Urusei Yatsura Fan Fiction ❯ The Senior Year ❯ Shinobu: Warrior Princess of Kyotos ( Chapter 67 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The Year of Our Lord One-thousand, nine-hundred, eighty-five.

Kimiki Miyaki remains quiet as she finishes stacking dishes
and wiping the counter. Her husband was at work; for Toshoba, the
events of the last few months were no real excuse to ignore his
obligations to his employers. The house is quiet In spite of
hosting four young women, the reborn and rehabilitated future-
selves of her precious Shinobu, staying with them. What else could
they have done after that monster...

Kimiki chokes back a fresh bout of tears. It was so evil!
After the Final Tag Race, everyone in Tomobiki expected things to
settle down, be at peace. It had been that way for the duration of
the Christmas/solar New Year's break...then, as if the capricious,
merciless Fates decided Tomobiki hadn't had enough of suffering,
all hell broke loose.

Tanoshii Seiryokuteki dead.

Nassur and Benten missing.

The practically orphaned Junba now Shinobu's daughter.

Jijo's, Joshu's and Aijin's husbands killed.

Shinobu killing Sheko.

The Battle of Uru.

Was this a sign? Kimiki gazes at the beautiful crucifix she
hung over the stove. Had they dared too much? Why was everyone
being punished? Or was this some test that the Lord had arranged
to show everyone that they were on the right path? The wild mix of
faiths that were involved with everyone...Shintoism, Buddhism,
Taoism, Roman Catholicism, Urusian shamanism, the faith in the
*te'a*...provided a storm of conflicting answers. Would there ever
be any sense of peace for those within this district?

She walks into the living room. There, the four women she had
adopted as surrogate daughters...in truth, they WERE her daughters
from different futures...relax. Aijin read a fashion magazine, now
wearing a yukata instead of her provocative skirts and halter-tops.
Jijo was reading some ancient calligraphy she obtained from the
library. Joshu sat in the couch across the way, her hand resting
on the particle-photon musket that had been her companion since
long before she travelled back in time. And Kigye, a pale woman
whose body was once that of a Kyotosite courtesan slain by Sheko
out of a simple desire to see someone die...THAT thought chilled
Kimiki to the core...was busy with a computer she borrowed from
Pathfinder Troop Six's hacker, Nene. "How are you?" Kimiki smiles.

The four look up. "We're fine, Mom," Joshu sighs. "Just
wondering when Shinobu'll come back."

"Strange that it was a private memorial they arranged for
Koishii-chan, wasn't it?" Aijin muses.

"You should know Ataru-kun and Lum by now, Aijin," Jijo sighs.
"The birth of their daughter was the culmination of their desire to
separate themselves from Tomobiki. Once she was born, they would
have retired to Oshika and lived there to raise her. Now...all
they have left is Reiko-chan and Amora-chan."

"Still, everyone else wanted to go," Aijin objects.

"Some were invited," Kigye stares at her machine. "Outside of
their families, Oyuki, Ryuunosuke and the Seikous went. Ataru did
not want a mob storming his house. That's one of the reasons he
built the house in Oshika. Besides, a wake will be held at the
Mendou estate this evening so everyone from school could pass their
condolences. Ataru and Lum will be there as well."

"That's good," Joshu sighs.

They tense as the door opens, revealing a weary Shinobu, Junba
asleep in her arms, Oyuki behind her. "I'm home, Mom!" she calls
out, then waves the Tritonian in, handing Junba to Jijo as she
slips off her sandals.

"How was the ceremony?" Kimiki wonders. "Hello, Oyuki."

"Mrs. Miyaki," Oyuki bows respectfully.

"It was alright," Shinobu sighs. "Ataru-kun...Jesu Cristo, I
haven't seen him that worn down since after the Colony Four thing.
Lum-chan's holding up a little better, but not too much. They'll
be moving back from Sagussa in a month."

"The *daishi'cha?*" Kimiki adds.

"They're in quite a state over there," Shinobu relaxes on the
couch. "Search teams are still analyzing the wreckage over Uru.
There's not enough left of either ships to indicate that both were
destroyed. Which could mean a host of things..."

"Koishii-chan's still alive," Joshu sighs.

"Can you be sure?" Aijin wonders.

"In my future, she came back after seventeen years," Joshu
sighs. "The Gatherer was flung billions of parsecs away, then
after realizing Koishii-chan was still aboard, came back. They
eventually made it. I don't remember much more, though; I wasn't
paying too much attention to what was going on between Lum, Ataru-
kun and Noa at that time."

"Oh, God, let it be so," Kimiki prays. "After all they've
endured, they deserve happiness. Please let them have it."

"Amen," the others intone.

A knock is heard at the door. Shinobu and her sisters tense,
then the former heads to the door. "It's about time, Lufy," she
opens it to allow the Gladiator pilot in. "Is it ready?"

"Yep!" Lufy grunts as she carries in a large metal box that
had to have weighed several dozen kilograms. "Let's get you set up
and ready. He'll be here in ten."

Shinobu nods as both head upstairs, Joshu pitching in to help
Lufy carry the heavy box. Kimiki watches them go, then turns to
Jijo and Aijin. "What's going on?!"

"We haven't been told anything," Aijin shrugs. "Kigye?"

"Nor have I," Kigye admits, still engrossed by her machine.

"If I may," Oyuki quietly coughs. "Mrs. Miyaki, there was one
thing you were never told about the incident on Yehisril. Because
Shinobu killed Sheko in rage over his nearly killing Ataru, most
Yehisrites would term that a 'revenge-kill.'"

"I know that part," Kimiki nods. "It means that no one could
hurt Shinobu-chan in return because her act was seen as just."

"That is not all," Oyuki interrupts. "There is a unique law
concerning revenge-killing when the person who dies is a noble. If
the killer's cause is seen as just, especially when the noble has
behaved in a way contrary to the interest of his subjects, then the
killer can claim the noble's title and lands...for herself."

Kimiki stops, her eyes widening in horror and disbelief as the
full weight of the Tritonian's words hit. "No...no...NO!!!!" she
shakes her head. "No!!! I will not let it happen!! I don't care
what those animals think; they will NOT take Shinobu-chan...!!"

"MRS. MIYAKI!!!!" Oyuki suddenly snaps, causing the Terran to
jolt into silence. "I'm sorry, but think of what you're saying!!
There are five hundred million people who call Kyotos home! Most
of them have suffered through things even Sheko would've found
disgusting. As your cleric Father Cristobal said to me, they'll
need a new room in Hell for those...creatures!!" she spits out in
disgust. "The people are crying out for a reprieve! Sheko has two
relatives, sisters who's actions have been just as disgusting as
their brother's!! They'll be dead before long! Please...almost
all of them now look on your daughter...as their last best hope."

Kimiki shudders, then turns away...just as the doorbell rings.
Eyes turn to the door, then Kimiki walks over to open it. "Yes?"

She gapes in awe on seeing a fancily dressed man in Dysos
strawberry kneeling at the door, amoral symbols of a court herald
adorning his tunic. Two small swords are strapped to his side, a
*qu'f-piaqu'r* slung over his back. Rising, he takes her hand and
courtly kisses it. "Lady Kimiki of the Houses of Yazunari and
Miyaki, I presume?" he inquires formally.

"I am she," she suddenly blushes at his roguish looks.

"I am Ufpilko of Dysos, herald of the Lord Protector Alko," he
bows. "I bear a message for your daughter. Has she returned from
the memorial for the daughter of the Slayer of the Mikado?"

"She has," Kimiki nods. "Please come in, Ufpilko-san."

He nods, slipping off his sandals as he steps inside. "Is
this your first time on Earth?" Kimiki wonders.

"Aye," he nods. "A beautiful planet, I must confess. Though
your fixation on technology is causing your world's ecological
systems grievous harm, I suspect your increased interaction with
the Urusians and the Maidens of the Soultaker will change that."
He then bows to Oyuki. "Greetings, Princess Oyuki of the House of
Koori. My lord trusts your noble parents are well."

"They are, Lord Ufpilko," Oyuki smiles. "As we trust your
noble lord is well."

"He is," Ufpilko smiles.

*We've just stepped back into the Middle Ages!* Kimiki gapes
at the curious interchange between the Tritonian princess and the
Yehisrite herald. Of course, understanding the convoluted five
millennia history of the Royal Kingdoms of Yehisril and its
component parts, hanging onto the past was a necessity to these
people. Reverence to family and ancestors was paramount, a form of
filial piety Orientals would find not so strange. Without the
past, Yehisrites would be lost confronting the technologically
orientated races around them. *Are we really so different?* Kimiki
wonders. After all, wasn't Japan trying to find a balance between
its ancient ways and the modern world?

Heavy footfalls are heard. Everyone turns to see Shinobu step
into the living room, her slender body covered in a black chainmail
bodysuit covered by silver-trimmed magenta hard metal plates, a
long silver-trimmed magenta cape draped over her shoulders. The
armour and chainmail were forged out of limestone metal which
normally went into starship construction. At her side is a
*parapedagh* (windreaper), a wafer-thin broadsword perfected by
Sagussa's weaponsmiths ages ago. Lufy had re-designed it for
Shinobu's body size and fighting skills, had it built of a light
form of carbo-neutronium which guaranteed it would last very long.
Given Yehisril's volatility, it would get lots of good use.

"Lord Ufpilko," Shinobu smiles. "What says your lord?"

He bows to her, then rolls out a parchment and reads:

"'From Alko of Dysos, Lord Protector of the Royal
Kingdoms of Yehisril, to the most noble Lady Shinobu of
the House of Miyaki, I bid thee greetings. Given your
act of noble revenge of two months past and recognizing
the terrible crimes your heinous foe has committed
against the innocents of Kyotos, I and the Council of
Princes have decided to honour your bravery and skill by
giving you all that which was his: his kingdom, his
title, all his lands and possessions without anything
held back. To that end, most noble Princess, I humbly
call upon thee to return at once to Yehisril and receive
that which is yours by right of vengeance and love.'"

Silence falls as eyes lock on the one so honoured. Closing
her eyes and uttering a silent prayer, the two hundred and forty-
seventh *laqu'r* of Kyotos takes a deep breath.

"Let's go to work."

* * *

Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year: "Shinobu: Warrior Princess of Kyotos"
by Fred Herriot
**** **** ****
Edited by E.B. Kushnir
**** **** ****
A side story based on the fanfic series in turn based on "Urusei
Yatsura," created by Rumiko Takahashi
**** **** ****

WRITER'S NOTES:

1) After finishing the third Tales of the Daishi'cha "The Ones
Left Behind," I decided the time had finally come to reveal to
everyone how Shinobu Miyaki settled in as *laqu'r* of Kyotos. Of
course, anyone is welcome to write the story depicting the events
directly involving Shinobu killing Sheko, which I once wrote in
script format four years ago under the title "Le Morte d'Ataru."

2) This story is set roughly a month after the flashback scene of
the Battle of Uru as depicted in the UY20YL story "Tomobiki 2001."

3) Most of the Miyaki clan's family life (their devotion to Roman
Catholicism for example) were first investigated by Philip Gavigan
(PGavigan@aol.com) in his UY-TSY side story "Shinobu: Futures
Imperfect" and his Rumicworlds story "Souls For Rent." Eventually,
all the UY-TSY stories will be touched up to reflect those changes.

4) Yehisrite and Sagussan terms are detailed in over a half-dozen
stories, especially "Enter Space-Hybrid Hazel," "Ancient Ties," the
whole of the Tiger Saga, "Surprise, Darling! You're A Father,"
"Noa," "Mie's Story," "A Hectic Vacation," "The Ones Left Behind"
and my UY-TSY inspired lemon story "A Remarkable Destiny."

5) The lowermost "proper" division of land on Yehisril is the
county. A rural county is divided into lots supervised by barons,
usually titled by the location of the barony within the county.
The titles are shortformed as follows:

His (Hisfig'l) - county seat
Xus (Xusfihsrim) - centre range
Srit (Sritz'his'r) - east range
Pir (Pirgiz) - north range
Nir (Nirmiznir) - south range
Mir (Mirhis'r) - west range
Miz (Miztirh'z) - beach/seashore range

6) Other Yehisrite and Sagussan terms:

Amon'cha - Elder Father. Term for a very wise man on
Sagussa, even higher than a thoughtmaster.
primsil - Yehisrite monetary unit, 1 primsil equal of
1/2 ounce of 14 carat gold.
zighifp'zn'z - Guts, audacity, chutzpah

**** **** ****

Giltos City.

"It is true, then?" Chanko wonders.

"Aye, my brother, it is," Sansura nods, drinking her bloodale
as they gaze out the window of the courtesan's private quarters in
Alko's keep. "Sheko is gone and the one who slew him will soon sit
on that throne in Kyotos City. Good riddance is all I say!"

"What of his sisters?" the Executioner gazes out another
window. "Wanra and Hyrona won't take this lying down. The first
thing they'll do is claim some girl is Sheko's daughter and press
her to fight the new *laqu'r* to take her throne. What then?"

"And have five hundred million people scream murder?" Sansura
laughs. "Be serious, Chanko. The lords and ladies in Kyotos are
all living on borrowed time. Shinobu will see to that."

"She is no warrior!!" Chanko snaps. "She's a nurse, a healer,
not one fit to be *laqu'r!* Also, she's..."

"An outworlder?" Sansura completes, then nods. "She is. But
remember this, brother. She is a Maiden of the Soultaker. You
know their magic. She can sense pain and misery as if they were
living things. She is one with a heart big enough to take in all
of Kyotos. She knew the risk when she challenged Sheko; her sister
Joshu told her. Still, what would you expect? You should know
that hurting a Sagussan's bond-mate is a sure way to earn a trip to
the Three-Faced One's court."

"Aye, it is," Chanko shakes his head. "But I was in Kyotos
some days ago. The lords are in a state of panic. They never
thought Sheko would be taken down so easily."

"He was a dictator," Sansura sneers. "When one engages in a
dictatorship, all opponents must be suppressed if one is to remain
alive. Many of the sacks of manure now sitting on their thrones in
Kyotos weren't strong enough to challenge Sheko head-on. We needed
an outsider to do away with the mongrel."

"True, I suppose," Chanko hums, then tenses.

The door opens to reveal Varanko. "There you are," the Lord
High Executioner nods. "The *laqu'r* just arrived in Kyotos City.
We'll be heading out now."

"When will the Lord Protector greet her, Grandfather?" Chanko
wonders as the three head out of the castle.

"When the investiture is done," Varanko sighs.

"Did she bring Nassur's little one?" Sansura wonders.

"No, not yet," Varanko shakes his head. "Once things are
relatively peaceful in Kyotos, then Junba'll be sent for."

"How long will that take?" Chanko snorts.

"Not long," Varanko smiles wolfishly. "She brought those
strange sisters of hers with her. Sylia's Pathfinder team is on
its way from Sagussa now. And we'll be there, too."

"Oooh, the hunting looks good," Sansura purrs...

* * *

"My God!" Shinobu gapes.

Kyotos City, with the same population as Kyoto although spread
out over six times the physical area, was an insane mix of medieval
and ultra high-tech. No building seemed to reach past four storeys
though the Yehisrites had the technology to build raised mag-lev
systems that connected this wooded oversized village with its
counterparts across Yehisril's three main continents. Woodsmoke
billowed from hundreds of homes. The streets were clean, all
cobblestone, with no visible sanitation system; the sewage system
and water supply here was the most advanced in the galaxy. The
only thing that seemed out of place was the castle located on a
hill in the northwest end. A monstrosity of dark rock and multiple
towers, it hovered like a ravenous vulture ready to swoop down and
consume the millions of defenceless innocents below.

"That's going to be our home?" Aijin shudders. "What a dump!"

"Sheko's arrogance was unreal," Jijo sneers as they descend
from the mag-lev station to street level. "I say the first thing
we do is tear that thing down and build something respectable."

"We'll worry about it when we settle in," Shinobu exhales
deeply and smiles. "Jesu Cristo, this air is so pure! Tokyo's
like a furnace compared to here. Well, shall we go?"

"We need directions," Aijin warns.

"With THAT visible from any place we go?" Joshu laughs, then
checks that her musket is loaded. "Forget it, Aijin. We don't
need help. Besides, our sister needs to make a good impression."

"Joshu, can I ask you something?" Shinobu stares at her.

"What?"

"WHY'D you talk me into this?!"

The others laugh as they step onto the street, then pause to
take in their surroundings. Few cars were visible. Yehisrites
preferred to travel either by air-bike or more often by sandsloth,
the lumbering shaggy beasts which acted like horses here. "Well,
let's go," Shinobu waves down the street leading towards their new
home. "Can't keep everyone waiting forever."

They head off. Within fifty metres, they draw curious stares
from vendors and homekeepers. Who were these five pale
outworlders? Eyes then lock on Shinobu, dressed in the finery of
a Kyotos *laqu'r.* Was SHE the one who killed Sheko?! She's a
mere babe; how could that mad old warrior have fallen to the likes
of this slip of a girl?! What is she like? What will she do?
What was she doing on the street without escort?!

"They don't seem to know how to take you," Jijo muses.

