On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Three Hundred And Seventy-Two

After a very pleasant night with Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth, in which we had toured some sights of London and taken in the beautiful skyline, the colours different to those we usually saw in Tokyo, more white and orange, rather than the neon tones of home, we woke up early, had breakfast with the rest of our party, and after leaving Major Sasaki in charge of their defence, we headed to the address Princess Eleanor had provided us, a small yet expensive apartment in Chelsea, a few miles from the Tower of London, past Buckingham Palace.

“You think this is the place?” Natsumi asked, uncertain. All around this street in Chelsea there were many huge mansions, this place was rather quaint in comparison, though obviously no home here could ever be thought of as cheap. Likely the five million I’ll be getting from Mr Staveley wouldn’t go very far here…

“It’s the right address.” I confirmed. Today Natsumi and Motoko were wearing their training hakama in blue and white, while Hyacinth was back in her modest maid attire. We were attracting a few looks from passers-by while we stood on the doorstep, so I shrugged and rang the doorbell. Moments later the door opened, to reveal a grinning Prince Henry.

“Come on in, don’t stand on ceremony. Ellie is inside.”

As we entered, taking off our shoes, looking for slippers, Henry shrugged. “Uh, you can leave your outdoor shoes on in here. It’s all wooden flooring, and the cleaner will tidy up any mess.” A little uncomfortable, we heeded his words, and he looked the girls up and down. “Not in your dresses today? A bit of a shame.”

“If Miss Melissa hears you talking like that you’ll get in trouble.” I said slyly. “Oh, and congratulations. Getting engaged is a big deal.” Beside me, Motoko and Natsumi nodded.

“Thanks, I guess you’d know, right?” He smiled jovially. “And yes, Mel would probably tear my ear off until I apologised. Those are Japanese martial arts outfits, right?” he asked, and Motoko answered that they were. We then entered the sitting room, where Princess Eleanor was waiting, seated elegantly on a plain sofa, sipping at a cup of tea.

“So, you made it. And you brought them?” she eyed the girls curiously.

“Yes, I thought it might be educational.” I said.

“Well, take a seat and have some tea. We need to discuss what we hope to achieve first.” Eleanor said, and we needed no further invitation. Hyacinth was still rather unfriendly with her, her gaze cold, but Eleanor paid it little mind.

“Firstly, you asked if I could perform Chirurgery on Prince Henry. I certainly can, but I admit to being concerned. An ordinary person, even with Chirurgery, isn’t going to be a huge help in the Boundary.” I warned. “The last thing I want is for your brother to get injured or worse.”

“I’m a soldier. Well, I’ve left the Forces, but once a soldier, always a soldier.” Henry said. “You have no idea how much I regretted that Ellie was chosen, not me. Richard too, but he’s the heir after dad, so he can’t take this risk. Speaking of dad, you should go see him soon, Ellie.” He said seriously. “You’re about so little since all this happened.”

“Don’t call me Ellie in company.” She flushed, as she actually served us tea herself. “Must you be so embarrassing, Henry?”

“I think it’s a brother’s job to embarrass his sister, wouldn’t you say?” Henry winked at me, and I found myself smiling.

“Absolutely, my sister says she’s embarrassed by me all the time.” I agreed.

“And what’s the most important job a brother has?” Henry asked, looking me in the eyes.

“Protecting her.” I admitted, and he nodded, well satisfied.

“Absolutely. So, I need this. I won’t overestimate myself. I’m still fairly fit, I keep in trim, and I know how to handle myself in unarmed combat. I don’t claim I’ll be able to match Ellie…” he ignored her request to change the way he addressed her. “… but I want to at least see the world she sees.”

“You won’t have any guns or other weapons there, those that you’ve relied on before.” I warned.

“True. But I doubt I’ll be as useless as you think, Akio.” He looked at his sister, who shrugged.

“I think Henry is right, maybe. But it’s not something I can talk about, as it involves… matters of the Crown.” She looked a bit uncomfortable, but I didn’t want to pry. Not yet, anyway we still haven’t established trust.

“If it’s something you can’t talk about, I understand. I have those matters as well. But what I can talk about is… the danger I believe you face, Princess. But we might as well do that inside the Boundary. That way I can put you through your paces.”

“This house is on the border of the Avalon I control.” Eleanor said. “Not too far from Aditi’s. I can’t allow you to see the centre of my domain, I have to keep it secure, and only allow those who serve me within it.”

“Cautious.” I said, nodding. “I understand that, losing your Anchor would be a disaster. I had hoped you’d trust me a bit more, but well, we have all day to work on that.” I said cheerfully. “So, we are on the border, huh? I’m curious as to what dwells in London.” As we chatted a little, I finished my tea, and put Henry through Chirurgery, loading him up with aether.

“That was a rather unpleasant experience. To think Grandmother endured it. Well, she always was a tough old boot.” He said, when he had recovered.

“Henry!” Eleanor said, scandalised, and he laughed.

“Oh, so she’s not?”

“You can’t just say it, not in front of guests!” she persisted.

“Guests? I would say they are a little more than guests. So… what’s the play?”

“Hyacinth will watch over us as we enter. I don’t like leaving our Material bodies unguarded. That reminds me, what do you do, Eleanor?”

She didn’t seem to like the question, but after a moment she answered it. “Within the Tower of London I have a room.”

“I see. And it’s locked, and you have protection, and nobody else has access to it?” I pressed, and she frowned.

“It does have bolts, though I haven’t been using them. My team also uses the Tower as their base, as their Avalons all surround it, so there is easy access.”

“Right.” That’s concerning. But one thing at a time. “Hyacinth, you know what to do. Any danger, eliminate it.” I ordered her, and she smiled brilliantly.

“Have nooo fear, Akio. I shall choooke and strangle and poison and break anyooone who threatens you!”

“Yeah, she’s one scary maid.” Henry said. “If the maids at the Palace were like that, I’d have got up to a lot less mischief when I was younger. You too, most likely Ellie.”

She rolled her eyes. “Enough chatter. How are we dong this?” Eleanor asked.

“It’s best if we are all together so that Hyacinth can watch us all. You dive in first, then Motoko and Natsumi can follow. I’ll coach Prince Henry quickly, and then we’ll join you.”

“Henry, watch him. Don’t let him do anything strange while I’m asleep.” She said, her blue eyes wary, before moments later she was asleep in her chair.

“We shall go ahead. If there is trouble we will flee immediately.” Motoko promised, and Natsumi echoed her.

“Yes, I can’t imagine we’ll find trouble inside a Territory, but safety first!” As those two also left their Material bodies, their breathing becoming slow and ponderous, Henry turned to me, a serious expression on his face.

“You looked unhappy there when she said she doesn’t have guards.” Henry said, picking up on my concerns. “Level with me. You’re worried, right?”

