Tsumura Motoko

  “Should you really be out here then, Motoko-?” the irl, one of Akio’s close friends, Aimi-san, asked her. She was a rather bright, bubbly person, and Motoko uood why Akio and the others liked her. Meo enjoy a more outgoing personality. It is difficult for me, I am rather reserved due to my upbringing, but… her face reddened slightly, as she remembered Akio telling her she had begressive retly. Seeing that, Aimi-san giggled. “Thinking of something fun?”

  “No, no.” Motoko shook her head. There is no time for dwelling on that. This is a time for a and ing. “I was simply admiring you, Aimi-san. I have always thought you to be rather straightforward and ho.”

  The two men she was with, more of Akio’s friends, Yasu-san and Shugo-san, ughed at that, and started teasing Aimi-san, saying that Motoko was calling her rude and blunt, but Motoko waved one hand, belying that. “I know yood friends, who do like to tease one another, but I still feel pelled to defend her honour. Being ho is a good thing. For too long, I was not. No-one be happy, suppressing their true self.” She paused, taking a deep breath. “Much as I enjoy this versation, I am in somewhat of a hurry.” She had briefly expio them when she had left the Boundary, and Shugo-san, the less boisterous of the two male friends of Akio here, nodded, gesturing to his ptop.

  “Don’t worry about it, Motoko-. I’m already pulling up all the data you wanted about Jumong. Though there’s a lot of different variants. Do you want them all?”

  Motoko agreed. “Yes, please, I would be most grateful for your assistan this matter. Akio gave us some information, but I think I know him well enough now to know he was trying to make us think for ourselves.”

  “I’m often jealous of Akio-kun, you know.” His other friend, the loud yet good-natured Yasu-san said, his tone filled with moger. “Having a demure, refined cutie like you as his fiancée… sometimes I think I should punch him hard on behalf of all us single guys!”

  “Single? Speak for yourself.” Shugo-san snorted and Aimi-san agreed.

  “Yeah, you ’t rag on everyone just because you’re batting a zero average. Although maybe that’ll ge iure, if you keep pying your cards right…” her grin made Yasu-san flush. “But I do agree.” Aimi-san looked Motoko up and down, admiring her figure iraining hakama she wore. It is a little discerting to be scrutinised so, but then, these are Akio’s close friends, so I should expect them to evaluate me, to see if I am worth his time and love. Standing tall, she faced it, and after a while Aimi-san nodded. “Every time I meet you girls, it still surprises me. But you’re all good girls in your own way. And if I’m not mistaken…” she smiled, her examination of Motoko having been for another purpose. “…you seem more animated than usual. Did something good happen?”

  “Of course something did!” Yasu-san rolled his eyes. “She’s fighting for a Divine Favour, Aimi-, it’s only natural she’s pumped up!”

  “And this is why you’ll strike out again if you aren’t careful, Yasu-kun.” Aimi-san sighed theatrically. “You o learn to uand us women. We aren’t a different species. Hayato-kun and Akio-kun are doing just fine as expected, and even Shugo-kun here is learning!”

  “Why do I feel like I’m taking friendly fire?” Shugo-san pined, still typing away. “Leave me out of Yasu-kun’s mess.”

  As Yasu-san protested, Motoko found herself ughing, giggles bursting out of her, and she covered her mouth with one hand, trying to keep her posure. When she was doh her merriment, she apologised, but the others merely smiled at her warmly, and Motoko found the experience pleasing. Friends… not something us daughters of nobility have many of, or ofte all. Our own isoted little isnds. But we ge that. Akio, Hinata, Miyu, Mayumi-sama, Sakura-sama… us. “Yes, you were correct. Something good did happen. At first I was angered.” Motoko admitted. “Natsumi… she yielded this opportunity to me. Not because she did not want it, but because of old habits, old realities. After all, how she steal from her teacher and mistress?” Those words were tinged with bitterness, but she sohtened. “But when pressed, she revealed her true feelings. She did want this ce, and she also wao stand equal to me. We fought, but we are stronger for it. Though I do wish we could move past the old retionship…” she said wistfully.

  “Really?” Aimi-san shrugged, and Motoko’s gaze went down to her ample chest. For a moment she sidered her own form. Her bust was on the modest side for Akio’s women, though it exceeded Shaeu’s, of course. Natsumi is rger there. I wonder… no, Akio has never shown any dislike for my figure, and I am toned and lithe, flexible too…

  “Stop thinking about Akio.” Aimi-san snickered, interpreting her sudden flush and vat stare correctly. “I get that when you’re in love, to start with, all you think about is the other person, and wonder if they are thinking of you. In time you’ll settle down…” she seemed a little emotional, wistful, perhaps. “But… you and Natsumi- have known each other a long time, right?”

