I spent some time drinking with my parents and the others while the girls ehe hot springs. Obviously I wasn’t going to peek, I was a gentlemae what some people joked. I was aware of the implications of what I had said to Yukiko-san regarding the Regalia when it ointed out, but I thought I had made my stance quite clear afterwards. There was o worry about outdated practises and responsibilities, not when Japan and ihe wider world was at stake. In the Boundary, as my strength recovered, my Astral body once more took on the burden of mitigating Shiro’s buff on Asha’s Tree, while Asha and Shiro returo our estate. Every scrap of ether ull out makes me feel more fident. We’ve also stepped up clearing uncimed areas within a hundred kilometres of Shirohebizumi, though even with support from the Fae, it’s slow going. But it is bringing in a wealth of additioher aherites, as well as a few small groups of Yōkai and other Boundary-dwellers who will join us when we expand…

  On their return, Shiro and Asha had gathered the rest of the girls who were at the estate, and they spent the night having a slumber party, me excluded. Mom, as expected, got totally hammered, and only some judicious Ether Healing prevehe disaster of her being violently sick everywhere. Of course, I did enjoy seeing Tsukiko’s family getting on so well with mine and Eri’s. The two elderly parents were certainly shy and withdrawn, but hearing stories about me and the irls, and talking about their feelings for Tsukiko, it brought them all clether. Of course, I was hardly spared, asked no end of embarrassing questions, not all of which I was able to deflect.

  The m, I decided to prepare breakfast. While Hinata had been in charge of hiring maids for the estate as well as other personnel, and we had a number of Fae maids on rotation too, sent to the Material by Ling when she had the free time and energy, I liked to cook for my girls and my family myself when I had time. Of course, it wasn’t every day I got to cook for a Princess, although Shaeu and Shiro might disagree with that. Shaeu’s definitely nobility, but not really a Princess from how we humans uand things.

  “This isn’t bad.” Yukiko-san said, surprised, pig at the traditional Japanese breakfast I had prepared, though there were Western staples too. She had ged clothes, and I reised them as belonging to some of the irls, which made sense, as she never brought any luggage with her on this visit. Seeing her in what looks like Eri’s jeans and one of Shiro’s jumpers is rather fresh. Yukiko-san’s eyebrows drew in as she saw me looking, but beside her, Tsukiko merely smiled gently, and Yukiko-san rexed.

  “I would hope not. I ’t say I was the best at cooking, but I did live alone for a while, so my parents insisted I learo a certain level, and while I did often make do with cup ramen and other staples of a lonely single man, when I got my first lodger I started putting more effort into my cooking, and with my stats, I pick things up quick.” Yeah, Shaeu wasn’t tent to live off instant food, even if she found the y fun at first…

  “Except pig up on when you’re saying something stupid, right?” Shiro teased. She elbowed my sis softly, who giggled, having obviously heard all about it when she was dragged to the hot springs. This is a lively dining experie makes me happy, having the house so full. And there’s still so many people missing, like Shaeu, Hyath, Hinata, Motoko, Natsumi and Kana…

  “No way, my bro won’t ever ge in that regard. Though I hought he’d ask for what’s basically a dowry from Yukiko-!”

  “I know!” my mom gushed, looking at the busy dining room with glee, her blue eyes sparkling. Since I had healed her astonishing drunkenness, she was the only one of the parent group awake, or at least the only one who had e back to our mansion for breakfast. “My Aki, so bold! But despite everything, I’m really shocked to be having breakfast with our Imperial Princess! She’s even pying dress-up in Eri’s clothes. It’s like she’s a newlywed!”

  Yukiko-san flushed at that, fiddling with her gsses, so I decided to throw her a lifeline. I really didn’t sider that my request was basically me saying I wao be a member of the Imperial Family, and Yukiko-san would be the only relevant marriage partner for that, unless her mother wanted a harem, of course… “She’s a guest, mom. Don’t tease her.” I warned. “Besides, it’s not like meeting royalty and important heads of state is unusual for us now. We’ll be going to Britain in a month or so to meet the Queen, remember?”

  “I hardly wait!” she squealed happily, and the subject was ged successfully, and Yukiko-san even gave me a grateful nod, though her face was still a little red. I’m gd the misuanding was resolved. Although… I g Eri, who while a little exasperated at my blunder, seemed rather accepting. Seeing me looking, she sent out some thoughts, a very ve ability she loved using.

