ShipTeaser

  The gathering of iial figures that evening was rather uful pared to the previous evening, and after some casual talk with some Opposition Party politis and a few businessmen, Fujiwara-san and Tsumura-san secured the agreements they wanted, and I made some further es, as well as finding out a little more about the state of the British Chosen. We firmed some of what Mr Hunter and Mrs Man had told us, that the was gathering Chosen, rather than the Gover, and the British seemed to be a bit ahead of us in that regard, as they were already f them up into teams to capture the Boundary of the major cities of the UK. The strahing was, almost none refused the call, not like some of our Japanese Chosen that the Ministry is identifying hastily. Is it loyalty to the Queen, or something else that brings them on board?

  After another nice meal with Motoko, her once more being presented as my fiancée, which had massively improved her mood, we made it back to the Savoy, where the jealous Natsumi was once again waiting for us. That led to a night of passion, which Motoko and Hyath were only too happy to join in with, and once more the sheets were ruined. A silent prayer for the poor staff indeed… We did mao snatch a few hours’ sleep, and I had some strange dreams, the first of a brilliant yellow sun, and another yellow orb opposing it, this one a dirty gold. A shadow passed over the sun like an eclipse, and I could see jagged, curved teeth of dirty white bone. I then dreamed of a woman in green and gold, being chased through a dark byrinth, white-masked figures stantly accosting her, diverting her. She cried out in joy, seeing shadowy figures ahead, reag out with her hand, only for them to turn, revealiureless white masks, which suddenly cracked, revealing smiling faces…

  Yes, the dreams were quite uling. Or perhaps I should call them visions? The yellow eye looked just like that of the slimy toad we vahe e of in Kyoto, and a sun was likely tied to Amaterasu, so it meant that we hadn’t finished ht with the toad, not that I wasn’t aware of that anyway. Tsukiko-san had said that Yukiko-san would end up having to face the creature. Nurarihyon would o as well, so he said, and also Shiro…

  As for the other, process of eliminatio that it robably Eleanor, though I couldn’t rule out ehat it was the Princess of Hell or Asura, both of whom I knew nothing about. Shaking my head, I put aside the memories of st night that were running through my Split Thoughts rapidly, trating on the phone call I was having with my apologeti, while two staff at the hotel were styling my hair and dressing me, which I found rather embarrassing. I mean, I’m totally capable of doing it myself. And even then, Motoko was eager to do it. But Fujiwara-san insisted that we got the professionals in, as everything has to be perfect… all I’m grateful for is that they don’t speak Japanese, so this versation is private…

  “Sain, Aki.” My mom was saying. “When dad tacted me… well, you managed, right? I ’t believe you vinced him to accept your polygamy. Dad’s pretty devout as a Christian, unlike mum and me.”

  I let out a sigh, showing my displeasure. “I know. It was horrible. But… while I don’t regret my decisions, I do know this is the price I’ll pay for the foreseeable future. Maybe if more people start entering into legally accepted multi-persoionships and marriage the stigma will ge, but for now, to outsiders I guess I look the scummiest guy alive. But fortunately, the girls were there. Be ho, could you say no to those three when they are early expressing their feelings?” I certainly ’t. And they did win over Jad Evelyn easily enough.

  “No, I couldn’t. Nor could your father.” Mom agreed. “Even Hana and Junpei don’t dislike them, even if they feel bad for Eri. So… yeah, well, I did say that the whole reason that the Church of Engnd got started was so Henry the Eighth could get himself another woman, and he went mad at me.” I could imagine my mom pouting right now.

  “Well, of course if you said something like that Jack would get mad.” I said evenly. “Anyway… it all worked out in the end, Evelyn was even showing them our old photo albums. But… I didn’t tell them what was really going on. I wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do. If they know… well, it’ll uproot their life, won’t it? I did get them to take some money, at least. I tried to keep it modest so they wouldn’t freak out…”

  “That’s a miracle in itself. Dad was alroud, and never liked handouts.” Mom said, and I sighed anew.

  “Well, he wouldn’t take it until the girls persuaded him. Again, it’s hard to say no to them. But… mom, if you want to tell them everything, I don’t mind. But when they know, their lives will ge.”

