On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Forty-Nine

As Christopher and I watched the private jet taxi along the runway and then take off, soaring into the skies, I shook my head. “Don’t look as if they are heading off to war. I’ll look after them, why wouldn’t I?”

“You’re not a father, are you?” Christopher shook his head. “We always worry for our children. Especially now. And especially in the company they are keeping.”

“Not yet, but soon.” It still doesn’t seem entirely real to me, but… it does focus the mind. I think I get where he’s coming from. “Trust me though, this is for the best. Besides, Christina… she’s certainly… dangerous, I’m not going to lie, but… I’m sure she’s changing, has changed a little. Maybe she didn’t intend it to go as far as it did, but… it’s like a few gears have been reset in her mind, and now the clockwork can turn…”

“Trust is hard to build.” Christopher sighed, looking at his watch. “Especially with her. I admit, she definitely seems different. But they say a leopard never changes their spots. And she’s a very intelligent woman. Have you considered that she’s just putting on a façade, a mask that she thinks you want to see? She’s certainly amoral enough for that.”

“Of course I’ve considered it.” I nodded. “But I honestly don’t think that’s the case. But I’m not careless with the safety of others, so we’ve taken precautions anyway. Anyone can change. I mean, I’ve changed a lot.” My smile was a touch mocking. “I used to be quick to run away from my problems, feign ignorance when things were hard, pretend not to understand until it went away… but those days are over. Facing the truth can be painful, but it’s always the right thing to do. Just as you have to. Besides, you’ve taken the first step, and that takes the most courage.”

“What do you mean?” Christopher asked, as we turned and walked back to the main building, where one of the lounges was going to host my imminent meeting with Suzu-san’s family.

“The thing is, like it or not, your children are Chosen.” I pointed out. “While it’s not impossible they could give it up and live an ordinary life… you saw the news around the world. It wasn’t just Britain and Japan, Europe as a whole… in India there was an attempt on that female politician that failed, right? Trouble in the Philippines, in South America there was unrest in various countries… South Korea also had rioting, though I have my suspicions about that one…” What with the information the South Korean government released on us, and now this… someone’s pulling the strings behind it, I’m sure…

“Just because you don’t look for trouble, definitely doesn’t mean trouble won’t look for you. And you know that. Besides…” I had thought about this a lot. Not only the Gu Vessel theory, the Kodoku, but how it related to becoming an Astral Emperor, and what that meant for a world. Now my Eyes see more clearly, and I have more insight into what lies beyond… I think I’m building a picture.

“Besides…?” Christopher hung on my words, equal parts troubled and fascinated.

“…it seems to me that Territories are a double-edged sword. They offer great benefits, sure. Vast stocks of ether and aether to draw on, elemental energies and more. The utility is immense, but it is also the most glaring point of weakness. It doesn’t matter if you’re strong, if your Territory Anchor is vulnerable. And you can’t protect it all the time.”

“So what’s the point of it?” Christopher asked.

I’ll just give the first, safest point. My second theory, that it’s a way of artificially forcing Chosen to fight, so that the strongest will master Conqueror and have a suitable League to take the next steps, that’s a little troubling. But I’m sure it’s right. “Just as the Territories in the Boundary have barriers, oppress unwelcome guests, and offer benefits… so to will that spill over into the Material. I know that America has been gathering intel on what the Ministry has been doing, but we’ve nothing to hide. I don’t know what shape it will come in, but there is going to be some sort of potentially world-ending chaos coming soon. And I suspect that anywhere outside of a strong Territory is going to be in trouble…”

So, protecting the land, raising League… and also being able to reach a Rank Six and dominate the planet itself… all three aspects feed into each other, and… it’s the same higher up. The World Tree Pantheon… somehow, Yggdrasil seems to be the Anchor to a myriad of greater Territories, the central pillar, perhaps… there’s a hint there, for what lies beyond, I think…

“…if so, then… Bethany and Zachary…” As we entered the room where we were meeting the Castor family, I listened to Christopher struggle with his worries.

“…Bethany was already injured severely. I have to thank you again for helping her. Zachary, he’s too careless and reckless… up against a real threat… I just want them to be safe. As safe as possible.” he amended, his tone bitter. “It’s why I have to thank you.”