"Big mistake all dictators make," Shinobu grins. "They always
distance themselves from those they rule. The Mikado did it and
set himself up for Ataru-kun. Sheko did it and set himself up for
me. Schwartz is doing the same thing on Ipraedos right now and the
Tribunal'll deal with him soon enough. Besides, you remember Baron
Suzuki. Look how he behaved towards everyone."

"Yes, that's true," the former Lady Katana nods.

Galloping paws and clattering wheels are heard. The women
turn to see a runaway coach bearing down at them, a panicked girl
of eight trying to calm her sandsloths, each bearing arrows in
their flanks. "Get clear!!" Shinobu snaps as she whips off her
cape, handing it to Joshu. "I'll handle this!!"

The others dodge as Shinobu sprints off after the coach, using
her powers to overcome the fifty pounds of body armour she wore.
The crowds watch in disbelief as she catches up to one of the
sandsloths, grabbing it in a headlock and putting on the breaks
gently enough to ensure the girl wasn't thrown off by a sudden
stop. In twenty metres, the sandsloth collapses to the ground,
dragging down its companion and causing the coach to jolt to a
halt. Shinobu spins around in time to catch the surprised girl
before she cracked her head open on the pavement. "Got you!!"

The girl blinks, then stares in disbelief at the pale woman
holding her. "Th-thank you, my lady!" she dismounts, then kneels
before Shinobu. "I feared I would soon enter the Afterworld when
the bandits fired their arrows into my poor sloths!! I am Milquina
of Kyotos! May I ask your name, my lady?"

"I'm Shinobu Miyaki," Shinobu smiles.

Milquina gapes at her, her blue eyes wide. "Oh, Princess!!"
she prostrates herself before the new *laqu'r.* "Thank you! I am
your servant forever!!"

"Rise, Milquina," Shinobu sighs. "I am no god nor was I born
to be your leader. Fate in its mad way placed me in this position.
I do not demand respect from others unless I've earned it."

Milquina rises, then nods, her curly blonde hair cut short as
it was the usual style here on Yehisril. By then, a small crowd
had gathered around them. "My Princess, is it wise for you to be
walking the streets without an escort?!" a blacksmith wonders.

Shinobu blinks. "Why?! Can I not walk around and meet you
without fearing someone trying to kill me? Jesu Cristo, do the
lords and ladies of Kyotos fear their people THAT much?!"

"They've much to fear, Princess," a tanner snarls. "Believe
me, there're very few in Kyotos who did not thank the Lady Silna
for sending you to deal with the jackal who lived in that dungheap
out yonder!" she sneers at Sheko's distant castle.

Shinobu smiles. "He dared touch my bond-mate. He learned the
price one pays for making that mistake. What's your name?"

"I am Xasirna of Kyotos," she bows, her long straight red
bangs cascading over her severe yet beautiful face.

"Xasirna-san," Shinobu nods. "Are you busy right now? I
could use a guide; this is my first time in Kyotos City."

"If you order it..."

"I do not order, Xasirna," Shinobu objects. "I ask."

Everyone exchanges looks. They did not expect their new
*laqu'r* to be be...humble. This was going to take some getting
used to. Xasirna blinks, then bows. "My Princess, it is my
honour...and my pleasure...to be your escort."

Grins split everyone's faces. "As a matter of fact!" Shinobu
looks at everyone else. "If none of you are busy, why don't you
ALL come?! After all, THAT," she points to her new home, "...is
YOUR castle as well as mine! Your friends built it, did they not?!
Many of your friends who were tortured by Sheko died there, didn't
they?! Why SHOULDN'T you not walk in and speak to me?! As Ataru-
kun once told the *daishi'cha,* I am YOUR servant! I safeguard
your safety, I ensure you happy lives, I stop others from impeding
your liberty or your pursuit to be the best you can be within YOUR
limits, not mine!! If I grossly fail in that mission, then I
deserve the knife for betraying my oath to you!!"

Total silence. "My Princess...no *laqu'r* in Kyotos' history
has ever said words like that!" a sage gasps.

"Then they did not deserve to be *laqu'r, Amon'cha,*" Shinobu
bows to him. "Just because I killed Sheko, does that mean I have
the right to order a person of your wise years around? Just
because I killed Sheko, does that mean I abandon children like
Milquina-chan to die because of highwaymen? Just because I killed
Sheko, does that mean I can order Xasirna, who in my opinion is a
beautiful woman, into my bedchambers and be my sex-slave?! No, it
doesn't!! I didn't ask for this position, but when the good Lord
gave it to me, I knew with it came much responsibility! And I will
not cower from that responsibility!! I once tried to run away from
the demons that swarmed around me, the monsters I hated...and I
nearly died for it! I will NEVER run away again, especially with
your lives at stake!!"

The Yehisrites stare in awe at this young girl who had
accomplished the impossible. Too many crowns rested on Sheko's
continued rule to ensure that no one from within Kyotos could
remove him. That Sheko was dead now had put the lords in a state
of wild panic. Many knew that if this girl could do it to their
patron, they were meat on the table. And when news of Shinobu's
words got out...rumour and gossip being the only truly unstoppable
energy in Kyotos...the people'd realize that if they wanted their
*laqu'r* to succeed, they would have to pitch in and help. It was
simple arithmetic. Five hundred million versus at most two hundred
dukes, earls, barons and counts. No contest.

Xasirna smiles, then draws her duelling knife and points it to
the sky. "All Hail Princess Shinobu of Kyotos!!!" she chants the
oath of victory. "May all her foes fall before her!!!"

Knives, swords, maces and other less lethal instruments are
thrust to the skies as everyone chants. "ALL HAIL PRINCESS SHINOBU
OF KYOTOS!!!! MAY ALL HER FOES FALL BEFORE HER!!!! SHINOBU!!!!
SHINOBU!!!! SHI-NO-BU!!!! SHI-NO-BU!!!! SHI-NO-BU!!!!"

Shinobu blushes as a cheer echoes through Kyotos' streets...

* * *

...but in the keep once belonging to Sheko, there is NO cheer
whatsoever. "My Lord Tizizko!!" a soldier bows before the Lord
Chamberlain of Kyotos. "The new *laqu'r* has arrived!"

"SILENCE!!!!" Tizizko snaps, causing the soldier to jolt.
"How DARE you call that alien USURPER a *laqu'r?!!*"

"Forgive me, m'lord, but the Council..."

"Pah!!" Tizizko snarls as he sits in the chair in the castle's
central meeting hall reserved for him as the central administrator
of Kyotos. "Has everyone gone mad?!! Actually wanting an ALIEN to
be their princess?!! And Alko and his allies actually permitted
this?! What news is there from the *laqu'r's* sisters?!"

"My Lord Tizizko, no contact is permitted between us and the
Ladies Wanra and Hyrona on Danamar," the soldier warms. "The Lord
Protector has declared them to be a threat to the stability of the
Royal Kingdoms and has ordered Lord Varanko to deal with them
should they leave to return here!"

Tizizko snarls as he twists his fingers into a bony fist. Of
course Alko would do that. The only two people who had a hope of
keeping Sheko's form of rule alive were his kin, now on a backwater
duchy in the remotest part of the Royal Kingdoms that Sheko allowed
them to turn into their private playground. Chances were good that
they didn't even know their brother was dead though it had been two
months since that nefarious deed had occurred. If they didn't get
control of this, they would all be lost. "Where is everyone?!"

"Sir, they are on their way here now," the soldier bows.

The doors to the chambers open, revealing three men. With
them, Tizizko formed Sheko's inner circle of councillors. Steel-
haired Gizpizko was regally adorned in battle armour, befitting his
post as Lord Constable, chief of the armed forces. The second,
dressed in fine silks and linens, was a handsome fellow, though his
eyes spoke of perverted pleasures with women that sickened even
Sheko. He was Yilpilko, Master of the Court, overseer to the
*laqu'r's* considerable harem of courtesans. Finally, there was a
flabby fat fool who couldn't defend himself even against an old
hag, a small bundle of his beloved books in hand. That was the
Court Sage, Sivko, a harmless twit Sheko sometimes used as a
jester.

"It's about time," Tizizko snarls, waving the soldier off.
"The bitch Miyaki is here right now! Why hasn't anyone done
anything to eliminate her?!"

"Could we do anything now?!" Gizpizko snarls. "Do you hear
the commoners shouting her name?!" he nods to the people outside
the castle chanting. "They know the Bloody Hand and the Lord
Protector stand behind her; what have they to fear?!"

Tizizko growls. As long as Varanko lived, there was always
someone around to inspire the common folk to dream of a day when
Sheko was out of their hair. That butcher, who rose from the
lowest tier of street urchin to be the most influential man in the
Royal Kingdoms, had made his hatred of Sheko well known. As long
as he was an Executioner, he couldn't be touched, not if the other
principalities didn't move to cut Sheko off at the knees. "We must
get word to Wanra and Hyrona!" he snarls. "If we don't get news
out soon before Miyaki is officially gazetted as *laqu'r,*
everyone's in danger!!"

The door then opens, revealing a raven-haired *azhis'f* in the
armour of a Captain of the Guard. "My Lord Tizizko, I hate to bear
bad news to a slime like you, but Princess Shinobu has arrived,"
she smiles sweetly. "I'll be opening the door and letting her in
right away. I do trust all your affairs are in order."

"You stop right there, Izonba!!" Gizpizko snaps. "You will
not permit the pretender entrance into this keep!"

Izonba sighs, her green eyes glittering. "You do not scare me
anymore," she turns to walk out. "When your *laqu'r* died, your
positions died with him. I'll be more than happy to serve whoever
will be the next Lord Constable...which won't be you. Ta-ta."

"You traitorous dyke!!" he barks as she leaves...

* * *

By now, a large crowd has assembled at the vast front doors
leading to the castle. Shinobu and her sisters stand in front of
the oak panels. After two knocks and a gentle yank, they quickly
discover the place was locked down. "It seems not everyone has
agreed to the shift in power," Jijo muses. "How rude."

Shinobu sighs. "Okay, we'll have to do this the hard way,
then," she cracks her knuckles. "Please stand clear, everyone!"

Before they could shuffle back, a whisper echoes from the
crowd. "Lord Varanko! Lord Varanko's here!!" Shinobu turns to
see Varanko trot up on his personal sandsloth, his grandson and
granddaughter at his sides. With them were familiar friends on
hovercycles, armed for a brawl: Pathfinder Troop Six. The crowd
parts like the Red Sea to permit the Lord High Executioner and his
entourage the right to approach the new *laqu'r.*

"My Lord Varanko," Shinobu smiles at him.

"Princess Shinobu," Varanko curtly bows in return.

The *laqu'r* shrugs apologetically. "I'd happily receive you
in my parlour, but it seems they locked the door on me," she sighs.
"Would you excuse me for a moment?"

With that, she turns, slams her hands in the crack between the
doors and yanks hard. The old oak groans as it shatters under that
relentless force, revealing a very surprised Izonba blinking, a key
to unlock the chains holding the door fast in her hand. The
Captain of the Guard then embarrassingly laughs. "My Princess,
would you mind if I unlocked the door first before you came in?"

Shinobu blinks, then laughs herself. "Your name is?"

Without hesitation, the dark-haired woman goes to one knee.
"I am Izonba of Kyotos, Captain of your loyal guard, my Princess."

"Rise, Lady Izonba," Shinobu beckons her to her feet. "Would
you care to escort me through my home, seeing as one so beautiful
as you guards it so well?"

"My Princess, it will be an honour to do so," Izonba blushes
at Shinobu's words, offering her hand to the new *laqu'r.*

Shinobu takes it, sensing the trust and faith Izonba had in
her. Her eyes scan the guards as they fall in beside her. None
radiated any ill-thoughts towards her. All wanted their new leader
to succeed. That was the problem with feudalism, Shinobu knew.
The nobles were always so distant from everyone else. Probably
Shinobu was the first *laqu'r* to really emerge from commoner
stock. She was one of them. This might be easy after all.

Famous last words...

Gazing at the sheer opulence around her, Shinobu is stunned by
Sheko's wealth. The man was one of the richest people in the
galaxy. Staring at the tapestries, the sculptures of gold, silver
and platinum decorating all sides, she crosses her arms. "The
first thing I'm going to do is a serious housecleaning!" she sighs.
"Izonba, once everyone's in place, I'm going to want to see a total
accounting of every work of art and everything else in this castle.
We're going to be getting rid of most of it."

"Of course, my Princess," Izonba readily nods. She wasn't an
art lover. "But I warn you the Lord Chamberlain and the others of
Sheko's circle are in the main meeting hall trying to conspire as
to how to contact Sheko's sisters so they could rise against you."

"We'll have to deal with them first," Shinobu sighs. Lucky
thing Joshu warned her about this. "Let's go see them."

Izonba nods as they ascend up a curving set of stone stairs to
the upper level of the castle's central building. Arriving on the
landing, Shinobu nods greeting to the guards, then faces the doors
leading into the central meeting hall. Sighing, she tries the
doors, finding them locked again. "Joshu!"

Joshu levels her *qu'f-piaqu'r* and fires! The bolt shatters
the doors, revealing four very surprised men inside. "New rule,
Izonba," Shinobu announces as she walks inside. "No doors inside
this castle are to be locked, ever."

"As my Princess commands," Izonba nods.

Tizizko watches as Shinobu makes a circuit of the circular
space, staring at the tapestries depicting Sheko's many campaigns
while he was a mercenary, then *laqu'r.* Sighing, she points up.
"I want those torn down and burnt," she declares. "There will be
no images of that man in my house."

Izonba snaps her fingers. Several soldiers, those who didn't
automatically move to cover Sheko's cronies with their swords and
guns, move to do their *laqu'r's* bidding. Shinobu then walks to
the high-seated chair at the head of the meeting table. Her eyes
fall on the diamond-and-gold studded coronet laying there. Picking
it up, she gazes at it. "Nene, how much is this worth?"

The Troop's hacker whistles. "Whoa!! I'd say at least a
hundred million pyogh, Shinobu! That's one nice head-warmer!!"

"Equivalent value on Yehisril, please?"

"Two hundred million primsil, easy."

"Have this turned over to the Central Bank," she hands it to
Izonba. "Xasirna, are there homeless people in Kyotos City?"

"A considerable number, my Princess," the tanner bows.

"Then we'll raise funds from whatever I decide to get rid of
to create shelters and kitchens," Shinobu sits on her throne for
the first time, then acknowledges Sheko's cronies. "Lord Tizizko,
Lord Gizpizko, Lord Yilpilko, Thoughtmaster Sivko, you've served
your principality well over the last few decades. Your services
are no longer needed, so please vacate those chairs at once."

With that, Sivko rises, bowing. "My Princess," he turns and
rushes out of the room as fast as his pudgy legs could carry him.

"Coward," Gizpizko sneers.

"My friends, I present to you Kyotos' new Thoughtmistress-
prime, the Lady Kigye Miyaki," Shinobu waves to the empty chair.

Kigye walks up, then calmly sits, nodding as everyone cheers,
clapping their hands. "Forgive me, my Princess...'Thoughtmistress-
prime?'" Izonba stares at her.

"I like the Sagussan title better, Izonba," Shinobu nods, then
her eyebrows twitch on seeing that the others of Sheko's inner
circle have remained rock steady. "I see, then," Shinobu sighs.
"We'll have to do this the hard way."

Suddenly, Jijo's fingers grab Tizizko's nostrils and yank his
head back, baring his neck as her knife rips through his throat,
cleaving the jugular veins and carotid arteries in one sweep. With
that, she throws his body out of the chair as she takes his place.
"My lady," a soldier offers his handkerchief.

"Thank you, Sergeant," Jijo smiles as she wipes her blade.

"And this is Kyotos' Lady Chamberlain, the Lady Jijo Miyaki,"
Shinobu nods to her sister amid everyone's applause.

Seeing his chance, Gizpizko bolts up, grabbing his dagger to
thrust into Shinobu's throat. Just as he rises, a *qu'f-piaqu'r*
levels on his head and fires! The solid ball disintegrates his
skull as he is flung across the table, barely missing Jijo. A
soldier comes up to drag his body off as Joshu sits in his place.

"And this is Kyotos' Lady Constable, the Lady Joshu Miyaki,"
Shinobu nods to her other sister amid everyone's cheers.

Sensing that he couldn't charm his way out of this, Yilpilko
moves to stand...when Aijin grabs him, twirl him around, then she
swamps him with a throaty kiss. Everyone watches in awe as the
energy vampire's deadly power activates one more time, sucking the
courtier's life-essence out of him. In a second, he drops to the
floor a hollow shell as Aijin sits in his place, blowing out a mist
of energy which dissipates like smoke from a cigarette. "Haven't
done that for a while," Aijin admits. "I'm glad I don't miss it."

"And Kyotos' Mistress of the Court, the Lady Aijin Miyaki,"
Shinobu concludes amid everyone's cheers. As soon as everyone
calms down, the *laqu'r* takes a deep breath. "Okay! As soon as
someone disposes of these bodies, preferably where they could never
have graves...Captain Izonba, I leave that to you...we'll get on
with the business of the principality!"

Laughter echoes as soldiers walk up to drag the bodies away.
Nearby, Sylia and Varanko exchange looks. "I must confess, Sylia,
I've NEVER seen a change of government quite like THIS in all the
years I've been an Executioner!"

The Pathfinder laughs...

