Feelings of excitement, longing and loss running through her, Yukiko quickly ehe small but room in the building Akio-san called his training school. Several people gave her curious looks as she had leapt up the stairs, but she had ighem, only focussed ohing, feelings of anticipation, joy and fear of betrayed hopes and expectations a hot and heavy ball in her lower body. Tsukiko… you’re back. It doesn’t feel real. It shouldn’t be real…

  No sooner had she thrown herself on the bed inside, not g if her clothes crumpled or if anyone was watg, her eyes slid shut, and she felt the familiar sense of separation, of shifting scioushat apanied her dest, or perhaps ast, to the mysterious mirror world called the Boundary. No, someone will be watg. Akio-san, he promised. It felt a little strange. Yukiko kept herself out of the public eye as much as ossible for an Imperial Princess. It would have been impossible before the War, when her family was said to be divine, desded from Amaterasu itself. Now, we are just figureheads, although…

  The sery of the Boundary resolved in front of her, and she was surprised to see Akio-san in front of her. Weren’t you watg me ba the… oh, you did say… Seeming to guess her thoughts, Akio-san smiled, though there was no mockery in it, merely a geeasing. “Like I said, I don’t have to worry about my transitioween the Boundary and the Material now. I do both at once if I wish. Now…” He offered an arm, showing the etiquette of the nobility, and for a moment Yukiko was surprised, though she quickly dismissed that feeling. There’s o be shocked. He has several noble fiancées. Several… That was still strao her, and she wasn’t sure what to make of it. Of course, with her family history she was somewhat accepting of it. Great-grandfather had es, and even grandfather had some i, I know… it isn’t fair for me to judge. Though it’s always harder when it’s someone you know.

  She took his arm. “I’m quite capable of going unescorted. After all, I am a Chosen of Amaterasu.” she reminded him, hoping she wasn’t blushing. I’m still not used to intimate tact with others. As Priestess of Ise and an Imperial daughter, I’m kept sheltered, like a greenhouse flower, an or, just as our family has bee. Although… It seemed quite a ce for her to be Chosen by Amaterasu, and once her father had revealed the secrets the Imperial Court still held, the Onmyōji and the Imperial Regalia, she realised perhaps there was more truth to the myth than the Ameris had wao believe, back when they forced her grandfather to ret their divinity, leaving him old, careworn aed. That reminds me… father and grandfather both denied my request, but… for the future of Japan…

  “Yes, I know. Your fmes are quite impressive.” He praised her, and she found herself smiling. It’s o be appreciated for what I do, rather than who I am. Although pared to him, or even some of those around him… she pictured the small, cute and mighty Shaeu, a a surge of inferiority in her heart, before pushing it down. No, not today. Today… it’s Tsukiko’s day. I pray so, anyway…

  “As are yours.” she retorted. “Foehn, wasn’t it?”

  “That’s right. A gift from America.” He grinned. “Now, are you ready?” he asked as they left the building, looking up at the t Tree, which was now covered in many blossoms of pink and white, giving off a fragrant, soothing st. That’s new…

  There seemed to be more activity than usual, and Yukiko wondered if it was reted to the events ierial. Akio-san firmed it with a casual nod. “That’s right. Everyone’s eager to visit the Material and help out. Though it seems Ling struggles to send from the Boundary to the Material, the other way isn’t much of a problem. But she do enough for now.”

  “I see. You’re always making progress. I’m jealous.” she said, and found she actually meant it, which surprised her. It seemed to surprise Akio-san a little too, though he quickly smiled in that slightly charming, teasing manner she had noticed so often on the occasions they had met.

  “Does that mean you’ve got over your unwillio fight?” he asked shrewdly, and she bit her lip, a little irritated.

  “A gentleman wouldn’t bring up the embarrassing past of a dy.” Yukiko retorted, but he only smiled more.

  “I’m not much of a gentleman, as you see by my number of girlfriends. When we fought oskirts of Kyoto that time, I was impressed. But…” he trailed off meaningfully, and Yukiko k was a strategy to get her to fill in the bnks. Fine, I’m not the most sociable of people, but I do have some skills, you know!

  “At first, I wanted none of it. If I wahe limelight, I could have it, after all, despite my pin appearance, I’m still Princess Mikasa.” she said, and before Akio-san could speak, she pushed at her gsses, peering over them sternly. It’s odd that they follow me here, and I don’t really hem anymore, since my eyesight has fixed itself, but I feel naked without them on my face. I think it’s probably reted to self-image, which is why we don’t appear here naked… “Before you say something trite like I’m actually pretty, save it for yirlfriends. I’m aware I’m not actually that bad. But I’m a member of the Imperial Family, and a Princess. There are certain expectations. And I’m on the piner side…”

  Akio-san ged what he was about to say, and as they asded the stairs, her feet were dragging, despite her eagero see Tsukiko again. Am I worried? I shouldn’t be, it’s not like Akio-san would lie to me. But… what if my hopes are dashed, if she’s not herself? I ’t help feeling a little dread…

  “I get it. I’ve met a few Princesses now. But holy, there’s nothing wrong with being the girl--door type, that’s cute in itself. And as the Chosen of Amaterasu, you bze like the sun, so why worry about meeting such expectations?”

