your nature not to. I’ve given my advice, it’s up to you whether you take it. But…” she g the Spirit Fme r in the hearth. “I think it’s worth a try. With my Spirit Guider, I reduce the risk signifitly.” She looked at the two Tengu. “You wouldn’t refuse us this little boon, would you? The fme will grow again in time, taking a little now won’t hurt it over the long term.”
“What do you think, brother? You are the Spri, and the stro of us…” Haanōbō said. “…as for me, I turn a blio it.”
“Seiryū knows gratitude and repys evil to evil, and aid for aid.” He rumbled. “But do not be greedy. We fought here too, and this is our home, our fme.”
“Thank you for your sideration. It’s only one… no, two I guess.” She amended, and that troubled me.
“The Sacred Fme won’t work on the evil. Kinneka… he wasly friendly.” I said, and she nodded.
“Like that silver cat who poor Hyath is taking charge of. But Bakaneko don’t seem to be evil, just selfish, cruel and whimsical. Hardly good or nice, but… evil is something worse. But if the fmes burn his evil deeds and cause him agony, the he deserve it? Rebirth always es with pain. I know.” She whispered, and Kana- took her hand reassuringly, getting a wan smile iurn.
I have to admit I don’t want his spirit light bobbing around there now it’s grown stronger. If I find out he’s peeking at the girls, I’ll put out his damn eyes and he be a mie no mienai neko instead. With that tasteless pun in mind, I stepped closer to the hearth, the fmes giving off tremendous heat. Mind made up, I swallowed, nervous. Tsukiko-san, if it hastens your return, or better yet… “What should I do?”
“Just let me guide them. You shouldn’t have to do anything…” she paused for a moment. “… I think? I’m hardly an expert, despite apparently being a ghost whisperer.” She ughed a touervously. “But the spirit lights drew in the fme before, so I’m certain it will nourish and repair them. Here we go…” A golden-yellow fme bzed around her, f a duit between Haru, the Sacred Fme and the two lights. As the burning tendrils closed in, the lights darted closer, and the fme began to flow, the radiance growing them, the brightness, size ay of the spirit lights increasing at an accelerating rate. I watched, my Eye shining amber, marvelling at the spectacle, only to hiss in pain as searing fire cascaded down through Kin Bonding, disarraying the elements in my body.
“Damn it, that hurts…” An involuntary cry escaped my lips, and at that Haru, her expression intense as she trated, fire flowing through her and out into the spirit lights, spared me a withering gnce.
“Don’t be a baby, Akio-kun. I’m sure it hurts the cat there more…” Isukiko-san’s light was steady, which made sense as she had dedicated her life to others and had barely indulged in any of the joys that life had to offer, while Kinneka was a selfish, hedonistid cruel Yōkai. His spirit light was dang madly, throwing off a number of blue and bck sparks which fred into yellow ashes before dissipating, and I imagined I could hear mental yelping. No, I don’t think that’s actually an illusion…
“Careful, it seems that I’m losing more of the Scared Fme than I should. Tighten up, Akio-kun!” she cried, and I used Aether Manipution to try and cmp the Kin Bonding duits, not allowing the fme to flow. It wasn’t enough, as it spilled through, and I could feel Shaeu g out as well, surprised. Not enough. I have a little spare, not much, but… I added Adhereo the mix, encirg the fme, almost like it was a shimenae in my mental image, and soon the flow settled, pooling bato the spirit lights, which were massive and full, and growing with eaent, as the Sacred Fme dimmed a little. A sed wave of pain struck me, the residue of the Sacred Fme within me, and it then scattered, greedily soaking into the bonds between me and the others, and my Eye pulsed in time with it, amber letters fshing.
Your Skill, Kin Bonding Aoration, has absorbed the essence of a spiritual fme dealing with strengthening, purification ah. Curses, poisons, misfortune and ative influences slowing the return of Bonded Kin you have taken as spirit lights will be gradually burned away, and the nourishment of said spirit lights will be increased, allowing a faster rebirth, and the ce of a spirit light being too damaged to take into Kin Bonding by such attacks will also be reduced, as the fme now absorbed and propagating within will repair the spirit over time. Your resistao all such effects also increases.
With that the pains stabilised, the Bonds settling, and with a backsh of energy from me, the spirit lights swelled, bursting into a brilliant glow, and they separated from me, drifting overhead, before desding in a bright fsh of light, resolving uhe amazed eyes of everyone, especially the Tengu, who knew nothing of Kioration, into a pair of stunned figures, one a naked male cat with golden fur c his dangerous areas, and the other…
An inhumanly beautiful woman, her long dark hair ed around her like a veil, her ruby red eyes blinking softly, looked around with shocked surprise. “Where… where am I?” She caught sight of me, her eyes widening, as she reised me, and her lips parted again to speak…
ShipTeaser
