Seven Hundred And Two
I’d been joined by Shaeula and Ellie, and we’d now made our way towards northern London, to Finchley, where Mary-Jane had a modest semi-detached house along one of the quieter suburban streets. While obviously the prices of all properties in London had spiked massively over the last twenty years, as this was her family home, as Ellie explained, she obviously hadn’t bought it at such inflated values.
That begs the question… Shaeula beat me to it though, a thin smile curving her lips. “It is a nice-nice house… compared to the tiny travesty of an apartment Akio was living in when we first met…” She couldn’t resist a dig at my poverty-line living conditions of back then, and now I was the one smiling slightly. “…but it does-does make me wonder.”
“Oh?” Ellie asked, raising an eyebrow. After our trip to purchase the Goring hotel and set up the Ring Gate, secured by my Satellite Anchor, Ellie had brightened up, certainly, perhaps thinking about how she could come and go not merely in the Astral, but on the Material too, without Ling’s aid. However, after Shaeula had joined us, to go to the lunch Mary-Jane had invited us to, her steps had slowed, her expression tense, as if what waited ahead was unpleasant, or troubling.
I understand Ellie’s trepidation…
I know you do. Shaeula agreed mentally, not willing to disturb Ellie. She both hopes for and fears the outcome of what we do here. She has seen Mary-Jane nearly die once, her power torn away…
Yes, and while it happened to Aditi too, and she regained her will and power to fight… Aditi doesn’t have a family… no, that’s wrong, of course she has parents, but… she’s not married, doesn’t have children. It’s a dichotomy, I think. Ellie’s in a way relieved that Mary-Jane doesn’t have a Favour anymore. But…
Indeed. Despite everything, she chose to fight still, and has taken the Eyes Christina can provide, and significant training. Despite what Eleanor thinks, Mary-Jane made her choice, and I can respect it.
As can I.
“Yes.” Shaeula made efforts to distract Ellie from her worries, tone jovial. “Do you not-not pay your Chosen well? I would think she could have a larger, more palatial mansion, if she so wished?”
“That’s your question?” Ellie spluttered, relieved. “Honestly, we do pay our Chosen, and those who served on my team were paid exceptionally generously, out of Royal coffers, not by the taxpayers.” she hastened to add, as if a point of pride. “I suppose that makes it all the more galling that… that I was betrayed by so many, including those close to me.”
“It’s fine.” I pulled her into a one-armed hug as we walked closer to Mary-Jane’s home, the front garden immaculate, though a little barren due to the winter season and sharp morning frost which was only now starting to melt. “Tomorrow I’ll settle things with those who aren’t worthy of the Favours they hold, and… those who were taken so cruelly, and wish to give up their burdens. Then they too can be dealt with as the law dictates and we can move on. But…” I took a deep breath as I felt Ellie tremble, Shaeula silent beside me, quietly understanding. “…you also can’t move on until Mary-Jane comes to her own conclusion. Aditi has satisfied her heart and will, now…”
“Yes.” Ellie agreed, as we reached the front door. It was brown, with a polished brass knocker, and a doorbell next to it. I waited for Ellie to press it, and after a moment’s hesitation, she did, our ears picking up the chime from inside the house, a quiet, motherly voice which was familiar to us, and the chattering of two children. Footsteps were coming closer, and I squeezed Ellie’s shoulder with my arm one last time before releasing her to spare her from embarrassment in front of her colleague and friend.
Moments later, the door swung open, and two young children were gawping up at us, eyes wide. One was a young boy, perhaps twelve or so, with the same ash-brown hair as Mary-Jane, which seemed greyish in a certain light, and similar hazel eyes, while the other, standing a little behind him, was a curious little girl in a white dress of around eight or nine. Her hair, in cute pigtails, was the same colour, perhaps a little greyer, and her eyes had a greenish tint to them, as she gazed at us, lips open in both shyness and wonder.
“Whoa, mom, mom!” the boy called. “It’s really them!”
“Yes…” Mary-Jane stuck her and torso head around the corner, perhaps from the kitchen, judging by the smell, and the fact I could see she was wearing an apron, patterned with ducklings. Here, she seems just like a housewife. But then again, that’s what she is as well… “…of course it is. You know I work with Princess Eleanor now, don’t you? And Mr Oshiro and Miss Dannan are my good friends…”
“Please, there is no-no need for formalities, though I daresay you are trying to make-make a good impression in front of your children, yes?”
“Wow!” the little girl opened her greenish eyes wide, her voice high-pitched and amused. “She did-did it!
As Shaeula tilted her head, puzzled, Mary-Jane waved a ladle mock-threateningly. “Lily, Noah, be good. I’ve always raised you to be mannerly with guests.”
“Aww, but mom…” the young boy, Noah, protested, before Mary-Jane, slightly exasperated, a gentle smile on her face, reminded them to let us in and show us to the sitting room. Perking up, Lily grabbed Shaeula’s hand and began tugging her, much to Shaeula’s amusement, and Noah, the older and more mature sibling, nodded, putting on a grand expression which he hoped was suitably welcoming.
“Oh, Princess, uh… Prince, I guess? Mom taught us the husband of a Princess is a Prince, yeah?” Noah seemed a little unsure, but as Ellie only smiled, he regained his confidence. “Whoa, nobody at school is going to believe me when I tell them. Mom says we’re not to brag…” He lowered his voice conspiratorially, glancing back at the kitchen, before smiling at us again. “…but our mom’s a hero, isn’t she? Although…”
His lower lip wobbled a bit, as I removed my shoes, Ellie doing likewise, though Shaeula didn’t get a to chance under Lily’s cheerful pulling.
