ShipTeaser

  “My ass still hurts.” Shiro protested, rubbing at her bottom, as Eleanor opehe way into the basement of the Tower, in Material London. “How about you, Shaeu?”

  She ughed, toug her own rear with a smile. “There is some-some disfort, but as a punishment, it falls rather-rather short, no? I know you e as well, Shiro.”

  “Maybe so. But Aki went hard on us. Brute.” She snorted, but with the twinkle in her eye I knew she was happy.

  “Enough. You’re embarrassing Eleanor.” I chided, and as we ehe room of treasures, she shook her head.

  “Oh, by all means, talk about whatever kinky sex ies you get up to at night. I see the tabloid headlines now, Knight of the Realm and Lady of the Garter in steamy sex party, deliers shattered from all the swinging.” She snorted, dryly amused. “The press would have a field day.”

  “I haven’t accepted yet. There’s still a lot to sider.” I denied her, and she shook her head.

  “It’s a done deal. By then, the initial shock of the public should have worn off and the civil u stabilised. It might distract the masses.” She replied.

  “Hey, so, is that what you’re into?” Shiro asked her slyly. “You imagining swinging on these deliers yourself?”

  “No!” Eleanasped, red-faced, even her ears and neck pink. “I most certainly am not. I am a very elegant dy. I don’t dream of such things!”

  “Sure, sure.” Shiro teased. “Anyway, this is cool, seeing it from this side. But whoa, the floor!” She pointed, and we could see the damage from the mysterious destructive adherence had spread to the Material as well, and brokeed items were everywhere.

  Eleanor clicked her tongue. “Who knows riceless artefacts Max destroyed. My brother… he will be waking up tonight, right?” she said, and I nodded. At that, she exhaled in relief, g her fists. “Excellent. I have arranged outfits for you all, to attend his reca. A lot of press will be there, so you have to look dignified aiful. It will show the world Britain isn’t down and out, and that we stand with Japan and you stand with us. But more importantly…”

  “Yes, we ask if he knows what Max stole.” I said.

  “Exactly. But first…” she gestured to the treasures.

  “I’m a bit excited.” Shiro said to Shaeu, who nodded her agreement. “Shit, this is like shopping fendary gear in an MMO au house.”

  “I should warn you again, there is no guarantee an item will match you. You ’t just take one and have it work. There o be a e.” Eleanor warned. “Also…” she addressed me, her fa a frown. “I know grandmreed your sister, your fiancées and key allies could also try, but don’t cheat us. We hese for Britain too.”

  “I’ll be moderate.” I ughed. Na cowered a bit at that, and we had agonised over whether it was wise to let her have an item from here. In the end, since she was restricted as Haru-san’s Chosen Hero, and she had risked her new life as we tasked her to, it was decided to give her the ce. It might make the differeween life ah for Haru-san…

  “Very well. Move around and try and feel an item calling to you. You’ll know, just as I did with my armour. Then when you go to Avalon, you’ll find the true form with you, and should uand it.”

  “I see. All right. Let’s take a look.” Letting my mind drift I wandered past the patch of the burned area, and soon I was staring at a pair of worn browher boots. Boots, huh? That was surprising, as I had expected a on or armour, but then, Bjarki had put heart and soul int St Moonlight and the Twilight Brigandine, so casting them aside seemed a pretty shitty thing to do. I could feel the boots wao e with me, so taking off my (rather expensive) shoes, which I then tucked under my arm, I slipped on the boots, a a rush of ey Eye fred, and I could see their name and their abilities.

  Seven-league Boots of Godwicher – Item Css [em Type [Rule]

  These boots are fed from leather from sacred cows of the Gwartheg y Llyn. These boots are fortable and will fit any foot, and will carry the bearer many steps in a single bound. They carry a geas in the leather, that in exge for the crime of sying one of the cows to make the boots, the bearer must always strive to alert others of an invasion. In service of this, seven leagues may be taken iep. Should the geas be broken, the boots will squeeze the feet of the breaker of oaths until bone and flesh are naught but mush.

