First - Takatsukasa (Fukumoto) Hinata, The Tengokusentou, Tokyo

  “You were supposed to be at sayumi.” Hinata rolled her eyes, amused and a little sympathetic. They were outside the impressive Tengokusentou, and it wasn’t somewhere Hinata was often allowed to attend in the past, as despite her mother being from Takatsukasa house, until Akio came into her life and they mahe effective takeover of said house, Hinata was seen as barely all. That reminds me… Sakura. We may have not seeo-eye, but… when I find out who has been spreading those tales, I’ll make them pay. No… there’s more at py here, I’m no fool.

  The Tengokusentou was a delightful old building, maintained impeccably, and was the favourite pce for weddings, funerals and special events to be held for the upper nobility. It bordered the beautiful Senzoku-ike ke, and the spacious grounds were filled with cherry and plum trees. While Hinata had heard her mother remark wistfully that in modern times the view had bee less special, due to the metropolitan build-up around it, it still was the most beautiful hotel and grounds in Tokyo. Ihe ten story pagoda-style building with its white ailing, chased with gold, was simply magnifit.

  Only today, it was crawling with Fujiwara Security, as well as several Chosen who had beehed by Fujiwara-san and uncle Kira. The loss of the two Chosen in South Africa had damaged Ichijou house, but he still had a few left, though one, a woman arently able healer, if not able to perform Chirurgery like Akio, wasn’t present. In addition, there were a number of inspicuous (and some rather visible) guards about, one of which was very tall for a Japanese man, well over six feet, and he was nearly bursting out of his bck suit, which aired with a garish crimson shirt and skinny bck tie. His bck hair was cut short, and he had a small, out of pce moustache.

  “Yes, well, I thought… you’d be lonely without me, since Akio-kun isn’t here!” Mayumi decred boldly, though Hinata held in a smile, knowing she was simply still afraid after the kidnapping. “Besides, this is a big deal, isn’t it?” Mayumi cast her gaze over their panions, the nervous Shiraishi sisters. They were both impeccably made up and wearing kimonos, as were Hinata and Mayumi, of course, Miyu too, who was apanied by Michiru, who looked like she wao go speak to the huge man, who resembled her facially. So that’s the fabled Koga-san, who supposedly heads a secret unit of agents and troubleshooters for Fujiwara-sama. Though his reputation as an oddball seems well deserved.

  Buit most shog of all was that Shiro, who Hinata had asked to apany her, was also wearing a kimono. White, of course, though it had a spsh of vivid red across one shoulder, a red spider lily. Shiro spoke up then, grinning in her usual insout manner. “Don’t mind her. She’s just ging to you. It makes sense, you’re reliable, Hinata.”

  Almost blushing at the praise, Hinata nodded happily. Yes, I get on well with Shiro. We’ve both got the same sort of pns for Akio. “True, and now I’m strohahough…” It wasn’t done, bodyguards weren’t luggage carriers, but Kazumi and Michiru, both dressed in the Hanafubuki school uniforms, as that table anywhere, were carrying suitcases taining some emergency items. “…I still have s.”

  Mayumi fli that, and Hinata knew her friend was still rather traumatised. I’ll get Haru- to see what she do when she’s free. Mayumi was in a bold and fshy bd white kimono, in stark trast to Hinata’s own purple one, and Miyu’s calm sakura pink.

  “Hence why you came to me, huh? Wise!” Shiro boasted. “I handle most problems, and if I ’t, Taainly . Though there’s one dreadful problem we ’t solve…”

  “Oh?” Mayumi took the bait. “Just what’s that then?” Mayumi, while she held nobility superior, was rather docile around Shiro, as her unnatural, unreal beauty crushed Mayumi’s prejudices.

  “It’s that Aki doesn’t get to see us all in our kimonos. I’ll have to send him a video.”

  “Oh.” Mayumi was relieved. “So, a simple matter to resolve then.”

  Shiro gnced over, her bck eyes meeting Hinata’s brown ones, and Hinata couldn’t help but chuckle. I think Mayumi’s missed the point, or else South Africa affected her more than she knows…

  “Uh, why… why are we here?” Shiraishi Arisa-, the younger daughter of the family, in a white and pink kimono, asked. “No, that’s not what I meant. I mean… why us alone, and not father and mother?”

  The older sister, the busty yet shy and soft Nozomi-san, nodded slowly. Her white kimono had goldeailing.

  “Isn’t that obvious?” Mayumi spoke up, eager to show her ary knowledge and dominance. “Grandfather and Fujiwara-sama spent a great deal of money aining the precious aral iance of your family. It’s not yours anymore. Though… the fact that you two are here and not your useless family should be an indication of what the pn is.”

  “That’s enough, Mayumi.” Hinata broke in. “This is a happy occasion. But…” Hinata the suitcase Kazumi carried. “…you know what’s in there, and what you promised.”

  The two sisters nodded, Nozomi-san with little vigour, and Arisa- rather sullenly, but they did it. Hinata noticed the group of her grandfather, uncle Kira, grandfather Itsuki and Fujiwara-sama were passing through the entranow, so they decided to pick up the pace, though it was amusing seeing Shiro walking ia sandals, something she wasn’t used to. Of course with her stats she quickly adapted and it’s almost annoying how graceful she be, although… Hinata couldn’t help but puff out her chest proudly, now that she had the same powers.

  As they reached the entrance, Koga-san smiled at them all. “Ojou-’s… Michiru.” His tone of speech was archaid formal, like an old-fashioned samurai, quite at odds with his appearahough now that Hinata had experieh warriors, she noticed that his stance was casual yet ready to react to an attack from any dire. After calling them all young girls of high standing, he addressed his daughter with some pride, though seeing her carrying a case he frowned.

  “Honoured father…” Michiru’s speech patterns ged, mimig Koga-san. “…I uand your s. But these items ot be handled by anyone else. Trust in me. I would never Miyu-sama’s safety, nor the others.” She seemed prideful. “Indeed, I am likely your matow, father!”

  “I see. Has my daughter grown up? That makes me sad.” He indeed smiled a touch sorrowfully. “But such boasting means you are still too green. Now…” He ushered the group aside to as not impede the flow of dignitaries. “…be alert.”

  “Is there trouble, honoured father?” Michiru asked, and he shrugged, his expression serious, though it oiled a little by his loud suit and ridiculous tiny moustache.

  “I always expect trouble. Let the frontmen of Fujiwara Security hold the line, we from the underground, we know hidden dangers. And… the nose knows.” He tapped his heatrically. “There’s something rotten here. Everyone knows it. But… I’ll get Shige-dono to safety, no matter what.”