“Yes. Very. Though guards wouldn’t actually make me feel any better right now. I don’t know if they could be trusted themselves.” I considered that. “I know I can trust Hyacinth…” she giggled at that happily. “… and it would take an ambush that takes her out instantly to win, and I doubt many would be able to do that. So we can enter safely today. As for the future…”

“Well, Ellie may be stubborn and not the brightest…” he laughed shamefacedly. “Us Windsors aren’t very academic, you know. Our dear old grandmother has all the brains in the family. But she’s not a fool. She’ll come around. So…” he rubbed his hands together eagerly. “Now I’m finally able to see just what Ellie does, rather than hearing lies from her, and stories from her friends designed not to worry us.”

“Yes, it’s hard trying not to worry the people who care about you, when what we do is so dangerous.” I said ruefully. “So, anyway, concentrate on the flow of aether around your lower body, it should feel…” As I explained, Henry nodded, and after ten minutes he was gone. Moments later I followed him, running through my head just what I would explain to the Princess….

********

Entering the Boundary I was inside a small building. Stepping outside the first thing I noticed was the sky. It had been several days since I had entered the Boundary, and in that time the silver skies had dimmed, the usual dark aurorae increasing in intensity. There was a tang in the air, ether weighing on me, and though I had no idea of the ether density of London and Princess Eleanor’s Territory, comparing it to Tokyo it was a little higher than before I had left. Perhaps the calm is ending, and we’ll soon be back to what the Boundary was before? If so, then that’ll speed up the infrastructure builds in Haru-san’s and my Territories.

I was still in my new impressive black armour, a mixture of a long trenchcoat and brigandine-style armour, in a stealthy and luxurious black, though flashes of white could be seen underneath when the lining was visible. I also had Storming Moonlight and my spear with me. I look like a typical Shonen protagonist. I have to admit, long coats look cool though. Maybe I’m still a child at heart? Imagining what my sister would say about that, I noticed the others. Henry was looking about, open-mouthed at the empty streets, while Eleanor was wearing a set of medieval armour in enamelled emerald green, with bronze trims around the pauldrons, chest, greaves and gauntlets. A sword was belted at her waist, and the hilt was well worn with use.

Motoko and Natsumi spotted me as well, and Natsumi waved cheerfully. “Akio, you’re here. What took you so long?”

“Oh, nothing. Just thought I’d let Prince Henry get here first.”

“Just call me Henry. You’re trying to help Ellie, so there’s no need for me putting on airs. So…” he took a deep breath. “… this is the world Ellie sees? It’s rather empty.”

“It is, isn’t it? Don’t you have any Barracks set up?” Natsumi asked. “Akio’s Territory is full of weaselkin and other Fae.”

“No, though down by the Thames, Raidre’s selkies have their home, on Bermondsey Isle.” Eleanor turned to look towards the east, where the Palace was visible, an even greater spectacle than in the Material, larger and with golden spires and towers topped with gleaming ruby and sapphire tiles. Beyond that a massive black tower jutted up into the sky, soaring higher than even the Shard and similar skyscrapers in the Material. As I watched, a number of huge black ravens were circling, hundreds of them. Is that… adherence? My Eye shone for a brief moment, and I could see a strange flow of it, being drawn towards the Tower from all directions, and being pulled downwards, as though the Tower was some sort of lightning rod. Letting the amber glow fade, I pondered that briefly. There must be more adherence I can’t see, since I can only observe the lowest grades of it. Well, it likely has to do with some of the secrets Eleanor doesn’t want to tell me. I’ll need to build trust if I want knowledge.

“Impressive.” was all I said, and Eleanor nodded, her brown hair here bunched up into a ponytail, tied by a brilliant crimson ribbon.

“Yes. I don’t have many forces at my command, we only learned how to call upon them recently. But Sarah and Mary-Jane, Donovan and Sir Arthur, they are building up a decent number. So we don’t need to spend every minute here defending what is ours.” Her voice was melancholy, and Henry reached out to pat her shoulder reassuringly.

“We’ve made you work hard, Ellie. Sorry I couldn’t do anything to ease your burden.”

For a moment she brooded, before shaking her head. “It’s nobody’s fault. At first I railed against the unfairness of it all, wished that the cup would pass from my lips, but then I realised I couldn’t stand aside knowing someone else would have to fight and suffer for me.”

“That’s a bit religious there, Ellie.” Henry said, and she sighed.

“Well, I’m hardly devout, but like dad and grandmother, I am a Christian. Not that I attend mass nearly as much as I should. You don’t either.” She said critically, and Henry shrugged silently, leaving her to continue. “It’s ironic. Mary Stuart harps at me constantly over faith, but it’s not like I don’t believe. It’s so… frustratingly stupid.”

As Motoko and Natsumi looked on sympathetically, I smiled, a gentle quirk of my lips. “Just do what you can, and if there’s any God that blames you for that, we don’t need them. As for Territory defence, yeah it’s a pain. I nearly lost mine a number of times. Upgrading is the worst, everything shuts down. I won’t make the mistake of leaving things unguarded again.”

“That’s right! I am glad someone gets it!” Eleanor said happily, her change of expression mercurial and surprising me a bit. “That’s why the others arrayed their banners around the Tower, so that I wouldn’t be so vulnerable again. But now their Avalons are out of position and not providing full value.” She sighed. “We gained safety but sacrificed ability to expand.”

“Arraying banners huh? That’s a cute expression.” I smiled, and she looked down, slightly pink. “I get it though. In the end I had to move my Anchor, or banner, you might say. It’s much more secure now, but I have a lot of support from the Fae. Shaeula’s brother and sister won’t let anything bad happen to it in my absence, or she’d deliver the ultimate blow and say she hates them. They are both major siscons.”

“And it does indeed take one to know one.” Motoko teased me.

“Yeah, sure. I admit it, I dote on Aiko a bit too much, but I’m too old to change now. I guess Henry gets it?”

“I certainly do. If any bastard ever hurts my sister or betrays her, I’ll kill them. So be warned.” He said, and I shrugged.

“No idea why you are warning me. I’m here to prevent that.” I promised. “Well, Princess…”

“Call me Eleanor.” She sighed. “If my brother is being so informal, who am I to demand consideration? Besides, I feel uncomfortable being too well regarded.” She looked at me then, seeing my armour and weapons. “You are… well prepared, it seems.”

“Always.” I promised. “These are items forged by a Dvergr smith back at my Territory. I’ve still no idea why certain equipment follows one around, as Motoko and Natsumi are here empty-handed.” I looked at them, wearing hakama like back in the Material. “Well, you do normally borrow some equipment from the Armoury or what’s lying around the Territory, right?”

“Yes, I would dearly love to bring Gurenyari, Hebihikoukiba and Utsuroihebi to battle here.” Motoko said, and Natsumi agreed.

“That would be wonderful. Wielding the Tsumura family weapons in battle, what they were truly made for.” Their smiles just imagining it were beautifully pure, and Eleanor was moved.

“I see. You spoke the truth, I see. You are warriors, despite your youth. I am truly sorry for before. I treated you like idiots. Can you forgive me?”