  “Ftterer.” She pouted, as he had side-stepped her warning. Letting out a sigh, she admired the blossoms all around her, breathing in the st. “If I’m being ho, I’m not so down on myself as I used to be. And I have to thank you and Tsukiko for that, I suppose. Yes, I never wao fight, to accept this, but… I now know I’m not alone. And it gets less frightening the more I do it. I think we get used to anything, no matter how absurd, if we do it enough. And have those whnise us.”

  He nodded. “Yes, experiend uanding does lessen fear. But it’s more than that. We defeat enemies, cim Territories and grow, and it doesn’t just make us stronger, but it improves our mentalities too. Resilience.” He looked sad, and Yukiko tugged at their bound arms a little, showing she was there. On seeing her making an effort, he ughed a little, embarrassed. “Sorry. It just all fits into my fears about how this all pys out. How this is a test to refine us all down to either one or a small handful of powerful beings. But…” He forced himself to cheer up, his grey eyes kind, and Yukiko could see the tiny fleber in one eye, like a million tiny stars. Fasating… oh, no, I shouldn’t stare so. Now it was her turn to be embarrassed, as he finished his thoughts.

  “…that’s why I want to work together, lift everyone up. Sure, maybe, no… almost certainly someone will have to lead, will have to be an Astral Emperor, but I want to do it by growing together. I don’t want to be a pawn. If I’m a chess piece… I’d like to be a queen at least.”

  At that image, a ugh burst from Yukiko, and she found some of her tension draining. “No, don’t be a queen, Akio-san… I’d hate to have to call you Akio-, and the others would be devastated. Besides, we’re Japanese, wouldn’t the kakugyo, the bishop from shogi, make more sense?”

  “I’m better at chess. Mom taught me, Aiko and Eri as kids. She’s not terrible at it, but she’s not great either. her am I. Although… I bet that’s the sort of thing stats would be, calg future board states…”

  “I think we are straying from the main point.” Yukiko said, as they approached the terrace café where she could hear ughter, including some voices she reised. Shaeu, I think. “I was saying, I’ve accepted my role, and after Kyoto and London, I know what’s at stake. But I only do it because we are all w together.”

  Akio-san agreed. “Exactly. And we’ll tio do so. When my Territory is upgraded, I’ll be w on Haru’s . And it should be able to cover Ise and the surroundings. It might cramp your room for expansion a bit, but we work something out, and I’d rather Ise roperly defended.”

  “It’s premature to worry about allog Territory before it’s even cimed.” Yukiko said softly. “I trust we work something out.” There was no answer, as she stepped onto the Terrace, seeing the group of women gathered at the best table in the tre, ughing and smiling. Her eyes went wide, and one face, a bare, revealed face, seared into her eyes, robbing her of thought. Akio-san was left behind, looking on fondly, as Yukiko raced across the terrace, before she swept the woman into her arms, cheeks wet with tears as her twisted knot of emotions frayed, bursting free. It’s her! Tsukiko! Alive again!

  “Yukiko, you are crushing me…” a soft voice said, and after a moment she released her grip, only to see the face of Tsukiko looking at her, the ruby eyes kind, the cheeks also red, along with her flushed forehead and neck, silvery sweat dripping. For a moment Yukiko was fused, before seeing the slightly lopsided smile and the gss in her hand, full rant liquid. For a moment she was shocked, before she blurted out “Tsukiko, are you… are you drunk?”

  Her friend, Tsukiko, the noble, always refined and poised Lady Diviner, nodded, her expression sloppy. “I believe so. I am tryihings. It does not seem so bad.”

  That’s… ued. But… it doesn’t matter. “That’s great. It’s great.” Tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she hugged her lost friend again. “It doesn’t matter. You should do what you want. So long as you’re alive. That’s all I care about.”

  “Alive? ly.” Suzuki-san said, having stayed behind to look after Tsukiko. “I’m afraid she’s dead, but then… being dead doesn’t necessarily mean life doesn’t keep going on.” Her own smile was wry, as she floated over and patted Yukiko gently on the back. “As her senior in being dead and ing back, I’m happy to answer any questions for you. Since you’re an important friend of Akio-kun’s.”

  Yukiko blinked. “I’m an important friend?”

  “Of course.” Akio-san said, a bit embarrassed. “rades in the same boat to friends, it’s not so far-fetched, is it? Now, let poor Tsukiko-san free, grab yourself a drink, and we might as well start discussing matters. But first… we have anuest ing.”

  Yukiko looked puzzled. “Who?”

  The woman Shiro, who intimidated with her perfect beauty, able to match the bare fad figure of Tsukiko that was no longer shrouded in voluminous robes, making Yukiko envious and unfortable in equal measure, snorted. “Who else? But another Princess, Princess.”

