ShipTeaser

  Hinata held in a smile as she looked around the meeting hall in the Boundary. She still found everything very surprising, even after several months. Though these st few months have seemed to stretto years, so many things have happened. Fun things, amazing things. And there’s still more to e… Her face flushed as she sidered the further path she had to take, but as she was chairing this special meeting, for which many members had been brought back after they had left for the evening, she forced herself to stillness. As a businesswoman and Akio’s wife, I ’t show weakness. And as my mother says, as a woman, I have to remain strong. I have a lot of rivals. Friendly rivals, sisters… but even so, I’m like all the others. I want to be number one!

  The room acked with faces both familiar and not. There were shrine maidens, such as the twins, the granddaughters of Chiyo-san and more, the rather cute but idiotii- sitting with the taciturn and withdrawn Hotene-san. She had recovered from her physical wounds, but the mental ones were still a burden ohough being with the ever-bright Keomi- was helping her, and Haru-san used her Mind Healing Light when she was free.

  From the nobility, the sele was g. Miyu and her bodyguard was there of course, but it was too soon for Hinata’s pns to bear fruit yet. Slow and steady wins the race. Taking Takatsukasa house gave me legitimacy, but if I step too fast or too greedily Fujiwara-sama and Kira-sama will sp me down. As frandfather Itsuki, he ’t stop me anymore… There were two faces here that were hough, one of them wasn’t invited but had e anyway. The newers. The heirs to Tengokusentou, the most prestigious and luxurious traditional hotel and hot springs among the nobility. Every major milestone, births, deaths, marriages… for the st several hundred years, the nobility has seen them all there… In fact, Akio’s marriage ceremony here oh will almost certainly have to be carried out there… or it would have…

  The family, the Shiraishi house, were a family uhe auspices of Fujiwara-sama, arue nobility, even if they were low amongst the Fifty-Seven. Fifty-Eight, now. No, it’ll be Fifty-Seven again soon, the idiots… At school, the two of them were popur, the oldest, Shiraishi Nozomi, always being friendly and cheerful. She’s tall and has a great figure too. But now… She had been g again, and her younger sister, a junior that even Hinata herself had looked on with fondness, being as she was cute and full of energy, always fun to talk to, was trying to fort her, despite being a number of years youhan her big sister. Shiraishi Arisa. But it’s too te for tears, and merely soothing them away achieves nothing. I don’t think they uood why they were the noble daughters chosen by Fujiwara-sama for Chirurgery, when this batch was mostly sons and brothers…

  In addition to that, there was one of the Bck Wolf pany there. It was a difficult choice, Hinata definitely approved of Akio putting them to use, and with Shaeu’s winds, the risk of betrayal, while not ent, was slight. But this one was talented, and Hinata had made sure to scout her. She was South Ameri, pretty, and had taken to wielding elements faster than almost anyone else. The strange girl Suzu-san was here too, though again, like Miyu, she already was a Vassal, so wasn’t a part of this, but as she watched the proceedings curiously, shading herself with her bck parasol, sug on a lollipop, twirling her immacutely styled hair, Hinata sighed. She’s trouble. But as a Vassal she be kept in line. Besides, she idolises Shiro…

  Lastly there were the non-humans. Shaeu’s maids were here, as well as a number of other weaselkin, and a female Kamaitachi, who was one of the frao Shaeu by her mother. There were ratkin, goblins, and the elf Soliteare, as well as the three female Way-Wardens who hung around with her often. There were even a small number of stranger Fae, including some rather small sprites that were flying about, curious. She turned, a Shaeu’s gaze, who merely smiled back brightly. How does that even work? No matter, if Shaeu’s ihem, they’re what we need…

  Taking a deep breath, Hinata felt the weight of pressure on her, only to find Kazumi’s hand in hers. Turning, Kazumi smiled at her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “It’ll be fine.” she said warmly. “You’ve e so far. And your journey is just beginning. At first I was wary of him, of your choices, but…” she shook her head. “…now I want to see just how far you go.”

  “We go.” Hinata corrected, but the words steadied her trembling, and she took one final breath, before looking out over the fellow brides-to-be of Akio who were present. No Hyath, though she gives this venture her wholehearted blessing. She’s still keeping an eye on Ginneka. The cat… ugh, I’m torn. She’s important, but I don’t want her in this. Fortunately she’ll be under a Throne so we get around it that way…

  Shaeu, who had interrupted her business at the Spring, gave a brisk nod. Shiro was here too, and had offered a lot of input, most of which was surprisingly insightful. She was the one who… no, ing distracted. “So, I’ve gathered you all here today, because it’s time. Time to start advang our pns, our cause. The world is ging. And we have to seize the opportuhat ge brings.” Her tension rexed, as she was in her element, this was simply a busiransa, a mutual win-win, profit for all, though the scale was far beyond her imagination of only a few months ago. This is the first step. When the foundation is solid, then we expand, and…

  “The world is in danger. Kyoto proved it, London proved it. Some would say the Spring of Clear Refles proved it too, not that I’d know.” Shaeu ined her head in agreement at that, and her maids looked down, expressions bitter. “The world has to belong to someone. And I say it o be ours. Only one lead, one be an Astral Emperor…” she noticed Shiro’s eyes turni that, her hair darkening. Sorry Ta?hā, but it’s not going to be you. And I think you know it. But there’ll be bes for you heless. “…and that will be Akio. Already he’s wrought triumphs in this world and our own, and there is more to e. But he ’t do it alone. I don’t want him to do it alone. So… you’ve all been gathered. We’ve…”

  “By we she means us. Hyath too of course, and Motoko and Natsumi.” Shiro broke in. “We’re always watg. We have to, we don’t want any of those who break trust around us.”

  “Yes.” Shaeu agreed. “Ohing we value above-above all is the keeping of given word, and faithful service. So be proud. You have-have been chosen to be a part of this. There are many who would wish-wish it, yet you were called.”