“Of course I accept, as I did before.” Motoko said, her brown eyes earnest. “The words of those who do not understand us and our love are as dust on the wind. I used to care so much about being seen as the perfect noble daughter, not disgracing Tsumura house. Yet I was prepared to abandon that if I could just keep my weapons, our arts. And Natsumi by my side.”

“I feel the same, Motoko. I forgive you too, Princess. Even if I put you out of my mind when we returned home last night. That was a good night. Seeing London from the top of the Shard, then back to the Savoy for…” Natsumi blushed. “… what you probably don’t like, Princess. But then, those that haven’t been in love won’t understand.”

As Eleanor and I stood there gaping at the backhanded way they accepted her latest apology, Henry broke out laughing. “Oh my, Ellie! Those girls are ruthless. I felt the burn just from standing near you. Girls, please. My sister is genuinely sorry. She was wrong. She can be a bit stuck-up, you know.” He confided, and Eleanor glared at him, but he continued. “Ellie, don’t be shy. Give them your blessing, put an end to this.”

“I…” Eleanor was red-faced and exasperated, but even so, she actually bowed in a passable imitation of a Japanese apology. “… am glad for you. That you managed to stay together and keep your dreams alive. I suppose that is worth more than my misgivings.” She then let out a frustrated scream. “Enough of this. I hate this! I feel a fool.”

“Yeah, Eleanor, let’s forget the past. What matters is the future. We don’t hold grudges, considering we’ve forgiven worse. At least you didn’t try to kill me, like Shaeula.” I smirked. “As for you two…” I considered carefully what to say, as just as Eleanor had secrets, so did we. “… if we can get the Laverna working, then it should be possible for you to have the weapons. Until then, you are some of the next names on the list for Bjarki to make weapons and armour for.”

“Bjarki?” Henry asked.

“Our Dvergr. He’s a genius, as you’ll see when I swing this sword.” I tapped the hilt meaningfully.

“I can hardly wait.” Natsumi laughed, and then I tossed her my spear, which she caught elegantly, and Henry marvelled over her speed.

“For an ordinary person, you move fast. Can I reach that level?”

“Not unless you give your heart to Akio, and I do not believe either Melissa Masters or any of Akio’s fiancées will approve of that. But with training you can improve.” Motoko said dryly.

“Yes, no thanks. I don’t swing that way, dad would have a heart attack, and grandmother… well, you know what, I doubt she’d care all that much. But no thanks.”

“I agree with you, Henry. Anyway, Natsumi, Motoko, you can take it in turns using the spear. I doubt we’ll be doing anything too taxing. Not with Henry here. So, Eleanor…” I looked her up and down, admiring the armour she wore, though she reddened, crossing her arms under her chest, perhaps thinking I was ogling her. “That’s quite the suit of armour. Where did you get it?”

“It’s… my legacy.” She said carefully. “I am the Green Knight, after all.”

“I see.” I’m surer than ever that the visions are accurate. Well, time to talk about that when we start bonding over a bit of clearing out some of London. “Do you mind if I take a look?” I asked, and she sighed.

“I think you looked enough. I could see you ogling me.” She said harshly, and I grinned.

“Honestly, I wasn’t. That armour looks really high-quality. So if you don’t mind…”

“Fine.” She said, perhaps not understanding what I meant, but my Eye blazed amber, illuminating the silent streets.

“What’s that?” Henry asked, and Motoko answered him as I was engrossed in the description of her armour.

“His Mystic Eye of the Tree of Knowledge. It is most helpful in his many endeavours.”

As Henry whistled, Eleanor looked sour. “Another ability? Just what are you? The Swiss army knife of Gods’ Chosen?”

That’s pretty funny. And probably apt. Well, let me see…

Green Knight’s Plate Armour – Item Class: [Imperious], Item Type: [Law]

This suit of armour, forged from meteoric iron and copper from the first mine in Cornwall. The armour is well-crafted and the materials are strong, but it carries a Geas in the enamel, which was lacquered by hand by a powerful sorceress who had traffic with the Fae, ????????? ??????????. The strong Nature element trapped within will fortify the bearer of this armour, speeding healing, and the Geas will prevent death from all but the most powerful blows, unless the condition of ?????????? ????????? ????????? is met. While the bearer lives and the Geas is unbroken, the armour can repair itself from the vitality of the bearer,

An Imperious Law huh? That’s powerful indeed. Damn, it’s been a while since I’ve seen question marks in an item description though. When will my Eye Rank up? Well, when Shiro forcibly boosted it, things went wrong, so I guess all I can do is keep using it and learning, until it’s ready.

Her sword was nothing special, a Sword of a Nameless Fallen Knight, which was a little surprising, but it was a decent sword, sturdy and apparently blessed to be hard to break. And don’t I know that’s important.

“So, what do you see?” Eleanor asked, and out of the corner of my eye I could see Natsumi giggling to herself. I wonder what that’s about?

“It’s a good armour. Apparently it’s meteoric iron and has a Geas that prevents death, though I can’t see what the condition to break that Geas is. Seems like a sorceress trafficking with the Fae did that. It also repairs itself. Awesome. Anyway, maybe Raidre might know more, being a Fae?”

Eleanor blinked at me, surprised. “No, Raidre knows little about it. He keeps mostly to his lands on Bermondsey Isle. Did you know that isle was removed from our London in the eighteen fifties?” she laughed a bit nervously, making an obvious effort to change the subject, so I allowed it.

“Really? I didn’t know that, no. So I’m guessing it still has a presence in the Boundary and that’s where Raidre is from?”

“That’s right!” she said. “Now, you wanted to see me in action. I would like to see you too, after you beat David. Show me what you’ve got, Akio!” she said, and I allowed her to lead us out of her Territory, into the north of London.

“I hope you didn’t use your Eye to peek on her. Eri would be angry.” Natsumi whispered in my ear as we went, and I laughed.

“No way.” My hand caught hers, and Motoko went to my other side, and as we three walked hand in hand we ignored the annoyed, exasperated looks Eleanor was giving us…

********

“Down you go!” Motoko cried, my spear tearing into the body of the goblin wearing the long, black cap. Blood splattered, but she did not falter, whipping it free and spearing another in the head. A third lunged forwards, knife held in one hand, gibbering angrily, but a burst of sharp wind from Natsumi struck it in the eye, and it staggered, giving Motoko time to finish it. As the final corpse fell I looked around, a dozen slaughtered goblins littering the ground, Storming Moonlight having easily sheared through them, shimmering sparks of luminous electricity earthing around me.

“Need a hand?” I asked dryly, and Eleanor, who was cutting down a number of the screaming goblins, shook her head angrily. Her armour was daubed with blood, and some of it was her own, though the wounds and the rents in the plate had already healed.

“I don’t need you talking down to me!” she said, her blade splitting another head, red blood soaking the torn cap almost invisibly, silver mist rising.

