On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Five Hundred And Twenty-Two

“It’s a bit grim.” I said, looking around at the claustrophobic, dilapidated streets of the old Luisenstadt district of Berlin. A number of older men were out despite the biting cold, sitting casually on the steps of their residences, smoking tatty cigarettes, or drinking booze from bottles of dark glass. They were watching us with a mixture of curiosity and wariness, with some hostility mixed in, perhaps seeing us as outsiders, and if I was the me from before, I would have been rather intimidated.

“This is quite the place.” I muttered. “I don’t think it’s a place for women to come. I can’t believe you brought your sister here…” Now it wouldn’t matter, if anyone tried anything, Aiko would be more than capable of fighting them off, but if she was just ordinary… yeah, no way I’d bring my sis to a rundown slum like this…

“Thank God and all his Angels, somebody understands!” Sophia exclaimed, pleased. “Brother, you don’t care that your sister is a delicate woman, like a rose.”

“Delicate?” Constantine raised an eyebrow, surprised. “Gamóto, you’re as delicate as a nettle, Sophia. And you nag like one too!”

“Don’t curse at me!” Sophia said loudly, before realising we had more eyes on us, and she shrank in behind us, reaching out a hand to grab my arm, before she hesitated at the look on Constantine’s face. She withdrew her hand, but still hit behind me as she shot him a glare. “What? If you have something to say, say it!”

“I wouldn’t dream of saying a word, sister. But shouldn’t you rely on your brother, or are you trying to act cute in front of him?” He turned to me with a wry smile. “Don’t be fooled, Sophia isn’t cute at all!”

“Oh, shut up, sometimes I hate you!” Sophia snarled. “Besides, when it comes down to it, I’d rather take my chances with Akio than you, my big strong twin brother.” Constantine flushed, remembering their last visit. “Who would you rather rely on in a fight?”

“Point taken. I’m a thinker, not a fighter.” Constantine said proudly, which confused me a little. Odd thing to take pride in, given the situation. “But if trouble does start, of course I’d protect you, Sophia. Just like last time!”

“All I remember last time is you were as scared as I was, fool!” Sophia countered. “But… I don’t think there’ll be trouble. Not really…” she conceded. “The place stinks of hopelessness, but…”

I looked around again and understood what she meant. Yes, the streets were unkempt and the people poor, and there was a clear hostility to outsiders, but it was just that. A rejection of the outside. As we passed through and left, no doubt they’d be happy to see us go, but it looked like nobody actually wanted to cause trouble. I was wearing sunglasses despite the cloudy skies above, and a mask over the lower part of my face, so it wasn’t like anyone could easily recognise me. Sophia did stand out though. And I definitely wouldn’t advise her to come here alone. She’s certainly attractive enough to put temptation into people’s minds.

“…but it’s just a community who’s wary of strangers.” I finished, understanding. “Seeing places like this, it makes me feel rather proud, but also quite guilty. There aren’t many places like this in Japan, though I suppose the area around Hisuikomushi shrine shares a little with this place, being as it’s rather run down and has a lot of… uh…” I looked at Sophia, unwilling to finish that sentence, and Constantine smirked.

“Women of ill-repute, I imagine. Are you acquainted with those?” he teased me, and I shook my head in firm denial.

“Nope, never. Do you think I’d do that to my girls?” And before, I’d never have had the guts, or honestly saw the need. Back when I was running away from my feelings, from Eri and to a lesser extent Shiro, I was happy just imagining such a life, relying on manga to live vicariously through. “If you’re trying to give your sister a bad impression of me, I’d understand though.”

“Héstika. If you want to make a play for Sophia, well, it’d be the first time she’s attracted a rich man, but not the first time she’s gone for someone who already has a girlfriend or two. I can’t recommend her though. She’s not as relaxing as those I’ve met. She’s a typical Greek woman, too domineering. Tight with the purse strings and a tyrant at home.”

Sophia’s eyes widened after a moment as she processed the English. “Purse strings? Who had a job that paid for all your insane crap…” She then lapsed into Greek, and I recognised a number of swearwords now.