  “Yes, I’ve asked Eleanor to e. I think that sisukiko-san is here, it would do us all good to get together. After all, the four of you have your destiwined, and Tsukiko-san too, as the Diviner.” Akio-san said, and Yukiko nodded. Yes, the prophecies from Tsukuyomi. As she felt a sudden chill, remembering the menag crimson a with a golden eye her friend had described, Yukiko found herself casting a g Akio-san as he took a gss from Shaeu, sitting down in the circle of pretty girls seemingly without a care. But Definite isn’t actually definite. He proved that. Otherwise Tsukiko wouldn’t be here now… With that thought in mind, she took the ss and took a sip, waiting for the new arrivals…

  ********

  “We had to drop everything to e up here, so it best be important.” An angry-looking man with spiky-brown hair was saying in English. My English is passable, I rgely uand… beside him was a figure she reised, Eleanor Elizabeth Diana Windsor. On seeihe Princess of Britain smiled, reag out a hand, before pausing. “Oh, I’m sorry, how rude of me. I fot for a moment you Japanese don’t much like physical tact, and I’m also wearing a gau. It’s been a long time, Mikasa-sama. Are you well?”

  “It’s no problem.” As Princess Eleanor, who she had met several times at state funs, both of them liking to keep low-key, so they often found themselves frequenting the same isoted ers of such events, removed her gau, Yukiko took her hand and told her that honorifics were unnecessary, but couldn’t help admiring her green and broe armour, which looked a and powerful. Not like mine. She looked down, seeing the bck armour made from feathers she wore, a gift from Akio-san. Now it had suffered many scuffs and tears and was looking rather tatty in parison.

  Seeing that, Akio-san coughed. “Don’t worry Yukiko-san, you’ll be getting a new Brigandine armour at some point, it’s just demand is outstripping supply at the moment.”

  “Looks like yiving your own Princess some toys, rather than ripping off ours.” The spiky-haired man said to Akio-san, rolling his eyes. “That’s favouritism in a.”

  “David!” Eleanor said, sdalised, and one of the others with her, an older man with white hair and beard, yet still muscur, stepped forward and bowed politely.

  “You must five his tone, Princess Mikasa. The boy has no manners, though he has improved somewhat due to ret events.” As the man, David, sniffed, insulted, the old man tinued. “I am Sir Arthur Dumbarton, one of Princess Eleanuards. This here is David Reckless, the same, and… Raidre, Selkie of Bermondsey Isle.” The st wasn’t human, but like many of the others in Akio-san’s Territory. The Selkie was nervous, gng at Shaeu, who was grinning back, amused.

  “I have nothing tive.” Yukiko-san accepted his wracefully. “If Akio-san, one of my trymen, has beehan gracious, I apologise on his behalf.”

  Eleanor smiled wryly. “How could I say that? He saved my life, my brother, those here… a few gifts are nothing in parison. He even helped us with this ether, to rebuild our ruined Avalon. No, Territory, I suppose.” She corrected. “Now, shall we not stand on ceremony?” Those who couldn’t uand the English well were being transted for, so when everyone was seated, Akio-san coughed, drawing everyone’s attention.

  Yukiko was seated o the drunk Tsukiko, atg everyone keenly, her ruby eyes sharp despite the alcohol, and seeing that reassured her. She’s still Tsukiko, the Diviner. She’s still herself. I wao be free of her burden, but not to y it dowirely. Because that would hurt her in the end. I… no, ill help her this time. She’s no longer alone. None of us are. I see. That’s Akio-san’s vision for our victory. I must say I prefer it to a few standing alone.

  “Let me begin by weling uests. Of course, you’re free to drop by any time.” Akio-san said easily to the Princess and her ente.

  “Unlike you…” the Princess pursed her lips, looking at Akio-san’s fiancées and girlfriends, though there was a twinkle in her blue eyes. “…I don’t have much time for leisure and pying around. I do thank you for taking care of Aditi and Mary-Jahough. They feel better having something to do, to… distract them from their sorrows.”

  “It’s not a problem. I’m happy to help them get ba their feet.” Akio-san promised. “But… I’ve called you here, Eleanor, for an important reason. I present to you…” he smiled, gesturing grandly at Tsukiko. “Our noble Lady Diviner, Matsumuro Tsukiko. The one who gave me warning about the dangers you would face.” His expression was ki grim. “Without her fht, I never would have travelled to Britain, and… I think the ending might have been different.”

  David ched his fist at that, growling to himself, and Eleanor nodded. “Yes, I fear it might have been. In that case… allow me to thank you.” She offered her hand to Tsukiko, who hesitated, human tact being forbidden to her before.

  “She’s thanking you. It’s all right. You’re the Diviner, but you’re also Tsukiko.” Akio-san urged. “You accept the ordinary, while keeping the extraordinary.”

  Having made up her mind at his urgings, Tsukiko took her hand. “No thanks are necessary. I simply did what was right, as Tsukuyomi bade me. It is what I have always done.”

  “It’s true. Up until her death…” Akio-san said so casually. “…she never had a name, showed her face, had any sort of fun. I hate that. But I respect her incredible dedication to others. But there’s nothing holy about sacrifice. Do good, but don’t lose your oiness.”