“Ellie…” Henry was watching, her expression forlorn. “To think you endure this…”

“I don’t need your pity either, Henry!” she scowled, blade slashing.

“Hold on.” My Eye flared. “I thought so. Motoko, Natsumi, back up, this is beyond you for now.” These are Black Caps, stands to reason they might be part of the Wild Hunt. Though they are scrawnier and less impressive than the ones we fought near Shaeraggo’s mansion, and with worse equipment.

“Indeed. Natsumi, we will defend Prince Henry.” She said, as they took up a position in front of him, which he found rather embarrassing, but as a former soldier, he understood unskilled combatants were a liability. “What is coming, Akio?” Motoko called out. “Advise us so we can be ready!”

“We have Silent Hounds incoming. I guess this is part of the Wild Hunt.” I said, watching as Eleanor fought valiantly. She was slow but steady, and the dead were piling up. But she lacks damage. Eventually she’d get mobbed. A perfect tank though, if she could persuade the enemy to focus on her.

“Are those the ones that can’t be seen until after they attack?” Eleanor asked.

“Yes, those ones. They were a total pain when I took them on before. But that was an age ago. Now they’re not my match. Illuminate!” I drew on Mangetsu, my mutated light element, and suddenly the hounds were surrounded by a halo of light, visible to everyone. Motoko and Natsumi hurled wind element at them, still clumsy and unpractised, but one hound stumbled, and was then struck by a lucky blade of wind in the throat, falling. I guess all the lectures on how to attack with wind and earth elements paid off…

As the dozen hounds galloped our way, Eleanor paled, gripping her sword as she cut down the last of the goblins. “I can face them. I’ve done it before. It’s only pain…” she said, more to convince herself, I felt, and Henry looked on, eyes wide in agony and sorrow.

“No need.” I decided I didn’t like their gloomy mood, and Mangetsu formed into shimmering beams thinner than my little finger, and the hounds staggered and fell, their heads pierced and brains cooked by the concentrated energy. As they slid along the ground, turning into scattered ether, Eleanor turned like a broken robot, eyeing me with her pale blue eyes wide.

“There is no need to be surprised. Akio has fought far more powerful enemies.” Motoko said, still holding my spear.

“My god, was that a laser?” Henry asked, and I nodded.

“Light element. It’s powerful when used right.”

“So, I’ve noticed a few elements, right?” he continued, as Eleanor stood frozen. “Wind, light. Is that something anyone can learn?”

“Yes. We have a training school back in Tokyo.” Natsumi said happily. “Though we only learned wind element a short while before coming here. It requires skill, knowledge and training, as well as a suitable source of elemental energies.”

“Akio and Shaeula are the true masters, holding knowledge of many elements.” Motoko advised him. “But you have the Eight Moons Chakra Network, if you apply yourself, with teaching you could excel.”

“That’s good and all, but I was more thinking for Ellie. It’s painful watching her swing that sword…”

As Eleanor launched into an angry rebuttal, I felt a prickling unease. Flaring my Eye, maximising my visual range, I spotted more Black Caps rushing our way, as well as what looked like a Barghest. That might be a little more trouble, they aren’t weak… There was a Red Cap on top of the goblin, carrying one of the lanterns with the violet flames within, and I remembered what a pain that was last time.

“Eleanor, back off, a mob is coming!” I called, and she stopped her complaining, only to shake her head.

“No!” she wouldn’t back down. “London is my responsibility! I am Princess Eleanor, the Green Knight! I can handle goblins, be it a horde or a handful!”

“Ellie, pride comes before a fall!” Henry said urgently. “A good soldier knows when to fight and when to retreat, when the heavy artillery is what you need…”

“Foehn! Consume them!” I cried, and a tide of flame gushed out, yellow and hungry. The goblins that were flooding into the street were engulfed in the blaze, perishing, only a few that were climbing up to the rooftops, carrying large heavy bows, surviving the crush and subsequent inferno, as well as the Barghest, as it leapt over the flames gracefully, landing in front of us.

“Well, what do we have here?” The massive black wolf, standing taller than me at the shoulder by a good half a metre said, tongue lapping teeth like scimitars, saliva dripping. “I thought I smelt the little bitch who has been pushing us back recently. But she did not have her usual rabble with her. Instead, I smelt some weak Fae and a Noble.” He eyed me with dirty yellow eyes. “No, you are… not a Fae? Curious… some half-breed bastard maybe?”

“Well you know what they say about curiosity.” I said, Storming Moonlight in my hand. “You may not be a cat, but I suggest you run along now…”

“You fight those sort of monsters?” Henry asked, and Eleanor whispered to him.

“Not if I can help it, not alone. David could stand up to it, I’m sure, but…”

Really? They struggle with Barghests? Yes, they’re strong, but really… I’m a little disappointed. With David’s stats under his Battle Hymn he should be fine. Although… The Red Cap waved the lantern idly, and I knew just how troubling that could be.

“Run along? Foolish. We are the Wild Hunt, little mortal who smells like a Fae. And I will crunch your bones, suck out their marrow, and eat the tender flesh of the soft creatures you shelter behind you…”

“Really? Well I am the consort of Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan, and I would give you my name, but you’ll be dead before you need it!” I charged, and as arrows began to fall under the light of the burning sea of Foehn, I watched the Barghest rear back in surprise at my words.

“That little brat, how…” Foresight was beginning to tickle me, and I was sure in the flames I could see the reflection of a moon that wasn’t overhead. I’ll keep False Void Motion and Prominence Twilight secret. I trust Eleanor, but… I just don’t feel good revealing too much more. I don’t need it, anyway…

Light speared up to the rooftops, and Black Cap archers tumbled, blood splattering. One stumbled, losing their footing, and tumbled headfirst into the roaring flames. Setting that aside, I charged in, and my sword, sparking with lightning, darted towards the Barghest. It would have been a clean kill, but the lantern swung and my blade hit nothing yet stopped, the impact nearly jarring the blade from my hands. My Eye glowed, and I could see space twisting, leaping back as space knotted where I was standing mere moments before.

“Oh, was I not supposed to die, or is the husband of that little weasel nothing much at all?” the Barghest laughed.

“We’ll see who is laughing soon!” I said, the last of the goblins struck down by light and wind. Motoko and Natsumi attacked with their own wind, but it was nothing to the foe, and it leapt clear, still avoiding the sea of flames.

“Stay out of this, don’t draw attention to yourselves, protect Henry!” I shouted. The Barghest and the Red Cap were troublesome, but that was it. Compared to the battles I had fought recently, it was only a matter of time before I triumphed. In fact, I was pushing the wolf back, several cuts and gashes marring the skin, but any strike that would be fatal was blocked by the twisting of space from the Red Cap, and a lesser blade would surely have broken under the pressure, but Bjarki’s masterpiece was holding out well. If I break Storming Moonlight, he might just break me!

