On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

After the chaos, the Queen, still clearly enjoying herself, declared that we should vacate the Throne Room and head to the nearby ballroom, to enjoy the military orchestra, which apparently were the elite Royal Navy, Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, a world-renowned military music ensemble, as well as partake of some light refreshments while the furniture for the banquet was set up in the Throne Room. Then, after that meal, we could enjoy a short but delightful Royal Ball, in celebration of the day’s events.

As we left, the atmosphere very different between those I’d brought and the other attendees, the Queen winked at me, as I still held Ellie’s hand. “It’s going to be an awfully tight squeeze, we apologise. But then, we don’t have the luxury of spatial expansion, do we? When can we expect such, Akio?”

“Sooner than you’d think.” I promised. “Wait, does that mean…?”

“Why yes, you catch on awfully quick, my boy…” the Queen began, and with my expanded vision I could see Eri, Shaeula and others scoffing or smiling wryly at that insistence. “…of course, the Palace is owned by the King or Queen. So this will be Eleanor’s… Territory… hmm, it’s certainly more accurate a word, but we feel it lacks romance. Avalon sounds more mystical.”

“But Avalon is surely an actual place, out there somewhere.” Ellie mused, and the Queen nodded even as we all filed out, the Queen’s Guards keeping the guests in good order. I could see Henry was eager to talk to us but was waiting politely for the Queen to finish. She’d noticed too, of course.

“We would dearly love to see it. In fact, there is much we would love to experience. And now that damnable botherer, our Prime Minister, can hardly complain, can he? We shall not be the monarch by the next turning of the year.” Her eyes sparkled with amusement and eager anticipation. “We expect the grand tour, my boy. To see everything! Those trees are wonders indeed!”

“Fine.” I chuckled, as we entered the ballroom. It reminded me of my first royal event in Britain, smartly dressed maids and butlers holding trays of light bites and various beers and wines. “Though we have to take care of a few matters first. But it’s true. Oh…” With a smile I pulled out a small flask, knowing the Queen’s penchant for brandy and the like. “…a quick treat. It’s a new Fae brandy, flavoured with Japanese plums and Yōkai honey. I think you’ll enjoy it.”

“Marvellous. You’ve snagged a good one, Eleanor. If one can overlook the competition.” She winked, slipping the flask under her robes, and I expected she’d be having a few nips as we mingled.

“I think I can. Honestly.” Ellie seemed surprised herself. “My heart is racing so fast.”

“Yes, your face is rather red, my dear granddaughter. It makes us wonder just what you got up to last night…”

“Just some bonding time with the others.” Ellie insisted, face now flaming. “Anyway, on timescales…” she changed the subject, glancing at me.

“Yeah. It may seem unfair to Ellie and Britain, but we need to upgrade Haru’s Territory first, so that Yukiko, at Ise, is protected, and we cover a great many of the Pilgrimage shrines, as payment for their support. Speaking of, Ellie, David and her team will need to do their own Pilgrimage for the benefits in Japan. We’ve tested it with foreign guests and the Kami will support them if properly honoured, giving the Class. Don’t worry, we’ll protect London and Britain while that happens. Anyway, it’s because that damn toad is still out there, and a danger. But due to fortunate events and hard work, we’re ahead of even my most optimistic predictions. So we’re looking at months at worst. Long before summer, I’d say.”

“Excellent. A hundred kilometres from London would cover a lot of troublesome areas, we feel.” The Queen nodded, approving. “Well, far be it from us to tell you how to run things. You’ve been doing fine so far. Though we shall always be happy to give you advice, be it relationships or politics.” She winked, tapping where she had hidden away the flask. “So we shall start by saying Henry is eager to speak to you both. Considering who he is with, we think it worth your time. And…” She nodded at the film crews. Now the BBC had been joined by other British broadcasters, and a WTV crew as well, who had come through the Ring Gate, seemingly… wait, is that Mae? She’s not got any tails showing… hmm, I didn’t see her earlier…

“…we think you should make it flashy. But then, that seems to be a speciality of yours, we think. Now, We suppose we should greet Princess Mikasa and her parents. Impart some advice of our own, on just how to hold a press conference.” She giggled almost girlishly and scooted off with surprising grace, leaving Ellie and I to laugh helplessly.

“She’s a firecracker, is your grandmother.”

