ShipTeaser

  While I waited for Shaeu to return, I decided it was a good time to take stoy abilities, in preparation for honing my close bat skills. I went through some stretches, before practig with my sword and spear, as well as with the various styles of unarmed bat I had studied ohough other than a few moves, most of my strikes just relied on pure speed and accuracy, which was fine against ordinary oppos, but against skilled batants like Ulfuric or David, it wasn’t enough. Soon, silvery sweat was dripping from me, evaporating to the darkening skies above.

  Yes, the ether density is rising again, just like in London. Looks like we are definitely leaving the calm… As I thought that I heard some appuse, and looked over to see Shiro, Eri and Asha watg me.

  “Not bad Aki. You’ve got some moves. Tan is impressed too.” Shiro said, only for her eyes to glimmer red.

  “Do not get ceited, man. I merely advised the prihat your strengths would put you on par with an Einherjar of the World Tree.” She snorted. “Though that is hardly cause for ceit. Many Einherjar are recruited from the tless worlds and formed into armies. I believe the closest parison could be that Einherjar would be the Special Forces, ones plucked out for special attention and training. But uhis world, there are mas above.”

  “I see. But you’re saying I’m at the foot of the mountain? So all I have to do is keep climbing and I’ll reach the top?” It was gratifying to hear praise from Tan, a being so far above us in uanding and power. It proved that my path was right.

  “If it was that simple, there would be o the powerful. No, each step is a chasm that yawns wider thaep before, with more dangers, and more who fall. But I cede, you have surpassed my expectations.” Tan admitted. “Therefore, do not fall into the chasms and haste now. pared to those that tower above, such as the Valkyrie, all but the captains and lords of the Einherjar would be as troubling as those goblins you dismissed as no da all.”

  “I have a question. You’re not from the World Tree, Tan, so why are you not expining in terms of your own pantheon?” Eri asked shrewdly, and she ughed.

  “Why would I share information about my own? Far better to use some others as a parison, and it seemed apt, sidering.”

  “I guess that makes sense.” I shrugged. “So, how strong would I have to be to reach the level of a Valkyrie?”

  “The mountain towers higher than you could imagine, far taller than your Fuji. But if you show the will to improve as you have and avoid foolishness and misfortu is not impossible.”

  “Even now, you are strengthening yourself.” Asha said, surprising me. “Your wood element has grown, though it is still weak.”

  “Yeah, I’ll put more effort into that.” I promised. “Oh, that reminds me, where’s Daiyu?” It wasn’t as though I’d been in Material Tokyo much since my return, but I hadn’t seen her yet.

  “Studying Japanese. She was a bit disforted on ht out, having to be transted for, or only uanding easy sentences. So she’s determio fully master Japanese by Christmas. I’m sure she . She’s motivated, a quick learner, and has the stats.” Shiro said, Tan haviuro her rest.

  “That makes sense. She’s in a fn nd, so not being able to uand others must be unbearable.” I agreed. “Remier to spend some time with her.”

  “Lucky.” Shiro snorted. “Well, Aki, what do we do now? I tell you’re worried about Eleanor, maybe you should have kidnapped her and brought her back to Japan.” She joked.

  “I ’t do that. It’d lead to the plete breakdown iioween us and the UK. She’d fight me stantly too. This situation is different to Tsukiko-san. In the end, Tsukiko-san wanted our help, and had nothing to lose by it. Therefore we could work with her, but even then, she still wouldn’t leave Kyoto, would she? Eleanor is even more stubborn. She says she has to proteething, and whatever it is, it’s uhe Tower. If only we knew what that was it’d give us some leverage. But she values defending that above her own life. Nothing I do would persuade her to run away, and it’s not like I stay and guard her twenty-four seven is it? If I did, all my work here would go to waste.”

  “But Tsukiko-san’s visions say she’s needed, or the world could be doomed.” Eri pointed out, and I shrugged.

