Chapter 46: Down Time

The mild taste of gyokuro tea rolled over my tongue, the subtle warmth of the liquid seeming to seep into every corner of my being. It was actually astounding the skill with which the tea was prepared. I could match the results with Fairy Feast, of course, but to be able to reach this level through dedication and practice added something deeper to the experience.

Funnily enough, I noticed that the quality of the tea that had been served to me here has been steadily increasing over time. This cup in particular was by far the best I had yet.

"You seem tense." The voice of my host came, Yasaka's ears upright, her posture immaculate.

Idly, I checked the vague feedback I received from Mind Defence, finding it still not breached. Sighed, I smiled faintly, "I thought I was hiding it well. Is it that obvious?"

"To me, yes. I have much more experience reading people than you have in hiding your emotions." She shrugged, "Kunou had no idea, I'm sure."

"She's the only one." I laughed self-deprecatingly, "Everyone else seems to know something's wrong."

Yasaka stared into my eyes at that, completely serious, "Is it dangerous? Do you need aid?"

"No, no. It's something personal. I am the only one who can resolve it." I denied, thankful for the offer regardless.

"I see. It would be rude to pry, I suppose." She mused, looking to the side where a breathtaking view of her personal gardens lay, "I must admit, being unable to repay my debt to you has been vexing."

"I would say no debt is owed, but I would not insult you like that." I replied, following her gaze, feeling some of the tension leave my shoulders as the sound of the small stream filled the air.

Unfortunately, just because events were happening quickly in the Underworld did not mean that time stood still outside of it. My regular meetings with the Yokai still needed to be done, and Shiro enjoyed the time she spent playing with Kunou. So, that was why I was here currently, having been asked to a private meeting between myself and Yasaka once my business was completed.

She had led me here, to her private gardens, where we had been served tea and left in isolation by her attendants. Idly sweeping the area with my magical senses, it appeared that she and I were the only people nearby, which either spoke to a high degree of trust or exceptional stealth of her bodyguards.

To be fair, I did rescue her daughter the last time I was here, if anything built trust that would probably be high up on the list. Taking in the Garden, the wooden table we were sitting at was perfectly placed to give a breathtaking view of the place. Carefully cultivated plants and trees, blending into immaculate walkways and beautifully built water displays.

Feeling curious, I inquired, "Did you make this garden?"

It was truly impressive, now that I was looking at the clear effort and care that had been expended on keeping it in order.

"Not alone. This is one of the rare things I can share with Kunou, just the two of us working on creating this special place together." Her response surprised me greatly.

It explained why this was my first time visiting this particular Garden, but still, "Is it okay for me to be here? If it is a private thing between Kunou and yourself…"

Yasaka laughed, bringing up a sleeved hand to her face as she spoke, "Kunou asked me to show it to you. She's too shy to ask herself, but I think she wants her Hero to spend some time with her."

The arm fell, as did her smile as she mused, "Besides, without you…"

The sentence went unfinished, but I knew what she was getting at. Those Hero faction Sacred Gear bearers would have kidnapped Kunou without me saving her and Shiro. Of course, from what Shiro had said, they were going to kill her. It was uncharitable to think, but I was pretty sure that my actions saved me more than they did Yasaka.

Seeming to intuit where my thoughts led, Yasaka gently laid her hand over the one I had resting on the table, "The reasoning behind actions do matter. But the consequences of said actions are what ultimately linger. You saved my daughter Damocles. I have already said this, but my home and people will always welcome you."

Deciding to be cheeky, I grinned at her, "Oh? Is that what this is about, just gratitude? Here I was thinking that I had finally seduced you."

"So like a devil, always trying to tempt others into sin." She giggled in response, gently swatting my hand, "Behave. Keep flirting and I might get ideas."

"I want you to get those ideas. Was I not clear enough last time?" I raised an eyebrow towards her, causing her to blush slightly.

"Enough of that." She chastised gently, "I did not ask you here to indulge in your womanising."