“Yeah.” I nodded, understanding. I have a sister who is the same way. Fortunately, there’s plenty of others who can keep an eye on her now. “Even in Japan, we suffered losses. It makes me think that now, more than ever, we need a central, unifying force. I don’t know how many people will agree with my proposals, but… honestly, it might be good for Bethany and Zachary to take part.”

“Just what do you mean?” Christopher was wary, and I explained.

“It’s simple. If Territories are vulnerable, then a unified central command is imperative. I wasn’t so worried, as we gave up our vulnerable Territories, most of them, at least, and consolidated around mine. If all Territories are bound into one unified whole, then the danger to any individual one is minor, and we can respond instantly to threats.”

“But… that would mean my kids would have to move to Japan permanently…” he narrowed his eyes. “…they have a life here, they’re Americans.”

“Not necessarily. While it’s only me who can travel via the Boundary to reach Material places…” I hadn’t explained how it worked, but as I was flying to London, and from intelligence the Americans had gathered, it was obvious I was able to pull some sort of trick when it came to where I was at any given time. “…Boundary to Boundary travel allows reinforcements to arrive, and the sharing of vital resources.”

“I don’t think any country would allow such unrestricted travel for potentially dangerous elements. Especially Adam. He’d be adamantly opposed to you having such freedom. He thinks you shockingly dangerous, just too troublesome to deal with now. I… don’t disagree about the potential risks. Not that I think you are likely to do anything criminal, it’s just…” he hastily amended, struggling for words.

“Yeah, I get it. Adam’s not entirely wrong when he likens us to potential nuclear weapons in the hands of ordinary people. The problem is, there’s a need for such, it seems, so his dreams of getting rid of those of us he can’t control and taming the rest on America’s behalf are but that, daydreams.” I then expressed my idea.

Fenrir… not only will they seek out precious treasures and locations in the Boundary, they’ll also be responsible for the expansion of the Ring Gate network via the Hub. Of course, until we reach a Rank Four Territory and can fix the obvious glaring flaws in the security of our layouts, that’s not happening. Fortunately, by the time the Pilgrimage is over, and I’ve done whatever Quest the Lady Nimuë requires of Eleanor and I, we should be just about ready to go. Shiro’s buffs and Asha’s Tree are a profitable combination.

“I’m sure that you’re aware, but North America is a big place. There’s no way you can monitor the entire Boundary there or claim it, not for years. It’s simplicity itself for us to set up our own Territory in a suitable spot, and as it’ll be reinforced from mine, good luck digging that thorn out. Or if not, it would be easy to set up across the border in Mexico or Canada. Hell, even an island off the coast would work. The Boundary has all sorts of strange places that don’t quite match the Material. Instead… I think it better to work with me. And… isn’t it a chance?”

“You mean my kids?” he asked, and I nodded, checking my watch. They should be here any minute. I believe they are sticklers for punctuality?

“Yes. From what I gather, they seem like people I can work with. And I’m sure America would be happy to have at least some oversight on my activities in America.” Of course, it’ll be simplicity itself to secure other sites. I know it’s hard for Hyacinth to produce the Ring Gate mushrooms, but she grows stronger all the time, and while Primal Forest may grumble, the old Treekin is more concerned with his monopoly within the Fae Lands. And I’m more than happy to cut him and his kin in on some advanced reforestation and regreening projects for Japan and the wider world. If I’m going to rule the Earth, I want it to be a green, pleasant and technologically sleek land, nature, science and Astral knowledge all as one.

“So, Bethany and Zachary would be… your point of contact?” Christopher understood.

“Working for me, to be precise. In exchange for that, they wouldn’t have to worry about safety and security of their Territories, as it would be part of our collective. They could grow stronger in relative safety, and learn how to harness their abilities. They’d certainly have the potential to achieve great things.” Favours aren’t additive. Finding ones that benefit each other, which have exponential effects when their powers are combined, is surely the key to victory.

“Of course…” I could see Christopher was still hesitant to take that final step, but as he had asked for my assistance, knowing it was best for his kids, he would soon accept it, I was sure. “…I want my kids to be happy, and what father doesn’t want his children to excel? Working for you though…”

“Like Christina was joking so tastelessly, it’s not a bad thing to have Americans working with me. It does make me better disposed towards America as a whole. Not that I intend to brush Adam’s and the NSA’s crimes as a whole under the carpet. It’s a chance, and it’s up to them, but… I don’t think it’s a bad offer.”