  So, Michiru’s father is on first name basis with Fujiwara-sama, huh? I knew he was no ordinary man. I know Kozue hates her father, but Michiru deeply loves him. But if he’s alert… well, it’s not like I’m not. Shiro’s here after all, and we have the suitcases…

  “Miyu-sama will be safe too!” Michiru assured him. “As for the others…”

  “Don’t sweat it.” Shiro smiled cheerfully. “I’m here as security today. This kimono is a bit of a pain to move in, but… I always tear it off in an emergenow, don’t get the wrong idea…” She winked. “I’m wearing a bodysuit underh. One of Ixitt’s new specials, made like the Brigandine, just better. I’m not fshing anyone, or else the hotel and every guy in it would face the wrath of Aki. You girls tht?” He the Shiraishi sisters, whiven them as part of Adamant. I’m wearing ooo, it’s actually very fortable, and doesn’t dispce the bodyline of the kimono, so one doesn’t have to go without underwear, or wear the very annoying special set.

  “It would be a shame if you ruin it before Akio sees you in it.” Hinata teased, though she Koga-san. “Anyway, any particur areas of ?”

  “Yes, Hinata-ojou.” Koga-san leaned in spiratorially. “A hough do not think that your elders are foolish. We are aware of the troubles. It is why we are here.” His expression was sly and animated, quite uhe taciturn Michiru. Perhaps I see why Kozue is so exasperated with him. At least a little…

  Koga-san g the Shiraishi siblings with some sympathy. “Eldest Shiraishi-ojou’s ex-fiancé, Kuwahara Takehisa has deed to attend the event, instead sending his brother. This was ued, sidering his discovered involvement in this mess.” Hinata noticed that Koga-san offered no honorifics for the unworthy ex-fiancé of Nozomi-san. She also noticed that Nozomi-san’s face had crumpled, tears threating to break free, but her sister held her hand discretely, trying to fort her.

  “You’d have to be pretty stupid to turn up at a where you’d screwed the important bigwigs of Japan out of billions of yen, right?” Shiro remarked. “Although, you’d also have to be rather arrogant to do it in the first pce, knowing you’d get found out. So yeah, I see why he’d not be here.”

  “More to the point, while the Ruby Group has sent delegates to oversee the handover now the money has been paid…” Koga-san interjected politely, agreeing with Shiro’s assessment. “…none of their top executives have bee.”

  “Just… how much did the recovery cost?” Nozomi-san asked timidly, her voice damp with sad emotion.

  “More than I shall see in a lifetime, Shiraishi-ojou.” Koga-san waved one hand, imagining. As the two sisters went a ghastly shade of white, Nozomi-san sagging, though Arisa- was easily able to support her with Chirurgery-enharength, Hinata advised them to be quiet, and that matter would be settled ter. Yes, it’s already pnned out, I know. Though we be, uncle Kira and Fujiwara-sama have their owoo.

  “Do go on.” Hinata tinued. “I expect you are now going to say Honoka-san and Hidemasa-sa in attendaher, instead, Fujiwara-sama had t Miyu.” Her level of honorifics was quite different for Fujiwara-sama’s son, as she had heard that he was a rather weak man, which made all this very strange. Koga-san noticed, giving her a wry smile.

  “You have quite the perception, Hinata-ojou.” Koga-san agreed. “Normally, Hidemasa-dono would be eager to impress his father. Perhaps he has learhe wisdom of appearing humble, but…”

  “Taken as a pattern, there’s no doubt something’s up.” Shiro nodded sharply.

  “Yes, ojou.” Koga-san nodded. “Now, I have kept you long enough. Just… be wary. Though we are on high alert, do not fear. Anything you otice, assume we have already. After all, rofessionals!”

  “Uood.” Hinata agreed, and as they were ushered inside, she looked around appreciatively at the beautiful marble stru. The task to install modern veniences had been a great work, and Hinata had been surprised the worthless Shiraishi family had been able to do it, but on asking, apparently Fujiwara-sama had supervised it. Addiricity without damaging the artistry of the architecture must have been a struggle.

  “The meeting is in the grand hall on the fourth floor, the Heavenly Blossom Chamber.” Hinata mentioned, amused by the name. “So, stay alert, everyone. Our own safety es first, but then we o protect those around us.”

  “Already expeg something will happen, Hinata?” Mayumi ale, perhaps wishing she had stayed at school after all, but Shiro spped her on the back reassuringly.

  “Rex, Mayumi. Aki might not be here, but we are.” She looked around, seeing some of the open rooms. “Hey, let’s shoot a video for Aki. Got to show off, right?”

  Shiro ushered everyone inside, and Hinata held in a ugh. Trying to cheer our upset girls up, huh? From what I’ve been told of Shiro, she used to be rather selfish, now she’s trying to fort others. Love ges a person, it seems? I’ve been ged too, in more ways than one. Shiro shot a video, just of the girls posing, with some amusing entary, but wheried to send the video to Akio, it wouldn’t go.

  “Of course it won’t.” Hinata remembered. “There’s a phone suppressing system in the grounds of the Tengokusentou, too many important people do business here. You need a Fujihoo make it work. Send it to me and I’ll do it.”

  Shiro nodded, and as their phones ected wirelessly, the video was transferred. Hinata started sending it to Akio without issue, but halfway, the phone disected, losing signal.

  “Looks like your phone’s gooo.” Shiro observed with a smirk, though Hinata noticed her worry. Mayumi agreed her phone was also not w, her was Miyu’s, nor the Shiraishi’s.

  “So, I’ll take Koga-san at his word and that they’ve noticed this. But… everyoime to open the cases…” Hinata ordered, and with professional ease, Kazumi and Michiru opeheir burdens…

  ***

  Sed- Judgement-Cardinal Luca Aloisio - Akio's Territory, The Boundary, Tokyo

  “ehe assault!” Luca ordered. In the Earthly world of mortals, where the sinners and the foolish who stuck their heads in the sand like ostriches, awaiting their end, dwelt, multiple raids would be eng. While Luca hated myths that were not of the Throne, one resonated with him, that of the Hydra of Lerna. Our foe has many heads. And unless we cut them all, he will recover iime. That ot be allowed to happen. The Revetion-Cardinal knows this. Those who have what they should not, those who are a dao us, and those who shall suffer swift and righteous vengeance. For vengeance is mine, I will repay, sayeth the Throne.

  There was a trace of uhin his heart. Old Maximillian could certainly hold his own, and when swinging the Crucis Purgationis, none were his equal in battle. Likewise, Ortiz could wield his whip firmly still, destroying flesh and spirit of a sinner alike. No, it was the newers, that brother and sister pair, who bothered him. Their tasks are important too. But while they are the successors to their Seats, they are untried, raw. I fear they may fail purposelessly, as Mary Stuart did.

