ShipTeaser

  Shiro’s gaze also strayed to another er of the packed hall, where Aimi sat alongside her boyfriend. She was wearing a fetg bck gown, one which had rather more ce than Aimi’s usual ensembles, and was clearly high quality. It was also paired with a lot of borrowed, high quality jewellery, gold and jade neckd earrings setting off Aimi’s charms nicely. That’s a dress from Natsumi’s family. She looks good. But then, Aimi always retty. Even Aki used to fantasise about her. He’d better not now though, or else…

  Beside her was her elusive boyfriend, who had a job w for Fujiwara house. He was a little older than Aimi, seemingly, and quite handsome, and his suit was also clearly very expensive. Shiro had her s, of course, especially if he was involved in the suspicious aspects of the Tengokusentou handover, but Aimi was insistent he was a good boyfriend, even if he’d been distant tely because of the pressures of work. I’ll give him the be of the doubt. But if he turns out rotten or breaks Aimi’s heart, he’s dead.

  You are rather overprotective, princess. I find it amusing you feel yourself so wise and experienow.

  Don’t be cheeky, Tan. I don’t o be in a retionship to look out for my friends. Anyway… the fact he’s here is a point in his favour, I suppose. Shiro had asked Aimi if she was sure she wao e today. While Shiro and Hinata were very fident they could keep everyone safe if there was dahere was no poiing fate. I guess Aimi doesn’t want to look weak, she wants to be supportive.

  Shaking her head, Shiro frowned, listening to Hinata speak. I guess we’ll find out sooner rather than ter. I ’t say I’m looking forward to what answers we get though…

  [colpse]

  Takatsukasa (Fukumoto) Hinata, The Tengokusentou, Tokyo

  “Good afternoon, our distinguished guests.” The lead delegate of the Ruby Group spoke into the microphone, his slightly ated Japanese amplified and spreading around the packed hall. “I thank you for attending this… handover… of the reengokusentou.” With his expensive crimson suit and ruby jewellery, he almost looked like he was dipped in blood.

  Fujiwara-sama curled his lip in a show of annoyance, and Hinata privately agreed. Hahis is simply extortion. Not even business. Profit is a good thing, but the best deals are those where both sides walk away thinking they got the best of it.

  “It is reat honour, to return this treasured…” As the man tio speak meaningless, clearly false ptitudes, Hinata exged anh Shiro. The tension as palpable. At any moment, trouble was sure to break out, and they had been ready, their ons uhe antique chairs, but that momentum had been stymied by this situation, throwing them off a little.

  Hinata shifted her head a little, gng at Nozomi and Arisa. They were both gring at the brother of Nozomi’s erstwhile fiancé, having finally realised that Nozomi wasn’t loved at all, and that the Kuwahara house had been involved irayal that effectively destroyed Shiraishi house. It may be heartbreaking, but at st Nozomi doesn’t have to marry a man who will only exploit her and hold her in pt. Instead, she has a bright future… assuming we don’t run into a fatal problem here.

  Seeing the unease on Hinata’s face, Shiro spoke up with a fident whisper, rolling her obsidia the ptitude filled speech of the Ruby Group executive. “Don’t worry. If things get troublesome Tan will take care of it.”

  “That’s what I’m worried about.” Hinata muttered back. “She’s… rather destructive. If the historigokusentou catches fire, it’ll be a disaster, and screw up my pns.”

  “How rude.” One of Shiro’s eyes flickered red zily, and Hinata had to chuckle at the nguid, slightly offeohat came from her lips. Foddess, Ta?hā’s attitude is rather… amusing. Whether that’s Akio’s influence or Shiro’s, it’s hard to say, but I certainly find it iing.

  “I am an appreciator of beauty. My own abode, far from here, is a simple yet elegant treasure. I would not carelessly damage such a site. However…” Her eye narrowed, and Hinata could feel aether rising. “…things be repced, but when a mortal perishes, their spirit is lost forever. Ordinarily.” Ta?hā admitted then, and Hinata’s grin broadened, as she half-listeo the rambling of the executive up on the podium.

  “But relying on miracles is not a wise endeavour. There are many here who the princess wishes to prioritise. If I must burn this pce to ashes to eheir safety, then I shall sate my thirst with abandon.”

  “She’s such a tsundere.” Shiro giggled quietly. “I swore o be one myself, but Tan’s a cssic case. She’s worried about us. And about how Aki would take our deaths. Oh well…” Shiro cpped her hands quietly, just as the executive was finishing up his speech. “Re it’s time to use Iaea’s Favour?”

  “And now… while Hidemasa-sama is uo atteoday, his her and his niece are in attendahe executive gri Fujiwara-sama and Miyu, with seeming good humour. “Hidemasa-sama did sterling work with us to make this deal possible. A deal that opens true cooperatioween the Ruby Group and our backers, and the nobility of Japan led by Fujiwara house. Irying times, that is surely a good thing. So… Hidemasa-sama’s right-hand man in these iations… e up and say a few words!”

  At that, Aimi-san’s boyfriend stood up, a proud expression on his face. Beside him, Aimi-san also seemed happy, and Hinata felt a brief pang of worry for her. I don’t know her well, but as Akio’s close friend… no, there’s no reason to believe that her boyfriend is involved in any scheme. After all… he’s here. But… with Hidemasa-san absent, and no phone signals…

  Shiro seemed to be equally troubled, but oddly enough, it was Mayumi who spoke up, frowning. “From what I have heard, Hidemasa-sama is… eager… to get your attention and praise, Fujiwara-sama.”