  Motoko nodded. “Yes, approag a full decade, since I was introduced to Natsumi as a potential bodyguard and student. And we have been together forever since. And will be forever in future.” That was satisfying. As they came closer to graduating Hanafubuki, the spectre of being separated, of marriage and having adult, male bodyguards was looming. Noectre was banished, and ihey would marry the same man, stand equal as true friends.

  “And how long have you tried to shape a new retionship?” Aimi-san queried, and Motoko uood.

  “A little over two months now, though it seems longer as we have spent time together in the Boundary.”

  “There’s your ahen, Motoko-.” Shugo-san said, pg the ptop in front of her. “You ’t expect to ge how you feel in a hurry. A decade versus a couple of months, the weight of time is different. Even our princess, Shiro, she’s had to adapt, and her prior mi with Akio-kun only sted a few years.”

  “Yes, you are quite correct.” Motoko agreed, feelier about it. “Even so, I am impatient. I am now greedy to grasp what happiness I had denied myself, denied Natsumi. I learhat from the others. And there are other opportuo grasp.”

  “Like this.” Yasu-san agreed. “Though don’t you feel a bit ahat Akio-kun isn’t just letting you and Natsumi- decide between yourselves? If I had a girlfriend, I’d be sure to shower her with gifts, you know?”

  “Take it from a girl, don’t go over the top. It’s creepy.” Aimi-san pointed out. “Though I doirely disagree with you this time. With such precious treasures, throwing it open like this seems odd.”

  “It’s a matter of trust. Oh, thank you for your assistance.” Motoko said politely as she started reading the information dispyed oop. Looking at the myths, there seems to be a number of simirities. Often born from an egg, but the mother regnant by sunlight… hmm, so maybe normal light element would not suffice… skilled with a bow, even strike a fly in flight. The most promi myth is striking a river with an arrow, whipelled the wildlife within to make a bridge to cross… “Yes, this is very helpful. To be ho, I do most certainly wish for a Favour. But my situation is somewhat different from Aiko-san’s… Akio worried that she was out of his sight, ba her hometown, where he could not protect her. Me, I am close at hand, and when I am not, Fujiwara Security personnel and my family bodyguards are there to shield me. So… there is time to wait, to choose the perfect Favour. This one… Akio-san said it best. It is a crutch. She believes in her own skill with the bow, and her potential frowth. I respect that greatly, aoo.” Motoko was warming to the subject, her thoughts she tinued. “Tsumura Arts is more than just archery. Spear arts, swordsmanship, physical bat and martial arts… it is all part of the whole. No part more valuable than any other. That said, I would certainly not turn down this opportunity were I to win.” She said dryly, making the h. “But I trust were a Favour perfect for Natsumi and I to be located, Akio would not stint us. There are certainly bes to showing he is prepared to share with all who serve him, even if Shaeu likely is somewhat annoyed.”

  “Yeah, well we heard Akio-kun banging on about his childhood friend and sister for years, almost every time we were out drinking. Now I finally meet the fabled sister and lo and behold, she is damn cute. It’s siing!”

  “If Karen- hears you say that you’ll be in trouble…” Aimi-san warned him, and Yasu-san paused.

  “I didn’t mean anything by it. I couldn’t hit on Aiko- even if I waht? Akio-kun would castrate me. He’s way too overprotective. She’ll die a virgin if he insists she has to have a perfect man.”

  “A bit crude, but not untrue.” Shugo-san agreed. “But I don’t think she minds right now. Maybe when she’s older? But yeah, being a brother-in-w to Akio-kun is going to be hard work…”

  Motoko smiled at that. “Yes, he already has a number of brothers-in-w. We have quite the tangled extended family. Now, this has been fun, but time is passing, and faster in the Boundary. I have to make haste…” Leaving Akio’s friends to banter, Motoko started pnning her moves. Light element alone… perhaps I should have been more thh in learning other elements, but Natsumi and I were focussed on honing our physical attributes, and Tsumura Arts. And it is not in vain, in sparring with many powerful foes and having skilled instru from master Ulfuric, I feel I am on the cusp of taking Tsumura Arts to the level. But they do require elemental iion…

  “Look at her trating. It’s heart-warming to see.” Aimi-san was saying, but Motoko wasn’t listening, her thoughts purely on what she had to do o realise her full potential.

  Yes, I shall seek out Aiko-san and also Hikawa Ren-san. While it might be unfair to ask for their aid for myself, all is fair in love and war after all… her smile was one few had seen on her usually posed and impassive face. …and whether or not this is the best Favour for me, I want Akio, and Natsumi, and the others, to see that I am up to the challeo be proud of me!