  “True, but then Tsukiko-san was also going to be devoured and her spirit destroyed by the goldeoad, aopped that. The future isn’t absolute, not definite, no matter what Tsukiko-san believed.” I was sure of it. Indeed, right now I was just getting a vague prig burr of Fht, signalling a vague, nebulous threat. It’s not reliable. Yes, I have to a it, I’ve learned from my mistakes on taking it lightly, but even then, I ’t be ruled by it. “If the end of the world is ing, then we just have to grow strong enough to defeat any threat, even if Eleanor doesn’t survive. But…” my expression was resolute. “... obviously I’ll do all I to protect her, but I ’t destroy who she is just to do that. Which makes this tougher than Tsukiko-san, as. But then, there are still two Princesses out there who could be dying even now. I only do what I do.”

  “No, what we do.” Eri said boldly, tail shing.

  “Yeah, what she said, Aki.” Shiro agreed.

  “I am pleased that the one I Kissed is so bold and resolute.” Asha smiled benevolently. “You saved me from my fate, I believe you save this woman too.”

  “What she said, yet again, Aki.” Shiro snorted, amused. “The downside is, we girls are simple creatures, right Eri? Save us from our despair and show us a bright future, and it moves our hearts.”

  “I know. I’ve already accepted it.” Eri sighed. “But… what we do from here?”

  “I don’t know, but for now we o wait for Eleanor or the Prime Mio get back to us. Before that…”

  “Yeah, training. Well, for me that’s just more damn buffing, though I feel my insight into Anesidora’s blessings growing. Maybe we should share our stats?”

  I hat’s a good idea. “Yes, I wao take stock of our progress. Though Eri…” I looked at her, and she rolled her dark eyes at me, ears twitg.

  “I know. I have nress. Damn Kijo bitches.” She spat. “But I’m getting there. My goal is Christmas, just like Daiyu. If we both succeed, then you spend Christmas Eve with the two of us!”

  “Hey, that’s not fair, Eri!” Shiro protested, to which Asha ughed softly, a knowing expression on her face. It’s good to lighten the mood. Since we spoke to Yasaka-san, firmed some spiracy around Eleanor, it’s been a bit dark.

  “All right, all right. Me first.” I snorted.

  On reading out my stats, Shiro was frowning. “Shit Aki, every time you make me so jealous. sidering all you started with praisal cheat, you make the rest of us look bad.”

  “Shaeu isn’t much weaker than me.” I pointed out, and she shrugged.

  “Maybe so, but she’s a Fae. Well, I guess it doesn’t matter, having you strong is good for us, right Eri, Asha?” she wi the girls. “There’s always a lot of shade under a big tree.”

  “I very much like that thought.” Asha said, eyes sparkling.

  “I ’t believe that despite being s Akio would be nothing special in the upper Astral.” Eri said, and Tan spoke up again, Shiro’s eyes red.

  “You misuand. In a world of billions like your Earth, likely only a few million or so might be chosen for the Einherjar. The average citizen will have skills with aether and bat strength, perhaps along the lines of you, Eri. In worlds with powerful Territories of the Sixth and higher, ether is plentiful, and there are no she of beings with powers such as I. But true strength is always rare. You would not rank as a Captain of the Einherjar, surely not, but you are far from the weakest that would be chosen. Even so, do not let arrogance blind you.” She warned. “There are many hidden dragons and croug tigers everywhere in the higher Astral, aire armies of Einherjar and citizen warriors perish against… matters I ot speak of, and even those with wings be struck from the skies and perish.”

  “I see. Thanks Tan, that was helpful.”

  “I merely crified for that girl.” Tan said, and I thought she sounded a little bashful. “You may be looking up at the mountain, the summit hidden by clouds above, pierg through the heavens and even out into what you could call space, but you have climbed the foothills.” With that she was gone, leaving a grinning Shiro.