  It’s just proving me right, you know. Besides, it’s not like she was really offended. She’s just… rather modest and withdrawn for a Princess. In that regard I think she’s closer to Eleanor, from what I’ve heard and seen. I won’t tell you what we talked about i springs and in our rooms, that wouldn’t be fair, but… never mind. Just… keep your word and help her wake the Regalia. Nothing happen before that.

  I sent bae affirming thoughts but couldn’t help but observe Yukiko-san as she ate and talked, though this time I used aether to expand my vision so as not to bother her. Having spent a little time with Yukiko-san, such as after Tsukiko’s funeral, I definitely uood she was a lonely, burdened womae the presence of these Onmyōji Chosen, Yukiko-san was still expected to shoulder a huge burden, being the Chosen of Amaterasu, the very God that the Japanese Imperial Family used to cim dest from. In fact…

  “Yukiko-san…” I spoke her name suddenly, and her chopsticks jerked in her hands, before she calmed down a bit.

  “Yes?” she answered, meeting my gaze.

  “I was just w, have you sidered having the Emperor recim the lineage of Amaterasu? Sure, we have the post-war agreement with America, but I think at this point we have some leverage, and if that’s not enough… the Ameris are keen on having me visit them. I don’t like it, but… if I put in some ditions they will likely accept. After all, it’s not like it costs them anything, is it? It might bring stability, since you have the actual power of Amaterasu.”

  She paused, surprised, chopsticks falling from her grasp, though as they hit her pte, the noise jolted her back to reality. “Recim the lineage? I ’t say grandfather hasn’t sidered it, but… America. It’s surely not simply an ordinary visit they want. It would be dangerous.”

  “That’s what we said, but Akio is fident he ha.” Eri pointed out, though her smile was wry. See? I know the iable when it’s thrust in my face. I’m good at pattern reition, unlike you, Akio. You ’t just casually offer to solve one of the biggest regrets of her family out of nowhere and expect it not to pierce her deeply. Especially when it entails danger for yourself…

  “Just sider it an apology.” Eri, whatever happens, Yukiko-san is my friend, Tsukiko’s friend, and also an important Chosen ally. Of course I’ll help her. If she was the Imperial Prince, rather than the Princess, I’d do the same.

  I know. Which is why I’m not annoyed. Exasperated maybe, but not annoyed. Besides, it does make sense. I see what you’re aiming for.

  “I don’t need an apology.” Yukiko-san started pig at her breakfast again. “I know what you meant, I was just rather surprised. I… I would o sult my family, of course. It’s not a decision I make for them. Grandfather was devastated by the oute of the War and believed he had failed all our aors and Amaterasu, so…” She was seriously sidering it. “There are certainly political implications as well…”

  “I think it is not such a bad idea.” Tsukiko said softly. “The three pilrs must all e together. What better way than announg you represent Amaterasu, and Akio here Tsukuyomi, the sun and moon that protected these isles for thousands of years.”

  “Hey, but…” my sis broke in, grinning. “I remember in history css, despite being brother and sister, they were married, right?”

  As Yukiko-san flushed and Shiro chuckled, Eri just rolling her eyes, my mom looked positively delighted at the notion, before suddenly narrowing her eyes. With one hand, she bopped my sis on the head. “None of that for you, Ai! Sibling romance is strictly off limits!”

  “Mom, no way, that’s… eww! I wasn’t thinking that at all!” My sis protested, thter from the packed table. Fortunately, mom’s as, and the protests from my sis ale teasing from the others, prevehe mood from turning strange. Good job mom, sis. Giving them a mental thumbs-up, I told Yukiko-san to take up the matter with her family and advised her that I had already set in motion pns for the Regalia. “Anyway…” I ged the subject. “…I dare say you’re busy, both as an Imperial Princess and student, and the shrine maiden of Ise. Must be tough. I hope staying here hasn’t interfered with your schedule.”

  “It’s fine. I’ve taken a leave of absence from uy. Holy, I was oending my studies to dey having to make a choice about what to do with my life. I don’t want for money, after all, so any career would only have been for my own gratification, to stave off boredom, to make myself feel ordinary. But now my path has been Chosen for me. I felt so alone, but…”

  “You are not. Even when I told you about the threat to your life, I promised you hope, did I not?” Tsukiko said calmly, and Yukiko-san agreed.