“I’ll… think about it. Though…” He let out a long, resigned sigh. “…my kids may be young, but they’re adults. I can advise them, but they’ll make up their own minds. However…” His expression was suddenly serious, and I adopted the same expression. “…Suzanne Castor is a minor, by the laws of both our countries. Without parental consent, her stay in Japan is legally kidnapping, or worse, trafficking minors. And the Castors… they have little love for the East. No, I would go so far as to say they despise it, and those from there.”

“Yes, I’m aware of the tricky legal situation, although under the new special passport scheme, as I explained, her stay in Japan is actually legal from our point of view. Her status as a Chosen exempts her from any age-related restrictions, though conversely she could also be tried as an adult were she to commit any crimes using her powers.”

“I doubt that will move them.” Christopher shook his head. “But regardless, I’ll remain here as a mediator. Though as Director of the CIA, I have little remit over law enforcement. That’s Gina’s field. So don’t expect me to be able to do much.”

“It’s fine.” The intercom rang, and announced their arrival. A few seconds later, the door to the lounge slid open, and three people walked in. Yes, right on time.

The first was a man, perhaps in his late forties. His blonde hair was trimmed short, and starting to go grey. He had a handsome face with few wrinkles, and piercing blue eyes. He was also wearing an expensive suit, from an exclusive American brand. The woman next to him was likely his wife, Suzu-san’s mother. She was also in a suit-style outfit, though it was slightly less formal, with a long black pencil skirt. Her eyes were also blue, but her hair was more brown than blonde, and unlike her daughter, it was styled far more ordinarily, in a long braid down her back. Her figure was rather explosive though, and boded well for Suzu-san’s future, definitely.

Lastly, a man around my age, or perhaps a year or two younger, also in a suit, with short blonde hair, paired with a tidy goatee beard, combined with his cold blue eyes giving him a rakish sort of look, entered. He surely was Suzu-san’s brother, as I could see a touch of resemblance around his facial features, his nose similar to hers. As he saw me, his expression twisted momentarily into one of surprise and disdain, before he smoothed it out.

Christopher and I stood, and gave our greetings, naming ourselves, and before we sat again, the Castors taking the chairs laid out for them, they gave their own greetings.

“Good evening. I am John Castor. This is my wife Loretta. And my son, Alexander.”

As they gave us polite nods and the two men shook our hands, their grips firm, I assessed them. Yes, they aren’t happy, but are trying to hide it. Well, let’s see how this plays out.

Once we were seated, John Castor wasted no time in getting to the point, his face impassive, but his temper clearly on show by his body language. “We are here to speak of our errant daughter, Suzanne. I shall not dissemble, we wish her returned. It is a stain on our reputation, her absconding from home, and also her disgusting behaviour.”

Disgusting behaviour? I kept my face impassive, and let them speak. Mrs Castor was next, and she raised a hand to her forehead as if she was distraught.

“Yes, our Suzanne, making a spectacle of herself in front of the world, singing such awful music, performing is such shameful clothes, speaking that…” Mrs Castor paused, her lips twisting as though she was sucking on something sour.”…when I saw that, I was mortified.”

Suzu-san’s brother was keeping his silence, watching me, and Mr Castor took over again. “It seems that you have some connection to our stupid daughter. You are an adult, Mr Oshiro. You might be rather famous nowadays, for being one of these ungodly mutants, or whatever you are…”

Christopher winced at that, but I held my silence, despite feeling irritated. I can’t lose my temper. Suzu-san is my Vassal, and Shiro’s friend. Arisu-san’s friend too, despite that seeming unlikely. Hell, I suppose she’s my friend now too, and I know since she lives on our estate, my sis and the others spend time with her…

“I prefer the term Chosen.” I interjected, my tone level and slightly cool, and Mr Castor paused, before nodding slowly.

“I see. Chosen. I do not believe in such. The only truth comes from the Good Book. Our daughter never was interested in proper behaviours. She was slow to learn, hyperactive, rude and disobedient. It only makes sense she would be one of you… you… Chosen. But…” He let out a theatrical sigh. “…despite that, she is still our daughter, and it seems the President himself is not opposed to harnessing these powers, unwise as it surely is.”