  “A part of what, if I may ask?” the South Ameri, Lua, said carefully, after hearing the transtion being provided for her. “I am preocupada, rather ed. I seem to be the only one of the Bck Wolf pany invited. Moreover, I see only women, I believe? Though it is sometimes plicado to tell, no?” she eyed some of the Fae.

  “For this, most are useless.” Shaeu said pointedly. “But have no-no fear. Are we not-not friends? Our first meeting was rather eaining, ae our differences, you agreed to serve us.”

  Lua shook her head. “Yes, and I uand after this Chirurgery, this training, I go baever, nunca. But I have fears…”

  “And we will aly them.” Hinata promised. “Everyone here has a choice. Those who do not agree, well, Shaeu will bind you to secrecy…” she nodded, so Hinata tinued. “…but that is all. You tih your lives, w under Akio in whatever capacity you already do if you so choose. We will uand, though perhaps you may regret your choi time. Those who do agree… there is a price, of course. But in exge, your dreams will e true, and you will help Akio make his dreams e true, seize this world, no, not just this one, but perhaps more… your family, friends, loved ones will thank you for your choice, your bravery. It’ll be hard, some of us might pay an ultimate price, but against what we face… Shiro, if you would?”

  The older woman, who Hinata still couldn’t believe was real, her beauty so stunning as to be almost artificial, nodded. Her eyes bzed crimson, and her hair burned red, fmes scattering. Some who saw it for the first time were surprised, but a lot of people here had seen such. The annoying thing is that set the older Shiraishi off g again. For a noble she is failing. Firl… I ’t say I don’t uand.

  “I am Ta?hā, the Thirsty.” she said imperiously, pride radiating from her with an iy hot enough to burn. She licked Shiro’s lips, which were suddenly dry and cracked, before addressing the gathered crowd. “And I should not be here. I am aion, a ce event. One of many this world faces.” At that a buzz went around the room. Ta?hā silehem with an imperious toss of her head, fming hair dang. “How it happened is of no relevance. Suffice to say, I saw a ce, an unusual one, and strove to put myself at an advantage. But the wheel of Sa?sāra is not one even the Gods predict, my father her. In the end I ended up here, as one of you. But heed my words… this world is unusual indeed, and in such differences lie both gruesome danger and shining opportunity.”

  Everyone listened carefully as she tinued. “An ordinary world, the Boundary will gradually crumble, over a period of years, decades. Within a tury, the world will be fully exposed, and usually then outside forces intervene and take it for themselves, or destroy it. Few indeed are worlds that succeed in finding their own ruler, Astral Emperor, who proted nurture it. And those that do pay a heavy price. For even as the Boundary is crag, invaders e, disasters strike. The dead outhe living, tries burn, species perish…”

  Many of the listeners had some uanding of it, but some of the younger guests such as the twins looked rather frightened, pale-skinned and breathing fast. The sounds of sobbing could be heard, and Hinata ched her fist, her ow ag. It’s scary yes. I want to live a good, happy life. But fortunately we have hope… but first, the despair…

  “Matters here are far from that kind.” Ta?hā said, elig masps. “The creature that was behind the Kyoto battles was likewise an outsider. A dreadful one. If I was to use my full strength, I am fident I might win, but to do so would be to blow away the fragile Boundary surrounding this p. Because the Boundary… is already fraying, mere months in. Too many meddling hands… the Ninth Heavehis vile creature…”

  “If I may ask, how will we survive then?” Soliteare got to the point, her eyes narrowed. “We are hardly uhough efforts are being made to uhe Seelie Court, and even fe ties with the Night Parade…” the Kamaitaodded at that.

  “Fortunately, another meddler bestowed a gift upon this one’s man, this Akio.” She gestured to Shiro, the owner of their shared body here. “He is still athetically so pared to what is ing, but his growth has been… swift.” She allowed.

  “Damn right he has been.” Shiro suddenly said, speaking over Ta?hā, her expression ging, and that elicited some relieved ughter from the watg group. “This is Aki we’re talking about. bine his o save damsels in distress with some pro-gamer grinding as results. That’s not all though, is it?” She looked at Shaeu, who took over. Yes, Shaeu’s the one who demonstrates it best, the point we are making, what we want…

  “Those here of the Fae know this. I was rather-rather pathetic as a child. Now, I do not-not cim it was all entirely my fault.” Her maids looked ashamed at that. “But it was sadly true. Now, ever since my fateful meeting with Akio, where we have striven to fight together and grow-grow together, now my strength has blossomed!” She radiated power, her League, as Akio and she called it, hitting everyone like a wave. Hinata staggered a little, held in pce by Kazumi, and she shot her a grateful smile. I’m so jealous. I’m… I’m the weakest out of everyone. I know my role isn’t to fight, I do business, look after Akio’s is, but… I rength too. And I’ll get it…

  “We uand, princess! Calm down, not everyone take it.” Soliteare warned, and Shaeu frowned, and the sense of oppression dissipated.

  “I think I have proved-proved my point.” Shaeu grinned. “We triumphed in Kyoto, though there were sad-sad losses, and it was far-far from easy. London too, we defeated a powerful foe. The ruler of this world, the Astral Emperor…” her lips curled, and Hinata knew Shaeu wasn’t keen oerm. “…must be the stro, yes. For without an absolute power to face other powers, we will be swept-swept aside like is, stomped on by the strong as-as they will it. However…” her pierg amber eyes seemed to glow as she looked at them all. “… everong leader alone is not-not enough. No, he must have adherents, a legion of them, as strong-strong as they be. For one-one alone ot-not be everywhere, save everyone, But a legion, a force…” her smile was brilliant. “…they stand together, and do what Akio ot-not. And in exge, for we are making an agreement here… the rewards will be-be remarkable.”

  “Is this why we have been called here?” Miyu asked, and Shaeu nodded.

