Side One Hundred And Ninety-Two – Escalating

    First - Shiratori Himeko, Shiro - The Tengokusentou, Tokyo

    Sitting with the so-called nobility in the richly appointed and beautifully decorated hall, Shiro stifled both a yawn and a laugh. Heavenly Blossom Chamber, huh? They sure do like fancy names. It’s... certainly something though, even I can admit that. Maybe I’m being too harsh, I mean, I like Hinata, Motoko and Natsumi well enough. Even Miyu seems all right now.

    The hall had beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows all around, and many of them were panelled with beautiful pink stained glass, which filtered the winter sunlight to a beautiful rose colour. The view around several sides were spoiled a bit by the surrounding urban sprawl and high-rise buildings of Tokyo, but the view out over the lake was indeed gorgeous.

    I like it very much, princess. It reminds me a little of my own home, far from here. I too enjoy the quiet arts, though... there is something to be said for more robust activities, I do concede.

    Shiro’s smile now escaped her control. Sure Tan, I know what’s won you around. Shit, I get it. We’ve all changed, we can’t stay the same. The nobility has to as well, and those Aki has surrounded himself with knows that. But... I suppose some of these old traditions are pretty nice. Looking around, Shiro felt her face heating a little, and Tan was quick to seize on that.

    Your face is the colour of what you call sakura in this country, cherry blossoms. Are you thinking of your wedding? It was to be held here, no? One of them, anyway...

    Don’t tease me Tan, else I’ll be forced to return the favour. Anyway... Shiro changed the subject of her thoughts. Do you sense anything? It’s all rotten, we know that, but ferreting out just what is the problem is a different matter. It’s not like they’ve planted bombs, I’d guess, or the security detail should have found it... unless...

    Indeed. Our Favours can go beyond the expected. Still... Shiro’s eye flashed crimson for a moment. ...we are here, are we not? And I do not smell any particularly delectable powers, although...

    Shiro bit down on a laugh. Looking at the feast, huh? It does look nice. Can’t have a big noble event without a good meal and some booze. You know, that’s one of the things I like most about my life now. I don’t have to go home just as everything starts to get fun...

    Idly listening to the conversation Hinata was having with her grandfather and a number of the old nobles, Shiro drummed her fingers. “Hey, wasn’t Yu-mi supposed to be coming to this? Isn’t that her dad?”

    Looking at the Korean man at the back of the group, looking uncomfortable and out of place, Hinata nodded. “Yes, but when all the bad news hit, that stupid broadcast about Akio and his sister, she decided to stay home and help keep their parents calm. She’s... actually a really caring person. After all, she helped Eri and Akio work things out, finally. Besides, she says she prefers going clubbing, and she wants Akio to take her when he’s back, see what Tokyo has to offer, though she says it won’t beat Gangnam.”

    “Sounds fun. I’ll have to go along.” Shiro nodded. “Anyway, sorry to interrupt.”

    “It’s fine. After all, you’re here as my security. No offense, Kazumi.” Hinata chuckled. She was calmer now, as everyone was armed. It was hard to conceal hidden weapons in the form-fitting kimonos, but nobody was looking under the chairs. Hinata then turned back to Shige, Itsuki and Kira, the three most important of the old men. Sasuke was there too, and he was the grandfather of the three rather pretty girls that sometimes visited the training school. Though one of them is more memorable than the others. Her damn tits are nearly as big as mine, and she’s not even... never mind, that doesn’t matter, although Yasu might say that tits always matter. That’s why he’ll strike out with Karen if he’s not careful... oh well...

    “...so, about Sakura. I’m most angry.” Hinata was insisting. “This is your fault, grandfather!” She was grilling Itsuki now. “If you had disciplined your son properly, this couldn’t happen, but instead he’s a total waste of space. My mother was mistreated by him, by you all, and now Sakura... sure, we’ve never seen eye to eye, but now I know what’s important.”

    “Hinata-chan, you shouldn’t be so forceful...” her paternal and beloved grandfather Kenji chided her gently, though by his slight smile he agreed with her sentiments. I like the old man. He’s funny, and he always ends up giving us pocket money when he visits. Sure, it’s only chump change to us now, but back in the day I’d have killed for a free couple of hundred thousand yen here and there.

    “...yes, Hideaki may have made mistakes, but...” Itsuki began, but Kira cut him off with a dry chuckle.