  “Tan sure isn’t ho, is she? I’d say she’s rog the tsundere for sure. Well, what do you think, Aki? you get even stronger?”

  “Always. I get more levels, Rank up my Territory, find a bat style and raise my elements…” seeing Asha’s sparkling eyes, I ughed. “Especially wood, earth and water I guess. Shaeu and I also o exge wood and lightning elements. So the path to power ops.” There’s also Tyr’s Divine Favour. If I could unlock that power… “I sympathise with Daiyu. The urge to tinue growing stronger and perfeg oneself is deep.”

  “In that case, might as well see how I’ve improved.” Shiro said. “No ughing you two. I know I ’t pete with Aki’s growth. Yet. I’m a Chosen now, a true one, so there’s a ce.”

  “Yes, I was always more into battle harems where the girls were badass alongside the guys.” I said. “I’d feel less worried all the time too.”

  “Aww, poor baby Aki.” Shiro ughed. “Well, e on, we’re waiting.”

  “Fine.” My Eye fred amber, aers scrolled ay vision. Faint flickers of red were in Shiro’s eyes and hair, Tan probably not enjoying my peeking, but she would have to ig.

  Shiratori HimekoBonded KinDivine Medium: Ta?hā, the ThirstyChosen Of Anesidora, Bringer Of Gifts[Material Statistibsp;[Intangible Statistibsp;Might53 253Fortune2Fortitude49 251Majesty1Intellect174 480Charm10 15Resilience170 510League3 7Acrity140 487Determination3 6Precision164 464Fht Aether433 1840Fate21 31[Material Skills] [Aetheric Skills]RankCssTypeSilver CordRank 1 Rank 5Suffit (3)Foundation (4)Divine False Moon And Star Chakra workRank 1 Rank 3Powerful (4)Principle (7)Divine SparkRank 1 Rank 2Noble (5)Law (8)Adherence ManiputionRank 1 Rank 2Noble (5)Law (8)Aether ManiputionRank 1 Rank 5Suffit (3) Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Sor Plexus Chakra Of FmeRank 1 Rank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Fme ManiputionRank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Ether HealingRank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)[Intangible Skills] [Unique Skills] Lovers' LinkRank 1 Rank 5Noble (5)Artifice (6)Divine Possession: Ta?hāRank 1 Rank 2Legendary (7)Law (8)Fmes Of Thirst And FamineRank 1 Rank 3Noble (5) Imperious (6)Artifice (6)Alluring The BuddhaRank 1Noble (5)Artifice (6)Blessing Of Many GiftsRank 3Imperious (6)Law (8)Blessings From The BoxRank 3Legendary (7)Law (8)

  [Level]9/9 40[Css]Divine Medium 5/20 8/20 Mortal Spark 1/30 3/30

  “Yeah, you’ve really worked hard.” I praised Shiro, and she puffed out her ample chest, looking happy, her face red.

  “Of course I did! Not only did Ta me that Divine Favour, I’ve been grinding when I could, and I’m stantly using my new skills, it only makes sehat my Blessings aed skills were going to see improvements as I learned what they did and how they are doing it. Guess I left you in the dust, Eri.” She stuck out her tongue. “You’d better get yourself healthy soon if you want to pete!”

  Eri snorted. “At least try and be fair. Getting a Divine Favour… well, the level cap isn’t a big deal as my Lovers’ Link is still higher than yours.” She had to get a dig in, making us ugh. “I get plenty of levels due to that. But my skills ’t keep up.”

  “Yes, having a Divine Favour seems to basically guarantee your Silver Cord and Chakra work is boosted, probably as a powerful Astral body is o tain the power.” I had to build mine from scratch. Well, I probably wouldn’t have a Moowork otherwise, so I accept Ortlinde made the right call. “But Shiro still cks in a lot of areas. Her physical stats are nothing special. Sure, the days of Shiro’s weakness and fainting spells are over, and she could beat the shit out of a group of thugs harassing her easily enough, but any petent bat-focused Chosen will kill her before she react.”

