On Astral Tides: From Humble Freelancer To Astral Emperor

Princess Eleanor Elizabeth Diana Windsor, Buckingham Palace, London

Idly drumming her fingers against the table she was sitting at, Eleanor pondered the bundle she had received, several fashionable, and also rather daring dresses that had been sent to her by a roundabout method of transporting it to the Boundary via the abilities of Akio’s ward Nie Ling, carrying it through the Ring Gate and handing it off to one of Raidre’s Selkie, and having them bring it to the Palace. Then, when the aether that Miss Ling imbued into it faded, it would appear in the Material once more.

They really are something else… to use such a wasteful method, just to send me a gift. Although… Her cheeks were tinged slightly pink. While Shaeula’s hand was surely behind this display, Akio’s tastes could be seen as well, and… regardless, it was still a thoughtful gesture. …it is a viewing party tonight, I believe. Yes, there will be a little training, but… perhaps I can forgo the Armour of the Green Knight and dress up a little…

As she considered that, what was really drawing her attention was the message that had been sent as well. She had made the arrangements, or rather, she had called grandmother’s press secretary, who had spoken to the BBC. It hadn’t been particularly difficult to convince them, as Japan, Akio, and now their new TV station, WTV, were very hot topics in Britain. And… It will only intensify after New Years’ Honours.

There were certainly clamours for Akio, Shaeula and the others to be honoured, and grandmother, ever the political animal, now even more so, as she was full of energy, many of her old aches and pains, the weathering of age, having diminished under his Chirurgery, had spread rumours. Not that the truth is actually a rumour.

Regardless, the broadcast would be happening at noon local time, and Eleanor would certainly watch it alongside her grandmother. Though compared to yesterday’s affair… It certainly does go to show nobody can ever see the future. Princess Mikasa… no, Yukiko, she was daringly bold, and… well, our family has certainly made its share of mistakes. Uncle… my foolish brother… even mother and father… but compared to Prince Gorohito… that was reputational suicide. I know Japan certainly doesn’t have the history with slavery the West does, though their hands are hardly any cleaner, but…

The Daily Sun had covered it on the front page, and in its usual irreverent fashion. ‘Prince of Japan insists on enslaving young child and using her as a soldier. Is it nineteen thirty-nine again?’ was the main headline, which oddly enough, Eleanor felt she agreed with, even though to do so disgusted her. After all, the Daily Sun has printed to many salacious stories about our family, both true and merely slander… anything to sell copies, after all. Not that the rest of the tabloid press is any kinder…

The story had covered a full nine pages, such a length usually reserved for major scandals, world events, or England winning at some sort of major sport, which very rarely happened nowadays. Akio was featured, obviously, and Yukiko. Though some of the pictures, of her at university, were surely not legally obtained, and the paper might be in hot water, legally speaking.

That thought made her smile in satisfaction, getting a petty pleasure from thoughts of revenge. You can bleat all you like about press freedoms and oppression, but Akio won’t care about that. You’re fortunate you didn’t find any photos where Yukiko was in compromising or salacious states, and that you were relatively praising towards her demeanour and will. Though… calling her the ‘plain jane of Princesses’ is going to get you in trouble. And I won’t be sorry.

Besides, it was hardly true. Yes, Yukiko was certainly ordinary, but that wasn’t something to be ashamed of. At least she was actually quite clever, and the days of Princesses being all about looks were over, or at least Eleanor had surmised so. No woman wants to be admired just for her appearance. Though admittedly, it’s still nice to be flattered, if it’s by someone whose opinion matters. Eleanor didn’t know Yukiko well, but they had been corresponding and even meeting more often since the world had changed, and watching her confidence grow, and her charm increase, not the Statistic of Charm, but her overall confidence, appearance and style, it gave Eleanor hope she too could change.

I don’t want to repeat my mistakes over and over again. Us Windsors aren’t that bright, but… I can learn when things are pointed out to me.

Eleanor then jumped, startled, as a knock on the door behind her sounded loudly. Taking a deep breath to calm her suddenly hammering heart, she spoke. “Come in, it’s open.”

The door creaked as it swung inwards, and Eleanor was surprised to see her mother walking in. She was still a handsome woman, only a few wrinkles around her eyes and some slight grey in her brown hair of the same shade as Eleanor’s betraying her advancing years. Dressed in comfy, casual fluffy jumper and jeans, which the abominable tabloids Eleanor had just been thinking about would love to photograph her in and make a big deal of, she seemed relaxed, which made Eleanor nervous.

“Mother, what brings you here?”