  “You did. I wasn’t sure I believed you, but…” Yukiko-san looked at me seargly. “…I think you saw Akio-san uhe light of the moon.”

  “I do not know whether I did or not. But… better he who is here, than he who might never be.” Tsukiko’s face broke into a smile.

  “True, but this is a heavy versation for breakfast.” I pined, adding more dishes to the table. “Eat up! Our stronger bodies need a lot of energy to run properly, I’ve made plenty for seds, and even thirds…”

  As the girls pined I was trying to fatten them up, I exged a knowing gh my mom. She ’t transmit thoughts like Eri, but mom’s always been easy to read. Yes, Yukiko-san is a good woman. She might be a little on the pin side, but she’s hardly unattractive, and as she grows stronger she’ll start accumuting Charm and grow prettier. But her personality is good. She’s a bit fragile and proo jealousy, it seems, but despite that she’s been a friend to Tsukiko for many years, and from the time I’ve spent with her, she’s good pany. But it’s entirely possible for me to have female friends who aren’t lovers. It’s not like I’m trying to sink my fangs into Aimi- or Hina-, am I? Or Kana’s friends. It’s just… Yes, just because Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi were married in myth, that wasn’t an instruanual… Thinking those final thoughts, I let the versation at the table turn to other, more rexed matters…

  ********

  “It’s you?” I said, surprised. My Astral body was i pain, suppressing the boiling blood, or sap, more accurately, in Asha’s Tree as the buff ramped up. Around us the skies shone brilliantly, the aurorae that streaked the Boundary bursting with light and energy. Motes of shimmering water, earth and wood elements were also plentiful and ever-increasing, and the Ether Spires were filling our Elemental Silos nicely.

  “Yes, it is I.” the busty, kimono-wearing woman decred, her four bushy golden tails waving behihough saying she is wearing it is a bit of a stretch. If she leans over any more her breasts will fall out. Her bountiful chest was straining, the cloth barely taining it. In one hand she waved her long pipe, smoke leaking from it. “Why the surprise, did you miss me?” Her smile was seemingly kind, with a predatory undercurrent within it.

  “I’m surprised because I didn’t expect a response so soon.” I had sent a message with one of the members of the Night Parade who had e to collect more booze as part of our trade agreement, asking to speak to someoh the authority to speak for Bintara, but for the four-tailed fox matriarebisuki to arrive so soon was ued.

  “I see. Let me give you some advice. When a woman asks if you missed her, you should always say yes.” She chuckled sciviously, tails waving.

  “Sorry, but I already have women troubles, adding more by being too flirty isn’t a good idea.” I waved that away.

  “A man is measured by the number and quality of the women he binds to him, and the offspring he sires. A powerful woman be measured in reverse, like my poor trapped grandmother, though I do not pin if one measures worth irength and majesty of the man she dwells with.” Biting oem of her pipe Nebisuki sucked in a cloud of the herbal smoke, before blowing it from her mouth and nose in a steaming cloud. “A truly worthy man or womas who they desire, a op them. And they have a limitless capacity freed.”

  “I’m not sure I agree, but then, I’m not a Yōkai. The Fae have strange s too.” I ceded. “Anyway, are you here about my request?”

  “I have travelled far.” She purred, showing her es. “At least offer me a pce to sit and some fine alcohol. I am quite parched. Manners maketh the man, I heard a mortal say long ago, and it stuck with me. It really is such a trial, being surrounded by boorish, uncouth brutes such as Red all the time. You should pity me!”

  “Yeah, I imagihat’d be rough. But then, you also surround yourself with men such as that worthless Kitsune bastard.” I gestured to some nearby Fae to fetch a maid.

  “Not anymore, since you slew him in fair battle.” Nebisuki demurred, clearly enjoying our banter. “It is barely any time since we st met, in the realms of the Fae, which brought baany memories.” No kidding, it seemed like you and Shaeu’s father had an affair way back when… I didn’t know what to think!

  “It seems you have grown stronger once more, your sprit burning brighter, your presence palpably more intense. Yes, this is most excellent. The timing could hardly be better.” she finished. Moments ter a maid hurried over, carrying a jug of fruity Fae wine, and as it oured for the four-tailed fox she sat down, iails around her waist in a mahat I had to admit intrigued me. So that’s how she sits… uess she might make the tails vanish sometimes?