  Ouch, That’s quite the curse. It didn’t matter though. I thought that the boots did suit me. I feared Japan being invaded again, and I hated being too te to help. There’s probably spatial element involved too. I wonder…

  “Grulgor is happy!” He ughed. He was clutg a stone in his hand. I was fused, but looking at it, it made sehe unremarkable pebble the size of a baseball actually had such a fearsome name.

  Tathlum - Item Css [Imperious] Item Type [Rule]

  This simple sling-stone of basalt has been imbued with great hatred for Fomorians, Trolls, Giants and e folk of evil. It will seldom miss its target, and is bound by geas to return to the wielder whearget dies. A giantkin wielding Tathlum must be strong of spirit, lest Tathlum turn on the wielder. Any who spares an evil giant will ihlum’s wrath.

  “I see. Well, you do like throwing things.” I agreed, though I was a little worried about him carrying such a troll-hating on.

  “Me .” Shiro said excitedly, wearing a rather ragged faded cloth of gold around her shoulders. “I see it in my mind, it’ll be pretty on me when it’s restored.” She grinned. “So, what do you think?”

  Mantle of Tegau Gold-Breast - Item Css [Imperious] Item Type [Artifice]

  This cloth-of-gold mantle is woven from fine cloth and golden threads, and will protect a faithful woman from harm, increasing her good Fortune, and any man who seeks to touch her without sent will be cursed to ill-lud repelled. The geas bound in the cloth is one of faithfulness, should the wearer break their vows of troth to her chosen husband, then the good Fortune will be ied, and the mantle will shrink and refuse to be removed, forever revealing her shame.

  “I think you’re actually surprisingly sweet.” I said, ughingly hugging her. As she blushed and squirmed, Tan spoke up zily.

  “Her head is rotten, full of pink poison. If I had known that the princess was this foolish, I would have givehe Favour and simply returned home.”

  “Now I know you don’t mean that, Tan!” Shiro ughed, and they bantered for a bit, before she turo me, eyes ear. “I think it stems from my past. I was always beautiful, yet so frail. I had a few close calls, let me tell you. Of course, you know I was still white as snow before we… well, pledged our troth, I guess.” She grinned. “I have no fear of the mantle ever shrinking on me. Now, Hyath is looking desperate for your attention, like some sort of er puppy, so I’ll let you go. For now.” She grinned. “I still owe you payback for st night.” She winked.

  “Akio, looooook what I have!” she grinned, holding a rge, rusted and battered cookpot or cauldron. It looked dreadful, but she was ecstatic.

  Cauldron Of Dundrennan Abbey - Item Css [em Type [Rule]

  A foolish wizard imprisoned a Fae within this bck-iron pot and buried it in a dungeon, believing it was responsible freat pgue. The Fae, poisoned by the iron, died, and ih its curse became geas, and the cauldron did indeed bee a carrier of pgue, spreading it virulently. The pgue still lives withi, as does a fell nature energy. The bearer will be likewise afflicted with any pgue they spread, making this a treacherous item.

  “Damn, that’s dangerous, but… so very you.” Since she was as eager as Shiro to be praised I did so. “I just hope that you adapt to pgues. Not all of them will be caused by spores. Well, we always test it carefully.”

  Eleanor peered at the pot, surprised. “I ’t believe it. Other tharoll, none of you have ons. Is that fine?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, we make our own, et professional help. In fact, your sword isn’t anything special, is it? Maybe we get you a new one. Any preferences?”

  “I would feel bad, my sword has been with me a long time, but… one like yours, maybe?”

  “Dream ooon!” Hyath scoffed. “Such is mooore than you deserve. For now. Prooove a loyal ally, and Hyath will put in a good word fooor you!”

  “That seems awfully disingenuous sidering you are clutg a gift I gave you.”

  “Nooo, we won this saving yooour worthless life!” Hyath shot back, and as they argued, more out of habit than any genuine ill-feeling now, I thought, I felt a powerful adhereurning to see Shaeu holding a sword. She seemed puzzled, as she didn’t use swords, though she had enjoyed using the Dagger of Light, which Daiyu was now holding, along with the elemental bells.

  “Akio, this called to me-me.” Shaeu said, and I analysed it, befasping in shock, the light of my Eye brightening.

