On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

It seems everything is in order. Moira checked the display of the strange laptop, an almost magical device, no, not magical, but a product of Mortal Engineering, or rather mortal engineering, the science that humans had advanced in leaps and bounds since the Fae departed the mortal world so many years ago.

Tapping at the screen, which responded to her touch, an intriguing puzzle she didn’t yet understand, but which was low on her list of priorities to resolve… sating my curiosity shall have to wait for later. There is still much to do, and it all lays the foundation for our ultimate end goal… she marked off the remaining checkmarks, and turned to her assistant, one of the other Elves who had come with her to this place, though she lacked the presence or drive of the most prominent two, her cousins Bellaera and Soliteare. That pair, they frustrate me sometimes…

“Adel, all the wielders of light element and aether are in position and weaving the illusions, yes? And all the Kobolds are accounted for?”

Adel, her fellow Elf, nodded, her greenish-yellow hair swaying. Moira narrowed her cold, silver eyes, focussing on her own black hair for a moment, before dismissing the comparison as always. Credulous superstition. And a self-reinforcing prophecy. I am thought to be unlucky, so people treat me badly, which they then take as proof of such misfortune. A nonsense. As the last days have proved…

“Yes, we’ve temporarily moved all the Kobolds to either the Mine that will be visited by these… singers… or the forge area. Attention on mining and crafting, as planned.” Adel recited, a touch nervous.

“Excellent. I have to concede, Arisu is a competent woman, who brooks no deviations from the script.” Yes, we have much in common. Not everything, of course, but… her hair matches mine, and she is equally cold. Yet… many love her. It is a puzzle. No, I hardly care about that. And besides, I am respected. Respect is worth more to me than foolish affection.

“Anyway…” Adel coughed, changing the subject. She, and several other Way-Wardens and granddaughters and great-granddaughters of Prince Aethelathrion were doing odd jobs and tasks for Moira, occasionally helping train the newly birthed Fae from the Barracks here, or pitching in with the Adamant recruits. Adamant. Quite the idea. My foolish cousins were quick enough to join. For Elves, they have no patience, and less dignity. Still, I have to admit the uniform has a certain charm.

Moira herself had grown a liking for mortal clothing, especially business suits, as they were called. Austere, tidy and yet radiating competence, and evoking respect. Suich clothes were everything she wished for herself, and so she wore them as her own armour.

“…the musicians are enough, though Tillyae and some of her players have been summoned to the mortal world for some sort of festive event. A boat trip down a river, I hear.”

“Yes. So I heard as well.” Moira shook her head, amused and vaguely exasperated at the whims of their leaders. One cannot heed rumour, princess Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan is nothing like she was portrayed as. But… she certainly still likes to be treated as royalty. Speaking of… Her hand reflexively clenched. Noble Lady Nimuë had called, and they would answer, but before that, would come her opportunity to settle her wager with that aggravating fool Duke Vulpatrius. Her eyes flashed blue and indigo for a moment, the silver dyed dark, and she didn’t notice Adel flinching back.

“No matter, we only need a few players for atmosphere, the… idols… have their own technology to provide backing music, and this band play their own instruments. We are simply to provide ambience for the documentary. A quaint endeavour, yet… ingenious. Perception is reality.” Indeed, just as with me.

After exchanging a few more comments, Adel rushed off, relieved, and Moira adjusted the silver-framed glasses she had put on, giving her a more distinguished air. Attached to chains of bluesteel, they usually hung around her neck, but when she wished to appear rather more imposing, she found them handy. And it protects my delicate eyes from the glare of staring at this laptop too much. But… it is a handy device indeed. One can keep everything one needs to hand, and even search through it. Compared to reams of parchment it is far more convenient and secure.

A small commotion was occurring, moving towards the Kobold Mine, which would be the first point of filming, and Moira went over to check. Indeed, it was these newly arrived humans, accompanied by Arisu and her film crew, cameras, microphone booms and more being dragged along by burly Trolls and even a Giant. Seeing that couldn’t help but bring a faint smile to her lips. Duke Formor would be confused by this. Or… perhaps not. To think the furious Giant who thinks only of battle and vengeance would throw his support behind all these plans. I suppose victory truly is the best currency…

“I still can’t believe this…” one of the humans, a tall man with a bushy black beard was saying, eyes wide with wonder. “…a magical otherworld, like we sing about. And there are Dwarves and Elves and more…”

“Of course.” Arisu, who was wearing a powerful black dress, bold, yet on her appearing elegant and classy, despite how much skin she was exposing, one area in which Moira did differ in her taste, agreed mildly. I think she bares skin in the same way the venomous giant toads of the Swamp of Desolation wear their colours, to warn off pests.

“I pondered it myself, but it became much clearer when I realised the truth. Our history had been distorted, but even so, the truth seeps out. We humans are imaginative, but our tales usually have some basis in fact. Thus most of what we consider fantasy or fiction existed, hidden behind the veil. And now that veil is torn…”

“I see.” Another of the humans agreed. “Even so, they have to be different to the stories, don’t they?”

“Yes. Hence why we are here. Oh, and here are your co-hosts.” Arisu nodded at the seven young human women, who were wearing Adamant-style idol outfits in black, red and gold, either miniskirts or shorts paired with sparkling, sequined shirts and waistcoats. “The idol group, Pleiades.”

“Hi, Arisu-chan!” the one in front, her long, blonde hair styled into two drill curls, smiled broadly, her blue eyes sparkling with joy and excitement. “Don’t worry, we’ve got this. We’ve all been practicing!” She then winked at another of the women, Keiko. “Keiko-chan most of all. since she got her Favour, she’s been working non-stop…”

“Oh, please.” Keiko seemed embarrassed, her face red. “Compared to your experience, Suzu-chan, I’m just a newbie…”

“It’s an honour to meet you.” The leader of the vising band spoke up. “I’m Francesco. This is Claudio, Federico, Christiano and our newbie, Federico.” They all nodded in turn, and Suzu smiled warmly.