  Fujiwara-sama nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing. “Yes, he does crave my approval, though he does little of o earn it. When I am watg.” Hinata didn’t fail to notice the brief expression of pain that crossed Fujiwara-sama’s face. “Going against me openly would be… unthinkable. Though…” He gnced back at his granddaughter Miyu, who was listening ily, as Aimi-san’s boyfriend began his speech, thanking Hidemasa-san for his hard work iing the table for the successful iations.

  Successful? We overpaid many times over. If he was in charge of Fujiwara house, they would end up like Takatsukasa house in short order. Near bankrupt. Though if I am being charitable, money was hardly the issue here.

  “There’s no point speg.” Shiro seemed motivated by Aimi-san’s potential plight, so with a surge of energy, Ta?hā called upon her ability, and Hinata could sehe aether clearly, now she had her own powerful posite Favour. A near-invisible wave of aether radiated outwards, Ta?hā’s ruby eye glittering with rainbow lights.

  “Make ready…” Hinata whispered, and Nozomi, Arisa, Miyu, Michiru and Kazumi all reached down, ready to grab their ons at a moment’s notice. I hope it’s nothing, but… there’s too much evideo the trary…

  “As I suspected. Two possessing Divine Favours…” Shiro’s now crimson eye narrowed as Ta?hā whispered her findings. The red-suited men seemed unfortable, likely sensing the ge iher around the Tengokusentou, firming more of Hinata’s jecture. Her expression then shifted to one of disgust. “…no, not two. Five. There are those outside, and worse… they reek of the arrogant Throne.”

  “Why?” Mayumi spoke up quietly for all of them. Aimi-san’s boyfriend was still happily giving his speech, seeming proud of his achievements, though obviously some eyes were still on their very important group, so they had to be circumspect. “Are… are they here for you, Hinata?”

  “I don’t see how. After all, I was surely beh their notice before, and I only gained my Favour these past couple of days.” Hinata shook her head minutely, the sudden spike in the danger of the situation making her sweat. No, there’s o fear. I may be o this, and g practical experience, but… I’ve heard of how Midas supposedly did battle…

  “Those that call themselves the Throhe Ninth Heaven…” Ta?hā curled Shiro’s lip in disdain at the words, as though they offended her. “…have many advahey perhaps could have divined your rength, or worse…” She paused, a grimace crossing Shiro’s perfect features. “…if they are aware I am here, they would balk at naught t me down. I have been cautious, but at times I have been forced to act… if so…”

  The speech had lost everyone’s attention. Aimi-san’s boyfriend hadn’t noticed, so proud and eager he was, but some of the red-cd men were clearly on edge.

  “…I fear I may be a cause of trouble.” Ta?hā finished. “I had little i of ag precipitously, and perhaps with Divine Possession, I have been noticed.”

  “That doesn’t matter.” Shiro whispered. “You’ve always been an. And if there’s sequences… you’ll deal with them, right?”

  “Of course!” Ta?hā seemed almost offended. “I have no fear of a few dogs of the Throne, and I am not alone here. Though…” She wrinkled her nose, and Hinata noticed a faint, sickly-sweet smell. It was Miyu who spoke up though, having also noticed.

  “Do you smell that? It is rather cloying, like inse, though without any hint of subtlety. It is too sweet, like burned sugar…”

  Hinata hough Mayumi and the others didn’t seem to be able to detect it, which made her wary. “Yeah, it’s faint, but… growing stronger. It’s not poison gas, is it? I hear some of those smell sweet.”

  “Honoured father would never make such a mistake.” Michiru decred, offended. “Every vent and location would have been checked thhly for such things.”

  “It is not gas.” Ta?hā decred, the one ruby eye she was using narrowed ominously, making Shiro appear rather ical. “Not in ways you uand. It is an ability, a Favour, if you will.” She licked Shiro’s lips, and Hinata noticed they were dry and cracked. “One I reise. Sāng.”

  Everyone seemed fused at that, Hinata included, so Ta?hā hastily expined. “The Three Worms of Misfortuhey are a spiritual affli. This ohe sed Worm, it attacks the Dantian known as the Crimson Paear the heart. I see. It all bees clear to me now.”

  “Should we be worried?” Hinata asked, frowning. “There are too many important people here. Though if they all perish, then it will mean war with the Ruby Group… Japan’s revenge will be terrible…”

  “Though that will n back the dead, will it?” Fujiwara-sama pointed out, and uncle Kira nodded.

  “Yes, the nobility would be quite paralysed, and…” He g Miyu meaningfully.

  “You do not mean that uncle Hidemasa-sama…” Miyu trailed off, before a stern expression crossed her beautiful, elegant face. “No, I ot turn away from difficult things anymore. I have no wish to repce Honoka-san as your heir, grandfather, and I ot in any case, as I am merely a humble Vassal to Akio-san. But… if uhinks I am a threat to his ambitions…”

  “That’s all very well, but… what do we do? If it’s some spiritual pgue… shit, I’m getting Hyath fshbacks…” Shiro was sweating, and Hinata couldn’t help but agree. If we assume it is simir, then we could already be exposed and are doomed…

  “Remain calm.” Ta?hā’s voice was ster quiet. Aimi-san’s boyfriend was still talking, though he was faltering a little, seeming to sense a ge imosphere. “The Sāng are dangerous, and ihose exposed would likely suffer death quickly, from seemingly natural causes, but…” Her crimson eye gleamed coldly. “…this is only an imitation, an ability. So…”

  “If they’re airbor’s a shame we’re short on petent wind users.” Hinata mused. “If Shaeu was here, we’d be fine.”

  “Tan has a solution, I imagine?” Shiro suddenly rexed, and Ta out a chuckle.