“…I was scared when she was in hospital. Dad said she wouldn’t die, that mom’s strong, but even so… it was… not nice.” He seemed to struggle to think of just how bad it was, and Ellie felt that keenly, her face suddenly pale, but I reached out and took her hand, holding her tightly, and she shot me a surprised but grateful glance.
“Indeed.” Shaeula patted Lily’s head with her free hand, a little water element swirling around her shoes, making sure they were clean. “I do think your mother is most-most brave. Now then, shall we go sit down?”
Lily smiled brightly. “Yes, but…” As she reached the door to the sitting room, she stretched out her small arm and one of her legs, as if to block the door, though her petite size made that difficult. As Shaeula raised one eyebrow quizzically, Lily giggled. “I am barring your way!”
“Oh.” Shaeula understood, and her thoughts were amused. I do quite like this little one, she is most entertaining. I shall play along… “You would bar-bar my way to your comfy chairs? I, Shaeula Tu Shae Dannan, princess of the Seelie, Duchess of the Spring of Clear Reflections, and friend of your mother?”
As she delivered the line with appropriate gravitas and aplomb, Lily’s eyes went wide with glee, as she stepped aside, and even Noah had to smile, his earlier gloom lifting. “Sorry about my sister. She’s been a big fan of Shaeula ever since she saw her on TV. Maybe it’s because she’s small? Lily thinks Shaeula isn’t much older than her.”
“I am afraid I am much-much older.” Shaeula countered playfully. “And much-much bigger…” She stretched up on tiptoes, and Lily continued to laugh. Soon, we stepped inside the well-kept, neat sitting room, the curtains drawn back, the window facing the quiet London street letting in the wan, early-afternoon sun.
As Shaeula was pulled to the sofa, Lily sitting down beside her politely, we noticed a man, probably around the same age as Mary-Jane, surely her husband. He’d dressed up, which I felt was unnecessary, in a smart suit, looking a bit out of place in the comfortable, upholstered chair he was sitting in. As we entered, he stood, but Ellie, expression rueful, gestured for him to sit down.
“There’s no need to stand for me, Patrick.” Ellie shook her head. “We’re not here as… well, I’m not sure what we’re here as today, but I do know it’s not as someone you should feel nervous of.”
“That’s a tough ask. I saw the news, and Janey…” He gave a rather cute nickname for his wife, which made Shaeula smirk teasingly. “…told me all about it. You’re going to be Queen, and beside you is your fiancé. Then there’s the young miss here.” He glanced at Shaeula, who seemed to enjoy the title. More importantly… Janey owes you her life. Without your aid, I’d be a widower, and our kids would have to grow up without a mother.”
“I don’t know about that. It was my failures which led to Mary-Jane being so gravely injured, and her Favour stolen. So I think it’s wrong to say that. Perhaps you can say it to Akio though…”
“Ah, but your failures are my failures, Ellie. And my successes yours too. So I don’t think it unreasonable to say you helped.” I countered, and Patrick chuckled, reaching out for a handshake, and as we clasped hands, he pointed to a second couch.
“You two really do get on well. It’s good to see. Take a seat. Lunch won’t be for a little while, but Janey will reach a point she just needs to keep an eye on it soon. It’s nothing fancy, but…” He smiled at Shaeula then. “…I don’t normally encourage drinking early during the week, but Janey tells me you like a tipple.”
“I do-do. Have no fear, my constitution is good, and when I need to be sober, I can be.” Shaeula agreed. Soon, Mary-Jane brought in some glasses and a bottle of whiskey, as well as some small bowls of nuts and other light bites. As Shaeula poured herself a glass, Mary-Jane gave her kids juice, while she was drinking tea, though her husband did have a glass of whiskey. Mary-Jane sat down beside her daughter, alongside Shauela, and then smiled warmly.
“I’m so very glad you could visit. I… wanted my family to meet you all. And…” She hesitated for a moment, and Ellie, still feeling guilty about everything, managed to speak.
“You do know I’ll respect your choice, Mary-Jane. You’ve been a friend, and… dare I say it… even a teacher to us. David would certainly chuckle at that.” Indeed, Ellie snorted an unladylike, bitter laugh herself.
As Mary-Jane nodded, Ellie continued. “I know you worry, you feel that leaving us without your strength is adding to our danger, but… you have a family, Mary-Jane. A loving husband, and two wonderful children, by the looks of it.”
Lily giggled pridefully at that, and Noah flushed, belying his age and lack of experience with women such as Ellie.
“I just… don’t want them to have to face the same scenario again. Or worse. It doesn’t feel fair.” Ellie bowed her head, her hand cold and sweaty in mine. For a long time nobody spoke, the only sounds Shaeula sipping at her whiskey, before Mary-Jane turned to me, her hazel eyes earnest and serious.
“And what do you think of this, Mr Oshiro… oh no, you hate the formality, don’t you? My apologies.”
“I hate it from my friends, and we are friends, and comrades. Honestly, everyone has family. Friends. Lovers. People who’d miss them, who are anxious and fear for them. I get Ellie’s worries, but… things are different now. But first, let me ask you a question. As a teacher, I daresay you’d tell me it’s rude to answer a question with a question, but bear with me.”
“I will.” Mary-Jane agreed. “By all means, ask. You have earned my respect, so I shall be candid.”