“Oh.” Her mother, Diana, of which one of her middle names paid tribute to, smiled knowingly. “And why can’t I visit my only daughter? Especially when she is so busy I hardly ever see her.” She took a seat, casually crossing her legs, again, a side of her nobody but her family ever saw. In public she was always impeccably dressed and styled, beautiful as only a Princess could be, even at her age, and… oh. Even I’m doing it now. Damn, I understand why Yukiko gets so frustrated. I’ll… have to support her. Though in reality it will probably be me leaning on her…

…yet in private, her mother was rather more relaxed than the public would expect. And she had a surprisingly sharp, sarcastic tongue, as Eleanor and her brothers had found out many times to their chagrin.

“Oh, those dresses are nice…” Her mother eyed the bundle of clothes Akio and Shaeula had sent her. “…a gift, perhaps?”

Eleanor nodded slowly. “Yes, from… from Japan.”

“I see.” A sigh was the response to that answer. Not a bitter one, just… tired. Eleanor’s mother, with eyes as blue as her own, possibly her best features, though while the citizens of Britain called her an angel, due to her charitable habits and kind gaze, Eleanor knew her own eyes, while so alike in shape and shade, were often hard as cold sapphires, and not often kind. It’s something I am trying to change though. I’m too judgemental. It’s a failing of those who… aren’t particularly clever, I fear.

“Thinking, are you?” her mother interrupted Eleanor, and she gave a guilty little smile.

“Always, it seems. Not an easy task for us Windsors.”

“No. We’ve certainly had our share of troubles caused by us thinking we knew better than others, or more often, not even thinking at all. Oh, do be a dear and pour me some tea. I’ve been talking with mother-in-law, and my throat is dry.”

Nodding, Eleanor rose and went to a table in the corner, set with a tea set of antique British porcelain. Almost every room in the Palace had the facilities to make tea, for the British struggled without a number of cups a day. The Japanese are the same. Though the tea they enjoy is of a rather different variety. It’s a little comforting though. Focusing on what is the same between us, rather than different. Not realising she was smiling slightly, she quickly brewed the tea, pouring it into a pair of delicate cups, before taking them back to her mother and setting one before her.

Once she had elegantly picked up her steaming cup and taken a sip, she placed it down, clinking on the saucer. She then steepled her hands under her chin, staring at Eleanor, making her shift uncomfortably.

“Mother, what is it?” Eleanor asked at last, the silence having stretched too long for her to bear.

“Oh, nothing.” Her mother lied, clear even to Eleanor. “I was just wondering… no, I’ll be blunt, dear. I’m not exactly in favour of this whole… arrangement. Mother-in-law seems to like him, which is fine, from what I’ve heard, he’s quite the heroic man, but… I don’t see there being much love in such a union.” She let out a bitter sigh, her wrinkles deepening a little as she frowned. It wasn’t an expression Eleanor liked to see, and in recent years, things had been better, but she remembered from when she was a child, her mother and father were… not close, to be blunt.

Eleanor felt compelled to argue back. “I know it seems odd, mother, but…”

“Odd?” her tone was dangerous. “Now, don’t mistake me, dear. I’m not a woman who forgets gratitude. I’ll always be thankful that he saved you and Henry. And I appreciate the help he gave to Britain, and continues to do so. But… that’s that and this is this!” She moderated her tone, seeing as Eleanor was flinching, which made her mother laugh bitterly.

“You aren’t cut out to be a hero, to fight, dear. If even my anger scares you.”

“I’d say the anger of a parent is something we learned to fear, whereas…” She remembered David’s encouragement. The man was incorrigible, and made an awful first impression, but he was loyal, and sometimes even gave her good advice, like an older brother. Though not like my older brothers. Henry is… well, Henry, and Richard is quiet and competent, but… even before my stats increased, as Akio would put it, I was more academic than he was.

“…battle is something we learn not to fear, but to respect. A little fear keeps us sharp, too much leaves us frozen and vulnerable.” she intoned, and her mother chuckled darkly.

“To think I’d hear you spouting such nonsense. Though that doesn’t change the fact I’m proud of you. And also worried. I had hoped that your father and I were the last generation who didn’t have a true say in their marriage. Our union wasn’t exactly… arranged…” Her lips curled into a sarcastic, self-deprecating sneer. “…but…” She saw several newspapers on the table. “…you’ve seen the salacious scoops, heard the stories. And… you know us.”

Eleanor nodded. “When I was younger, I thought it all lies, and I grew very angry about it.”