  “Indeed. Not a… long-term one, but it shall suffice. After all… we are the cicada, so we must deal with the mantis before us, as the oriole stalks us both from behind.”

  That sounds like something Daiyu would say. It’s not a hard expression to uand though. But… I get why the Ruby Group might attempt this. If these Worms don’t astantly, and the causes of death are varied, heart attacks, strokes and so forth… well, it would certainly be extremely suspicious, and the nobility would surely dig into it… but with the Three Grandfathers dead, and potentially other chaos… Hinata g Miyu, who nodded slowly, uanding. …their aims would likely still be served, and if the Ruby Group is simply a front, they disappear, their task succeeded. But… the Church of True Revetion… if they attack us here… the sequences would be ruinous…

  As Hinata’s thoughts raced, Ta?hā stood up, drawing all attention. Aimi-san’s boyfriend paused, frowning at the rudeness, and a number of other distinguished guests who weren’t sitting with their big group also looked rather disgrua?hā paid them no mind, of course. Now both of Shiro’s eyes and her hair were all a brilliant crimson, faint fmes flickering, and the bination of Ta?hā’s immense fidend Shiro’s stunning looks made her seem like an Empress, drawing all eyes and sileng dissent.

  She opened her parched lips to speak, and her loud t out. Miyu narrowed her eyes, as did Hinata, as an unfortable absence was suddenly felt around then, the aether levels dropping away to a bare minimum. “I deny you! Abrogation!”

  “What is the meaning of…” one of the red-cd men began, only to freeze as Ta?hā gred at him, lig her lips.

  “You know precisely what, foolish one. Your scheme, while clever, has failed. I am She Who Thirsts, the false Sāng will avail you naught here. As for you…” She turned, gring at another of those red, likely the sed Chosen, Hinata surmised. “…your efforts to obfuscate are worthless. If you aim to act against us…”

  “What… what’s going on?” Aimi-san’s boyfriend asked, uo look away from Ta?hā, which would certainly annoy Aimi-san, Hinata supposed. He then shook himself, as though gathering his will, and go where Fujiwara-sama and the others were sitting. Seeing they made no protest, he was unsure of how to proceed.

  “And you would be…?” The red-cd man Ta?hā had addressed ighe fused employee of Fujiwara house, merely gring at Ta?hā.

  “I would be one who you should never have provoked.” Ta?hā tossed her long, bzing red hair. “Now, yield and accept my judgement, before our uninvited guests cause further troubles.”

  It’s time. Hinata reached under her chair, revealing her on, to gasps from those around them who were ordinary guests. As the others followed suit, she was actually feeling a little relief mixed in with her fear. The uainty is over, now for a…

  “This is most irregur…” Aimi-san’s boyfriend muttered, unsure of how to proceed, when the lead figure in his red suit snorted loudly.

  “It seems we have caught some bigger fish thaicipated. Though I have no idea just what you are insinuating.” He tried to dissemble.

  “I think you know all too well.” Ta?hā shen she suddenly snapped her head around, towards the entrance of the hall, as a Fujiwara Security operative rushed in, looking armed.

  “It’s an emergency… outside…” He seemed panicked, quite uhe usual well-trained calm of a professional bodyguard, and Hinata khe situation had taken a turn for the worse. Fujiwara-sama stood, his expression calm yet furious, and he quickly began to bark orders to the security personnel in the room. Hinata looked to Shiro, no, Ta?hā, who grinned balefully.

  “The fish you feel you have caught is no fish at all, but a great whale, and it will pull you under if you persist in your folly.” She fixed the red-cd man with her equally crimson, burning gre. “The Throne are surely no allies of yours. You have a choice. Face my wrath here and now, or perhaps find a way to survive another day…”

  Before he could speak, Aimi-san’s boyfriend spoke up, pletely thrown off by everything. “Just what is going on…” His words were drowned out by a colossal explosion, and the walls of the Tengokusentou shook, dust and fragments of pster falling from the ceiling and walls.

  Damn it all, the Tengokusentou ’t be damaged! Hinata, angry, barked out an order troup. “Everyone, form up. We have to protect the dignitaries here. Nozomi, Arisa, time to show you have what it takes. After all… the Tengokusentou belongs to the Shiraishi house, yes?”

  The older sister, Nozomi, nodded. Her eyes were tearing up as usual, but she wasn’t g, and there was a look of resolve in her eyes. Her younger sister seemed surprised, but she soon pumped herself up, her usual fiery, protective temperament reasserting itself. “e on big sister, we do this!” Arisa decred, and armed with their ons as members of Adamant, they began tahe others.

  Aimi-san came rushing over, her worry about looking out of pd causing trouble for her boyfriend fotten. She seemed calm regarding the attack though, and Hinata couldn’t help but think she was definitely Akio and Shiro’s friend. “Do you need me to do anything?”

  Ta?hā shook her head, and it was Shiro who spoke up. “Help with the evacuation. And go grab your boyfriend. He looks lost. Might as well make a good impression on him. As for you…” She scowled at the red-cd men and especially at the man from Kuwahara house. “…your choice. Your scheme has been exposed. You fight us here and die, or try and make yourself useful.” Another loud explosion rocked the Tengokusentou, and Ta?hā was in charge again.

  “Hot, you worms will certainly face your own misfortunes. I am not the fiving sort, I thirst to avenge all slights against me. And scheming to defeat me is ughable. However… I have learhe merits to mercy of te.” Fmes bzed around her, and Hinata shielded her face, though the heat was more spiritual than physical. “And I do so detest the so-called Throher more than you. Make your decision swifty… and wisely.”

  With that, Ta?hā tossed her head regally, crimson hair streaming out behind her, and turned away. “Hinata. We must act swiftly, if you wish to preserve this pce.”