“Oh, cool. A proper band. You know, I can play the guitar pretty well?” she couldn’t help but boast. “Not that there’s much call for it in idol work. Maybe I’ll do it at a fan event? Anyway, I’m Suzu, this is Keiko-chan, Asuka-chan and Ema-chan from AKB, and Tamami-chan, Tsubame-chan and Kanako-chan from Red and White.”

Everyone exchanged greetings while standing outside the mine, but even as they were talking, a mine cart, accompanied by a number of Dwarves, transformed Kobolds, and a single Goblin, came out, laden full of shiny rocks and metallic ores. That drew the eyes of the visiting human band, and they watched on with awe.

“Cazzo! Real Dwarves!” Francesco swore, eyeing them eagerly, before apologising. “Oh, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s fine.” Suzu tilted her head, giggling. “To us, this all seems normal now. But it must be a shock to you all. Anyway… like I was saying, we make up the Adamant idol super group Pleaides, and we’re honoured to be working with you today, to spread the gospel about Kobolds. They are so terribly misrepresented, you know? But… with the power of song, we can change how people see them!”

“And see a real Dwarf mine, yeah?” Federico asked, rushing over. The Dwarves stopped the cart, and he asked if he could take a look at some of the ores. Inside were ordinary metals, as well as some which were clearly magical in nature to them. Over time, ether soaks into and is absorbed by metals, as well as adherence and other energies, I expect. And the ores change, exhibiting unusual properties. Just as… humans can come closer to we spiritual beings by changing themselves with aether, refined from said ether…

“Hey, if that impressed you…” Ema snickered. “…the mine itself will blow your minds!”

As they bantered, Moira felt a figure slip silently up next to her, and she turned her head, to see it was the mysterious High Kobold, Laternenflammedieinderdunkelheitbrennt, or rather, Darkflame, as he gave colloquially. He was a small, frail little creature, in hooded robes and carrying a lantern which burned with a purple flame. That flame makes me itch. I do not like it, it is too close to the Lanterns the Wild Hunt are now carrying. They… they were High Kobold work, he said. Still…

Fortunately, Moira had been instrumental in shoring up the many glaring vulnerabilities of this Territory, and while they hadn’t yet set up the border posts, as the full area claimable hadn’t quite been controlled, and their focus was on securing the Ring Gate Hub, even if the High Kobold betrayed them and let in attackers, Asha’s Tree and the Anchor sites now had additional defences and barriers, so would be safe. And it would indeed take the entire Wild Hunt to try and destroy what we have built here…

Not entirely unaware of the suspicion directed at him by the cautious, and some would say… and my cousins often do… paranoid Moira, Darkflame inclined his head at the visiting musicians, who were still fawning over the Dwarves and Kobolds. “So, this will work then, you imagine, Elf?”

“Supposedly.” Moira shrugged, ignoring his use of her race rather than her name, used to such annoyances. “The theory behind it is sound. Though the Kobolds are not under a direct Woe, such as the Goblins were, or so we suppose, what afflicts them is not entirely dissimilar. Perhaps they were tangled up in one, or some other sorrow befell them, which you should perhaps know better than we…”

At Moira’s words, he shrugged, bidding her to continue.

“…but regardless, I know better than most that we Fae are malleable to the beliefs of others, in a way humanity is not. And the humans are so very good at believing, and so numerous. While the Kobolds have dwindled.”

“Yes. Persecuted, treated as slaves and vermin…” Darkflame’s voice was hard, and Moira nodded, pushing her silver-framed glasses up her nose.

“…I can hardly apologise for that. But look to the future. Here… here they prosper. And if their twisting can be undone, if they can return to glory like the Goblins have…”

“There are still too few. Though I concede there are more of us than them…” He nodded at another new arrival, the new and only First Goblin, Aine, accompanied by a half-dozen of her kind, as well as some of the young human trainees. Hisano, Sana, Yae, Rika, Maiko, Mio… Moira noted. Quite highly regarded amongst Adamant, as having the favour of Akio or Kana, and… with them came Chiaki and Chiasa, the young twins whom Moira had to show deep respect to, as despite their tender years, their efforts had been, and continued to be, crucial in many areas. And they also have Akio’s great favour. Chosen as sisters.

“…but to grow strong again…”

“Plans are in hand.” Moira shook her head. “Besides, you have clans who have hidden far from the Court. The elegance of this plan is… those shall be affected too, despite not being directly involved. As for the Goblins, unfortunately, only those who shared the tie to the young Goblin princess were transformed. But… what makes us becomes part of the world around us. Even if our existences pass on to somewhere unknown, remnants linger. And they can be remade anew. Rather like the cunning crafts of Dwarf, Goblin or Kobold.”

Moira nodded in satisfaction. She had always approved of such things, craftsmanship and diligence. To see things shaped from baser materials, made orderly and useful, it was always a joy to her, as opposed to relationships with others, which were messy, unpredictable and seldom useful.

“No, the Barracks can create additional true, restored Goblins. And as they find mates, partners, eventually the Goblins shall flourish again. The same could be true of Kobolds. Indeed, they already have a Den here. Curious how that works. I had never considered it before. Just like some Fae are spontaneously born from the whims of the Astral itself…”

“I see. But I am concerned…” Darkflame added. “…if the collective will of these humans can do such good, then… what of the harm they could cause?”

“I fear that much has already been done. Our decline…” Moira mused, before falling silent. Darkflame stared at her expectantly, yet she failed to answer him, instead offering a word of comfort. “…it matters not. The past is dead. The future concerns us. Rest assured, this shall work. If not at first, then we shall attempt it again, and again, until we turn aside the fate of the Kobolds. Now, shall we go see this idea in action?” Moira offered. She hadn’t planned to watch further, now everything was organised, and Arisu had it in hand, but she suddenly felt an urge to.