I smiled at that, but let the issue go, "Oh, then what did you invite me here for?"

"I noticed your frustration while you were negotiating with the suppliers. I invited you here to start repaying my debt." She indicated the tranquil gardens, tails gently waving behind her, "Whatever your troubles, I won't pry. I trust that you will handle them in your own way. Instead, for the next moment, let them go, put them aside. Allow yourself to rest, to recover. Everyone needs to have moments of peace."

I decided to be serious, treating her offer in the spirit it was presented, "Would that I could. But even now, the back of my mind dwells upon it. I don't think I can ever fully relax until the issue is resolved."

Indeed, part of my mind was whirring, working incessantly as it had ever since my lesson with Ranni. My soul. Someone had interfered with my soul. Even beyond the plans and theories of how to remove the abomination from my being, the fears that it brought were as numerous as they were infuriating. Was it affecting my personality? Was it interfering with my thoughts? I had Mind Defence, but that was no guarantee. Even once it was removed, would I still be the same person?

I took in a deep breath, letting it out as I relaxed the fist I had unconsciously formed. Yasaka, who had seen the action, gently reached across the table with her other hand to take up my own in both of hers.

"Do you mind if I try something?" Her tails were still, ears furled slightly in nervousness, "I ask that you trust me. I only wish to help."

I stared into her eyes, finding no guile there, only an earnest sincerity. Slowly I nodded, and the Kitsune closed her eyes, focusing on the hand held between her own. Feeling something scratching at my senses, I closed my own eyes to focus on my defences. Mind Defence was the culprit. Analysing what was occurring, I saw that she was using Senjutsu to… try and share emotion? Mind state? Whatever it was, it was using her energy as a bridge between our emotions.

Seeing no hostility in the action, I allowed the connection through Mind Defence, getting a smile from the Kitsune as she perked up before refocusing on her task. Focusing, I could feel her excitement and gratitude, knowing that this was a massive display of trust on my part. That quickly faded though, as her emotions calmed and stilled, guiding my own into following.

At her beckoning, I followed the feeling deeper, soon finding myself immersed within the nature of the Garden. My awareness expanded, feeling as one with the grass, the trees, the water. The wind rustling gently across the land washed over me and I felt my tension disperse. The sense of relaxation and comfort surrounded me, soothing me and clearing my head of all thoughts.

I don't know how long I was there, brought into harmony with nature. All that existed was Yasaka, the clearing, and the world around us. I was brought back into awareness by the feeling of something stroking my hair, my position having changed while I was unaware. Underneath my head was a sinfully soft, silky feeling. Looking up, I saw Yasaka smiling down at me as my head rested in her lap, her hands gently running through my hair.

"How was that? Feeling relaxed now?" She softly murmured, "Many would kill to experience what you are right now, you know?"

"I am grateful." I spoke softly, "This is the most rested I've felt in a long time."

Indeed, all of the fatigue and stress that had built up over the past few weeks had evaporated, like it had never existed. Is this the power that masters of Senjutsu had access to? No wonder they were held in such high regard.

"I thought it was difficult for Senjutsu to interact with Devils." I mused, "We are not of nature, after all."

"Everything is part of Nature, sooner or later. It adapts, as it always has." Yasaka replied, "Of course, you are not wrong. Don't go around thinking that any old Senjutsu user can do what I just did."

I smiled at her display of pride, assuaging it with my next words, "Perish the thought. The Mistress of Kyoto is a special case, I know that."

"Good." Was her short response as we slipped into a comfortable silence, her gentle head stroking continuing as the sound of the stream once again became prominent.

I can see why Shiro likes this so much.

"If you built this place with Kunou…" I eventually asked, voice soft to not disturb my newly found tranquillity, "Surely you have stories about the experience?"