“That she is. I love her dearly, but she’s a lot to handle.” Ellie pinched her nose as if pained.

“Oh, thank goodness. Ellie, Akio, can we have a minute?” Henry, as impeccably dressed as ever, sauntered up, a boyish grin on his face, as he ran a hand through his reddish-brown hair. “Her Maj was monopolising you both. I get it. It’s your big day, Ellie, and you look fantastic. You too, Akio. So, finally got her, eh? I’ve mixed feelings, but…” he held out a hand, and I shook it. “…just don’t make Ellie cry, all right? If you do, the boys and I will make your life hell!”

“I can’t promise much, but I can promise I’ll do my best so she never has to cry again.” I insisted, squeezing, and Henry grinned, shaking his hand a little as our grip loosened.

“No need to bully me. I’m not the sort of brother-in-law to be a nuisance. Though the stag should certainly be wild, and I’ll get my complaints in, count on it. I know it’s probably too soon for dates yet, but… don’t worry, I’m an expert!”

“You are.” Ellie’s voice was suddenly cold, before she apologised to the man accompanying him. “My apologies for ignoring you, Mr Michaels.” He was the wounded veteran who had received the OBE.

“Oh, pay it no mind. Just call me Simon. I couldn’t be so bold with the future Queen, now could I?”

“I still can’t believe it’s real.” Ellie shook her head. “I mean, my head understands, but my heart…” She gnawed on her lip unconsciously, and Henry shot her a sympathetic smile.

“Go dance with Richard after the Banquet. You won’t mind, will you, Akio?”

“I’m not that jealous.” I insisted. “But yes, I imagine he had it hard.”

“Yeah, he sure did. It might be churlish of me, but I felt a little of that schadenfreude, that’s for sure. Now he knows what it’s like to be the spare. But honestly, he was more worried for his son. What he’d have to do or face as a King when he grew up. No, better to throw it to Ellie, and to you. It’s still all in the family, wouldn’t you say? Same as in Japan. Guess I don’t get their weird blood purity stuff…”

“Henry…” Ellie warned, and he coughed.

“Oh, sorry. Where was I? The stag party? Got to have one, it’s a tradition…”

“Not that!” Ellie stamped her foot, heel clicking, rather exasperated, but I caught the fleeting smile on Henry’s face which showed he was messing with her to loosen up her tension. Yeah, you’re a good brother to Ellie. We can get on, I think.

“Oh, of course. Simon Michaels here is a legend amongst the boys. Such courage under fire. Military doctors are the real heroes, let me tell you. Anyway, while he’s not one of the boys and girls I scouted, he’s very interested in the project, and… you know, it aches my heart to see him using those prosthetics. Care to give him a taste?” he winked. “If it’s the medical bills, I’ll pay up.”

“No, we’re largely past needing money for it.” I chuckled. “And I wouldn’t take it from a war hero anyway. Fine then. Henry, if you could brace him, we need to get the prosthetics off.”

“Sure thing.” Henry grabbed Simon’s shoulder, and soon we’d removed the contraptions. Simon seemed both expectant and embarrassed, but I assured him all would be well. A lot of the guests, including the Pope, the President and of course the watching media, were paying us attention, so, as the Queen advised, I made sure to make it flashy. Aetheric light scattered, and Simon sweated and groaned, but soon, not only had he sprouted a new, functional arm and leg, but his internal injuries which had lingered, and even his old scars, were buffed out. As he put weight on his new leg, opening and closing his fresh hand disbelievingly, Henry slapped me on the back.

“That’s the stuff. I remember getting fixed up myself. Not the most fun feeling…”

“You were way harder.” I sighed. “These are simply physical injuries. When you mix in adherence it’s ugly.”

“I always did have a habit of getting into trouble.” Henry chuckled, and Ellie nodded fiercely.

“Yes, you did and still do. Now then, let’s give Simon some space to think.”

“No, it’s… it’s all right.” Simon shook his head, a smile on his face. “I was just stunned, but I knew it could work. After all, the recovery of Prince Henry here…”

“Just Henry’s fine. I don’t put on airs around the boys.” he insisted.

“Henry then… his recovery showed me miracles could happen, but knowing and experiencing them are two different things. Thank you. I mean it. Though the wounds are gone, what they represented never fades. Now… can anyone learn what you just did? I doubt it, but word going around is Henry here says it’s possible, and the Free Hospital you pledged…” He stared at me, his hazel eyes rather intense.