  Mortal Fragarach - Item Css [Imperious] Item Type [Principle]

  A degraded copy of the sword of Nuada Airgetlám, gifted to a mortal king so that he may rule justly a all ehis sword carries the wind, aher the bearer nor ahe bde points at speak falsehoods, lest the wind punish them and snatch their voices. The bde draws the wind to cut effortlessly, and only if wielded by a desdant of the Tuatha Dé Dannan it show true might, anding the winds.

  “Quite iing indeed.” Tan decred, showing i. “A sword from the legends. Not the sword of course. Do you think such a on would just be lying here, rather in the hands of the Endless Knot? But many pantheons copy their treasures, gifting them to mortals as rewards or prizes. This is one such. Even so, it is a treasure.”

  “Fill me in, don’t keep me waiting!” Eleanor asked, excited, and when I said it was a Fragarach, she smiled, giddy. “I read about that in my cssics lectures. But… wait, wasn’t Max supposed to have bee a Gods’ Chosen of Nuada? Why didn’t he take it…? Wait, should I just let you walk out of here with such a powerful item, matg my armour? I’m torn…”

  “It is mine-mine.” Shaeu insisted, though her smile said she knew Eleanor wasn’t serious. “Is that not-nht, Hyath?”

  “Yes, sooo quit pining. Stronger us is strooonger you!”

  “I know that. That’s what allies mean.” She sighed. “So, what has your ese girl got?” she asked, only for Na to look downcast.

  “This.” She offered, holding out her hand. In her palm was a small gssy stone, with a smooth hole in it.

  Adder Stone - Item Css [Powerful] Item Type [Foundation]

  This stone has accumuted natural blessings over time. It has verted this to a source of light, which reveal the unseen and the bearer often goes unnoticed. As a sign of entry for the Druids of old, that which rejects is strengthened, and that which traps is bolstered. If used against those blessed by nature, the Adder Stone may shatter, cursing oo blindness.

  “I see. I think it might enhance your barriers.” I said. It’s the weakest treasure, but it’ll do. All of the items have a downside, but I doubt we’ll trigger any of them. It’s just something to be aware of. That gives me an idea… “Eleanor, ime we are in the Boundary, I’ll check out your armain. I don’t want you to actally break yeas, whatever it is.”

  She nodded. “I have an idea of it.” She frowned. “I don’t want to speak of it though.”

  “I see. Is it a bad thing?” I asked, curious, and she shook her head in denial.

  “No, but it puts me at a disadvah… never mind. There’s o say. You’ve all gained your treasures, right?”

  “Yes, thank you. These will improve our strength a lot.” I praised her, and she shifted a little, seemingly happy with the praise. “Now we just have to finish growing this side of the Ring Gate, and then we go back to Japan.”

  “Eager to be rid of me?” She said pointedly, which I thought was rather cute, and so did Shiro, who started teasing her. Hyath and Shaeu joined in, and even Grulgot in a few jovial digs, surprisi again. Only out of the way, clutg her Adder Stone. Yes, it’s been a long time away from home. Everything seems to be in hand, but I still don’t like being away from my Territory for too looo. I know she says she’s fine and Kana’s looking after her, but… well, no matter. Soon we’ll be home again, and then, if all goes to pn… Rank 4 in Tokyo, Kyoto… and even London. The task ahead is epic, but I have an idea how we succeed…

  *********

  “Nervous?” I asked, and Shiro ughed, looking amazing in her deep bck ballgown that formed a stunning trast from her silver hair that looked formed from strands of fial. She was also wearing gold bracelets, neckd earrings, all of which were shogly expensive. My poor wallet. I’ve had to buy dresses and jewellery for the girls who aren’t here, si’d be too much to expect Eleanor to prepare those too. I even did it for Asha, damn my memory for perfectly remembering her body size. Tsukiko-san as well.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“A bit. It’s just you and Shaeu who have had the spotlight so far. But it’s time to step out. I wonder if they’ll be watg? No, it doesn’t matter. Shit, yeah I’m nervous. Aki, some ce?” she tilted her head and I gave her a gentle kiss, careful not to ruin her makeup. “That’s better.” She breathed, calming herself.