Her mother giggled, her mood seeming rather mercurial today. When she laughed like that she seemed almost like an older sister, not a mother. “Yes. Seeing you stomping about, pouting, all red-faced and angry, was always adorable. You’re my cute daughter. Henry and Richard are assuredly not so. Though Richard’s dear Katherine is a lovely girl. And a love match.” Her words were pointed, and Eleanor was the one sighing now.

“Yes, Katherine is a sweetheart. But she… it’s annoying. She doesn’t understand. She talks like I used to, about how unfair it is, about how I’ll never be loved, I’m only a trophy, a political pawn. But she just wants to help, to try and convince me to back down. I know she’s persuaded Richard to speak to grandmother. Whereas Melissa… I think she genuinely hates me now…” Eleanor slumped back in her chair, tea forgotten, expression forlorn. “Before, she supported me in criticising him, and even when I softened my stance, and he saved Henry… she could barely bring herself to be grateful. Oh yes, I’m not only an idiot, but, what was it…  ‘a role-model to millions of women worldwide, showing myself to be nothing but a downtrodden trophy for the gratification of the patriarchy’ and ‘a betrayal of the ideals women are equal to men, which will set back Feminism a hundred years’.”

She puffed out her cheeks, frustrated. “I get it, I do. I thought the same way when I was so rude to Miss Motoko and… no, I’m not supposed to put distance between us. Motoko, Natsumi and Hyacinth. I felt the same way, that they were young, stupid and being… for want of a better expression, pimped out for political gain by fathers, uncles and brothers who didn’t value women. But…” Chewing on her lip now, she tried to express her thoughts, but it was difficult. I’ve never been articulate, always ready to put my foot in my mouth. Not one foot, both feet, and isn’t that quite the image?

“It’s not that I don’t understand Melissa’s views. She’s… a surprising choice of fiancée for our idiotic little Henry, but I’m grateful he’s settling down. No more scandals in the tabloids, or photographs of boozy, inappropriate parties. Remember that fancy dress ball?”

Eleanor burst out laughing, despite her troubles. “Oh, don’t I ever? It was out of context, as the stories usually are, just scandal for the masses to eat up, but… he had to apologise so grovellingly. It made me feel superior to him for weeks.”

“She’s American. And so far more forward than we are used to. And she’s got the heart and soul of an activist. I was the same way. I still am. There’s a lot of injustice in the world. And none of our hands are clean. You know the stories. And… unfortunately many of them are true…”

Eleanor gaped at her mother’s frank confession. Blue eyes spinning in her head, she gasped. “Wait? Does that mean Henry really isn’t father’s…”

“Of course not.” Her mother shook her head, equal parts exasperated and amused. “While I’m not proud of… my affairs… I always took precautions. All three of you are my children with your father, and there are no half-siblings, either from me or your father. The point I wanted to make was… your father never really wanted to marry me, he had someone he already loved, but… back then, while arrangements were going out of fashion, we still couldn’t choose our loves freely. So it’s only natural I strayed, to seek affection, while your father discretely spent time with his lost love. And while time has cooled our passions, and now we’re on far better terms, and comfortable with each other… the lesson makes me fear for you, Eleanor.”

She nodded. I know. But… I also know much you don’t, mother. Eleanor let her speak though, as family was important to her, even when they annoyed her.

“You’ll always be one of many, starved of affection, and… you come from different cultures. That makes it more difficult. I understand the benefits to the country, and mother-in-law perhaps doesn’t understand the way things are now. She was happy in her own marriage, despite her husband being picked for her. But this is different… dear, just say the word, and I’ll put a stop to this. It has to be soon, as momentum is building, and come the new year, it’ll be too late to turn aside.”

Eleanor listened to her mother’s words, before answering, slowly, yet each word firm, unyielding, like herself as she faced down enemies in the Boundary. “You’re right. It is different, mother. I’m different. There’s no way I can ever marry an ordinary man. I… I’m one who carries Britain on my shoulders. I fight with terrible foes, shed blood, take lives… make choices that could change the fates of seventy million people. No ordinary man could bear the weight of that.”

“That still doesn’t mean we can’t find you another good man, one of you Chosen. What about Mr Reckless?”

“David? Oh my no. I don’t see that working at all. More to the point… I don’t love David. And… much as Melissa hates it… I have feelings for Akio. I don’t believe it myself sometimes, but… it’s obvious why. Nobody else makes me feel safe like he does. And even when I hated him, when I threw his kindness back in his face, hurt him… he still came to my aid in my darkest hour, saving not just me, but my dear friends. Even now he’s working hard to fix what was broken, and… I love him for that. I’d rather have actions than sweet nothings whispered in my ears. And…” She flushed crimson. “…I know he will do that too. I have been in touch with his fiancées ever since the events of London, and… they accepted me, and told me what to expect. I’ll never have all his love, you’re right, mother. Just like you’ll never have all of father’s. I’m disappointed in him, and in you, to be honest, but… now I understand better than most.”