As they bickered, I couldn’t help but smile. Though angry words were exchanged, the siblings were close, and I appreciated that. However… We were drawing rather more attention that I liked, so I interjected. “I think we shouldn’t cause a scene, don’t you agree?” I let out a trickle of League, and their argument halted. “Are we nearly there?”

Constantine shuddered as though he was a wet dog, before looking around. “Yes, the bar where we met her was around here. Wasn’t it?” he asked his sister, who nodded. She pointed the way, and soon we were outside it. The building was run-down, the walls painted a faded white that had turned a dull, dirty grey. A few men were standing outside watching us, big, burly Westerners, smoking and holding large glasses of half-drunk beer. Sophia shrank behind me again, and Constantine shook his head.

“Last time we were here early, it was far less busy. But…” he cheered up. “We’re with the Hero of Britain, we don’t have anything to fear, do we Sophia?”

“I guess not.” she agreed. As I moved past the people outside they looked at us coldly, making Sophia and even Constantine shrink in close to me. Inside, the buzz of conversation could be heard, and the surrounding tables were filled with burly men drinking. Hardly any women to be seen. This is a real man’s bar, apparently…

Spying an open table in the corner, I nodded to it, and the siblings sat down, backs to the wall. I headed to the bar and spoke out an order in the German I’d been practising. “Bitte drei große Biere.”

The man quietly poured me the glasses of foamy amber liquid and asked for twelve euros. I had brought a mixture of foreign currencies with me, so paid quickly, and as I hefted the litre mugs, turning back towards the table, I heard a man talking loudly and coldly in Greek.

There was a man, smartly dressed, at odds with the ordinary patrons of the bar, and he was clearly aware of the siblings. Perhaps it’s that Karl they mentioned before?

Seeing me watching, Constantine’s eyes showed his relief, and he said something to the man, who turned. At that moment I approached, dropping down the beers to the table with an audible thud, my stats making it easy to prevent spillage. “Excuse me.” I said in German. “There’s no need to shout. Sorry, I don’t speak Greek, can we do German or English?”

“English?” The man said, nodding. “That will suffice.” I pulled out two chairs, gesturing for him to sit down, and the man nodded. “At least you have manners, stranger. But if you came with our journalist here…” He said the word with a measure of disdain. “…you were warned. You are unwelcome here, the Rachsüchtiger Geist has many enemies.”

Vengeful ghost, huh? Interesting…

“I assure you I am not one of them…” I broke in, and Karl narrowed his eyes.

“Yet you go about with a masked face, hiding yourself. I am not a fool. You think we do not recognise those like the Geist? There have been others, and none have come with good intentions. I doubt you are any different.”

“Others? And what happened to them?” Constantine couldn’t help but ask, swallowing nervously, perhaps remembering the strength of the little Chosen he had met here before.

“Those who were unwise and did not take our advice and forget their inquisitiveness… they found themselves unprepared to face the fury of madness, their anger and lust for power was their undoing.” He paused meaningfully. “There are many rivers surrounding this place, and into the cold darkness the unjust will go. I am not a religious man, but… what we have seen can change many minds.” He gestured to the patrons of the bar, all of which were watching us now with great hostility, and many of them carried heavy wooden cudgels, metal bars or knives. “So, Herr Constantine, Frau Sophia, unnamed stranger who reeks of trouble… do you believe your cause is just, and will not attract the punishment of the Furies?”

“It seems wrong, threatening us Greeks with our own Gods in Germany…” Constantine muttered, but his pale-faced sister kicked him under the table and hissed for him to shut up, looking at me pleadingly.

Don’t worry, I’ll take action. “Actually, I do believe my cause is just, and I’m certainly not here to harm her.” I promised. “Besides…” With a smile, I took off my mask and glasses. “…to be blunt, if I was here to cause trouble, it’s not like anyone here could stop me.”