  “She died, huh? You say that so damn casually.” David pined. “I think I recall you mentioning it before, though, that she would e back. You’re truly disgusting, you know. Just how many things one person do?” The envy in his tone alpable, and Yukiko found her chest heating up, a feeling of pride surging. Even I have my Imperial pride. To hear one of our subjects being praised by such a fn dignitary, it makes me feel happy.

  As Princess Eleanor and Sir Arthur both sharply rebuked him, Akio-san ughed. “A lot, but not everything. But it be learned. After all, Eleanor use water element now, and your own training must be progressing, right?”

  “Yeah, I guess so. So…” David leered at Tsukiko, only to rear ba surprise as Akio flicked a tiny water bullet into his head. He cursed, only for Akio-san to chastise him.

  “Weren’t you listening? Tsukiko-san isn’t used to human tact. So don’t pressure her. She take all the time she o get used to people. I know she’s geous, but please to down.”

  Wait, Tsukiko looks happy! Her face is redder thahe way she gnced down shyly was g at Yukiko’s heart, but it sparked a thought. I know when she died, she gave Akio-san a kiss, supposedly. But… does she…? Lost ihoughts, Akio-san tinued.

  “So, while most of you know each other already, we now have four of the Princesses who Tsukiko-san prophesised to be vital for heading off six great disasters threatenih. It’s not just a case of Britain or Japan… everything is at stake.”

  Hearing those words, Tsukiko’s expression ged, and she was once again the cool beauty Yukiko had always imagined her as. She nodded regally, arong voice captivated everyone. “Indeed. We have here four Princesses of the Six Paths. Human…” she o Eleanor. “Beast.”

  “I do not-not like that title. In fact I hate it. I demand an upgrade.” Shaeu pouted.

  “Hungry Ghost.” Shiro leaned ba her chair, and Yukiko was once more struck by the simirities between her and Tsukiko. They don’t look alike, but they are both inhumanly attractive in their own unique ways…

  “And Heaven, my dear friend.” Seeing her smile, Yukiko nodded happily.

  “Now…” Tsukiko finished. “Let me tell you what I have seen reflected in the moon, and the threats we all face…” But not alosukiko was worried that the Princesses would be uo e together, but before we eve, Akio-san had gathered two of them… but where are the other two? And who?

  ********

  “It sounds terrifying.” Eleanor shuddered, hearing about the r giant with the burning eye. “You say that in addition to the great dangers we have to fight, we each have a threat another Princess has to save us from?”

  “Yes, six threats, six world ending dangers. Although…” Tsukiko anded everyone’s attention. “Two threats have beeurned.”

  “Yes, I am free from the false friends in bnk masks.” Eleanhed. “Akio, I am sain. I didn’t want to believe that those I trusted would betray me. But…”

  “Speaking of that, have you decided?” he said softly, and David was the one who answered, frustrated.

  “It’s a big damn decision. I’d be more than happy to smother the limbless prick Donovan myself, but for now he’s ranting and raving in a military prison. The redhead… she’s giving us no trouble. And we’re watg the Territory of that nun bitch Mary, but so far none of her allies have e to take the bait.”

  “But tensions are rising. We’ve had protests which have sparked trouble oreets of most cities.” Eleanor was grim. “Ever sihat video from her Church was released, there’s been a growing number iously motivated crimes and violence. Many are calling for all the Gods’ Chosen to be arrested, or worse. Right now, we have to tread carefully, and not infme already high tensions.”

  “As for us… we made our decision. It’s not fair, but what is?” Shiro said zily. “I think Nie Ling should be happy to have survived. And she’s no sve, not like the other one, Na, trapped under a Throne. And speaking of Thrones…” she looked at Tsukiko, who nodded.

  “After this I shall tell you the decision I have made.”

  You’ve already decided? Then… guessing what was in her friend’s heart, Yukiko held her silence. Besides, what we are discussing is frightening enough.

  “That giant, by the salt and smoke, it sounds familiar.” Raidre said suddenly, and Shaeu snorted bitterly.

  “Of course it does, any-any from the Seelie Court would know of Duke Formor. But we have sidered this, and I do not-not believe we are at odds any longer. No, he with his Mystic Eyes that destroy, he is not-not the only one…”

  “The giants that betrayed the Court and turo the Unseelie. The Fomorians. Sons of Balor, he of the first and evilest of the Mystic Eyes.” Raidre breathed.

  “Yes. I suspect so-so.” Shaeu smiled at Eleanor, her gaze sympathetic. “I shall call on you wheime-time es. Though I suspect it will be painful.”

  Eleanor shuddered. “I don’t want to think about it. Fag a raging giant, being burned again and again… but, hang on a minute. Ohing doesn’t add up here.”

  “Yeah, me, right?” Shiro said zily. “My trial was a bit different. I know my threat, and my danger is also my salvatiht Tan?” There was no answer, and after a brief giggle, she tinued. “Shit, she’s so tsundere. But I was supposed to kill Aki and that would drive me mad, leading to me giving up on life and Tan taking over, right? But Aki crushed that fate himself, with his own hands. But… if you think about it…”

  “Yes?” Eleanor asked, curious.