* * *

"I hate this...and God help me, I love it."

Shinobu sighs as she stares out the window of her private
bedroom at Kyotos City in twilight. Already, Yehisril's three
moons had risen. Blood red Linligna, the Stalker, nearest of the
three, a wild beast that didn't care what got in her way. Pale
Yifbilra, the Dancer, farthest of the three, a sprite that enticed
but could never be caught. And grey Ibilhisra, the Hunter, a
morbid warrior who did what others asked of her without question or
fail. All three were guardians, showing the people who had gazed
on them for millennia the proper way to conduct oneself in the face
of a harsh environment and harsher enemies.

Shinobu knew the stories of her new world, having sped-learned
them over the last two months. When Oyuki broached the subject of
her becoming Kyotos' *laqu'r,* Shinobu wanted to die right then and
there. It was Ataru who warned her that if Fate did bring Sheko's
crown her way, she would have to accept or else his victims would
remain unavenged. Killing him wasn't enough. Eradicating all
trace of Sheko's rule would be as brutal as ending his life. It
was already happening on Vos; children now looked on the Mikado as
a scary bogeyman their mothers used to make them go to sleep. It
would take a long time, but it had to be done. The fates of five
hundred million people now rested on her every action.

"I can't escape. I can't run away. I will not escape. I
will not run away. Milquina needs me. Xasirna needs me. Izonba
needs me. They all need me. Oh, God, help me, please..."

"You pray to the wrong god, my Princess."

Her eyes snap around to see Izonba standing at the door to her
room. If news got out that she had allowed her own captain of the
guards to sneak in under her passive senses, Lufy would never let
Shinobu hear the end of it! "Izonba, do you believe in knocking?"

"I did, my Princess," Izonba bows respectfully. "You didn't
respond and I feared that something might have happened."

Shinobu laughs, waving the captain up. She never would get
used to the inbred suspicion Yehisrites took so much for granted.
She then notices Izonba is wearing the same style of tank-top and
panties she now had on, having stripped her bodysuit and armour
when she went off duty. "So what brings you here, Izonba?"

"I came to see how my Princess was enduring her first night,"
Izonba leans against a wall in a quasi-relaxed pose. "We disposed
of billions of primsil today...and we haven't touched the five
other castles Sheko kept here in Kyotos. You should keep some in
reserve in case you need to make some acquisitions of equipment or
armaments, my Princess. Just because things are peaceful between
the principalities now doesn't guarantee they'll stay that way."

"Izonba?"

"Yes, my Princess?"

"Please...when we're alone, call me 'Shinobu.'"

The captain pauses, then nods. "It's hard, Shinobu. Yes, you
are one of us, a normal person...but now, you're *laqu'r.* I have
to keep that in mind every time I'm with you, even alone."

Shinobu sighs. "That's something I might never get used to.
I...had you researched by Sagussan Intelligence when the question
of this happening first came up. You have the equivalent of a
master's degree in international relations and I'm supposed to
treat you as a menial worker? I'm barely out of high school, not
even properly trained as a nurse."

"It is...the way here, Shinobu," Izonba reminds her. "If the
system works right, as it does in other principalities, I would not
only be Captain of the Guards, but the *laqu'r's* advisor on inter-
principal relations. Sheko wasn't that way. He wanted everyone
answering to him. When you rebelled, you died or were...broken."
How would she explain what happened to the courtesans? "Too many
good people have suffered because of it. It's a miracle we never
had a major war with anyone; the one GOOD thing you could say about
Sheko was that he was a first-class strategist. But that's not
enough, not these days. Sheko dreamt too much of the past. But
the past is in the Three-Faced One's court and if we don't face up
to the future, we'll all suffer one way or another."

Shinobu nods. "Well, that's one thing we'll change right
away. The people need to feel they have the right to do what they
want as long as others aren't affected by it. That in itself will
be a lot for people to take. But we have to ensure we don't get
interference from the local bosses. How many do you think will
swing to my side when I start making waves?"

"Certainly all the dukes," Izonba asserts. "They're all old
drinking friends or fighting companions of Varanko, many of them
having taken over when Sheko couldn't interfere."

"Executioners?"

"Aye. But you won't have much control over the duchies,
Shinobu; since many of them are shared between the principalities,
making changes in them will be difficult if the other *laqu'rs*
don't support it. The city counts will also be on your side; many
of them have had to watch as people've suffered. Some of them,
when they tried to make Sheko see reason, were...broken."

"Broken?!" Shinobu blinks. "How so?"

"You don't want to know."

Shinobu's eyes flash. "Dammit, Izonba, don't tell me that!!
I want to know! How can I help the people if I don't know?!"

"Shinobu, please, I have a good idea how your powers work!"
Izonba shudders. "It's bad enough for me to sense their pain and
I'm nowhere near your class of psi!! You will sense pain like
you've never sensed pain before! I want to spare you that!!"

Shinobu stares sadly at her, tears in her eyes. "Izonba, I
have sensed first hand the heart-wrenching agony of my bond-mate
and his wife losing their first natural child less than two weeks
ago, not a week after Koishii-chan was born. What other type of
agony outside death itself compares to that?"

"None, I guess," Izonba sighs. "Shinobu, can I offer you a
little advice?"

"Certainly."

"Don't shed your tears too much," Izonba warns. "On this
planet, that's a definite sign of weakness, especially from a
woman. In many ways, women are superior to men on Yehisril, as
much as they are on Sagussa. But since everyone here competes for
the same thing, we have to play by what you'd call 'male' rules."

"That's not a matriarchy, Izonba."

"No, Shinobu. It's chaos."

Both laugh, then Shinobu walks over to gently kiss Izonba on
the cheek. "Good night, Izonba. God's blessings on you."

"A fair evening to you, Shinobu," Izonba smiles contently.
"May the Three Sisters give you a good rest."

Shinobu nods as Izonba walks out of her chambers. Descending
down the tower to the main level, she sees her company sergeant-
major, Fidzina, relaxing by the watch desk. "And how fares our new
Princess, Captain?" the copper-haired Fidzina smiles.

"You want to know something, Fidzicha?" she smiles contently
at her friend, sometimes lover and fighting companion. "We have a
*laqu'r* who finally understands us. I think we'll do well."

"I hope so, Izocha. We're all praying for her. Fair evening
to you, dear friend."

"And you," Izonba waves as she heads to her chambers...

* * *

"It's very strange," Jijo sips her tea the next morning at
breakfast in the Miyaki sisters' private dining hall. "All the
male guards are young and heterosexual, yet all the female guards
are lesbians or bi. Doesn't that strike you as odd, sister? I
thought Yehisrites considered alternate lifestyles below them."

"Typically, they do; normal disdain for something that isn't
fired full of testosterone," Shinobu sighs. Since state business
didn't start for a couple hours...and most of it was effectively
suspended thanks to the change of leaders...all five relax in
yukatas. Izonba, in her halter top and panties, has joined for the
meal. "Izonba, could you tell me why that occurred?"

"Quite simple," Izonba sighs. "We scared Sheko and his inner
court. Most 'normal' women he saw as play-toys, people he used,
then tossed aside. He didn't care about the male guards; he was
the best fighter within fifty leagues of here and all of them were
too inexperienced. Those who were good, he either eliminated or
Varanko made them Executioners. So, since he preferred to keep us
within range so he knew where we were, many were made into his
personal bodyguard. Interesting solution, wouldn't you say?"

"It would have been more effective to kill you," Kigye notes.

"Sheko was a control fanatic more than a murderer, Kigye,"
Izonba sighs. "He would kill you if he believed your death could
further serve his purposes. Killing us was murdering good soldiers
without just cause. He...was very strange, admittedly. So many
different moods, so many different approaches to everything. As a
leader in the field, unparalleled in history on any of the planets
in the local cluster. As a man, he was less than useless."

The others laugh. "How do your male co-workers treat you?"
Joshu wonders. As Lady Constable, she was directly responsible for
Izonba's company of knights as well as the other five million
soldiers and sailors under arms serving Kyotos.

"There was mistrust at first, but they've come to realize that
we're not strange creatures but people just like them. In fact, my
first lieutenant, Xasripko, has offered to find a suitable woman to
be my mate," Izonba grins. "There's a rule here on Yehisril. Once
you prove yourself, you're accepted with all your many faults and
shortcomings. Ataru Moroboshi is accepted because of his killing
theMasters of Noukiios and the Mikado. Lum is accepted by her
standing up to Uru's Imperialists. Nassur and Dakejinzou Shogai
for being Varanko's stepchildren. The hybrids Nassur found for
participating in the Test of Life. In many ways, we are open for
many to come here. You, Shinobu, prove that beyond a shadow of a
doubt," she raises her tea cup.

"Speaking of the hybrids, there is the question of Yukio,"
Shinobu bites her lips. "Nassur-kun told me this on the Planet of
Shadows trip. Yukio was accepted as an Executioner yet she has no
living family here on Yehisril to claim her. Why's that?"

Izonba tenses. "Shinobu, one of Sheko's many victims...was
Yukira's mother, Nakanba. She was...a privateer who fought for
Sheko many years ago against the Ipraedies. But when she proved to
be too much of an embarrassment, Sheko forced Varanko to..."

She pauses. "To what?" Aijin wonders.

"To banish Nakanba...we call that *sirmir'mhifif*...from his
family," Izonba sighs. "Disown her, in other words."

The Miyaki sisters pale. "And this applies to Yukio-san as
much as her mother, Izonba?" Jijo wonders.

"For ten generations," Izonba nods, then gazes at Shinobu.
"You can override it, Shinobu. You are the one who killed Sheko;
in effect, everything he did could be declared forfeit by you if
you so wanted. You can give Yukira her family back."

"I'll do it, then," Shinobu sets her jaw...

* * *

"Good morning, Milquina-chan!" Shinobu smiles on seeing the
girl preparing her cart in the castle's courtyard sometime later.
Out in the open, everyone had switched to the comfortable heavy
canvas shirts and leather pants that served as typical non-armoured
dress. The chainmail, suits provided for Shinobu's sisters by
Sylia's team, was under everyone's clothing. "How are you today?"

"I am well, my Princess," Milquina bows, then continues work.
"I have to get back to the farm before the bandits burn it down."

"Where are your parents?" Jijo wonders.

"Dead, my lady," Milquina sighs, hitching the new sloths onto
the wagon. "Still, the farm must be cared for."

"You live alone?!" Shinobu exclaims.

"Is there a reason I shouldn't, my Princess?" Milquina stares
quizzically at her. "My family has worked that particular farm for
generations. I cannot abandon it just because I live alone."

Shinobu shudders, fighting back her tears as she trembles at
the outrage of it all. Yes, Yehisrites matured very quickly, but
no child of eight...now physically about ten or eleven...deserved
to be isolated under any circumstances. She then kneels beside
Milquina. "Milquina-chan, please stay here for a while."

"Why?" the young girl frowns, then seeing her tears, rushes to
comfort. "My Princess, please do not cry for me..."

Shinobu draws her into a gentle embrace. "Until we find a
safe way to have you live on that farm, I want you to stay here
with me, as my guest," she gazes into the younger girl's eyes.
"Please, Milquina-chan. I know I can't save everyone by myself,
but I have to show people that abandoned children need to be cared
for just like everyone else. I need your help to do that."

Milquina blinks, then nods. "I'll stay. But...I still don't
feel comfortable about it, my Princess. Who will watch over the
ancestral grave? Who will make the prayers to Pizalna-sama to
ensure my parents and my ancestors are safe in the Afterworld?"

"We'll do that when the chance comes. I'll be there to help.
I promise, as your princess and as your friend. Okay?"

"Okay," Milquina nods.

Above them from the balcony of one tower, Varanko and Chanko
gaze at the new *laqu'r* as she walks Milquina back inside the
castle. "She is a strange one, Grandfather," the younger man
shakes his head. "She gives her heart so freely to others, without
a care in the world. Doesn't she desire to protect herself?"

"She is doing what comes natural to her," Varanko sighs. "In
times past, Shinobu Miyaki was hurt badly because she couldn't save
those she loved. The loss of her lover Junba, Nassur's first child
Akisur and his Zeiwanite lover Ayara...all that in such a short
time would've broken even a strong person. Now capped by what the
Slayer of the Mikado now endures...?" He shakes his head. "But
that hasn't quashed her determination to help those in need. It is
part of her faith in the God of Earth's Christian peoples. One
must give comfort to those in need. Her desire to disperse Sheko's
wealth to the homeless exactly follows what the Terran sage Jesus
taught to his followers two thousand years ago."

Chanko sighs, gazing at the beautiful sky. "But some will see
that as weakness, Grandfather."

"Aye, those who do will," Varanko nods. "But those who will
benefit from that are the ones who're more important these days.
Some *laqu'rs* recognize that, just as much as Shinobu Miyaki does.
Others, like Sheko, do not...and they'll pay for it."

* * *

"The investiture, my Princess, is in three days," Fidzina
reads from a scroll in Shinobu's private reception hall an hour
later. Shinobu's sisters sit in their own thrones to both sides of
the *laqu'r,* Milquina relaxing in Shinobu's lap. Priss and
Varanko stand in one corner. "The list of foreign dignitaries has
been drawn up. Virtually all the Federation heads-of-state have
asked to come to meet you. Will you receive them all?"

"May I see that list?" Shinobu holds out her hand.

Fidzina hands it over. Since Shinobu psi-learned five
different dialects of Yehisrite, she could read the woman's writing
quite well. "I will not receive any delegation from Noukiios," she
stares at the sergeant-major. "I will not have any representative
of a society that condones slavery in my court. Kyotos is going to
be making some diplomatic shifts over the next while, Fidzina."

"I understand, my Princess," the acting personal assistant to
the *laqu'r* nods. "Are there any others you don't desire to see?"

"No one from Elle or Phentax Two, either...and I will NOT
tolerate Rupa's great-grandfather in my court," Shinobu hands the
list back. "Too many people mistrust the Freemasons; I'm not sure
if that was due to Sheko's propaganda or not. I don't want to open
wounds too early until I understand the exact nature of the wound.
And the new government on Phentax Two hasn't made any moves to
eliminate the Church of Lum. And while I might like Rupa and
Carla, if I lay eyes on Upa, I'll take his head off myself."

Everyone laughs. "The Vosian delegation will be small given
their need to concentrate on reconstruction," Fidzina continues.
"Representatives from all the churches of Zephyrus are coming;
they've never liked Sheko and they've even expressed the possible
intent on making you a Righteous Gentile. Further, much to my
surprise, the *Dowe'on* Tribunal wishes to send a small delegation,
under the protection of Nassur's hybrid charges."

Shinobu blinks, then gazes at Varanko. "What do you think?"

"It's tricky," the Lord High Executioner warns. "The Lord
Protector has always maintained a connection with the Tribunal and
would welcome an easing of tensions between our peoples. However,
if the Tribunal was seen as being accepted by the Royal Kingdoms,
many Ipraedies might switch to the *Asan'on's* side."

"Alright," Shinobu nods. "A small delegation, then. Hazel-
chan's father and Bushi Roosei if they can spare the time."

"Yes, my Princess," Fidzina nods. "And...there now comes the
question of the Maidens," she glances back at Priss. "We've heard
next to nothing from them," she looks back at Shinobu.

"Doubt you'll hear much for a while," Priss bites her lips.
"We didn't expect Cassandra racing back from the dead like that,
much less what Henry pulled over Uru. We're still trying to
understand how that happened in the first place."

"Keep the invitation open, then," Shinobu sighs.

"Aye, my Princess," Fidzina nods, making a note.

"One more thing," Shinobu holds up her finger. "Given the
destruction of Sakarahaven and Kamahana, I want it to be policy in
Kyotos that whatever aid we can spare to them for the resettlement
of homeless populations be given as much priority as possible."

"Of course, my Princess," Fidzina writes that down. "Also,
we've arranged for a ship to pick up your family and friends from
Earth so they may attend the ceremony. They'll be here in two
days. Will you have a private reception for them?"

"Yes, Fidzina. See to it, please?"

"Aye, my Princess. Excuse me, please."

With that, the sergeant-major bows, then walks out of the
room. Izonba then walks in. "My Princess, the Lady Executioner
Yukira of Kyotos," she announces.

Shinobu rises as Yukio walks into the room, a wry smile on her
face. "I'd never thought that you of all people would wind up
here, Miyaki," she wags her finger, then laughs. "But anyone who'd
kill Sheko like that deserves some respect, I merit!"

"Yukio..." Varanko growls.

Izonba glares at Yukio, wondering where this young girl got
the *zighifp'zn'z* to tweak the *laqu'r's* tail like that. Shinobu
sighs. "You hated me for my mistreatment of Ataru-kun a year and
more ago, Yukio-chan," she walks down to gaze at the dark-skinned
hybrid. With another growth spurt, Yukio now could look Shinobu in
the eye. "Ataru-kun and I resolved our many differences a long
time ago, Yukio-chan. You can relax now."

"How is Koichi?" Yukio sighs.

"Not good," Shinobu looks down as both try to fight back their
tears. "Believe me, the amount of hell he endured because of the
Mikado at Colony Four was nothing like this. Still, millions on
Uru and Triton are alive today because of what he and Henry did.
That counts for something, doesn't it?"