  “Yeah, I get it Aki, I do. Well, I’ll think about it. I’d rather do it in person though, so… it’d be good if they finally visit. Aiko would be thrilled. Speaking of…” We talked a little about what Aiko had been up to, before I hung up. The timing was good, as I had just finished enduring the dressing up, and was now ready. I was in a formal bck tuxedo suit, one of the ones made from ballistid knife-proof fabrics from the shop Fujiwara-san had reeo me. Paired with a crisp white designer shirt, and my most expeek Phillipe watch, as well as some tasteful ptinum jewellery and my e ring… well, my ral e ring, anyway. If I had to wear one for each girl I’d look like an idiot, but they all agreed on this one as standing for all of them, luckily… with one final che the mirror I was satisfied.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]Taking a seat, I waited for the girls to finish. Hyath was first, as she was wearing her maid uniform, though I could see she had a noticeable amount of makeup on, her usually pale face looking flushed with health. On seeing me looking, she giggled.

  “Dooo you like it?” she asked, and I shrugged.

  “It’s different, definitely. I don’t dislike it, but the usual Hyath is fioo.”

  She preened happily at that, a out was Natsumi. On seeing me, she smiled triumphantly. “Looks like we match today, Akio.”

  “I see.” Yeah, that’s different. She looks like Kazumi-san, or Mayumi-san’s bodyguard. She was wearing a white suit and shirt, with a bck tie for a spsh of colour. “Yes, I’ve always thought girls looked hot in suits.” I observed, and Natsumi flushed, giggling.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“Sorry, you ’t kiss me right now, it’ll mess up my makeup and suit. Today I’m a bodyguard, so I ’t be wearing a dress, or something that could upstage Motoko, who’s the star of our show.”

  “That is hardly true, and you know it, Natsumi. Besides, you seemed fident you could upstage me st night, no?” Motoko entered, wearing a beautiful white ballgown, again, her chest covered by cloth, adorned with bck ribbons, her hair also tied up. Her shoulders and arms were on show again, giving it a hint of allure without being trashy.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]

  ********

  “Well, you all pass muster.” Tsumura-san said, as his daughter-in-w Hikari-san was fussing over Motoko, making sure everything erfect.

  “I should hope so. No expense has been spared. Besides, we’re w with good material here. Even an idiot could make a work of art out of these girls.”

  “Well, you’re not awful yourself.” Minoru-san allowed grudgingly, watg his wife and daughter. “At least my grandchildren will be attractive.”

  Grandkids, huh? Yeah, we talked about children didn’t we? Not yet, but… someday. “Well, you all look pretty dashing too.” I allowed. “But then, I expect you’re used to this.” The men were in suits simir to mine, while Hikari-san was in a blue dress suitable for a ball. Shortly afterwards, Fujiwara-san came, wearing a suit even more expehan mine, and he was fnked by his two daughters, the two ninja girls behind them dressed in suits simir to Natsumi’s, just in bck, though of course Michiru-san was still wearing a voluminous red scarf.

  “You look cute.” I said to Honoka-san, who thanked me politely. She was wearing a pastel pink ballgown, very childish, and perhaps a bit young for her age, and beside her Miyu was also wearing a simir dress, but in purple. Is Fujiwara-san pying up their childishness on purpose? I suppose it could be camoufge for Miyu’s status as a Chosen. “You too, Miyu. Purple suits you.”

  “Thank you. It is not the dress I might have picked, but… it pleases grandfather.” She said softly, before turning to the two bodyguards. “Michiru, Kozue, today we rely on you. There should be no da the Pace, but with the guests in attendance… we must always be o.”

  “Well said.” I approved. “In an emergency, if you ’t get to safety, seek me out as soon as possible. I’ll get us out and we worry about pig up the pieces afterwards.”

  “Do you think anything will happen?” Miyu asked, and I shook my head.

  “I ’t see it. This is Bugham Pace, we already know a lot of the most important people in Britan will be there. But… with so many Chosen about, it only takes one crazy idiot to start trouble that could escate.”

  “If that happens, we will be relying on you. Unfortuhe Major ’t attend.” Tsumura-san said, and I shrugged.

  “It’s a shame, but we have Hyath as well, so I’m fident we at least get you all out safely if the worst happens.”