  Hinata nodded. I know that. I’m fident rotect the dignitaries, barring ued setbacks, but… “Miyu, it’s time to dance.”

  Fujiwara-sama seemed both worried and curious at that, but Miyu merely stood, and havirieved her own ons, which were a pair of ornate silver and bluesteel fans, designed by Ixitt to enhahe aether and elements her dance geed, she o Michiru. “Please, defend me. I have… s I shall be targeted.”

  “If they try, they shall perish, I swear it, or I am not Michiru Koga!” she decred, her red scarf fpping.

  Miyu then began to dance, a graceful and elegant dispy, her every move impeccable and measured. Even in the chaotic, desperate situation, she drew all eyes, and as she dahe air around her darkened nearly imperceptibly, only Hinata’s newfound strengths allowio notice. A faint haze of blue, the presence of darkness element was building, spreading outwards, walls and other obstacles no bar to it, and Hinata khat soon their enemies would suffer under her efforts. tinuous debuffs, as Akio, Shiro and Shaeu would call it. So long as we protect Miyu, the lohis drags out the greater our advantage…

  “ we trust them?” Mayumi asked, gng at the members of the Ruby Group, who seemed paralysed with indecision.

  “Hardly.” Hinata shook her head. “Though it would be great if they pitched in here. I don’t fancy a three-way struggle. Motoko says that’s the worst way to fight a battle.”

  “And she would be right.” uncle Kira agreed. “But it is better to have a petent foe than an uain ally.”

  As the sounds of battle outside intensified, Ta?hā agreed. “Fortunately, we have ample advantages.” She Miyu. “And I am here. It is time, princess.” With that, Ta?hā’s presence became more real, a heavy weight, as Shiro’s skin darkeo a rich brown, and her allure grew explosively. Even uncle Kira seemed mesmerised for a minute, only to snap out of it as Hinata ughed.

  “Sorry, uncle, she’s for Akio. If you want to die going for the forbidden fruit at ye, ght ahead.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it…” uncle Kira managed after a moment, though he was sweating, his forehead glistening with specks of water. “…but that is certainly something.”

  “I am a Goddess. Even this small part of my strength that the princess maintain is Divia?hā she members of the Ruby group were truly horrified now, and Hinata was gratified to see that the Kuwahara nuisance had actually been sick, soiling his expensive suit. As well you might be. Your schemes have e undone, and you now realise just who you’ve double-crossed.

  “Now…” Ta?hā decred, casting o g the red-cd Cultivators, before she held her palms together, creating a ball of glowing fme, which she tossed to Michiru. The bodyguard caught it gingerly, seeming surprised that it didn’t scald her. “…we must go. Are you ready?”

  Hinata nodded. As I ever be. “e on.”

  It didn’t take the group long to reach the chaos. The beautiful grounds of the Tengokusentou were a battlefield, and Nozomi’s eyes did shed some tears at the sight, and she wasn’t alohe fierce Arisa also wailing at the se. Trees and bushes that had flowered here for more than a tury were ruined, destroyed by fme and explosions, and the immacute grounds were smouldering. The Tengokusentou hadn’t been spared either, the outer wall charred, oained gss window having caved in, but fortuhe structure still seemed sound.

  The ke the Tengokusentou bordered was ing, and a figure white was standing on the surface as if it was solid, direg the battle. Armed Fujiwara Security staff, as well as the more eclectic forces led by Koga-san, were engaging a motley crew of warriors in white, and what looked like ordinary civilians, except they were armed with automatic rifles, rocket propelled grenades and other heavy ons. The surrounds of Tokyo were also boiling, the civilian popution torween fleeing and filming the chaotic se. Even as Hinata watched the chaos, the air was tinted blue, Miyu’s Dance spreading, and the nearby assaints staggered, the stro slowing, the weaker or injured ones even colpsing, coughing blood and bile.

  This… “It just defies belief…” Hinata mao say. Behind her, a corridor was being formed by the security to take Fujiwara-sama and the others to safety. “Why… how they hope to profit from this? This is terrorism, pin and simple.”

  Fme roared, a brilliant spear pierg through two white-cd figures, turning them to ash. Ta?hā stepped up, her presence overwhelming, her League, even though it wasn’t being used to oppress Hinata, stifling. “Terror? Apt. The Throne knows how to wield the whip, and reward with the hohis is their method of subjugation. Decapitate the head, and the body rots, no? If they defeat those who stand against them, and break the spirits of those who would perhaps oppose them, sowing discord and division through diverse means…” More fme surged, Ta?hā showing no mercy at all. Bullets whizzed at them, and Hinata waved her hand.

  “Golden Fleece!” A cloak of fluffy golden wire materialised in front of her, and the impacts were absorbed.

  “The Midas Touch!” The deformed cloak disied, bullets dropping spent to the ground, and the polde scattered. The assaints seemed unharmed for a moment, before clutg at their throats and g at their faces. Blood foamed, their lungs destroyed by the creeping golden powder, and as they colpsed, Hinata froze, mind reeling at what she had done, before she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turo see Mayumi, who should have retreated, there beside her, Ta?hā looking on approvingly.

  “Don’t panic, Hinata. You’re strohan that.” Fmes bloomed, a great bzing wheel cutting through the ruined grounds of the Tengokusentou, heading for the man striding across the ke. Hinata winced, and Ta?hā looked a little apologetic.

  “Fme is not a… subtle… element. Have s, I am certain that Asha, that being you call a Dryad, restore the nature here to what it was. She is most skilled. Most skilled indeed.”

  “Yeah… I guess so.” Hinata shook her head to clear the fog from it, and Mayumi squeezed her tighter.