  “That’s what Divine Possession is for.” Shiro grinned knowingly. “Maybe I’m not so hot, but Tan see off most threats.”

  “True.” I said. “Though it does put a lot of strain on your body. So, strength and basibat training. I think light element for you as well. You, Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi, all of you should learn it.” My gaze flickered over to Asha. “I shouldn’t ask again, but are you serious about us?”

  “Of course. I and my Tree, we are both yours.” She said calmly, radiating a mature feeling that was missing from the other older Fae I knew.

  “In that case… yoing to have to push your limits.”

  “No Dryad has ever ged like the princess has.” Asha said softly, her yellow eyes looking into mine. “We are far more tied to our elements than other Fae, as we are also tied to our Tree.”

  “I see. Well, that doesn’t mean that you ’t. But I’ll get Shaeu to speak to the experts about it. I’m not going to put you at risk. Primal Forest might have insights. Anyway, I’d get Daiyu to as well, but we still haven’t decided if it’ll cause problems with her Cultivation. But this is all for ter.”

  “Yes, there’s someone who has been waiting here quietly, fit to burst.” Eri said dryly, looking at Hyath, who eering at me with her shining silver-violet eyes.

  “All right. You are .” I said, ughing.

  HyathNoble Grey Fae

  Light, Darkness and Nature/Wood Aspect[Material Statistibsp;[Intangible Statistibsp;Might257 856 +15Fortune4 5 +0Fortitude278 877 +15Majesty2 +0Intellect216 765 +15Charm9 +0Resilience185 781 +15League7 11 +0Acrity319 916 +15Determination3 10 +0Precision299 893 +15Fht4 6 +0Aether1466 2369 +15Fate2 4+0

  [Material Skills]RankCssType[Aetheric Skills] Silver CordRank 3 Rank 4Suffit (3) Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Eight Moons Chakra workRank 5Noble (5)Rule (5)Aether ManiputionRank 2 Rank 3Suffit (3)Foundation (4)Weal And WoeRank 2 Rank 3Noble (5)Artifice (6)Ether Healing Rank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)[Elemental Skills] Light ManiputionRank 1 Rank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Third Eye Chakra Of LightRank 1 Rank 3Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Darkness ManiputionRank 4 Rank 5Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Throat Chakra Of DarknessRank 3 Rank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Nature/Wood ManiputionRank 7 Rank 8Noble (5)Foundation (4) Rule (5)Root And Sacral Chakras Of Nature/WoodRank 5 Rank 6Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Lunar Chakra Of Nature/Wood, Light And DarknessRank 2 Rank 3Noble (5) Imperious (6)Rule (5)[Intangible Skills] [Unique Skills] SporecasterRank 3 Rank 6Imperious (6)Principle (7)Blessings Of HomeRank 3 Rank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Curses Of HomeRank 4Powerful (4)Foundation (4)Lovers' LinkRank 5 Rank 7Noble (5)Artifice (6)

  [Level] 22/60

  84/104

  [Css]Great Darkness, Light And Nature/Wood Grey Fae 11/20 18/20

  Walking Pgue 8/20 11/20

  Pledged One 5/10 8/20

  Dweller In Twilight 4/10 5/10

  [Mastered Css]Darkness and Nature/Wood Fae 10/10

  “Yeah, the only way to deal with Hyath is a swift attack to take her out, which would take someone like David using his full strength and Favour, and even then, if he missed the kill he’d be dead moments ter.” I whistled. “You got s ever since Kyoto. I guess the massacre of the Kijo and the battles since have really strengthened you.” In fact, when it es to grinding, Hyath puts in more effort than anyone. She really wants to be strong…

  “Hyath will destroooy the world for you, if yooou ask.” She giggled, and I patted her head, to which she snuggled into my grasp happily.