  ********

  Hori Natsumi

  “Thanks a lot freeing to help.” Natsumi said cheerfully. She had been a bit surprised when Motoko had retreated to the Material instead of followio the obvious clusion, but after giving it a little thought, she uood. Trust Motoko to see a solution. I o try harder if I’m going to catch up to her. I’ve always loved, respected and even envied her, but… that’s no basis for true friendship. I see that now. Old habits die hard, I suppose…

  “There’s no problem.” Haru- said, shrugging. “Though I only spare some time today, as I have to go back to Seoul ter.” She shook her head mournfully. “Poor souls. I uand how they feel. To have such a traumatic, destructive experience forced on them out of nowhere… it’s enough to make one wish for the release of death. Not that death is much of a release. And I would know.”

  I’m never quite sure what to say when she makes those sorts of jokes. I uand it’s a g meism, and Haru- certainly looks and feels a lot happier and more stable retly… I guess I’ll just ig for now. I know Akio is ed about her, so he’ll make sure she doesn’t repse into depression and despair again. He’s good at that. I always feel safe and protected when I’m with him. Excited too.

  “We are only too happy to help, and to be of assistance.” “Yes, we have been practising something ourselves, so we are very fident of being able to support you.” The two twins, Chiaki- and Chiasa- said in sequehey were both in their usual red and white hakama, in trast to the blue and white Natsumi was wearing, but together they looked like a bunch of sisters, perhaps Haru- being the oldest sister, chaperoning her younger siblings. Haru couldn’t help but ugh at the image in her mind.

  “Did we say something strange?” “Was what we said odd?” the twins worried, but Natsumi shook her head, curly hair boung.

  “No, just thinking that we look great in hakama.” she teased them. “Maybe you should wear some too oime, Haru-. Not that you look bad in suits. But enough about that. I’d like to learn light element, si’s clearly a factor in mastering this Favour from Akio’s description. I really should have put iime to learn more elements, but Tsumura Arts and physical strengthening have been our focus.”

  “Don’t think you leave us out.” Belera, the vibrant, blue-haired Elf said cheerfully, her e bow slung over one shoulder.

  “Me too!” Soliteare joined in, also carrying a beautifully decorated bow, her brilliant green hair always catg the attention of others. Her chest too. I’m hardly small, though that’s not always a good thing for bat. Sometimes I envy Motoko’s slender figure, especially when drawing ba the b. But then, Akio does seem to enjoy my chest, so… I don’t want to ge. No, there’s no time to get distracted.

  “I’m the one who should be shedding tears.” Soliteare’s blue eyes sparkled. “I didn’t eveo go on an adveh Akio yet. Sometimes I worry he’ll fet who I am!”

  “I doubt that could happen.” Haru- said dryly. “The pair of you are very memorable. The trio I should say. Though it seems Moira has deed to participate.”

  “She’s always like that.” Belera shrugged. “Sour, bad-tempered, taciturn… unlucky. It’s ill-omened for ao be born with bck hair and eyes. Cursed by the Queen of Crows, they say.” She paused, looking embarrassed. “Though I don’t cim to believe it, not now. I’ve seen too much. And even if she was born unlucky, she’s got the ce to turn it around. Though all she wants to do is plot, scheme and work. She’ll always be alone like that. She o go on more adventures, like I did! It gets the heart burning with passion!”

  “Are y to pick a fight, Bell?” Soliteare grimaced. “You know I’m jealous you were chosen!”

  As they bickered, the group headed towards the Ring Gate. The celebrations were still in full swing for the Adamant members, and Natsumi saw the Shiraishi sisters looking at her with some bemusement. There are several other noble daughters there too. Hinata really is fierce about expanding our influence. I hope she doesn’t try and push it too far… Seeing Natsumi looking, Hinata winked and mouthed ‘Good luck!’ at her. I’ll worry about that aime. Focus. In Tsumura Arts, stray, extraneous, distrag thoughts should be avoided. Live in the moment, just myself and my oppos. So now… light element. My oppos will be seeking it too, but I be better…

  As they transferred to Boundary Kyoto, Natsumi questiohe twins. “Just what are you w on then? If it’s a secret, you don’t have to say.”

  “We would keep s from one of Akio-sama’s fiancées.” “You are a trusted panion of Akio-sama, we say.” The twins had no problem revealing their efforts, which touched Natsumi. They really are good kids. Very mature with a good work ethic. Holy, they might be suited for learning Tsumura Arts. Though they’ve started te, as the foundations are best built before one reaches ten years old, such disadvantages be mitigated by Levelling up and having Akio instru Skill gains. Maybe I’ll mention it. They joined Adamant, right? Though they weren’t wearing the uniform at the moment, they did have some rather pretty diamond-shaped badges pio their shoulders.

  “roud that we aid others in gaining elemental affinities.” “reatest delight it to help others master strengths that the Kami possess.” “So we worry that learning other elements might interfere.” “It probably will not, but we do not want to make mistakes.” “To support Akio-sama, Ren-sama and the Kami…” “For our family, Hikawa-Kawagoe Shrine and the Kami…” They spoke oer the other, only to finish together, expressions both fearful and proud. “We have been studying the Klein Bottle and trying to learn the Spatial element. It is hard, so terribly hard, but we have been learning what we o know!”