  “They came for us, remember? And… they’ve killed.” Indeed, bodies of brave Fujiwara staffers were lying amidst the bsted gardens, having died for their paychecks, and Hinata nodded once.

  “Yes. You’re right. Besides…” Hinata swallowed, but despite that her mouth was so terribly dry. “…it’s just like money. In the wrong hands, it be used for crimes and to harm others. But in the right hands it creates jobs, performs charity, makes the world better. Money has no sin… it’s all… how it’s used.” A great gale of golden dust blew around her, surging outwards. “It’s just… so insane. So wasteful. We should all work together. Instead… they’re ruining everything!” She was indignant, thinking of what they could do with the Favours these fanatics would lose this day.

  “Hardly, as.” The figure in white had maniputed the ke, and a colossal figure of water, some four metres tall, had formed, and caught the bzing wheel Ta?hā had summoned, making her frown in annoyahough she looked stunning, even doing that. “None uand the… hmm… you have heard of it, so I may speak of it… the Truesoul… as does the Throheir grasp of the Favours exceeds my father’s uanding many times over. No matter their recklessness, they seldom run dry of those with Favours. They afford losses we could ill stomach.” She licked her lips, her ow droplets of golden fme, as she forced the bzing wheel against the water elemental with effort of will. “As for this dispy… I fear they will be ag not just against us. Fear is only potent if it is widespread, universal. The greater the fear and the chaos, the more their enemies fear, and their allies g to their promises of salvation.”

  “Let me give you a hand!” Hinata grimaced, her golden dust p into the wheel. Gold was soft and easily melted, and so the wheel absorbed it, taking on a golden sheen, and the water elemental started to break apart, bright metal clumping within it, disrupting the aether than bound it.

  “Die!” A fanatical woman rushed forwards, an ordinary citizen, one you could see on any street er, except for the blood and ash on her face, and the rifle in her hands. Theaggered, looking down, seeing that blood ooling through her clothes. She clutched her stomach, and then toppled to the ground, dead.

  Hinata turned, only to see Nozomi there, her aetheric pistol in hand, trembling. “I… I…” she began, shocked at what she had done, but her sister grabbed her hand.

  “Look around you, big sister! Look what they’ve done…” Even so, her words were faint, and she too was shaking.

  Hinata opened her mouth to speak, to assure Nozomi that she had tried to save her, that she’d done a good thing, but again it was Ta?hā, despite her duel, who was the oo iserate.

  “The first life taken is always a bitter one. A, a life taken in defence of another is no shame. Again, this is what they do, the followers of the Ninth Heaven. Opposing them brings terror, despair, bitterness, they make you fear for your safety, they make your heart and spirit burn with pain for the things you must do to oppose them… they are so very practised at it, and they almost always win.”

  Seeing Nozomi, Arisa, Mayumi… seeing Aimi-san helping evacuate Fujiwara-sama and the others, seeing Koga-san, the brave Fujiwara Security… Hinata cast her gaze further out, seeing the ordinary people to Tokyo in the distance, horrified and fasated by the chaos, Hinata felt something cliside her. “Nozomi. Good job! You’re an Officer of Adamant! I know I bullied you into it, but… it means something.” A golden haled around her, as Hinata pulled out her Pot Of Faerie Gold, her treasure from the Tower of London.

  “Adamant has many meanings. Sure, Shaeu might have sidered us all brilliant diamonds, to adorn Akio… but that’s Shaeu. Me… I see us as precious treasures. Sparkling, shining, and valuable. And like diamonds, unbreakable. So dry those tears, Nozomi. I’m proud of you. And look around you! The Tengokusentou… I’m getting married here, just like the nobility before me. Don’t you want to as well? Isn’t this your true home?”

  Hinata’s Divine Favour, Ajé-Shaluga’s Golden River Of Prosperity And Treasures, radiated power. Fog it o, Hinata tried to manipute it. Ordinarily, it produced worthless tris and baubles, maybe sometimes aherite or two, but it could occasionally find a precious treasure, like the dagger she had found in it before.

  “Yes, look around us. This is madness…” This is a risk, I’m using up most of my strength, but… I get a good feeling, like… the Pot is hiding something that begs to be found, used… “I hate that fools like these have power. Instead to build a better world, they just want to tear us down… but…”

  There. I… grasp it… The pot shuddered. Miyu’s darkness element from her dance had thinned out the attackers, but those who were Chosen were still fighting hard. One white-cd fanatic opened fire, and Hinata was struck by several bullets, but with her stats and under-armour, it was merely painful, her flesh bruising. With a grimace of despair, Nozomi and Arisa returned fire, only for a whip of fme from Ta?hā to ie the foe.

  “…we’re here te a new, better Japan, no, not just Japan…” Hinata reached dowrength fading, her knees weak. Her body ached where she had been struck, and her heart ached too, but she was uerred. “…not even a better world, but…” Gng at Ta?hā, Hinata smirked knowingly, her expression cheeky and mog. “…a better everything. And those that try and stop us… they… they don’t have a p our lives!”

  With a cry, Hinata retrieved her daily treasure from the pot, Gold, Silver and Copper element gathering around a seed of glowing rainbow light, being drawn in. The Pot cracked, stressed beyond belief, spewing a halo of violet sparks, and Hinata felt a little guilty, but she set that thought aside. I fix it ter. If not me, then Ixitt or Bjarki … hopefully…

  A bzing golden light built up, first drawing in the silver element, growing, elongating. Then the copper poured in, f a cross-shaped protrusion of knotted wires, intricate and artistic. Lastly, the gold element was infused, and the light turned a brilliant golden-yellow, like the sun. Hinata felt her hands burn, but despite that, the heat felt fortable, like spring sunlight.