  “There is no-no need for your participation, Miyu. You are already in a privileged position, as Akio’s Vassal. To go further requires further-further sacrifid restris. Though some might-might say the rewards are sweet indeed.”

  “I’ll take ain.” Hinata said, excitement building. Here it es. The time is now. Will some accept and join us, or will we be left looking like idiots as everyone backs out? “Yes, you all work with Akio in some capacity, or…” she looked at the Shiraishi’s, barely able to hold in an expression of displeasure. “…have been given his rgesse. Some of you did it for your own reasons, others at the behest of others. I bme nobody for that. We all have our reasons. Mine were selfish at first. But…” she had a stack of papers beside her, and there were mirrors of them ierial too, waiting fnatures for those that were present in that world too. “…this ives you a ce. To be truly a part of something special, that matters. An anisation…” she gestured, and Ta?hā stepped up, flipping over a prepared whiteboard. It’s amazing what Ixitt create at short notice. I hardly wait until we start the factory ierial…

  “Adamant!” Hinata decred boldly, tapping the header on the board, below which were some charts, diagrams and more. “Adamant.” She repeated happily. “An iructible mineral, and a mythical ooo. I am told it does exist, not that we have a. But the name has other meanings too. Akio is half-British, so a word in English seemed appropriate. But it also meaermined and unbreakable. Which is what we will o be, if we wish to save the world, and stand at Akio’s side forever.”

  “It’s my name we chose.” Shiro was ba trol of her body, puffing out her chest proudly. “You wanted Akatsuki, right Hinata? It’s cool, but generally a vilin name. Besides, Aki has more in on with the moon than the sun.” she looked at Shaeu, who nodded. “I had expected Shaeu to go with something mooed, but instead… Faerie Garden? Shit, Aki’s not delusional, and you watuime. I hought I’d say that to someone else…”

  Hyath’s suggestion was too descriptive, it would have been off-putting. Motoko and Natsumi had no i in naming it, and Daiyu felt she was too o tribute. Asha’s idea wasn’t bad, Tree of Wisdom kind of works, but… Kana and Eri weren’t sulted. Hinata felt a little bad about that, but she knew Kana wouldn’t mind. Eri… she’ll be mad at first, she’s quite an angry girl, but when she calms down, she’ll throw her support behind it, she ’t help herself if it’s for Akio…

  “So, is this some kind of secret anisation?” Keomi- said, eyes bright. “Awesome, but… aren’t we already doing that? I’m fused…”

  “It doesn’t take much to fuse you, does it?” one of the granddaughters of Chiyo-san said, amused, as they had spent a det amount of time training together. “If I had to guess, this seems a separate group, with the goal of being under Akio’s and, achieving his aims? Aside from the politics of the shrines and Japan?”

  “That’s right.” Hinata agreed. “Adamant is the secret wing we shall cultivate, an anisation dedicated to ohing only. Making sure Akio is the Astral Emperor for Earth, and that we save Earth and those we care about. The requirements are strict, so I uand if some of you ’t agree.” She tapped her stack of tracts. “… but iurn, those of you who do sign will be part of something greater, heroes all. But unlike heroes, we don’t expect you to work for free, even though the cause is just!” No matter how noble a person, self-i is important. Akio uands that. He makes sure to look after his employees, friends and family, paying them well, making life fortable and as fun as it be. That’ll be important, because when dark times like Kyoto hit, that’ll stop people breaking… proteg the good times, hope for eveer times… that’s the stro motivator of all. And I will take his example to heart!

  “Akio and we are of one mind. We want to protect all we !” Hinata decred boldly. “But Kyoto and London showed it’s not possible to protect all things equally. It will only get worse, won’t it?” she looked at Ta?hā, who agreed.

  “Yes, when the Boundary cracks enough freater threats to e through, what you have endured will seem as a mere breeze pared to the typhoon of destru. Ordinarily, this world would be doomed to ruin, but in the abnormal situations and tributions, there are also positive steps for hope.” She turned, her ruby eyes narrowing, looking towards the dire of the great Rhyming Tree, though it wasn’t visible inside. “A Territory of the fourth Rank is barely enough to defend against some threats. A fifth Rank one is safer… I would have believed it impossible t a Territory to the fourth Rank so swiftly, but this world is far from ordinary, and I do admit he is able to put his skills and the skills of others to some surprising uses I would not have entirely sidered.”

  “That’s my Aki!” Shiro spoke over her again. “Though I do have to thank you, Tan. You gave him some hints, and it realty helped.”

  “I merely did what I could, since leaviy-handed puts all my efforts to waste.”

  “Look at you, going all tsundere on me. Want to join Adamant, Tan?”

  “With those ditions? You think me foolish, princess? Though it would be you that pays the price of that…”

  They went bad forth, bickering, eyes fshing from red to bd back again, amusing the onlookers. Hinata cpped her hands after a while and Shiro apologised, before Hinata thaa?hā. “Your information is helpful. But…” she then addressed everyone. “You see the problem? If we do things the normal way, let everyone pete for the position, then we’ll all perish, or if we don’t, only a handful will be left on a devastated world. I don’t know about you, but I refuse to live that way!” Hinata said proudly. “Be you Japanese, fn, or even a Fae or a Yōkai, we all live in this world, we all want a good life, for our friends and family to be safe. For that… we o rally behind someone. And that someone is Akio. To that end, we’ve p out. Japan first, Akio o rule it. But to do so, it requires several things. First, the nobility o fall in line…” she looked at the two sisters of Shiraishi house. “…so you have an opportunity. Ohers have. We don’t simply want to take from you, in exge we will always support you and your happiness.”

  The older sister kept g, barely listening, while the younger sister gred at Hinata. How rude. Not that I don’t sympathise a little, but if they are stupid enough to sp away my hand when I’m them a lifelihey deserve what they would otherwise get. “We also need political power, and the support of the people. That… we’re w on.”