  “I’d rather we save the world. But destroying our enemies is fine. Really, you take the whole battle maid cept to the extremes. But as for your future growth pn, like Shiro, you need bat skills. Having great strength and speed is only useful if you know how to use it. Someoh half your physical stats but experiend skill could overwhelm you… though to be fair, your spores would kill them first. You also o learn water ah elements to focus on your already impressive strengths. More studying as well, light element is useless if you don’t employ it properly.”

  “Ooof course I will do it.” Hyath promised. “I would do anything for yooou and the mistresses!”

  “Good girl. Well, we might as well make a start while we wait for Shaeu to return and word from the UK…”

  ***

  I was starting to get a little worried as it had been several hours and still no news. My only relief was that the slowing was ending, so time was gradually starting to accelerate here, so it wasn’t quite as long ba the Material. As I put the girls through their paces, Eri and Asha watg with me, Shaeu returrailed by her maids, and alsor. On seeing them I was surprised. Really? My Eye shone, and Grulghed, g his massive fists.

  “Grulgor did it. Though Grul must thank the little dies for their help. But nor is truly unkilble, and strong!” He roared his delight to the skies.

  “Grulgor ’t let the princess be the only oing stronger.” He roared proudly. “Besides, Grul has to put Duke Formor’s other followers in their pce.” He showed off his massive sb-like teeth in a sly grin. “Grulgor is no longer a fool. Grul has satisfied the Duke. He will hear from those he sent to us to train, and also spy… that we are strong, and growing stronger. Soon the Unseelie only quake before us. Samandrastrae will surely fall and be recimed one day!”

  “I hought I would see-see the day when I was delighted at the growth or. But it is quite reassuring having a strong ally by our side, is it not-not?” Shaeu crowed. “I believe if you and I are the DPS, then Grulgor is the ultimate tank. Or would-would you be a hybrid, Akio? Since you are rather durable yourself.”

  “With his stats, he’d get booted from the game for hag.” Shiro snorted, impressed, looking at Eri. “Suess I was a bit mean messing with you over our strengths. pared to Hyath and Grulgor I’m still a little chick too.”

  “Yes, but you have-have the advantage, Shiro.” Shaeu reassured her. “Mortals ge so rapidly. For us Fae it is quite-quite difficult to grow. Only the guidand aid from Akio has enabled us all to cast off the s of what is-is possible, and shatter them, and our limits.” She looked at Eri sympathetically then. “Have no-no fear, Eri. When you are well again, I shall take you in hand myself.”

  “I’d appreciate that.” Eri said, her expressiofelt, before Shaeu noticed Asha standing with us.

  “Oho, what-what is this?” her gaze narrowed. “Have you spoken up at st, Asha?”

  The Dryad nodded, her smile bright. “I have indeed, princess. It seemed time. The winds of ge are blowing, rattling the leaves of my Tree. I would not be left alone again.”

  “And what did-did Akio say?”

  “He wishes to know me better, princess, but he has not rejected my iions.” Asha said, and Shaeu smiled.

  “I see-see. I am happy for you. And politically, it will please Primal Forest, taking a Daughter of Orion. Though Prihethrion will likely be most-most dismayed, and curse his great-granddaughters for failing to woo you successfully.” She ughed brightly, and I decided it rudent to ge the subject.

  “You’ve got a couple of iing new skills, Grulgor.” I said, eyeing them.

  Grace of the Raging Waters Rank 1. As long as you possess water elemental energy, you fortify either your Acrity or Precision signifitly, based on a pertage of your base statistics, as well as the amount of water elemental energy you currently tain.

  Water Absorption – This skill allows the assimition of water, id blood into the body of the bearer while water elemental energy sts, allowing it to share the properties of the bearer such as regeion aances, and the bearer liquefy their flesh, beiant to physical attacks.

  “Grace of the Raging Waters is awesome. I hope I end up getting that too.” I had obtaihe Might of the Furious Earth fror via my Fae-Souled css, so sihat couldn’t increase any further I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to, but perhaps iure it would be possible.