  “Really?” Natsumi was impressed. “What have you been learning?” They were headed towards Kiyomizu-dera, where the density of light element was highest, attrag some curiosity from the dwellers of Kyoto and visiting Yōkai.

  “We have been studyiry and multi-dimensional spaces and transformations.” “As well as gravity, retivity and particle physics.” They said proudly, and Natsumi covered her mouth with one hand to hide her surprise.

  “Really? That’s very advanced. We tou some of that in high school, but generally it’s uy level subjects. Are you managing to keep up?”

  “It is quite the struggle, but we persevere.” We do not uand too much, but what little we do is helping, we are sure.” The twins answered. The versation tinued, and after a while they reached their destinatioiful indigo sparks of energy, tinged with faint gold, were rising above the impressive temple, and Natsumi could feel it in the air.

  ”I’m a little envious. I missed out when you all learned. I wao go to that cve you were having. I know Motoko and Hinata did too. But rules are rules. I’ve lived my whole life bound by doing what the rules dictated.” Her eyes narrowed. “This Favour… I was going to cede it to Motoko, but I was wrong. That’s not being a friend, it’s being trapped in old ways of thinking, old habits. Yes, we should help and support each other… but we also all agreed to polish ourselves so we all shine brighter. If I treat Motoko as above me still, then it’ll just cause trouble for her and everyone else.”

  “Well said.” Belera ented, sitting down and crossing her long legs, her ears fppily as she spoke. “I have a better uanding of you both since mount Atago. You are as sisters, but even sisters have a dominant and a submissive one.”

  “I know.” Natsumi sighed. “But I want to ge. I have ged, but it’s hard to undo years of our retionship. But we must. To be true friends and sisters.”

  “Just make an effort. We Elves know patience. All good hunters have to be patient, as prey is not cimed by hasty arrows.” Soliteare advised seriously. “Holy… this Favour is better suited for Bell or me than you, though I certainly mean no disrespect.”

  “It’s true.” Natsumi ceded. “But we aren’t long lived like you. Not yet. So we like to grab ces when we see them, even if they aren’t perfect. I just want to do more, be a part of things. Sometimes I feel oside a little.” She paused, suddenly thinking of something. “But that reminds me. You said you Elves are patient? So why are you both pursuing Akio with all the subtlety of a starving dog seeing fresh meat? I uand you might be under pressure from Prihethrioo him wishing for your arranged marriage… I sympathise. It was an ever-preseo Motoko and me in the past. But Akio doesn’t o bind you that way to work together. If you actually like him then there’s no rush, is there? After all, he’s just like you now, and live turies or more.” I feel flicted. I’m sad that if I don’t reach the same level, I’ll end up being just a memory to him iure. But I’m also fired up. I don’t want to back down from this challenge. Perhaps that’s why I’m eager for this Favour, to propel me forwards, even though I feel it might not be the best fit for me. But Akio promised he wouldn’t leave any of us behind. Even so, Motoko and I… we don’t want to simply receive help, we want to cim our eternity with our own strength aermination. As the heirs to Tsumura Arts, we demand no less from ourselves.

  Belera and Soliteare exged knowing gnces, while Haru- ughed, amused by her point. In the end, Belera spoke for them. “You’re right. There’s no rush, not really. However…” She narrowed her eyes, a little troubled. “Holy, I rather like Akio. He’s iiic to us, and brave and strong. There’s no ardens who pride themselves in strength and bravery such as Teare and I could marry a weak or cowardly man. And Elven courtship indeed be leisurely, years, decades or more in the making, but…” She exged a knowing gh Soliteare. “…if we don’t make a good impression, win his approval now, then it may be too te. We watd we see etting ahead of us… our prey is wily and surrounds himself with imperable shields such as you.”

  Me? A shield?

  “So that’s ant to win. If one of us wins, our value will rise.” Belera finished. “Holy, we’re fident few resist us. Elves are among the most beautiful of the Fae, and we are strong, brave and loyal. Also, we have never found anyone we wished to bond with or share our lunar Chakras with. It frustrates us a bit that we are disted so. So…” she turo Haru- eagerly. “…we should make haste. Motoko and that little woman, Aditi, was it… may be ahead of us while we chatter.”