  As the Choir lined up outside the filthy Desecrated Ground of that bastard Akio who had killed Mary Stuart, Luca shook off his grim thoughts. Breaking wheel in one hand, and a shdius bde iher, he swung that down, signalling for the start. The seven faithful that made up this one of Konstantina’s Choirs were few in number, pared to the Martyred Dead that were gathered in their many hundreds. Bringing them across the seas was a great challenge, but long had the preparations been made, so sowing them as the mythical Dragon’s Teeth circumvehat. Though the bitter irony was hardly lost on Luca, using the adherence from a false mythology tthen and transpood, pious faithful who gave over their sprits ih to the cause, knowing that their ast unto the Ninth Heaven would be deyed many hundreds, maybe thousands of years.

  Though of course, what is time to the dead, and any dey is worth waiting for paradise. “And on the seventh day, seven horns shall blow, and the walls of the wicked that defy those who serve the Throne shall be cast down. False Jericho, shatter. Let the Horns blow!” At his prayer, the seven members of the Choir raised trumpets chased with gold and bronze, and a loud, sonorous note resounded from them.

  “Make ready.” Luahe Judges and their squires, who were to guide the Martyred Dead. “They likely have reinforts, but we seal them, and the atta Godless Kyoto should be mirr ours, splitting their focus.

  “By the Lord, we shall do his will!” The Judges intoned, kneeling, and Luca blessed them with a beion, even as the noise of the hrew and grew, a wave of oppressive sound pressing in ohere was a shivering cry, a noise like breaking gss, and the reventing them from entering colpsed, as if it had never been.

  Yes, faith is a powerful on. And it has been stolen from us most bsphemously. But it shall all be recimed, and that which has profited from tainted faith shall be hewn down. For the Tree of Knowledge belongs only to the Lord, not to impious, false men. “Let the Martyred Dead blossom. Deus vult! Os bene vult! Spiritus vult id! By the Lord, Bone and Spirit, the Martyred Dead walk again!”

  No longer were they the shambling, imposi clumsy warriors Mary Stuart had anded. While the greatest still y within the crypts, tombs and ossuaries that held them, those uhed now could be charged with suitable faith, adherehat released a little of the spirit tied to the dusty bones, giving it animus and a certain measure of intelligend skill they possessed when they were mortal. There are dao this course of aany will call us butchers, monsters… but the Lord was unfling when he hardened Pharoh’s heart ahe Angel of Death… and so must we be. And in that growing sense of fear, awe and worship, strength is found…

  The Linked Seraphim inside him burned as the skeletal forces marched in, their eyes glimmering with a faint indigo light, wisps of many colours shimmering on their bones. Almost immediately, the weight of the profane area oppressed them, but with his sed Favour from the Lord, he was able to resist it, feeling it as no more annoying than raindrops in summer. “Pathetic!” Luca roared, the faith of the Ninth Heaven surging through him, terag the profane, desecrated effect.

  The Martyred Dead advanced, and from a distance bolts of aether flew, crude Defences sparking, and that was followed by a rain of arrows, cttering off the bones, doing only minor damage. Lueered, ughing at the crude Fae creatures he could see in the distance, scurrying weasels. They weren’t worth his time, he could leave them to the Judges te. They are no danger, despite what they think.

  Indeed, now that the only one who could threaten him, that accursed sinner Akio, was absent, it was only a matter of time to crush the Hydra that faced them, to rip the tree of false knowledge out by the roots. And even in the event that not every a achieved the desired effect… Luca shrugged, breaking wheel in hand, using it to block a few errant arrows that swept his way, as he tio adva breakneck speed. The Verum Lore will not steer us wrong. The Revetion-Cardinal ot fail to profit, as only we know the true way to use the adherence of faith that will be geed, e what may…

  A strange sound like a hive of angry s could be heard, and great booming roars, like an enraged dragon. Turning his head as he ran, he was amused and slightly troubled to see that some of the accursed weasels were hefting what looked like guns, and even rocket propelled grehough their design was strange, and glittered with silver and rainbow aether and elemental energies.

  Several of the Martyred Dead stumbled, bones, even reinforced by aether and adherence, shattered, and more lost limbs. Several were even pletely destroyed, grenades exploding, blowing them into splintered dust. Luca crossed himself with the hand holding his gdius, menting that the Martyred Dead had finally found their true rest. Though such is the fate they accepted when they left their mortal remains infused with their slumbering spirits. No, I shall not mourn. But celebrate. And… “Not until the mission is done!” With a loud roar, Luca charged onwards, knowing that while none remained who could stop him here, there were still a few sinners who could cause him trouble. But…

  “The Wheel of Judgement turns for all, and no weeping, or wailing, nashing of teeth, shall dey my ing, nor halt my righteous anger!” Around him munfire was ing in, explosions sounding, and the horns tio blow, a deafening , turning this profane pto a battleground, the holy against the evil…

  ***

  Third- Mori Eri - Their home, Tokyo

  “It’s bad, so very bad!” The little Zashiki-Warashi Azuki decred, rushing into the living room of the mansion. Eri was there, drinking tea with her family and Tsukiko, as well as Yu-mi, Eui and mother-in-w, father-in-w and Tsukiko’s parents, and the strange and crippled kitsune Nebisuki.

  “What is it?” Eri asked, while mother-in-w Emily made delighted noises, finding the little doll-woman incredibly cute. She waved a hand to quiet everyone down.

  “It’s an attack!” Azuki cried out. “The Territory is under assault. Not just here. Kyoto too! Daiyu, that crude Violet woman…” Azuki had little liking for the brash and fht Korean woman, although Eri actually found her rather cool. “Runners have beeo fetch Shaeu and the mad maid, but…”

  unig with Akio mentally, I filled him in ouation. His reassuriterly frustrated and fearful thoughts came back.

  I wish you luck Eri, but fuck… why did it have to happen while I was away? Obviously, we’ve taken all the necessary precautions, but even so…

  Tsukiko was texting Hinata and the others, including Shiro, who had apahem to the Tengokusentou, but there was no response on the group chat as of yet. Violet’s with Suk-ja, they were experimenting on her crystal element, as well as the trapped Tribution energies Akio had stored… so that means there’s three Chosen there. If I pit as well…

  “It will all be fisukiko promised. She g their parents solemnly. “Battle, they are well suited for. No, that is far from correct. Battle, they have realised they must be suited for.”

  Eri he Beheading Axe Of Trials was seldom far from her, and she had been made a uniform for Adamant in the end, signifying she had finally accepted its y, even if she had a different purpose to the others. No, that’s not fair. They do want an army of warrior women, Valkyries, with utter loyalty to Akio, ones who would y down their lives and their virtue to him if necessary. Though Akio would hate that.

  Hurrying out of the room, Azuki following, tellihat the attack had breached the barrier around the Territory in a rather strange way, the barrier simply shivering out of existence, colpsing nigh-instantly, Eri stripped off her jeans and t-shirt, first pulling on the undersuit, a new design and a masterwork of the Mortal Engineers under Ixitt. He’s at the tunnel site, along with Grulgor and some others… and Aiko is doing her schoolwork iher building. Eri also fired them rapid texts, having no time to admire her form in the skintight armoured suit. She then pulled on her uniform, which was a skirt-type, with some ftteriailing, signalling she was the equal to Shiro, Shaeu or Hinata.