"Aye, it does...even if one doesn't like it," Yukio sighs.

"No, it doesn't," Shinobu sighs. "Now I know how Ataru-kun
felt like when he had to decide between Lum and Earth. I want to
be there for him, but the people of Kyotos need me more...including
you, or so I was told this morning."

"Excuse me?"

"Yukio-chan...I've been told the full story about your mother
and how Sheko forced your great-grandfather to disown her from his
family," Shinobu nods at the now surprised Lord High Executioner.
"It is a grievous sin for you to be punished because of what Sheko
did. You deserve your name and family back, Yukio-chan. I intend
to see that happen before this year is out."

Yukio gazes fixedly at the *laqu'r,* then looks at Varanko.
"But...Shinobu, Mother did do those things!" she insists. "I've
investigated them myself!! She still was a pirate...!"

"Forced into that position by my predecessor," Shinobu adds.
"Yes, she made war on people...but what does one do when one's
whole world abandons you because of one lunatic's action? Sheko
was probably the one who saw Nakanba captured by the Ipraedies for
use in Project: Superwarrior. Yes, she did a crime and will pay
for it when God judges her actions, but in my eyes, you shouldn't
suffer in turn because of it. Please, Yukio-chan, let me help you
get back what Sheko took from you before you were even born."

Yukio blinks, then stares at her. "I don't like accepting
charity, Shinobu; I'm not that way. I became an Executioner so I
could earn my own way to respectability. It...I know it's within
your beliefs to help those in need, but I'm certainly not one of
them. Please, Shinobu, MY self-respect demands I do this myself,
without you or Great-grandfather helping me. You have to prove
yourself to the people of Kyotos to remain *laqu'r.* I have to do
the same and I don't have to climb as high. Thank you very much
for offering to help, Shinobu, but I...I have to refuse."

Shinobu looks down. "I understand...I think," she smiles,
then stares at Varanko. "Was her mother always such a glutton for
punishment, Varanko?"

"Oh, that she was," Varanko rolls her eyes, grinning broadly.
"Shunba, Hazel's mother, was the same way. Pizalna-sama's Fleece
Laces, how I miss that!"

"Not too much, I hope," Yukio snorts as everyone laughs...

* * *

"I'm bored!" Aijin yawns as she walks down a corridor in the
main part of the castle. "'Mistress of the Court?' What sort of
title is that?! Well, might as well see what else is in this
mausoleum!" She blinks as several handsome male guards pass her,
bowing respectfully. "Other than these cute hunks!" she grins.

Turning a corner, she slows down on seeing a row of single-
person apartments. On each door is a woman's name, recognizable by
either the "-na," "-ra" or "-ba" endings typical of either pure-
born Yehisrites or *azhis'f* hybrids. "Are these some of the
guards' quarters?" she wonders aloud, then stares at one door,
marked with PILRANA. "Let's see," she opens it.

Looking in, she finds a small room with one wooden bed covered
with a shaggy blanket, a single work table and a chair. Sitting on
the chair staring blankly into space was a beautiful woman with
long black hair and turquoise eyes that seem dead to the world.
She is in a courtesan's uniform: a canvas shirt, leather Bermuda-
style shorts and boots, no weapons visible anywhere on her body.
Aijin had heard the phrase "look of the dead" when applied to this
type of expression, but never thought she'd encounter it so vividly
portrayed. Aijin approaches her, noting that the woman had not
visibly reacted to her presence. "Hello? Pilrana-san? Hey!" she
waves her hand in front of the courtesan's eyes. "You in there?!"

Pilrana blinks, then gazes quizzically at Aijin. "May I help
you, my lady?" she asks in a very timid voice.

The former energy vampire feels nausea build inside her on
sensing the pain deep in Pilrana's eyes. "Pilrana-chan, who did
this?" she places a hand on her shoulder. "Were you tortured?"

Pilrana blinks, clearly trying to think of an answer. "I...do
not really...remember," she bites her lips.

"What do you know?"

"I am...a courtesan of the court of Prince Sheko. I am his
servant and slave. I give pleasure to whomever desires it. Do you
desire me to give you pleasure, my lady?"

Aijin blinks. "Pilrana-chan, Sheko's been dead for over two
months now. There's a new *laqu'r* now, my sister Shinobu Miyaki.
Weren't any of you told?"

Pilrana blinks confusedly. "The Prince...is dead?"

"Yes," Aijin nods.

The courtesan looks down. "If I was told, my lady...I do not
remember." She then gazes at her. "The Prince...is dead?"

"Hai. The Prince is dead. There is a Princess now. She is
my sister, Shinobu Miyaki. Would you like to meet her?"

"If the Princess commands."

Aijin shudders, gently grasping Pilrana's hand. What she did
when she was Kali had been horrible enough, sucking out the life
essences of innocent people for personal pleasure. But mercifully,
Kali's victims died within a day or two. Sheko and his lackeys had
transformed Pilrana into the living dead, a woman without the
ability to think or act on her own. Was this what Izonba meant by
people being "broken?" Jesu Cristo, Shinobu had to see this.
"Yes, Pilrana. My sister would desire to see you at once."

"Of course," Pilrana rises.

The two proceed out of the courtesan's quarters and into the
main part of the castle. The guards around them tense on seeing
Pilrana beside Aijin, guessing what the new Mistress of the Court
had discovered. In a minute, the two arrive in Shinobu's reception
hall. "Sister," Aijin sighs. "You better see this."

Shinobu looks up from some documents, then her eyes widen as
her own empathic senses detect the hollowness deep inside Pilrana.
"Merciful Lord!" she gapes, moving to sit on her throne. "What's
happened to this woman?! Izonba!!"

"Yes, my Princess...oh!" the captain walks in, then stops on
seeing Pilrana beside Aijin. "I see you've found the courtesans."

"Or rather, what's left of them, right?" Aijin muses.

"Aye, my lady," Izonba sighs, walking up to stand beside the
courtesan. "There are fifty courtesans in this castle alone,
twenty each in the other castles, my Princess. All of them are
like this to one extent or another. Pilrana here was one of
Sheko's favourite toys."

"How so?" Shinobu shudders, dreading to know the answer.

"Permit me," Izonba faces Pilrana. "You will please me."

Without hesitation, the courtesan turns, embracing the captain
tenderly, then delivers a very passionate kiss as if she and Izonba
were newly-bonded life mates on their handfasting night. Shinobu
and Aijin watch with horror as Pilrana moves to start snapping off
Izonba's armour, the only thought in the former's mind being giving
the latter all the pleasure she desires. "Stop!" Izonba orders.

Pilrana stops, drawing away. "She's a living robot," Aijin
shudders, fighting nausea.

"Aye, my lady," Izonba nods. "There are three more who're as
bad as Pilrana here; Sheko's personal toys. The other courtesans
here and in the other castles still have some of their willpower
with them, but not enough to give them full freedom, much less the
ambition and other traits we take for granted."

"Have the other three brought here, Izonba," Shinobu orders.

"Yes, my Princess," Izonba bows, then heads out of the room.

"Fidzina!" Shinobu calls out.

"Yes, my Princess?" the sergeant-major walks into the room.

"When Izonba returns with the three other courtesans like poor
Pilrana here, please have them dressed in something respectable.
They will not be courtesans in my court anymore."

"What will happen to them, my Princess?" Fidzina tenses.

"Relax, Fidzina. My sisters will take care of them."

"Of course, my Princess. Excuse me, please."

She walks out. "What are you trying to do, sweet sister?"
Aijin stares knowingly at Shinobu.

"Nothing much," Shinobu innocently shrugs. "I just think it's
about time you four had your own bond-mates."

Aijin laughs...

* * *

"You wanted to see me, Shinobu?" Reinoevan walks into the
dining hall sometime before lunch is served.

She stops suddenly, noticing the ex-courtesans relaxing beside
each of Shinobu's sisters, all now dressed in beautiful magenta-
shaded woolen kimono-like gowns, considered the formal dress of a
married woman on Yehisril. "Yes, Rei," Shinobu nods. "Aijin found
these poor women sitting around nearly lifeless where the other
courtesans are quartered. Can you mind-scan them and see what sort
of condition they're in, if they can be helped?"

"I'll try," the Troop's first officer pulls out her tricorder
and medikit, then kneels beside Pilrana. "Hello, there," she
smiles at the courtesan. "I'm Rei. What's your name?"

"I am Pilrana," the courtesan nods pleasantly.

Rei blinks confusedly. Priss told her that every person on
Yehisril always introduced themselves by name and the principality
of their birth. To not do that meant that the person had either
not undergone the Test of Life or considered herself *wilvirhis'r.*
Institutionalized slavery had never existed here, but there were
times when people were forced to become bonded in unpaid service to
another. Those who became bonded to another willingly...willing
slaves...were seen typically as lower than slime. That Sheko had
much turned Pilrana and her three friends into *wilvirhis'r* was,
in a Sagussan's eyes, the equivalent of mind-rape, a capital crime
on Rei's homeworld.

Running a scanner over the four women, Rei then gently touches
their faces, her mind-probes diving into their *mei'na* to see if
there was anything of their old selves still living. After a
moment, she sighs, staring at Shinobu. "They can be saved."

"Good!" Shinobu exhales loudly.

"But," Rei cuts in, "...they must have *marei'cha* if they are
to recover from what Sheko did to them! They need to regain their
mental strength to live their lives with the dignity Yehisrites
take for granted. For the first while, they would be totally
dependent on their bond-mate for telepathic and empathic support.
For their love, whole and without question. Once they have that,
it's just a manner of time before they're properly restored."

"So we would have to bond with them," Jijo sighs, then nods,
gazing longingly at her companion. "I would be hard pressed to
think of another way to spend nights here in Kyotos...then with
someone I can care for and love who needs me."

The others readily nod. Shinobu smiles...

* * *

"My lady, do you not desire me to give you pleasure?"

Joshu chuckles as she closes the door to her room, then faces
the girl sitting on her bed. Hiznina is a bosomy woman with brown
eyes and straight glossy black hair cut square in a style similar
to Catty's. "Yes, I would desire you, Hiznicha," she walks over to
sit beside the courtesan. "But...there is something we must do
first. Something I think you'll definitely like when it's done."

"I'll do anything to please you, my lady," Hiznina smiles.

"Good," Joshu faces her, then reaches up with her fingers.

The courtesan blinks as the fingers touch her skin, then she
tenses as she feels the torrent of Joshu's mind race into hers with
the force of a tidal wave. "N-no..." she gasps suddenly as all her
mental barriers are sheared away with the ease of someone cutting
paper with a pair of scissors, then her mind's eye is opened up to
the insane life of the woman now revealing her soul to her.

Hiznina is overwhelmed by the memories of this young woman,
who in fact was far, far older than her looks would hint at. Her
memories of a different timeline. When Joshu was a different
version of Shinobu Miyaki, one who felt everything being dragged
away from her. Her growing rage toward the one she saw as being
the most responsible for taking her life away: Noa. Her killing
Sheko, claiming Kyotos for herself, her initial transformation into
a Sagussan. Then the final straw; the accidental death of her
beloved children. Madness. Her transformation into Scalphunter.

The revenge-quest, something Hiznina intrinsically understood.
Killing all those who meant so much to Noa. Failing to kill Noa's
children, but succeeding in killing her lover Lum. Fatal mistake;
NO ONE kills a Sagussan's bond-mate and lives. The ex-courtesan
watches the destruction of Kyotos, ordered by a vengeance-crazed
Noa and backed by an equally angered Ataru. Scalphunter's escape,
fleeing back through time to ensure her younger self became
her...and to kill Noa before the cycle began anew.

The battle in Nerima. The searing pain of a gunshot wound.
Death...no, not that. Another transformation. The pain, anguish
and blood-madness gone, replaced by calm, a serene understanding.
A new name, Joshu Miyaki. Finally, a husband, Satoshi Yoshikazu.
A new start, a new life, peace at last. Then more blood. Satoshi
hacked down, his eyes lifeless, wide with confusion, wondering why.

Joshu automatically knew who it was: Sheko. After all, she
herself had killed the *laqu'r* in a previous life. The trip to
Sivr'piz Station in orbit over Yehisril to deal with the *laqu'r.*
Ataru, dying. *Tre'cha,* the saving of his soul from the Three-
Faced One. Urging Shinobu to claim her destiny, avenge her beloved
Ataru, ensure that she would never lose him again. *Satre'cha,*
the refusion. A new destiny, a new life, finally peace.

Hiznina gasps as she feels Joshu's fingers pull away from her
face. The images replay in her mind again and again, filling her
with the powerful warmth of Joshu's mind. New thoughts, new ideas.
All from another world, the world of the Maidens of the Soultaker,
Sagussa. A different world, as different from Yehisril as night is
from day...yet similar, comfortable, so much like home. Joshu was
a Maiden in all but name, a *daishi'cha* without number. Now she
had welcomed another into that vast family.

"Joshu..."

"Hush, Hiznivayae," Joshu lightly kisses her. "All that's
needed is time. Rest, now."

"No, Joshuvayae," Hiznina shakes her head, understanding that
by calling her "my dearest Joshu," she was making a lifetime
commitment to be this woman's soul-mate, bond-mate, *marei'cha.*
"I need you. I want you. Now."

They kiss again...

* * *

Jijo sighs as she gazes at the slender woman now laying on her
bed. If one could ignore the dull lifelessness in her green eyes,
one would see a playful sprite with shaggy shoulder-length red hair
that seemed to have a will of its own. The former courtesan now
gazes expectantly at her Lady Chamberlain. "My lady?"

"Yes, Givrilna-san?" Jijo sits beside her.

"Do you not desire me to please you?"

"You please me just by being here with me," Jijo reaches over
to gently stroke the Yehisrite's cheeks. "Where are you from?"

Givrilna blinks, then bites her lips. "I do not remember."

"Do you have family?"

"I do not remember."

Jijo sighs, then looks up. Her mind feels the subtle torrent
of passion unleashing itself next door. The love dawning between
Joshu and Hiznina seemed like the initial light burst of a nuclear
explosion, the latter's cry of freedom echoing through the mists of
the *te'a* like rolling thunder. Obviously, Sheko didn't succeed
in totally destroying the lives of these four innocent women.

In all probability, Aijin and Pilrana would get to business
soon enough. Of the three widowed sisters, the former Kali had
rebounded the quickest from the death of her husband Masayuki
Takuma. After dealing in death so personally for so long, Aijin
intrinsically knew that mourning her husband was in the end wasted
energy. She loved him and would always have a place in her heart
reserved for him, but she also had a life to live.

As for Kigye and her chosen one, Jijo doubted it would amount
to much. Isolated for over a billion years as a living nanite
symbiotic, the former Mecha had little experience in tapping into
her heart; she was in fact less emotional than the *daishi'cha*
before they first met Ataru. Or would Kigye surprise her sisters?
She seemed to like keeping things secret from her siblings, even
Shinobu. Would this be one time that the veil would be drawn away?

"My lady?" Givrilna wonders.

Jijo gazes at her, then stands, drawing off her shirt and
pants, then unzipping her bodysuit. Immediately, Givrilna rises,
slipping off her robe, then her bodysuit. Both then lay down,
facing each other. "Before we...begin, Givrilna-san, I want you to
know that it is my intention to bond with you," Jijo reaches up to
the former courtesan's face. "Most Yehisrites look upon this type
of mating with considerable trepidation, if not outright loathing.
If you desire for us to separate after you've regained your will,
I will happily agree to it. Do you understand?"

"I desire to please you, my lady," Givrilna innocently
replies. "That is the only thing I have to understand."

*Not for long,* Jijo's hands fall on Givrilna's face.

Givrilna cries out as a wild torrent overwhelms her. As
Jijo's life replays in her mind, she sees many parallels with her
own life. The innocent Shinobu of this timeline, chosen by power-
hungry princes and barons determined to revive their ancient feudal
order, one dead for a century and more. Stripped of her faith in
her God and His Only Son, her belief in things not of old Japan,
then transformed into a high-tech samurai to ensure that the new
shogunate would not be threatened: Lady Katana.

The price Lady Katana paid to be the servant of the shoguns
was considerable. Her friends gone, either fleeing Japan for
sanctuary elsewhere or enslaved to an order they didn't want for
themselves, many electing to die by their own hand. Her beloved
Ataru leaving with Lum for Sagussa, teaming with his grandmother
Nagaiwakai to force a blockade on the shogunate, supplying weapons
to the resistance forces that automatically rose to destroy it.
The personal cost to her family; since they refused to reject their
Christian faith, Lady Katana's masters had them all slain.

But as with all other tyrannies, the New Tokugawa Shogunate
didn't last. The combined internal and external forces resisting
its quest for supremacy gained the upper hand and destroyed it.
Before he was captured, Baron Suzuki sent Lady Katana back in time,
in part to ensure their future came to be, but to also kill those
who'd destroy them, especially Ataru and Nagaiwakai.

But before she could ever carry out either mission, she fought
her younger self at the Tendou dojo. Again, the terrible pain of
near-death, the peace of regeneration, the cleansing of the many
wounds. Then her husband, Atsushi Tsuruga. Despite his deviance
into helping create the Kali-Shinobu Shrine, he was in fact a very
well-behaved man, one willing to court Jijo as a samurai would
court a lady of noble birth. It had been sheer bliss...until the
day Sheko's assassins ended it.