  Natsumi agreed with that. Yes, Motoko won’t hold back. I was wrong to cede, it wasn’t an act of kindness, but an act of pride, saying that Motoko wasn’t good enough to defeat me without me giving up. I was wrong, and hurtful, but now… I know what I o do. “Let’s get crag!” She rubbed her hands together, waiting for Haru- to start…

  ********

  Soliteare

  “Let’s get crag!” After Natsumi said those words, Soliteare exged a meaningful gh her retive Bell. They were both great-granddaughters of Prihethrion, and close cousins. Moira was as well, of course, but sidering her ill-omened appearand the superstitious nature of the Fae in general, she was hardly well-liked, despite her obvious talents. Though she is most definitely no fun to be around, she o smile more often, else she will definitely live a lonely life. But there’s no time to worry about rim retive now…

  “We’ve studied the theory closely. In the past, while it wasirely unon to transd our elements, beings such as Princess Estalian even managing it twice, it was still the act of the lucky enius.” Bell said, and Soliteare voiced her agreement.

  “Not everyone be like the little princess. How many times is it now? Five? That’s insane. Not losing herself defies everything we knew. But she’s not alone in it. Ixitt, Selensha… others as well. It seems we are living in a time of miracles.”

  “Miraculous or not, it’s nothing special.” Haru disagreed. The ghost woman made Soliteare a little unfortable, as her dead, spectral state reminded her of the dreadful Banshees of the unseelie court. Although she is nothing like those evil women. But the dead, ghosts… are traditionally ill-omened. Realising she was falling into the same trap as she had with Moira all these long years, she shook her head bitterly. I am too superstitious. Maybe I should make more of an effort to involve Moira in things. She just makes it so difficult. I know great-grandfather picked her for a marriage didate because Akio is soft on those who have suffered or are miserable, but… why he would want her when he has such bright and pleasant women around him… eve-grandfather be wrong, it seems.

  “Anyway, Chiaki-, Chiasa-, I’ll link them into your e ahem tuned. It will be far easier than soothing the broken minds of the poor souls in Korea.” Haru begaask with eyes narrowed in tration.

  As the link was formed, Soliteare marvelled at the sharing of thoughts aions, somewhat simir to sharing of lunar Chakras, so she imagined. On seeing the knowing look on everyone’s faces, other thawo twins, of course, she reddened, her ears hot and scarlet. “I’m just guessing! I’ve never shared that closeness with anyone before!”

  “You’re irely wrong.” Natsumi said, her own cheeks and ears tinged pink. “It’s a unique sensation, more intellectual, emotional pleasure than physical. But I am hardly experienced. I have only shared with Akio and have no iions of ever doing it with another man.” she insisted, and as Bell cackled, amused, Soliteare found her cute.

  “Yes, I wouldn’t dare question your iy and loyalty.” she promised early. “But we should trate now, shouldn’t we?”

  Yes, you should. Light element is challenging, but I already know it well, and the twins lear too. It does not flict with the four more primal elements, earth, water, fme and wind. But grasping the intricacies of it is harder. Fortunately… Haru’s voice resounded in their minds, followed by a flood of knowledge. I have been studying, of course. Not just the mortal realm, which I will o know if I am to truly take a once-mortal as my husband, but also their insights into the world. There are more Mortal Engineers here now than in the Court itself, many of them drawn to the vast body of knowledge and resources that are avaible if they work for it. It is impossible for us not to soak it in.

  Though you’re not the smartest of us, Teare. Just do your best, but don’t pin when I surge ahead of you and triumph. After all, it was I who was allowed to go with them to mount Atago. I guess I’m in the lead! Bell thought at her gleefully, puffing out her chest with a wink. Soliteare touched her own, far more ample bosom, and scowled. Just you wait! It isn’t who uhe first arrow, but who takes home the prey that wins!

  We hear you, you know?

  At Haru’s amused thoughts, they both blushed and silently apologised. “We’ll focus.” Soliteare promised, and soon light element was being drawn in. The twins ha with practised skill, demonstrating the correct absorption, and through Haru’s Telepathy, they could even diree of the thoughts of the Elves and Natsumi, correg minor mistakes.

  This is still very difficult… Soliteare was moving light element to her third eye Chakra, though it stantly wao escape, trying to scatter and damage her subtle body. I feel sorry for Moira now, that she was challeo master darkness by that irritating fox.

  She’ll manage. Moira is nothing if not stubborn. And it suits her gloomy personality.

  We should be o her. I’ve been thinking that a lot retly. Soliteare thought back to her cousin. Though it would help if she wasn’t so cold. She’s seldom grateful for any kindness.

  You’re right. And if we aren’t careful, the other didates who great-grandfather doesn’t favour as highly as us might e in and steal a march. Speaking of stealing a march… Bell eyed Natsumi, who was making very rapid progress on abs light element, uhe twins’ guidance. …I don’t want to be left behind. Do you?

  “No!” Soliteare decred. “I want this Favour. I am a sword and a shield that defends the Seelie Court, a bow that sends arrows to sy the Unseelie and Wild Hunt that threatens it. If I had greater power, these arrows that fly faster than an eagle, just think of what I could aplish.”