“It’s not easy, but yes, Ether Healing, Chirurgery and other related Skills can be learned, and professionals would probably be even better at it than me. I’ve studied some medical texts and so on in my spare time, but I’m far from knowledgeable. I just brute force it. I anticipate doctors and nurses would do a better job with less. The… Eyes… are in demand, but I’m hoping to be able to deliver one or two pairs soon for the Hospital staff who show the best aptitude.”

“Eyes?” He was puzzled, and Ellie shuddered.

“No thank you. It’s a bit gruesome, but…” As Ellie explained the application of transferable eyes which allowed one to observe aether and other similar energies, Henry and Simon nodding along, Henry leaned in close.

“I know you want to spend time with Ellie, but I’d also like a chat. Without you here. Don’t worry, I’ll talk you up, once we’ve roped Simon in. I’ll return her later. Now… go mingle. You know you need to. A lot of women are looking at you with longing.”

That was certainly true. Nodding, I released Ellie’s hand, before murmuring to her I was going to do the rounds. Snagging a glass of champagne from one of the servers, I moved through the room, until I fetched up to David and Miss Callie, who were talking to Motoko and Natsumi.

“Yo!” David raised a hand in greeting. “Showing off, as usual?”

“David!” Miss Callie, who was wearing a rather cute white ballgown with black ruffles, her hair artfully arrayed in wavy curls, making her seem more mature, gasped. David himself was wearing the same sort of suit with evening jacket as most of us men here, but as usual, he’d managed to make it seem rakish as he slouched around, his brown hair with some blonde highlights gelled rather aggressively.

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“You know you can’t be rude like that…” she finished, bowing her head to me, until Natsumi, giggling, told her to stop.

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“Sure I can.” David insisted. “The bastard’s snapped up our Princess in truth now. He deserves a little hazing.”

“Jealous?” I asked, and he chuckled.

“Full of yourself, aren’t you? I told you before, the Princess is like a younger sister to me. But that means you best not make her cry…”

“Henry said the same.” I grinned. “Anyway, the Queen herself advised me to make it a spectacle.”

“I bet she did, the old biddy loves meddling. But her heart’s in the right place.”

“David!” Callie gasped again.

“Oh, relax, little Callie. Unless you’re trying to catch his eye? He’d eat a little lamb like you up in no time at all.” David snorted, and Callie blushed, shaking her head, stealing glances at me, before apologising to Motoko and Natsumi.

“I wouldn’t. I couldn’t!”

“It is quite all right.” Motoko replied in her perfect English. “We understand. And David is… brusque. But a warrior with a noble heart.”

“He does like to tease though, and pick fights he can’t win.” Natsumi added, her smile delightful.

“Warrior, huh? Damn right I am. And speaking of… you owe me a lot more rounds in the ring, it seems.” David’s grin was wicked. “Don’t think I’ve been sitting on my arse while you’ve been growing stronger either. So, how many is it now? Poor Princess…”

“It’s… hard to say.” I admitted, and David tossed back his champagne, grimacing.

“You’re a bit of a bastard. But like in the Octagon, or the battlefield, it’s results that count. Speaking of… you know what?” He grinned at Motoko and Natsumi, who were resplendent in bright red, and pink with white respectively, their hairstyles rather different to usual. “These two wanted to spar with me themselves. Full contact. What do you think of that, eh?”

“I think they’ll surprise you.” I chuckled. “But then, you probably already know what they’re capable of. I think they’d give you a decent fight. Of course, a proud champion such as yourself wouldn’t take advantage of a spar to do anything untoward…” I narrowed my eyes, and while I didn’t believe he would, I felt a little warning prudent.

“Damn.” David let out a loud guffaw, drawing further eyes to us. “You’re always so predictable. I’m not one to get all worked up over young women. I like them more mature. Oh…” he realised that sounded offensive. “…don’t get me wrong, you girls are brave warriors, and you’ve faced life or death on the battlefield. I’m not trying to say you’re kids, but…”

“Oh, we understand.” Motoko offered gently. “And you are somewhat older than Akio, are you not?”

“Yeah, but the way you say that pisses me off. I’m in the prime of my life, right fangirl?” he asked Natsumi, who tittered cheerfully.