<<Why...?>> Givrilna feels her eyes water.

<<Why what?>> Jijo blinks.

<<Why kill your husband? You and he were no threat to the
Prince! He didn't deserve to die...>>

<<Before he attacked Ataru-kun, Sheko learned where I and my
sisters, especially Joshu, came from. He believed that if our will
was broken, we would be no threat to him. He was wrong.>>

Givrilna smiles contently as she feels their bond solidify,
their arms drawing them into a warm embrace. "Jijovayae?"

"En, Givrilvayae?" Jijo smiles.

"You said if I disapproved of our bond, we could separate."

"Yes. I meant it."

"Are you mad?!!" she flips herself atop Jijo, swamping her
with a kiss. "No, my heart of hearts!! I will ravage you, love
you, drink your sweet body's lovely honey, vow myself to be yours
now and forever more...and we shall remain together from now 'till
the day we slip into the *te'a* and dine together for Eternity at
the Three-Faced One's table!!"

Jijo shudders excitedly as they draw a blanket over them...

* * *

"Oh, my," Kigye breathes in as she feels the torrent of Jijo's
and Givrilna's passion unleash itself, adding to the thunder Joshu
and Hiznina were producing. That caught her totally by surprise.
Taking a deep breath, she relaxes in her bed, then returns her
attention to Pivmina, now kneeling nude beside her would-be bond-
mate, slipping off the last of Kigye's clothes before they began.

Jijo was wrong. Kigye could still feel emotion, had felt it
for the billion years she had been alone. Mostly sorrow, the
heart-wrenching agony of being isolated from all she loved and
cared for. She had believed that becoming Mecha had been God's
divine punishment for her unwillingness to let go, her desire to
control all around her, to ensure none would leave her.

Over time, the nanite-being called Mecha realized that while
becoming a living symbiotic had been tragic, their isolation from
their loved ones was their fault, their allowing fear to control
their destiny. After a time, after self-confidence had been
restored, they chose to go back, ensure that their younger self
would never make those same mistakes. It was good that they did go
back; for arriving from other timelines were three other future-
selves determined to ensure Shinobu became one of them. That could
never be permitted and Mecha moved to stop them.

Yet, while having rediscovered the ability to die, there was
a part of Mecha that desired to do it again, to live the life they
abandoned. They rationalized that Kali, Katana and Scalphunter
deserved the same chance, then moved to restore them...and restore
Mecha's hope for a new life. That tragically came soon enough when
Sheko's assassins killed the three men who had given Aijin, Jijo
and Joshu such happiness, their quest for justice bringing them to
Sivr'piz Station...and to discover the nearly lifeless body of...

"Zizhifna..."

Kigye gazes at the blonde-haired woman now laying atop her,
her blue eyes tearing as a torrent of buried memories returns to
her mind. "You were lovers."

"Aye, my lady," Pivmina sniffs. "Sheko discovered our secret
not a month before the Princess came to kill him...and he...he used
me to...to torture her...to break her...to kill her...!!"

A wail escapes her as Kigye fiercely embraces Pivmina. "I
could see it in her eyes...!" the courtesan sobs. "Her begging me
to stop...her begging me to stop the pain...her...her vowing..."

"Her love to you."

Pivmina blinks, staring in shock at this shaggy-haired pale
woman before her, gazing deep into those brown eyes...and seeing a
familiar spark. "Zizhifcha...?!" she gasps.

"A small part of me was that person," Kigye responds. "That
part...was still within this body when that which was Mecha came.
Apart, we could not survive. Together, we...I could. Forgive me
for not seeing to you sooner, Pivmina; it has taken me some time to
adjust our memories so we can be one being."

Pivmina bites her lips, smiling. Unlike Shinobu's other
sisters...now including a very happy Aijin, having just solidified
her bond with Pilrana...Kigye chose to be subtle in her bonding,
give Pivmina the chance to rediscover her memories, her self before
they solidified their bond. Gazing deep into the other's eyes,
they smile, then tendery kiss. "Let us be one, Kigyecha," Pivmina
draws a blanket over them, her eyes flashing acceptance. "For too
long, you've been alone. You'll never be alone again."

"Let it be so," Kigye draws her hands up to Pivmina's face...

* * *

Shinobu inhales as she feels the warmth of her sisters
enjoying the delightful company of their new bond-mates. She and
Kigye had worried that in the wake of their husbands' deaths, Jijo,
Joshu and Aijin could probably regress back into their darker
selves, return to the evil which had dominated their lives since
long before they came back in time. Finding the courtesans had
been a godsend, even for Kigye. Sighing, she stretches herself,
then undresses. It was still early afternoon, but she doubted much
would happen. Besides, feeling her sisters' passion was starting
to make her frisky. Now, would...

A knock is heard. "My Princess?"

"Enter," Shinobu slips on a yukata, then reclines on her bed.

Sure enough, Izonba seemed quite flustered, her eyes wide with
confusion and a growing hunger. "Forgive me, my Princess," she
waves a hand over her face. "I seem to be very warm today..."

"I never thought you were psi-sensitive enough to pick up my
sisters' having some fun," Shinobu smiles.

"Is THAT what it is...Sh-shinobu...!" Izonba gulps on seeing
the *laqu'r* draw her yukata back to expose herself.

"Izonba," Shinobu sighs. "You can say 'no'...but right now,
I want someone to make love to me, to make me feel right at home
here. And I would be really happy if that someone was you."

Izonba blinks, a hungry smile tugging her lips. Damn, she
never thought Shinobu was THAT beautiful! "I would be honoured, my
lovely Princess Shinobu," she moves to unbuckle her armour...

* * *

Hisvi Wood, Tizros.

Rihzko, count of Maroes, sighs as he relaxes in his buggy,
gazing at the surrounding tall trees. Maroes was one of a dozen
counties composing Tizros, one of seven earldoms...eight if you
counted rebellions Ifpizos, seen as a principality in her own right
elsewhere...constituting Kyotos proper. Beside him is Xisrivba, a
young *azhis'f* whose parents were slain in a petty dispute years
ago and had been welcomed into court when she lost her home in a
fire. Xisrivba is a lovely girl...AND single. Rihzko, also
unmarried, had hoped for her recognition so they could marry and
guarantee the succession.

They were proceeding to Tizros City on the other side of the
Wood to meet with the Lord Constable...and the true power in
Tizros...Izrihko. The shock of Sheko's death and the ascension of
Shinobu Miyaki was still being felt in every court in Kyotos. The
recently arrived alien woman eliminated Sheko's cronies, disposed
a lot of his wealth and begun a reform drive that was scaring
everyone. Izrihko was supposedly coming up with a plan to deal
with the bitch, but needed all the counts' supports to make his
move appear legitimate in the eyes of the other principalities.

It had started with Wakena of Chemlos. Within days of Sheko's
death, Wakena went to Alko to demand that the revenge laws be
respected and Shinobu be allowed to claim that which was Sheko's.
Within a day of Chemlos' siding with the alien, Dysos and the other
Falcrosite earldoms-turned-principalities said "aye." Dameko
chimed in a week later while Quilmko of Ifpizos chose to hold back
until he learned Shinobu's intentions towards his domain. With
that and with no one strong enough to shout an objection, Shinobu
Miyaki won her case with ease.

Izrihko hadn't told the counts what he had in mind, but it was
bound to be good. The last earl of Tizros died of a heart attack
a week after Sheko and, with no children, had thrown the succession
issue in the air. Izrihko had taken control and cracked down on
the commoners and the barons who stood against him. Most of the
latter were dead now, their families dispossessed to ensure they
could not form a common front. Rihzko didn't mind. Barons were
traditionally too close to the common folk for a count's comfort.

Suddenly, Xisrivba tenses. "Someone's out there!!"

"What?!" Rihzko barks.

A chatter of *thunks!* in the buggy's walls indicate a barrage
of arrows. Fortunately, the thick wood absorbs the attack without
threatening the two inside. A cry from the driver indicates an
arrow striking true, the body stumbling out of the seat. The buggy
then jerks to a halt as woodsmen appear out of nowhere to stop the
vehicle, others moving to aim their longbows and crossbows into the
cabin to ensure Rihzko's and Xisrivba's compliance.

The side door beside the courtesan is flung open, revealing a
handsome young man. His dark breeches indicate a baron's son. His
personal badge indicates that he is of Olpihbos, the county around
Tizros City, whose leader was now under Izrihko's thumb. Staring
evenly at the count, he turns to Xisrivba. "My lady," he reaches
down to draw her hand to his lips, then after bestowing a pleasant
kiss, removes her rings. "Someone with your divine beauty surely
has no need for extra decoration."

Xisrivba finds herself breathless. His charm was enough to
take any maiden's attention, though she doesn't feel the rush in
her mind of recognition. Perhaps this one was already bonded to
someone else. Pity. "If you say so, my lord...?"

"Ilyirko of Kyotos, Baron of Srit-Olpihbos," he bows lightly,
then looks to his right to see a tall fellow in woodsman's clothing
come up with a large sack of gold primsil pieces. "What did you
find, my friend?"

"Enough tax money to give everyone a good stake!" he laughs,
tossing the bag over his shoulder. "I think the local folks would
want it back, don't you, Ilyirko?"

"Aye, Quizko," Ilyirko hums, then smiles. "My lady."

Xisrivba blushes. "The Constable'll hear about this!" Rihzko
sputters furiously, helpless with three swords now at his throat.

"See to it he does," Ilyirko smiles dangerously.

With that, the woodsmen disappear into the forest. After a
moment, Rihzko looks outside to see they were alone. "Bandits and
thieves!" he spits out. "What is this planet coming to?!"

"If he's a thief, let him be a prince of thieves," Xisrivba
absently muses, smiling...

* * *

The Ifpizos March.

Shinobu guides the sandsloth across the prairie, a strip of
uninhabited land fifty kilometres across, as long as the distance
between Wakkanai and Kagoshima. This was the frontier between
Kyotos and Ifpizos, youngest of Yehisril's principalities. Having
been an earldom in the early days of Sheko's rule, its *silpif'h,*
Nizpifko, became alarmed at the abuses Sheko was permitting his
lords to unleash on the common folk, then launched a rebellion.
Nizpifko, someone Varanko said was a perfect example of a good
*laqu'r,* declared his possessions free of Kyotos, then fought a
ten year war to ensure Sheko understood. While dying near the
war's climax, Nizpifko's rebellion showed the other principalities
Sheko wasn't invincible nor would always be a winner. His grandson
Quilmko carries on that proud tradition today.

Shinobu gently pushes her heels into the sandsloth's side as
her eyes detect the regiment of Ifpizosite cavalry approaching from
the other side, forcing the snorting beast to slow down. During
the months she waited on Earth, Mendou offered her the chance to
take horseriding lessons. The sandsloth rode in much the same way
though it was a wider beast with stockier legs. Its fastest gallop
would only be a regimented trot to an Arabian stallion.

By then, her private guard and a regiment of Kyotosite cavalry
catch up. "My Princess, please, do not approach them until we've
confirmed their non-belligerency," a captain insists.

"Captain, we're here to foster peace and trust with Prince
Quilmko, not start another war," Shinobu gazes at him. "I'll be
alright. Are everyone's weapons tied up properly?"

"Yes, my Princess."

"Good," Shinobu turns her sloth toward the leader of the
approaching formation, a tall, sturdy fellow with sandy blonde hair
cut military short, sharp blue eyes, a bushy moustache hiding his
mouth and several light scars across his arms and legs. Like
Shinobu, Quilmko was unarmored, a silver-trimmed rose-pink cape
being his only protection outside the normal bodysuit. Ifpizos's
colour was close to but still different from Kyotos magenta to mark
the shared history between them. Inhaling, she bows her head.
"Prince Quilmko. A fair morning to you, sir."

"A fair morning to you, Princess Shinobu," Quilmko nods, a
bloody century of mistrust flashing in his eyes. "You took me by
surprise when you sent your communique, especially since you've
still yet to solidify your own hold on power in Kyotos."

"If the lords can't accept the many changes I wish to bring to
Kyotos, then I will deal with them. I am giving them the chance to
think it over before either acquiescing or raising swords. In my
opinion, making a lasting peace between Kyotos and our brothers and
sisters in Ifpizos is more important."

"Peace in what way?"

"Your late grandfather was the first to realize what type of
man Sheko was. His rebellion raised the alarm, warned everyone
that dealing with my late predecessor wouldn't be subjected to the
rules of honour and etiquette demanded between the Royal Kingdoms.
Even after being forced to accept Ifpizos' independence, Sheko
conspired in the death of your father, made five attempts on your
life...all of which fortunately failed...plus the deaths of many of
your lords and ladies and the...subversion of others. We are still
brothers and sisters though we now live in separate houses under
separate banners...and where I come from, treating a sibling like
THAT is considered quite heinous. Izonba?"

Izonba rides up, handing Shinobu a rolled parchment. She
passes it to Quilmko. He opens it and blinks. "What is this?"

"A list of those lords and ladies still alive who's...favour
was purchased by Sheko in the last few years," Shinobu smiles.
"They were promised riches, earldoms in several Kyotos-controlled
duchies...one countess was even promised the chance to be *laqu'r*
so she could marry Sheko and unite Kyotos and Ifpizos by marriage.
What you do with that list is your business, Quilmko. But I won't
permit them to believe they can draw on me like they did Sheko just
to undermine your rule, sir. The people of Ifpizos desire to be
free and independent. I desire to respect that."

Quilmko gazes at the list, then stares at the girl who had
done the impossible. The stories about Shinobu's home county,
Tomobiki, were spreading across the Royal Kingdoms. Her strength
when angered was awe-inspiring, her desire to be at peace well
known. Also known was her turbulent relationship with the Slayer
of the Mikado. Sheko had stupidly assumed that Shinobu wouldn't
mind Ataru dying, especially after the harsh events of their third
year in high school. Well, he paid for it. Too bad.

"My thanks, Shinobu," he smiles. "Perhaps we could speak of
this when your investiture is complete? Tomorrow, I believe?"

"Yes, it is," Shinobu sighs. "I have to get back to Kyotos
City to see how my parents and friends are doing; they should be
here...when, Izonba?"

"Two hours ago, my Princess," Izonba reports, glancing at her
wrist-crono. "I'm sure your sisters are taking care of them."

"If they're not too distracted by their new bond-mates,"
Shinobu hums, then shrugs at Quilmko. "You should've seen what
Sheko did to his courtesans! God, it'll be years before they could
resume normal lives...eh?!"

A galloping sloth is heard. Shinobu turns to see one of her
personal guard ride up, a rolled parchment in hand. "My Princess,
Prince Quilmko, pardon me," he bows to them, then hands the message
to Shinobu. "A communique from the Baron of Srit-Olpihbos."

"Tizros?!" Shinobu blinks, then snaps open the parchment.
"When did this arrive?"

"Just before your parents' arrival; it was in slow transit
from Tizros City. The Lady Kimiki and the Lord Toshoba saw the
message, then asked me to deliver it to you."

Shinobu hums, then rolls open the parchment:

"My Princess Shinobu,

"I give you my sincerest regrets on not being able
to communicate and swear my loyalty to you in person but
I fear I'll be in the Three-Faced One's court by the time
you read this. Fear not for me, most noble Princess. I
thanked the Lady Silna for delivering you to destroy the
demon Sheko. But your work will not be done just by
killing him and his lackeys in Kyotos City.

"Another conspires against you: Izrihko, the lord
constable of Tizros. His perversions and evils were even
disgusting for Sheko to tolerate at times, but Izrihko
always maintained his post, manipulating our late earl
and controlling the counts while destroying the lives of
the common folk. Taxes are heavy here, forcing many to
flee into Hisvi Wood to join the bandits already there.

"Having someone like you come to the throne scares
him more than anything else in the universe, thus he has
engaged in a dastardly plot, drawing the counts and their
wealth together in hopes of forcing the Duchess Carona,
great-granddaughter of Sheko's noble predecessor Haramko,
to challenge you for the throne. While I know not the
details of this, it most likely would involve Izrihko
marrying Carona, then challenging you since she is still
of the ancient blood that ruled Kyotos for centuries.

"I beg you, my Princess, be on your guard. My son
Ilyirko will be sent to join the bandits should I die and
he be dispossessed. He will help you; he is young but of
a good heart. You may find your first weeks in Kyotos
busy ones. Again I apologize for not speaking to you in
person and, should I be in the Afterworld, will beseech
the Three-Faced One to grant you favour.

"Your most humble servant, Olhivko of Kyotos."

"Jesu Cristo," Shinobu shakes her head, then sighs, gazing at
her fellow *laqu'r.* "I deeply apologize, Quilmko, but it appears
I've business awaiting me in Tizros that needs to be immediately
attended to. Would you excuse me?"

"Concerning Izrihko?" the prince of Ifpizos hums.

"You know of him?"

"I've heard of him, enough to warn you that he will stop at
nothing to get what he wants," Quilmko warns. "Be on your guard,
Shinobu. He is not to be trusted as long as he draws breath."

"I'll keep it in mind, then. Fair morning to you, sir."

"A fair morning to you, lady," he nods as she rides off.

The Lord Chancellor of Ifpizos rides up. "Do you believe
she'll succeed, my Prince?"