  “If it wasn’t for our Princess of Beasts here…” she teased Shaeu, who pouted. “…Aki never would have had the ce to pursue me, and everything would have been different. Worse. It doesn’t bear thinking about. I almost made a disastrous mistake.”

  “That doesn’t fit either.” Yukiko pointed out. “Shaeu was the oo protect Eleanor from the false friends in white masks, which she did, right?”

  “She cut apart that dipshit Donovan like he was a fug sausage.” David said with relish. “I’d say so.”

  After he was once more criticised for his nguage, David tinued. “You’re too hung up on this. Fet who does what, from what you’ve said, our boy here…” he got up and spped Akio-san on the shoulder as hard as he could, holding in a wi his sore hand. “…already broke ohing you were sure would happen, the death of your damn soul. Yet here you are.”

  Tsukiko nodded. “Yes, I sidered it in the brief moments of lucidity in the darkness while I slept. Even Tsukuyomi’s great prophecies are fallible, though I believed them inviote.”

  “Even the Lapce’s Demon you used to expin to me ot truly exist within the Universe it is measuring.” Princess Eleanor decred to Akio-san. “I think we only use them as a guide.”

  “Indeed, I have realised this. So, two disasters have beeurned, and we know of the golden-eyed devourer already. Then the giant of fme, and white and copper crosses dipped in blood.” She had revealed a fifth threat, to the Princess of Hell, whose whereabouts remained unknown. “As for the other…” Tsukiko looked at Akio-san. “…while I still dream, I passed the Divine Favour of Tsukuyomi to you, my successor. Have you any insights to share?”

  Yukiko held a hand over her mouth to hide her smile as he shrugged apologetically. “Nothihat’s new, just more firming Tsukiko-san’s I’m afraid. I’ve been cutting my sleep to the bare minimum retly, I’ve had a lot going on. Uh… I mean, I don’t really sleep much at all.”

  “How sad.” Tsukiko said, smiling. “If you struggle to sleep I hold you until you drift off. I have no experience, but I am fident I be motherly.” She shifted, and her rge chest bounced under her clothing. Akio-san choked, as did David, who swain, and Yukiko-san was also stuhat’s so bold. Tsukiko… you really…

  “Damn girl…” David said, once his annoyance subsided. “There’s plenty of ood guys out there, you do better than him, you know.”

  “Are you thinking of yourself, David?” Princess Eleanor quirked her lips in an amused smile, and he shrugged.

  “Well why not? Damn, she’s a geous one, no mistaking that.”

  “But you barely unicate without the transtion of others. Besides…” Princess Eleanor looked at Tsukiko, her smile warm. “…having a life saved…” Suzuki-san coughed loudly, and the Princess snorted, amused. “… it’s basically that, o quibble. It has a great impa the heart. Especially if ohinks their demise is iable, ordained.” Eleanor looked at Akio-san, her gaze expet. “You know my thoughts though, and they have not ged.”

  Akio-san nodded. “Uh… yeah, I get it. If I ever mistreat her or any of the others, then you’ll be sure to teach me a lesson.”

  “It sounds to me like matters have been decided. What do you all think?” Yukiko asked, feeling a surge of happiness for her lonely friend, though also a twinge of something else, as well.

  “It’s iable. From when they met in Kyoto, it was going this way.” Shiro waved it off. “Besides…” she gri David. “…while there are probably a number of good guys about, Hayato for ohere’s no way he could handle a woman like Tsukiko. I don’t think you could either.” she said, and David shrugged.

  “Give a guy a ce, but… yeah, I get it. Girls love strength. And he has it in spades.”

  “Kioo.” Shaeu interjected. “I am not-not bound by your mortal ventions, my father has many wives and es, it is quite-quite normal to me, but… Akio love as widely as the seas, and it is just as deep as the os. And who Akio loves, we-we love too. So…” her amber eyes gleamed happily. “…join us, Tsukiko, and the final stains on Akio’s heart, that he could not-not save your life, be swept away at st.”

  She nodded, and addressed Yukiko, her expression one she would never have imagisukiko could show, teasing, hopeful and also happy. “I know your long-cherished dream, to be ordinary, to be valued for who you are, not what you are.”

  Princess Eleanreed with that, having likely shared some of the same troubles and worries. As Tsukiko tinued, everything was clear to Yukiko, all the pieces fitting together. “I am the same.” Tsukiko tinued. “I only thought I was valued for my piety, my devotion to Tsukuyomi. I gave up my own self. I do nret it, even now.” She looked at Eleanor. “For I have the proof it was not in vain. You stand here before me alive, and able to ge the Destiny of another. But… I found someone who shatter what I believed, who makes me wonder…” she smiled at Akio, and the smile was brilliantly pure, yet also incredibly alluring. “…why I worried so much about whether he was the ohat could save you, Yukiko. Because he told me words I did not believe, yet so wished to be true. If we do not have a hero who save us, we simply o make one. And he fed himself out of nothing.”

  “Not alone.” Shaeu said, and as everyone sukiko echoed her.