“I feel I should. It is why I came, after all. To observe.”

“Just so long as that is all you do.” Moira warned him, and Darkflame just shrugged once more.

I am beginning to understand my fellow Elves, much as I wish I didn’t. Even if as we surmise, Darkflame has no ill intentions, his behaviours invite misunderstanding. How we present ourselves influences others…

Following the procession in, Moira listened as the visitors talked excitedly. “So, we can use the footage from here in our songs and promos?” Francesco asked, and Arisu nodded regally.

“Assuming you run it by WTV first, to ensure it stays on message, yes, as agreed. After today, if you wish to record on site, we will have to arrange a different agreement. But for now… by all means, take a look around. Anyway, we are ready. In three. Two. One. We are live.”

“Hi, I’m Keiko Kanzaki, of AKB0048 and Pleaides, and we’re here, alongside some special guests from Europe…” As Keiko spoke in Japanese, Suzu was doing the same in English. Many of the girls from Adamant had come to watch too, and as Moira met their eyes, some of them glanced away, embarrassed.

You know you should be training, but what is it that Bellaera always says? All work and no play makes me unlikable. How very… her.

“…so, this is a working mine. As you can see.” Keiko continued. “Oh, here comes a Kobold now…” Behind the Kobold was a spectralkin, nigh-invisible against the rocky backdrop, on loan from Princess Moraine, one of many here today. They specialised in illusions and misdirection, and were assisting in changing the form and voice of the Kobolds.

“Can we have a quick word?” Keiko asked, and the Kobold, who had a strange digging tool over one shoulder, and a basket in his hand, nodded.

“By all means. I am just taking these to the artisans to be evaluated.” His voice was smooth and without tics, and Moira nodded in satisfaction at the successful efforts. “Precious jewels are one of the greatest treasures, along with…” The Kobold held up a green Etherite in one paw, though it seemed to the viewers as a delicate, long-fingered hand such as Darkflame possessed. “…Etherites. This will be most useful for the Mortal Engineers.”

“Mortal Engineers?” Francesco was curious. “Are they Dwarves? I know Dwarves like crafting things.”

“Some, yes.” The Kobold agreed, and a Dwarf pushing another laden minecart, who was passing by, grinned.

“Aye, master Bjarki, he be a grand craftsman. There’n be a few Dwarves amongst t’engineers, aye. Yet many be t’rats, Kobolds and Goblins amongst ‘em too, ye ken?”

“I apologise for his thick accent.” Keiko laughed. “Dwarves all talk like they’re gargling rocks!”

“Ach, well, we nay can all sing like t’Nymphs like ye can, lassie, can we?” The Dwarf stroked his long, bushy beard, amused. “Anyway, I got t’move me cart, I nay want t’be blocking the cavern, and t’forges, they always be hungry, aye?”

“One question, if I may?” Francesco pressed, and the Dwarf nodded agreement. “Do you like working in the mines?”

“Aye, we Dwarves love t’dig and unearth treasures. So do t’Kobolds. They like gems more, ye ken? We Dwarves be from Dvergr stock, so metals be our treasure o’choice. But aye, we never say nay t’jewels either! Fruits of t’soil and stone! The Treekin may till soil, but we… we dig t’stone and make it grow riches, ye ken?”

“Fruits of the soil and stone… I think we just got the name of our next single!” Francesco chuckled, and his bandmates nodded. Turning back to the Kobold, he asked it another question.

“So, you like gems. What do you do with them once you’ve dug them out?”

“It is simple.” The Kobold explained. “Some we keep ourselves, and hoard and treasure, polish and shape. More are given to the artisans, and they make wonders with them. There…” He pointed at Suzu, who indeed was wearing a rather beautiful necklace made from jewels dug from the Mines, not all of them with terrestrial analogues.

“Oh, this thing? Akio-kun gave it to me. Since he admires me so, as an idol!” Suzu boasted, only to giggle and blush. “And a little sister, I suppose. Don’t worry, my fans, I’m still without a boyfriend, but… that’ll probably stay the case for a long time, idol or no! Any boy who wants to woo the adopted sisters of Akio-kun has to meet his exacting criteria. Good luck!” She blew a mock kiss, before her blue eyes shone with mischief, and she scurried over and fetched Aine, bringing the curious Goblin before the cameras.

“Oh, and here’s another, little Aine. She’s the princess of the Goblins, and super cute! Say hi, Aine! Wave to the cameras!”

The Goblin was indeed confused, but she did so, and Moira had to agree the stage management was perfect, as expected of Arisu. Aine had been dressed in a white, summery dress, and was wearing elegant yet tasteful bracelets and necklace, matching her princess title.

“Hello…” Aine managed, and Suzu snickered.

“She’s shy. Now… Goblins have a bad reputation. And totally deserved! You should see some of the bad ones, they’re nasty. Don’t worry though…” She winked. “…they don’t get interested in women like Japanese Goblins. They just kill. Our virtues are safe! But… not all Goblins are those Goblins. Aine her and her kind are the true Goblins. Kind, industrious, clever and skilled. Some of the things they make would amaze you. That necklace is Goblin craftsmanship…” She pointed to Aine’s accessory.

“That’s right.” Keiko jumped in. “Tamami-chan, you studied up, yes?” She brought one of her groupmates into the discussion, and as Tamami was like Suzu, with hair a different shade to the rest of the group, hers a reddish-brown, she stood out.

“Yes. The Goblins split long ago, and the wicked ones tried to kill Aine’s family. They fought bravely to the end, and Aine was sealed away in a coffin, to sleep until she found safety, only a handful of brave and true retainers standing by them. It’s a modern-day Sleeping Beauty! So, anyway…”

As they moved through the mine, Tamami told the story, Keiko and Suzu interjecting, Aine appearing incredibly adorable, likely drawing a lot of attention on the broadcasts outside, as planned. Moira exchanged a glance with Arisu, who nodded, signalling the next stage was about to begin, and indeed, soon the narrow mine tunnel opened out, revealing a huge, almost cathedral-like inner chamber. Scores of Dwarves, Kobolds and Goblins were bustling about, and the noise was a cacophony, dust falling everywhere, but with aplomb, the weaselkin mages stationed here for the broadcast wove wind element, muting the clamour to a bearable, background hum.