"She will," Quilmko hums. "There's a power in that one,
Wiveko. I know not if it's the power the Maidens of the Soultaker
possess or something else. I don't give Izrihko good odds."

"Good riddance," the younger noble snorts.

Meanwhile, Shinobu has rejoined the regiment sent to protect
her. "Izonba, if Varanko is still in Kyotos City, will you see to
it that he relays my deepest apologizes to the Lord Protector?" she
stares at her guard captain. "It appears my investiture will be
delayed for some time if this Izrihko proves to be troublesome."

"Of course, my Princess," Izonba nods to one of her soldiers,
who gallops off. "Will we proceed to Tizros immediately?"

"A small party, but yes," Shinobu nods...

* * *

A day later. His-Olpihbos.

Shinobu sighs as she rides her sloth into the small collection
of huts parted by a dirt road. Not large enough to merit a mag-lev
station, Shinobu, with Izonba, Xasirna and Fidzina accompanying
her, had taken the elevated magnetic train to the station on the
border between Tizros and Haralos. Spending the night in a hotel
to ensure privacy, the four rented sloths for the ride into Tizros.
To aid the disguise, Shinobu had stowed her cape in a travel bag,
then had her guards switch from armour to riding clothes. To the
casual observer, they were an outworlder and three native girls out
for a pleasant ride in the country.

"This is stupid," Izonba hisses. "Why are we acting like
bloody Freemasons when you can just walk into Tizros City, kill the
fool and be done with it?!"

"And what if he has allies?" Shinobu gazes at her. "Relax,
Izonba. Sometimes it's smart to keep a low cover. Now, Xasirna,
where's Carona's keep?"

"It's not a proper keep per se, Shinobu," the tanner bites her
lips. "She may be a grand duchess, but the power one would expect
of someone that high wasn't given to her. No one knows why Sheko
kept her family around. One of the strange things about him.
There it is...on the rise, there," she points.

It was actually a small farm, well kept and maintained, quite
prosperous in comparison to its neighbours, who were all ready to
fall apart...but still a farm. Shinobu blinks as they ride up to
the gate, surprised someone with as high a status as Carona lived
here. From what her research had gleaned, Carona was a popular
leader, someone who had a deft touch with the common folk. Why did
Sheko spare her when her grassroots popularity would have given a
challenge by Carona better chances?

Another mystery never to be solved, Shinobu shakes her head as
they dismount, then head to the front door. With a deft knock, she
stands back to wait. The spy-hole opens, revealing the eyes of an
middle-aged woman. "Who are you?"

"I've come to speak to the Lady Carona, please?" Shinobu gives
her most disarming smile, drawing out the silver Medallion of State
she had taken from Sheko's decapitated corpse from under her shirt.
"It's very important."

The older woman's eyes widen, then the door opens to reveal a
slender woman in her forties, dressed in the armour and leather
breeches of a lord's personal assistant. "My Princess, what are
you doing here?!" she whispers hoarsely, ushering the visitors
inside as she bars the door behind them. "If the Constable learns
that you're here, he'll have you killed on the spot!"

"He can try," Shinobu snorts. "You are?"

"Irxisra of Kyotos, personal assistant to the Lady Carona of
Kyotos," she bows to the *laqu'r.* "Your humble servant, my
Princess. What brought you here?"

"A letter from Baron Olhivko," Shinobu sighs.

"Who is it, Irxisra?!" a voice calls from one of the rooms.

"The *laqu'r,* my lady!" Irxisra calls out.

Shinobu sees a young woman, barely twenty, appear from the
bedroom. Her eyes widen on seeing her visitor, then she walks up.
"My Princess," she takes Shinobu's hand and kisses it. "I am
Carona of Kyotos. An honour to meet you."

"You're a cyborg!" Shinobu's eyes widen as her senses detect
something very amiss with her host.

Carona blinks, then reaches to her face. Tearing half the
skin away, she reveals complex machinery protecting an organic
brain and some support mechanisms. "As you see, my Princess, Sheko
had no worries about my challenging him," the still-intact side of
her face offers a weak smile. "May I offer you something to drink?
You and your friends must be tired from your long ride from the
mag-lev station on the march with Haralos."

"Please," Shinobu smiles.

Carona blinks on seeing the tanner. "Xasirna?!" she gapes in
shock. "What are you doing back here, sister?!"

"'SISTER?!?!?!'" Shinobu, Izonba and Fidzina cry.

Irxisra sadly shakes her head. Seeing her sister's exposed
machinery, Xasirna runs over to tightly embrace her. "Forgive me,
Carocha!" she sobs. "I failed you! I couldn't get close! I was
a coward!! Forgive me, Carocha..."

"Hush, Xasircha," Carona partially smiles. "I forgive you.
I'm so glad you're safe and alright. C'mon, I need help with my
face. No good presenting myself to the Princess like this."

Both laugh. "Carona?" Shinobu smiles.

"Yes, my Princess?"

"My friends call me Shinobu."

* * *

"So you came to Kyotos City to become a courtesan and kill
Sheko?!" Fidzina blinks.

"Aye," Xasirna nods. Everyone relaxes in the living room as
the tanner/duchess applies syntheskin paste to her sister's torn
skin, then a laser sealer to melt it into place. "Carocha was
nearly hacked apart by bandits five years ago. Sheko paid for her
cybernetic conversion, contracted the Zeiwanites to do it. But in
doing so, Sheko was able to keep my sister from misbehaving; she
was already contemplating a move on the throne."

"But if Sheko killed her, the common folk would most likely
rise up in rebellion," Izonba shakes her head, then stares sadly at
the cyborg duchess. "My lady, I've no words..."

"You don't need to express sympathy, Izonba," Carona smiles as
her sister finishes, her face again flawless, then grips Xasirna's
hand. "I'm so glad you're still alive, Xasircha. It's been so
lonely here. I didn't care for revenge, you know that."

"I did...and I was a coward!" Xasirna shakes her head.

"You weren't a coward, Xasirna," Shinobu sighs, walking over
to grip the tanner's shoulders. "After seeing what happened to the
courtesans, I don't blame you for backing off. That would scare
even me before I became a Sagussan."

Xasirna sighs. "You are a strange one! Pizalna-sama's Fleece
Laces, girl, sympathy earns a quick sword-thrust on this planet!"

"Maybe," Shinobu hums, then gazes at Carona. "I've read of
your great-grandfather, Carona. I would've loved to have met him;
he struck me as a very decent and devoted man. While I shan't
shirk from the duty Fate gave me, I shall do something to redress
the injustice suffered on your family...and you. Rise, my lady."

Carona rises. Shinobu draws her windreaper, then places the
blade's flat on her shoulder. "I declare you Earl Countessa of
Tizros and Grand Duchess Royal of Kyotos. For the time being, I
also ask if you will be *zig'l-mil-laqu'r* until such time as I've
had my own children. Do you agree to this, Carona of Kyotos?"

Everyone gapes. Being *silpif'h* of Tizros would immediately
plug the hole Izrihko was trying to use to gain power. But being
also Grand Duchess Royal...*gizrip'l-wizrixs'r*...would make Carona
Shinobu's second-in-command, put her in charge over all of Kyotos'
duchies. Varanko, as grand duke of Cademus, would administratively
fall under Carona's command. That would make anyone contemplating
killing Shinobu take pause; Carona's support was quite widespread.

"My Princess..." Carona's eyes water. "I can't..."

"How much of you is still human?"

"About...forty-five percent."

"Enough for the regeneration matrix," Shinobu grins. "I asked
my friends from Sagussa to get some doctors here to help with the
other courtesans. Looks like you need it more. Do you accept?"

Carona blinks, then shudders, feeling indecision seize her.
"My Princess, I don't desire the powers you have..."

"That won't be a problem."

"And...what of Izrihko?"

"We'll deal with him afterward. Izonba?"

"Yes, Shinobu?"

"Change of plans...yet again!" she rolls her eyes. "I'll have
my investiture tomorrow. I need to make Carona's promotion public
if I'm to get more people on my side. We're heading back to Kyotos
City ASAP. Pass it on."

"At once, my Princess," Izonba bows.

Shinobu and Carona gaze at each other. "Well, Carocha?" the
former smiles. "Will you help me?"

The latter smiles. "Aye, Shinobuvayae. I will."

The others beam...

* * *

"Missing?!!"

Izrihko growls as he wipes his table clear of dishes and cups,
glaring at his cousin, Count of Tizros Tivluko. "She wasn't there
when I went to look in on her," the latter shrugs. "You know her,
cousin! Always out there with the little people."

"Idiot!!" the dark-haired, moustached and bearded constable
snaps. "Have you totally lost what senses the gods gave you?! If
Carona slips out of our fingers, we'll be damned hard pressed to
get rid of that alien in Kyotos City!!! All the other *laqu'rs,*
even Quilmko, are behind Miyaki!! We need someone who's reputation
would even overwhelm the one who finally got rid of that backward-
looking old fool Sheko!! Carona's the only one!!!"

Tivluko sighs. "Cousin, why in Pizalna-sama's name do you
like her?! Half her body's a machine, in the name of all the gods!
You can't have children with her, can't do anything with her...!"

"The normal people don't KNOW that, you twit!!" Izrihko snaps.
"Not even that fool Ilyirko! Once we're settled in, Carona would
have an 'accident.' Before that, she would declare me *zig'l-mil-
laqu'r* to guarantee the succession. Once I'M *laqu'r,* then I can
find someone I can marry and worry about children!"

Tivluko shrugs. "Suit yourself, then. I'll go look again."

"Thank you!!" Izrihko groans as the count leaves.

The constable then storms back to his personal chambers high
in the central part of Tizros' keep. Slamming the door behind him,
he sighs, then blinks as he notices his companion, now on her bed
reading a datapadd. "Something vexes you, Izrihcha?"

"Yes, it does," Izrihko sighs as he sits beside his live-in
lover, Siblira, a tall and muscular woman who hails from the semi-
independent nation...it didn't even bear a proper ranking...calling
northern Kyotos home. Wild nomadic people who could never really
fit into Yehisril's regimented social order, Siblira's tribe, the
Pifiz'r-Pir (so called by their light brown skin colour, lighter
than a Toukonokouen's), were looked at by "civil" Kyotosites in
much the same way many Europeans looked at Gypsies in the years
before World War Two. "But don't worry about it, Siblicha," he
pats her bare leg. "We'll have it settled soon enough."

"My people want to be at peace with you Sizpif-Nir," Siblira
warns him. "You promised me that when you took control of Kyotos,
you'd give us some more land."

"And so I shall, once we get this Miyaki girl out of the way,"
Izrihko gazes warmly at her. Who wouldn't be fascinated by someone
like this? "At the same time, we have to worry about that foolish
idiot in the Hisvi Wood. Can I get your friends to send warriors
down to help me flush those bandits out?"

"I need persuasion, Izrihcha," Siblira smiles, drawing him
into her very strong embrace...

* * *

"Shinobu, where have you been?!" Kimiki demands as she steps
into the *laqu'r's* reception hall in Kyotos City some hours later.
"Do you realize your friends were worried what's happened to you?!
The investiture's tomorrow, remember?!"

"I remember, Mom," Shinobu yawns. "I've been really busy
these last few days. Did you meet the girls' new bond-mates?"

"I did," Kimiki beams, embracing her. "Oh, my sweet daughter,
Princess of Kyotos! Have you any regrets?!"

"I can't afford them, Mom," Shinobu waves her to a chair, then
relaxes on her throne. "I just saved a grand duchess from being a
cyborg, picked her as my second-in-command and successor until I
have children, have to find some way to get rid of this twit in
Tizros before he tries to depose me, made some inroads with the
*laqu'r* of Ifpizos...and that was just today!! Jesu Cristo, being
a princess on this planet is WORK!!!!"

"Any regrets?" Kimiki repeats herself.

Shinobu blinks. "No. This place has been so mismanaged for
so long, the amount of work I have to get done is overwhelming.
Too many people have suffered without anyone raising a finger in
their defence. I still have to find someone to help take care of
Milquina-chan; you met her, right? The courtesans are being taken
care of. I want to make some inroads with the northern nomads;
Sheko treated them like the Nazis treated the Jews at times! I
have to clean out those lords who still think they can get away
with hurting people. And there's still Sheko's sisters; they're
stuck God knows where, probably still haven't been told about their
brother's death and I've no idea how they'll react."

"You want to save them all," Kimiki smiles.

"I can do it," Shinobu smiles. "Oh, Mom, this is so different
from Sagussa, from Tomobiki! Back on Earth, I had no chance to
grow while Lum was there and everyone was falling over her. Even
when Ataru-kun got Lum out, people waited for so long to break out
of the mould and do something with themselves. On Sagussa, I
trained to be a nurse, but my services are only needed when people
get hurt. There's really no challenge to the Grand Design when you
think about it. But here..." she points down.

"Here, there are sick people, people who are malnourished,
people who've been stripped of their homes and possessions by evil
men and women...and I have the power to make them well, give them
food, give them back their land, their sense of self-worth. You
should've seen it when I first came here, Mom. They were so happy
to be free of Sheko, they didn't care that I was never raised to be
a *laqu'r.* I AM their only hope, Mom! And I have to do this
without Ataru-kun, without Lum, without anyone else in Tomobiki
helping me or getting in my way. I AM Kyotos!"

"Absolute power corrupts absolutely, remember?" Kimiki gazes
at her. "Remember what Father Cristobal told us in Bible studies?
Many of the Crusaders were petty men who wanted to get rich quick
and did it stealing and killing from people who weren't interested
in our way of looking at the Lord. Helping people in and of itself
is good and noble, Shinobu, but the power that throne represents is
power that can make you just as bad as Sheko."

"Then the power has to be with the people," Shinobu gazes at
her. "I'm scared of this throne's power as much as I'm anxious to
put it to really good use. I have to teach the people that. I'm
a teacher here most of all, Mom. I won't spread our faith. But I
can show them they can take control of their lives if they're
willing to take the chance. I told everyone when I met them on the
street after I arrived: if I betray them, I deserve the knife in
the back. But first...I have to make sure that those who don't
understand their position with the people have to be done away
with. That starts after tomorrow in Tizros."

"Make sure you confess this to Father Cristobal when you get
the chance," Kimiki smiles, rising to kiss her. "Good night, my
sweet little princess. Get a good night's sleep."

"Fair evening to you, Mom," Shinobu rises as Kimiki heads to
her guest quarters. "May the Three Sisters grant you a good rest."

She then gazes warmly at the three moons visible through the
reception hall's skylight...

* * *

Next day.

"It is time, my Princess."

Shinobu takes a deep breath as she gazes at the reflection in
her mirror. Her new personal aide, Elyizko, finishes brushing her
hair, then dabs some shadow over her eyes. She looks back to see
Izonba, in her shiny dress armour and with her sword chained down
in respect to the many important visitors, standing at the door.
"Yes, it is, isn't it?" Shinobu sighs. "My cloak, Elyizko."

"Of course, my Princess," the aide walks over to the chair
beside her bed as Shinobu stands. She now wears a frilly rider's
shirt and skirt over her bodysuit. Shinobu was grateful that the
chainmail was designed to naturally let air in to prevent her from
boiling; a hot, sweaty warrior could easily become a dead warrior.
The castle's windows would be open and the air was blustery today,
guaranteeing comfortable temperatures.

Elyizko drapes the cloak over her shoulders, tying it with a
silver chain. He picks up her swordbelt and buckles the windreaper
to her side. Taking a comb, he plays with some unruly strands of
hair, then nods. "There, my Princess. You're all ready to go."

"Where did you find him, Izonba?" Shinobu gazes at her guard
captain, nodding to the small bald man in leather breeches.

"You don't want to know, my Princess," Izonba grins.

"You won't stab me in the back, will you?" Shinobu gazes
suspiciously at Elyizko.

"With the way YOU read minds, my Princess? I think not!" he
flusters self-defensively.

Shinobu grins as she proceeds to the door. "Let's do it."

Izonba offers her arm. Shinobu takes it as she is led out of
her chambers. The troops snap to attention as they proceed down
the spiral stairs to the foyer beside the reception hall; today the
coronation hall. They pause at the door, then Shinobu kisses her
friend. "Thanks for being here for me, Izocha," she beams.

"As they say on your planet, Shinobu...'knock 'em dead, kid,'"
Izonba winks, then nods to the two at the door. "Now."

They open the doors. Inside, Fidzina snaps to attention. "My
lords and ladies, most honoured guests...Her Most Imperial Royal
Highness, the Crown Princess Shinobu Miyaki of Kyotos!!!"

Outside, the crowds gathered around the castle, on hearing the
name, begin their chant of "SHI-NO-BU!!!! SHI-NO-BU!!!! SHI-NO-
BU!!!!" as Izonba leads her down the red carpet to her waiting
throne. Shinobu relaxes as she allows her empathic powers to leap
out to scan the crowd with her. To both sides, Yehisrite lords and
ladies bow, dropping to one knee as they cross hand to heart in
salute. All around them, save for the Executioners now taking the
place of Izonba's company of guards, weapons are chained up in
peace thongs to indicate no war would happen today.