“Great. Shaeula asked why you still live here, despite getting paid to be a member of Ellie’s team? You could move to a bigger, nicer place, couldn’t you?” I felt I knew the answer but needed her to vocalise it. One of my goals in coming here was to help Ellie get over her guilt at nearly getting Mary-Jane and Aditi killed, and the betrayals which split Britain’s Chosen.
“Oh, we certainly could.” Mary-Jane agreed. “Princess Eleanor and her family, and indeed the government, have been fair. But it is hardly like we need to.” She shook her head. “Unlike you, Akio…” She found it a little difficult to be so informal, but I appreciated her effort. “…we hardly need a score of rooms for everyone. It will be worse when you have children.”
“That’s true.” Ellie chuckled. “Though from what I gather, Asha’s will be… rather more like toddlers than newborn infants.”
“Even so, life will change. They are so very precious, our children. To answer your question in full, the money… our family has enough. So I would rather help the less fortunate. Though I do feel guilty. Maxwell Power was not the philanthropist I took him for. Regardless, donating to orphanages and schooling projects… I feel that makes up for, in some small ways, the guilt I bear for having to fight and even kill. They may not be humans, like us, but… the Goblins and others, they were sapient, living beings. To take a life is heavy, no matter the reason. It is… balance, I suppose. And the weight on my conscience.”
“I see.” I nodded. “A fine answer. But even so, do treat your family. It helps to remember why we do this, at least for me.”
“Continuity of experience, in the early years, is key to a child’s development.” Patrick added, smiling at his kids. Noah was adorable, trying to listen to the difficult, adult conversation properly, while Lily was no less so, holding her glass of juice in imitation of Shaeula, sipping when she did.
It reminds me of Aine a bit. Aine’s not so young, though oddly enough Christina still babies her somewhat. But I don’t have the heart to interfere.
I know just what you mean… Shaeula agreed. Seeing anything… compassionate… from that female is to be encouraged. Though I have little liking for her, she is annoyingly sincere and honest, which I have to respect, and we do need her. Shortly in fact. While Eri could surely fill in for her…
Yes, I know Eri would do it, and gladly, but I’ll not be slicing her up and experimenting on her. Like Christina says, it’s her atonement, no matter how meagre…
“So, keeping the same school, the same living environment, unless there are deficiencies which need remedying, of course, can be beneficial. Besides…” Patrick and Mary-Jane both gazed affectionately at their children. “…we live well enough. It doesn’t do to have them grow arrogant.”
“Oho, a dig at Akio there, I see-see!” Shaeula nodded sagely, Lily imitating her. “But yes, to be fair, we have grown a touch boastful, of late-late. But no matter… we have cause.”
“Maybe so.” I agreed, and then, Noah spoke up.
“Is mom… a hero? She is, right? Fighting the bad guys, saving people? Like you did.” His questioning, desperate stare was a little painful, and Lily was matching it on Shaeula. Ellie reddened, feeling a little left out, but I squeezed her hand affectionately again.
“Yes. That’s right.” I agreed. “Your mother isn’t just that, she was the backbone of the team. Healing, support, it’s a vital role. She was the moral spine of the team too, from what I hear. And the bad guys tried to stop her, but they failed.” The kids were hanging on my every word, and Mary-Jane’s cheeks reddened as Patrick watched on, his gaze warm, affectionate and trusting.
“But just like on TV, the bad guys did manage to take her power away. And she’s been trying very hard to get stronger again, because that’s what heroes do. They don’t stay down. A hero isn’t someone who always wins. A hero is someone who never gives up. Like your mother, and her friend Aditi. And Ellie here. Shaeula too…”
“Don’t forget yourself, Akio.” Mary-Jane’s smile was warm. “…even now you are being stubborn. But… Princess…”
“Right here, I’m in your home, Mary-Jane.”
“Eleanor then. To think I’d be addressing our upcoming Queen so casually…”
“I believe grandmother is the same way.” Ellie added, to some chuckles.
“…I’m quite capable of weighing up what I want from life. My children… I’m so delighted they are proud of me, and while I always fear I’ll leave them behind one day, I know Patrick will look after them well, and they won’t be left wanting by the state either, and… what I do changes the world. Makes it better. So…” She bowed, flustering Ellie, as Shaeula cackled, Lily imitating her, and Noah watched on with eyes full of pride and curiosity. “…Akio, I do believe you’ve come with purpose. Know… I am ready to stand beside everyone again, be a part of Eleanor’s team, and make Britain safe, for the children, and for those parents who have the same fears I have, just on perhaps a humbler scale. So that one day, when this is all over, I can teach classrooms of smiling, happy children once again.”
“A worthy goal. The way things are going, maybe some of mine will be among them.” I lightened the mood, finishing my glass of whiskey. “You’re right. I have one that’s perfect for you, though it leans more towards healing. I know before you were healer, support and some additional damage, and that Callie’s on the team now, and she’s more a pure healer, with a few offensive tricks we’ve drummed into her and added via her gear, but… things are different. There’s not Ellie’s team now. As of today, London and Tokyo are properly linked. We can go between them in both the Material and Boundary unaided. So consider us all one big Territory and team.”
Mary-Jane was listening closely, and then she nodded. “Patrick, Noah, Lily, we’ve talked about this, haven’t we?”
“Yes. I trust your judgement.” Patrick agreed, before he smiled at me ruefully. “A skill you’ll have to learn in spades, Akio.”
I nodded, chuckling, as their children added their own pleas.
“I want mom to get back to being a hero again!” Noah said. “I can’t tell anyone at school or my friends, but… we know mom’s awesome!”