  Yes, Akio would hate that. He wants to be the one ying down his life, but he ’t, not anymore. Because it’s not just his life now, it’s ours. As for their virtue… I get why they went that route, and not just for their incessao push others onto Akio. But again, Akio doesn’t want anyone who doesn’t sincerely want him. But enough… Dwelling ohoughts she grabbed her axe, and rushed back to the others, only to see a breathless Aiko rushing in. She was carrying a bow, and was also in a form-fitting undersuit, though with ordinary armour over the top. Yes, it’d be strange for Aiko to be an Adamant ahough she’s certainly… an honorary… member.

  “We ready to go, Eri?” Aiko was ready for a. “What’s my bro say?”

  “He’s frustrated, but trusts we hahings. After all…”

  Suddenly their voices were drowned out by the inter. The estate had top-of-the-line security, and it had only been improved and added on since Akio had moved them all in. Fujiwara Security mahe gatehouse, and they had access to an emergency broadcast system, which was now activated.

  “This is the front gatehouse, a terrorist attack is ongoing. Please retreat to the emergency pani. I repeat, a terrorist attack is ongoing, please report to the emergency pani. The main headquarters and the military have beeed for assistance. I repeat… I… multiple heavy ons… …Chosen…”

  Towards the end the message was drowned out by explosions and it crackled into static, leaving their parents rather scared. Eri decided to take charge, as she was the one who could, and had Akio in her heart and mind at all times. Give me strength, Akio. Please. No, you already have. By Nyx, I won’t fail here…

  “All right. This is why we strengthehe basement.” Eri calmed everyone. “I’ll go out and hahings.” As they were ushered down into the secure room, reinforced by work from Ixitt and Kana, with enough supplies to st for weeks, Eri forced a smile.

  “Shit, what about Asha?” Aiko spoke suddenly, fearful. “If they are attag here, then the shrine’s a no-brainer of a target, yeah?”

  “No, not Asha, not my grandchildren…” Emily, who had borhe fear of being attacked well, ale-faced and horrified at the thought of harm ing to Asha, and the children she was carrying. Despite the danger and the terror pressing in on her, Eri couldn’t help but feel warm at mother-in-w’s demeanour.

  “It’ll be fine.” Eri turo Tsukiko. “You stay here, you’re not a fighter. Azuki too. You may not be able to do much…” Eri advised the little doll. “But your Favour maybe surprise someone in a pinch. As for Asha…” Eri remihem of oail. “I don’t know ahat believes in prophecies more than you do, Tsukiko…”

  “I do ihough I am now wary of them, thanks to my survival here. But… they still hold truth.” Tsukiko responded, calm and poised.

  “Great. This one wasn’t yours, but from a Yōkai, right? But… Tamamo-no-Mae is with them. And she will protect the seeds. That could surely mean his children, don’t you think?”

  Nebisuki barked a ugh, as she was supported to desd on her one leg by Eri’s father and mrandmother is ly known for saving others, yet sometimes she has, on a whim, against all odds. But… I believe this time, her heart will be moved. After all… Akio has cimed her name, and more. And while she is far from her peak, I believe anyone who attempts to harass her will see just why she is the stro, only matched by Great Nurarihyon, and also… that she never fives those who seek to harm what she sees as hers!” The kitsune grinned, and Eri was ao notice her father gng at her rge chest. Mother had noticed too, and though the timing was inappropriate, Eri leased to know he would be getting a sterure ter. No, time for battle now, nothing else.

  “I shall also offer my aid, such as it is, and meagre for now.” Nebisuki peered sadly at her two missing tails. “Like the Zashiki-Warashi, I may prove… surprising.”

  “In that case, we should go.” I told Aiko, and my mother made to stop me, before father, having put dowsune on o, shook his head.

  “Leave her, Hana. Our little Eri has decided to do this. And she must have the capability.”

  “But…” man, only for Emily to join in opposing her.

  “That’s right. It’s hard for a parent to see their children grow up, but… it’s also joyous. Eri, dear. My first daughter-in-w. No, you’ve always been a daughter to me, just like Aki is a son to Hana. Eri, daughter dear, you do this, ’t you?”

  “hat about me? Am I invisible, mom?” Aiko pouted, and mother-in-w Emily shook her head.

  “Don’t be silly dear. Your father and I, we never worried that way about you. You’ve always beeo act without thinking, but you’re a tactile thinker anyway.”

  “Way to say I’m stupid… but… I get it. Yeah, I’m oo jump in. Eri isn’t, but…”

  Eri nodded, and a brilliant blue-bck shroud formed around her like a cloak. It’s so much harder here than in the Boundary where I practised a little, but…

  “Yes, our Eri is selfish, Hana, but… she’s also grown up. She won’t throw away her life for others, not when she’s got her own, and Akio, to live for.”

  Eri nodded, cloak of darkness swirling around her. “Yes, I’m selfish, so… I’ll crush those bastards who e here and try and wreck our happy home, hurt my family, hurt those we care about. And… you asked if I have the strength, mother-in-w Emily?”

  At everyone’s nods, Eri’s grin turned wicked, wisps of blue light leaking from her obsidian eyes. “Alone? I’m stronger now, but… far from the stro. I’m not oo overestimate myself. But… I have one advahat others don’t.” And that’s the multiverse says I love Akio the most! I know we shouldn’t think like that, but… since I’m winning, I ! And I will! But that means…

  Hefting the massive axe effortlessly one-handed, Eri beed to Aiko. “e on. Be safe everyone. And we’ll be right back, once we’ve dealt with these scum who are trying to harm us. But they’ll fail, because…” Strength surged withihe massive portion of Akio’s strength that the Rank 11 Lovers’ Link provided magnifying her power. “…Akio’s with me. And with his strength, I ’t lose. I won’t lose!”

  As she and Aiko raced out of the house, seeing a number of explosions and hearing gunfire as the gatehouse was overwhelmed and white-cd attackers flooded through, she sent ahought to Akio, before the maelstrom of battle enced. It’s not just in the Boundary. They’re here too. But… you scoured the world to find me a way to fight, and… I’ll use it. But… what I want more than power is yood wishes, so…

  Yes, I believe in you Eri. I hate the thought of you getting hurt, but… you know, so long as everyone survives, that’s all that matters, as I fix your hurts and pamper you until you feel better again. Sood luck, I believe in you. I love you! Win! And be safe for my return!

  I love you too! So… yes, I’ll win, because to lose is uable! Clutg her axe tight, she Aiko, who with a smile jured up folden Sisters, the effort fatiguiime to prove to myself, to Akio, to everyone else, that I’m fit to be someoanding by Akio’s side, not just his childhood friend!