Sometimes it helps to clarify my thoughts. “It’ll be hard sometimes, I know it. But… the heart wants what it wants.  And honestly, while I’m not so bright, they say the dumber the child, the more lovable it is. I suspect it holds true with women too. He’s prepared to accept me, and I know, absolutely, he’ll do everything to make the slice of his time and affections I receive enough to make me happy. And I think that’s praiseworthy. And quite frankly, while I don’t want Melissa to despise me… if it comes down to it, I’ll choose my own happiness. I deserve it, for what I have to bear. Besides, she’ll come around sooner or later. Henry’s an idiot, but he can be annoyingly persuasive, and… not even my brother is ungrateful enough to stand between Akio and me, not after all he’s done for him, for me… and for grandmother.”

“I see.” Eleanor’s mother considered that. “You’re strong-willed, like I am. I just… worry for you. Like any mother.”

“I know. And I appreciate it.” Eleanor remembered her tea, and took a sip to calm herself. “Honestly, you’d appreciate him, mother. He’s a charitable man, like you. He plans to establish hospitals around the world to treat the sick, curing even diseases impossible for medical science. Technology to combat global warming, and reduce the cost of living, so that even the poor can live well… more importantly, protecting the weak from the dangers nobody but us knows about. I… would very much like your blessing, if I could get it.”

After an uncomfortable silence, where her mother stared at her searchingly, as if able to peer into her deepest thoughts and feelings, finally the silence was broken. “You’ve grown up, Eleanor. And… while it’s a parent’s job to guide their children… you don’t have to obey us. Just… remember, if things don’t work out, it doesn’t have to be the end of the world, even if you feel like it is. Mother-in-law won’t stand for you being mistreated. And neither will I, your father, or your brothers.”

“Mistreated? That’s one thing I don’t have to worry about. Being worked too hard, that’s a threat, but…” Eleanor chuckled, raising her hand, and a ball of light bloomed. “…it’s for my own good. I’m learning a lot. About myself too. And the others… they understand my worries. So… spend some time with him and them when they visit. I guarantee he’ll listen to your concerns and do his best to allay them.”

“I can see you are serious. So I’ll concede.” Her mother finished her tea. “Not that I was actually going to put a stop to things, unless I could see you weren’t certain.” Shaking her head, her smile was now rather cheeky, making her seem younger again. “I have read about him, and I saw the broadcast on their new television station, with that adorable little girl who was cured of her cancer. It’s… a little hard for me to understand, but… your father and I can hardly judge. Though… he’s certainly not one to do things by halves, is he? So many…”

“I know.” Eleanor rolled her eyes again, not exactly frustrated, and in a way, almost impressed. “Every time I turn my back there’s more. But… I believe in him. That he’ll find a way that works for us all. After all, compared to fighting an Angel, how hard can managing a gaggle of us women be?”

“I’d imagine you’d be surprised as to which he’d say is more of a challenge.” Her mother laughed softly, and Eleanor considered some of the… eccentric… women she’d be sharing the rest of her life with.

“Oh, you may well be right, mother. But…” Eleanor also finished her fragrant drink. “…do you know the worst thing?”

“Go on?”

“It’s that David is constantly telling me ‘I told you so’. The man is insufferably smug about it. It’s not like he didn’t have a bad impression of Akio to start with, and he even challenged him to a fight, only to get humiliated! So much for the ‘King of the Octagon’ he’s not even ‘King’ of taking punches!”

As she unloaded her grievances in a rapid stream, her mother merely smiled, standing up to make another pot of tea…

***

Park Yu-mi, Adamant, The Pilgrimage, Tokyo

“I’m exhausted, Yu-mi, darling. This had better all be worth it.” The woman speaking was a few years older than Yu-mi, and in the black, white and gold uniform of Adamant, black military jacket fringed with gold, black tight-fitting skirt, crisp white shirt and military-style black cap, she cut a dashing figure. But then, Soo-ah-unni has always been sexy, although…

“Smiling at me? How rude! If I didn’t love you, Yu-mi, I’d be quite upset!” Soo-ah-unni pouted. With her long legs and voluptuous figure, unusual for a Korean, she was certainly eye-catching. More importantly though…

“I think she’s just admiring you, unni.” A second of the four girls with Yu-mi, giggled. She was the youngest of the group, and a regular at Gomdori-nim’s nightclub in Gangnam. Her family was also very influential, but unusually for Korea, which like Japan was suffering with low birth rates, she had four older siblings, two brothers and two sisters, and so she was left to her own devices, not much expected from her by her parents.