“Certainly, but my admiration for you only extends as far as your skills and career.”

“Shot down again, David…” Miss Callie giggled, and he rolled his eyes.

“Hardly, girl. We’re old pals now. We can joke around and get to know each other better with our fists. Speaking of…” David’s eyes narrowed. “Word is, you’ve got a present for the Schoolteacher.”

“David, I do wish you’d stop calling everyone by nickname.” Miss Callie sighed, and he raised one eyebrow in retort.

“Nah, it’s just the way I am. Get used to it. Be glad I don’t call you something like little Cal.” His expression then turned serious. “She’s… conflicted. So go easy on her, okay?”

I nodded. “Sure. It’s not an order or a demand that she take it. I just… believe I can help her if she wants it. She’s already put in a lot of effort even without a Favour…”

“Fine. Just so you know. Anyway…” David snagged another glass from a passing servant. “…so your Pilgrimage is over then. Tell us what you learned.”

Natsumi was first. “Oh, I’ve learned a great deal. Power isn’t just given to you. No, you have to work for it. And that’s… actually very satisfying. More importantly, I’ve discovered the joy in watching those I love grow stronger too. Look at Hinata, for one. She never wanted to be a fighter, but now she has the power, she uses it. David, you should ask her for a spar. It’d be a good test for you!”

“Hey, what’s this? Want me to take on all his women one by one? No way. The mad maid would liquefy me, I’m not convinced she knows how to hold back, although…” David narrowed his eyes, glancing over to where Hyacinth was chatting with Ellie’s mother, as well as Kana’s parents, and Eri’s. Mom wasn’t there, but it wasn’t hard to spot her, as she was in one corner, giggling madly to herself while father watched on and tried to hold a conversation with some of the other recipients of Honours. I’m… a bit worried mom will explode. This… goes beyond any of her wildest dreams. Still, she seems to be holding it together, though… reading her muttered words from her lips just depressed me. Enough wives to fill this Palace? No way, even with my stamina I’d drop dead…

“…our Lady Companion there…” I could hear the amusement in his voice. “…does seem to have changed. And I’m not just talking about her hair and skin tone. She seems… calmer. Nobler, somehow.”

“Indeed.” Motoko agreed. “Hyacinth has perhaps learned the greatest lessons of all on this Pilgrimage. And has shouldered both the greatest burden and greatest responsibility. I… am not sure whether I envy her or not. To have to clean up the mistakes and regrets of the Gods themselves… that power surely comes at great cost.”

“No doubt.” Natsumi agreed, her brown eyes warm as she gazed at the distant Hyacinth, who indeed, seemed to overpower even Princess Diana with her regal poise, not even a trace of her usual servile nature present today. “But that’s another lesson, isn’t it?”

“Yes. I worshipped Tsumura Arts for the sake of the Arts themselves. Now… now I wish to wield them for their true purpose. A blade handled for impure, selfish reasons is a dull one. If Hyacinth has to face consequences, we shall bear them at her side. But Akio…” Motoko’s smile was sweet, enough to make Callie flush and giggle. “…shall stand beside us. Not ahead. We learned this lesson too. Though Akio led the pilgrimage, we all had the opportunity not merely to stare at his back, or chase him, but to walk beside him. And Victory burns within me, as Speed does within Natsumi. I hardly liked the taste of fear, of desperation, but… the taste of success is far too sweet. Like honey.”

Motoko took a refined sip of her wine, and Natsumi finished for her. “Yes. Love is like honey. One day you’ll understand that, Callie.” She winked. “The only problem is, like power, you always grow to want more. Fortunately the Tsumura Arts, and now, the Tsumura Style, teaches that self-control is as important as the ability to wield bow, blade, spear and fists. It is fortunate Akio is a student of such…” Cheekily, Natsumi fluttered the hem of her gown, inlaid fabric roses stunningly lifelike, and Motoko, not to be outdone, crossed and uncrossed her legs, the tight fabric of her dashing dress revealing the toned lines of her long legs.

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“Stop flirting in front of me. It’s giving me heartburn.” David groused. “Go on, shoo. I’ll keep your girls company for a while. You’ve got to do the rounds. And I can see anther looking for you…” he pointed, and indeed, as I followed his gaze, it seemed Yukiko was with her parents and the Queen, Yukiko staring at me meaningfully.

“Fine then. Motoko, Natsumi, do you really want to spar with David?”