  ***

  Fourth - Zhao Daiyu, Akio's Territory, The Boundary, Tokyo

  “Fug hell!” Violet let out a cry as she looked at the explosion a number of kilometres distant. A plume of white smoke was rising into the air, and lightning flickered within it. She eaking in English, which Daiyu had tio study, so she got the general gist of her words.

  “Looks like it’s my time to shine. You ready, boys?” She turo Owo, Three, Four and Five, her summoned beings, which were also Enthroned, creating a rather strange bination, and ohat Ixitt had been studying as one of his many projects. It fasates me too. There are… possibilities there.

  The Scorpion-like beings nodded. Beside Daiyu, Suk-ja was waiting nervously, as she had used a great deal of her strength calling on her Winged Diamonds. Seeing that, Daiyu gestured for Violet to transte.

  “Your support, while appreciated, is not required. Yuild’s services were not tracted as a batant, but as a support in my Cultivation. Besides, soon Shaeu and Hyath shall return, likely with other allies, and this attack shall be dealt with. After all, a local snake repel a fn dragon, and we are far from mere snakes.”

  As Violet transted, Suk-ja seemed relieved, but then she froze, before her gaze hardened, and she stood taller. Daiyu, seeing this, leased. I like those eyes. Violet seemed to agree, as after Suk-ja spoke rapidly in Korean, she responded, spping her shoulder in an approving manner.

  “She says she’ll fight, tract or no, as she’s a Hunter, and a member of Iable Victory. And… she sees our victory here as iable, the cheeky bitch. She’s n though, yeah?”

  Daiyu agreed. “Yes, we ot falter here. Already the weaselkin are being deployed, with the many ons the Mortal Engineers have created, as well as some brought over by Ginneka. But… we ot let Akio’s Territory suffer damage here. I would be too ashamed to face him.”

  “That’s the spirit!” Violet approved. “Anyway, let’s go sort these fuckers out!”

  Daiyu nodded. “Yes, we shall indeed. Although…” She gnced over at the Rhyming Tree that towered behind them. “…no, Asha shall be fine. We shall prevent all foes reag here, although…” She g Violet. “…I have a troubling feeling. I am far from superstitious, but sometimes such are the warnings of the Heavens. you send some of your beings to the Material realm, to protect the shrihere?”

  “Sure, no problem. We’re enough to handle shit here.” She cracked her knuckles, showing off her muscles and tanned skin, still replete with vivid purple tattoos around her arms. She exged some words with Suk-ja, who nodded, and moments ter, she disappeared. “Fortunately, she entered from the shrioday, as she was at the stru site st night, so she get there more quickly. And since my guys here…” She gestured at the scorpion people. “…are a little different to Shaeu, they fiddle it to get there as well. So…” The five of them disappeared too. “Just you and me, Daiyu. Time to show that it’s not just the Japanese who kie fug ass!”

  Daiyu nodded once again, and the pair of them started rushing towards the site of the explosion. Qi surged within her, strengthening her body, and she could feel the Spirit Water, and the faint stirrings of crystal Qi within her. A small smile crossed her beautiful face, and while she felt a little flicted, certainly not wishing harm to befall Akio’s Territory or any of the dwellers within it, as a Cultivator, no, not just a Cultivator, but a prodigy and a Sect Matriarch, she khat battle was the greatest way to t a breakthrough and gain enlighte.

  “e on, Daiyu. No sg!” Violet called back, and Daiyu picked up the pace, and her eyes narrowed as she saw a swarm of skeletons, eyes burning an eerie blue, attempting to ehe weaselkin defensive positions. They are numerous, but… they ck the ability to attack at distano… Another explosion shattered a defensive position, several weaselkin ed by a bolt of fierce lightning, making Daiyu wince.

  Shaeu will not be pleased, no, not pleased indeed. Her stoic gre turo the true threat, the Chosen in gold and white, who wielded a sword that was elling lightning and explosions. Yes, the threat is there. Exging o gh Violet, they raced in to engage, when suddenly, the air shivered, and the sound of horns resounded…

  ***

  Fifth - Saionji Gin - His Territory, The Boundary, Kyoto

  “Let your tortured spirits be offered the mercy of death, uhe passionate gaze of Avalokite?vara, aurn to the embrace of reination!” Gin intoned piously, the power he had been given by his God, that he had been keeping leashed due to Akio-kun’s warnings about Boundary damage, surging out once more. Indeed, a vivid violet halo had formed in space above him, rippling like the pupil of a great eye.

  The skeletons shivered, a dozen of them caught in the great gaze of the God. They then twisted, folding in on themselves, bones shattering, until all that was left were chips of bone and dust. Gi a surge of power rise within him, abs the strength, the aether, from the pitiful spirits.

  I uand his reasons, and so I have followed his advice. But this is a matter of life or death. Though he also agrees in such cases, future disaster is not as terrible as loss now. In the distance, a great bird of fme was flying, and as she passed, skeletons burned, bourning into ashes. The phoenix, Akai, slung back her head a out an aggrieved cry, only for bolts of indigo light to fsh upwards, pierg her. Akai tumbled from the sky, and a plume of fme bzed up, a veritable burning pilr a dozeres tall.

  “She’ll be sleeping again for a while. tonight” Yasaka-san mumbled, exhausted, great rings of exhaustion around his eyes, as he watched the battle. “She was angry when you woke her up.”

  “That little chily wants to sleep a, not fight.” The halo of purple light around him rotated, peering in another dire, aru followed, a streak of destru tearing through a group of skeletons, and also the human behind them, white robes being scattered with red and silver blood. Gin swallowed, having killed a person, and he felt sick, but quickly used all his experience as a leader to suppress it. Later, that es ter.

  “The only small mercy is, she doesn’t find the attackers near as frightening as Akio-kun and Shaeu. I still ’t work out why she fears them, the stupid little yakitori. Akio-kun’s almost too mild a man, though from his ret deeds, he is starting to act more like a leader.”

  “Calling her a grilled bird is a bit much.” Yasaka-san managed a ugh. “She’s just simple-minded. I think it’s more she’s scared of strength. The young are impressionable, yes?”

  “It seems so.” Other Chosen of the Amaterasu fa were engaged in battle, those of them that remained in Kyoto, at least. “But to think our little Phoenix, a creature from the line of mighty Suzaku, is such a little troublemaker.” As they watched, Akai flew out of the pilr on bzing wings, and breathed fme downwards, dodging more vivid bolts of light. Gin then winced as several of his Buildings were caught in the backsh and shattered, ether scattering.

  “Maybe so, but you said yourself, she’s just a chick. But… that just makes me wonder how strong she’ll be when she’s an adult?” Yasaka-san mused.