"Oh I do." She smiled, before launching into one with abundant fondness for her daughter, "The stream for example, it was built by us, but it's actually the third attempt. The first time, she didn't listen to me at all and…"

The rest of our time was spent like that, my head resting in her lap as she excitedly shared her fond memories with me. For once, no plots, schemes or worries intruded upon my every thought, only comfort and the amusement her stories bought.

Yasaka's debt she insisted she owed me seemed slightly overblown, but at that moment I was hardly complaining.

-XXX-

Rejuvenated from my surprisingly energising time with Yasaka, I moved on to my other plans for the day. It was early in the afternoon, perfect for what I hand scheduled. I had gained several members of my household, Ranni, Melina, Selene and Valerie. Although the Underworld was perfectly capable of sourcing anything you could want to buy, the markets and shops were some of the most luxurious in existence, it was also difficult to shop there.

I was rather famous and my Peerage was also well known. We were each held in different levels of regard, some of us more liked than others by the public, but we were all recognisable. That made large outings tedious, the constant gawking and petitioners tiring. To that end, I gathered everyone in my House for this outing, Kyoto being a centre of commerce that we could take advantage of.

To that end… "There are plenty on these cards, but their funds are not infinite. Have fun, but don't go overboard. If you need a refill, come find me or CC and we'll evaluate what you need it for. That said, I can see you are raring to go, so I won't keep you."

Waving at my peerage, they dispersed, anticipation filling the air. It was true, no matter how strong they were, there was something about shopping that spoke to the female creatures of this world. Naomi and Kasane went with Selene, the girl having grown to like Naomi. With them was Valerie, who Naomi was leading by her hand. CC and Melina went their own ways, while Shiro stayed by my side, her own hand slipping into mine.

Squeezing it, I smiled down at her but was spoken to by Tiamat, "I don't know why you dragged me into this, I don't like being on the surface. This human skin irritates me."

Indeed, she had taken the form of a complete human, no horn or slit eyes to be seen. Her hair was an odd colour, but that could be attributed to dye or a wig. All in all, she would stand out, but not as the Dragon she was.

"You're complaining?" I raised an eyebrow at her, "This is an opportunity to expand your hoard with anything that catches your eye, at no cost to yourself."

She crossed her arms, attempting to act like she was not tempted, "Gifts are often poisoned."

"Oh no." I deadpanned, "I gave you a lot of money so you can get anything that catches your fancy. What dastardly trap will I think up next?"

Shiro giggled at my sarcasm, while Ranni who had also remained by my side spoke to the Elder Dragon, "Mine Consort is repaying you for your good service, thou art a member of the Household and should be treated as such."

"Fine." Tiamat grumbled, "I can get the hint. Thank you, Sagan."

Taking the card, she soon also disappeared into the streets of Kyoto. Like the others, she did have her emergency beacon, but if Tiamat had to use that then it was highly unlikely I would be unaware of the commotion.

"Now Damocles, I must confess to being slightly at a loss." Was what Ranni said when we were alone, "Clothes and other material possessions are useless to me. I can merely reform mine own coverings and I am unsure what I could desire in this world."

"Mm." Shiro nodded, squeezing my hand, "I don't need anything either."

"That's fine. This was mostly for Selene and Valerie anyway." I reassured them, "Why don't we explore and if anything catches your eye we can pick it up then?"

"Very well." Ranni took my other arm between two of her own, an illusion around her to mask her obvious otherworldliness, "I must admit to being curious of this world. Many interesting technological wonders have been revealed to me, more appearing to mine eyes by the day."

"We'll do that then. Shall we see what we can find?" At their nods, we set off ourselves.

Kyoto was a marvellous city, very well suited for tourism. Thanks to magical translation and subtle hypnotism, there were hardly any places that were off limits to us. To ensure that this would go smoothly, I had acquired permission from Inari for this excursion into the Shinto territory. That allowed us to freely take in all the sights and experiences on offer.

The time was spent leisurely, window shopping leading into me convincing Shiro to try on and buy a kimono, the white and blue fabric complimenting her well and making her seem utterly adorable. Even Ranni proved to not be immune to her cuteness, the Goddess being more doting and affectionate in her distant way to the young girl.