“Our daughter must come home. She needs re-educating and correcting. Oh, how shameful it is. Everyone in dear John’s circle of acquaintances has been calling us, asking about her. Their wives too. It’s been quite a trial!”

“I see.” Yeah, I’m definitely seeing why Suzu-san doesn’t talk about her homelife much. They… don’t care about her at all, do they? I cast a glance at Alexander, frustrated. I don’t get it. If Suzu-san was my sister, there’s no way I’d sit there and let her be talked about like this.

“But… here’s the thing. I know Suzanne…” I switched to her American nomenclature. “…ran away from home at least several months ago…” We’d not talked much about the specifics, she was reluctant to do so, which made sense, running away from home and successfully getting into Japan couldn’t have been easy, and then she was living an ephemeral life in Akihabara, living out of manga cafés, twenty-four hour arcades and love hotels. It’s honestly a miracle she managed that without falling foul of the darker elements of Japanese society. Sure, we’re law abiding in general, but the underbelly is still there. Fortunately, she had her Chosen strength…

“…so this concern now seems rather late.” I finished, and even with my Resilience, I could tell my displeasure was leaking out.

“How dare you!” Mrs Castor cried. “Suzanne is our daughter, you have no right to criticise us! It’s… she was a troubled child, angry, insubordinate, pushing boundaries. How she kept gathering that awful foreign garbage… it was just dreadful, wasn’t it dear?”

Mr Castor agreed. “Yes. You… are Japanese yes? Your culture, some of it, I suppose it is praiseworthy. Deference, politeness, manners… but there is the undercurrent of wretched trash, those horrible comics and cartoons, the worthless music, the games, the scandalous clothing… no Castor should be enamoured with such. We are a strict, Godfearing household, and we tried to correct her, but she was not a clever girl, or even an average one. Not like her brother.”

Alexander remained largely expressionless, but I could tell he was pleased at the praise. That just stoked my annoyance further. It doesn’t help I feel personally attacked here. “I understand Japanese otaku culture can be off-putting, and it’s true the idol industry that Suzanne loves certainly has its dark sides, a lot of them… but it wasn’t hurting anyone. You said it yourself, Suzanne is still young. Why not let her have her fun, and worry about her place in society when she goes to university or gets a job?”

“Suzanne? She hasn’t the mind for it, the slow girl.” Mrs Castor shook her head, again pressing the back of her hand to her forehead, as if the very thought pained her. “As for work… if we sent her out to see clients, we would be mortified. Not like Alexander. He’s carrying on our legacy brilliantly, and everyone says how clever and driven he is!”

“Mother…” Alexander spoke up for the first time. “That wasn’t what Mr Oshiro here was asking.” He then looked at me, putting on a smile. “It’s quite simple really. Suzanne… she is mentally unwell. You have surely seen it. In addition to her learning needs, she suffers from extreme mood swings, depression and more. Worse, she often indulges in self-harm, so can’t take medicine for this. It… well, when she ran away without the assortment of contraband she kept hidden in her room, we thought… she had finally snapped, and left this world.”

“I see.” Honestly, Suzu-san definitely is… quirky… she’s not the quickest, and she has a one-track mind, and is always inappropriate, as if she can’t perceive certain social cues…. But she’s sharp as a razor when it comes to how other people are thinking sometimes, when they’re troubled. It makes me wonder… those who fear the anger or disdain of others have to learn what people are thinking, what will set them off… no. I’ve not heard a single bit of concern for Suzu-san…

“So, you had a funeral then?” I asked, and the three of them exchanged glances, before Mr Castor answered.

“It was hardly appropriate, and… might have caused my dear Lorretta distress. It would have had an impact on our business as well. A daughter committing suicide… a sinful end like that… best we glossed over it, and let her rest. Only… it seems she is still causing bother.”