The Red Cap was sniggering, waving the lantern, purple flame shimmering in multiple trails behind it. The spectacle was pretty, but moments later violet flame surged, and space crumpled where I was standing a fraction of a second before. Light element flashed from my hands, and the Barghest was pierced several times, but again the folded space deflected or redirected any critical strikes. It’s a nuisance, but unless I’m careless… my Eye flared, and unlike the last time when I fought a Red Cap, I could see the warped spatial element clearly, so if I wished to destroy the lantern with a precise strike, piercing where the space was less twisted, I could.

Seeing my supposed struggles, Eleanor’s face was set in a grimace. Rushing in, she raised her sword ready to swing. “I’ll cover you!” she cried, and before I could even respond she was hacking at the Barghest, her sword digging deep into one foreleg. The wolf howled and bit towards her, but my light element pushed it back, one eye bursting with a spray of vile pus. The wolf roared in rage, convulsing, and the Red Cap was flung off its back. As it did so though, it waved the lantern, not looking at me at all. Shit…

Eleanor let out a pained groan as space itself tore for a moment, shards of green and copper scattering, red and silver gushing. Despite that, and the sudden scream from her brother, she stabbed her sword down, the blade hanging on bone as the Barghest clawed and bit at her, fangs gouging a gash in her cheeks, putting dents in her armour. Seconds later, the head of the Barghest was severed, Storming Moonlight wreathed with wind element easily ripping through flesh and bone like a chainsaw. My Spilt Thoughts were working, half of me seeing that Eleanor was gravely injured, a large chunk of her chest scooped away, her beating heart and other internal organs visible. The other half concentrated on the Red Cap which was hooting and hollering, muttering that it had killed one of those troubling the Wild Hunt.

Die. Light element flashed, but this time it was not blocked by the spatial walls, as I quickly decided I needed to finish the battle quickly, and so used a trump card, despite my earlier reservations. Though I am being subtle, with the speed of a light attack, nobody will notice…

The concentrated bolt of Mangetsu blinked out of existence for a moment, False Void Motion swallowing it up, my aether reserves plummeting, the difficulty of the warped space around the goblin normally preventing any interference. There was a cry of surprise, and the goblin looked down, before a thin red line appeared across the goblin’s face, silver mist rising, and a second later the goblin split in half, turning to ether, the lantern dropping to the floor and bouncing once, coming to rest a short distance away from the burning sea of yellow Foehn.

“Not bad.” Eleanor coughed red, using her sword to keep her upright. Even as Henry was running over, Motoko and Natsumi following, though I was pleased to see they didn’t let down their guard, I spoke to her, my voice soft and gentle.

“I had it under control. There was no need for that.”

“Oh? Well, this is London. My responsibility. Besides…” she coughed more blood, smiling despite the pain that was likely agonising. “I hate those goblins. The amount of times I have been gravely wounded and defeated by them… it feels good to get revenge.” She turned slightly to the sea of flames, which had consumed the Black Cap host. “Another ability, I see. You really are the Swiss army knife of Gods’ Chosen.”

“Ellie! Oh my God…” Henry was babbling. “We need to get you to a doctor… those injuries… it’s like Helmand, after the IED exploded… Ellie, hang on! Don’t close your eyes, no matter what you do, we have to stop the bleeding… oh fuck, how do we do that? No, stay calm Henry, you’ve done battlefield first aid before… but I have no kit…”

“Henry, calm down.” Eleanor said. “I’m fine. Hurts worse than anything you could imagine, but I’m the Green Knight, Gods’ Chosen for the Green Man, of rebirth and regrowth. It takes more than this to kill me, I’ve found.”

Yes, having seen her Armour, I’m not too worried that she’ll die. Besides, she’s mentioned her regeneration before. Strange that she has almost the same ability as Daiyu. Well, I suppose there can only be so many types of ability, and survivability is important… I could see her damaged heart starting to recover, and flesh was squirming at the edges of the bloody crater in her body, and copper threads, almost looking like roots, were starting to form all around the ragged torn metal of her armour.

“Well, don’t I feel useless?” She spat red and silver blood, wiping her mouth with the back of her gauntlet. “But you have my thanks. Now Aditi and the others won’t have to fight this group when we try and expand. I don’t worry for myself, I’ll always heal, but… well, it’s times like this Mary-Jane might be welcome.” She coughed, more blood running down her chin, Henry looking stricken.

 “Akio…” Motoko said meaningfully, and I nodded.

“Yeah, I’m on it.” My Eye blazed a shining amber, and I stepped close to Eleanor, who reflexively stumbled back a step, using her sword as a crutch.

“What is it?” she said, and I placed a hand on her shoulder, restraining her.

“I’m a good healer, remember. Let’s get you fixed up.”

“It’s fine. I’ll recover.” she said, but I tightened my grip.

“Maybe so. But firstly, despite your misguided attempts to help me, you were trying to help me. Secondly, Henry here looks like he’s going to pass out. I remember how mad I was when my sister burned herself, scarring her hand, so this must be far worse for him. Thirdly, I want to look good in front of Motoko and Natsumi, so at least give me that…” my Eye was scanning her injuries, and I was leaking aether cautiously. Her body was interesting, definitely. “Lastly, I don’t like seeing brave people suffer, especially not when I can prevent it.”

“Me, brave?” Eleanor said, surprised. “Far from it. My hands sweat, my breath comes fast, I flinch in anticipation of the pain. I’m a coward. Henry would do a better job in my place I’m sure…”

“That’s what bravery is, Ellie.” Henry said, wiping at his tears. His initial panic was dying down as he saw her conversing calmly, despite her horrible wound. “Being fearless is foolish. I’ve seen a few good lads die because they didn’t have the brains to be afraid.” He looked at me then. “Don’t listen to my sister. She’s too proud. If you can help her, please do, and you’ll always have my gratitude, for whatever that’s worth.”

“Already on it.” I promised, aether connecting with the core of her body, accelerating healing and most importantly, numbing her pain. Her body was awash with nature energy, the familiar taste reacting with my own wood element. “And as for what your gratitude is worth, well it might be worth more than you think.”

“The pain is a lot less than usual.” Eleanor said, looking at me. “Are you doing that?”

“Sometimes pain is necessary.” Motoko shuddered. “Learning Ether Healing is horrible. But Akio never wants us to suffer unless we must.”

“Yes, he’s very kind.” Natsumi agreed. “But he’s also overprotective. I think you annoyed him badly, Princess.”

As I worked, my Eye observed her body, giving me new insights into the nature elements. I had also unwittingly absorbed some of Eleanor’s, and amber notifications blazed in my vision, casting odd shadows. Wait, shadows?

“I’m very curious.” Eleanor said, managing a reassuring smile. “You learn elemental abilities such as wind, and you talk of Ether Healing. I am confused, just what do you mean?”

Your Skill, Root and Sacral Chakras of Wood has advanced from Rank 1 to Rank 2…

Your Skill, Wood Manipulation has advanced from Rank 1 to Rank 2…

“I have a good Eye.” I said, dismissing the Rank increases, as it was no different to any other elemental skills I had strengthened before. “So I’ve been using it to help others improve themselves. Now hold still, Eleanor. I’ve spotted something odd…” What… is that?