“Don’t bar-bar mom’s way!” Lily giggled and then laughed louder as Shaeula playfully ruffled her hair.
“How can we refuse that? Besides... there are no guarantees in life. I’m not a fool or a liar. But…” I promised. “…there’ll be no betrayals with us, and we’re stronger together. As we’ll prove on the coast soon enough. And I know Ellie wants you there, Mary-Jane. Sir Arthur too, Aditi, and even David.”
“Then it’s settled.” Mary-Jane made up her mind, before standing, “I know you are very busy, with many demands on your time, so… I do appreciate you came here to visit my humble home and meet my family.” She smiled at her kids. “After all, Lily and Noah are big fans of yours.”
“Then we simply must-must take pictures, and sign autographs!” Shaeula insisted. Mary-Jane didn’t allow her children anything more than a basic old-fashioned mobile for emergencies, so we took them on Patrick’s phone and he sent them to their family computer. The children were delighted, and then Mary-Jane called that lunch was served…
***
After an enjoyable lunch, with a far lighter set of conversation, Shaeula regaling Lily and Noah with tales of our adventures, while Ellie talked a little about how we’d met and grown closer, it was time. Changing clothes to a loose black tracksuit and white t-shirt, Mary-Jane sat on the edge of her bed, pensive, though her Spiritual Eyes Of Earth gleamed with aether as she watched, trying to glean more insights, an effort I appreciated.
“I am prepared. The pain is only temporary.” She seemed to want to convince herself, but I assured her it wouldn’t be too painful.
“Actually, compared to the Eyes this should be easy. Anyway, you’ll be a bit unbalanced, but the work you’ve already put in, the Eyes, the elements, Ether Healing… it’ll just magnify your utility. And any offence your team is lacking can easily be made up for with some of our members. Like I said, we’re one big happy family.”
“Indeed we are. I do teach history classes sometimes.” Mary-Jane’s smile was warm. “Dynasties accruing through marriage… it’s very… historic. It’s certainly a wonderful time to be alive, from a cultural standpoint. Now then… I’m ready.”
Her kids, as well as her husband, were watching through the doorway, though Shaeula and Ellie were chatting to keep them calm. Seeing them there, Mary-Jane put on her calmest expression, though her clenched fists revealed her nervous anxiety and trepidation. All right, let’s get this done.
Bhaiṣajyaguru’s Lapis Lazuli Radiance - This Divine Favour is made of concentrated Adherence, refined Ether and Soullight-infused Truesoul strands. The Favour allows one to call upon the Unique Light Elemental energy, the Lapis Lazuli Light Of Healing And Purification, which will encourage and strengthen the natural recovery and regeneration of those whom the Light touches. It will also weaken curses, negative Karma and ill-Fortune, and cause Light Elemental damage to those who have strongly negative Karma or are of a wicked Spiritual nature.
In addition, it offers a beneficial affinity to Light Elemental energies and strengthens the wielder and their ability to utilise such Light Elemental energies.
Just as Bhaiṣajyaguru swore twelve vows and pledged to bring wisdom, good health, moral righteousness and satiety to those who sees his Lapis Lazuli radiance, so too will you be able to shine with righteousness, and banish impiety, ignorance and affliction. [Class: Imperious] [Type: Artifice]
“I had Karen-chan look into Bhaiṣajyaguru’s vows. Honestly, they do seem to fit you rather well, Mary-Jane. I know you’ll do the Medicine Buddha proud. Just… be a bit careful…” I chuckled as I worked Chirurgery and Ether Healing, my conversation designed to relax her and take her mind off the pain, as this Favour was a glittering stream of linked blue motes which wound around her crown, third eye and root Chakras. “…he’s not the Buddha Tan despises, but I wouldn’t mention him around her anyway.”
“I shall… bear that in mind.” She was sweating now, forehead beading, t-shirt damp, and I was going to wipe it away, but her husband and kids came in with towels Shaeula had handed them, and they began to mop her brow and sodden body as my Chirurgery wound to a close.
“You’re doing great, mom!” Noah was proud, though his eyes showed he was sad his mom was hurting.
“Yes, mom, you’re the best. Or…” She glanced at Shaeula, who gave a cheeky wave.
“I do not-not begrudge you thinking your parents are the greatest. I do not-not share that sentiment myself, I love my family but acknowledge their many flaws, yet… your mother, in this moment, is indeed-indeed a female to respect.”
At Shaeula’s praise, Lily started crying, and her father wiped the tears away tenderly. Mary-Jane was smiling, watching the scene, and that gave me a chance to make the final, most painful adjustments while she was distracted. She winced, biting her lip, but held on, and then I was done.
My Eyes shone amber, and as she drew in a shuddering breath, blue light bloomed, a deep, rich dark shade. As the room was filled with the light, her children exclaimed in amazement, and even I felt my Ether Healing churning, effect magnified, almost as if I’d broken through to another Rank, even though my Skill remained the same.
“Thank you.” Mary-Jane bowed to me in a passable imitation of a Japanese person, though sitting on the bed made it a bit awkward. I stopped her though, my smile matching Ellie’s.
“No need. We’re friends and comrades. And now… I hope Ellie can let go of one more of her regrets. I’m her fiancé, remember? Helping her with that kind of goes with the role, don’t you think?”
“You’re doing great.” Patrick approved. “Although…” He nodded sympathetically at Ellie and Shaeula. “…you’ll have it hard with him. You’ve many rivals.”