  “Curious?” the Nebisuki smirked. “If you ask nicely, I show you what is under my kimono, where the tails join my body. You even touch, if you please?” She took a deep gulp of wine, licked her lips a some trickle out, down her ample bosom and away from my view. I looked away and deed her offer, and she giggled. “But you are still as charmingly shy as ever. I do wonder what that daughter of Urakaze is doing with you, for the modesty to still remain. Perhaps I will have to offer her some advice.”

  “I don’t think she needs any, and I assure you, when it es to my own wives, I’m far from shy.” My manly pride wouldn’t allow me to ignore her quip, even though I knew she was teasing me. “So, we get to the point?” Speaking of points, I’m rapidly getting to the point I’ll o start resonating with my Material body too or start taking actual damage. Damn, why won’t these Skills Rank up and make my life easier?

  “Of course. I be quite pointed when I o be. To be blunt…” She was all business now, her flirty nature suppressed. “… Great Nurarihyon is rather put out with you. His toy is far less fun that he would have liked. And while he keep his anger in check for the be of the Hyakki Yagyō and our future trials… he sees little o aid you in what is surely a personal matter.”

  “Even if it would increase our ces of beating the golden-eyed devourer?” I asked, and she shrugged.

  “He believes in Uranai’s prophecies. After all, she is the greatest and most long-lived of all the human-faced calves, and her wisdom is boundless. Since you have agreed to act with us wheime es, the Nurarihyon believes he will surely survive. If you do or not is little of his. However…” She narrowed her eyes, her smile now showing its true nature, greed shining through. “…Bintara will listen to me. We go… way back. Should I ask her for a favour, then she is likely to accept, and she has worked with you before.”

  “I get it. A favour for a favour then.” I decided to get to the point. “So what do you want? I certainly provide you with enough booze of the fi kind to st for months.”

  “Tempting, but no.” She shook her head. “I have already been good to you. I know you hold an unworthy grudge over my as during your ill-fated first meeting with the Parade, but I was simply helping out a reckless junior of mine. I did not know you then. And the results have been beneficial, so holding a grudge seems petty. More advice from someone who knows…” Her ears snted down, as she gazed at me seriously. “Women do not like petty men. Five discretions generously, and you will wis. Besides…” She sniffed. “You still carry the Bezave as proof of my trust.”

  I touched the stone, hidden within my armour. It’s true. And it’s immensely helpful with my earth element. There are numerous ways to cheat it intthening me, especially with my Ether Healing being so effective. “And I will certainly sider freeing Tamamo-no-Mae just as soon as I be sure that she poses no dao Japan. But you ’t expect me to take risks with that.”

  “Such is reasonable.” Nebisuki agreed, after finishing her wine auring for more. At my nod, the nervous maid refilled it. “But then, if you tinually receive favours from me, others might get the wrong idea. I might.” She paused to let that sink in, sighing in satisfa as she licked her plump lips again. “I questioned Uranai once again, about how I might persuade you to aid me. Now, Great Nurarihyon said I should simply force you, but… I am a woman who prefers to charm rather than ht threaten. Noble Seirei asked if he wished for you to obey, but I of course begged their pardon.” I sweated as I remembered the incredible power Seirei dispyed withierritory. “So Uranai answered me thus… Prithee, the time will e when the one-handed moon dips, begging for aid from the fork-tailed dragon of the sea, but thou must go to him, and tell him thus. Now is the moment to prepare for a harvest. Before seeds be sown, first must the ground be prepared, and the seeds gathered. But when seeds are sown, the farmer shall surely be distracted, and winged beasts will e to pluhy nds. But a fox scares many crows…” She recited the words, mimig the old-fashioned at of Uranai that I remembered. “Now, you may think that Kitsune are untrustworthy, tricky beings, and while it would wound me…” She clutched at her chest, tugging the cloth of her kimono dangerously. “…I hardly deny I do enjoy a harmless prank to two. But I believe I have done much to show my siy. Perhaps I have lied to you, twisted Uranai’s sacred words… or perhaps I simply very much wish for your aid, and what I say is true?”

  I ’t argue. The Bezoar, her help iing up profitable trade with the Hyakki Yagyō and even her ing iing other Yōkai to spend their Etherites and treasures on our products. But this is still a big ask, especially now… The issue is… I could see the Favours of Tsukuyomi and Tyr being traogether as a one-handed moon. And the metaphor of the seeds was too on the o my pns to be ignored, as were the winged beasts. Seeing me wavering, the four-tailed fox offered her final words.