  “Perhaps strohan Akio-kun. Then she’ll probably try and bully him.” Gin chuckled, trying to keep the mood light, though inside he was furious at the fn fools who were attag Kyoto yet again. Though these are foes of a different sort, it seems.

  “What he is now, might not be what he is when little Akai grows up.” Yasaka-san, who knew his speed of growth well, sighed. “I’ve checked the Book, the situation here should be manageable, but are you sure you didn’t o follow the emergency protocol?”

  “Hardly.” Gin shook his head in denial. “Though I do uand the reasons. The other Amaterasu Chosen here in Kyoto have relinquished their grasp on their shrines. It is quite problematic, actually… now Suzuki-san has trol of their nds. But she will returer, and Akio-kun shall offer the pensation to rebuild. Though, as for us…” He gnced back at the magnifit edifice of Kinkaku-ji, whilike the Material was a golden woo behold. “…there is o waste our hard work, although…” He winced as Akai bombed an area with searing fmes, another of his Buildings destroyed in the colteral damage. “…if our Phoenix isn’t careful, we might as well have to start from scratch again.” His griwisted in satisfa, knowing each surge of fme were enemies id to waste.

  “We are also Rank three, as Akio-kun terms matters. So our defences are as solid as Suzuki-san’s. Which is as to say, as strong as fragile gss. Those damn horns…”

  “It seems to be a py on the legend of the fall of Jericho.” Yasaka-san expined, his Book having given him the answer. “Some sort of adherence-based attack, it seems.”

  “I suppose ohing these scum have iiful supply is belief.” More skeletons were caught in Avalokite?vara’s sight, rendered down to shattered dust. “It must be nice, having a near-monopoly on worship in the Western world, and enjoying that for millennia. Your Book expins it adequately, though many aspects still remain unclear. It is certainly an avehe Ministry should iigate. The Eight Million Kami are from aimes, Japan still has much belief, even if sihe Emperor was forced to ret and we were occupied after the war, it has begun to dwihe popution being far more secur. Of course, it should be under me, as the faith-based representative for the Ministry. Though I shall obviously allow the Divio take part.” he allowed graciously, making Yasaka-san bark a weak ugh.

  “I believe if Matsumuro-sama wishes to head such a study, you would lose out, sidering her bag. However, she is a gracious woman, who gave her life for the greater good. And Oshiro-san, svedriver though he is, does share rewards fairly.”

  More fmes scattered, and Akai let out a cry as she was wounded again, fmes bzing, making Gin click his tongue. Careful, Akai. I know you are practically unkilble, so long as your fmes burn, but practically isn’t totally. These fn invaders might be wretched and i, but they are surely not suicidal fools… “I ’t argue with your reasoning. Regardless, Avalokite?vara is always watg with passion, so I shall send them to their afterlife. They would surely not pin at that. Especially since your knowledge has revealed their forces to me. I am now more than fident we win. Although…”

  Gin looked at Yasaka-san, who as usual seemed like he had seeer days. Though he certainly had beed from Akio-kun’s ruthless attempts to… how did he put it, ah, yes, power level him… as his thinning hair had stopped reg, and had even began trow, and his hunched posture had straightened out, making him look ten years younger. Of course, that came at a cost. Akio-kun was stantly sending him questions, many of them skirting the limits of what the Book Of Providence would answer, and while Yasaka-san had certainly grown spiritually stronger, more able to endure uhing the mas he was asked, he was often abed for days at a time.

  “You should return to mortal Kyoto.” Gin warned. “The other four are meant for battle, they are capable of handling themselves. Nobody afford it if you suffer injury.”

  Yasaka-san nodded, relief pin on his face. “Yes, and while I’ve certainly grown physically stronger, and have learned how to use light element to protect myself, I’ve no wish to face those madmen or their skeleton warriors in battle. If you need any more information, I hope it wait, I’m feeling rather exhausted. But if it’s an emergency…”

  Gin nodded. “I’ll send one of the others to ask. Just hunker down a some rest.”

  “I’m gd my shrine isn’t here in Kyoto.” Yasaka-san grumbled, moments before he vanished. “I couldn’t handle all this stress…”

  “True.” Gin replied to the now vacated space, while fmes whirled in the background, Akai still fighting. It wasn’t just her, but the four Chosen of Kyoto were fighting too, as well as a number of spiritual beings, and the forces of Kinkaku-ji. “But it seems that this attack is doomed to fail. From what I uand…” Gin tapped an earbud in his ear, the modern teology rather ingruous here, but still exceedingly useful. “…they are beien ba Suzuki-san’s Territory as well, though once more the horns carried them past the initial defences. Splitting their forces seems foolish, although…” Gin scratched his , irritated. It was lucky I spend half my time in Kyoto. If I wasn’t here, well, the others would ha, but it would certainly be more fraught with peril.

  “…I suppose attag Kyoto in the first pce is foolish. Even if they focussed on Kinkaku-ji, then forces from Suzuki-san, including the powerful Tengu from Mount Atago, would e, but if they focus on that, then I direct my forces to take them from behind, and Akio-kun send endless reinforts from Tokyo. It’s quite possible they are unaware of that, but…” Gin listeo Akai’s cry as she swept up out of another pilr of fme. One of her crimson eyes met his, even from this distance, and he couldn’t help but smile at the sleepy air it still gave off, even now.

  “…I’ve never assumed my enemy is a fool. Even less so because that wretched idiot Uchida has thrown aside everything he believed io grief. What a pitiful man in the end.” Gin had a little sympathy for his old and bitter rival, and knew grief could drive oo madness, but even so, betraying his very faith and s with enemies was too far. Especially since everyo cve knows it was his son who caused the tragedy, Akio-kun saved who could be, at great personal cost, his fiancée gravely injured. No… “Our enemy isn’t a fool. There’s too much going on at once for that to be the case. So…” It would be simple to try and ask Yasaka-san’s Book, but without knowing enough, it would potentially be misleading, or further exhaust him to no effect.

  “…I shall just have to keep my eyes open, and if there’s a trap here… then with Avalokite?vara watg over us, we shall evade it, with infinite grad mercy…”

  ***

  Sixth - Irena Alexandrovna Kuzsova - Fyodor Teological Institute, Moscow, Russia

  “You should be sleeping, little ohe big bear of a man, his blonde hair short and shaggy, a matg beard and moustache c his pale face, grumbled, taking a swig directly out of the gss bottle he was holding, letting out a sigh of te. “It is far too early for such hard work.”

  He took another swig, grimag, his blue eyes bleary and sleep fogged. “It is the crack of dawn. You will never grow into a big, strong woman, with bounteous breasts and a beautiful ass, if all you do is work. Sleep, drink milk and grow taller!”