  “Oh, I get it.” Suzu-san giggled, looking at Shiro. “Arisu- is going to appear in public again, then there’s the charity cert. I hardly wait to show off my songs on stage…” she giggled again, a touch vapidly. “Plus the news stantly talking about the heroes of Britain. Clever, I’d expeo less from you, boss!”

  “It’s not all my idea.” Shiro said. “But I’ll take your thanks, I guess?”

  “The Seelie Court, the Hyakki Yagyō… all shall-shall be under our trol.” Shaeu boasted. “The kami of the shrines as well-well. Britain too. Akio has a clear route to power there-there. From that foundation, we shall see off the red and white dragons, this vile toad and any-any other threat that we face. So you have-have a choice. You are already w with us, Akio will not-not see you cheated, but…” she looked at Hinata meaningfully.

  “…but being a part of Adamant offers bes you’ll never find elsewhere. When disaster strikes, it’ll be you and your families, friends and homes we prioritise defending. We will help each other, and support our Astral Emperor.” She giggled happily. “I think it’s aing offer. Your strength will grow, perhaps beyond even what others who work with Akio expect, and your futures will be bright and shining, walking hand in hand with Adamant.”

  “Excuse me!” “We have a question!” the twins said together, and Hinata nodded.

  “Go ahead.” The twins ’t get away. They are essential in the emp of others.

  “We are fttered…” “We are definitely hoo be chosen.” They said together. “We will of course serve Akio-sama in whatever capacity he requires.” “But what of Ren-sama? Why is he not included?”

  “A great question. You’ve probably noticed everyone here is a woman.” Female, anyway. Some of the Fae aren’t very femihat’s because Adamant is an anisation for women. Your brother, he won’t escape our clutches, have no fear. He’s rather talented. But he’ll have a different role. Important heless, but different. Kazumi, if you would?”

  Her bodyguard nodded, and gathering the tracts, she began to hand them out. As people started reading them, there were a lot of surprised murmurs. It was then that the you Shiraishi, Arisa-san, spoke up, horrified, waving the tract. “What is this? Are you mad?”

  Hinata narrowed her eyes. “Careful how you speak to me, Arisa-san. Don’t fet I’m Takatsukasa Hinata!” At those words, the girl faltered, before clearly gathering her ce and going on the offensive.

  “I don’t care!” she insisted. “Even if it was Fujiwara-sama there, or Ichijou-sama, I would never accept this! The Three Grandfathers, they are already so cruel, to abandon Shiraishi house like they have, but this? It’s an insult! To follow the orders of a man not our husband or father…”

  “Arisa, you ’t speak to Hinata-sama like that…” Nozomi-san said, her face pale and her eyes red fr.

  “I and I will! Sister, we only accepted the orders from Fujiwara-sama and ehat painful torment so that we could appeal to him that we aren’t at fault…”

  “You aren‘t at fault?” Hinata said, surprised. “Perhaps not, but your family… don’t you know what you’ve done?” At her words, the irl burst into tears again. Her sister was torween f her aing to Hinata’s words. In the end, she chose to strike back.

  “It isn’t our fault! You think we don’t love the Tengokusentou? Our family has always been in charge of it!”

  “So why did you let it fall into the hands of fn iors who simply wish to tear it down? To say nothing of the fact that a number of your more profitable hotels and ryokan have been giveo others?” Hinata pressed. “Fujiwara-sama and Kira-sama are very angry. Grandfather Itsuki too. And they are not alone…” At her words, the two of them in front of her shrunk in on themselves, the oldest weeping audibly, the you red-faced and furious. “I’ve spoken to Tsumura-sama, the head of Tsumura house. He too is angry. What foolishness.” They didn’t eve a good deal for it. Most of the nobility are terrible at business. I hate that…

  “Fujiwara-sama has offered to pay the fn iment group a signifit sum, guaranteeing them aering profit, if they only sell it to him. But instead, they reject it and pn to tear it down, repg it with a soulless high-rise hotel that will surely make them far less profit. Some would think their aim is simply a petty act of harassment, or an insult to Japan and the nobility.”

  “Father wao break away from the past, is that s?” Arisa-san managed after a while, realisiatement was at odds with her decration of love for their charge previously.

  “I don’t think ge is wrong at all. The nobility o ge, and we’ve already started w towards that. After all, I’m here, we have Miyu in our er, and now… you pair.” Her expression was bright-eyed as she thought over the ramifications. “I’ve spoken to grandfather about it, and he says it’s obvious what Fujiwara-sama and Kira-sama are doing. Your family has to be punished for your foolishness, and it o be a lesson to the other families who might chafe uhe leash of the Three Grandfathers.”

  “It isn’t fair! Why must we suffer because… oh, don’t cry sister, it’ll be all right.” Arisa-san tried to fort Nozomi-san. Shiro and Shaeu looked ready to intervene, but Hinata waved them away, asking with her eyes to let her ha.

  “Because that’s the way of the nobility. We have many privileges, but just as maris, especially us daughters. I don’t like it, and I want to ge it… and here you are. Nozomi-san…” she addressed the frail irl. “…tears won’t help anything. Isn’t it shameful? The two of you have been travelling around the nobility, evehree-Hundred, begging for handouts to clear the stupid debts you ended up with after selling so many assets. I’m almost impressed, how you owe money selling arofitable enterprises? No, don’t ahat…” she raised a hand to forestall Arisa-san. “…I know the answer. You do too. So, how does it feel?”

  “Humiliating!” Arisa-san snapped, not g that Hinata was older. Perhaps she hasn’t internalised the fact I’m a Takatsukasa now. If she spoke to Sakura in that way… “But I have to protect my sister, and… help father.”