  “Yes, not alone. Yet without strength, kindness, fortune and even foolishness, an unwillio give up on those he wishes to make happy, even if it seems impossible… such a person could .”

  Akio-san agreed, his toender. “Yeah, that’s the thing with prophecies, foretellings and the like. They always fit after the fact. We ’t use them as guides. Kyoto taught me that. Twice. Even when I tried to protect everyone when Fht was warning me of danger, I failed, and a lot of my trainees died and Eri was crippled. I could have stopped that, by immediately abandoning Kyoto, taking everyone home and hiding. But if we did that, then I wouldn’t have made es with the two of you. And then Tsukiko-san would be dead for real.” He Yukiko and Tsukiko.

  “Call me Tsukiko. You have ear. The first to say my name, see my face, in many years. If you ot, who ?”

  “I’m no expert in Japanese…” David grumbled after it was transted. “But that’s a big thing here, culturally, right?”

  “I believe it means she sees him intimately. It does not necessarily mean as lovers, but certainly as someone special.” Sir Arthur crified.

  “Yeah, I k. Hey pretty boy, you owe me another round. How about a handicap? You stand still a me beat on you for a minute or five!”

  Ign David’s slightly bitter humour, Akio-san tinued. “We ’t be ruled by prophecy. Even if Tsukuyomi is trying to help, which I don’t doubt, the Gods aren’t all-knowing and all-powerful, or there’s no point to any of this. So I’ll save the other two Princesses, whoever and wherever they are, simply because the four I already knoeople worth saving, so I doubt the other two are any different. And we’ll help each other, until all the threats are done, and the six disasters fag earth are repelled. White and Red Dragons, the Pilrs, whatever else is ing… this is our world, and we o protect it, together.”

  “And that’s how Aki gets you.” Shiro said to Yukiko and Princess Eleanor with a resigned grin. “The worst thing is, he’s not doing it on purpose. Not this at least. He be a flirt, just ask Kana, but when he is talking about proteg, he damn well means it.”

  My heart did ache a little there. No, he’s my friend, he said so. Of course he wants to help me. And Tsukiko… “So, Tsukiko, do you agree?” It must be hard, you spent your whole life believing there were things that you could ge, and sadly things you had to accept. Now you find that overturned… it’s probably frightening.

  “I have no choice but to cede.” She admitted gracefully, though she wobbled a bit, her face flushing, as she realised she was still drunk. Standing, she strode over to Akio and took his arm, looking into his grey eyes with her ruby ones, nearly close enough to kiss. “More importantly… I want to believe. Because if I do not, the one who was able to save us is rather useless, for he was not there.” She reached up, hesitantly at first, before her fingers quivered, toug Akio-san’s cheeks, as soft as a breath at first, before her fidence grew. “And I found your willio see the real me, beyond what I could do for you, and what you would give for me… it touched my heart. My cold, silent, stoic heart. It began to beat again.”

  Yukiko watched on, clutg the front of her dress in her fist, breath ing fast. I… she’s doing it!

  “I am reborn.” Tsukiko looked at Suzuki-san, who nodded, reassuring her. “I gave my all, my very life for what I believed in. I still believe in it. But now I believe in more. So… you asked me to marry you, foolish man.” Tsukiko’s red eyes were bright. “You should be more careful, even to save a life, such a itment should not be offered.”

  “I know.” Akio-sahed, uo move, so close she was to him. “At the time I was desp…” Her hand came and sealed his mouth, cutting off his excuses.

  “I know.” She repeated. “But even a woman such as I, who has lived without emotions, as a mae, knows where the line is. You have let many women and girls alike beguile you, and you should stop. If you genuinely desire someohat is healthy. After all, the Gods themselves make many children, have many lovers. Izanagi and his sister Izanami gave birth to children, one of which was Tsukuyomi, who I still revere. But simply pity, or to avoid hurt feelings… that is not a good enough reason.”

  Yukiko could see the traces of guilt in Akio-san’s eyes, but they quickly vanished, and his face was resolute, his jaw ched. “I know. Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi, they were all because I didn’t want to hurt them. Holy… Eri too. It all started because I was a weak idiot. But sihen, I’ve learned. I have. And though I may have chosen for stupid reasons, I love them all dearly now, and I’ll never give them up. But I ’t keep choosing just for those reasons. So… you know, the moon is beautiful tonight, isn’t it?” Akio-san said, and Tsukiko smile widened, waiting. “But not as beautiful as you. I like your appearance, you’re right in my strike zone.” Akio-san said boldly. “But most of all, I like the purity of your heart, and how you strive to protect others. And I ’t help but think I want to make it mine, and make you smile from the heart, asp in wo some new experience.”

  “How-how bold. It seems after Asha and Kana, Akio has-has finally learned how to be a proper male.” Shaeu praised, while Shiro whistled lewdly, chortling like a dirty old man.