  “This is not-not like you.” Shaeu decred, joining us, her own gorincess-style white, with e ats to match her brilliant and distinctive hair and eyes. She too wore jewellery, hers silver and she also wore a tiara to symbolise her standing as royalty. “Stand bold and proud, as a hero who has surely-surely helped save London, and as the wife of Akio. We do no-no less.”

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“Yeah, I agree. I mean, I’m the woman who got a treasure that symbolised her faithfulness. I’m clearly all good!” she psyched herself up.

  “Grulgor says you are amusing.” He was like me, dressed in a new, deeply expensive suit. His was bck, whereas mine was white. White wasn’t my usual colour, but the girls wao try it on me, and it did look rather dashing, I had to admit.

  “Yeah, ugh all you like. You don’t have people who know you watg. The world will see this. Are we really sure?” Shiro questioned again. Beside us, Hyath was now ready, in a fiery red gown and simir gold jewellery to Shiro. She still didirely feel fortable wearing such finery and standing equal to the others, but she was sloting it, which made me happy.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“Yes, I’m sure. We discussed this with Fujiwara-san, the Prime Minister, and everyone else. The trouble in Japan is getting bad, the anti-ese riots are unpreted, for a natioo pead quiet. There’s been trouble in the UK as well, with some arson on churches. Everything’s a mess, despite efforts from the Govers and the Pope to calm things down.” I sighed. “Obviously we ’t disclose too much, but both Govers agree they need some figureheads to calm the public.”

  “I just worry about our friends and your family.” Shiro persisted. “I don’t think we be targeted, not uhe idiots have a death wish, but shit, everyone else is vulnerable. Secrecy was our best shield.”

  “I know, but now that time has passed. Kana tells me that the training school is going well, and Treyvon and Aliyah’s meraries are showing goress. Some of them even mastered earth element. Sure, they won’t stop a Chosen, uhat Chosen is an idiot, but against ordinary threats they’ll do fine.”

  “We should also sider bringing them here-here.” Shaeu grinned, and somewhere nearby, Eleanor was likely feeling a chill. “Having such items as we received will make a good-good deal of differeo their safety. Motoko, Natsumi and Hinata should most-most certainly be prioritised.”

  “True, though Motoko and Natsumi won’t want to give up the Tsumura heirloom ons.” I pointed out. “We’ll take all the precautions we , but the game has ged. It was iable, and a little faster than we wanted. I had hoped we’d make it until Christmas. Oh well… now we o show we are not people to mess with, and that our alliance is strong. That might help deter a and the USA from causing more trouble.”

  My phone beeped, and it was Eleanor. Reading the message, I smiled. “All right. Henry is going out any mihen he’ll call us out wheime is right.” Na wasn’t here but was resting in our room, sidering bringing a supposedly dead ese traitor to a room full of iional reporters was foolish. The rest of us would present ourselves after the shock of Henry’s recovery was announced. In the end, we stayed nearly ten days. It took that long for Hyath to make a funal Ring Gate on Bermondsey Isle. Of course, it doesn’t lead anywhere yet…

  Henry had been healed for a few days, and had spent it in seclusion with Melissa Masters, who was overjoyed by the seeming miracle. I had even received an apology from her, though it was ruined by the fact she was aghast that I had brought more women, and she thought that Shaeu was a lot youhan she was, which led to a se. It was Eleanor who supported me this time. Wonders never cease, I guess.

  “Now announg the arrival of Prince Richard, his wife Katherine, Princess Eleanor… and Prince Henry and his fiancée, Melissa Masters.” We heard the voices through the door, and watched in some satisfa as the press went into uproar, cameras fshing, interviewers fetting all de, as a fully healed Henry strode out with a cheeky yet ashamed grin.

  Henry told us the harrowing tale of his injuries at the hand of whatever was Max Powers. It seems that the inal Max is dead, as we worked out, and what repced him was a dangerous half-human, half-Fae being, who had at least one, likely two Favours. He had taken a spear, a broken sword, and also some sort of bck boulder, which had been responsible for the ominous light which had burned Henry.

  I suppressed a chuckle that Henry had the st ugh, using his own treasure to force Max to wound himself with the baleful light, though Henry was caught by a merest whisper of the backsh, that nearly enough to kill him. We still don’t know what Max is going to use that stone for, but we know ohing. He’s definitely not somebody we fet about. I’ll have to try Yasaka-san when we level him up some more. But for now…

  I looked at Grulgor and the girls, and we all nodded. Henry was beginning his speech, so we would soon have to make our oearance.