    “Mistakes?” His tone was scornful. “I should say so. None of us here, not even you, Kenji...” The old man looked away, embarrassed. “...haven’t loved a little too freely in our youth. But so long as the women were looked after, and no unnecessary children were born from it... it’s simply youthful folly. But now... if it was Ichijou house, or Fujiwara house, then it wouldn’t be an issue. We could make provision, but... Takatsukasa house is floundering...”

    “Was floundering.” Hinata disagreed. As lesser nobility and other invited guests were filling up the rest of the hall, the talk continued. “It’s not just that, or his attitude to mother, he also antagonised me and Akio, which is the most stupid thing he could have done. Isn’t that why he’s in retreat for his ill-health?” Her smile was malicious. “Anyway, I know you’re angry, and so am I. She’s my cousin. Akio will be furious too. Family matters to him. So... I have a suggestion.”

    “Do go on.” Shige offered, glancing at his granddaughter, but Miyu seemed calm, unconcerned.

    “I think that you should give Sakura into our care. We already are Takatsukasa house in all but name. But... we’ll make use of Sakura, and also deal with the rumours. To me... Sakura’s just as much a Takatsukasa as I am. I feel sorry for Keiko-san, having the fact that Sakura isn’t her daughter and her fool of a husband’s infidelity spread throughout the nobility... but my mother is already doing much of the work stabilising the image of the house, and Akio and I are doing the rest. Sakura needs a fresh purpose, and I’ll give it to her.”

    “This is all very fascinating. What do you think, Mayumi?” Hideki, her older brother, who seemed to be the same age as Shiro, asked his sister. He was a handsome enough man, one Shiro might have given a second glance before, but now she had a better man to put in her eyes she hadn’t paid him much attention. He had come with his grandfather, since he was heir to Ichijou house, and this was good experience for him, apparently. And from what I can see, he worries about his younger sister. So while he might seem a bit of a snob, at least he’s not trash.

    “I think Hinata must have a plan. And... it sounds fun. Can you share your ideas? I’ll help if it’s interesting, and it doesn’t harm Sakura-san. After all... she’s one of the few daughters that match me.”

    “Oh really?” Hinata was amused. “You’ve definitely matured. So, who are the others?”

    “A strange question.” Mayumi grinned, and while Shiro could see she was still rather timid compared to normal, a spark of life was in her eyes. “You of course, my best friend. Miyu-san here. Honoka-san, Sakura-san hasn’t changed. I’ve respected her elegance all these years. And her willpower in putting up with you, Hinata.” She smiled to show she meant no offence. There was a moment of silence, before she added two more names, surprising everyone. “Motoko-san, and Natsumi-san.”

    The second name especially, and that she used an honorific now, stunned her grandfather and brother, though Shige was smiling quietly, possibly approving. I’m a little shocked too. I’ve seen her treat Natsumi as a servant a few too many times for comfort, though Natsumi also treats it as natural. Stupid customs should just be tossed aside...

    “What? I can learn! Trust me, getting kidnapped is an experience that focusses the mind. I found out who my true friends were, and... I may have my pride, but I also have my smarts. I get excellent grades at Hanafubuki, as befits a daughter of Ichijou house! I realised then... the nobility has to accept Akio-kun, and just like the Three-Hundred, we have to being those like him into the fold. Though for Akio-kun... it has to be of a rank equal to us, be that through Takatsukasa house, or by making it the Four Great Houses. Else in the end, we’ll be left behind. I’m not going to be left behind, and I won’t let Ichijou house be either! So by that logic, Motoko-san and Natsumi-san are my equals!”

    She seemed so proud, that Shiro couldn’t help but laugh. As everyone looked at her, she wiped tears from her eyes. “That’s so precious. Shit, you’re a funny girl. Annoying too, but I think you’re fun to be around. Equal? Sorry, but no. Any of Aki’s women outclasses you in every way. But... maybe there’s hope for you to make something of yourself yet. What you’re born with, that’s not yours. It doesn’t matter to me if this Sakura girl is born from an affair or not. What you do, what you can achieve, that’s what matters.” Don’t you agree, Tan?

    Not exactly. Just as some are born with great fortune, others are cursed with ill fates. It is disingenuous to claim that birth matters not, princess. But... rising above that makes a being more than ordinary, but truly worthy of power.