  “I do drink milk. A lot of it!” Irena pouted, puffing out her cheeks, pink eyes fshing in annoyance. Idly, she wound strands of her pale white hair around her fingers, frustrated. “And I hate it when you call me ‘little one’, I am not a child. I’m a uy graduate, whereas you barely went to school, Alexei! And why are you drinking so early in the m, if you are here to help me?”

  This is so frustrating. In the end, despite all my pleading, the only oh mysterious powers they could find to aid me was this buffoon. He doesn’t have an ability to help with the spark I hough I do suppose with his ability, I have made some progress on a different angle. No… I know why Alexei is the one.

  “A drink? This?” Alexei Zakharov chuckled, waving the half-empty bottle. “This is the water of life, little girl. Without water, how a man think? And as for you being a graduate… I have a daughter ye, she is still at school. And already far bigger than you. Taller too!” He gestured crudely, with a ugh, though having worked with him these past few weeks, she knew he genuinely meant no real insult, he was just a tactless fool.

  “Pizdets!” Irena swore. “Just shut up, I’m as big as I’m going to get. No matter how many cookies I eat or milk I drink, unless… no.” I’ll not speak of it again. I asked to visit Japan, or at least bring Akio here, to see if he could fix my albinism, but I also want to try and spark true intelligen my designs. But… After expressing that a few too many times, and simir ses, Irena had discovered they were tapping her data access. Of course, Irena hadn’t allowed them to see her more irregur tacts, but heless, nobody here at Fyodor Teical Institute, nor the people from the gover overseeing the research, were fools. Absence of suspiaterial was suspicious enough to a certain sort of person. I hate dealing with illogical people.

  “Little girls should not swear, they should be in bed and sleeping at this hour!” he repeated after a dry chuckle. “But I know you are big in mind, if small in body. So, what do you wish me to do today? More of those wires, yes?”

  He’s here to guard me, prevent any problems. He’s very strong. Hidihoughts with a bnk face, Irena nodded. Pressing a few keys, the wall slid aside, revealing a meical arm and a leg, one side open, exposing the innards. “Yes, please. The spes certainly exceed the potential of all my prior efforts. Being able to move more naturally, like ordinary muscle fibres, expanding and trag without wear and tear… if I ake the brain fun effectively enough, if I ease the putational requirements, I still make progress.”

  “Yap, yap, yap. Little girls should talk less a more.” Alexei drained his bottle, burping, before letting out a sigh. “To think, mighty Svarog gave me the power to move metal, fe it from will, yes, and all I do is make silly wires. Such a waste. But…” He griaking up a new, full bottle, and with a fsh of rusty light, the top was sliced off.

  Irena rolled her eyes at his theatrics. “You’ll cut your lips on that gss.”

  “I am a strong man. I do not fear a little blood.” He grinned, swigging from the now open bottle. “As I was saying, little one. I get paid well, at least. And the work is easy. Only blood I shed is from this…” He grihough the faint cut on his lip sealed up at a nearly visible pace. “…or your tongue. Girls should be kind, not so sour.”

  “Oh please shut up.” Irena grimaced. He was tiring to deal with, but for successes, no matter how small, Irena could put up with a lot. “Here’s today’s specifications.” She passed him a tablet. “And yes…” she rolled her eyes, sighing bitterly. “…I have dumbed it down into simple nguage. So get to it.”

  “Yes, yes. Little svedriver you are.” He miraculously began to pull gleamial out of the air, and shaped it into fihreads, smooth and cold to the touch. Irena watched eagerly, and arouhe cameras of the b recorded every detail, as they always did, in various spectrums, such as visual, IR, UV and other wavelengths. In fact, while Irena had little uanding of how it worked, she had shared the video with her correspo from Japan, and he had provided some excellent insights, which Irena had appreciated.

  “It still bothers me. Mass from nothing viotes the most sacred tes of sce, the Laws of Thermodynamics. But then, it’s not from nothing, is it? Just… an alternate energy source. So the ws might only seem to be broken.” Irena still found it hard to grasp. Anyway, Alexei could jure a great deal of metal, but it didn’t persist. If he wao make metal that remained, it drained him heavily, though apparently iher, mysterious mirror to the world, that restri was far looser. That was enough to frustrate her to no end.

  Kakogo chyorta! Where the hell have the Laws of Physics gone? On strike? On holiday? The Laws of the universe had to be the same everywhere, but it was clear that no longer seemed to be the case. It uzzle Irena, with all her genius intellect, couldn’t solve. No, that’s just for now. I will solve it, just as I shall solve the puzzle here.

  The few hours passed in a steady state of pints from Alexei as Irena tio ask him to refihe wires. W her robotic arms and tools, soon the leg was retooled with the stage of the artificial muscles and nerve clusters, or rather, signal input wires. As she reached out to stimute it, seeing if the neural work could work it with the drastically simplified need for calcutions and bang, the power suddenly went out, plunging the b into darkness, the sudden red glow of the emergency lighting kig in shading her surprised face a bright crimson.

  “Blyat’! What now? If this has damaged any of the circuitry, I swear, I shall pin to the cellor of Fyodor Institute, gover stooge or not… useless s…”

  “Little girls should not be so potty-mouthed.” Alexei chuckled again. “Power cuts happen, yes? Bae, our poes out all the damn time…” He trailed off, as suddenly the lights came ba, apanied by sirens, and the sound of a great explosion, the thick walls shaking, dust, which Irena was so careful to keep out of her workspace, falling from the ceiling.

  “…though maybe this is not such.” Alexei tactfully agreed, putting down his bottle, and readying himself, as the Institute broadcast a.

  “Warning, warning! All personnel remain calm and at your stations. Evacuations will be established ohe threat is dealt with. Should you see the intruders, do not engage, I repeat, do not…” The warnings were cut off with a scream and then the squealing of statid the sirens were also silent then.

  “I see. Little girl, best leave this to Alexei, yes?” He grihumping his big, muscur chest proudly. “I may not be smart like you, but when it es to a fight, I have crushed many skulls. And that was before… now Svarog is with me… do not worry, little girl, I am here.”

  Irena nodded slowly. The silence was worrisome, but what was worse was the occasional cry that could be faintly heard, unfire, explosions, more dust trailing down from the ceiling. Is it the fners, back to kidnap me? No, this seems bigger…

  Gnawing on her lip, tormented, she worried for the safety of her Babulya, and mama and papa. As she sidered uttering a silent prayer, something she would normally never tenance, but was so rattled it crossed her mind, the room shook again, more violently, and a noise like a whining buzzsaw echoed, and with a fsh of brilliant light, the door colpsed, heavy, thick metal turning into ks.

  Irena screamed, leaping behind Alexei, who cracked his knuckles, head bobbing from side to side as he loosened up. The doments began to melt, and the hardened durable steel flowed towards him f a crude armour and a heavy iron pole. “Who do we have here then?”

  Two figures stepped into the room, and Irena blinked, as they looked exceptionally uening, except that one of the pair was carrying a long spear, with a strange, almost glittering bde at the head, gleaming like iron pyrite, the metal pitted with flecks of red and gold.