“Well, the Suzanne I know isn’t anything like that. Yes, I can see why you found her difficult, but… I think if you’d have ever genuinely listened to her, you might have been able to find common ground.” I clapped my hands together. “Honestly… I’m struggling not to just throw the three of you out here and now…”

“Typical Asian. Polite only when it suits you, but biased against outsiders…” Mr Castor narrowed his blue eyes, glaring. “…I thought you Japanese respected your elders, respected family ties? Legally as well, you have kidnapped Suzanne, and you should be arrested for who knows what else. I suspect our daughter was promiscuous, God knows she dresses like a slut, so you’ve probably debauched her. If she has been living in Japan all this time… I have heard all the dark rumours! Schoolgirl prostitutes, massage parlours… no daughter of ours…”

“Enough!” My voice echoed out, my League spiking up. I had enough presence of mind to keep it to a tolerable level, but the three of them in front of me blanched. Christopher struggled too, but as my ire wasn’t directed at him, he calmed down after a few breaths, while Mrs Castor swooned theatrically, her husband going to her side. Alexander glowered at me, resisting, despite sweat beading his brow. Once they felt the force of my anger, I leashed my League once again, though my temper was still hot.

“I haven’t heard you show any concern for Suzanne at all. There’s no way I’ll let her suffer in a household that doesn’t even care enough to look for her when she runs away. No, you were happy she was gone, so long as she was out of sight, out of mind. But now people know… your precious reputation is in danger, so…”

“Who do you think you are?” Mr Castor growled. “She is our daughter, so she follows our rules!”

“Me? I’m Suzanne’s legal guardian, I suppose. And I see myself as her older brother, I guess. Ordinarily, I’d never try and steal that role from a good brother, but…” I remembered Haanōbō, and her sorrows, which fortunately now were resolved. “…a brother that only sees his sister as a burden should just cease to be!”

“You can’t be, Suzanne is an American, our daughter, and underage!” Mr Castor managed to growl back. “There are laws…”

“Yes, yes there are.” I agreed. “Laws against abuse too.”

“We never hit our daughter!” he shot back, and I laughed derisorily.

“Sometimes, emotional abuse hurts worse than physical pain. Neglect is a crime too. Just because she was a little different to what you wanted, you were ashamed of her… well, that’s over. Besides, Suzanne, no, Suzu now… she’s a Japanese citizen. Yes, she holds dual nationality, but… if needs be she can give that up.” If they showed any concern, I might have tried to mediate, but… this is just sad…

“You can’t do this!” Mrs Castor swooned again. “If our competitors find out that our wretched daughter has eloped with a Godless foreigner such as you…”

“Again, you only care how her actions impact you!” I clenched my fist, and suddenly Alexander stood up violently, and as his chair fell to the floor, making a loud sound, he spoke into the silence.

“Mother, father. Let me handle this. You are getting rather too heated…” He then turned to us. “Director Wright, since you are accompanying Mr Oshiro, he must be an honoured guest of America.”

“That’s right.” Christopher agreed. “We came here fresh from a Presidential state dinner, where he met the President personally and they had fruitful discussions. Mr Oshiro is a valued partner.”

“In that case, you likely want no scandal or impropriety to taint you, do you?” Alexander’s words were kind, but his tone was sly, implications clear. “An affair with a young runaway, Americans hate such sick crimes…”

“Well, if it comes to a contest of criminality, much as I’d hate to do it, I can certainly throw down a few cards of my own…” I responded, and Christopher blanched, face going pale from stress.

“No, most definitely not. Mr Castor, you don’t want to press the issue here, trust me. You’d lose all your friends in Washington, and Mr Oshiro is not someone to provoke without cause.”

“I see. I stand corrected, but I was just offering some advice.” Alexander’s smile was supposedly inviting, but to me he seemed reptilian, untrustworthy. “In that case… I saw your conference in Britain. I suspect almost everyone in the world has, those with a television anyway. My sister…. She’s terribly dumb and frustrating, but it’s impossible to deny she’s a beauty. We are a well-bred family.”

“Yes, Suzu-san is quite pretty. And she shines best when doing what she loves.”

“Doing what she loves? An interesting choice of words…” he responded, and I frowned.

“Don’t be crude, that’s your sister you’re speaking about.”

“Forgive me. It’s because she’s my sister it struck me.” Alexander smiled, his eyes weighing me up. “You asked if we were concerned. Of course we are. But… just as if I was to bring shame to the family, father and mother would disown me, Suzanne has to bear her fate. Now, I am aware you are engaged to be married to the granddaughter of Mr Kenji Fukumoto. He is a rival to us, and one we are well acquainted with. I believe his granddaughter is not dissimilar in age to Suzanne?”

I nodded slowly. “What of it?”

“I don’t judge. The Good Book says only the Lord holds that right.” he shrugged. “But it shows us the path, yes?”