Shinobu does not glance to either side, her eyes locked on her
destination. She can detect familiar patterns. Pathfinder Troop
Six. Her sisters. To a lesser extent, her family and friends from
Tomobiki. She then sighs. No sign of Ataru or Lum. Well, after
what just happened over Uru, that was to be expected. A pang of
guilt arcs through her. She should be with her bond-mate and his
wife. Kyotos needed her more as the chants from outside confirm.
Ataru had done the same thing concerning Sagussa. What were the
needs of the one in comparison to those of the many?

Stepping up the two steps to her throne, she turns around and
sits down, drawing her cape to her as she relaxes. Everyone then
turns to face her as the main doors open. "My lords and ladies,
most honoured guests...His Imperial Excellency, Lord Alko of Dysos,
Lord Protector of the Royal Kingdoms of Yehisril...and His Imperial
Excellency, Grand Duke Varanko of Kyotos, Lord High Executioner of
the Royal Kingdoms of Yehisril!!!" Fidzina announces.

Alko marches in, Varanko behind him. Everyone turns, some of
the outworlders clapping, as the tall warrior marches toward the
throne. It was a curious relationship between Shinobu and the
middle-aged warrior approaching her. Alko was, as Yehisril's head
of state, Shinobu's technical superior. But his support depended
most of all on her and her fellow *laqu'rs.* If he didn't pay her
the proper homage, Shinobu could have him dethroned.

Of course, she had no intention of doing that!

Rising, she takes his hands in hers, then kisses his cheeks.
"Welcome, Lord Alko. I'm so glad you came today."

"Princess Shinobu," he smiles. "Today, you bring much cheer
to so many. May all your foes fall before you. I ask for your
support in bringing peace to all of the Royal Kingdoms."

"I give it to you without hesitation, my friend," Shinobu
waves to the throne beside hers. "Please sit with me."

Alko assumes his place. Varanko stands to one side as the
door opens. "My lords and ladies, most honoured guests...the First
Father and First Citizen of the Fifth Republic of Sagussa, the most
honourable Ataru Moroboshi...his noble and beloved wife, the Crown
Princess Lum of Uru...and the Crown Princess' beloved bond-mate,
the Elder Mother of All Sagussa, the Lady Noa!!" Fidzina announces.

"ATARU-KUN?!?!?!" Shinobu gasps. "LUM-CHAN?!?!?! NOA?!?!?!"

Everyone roars as Ataru, Lum and Noa walk into the chambers.
Despise the haunted looks deep in their eyes, the three, walking
hand-in-hand, march with a bouncy stride as they approach the
throne. All three were in post-Clone Rights War Sagussan robes,
black priest-like habits draped over their shoulders to their
ankles, tied at the waist, blue stripes down the middle embossed
with the gold windrider-phoenix, all over a black bodysuit with
crinole lace on their arms. Shinobu rises as Ataru walks up to
her, kissing her gently. "Hi, Shinobu-chan," he grips her hands.

"How are you?" Shinobu gazes worriedly at him.

"I'm...alright, I guess," Ataru smiles. "Can't miss my bond-
mate's big day, you know."

*He still has the Look of the Dead,* Varanko watches Ataru
from the audience. *Challenging so much and losing so much all at
once! Truly this *te'a* he worships is a fickle god indeed. At
least his wife and the Lady Noa are bearing the loss much better.*

Ataru backs away as Lum and Noa embrace Shinobu, then move to
the chair to Shinobu's right. "He and I made a deal," Ataru points
to Alko, gazing right into Shinobu's eyes, a familiar twinkle deep
in his brown orbs. "If you hurt those people outside, I'LL kill
you first and let him have the pieces!! You got me?!"

"I'll let you," Shinobu kisses him.

Laughter echoes through the crowd as Ataru takes his seat.
The main doors open once more. "My lords and ladies, most honoured
guests...Her Most Imperial Royal Highness, the Princess Carona of
Kyotos, Earl Countessa of Tizros and Grand Duchess Royal of
Kyotos...and her beloved sister, Her Most Imperial Royal Highness,
the Princess Xasirna of Kyotos!!" Fidzina announces.

Eyes lock on the two red-haired women walking into the room.
Carona's hair is curly and cut short, her auburn eyes sparking with
the life the regeneration matrix gave her back just twelve hours
before. Hearing the name, the crowds outside roar their approval
as they mix chants. "SHI-NO-BU!!!! CA-RO-NA!!!! SHI-NO-BU!!!!
CA-RO-NA!!!! SHI-NO-BU!!!! CA-RO-NA!!!!"

"I think they like us," Shinobu rises, offering her hand.

Carona goes to one knee, kissing the *laqu'r's* ring. "My
Princess Shinobu, receive now the devotion, loyalty, prayers and
hopes of all the people of Kyotos!" she announces the oath that
would finally solidify Shinobu's new status. "You've saved us from
the darkness that befell us so long ago! No matter where you go,
no matter what you do, we will ensure yours is a happy, hopeful
reign! May all your foes fall before you, my Princess!!"

Shinobu nods. "Rise, Carona."

Carona rises...then to every Yehisrite's shock save perhaps
Alko and Varanko, SHINOBU goes to one knee. "Carona, receive now
on behalf of all the people of Kyotos my oath, made before my God
in the name of His Only Son," she lowers her head. "As you give
your loyalty to me, so shall I to you. I am Princess of Kyotos
ONLY by the consent of the people of Kyotos...to protect their
lives, to preserve their liberty and guarantee the unassailable
right all have to pursue the best life they can as long as no other
is harmed in mind and body by it. I will seek out those who will
take away the divine rights ALL of Kyotos have. They are the ONLY
ones I will make war on. If I fail in my task, if I deny those
rights without due process of law to anyone, I ask...no, I DEMAND
that my life be forfeit!" She crosses herself. "In the Name of
the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I do so swear this."

Carona blinks, her eyes moistening. NO succession had run
THIS way in all of Yehisrite history! Yet what did she expect from
this *laqu'r?* "That you've sworn this oath before your God, in
the name of His Only Son, who sacrificed Himself to atone for the
sins of all mortals, even those who didn't believe the scriptures
He taught two thousand years ago, is proof of your worthiness to be
our *laqu'r.* I do so accept this oath on behalf of the people of
Kyotos. In this battle, we march together!!"

Shinobu rises as the lords and ladies within the castle add
their cheers to the screaming mob outside...

* * *

"Ilyirko!!! We've a new princess!!!"

The heir to Srit-Olpihbos sees his battle adjutant Droko ride
into the camp deep in the Hisvi Wood. The joy on the younger man's
face shines like a nova. "What is it, Drocha?" he asks his half-
brother, who dismounts his sloth, a datadisk in hand.

"We've a new princess!!" Droko laughs as they head to one of
the ladders leading to the wood-top village that had grown here
over the last few weeks in response to Izrihko's deprivations.
"It's the alien girl who killed Sheko, Shinobu Miyaki!! She was
just confirmed this morning!!! Here!!" he passes the datadisk.

Climbing up, they step into Ilyirko's private bedroom/office.
Sitting down before his solar-powered computer, the baron slips the
disk into the machine, then runs the recording. "Get the others in
here!" he then looks at his half-brother.

"Aye, right away!" Droko exits, yelling.

In a minute, Quizko and several other elder woodsmen enter the
room. "What's with all the excitement?!" the tall, muscular Quizko
queries.

"Look," Ilyirko presses the PLAY button.

Eyes lock on the screen before them. Shinobu and Carona sit
on their thrones in Kyotos City, several reporters from across the
local cluster doing the post-investiture meet-and-greet. "Princess
Shinobu, what are Kyotos' plans concerning Yehisrite relations with
the outside galaxy?" Milan Domo asks.

"Our desire is to eliminate the century of mistrust Sheko and
his kind fostered between Kyotos and elsewhere," Shinobu smiles.
"He feared everyone outside the Royal Kingdoms, especially the
Galactic Federation. Rumour has it he tried to subvert several
Federation states, most of all the Kingdom of Elle. Today, I've
issued a writ that exonerates those Freemasons formerly of Kyotos
from whatever crimes Sheko accused them, and will set into motion
plans for just restitution to those who desire to return home. The
Freemasons, my friends, once served as independent guardians of the
peace. I want it be known that as long as innocents are not
harmed, they are welcome among us."

"But you did not invite Queen Elle to your investiture
yesterday, Princess," another reminds her.

"That is true," Shinobu nods. "As you are all well aware,
Elle and my bond-mate Ataru Moroboshi have had their differences,
many of which involved myself and my former classmates, taken from
our homes against our will, threatened with death and worse, all so
that *queen,*" her voice is flooded with sarcasm, "...could have a
husband. Elle has never apologized for that. Until she shows some
remorse, I'll not have her in my court. Yes?" she points.

"Princess, you also didn't invite a representative from the
Dominion of Noukiios. Many find this surprising since Noukiios was
the first planet of the Federation to support Earth's desire to be
free of Uru's influence. Why is that?"

"I'm glad you asked. Noukiios' economy is based on slavery,
the very concept of which is repugnant to every Yehisrite. Sheko
himself, in one of the few good things he did, did not deal with
the Dominion. I don't like the concept of a caste system like
Noukiios' Ten Orders. If I, acting on Kyotos' behalf, give that
concept any form of dignity, the Noukiites will not evolve into a
more just and decent society."

"Like you wish to have evolve here in Kyotos?"

"Exactly," Shinobu smiles at Carona. "The concept of true
democracy, where all people are equal before society, has always
existed in one form or another in the Royal Kingdoms. How is it
that anyone can take sword in hand, slay his leader and, if the
cause is just, take all that person's positions and possessions?
Granted, I'm not used to the way Yehisrites fire their
officials..." she adds, eliciting a chorus of laughter, "...but the
chances are there real democracy can succeed with time. Kyotos has
to evolve that way. Kyotos DESERVES to evolve that way, especially
after enduring Sheko for a century. It is my task, most of all, to
ensure that happens."

"What are your internal policy plans?" Milan then asks.

"The Grand Duchess Royal and I have agreed that the time has
come for people to renew their faith in Kyotos," Shinobu sighs.
"It depresses me when I see how little the people could improve
their lives or look ahead to their future. They were too busy
worrying about losing their homes, their lives if they angered
someone in authority. No more. It ends now! To that end, I've
made the following initiatives:

"One: tax relief for everyone will be the fiscal policy of
all levels of government, starting here. I will liquidate as much
of my predecessor's wealth as is safe to create a special relief
fund that will finance homeless shelters, welfare aid and free
health care stations to be established to help the poorest of
Kyotos get back on their feet, regain their sense of self-worth.
Taxes should only exist to help the government protect the people,
not fill the coffers of those in power. For those who refuse to
follow this, they will be...fired," Shinobu icily smiles.

The reporters laugh. "Two: laws used by Sheko to suppress
dissent and kill innocent people will be revoked," Shinobu adds.
"People will be encouraged to question authority instead of blindly
following it. Councils representing all citizens will be
established at all levels within two years. Elections will be held
by popular vote of all citizens who've passed the Test of Life, the
mark of maturity on the Royal Kingdoms. Again, if those in power
refuse me, they will be dealt with.

"Three: I desire peace with Ifpizos. I've already met Prince
Quilmko and have established a personal rapport with him and his
senior ministers. Kyotos recognizes Ifpizos as a fellow
principality in the Royal Kingdoms and, from this day forth, will
no longer covet territory claimed by Ifpizos or its subordinate
governments. Concerning everyone else, Kyotos will NOT make war on
any government...note I say any GOVERNMENT...unless it is attacked.
The days of conquering territory are long past.

"Four: I desire peace with the Pifiz'r-Pir. They are
presently part of Kyotos and, if they so desire, deserve to be
treated as such. I won't tolerate hatred or racism concerning
them. They represent the most ancient form of society on Yehisril,
which must be protected, not abused or destroyed. I wish to meet
with the Pifizrite elders as soon as possible to negotiate their
stance concerning Kyotos. If they desire total independence,
independence they shall have. If they just desire land for their
migrating herds, they shall have it. Peace, my friends, is now the
name of the game here in Kyotos...not war."

The screen then dissolves into a nameless reporter. Ilyirko
shuts off his machine. "I like this girl!" Quizko smiles.

"So do I," the young baron hums. "And if she succeeds..." he
breathes in, the heady concepts Shinobu had brought out racing
through his mind at warp speed. "She must be brought here!"

"To see what we obtained from the local counts?" Quizko hums.

"Exactly," Ilyirko nods. "Making Carona Grand Duchess Royal
will keep Izrihko at bay for only a while. The Princess has to
know the full extent of the Constable's plotting. If the Princess
does come this way, we'll want her to visit us."

"I'll tell everyone," Droko nods readily...

* * *

"Fair morning to you, Lady Ryuunosuke," Elyizko smiles as he
places more logs on the fire. "Did the Three Sisters give you and
Lord Nagisa good rest last night?"

Ryuunosuke yawns as she slips a housecoat on, then climbs
slowly out of bed, Nagisa still fast asleep beside her. Feeling
her inflated stomach...she was closing on her due date, according
to Sakura...the tomboy smiles at the bald aide. "Yeah, I got a
good night's rest. Don't you ever sleep, Elyizko?"

"Not when the Princess and the Grand Duchess Royal have vital
business awaiting them in Tizros," Elyizko smiles light. "And how
fares your unborn? Do you require a midwife now?"

"Nah, it's still some time...I think," Ryuunosuke pats her
stomach. "Shit, the way most of us are, we all must've got down
and funky after that party when Shinobu and everyone got back from
the Planet of Shadows trip...except Asuka, who did it with Mendou
after they got married...and Lan, who probably did it with Rei
after Tanabana. Hope you got loads of midwives ready."

"We're prepared. Have you decided on a name?"

"Dansei."

Elyizko blinks. "Why name her that? It IS a girl, right?"

"It's...a long story," Ryuunosuke smiles, remembering crimson
hair, green eyes that could be both ice cold and fuzzy warm, and a
sculptured face descent from the rough hills of Scotland. "You had
to have lived in Tomobiki to understand us."

"So I see. Prince Sheko made a stupid mistake challenging the
Slayer of the Mikado when he has such wonderful friends standing
beside him. Well, that was his last mistake."

"Sometimes I wonder if we'll ever be friends again, especially
after what we've been through," Ryuunosuke sighs.

"The bonds are there. You may not see them all the time, but
they're there. If Lord Ataru was as evil as some from your home
county say, you all would've been in the Three-Faced One's embrace
a long time ago courtesy of his grandmother Lady Nagaiwakai."

"Good point," Ryuunosuke muses. "So what's going on in Tizros
that needs both Shinobu and Carona to check it out?"

Elyizko explains Izrihko's plot. The tomboy's eyes widen in
horror as the implication of what the constable is planning hits.
"Shit, you mean to say this dork'll kill her no matter what...?!"
she shudders, then looks for her clothes. "I can't stay here!"

"My lady, may I remind you that you're...!"

"Don't!!" Ryuunosuke's eyes flash. "Look, Elyizko, you're a
good man. And I know your people understand loyalty. Shinobu is
my best friend. I will NOT abandon her!"

Their eyes lock. "Very well," Elyizko nods. "But you'll go
escorted for your child's sake. I'll tell Izonba."

"Thank you," Ryuunosuke nods...

* * *

Shinobu, Carona, Xasirna and Xasripko, a tall broad-shouldered
man with dark red hair and auburn eyes who is Izonba's second-in-
command, guide their sloths down the road connecting Maroes with
Tizros City. Within an hour, they would be in the Hisvi Wood, the
epicentre of considerable banditry since Izrihko had taken control.
The letter from Ilyirko's father had warned that the young baron
would be in the wood with the bandits, leading them in rebellion
against the constable. "My Princess, are you sure you want to ride
through the woods?" Xasripko wonders. "There are roads that go
around and head right into Tizros City..."

"I want to meet Baron Ilyirko first," Shinobu smiles, then
notices the lost-girl look on Carona's face. "And I think someone
else wants to see him, too...ne, Carocha?"

The grand duchess blushes. "Princess!!"

"Wasn't he the boy who liked pouring hot tar into your hair
all the time, Carocha?" Xasirna adds. "I'd think you've had him
run through instead of desiring him in your bed, sister!"

"He was that once," Carona admits, then smiles. "But when I
saw him some weeks ago before he went into the Wood, it was as if
he aged fifty years. He just came back from Toukonokouen working
in the constabulary. It was different, admittedly...what's that?!"

Shinobu looks. The pall of several fires hangs over a nearby
farming commune several hundred metres away. "Whatever it is, it's
not natural," she kicks the sloth into a gallop. "Hyaa!!"

The four storm their way across the fields to the meadow below
the burning village. Shinobu reigns back her sloth to see that it
is Tizros troops making their way around the homes with torches,
all supervised by Rihzko, his count's uniform easily spotted from
a distance. Beside him is Xisrivba, in the soft linens of a court
noblewoman. Scowling, the *laqu'r* directs her beast toward him,
her ears picking up his instructions to the sergeant in charge of
the detail. "...see to it all of them are burned down!" Rihzko
barks. "These people provide the bandits with food!! That should
teach them not to question authority again!"

"Yes, my Count...urk!!" the sergeant pales when he recognizes
the newcomers. "My Princess!!" he automatically bows.