  “Is that… how fasating.” Ta?hā managed, but Hinata barely heard her. Gring at the Chosen who was standing on the ke, his water colossus still fightie the damage she and Ta?hā had dealt it, Hinata flourished her Fae bde she had retrieved from the depths of the Pot. The hilt and guard were ornate Celtiotwork, while the bde was a crystalline substaransparent and golde with an inner radiance.

  “The sword is drawher I am as unbreakable, as Adamant as diamond, or I shall fall here!” Hinata cried, and even without Akio’s Eye, she somehow khe name of the bde. “h Sois! Let golden light burn you away!”

  In a blinding fsh, the ke exploded into steam, the water elemental dispersing, and as the sword fell from her suddenly numb fingers, Hinata found herself grinning. “You want to terrorise us, make us submit by fearing the darkness… well, I’ll show you we hold a greater light!”

  ***

  Emily Jade Oshiro, the Oshiro estate, Tokyo

  “There’s a TV here, which should work.” Junpei pressed a button, and on one of the walls of the well-furnished and cosy underground pani and bunker, a rge television turned on, to the main Tokyo news el, which was broadcasting footage not just from their owe above, but Shirohebizumi shrine, Kyoto, several other pces in Japan and many others worldwide. Emily frowned, but on seeing how upset Hana was, as well as Tsukiko-’s parents, she smoothed out her expression. No, I o be calm. I know Eri and Ai are out there, but…

  “Nobody panic.” The little doll Azuki, who Emily found utterly adorable, especially the way she sulked and pouted at the slightest annoyance, kicked her legs oool she was siting on. “If they try to e down here…. I will send them to sleep!”

  “You do not seem sure, little Zashiki-Warashi.” The maimed Kitsune, whose real hey didn’t know, but who called herself Nebisuki, drawled. With her missing leg and shorn tails she cut a rather pitiful figure, but Emily still found her incredibly beautiful, and rather amusing. She then cast a g Hana. Though I see why Junpei and Hana dislike her. And not for the usual reasons of beautiful women hanging around Aki. But… it seems Eri and Aki have fiven her, so it’s unfair to hold a grudge.

  “I… you shut up!” Azuki pined. She was wary of the Kitsune, and rather defensive. “I am still not very strong, all I do is lull people to sleep, slow them down. You hardly expect me to fight! I watch a home, look after children…”

  Oh, that’s a bad thing to say right now. Emily felt sick with worry, and it must have shown on her face, as Taichi tried to fort her. He wasn’t a demonstrative man, especially in pany, but he could be sensitive when necessary. Except with Aki, oddly enough. Taichi has some very old-fashioned views on male roles and strengths. It’s so very Japanese. But… he’s starting to ge his views.

  “We have to believe in Eri and Aiko.” he decred, drawing all eyes away from the dreadful news oV. “They were fident, and… I hardly think it is mispced. After all…” He stared at Nebisuki, who had the grace to look a little abashed. “Eri has uood her own powerlessness before, and Aiko learned her lesson there as well.”

  “Yes, you… I still don’t knoe allow you to stay here!” Hana pined, gl at Nebisuki. “You pushed my little Eri into a life-or-death battle. She was horribly wounded and should have died!”

  Nebisuki’s two remaining tails wagged sadly, and her fox-ears y ft on her skull. They’re so adorable. I just want to fluff them. We never had a pet, Aki and Ai hate dogs, after all, but… no, that’s not important now.

  “Yes. I fess it.” Nebisuki agreed, surprising everyone. Seeing our shock, she grinned, stretg, and her ample assets bounced armingly. She’s bigger than me, and I’m not small. Though pared trandmother… hah, grandmother. Tamamo-no-Mae doesn’t look any older thawenties. I still ’t believe it. It’d be like meeting King Arthur or Merlin from the old myths. Though Shaeu did say the Lady of the Lake was real, so… it makes me wonder… no, this isn’t the time. Shaking her head to clear her rambling thoughts, Emily listened as the fox spoke solemnly.

  “I indeed allowed a situation where Eri ut i danger. After all, they were merely interlopers, who had caused the Parade much trouble. Besides…” Nebisuki chuckled self-depregly, looking alluring even doing that. “…I am a Kitsune. Chaos is in my nature. And I was starved for eai. After all… I believed I was to die soon. It was iable.” She g Tsukiko-, who had remained quiet, looking after her elderly parents, as well as Hana’s parents. They’re terrible gossips, and holy, hard to get along with, but… family is family.

  “I too know the folly of allowing what will be to determine what is.” Tsukiko- agreed softly. Emily could hardly tear her eyes away from her. Eri was beautiful, no question, Shaeu too, the noble girls as well. Emily roud that every one of her soon-to-be daughters-in-w were stunning, the sort of girl that any mother-in-w would be proud of. But two stood above them all, in terms of sheer, impossible perfe. Tsukiko- could be the avatar of a Goddess. That face, those eyes, those proportions! Aki’s such a lucky boy. Who says nice guys never win?

  “You would, yes, favoured of Tsukuyomi. Unlike Great Nurarihyon or most of the Hyakki Yagyō, I have little disgust for the so-called Gods.” Nebisuki snickered. “After all, what are they except beings with powers in excess of our own, just as we Yōkai are to humans… well, most humans.” she amended. “And your path was a hard one. Simir to mine, no, crueller. But just like me, you are now tied to your saviour.”