  “I see. I fess to having a certain level of trepidation.” Tsukiko breathed. “My heart is rag. Perhaps it is the strong alcohol? No, I suspeot.” She flushed nearly as red as her eyes. “I am still na?ve, and I feel I might cause you may difficulties…”

  “You’re worth the price.” Akio-san promised. “It seems pretty shady of me saying this wheime we’ve spent together is so limited, but… when I think of you smiling, enjoying life along with everyone else, I feel so warm i’s not pity though, I promise.” He insisted. “I’ve learned girls don’t want affe out of pity. No, it’s because I see your unyielding spirit, and I think I’d really enjoy showing you all the good things you’ve missed out on. Although…” he grinned, a mock-stern expression crossing his features. “…it won’t all be easy. You wao protect Yukiko-san, your friend, and the other Princesses. Well, you still and will, but now it’ll be more hands on, so you’ll have to train and grow stronger, just like everyone else. There are no passengers in this battle harem!” He threw in a joke at the end to lighteension.

  “Aki’s big on tough love too. It’s sweet, like drowning in honey, but sometimes drowning isn’t as fun as it sounds.” Shiro joked.

  “Drowning doesn’t sound like fun at all…” David quipped dryly after the transtion. “Man, I thought we were here for serious business?”

  “We are.” Akio-kun said sternly. “But to me… Tsukiko has always been serious business.”

  “I… that does sound wonderful. I feel sweetness on my tongue and in my heart. The honey is envelopisukiko smiled. “But I am not as indomitable as you think. I prayed for salvation, for mercy, even though I thought it would never e. I still hoped, and…”

  “… that’s what it is to be human. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. I thie all the powers we have gaihe responsibility we shoulder… we o stay human, stay g. So… you’re happy with me? It’s a lifelong itment you know.”

  “No it isn’t.” David disagreed. “Couples break up all the time, man.”

  “Oh it is.” Shaeu shook her head. “I do-do believe Eri would not take kindly to someone abandoning Akio. She is rather plicated. I do love-love her dearly, but for one who wished desperately to have Akio all to herself, she is a female who will not-not tolerate any slights to Akio, and if he loves them, they ot-not reject him.”

  “They’re all crazy, Princess. See, o worry. They should get together to prevent the crazy spreading. Best keep it all in one pce, we don’t want an iious outbreak of idiocy.” David pined, and Princess Eleangled politely.

  “Yes, so it seems. But for a man with su instant nature, it was rather endearing afelt. Watg it, and having heard what the poor woman endured for the good of many, including myself… I found myself hoping he would accept her. Melissa would be disappointed i seems you are right after all, David.”

  “Always am.” he boasted. Yukiko was barely listening though, as Tsukiko turo her.

  “Yukiko, without you and Yasuhide, I would not have survived as long as I did. Now… I will go on ahead. Hopefully you too one day will find what you seek. Until that day… I… no, we…” Her smile was brilliant, almost blinding. “…will protect you, by your side. I would have been happy under your care, but… it seems more appropriate to tie myself more securely to the future I chose. Not one I ever foresaw, not osukuyomi showed me, but ohat shattered my bonds, and gave me hope that the future would be bright, despite so much terror and darko e.”

  “You’re sure?” Akio-san asked o time, and Tsukiko leaned forwards just a fra, and their lips touched for a sed time. This time, there was no disiion, Tsukiko fading away, but a brilliant glow of aether, a rainbow surrounding them. Isn’t this moment dragging out a bit too much? Suddenly wet sounds were heard, and Yukiko covered her eyes with her hands, while Princess Eleanor looked away, keeping her dignity. The damp, slurping noises were tinuing, until they parted with a sigh.

  “You didn’t have to seal it with a kiss you know.” Akio-san said, and as Yukiko peeked through her fingers in relief, she was amused to see him red-faced and embarrassed, despite all his experience.

  “I know. But I wished my first was better. Besides… this one I could enjoy, I could savour. I finally feel my age. A woman.”

  “If you think that makes you a woman, you’re as na?ve as the little noble girls.” Shiro snickered. “Good job though. You got Aki all hot and bothered. Guess all the booze lowered your inhibitions.”

  “Being killed puts things into perspective.” Tsukiko said, and Suzuki-san nodded agreement. “There seems little point being caught up on things. Death e at any time, so make the most of every moment. As I io do from now on.”

  “That’s why I’m not getting any sleep!” Akio-san said, to relieved ughter all around. “Which is what started this…”

  With that he grabbed Tsukiko and pulled her close, kissing her again, as if to prove to her that he genuinely wanted her, and as the girls looked at each other, Yukiko couldn’t look away, her heart rag. He kept his promise to me. Tsukiko go home, I see her whenever I want. And she be happy, loved… I’m jealous, but… it’s a good feeling. Now I have to firm my resolve. I am the Princess of Heaven, Priestess of Ise, Princess Mikasa. Japan and those within it are mio defend. But not alone, no, not alone…

  ********

  Tsukiko was sitting snuggled against Akio, with the small ese girl, Daiyu, occupying his other side. After some more drinks and discussion, talk had turned baore serious topics.

  “So, the Red Dragon is a, and the toad bastard that killed you is pulling some of the strings?” David asked. “In that case, the White Dragon, isn’t it likely a try too? America maybe? The yanks have been doing some damn stupid shit.”

