Three Hundred And Seventy-Two

Three Hundred And Seventy-Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Oh, so she’s not?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Bjarki?” Henry asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Adherence?” she asked, and I sighed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“A Goddess told me.”

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

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

“You’re serious?” she said, blinking.

“Deadly.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

********

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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