  “Holy, I did not ge anything. Uranai is our seer, our diviner of the mysteries. I would hardly be so imprudent. But I did leave out some words. Did you know… we Kitsune are strange beings. Only grandmother, Tamamo-no-Mae, has her true name spoken out loud. A true name is our zeroth tail, the ohat we ot see, but does exist. Uranai finished with these final words. …yet crows are not what e but dragons. Ravenous, albinons. And so only the greatest of foxes, one who devour the moon, shall hold the power to scare the winged predators from thy gardeo shatter stone in worlds twain, to brave venom that burns immortals… three times are offered. Now the fox protect the fields, but thy death looms likely. Past the wolf moon, holding the scabbard of immortality, the fields shall be fallow, but death is merely a shadow. Or one year hence, on the lo night, the fox shall be freed without harm, yet thy salty, bloody tears of loss will be wept many times afore you see the face of the slumbering one.”

  “That’s a lot to take in. But again, it sounds all too clear.” I ched the Bezoar, undecided. Tears of loss wept many times… does that mean if I don’t do it either now or after I go on the Quest in the nds of the Fae then I’ll suffer losses that make me weep? But if I dey for the Quest, I’ll lose the seeds I hope to gain?

  “Our names, our immaterial tail, they bind us. Only grandmother, with her impossible strength, would have the ce to allow others to speak her hout her jaws at their throats, teag them the merits of silehe Kitsune before me observed. “I know you believe in keeping your word. So if you agree to go, and go now…” Her voice lowered, and for a moment she looked vulnerable, her teasing fa?ade fractured. “…I shall tell you my name, my true hen you force me to speak the truth. Nebisuki is merely the alias I go by.”

  It means that much to you? Why? Troubled by her expression, even though I rgely distrusted her, I wasn’t going to make a hasty decision. Although by the sounds of it… I have to rush it either way. Will everything stop happening all at once? I’m just one person, even if I be in two pces at once… “I have to call everyone. Just … sit there and have something more to drink.”

  As Nebisuki watched me, her gleaming eyes staring unblinking, I quickly spoke to the girls oerial, as well as sent a ruo the Fae nds through the Ring Gate…

  ********

  “So that-that is it, is it?” Shaeu frowned, eyeing the Kitsune warily. “We certainly sidered your request, but to be quite-quite ho with you, the risk is grave. Whoever or whatever was capable of sealing her away must be of great-great strength and dangerous io say nothing of the terrible risk she poses herself.” Shaeu and Hyath had retur my call. We were all gathered here except for Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi, as I didn’t want to distract the tter two, and we couldn’t wait for Hinata to fly back from South Korea.

  “There’s lots of different stories told about her, right?” Kana said, eager to be involved, and equally as eager to take a break from her stru work alongside Grulgor and Ixitt. I definitely have to make it up to her iure, she’s been w very hard. “Killed by a great warrior, a Buddhist monk, other Yōkai…”

  “I too have s.” Daiyu agreed. “Being sealed away is not unusual, sealing talismans are a traditional staple of Cultivation. Though it has been long years since spiritual beings to warrant their use appeared. But I remember reading tales of unsealed beings. If they were still capable of rational thought and not merely rage-filled beings of appetite aru it was a rare oute, and those that were capable of restraint were husks, personalities, thoughts, emotions and memories eroded away by the endless river of time.”

  “That sounds awful.” My sis shuddered. “Though don’t you feel sorry for anyone who is trapped like that for so long?”

  “Yes, you are wise, girl” Nebisuki agreed, but my sis gred back at her, not fiving her for the role in Eri’s grave injuries. Eri then put a hand on her arm, before speaking herself.

  “I get that you seem desperately eager to free Tamamo-no-Mae. You said she’s likely yrandmother, well that makes sense. Except… I don’t think you have many familial feelings towards her. I mean, you’re not eveain she is.”

  “A fair point.” The Kitsune ceded, chewing on her pipe stem. “But I do dearly wish her freed. I travelled far to find the Bezoar and id many other pns and schemes.”

  “So just tell us the truth.” Yukiko-san, who was just about to head home when I spoke to the girls, said, having been uo miss this. “If you do, and the reason is good, I might support you. Assuming Akio-san hahe danger.”