  “Hence why you are here. Your punishment is also a ce. Both for you, and for us.” I don’t like the way they are being forced to share in the shame of their house, but I’ll use them, certainly. It’d be stupid to turn down this opportunity. But… I’m not so hard-hearted. I won’t abuse them shamelessly… “If you join Adamant, Nozomi-san, then you’ll be one of us. And we have ways of helping that mere money doesn’t. Grandfather says Fujiwara-sama has blocked the demolition of the Tengokusentou as long as he by dealing with stru firms, and putting political pressure oors. Once destru starts, it’ll be too te. The building is irrepceable to the nobility, and without it, all Shiraishi house cim to be is simply a once slightly rich family now on the dee, nothing noble.” As the two girls shuddered, she pressed on. “But if we ’t buy it with money, maybe urchase it with something else, somethihers offer. But of course… then it would be ours. So from Shiraishi house, we’d need reciprocation…” Miyu is too high-profile, any a from her at Hanafubuki is going to go over the heads of the lesser nobility there. But the Shiraishi sisters… they might be just right to start my scheme…

  “I ’t sign this!” Arisa-san said, sdalised, waving the tract again. “To… to agree to… no, it’s madness. I’m too young, and besides…” words failed her, and she perked up. “My sister has a fiancé already! Takehisa-sama loves her!”

  “Hinata did not-not ask you to e, only your sister.” Shaeu said suddenly, and Arisa-san froze, before snapping back.

  “I could hardly let my sister e alone, she needs me to support her. She’s… not at her stro.”

  “I see. But yet here you are, and I do not-not see why you would not-not sign the tract?” Shaeu seemed genuinely fused.

  “But… we have to follow the orders of a man… he’s not even a noble. I’m not an idiot, at Hanafubuki they teach us men, especially those who aren’t nobles, are all wolves. No doubt he will order us to do all sorts of immoral, shameful things!” she cried out. “It’s obvious. What a disgrace it would be to…”

  “A shame?” Shaeu’s fusion deepened. “I would say it was a great-great boon. But I think you have little to fear. You are far-far too young to catch his eye, and rather rude. Akio likes charming, kind females.”

  “But…” she began, and Hinata cut her off.

  “Enough, Arisa-san. You are being gravely insulting, calling our fiancé such. If you don’t like it, then Shaeu bind you to keep your silend you be excused. We are a choice, a fair trade, a deal that in exge for loyal service, many doors be unlocked for you, many issues that pgue you swept aside by the might of Akio and Adamant. But your sister, this is a ce for her, maybe a final ozomi-san, I know you’ve seen the evideakehisa-san and his family were behind the fn iors. They wao swallow up Shiraishi house, and likely have greater schemes in mind. Yagement is a farce…”

  “No, but… I have seen it, and…” Nozomi-san said iween sobbing. “… it’s pelling, but… Takehisa-sama has always been kind to me. He wouldn’t…”

  “Don’t believe the f lies.” Shiro joihe versation, her a handkerchief, whii-san took and wiped at her weeping eyes and running nose. “I don’t know this guy, but shit, if Hinata here is saying it, she’s got good reason. Besides…” she looked at Arisa-san triumphantly. “… this little gremlin here doesn’t even believe her own words. She calls him Takehisa-sama and says that he loves her sister, but… your eyes say you doirely believe it.”

  “I do… but… it all seems too .” Arisa-san sighed, showing she may be fiery, but hardly stupid. “Even so, my sister will be disgraced, and she holds fondness for him in her heart. I ’t let her be part of some shady…”

  “Wait.” Nozomi-san said, stopping her sister. “Arisa, I’m grateful you always defend me. But I should be defending you. I’m pathetic.” she said solemnly. As her sister protested, she looked at Hinata. “I am sorry, Hinata-sama. My sister fot you are of Takatsukasa house and way above us.” She then apologised to Miyu too, who nodded, a bit embarrassed. “I do… did care for Takehisa-sama, but it’s true, he introduced the firm to my father, and he hinted we should go around the nobility, l ourselves, to beg for aid… I see now… that’s not the act of someone who cares for me. My father must have been blind. I ’t just give up though… Shiraishi house is finished, but I have my pride. I’ll be unmarriageable after this, my e broken, our family outcast. Even with that, signing this…”

  “Solves all your problems.” Hinata said firmly. “You may not see it now, but I do. You are a newer, Nozomi-san, you don’t uand just how far we’ve e in a few short months, what we offer you iurn for your loyalty. In exge… you abide by all the rules started here, and study hard. And you help me with my project. I do feel you are being treated unfairly. If you were a son, and it was your fiancée who betrayed you, sympathy would be with you… it’s shit.” Hinata cursed, something she rarely did. “That’s why I want to ge that, free everyone uhe nobility. But not destroy the nobility. No, I’ll take it all. And all of you who suffer too.” Her voice ersuasive, and Nozomi-san was almost hypnotised by her words. I feel bad, I’m using her grief and despair against her, but… as long as she smiles in the end, does it matter? Akio never mistreats his allies… “You be the st daughter who suffers, Nozomi-san. Honour restored, everyone looking up to you for what they think is a sacrifice. But it isn’t. No, it’s an opportunity.”

  “Do you wao sign too?” Kazumi said from beside her teasingly, and Hinata turned, surprised.

  “You would? But…” Hinata asked, puzzled. “Don’t you worry Akio will sink his cws into you too? He could, by the tract.”

  “I would have, before. I was very wary of him and his iions when we first met.” She fessed. “I wao keep you safe from him. But now you shine brightly like the sun, and I’ve seen while he is flirtatious and loves too freely, he isn’t oo make a move on others for no reason.” She addressed the crowd. “I know why they put this cuse in the tract, and it isn’t what some of you are thinking.” She then looked at Shaeu, and corrected herself. “No, she’s hoping for it. Akio may be easy to uand, but her, I don’t get. Basically, it’s a loyalty guarantee. Because…” she took a deep breath. “…take up the mantle of Adamant, and it won’t just be a little training, some bes, but a prehensive overhaul of your entire self, right?”