  “So it’s good to see everyone. hought I’d be saying that about the press. We’ve had our fair share of flicts. Those pictures of me in fancy dress, and all that.” Henry got a chuckle from some of the reporters. “I know you have a lot to ask, so I’ll be brief. I’m grateful to be alive, and more importantly, to be whole again.”

  At that someoerrupted. “I’m from the Daily Sun. Prince Henry, we’ve seen the footage of you being airlifted to hospital, and clearly you were missing an arm. Care to expin?”

  “If you interrupt, we’ll never get anything done.” Henry sighed. “It’s true though. I lost a leg as well. So obviously I saw a good doctor.” He smiled, waving with both arms.

  “That’s curious. We’ve been hearing rumours amongst big business, the wealthy and nobility that in Japan there is a miracle doctor, that for the right price, cers, missing limbs, heart disease, anything be cured. The right price is out of the reach of the an though. Care to ent on that, Prince Henry? Is it true, and if so, is it fair the rich get miracles while the pet nothing?”

  “What a prick. Even doctors nowadays get paid, right?” Shiro sniffed, as we listened. “I know Britain is renowned for it’s National Health Service, but…” Shiro glowered, pissed off.

  “I know. I’d sidered this myself. I’d love to help all those who are sick, but I ’t spend all my life doing that. Firstly, that’d slow our progress to a crawl, leading to greater suffering iure, and sedly, then I’d have no time to spend with you girls.”

  Shirhte that, her foul mood dispersing. As Shaeu ughed, I tinued. “That’s why girls like my sis and Kana who want to learn Chirurgery aher Healing are so important. But for now, it’s reserved for making us the resources we need.”

  Henry was saying something simir. “Of course, there is such a healer. Look, you’ve seen the footage and some people even saw it in person, so there be no mistake. The Queen has spoken of it, and other nations have firmed it. Call it magic if you want, or the supernatural. But it’s limited and experimental. Why wouldn’t a wielder of such want to use their limited time to get the most money for their effort? Are you w for free, good sir?” Henry grinned wickedly, his brush with death and subsequent recovery leaving him in high spirits. “If so, I end you. Now we tinue? Some of your questions will be answered soon.” I had worried the experience would break his mind, but I guess Veterans are pretty tough…

  The reporter was silenced, and Henry tinued. “So, back to the subject at hand. How did I get injured? Simple. You saw the footage at the Tower, of dead guards and more. Some of you might even be saying that the ese atta Japan, or events in South Korea are lio this. That’s not for me to say. I’m a Prinot a politi.” Weak ughter followed his joke. “What I say is, most of the flict happens in a world you ’t see. Brave souls like my sister Eleanor…” At that, Eleanor stood and bowed gracefully, looking noble and dignified in her blue gown. “…have been Chosen by the Gods. I say Gods… bit of a shock, really. I’m ly pious, though like my father and grandmother, I’m a good Church of Engnd man. Yes, I’m not a theologian. I ’t even spell it…”

  Eleanor covered her mouth to hide ughter at that quip. She too had been in high spirits since Henry had recovered, and she discovered that Aditi and Mary-Jane were able to ehe Boundary, even if their powers were mostly gone.

  “… but in this realm, monsters who threaten us all lurk, and many dangers. Eleanor is a hero. But there are those who wa down my sister, Britain’s herht , Ellie is my sister…” the Prince spoke informally now. “… and I’ll never five those who try and harm her, especially when she is doing all she to protect Britain, and all of you! A thousand dead in Kyoto. I hear it could have been more. They protest ireets, and I get why they are angry, but without those like Ellie proteg these shadows, the death toll would have been far higher.”

  Everyone in the room was held in rapt fasation. “Ellie speak for herself, and she will, but… we also have to introdue others. Allies who came from Japan to aid us in our darkest hour.”

  I guess that’s our cue. With that, I opehe door and strode out, holding Shaeu’s and Shiro’s hands, Hyath holding onto the bay jacket, Grulgor fnking us. As all eyes were on us, I smiled as fidently as I could. Of course I have fidehis is why we have our new Ministry, and id the groundwork early. Besides, it’s not like anyone here harm us. If they try, I’ll crush them. No, now’s the time to get what bes we .