Karl’s eyes widened as he recognised me, as did many of the patrons of the bar. Cries of “Held von Großbritannien” and “Koreanischer Retter” echoed around the bar, which embarrassed me. I’m collecting nicknames. It’s awfully Chunni. “You?” He said at last, before turning an accusing gaze on Constantine. “She asked to be left alone, and you bring him here? I thought you less of a fool, or did your desire to share the truth blind you?”

“There’s no need for intimidation.” Constantine replied, though he was starting to sweat, the atmosphere pressuring him. “We’re simply here to talk, and make an offer. I’m confident she’ll be interested, and if not… we’ll be on our way, causing no trouble.”

“Yes.” With my expanded perception, I could see directly behind me, and the door had opened silently, and a small figure had slipped in, wearing a long, hooded coat, obscuring her features. I didn’t even need my Eye to tell she wasn’t normal, by the graceful, stealthy way she moved. Some of the patrons who were scowling at us had noticed as well, and they seemed to be relieved, yet had heightened tension too. “I mean, I’d hope my reputation speaks for itself. I’m not a bad man.”

“A righteous light often casts dark shadows.” Karl said ominously. “And I would have to question just how you gained such strength, Herr Akio.” He nodded meaningfully. “After all, we have seen the videos from South Korea. Our young ghost has as well. For so many like her to be gathered… and one was your sister, yes? You look too alike to be unrelated. For siblings to both have such powers… seems implausible…”

Curse the Korean government and their disregard of our secrecy. I know Hinata and the Japanese government have extracted some compensation, but… revealing my sis has that Favour is going to cause terrible problems… “Actually, it’s not as uncommon as you’d think…” I remembered the Korean siblings who had turned Choe-Museon into a hell. “…there’s a certain bias to the spread of Favours, it’s not as random as it seems. Wouldn’t you agree, Frau Richter?” I turned, facing the small shadow who was watching us. It was a little uncomfortable, as I could feel the distrust and suspicion radiating from her, but I supposed it was understandable.

The small woman jerked, surprised, before pulling down her hood, and I had to hold in a yell of amusement. Even though Constantine and Sophia told me about her appearance in advance, yeah… it’s still too perfect a match. She looked much younger than her actual age, and had long, fluffy blonde hair framing her doll-like face, her blue eyes staring at me with fierce wariness. She’s the spitting image of a certain reincarnated salaryman that ended up in not-Germany. “Have you investigated me? How? I’ve been careful.” She was surprised I spoke German to her, and also that I knew her surname. Well, that’s a very easy question for Yasaka-san to answer.

“Yes, but I know a lot of Chosen, often with odd powers.” I stood up and bowed in Japanese fashion politely to her, continuing to speak. “Now, why don’t we all sit down together and lose the atmosphere. You can hear us out, and if you aren’t satisfied we’ll be on our way, and won’t bother you again.”

Karl looked at her, and the young woman nodded sharply, letting out a long sigh, nothing childish about her at all. “Fine. But if you try anything…”

“We’ll be dumped in the surrounding rivers?” I raised Karl’s threat from earlier, and the girl rolled her azure blue eyes, annoyed.

“That might be difficult. But don’t underestimate me!”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” Sophia and Constantine were using their phones to translate the conversations for themselves now it had switched to the German I had learnt especially for this, and as Adelheid Richter sat down beside me, her short legs kicking restlessly on her stool, I asked Karl if he would be so good as to bring us a menu. He snorted, and gestured, sitting down himself, and soon a beer was slammed down in front of Adelheid, who took a swig. I raised one eyebrow, and she snorted sourly. “I’m not a little girl. Despite my appearance. And I’m German. Of course I love beer. Though…”

“It’s hard to get drunk?” I commiserated, and she rolled her eyes again. “Well, there are workarounds.”

“I’m not foolish enough to get drunk.” She snorted sourly. “If a man passes out somewhere, he might lose his wallet by the time he wakes up, but a woman… especially one who looks like me… use your imagination.”

I frowned at that, understanding. Though Japan was a relatively crime-free country, unfortunately the most common serious crime was abuse of women. Though I had a brief feeling of amusement at the fate of any poor fool trying to harass my sis, Eri or any of the others. “Point taken. I was speaking carelessly. I apologise.”