    “I get that. But I’ll also not lose the pride I have in my birth! I’ll just... be Mayumi.” She echoed the earlier lessons she had been taught after the kidnapping, seeming to have taken them to heart. “Firstly, I’m going to make a huge success of our joint business venture, Hinata. Then I’m going to reinvest the profits in something else. I’ll only use my own money and charm to succeed. I’ll set up a meeting with Akio-kun when he returns, see what we can hash out. And... I’m with you. Now the Tengokusentou is reclaimed, Sakura-san is the pressing issue.” She turned to her grandfather. “So, Arisa-chan and Nozomi-san... what’s their fate?”

    The two girls shuddered, holding hands, as the true peaks of the nobility regarded them, but oddly enough, the timid Nozomi managed to put some strength into her eyes, holding firm for their judgement, and it was Shige who spoke, and his tone was kind, yet firm. “By rights, Shiraishi house is finished as nobility. Yes, your family still has some hotels and ryokan left, but the crowing jewel, what made you nobility, was the Tengokusentou. If you sell your assets, you can clear most debts, but then, that’s it. No... the Tengokusentou was reclaimed by our efforts, so it no longer belongs to Shiraishi house. But then... losing nobility is something that Kira, Itsuki and I have long tried to prevent. Though we cannot legislate for fools. Whatever happens, Shiraishi house and Kuwahara house are done, Two more precious lines ended. But... Shiraishi house can rise again, with you.”

    ‘’I thank you, Fujiwara-sama!” Nozomi bowed low, elegant in her kimono. Arisa did the same. “I... am not strong. I worry I might not be capable enough...”

    “You’ve made a deal with Hinata, yes?” Kenji soothed her. “Don’t worry. You are also in her care. Despite being a cheeky girl, she won’t mistreat you.”

    “No.” Hinata agreed. “After all...” She tapped her foot, and they understood.

    “Please, take care of us, Hinata-sama.” Nozomi bowed again, her sister echoing her.

    “Yes, please... give us your guidance. We’ll work hard, just... don’t make my sister suffer.”

    “How rude. I love all my subordinates dearly.” Hinata wasn’t seriously offended. “Anyway... so, Sakura, Nozomi and Arisa are officially under our care. We’ll take charge of the Tengokusentou, and make sure it is never lost again.” She dropped her honorifics. “More... Akio has some hotels, they’re not much compared to what Shiraishi house had before, but...”

    “We’ll buy up as much of Shiraishi house’s assets as we can, though the Ruby Group and Kuwahara house have tried to bankrupt them subtly, so some are lost for good. But... the new Shiraishi house carries their blood, and will be better than ever before.”

    “Great...” Shiro broke in, bored of the talk. It’s settled. Hotels and crap like that don’t matter. Aki’s got more than enough money coming in to support us all, hotels or no. It’s the girls that matter. And now Shiraishi house is an Adamant property, they’re settled. Sure, we likely owe these old men a debt, but Aki won’t let them push us around. As for Sakura... she’s elegant and pretty. Maybe I’ll try and groom her into a ranking officer. There’s a few I have my eye on, like a couple of the Elves, and Luciana... another can’t hurt...

    “...so, can we focus on the problem?” Shiro gestured around them. The hall had filled up, and everyone was seated. Their large group was in the positions of honour, surrounded by a modest empty space to prevent eavesdropping, and opposite them were chairs set up for the sellers of the Tengokusentou, which were awaiting their owners, who had yet to arrive. “Nobody here thinks this isn’t some sort of trap.”

    “And yet, here we are.” Kenji pointed out. “Yes, there’s clearly a scheme afoot. And the timing of the media coverage and the attacks on the nobility... it’s serious. But we have you here, don’t we? And my Hinata, and Miyu-chan. Plus some others like you. And Koga-san and his people have left no stone unturned. Nerve gas, bombs, radioactive waste, chemical and biological weapons... they’ve swept for them all.”

    “So that just leaves...” Shiro pointed out the obvious, and it was Hinata who answered.

    “Either they are simply just bad businessmen who put immediate profit ahead of long-term stability... which nobody believes, least of all you, Shiro... or... it’s a trap using spiritual powers. Which is why you’re here.”

    Hmm. I smell... Qi. Be cautious.

    I never did really grasp the difference between Qi and aether. I get that Qi is somehow aspected, but... it’s also purer? That seems incongruous to me. No, that doesn’t matter now. Shiro quickly relayed Tan’s warning, and at that moment, out came the brother of the man who had betrayed Nozomi, and Shiro immediately disliked him, as he had a rather off-putting smile, despite looking otherwise ordinary in his expensive suit. With him came a dozen men, a mix of standard Caucasian Americans, though some appeared of Asian heritage. They were all wearing matching suits, in a bright crimson, and many of them wore tiny ruby ear studs, an unusual look on men.