“How so?” I was getting a bad feeling, and had already guessed.

“You have many fiancées. The law has even changed. Suzanne is under your care, and you seem to hold feelings for her. Now, a simple solution would be to come to an arrangement.” He turned to his parents. “Mother, father, you always wanted Suzanne to get married, but worried she would shame us and be a poor bride. It seems she has some respect for him as well, more than she ever had for us. A solution presents itself that satisfies everyone.”

“Oh, I see.” Mr Castor nodded. “Yes. If Suzanne was abroad in preparation for her upcoming engagement…” His expression was suddenly troubled. “…honestly, I have little love for you Asians. I wanted Suzanne to marry well, and carry on the Castor lineage without… adulteration. But her stupidity put paid to that, alas. No decent American man of means would take her now, not when she is ruined by being God knows where doing God knows what with God knows who and how many. Worse, she made a spectacle of herself in front of the world…”

He really is trash. I know I didn’t get on with my father, but… he loved me and Aiko, and always wanted the best for us. He just struggled to show his true feelings sometimes. Whereas this bastard…

Showing none of that on my face, I listened, as Mrs Castor, who had recovered from the surge of my League, nodded. “It’s a shame. No doubt we will have to endure a barbarous marriage, no wedding in white, no priest, some foreign mumbo-jumbo, but…” Her cold eyes sparkled. “…I hear you Asians like submissive women. Well, a woman’s place is indeed in the home. Suzanne never understood that, but… have no fear, I’ll beat her into shape before the wedding. I suppose it’s too much to hope she goes to the bridal bed a virgin, but… I’ll be sure to check she is free of disease and possible future troubles… and the Castor women are fertile stock. She’ll be sure to give you healthy children, although… I do worry any child of hers might have her… difficulties.”

I could almost hear her thoughts, that she could never offer her daughter as a bride to anyone she valued, considering that. Damn, being so perceptive is painful at times, or is it just that they’re just too transparent? I didn’t think awful parents like these actually existed, that they were a myth. Poor Haru, I can see why Telepathy used to be a curse to her. If she met people like these, her spirit would be submerged in their filth.

“Just… be sure to keep her out of sight.” Alexander finished, seemingly pleased with their suggestions. “Put paid to this singer nonsense of hers. I’m sure you don’t want to be embarrassed either. Keep her at home and… well, I don’t expect she’ll be much use cooking or cleaning, but marriage has its perks.”

Eri? Are you awake?

It had been a while since we had shared our thoughts, the twins leaving after the need for Hinata had ended. But I projected my mind through Lovers’ Link, feeling a greater clarity than usual.

Akio. What’s up? Yes, I’m… I was just resting a little. You know I don’t need much sleep nowadays.

Sorry about the early hour, especially as I kept you up so late as well. Can you do me a favour? Can you go wake up Suzu-san? No, knowing her, she’s probably up practising her routines anyway. But… I need to speak to her.

All right. Give me a minute…

As the three of them prattled on, Christopher was shooting me nervous looks. I knew he had his own worries about Bethany, but it wasn’t like I went out of my way to seduce women. Far from it. Anyway, their repulsive suggestions continued, Mrs Castor practically planning who to invite to the reception, while worrying about how to ensure her daughter didn’t act up during the wedding, while Mr Castor was talking about cooperation between them and Nichibotsu… Alexander was the worst though. His expression was cold as he assured me that they’d ensure that Suzu-san would ‘never complain when they were done’, and she’d ‘accept any bridal duties, as she was too slow and stupid to resist’.

Okay, she’s here. What did you want her for?

Try not to be mad… which is a big ask, admittedly, as right now I’m considering causing a major diplomatic incident by using Foehn to burn three terrible people to ashes…

That sounds ominous…

I’m with Suzu-san’s parents. They’ve come to protest about her appearance in Japan. Not that they expressed one tiny particle of care for her wellbeing or safety. All they’ve done is trash her.

Bastards. Oh… Suzu-san says that’s nothing new, she prefers it when they ignore her, and she’s sorry you have to put up with it. She says you can tell them she’s never coming home… although… she also says that if she’s causing you problems she can move out. She managed living in twenty-four hour establishments before… oh, shut up Suzu-san, Akio won’t abandon you… oh, I wasn’t supposed to share that…

You’re right. I won’t… anyway, her parents are trying to sell her to me for marriage… and before you get upset, you know I’m not into that!