  “That’s correct.” Hinata agreed, nodding to Shiro.

  “Look at it this way. Aki does want everyoo get stronger, and we are all striving towards that goal, but as time goes on, what be spared gets spread thinner. Demand outstrips supply. But… Adamant is the elite. Best training, best opportunities, best equipment. In exge, all we ask is your unwavering loyalty to Akio and to Adamant. That sounds a lot… and it is.” She agreed. “But when you think about it… it’s totally worth it. If you are sick or injured, or your family or even close friends fall ill, then they’ll be prioritised for healing. If an invasion happens and we only save so many, those you cherish will be our first priority. If you have problems, like some dumbass fiancé who’s stolen all your treasures…” Nozomi-san shivered at that. “…we’ll move heaven ah to get your stuff bad punish the bastard. But such effort on our part only be given to so many. Hence… we ’t have split loyalties. There’s too much at stake, we only want the best, the brightest, those most loyal. It really is an honour, and you should feel good we scouted you all.”

  After having it transted for her, Lua spoke up again. “I see. In a way, it is simir to the merary credo. Brothers and sisters of the crew over all, even familia. But it is stricter. I… I am no blushing maiden. Nor am I a puta, prostituta. I uand, many a foolish man has betrayed his try or his pany for a pretty fad opened legs. Or a muchacha for a handsome man. And your secrets here are great. But… on, is there provision for withdrawal?”

  She asked the question everyone was thinking, and Hinata nodded. “Keep reading. Cuse seventeeirement from Adamant. There may be a number of reasons you wish to leave, as detailed in appendix two. Buit it won’t be through injury. Uhe military, atch up your wounds, heal your mind, soothe your soul. If you leave due to feeling uo keep the other cuses, or there’s an order you simply ’t follow, then so be it, though you’ll be sorely missed. Adamant isn’t just an anisation, but a family. Everyoogether as one, fighting not just for yourselves and your family, but for each other, Akio and the world. When you withdraw you’ll be bound under Shaeu’s winds to keep all our secrets, and all equipment will be returned, as I fear we won’t have too much to spare. In exge for the efforts training you, you’ll be required to be avaible for callup in emergencies, some examples of which are crified in appendix three. Because on Adamant, always Adamant. I know none of you would be so cold as to leave your sisters hanging in an emergency, to fight and die alone, right?”

  There was the rustling of paper as people checked. “I see.” Lua said at st. She then looked at Kazumi, her brown eyes smiling. “I do not know Akio as well as you seem to, chica. But I also do not believe he will be preying on us. Even though he does so like the pretty girls, yes.”

  “If he does though…” Shaeu warned, and Lua ughed.

  “Sí, yes, I uand.” Lua said after her giggles stopped. “The predator here is you, not him. Poor Aliyah is right to sider you dangerous. I… I admit to desiring great power. Like most of the Bck Wolf, my life, it has not been a bed of rosas, and I never wish to be helpless again. I have no fiancé to forsake, my knife is my husband. So… I shall sign it.” With that decided, she was the first to put pen to paper, and Shaeu’s winds blew jade as she impressed upon Lua the rules she had to obey. Several others joined her in signing, and were likewise bound. Though I hear Suzu-san saying as an idol she could never sign such a tract, as she has to remain pure for everyone, and ’t risk following the orders of a man, as he’ll iably fall for her charms and order her to do this and that. Why is she even here? I suppose it doesn’t matter, she’s Akio’s Vassal so already in hand, but she sure does have a very high opinion of her charms…

  “Kazumi… you…” Hinata breathed, as her pen finished up.

  “I ’t always rely on Akio’s charity. I’ve been training here, receiving his blessings. But if I want to keep walking beside you, Hinata, like Natsumi-san does for Motoko-san, then… I have to go further. Besides…” she smiled knowingly. “…I’m making my judgement on what I’ve seen and experienced. If I’m wrong, so be it, I’ll bear the sequences. But he wouldn’t do anything that upsets you now, would he, Hinata?”

  Kazumi… Hinata felt a wave of warmth in her heart, that her friend would go so far for her. “I don’t believe you’ll regret it. We even have a uniform!” she grinned. “Maybe I should show it off. you two hahings for a minute?” she looked questioningly at Shiro and Shaeu.

  “Of course. We’ve got this in hand.” Shiro approved, and Hinata ducked out. She quickly ged into the prototype design, which had no bat capabilities, but had the appearance. Admiring herself in the mirror, looking at the stylish military-style officer’s uniform in bd silver, with a deep bck cloak slung over her shoulders, and the silver insignia in the shape of diamonds, she grinned. It’ll be better when we make the outfits out of the required materials, but that’s a way off yet. But we have to pn ahead. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy to set in motion.

  Striding ba she received some odd looks, though Keomi- giggled that it looked very cool. She leased to see that more people had sighe tract, including a number of Fae, which was iing. But what caught her eye was that Miyu and her bodyguard Michiru were waiting for her, a bit unfortable, Shiro and Shaeu looking on knowingly.

  Spoiler

  [colpse]“What’s the problem, Miyu?” Hinata asked, sweeping back her clally. The cap is a bit of a pain with my current hairstyle, but that won’t be a problem iure… “You don’t have to join Adamant, you’re already a Vassal, which is a privileged position.”

  “I know…” she said, a touch troubled. “But Michiru…” Her bodyguard was eyeing the uniform with sparkling eyes, and Hinata sighed. Oh yes, she’s fasated with dressing up as a ninja. I guess this isn’t too much different.

  “I have a question.” Michiru said suddenly. “The rules of Adamant state that we shall take no lover, no fiano husband… but…” her voice was getting smaller and smaller. “… what about… a female partner?”