  “Tied?” Tsukiko- shook her head. “If you mean that I live purely through his Throne Of Heroes, then you are correct. However, that was my choice. Choices. I, who tried stantly to turn aside the Destined, feared the Definite, who tried to offer others choiever believed in it myself. But… I chose this. I still find it hard…” She smiled at her elderly parents. “…mother, father. I am unversed iricacies of ordinary human behaviour, of the feelings others share with one another. But I know I wish to feel them, to make up for lost time.”

  “Tsukiko… I have nht to stop you.” Her father whispered. “Your mother and I, we… we only saw the weight of the God you carried, your holiness. We… made mistakes.”

  “Everyone does.” Nebisuki barked a ugh, chewing oem of her ornate pipe. It wasn’t lit, and not just because they were in an enclosed bunker. After all, it had excellent air circution systems and purifiers. No, she had stopped smoking, because Aki didn’t approve of the habit, and didn’t want the others exposed to sed-hand smoke. It’s the little cute things like that which get me. I should loathe her, but…

  “It’s hardly a mistake…” Hana pressed, infuriated. Yes, while it’s wonderful to have a whole football team of daughters-in-w, it also causes fri. There’s… a lot of extended family.

  “I ask niveness.” Nebisuki shook her head. “And Eri herself no longer bmes me. Simply put, if Eri died there, I would have died too. I am no fool. That dreadful maid, Hyath… no, calling her dreadful is rather cold. I find her personality amusing, she is certainly closer to being a Yōkai in terms of temperament than a Fae. It would not have merely been the Kijo who perished under her wrath. No, I would be a deg, rotten corpse as well, alongside many of the Parade. Though Great Nurarihyon would have punished her and Akio too, no doubt. No, we all would have perished there. But you do not care about that. I uand.”

  Nebisuki ensive, and her gaze flickered to the TV. “No, Tsukiko. I believe iiny, but not quite as you do. It was all meant to be. However, that does not mean if we do naught, it would have e to pass. It was meant in that none of us could have doherwise. I was bitter, bored and spiteful, just looking for eaio while away my final few years, while perhaps putting a troublesome youngling in his pce. His grave, as it happened. Akio was too stubborn to back down when Eri was at stake, and she…”

  Nebisuki’s eyes narrowed and she smiled, looking rather more like a cat than a fox. “…had no qualms about fighting to the death. Just as she does not now.” She swung the versation back to Hana and Junpei’s worries. “A myriad of events could have shifted the paths of our futures. And it may seem self-serving to only crow about the result… but after all, I am a Kitsune. I am wicked and cheeky. So… the e is… you have naught to fear. Eri suffered, but through suffering is borrength. She is no weak little girl.”

  “I know that, but… look at the situation! There are guns and worse out there!” Hana pined, still fearful.

  “You still uimate Eri. And Aiko too.” Nebisuki tried to reassure Emily as well, which she appreciated. She’s… got a colourful past. But I don’t hold that against her.

  “Mere mortal onry will be rather useless against them. After all, Eri holds strong bonds with Akio, bonds that empower her. I…” She paused for a moment, orientihoughts. “…I spoke of Uranai’s prophecy, and it is irue that I and all my fellow Kitsune would perish, were grandmother not to return to us, and Akio and she shelter us.” Her smile turned rueful then, and Tsukiko- seemed to have a knowing gleam in her beautiful crimson eyes.

  “But prophed visions are seldom clear.” Tsukiko- uood. Her expression ged, now one of serious solemnity, and Emily was squealing in her heart, despite the danger outside. She’s so serious, yet that trasts with her almost girlish behaviours when it es to roma’s gap mht? No wonder Aki likes her.

  “What sounds so clear and simple seldom is, yet it leads to the correct result anyway. Though… not without efforts.” She echoed Nebisuki’s earlier words.

  “Indeed. Grandmother is o protect Akio’s seeds. He believes they are something, but…” She gestured to the s, where the newsreaders were stantly giving updates on various situations trywide and worldwide. “…I believe differently.”

  “I’m still worried.” Emily spoke up, uanding. “I know you said that Asha will be safe with Mae, but…”

  “Grandmother is far from her best, yet Akio has restored her with his talents.” Nebisuki assured her. “Any threat to the Dryad will be met by her swift and furious retribution. Grandmother is wicked indeed, and terrifying, but none harm those she chooses to protect without sequence.”

  “I am curious to meet the Cultivators from fifteen hundred years ago.” Tsukiko- agreed. “And it is a sad tale, but a heartwarming one.”

  “Aki would go that far for you, don’t worry!” Emily promised, and Tsukiko- ughed charmingly, a faint red flush on her cheeks.

  “He already has. Further than I believed possible. Which is why we should trust in Akio. And also in Eri, and Aiko, and all those who fight.” She was resolute. “That includes Tamamo-no-Mae and Asha. I believe the seeds will sprout, have no fear.”

  Emily nodded. “I hardly wait. Grandchildren. randchildren.” She addressed Hana, Junpei and Tsukiko-’s parents. “No matter the woman who bears them, they belong to us all. That’s what Aki says. Eri agreed too.”

  “It amuses me greatly. I am from a family more dysfunal than most. Yōkai are not known for family ties, and grandmother… she has shed more blood of her children and grandchildren than even our enemies. I have never sidered bearing offspring myself. After all, my time was short, and grandmother left a deep impression on me when she slew many of us, sparing only me. So I find it refreshing. And a little ical. But I agree. The future only works if you all share in it.” Nebisuki’s two tails shed. “I daresay our little Zashiki-Warashi is overjoyed. Childreheir treasures.”

  “I am.” Azuki nodded, her nervousness fotten. “Though… I wonder how Dryads will differ. Will they live in the home, or dwell outdoors?”