“Very impressive! Now this is a mine…” one of the band observed, and his colleagues agreed.

“Look! Some are mining with pickaxes and hammers, shovels and hand drills. Others… hey, that’s modern machinery!” Francesco was excited, and indeed, several Kobolds were operating an industrial digger that had been brought over and modified by Mortal Engineering.

Quite the feat, keeping the illusion steady. To see all the separate branches of the Fae, working together… I believe our time is coming, that out slights will be avenged…

“Of course.” Keiko gushed. “We’re all working together, so traditional mining techniques need to be mixed with modern technology. Here’s the thing though… this mine is very environmentally friendly, as we dig down and from the surface it causes almost no damage. And when it’s exhausted, the Dwarves and Kobolds will turn it into a tunnel complex and living quarters, maybe even with shops and other tourist attractions…”

As they talked, the finishing touches were being made to a stage for the upcoming performance. Moira watched in satisfaction as everything proceeded cleanly. Usually, when Fae were involved, matters seldom occurred as anticipated, but it seemed that human influence was making the Fae here more disciplined and reliable. A change I am happy to see. Regardless, they are still certainly playful…

Federico found his drumsticks missing, replaced by rocks, a playful prank by one of the near-invisible spectralkin who couldn’t help herself, and the situation was salvaged expertly by Arisu, who had one of the Kobolds manufacture a new set on the spot out of a light ore. Taking his new metal sticks, the man was awed and inspired, and beside Moira, Darkflame let out a dry chuckle.

“I see. Yes. This plan… was not the one I was considering.”

“Oh? And no doubt yours was rather foolish and cruel, yes?”

“You wound me, dark Elf.” At his retort, Moira’s face twitched, her eyes shining blue and indigo for a moment. “Cruelty is but necessity unleashed. Yes, to save our race, to bring hope to the Kobolds, perhaps the worst, most bastardised of us would have to be either excised or hidden from view forever. Like the handful of Goblins who protected their little princess.” He nodded at the watching young Goblin, who was staring at the testing of the stage lights, marvelling at the brilliant beams, which were artfully calculated to light up the veins of jewels and glowing metals in the walls of this vast cavern.

“But now… if indeed the changes can be reversed… I can take a different message back to my kin.”

“See that you do. And enter by the proper channels next time. Security has been fixed, I would so hate you to end up full of arrows, and to perish before you see the end results of this.”

“Perish the thought of that.” Darkflame barked a laugh, his ghostly lantern illuminating his slender, oddly handsome face.

“No, we cannot think of a problem as purely our own now. Any solution must involve the teeming masses of humans, as well as other spiritual beings who share this world with us.” Moira nodded at the stage, as the idols were forming up.

“This is Pleiades, the seven shining stars of the idol world. We shine like diamonds! Diamonds are dug from the ground…” Suzu smirked, and Keiko nodded, taking over. “…and indeed, many come from here. Look up!” she pointed at the gantry above, and Tamami spoke next.

“So yes, this new song is Diamond Dust! And as a special one-off performance…”

“We’ll actually be pouring it down on the stage as we perform.” Asuka added.

“It’s a million dollar event!” Tsubame chuckled.

“Yes, certainly a once-in-a-lifetime expense for a single song!” Ema agreed.

“So yes, let’s go!” Kanako cried, and suddenly the music began, and darkness fell over the mine, only for seven spotlights, one in each colour of the rainbow, to fix on the idols.

“What’s harder than diamonds…”

“…what’s brighter than stars…”

“…what lasts always forever…”

“…what stirs our cold hearts…?”

As the singing began in earnest, the women on stage dancing with flawless choreography, the men from the visiting band looking on with a mixture of amusement and approval, Moira nodded. It seems everything is in hand. Good. One fewer task for me to worry about.

Slipping out, leaving Darkflame to watch on, as his Kobolds were the ones who were performing the diamond dust rain, to attract a greater deal of attention as planned, Moira left the mines behind. Once outside, she let out a long, indrawn breath. Being an Elf, even a gloomy, unlucky one, as her kin called her, she preferred the open sky to the dark, claustrophobic underground.

“Oh, if it isn’t cousin Moira…” a familiar voice, that of Soliteare, broke into her thoughts.

Ah yes, think of someone, and alas, they shall appear. Fiddling with her glasses, she took another deep breath, buying herself a second, gazing over at her cousins.

“Yes, it is I. What of it?” Moira was defensive, but Bellaera shrugged.

“Oh, nothing. Just stopping by to greet you. Everything going okay? You’ve been busy lately…”

“Yes. Everything is fine. The plan to change the perception of what a Kobold is proceeds well. But it will not happen overnight.”

“No, nothing ever does.” Soliteare agreed. “But I think you’ll find it happens quicker than you’d imagine. Our stately pace of life is at odds with this new world. Adapt or fall behind, cousin.”

“Haste is not our way.” Moira grumbled, then regretted it, expecting a retort, but was shocked when Bellaera only agreed with her.

“Yes. But… sometimes that’s a little sorrowful, Moira. Sometimes to be quick is to get what you want, and to be leisurely and careful… is to miss out.”

“But not always.” Soliteare added. “Anyway, it’s good to see you keeping well. We worried about you.”

Moira blinked at that. “Worried about me? You jest, surely?”

“No. And we’re rather ashamed, actually.” Soliteare added. “We were foolish. What colour your hair is or your eyes are… it doesn’t matter. What does is who you are.”

“Yes. Think about it…” Bellaera gestured to the mines. “…if the Kobolds have changed through no fault of their own, if we can restore them… it makes a lot of what we believe laughable. So… Teare and I, we choose to think differently.”