  Oh, I see. As Shiro burst out ughing, Hinata spoke gently to her. “I think if it’s within Adamant, or… with another loyal servant of Akio…” she looked at Miyu then, amused as she looked away, face red. “… then it should be fine. Adamant shall be your sisters, friends… I suppose a lover isn’t out of the question. Besides, Akio is cheering the two of you on. He’s not opposed to your love.”

  “Love? I would not be so bold…” Michiru was bright pink, though her darting gaze at Miyu belied her words.

  “You still have to abide by the other cuses though.” Hinata warned. “No exceptions, not for anyone.”

  “That is no , I have io seek out a child iure…” Michiru decred, before Shaeu spoke up.

  “A worthy goal, but perhaps one you are not-not qualified for?” she snorted. “But if you seek a child with Miyu here, perhaps such is not impossible.” At their stunned gazes, she grinned. “Akio has proven that a lunar chakra makes one enough like-like a Fae to do many things. Eri and the others likewise. Birth as the more powerful Fae do it knows no gender. However…” she looked at Miyu, eyes glowing. “… you do not-not have a lunar chakra, and I do not-not feel fident experimenting with your Chakra work, as it is entwinned with your Divine Favour. But iure…”

  “A child with Miyu-sama? I could not… could I?” Michiru overheated. After a while she croaked out a few more words. “…even so, bearing the child of a strong man is the dream of all Koga ninja… except my sister. But then Kozue hardly ts, she is quite the annoying, petty and i fool!”

  “All right, let’s ge the subject! If you think you’re so desirable that Aki is going to use the cuses to extort you into an affair, I admire your fidence. you pete with us?” Shiro ughed, showing off her proud figure, sparing the embarrassed blushes of Michiru, though she sighe traoheless. Then Hinata looked shocked as Miyu had found a tract from somewhere and had signed as well. On seeing Hinata’s surprise, Miyu merely gave a mysterious smile.

  “If you wish t the majority of Hanafubuki under Adamant, my enrolment will aid you.” She turo address the Shiraishi sisters. “I know I have ged. I have been forced to. Unlike you, my worries are of life ah. Yes, your family will fall without aid, and grandfather and Ichijou-sama will ruthlessly make an example out of you all. The worst thing to do, especially now, is to shoan is vulnerable tn powers, and the nobility are a shield for Japan. Your father’s foolish as, being taken in by Takehisa-san, have damaged us all. Now Akio must up your mess. But… this way lies hope.”

  “Even you ot-not be excused from the rules, Miyu.” Shaeu warned, her emerald winds blowing.

  “I know. I am prepared. But…” Miyu’s smile was a rare one, full of sly humour, quite unlike her usual modesty. “… your bodyguard speaks true. I know him too. Remember when we first met, I thought he would demand my body as a price for helping me. He did not, and I greatly offended him. He has maiful girls around him, he has no need of me. I believe I shall be safe. And if not…” she o Michiru. “…our punishment for your disrespect at first meeting finally be repaid. But I believe such worries are groundless. Besides, my marriage is to be decided by Akio anyway, such was the agreement with grandfather, as I recall Akio said as a Vassal, I am too precious to waste on a worthless man.”

  Well remembered. “Yes, I think he did say something like that, and it’s true. Oh well, wele to Adamant. You’ll have a Numbered role.” Hinata expined. “We’ll work it a little like the Hyakki Yagyō…” the Kamaitachi, who had also joined, that, pleased. “The Numbers will and squads, and be in charge. As for recruitment…”

  “We’ve beeing you all. Although we have a couple who slipped in.” Shiro looked at the Shiraishi sisters, who were hugging each other, overtaken by the pace of events. “But from what Hinata and Miyu say, we use you, so I guess it’s fine. Any newers have to pass Shaeu’s winds, and don’t worry about the Chirurgery, Shaeu will ha in her free time.”

  “Another burden on-on my shoulders. But I shall not-not be disced.” Shaeu said, pumping her small fist. “It is impossible for Akio not-not to have an anisation behind him, and I shall get use out of you all as well-well. As for training…”

  “Sorry twins, but yoing to be worked hard. But that means you’ll end up being promoted quickly.” Shiro the two girls, who were amongst the most vital pieces Hinata wao acquire. With their abilities, we train Adamant to greater heights. But sadly they’ll still have to help out with the standard trainees… a lot of our abilities are bottlenecked, such as gear too… we ’t ask the dwarves or Ixitt to prioritise us over Akio’s projects, even if this anisation is for him.

  “There’s a lot we want to do, which is all to help Aki. Like learn how to level up without neediain Favours or Aki’s skills. After all…” Shiro griapping her sizeable chest. “Tan must know a way, maybe a lot of ways, but she’s not telling.”

  “There are certain things I ot say, even to you, princess. All I say is in higher realms, such limits do not necessarily apply. There are always restris, based on fortualent and circumstance, but…” Ta?hā trailed off, Shiro’s eyes darkening again.

  “You heard her. It be done.” Shiro said happily. “And Aki’s so busy all the time, we help him out by this. And make Adamant even strohough Aki’s probably getting busy another way right now. I suppose it keeps Eri happy, which is a good thing. Then there’s equipment…”

  Hinata that. “This is just the design. Stylish and militarily focused. But ns to make it more than that. But we ck materials. Hyath is doing her best to grow the remains of that Unseelie Duke as a base material, but the need already exceeds her free energy and time. Besides, we her materials.” At that, Shiro and Shaeu exged amused gnces. Hinata remembered when they had showhe clips of some anime, not seeing the relevance, but now she uood. Once more Ta?hā spoke up.

  “I have never heard of su idea. This world is indeed iing. The creatures you seek exist in many worlds, I do expee be found here, though to process such would test the skills of any smith. Do you mean to have him do it?”