Adelheid seemed surprised at that, but said nothing. For a short while we sat in an awkward silence, until several plates of sausages of various flavours, as well as potatoes, spiced cabbage and more were slammed down by a member of staff. The atmosphere was still tense, but Adelheid ignored that, grabbing a sausage, heedless of it being hot, and bit off the end savagely, her expression sour. After chewing and swallowing, she narrowed her eyes as she glared at us.

“I’m sure I told you two I wanted to be left alone.”

I translated for the siblings, who seemed apologetic, and I decided to explain for them. “It’s not entirely their fault, I picked them up in Korea, and they didn’t have much choice but to tell me everything they’d been up to. Besides, I’d have found out about you sooner or later. Like I said, I know a lot of Chosen with a variety of abilities.”

“Is that a threat?” Her body language changed, going from wariness to a willingness to fight near-instantly, only spoiled by the half-eaten sausage in her hand and sauce on her cheek. I could feel the pressure of her League, as could those around the table, though mine was significantly stronger than hers, so it had no effect on me. She’s no novice though. She’s certainly been through a few battles…

“Not at all.” I was so calm it threw her off, and made no threatening gestures, merely spooning some pickled cabbage into my mouth. “This is sauerkraut, right? I’d heard you have to try it if you go to Germany. The taste is a little similar to some Japanese fermented dishes like natto.”

“Is this the time to be discussing food?” Adelheid said, rather shocked by my flippant attitude.

“Yes?” I pretended to be surprised at her question. “After all, isn’t that half the pleasure of coming to foreign lands? Besides…” I wiped the amused expression off my face, and adopted a serious mien. “Like I said, there’s no danger here. Unless you want to attack me, of course, which I don’t recommend. I’m just here to offer you a proposal, since I’ve become aware of you.”

“A proposal… I’ve seen enough of those to make me wary.” Adelheid savagely tore more meat from the sausage in her hand. “And you’ve a reputation…”

“I’m not interested in you that way.” I assured her, holding in a sigh. I suppose that is a downside of my public appearances. I can’t deny I look like a womaniser… “But as a Chosen, you have a rare talent. And… you have the air of someone who’s seen her fair share of troubles.”

She narrowed her eyes. “I’m a young woman who looks like this alone in the world. And the world isn’t kind. You work it out.”

“I don’t need to. I mean… Luisenstadt doesn’t have the best reputation, does it?” I asked Karl.

“That is true. And there were certainly some… rotten apples… is that how you say it, in the bunch?” The sharply spoken man agreed. “Fortunately our Geist is not to be trifled with, and soon they found themselves…”

“In the river?” I interrupted, and his cold smile told me all I needed to know.

“I hate being taken advantage of. I’m not without gratitude. But…” Adelheid took a swig of beer, remembering. “…charity doesn’t give anyone the right to my body or love. And for those that think I’m the age I look…” She turned and spat on the floor, surprising me. “…it’s far worse, isn’t it? Filthy perverts.”

“I don’t disagree.” I nodded. “I’ve had to cross swords with some terrible characters, and I don’t forgive those who prey on women.”

“I expect perhaps some of yours see it differently…” she said scornfully, and I couldn’t let that pass.

“I’m here to talk, and not start trouble, but I won’t stand for that.” My tone was cold, and now I was flaring my League, careful to exclude everyone but Adelheid from it. It was hard, controlling League, Charm, Majesty and the other Intangible Statistics, but it was something I practised regularly. She was sweating now, though her face was impassive, trying not to show she was outmatched, yet the trembling of her fingers gave away my presence was pressuring her.

“In fact… you can talk to any of them now. I’ve never forced any of them. Nor will in in future. In fact, usually I’m the idiot getting chased. I know we don’t live conventionally, and from an outside perspective it looks unfair, but…”

“All right. Shit. Shit! Enough with the halos.” Adelheid spat, and the siblings looked surprised at the Greek word. Beer slopped from her mug as her hand shook. “I get you’re angry. But…”

I slowly withdrew my League to a level that roughly matched hers, and she took a deep breath, before glowering at me. “Don’t you know how to treat a woman?”