“Yes.” Motoko spoke for both of them, so I nodded.

“Fine then. But I’ll be there to cheer you on, just as you did for me. Octagon Rules are hard though. No weapons.”

“Ah, but our bodies are weapons.” Natsumi insisted, and Motoko was the one nodding now.

“True. Well anyway…” I said my farewells, polishing off another glass of champagne, before strolling over to Yukiko and her parents.

“Akio. Sorry to bother you when you were busy…” she was apologetic. “…but I wanted your opinion on something.”

“Indeed. She is very eager to hear from you.” the Queen was smiling in that way which meant she was enjoying herself. “Oh, and thank you. Most marvellous, we found it.”

The brandy, huh? “No problem. I appreciate all you’ve done for Ellie over the years.”

“Of course we would have taken care of her. She is one of our beloved granddaughters, and the one most burdened. Yet…” she turned her attention to Yukiko’s parents, the tired-looking Prince Ayahito and Princess Masuko. “…it’s fascinating, isn’t it. He means it too. We believe that both young Yukiko and Eleanor will be happy together with him. Of course…” She gestured to the camera crews. They had strict instructions only to film from a distance, capturing the ambience and guests (and of course my display of Ether Healing) rather than actual conversations. “…there’s the damnable issue that bigamy is still a crime in Britain. We suspect that the tabloids will be having a field day in the morning. Alas, we are not as enlightened and prepared as Japan, which is rather ironic, we feel.” She tutted softly. “Regardless, Parliament is being called back from recess, to debate a change to the law in specific circumstances of national interest, as well as some trade deals and other matters which need ratifying. We do feel so sorry for our Prime Minister and his fellows to have their break disrupted. We will feel rather more apologetic if they do not do as they promised us and fail to pass the amendment. The Lords too. You would hardly stand for it, right, young Akio? What should we do then, send them to this Boundary to experience what Eleanor must, first-hand?”

As Yukiko giggled quietly, covering her mouth politely with one hand, I nodded. “Indeed. It would be an insult to Ellie to be the only one unable to get married. Everyone was prepared to forego marriage if I couldn’t make it work, but that didn’t sit right with me. So I leveraged my goodwill a bit. I’ll do the same here. Besides… it would unbalance relations between our two countries. And right now…”

“Yes.” Prince Ayahito agreed solemnly. “It was… rather messy. Honestly, daughter…” he spoke to Yukiko with an apologetic tone. “…we are in a difficult position. We are not as… progressive… as Britain in some regards. And our Imperial lineage…”

“Is unbroken, as your father did so love to remind us.” The Queen snorted sourly but sneakily topped up her glass with the last of the brandy in the flask I’d given her. “It’s hard for us to be so precious about things when we are the fourth family since the Act of Union to take the Throne. Even so, we feel you are being rather foolish. Your daughter here is like our Eleanor. One who must face the future without flinching, no matter what trials stand before her. And besides… you should know better than us the power of belief. Adherence, we suppose it is called now. Apt, in some ways. To adhere is to stick close. And the hopes of Japan do indeed adhere to Akio and Yukiko, as ours here cleave to Eleanor. We feel sorry for young Gorohito, who would surely be a fine Emperor in ordinary times, and a decent brother too…”

Yukiko nodded sadly, and I took her hand, once more admiring her dress which was a flower-like image of vivid, Imperial ochre. She too sparkled with jewels, like Ellie, and I leaned in to whisper to her. “I know you might feel that the dress is wearing you a bit, but trust me, I can barely keep my eyes off you. My hands, neither.” I teasingly touched her neck softly, careful to let no one see, and she shot me a reproachful look which had zero persuasive power, has her cheeks were rosy, and her eyes, free from her usual glasses, shone with joy.

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“…but in times like these, the choice was made. Your Hachiman… well, we get it. If Jesus Christ returned and started barking on about primogeniture and the Divine right of Kings, we would be rather stumped, but… well, what say you, Akio?”