  “I think that it’s not so much a as what a is hiding.” Akio-san said. “After all, it’s a threat to the very world, yet a’s part of the world.”

  “So, level with me.” David leaned forward eagerly. “How strong was this golden frog pared to that bitch Mary and her angels?”

  “Good question. Bear in mind, this was just a e, but I’d say very parable. So the real thing is going to be horrific.” Akio-san said, shaking his head. “As for the Church of True Revetions, if they have a lot of people as strong as Mary who also call angels, I see us having trouble.”

  “Shit. It never ends.” David shrugged. “So, at least we have thrashed out a pn.”

  “Yeah.” Akio-san agreed. “Thanks to our ret gains in mount Atago, I’m hopeful ush my Territory to Rank four in months. Then we’ll do Haru’s in Kyoto, which will protect Ise and Yukiko-san. We then ferry ether to London, and you’ll be , Eleanor.”

  “I still feel rather shameful, taking such bounty. But…” Yukiko was surprised to see the smile on her face, rather teasing. “…since you took from me without any sense of shame, I’ll do the same and just say thank you.”

  “Hah, well… there’s still a few more who o rummage around the Tower. Like Tsukiko here.” He had dropped the honourific as she had asked him, and she flushed, though her eyes were sparkling joyously. She’s like a different person. No, perhaps this is who she would have been if she grew up normally, without such burdens. “After that…” he tinued. “…getting all our Vassals and allies to at least Rank three, then making a start on heavy infrastructure builds… if we copy a and work together, we won’t fall behind.”

  “I have a .” Daiyu suddenly said, and all eyes turo her. She then expihat she was worried that Kunlun would return, and they might be the Red Dragon.

  “Kunlun?” Sir Arthur asked. “Isn’t that a mountain range?”

  Daiyu shook her head after Akio-san transted.

  “Kunlun refers to the sacred nd of the Cultivators. It was sealed fifteen hundred years ago, to keep iritual energy, what aether they could. If it has not colpsed, there could be many powerful Cultivators there. And what the powerful seek is more power, no matter who they have to trample to get it.”

  “That is a .” Yukiko agreed. “But we have other worries, all we do is grow stronger.”

  “Well said.” Shaeu approved, a sudden grin on her face. “And to that-that end we need more allies.”

  “Yeah, if we make suitable friends who are Chosen that occupy pces we o protect, we sider helping them with aether too. Although I have a few allies who have Anchors yet to deploy.” Akio-san mused.

  “I did not-not mean that, although that is a good thought.” Shaeu said. Her gaze fell on Yukiko and Princess Eleanor, her expression calg. “Tomorrow a great-great event in the Seelie Court is upon us, where Akio and I are the guests of honour. Perhaps you have-have heard whispers on the salt, Raidre?”

  The Seelie shook his head. “I do not hear much from the Court, not these days.”

  “Poor you. Perhaps you should take it as time-time to return. You be invited as well.” She smiled wickedly. “It is our triumphant unveiling of my Duchy, the Spring of Clear Refles. Barring the Queen, all Seelie of note should-should be there. We will enshem with our new ideas and gain further support. Perhaps…” her smile grew. “…having Princesses of two very important, powerful mortal tries in attendance would make-make the right impression?”

  At that, Yukiko found herself smiling too. I’ve heard talk of the nd of the fairies. Yet I hought I would actually see it. I make time, certainly… Princess Eleanor seemed to accept that as well, and Akio-kun offered some final words oter.

  “There’s someone else you o ioo, isn’t there?”

  Shaeu nodded, biting at her lips, a touervous. “Yes, I dearly hope-hope it works out, but…”

  “It will be fisukiko said warmly from beside Akio. “I do not need a vision from Tsukuyomi to see that. If you have problems, lean on Akio. I would be more than willing to aid you as well.”

  “I see. You are a quick-quick study, Tsukiko. A worthy female indeed. Beauty and intelligence.” Shaeu set aside her unease. “Yes, even if it does not-not go as pnned, just like my courtship with Akio, so long as the e satisfies, such trials ih are merely tales to tell ter over fine booze.” She raised her gss, gulping down the liquid. “So, tonight we celebrate. For tomorrow there is much-much to do!”

  As everyone cheered, Yukiko met Tsukiko’s gaze, and she nodded. I see. This is what you wanted, so… I’ll always support you. For a moment, her eyes looked at the heavens above, the dark aurorae shimmering. Amaterasu, I cursed you for choosing me, but… without the ging world, could Tsukiko have ever been happy? Perhaps I’ll five you, just this ohough as she watched the glow overhead, it almost felt as though something dangerous was looking down on her, and she shivered involuntarily. No, we shouldn’t be pt. Tsukiko lives again, and Princess Eleanor and Shiro survived, but… there’s still so many threats out there… with that thought in mind, she downed her own drink, coughing nosily as it went down the wrong way, and as Shiro spped her back, her unease dimihough a st niggling bit remained, as if a thorn, prig at her heart…

  ShipTeaser