“I think I do. Therefore I have to defend my honour and theirs, even if my opponent is a man, woman, child, demon or God.” I said calmly. “So I’d like an apology. But… it can wait until you’ve spoken to them. Don’t take my word for it.”

“And just why would I do that?” Adelheid asked, trying to regain the initiative.

“Because I’m hoping to recruit you.” I came out and said my aim. Picking up additional Chosen to bolster my forces was essential. While I could take Divine Favours, bringing in experienced Chosen was often a better plan.

“Recruit her?” Karl said slowly, his own glare now menacing. “For what? More fighting and killing? Our Geist just wishes to be left alone. She is happy here.”

“Don’t oversell it, Karl.” Adelheid sniffed. “He’s not wrong though. I had some bad experiences here early on, but after a couple of creeps learned the hard and final way I’m no child, I found this place has one thing going for it. Community.”

“Of course. We are men, not animals. Most of us.” Karl said proudly. “Few choose to live in poverty by choice, and our Geist has aided us… those who could not resist their base desires… they either faced the punishment of the Furies, or wisely learned to be better.”

Adelheid seemed a little embarrassed. “I wasn’t doing it for that. I just… needed a place to be safe.”

I see. She certainly looks harsh, but she’s also got a softer side. “Community is important. But… is this really a safe place?” I wasn’t speaking harshly, or criticising, so she shrugged.

“Trouble is everywhere. At least here people look out for me.”

“But can they actually help?” I pressed, and Adelheid shrugged again.

“Removing the bodies.”

Sophia blanched at that when her phone translated it. It was Adelheid’s casual tone that no doubt worried her.

“But one day they’ll be removing yours.” My words were a warning. Adelheid froze, becoming defensive, her anger rising, looking very much like the literary figure she resembled at that moment. “Look, I’m not here to threaten you, but… others have come already, haven’t they? Do you honestly believe you’re unbeatable?”

Adelheid gnawed at her lip in annoyance and worry. She glanced at Karl, who shrugged. “We do worry for you, our Geist. You are strong, yes, but…”

“I know.” Adelheid finally admitted. “The government has been sniffing around too. The police don’t bother themselves much with what goes on here, but… there’ve been too many disappearances.”

“It’s only natural.” I agreed. “Worldwide, everyone is looking for Chosen. And you’re not the highest profile, sure, but…” I gestured to Constantine. “He found you, others can as well.”

“I can’t deny that.” Adelheid finished her beer and started another sausage. “So, make your proposal then.” Her blue eyes challenged me. “I’ll listen at least.”

“Fine then. I want you to come work for me. I don’t know if you have a Territory here, but for now it’s not safe to leave it up. Sooner or later… well, being alone isn’t a viable survival strategy. Even I wouldn’t last long alone.”

Adelheid watched me impassively, so I continued. “Look, I have a lot of sway. You should know that. And the benefits of working with me are great. Money, security, opportunities for growth…”

“And you think I’m for sale?” she asked, and I shrugged.

“You say that money can’t buy your body or love. I respect that. But shouldn’t it be able to buy your loyalty and labour? After all, that’s what a job is. And when it comes down to it, working with me is the best option for your future.”

“You want to make me fight? Little weak Adelheid? How cruel…” Her expression changed and her voice turned sickly sweet and childish. I nearly spat out my beer, but after a moment let out a sigh.

“Very amusing. But it’s not a case of wanting, is it? You’ve already been fighting, and it’s only going to get worse.” As the numbers of Chosen continued to decrease, there would be those who would just set up their own domains, but others would certainly follow the Kodoku that Earth was now and hunt down others to grow stronger themselves, seeking to be Astral Emperor. And that’s before issues like that damn toad in China… “Besides, I’ve learned I can’t stop those who desire strength from getting it, all I can do is help them.