“Ordinarily, I’d definitely not approve, but…” Mary-Jane sniffed herself, ashamed of her sweat. “…knowing Eleanor’s mind and having been the beneficiary of help from both Akio and many of his other women… if there is love and everyone consents, I suppose I should be accepting.”
“We should go.” Ellie had indeed picked up on Mary-Jane’s wish to shower and change. “We are indeed in somewhat of a hurry. I… am happy for you. If this is what you truly want…”
“It is.” Mary-Jane insisted. “Eleanor, you know my mind. I agonised over it at first, being a Gods’ Chosen, but now… I know what the stakes are, and leaving matters half done, a task unfinished, sits poorly with me, and sets a bad example for my children. I will be fine. I promise.”
“Yes, Janey’s a stubborn woman. But that’s why I love her.” Patrick chuckled. “Kids, thank your new friends, okay?”
“Thank you for helping mom.” Noah’s words were heartfelt, and Lily clapped happily, her own smile a broad, childish grin.
“Yes, thanks for making mom smile again. Even if she’s a bit whiffy now!”
“Lily!” Mary-Jane reddened. “Mind your manners.”
Lily giggled, and Shaeula teased her a little, poking at her cheeks, and soon we were ready to go.
“Take a couple of days to rest and spend time with your family. And practice a little. We’re clearing that troublesome nest this time, without question.” Ellie insisted, and after some final farewells, we left, though Lily had started sniffling, not wanting Shaeula to leave, until Mary-Jane gave her a hug and promised they’d see us again. Which indeed they will. It’s not far at all from our home in Tokyo now, a brisk jog for someone with our stats. Which is strange to consider…
“That was quite-quite fun.” Shaeula observed. “Now, I do hope you are feeling more resolved, Eleanor? Mary-Jane is a strong female. Conflicted, but she does not-not wish you to fight without her, nor your comrades.”
“Yes. I’m conflicted too, but…” She brightened, as we headed back to meet up with those who were coming through the Ring Gate at the Goring. “…you’re right, Akio. I literally am just a short walk away from you now. I feel reassured!”
“As do I. It means I can come kiss you any time I want!” I playfully made good on that, and as Ellie reddened, complaining people might be watching, the atmosphere brightened up.
And with what’s coming up… let’s just say we might be able to add a little joy to the world, despite the troubles ahead…
***
“This is marvellous. Utterly wonderful. To think that the so-called Material world can be forced to follow the same laws as the Astral. That tells me that Astral Laws are of a higher order. Maddening, from a logical perspective. But so very exciting.” Christina was rhapsodising about the experience, having come through the Ring Gate, accompanied by Uncle Daimon and his two fellow Onmyōji, so that they could perform their Kekkai and help Christina to go beyond her limits. I… almost feel a little sad at her eagerness…
“Greetings to you. Oh, is Yukiko not with you today?” Uncle Daimon asked, and I shook my head.
“No, she’s out with the others, they’re sightseeing.”
“Without you? That will lessen their fun, I fear.” He grinned boyishly, and I nodded.
“Yeah, so after this, we’ll all go have some fun, but first…” I glanced at Christina, who was lost in thought, rambling about the Hierarchy Problem, Quantum/Classical Disparity, and Homogeneity Of Space. “…snap out of it, okay? If you get amazed by that, you’ll never reach the pinnacles of science.”
“Hah, true.” She went to wipe at her mouth with one sleeve, only to pause, and actually pull out a handkerchief, mopping at her drool, though it did smear her lipstick a little. Wearing lipstick again, huh? Poor Bethany’s putting in work…
Christina was in tight charcoal trousers and a white ruffled blouse which highlighted her figure, and I had to admit ‘clothes maketh the woman’ as she looked, barring her smudged lipstick and sloppy expression, like a fashionable young woman out on the town.
“So anyway, I should be good for at least five pairs…” she added, and Uncle Daimon winced.
“That might be pushing it. You have barely recovered.” he warned, and she shrugged.
“No pain, no gain, am I right? Besides, after today I can take a break for a while. Oh…” She narrowed her eyes at me then. “Did you see Adam then?”
“I did. He told me you’ve been reinstated, so you can pull the Vermillion List and all related data remotely, if you have the means. I’m guessing the laptop you brought with you before would work?”
“Yes, that would do it!” She rubbed her hands together eagerly. “It must be killing Adam to turn to you for help, you’re the epitome of the threat he sees, but Adam’s nothing if not ruthlessly pragmatic, and equally as brutal with himself as he is with others. So he’ll do it. Anyway, it’s something for me to enjoy thinking about while I’m dying from the pain.” She winked teasingly at me and Ellie rolled her eyes, Shaeula snorting as well. Seeing not everyone was enthused by her antics, she changed tack, cutting her losses, getting back into working Christina mode.
“So then, where is this Free Hospital? Not a concept that would go far in America. We do have a few charitable clinics, but in general, you’d be lucky to get a free glass of tap water while you wait six hours to be seen. I do say the idea appeals though. And it’s a working teaching hospital and study centre too?”
I nodded. “That’s the plan. I’ve a decent amount of knowledge, Shaeula and the others too.” She nodded behind me, expression proud. “But trained medical professionals with a better grasp of the human body and the diseases and injuries it can suffer… surely they’ll excel in revolutionising our understanding and help us do more with less. It might even lead to further Skill breakthroughs for us all, and even if it doesn’t…” I smiled at Ellie. “…we’ll be doing good deeds.”
“Yes, I’m touched. Grandmother was too, as was mother. Henry was overjoyed, of course, and…” Ellie’s smile was now a little ashamed. “…though she’d never admit it, I know Melissa approves. Though she probably will never say so.”