  “Yes, Grulgor says he will be unstoppable and mightily hard to kill.” He ughed.

  “That’s true.” I agreed. “Your defensive and offensive power has spiked a lot.”

  We talked for a little while, before Shaeu shrugged. “Enough of this. So, Akio, Hyath, tell me about your trip, and this-this Princess. Did things go well?”

  A good question… Taking a deep breath, I started telling Shaeu about what had transpired…

  *********

  “I see. That is most-most troubling.” Shaeu said when I had finished.

  “I agree, mistress Shaeu. She was quite foooooolish.” Hyath sndered Eleanain. “Akio oooffered her his hand, and she spped it away.”

  “It doesn’t sound quite like that.” Eri said, drawing our attention. “Don’t misuand, if I heard her talking to Akio and the others like that, I’d have put her in her pce, Princess or not. But I do uand. If she believes she has something to protect that’s more important than her life… I bet you didn’t expin that her death would potentially doom one of the other Princesses and also the world, did you?”

  “No, it’s not something I just say.” I sighed.

  “For her, her try is everything, Aki. It’s like you’d never abandon us.” Shiro agreed. “But the problem is, whatever she’s hiding is so secret she doesn’t want the usual help. Not letting you he Tower is a problem. We’re too far away to respond.”

  “That’s what I’m worried about.” I agreed.

  “So, what solutions do we have-have?” Shaeu asked, her expression thoughtful. “We could send aid to her, as a guard, but if she will not-not allow ao the heart of her Territory, such would be of limited use. Her ehese two, Maxwell Power and Mary Stuart, we could try-try to deal with them, but ag on fn shores…”

  “Yes, we’d need a Ring Gate, and we could always drop Shiro’s Territory over there, though having her away from Tan’s is problemati another way.”

  “It’s fine. Arisu is still doing a good job looking after mine. I trust her. It’s a shame her Room has no way of telep us overseas.” Shiro muttered. As we debated our course, Azuki came running towards us, running on short legs.

  “Your pho’s a reply!” Azuki said, hiding behind my legs, still a bit nervous of Hyath.

  “Good job.” I praised her. “Right, time to head back. Let’s see what happened.”

  A few mier I was looking at a text on my phone, puzzled.

  “ firm Lorraine MacGregor. Ex-Pace maid, taken into custody, fessed. Michael Silversmith also found. Has been dead since early August. Very fused. Still, enough evideo move on Silver Hands Foundation and Maxwell Power. Pn to watch Mary Stuart for now.”

  “What the hell?” I thought back to the question we asked Yasaka-san, and there didn’t seem to be a mistake. “Wait, Max Power has deception abilities? that be…” I turo Shaeu then. “I feel a bastard after putting him through the wringer, but call up someone in Kyoto a Yasaka-san back to the Boundary and start Healing him.” I told Shaeu. “I’ll join you as soon as I make a call…”

  As Shaeu rushed back to her own room, ready to implement my pns, I hastily dialled the Prime Minister of Britain, who fortunately picked up. “I got your message.” I got straight to it. “What’s going on?”

  “A good question. Firstly, how did you get the information on Lorraine MacGregor, she had quit her job before you ever came to Britain?” he asked me.

  “I would say that’s a secret, but the situation could be critical.” I sighed. “I have a way to gather information, it’s a bit like the Diviner’s visions. I had thought it was entirely reliable, but if Michael Silversmith is already dead, it seems I was wrong.”

  “I see. That is a dangerous secret to keep.” The Prime Minister decred. “Intelligence agencies around the world would kill for it, and powerful people would wish it to disappear. I’m not overly fortable with it myself, young chap.”