“And not just because if we don’t, we’ll never find true love. But I know you think that frivolous, and love pointless.”

“You misunderstand me, Soliteare.” Moira, her long ears flickering, still picking up the music from deep inside the Mine, shook her head. “I am sure love is a very worthy thing, I just care not for it.”

“And that’s fine. One fewer rival for us.” Bellaera responded with a smile, a genuine one. “Do what makes you happy, I guess. But you truly would have been the perfect rival. You’ve got all the advantages.”

“Even so, I have no interest in him. Unlike you. I still… do not quite get why the pair of you desire him so.”

“It’s simple. The heart wants what it wants, cousin Moira.” Soliteare shrugged. “But if you are genuinely uninterested in romance, and not just from fear or your scarred heart, then we support you.”

“Yes. I am genuinely content. Though I shall be better when Duke Vulpatrius has to eat his words and apologise to us.” Moira couldn’t help but let her resentment out there, to much laughter from her fellow Elves.

“Oh yes, I can hardly wait. It will be a perfect start to the Quest! Oh, we won’t be alone with Akio, but a small group of us, travelling through the uncharted lands of the Fae…” Bellaera chuckled.

“Yeah, it’ll be great. And our chance! And seeing that annoying fiery fox silenced will be a good omen for the start of it. So, Moira… as long as you take any chances to get what makes you content, we support you.” Soliteare promised.

“I… see. I suppose I do thank you.”

“That’s just like you. Cold and prickly. But… you’ve become more animated, more alive, since you took up an advisory role here. Even if you never fulfil grandfather’s request, that counts for a lot.” Bellaera added. “Anyway, farewell. We’ve got to go and patrol the borders.”

“Yes, later! Next time though, it will be us going abroad with that group, I know it.” Soliteare added, and then they were gone, as quickly as they arrived, leaving Moira to a contemplative silence.

They support me getting what makes me content, they say? As she watched them leave, her silver eyes pensive, Moira shook her head. Contentment? I shall be content when everything is in its place, when all plans are running smoothly, and when… the time to avenge the next of the Three Great Defeats is due!

***

“What a great show! It’s awesome!” Rika-chan gushed, waving her glowsticks enthusiastically.

“That’s right. It is. Oh, here it comes!” Mio-chan agreed, a smile on her face, as the Kobolds up above poured down the diamond powder as the final chorus began. It caught the lights and refracted them, causing vivid rainbows to flash through the cavern, and Hisano admired it, alongside the stunning performance of Pleiades.

They all fell silent as the song continued, powdery diamond snow coating the stage, making it seem as if the idols were dancing on rainbows, and as the song came to an end, the women on stage still perfectly poised and energetic, despite their exertions, Hisano felt a twinge of envy. It’s not that I want to be an idol. I just… want my life to have meaning. I need to find out what I truly want to do. Even cousin Yasu-kun’s worked that out, and sure, he’s older than me, but… he’s not exactly reliable.

She held in a chuckle at that thought. Karen-chan’s too good for him for sure.

“That must have cost a fortune…” Yae-chan sounded envious, but Hisano, who’d listened to her cousin and his friends talking, knew that wasn’t the case.

“Actually, to us, diamonds are about as valuable as lumps of coal. Alchemy can easily transform it. The factory’s making diamonds all the time as we speak. In fact, Alchemy can artificially make pretty much any gemstone. So what will be valuable in the future won’t be ordinary jewellery, but…”

“Crafted items of equipment.” Chiasa-chan began, and her sister, Chiaki-chan… at least I’m almost certain I have them the right way around today. They do have slight differences, but they refuse to be like normal twins and wear different coloured ribbons or their hair parted opposite ways. I get it. I’d want to be recognised for myself, not merely because I left a signal to who I am… followed up. “Or one-of-a-kind pieces. If you want…” “…we can ask Ixitt for some diamonds.” “You can have as many as you want.” “For personal use, however.” “Yes, do not betray Akio-sama’s kindness for gain…” “…else we will no longer be friends.”

“It’s fine.” Yae-chan laughed, touching her earrings. Rika-chan had a matching pair, just with a different gemstone, emerald as opposed to Yae-chan’s rubies. “It’s not what a gift is, but the intentions behind it. Besides, we’re gals, yes, but we’re about more than just looking cute. Though diamonds are a girl’s best friends.”

On stage, the Kobolds had been invited on, alongside some Dwarves, to answer questions before the next song, though Hisano and the others weren’t paying them much attention, merely chatting amongst themselves.

“And Adamant are Akio-kun’s potential new girlfriends.” Mio-chan winked, before grabbing Rika-chan’s arm. “We’re the only two resisting, who haven’t put on the uniform, Rika-chan! Everyone’s abandoning us! Asami-chan’s on a date with Ren-kun…” She paused, smiling ruefully at the twins. “Sorry, if that was insensitive…”

“Hardly. We are happy for Ren-kun…” “…our brother needs a strong woman to take care of him.”

“True. He’s a bit headstrong. Cute though. And a good guy.” Mio-chan agreed, before continuing her complaints. “And Kana-chan’s off in London, wooing Akio-kun. I wonder, will the mood get to her, and she’ll finally go all the way?”

Hisano flushed, embarrassed by the frankness, and she wasn’t the only one, Maiko-chan, and oddly enough, Sana-chan, who despite her gyaru fashion, so much more extreme than the gal looks of Rika-chan and Yae-chan, was quite shy, both flushed and looked down, before Yae-chan cut in.

“Hey, no need to bring that up. It’ll just wound my heart, anyway!” Yae-chan indeed clutched her chest, the fabric of her shirt twisting.

“Oh come on, Yae-chan…” Mio-chan snorted. “…cheer up. Though, I’m actually curious. Do you… really… like Akio-kun? Or is it just frustration or infatuation?”

Hisano found herself listening idly to the answer, and Yae-chan’s honestly shocked her.