“Hey, so long as she grows to accept us in time, that’ll do. I’m not going for approval, but acceptance would be nice, so we don’t have to walk on eggshells around your brother all the time. Okay, so the site is near here, towards South Kensington.”
We soon reached the site, which appeared more like an office block than a hospital. Hinata had purchased it for me, which meant that, as it was just within a kilometre of the Satellite Anchor at the Goring, it was also merged with the lower Astral. We’d dropped a Barrier Spire Anchor Spire as the one to enhance this Satellite Territory, so we could set up some small secondary barriers to protect this site and the Ring Gate.
“It’s… rather humble.” Christina looked up at the six-story building. “Though the sign is nice.”
Indeed, we’d had work done, and a stylised, chibi version of Ellie adorned the centre, where the traditional hospital sign in Britain, of a bold white H on a blue background, was placed between the words of the name. Her blue gown was a different colour to the hospital blue, and so merged in at the edges, and she held a sword, pointing up at the sky. Ellie flushed, shaking her head, and Shaeula giggled wickedly, claiming she was jealous, and wanted likewise for herself.
“Princess Eleanor Free Hospital…” Christina frowned. “…isn’t it already out of date?”
“Yes, but it’s tradition to leave it be, so it’s like a piece of history.” I added. As we walked I was amusing myself by peeking into the chat between Eri, my sis, Asha and the others as they went touring. Right now they were cruising the Thames on a private charter.
Sounds fun.
How about tonight? Liz says she’ll put a yacht at our disposal. Not an ordinary one too, but her river yacht! She used it for her Golden Jubilee!
Sounds great, but before that…
Inside the hospital, we were greeted by our hired security, some veterans of the British Armed Forces, and though they were nursing injuries, and in one case, a prosthetic leg, we were going to fix that. Seeing us, they respectfully saluted, and Ellie waved a hand, face red.
“Don’t stand on ceremony, gentlemen. I’m just Eleanor today.”
“Maybe so…” the first man agreed. “…but we respect the hell out of you, Princess. Takes a lot of guts to fight in a war, especially one fought hand-to-hand!”
“Indeed, Eleanor is most-most bold.” Shaeula agreed. “Now then… we should go. The sooner we begin, the sooner you shall all be healthy again, yes?”
They stood to attention at Shaeula’s words, a reaction that amused me, as Shaeula’s naturally high Majesty and Charm compelled such a response. Soon we’d taken the elevator to the top floor, where the office was. Inside, Prince Henry was waiting, alongside several dozen combat veterans, as well as a dozen retired army nurses, doctors and medical staff, Catherine Allison, who seemed ill-at-ease and desperate to speak to me, and lastly, Simon Michaels and the other recipients of the New Year’s Honours. It was a big office, here on the top floor, but even so, it was quite packed.
“Ellie, Akio, Shaeula… you made it.” Henry greeted us. His expression soured when he saw Christina, but he was still polite, and she was in return, which confused him for a moment, before he asked after Uncle Daimon and his companions. I introduced them as helpers for the Eyes, and he nodded.
“Right, right. That’s great. Anyway, the boys and girls are eager to get started, but first, some questions. The wards… they’re a bit bare bones. There is some emergency equipment, but some of the lads were asking… maybe you haven’t had time to buy all the gear you need? It must cost a fair amount too. I don’t mind chipping in…”
“Actually, that’s intentional. We need gear for emergencies and transfers, yes, but… this isn’t the sort of hospital you stay in long-term.” I added. We all sat down, and a couple of the veterans made us all coffee, though it was strong and black, Shaeula’s nose twitching a little from the bitterness, and I pretended not to see as she produced a flask from her storage and added a few nips of whiskey.
“Now, here’s some materials to explain.” I’d had Karen-chan, or rather, Noboru-san and Taku Tanaka-san, my ex-neighbours who now worked under her, put together a report, and it was quite well done, them growing into their roles well. I had it displayed on the projector screen.
“Most of the patients will be taken care of immediately and will only need to stay a few hours to a day for observations. Hence why most of the rooms almost resemble hotel ones. Though some emergency equipment such as defibrillators, ventilators and the like are still necessary, as are medications, though we’ll be phasing those out for potions once our production ramps up. Anyway… we’re a hospital for rapid, miraculous treatments, so it’s a case of volume. Though…” My grin was wicked now. “…I expect regular feedback on the taste of the blue potions. You’ll be downing them like energy drinks soon enough!”
I produced a few for testing. “These restore your aether, allowing you to either Heal more complex cases, or a number of simpler ones. This isn’t a game, but it’s similar in some respects. If you put in the work, you can do more good. Anyway… Shaeula, you take all the women, I’ll get busy with the men. The floor below us has suitable rooms.”
“Before you go…” Catherine had watched the presentation in silence, but she reached out and boldly grabbed my sleeve. “About that matter… I can’t just leave it alone!”
I nodded. “Yes. I imagine you can’t. All right, if you’re not embarrassed having a man like me perform Chirurgery, I’ll take care of you. In addition, you’re due the first pair of Eyes anyway. Are you ready, Christina?”
“Oh yes, little miss Christina is always eager to please. You, anyway. Lead on.”
“Oh, before you go…” Henry was a bit shamefaced. “…the first patients aren’t exactly marquee events, but even so, there are ten seriously ill young people from Great Ormond Street who have less than a year to live, barring organ donations or miracles, for some. We didn’t want to bring over any true emergency cases, but… I sort of reached out… anonymously… of course. To a friend of mine who knows people. So… there are six children in critical condition in intensive care that can’t be moved. If you could visit with Ellie, do a Lazarus on them, well, it’d work wonders for Ellie’s image… and… there may be some sympathetic journalists who just happen to be visiting later.”