  “Maybe not, but I’m telling you this because the situation is dire. So, Lorraine MacGregor…”

  “Yes, I’ll get to the point. We took Mrs MacGregor into custody, and she quickly broke down and fessed. It turned out her husband had signifit, insurmountable gamblis, so when she roached by Maxwell Power, to clear them, she gave in. But he told her it wasn’t poison, but a strong aphrodisiac, as apparently Max wao seduce the Princess. Dirty bastard. Though it seems that’s not his goal.”

  “She agreed to that? It seems odd for a woman to let another woman suffer that fate.” I mused. “Charm, maybe? Does it seem like mind trol, did she know what she was doing?” Is it like the Befuddling Winds, or more subtle?

  “It’s all a load of crap, Aki.” Shiro said, listening. “This isn’t some ese tale, if a woman ends up drinking an aphrodisiac that strong, she’s not just going to open her legs. I mean, she could always go get herself off ihroom.” She was a bit crude, but I agreed.

  “Yes, it doesn’t make much sense, but… we brought in other workers from the Pace that knew her well, as well as her husband and her sister. That’s why it took us a while to respond.” The Prime Minister tinued. “As far as they say, and also from our initial psychiatric evaluations, she’s perfectly lucid, and there are no issues with her mind, memory or judgement, it’s just that she found Max very persuasive.”

  “I see. Charm. Not mind trol. That would be the best case. Though it’s far too early to tell if that’s what he do.” If it’s merely he’s extremely persuasive that’s still a danger, but less so than being able to order people to do things they otherwise wouldn’t, like Kiku’s Nails or the Befuddling Winds.

  “As for Michael Silversmith… if he’s dead, did he ever have a Divine Favour, or is it some sort of red herring? Hmm, just what do you know about the Silver Hands Foundation?”

  “Not a lot. Though the Pace did due diligence before allowing him to attend their events for the Princess. It’s a rather new anisation, a bination of several older charitable foundations. Maxwell Power is from an old, wealthy family and there is nothing suspicious about wishing to mix with Royalty and the political elite, even if it es at great expense. Money ’t buy prestige.”

  “When did the name ge?” I asked, and the Prime Minister immediately uood.

  “Let me bring up the details…” he shouted something at a Ministerial Secretary, and moments ter he answered me. “Three days after the date of the death of Michael Silversmith. Wait, Nuada Airgetlám. Nuada of the Silver Hand. You don’t mean…?”

  “I do. I think Max Power has been doing more than we expected.” I don’t want to talk about queror and how it works. But I think that Max Power took his Favour and killed him. The up a Foundation using the name. But why?

  Azuki came rushing in as we talked, saying that Shaeu was in Kyoto with Yasaka-san. “I have to try and gather some more information. Don’t leave Princess Eleanor aloh any of her panions, she also hasn’t answered my texts.”

  “There’s o worry about that. The Queen and Prince Henry are with her, and we have enough troops statiohere that even a God’s Chosen should be vulnerable. As for her teammates we are taking them in for a psychiatric evaluation and questioning. We’ll get to the bottom of this, have no fear.” He masked his doubt with joviality.

  “Good. I’ll be back soon…” I hung up and rushed back to the Boundary, rag through the Ring Gate, aing a very weary Yasaka-san and Shaeu. On seeing me, he groaned.

  “Are y to kill me off?” he said, and I shook my head.

  “Sorry, after this you really will deserve a long break.” Not that you’ll get it though, I’m going to take charge of your levelling and Ranking up your skills personally. “These should hopefully be easier questions.”

  “Fine.” He managed weakly. I aided Shaeu in healing him, and I refilled his aether, as Shaeu wouldn’t do that for another man. “So, I want to ask… did Max Power kill Michael Silversmith?”

  “No.” came back the reply, fusing me.

  “Okay, let me try again. Who killed Michael Silversmith in August?”

  “Damn, that hurts my brain…” silvery blood spilled from one nostril as he winced. “Max Power did. Wait, that doesn’t tally with before…”

  “Is Max Power alive?” I said, having a sudden fsh of inspiration.