  With that said, we entered our limousines, and as we drove along The Mall to Bugham Paumerous other limousines and expensive vehicles were taking the road too. It was fun looking out of the windows, seeing tourists gaping at the dispy of wealth and opulence, even taking pictures, though the specially tinted windows prevented photographs from w. It’s a shame everyone else ’t be here for this. Well, I’ll make it up to those who stayed behind…

  “So, are you ready? We have to impress Princess Eleanor.” I told the three of them, and Motoko smiled.

  “Have no fear, I will support you. Natsumi, Hyath, you will as well, no?”

  As they agreed, I noticed the ge that had e over Motoko. She was more fident, more expressive and more willing to take charge. Whether that was because she was away from Shaeu and Eri, who teo rule the roost ba Tokyo, or whether our lovemaking had deepened her feelings for me, I couldn’t say, but I liked the ge. We definitely feel more a couple. Though maybe I should call it a triple, with Natsumi?

  Ahead of us, well-dressed people were being helped out of their cars, parked in the great courtyard behind the impressive gates of the Pace. I couldn’t resist fring my Eye a little, and several of the people looked around, as if something had spooked them. Letting the aether fade, I nodded. Yes, there’s a number of Chosen here already. sidering the scale of this event, there might actually be more in attendahan there were in Kyoto…

  Soon our limousine was , and as it passed through the majestic spiked gates, I shivered. Hyath and the girls did as well, looking at me in surprise. Well, I think that firms my specution. “Yeah, the Pace is under a Territory of someone who is sidered to have ownership of it, so the ether density here is noticeably higher than the surrounding London, and I feel a slight oppression. Will you two be all right?” I asked, and Motoko and Natsumi exged a look, before Natsumi shrugged, looking great doing that because of her suit.

  “Well, we wouldn’t be able to fight off a Chosen anyway. But don’t expeuch from us here, I definitely feel a bit weaker.”

  “I am fihis is nooot more than I bear.” Hyath firmed and I agreed.

  “It’s more a minor annoyance for us. So… either the Queen is a Chosen, which I very much doubt, or it’s Princess Eleanor, and the Pace reises her as an owner? Well, one good thing is it might deter weaker Chosen fr anything stupid. Being in hostile Territory is no joke.”

  Ahead of us, I could see the ceremonial troops colloquially known as Beefeaters, with their distinctive red uniforms and bck, tall hats, guarding the entrao the Pad lining the delicate gravel pathway to it. Fujiwara-san’s limousine was ahead of us, and the doors were opened by smartly dressed servants, who offered the girls a hand out. Miyu and Honoka-san got out gracefully, while Michiru-san and her sister Koga-sa out, the red scarf Michiru-san wore fluttering, the same shade as the Beefeaters coats.

  “Looks like we’re .” I said, and as our car pulled up, the doors were opened and servants offered Motoko a hand, but she de, merely gng at me. Smiling, I followed Natsumi out, a round to that side and offered my hand. Motoko took it gracefully, and I helped her out, her other hand keeping her long skirt in pce. She smiled at the servant, speaking i English.

  “My apologies, but I would rather my fiancé assists me. Do carry on.”

  “Oh, it isn’t a problem.” The servant said, charmed by her smile. “Wele to Bugham Pace.”

  “My thanks.” She said, promptly fetting the servant. Hyath and Natsumi took their positions, and we walked over to where Fujiwara-san’s party was waiting. Moments ter, Tsumura-san’s car had arrived, and soon we were all together, moving towards the entrance.

  “Greetings.” A sharply dressed Royal Butler smiled at us all professionally. “May I take your names?”

  “I am Fujiwara Shige. These are…” he introduced us, and the Butler bowed.

  “Greetings, I thank you for attending this ga to celebrate the charity work of her dear grandchildren.” He said. “To have such distinguished guests from our ally Japan is su honour. Do enter and servants will show you to the great hall.” He did nothing so vulgar as ask for our invitations or any proof we were who we said we were, and I guessed he likely had the names and appearances of every guest memorised. Hyath is looking at him with respect. I guess top-css knows top-css.

  “You have our thanks. I would never refuse an invitation from the Queen.” Fujiwara-san said grandly, and as we swept into the pace, maids and butlers did indeed e to escort us, though some threw odd looks at Hyath. Ahead of us was anuest, a strong-looking man wearing a tuxedo, though he looked a bit unfortable and out of pce. A Chosen, probably.