“Odd? Should I be concerned?” she asked, forcing another smile so as not to worry Henry.

“Maybe. I’ll know soon.” The glow of my Eye increased as I delved deeper into Eleanor’s chakra network. “You know, you have the same sort of Divine Favour as Daiyu. She’s blessed by Chang’e, immortal moon goddess.”

“Who is this Daiyu? Another of his women?” Eleanor asked dryly, and Motoko nodded.

“Yes, she has been placed in his care, and matters developed much as you surmise. As a refugee from China, her family and friends were purged by the Ruling Party, and she was set adrift in the ocean to die. Only through her Divine Favour did she survive. Now she has found her smile again, thanks to Akio.”

“You make it sound so grand. All I’m doing if offering a helping hand to those in need.” I said, a little embarrassed, Split Thoughts examining Eleanor from every angle.

“All girls, though?” Henry managed a laugh.

“It just happened that way. I’d help you if you were injured, just as I would Eleanor here, I assure you. Now… there.” As my focus narrowed I continued talking. “Eleanor, Daiyu fights like you do, Grulgor as well, but the difference is they have great destructive power to back up their resilience and recovery. Well, Grulgor has the edge on Daiyu for now, but if she raises her Cultivation… anyway, my point is, the ultimate defence is no use without a suitable offense. You need to work on that…”

“Grulgor?” she asked, and this time Natsumi answered.

“He’s a troll. One of the Fae under Akio. I still can’t get over how different he looks here in the Material.”

“Oh, like Raidre? First the maid, Hyacinth, this Shaeula… you have a lot of Fae allies.” Eleanor said, her wound slowly closing.

There’s an energy here… it feels like darkness element, but it’s not quite the same. I see it as a shadow in the corner of my sight, but it constantly slips away. But… my skills are up to the task. There… “Eleanor, I have some troubling news.”

Henry and Eleanor both reacted, as I focused all my split thoughts into containing the darkness infesting her chakra network. I tried to remove it with Chirurgery, but it resisted my scalpels of aether, and it was going to be difficult.

“Looks like at some point you picked up a dangerous affliction. Here.”

Bullaun Dark Waters – Cursed water collected from a Bullaun, a stone said to be able to grant great weal or greater woe. This water is infused with a dire curse that brings ill-fortune, luck will flee from the bearer, while mischance will be invited in. As a cursed water of notable malevolence, it will not be expelled, unless by blessed water from a Bullaun of the same or greater providence.

“A Bullaun? What’s that?” Henry asked, and none of us knew, only what I had said.

“It doesn’t matter what it is. The question is how, who and why.” I said, pondering.

“Do you think it might have been some creatures like these?” Henry looked at the slowly dissolving Barghest. “Monsters like that I could easily see using curses. I still can’t believe it’s this bad, Ellie. I thought your tales were exaggerations.”

“You see why you can’t be much use, sorry to say?” I said to Henry. “The Barghest would kill you instantly.”

“I’m not so sure, but…” he trailed off, looking at Eleanor, who sighed.

“I don’t remember getting splashed by water in my battles, but to be honest, I’m not always clearheaded. I… panic rather a lot.” She admitted.

“It might be a good thing if it was a denizen of the Boundary.” I said, drawing their attention. “If it wasn’t, there’s only one conclusion.”

“It’s not one of my friends.” Eleanor shook her head. “I know that’s what you are aiming at. I know their Gods’ Chosen abilities. None of them have this water.”

“That proves little, I fear, Princess.” Motoko said. “Turning your face away from the truth is folly, and it will throw dirt on Akio’s efforts here. It seems to me that description says the water was gathered, not created.”

“But if it was so easy to find treasures such as that….” Eleanor’s face twisted, and she fell silent. “… assuming I was fed this cursed water, it could have been anyone. That’s assuming you are even telling me the truth right now.”

“And what reason do I have to lie?” I said sadly. “I’m actually pleased you are being more cautious Eleanor, but I have to admit it’s rather annoying. Well, we have no way of finding out who gave it to you, be it an enemy here or back in the Material. But we have to get rid of it…”

“You have Bullaun water?” she said, suspicions rising. “Isn’t that awfully convenient?”

“I think he has water better than that. I’m right, aren’t I?” Natsumi smiled cheerfully, and I agreed.

“Yes, my water comes from the Spring of Clear Reflections, a sacred site of the Fae. I’m sure it’s up to the task. But it might be a little uncomfortable. It does tend to purge bodily impurities, so… you’ll likely need a bath or two later.” Sorry Daiyu, I’m going to have to use up the drops I’ve gathered. But I know you’d understand. Well, it deals with curses well enough, so…

I channelled water element, orange flickering with pale indigo energies surging and as water gushed into her, Eleanor shuddered. More blood scattered, this blood streaked with black and blue within the silver, and she let out a hoarse gasp. “This feels… strange. Inside, I’m… burning?”

My Eye continued observing, the darkness fighting her, only to be exuded as a foul mist which was swallowed by my orange tides. It took a solid thirty minutes of effort, the work requiring great concentration, but finally it was done, the last of the curse being expelled, along with other black droplets of impurity, which smoked and vanished into the air. “Got it. Spirit Water really is excellent against curses.” I said, satisfied. “So, how do you feel, Eleanor?”

She looked at me, a bit puzzled, before sighing. “Not a lot different, but… my head does feel a little clearer, my body a bit lighter. I’d feel better if I didn’t still have a giant hole in my body.” She laughed, and it did sound brighter, not with the brittle edge her other humour held.

“You do sound more like yourself, Ellie. Richard and I thought it was just the pressure you were under, and having seen the battles here, I was certain that was true, but now…” he looked at me, eyes searching mine. “Don’t lie to me, Akio. Was it really a curse?”

“Unless it can fool my Eye, which I doubt.” I nodded. “What benefit do I get by lying?” I lifted Storming Moonlight. “If I wanted you two dead, I could do it easily. Eleanor, your regeneration is powerful, but if I cut you into a few hundred pieces and bathe you in that…” I pointed to my Foehn still blazing away merrily as a backdrop to this grim conversation. “… I’m confident you’d die.”

“How ghastly. Is that a threat?” Eleanor said, and I shook my head.

“Of course not.” I worked Ether Healing, and she looked surprised as her body began to regenerate at a visible rate, her Favour interacting with my aether, the effect cumulative. “If I haven’t shown my goodwill by now, I don’t know what else I can do, and if you don’t believe me, maybe Hyacinth is right, and you’re a lost cause.”

“Hey now, that’s offensive!” Eleanor said. “I’m just doing what you wanted, being paranoid. Because if it was someone I know, what could they be after? It has to be…” she trailed off, troubled. “I’m sorry, I can’t speak of it. Only Grandmother and I know of it. But perhaps if someone else knows… it would be worth killing for…”

“It’s the Tower, right?” I said, and Eleanor gaped at me. “Sorry, I said I do have an excellent Eye.” I tapped it, even as her last wounds healed. “I can see the adherence being drawn in from all around, and if I can see it, there must be more I can’t see.”