I know! I’m not as jealous as everyone says! I’m not! Besides… I don’t hate Suzu-san anyway. But… she says “I’m an idol! I can’t get married yet. Although, if it was to you, it might pass. I know some of the AKB girls are thinking that… but, sorry again. My parents and brother are just awful. They only care about how they are seen by others. But… I’ll have to decline marriage. The boss will kill me, I’m not going against her! But don’t get me wrong, Akio-kun, you’re totally a catch, and I like you just fine! It’s just… totally not the right time for that.”

I had to chuckle, and the timing was bad, as it was just when Alexander was saying something unpleasant about his sister and he smiled, a mocking smirk, thinking I was warming to his suggestions.

I’m glad she’s so honest. Now… ask her for me. If she gives me the word, I can make it so her family regrets treating her like that, and never messes with her again. But if she does that…

I get it. Give me a minute.

I waited, letting the Castors talk, and then the answer came back.

She says “They aren’t my family. The boss, Arisu-chan, Bunta-kun… you, Akio-kun, Aiko-chan, Eri-chan here, all the others who live here… you’re my family. The idols who I danced with at the concert, everyone who comes to the training school… they are the only ones I need. I… I don’t hate them, really I don’t. Maybe I’m as slow and stupid as they say, but… they’ll never let me live my life. To them, I’m just a brood mare to be sold off. Though, at least selling me to you isn’t so bad. Anyway… do as you see fit, and… I trust you.” That was heavy stuff. Honestly… when she said I was her family, I felt a little guilty. I… need to open my heart more. Though not to other men! You’re enough for me!

Trust you to reassure me of that! I know, Eri, don’t worry. And you’re right. Our circle has expanded, we have many new friends. All right then… tell Suzu-san… no, Suzu… While I was getting better at being less standoffish and more informal, I still had a tendency to put distance between me and others. But after her words, calling her with honorifics just seemed wrong. …I’ll take care of it, so… I’ll see her soon, and she should practice her performances. Maybe we’ll have some surprises along the Pilgrimage.

Got it. Beat down those trash for me!

“I’ve heard enough.” I clapped my hands together. Christopher was sweating liberally now, and he urged me to remain calm with his eyes, but I was done.

I suppose… I can consider this practice for if I ever meet Shiro’s parents. Honestly, the Castors are far worse, and there’s still some room for redemption in Shiro’s case, but if they continue to hurt her… then I’ll make them regret it. “Suzu… she’s a good girl, and I like her a lot.”

“Then, it surely makes sense to agree…” Mr Castor’s eyes sparkled eagerly, but my next words turned that expression into a scowl.

“Hardly. It makes sense to discharge my responsibilities. If you want to try and ruin my reputation, go right ahead. But be warned, I am not in the mood for this. Suzu is under my protection, and is a dual nationality citizen. No matter what fuss you kick up, she’ll stay with us as long as she wants, and if she wants to be an idol, if that’s her dream, then an idol she will be. I don’t care what you do, claim she’s a different girl, hold a funeral for your own Suzanne… but she wants no part of you anymore.”

“You can’t just…” Alexander growled. “…despite everything, she’s Suzanne Castor! She’s ours to manage…”

“No, her life is her own. Now…” I pulled out my phone and quickly sent a message. “…this is how it’s going to be. I want some sort of waiver stating that Suzu is legally emancipated. She doesn’t need any money or inheritance rights, though if you have any of her clothes or possessions left…”

“We burned all those slutty, obscene things and tossed the foreign garbage in the incinerator…” Mrs Castor spat.

“…if there’s any, send them to the Japanese embassy, and I’ll arrange it to be taken to Japan.” I ignored her. “Then you’ll go your separate ways.”

“And if we don’t?” Alexander asked. “I think we have right on our side here, legally and morally.”