“Me? I say what I said at the Tengokusentou. We’re grateful to those who’ve helped us, but when it comes down to it, we’re not their slaves nor their puppets. We can be their allies, help them, return favours, but no God can just come down here and tell Yukiko what to do, what to give up. And yes, she’s hurting, just as Ellie’s confused…”

“Wait a minute…” Yukiko’s mother interrupted, surprising me. “You call our daughter Yukiko, but Princess Eleanor is Ellie. I know the British are rather more flexible with nicknames, but it seems…”

“Mother! Stop embarrassing me!” Yukiko spluttered, her skin which was flushed from my touch now crimson. “It’s not that we’re not close! It’s just…”

“Actually, I already have a nickname for Yukiko. But we agreed so save it for after… we grew a little closer. Though I do like to use it on occasion when she seems in need of a smile.” I assured her mother, feeling a little better knowing that Yukiko was clearly loved. “I agree with the Queen. I find it hard not to respect Hachiman, after all, he’s a Kami, and also Emperor Ōjin, but just because I respect him doesn’t mean I’ll agree unconditionally. Despite everything, I still feel Tsukuyomi was callous with Tsukiko’s fate. I’m grateful for what he gave her, but I’m resentful for how he used her. Likewise… I believe Yukiko has earned her role. I was shocked when the Emperor declared her the upcoming Empress of Heaven, it’s certainly an upgrade from Princess, and does make me wonder…” Yes. Are the Six Paths prophecies a little more… meaningful… than just allegorical? I don’t know, but it’s worth keeping an eye on… “…but, and it might be harsh to say this… the Imperial Family is largely more ceremonial after the war. or at least it was. Yes, I expect it’ll return to prominence, and become an important part of our nation, but… Yukiko’s the one carrying the blessing of the Goddess who supposedly started your whole bloodline. That has to count for a lot.”

“That’s right!” Tsurugi materialised her Tsukumogami form, clutching our hands, her eyes fierce. “Father and first mother love us, want us, care for us! I… don’t remember so good, but Yata does. And she knows you abandoned us, left us in the dark, to break down and vanish!”

“She’s right.” Yukiko nodded. “I don’t often assert myself, mother, father. But here I feel I must. My brother was kind to me, until he stood to lose what he wanted. I understand. But… see the contrast?”

“Richard is a good boy.” the Queen agreed. “Not so bright, like us all, but quiet and thinks hard about things. A bit like Eleanor. And what he realised was… the days of being a soft, political ruler are over. Plenty of British Kings died on the battlefield during our long history. Both Richard and Henry served, as did our sons, but… the battlefields now will be unlike any we have seen before. Richard decided he didn’t want his son to be the newest King to perish defending the country through force of arms. He hardly wished it on his sister, either, but…”

“But we have Akio, and each other!” Yukiko insisted. “If my brother genuinely wishes to fight, then we can train him, but… but I’ll do my share. I… don’t think he has the stomach for it, if I’m being honest. I don’t blame him or resent him. Before my heart was saved, I’d have done anything to pass this burden off to him if he’d take it, but now…” She tightened her grip on Tsurugi’s small hand. “…like Eleanor, I’ll stand. And since your Majesty here…” she addressed the smugly satisfied Queen. “…didn’t lack for boldness and arranged matters for Eleanor’s benefit, which will only prove wise for Britain… I have to be her equal. Else it will be difficult to see how we can keep Akio’s heart balanced between our two countries. After all, he might have lived in Japan for many years, but he is still of British descent on his mother’s side.”

“That’s right!” Tsurugi echoed again, though she clearly didn’t really understand.

“This is all so very gloomy.” The Queen changed the subject. “But you’ve got a fine daughter. And she is of your precious blood. And it’s not like in the distant past, where half-siblings married constantly, or uncles and nieces, or aunts and nephews did, to keep your blood thick. I doubt very much Akio’s blood mingling with young Yukiko’s will dilute it. If anything, it seems to me he’s quite popular with the Kami.” She winked at me knowingly. “We’ve had our fair share of consanguineous cousin marriages, over the years. Not as extreme as you Japanese, of course. But it’s not always a smart thing. Blood is all well and good, but Queen Victoria, may God rest her soul, ended up spreading her haemophilia throughout the European nobility through her children and their marriages. We feel that is not something to keep in the family. Still, I daresay such isn’t insurmountable nowadays. Just think of it this way. We do. They’re our family, and we are proud of them. Stepping aside takes courage, but if it is the right thing to do, we consider it as praiseworthy as the one who fights. So if young Gorohito can grow from this, we will respect him.”

“That’s right.” Yukiko agreed. “I don’t want my brother to hate me, or to hate Akio.”