“I… don’t know. I sound a fool admitting that…” Rika-chan snorted her agreement at that. “…but Akio’s very likeable, yeah? And I was his first ever date. We have history. But honestly… I’m prepared to find out. What’s the worst that can happen? I sleep with him someday, and it doesn’t work out afterwards? Not every girl marries their first loves, most don’t. I’d still have this career in Adamant. And it’s a career I’m interested in. Aren’t you all the same way?”

Hisano nodded, and she wasn’t alone in that. Even Rika-chan and Mio-chan, who’d declined Adamant, were still invested in bettering themselves, even if opportunities were in theory a bit scarcer, but in practice, as they were friends of Aiko-chan and Kana-chan respectively, they still got whatever they wanted.

“Anyway, I know for sure I like him, but love… I’m not little Ri-Ri…” She gave the cute nickname the pair of them had for Eri. “…who knows deep down into her bones she’s in love with Akio and nobody else, but… I know I want to work my hardest, so I have a chance to live without regrets. I’d rather try and fail, than give up and lament, you know?”

“I do.” Sana-chan was the surprise responder. “My dad, he’s always been a bit of a loser, ya feel me? But now, he’s almost a go-getter. Totally got my respect back for him, though I’d be happier if he got a girlfriend, so he can show up my bitch of a mom, give her a taste of her own medicine. But ya know… all it comes down to is, he had an opportunity given to him, and he snatched it. We’re the same, ya know? I don’t want to miss out. Like Yae-chan, I don’t want to live life with regrets, ya feel me? Regretting having done something is easier to live with than having never tried, ya know?”

Better to have tried… I feel the same way. Hisano nodded. “Yes, it’s why I joined up. And not simply to annoy cousin Yasu-kun, as he insisted. I was a nobody. Being in class with you, Mio-chan, Kana-chan, Asami-chan… it’s rough, and bad for my self-esteem.” Beside her, Maiko-chan agreed, having many of the same worries, though she was making solid progress now, her natural shrine bloodline having made her solidly triple-elemental. Though that also took her hard, exhausting work. Sure, she’s not a combat asset, as such, but she’s got potential…

“Hey, you’re plenty cute now, Hisano-chan.” Mio-chan shook her head. “But yeah, even Asami-chan and I, we get it. Kana-chan’s one hard girl to compare yourself to. If we’re eight out of tens, she’s a ten.”

“In that case…” Sana-chan giggled. “Shiro must be an eleven, ya feel me?”

“No way.” Rika-chan snorted, shaking her head. “We only count mere mortals in the rankings. She shouldn’t count, or we’re all bumped down a few notches. Oh, next song, next song!”

The conversation was interrupted, and they watched as Pleiades performed again, and Hisano’s gaze was on Suzu-chan and Keiko-chan, who were both Chosen. Do I… want to be a Chosen too? It’s a lot of pressure, of responsibility, but… what’s my dream?

As the catchy, high-tempo song came to a close, Suzu-chan began to talk about Goblins, and Aine was brought onto the stage. She seemed nervous, but Suzu-chan quickly calmed her down, and Hisano was sure that the cute young Goblin, with her girlish gestures and cute voice, would spark interest around the world.

“You know…” Maiko-chan added, frowning. “…it doesn’t seem as special, seeing idols when we’re comrades with all of them, does it? It’s like if it’s someone at school you know…”

“Yeah, well, it’s still awesome. Poor Ai, missing out. She loves Red and White, and by extension, Pleiades.” Rika-chan shook her head. “Anyway, want to watch the foreign band? It’s not really our sort of music…”

“Might as well.” Sana-chan added. “I don’t think Arisu-chan will put on a bad show, ya feel me?”

Hisano nodded, agreeing. “Yes. Besides, we should show our support for their aims.” You’re brave, Sana-chan, calling her Arisu-chan. I wouldn’t dare!

“Speaking of support, I hear there’s going to be a big combat operation going down in Britain…” Yae-chan, who listened to all her Adamant Officers said, proving oddly diligent, broke in. “I wish I could go, it’d be a good way to make a name for myself, get some attention.”

“I’d rather not die for attention.” Mio-chan smirked. “Anyway, sorry to put a downer on you, Yae-chan, but you’re probably too weak for that. Stick to training and maybe one day…”

“Hey!” Yae-chan shook her head, pretending to be offended. Aine was taking a bow on stage, and Suzu-chan and the other idols were hurling the diamond powder into the air playfully, pelting each other as they giggled. The foreign band’s instruments were being brought out, and it’d soon be time for the handover to their performance, and a number of Dwarves and Kobolds carrying mining equipment were coming forward.

“I’ll have you know I’m not weak! I got Akio to read my Status before he went to London!”

Oh, so did I. Seeing Hisano smiling, Yae-chan puffed out her chest. “Guess you did too then? So, how about it? Let’s compare, yeah?”

“Fine by me. But… the weakest has to buy the drinks up on Asha’s café terrace this evening, all right?” Hisano didn’t back down. And why should I? I’ve worked hard, to prove Yasu-kun wrong, and… to prove to myself that Akio-kun was right about me, that I’ve got what it takes to be somebody!

“I’ll go first then!” Yae-chan crowed, and quickly recited her Status, eager to show off. “I have a secret weapon, though!”

“See? My date with Akio meant something, as I got Rank two Lovers’ Link… though wow, as Ai might say, that Skill name is super awkward. Not that I object to being lovers… oh, I’m babbling…”

“You sure are…” Rika-chan agreed, before taking a playful potshot at Aiko-chan, who wasn’t present. “…I don’t think Ai was too upset to get Lovers’ Link. I mean, not after Christmas Eve… you all saw the photos in the group chat.”

Everyone nodded, the expressions on their faces rather mixed.

“Anyway…” Yae-chan coughed, changing the subject. “I worked hard, so I’m laying down my intent to make Officer during the next selection.”