  “Hey man. Thanks again. For me, and for Ellie.” Henry csped my hand after I had seated the girls, and after that, Richard took my hand as well, before finally, Eleanor curtsied to me.

  “I will thank you as well. You know for what. Don’t let it go you your head though.” She warned, and Henry ughed.

  “I think Ellie is that tsuhing you have over in Japan, right? I’ve been looking up your culture these st few days. It’s quite curious.”

  “I’m just grateful she’s stopped gring daggers at me.” I replied, before taking my seat, and it was Eleanor’s time to speak.

  “We gain nothing from lying to the world. The Pope himself has corroborated the crimes of Mary Stuart. She attempted to kill me and others, for selfish gain. And she has suffered for it. Others died. This is no game, nothing fun. Worldwide, this is happening. Fortunately, some brave friends from Japan who believe in justice came to my aid, and the worst was avoided. I ’t thank them enough.” She seemed a bit hesitant, not as used to public scrutiny as her brothers, but in the end, she rincess, so her natural charm and upbringing carried her through. “If I died, my biggest regret would be failing all of you. Perhaps Mary Stuart had good iions. The Pope believes so. I’m sure you’ll all five me if I don’t think kindly of the woman who had no qualms haviortured and killed for her goals.” She shuddered.

  “Hi, I’m from BBeologies for the interruption…” one female reporter said, eyes curious. “… that’s quite the accusation. All we know is that there are over fifty dead during this i. Did… did you murder them, Princess…” she suddenly shuddered, as I allowed my League te. It wasn’t enough to cause any physical effect, but the pressure was notable, and she stumbled, blood draining from her face.

  “I’ll hahis one.” I said to Eleanor, who looked at me gratefully. She’s still suffering from having to kill several of her erstwhile panions. “I uand the importance of a free press, and we don’t io lie. But basic respect is important. Eleanor was nearly killed unjustly, her brother likewise. Usied nguage like murder isn’t justified, and you’ll five me if I step up to protect her honour.”

  The reproueeth together, resisting my Charm and Majesty as well as she could. In the end, she spoke to me. “You, we don’t have maails on you. The small girl o you should be Shaeu Tu Shae Dannan, many people heard her decration at the Tower of London.” Shaeu puffed out her chest in pride, grinning regally.

  “As for you, we know you were involved from the information we have gathered and the Pace has released, but as to what extent…” the woman tinued.

  I looked at Eleanor who nodded. All right. Time to take charge. “In that case, for avoidance of doubt, yes, I’m, in British name order, Akio Oshiro Moonstohese here are my panions, who came to aid Eleanainst the unfair and murderous iions of Mary Stuart. I’m not ied in arguing who was right . But when you are attacked by deadly force, you get to defend yourself, right?”

  “Proportionally.” The repan. “You ’t kill needlessly…” The pressure increased, and she trembled, blushing, and I knew I had gooo far as those nearby shifted away from her a little, wrinkling their noses.

  “Yes. In Japan we’ve been grappling with these issues. Current w isn’t equipped to address these matters, and we hardly have a grasp ouation ourselves. For avoidance of doubt, this isn’t some big spiracy. These matters have only been going on for a few months. The secrecy has been for the publiefit, to avoid panic. You see the problems, right?”

  There were a wave of nods and murmurs of agreement. U around the world was growing, and for various reasons, some as simple as anti-religious or anti-fner se, others jealousy or fear of the new paradigm, and stly groups that simply wao cause trouble and enjoy the chaos. There’s likely also Chosen ursuing their own selfish ends like Kondo Kazuo in the mix. At least they be exposed a with now.

  “The Japanese ws… we did an article on them.” The reporter from the Daily Sun said. “Most of them were strange, but some… the Polygamy w for one, exceeded expectations.” He looked at us. “Care to ent?”

  “Yes, and again, for avoidance of doubt…” I looked at the girls, who all nodded. Even Eleanor did, firming that she accepted us, however much her sd sense of morals protested. I guess fighting life or death battles together will do that… “…I hold a special passport, and am thus legally allowed to practice multiple marriage. It’s nothing toe. There are a number of tries worldwide where that’s legal. These three here are a few of my fiancées.”