  “The initial reception is taking p the great hall. There are tables id out with suitable food and drink, but should you need anything specific, please fg down any one of the servants and they will aid you to the best of their abilities. Please, have a great time and mingle.” Our escort said, and with that we ehe hall, which was fanough to take one’s breath away. Massive in scale, the room was brightly lit by a bination of sunlight streaming through immense gss windows that arched to the ceiling, and a number of colossal gold deliers that held a mixture of electric bulbs and fancy dles, which gave the room an old-fashioned, mosphere. Long tables rihe walls, and a buffet had bee up, but it wasn’t some casual self-service event, dozens of smartly dressed maids were there, handing food to guests, while more were moving through the room elegantly, carrying trays of champagne and other expensive beverages.

  “I looove this.” Hyath said, eyes sparkling. “So many servants, all doooing good work. Not like the trash Hyath had to disciplihat serves mistress Shaeu, nooo. Though I must fess, the maids are ing along well now.”

  “I’m sorry, but today you won’t be serving us.” I said quietly, still taking in the view. To the back of the great hall there was a rge dais, with a number of Beefeaters there, blog anyone from approag. A curtain had been pulled across, c half of it, but I could hear voices. I think that the Queen is there? Damn, doesn’t this beat all? The Queen is probably the most famous monar the world. pared to our Imperial Family, which keeps rgely to itself nowadays, she’s always travelling to other tries…

  “Well, it seems there are people here I reise.” Fujiwara-san said mildly. “See there. The Prime Minster of the United Kingdom, though he took offily retly.” I followed his gaze to see a burly blonde man, talking loudly to several other men. “Then there is the talk of the moment.”

  “Oh, I believe that is Prince Henry.” Miyu said, looking at the handsome man with reddish-brown hair. He was talking to an attractive darker-skinned woman around his age, with long dark hair tied back, wearing a fshy white dress, with gold trim. “And that is likely his current girlfriend, Melissa Masters. I believe there is talk of an uping e?”

  As we watched, Prince Henry ughed loudly. He wasn’t what ied me though. Looking around, I could see that the group of attendees was extremely diverse, much more so than at the events I had attended in Japan. There were Caucasians, Bcks, Asians of both Pacifid Indian ins and more. The ohing everyone had in on was that everyone was well-dressed and behaving themselves.

  There are still a few people out of pce, though. I found myself staring at a small group of people, a number of men dressed in sharp, charcoal grey suits with matg silver shirts, ties and accessories, as well as a beautiful blonde woman with sharp green eyes, earing white vestments, looking rather like a nun, or rather she would if she was in bck. Well, it isn’t just my eyes she’s caught. I see a lot of the other people in the room watg them…

  “Are you ied?” Motoko asked me, and I detected a touch of jealousy ione, so I shook my head.

  “In that way? No. She just seems a bit out of pce here. Besides, the woman in white who is me here is you. Well, and you, Natsumi.”

  “Thanks for not fetting me.” She said dryly. “Though looking at this pce purely as a bodyguard, I’m sweating. A lot of people carry themselves like fighters. Him for example.” There was a guy with spiky brown hair and rather good looks, wearing a cssy light grey suit, and as I looked at him, I uood what Natsumi was getting at.

  “Yeah, his tre of bance is excellent, and he’s stantly alert.” At my ent, Natsumi praised me for my good eye.

  “We only expect many such around here.” Tsumura-san said. “After all, this is one of the gatherings the Queen is regurly hosting for her Chosen. Perhaps we in Japan should do likewise?”

  “Well, ours are a bit more faal.” I wasn’t sure if it would work. “We have the ones from the faith, as opposed to more ordinary people. It’s something to think about, I guess.”

  “In that case, our pns are simple. Fujiwara-sama and I shall mialk to friends old and new. Whereas you…” he tinued, and I nodded.

  “oal is the Princess. Sure, we might make some useful es as well, but we came all this way to secure an alliah princess Eleanor, a in her good graces enough so she might believe us about Tsukiko-san’s prophecy.”

  “We will support you, Akio.” Motoko promised, smiling slightly. “After all, it should be easier than ving yrandparents to accept us, should it not?”