“Yes, you’ve put in more effort than me. I need to do more…” Rika-chan admitted.

“You do! It’s a world for those who try, Rika! Who knew our teachers were right?”

“Yes, but… don’t get cocky, Yae.” Rika-chan added, correctly interpreting Hisano’s silence. “Seems like she’s not deterred.”

“You go, Hisano-chan!” Maiko-chan was on her side, hyping her up, and also knowing that she’d put in the effort, as did the twins. They’d been silent for a while, but, as Hisano had asked their aid to learn an additional element, and they’d helped… yes, it wasn’t easy, but compared to their efforts…

“We are not Haru-sama…” “No, fortunately we are not, we would not have survived…” “…what she went through…” “…though she would say she did not survive…” “…we beg to differ.” “The body is not important…” “…the self is. And her self remains unbroken.” “But we digress.” “Yes, yes we do.” “Even so…” “Yes, even so…” “We can still occasionally sense the thoughts of those we have linked with before…” “…so yes, we are proud, but you should be too, Hisano-sama…”

“I’m no -sama. I’m your friend.” She shook her head.

“Very well then. Yes…” “…we have mastered six elements…” “…and await the seventh.” “Though we shall not retrieve it until Akio-sama is here.” “We wish to make our claim then.” “First Demagogue. But to get it…” “We must go beyond ourselves. Become… a High Human.” “Or perhaps something more.” Another pause, as they communicated silently, either with each other, or someone else.

“We did not do it alone. No…” “…we sought help from those who aided Akio-sama.” “The Valkyries, Rossweisse-sama and Ortlinde-sama, have rendered us aid.” “Even so, our own efforts counted, as yours did, Hisano-san…”

“Looks like I’m buying the drinks then.” Yae-chan gave up, interrupting the twins, but it was only a friendly game anyway, so she wasn’t too upset. “Let’s hear it then.”

“Yeah, I’m totally defeated.” Yae-chan admitted. “Looks like you’ve got Lovers’ Link Rank two too though. I’m curious. A lot of Adamant doesn’t…”

“I’m not Rank two.” Sana-chan admitted, and Rika-chan, who wasn’t in Adamant, also agreed she wasn’t either.

“I think it’s because I’m Yasu-kun’s cousin. And Akio-kun really cares for his friends and their family. I… didn’t win my Rank honestly like yours, Yae-chan.”

“Oh stop, you’re making me blush.” Yae-chan giggled, and her face under the lighting of the stage and the mine, was indeed a little pink. “Yes, I guess my date with Akio did stick in his mind To me… it was magical. But… that’s the past. I’m looking at the future now. Damn, girl…” Yae-chan grimaced. “I mean, all of your Status is awesome, you’re probably equal to some of the Officers, but… Ether Healing at Rank four…?” Yae-chan wasn’t the only one to shudder at that. “You’ve taken Hyacinth’s advanced course to get to that, not just the usual one all Adamant gets…”

“Yes. But it’s necessary, if we really want to push ourselves. Though…” Hisano felt a little sick at the memory of the hard battles she’d put herself through, even if it was safely supported and not as dangerous as it seemed. “…I’m still a bit scared of fighting up close with a sword or a spear. Guns are frightening, but… they seem a lot safer.”

“I see.” Mio-chan agreed. “That would explain why you’ve Ranked up your Firearms Technique Skill. The Adamant guns really are kind of cool, not that I have one.” She giggled ruefully. “I kind of get why boys like guns now…”

“Indeed. Ren-kun likes his.” “He can be quite childish.” “But it is rather cute.” “And Asami-sama finds it adorable, so all is well.” the twins added.

“Even so…” Maiko-chan frowned. “And don’t take this the wrong way, anyone, but… we really should spend more time learning close combat weapons and getting stronger. If we’re serious. We can’t avoid it forever, even with guns.”

“Yes. I intend to seek out instruction from Motoko-chan or Natsumi-chan when they are less busy…” It’s still shocking to me all the important people I know. And I still worry a little, but Motoko-chan and Natsumi-chan are both kind, responsible seniors, who love their Tsumura Arts. They’ll make time for us, if they can…

“Hey…” Yae-chan, who’d been trying to shrug off her loss, suddenly noticed something. “…why is your Level cap Forty-three?”

“That’s simple.” Maiko-chan explained, she being somewhat of an expert at Kami-related matters nowadays. “While you’ve both learned earth element, Hisano-chan’s local shrine is Shirohebizumi, or rather, it is now, and she’s considered a worshipper, so she gets the extra boost.”

“It doesn’t matter yet.” Hisano shrugged. “Not until we cap out anyway.” Her attention was being drawn by the band on stage, who had finished their speech and discussion about the Dwarves and Kobolds, and were about to begin their first song. “And that’ll take a while, even though the options for Levelling up are plentiful at the moment. We still only gain a trickle as we’re supported through the whole experience.”

“I guess that makes sense, but even so, I’m not going to be left behind!” Yae-chan clenched her fist. “I need to have words with Marika-chan, she can see if our local Kami can dredge up a Building to buff me!”

There was laughter at that from everyone, and Hisano nodded. Yes, Marika-chan is visiting her hometown over the winter break. It makes sense, as she is very young. But also diligent. She’s one of the girls who inspires me to work harder, to be better.

Everyone’s chatter then came to a halt, as the powerful music started, heavy drums beginning a beat, so different to the idol music from Pleiades before. Then horns were added, and guitars, forming a powerful wave of sound reverberating in the cavern, which was helped along by the Dwarves and Kobolds beating on their mining equipment in time to the beats.

Not only that, but great barrels of what seemed to be beer were rolled out, and the miners were all poured out foaming mugs. The watching girls were offered some too, but declined, preferring not to drink alcohol, and Hisano, remembering, took out a bottle of juice from her storage device, as did several of the others, and they filled up the mugs with non-alcoholic beverages, to feel part of the atmosphere.