  There was some surprise at that, and the reporter pressed. “Don’t you think it’s immoral and disgusting?”

  “No?” I cocked my head, and Shaeu ughed nastily, while Hyath looked murderous, Shiro restraining her with a gentle hand on her leg. “Everyone agrees, and we all work at the retionships. I guess it won’t be smooth sailing, but we’ll make it work and be happy. Morality is dependant on where you stand. Otherwise Mary Stuart wouldn’t have been able to rationalise her deeds. If we are happy and aren’t hurting others, I suggest you leave us alone. Besides, you’re missing the point. It’s the other ws you should be ed with.”

  “Yes, Britain will be closely the Japanese ws and implementing variations. They may not be exactly the same, but the principle responsibilities of Gods’ Chosen, and the rights the State will give them are likely to be in lih our ally, for venience, if nothing else.” Eleanreed.

  That sent a buzz around the Pace. “Hi, iional news, .” Another reporter said. “Does that mean that you approve of Polygamy as well? A quote for our Ameri viewers! That goes for you too, Miss Masters.” He addressed the Princess and Henry’s fiancée.

  “I hate that question.” Eleanor said, her face expressionless. “I find it hard to accept personally. But… I have spoken to many of these women, and they are capable of deg their own life. I don’t have the right to meddle. However…” she looked at me, blue eyes shining. “… if he ever mistreats them, he will ao me.” She shrugged. “Although to be pletely ho, there’s not much I could do to invenience him, I know that now.”

  Melissa was less plimentary. “Of course I don’t approve. To me it seems like a man exploiting…”

  “Nooo. You are a fool.” Hyaths shook of Shiro, her eyes narrowing dangerously. “Nooot even worth disciplining. Unless you have been unhappy like me, suffering endlessly, yooou will not truly uand what a blessing some happiness be. Hyath thinks she is sid tired ooof this. Always having to bite my tooongue…”

  “Yes.” Shiro agreed. “Look, I’m not here to take crap over my lifestyle choices. I’m a grown woman, I date who I damn well want, and marry him too. If you think I’m some na?ve blushing idiot, I teach you a lesson…” There were gasps as her hair suddenly fred into fme, eyes crimson. “…our lives, our business. If it was still illegal, then fine. But in Japan, it isn’t, so you have nht to impose your beliefs on us. Anyone who does, we’ll cut off, right Aki?”

  I nodded. “Yes. If you ’t deal with us fairly, then we won’t be dealing with you. And that will be a great loss. Oh, quit panig. She’s not going to burn you alive. So long as you stop annoying her.” I said, joking, which failed to lighten the mood. “This is all a distra from the important matters at hand.” I raised my arm, and jured a ball of water, which I then turned into a water beam, slig a table in half effortlessly. “Not that you needed more proof, but… once Pandora’s… or should I say Anesidora’s Box…” Shiro gri that, her bad mood fading. “… is opened, we don’t want to shut hope baside, do we? There’s no going back, and if we try… well, there are many dangers ing. If we want to navigate those… then we o work together. Hence Japan and the United Kingdom are hoping to take the first steps towards that and formalise an alliance.”

  “Yes.” Eleanor held out a hand, and we shook, in front of the cameras of the world. Four months ago, would I have ever dreamed of this day? “I promise not to pin about your womanising ways any further. Just… treat them well. Though knowing some of them, I suspect if you don’t, they’ll murder you in your sleep.” Her smile was gently mog, and I whispered back.

  “No kidding. But… without them, I’d never have made it so far. If I was fighting purely for myself, I’d have stopped at just being rid zy. But… now I have to protect the world, as they live in it. You do too.”

  Eleanor looked away, letting go of my hand, face red. “There’s o try and charm me. I should think you are busy enough already.”

  “Sorry. But I mean you are an ally now. So lean on us if you o, and one day we’ll ask you to return the favour.”

  “I will…” Eleanor said, happy. “For those lives I’ve taken, and for those lives I have to protect. I’ll grow stronger. So, when I expect my new sword?” She smiled slyly.