“Adherence?” she asked, and I sighed.

“You want me to explain when you won’t tell me anything?”

“I would, if it was my secret to tell. But it isn’t. It’s Britain’s.” Eleanor insisted steadfastly. “But…” she looked at Henry. “What do you think? Can I really trust him? I found him rather frustrating and unpleasant at first sight, but… well, he seems not so bad now.”

“That’s how it starts, Motoko.” Natsumi chuckled. “Do you think Eri is right?”

“It is far too early to say. Though I find it hard to believe Akio does not make an impression on her.”

Ignoring their comments, I told her a little about adherence. “Adherence, I guess you could call it a sort of fervent belief, or prayer. And it can be used as a power source if properly understood. And the Tower is pulling it in from all around London. I find that interesting.” I looked at Eleanor, who shifted in uncomfortable silence.

“Oh come on, don’t bully Ellie. She said she can’t talk about it.” Henry said. “I’m grateful, and I’ll do anything in my power to help you, but if Ellie and grandmother say it’s a secret that can’t be shared, then it can’t be, so please respect their feelings.”

“Fine.” I accepted it in the end. “But in exchange, I want one thing.”

“What?” Eleanor asked, a little wary. I’m a little hurt she still thinks I’m a lustful beast, but at least she’s interacting with me without any problems. Small victories I guess.

“Take my warnings seriously. You are in danger. Hmm, you need a trump card. Your Divine Favour is nature element, so water and earth. Strengthening one of those…” I looked at her, and she flushed, looking away. “… is there anywhere where the water energy is strong in your Territory?” Water’s probably best, it has stronger healing properties…

“Yes, by the Thames, not too far from Bermondsey Isle.” She said, relieved at my question. “Why?”

“Simple. Before I go, I want you to be a bit stronger. And while we train… I have some things to tell you.” I said solemnly, and after looking into my eyes, ascertaining my sincerity, despite faintly pink cheeks, she nodded.

“Very well. I would be a fool not to get stronger. You have left quite an impression on me with your strength. On David as well it seems.”

“Eri’s right it seems…” Natsumi whispered, and I shook my head. I don’t think so, though if it’s what it takes to get her to listen to me, then it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Before we headed out, my gaze strayed to the object lying next to the still-burning flames. Yes, I think I’ll take that…

********

“London doesn’t look like what I imagined.” I said, as Eleanor sat down by the bank of the Thames, which seemed far wider and more turbulent than it was in reality. Vivid orange water element was pouring from it, forming a hazy veil, which was perfect for our needs. “It’s full of magnificent structures and large buildings.”

“South of the river it’s different.” Eleanor admitted, silvery sweat dripping down her face as she tried to pull in the energy as I instructed. Her sacral chakra was taking damage, her body bleeding, as we were rushing it far faster than was safe, but with her incredible healing powers, it was a brute-force attempt we could risk. “To the south the buildings are smaller, three or four stories high at most, and the roads are simply narrow, twisting alleyways. We got ambushed there a number of times, David, Sir Arthur, Donovan, Sarah and I having to fight our way out protecting Aditi and Mary-Jane. It’s a labyrinth down there…”

“I see. That sounds a bit more like the outskirts of Tokyo where my Territory is centred, though thanks to Shirohebizumi shrine we have some nice open spaces.”

Henry was watching on, listening, while Motoko and Natsumi were also training. Water fed wind, so it was a similar process to me learning fire after mastering wind, just in reverse. I had asked them if they wanted to wait for Spirit Water, but they said they would leave that for Daiyu, and would get in some practice while they could, not expecting much success. Yeah, Motoko and Natsumi never miss out on training opportunities, Well, a second element would be another boost for them…

“So, you wanted to tell me more about these visions?” Eleanor said, sweating blood, her face twisted into an expression of pain. “Damn, you are putting your fiancées through this? You’re cruel, Akio.”

“They are taking it slow. I don’t have time for that with you. You fought like someone who didn’t care about her own injuries, so suck it up. If you can master water, your regeneration should grow stronger, and…” I demonstrated a few water element attacks, such as droplet bullets and water cutters. “… an attack nobody expects will get you out of danger once.”

“He’s right, Ellie.” Henry said. “Even if you aren’t in danger, like he says, having a hidden weapon is an excellent plan. I always used to carry a small hidden pistol and combat knife. You never know.”

“The water element here is strong. You know, I could have a word with Primal Forest and get a Ring Gate so we can move between our Territories. Sure, he didn’t charge me last time, so I owe him a damn favour, and he’ll probably screw me if I ask for another, but… well, I’ll write off the cost for peace of mind.” I said earnestly, only for Eleanor to dismiss me with a pained smile.

“As I have refused several times already, I must say you are persistent. Ladies don’t like pushy men.” She winced as a knife of pain sparked through her as the water element slipped again. I advised her of where the flow was deviating, and with an effort she managed to redirect it. “I cannot allow access to my Territory, nor the Tower of London, as you have surmised. Not for an outsider. I… may have to consider restricting it further.” She looked sour at that, but I was a little elated. She’s learning.

“You make it damn hard to protect you, Eleanor. But at least you are starting to think about what I’ve told you seriously. That’s why I’m pushing you to master water element even if it wrecks your body. I feel bad, but between your Favour and my Ether Healing, we can put you back together.”

“How kind of you.” She sighed. “But you and Henry are right. A hidden weapon would be helpful, and you correctly pointed out my forte is not in attacking. Besides…” she looked at Motoko and Natsumi, who were in the lotus position, having copied that from Daiyu, drawing in water element and trying to prevent it fuelling the wind element at their hearts. “… I would feel rather pathetic being less dedicated than two girls I slandered as too young and naïve to know their own minds.”

Motoko, her eyes shut, merely smiled at that, while Natsumi let out a brief giggle. Shaking her head, Eleanor continued, her tone wry. “So, anyway, continue. The details of these visions are fascinating, even if I don’t believe that they could ever work. It’s like Nostradamus and all these foolish prophets, we just shape the facts to fit afterwards. But there is one thing I don’t get. How can you claim that Mary Stuart is the Gods’ Chosen of this One True Throne? I mean, it’s obvious she is a woman of deep faith, so it’s expected, but…”

“Well, the keyword is Ninth Heaven.” I said. “If they use that, they are with the One True Throne.”

“And how do you know this?” she pressed, and I smiled broadly.

“A Goddess told me.”

For a moment there was silence, then Eleanor burst out laughing. “Oh really? Now I find that unbelievable.”

“Maybe so, but it’s true.” I promised. “Perhaps one day you’ll meet her.”

“You’re serious?” she said, blinking.

“Deadly.”