  “That’s right.” Natsumi agreed, ughing. “You looked so unfortable. Really, I liked them. You have a good family.”

  “I won’t argue. So, I guess we should mingle a bit then. Our cover story is we’re here with yrandfather and Fujiwara-san aing yagement, right Motoko?”

  She nodded happily. “Ordinarily the event would happen in Japan, and it would be attended by all the nobility, and o was dohere would be no going back, Fujiwara-sama would never allow an e called to support the nobility to fail. But as Tsumura house is sed only to the Three Great Houses, it is not so abnormal to celebrate an official e abroad, in such rare pany. It would reflect well upon us. More so if we could be seen to be gratuted by a worldwide figure such as the Queen. In fact…” her brown eyes sparkled, and I didn’t have the heart to deny her.

  “I don’t know if we’ll actually get to meet the Queen, but if we do, I’ll try a her to say a few words about agement.”

  “Thank you.” Motoko squeezed my hand happily. I exged a look with Natsumi, whed, smiling wryly, and Hyath, who didn’t much care about what others thought.

  “All right then, shall we go? Oh…. Miyu.” I said, remembering. “Careful. If you get talking to any Chosen be discreet, but if they start giving you a hard time, e get me and I’ll deal with them.”

  “I appreciate it.” She paused, her smile a little teasing. “Though I suspect it is simply because you ot bear to lose my Dances, rather than any care for me.”

  “Nonsense. I treasure you as a vassal and as friend. Besides, Hinata and the others like you. I know you’re having fun at my expense, but… holy, your Divine Favour is awesome. That reminds me…” I lowered my voice, asking Fujiwara-san and Tsumura-san a question. “I may be paranoid, but… couldn’t someone poison the food here? I know servants are watg, but with so many Chosen here it could be done.”

  “It would look distrusting and be a breach of etiquette that would stand out, quite the opposite of oal, to refuse all drinks a nothing.” Fujiwara-san warned. “However, I did lecture you on safety and why we flerivate jet to this try. You have a suggestion?”

  “Yes, I check with my Eye. Just get my attention and I’ll ched discreetly signal when it’s okay.” I may be paranoid, but there’s a lot of Chosen all in one pce, anything could happen.

  “In that case.” Hikari-san said, taking her husband’s arm. “Motoko, we will go talk with some uests. Natsumi-, be o. As for you…” she looked at me, before shaking her head a little. “After today there is no going back. Treasure my Motoko, show her a good time. This is her official e event, ohat rivals any even Miyu-sama and Honoka-sama will likely see. Give her preemories. Now… and forever.”

  I feel happy now she’s accepted me as her daughter’s true partner. “I will.” I squeezed Motoko’s hand. “Though I o do the same for Natsumi and Hyath at some point. Well, Natsumi anyway, the way Hyath rolled her eyes then I doubt she cares.”

  “Yes.” Hikari-san said, looking at Hyath. “As for you… uh, well, I fess to not knowing you well, but please do look after my daughter and protect her.”

  “I will. I looove all the mistresses, mistress Motoko is nooo exception. Besides, Akio would be very sad if anything bad happened. All here will die befooore Hyath lets a hurt, I prooomise.”

  With that ruthless decration delivered with a cheerful smile, Hikari-san blinked, shocked. “I see. I do appreciate your passion and care. Minoru, father-in-w, we should go.”

  Yeah I get it. Hyath be off-puttingly intense, but it es from a pce of love, so it’s fine. “Well, Fujiwara-san, Miyu, Honoka-san, you two…” I addressed the rest of out group. “We are heading out.” I watched a servant pass by, my Eye glowing, using my hand to shield the light. Seeing me looking, the servant paused, impeccably posed.

  “Sir, would you and the madam like a drink?” he asked, and I smiled politely.

  “Yes, and if you don’t mind, one for her bodyguard and my maid. It’s thirsty work standing up all day.”

  He seemed surprised I was allowing that, but with practised grace fsses were handed over. Seeing as it was safe since I had taken them, Fujiwara-san got drinks for him and his granddaughters, though the ninja sisters did without.