  I merely grinned back, before addressing the crowd. “This is only a formal annou. The Gover will be releasing, both British and Japanese, a number of briefs, detailing the ges. But for now we’ll take a few questions, if they aren’t offensive.”

  “Fox News, USA.” Another reporter said. “We’ve long said that the Gover was c up aliens a experiments into psychid magical powers. But we were decried as lunatid spiracy theorists. What do you say to the fact we were right, and that the Govers and Big Business of the world have spired to cover things up?”

  “That question’s skirting the line. Aliens… no idea about that. There are other types of being that dwell iher world, from myth and legend, but I don’t think you meant those.” I snorted sourly. “As for the research, maybe, but these abilities came from outside the world, not from within. The coverups… again, there were reasons, and each Gover was doing their own thing. I ’t speak for the US…” I bet Adam White will be sweating when he sees this. But I’m not going to reveal anything, there’s no be in it…

  “Spiritual beings? Like angels, fairies, demons?” The reporter pressed, and Shaeu stood. “Oh, it’s the so-called princess of the Seelie.” He said, eyes bright. “You gave quite the performa the…” He was suddenly panig, lifted off his feet by a tide of green air, looking down, hardly able to prehend what was happening, then back at Shaeu, who was grinning, her expression baleful.

  “Performance? I simply had not-not the time to be stymied. Just as I do not-not wish to hear susults now. I am a Fae, as is Hyath here. We are beings of spirit, but we have just-just as much right to life and love as any of you. The world has ged. Akio says it, Eleanor says it. I say it. You either adapt-adapt, or you simply fade away. The choice is yours, each-ead every one of you.” Her words were being broadcast around the globe, and it was a moment that I knew would go down in history.

  Where were you wheomib dropped? Where were you when Kennedy was assassinated? Where were you during the moon ndings? Where were you during the nine eleven attacks? Where were you… when Shaeu Tu Shae Dannan decred that the old world was over, and the new one was here?

  As the eyes of the world watched Shaeu, as she spoke passionately about the return of the old ways, I looked at Hyath, Shiro and Eleanor. All of them nodded, realising just as I did, this was the start of everything. We’ll lose some freedoms, being out in the open, but versely, with o hide we gain a lot of potential strength. Yes, we have to find ways to protect our families and friends, but… all right. Full speed ahead… looking up at the spirit lights cirg me, Tsukiko-san’s and Ginneka’s both greedily drinking in my aether, slowly getting bigger and brighter, I ched my fist. Eleanor, Shaeu, Shiro, Yukiko-san, two nameless Princesses I don’t know. I won’t let you die, and I won’t let the Earth fail either…

  Perhaps it was why I had been Chosen by Tyr, but I repared to do whatever it took to rotect those I cared about. No, not just protect, but make sure they lived lives of happiness and joy. I see why Tyr repared to give up his arm. ri arm for those you love? I looked down at my own healed limb and grinned. Not that I io pay those prices. sider it a loan…

  “… so reject your fears, and you shall-shall surely stand behind us, ahe new world, where possibilities are endless. Embrace your fears, and that only ushers in sorry-sorry defeat, aru. But I shall never-never do that. Nor shall those who stand with me.” She took my hand, and I o everyone. “Do not-not be as Mary Stuart, selfish and ed by hatred. No, be-be like Akio, a protector, and full-full of love!”

  I flushed at that, embarrassed. Damn, Shaeu, way to put me on the spot.

  As everyone snickered behind me, even Melissa looking a little amused, Shaeu finished. “Even if you are fearful, even if you know-know doubt. Even if you ot-not make up your mind. Do not-not be hasty. Give us a little time-time to aly your fears. And we shall. And then the opportunities before us all-all will be yours to grasp!”

  Behind us, Hyath ping, Shiro joined in, followed by Henry, Katherine, Richard… Eleanor looked at me before g too, so I joined in and soon appuse filled the hall, the blinking of camera fshes and the red lights of filming a sea ahead of us. If everything up to now was the prologue… here, our battle begins. For the Earth and those who live there, not just us humans, but Fae, Yokai and more. And not just for the Earth, but for what lies above. To bee an Astral Emperor… and beyond…

  ShipTeaser