Despite that, she’s cute, clever and popular. In addition, she’s always been circumspect in her personal habits, so she’s an ideal candidate for Adamant. Especially as her familyare the majority shareholders in the biggest Korean rival to Hinata’s Nichibotsu.

“You look great in uniform. Hey, think that if we women were forced to do military service like the guys, they wouldn’t complain? Seeing us in uniform would please anyone, right? It’s why we are wearing these, yeah?” Lee Da-eun was as perceptive as she was cute. With her youthful features and her fairly short hair pulled into two small braids, she was a little boyish, but some men liked that in a girl. “To appeal not just to your Akio-oppa…” She smiled slyly as Yu-mi shook her head, her own matching smile on her lips. “…but as a statement. And you being here is a big one, unni, considering your uncle.”

Spoiler

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“Uncle, huh…” Soo-ah-unni swept back her own long black hair, also braided under her cap, which showed off her fine figure, not that the few men around were looking. Most people knew better than to gawk at those wearing the uniform. After all, it carried a certain responsibility, as well as privilege, and nobody here would risk their lives for a woman, even as pretty and influential ones as Yu-mi’s group.

“Yeah, uncle is really under pressure.” Chin Soo-ah-unni sighed. “It’s… all very complicated. Don’t get me wrong, our family’s been in politics since the founding of the Republic of South Korea. No, even before that. But we’ve never seen anything like this. Hunters… managing them is a real hassle. They just do what they want, and say they’ll leave for other countries that want them more if the Blue House doesn’t back down. And then President Moon just dumps on uncle, expecting him to work miracles. And that’s after we backstabbed Akio-nim and Japan. I mean…” Soo-ah-unni shrugged. “…I never much liked the Japanese, though I’m not a hater. But he came and saved the juniors at our old school, some of the survivors were our relatives and friends of our younger cousins and siblings. To do that… well, uncle swears he wasn’t involved.”

“If he was, I’d probably not have invited you to join us.” Yu-mi agreed. “Instead, you’ve got a chance to stabilise his position.”

“Korea’s finished…” Da-eun shook her head. “We’ve shown we can’t be trusted. All because some politicians can’t let the past go, or got greedy. But that doesn’t mean we have to be finished. Although…” She winked at Yu-mi teasingly. “…I know why I’m here. I don’t think it’ll work, I’m the fifth child. Sure, our family is fabulously wealthy, but all I’ll get is money. You can’t take over our company through me. I only have one percent of the shares.”

“You’d be surprised.” Yu-mi countered. The other two women, her recruits to Adamant that she was going to use, together with her connections to several Hunter Guilds, to establish Adamant as a massive powerhouse in Korea, were silent.

Min Nari-unni was a year older than Chin Soo-ah, and another regular in the clubs and party scene of Gangnam, though rumours went around she was actually… uninterested… in men, which was quite the stigma, but she never addressed such whispers. Yu-mi had wanted to drag her to her side, as she was the only daughter of another significant enterprise, one with ties to the military and police force, on a scale with Yu-mi’s own family.

Of course, it turned out that matters weren’t that simple. Nari-unni, with her hair dyed a delicate, fashionable red, and her heart-shaped face and pretty eyes, gave off the air of quiet sophistication, and her figure, while her chest was modest, was balanced by graceful legs and lithe, slender arms. She had been an Olympic hopeful in gymnastics back in her youth, until an injury ended her career before it truly took off. An injury that was now Healed, of course. And the reason she had never shown any interest in men was to try and ward off arrangements by her family, who wished to bring in a man to run their company in the future, but needed to retain control, via her.

I didn’t think she’d be interested after I heard that, but… when I explained… It was laughable to think that Akio would indiscriminately toy with the hearts and bodies of the Adamant members. Everyone knew that, though some pretended otherwise. But Yu-mi still approved of the possibility. It focussed the mind, and… instilled the sort of loyalty that would be needed to make Adamant all it could be.