  “No. Yes. Ugh…” he coughed blood, as Shaeu repaired the damage, having to resort to Chirurgery as well as Ether Healing, due to the damage to his work.

  “So, let me put it together. Max Power both did and didn’t kill Michael Silversmith, and he’s both alive and dead…” This is all very fusing. Mary Stuart is the threat to Princess Eleanor, that’s what Tsukiko-san said, and my visions from Tsukuyomi agree. But all signs noointing towards Maxwell Power. I know they are pretty close, but… “I’ve got it. What was Maxwell Power called before he killed Maxwell Power.”

  Yasaka-san looked puzzled at the question, but he asked it, and his eyes widened as he got a respohough at the cost of great pain. “The book has e up with gibberish. But it’s definitely not Maxwell Power. The letters aren’t in Japaher.”

  “Right.” I agreed. “It’s English, maybe, but English doesn’t use ats. French possibly? Or… do any British nguages use them? I remember mom saying Welsh and Gaelic does. Last question, then you rest.” I promised, and he groaned.

  “Please, make this the st. It makes me wish I had a power like Saionji-sama’s, so that you ’t abuse me so.”

  “Right. Where are the remains of the Maxwell Power killed by the newer Maxwell Power.”

  “They are buried in…” he said in surprise as he read out the details.

  “Fantastic. You rest. I mean it now. But try and recover as quickly as you .”

  As we returo the Material, Shaeu spoke to me, eyes curious. “Just what-what do you think?”

  “I think we ’t trust anything we learned from Yasaka-san we ’t verify with evidence. Charm… does he even have charm? Or is he just shogly persuasive? Deception though… that I see. It seems able to fool Yasaka-san’s Book of Providence. it even fool Tsukuyomi’s visions? Shit.” My Fht was still giving me gentle, uneasy prickles of general danger, which was useless. “The Princess is safe for now, and they are keeping an eye on Mary Stuart and her allies. The other Chosen are being taken into custody… it should be fine. But I’m still uneasy.”

  Pulling out my phone, I dialled up the Prime Minister one more time. “I have information. I think that Maxwell Power isn’t the Maxwell Power from before. I think the inal is buried here…”

  The Prime Minister listened in stony silence, before letting out a long sigh. “I see. So, was Maxwell Power anods’ Chosen, or… just a man with background to be exploited? But I’ve seen old photographs. They look nearly exactly the same.”

  Nearly? I seized on that. “What do you mean, nearly?”

  “Just as I said. It’s definitely him, there’s no question, but Max looks a lot better nowadays, perhaps because he’s a Gods’ Chosen. You all have radiant skin and are the very pictures of health. My wife is jealous of your perfect bodies.”

  “That’s odd.” Shiro said, looking up from her own phone. “Yes, we do tend to be ier dition, but… I’ve been looking up Nuada Airgetlám and he lost the kingship because he lost an arm, and all Kings had to have a perfect body.”

  ce, ather all the pictures you of the inal Maxwell Power and the new one. And see if the body is Maxwell’s. you do Ding or something simir?”

  “It might take a day or two to find a suitable family member…” he began, but I shook my head.

  “No, get it done faster. Also, check if any of the Gods’ Chosen with Eleanor have aion to either Michael Silversmith or Maxwell Power.”

  “And what are you going to do?” he asked me, and I frowned.

  “What I have to. Shit, this is a mess.” With that I hung up, and Shaeu and Shiro looked at me, troubled.

  “What’s the py?” Shiro asked. “Oh, here’s the info on Nuada.”

  “I’ll check that on route. I’m going to call Fujiwara-san…” Deception. Charm. Stealing identities… this goes beyond issues of being able to trust what we learn. So to ter that, we have to rely only on ourselves, and our own abilities… “Fujiwara-san, this is an emergency. you make some arras for me…” The timing of this is awful, but… I couldn’t trust anything now, nothing except that I didn’t want Eleanor to die, visions and prophecies be damned…

  ShipTeaser