We even visited Inari's Temple that was present in the city, although it was more a sight seeing exercise than any actual attempt to gain an audience with the Kitsune. Ranni had been curious as to how the temples of this land looked and operated and I saw no harm in indulging her. While we were wandering the ground and I was explaining the purpose of the Torii gates, I did catch the eye of the Temple's guardian spirit. The 7 tailed Kitsune didn't approach, merely giving a small bow of respect in passing.

Rather than hiking up the mountain, I did cast a small illusion and fly us up, getting an amazing view of the sprawling city below.

"Truly, the people of this world are astounding. This city is bigger than Leyndell, perhaps several times over." Ranni mused, eyes sweeping over the expanse of Humanity.

"This is one of the bigger cities in the world, but it truly is a sight to behold. From what I could remember, Leyndell had taller buildings, but without magic what the normal Humans have achieved is impressive." I responded.

"Indeed. The determination of the small folk must never be underestimated." Ranni nodded. Taking in the view for a while longer before retaking my arm in hers, "Come Consort, I wish to explore more."

So we did, visiting a restaurant which both Shiro and Ranni compared unfavourably to my own cooking, but thankfully I did bring some snacks to appease them. Shiro more than the Dark Moon. Our travels brought us to many different and interesting places, historical, ancient places blending into the modern surroundings in a unique way.

Of course, of all the things I expected from this trip, having to explain the cognito-hazard that was Anime to an Eldritch Goddess was not one of them. The two of them were mostly true to their word, not purchasing much, nothing really catching their eyes. They did pick up a few souvenirs here and there, but nothing that bore mention.

It was getting close to sundown and therefore our time to reunite with the rest of the Household, when a raven flew to the fence next to me. The birds had been a common sight all day, of course, but immediately I could tell something was different about this one. Flicking on my Geass, my suspicions were immediately confirmed, the corvid a swirling mass of mystical energy.

Ranni immediately noticed it as well, shooting a disdainful look at the avian interruption, "Truly, thou art a magnet for all sorts, my Knight."

"Sagan! Sagan!" The raven cawed, speaking my name in a scratchy but clear voice, "Follow! Follow!"

The bird then stared at me, as if awaiting an answer. Well, this was the strangest way I had ever been invited to a meeting. This was likely either a magician or a divine being attempting to speak to me on the sly. I admit to being intrigued, but I was not the only one present. Looking to my sides, I was met by a stoic Ranni and a small nod from Shiro.

"Very well. If one requires your attention, we should see why." Ranni sighed.

Shiro merely spoke softly, "I don't mind, Nii-san."

Turning back to the raven, I spoke to it, "Lead on then."

Its beak bobbed as it nodded in assent, taking wing and leading us deeper into the city. I expected its master to be a Shinto deity, based on where we were, or maybe a Tengu due to the method of communication. However, the being that the raven flew to was unmistakeable.

Tall, broad shouldered, old and wise. Resting on a park bench, gently stroking his returned familiar, next to him lying an ornate walking stick that screamed danger to my senses. Distinct Nordic features turned to regard my party as we approached, one blue eye peering at us with interest as the other was hidden behind an elaborate eyepatch.

"Well, meeting you both at the same time was not what I intended." He spoke, his dialect of choice definitely not Japanese, "But if the winds of fate decree it thus, who am I to argue?"

Stepping forwards, I spoke to the God, "I'm surprised too. I was unaware I had caught your interest, Odin."

The All-Father smiled at my words, "It's good to be recognised by the younger generation. Of course, you have brought a guest who has no knowledge of me. Allow me to introduce myself."

Standing, leaving the disguised Gungnir where it lay, he nodded in Ranni's direction with respect, placing his fist over his chest, "My name is Odin, Ranni of the Dark Moon. I am the King of Asgard."

Raising his head, he fixed us with a serious gaze, "There is much we have to discuss."