  “More to the point… grandmother is caught, as am I.” Nebisuki smirked, chewing on her pipe. “And there are none prouder than Tamamo-no-Mae, the only Kitsune whose name could not bind her until now, one of the Three Most Evil Yōkai… though really, it should be four. She has been an Empress, and a lowly sve, a Princess, a warrior, a witch, and a prisoner. She has sin many, and dispensed mercy to others. Always at her own whim. She has watched the world e and go for millennia, arapped in a frozen moment for equal ages. Now…”

  “Now?” Emily asked, holding her breath.

  “Now her path is a different one. I know my grandmother, as perhaps this Su Caihong do who yet live. Or perhaps Great Nurarihyon, though he seldom speaks of her. But grandmother’s pride will only accept oe, I am certain. And she will never wish to seem weak in front of he who has caught her invisible tail. So… I pity any who try and harm Asha. Grandmother will show them that even faded glories still outshine an upstart.”

  She leaned back, well-satisfied, and Emily nodded in relief. “That’s great. If anything bad was to happen to Asha…” She then frowhinking. “…but I’m a little bit torn, you know? I like older women for Aki, he needs a wiser head to take care of him, but… Mae is very… experienced. I mean, she’s already got grandchildren! And she likes girls too!”

  “True. I was quite hurt when Urakaze’s dear daughter called me a harlot.” Nebisuki chuckled. “It is true we foxes are lusty, grandmother more than most, but… does that not make the man that tames us, forces us to submit, a great one? Now that I shall live…. Once I am healed, I want to settle down. Grandmother… she has been imprisoned lohan many tries have existed. Her past is her past. Some might call Akio a wicked man, for his myriad of partners…”

  There were some wry smiles at that, Emily included, as she nodded.

  “…but we know better, yes?” Nebisuki finished her argument. “Men do like virgins, I know. It is pleasing to the ego. But… to discard a gem just because it has been touched before is foolish, and…”

  “I know. My Aki wouldn’t be so shallow.” Emily nodded. “But… she’s Tamamo-no-Mae!”

  “I know. A myth that shakes the world. But…” Nebisuki smirked. “…I think it more pusible a match than the Goddess that dwells within Shiro. She is a being older even than grandmother, and more powerful, and not even from this world. Yet an experienced woman knows.” She wihen. “Your thoughts are still mundane. Grandmother is hardly out of his reach. And… I would be pleased to see it. She has suffered much. Sinned much, yes, but… you humans believe many curious things, such as Purgatory, yes? I feel grandmother has suffered for her mistakes. And she start afresh. Besides… should she risk herself to save Asha and his unborn children, I doubt Akio will look unkindly upon her.”

  “I think… we should ge the subject.” Hana didn’t like talking about Aki and other women, which Emily uood. I’m just grateful that Hana and Junpei are kind people who want the best for Eri. Eri’s accepted it, so they have too. But… I get it. If it was Ai in a retionship with a man who had multiple girlfriends… I’d probably feel the same way. But… I wouldn’t have to worry. If he didn’t treat Ai right, Aki would teach him a harsh lesson.

  “Is… is this going to happen a lot?” Hana asked.

  “What, Aki attrag mythical beings and Goddesses?” Emily giggled, only to flush as Hana gave her a ft, angry look. “Sorry, bad joke.”

  “Yes. Because it’s not funny. I know this isn’t the end of that.” Hana sighed, exasperated. “I mean… this violehe danger?”

  It was Tsukiko- who answered, nodding slowly. “I fear so, yes. While we, as the epitre of the ging times, will attract flict as a lightning rod, even those who mind their own business will find trouble ing unbidden. The world has ged.”

  “It’s terrifying…” her mother said, and Tsukiko- forted her, appearing mature and fident.

  “It is. Yet… we have hope. Even above us now, no?” Tsukiko- shook her head. “I too have a decision to make. I still retaier potential than others. I should be one who join the fight.”

  Her parents protested, but Emily, totally proud of her, stepped in. “If you’re sure, I think you should follow your heart. I don’t really want Ai fighting. Aki her, obviously, but… I’ll support you. As will everyone else, Eri included, I’m sure.”

  Tsukiko- nodded, and Emily tinued, looking around at those trapped in the pani of their luxurious new mansion. I remember when we had nothing. Now we have a luxury mansion, outdoor hot springs, fancy cars… but what hasn’t ged is, we have each other. No, now there’s just more of us. “We’ve all e together for one reason. Aki’s gathered us all. But that doesn’t matter. We’re a family. And we have to help each other, especially when things are tough. There’s no point w about what ’t be ged. If Tsukiko- says the world is going to be dangerous… well, just above our heads we see that. But it’s not just us. It’s happening worldwide. So… we may not be able to fight, but we ’t be a burden. Instead… we have to support our children, make sure they always have good advice, support and love.”

  “Well said.” Taichi approved. “I do feel a little ashamed that the younger geion is bearing all these burdens, while we only provide a little support doing odd jobs aarial work. No, it is time we showed our adult calibre. After all, it is rather hypocritical for us to pin that our children are doing dangerous tasks, if we do not step up ourselves?”

  As Juhrew in his support, Emily couldn’t help but smile. She was still frightened, not for herself, but for Ai and Eri, and all those in danger. But… As she exged a knowing gh Hana, she made a decision herself. …I know Taichi doesn’t mean to fight, just that instead of c here in a safe room, it would be nice if we were more than just liabilities. I wonder… maybe we should learn Cultivation? That sounds iing, and I’m sure Daiyu would teach us… or maybe we should work os?

  Shaking her head, Emily k was a big decision to make, so… When Eri and Ai return safely, and Suzu- as well… we’ll talk…

  ShipTeaser