  “Maybe it’s because you are thinking of the Court that Akio left you behind.” Bell teased, grinning maliciously. Oh, I see I’ve ignited her petitive spirit, g I would win. “I am a sword and shield for not just the Court, but for Akio’s realm, and a bow to send arrows to sy his enemies and protect his wives. If you want to beat me, try harder!” Bell fieasing Soliteare.

  As the twins smiled shyly, a little amused by the banter, and Haru shook her head, holding in giggles, the two Elves argued in both words and thought, pyfully but with genuine petitiveness, while Natsumi silently worked, desperate to improve herself…

  ********

  Belera

  “Brother Ren-sama!” “Sister Asami-sama!” the twins decred in surprise as their brother arrived, apanied by the mortal girl he was close to, as well as Motoko and Akio’s sister, Aiko. She’s an archer that even Shaeraggo respects the future potential of. Even if she wasn’t the sister of the man I io court, I would wish to be close to her. Perhaps we should test each other’s skills some time soon. Only through petition and rigorous practise we better ourselves. Like now. Sweat was beading all over her body as she struggled to tame the vivid indigo light.

  On seeing Motoko, Natsumi smiled brightly.

  “Did you achieve your aims? I had thought you would be ing for the light element immediately. If you are too slow, I’ll beat you” Deg that pridefully, she put her hands on her hips. “I think I’m close. But then, the twins are ge this. They make it so easy!”

  As they blushed at the praise, looking down, Asami spoke up, also embarrassed. “Please don’t be so formal… a somehow so very informal… with me at once. If Kana- could hear you, she’d ugh herself to death. At least y off the -sama. - is fine, I’m a cute girl, and since I’m going steady with your brother, that seems fitting.”

  “Do not worry, we call Kana-sama in the same manner.” “We address all of the women of Akio-sama respectfully, just as we do Motoko-sama and Natsumi-sama.” The twins rejoindered, making their brother a bit perturbed, and Asami further embarrassed.

  “Fine, do whatever you want! But you two are definitely Chiaki- and Chiasa- to me, all right? Gee, I came here figuring I might be able to get into something iing. Kana-’s always got things going on.”

  “Much as I love this romantiedy, that for once doesn’t feature my bro, so I appreciate it without worry…” Aiko cut in, smiling. “I’m here to help. Here.” She flourished an ornate hand mirror, with a pretty carved wooden frame. Even looking at it, Belera could see the shimmering indigo sparks within the gss, yet they had a much differeo the light around them. She exged a look with her cousin, who nodded.

  Yes, I se too. Do you think we are geniuses, meant to shih the element of light?

  Sorry to burst your bubble, but wow, you’re funny. Aiko replied to Teare’s thought wryly, Haru having brought her, Ren and Asami into the link. The strain was heavier, especially owins, but their gruelling practid efforts tthen themselves had paid off. Ren and I have been filling the mirror in our spare time. The light side, anyway. There’s no she of light element anymore thanks to Haru- aerritory, but our sunlight is the best, right Ren-kun? She wi the boy, who iffly, a little sour.

  It was my gift of sunlight…

  “We hear you Ren-sama!” “Mind your manners, Ren-sama!” “Don’t disrespect Aiko-sama!” “Aiko-sama is worthy of the sun of Hikawa shrine!”

  The twins piled into him, and he had the grace to apologise, and Asami ughed, ping his cheek, which made him look simultaneously irritated and slightly happy. Belera exged a knowing, and slightly envious gh Teare, but kept her thoughts to herself. I never much sidered romance, I was too busy defending our borders. But now I find myself jealous of others. Which is why I o stand out. Winning here is the way to do that!

  “I thought that light was the obvious way tthen our affinity.” Motoko expined, as light began to rain out from the mirror in Aiko’s hands. “But then, why settle for less than perfe? We do not accept good enough wherain in Tsumura Arts, do we? If we drill a form and it is not perfect after a hundred repetitions, then we do two hundred. Or five hundred. Or…”

  “A thousand. Yes, I get it.” Natsumi chuckled. “I’m gd you came back, but I don’t need your charity either, Motoko. We’ll fight fair and square, just as we do in our training duels.”

  “Oh, I am well aware of that. I would not turn around and make the mistake you made, mere moments ter. It is simply that you monopolised Haru-san and the twins first. But the myth of Jumong involves him being born from light, sunlight!”

  “I told you I’d be perfect for it. But I’m a good sharer.” Aiko grinned, p out her own sunlight into the mirror, then releasing it in motes of golden energies, easier to absorb. “If I want an arrow faster than light, I’ll practitil my hands bleed, and my muscles ache. That’ll be more satisfying.”

  Belera agreed. “Yes, nothing es without effort. And if it does, it’s not valued.”