  “I noticed several people looking, including the blonde you were ogling earlier.” Natsumi said, her voice low. “Oh, and thanks for letting me have a drink. I’m pretty nervous. And you and Hyath are the real guards here anyway.”

  “My Eye is pretty subtle, but people with sharp senses might detect the ge iher. As for you, just think you’re here as my fiancée as well. You might not be able to say so, but depending on how things go with the Princess…”

  “Thanks.” She said, flushed.

  “All right then, we should mioo.” Strolling around, we were drawing a few ied looks, being clearly fn, though as I had noticed earlier we weren’t alone in our differehnicity to the normal. With my keen hearing I could pick out iing bits of versation. Most was useless, though I did identify several more Chosen, a red-headed eaking in a broad, Scottish twang, oddly simir to Master Bjarki, just not so thick, and an older woman, earing some of the pi clothes of anyone in the room, a long woollen skirt and cardigan. They were speaking to a man wearing a suit of the same silver-grey shade as the group with the woman in white, and he had a rge tiepin of a silver hand, a rather unusual decoration.

  “… have tae thank ye for the help.” The redhead was saying. “The orpha’ll be great. I could nae have do without the support.”

  “Yes, I am most grateful, Mr Power. Seeing all their little faces, well-fed and eager to learn from the teachers at the facility… why I am so grateful you mae it all for us. It is why I agreed to help the Princess, after all.”

  I see. One of Princess Eleanor’s team, maybe two? Ied, we drifted closer.

  “A mutual friend supplied nuns to teach the children. vent schools are quite traditional, aren’t they?” the man said. “I do think she is a frightening woman, but she does love the children. So your charitable works have touched her heart. Now if only she would stop calling me a godless heathen, I’d appreciate her more. She’s wasting her beauty. She’s surely a goddess when her mouth is shut.”

  “e now, by the definition of it, ye are a heathen.” The redhead ughed. “And if she hears what ye be saying about her, well, ach, ye’ll be sorry.”

  It was then my ears picked up another versation, back behind the curtain, and I turned. Seeing my sudden movement, Motoko and Natsumi followed my gaze, while Hyath was still eyeing the group of three we were eavesdropping on, a sour expression on her face, violet eyes glittering.

  “You o be careful, Princess of the Great Green.” A voice was saying, the at strahere’s a bad smell out there. I don’t like it, not at all. Makes me want to smell the salty spray on the breeze, my nose.”

  “I have no choice.” A female voice said, no-nonsense aired. “Grandmother arrahis for me, after all. Apparently there are some fs I simply must speak to. Besides, you’re here, Raidre. Are all your boasts of being the greatest Selkie of the southern shores just that, boasts?”

  “Hardly. I am Raidre, Chieftain of Bermondsey Isle and the waters it ands. I do not fear danger. But I am no fool. I do not court danger either!”

  Hyath twitched. “A Selkie? Annoooying. Handsome and lustful, with quick tempers. Hyath doooes not care for them.”

  “You think they are quick-tempered? That must be something to see.” Natsumi said, amazed.

  “I don’t court trouble either. But David, Sarah and the others are all here, as well as the members of the sed and third teams. If aries to attack us then they will not succeed. I will listen to your warnings though, since your advice has helped us greatly so far, Raidre. you find this smell?”

  I gestured for us to back away from the dais, slowly and casually, and we made a py of looking around at uests, as if we were looking for someone. Moments ter the curtain parted, and out came a woman wearing a stunning sky-blue gown, matg her eyes, with sapphire jewellery of the highest quality, delicate ptinum knotwork and ce around her hems and her décolletage. Her brown hair was bundled up, and her expression was solemn.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“That is her.” Motoko whispered, and I nodded. Here we are, Princess Eleanor at st. So… I now had to decide what to do. Fujiwara-san was fident that even if we didn’t approach her during the ga, he would be able to secure me a private meeting with her afterwards, just as he gained us entry to the Pace. But… seeing her and iing with her more informally might be better. And I’m curious about this Selkie… a Fae that isn’t in Shaeu’s camp might be iing, and offer a perspective we ’t get elsewhere…

  “So, do roach her?” Motoko whispered, and I shook my head.

  “No, not yet. She’s still up on the dais anyway. No, let’s mingle for now, sound out some other Chosen, gather information. And we shall see how things go…”

  ShipTeaser