    I fear we need the Searching Gaze Of Ichnaea. I can smell that many of those red-clad fools are full of Qi. Though they are likely at best Foundation Realm. But that cannot be all, surely?

    That’ll alert anyone sensitive though, right?

    Yes, so... timing is key. I shall let you decide, princess.

    How magnanimous of you, Tan. Relaying her findings in hushed whispers, Hinata looked to Shige, who bade them wait for now.

    As the lead member of the Ruby Group stepped up to the podium, and tapped the microphone, ready to speak, Tan prepared herself to use the Searching Gaze, while Shiro watched on, suddenly pensive. It’s annoying, being unable to contact the outside world. That’s surely no coincidence either...

    ***

    Second - Mori Eri - Their Home, Tokyo

    As Eri and Aiko rushed outside they were met by Suzu-san and one of her dancers, as she called them. They’re rather creepy, but... I suppose it doesn’t matter. What she was wearing was also odd, as Suzu-san was wearing a voluminous hoodie, with the hood up, and large sunglasses and a surgical mask. Likewise, her backup dancer was also overdressed.

    Even as the sounds of explosions and whine of bullets echoed through the usually quiet, calm and private air of the estate, seeing them looking, Suzu-san shrugged. “I’m an idol! I can’t be seen to be doing these sorts of things now. And... I don’t really want my fellow dancers to get hurt, but this is a needs-must situation, yeah, Eri-chan, Aiko-chan?” Her usual airheaded way of speaking broke for a moment. “I’ve abandoned my foothold in Akihabara, so now I’m here to stay! And... honestly, I like it a lot more...” A large explosion echoed, the gatehouse going up in a plume of black smoke, a roiling cloud of flame soaring to the heavens.

    “...better wrap this up.” Suzu-san remarked. The estate was in an exclusive, isolated area of Tokyo overlooking the bay, but the hustle and bustle of ordinary Tokyo wasn’t that far distant, and crowds were gathering. “I sent the others to the Boundary, just in case. But... here I feel at home. So... I’ll fight for it. I’m an idiot, yeah, but... I’ve always been prepared to do anything for my dreams. Can you two?” Her words were pointed, though Eri couldn’t see her eyes behind the thick sunglasses, she imagined they were stern.

    “She’s right.” Aiko chimed in. “This is it, Eri. We take up arms, it’s not...” The gatehouse was now gone, and dozens of people were rushing in. Most of them seemed terribly... ordinary... for want of a better word, except for the fact that man or woman alike, their faces were twisted into expressions of contempt, hatred and mindless fanaticism, and they were carrying weapons not seen in peaceful Tokyo. Some of the others wore robes of white and gold, and Eri narrowed her eyes, seeing they seemed trained, perhaps similar to the students at Akio’s school.

    “...a game. Or killing some mindless monsters. These... these are people, Eri.” Aiko finished, her blue eyes nervous, her hand on her bow trembling.

    Oh yes, Aiko... she’s not been through what we have. Thankfully. But... better to experience it sooner than later. The world’s only going to get more dangerous. “Yes, and these people are here to kill us, our parents, our friends, and have already killed.” She pointed her heavy axe at the destruction. “No way everyone survived that. Me... I’ve killed a Kijo. She wasn’t human, but... she was a living, intelligent being with hopes and dreams. And she was trash. As are these. Nobody takes those we love away from us, Aiko. Nobody! I won’t relish this, but... I’m not going to back down!” With that she charged forwards, and Suzu-san turned to Aiko, offering some wise words before joining her charge.

    “Yeah... the boss, Akio-kun, Arisu-chan... they all know life isn’t clean. Look at the idol industry. If you aren’t a superstar, you have to do all sorts of dirty deeds. Luckily... we’re the superstars here, Aiko-chan... but being the best means doing a different sort of deed. And when this is over... we’ll all commiserate together, okay?”

    Bullets whizzed towards Eri, and as Aiko’s Golden Sisters surged forwards into the torrent of fire, Aiko nodded, resolute. “Shit!” She cursed with feeling. “Wow, I knew this day would come. I’m not renowned for my smarts, but I get it. Besides... mom, dad, uncle, auntie, Tsukiko-chan... everyone else... Kyu?do? may be a sport, an Art, but it’s also a tool of war, of killing. Of protecting!”