  “Yes, I think that’s another reason that Akio is so keen on this petition. I think in future he wants us to truly appreciate what we gain.” Natsumi said, and Motoko voiced her agreement.

  “Kana- does. She’s over the moon.” Asami giggled, delighted. “She was so upset all the time when Akio-kun ignored her. She tried to pretend it didn’t bother her, but Mio- and I could see right through her. Poor Mio-. She’s all alone. Do we know any good guys that could be ied? She’s cute.”

  “If Shaeu was here, she’d say my bro could take her. But I think he’s already got his hands full.” Aiko ughed, before eyeing Ren. “How about you, Ren-kun? Fancy starting your own harem?”

  “He wouldn’t dare!” Asami insisted. “Right Ren-kun? I’m woman enough for you to handle!”

  “That’s right. And I’m lucky.” He mumbled, casting an irritated look at Aiko for her starting the argument, but she merely looked away, whistling cheerfully.

  “I’m only teasing. But Natsumi- is right.” Aiko tinued. “Motoko-, Natsumi-, you’ve seen battle on mount Atago… but pared to something like Kyoto, or South Korea, or Londoing a Favour isn’t just about growing stronger, or Akio showing he respects you… it’s a itment. I didn’t take mine lightly. her did Kana-. The same goes for you two. You may be warriors, but there’s no going back after this.”

  “I know.” Teare agreed. “But we are Way-wardens, we don’t take backwards steps. And more to the point, we’re women who have pride in ourselves. Your brother is a strange man. Why he believes that we don’t appreciate him just because reat-grandfather sees political gain in our union escapes me. It knocks my fidence. But… I’m not one for defeat!”

  I felt the same, but the way he looks at us has ged retly. I’ve noticed it. I don’t see love or lust in his gaze, muy disappoi, but I don’t see the sadness and worry I used to…

  “It’s really b you, isn’t it?” Natsumi iserated, and Motoko eveo far as to put a hand on Belera’s shoulder. Mortified and red-faced, Bell realised she had leaked that thought over the lielepathy. Haru made a quip that she would wish herself dead if she made su embarrassing blunder, but that she couldn’t as she was already dead, and Aiko ughed until she was teary-eyed. In the end though, she too soled not only Belera, but Teare too.

  “My bro knows. He’s stubborn though. As you expect, the way that he ran away from Eri for years. And before you two say anything…” she glowered at Motoko and Natsumi. “It’s not your faults either, nor is it Hinata-’s. My bro’s just got funny ideas. But now he realises it’s not the arras or the bes that t, but feelings. So… sorry Motoko-, Natsumi-, but as a bad sister-in-w, I’m encing my bro to snatch up all the good women. Though he o work hard too. Finding time and energy to make sure everyone is happy is going to be murder. So…” She narrowed her brilliant blue eyes. “…everyone has to show results too. If everyone breaks their limits, bro will be too ashamed to fail himself. So, let spartan Aiko- and whipped Ren-kun…” she thumped her ow and poi the teased Ren with her other hand, holding the mirror. “…run you through the crash course in sunlight element!”

  “I won’t lose!” Belera dipped her head in gratitude. “And I won’t fet. Having your approval means mue. In exge…” she tapped her bow. “…Shaeraggo is one of the greatest hunters of the Court, but not renowned for his pleasant personality ra teag. I would be happy to impart some Fae teiques to you.” I would be gd to do it. I have experienced more in these past few moons than I have in dozens of years before this. The paortal life is far quicker than our endless nights, and the times are ging at a pace that even shocks mortals. Besides… whatever great-grandfather wishes, Akio is right about ohing. Choosing for ourselves is best. And I choose to fight here and try and win! Though should I lose, I will gratute my oppo and simply seek another ce. For as Teare said earlier, it seems that just as in hunting and battle, in romance, patience is key. But not too much patience, lest the prey lose i, or be taken by swifter, bolder hunters.

  “I shall offer it too!” Teare jumped in, and Belera’s lips curled into a smile. And here is one such hunter. But I’ll not back down. Casting her mind baount Atago, her eyes met Motoko’s and Natsumi’s, and while they were clearly determihey also offered a supportive smile. Yes, having good rivals is motivating indeed. And goals… the Fae often ck such things, tent to drift through life, fulfilling the whims of the moment... But Teare and I, and perhaps Moira too, have drifted to a pce where we ge…

  ********

  Aditi Mistry

  “I am most grateful for your assistance. With Raidre away, you did not have to e.” Aditi said politely to the Selkie who had e through the fantastical portal made from mushrooms, travelliween the Avalon of London and the Avalon of Tokyo in the blink of an eye. No, I should properly refer to them as Territories now. The Princess has adopted Mr Oshiro’s terminology. And much more besides. Her lips quirked into a gentle smile, as she remembered the many looks the Princess showed in front of the man who had saved her life, as well as the lives of all her rades. From disgust and loathing, to worry, fear, anger, now to warmth, joy, envy, sadness, pyfulness and many more emotions. She shows her true face without reserve, a privilege few see.