“Fine. We’re heading back that way anyway, it’s not far from the Palace. It might be motivational too, for our new trainees.” I mused.
“Right, right!” Henry agreed, clapping his hands together. “Best way to learn is watching the experts do their thing!”
With that said, I was soon in a private room with Catherine, who was watching as the Kekkai was performed. Since this site was starting to merge with the lower Astral, the density, while not fully sufficient, allowed the Kekkai ritual to function, and our guest watched in confused silence, momentarily forgetting why she’d come with me.
“Oh… the President!” she remembered, crying out before covering her mouth. “The President.” she repeated in a whisper. “What are we going to do about him and his bodyguards?”
“A good question. It’s clearly artificial, and widespread, according to a source of mine. I’m looking into it, and as soon as we have a better idea we can act. After all, you don’t think it immediately harmful, do you?”
She bit her lip and shook her head. “While it’s impossible to be sure, I’d say not, though longer-term it’ll strain the heart and nervous system severely.”
“Great. Well, I’ll be asking for your help when I get more findings. But for now…” I grinned. “…do you want to keep your old eyes as a souvenir? My sis set hers in crystal and made earrings out of them, though thank all the Gods and Kami she never wore them, at least not that I’ve seen…”
“Wait, what, my eyes… oh?” She remembered what she was here for but perhaps wasn’t thinking we were going to do it precisely like we intended.
“Don’t worry, it only hurts for a little bit… no, that’s a lie. It’s not any fun, but… nothing ventured, nothing gained, yes?” Christina smirked, face pale as I carefully disconnected her Eyes neatly and scooped them out. Catherine, who had obviously seen and done a lot of similar surgery in the past, paled, but didn’t cry out in fear, though that only lasted until I started on her…
***
“See? Nothing to worry about, was there?” Christina said to Catherine, who shuddered, face pale. In the end, Christina only donated four pairs of Eyes, as she was starting to fail, even with help from the Onmyōji, the first pair going to Catherine, the second to Simon, and the last two to a retired army surgeon, and who would be the head nurse of the hospital, a formidable woman medic, who had suffered severe internal injuries rescuing soldiers under fire in Iraq, but was now as good as new after Shaeula had Healed her.
“I hardly think you can call that nothing.” she complained. “And I’m so ashamed.”
“Don’t be. You only threw up, and Akio cleaned you right off and dried you. Nobody but us will ever know!” Christina winked, though her eyes weren’t focussing properly, her overstressed Chimeric network degraded by repeated Donations once more. “Me, I urinated from the shock. It’s one of Akio’s turn-ons, but probably not when I do it from pain.”
Christina. You… I shook my head, but it was hard to be angry with her right now, as she’d suffered excruciating agony again and again, to help prepare the first wave of elite medical staff who would save many, many lives and improve countless more. And I can’t deny that counts for something. It doesn’t erase or downplay anything, but… It was putting some small weights on the other side of the scale to the pan filled with blood, torn flesh, destroyed minds and shattered dreams.
“You know, I remember my own time, for both Chirurgery and Ether Healing.” Seeing the atmosphere turn a little strange, Henry came over and spoke up, though he hadn’t heard our quiet conversation, which was a relief to Catherine. “But it’s done now, especially for those of you who got new peepers. So, now it’s time for seeing just how everything works on our patients. They’re all waiting below. So, follow me, chaps, for my dear sister Ellie and her fiancé… and his fiancée…” He winked at Shaeula playfully. “God knows what the hen party will be like. The stag party should be bad enough…”
“So David says.” I agreed. Shaeula had fewer people to Heal and perform Chirurgery on, as she only treated women, so the majority had fallen to me, but fortunately, I had plenty of people who would donate me aether from their own reserves via Lovers’ Link, or Brother’s Bond, in the case of my sis. That meant I could still carry on, which was important.
The first patient, accompanied by their family, was a young boy with end-stage kidney disease, his kidneys ninety-five percent failed, requiring dialysis. Indeed, he was hooked up to the machines, transporting him here was a test of our logistics. Fortunately, in addition to normal electrical power and an installed backup generator, we’d also added one of Ixitt’s battery systems for true emergencies to prevent interruption of power to vital equipment and services.
“Anyway, thank you for coming and agreeing to be a teaching subject for our new hospital. You’re very brave.”
The boy smiled at me in return, face pale, his growth stunted by the condition which had dogged him most of his life. His parents thanked me profusely, hoping for a miracle, and I certainly intended to deliver.
“Right then. Those of you with your new Eyes, do it like we explained. Your aether supplies will be low until you train more, but it should be enough for this. Those of you without, Shaeula and I will be projecting a holographic image via light element so you can follow along. Learning light element so you can do similar is also part of the program.”
“It will be tough…” Ellie insisted. “…but none of you are quitters, and you are all tough men and women I’m proud of, the best of British, so… in a few years, I want to see Britain’s hospitals complaining they don’t have enough patients, because you’ve taught many others and worked wonders!”
“That’s the spirit, Ellie!” Henry enthused. “Now then, if you’d begin?”
“Yes, let’s take a look…” I created a pair of images, one of his Material body, and one Spiritual, showing the damaged areas. Sadly, while the kidneys were defunct, the strain on his body had caused significant knock-on damage and ill-effects, so to prevent relapses and give him a healthy life, it was going to be tougher than I had planned for.