  “Thanks.” I said dryly. I’m holy not sure I , and Uranai’s words clearly said the risk was insanely high. But proteg the seeds I’m sowing implies I’ll get the seeds I’m searg for. If so… everything might work out as we’re pnning for…

  “I hear the ring of truth in the words.” Tsukiko observed, Nebisuki havied Uranai’s warnings at my request. “You must feel it too, Akio. Tsukuyomi whispers…”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I get it. But that doesn’t mean we o take it as read. Just like we didn’t with your death, Tsukiko.” As she ceded the point, Nebisuki spoke up.

  “It is simple. If I do not grow my fifth tail, Uranai long ago said I would not see the dawning of my nine-huh year. Now, it is rude to ask the age of a dy such as myself, and besides, time is a difficult cept for us Yōkai. It was easier, in grandmothers time. Why, one could grow a tail just by surviving a mere tury, though the world then was cruel and vicious, and even foxes with many tails could die, killed in disputes over little more than an insult or spilled sake. Now… I am proud of my tails, showing my age and power, but poor little Kitsune like the one you slew…” she g me, serious. “…they struggle so, barely able to grow ails at all. When I was younger I plotted and struggled. In middle age, I gave up, revelled in debauchery and sin. I even travelled to wonderous pces deep in the lower Astral, where time slows to a crawl, pared to the mortal world, all to lengthen my time. But as I grew closer to doom I once more id schemes, though I was also my end. Yet now I see a way… you wake grandmother, and if she is still saill powerful, she surely knows a way for me to sprout my fifth tail. Or perhaps it is my sixth, if you t the invisible tail that is my name.”

  “That’s all very well, but the risk is huge.” Eri pointed out. “And Akio is bearing all of it.”

  “Hence why I offered my name, my true name, my invisible tail, not Nebisuki.” She slouched, legs crossed, tails waving and with a growl Eri shat she should cover herself. Languidly the fox tugged her Kimono up, redug the swell of bosom visible. “Yes, I shall be bound, but I believe him an honourable being. I would not be tortured or abused. And if I were, so long as I was able to sprout further tails, my strength would grow, and like grandmother, perhaps I could free myself and proudly name myself to all. Oh what a delightful, fleeting dream.”

  “In that case…” Asha suggested, having watched quietly. Once more Shiro’s aggressive buff was withdrawn from her Tree, costing us further ether, so I wanted some pensation for our wasted time, but the absence had left Asha calm and posed. “…you should offer your o another of us. That way if there are tricks, Akio deal with it.”

  “The only orong enough to bind me fully…” Nebisuki g us all. “Perhaps you could ma, daughter of Urakaze, but I am not as delicate as I look.” Several of the girls held in bitter ughter at that jest. “It would not be trustworthy. No, only you…” She looked at Shiro. “No, what dwells within you. And I suspect she would not have the patieo deal with such as I.”

  “Yeah, though Tan does wonder what you taste like.” Shiro quipped, lig her lips reflexively. Nebisuki quivered at that, clutg her body tightly, tails ed around herself.

  “I have eaten and beeen many times, by men and women both, but… I fear I would be devoured ieral sense. And then, I would definitely not see the dawn. No, only Akio here has the strength. And I trust him enough.”

  “Because you have no choice, right?” I questioned, and she shrugged.

  “If that is how you choose to interpret it. It is hardly far from the truth. I know much of the Fae from my travels, and I know you are akin to them now. So let me say this. Great danger gives great opportunities. If you wish your fields to sprout, and I wish to see a new tury of life… then we have no choice but to act. And to aow.”

  “What do you think?” I asked everyone, and the decision lit. Shaeu, Asha, Shiro and Eri all believed I could hahe danger, whereas Hyath, Kana and my sis were worried I would get hurt or worse. Daiyu was troubled for a different reason, but when I asked, she blushed a little and said she hoped I would not miss her birthday tomorrow, since she had not cared before, but now was eagerly awaiting it. She also believed in my strength.

  “I doubt very much my vote ts…” Yukiko-san said with a faint smile. “But for what it’s worth… I think you’ll survive. Tsukiko…” She g her friend, who nodded.

  “Yes, whether Akio is he of light, darkness and twilight, favoured by the Kami of this nd and Gods of a fn nd… that is unimportant. What is important is… he is Akio. And I believe in he who faced down the golden-eyed devourer for me.”