“True.” Adelheid changed her tune, reverting to normal. “But even say I agree that if I stay here others will find me… why should I listen to you?”

“I did learn German just to speak to you.” I grinned, and she had to concede that point, though she grumbled it couldn’t have been that hard, as her own memory was much better nowadays.

“Realistically… who else would you choose to side with, given the chance? In terms of security, I work with a great number of Chosen, and have ties to a number of governments. I’ve the money to reward you fairly, and…” I leaned in meaningfully. “…I also have the talents to see how best to improve and strengthen others. You’re right, it’s no coincidence my sister has her abilities.”

“I think you should consider it.” Karl said, surprising me. “We are grateful to you, for showing us our pride again, how to be better men, despite adversity, but… our Rachsüchtiger Geist must roam freely. You have a purpose. The Furies chose you to be justice and vengeance on this world. You will not achieve that here.” He then addressed me sternly. “You may underestimate the strength of the ordinary, but should the Geist come to harm through your actions…”

“I’ll do everything to prevent that, just like I would for any of my other allies. But…” I thought for a while. “…how about this. You’re a clever man. You speak multiple languages, most importantly English. I can always find a use for you, though I’d have to do some background checks of course. I’m a firm believer in second chances, when appropriate, but…”

Karl seemed amused. “Of course. Some sins preclude redemption. Though I am not guilty of those.” His expression darkened. “However, we of this district, we… are close-knit. Especially since our Geist came to us. The worst have been expunged, and what is left…”

“How about this then?” I had an idea, and while the details would need to be filled in by others, I had a feeling it would work. “How about a bit of a regeneration? If this area is poor, then all the people need is jobs to bring money back to the area, right?”

“It is hardly that simple. It is not merely laziness and … chequered pasts… that prevent success.” Karl disagreed, though I did detect a glam of interest in his eyes.

“True. But ill-health can be sorted, and training provided.” I was warming to the idea. Having more subordinates wouldn’t go amiss, and it was also charitable work, in a way. The Japanese government would probably say I should bring employment to Japan first, and I intend to… but if I’m to be Astral Emperor, all the world will be mine to protect, so…

“Is nobody asking my opinion?” Adelheid said grumpily. “I haven’t agreed.”

“Sorry.” I apologised. “I just thought that since you feel a little responsible for the people here, I’d do something to help them out. A win-win, right?” I steepled my fingers, looking at her seriously as I rested my chin on my hands. “So, are you interested? If so, tell me what you want.”

“I want a fight.” The woman grinned fearlessly, her eyes rather manic. “I don’t like that you look down on me. You’re strong, your halos shows that…” There was that word again, and she clarified she meant my presence, effective force. So, League then. “…but I’m no weakling. Underestimate my because of my youthful looks and I’ll teach you a lesson!”

“All right then, Tanya.” I conceded, and she looked puzzled.

“Tanya? My name is Adelheid.” I laughed at her confusion and changed the subject.

“Fine, but… no serious injuries. I can Heal up anything that isn’t too bad easily enough. Is there anywhere we can do it? I can’t in the Boundary right now…”

“I know a place.” Karl said, and with that, the matter was settled…

 

***

 

“I’m going to make you regret your arrogance.” Adelheid smirked, her blue eyes cold and intense. “I’m no weak little girl. I’m not so easy to buy!”

“Like I said, honest work isn’t buying you. But… I’m also curious about what you can do.”

“I imagine you are.” she sneered. We were in an abandoned lot, by one of the rivers, ironically enough. It was run-down and choked with weeds and nettles, but nobody was around, so it was perfect for a practice fight. “But those who underestimated me are gone now.”

“I never underestimate anyone.” I assured her. “After all, I’ve seen some terrifying abilities.” Arisu-san’s springs to mind. I think she could kill me with her Room. It’s not always about raw power…

“Those who say that always end up overestimating themselves.” Adelheid taunted. “Fine. Hit me with your best move… as for me…” She surged with aether, and also adherence. My Eye had very little trouble picking up most adherence now, but I was surprised she was using it to attack. “Jealous Judgement!”