I daresay that Arisugawa-san won’t miss the opportunity to include us watching too in the broadcast. She does like raising awareness…

“Brothers of the mine rejoice…” the deep, booming voice of the lead singer resounded throughout the cavern, the heavy instrumentals complementing it.

“…swing, swing, swing with me!”

“Raise your pick and raise your voice!”

“…sing, sing, sing with me!”

As the song continued, the Dwarves and Kobolds waved their digging implements, quaffed messily from their beers, and danced, and some even mined at the veins of exposed ores and metals at the side of the cavern, while Arisugawa-san’s camera crews for WTV captured it all. Hisano found herself tapping along to the heavy beat, and while the sound of the instruments in this enclosed cavern should have been oppressive, with her stats it was actually quite a comforting tingle.

The song continued, Hisano watching, sipping on her juice, the contrast of the heavy wooden tankard a little amusing. The chorus then started, and the Dwarves and Kobolds, as well as the few Goblins, must have been prepared, as they raised their voices in harmony along with the band.

“I am a Dwarf and I'm digging a hole…”

“Diggy diggy hole, diggy diggy hole.”

“I am a Dwarf and I'm digging a hole…”

“Diggy diggy hole, digging a hole!”

Beside her, Sana-chan smiled, shaking her head. “I prefer idols, ya know, but… it’s awfully catchy, isn’t it? Ya feel me? Digging a hole, digging a hole!” she imitated, and Hisano held in her giggles.

“Yes, I guess so.”

As the song drew to a conclusion after another rousing chorus, the band waited for silence to descend, before the lead singer, Francesco, grinned out over the crowd. “You know, when we first received the call, it seemed a prank. But… to truly meet real Dwarves, and Kobolds, and Goblins, and other clever diggers of holes, crafters of wonder, and smelters of metal…”

Many of the Dwarves and Kobolds nodded approvingly at that. Faint shimmers of light were vaguely visible as the illusions around the Kobolds moved, but Hisano was relieved to see they were still holding, as she didn’t want anything to go wrong, not after all the effort Arisugawa-san and others had put into this project.

“…it’s an honour. And… so, in tribute to this monumental day, of dreams come true for us, and hopefully for all of you out there, who wish for a world of fantasy… this next song is about mining! Because that’s where we are, a true mine, not one that ruins the landscape, worked by human hands, but… one run by Dwarves, and their Fae kinsmen!”

“Up at dawn, working 'til the night…”

“All the day, we're on the path…”

“Heading for the mine…”

As they started the next song, the Dwarves and Kobolds now were setting up portable forges, and the cameras captured them, under the spotlights of the stage, which were now focussed on them, rather than the band playing, turning raw ores into polished, gleaming metals, metals into hammers, chisels, scissors, and other tools of the trade, and Hisano found it quite inspiring.

That’s us. We’re raw ores, but… if we train hard enough, struggle, give it our all, we can become diamonds, Adamant… and have meaning, and pride. I… want that life for myself. I want to matter! And… glancing at her friends here as the song carried on, Hisano affirmed that she didn’t want to travel this path alone, but together with everyone. Then, suddenly, her eyes widened, and she turned to the twins, shocked, remembering their words everyone glossed over earlier.

“Wait a minute? What do you mean you’ve mastered six elements, and are going to become High Humans? Chiaki-chan, Chiasa-chan, just when did that happen?”

“We told you…” Chiaki-chan smiled faintly. “…we have no wish to hold ourselves back any longer.”

“Indeed.” Chiasa-chan agreed. “…just as you wish to matter, so do we. We are shrine maidens, yes, but…”

“Our dreams and faith lie in Akio-sama now. We have learned… a touch of disappointment in the Kami…” Chiaki-chan’s expression was solemn.

“Yes. Instead we choose to believe in those we can see and respect. But the path is hard. We have exhausted ourselves, even with the aid of noble Rossweisse-sama and Ortlinde-sama.”

“But we know that to follow in the footsteps of Akio-sama and those who forge his Path, we must become greater. No…”

The twins then spoke together. “We desire to be greater. And if we must become more than human to do so, we shall.”

Hisano nodded, and she wasn’t the only one. I can’t say I don’t want that too. But what does being more than human even mean? Living thousands of years, being so powerful no enemy can harm us? Wise, beautiful and terrible? I don’t know, but… I know I want to see, and…

Reassured by everyone around her and their own eagerness, Hisano let the noise of the band wash over her, the chatter of her friends as they too pushed the twins for answers soothing. Glancing at some of the nearby Kobolds, she suddenly understood. It’s not what they are, it’s what they aspire to be, which defines them. And us. We humans were maybe always meant to walk a higher path, but somehow, things got off course, and now… and now Akio-kun is here to return it to the way it was always meant to be. Not just us, but all those who’ve gone astray. Like the Kobolds, and the Goblins like little Aine… and I… I agree with Chiaki-chan and Chiasa-chan…

At their knowing smiles, she flushed, guessing they were picking up on her stray thoughts, no matter how fragmentary. Even so, it’s true. Nobody embodies what Adamant was meant to be more than you two. Nor… what shrine maidens are supposed to be. First Demagogues, you say? I don’t get it, but… I’m not just going to sit back and watch you race ahead of me. That’s not who I am, not who Takagi Hisano is, anymore.

Mind made up, Hisano clenched her fist. I’ve tried hard. And I can be proud of myself. But if I let myself be content with what I’ve achieved, I’ll never be truly the best me I can be, and one day, I know I’ll regret that. Mind made up, Hisano resolved to overcome her fear of close combat as soon as possible, and cap out her Levels, even if doing so would entail a little risk and danger…

Cousin Yasu-kun, you wait and see! If you don’t start taking your own training seriously, I’ll overtake you and become more important than you!

That thought in her mind, Hisano drank down the last of her juice, and closed her eyes, enjoying the music washing over her, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from her spirit. If even the Kobolds can change, what excuse do I have not to?