  “With that said, Hinata and the others aren’t here. I’ll t Yukiko-san’s vote, and I believe at least Hinata would believe you capable of this. Motoko and Natsumi are more cautious, but even if they dissented…” Eri tallied up the t. “…worst case it’d be eight to four in favour. Not that it matters.”

  “No, all that matters is your call, Aki.” Shiro agreed. “For what it’s worth, Tan believes you ha too. And I quote ‘a mindless, rampagi, no matter how powerful, will be little match for his ing and devious tricks’. Hey, don’t go all silent oan!” Shiro started arguing out loud with Tan, probably to lighten the heavy mood on purpose. Looking at Nebisuki, I asked her one final time. “You’re not lying to me, are you? How long do you have?”

  “I lie often, I admit it. Though my lies are more in the way I present things. That is the way of us foxes. We are not dissimir to Fae in that regard. I am indeed an old hag, as that departed upstart procimed. I do not know how or why I shall perish, but Uranai was clear. But bind me, and I shall answer all your demands. But… you have the Bezoar, and the ability to be both hither and yon. If you randmother, nobody .”

  “All right. I’m not saying it’s a go yet, but… if it is, it has to be swift. Because I’m not missing your birthday, Daiyu.” She brighte my words, and I tinued. “The first option, going now, has the gravest risks, but saves the crops I want to grht?”

  Nebisuki nodded. “So it seems.”

  “In that case… someo a helicopter on standby a me details of the weather and also voliditions around Tochigi prefecture. That’s where the stone is ierial, I think? As for me… damn, it’s going to be murder getting there and back…”

  As everyone scattered to the tasks I gave out, soon only I and Nebisuki remaihe Kitsune surprised but grateful. Even with that expression on her face, I was worried. “You aren’t trig me, are you? If so, and it puts anyone I care about at risk you know the sequences. Anyway, I’m not sure I o take your…”

  “My name, my true name is… Shinkume-no-Hana. Crimson Plum Blossom.” she said suddenly.

  “I didn’t o know that.” I said. “It’s not a matter of ensving you to trust you. You should know if you treat me fairly I’ll do the same. And if you put those I care about in harm’s way, then I’ll make yret it. Briefly.”

  “So manly.”

  Ign her dreamy sigh, I shrugged. “So, I’ll call you Nebisuki still. Not like I should put your there. Besides, Hana is my mother-in-w’s name. Shinkume isn’t bad, but…” As I said her name, I could faintly see a fifth tail glowing behind her, and I had a thought. Prophecies are treacherous and lie with the truth. What if she already has her fifth tail, and… my Eye shone, and as I exami, aether poured from me, soaking into her illusory tail. Nebisuki groaned and her owher fought me, sweat scattering from her like silver rain, but despite my efforts to stop it, soon she was overpowered. I’m not that much strohan her. She… didn’t fight it? As her shimmering fifth tail was now fully visible to me, amber letters burned ay vision, and she fell to her knees in front of me, tails wagging.

  “Order me, master of my name, and I will do as you bid!” Her head turned up towards me, and I could see rings of prismatic light in her pupils, and a simir set of rainbow s that reached from my Chakra work around her phantom tail.

  “You didn’t have to do this…” I mented, but she shrugged, which was dangerous as I was looking straight down at her.

  “Oh I did. Foxes lie, you know. And Uranai gave one final prophecy. So ask of me.”

  “What did Uranai tell you? Tell me fully and don’t lie or hide anything.” I ordered, giving in, and I could feel her tail surging with power, trying to resist, though Nebisuki herself merely gazed at me loyally.

  “It is quite simple. Uranai decred that as the border between the old world that is somehow new and the new world that is also a colpses, those that were banished and driven from these nds, betrayed and persecuted will wake from their slumbering dreams, and blood of the Yōkai and Kami shall soak the ground deeper than the Sanzu river. The Kitsune shall perish, and only those who give their o Tamamo-no-Mae or the one who frees her shall live.”

  At her heavy words, I paused, stunned. Is this one of the disasters Tsukiko saw, or else somethihough the one upside is… At least if Tamamo-no-Mae was capable of unig and uanding names, she couldn’t be the sort of degeed beast of destru Daiyu talked of. At least I hope not…

  ShipTeaser