    It’s rather disconcerting that this is the third time the shrine has come under attack. But at least this time... Diamonds slashed through the neck of a man clad in white. As he toppled, trying to staunch his cut throat, he glared at her, eyes full of hatred, and Suk-ja had to look away. That was a mistake, as a bullet whizzed past her cheek, and she stepped back into cover. This is somehow worse than Choe-Museon Academy! No, it’s... it’s fine. I’m not alone.

    As her energy started to run dry, all her earlier experiments leaving her far from fighting form, she remembered Ji-ho-oppa’s words to her, that a Hunter should always be in fighting trim. Puffing out her cheeks in exasperation, she remembered him fondly. It wasn’t often that she was away from him, and it had been a tough choice to make, coming abroad to work, especially at her age. But she was a Hunter, and Hunters were in it not just for the glory, but to make money. Besides, with Yu-mi-unni and Eui, she didn’t feel so isolated.

    A gunshot rang out, shockingly loud, and Suk-ja panicked, regretting losing focus in battle. Fortunately, her heart calmed down as she realised she hadn’t been hit, only for another shot to ring out, and she gasped in horror as she watched one of the scorpion-men... Third, I think? ...collapse, headless, before disintegrating. With that, Suk-ja knelt down and vomited messily, until her stomach was dry. Quickly wiping her mouth, she stood again, Diamonds circling.

    I know they come back... but Violet-noona said they aren’t exactly the same... No, I promised to protect this place! Fortunately the attackers seemed intent on attacking the shrine and the training school, rather than the Tree, but several explosions had come close, and Suk-ja knew she couldn’t make it obvious she was defending it, lest she draw attention to it. Ji-ho-oppa would be so disappointed in me if I screw up here. I hope... I hope he’s eating okay while I’m away. He does tend to just eat junk food...

    Another gunshot, and this time Suk-ja was ready. Her Winged Diamonds could also be used as a mirror, and she used it to detect the sniper. He was non-descript, and looked like any ordinary Japanese person, except he was dressed in robes and armour, and carried a massive sniper rifle. The other scorpions were pinned down, and as they were, that emboldened the surviving attackers to press forwards again. Suk-ja winced as the shrine took several hits, ropes and statues of snakes blasted to fragments. It’s fine. Everyone’s down in the panic room...

    Another man came in to view now, blonde, well-muscled and wielding a strange device, sort of like scuba-tanks, with a long hose attached to it. Suddenly, her eyes widened, and as she watched, the man laughed, flame roaring from the nozzle, showering the front of the shrine, which caught fire quickly. He then turned, grinning at Suk-ja in her shelter. He shouted some words, not that she understood them, and then the flames transformed into a cloud of fireballs the size of baseballs, dozens of them.

    The bombardment showered her defensive position, and her Diamonds managed to protect her, at least, but again, the training school was peppered with explosions, and was looking worse for wear, smoke and flames rising. A second barrage was coming in, and then someone shouted for her to get down, then someone smashed into her. She rolled, panicking, feeling a weight on her, then someone grabbed her, dragging her to her feet. It was a short olive-skinned woman, muscular and tanned, with a long braid hanging down behind her to her bottom. She was wearing a set of armour Suk-ja recognised, of Adamant, and her cap which had fallen to the ground had officer insignias. Luciana, I think? Wasn’t she at the construction site... oh...

    Luciana grabbed her cap, dusted it off and set it on her head, before with a grin she pulled out her own weapon, a heavy pistol. Calmly, she took aim and squeezed the trigger, and one by one, men and women who were attacking fell, her own shots far more accurate and ruthless than the assailants.

    “There’s a sniper! Sniper!” Suk-ja desperately searched for an English world, and she hoped she had it right.

    Luciana trilled a melodic response, and Suk-ja was frustrated, but then Ixitt, who seemed to have mastered a great many languages, translated. “She says thanks. Any ideas where? Oh... perhaps it will not matter...”

    As she watched on dumbfounded, a tall, muscular bald man in a suit, which seemed to be a Troll, of all things, roared out in rage and rushed towards the man wielding flames. Fireballs bombarded him, and the sniper did indeed shoot, which Luciana didn’t miss, her brown eyes narrowing as she spotted the distant flash of the muzzle. Grulgor’s arm was pierced, but he barely seemed to notice, and the hail of fireballs had steam rising from him, but all he did was grin balefully, his yellow eyes furious.

    “You have done well.” Ixitt replied, bringing up a multi-barrelled contraption looking like a comical minigun. “Though it seems Akio will be footing the bill for some... redecoration.”