Tsurugi hissed, rather despising him, but I patted her head, and she quickly returned to sword form. I stroked her hilt a bit, as the Queen snagged a passing group.

“Ah, Shige, good to see you again. And your lovely granddaughter, of course. And… oh my. Is that young Michiru we see? You seem… rather different.”

Michiru flushed but nodded. “I wear formal dress to events where I cannot embarrass Miyu-sama, though… I admit to doing the bare minimum. Tonight…” Her eyes met mine and her expression shifted, and the sharp-eyed Queen missed nothing.

“Oho, so that is how it is, is it? We are rather shocked. We had considered you… rather opposed to men, from what little we had seen of you.”

“I do hate them.” In the distance, Koga Takeshi-san, who oddly enough seemed very suited to formal evening wear, winced. “But I hardly consider Akio-sama a mere man. No, Akio is a singular existence, and destined to be my master, alongside Miyu-sama!” She spun, the hem of her mature pink dress rising, the elegant ribbons around the hem fluttering as she danced on her impossibly high heels, almost seeming an alluring Faerie.

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“Do calm down, Michiru.” Miyu chided her, switching to English. “I apologise, your Majesty.” Miyu curtsied, spreading her two-tone skirt of refined amethyst purple and slight sapphire blue detailing. With her long hair artfully pinned up with sapphire and amethyst hairpins, and her bodice richly embroidered, she was beautiful too, in a different way to Michiru, but together the pair were well-suited, and I had to steel myself not to remember the cave and what we did there, or the bathroom. Seeing that, Miyu and Michiru both began to smile, but Miyu, as well-educated as ever, set that aside. “But yes, Michiru has offered intent to court Akio. As… have I. It will be difficult to win him over, as we are still selfish and wish to keep our own bonds, but… Akio is a very understanding gentleman, and the best there is. So have no fear, Princess Eleanor will find happiness in his care.”

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“We see. Then please do look after her, you two. And Yukiko here as well.” The Queen was beside herself with amusement. “How does it feel, Shige, our old friend, to see your granddaughter who you dote on plucked?”

“It is too early to say if we will successfully win Akio’s heart…” Miyu insisted. “…and we would not be premature.”

“Oh really? We think otherwise.” Her eyes sparkled as she smirked at me. “He is clearly smitten with you both. He gazes at you as he does Yukiko here, or even Eleanor. We consider you to have little to fear. What of your other granddaughter, Shige?”

“In his care, though too young for matters such as romance, which is fortunate. But not of politics and battle. That man…” Shige-san turned to glance at the President, who was now talking to Hinata and her grandfather, Hinata’s expression intense. “…no manners at all. It makes me fear for the future more than the return of magic and the Gods. When led by fools, all who follow suffer. No, it was inevitable. My consolation is that Miyu seems to be happier now than with the thought of whatever previous arranged union I could muster. I apologise though, to all of you.” Shige did indeed bow deeply. “It must be unpleasant, Miyu and her troublesome… guard…” His tone made it plain he considered Michiru to be closer to Miyu than merely professional. “…pushing themselves in.”

“It’s not quite like that…” Yukiko shook her head, but Miyu stopped her.

“As my senior, no, for currently we are just prospects, though we certainly hope to be more soon enough…” Miyu added. “…we can hardly lie to you. You know what we did.”

As the Queen watched on, and Yukiko’s parents were puzzled, she nodded. “I do. But Akio is also at fault. Even so, you’re both welcome. Oh, I can hardly believe how practised I’ve become at this. Mother, father, see? If this doesn’t tell you the world has changed, I don’t know what will. I’ll be as good an Empress of Heaven as I can be. I don’t know how we’ll split the duties and the responsibilities yet, but I’ll support my brother as best I can. So long…” she insisted. “…as he doesn’t hamper our efforts. We have to think about more than just Japan, you know.”

“A truly regal showing. Young Yukiko is Empress material indeed, we feel.” the Queen gushed. “Now then, young Miyu, I am curious. You… also did not seem comfortable around men. What was it that won your heart?”