The last member of her team was a surprise. Yeom Ji-hye was a junior at university, one who Yu-mi didn’t know that well. She was from a wealthy family, but their influence and power was meagre compared to the other women here. Yet she was unusual, and not just because she had a little Chinese blood, giving her a slightly foreign cast to her features. Though she was still rather adorable, short brown hair, and a good figure, with an eccentric fashion sense, not that anyone could tell as she was also in uniform. No, Yu-mi had only planned for three, for Soo-ah-unni, Nari-unni, and Da-eun, to start building her foundation, coupled with some support from Violet-unni. She knew the three girls decently well from the close-knit world of the super-rich heirs of Seoul.

But Ji-hye had heard rumours, and sought her out. And when Yu-mi heard the reason… obviously I had to accept. And… she’s not frightened of the consequences. I respect that. Ji-hye had two brothers, and both had become Hunters. Neither of them had much cared for her, though they hadn’t been particularly cruel to her either. They weren’t a close-knit family, but… Ji-hye wanted to prove them wrong, as the reason was the terrible chauvinistic attitudes of her brothers, they looked down on women and played around without any sense of shame. Fortunately, the women in Yu-mi’s circles weren’t so easily toyed with, but apparently a string of heartbroken girls from Gangnam’s clubs were a regular annoyance to Ji-hye, who they often came to, throwing out complaints and desperate pleas.

She’s the perfect figurehead, not just for us, but for Adamant as a whole. When Hinata heard, she agreed to provide extra resources. If she can show up her brothers, who are Chosen, it will show that Akio’s way is the best way. And there’s mileage in having a link to additional Chosen, even annoying ones like her brothers. We never know when their abilities might be needed…

“Don’t downplay your potential. That’s what we’re trying to combat, right?”

Ji-hye reacted at that and nodded slowly. A fire was in her brown eyes, one of ambition and a thirst to prove others wrong, and Yu-mi respected that, and liked to think she had a little fire in her own eyes and heart. It’s why I won’t leverage my one advantage. I know… if I was to say that I accepted the engagement after all, Akio wouldn’t say no. But… that’s not who I want to be. And not what Adamant is about, at least to my mind. Unbreakable will. That’s what I want to have.

“Yes. My brothers… I want to put them in their place. And show that women can be just as good as men! Though…” The younger woman’s smile was a little pained. “…by joining an organisation that’s effectively the training ground for a Joseon-era palace harem, I’m not sure it quite fits.”

“No kidding.” Soo-ah-unni agreed. “It’s a bit demeaning, but… luckily, he’s hot, your fiancé, Yu-mi darling. I really enjoyed flirting with him when he was in Gomdori-nim’s club, even if he didn’t give me more than a second glance. I’m jealous. Maybe if he sweeps me up, you and me can play a bit too!” She blew a kiss with her plump, seductive lips, and Yu-mi couldn’t help but laugh.

“You wish. I’m straight, I’m afraid. And so are you!” As Soo-ah-unni chuckled, enjoying the joke, Yu-mi clarified, for seemingly the hundredth time, as nobody believed her. “And I told you, he’s not my fiancé. Those discussions were put on hold. It does feel a bit strange, and some of the others tease me by saying I’m the only woman ever to reject Akio, but it’s not quite like that. I’m just… old-fashioned, okay? I’m not like Hinata, who fell in love at first sight. In fact, I kind of loathed him. Dad was forcing me, after all, but I did want to save my cousin.” She straightened the lapels of her jacket, glancing at the shining rank pins. “I was a tragic heroine and took solace in that. Don’t be like me. The thing to remember is… if we have problems, Akio can solve it, and if he can’t, the others will. But letting someone do that does mean we’re not worthy of being front and centre of a new Korea, and of Adamant.”

The four of them were listening, and Yu-mi, as they waited their turn to finish up at the penultimate shrine planned that day, gave her speech. “As soon as the commanders realised that to them, secret organisation didn’t mean what it says, but a group that they could give to Akio to get him to praise them, they realised the true potential. Why just women? It’s not to be a palace harem. Though I won’t deny there’s a subset of Adamant who’s very much hoping for his attention. Basically… it’s what you want, Ji-hye. We’ll be the women the world looks up to and admires, and in the future… the young, the talented, the brilliant… all those girls dreaming of a better future will dream of being worthy to enter Adamant. And we’ll be there to guide them. Control the young, and control the world.” She winked at her comrades, who she’d picked out as her own foundation.

“I don’t know about you, but thinking so far in the future…” Soo-ah-unni shrugged. “…it seems unreal. I like the idea, but it’s all so… abstract. Though honestly, my parents are happy to see me get involved. Uncle’s no fan of the Japanese either, but… he’s an honourable man. He’s stressed out over the internal politicking that led to the release of that secret footage. So… any goodwill I can garner will at least give our family some influence, and we might escape the fallout.”