    With that, a loud whining sound rang out, and his gun whirred, numerous storms of bullets, each glittering with wind energies and accelerating rapidly, cutting into the ranks of the enemy. In the face of that assault, even the fanatics were starting to waver, all except the man with the flamethrower, who unleashed it at Grulgor, only to have it destroyed by a mighty punch, even as a torrent of flames engulfed the Troll.

    That didn’t stop him though, as Grulgor burst free, and as another bullet punched him in the skull, he bellowed, somehow surviving it, the spent shell bouncing off, even as it cratered in his forehead, nearly pushing one eye out. Luciana then was shrouded in jade energies and sprinted towards the distant sniper, creating a cloud of obscuring dust with the ruby hue of earth element, and Suk-ja was left rather at a loss. Do I... need to do anything else now?

    Ixitt, who had finished gunning down the packed ranks of the insurgents, merely smiled at her, switching to a smaller weapon, with which he ruthlessly shot down the fleeing enemies, though those which had abandoned their weapons he only struck in the legs, disabling them. “Do not be concerned. You did well, protecting Asha’s Tree here. Buildings can be restored, but life... it cannot. Now... fortunately one of the initial sites for the tunnel network is here, so it did not take us too long to run here. Though Grulgor picked me up, Luciana too. It was quite the discomforting conveyance. Certainly swift, though.” He chortled self-deprecatingly, continuing to snipe. “It will be better when the maglev trains are in place. But for now, they are already proving their worth...”

    Suk-ja nodded, her empty stomach and burned throat from her earlier vomiting hitting her now her adrenaline was running dry. Glancing at the burning buildings, feeling the heat sting her skin, she nodded. Yes, I’m grateful. Else... else I’d have had to do something about those two myself... but, Ji-ho-oppa, I think I can say I carried the pride of the Inevitable Victory today...

    ***

    Fifth - ???????????? - Somewhere in Romania

    “You look terrible.” The old woman, her hair a few strands of white, clinging to a wrinkled scalp, said compassionately. Her blue eyes were still keen, despite being buried in pale, wrinkled cheeks, and as the woman bustled about, wearing a plain, undyed long-sleeved and hemmed dress of wool, the girl managed a faint, embarrassed smile, careful to keep her mouth shut.

    Glancing at the window of the dilapidated, isolated shack she found herself in late at night, she looked at her reflection in the meticulously clean glass. Her eyes narrowed, and she felt shame at her appearance. Not her physical appearance, for she was tall, slender, with perfect proportions, and her hair was long and a stunning rose-gold, yet seemed to shimmer a metallic red when caught under the lights of the shack. Her eyes too, they were captivating, she had been told, long ago, though to her, it almost seemed an insult, and she had dismissed the speaker as trying to curry favour with her, or win her over. I was wrong of course. As to the motives, anyway...

    No, she was ashamed by the fact her alabaster skin was smeared with dirt and grime, her gorgeous hair lank, tangled and messy, and the lace dress she wore was barely fit to be rags, her golden necklace and all but two of her rings lost now. Her long, almost sharp fingernails were caked with filth, and though they could not be seen, her undergarments had seen better days as well.

    “...when I saw you outside, I thought perhaps you were a moroaica?, a vengeful ghost, come for me.” the old woman continued, as she warmed some soup on a stove, and poured out a generous measure of a rich-smelling drink, the scent of plums enticing. “Out so early in the morning, before the sun has even risen. You’re lucky these old bones don’t need much sleep anymore, and I was awake reading. Why, when you collapsed at my door...”

    The language was different to what she remembered, but the girl was a quick student, she had always been praised for that, before. And it was one of her gifts. Back then, she spoke nearly twenty languages, and could learn another in a week, so piecing together the changes were easy. What wasn’t was keeping her mouth shut, as the smells were making her drool a little, and then her stomach gurgled, shockingly loud in the confines of the small hut. Flushing faintly, she wished she had a hole in the ground to bury herself in blissful silent darkness, but she had nowhere to hide, so she simply covered her face with her hands.

    “None of that.” The old woman chuckled. “No shame in being hungry, and... my cooking is good, if I do say so myself, and... I make my own T?uica?, right here from the orchards around this valley.” She tapped the pretty, decorated cup the drink was in, and it made a rhythmic, ringing sound. “Now girl... eat up. No sense is ever said on an empty stomach, and on a full one, we have leisure to ponder.”