“That’s … well, does it matter, I suppose? A Goddess. Is she pretty?” Eleanor asked whimsically.

“I’ve not seen her real form, but from the stories I researched, she should be.” I said. “But enough talk about that. So, the last vision was of a woman in green and bronze kneeling… while a figure in white calls on something horrible, while those masked figures watch on. It ties in with the other prophecies, doesn’t it?” I’ve not said this one was mine, no need to complicate matters.

“How oddly specific. Your Diviner was quite the fortune teller.” She snorted. “Well, if it is Mary Stuart who is going to betray me, it’s hardly a betrayal. She rarely goes a week without calling on me to give up the power of the Green Man, and to…” she trailed off suddenly, and shrewdly, I interjected.

“She said you were taking grace that didn’t belong to you. And that it was being used up. Know anything about that? If I was a betting man, I’d say the Tower of London is key.”

She froze up, before laughing nervously. “Trying to pry out the secrets of a lady is beneath you.”

“I’m only doing it because I’m worried.” I shrugged that off. “Look, face facts. There’s a good chance I’m right, and if I’m wrong, you’ve lost nothing. Taking precautions is only wise.”

“He’s right, Ellie. Those Silver Hands guys with Maxwell Power… they’re tight with Mary Stuart, right? And they’ve been giving a lot of money to your team and the others.” Henry said, thinking.

“Yes, but they wouldn’t betray me for money. Grandmother and the Prime Minister makes sure everyone is compensated more than fairly.” Eleanor protested. “We’ve fought side by side many times. I trust them all!”

“So stubborn. Ellie, please. I’m asking you, just be careful.” Henry persisted.

“I accepted your apology, as did Natsumi.” Motoko said suddenly, opening her eyes, looking at Eleanor with an earnest brown gaze. “So do me this one courtesy in return. Take Akio’s warnings seriously. Trust your friends, that is noble. But trust us too. We have invested much into your safety, much that we did not have to give. All Akio is asking is that you prepare for the worst. If Great Britain rests on you, you cannot let misplaced loyalty and stubborn pride cause your failure. If you have something you must protect no matter what, then protect it no matter your personal feelings.”

“It’d be better if you could accept Akio’s Ring Gate. It saved a lot of lives in Kyoto.” Natsumi agreed. “But…” seeing Eleanor look away, biting her lip, she sighed. “… I guess that’s a step too far. Well, Kyoto was still part of Japan, I guess. This is a foreign country, even if we are allies.”

“Do what it takes to stay alive. Your brother here, your other brother, your parents, your grandmother the Queen, the citizens of this country…” Motoko lectured her. “… think of the sorrow, the grief if they find you dead. You owe it to them to do everything you can to survive, even if it hurts, your conscience burns.” Her tone brooked no dismissal. “Natsumi and I, we will do so. We will not be the damsels who remain in need of saving. We do not have a Divine Favour, we were not chosen, but we will do anything to increase our strengths just a little more, just a tiny drop… so that we never live in regret, or worse, die and leave our regrets to those that survive us.”

Motoko. Natsumi. You’ve definitely grown stronger, your hearts if nothing else.

“They’re right, Ellie.” Henry said, nodding. “Nothing will be worse than in your last moments, as your life flashes before your eyes, than thinking if only I’d listened, done that…” he paused. “There’s an old army joke, when a soldier gets to heaven, Saint Peter guarding the pearly gates, asks him what his last thought was, and the guy says I wish I’d cut the bloody blue wire!” He paused. “This is your blue wire moment, Ellie. I’ll do what I can, of course, but it’s down to you.”

“Fine. I know when I’m beaten, Henry, girls.” She took a long breath. “I gave my word to grandmother, and to the Kings and Queens of Great Britain, no, to those that even came before, before there even was a Britain, an England. I have to protect it. So I’m limited in what I can do. But… I’ll be careful. Alert. Ready for anything.”

“That’s the spirit.” I said, pleased. “You really are hard work. But then, Shaeula and Shiro were too. Must be a Princess thing. Man, Yukiko-san is such a pleasure, she’s no trouble at all.”

“Eri won’t like hearing that, but she won’t be surprised…” Natsumi laughed, and Motoko nodded.

Give me a break, it’s not like that. Yukiko-san is like Haru-san, a coworker who I can relax with. “So, if we have time for chatter, we have time to step up the training…” We don’t have much time. I can’t set up a Ring Gate without her permission. It might be possible to find a suitable site elsewhere in London, but it’s not a guarantee and I’ll lose her trust. Damn, best I can do is make sure she believes Tsukiko-san’s visions, and has her trump card…

********

“Not bad.” I clapped, as the misshapen, cat-like creature that seemed like a cross between a feline and a slug turned into a scattering of ether. “I think you’ve got it.” The ground was riddled with what looked like bullet-holes, where a rain of destructive water droplets had pierced through.

“Water bullets are decent, and you’ve mastered a wall of water for emergency defence. Having nature element as your base is a big help.”

“Not bad sis, not bad at all!” Henry clapped.

“Yes, I suppose it wasn’t.” Eleanor said proudly, her green armour shimmering with light from the skies above. “Though the training was hell.”

“Maybe so, but you won’t ever regret having more power. Ideally you’d next try and obtain earth element, but the second is way harder than the first, even with your likely affinity. Although, you could always brute force it with your regeneration again.” I said, and she shuddered.

“No, I think I’ll take it nice and gently, like Motoko and Natsumi. So… I guess this is goodbye then.” She said, a trace regretfully, her attitude having changed a bit as we fought together. “Motoko, Natsumi, I apologise once more. I was selfish, forcing my opinions on you.”

“It was from a place of care. So we understand.” Motoko said with noble poise. “But please do apologise to Hyacinth as well. She was greatly offended.”

“I suppose I should. But she’s scary. Raidre is right on that!”

“No, she’s actually extremely adorable and kind. Mostly.” Natsumi defended her. “But when you’ve suffered like she has, when people finally care for you, show you kindness, of course you’ll defend them to the death, Princess.”

I clasped hands with Henry. “Thanks Akio. For grandmother, for me, and mostly for Ellie. I hope I can understand her a bit better now, even if it’s only a little bit.”

“Just don’t push your luck. Or she’ll be weeping at your funeral. And don’t let her backslide. The cursed water, the Diviner’s Prophecies. Mary Stuart. The Silver Hands. I’m uneasy, and I don’t need Foresight for that.” Though it’s still prickling vaguely. I think we have some of the pieces, if not all of them.

“I won’t. I’ll teach her the ways of the army.” Henry promised. “Plan, prepare, proceed. And I’ll speak to grandmother about increasing our surveillance on potential problems. I know she’s had background checks done on everyone who works with Ellie, but… maybe another one can’t hurt?”

As we prepared to return to the Material and the waiting Hyacinth, I nodded. Plan, yes. Prepare, well, I’d have done a lot more but Eleanor won’t let me. I’ve done all I can. So now we have to see how this proceeds. All we can do now… is pray…