It is fine. I do not need much of my aether. Hyacinth offered. Asha had too, of course, but unless it was an emergency, we didn’t like pulling from her or her Tree, for obvious reasons. I am generating rather a lot here. Amongst other things…
Hyacinth was missing out on the festivities but had to tap the mass of corrupt energies the Kamuy left behind to gradually wind it down. Sensing my sorrow and pity, her thoughts turned brighter.
I shall be back tonight. After all, even the frozen north, this Rebun Island, is near at hand to you now. So, go ahead, take from me. It is my pleasure to help you. And… maybe snatch a kiss or two as a reward.
I can do more than that!
Hyacinth was definitely growing cheekier and more affectionate lately, and I loved to see it.
“So yeah. We don’t just look at the problem individually. We can see the damage here has spread. Though obviously, if we stabilise a patient, then we can work on the other Healing at a more leisurely pace. In some extreme cases, we might need to perform Chirurgery too, to permanently strengthen the body, but that’s an advanced course, something for you all to strive to learn. But…”
Shaeula had bound everyone with her Winds And Waters to not use the Skills we had taught and were going to teach recklessly, so we weren’t worried about matters getting out of hand, but a warning was still appropriate.
“…doing so is dangerous, as utilising that talent to enter the Boundary can easily lead to injury or death. So it will be carefully controlled.” Though hopefully in future, they can meet the needs for Chirurgery for other doctors and nurses, soldiers, and other high value personnel. After all, Shaeula and I can’t do it all and even when my sis learns, we’ll still fall woefully short of capacity and time…
“In this case, however, see?” I pointed out and highlighted areas of interest with different illumination. “…the problem’s entirely of a Material nature. And it’s one we can fix.”
I worked Ether Healing and kept changing the image to reflect the shift. Those with Eyes were staring, unblinking, tracking the flows, and soon, the boy’s colour started becoming more natural, and his pain, barely controlled by medication, started to fade… well then, that’s one down, nine more to go here, and another handful at Great Ormond Street…
***
“Amazing. Incredible!” Catherine was gushing. “I can hardly believe it!”
“Me, I couldn’t even after having experienced it myself…” Simon chuckled, and around him, various veterans who’d had lost limbs or severe internal injuries recovered earlier agreed.
Ellie and Shaeula had taken over the duties of accepting the tearful thanks of the families of the children Healed, and we watched on with warm expressions on our faces. Even Christina, who was sitting down beside me in her wheelchair again, the fatigue of Donating having caught up with her, was smiling, her watery, unfocused blue eyes observing as best she could.
“You know, it feels rather nice to hear happy people. I could get used to this.”
“Oh?” I asked, and she continued to smile, the effect not even spoiled by her slightly messy makeup
“Yes. Laughter is certainly more pleasant to hear than screams.”
“You did plenty of screaming, despite telling Catherine it hardly hurt at all.”
“A gentleman wouldn’t point that out.” She waved one hand airily.
“I never claimed to be a gentleman.”
“I guess not.” She paused, and I thought she was done, until she spoke up again. “I’m not making excuses, but you know… a great many medical techniques owe their creation to some quite frankly cruel and inhumane deeds and experiments? As well as war, plague and more.”
“It does rather sound like an excuse…” My tone was even, without condemnation or acceptance.
“In the future, my aid will make things better. I’m sure of it.”
“Maybe so. Maybe so.” I paused myself now, before giving in. “Christina, you did good work again today. Thanks.”
“That means a lot, coming from you. I shall strive to work harder. I really could have made five sets of Eyes, you know.”
“It’s odd for me to say this, considering, but… take care of your health more. Four will more than suffice for now. Oh, and…” Now my tone was a little harsh, and she shivered, her vacant blue eyes suddenly lit with a disturbing fire. “…I don’t know where you got the idea from, but urination isn’t one of my fetishes, okay?”
“Oh? I’m sure it is. But I’ll let you keep your pride today. It’s been a good day, I think.”
“It has.” I agreed, and as Ellie and Shaeula finished seeing off the happy families, we were preparing for a debriefing with our new hospital staff. Best keep it quick though, if we’re going to spend time doing some stage-managed Healing at Great Ormond Street, we need to finish up here. After all, I’m meant to be having time to spend relaxing with everyone…
***
“So, we can learn how to do that too?” one of the surgeons asked, and I nodded.
“Yes. With training, you can increase your aether capacity, ability to manipulate it, and also the Ether Healing and Chirurgery Skills. And I’m also sure you can do more with less. I brute-force it with high-Rank Skills and overflowing capacity. But you all watched, didn’t you? Do you see areas where I overdid it?” I paused. “Don’t get me wrong, a sledgehammer is valuable. Aether can fill in for things we don’t understand or which seem impossible, allowing us to recover patients from ailments which science can’t even conceive of a cure for. But plenty of times, I’m wastefully sledgehammering, when a feather touch of a scalpel would do just as well.”
“Indeed.” Catherine nodded, excited, having set aside the President’s matter for now. “I did notice a few discrepancies in terms of the amount of… aether… was it?” I nodded, and she continued. “Yes, at some points I already saw where a small amount probably would have sufficed. It’s just my guess…”
“That’s right…” another of the Eye recipients added, and as I exchanged a knowing glance with Ellie and Shaeula, I couldn’t help but be impressed at how quickly they were taking to this new paradigm, asking questions and suggesting theories and improvements to my work. All right then, it’s time for us to go…