    She brought over the soup and the little cup. “Now, drink up. You’re not as young as you first look, are you, my dear? A woman, not a girl as I first thought.”

    The girl nodded. Yes, I am no child. Perhaps I never was. Taking a sip, careful not to show her mouth, her eyes widened at the taste, new yet somehow nostalgic, and her beautiful green eyes, which also seemed to contain a metallic lustre when the light hit them just right, that of a deep hepatizon alloy, widened involuntarily.

    Seeing that, the old woman was pleased. “Yes, my T?uica? is simply the best tonic for a weary mind and body. And a guest, no matter whether invited or not, should always have a cup. Don’t forget the soup now, dear. Alcohol on an empty stomach isn’t wise.”

    She nodded, finishing her cup, before eagerly drinking the soup. It was rich and beefy, and tasted faintly of metal, which further increased her flow of saliva, though it also had a very strong vinegary tang which made her sensitive nose wrinkle. Seeing that, the old woman grinned, and it was a wicked one for her age.

    “Beef tripe soup will put some meat on your bones, my dear. The tripe helps stimulate strong muscles and bones. You’re rather too scrawny, my dear, although...” she looked her up and down. “...it seems that might not always have been the case. You’ve a good height on you, so when you fill out again... you’ll be fending off the boys, yes. Or...” Seeing her ragged state, clothes torn and ripped, she frowned. “...maybe that’s not to your liking. My apologies. I won’t think any less of you, even if you were a woman of a certain profession. No different to selling labour, if you ask me.”

    The girl was slightly offended, but continued to drink the soup. Finally, she put the mug down, and nodded politely, before covering her mouth with one hand. “I... thank you for the meal. And for the shelter.” It was hard for her to form the words, and her accent was rather... archaic, but she managed. “I am... not that. I have more pride... but... I look like a beggar, and come bearing little. But... again, I have my pride. My...” Her face twisted, and faint tears trickled from her eyes, their colour now a blueish-green. “... no. I must not cry. I shall not cry.”

    As the woman looked on in sympathetic silence, the girl pulled off her smaller golden ring, placing it on the table. “Here. I have no coin. But this is gold, and the rubies are real.”

    “I can’t take that. It’s clearly important to you.” The old woman shook her head. “Besides, just for some soup, T?uica? and shelter... I have pride too, little girl.”

    “No, only one ring matters.” The girl disagreed. “Take it. If... it is too much, do you have water? I... I stink and am covered in filth, grave dirt. And... perhaps... a change of clothing? These... are not fit to be seen in.”

    “True.” The woman looked her up and down. “Winter is coming, and you’ll catch your death in those rags. A bath I can do, and... if you can wait a few hours, I can let out some of my old clothes. Goodness knows I hardly need a full wardrobe of them nowadays. I barely wear anything but dowdy wool dresses unless it’s the twice a month I make the trip out to the city for supplies and to sell my produce. No family left to visit me, you see. So... unexpected though this was, it’s nice to have company.”

    “It is nice. Yes.” The girl agreed, nodding, relieved now that the ring was taken, as the old woman scooped it up. “It has... been long. For company that I wished for.”

    “Like that, huh?” The old woman nodded knowingly. “Now, forgive me for being rude, dear, but you have a beautiful face, even if you’re currently rather pale and gaunt, as though you’ve not seem the outside in a long, long time. So... why hide your mouth? I can think of a few reasons, but... well, men can be cruel, and if a girl bites... don’t worry. Dentists nowadays can do miracles, girl, with implants and such. You might not be able to afford them, but one day... dentures are also very convincing, and cheap.”

    Dentist, dentures? The girl tilted her head, puzzled, before understanding her meaning. “I told you... it was not that. My... my teeth are just a little odd, is all. I... am self-conscious. Father told me never to show them to others carelessly. Father...”

    Seeing the girl sink into regrets, the old woman nodded, feeling rather ashamed. “I see. Well, dentists can do wonders. A goal to save for, yes? But... even with that, you’re a beauty under the muck, I wager. So... just smile. I promise not to be disgusted. Consider it payment for another favour, and I’ll drive you into the city later.”

    “Drive? Oh, a carriage. I do not smell horses, but...” the girl began, and when she received an odd response, she coughed, and lowered her hand gingerly. Her lips curved into a smile, and the old woman frowned, before laughing.

    “I see. Odd indeed. I would assume you were playing a prank on me, girl. Except for your state when you arrived on my doorstep. So, are you sure you aren’t a moroaica?, a strigoi, here to drain me dry?”