Yu-mi nodded. Soo-ah-unni may look like she would be more at home as a fashion model, but she’s nobody’s fool. Hinata was furious. And she’s not alone in that. I feel ashamed to be Korean too. Politics I get, but this was backstabbing. And those responsible will pay for it. And that might leave a power vacuum…

“Yes. All of you here, you put on the uniform. So the weight of what that means is behind you all. Even if trouble strikes, we’ll come through it okay.” Yu-mi glanced at the supply truck full of offerings for the shrine. “As for your first question, unni… it’s totally worth it. You’ve had the basic primer, because I vouched for you all. But the detailed breakdown comes later, when you’ve been fully tested and sworn in under Shaeula’s wind and water. Don’t worry though, at some point when Akio is free, I’ll get a Status update. And…” We’ve got a packed few weeks, but after all this calms down… “Next time we’re back in Seoul, you’ll see the benefits. We’ll have the stamina to party all day and all night, and not feel tired. Though don’t forget…” She tapped her cap, and Da-eun nodded.

“We all get it, Yu-mi-unni. No need to threaten us. Adamant pride! We’re the new Valkyries, so we have to live up to that.”

As the others nodded, Yu-mi turned her attention back to the shortening queue to the shrine proper. I’ve seen so much in just a couple of days. I’ve met Japanese Gods… Kami, I suppose I should call them, and even received their blessing. Before this, dad would have been furious, but… it’s kind of hard to complain when Akio saved cousin Yu-jun and Hinata and the others rescued him at the Tengokusentou…

Shaking her head, feeling a trace of pride at her own growth, she resolved that not only would she and her chosen recruits for Adamant excel, they would be the edge of the blade that would slice South Korea right open, delivering it into Akio’s hands…

***

Princess Eleanor Elizabeth Diana Windsor, Buckingham Palace, London

“Oh, you’re here then, Princess. Thought so…” David sauntered into the room Eleanor had chosen to watch the WTV broadcast in, and sat down with his usual arrogance, crossing his legs which were clad in blue jeans, leaning back, showing off muscular arms his tight black t-shirt revealed. “…Old man Arthur says he’ll catch the highlights, and little Miss Asian is on Boundary duty along with Callie. I haven’t seen the teacher all day though… I doubt very much she’s run off, not with her sense of responsibility.”

Eleanor bit down on a sigh. “Honestly, David, you frustrate me. This is Buckingham Palace, at least try to dress like you fit in here.”

“Sure thing.” David shrugged, and Eleanor knew he would ignore her. “Speaking of dressing to impress…” He glanced over at her knowingly. “I ran into your brother. Not Henry, but Richard. Not spoken to him much, he’s a shy one. But he did drop a surprising bit of info.”

Judging by your smug grin, I know what he said…

“Seems like our boy sent you a little gift. And you’re all giddy over it like you’re still Callie’s age. I’d say act your age, Princess, but Akio likes them young. Though he likes them old too. Got to appreciate his discerning tastes.” As David helped himself to a bottle of strong scotch whisky, pouring a careless half glass, he shrugged. “Don’t feel bad, Princess. I told you this was inevitable. I hate to say I told you so…”

No, you absolutely adore it, David. You can’t fool me!

“…but here’s the thing. Take it from a man who knows a thing or two about romance and women. The opposite of love isn’t hate, it’s indifference. The fact he got under your skin so badly meant he was in your mind. I’ve had my fair share of conquests, and the ones who aren’t interested, I don’t pursue. The ones who have a strong reaction though… it’s easier to turn antipathy into passion than make someone who doesn’t care fall for you.” He then slurped down his whisky, pouring a second generous measure.

Eleanor winced. That’s a fifty-two year old Macallan! That bottle goes for more than ten thousand pounds, and you are drinking it like it’s a cheap beer in a back-alley bar! “Antipathy to passion? Trying too hard to sound smart, David, or has Mary-Jane’s teachings rubbed off on you?”

“Hah.” David snorted, downing more whisky and wiping his mouth carelessly with the back of his hand. “I’ve always been smart. Got to be a thinker to be a champion fighter. Got to be able to keep it together when you take a bad hit, too. Nobody better at that than you, at least, Princess.” After that backhanded compliment, he continued. “Anyway, your brother’s still worried, but I set him straight. Told him there isn’t many guys that can handle you as you are now, and that the stronger the initial dislike, the harder you fall when you come around. And it’s true, yeah?”

Maybe so, but… hearing you say it to my face just pisses me off!

“Your wisdom is oh so appreciated, David. Not strong enough to handle me yourself then?”