“That is… rather embarrassing to speak of.” She flushed, her rather daring, mature neckline pink. “But I suppose… he sees me and wishes me to be better. And despite my cold, selfish nature, and my terrible bitterness, he never disdained me. Nor did he look down on Michiru. And he does not… no, I shall not speak of that in good company.” Her blush darkened. “I quickly felt that I wished his gaze to linger upon me, and I cared and listened when he spoke, and when I followed his advice, I found it was worth heeding. He drives me to be my truest, best self, and yet if I am imperfect, he cherishes that too…”

“Exactly!” Michiru cried out. “The thought of Miyu-sama being taken by a man who does not deserve her, who only sees her as Fujiwara Miyu, not as Miyu, is intolerable to me. Why, I feel I might have murdered such a man myself. I would have been forced to die to atone for such a sinful, disgraceful act, but for Miyu-sama, I would do it. Though now… I am eager to live for her, live with her, serve Akio-sama together with her! For he has a way of seeing what makes us beautiful, and also, what makes us content! More, his hand shall be firm, yet kind. Strict, but tender!”

“They are very passionate.” the Queen chuckled. “Oh, don’t be so down, Shige. We should just pretend we did not hear that young Michiru was planning to murder a good son of the nobility for love.” At Shige-san’s dark and troubled face, the Queen patted his shoulder comradely. “Instead, we should be amused that Akio is so adept at winning over such women. Think of the great-grandchildren, Shige. Though the family tree will surely be a chaotic mess.”

“I… feel a little left out.” Yukiko chuckled. “I don’t believe I can match that passionate outburst, especially not yours, Michiru.” She then glanced at me, a slight smile on her face. “I won’t embarrass myself competing. Besides, I’ve told my story. Akio simply managed to take away my sorrows one by one, until I felt that staying by his side felt natural and right.”

“A humble tale for a humble daughter. Now then…” the Queen added. “…it seems that our tiresome guest can hardly wait longer to see you. Our apologies, but it was impractical not to invite him.” Indeed, following her gaze I could see the President and his entourage, two burly-looking bodyguards, talking with Hinata, and now Kana and her family. That’s an odd combination…

Seeing the President looking over this way expectantly, though glancing back at Hinata and Kana with an odd, unpleasant expression on his face, I held in a scowl. Fine then. “Yes, please excuse me. I’ll see you all later. Miyu, Michiru, I presume you don’t have to rush home?”

“No, we would be deeply grateful if you were to allow us to attend to you after the banquet.” Miyu had a trace of anxiousness on her face, and I nodded.

“I don’t like your choice of words, but in front of your grandfather it’s hard to cut loose. Anyway, you should have said you hoped you could come play, because…” My phone buzzed, surprising me. As I pulled it out, Yukiko managed a cheeky smile.

“Isn’t everyone you know here already? Who could that be then?”

“Very funny. You’re not so wrong though. Maybe Christina. If it’s just her being… huh. Not Christina, but it’s almost her…” The caller ID was ‘Adam White’. I glanced back at the President, who like Hinata, was beckoning me over, and nodded. Taking the call, I spoke.

“Why are you calling me? And why now? Oh, are you with the Presidential delegation? If so, that makes some…”

“I wouldn’t go near him now for all the wealth in the world.” Adam snapped, cutting me off, sounding rattled. “No, though I am… close at hand. Now, I expect you aren’t safe to talk, but I know you can do a trick to mask sound. Make sure to block your mouth as well. Too many Secret Service PPD agents can read lips.”

What’s this? “Excuse me…” I remarked, stepping away, a wind bubble surrounding me, my hand over my mouth. “So, what’s up?”

“What isn’t…” Adam grumbled, tone urgent, words rapid. “Now listen closely. I need you to do something for me, and I need it urgently. If you do, I’ll owe you a favour, and while I can’t compromise the security of the United States, a personal favour from me is still valuable. No, enough rambling… first, do not be alone with the President, or anyone who has been alone with him, or those with him. Now… you have good Eyes, yes? Please, check him over extremely carefully…”

What the hell? This was not what I was expecting, but with the urgency, near-panic in his tone, and knowing his serious, pragmatic nature, I knew it couldn’t be a joke. The President, then? My Eyes glowing, light element to scatter and hide the telltale amber light, I gazed over, hoping it was nothing serious, as Hinata and now Kana had been talking to him for several minutes already… At least they’ve not been alone, not in such a crowd… so, just what the hell is Adam expecting me to see. Gripping the phone tight I narrowed my focus, unsure of just what the panic was, but unwilling to dismiss it, not when so many who weren’t trained or strong were here…