  “It is fine. Lord Raidre would wish us to aid you. But these are…” The seal-like Selkie were eyeing Aditi’s other helpers, strange fish-like humanoids with human faces. She had asked many questions of Mr Oshiro, and he had answered her graciously, further winning her respect, for it took a man of principle to be fair when those he clearly cherished were her petition. He had also sent for these Renyu, as he called them, saying they could aid her if she chose this method to succeed.

  “We are the st of the Renyu of our , as far as we know.” The green-haired, most human one said, though his neck, arms and cheeks were dusted with fine silver scales. At those words the others keened sadly, their eyes red, though they had no tears left to shed. “At least here, we live, and have been promised vengeahough it will n back our children, our parents…”

  The Selkie seemed a bit taken aback, and their frontational attitude softehe Selkie are much like Raidre, quick to anger, but loyal. It grieves me so many perished due to the treachery of our friends. Even now… Princess, I hope whatever choiake does not wound your sce. Lean on Mr Reckless, Mrs Mary-Jane and even Mr Oshiro. A burden shared is a burden divided. Feeling great sympathy for the desote Renyu, Aditi forted them as best she could. “Perhaps some escaped whatever dreadful fate they were fag. You never know the end of things until you see it for yourself.”

  “Maybe so. We but dream of better days, before the great golden-eyed fiend came and ensved and tormented us.” the green-haired Renyu decred sadly. “Now, you wish us to trol the creatures of the deeps in this river?”

  Aditi agreed. “Yes, if you could I would be most grateful. Though trol is perhaps the wrong word.” The Sagami river ran near Nishimorioka shrine, and that was true in the Boundary as well. Gazing at the rather wide body of water, Aditi remembered what she had asked, about the greatest mythical feat Jumong had perpetrated, at least as far as was known. “I wish to cast forth my mightiest arrow into the river, and then the fish and turtles within should rise to the surface, making a bridge for me to cross.” Adherence is a subject beyond me. We were woefully ignorant and unprepared, pared to the likes of Miss Mary Stuart. But ignorance does not mean foolishness, as my mother often says. Foolishness ot be cured, but the antidote to ignorance is knowledge, and fortunately we now have allies who share freely. Princess, I am so happy you do not have to lead alone anymore, cutting a path for us.

  “Light element to match the arrows of Jumong. I fear I am not what I was…” she said, her tone softly mog. “…but even though I failed Arjuna, I yet live, and the bow the Princess bequeathed me still funs.” Drawing on all of the aether she could, she elled it into the bow. Her skills in handling the substahe source of energy, had e on leaps and bounds since she started training here with Mrs Mary-Jane. I am not useless. I have a sed ce. And I want to seize it. I do feel rather sorry that of the five of us, only one succeed, but… please five me. I want to stand by the Princess, by Sir Arthur, by Mr Reckless, and Mrs Mary-Jane. And by our new friends and allies too, such as Mr Oshiro. I am a woman that knows manners and gratitude. Should I succeed and my aid be needed, I will never hesitate.

  The Selkie and Reered the water, sinkih the surface, and as Aditi squeezed out every drop of power she could, a string of faint light formed. It was far weaker than before, the ck of Arjuna’s Favour leaving her pitifully bereft of brilliance, but a faint dle could still illumihe darkness enough to see, though a bonfire was ofteer. Adherence is simply the fervent, pure belief in a being, or a, or an oute. I learhat from looking at the great Tree that stands at the heart of this shrine. Asha, the Dryad, she said it was nourished by what came from beh the Tower of London. In that case, Jumong is represented by the stro, single event…

  Her arrow formed, white and glowing, and with a cry she released it. The arrow plunged into the river with a sizzling hiss, before exploding, casg up a fountain of water. As the droplets rained down, Aditi held in a sigh, thinking it wasn’t dylike. “If I was Mr Reckless, I surely would have cursed. That was barely any strength. The creatures will not respond to me like that. Even if they do, it would merely be at the urgings of my helpers. That will not do. No…” She sat down, cross-legged in a pose of meditation, bow on her legs. “...I do better. I must do better. My only soce is, the others, they will likely not be swift at their own preparations.” Draw iher and vert it. Allow the strange, Fae lunar Chakra to do its work. The density of ether here is rather high. She gnced over at the great Tree and the brilliant prismatic light above, before shutting her eyes, blotting out distras. Princess, this time I will protect you. I will not be fooled again. All those who you trust, I will be sure to watch carefully. Only those who I deem to have your best is at heart will I allow near you. But to enforce that, I once more rength. Which is why… I ot lose this trial!

  ShipTeaser