    At the second term, Strigoi, the girl trembled, eyes wavering. “I am not one to repay hospitality with ingratitude. I swear it.”

    “All right then. I was just joking, anyway... such things don’t exist... I would have said, would you have asked me a few weeks ago. But what with that mess in Britain. I was shocked. It was all everyone talked about in the city. Makes me think I should have a satellite dish installed for television.”

    I do not understand her words. But...it seems something happened, somewhere far away? Seeing that confusion, the old woman explained, and the girl listened intently. When the story was told, the girl nodded. I see. Others... like the one...

    “Well, enough of this. No need to be shy. Help yourself to the shower.” The woman ushered her into a small room, neatly tiled on walls and floor, with a small tub. The girl looked around for the stove to heat the water, only for the woman to give her a strange look.

    “What? You don’t have amnesia or something like that, do you?”

    “No, no.” The girl shook her head. “I... am just not used to bathing alone.”

    “What are you, some runaway rich girl? Might explain a lot. Maybe you will bring trouble to my door. But... by evening you’ll be on your way. Here, I’ll wash you. Give me those rags, girl. Oh, wait, I can’t keep calling you girl. I’m Valeska. You?”

    “I am... Ileana.” She replied slowly. “A moon that illuminates.”

    “A lovely name. rather old-fashioned, but then... not all the past is bad.” As she was stripped off, Ileana shivered a little. She then watched in fascination as the strange metal devices poured out instant hot water, no servants required. Soon, she was soaking in the small tub, Valeska washing her hair. She luxuriated in the feeling, though when she saw how black the water turned with her filth, she flushed a little again, the barest pink in her alabaster skin.

    “There, all done.” A sudden sound roaring by her ear when she left the bath made her jump, warm air on her skin. She tensed, nails out, hissing, only to see Valeska holding a strange, loud object.

    “Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a hairdryer, with hair such as yours? And I thought I lived without much luxury.” Valeska snorted.

    “I... someone else always dried my hair.” Ileana huffed defensively. “I thank you for this kindness.” She luxuriated in having her hair combed out straight, and then strange clothes were laid out for her, a pair of male pants, in a durable blue fabric with what looked like brass buttons, as well as a loose-fitting shirt.

    “You’ll have to give me time for the rest.” Valeska gestured with her undergarment, a corset shift, which was woefully stained and even torn in places, the cloth rubbed to near see-through. Once more Ileana flushed, thinking of being seen in that.

    “I don’t have any old-fashioned undergarments. You’ll have to make do. The panties I can make work, but the bra... I’ll see what I can do...”

    Pulling on the pants, which Valeska called jeans, Ileana did up the buttons. It was a tight fit, and she felt uncomfortable in more ways than one, but they did look durable. Loosely buttoning up her shirt, she felt the pleasure of being clean for the first time in so long. Taking another cup of T?uica?, and snacking on some spiced beef jerky, her stomach was full too, and the inside of the small house was warm.

    Spoiler

    [collapse]

    It may not have grandeur, but it is certainly paradise compared to my recent troubles. Pouring herself another cup of the plum liquor, Ileana froze, her keen smell and hearing picking up someone, no, many people approaching. Then there was a knock on the door.

    “Oh, two visitors in one day. What a shock.” The old woman stood up. Ileana wanted to bid her stay her hand, but there was no point, as they were all around the house now. The door opened, and outside was a man, a man she recognised. You, monster of that hated God...

    The man was handsome, she had to admit. Though that was tempered by the cold, judging expression on his face. With close-cropped brown hair, olive skin and piercing brown eyes, he looked like a handsome courtier, except for the thick chainmail he wore, white surcoat draped over it, and the heavy, flanged mace he carried that weighed more than an ordinary man could wield. He was leaning on a shield in the shape of a wagon wheel, and as the door opened, he bowed.

    “My apologies for the intrusion. I am Judge Alexandru Ardelean, and I mean you no harm, good woman. Instead...” His eyes searched the room behind her, and as he met Ileana’s gaze, his cold expression turned almost benevolent, and his grip tightened on his mace. “...it seems I’ve found you, wicked, Godless spirit who should have stayed in her grave. We found the others, exhumed them and consigned them to the fires, but you... you can run, little rabbit. You can certainly run...”

    For a moment, Ileana trembled, fear of her endless pursuer striking her dumb, then she hissed, fight-or-flight instinct kicking in, and aether surged, her blood boiling within her...