  “No way.” Shiro disagreed with Ta?hā. “It defeats the point if we make more work for Aki. No, we’re going to be his strength. Hence…” she looked at some of the ratkin and weaselkin, some of the rare few female Mortal Engineers. “Our ambitious little friends here are prepared to sign up to Adamant in exge freater opportuo experiment and shine. For those of you who are not human, priority goes to you when we find more means to allow you to access the Material. Whereas for us humans the reverse is true. Hopefully about now Aki is seg some fire element, Arisu make spatial, we have light from Haru… so we have all seven. I doubt anywhere oh there’ll be such a good pce to learn. And the cutie twins here speed things up a lot…”

  As Hinata, Shiro and Shaeu tio y out the ambitious pns, the tearful, fragile Nozomi-san finally grasped her pen, trembling hands dragging it across the page. Seeing that, Arisa-san excimed out loud. “Nozomi, if you do that…”

  “I have already beerayed. Fujiwara-sama wishes our family punished. I saw the proof of Takehisa-sama’s duplicity, and now wonder if he ever even loved me at all. Rather than face ruin, humiliation…” she looked at Hinata then. “… If I do this, my e will be broken…”

  “It’ll break anyway. As soon as that creep realises you haven’t got anythio steal, he’ll flee.” Shiro said quietly. “Not all merash, there’s some good ones out there, like Aki, but… if he didn’t pn to screw you this way, he’s a genius at cruel inpetence. Don’t look away. Face your fears. It’s what I did. Shaeu did. We all did.”

  “…even if it’s a lie, I’ll make sure your reputation is protected.” Hinata promised. “I need you back to the old, kind, smiling Nozomi-san that the juniors look up to.” She then turo the younger sister. “And you, Arisa-san, you have guts, and the seniors think you’re a cute junior. Your aid is oo.” The scratg of the pen on paper happehen, as Nozomi-san finished signing her name, and Shaeu’s winds blew, causio shiver. Suddenly it enveloped Arisa-san too, as she had picked up a fallen trad signed her own name. Her sister’s eyes went wide, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Arisa-san was faster.

  “I won’t let you do this alone. I’ve had to watch you cry for weeks now, Nozomi. I hate it!” she turned her in tense gaze on Hinata. “If you betray us, I’ll… I’ll…”

  “You’ll do nothing. Hinata could break you like a twig, and she’s the weakest of us.” Shiro ughed, and Hinata pouted.

  “That’s rude! But sadly true…” she sighed, before brightening up. “But soon, that’ll ge!”

  “Aki’s going to get really busy.” Shiro teased, and Hinata blushed.

  “Enough of that! Arisa-san, you’ve signed now and Shaeu’s winds have bound you. You might regret it…”

  “I won’t. Not if Nozomi st, and we save the Tengokusentou. You were right. Father was a fool. Even if we lose the newer hotels, we ’t give that up, it’s the foundation of Shiraishi house!” Her words were firm, her brown eyes gring. “Besides, I’m not stupid, I rank iop three in my grade! I heard you all talking. You all have faith he won’t abuse the ability to order us around in the tract. It sounds like he won’t even know about it!”

  “True. I do wish he would be bolder, more… aggressive.” Shaeu ughed. “But also, we promised Eri we would not-not force more females upon him. But the rules stand for a reason. If you catch his eye and he desires you… perhaps some of you are hoping for such…” she smiled at the elves, who were ihere as part of a political marriage py. “… but Adamant is more than just this-this.”

  Hinata cpped her hands. “Enough of that.” She cast her eyes over the st few who hadn’t signed. “We have called you all here to be something greater. Think very carefully about what you’ll be giving up if you pass up this choice. I don’t want any of you tret it. The name of Adamant will soon be synonymous with power, authority and victory, and you shall all be as close as sisters, fighting for the same cause, for Adamant, for Akio and the world in which those you love dwell!” As more of the remaining guests put pen to paper, Shaeu’s winds fring a verdant green, Hinata shifted the cap on her head, freeing her dark hair. Meeting Shiro’s eyes, she grinned. Adamant. With su anisation w behind Akio, with members of the faith, nobility, world of politics, business, spiritual beings and more… let’s see ary and stop him from bei pced to cim rulership of Japan, theually the world! Brain whirling with ideas, Hinata covered her mouth to hide her predatory smile. Soon Ixitt will begin his factory, with help from Nie Ling and Ginneka, and the battery and peion tech will spread through Japan and the wider world… we’ll have a monopoly, and as the OPEC tries have shown, they who trol power, trol the world… ahey would trol power of all kinds…

  ShipTeaser

  Most major ge is the specific sexual cuse is gone, now with a generic 'Must follow Akio's orders' which as he'll be the general, fits the theme better. Now, we have a lot of perverts here, so the versation flows simirly, with some girls w (in Michiru's case, I'm sure she has a vague hope lol, as despite being head-over-heels for Miyu, she has... ahh... other issues lol) about the possibility. Whiables the back side of the pn that the girls i unity, without being so openly coercively skeevy.

  There's also a tweak to the release cuse so they could retire from Adamant if they absolutely 't follow orders, so there's your way out, though an uioned cuse prohibits this during missions/battle except for very specific circumstances.

  There's more weight on the bes they gain and the withdraaragraph is softened a lot, making it clear once Adamant, always Adamant. It's a tract between the girls and Akio/Hinata and the others, both sides give and take.

  The no lover/fiac. still stands, but now it's more in text of your sisters in Adamant and Akio are all you hat and your family/friends who you are proteg. It's again in a military special-forces sort of text.

  The FOMO pressure/hard sell from Hinata/Shiro and Shaeu hasn't goirely, that would be out of character, but it's toned down a lot, which might be less objeable, especially with the different focus on the obey Akio cuse.

  All in all, it's rgely the same purpose, but the means should be a bit er. If you still hate it... sorry, but I've promised as far as the story and characters involved will allow. The focus here is shifted, and while in principle as they mention Akio could still order them to bed, in practise it's very differently focussed and not the main stab the girls were pushing in the inal version

  [colpse]