“This is America. The biggest fists and the best lawyers win, no?” I chuckled without any humour. “And my fists are large indeed. I sent a message to Hinata, my fiancée you talked about earlier. If you give me trouble, then Nichibotsu, as well as my own company, will spare no expense to drive the Castor company to bankruptcy. Even if we have to lose millions, billions of dollars, I’ll do it. Don’t cross me. I’ll undercut you to hell, research competing and better products in all your lines, call in favours… I’ll ruin you…”

“You would go that far for our stupid daughter?” Mr Castor didn’t seem able to understand it. “Then why…”

“You don’t get it, John!” I threw aside politeness. “Because we care about her. Her. Not just what others think of her, or what she’s worth. Though you’re a fool. If you’d have treated her with love, rather than if she was somehow lesser than you, just because of her hobbies or slight social difficulties, you’d have a great Chosen to protect you and your company. As it stands… she’s one of us, and be it a country, a Demon, or even their own family… we won’t let anything hurt those we count as one of us.”

“You’re insane…” Alexander seemed unable to grasp it. “There’s no profit in this. Even if you are reluctant to marry her, perhaps it would upset some of your other fiancées, I get that… you can still take her, and work with us, make money, grow influence…”

“But at the expense of her happiness? You’re not much of a brother, Alexander.” I turned to his mother then. “As for you, Loretta. You’re a woman too. How can you treat your own daughter like that?”

“What do you know? She’s a shame to me as a parent…”

“Even despite that, you should still love her. I disappointed my father endlessly when I was young, but he never stopped caring.”

“You… you’re not invulnerable!” John snaped, all pretence of civility gone. “And you may have the President’s ear, but we are an old family, we have deep roots! And you have many enemies. The media coverage of you, your crimes…”

“Not so bright, are you?” I sneered. “Or are you as slow as you claim Suzu is? Assuming you’re right, and I’m some sort of evil criminal with superpowers… you’re going to piss me off? You left Suzu, not knowing if she was alive or dead. Now she’s shown her worth, suddenly you want her back, and even then, you’re just going to revert to your same old behaviours. And if you’re wrong… you’ll make an enemy of the whole of Japan, Britain too. I don’t like to blow my own horn, but I’m popular…”

“We should go. We’ve lost here.” Alexander at least had some dignity. “You fight dirty, not like an American.” he accused me. “Father is right, you Easterners are corrupt.”

“The only dirty thing here is your attitude. Now, take my number.” I had a second phone for business contacts now, especially for ones I didn’t exactly like, but were still necessary. “If you think this isn’t over… call me, and we’ll talk. If it gets to actions, then I’ll make sure you regret it.”

With that done, the Castors swept out, trying to maintain their arrogance, but they looked small, hunched, and far less confident than when they strode in. As I leaned back in my chair, Christopher let out a long sigh.

“I’m sorry about them.” He apologised, which I didn’t think was necessary. “The Castors are an old family that made their money in oil, before moving into computing. They are very old-fashioned, typical Bible Belt. Not that everyone’s like that.” He hastened to defend the Americans living there, and I shrugged.

“I get it. It’s no different in any race, religion or creed. There’s good and bad. But they certainly were worse than I’d been warned.”

“Too used to having their own way, maybe.” Christopher shrugged. “You… you wouldn’t really ruin the Castor family, would you? They may be small compared to Nichibotsu, but they have friends in high places, and deep reserves. It would waste many billions.”

“I don’t lie when I say I look after those who are under my protection, assuming they don’t harm me and mine. And Suzu… she’s a friend, and a friend of one of my fiancées. So yes, if that’s what it takes to keep her safe, her dreams intact… money, I can always make more.” I then smiled wryly. “So trust me. Bethany and Zachary will be fine. If they get on with everyone, and don’t cause trouble… I’ll do the same for them.”

“I… see.” Christopher seemed both pleased and troubled at that. “Hopefully there shouldn’t be any need for your aid. Christina Bakker was their only fear, and… you say she’s changed. So…”

“Yeah. Anyway… damn, I wish I had more time. I’d have loved to check out Las Vegas again, there’s a few things I wanted to do there, but… I’m just out of time. Oh well, next time…”

“I’ll show you to your jet. Like you requested, it’s the most high-powered small jet available, and the pilot will burn fuel recklessly, running at top speed. We’ll have you in London before you know it…”

“Great.” I nodded. “This trip around the world, it’s certainly had its fair share of troubles, and also gains… but… it’ll be good to be back home.” First, I’ll have to check my Territory, make some repairs, probably… then, it’s preparation for the Pilgrimage, and several very important events. Mount Atago, and the Imperial Regalia, as well as in the frozen north, Su Caihong, and Su Liena, sleeping, waiting for Mae to return…