I felt a weight settle on me, adherence weighing me down. It wasn’t unbearable though, and instead, I began to unravel the adherence, purifying and plundering it. Adelheid seemed surprised, but she quickly rushed towards me, keeping low, taunting me to attack.

“Fine then.” Though I already know what you can do… Instead of striking out, I merely used earth element to liquefy the rock and stone below, and she stumbled. Then a blast of wind struck her, but instead of a cannonball, it was a gentle smack, one that you would give a troublesome child. Aether surged, and I was then buffeted by a similar, unnoticeable impact.

“Are you mocking me?” Adelheid growled, struggling free of the mud. As her anger boiled her strength was growing, and it was an ability not dissimilar to Jarovid’s. Her coat and other clothes were covered in muck, and she was seething. “You call that a…” Another gentle bolt of air struck her, before I was hit by a similar backlash, and she glowered at me. “Wait, how do you know…?”

“Sorry, I’ve already asked a Goddess of Wisdom about you.” I grinned. “Hence why I’m very keen on recruiting you. Not many Chosen have three abilities.” I paused then. “I’m hardly free from sin, so your first ability did affect me a little, but… sadly I hard counter it.” Spirit Water bubbled, and then I changed it to ordinary water, a tide washing over Adelheid, who squawked, but it washed the mud from her clothes. “As for your second, your avenging ability, I expect that’s how you’ve stayed alive up until now, but… if I know about it, I can just trap you. And…” I raised a hand, calling on Foehn. The blazing flames were even more brilliant than usual, as now I understood the adherence within it more, I could concentrate the flame and manipulate it more easily. “…If you can’t survive the attack, it doesn’t matter if it rebounds. I imagine you’ve used your final ability to grow strong enough to manage, but… me, I can take what I dish out…”

As the flames reflected in her eyes, her anger was doused like she was by my water. Wringing out her hair, she sighed. “Shit. I lose. I didn’t think I could win head on, but… I never do. I’m always underestimated, everyone lets their guard down…”

“If it was just me, I could…” I agreed. “But I carry the fates of a lot of people with me, so I can’t get careless again. I’ve already lost before, and… I never want that to happen again.” I reached out a hand, and Adelheid took it, letting me pull her to her feet as I dismissed Foehn, though I used the remaining hot air around us to dry the girl off.

“Look around you.” Adelheid snorted bitterly, and in her eyes I could see bitter memories. Surrounding us watched the patrons of the bar and Karl, as well as the Greek siblings, who now seemed relieved. “Nobody can coast through life winning all the time. The world reeks of injustice. It’s why the Furies exist. Why they are needed.”

“Indeed.” I agreed. “It’s why you are needed. By me.” I released her hand. She looked at me scornfully, but didn’t dismiss me. “Let me put your power to use, and in exchange, I’ll always be on your side.”

“I’m not such a good person…” Adelheid muttered, a little embarrassed, and I shook my head.

“Who is in this world? Like I said, my hands aren’t totally clean, but we live in a muddy world, sometimes we get dirty, and mud shows more on white than black.”

“Is it settled then?” Karl asked, rather mesmerised by our shockingly brief skirmish, where the ground erupted, and flame and water were called into existence out of seemingly nowhere.

“I’ll hear him out.” Adelheid agreed. “Jealous Judgement didn’t make me despise him, so… he’s no monster.”

“Great. Well, I could use another beer after that. Then, if you agree, we can go to the Japanese embassy here in Berlin and get you some documents. Then we have a flight to catch, I have to meet the rest of my party soon. So come on, Tanya, let’s get things hashed out…”

“Hey, things are moving too fast!” Adelheid snapped, confused. “And my name isn’t Tanya, it’s Adelheid! Don’t forget that!” Following me like a forlorn puppy, she grew angrier as the residents of Luisenstadt began to laugh at her in a good-natured fashion, and with a flushed face she worked her short legs, catching me up. “Wait, I said wait, damn it all!”

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