“Spare me that.” He chuckled wickedly. “You’re more a stupid little sister to me, who needs my wise guidance. Besides, you know… nah, no point raking over old wounds. The stupid bitch is holding up okay, considering. Asks about you. I told her you’d let her come to the wedding. In chains of course, but I want you to show her you overcame everything and ended up happy. Best revenge, that.”

Eleanor nodded slowly. “And what about…”

“Nope, fuck that bullshit.” David insisted. “I’m all for second chances, but that fucknugget comes anywhere near you and I’m going to smash his skull like an eggshell. He’s broken anyway. No remorse at all. Though listening to him rant and rave… best pray your dear hubby doesn’t hear him, else he’ll be in more pieces than a Chinese jigsaw. He really hates Shaeula, the things he cries out he’ll do to her… fucking idiot. She’s one of the few I don’t fancy my chances against in a straight up fight. Even if the little bastard was at full strength, she’d annihilate him.”

“Can we change the subject?” Eleanor was uncomfortable remembering, and the guilt was quite painful. Her eyes strayed to the corner of the room, where her gifts lay, and David scoffed.

“Sure. Best get your mind off that too, I don’t want you to be mumbling and blushing the whole broadcast. So yeah, you never answered me. Where’s the teacher?”

“She’s gone to visit her family for the day. Since tonight is mostly the viewing party, and training will be modest. She hasn’t seen her husband and children in a while. And…” Eleanor bit down on a sigh. “…you know how she is. She’s going to throw herself into her training after this without a pause. She wants to support us. I… don’t think she’s cut out for battle, but…”

“Nah, that’s where you are wrong. I’d rather take on a pro fighter, or even a goddamn bear, than a furious mother, protecting her brats. It’s all about the desperation. Anyway, looks like she’ll be joining us again soon. Little Miss Asian is relieved. No chance that Akio and his crew can’t put together something for her.”

“We owe them a lot…” Eleanor agreed, only for David to shake his head.

“Nah, he’s doing it for you, Princess. And before you disagree, just damn well let him, all right? Take it from me, guys love showing off for those they like. And… maybe he doesn’t love you now with all the burning passion of two teenage sweethearts, but… you’re a catch, Princess. Not so sharp, yeah, but loyal, kind, and you’re easy on the eyes. And when you decide something…”

Eleanor nodded, rather embarrassed by David’s rare praise. “…yes. Mother came to dissuade me, but… I told her my mind is made up.”

David whistled. “The famed Princess of Hearts, huh? A lot of your relatives aren’t the most popular, but your mother’s still a national icon, even at her age. Well damn. But it’s not just up to you. He’s a greedy bastard, is Akio. If you’ve offered and he’s accepted… doubt there’s any backing down. But who cares?” Having drank half the bottle, David was pleasantly buzzed, even with his high Statistics. “Get the TV on, it’s time…”

Eleanor nodded, glad of a distraction. Pressing the remote, the BBC came on, and was broadcasting a mirror of the WTV broadcast, which was apparently from Hikawa-Kawagoe shrine. The twins, Chiaki and Chiasa, and their brother… that’s their shrine, yes? Thinking of the twins reminded her. “I’m hoping they can give me a few more pointers. I don’t want to work too hard during the viewing party, it would be rude, but… well, I’m the one who should fear no failures. If I damage my body, I recover.”

“Yeah so, me, I’m just up for lounging and drinking booze. I won rock-paper-scissors with old man Arthur, so he misses out again. Such a shame.” His smirk showed he was being insincere. “But one of us needs to be there. Chaperone, you understand. Wouldn’t want you to get up to any pre-marital activities.”

“David!” Eleanor gasped, suddenly flushing, face hot. “That’s… just don’t!”

“Yeah.” David snickered. “I’d best not. Because…” he couldn’t help but tease her. “…it’s nearly the twenty-twenties. Nobody gives a shit about that now. If you want to jump him, I’ll distract the others, buy you some time…”

Eleanor was lost for words, and decided discretion was the better part of valour. Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, her attention shifted to the broadcast. “Oh, that’s Arisu Arisugawa.”

“She’s another I wouldn’t fight unless it was life and death. She’s got mean eyes and a temper.” David observed. “And her ability… how the hell do you face it unless you’re a freak like your husband?” Beside her was Yukiko, and the Imperial Regalia, and as the broadcast began, Arisu elegantly announcing her guests, Eleanor wondered just why she had been told to watch this particular show, and why it was supposedly important to Britain…

I don’t know, but… I expect any moment now I will find out…