  “Oh, where are my manners?” one of the pair said in melodious tones. Looking closer, they seemed like twins, though this speaker had very long hair and held a golden cup, which was filled with a liquid Irena surely hoped wasn’t blood. As she swallowed nervously, the woman, at least Irena assumed she was, spoke. I think it’s a woman? Both were beautiful, but their body shapes were androgynous, and their facial features pretty enough to be a girl’s, and likewise could also be called handsome, like a boy. They wore white robes, chased with gold, though now they were sprinkled with a rusty red. As were their eyes, as Irena noticed, so very red, and utterly geous.

  “I am Anastasia Solovyova. And this is my brother, Konstantin. Dive him, he does not speak, for he has no tongue. Life be so cruel at times.” Her smile was warm, yet somehow oddly wrong, Irena wasn’t sure why.

  “Back up, bastards!” Alexei flexed, swinging his heavy staff. Irena k was a feint, as during his time w with her his trol had improved, and he had no need for such crude methods now. “I shall not let you harm her. Good Russian girls grow up big and strong, and make many fine Russian children. Big meiful women!”

  “How… toug.” Anastasia appuded, careful not to spill from her chalice. “I do approve. But, I fear you are mistaken. We are here for you, and your dangerous gifts.” At her words, Alexei tensed, eyes goiween his two oppos, who were clearly like him, if they had broken the security at the Institute which had repelled fn invaders before.

  The short haired man, Konstantin, made to move, but Anastasia raised a hand. “No, we should offer him a ce to join us first. That would be the proper order of things.” Her smile was gracious. “So, how about it? Abandon your false power, and follow a different path. I am sure God would wish for that.”

  “Oh? And how much?” Alexei made a gesture with his hands, signalling money. Irena, atg, didn’t miss the fsh of what seemed to be pt in Konstantin’s ruby eyes. “After all, a job is a job, yes?”

  “A job is a job? Oh, how true you are. But there are jobs… and there are callings. And our calling is han mere… bodyguard duty.” Anastasia disagreed. “But…”

  Before she could speak, Alexei moved, faster than was humanly possible. His crude iron bar separated into a multitude of thin wires, each sharper than knives, and they whipped out at the intruders.

  “I took the money. I am a man of…” Alexei began proudly, and while Irena hated blood almost as much as she hated little creepy crawlies like spiders, she couldn’t tear her eyes away. She had been goaded into testing Alexei’s metallic armour before, and it could endure forces simir to high-calibre anti-material rounds, but she was still ed. After all, the door, it didn’t seem to be explosives that breached it…

  The sound of cutting flesh echoed, and blood spttered, droplets spraying across Irena’s cheek. She held in a scream, her already ghostly albino skin now bleached white as bone.

  “…pride…” Alexei gasped, strands of metal fluttering down around him. His armour shattered, sheared apart, just like the door was, and Konstantin shook his spear, more droplets of crimson staining Irena’s meticulously room.

  Pizdets! Babulya, she will se… a stist needs a pristine enviro, and the floor… the floor is dirty…

  Frozen, she watched as Alexei looked down. “That hurt…” he grumbled, surprised. The wound was deep, only his inhuman, God-given strength keeping him alive. “How… Svarog’s metal is… the work of a God.”

  “God? How… bsphemous!” Anastasia held up a hand, holding back her brother, who raised his spear again. “Borrowed power is unfit food men and women to use. But power has no sin, if you ask me. With a little… adjustment…” She lifted her golden cup, catg the drops of falling blood. “…careful…”

  Thin lines of blood were on Anastasia’s faarring her cheek with some faint scratches. She raised one finger, wiping them off. “Using your blood as a on… clever. Iron, yes. We know iron and blood well. It is a good thing I have… fast… reas.”

  “Little girl… listen well. If you wish to curse… try this. Go to Hell, you sister-fug dipshit, and you, you raddled…” He coughed, the spear buried in his chest, pierg his heart, blood gushing free, a carmine flow. “…two rouble t, which has likely…” More coughs. “…had more dicks than a Russian battalion… go fuck yourselves!”

  He then slid down, and the metal around him rusted, turning to brown dust.

  “An unpleasant man.” Anastasia observed, not g that her beautiful robes were now soaking up his gore, the hem crimson. “But a brave one. And skilled… another may not have dodged that. He went for my eyes. Always go for the eyes or the throat.”

  Irena was uo think, her mind bnk for the first time in her life. A frozen scream held ihroat, she merely blinked, as the two tiheir versation, well, the woman talked, while the man listened.

  “It would have been difficult… to make use of him. He was not as personable as the one Mary Stuart brought in. A sorrowful situation, that one. But… she is with God now, no, my brother?” She bent down, closing Alexei’s eyes. “Now, t it back.” Her golden chalice shimmered. “Such thick adherence.”

  What seemed ay ter, the woman rose. “So, one. I hope the others do as well. Though we have advahey do not, brother. Least of all, we work together. Oh…” She saw where he was looking, raising his spear.

  Am… am I going to die here? Babulya, I promise to eat my vegetables, even the disgusting ones, like peas… if only you save me. No… if you e, you only die. Stay away… She squeezed shut her eyes, only hoping it wouldn’t hurt, only to feel nothing, and hear a warm voice.

  “No, brother. Stay your spear. She is a lost child, yes? As the Lord says, suffer the little children e to me. I have always liked that one, and are you not the same, brother? Children are our treasures, and the future. Our task here is done. Onto the . The task shall go ahead, as always.”

  Konstantin gave Irena a cold look, before turning away. Her shocked miing, she looked down at Alexei, who had been annoying and boorish, but had cared for her in his own way, and had also been part of her research, even if in a small way. Swallowing down her fear, she managed a few words.

  “Why…? What did Alexei…”

  “He had a treasure even he did not know. There is Truth in Knowledge…” Anastasia replied softly. At that her brother made a faint, mog hat might have been ughter. “…and only in the right hands shall power be made pure. Now, child… be well.”

  “Wait, wait…” Irena reached out a hand. “Mama… Papa… did… did you kill them?”

  At that, the two of them paused, but only the oke. “We wield the spear only to kill who we must, or those that had the ill-fortuo be in our way. Many are dead, yes, but… perhaps your parents are not among the pray, child. But if not, then, merely sider it…”

  Her remaining words entered Irena’s ears, but she didn’t process them, her mind lost. Falling to her knees, her jeans soaking up the spilled blood, material soaked, a hoarse yell, the scream the shock had frozen, ripped out of her, and she wailed, g, hoping beyond hope that her mama, papa, Babulya and those she knew here were still alive. Her small fists beat at the slowly-cooling corpse of Alexei until some of the survivors, many of them injured and shellshocked themselves, came t her away from the se…

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