Rihzko spins around to see two very cold chestnut eyes fixed
on him. "Count Rihzko, I presume," Shinobu frostily hums. "Would
you care to explain to me WHY you are burning this village down?"

"P-p-Princess!" he stammers, then notices who else has come
up. "D-d-Duchess Carona!! What are you doing here?!"

"The Princess asked you a question, Rihzko," Carona snarls.
"And that's 'Grand Duchess Carona' to you, Rihzko. Answer it!!"

Rihzko feels himself stiffen. "These people here are traitors
to the realm, Princess. They support the bandits in the Hisvi Wood
with food and other aid, then get paid back in gold stolen from I
and the other nobles! This is the only punishment they deserve for
betraying their lords and ladies."

Shinobu sighs, then sees a middle-aged woman large with child,
staring dumbfoundedly at the ashes and cinders that was once her
home. Sighing, she feels her hand fall on the tempered metal of
her windreaper. Silently praying to God for forgiveness, she
snap-draws her blade. It arcs around, catching Rihzko in the
throat and taking his head off in one clean sweep! As the headless
body falls off his sloth, Shinobu stares at Xisrivba. "Your name?"

"I am Xisrivba of Kyotos, my Princess," she hesitantly nods.

"You're now Countess of Maroes. Congratulations."

The *ashiz'f* gasps. Rihzko did prepare her just in case.
Being prepared was a motto to the Boy Scouts. To Yehisrites, it
was the first basic law of their lives. "Sergeant Izmiwko!"

"Yes, my Countess?" the sergeant bows.

"Cease the burning at once. Princess Shinobu has decreed that
those who rise in legitimate protest against those lords who harm
innocent people will not be stopped. Have smiths and workers come
here to restore the homes. If there are those who require medical
attention, summon healers at once. Oh," she looks down at Rihzko's
body. Too bad. "Feed that to the landsharks and have his personal
items removed from my keep. I'll be detained with the Princess and
the Grand Duchess Royal, I suspect. When I return, I'll inspect
everything to determine what I'll keep and what I'll dispose."

"At once, my Countess," the sergeant nods, then barks orders.

Shinobu wipes her blade before sheathing it. She hoped
Xisrivba wouldn't be too upset for being forced into the role of a
countess so soon. "Ride with me, Countess. We've a date with a
baron in the Hisvi Wood."

"Oh, you'll like this one, my Princess," Xisrivba laughs as
the five ride off to the distant wall of green.

Behind the five riders, soldiers and civilians, not a minute
ago on opposite sides of a civil war in the making, laugh and cry
as they chant their princess' name...

* * *

"Rihzko's dead?!!"

Izrihko glares in stunned anger at Tivluko, both now in the
former's private chambers. It was a half-hour after the scene
outside Maroes. "His head was cleaved off by Miyaki herself!" the
count snorts in admiration. "Rihzko's bitch Xisrivba is the new
countess. The news just reached us."

"Where are they now?!" the constable demands.

"Heading into Hisvi Wood," Tivluko snarls.

Izrihko's eyes narrow. "Well, then. What a nice coincidence
that is," he stares at Siblira, now relaxing on her bed...

* * *

"I'll take the one on the left."

Xilnko blinks. "Which one's left, Ezgiko?"

Ezgiko points to himself. Xilnko nods; HE was on the left.

The two woodsmen, part of Ilyirko's volunteer regiment of
archers, stood guard on the Maroes-Tizros Turnpike, which cleaved
Hisvi Wood roughly in half. Both were sentries, ready to alert a
waiting mixed company of archers and soldiers in case something
juicy risked the fifty kilometre passage through Hisvi Wood. And
by the looks of things, even to the two illiterate woodsmen, the
nobles heading right for them seemed quite juicy indeed.

"Where was it Baron Ilyirko ambushed you, Xisrivba?" Shinobu
stares at the hybrid countess.

"A few kilometres further down, my Princess," Xisrivba hums
pleasantly, smiling giddily. "I hear you're still single. Perhaps
the Baron would be more than willing..."

"He's already spoken for, Xisrivba," Carona cuts in.

"Lucky you, Carona," Xisrivba smiles.

Ezgiko and Xilnko blink, then the former makes a chattering
call to alert friends. The word "princess" set them off. Ilyirko
had told them that under NO circumstances would Shinobu Miyaki be
harmed when she was in the Wood. In a minute, several shadowy
platoons appear from behind the thick trees, moving with determined
precision to the road. Leading them is Droko. "I'll be damned,"
the young man smiles. "She came here after all." Waving the men
down, he then steps onto the road, hands on his throwing knives.
"My Princess," he bows as Shinobu stops her mount.

"You are?" Shinobu stares quizzically at him.

"Droko of Kyotos, half-brother of the Baron Ilyirko of Kyotos.
You've been expected, my Princess. If I may escort you in?" he
waves to a side path barely hidden under a canopy of leaves.

Shinobu smiles pleasantly, dismounting her sloth and slipping
her arm around his. "Please do, Lord Droko. And how fares Hisvi's
prince of thieves this day?"

"My Princess, if I may be so bold, your arrival and that of
the Grand Duchess Royal will truly make his day," Droko grins,
trying his best not to act like a lovesick boy fresh from the Wild
Time while in his *laqu'r's* company. *Pizalna-sama's Fleece
Laces, her smile alone will win everyone over before long!!*

* * *

"This is it, huh?" Ryuunosuke stares at the woods before her.

Izonba nods, hand on her sword. Along with Mendou (the only
one of Shinobu's friends in good enough shape to come out with the
pregnant tomboy after the previous night's party), both arrived in
Maroes to hear of Shinobu's disposal of Rihzko. Ryuunosuke saw the
body herself. That brutal act scared the tomboy even more than
when Shinobu had recklessly joined Pathfinder Troop Six in the raid
on the Niphentaxian System Destroyer. She hated the idea that
Shinobu, a woman who deserved most of all the chance to have peace
and order in her life, had been invited to this planet where
killing one's superior to gain status was not only accepted, it was
enshrined in law. Now she was flying into the jaws of danger
without getting help?! Not over Ryuunosuke's dead body.

Dansei and Jamie would understand.

"Let's go!" the tomboy pats the sloth's hindquarters to get
him to head into the Wood...

* * *

"Welcome, my Princess," Ilyirko gently grasps Shinobu's hand,
placing a kiss on her knuckles.

"Your brother informs me we were expected," Shinobu nods as
she stares at the assembled woodsmen and their families, who came
out when Droko had alerted them to their princess' presence. There
had to be nearly a thousand here now. "I am pleased to meet you,
Ilyirko. I received a letter from your father not two days ago.
I'm very sorry at your loss."

"Another thing Izrihko will pay for, be assured of that,"
Ilyirko nods, then gazes at Carona. "Hello, Carona."

An awkward silence falls. "You...you're looking well,
Ilyirko," Carona stammers as colour flames her cheeks. "I'm
pleased to see that you're eating well."

He takes her hand and passes it over his cheek, their eyes
locked on the other's as silent messages flash between them. "I
remember my promise, Carona," Ilyirko smiles.

"I also remember," Carona admits.

Everyone exchanges knowing smiles. Shinobu sighs contentedly,
her powers soaking up the love the two before her share. In the
midst of all this conspiring, all the death and destruction, there
was a chance for love. That in itself was a good enough reason to
be *laqu'r* at this time, Shinobu senses detect several familiar
psionic patterns in the *te'a.* "Izonba?! Ryuunosuke?!
Shutaro?!" she spins around.

Eyes turn to see the three in question come up, the pregnant
tomboy still on her sloth, escorted by several woodsmen. "Hey,
Shinobu," Ryuunosuke smiles sheepishly as the *laqu'r* marches up.
"Nice day for a ride in the woods, huh?"

"You idiot, what are you doing here?!" Shinobu demands. "Have
you any idea what could happen to Dansei-chan if Izrihko sends
mercenaries into the Wood to flush us out?!"

"If you think I'm gonna let you face that creep alone, you're
outta your mind, Shinobu!" Ryuunosuke grunts as she slides off the
sloth, gritting her teeth as the throbbing pain of carrying several
extra kilograms with a mind of her own shoots up from her hips.

The Yehisrites grin admiringly. "Truly, the Princess couldn't
ask for more loyal friends," Ilyirko laughs. "Come, let's have a
feast for our honoured guests!! They've had a long ride!"

Everyone whoops with delight as they head off to prepare...

* * *

"How many?!"

"At least a brigade's worth, maybe two," Tivluko chuckles
emotionlessly as he glances back at the forest of torches now
massing to the south of the Wood. The bright ball of Yehisril's
sun was falling behind the western horizon, the Three Sisters now
rising to the northeast. "A good day for battle. I'll wager it'll
storm by afternoon tomorrow," he sniffs the air.

Izrihko takes a deep breath. The air was exceptionally damp
from the north wind, reinforced by large lakes near the Wood.
"Yes, around the third bell, I'd say," the constable smiles, then
blinks as a mountain sloth trudges up. "I see you fulfilled your
promise, Siblicha," he offers his hand.

The tall woman dismounts, now in the boiled leather breeches
and tunics trimmed in bronze worn by Pifizrite warriors for many
generations. Her unruly auburn hair is knotted in a long braid
down her back...unlike most Yehisrites, the Pifiz'r-Pir did not cut
their hair short...while her face is covered in ceremonial warpaint
framing her sullen grey eyes. "I spoke with the elders," she
squeezes his hand. "They took considerable interest in Miyaki's
words with the heralds and reporters yesterday."

"What for?!" Izrihko snorts. "Her ideas of reconciliation
with your tribespeople? You heard that same promise from dozens of
*laqu'rs* over the last half-millennia. What's to make you think
Miyaki will be different?!"

"Personally, I don't see any difference," Siblira hums. "But
the medicine women warned that Miyaki was touched by powers we'd be
smart not to challenge. Some of our elders listen to them,
Izrihcha. Many are uncomfortable fighting a woman who'd gladly and
willingly prostrate herself to her people as if she was their
*wilvirhis'r.* What you see there," she waves behind them to
indicate the encampment of nomad warriors, "...is ALL I can bring
with me to this battle."

"I see," Izrihko sighs. "Well, we'll just have to make do
with what we have. Tomorrow before dawn."

"Before dawn," Tivluko nods...

* * *

"My Princess, may I have this dance?"

Shinobu laughs as Mendou sweeps her to her feet, then guides
her to the clearing where other couples were dancing to the reeds
and fifes of a small group of travelling bards who were caught in
Hisvi Wood by the bandits and never left. The music reminds the
*laqu'r* of the minstrel tunes Father Cristobal played in the
unofficial medieval history classes he mixed with Bible studies to
give his students a better appreciation for the environment the
modern Catholic Church was forged.

Tradition and modernity, she gazes around. A great balancing
act. Here they were in the woods, a considerable distance from the
nearest city, camped with outlaws in the middle of a revolt against
a despotic tyrant. Yet you could see the signs of the high tech
Yehisrites always had at their beck and call. With many of the
woodsmen illiterate, the computers used by the bandits were
equipped with voice boxes to allow them to make reports whenever
they came off patrol. There were passive and active early warning
sensor nets around the camp to ensure that any unwanted intruder
would not catch the bandits unawares. And mixed with the swords,
maces, knives and bows that formed the arsenal, there were photon
muskets, particle rifles, grenade launchers, even an Urban Assault
Cannon Priss thoughtfully packed with Shinobu's field bag before
the latter left Kyotos City. There were even portable toilets,
shower stalls and trash atomizers near Ilyirko's headquarters to
ensure the environment were not spoiled by human refuse.

A balancing act. Shinobu sighs as the song ends, then she
excuses herself from Mendou to get some bloodale from the buffet
table. Yehisrites accepted that change had to come as they marched
relentlessly forward, yet they always kept one eye turned back to
remember from where they came. Shinobu had her own balancing act
to occupy her time. She had to get the people of Kyotos to accept
more responsibility to better their lives. At the same time, she
had to ensure anything perceived as weakness couldn't be exploited
by the hungry landsharks both within and outside Kyotos. She had
absolute power, but was constrained from exercising that power,
most of all by her own conscience. She couldn't slip up, not now.
If she slipped up back in Tomobiki, it at most meant a lost
friendship. If she slipped up here, it meant lost lives.

"You will succeed, my Princess."

She turns to see Ilyirko standing beside her. "You seem
confident, Ilyirko. And please, call me Shinobu. Here, in the
face of these trees and the Three Sisters, we're equals."

"As you wish, Shinobu," the young baron chuckles. "You do not
realize how much support you have, especially after your words
became common knowledge. Your quick removal of Rihzko will be
known to everyone before sunrise. If the other lords see how swift
you deal with dissent, they'll not be stupid to challenge you."

"If it only were that simple," Shinobu sighs, then notices
Carona chatting with her sister. "Did you propose?"

He smiles. "I proposed to her a long time ago when I was but
a boy and she a maid," a wistful sigh escapes his lips. "Even
though I've been tempered by many things these last few years, that
oath has not been forgotten."

"Someone gave me an oath before Christmas," Shinobu hums.
"Her name was Junba. She was an ex-Mikado hunter, a clone of
Nassur-kun's first wife. We were lovers briefly before her creator
tried to destroy her. Ju-chan had to go find her before she could
ever feel safe with me."

"She protects you," Ilyirko smiles. "You should be thankful
for that, Shinobu. That is how much Junba loves you. If she
succeeds, then she'll come back and it will be as if you were never
parted. If she dies, she dies knowing you are safe."

"You people accept death so easily."

"Of course we do," Ilyirko crosses his arms. "Death is a part
of life. We believe deep in our hearts that it is our destiny to
be warriors of both body and spirit, to fight for everything we
desire, challenge everything that confronts us. When it comes to
actual battle, we know death becomes a distinct possibility. Oh,
we would prefer to live, but if the Three-Faced One comes for us,
we can't escape His grasp. All we hope for then is that we die
with our honour intact, that we have the admiration of our friends,
allies and loved ones...and yes, our enemies. You are now part of
that destiny, Shinobu. Don't fight it. Accept it, then build on
it. You've already started. It'll be a long fight, fraught with
great danger, but truly one worth fighting."

"Thank you," Shinobu sighs, then blinks as Quizko lumbers up
to them. "What is it, Quizko?"

"Hate to tell you this, my Princess, but your friend there's
about to have her baby," the woodsman points to the hut that acted
as Ryuunosuke's quarters. "The midwives are with her right now."

"Oh, damn!" Shinobu puts her bloodale down, then runs off to
the hut, Ilyirko and Quizko in her wake. "Ryuu-chan!!"

Once inside, she notices Ryuunosuke laid out, one of the
strong midwives instructing her to breathe as another examines her
abdomen. "Hiya, Shinobu...aaah!!!" she howls as another pain arcs
across her hips. "Jeez, Dansei-chan's sure got bad timing, huh?!!"

"Relax, Ryuu-chan," Shinobu slips off her cloak, then moves to
wash her hands. "Just keep breathing."

"My Princess, it isn't necessary for you to assist," the chief
midwife stares in disbelief at her.

"Forgive me, my lady, but this is my friend," Shinobu smiles
at her. "While I may be your princess, I'm still a nurse...and the
healers on Sagussa did teach me childbirth duties just for this
occasion. And she's my friend," she gazes at Ryuunosuke.

The tomboy grins. "Of course, my Princess," the midwife nods
as they get to work...

* * *

"How long now?" Mendou sighs.

It was now well past midnight. Ryuunosuke's grunts and groans
echo from her guest hut, mixed with the soothing tones of Shinobu
and the midwives. "Who knows, lad," Quizko sighs as he gazes at
the Three Sisters overhead. "When my wife has her babies, she
takes hours at times. You expecting yours to give birth soon?"

"Not for several months, fortunately," Mendou sighs. "I was
technically married to someone else when everyone conceived their
children. Then I lost my first wife, then was drawn back by family
honour to marry my second and bind my clan to another."

"I hope your first one died well," Ilyirko sighs.

"She was slaughtered like a defenceless cow," Mendou shudders.
"At least I killed the one responsible."

"Good for you, lad!!" Quizko raises his tankard in salute.
"May your first wife be in a place much better than this."

The Terran flushes, then everyone jolts when a baby's wail
echoes through the walls. A second later, one of the midwives
peeks out. "It's a girl!!!"

Everyone howls with relief as they slap and clap each other at
Ryuunosuke's fortune. Shinobu emerges, Dansei Fujinami bundled in
a soft robe as everyone gathers to see her. "It is her!" Mendou
grins. "Gods, she's just like her mother!"

"Yeah," Shinobu nods. "Now all we have to do is wait for
Jamie-kun to come along."

"You're waiting for a sin-eater to show up?!" Droko blinks
surprisedly. "My Princess, what does that mean?"

"It's a long story, Droko," Shinobu beams. "But believe me,
that 'sin-eater' would be very much at home with you people."

The Yehisrites laugh. "Hey, Shinobu, can I see my kid, for
cryin' out loud?!!" Ryuunosuke bellows from inside her hut. "Quit
hoggin' her like she was yours; you already GOT one, remember?!"

"Excuse me," Shinobu ducks back inside.

The others laugh as many turn to head to their quarters and a
good night's rest...

* * *

Daybreak.

Shinobu emerges from her tree-top guest house to gaze at the
light blanket of fog covering the tips of the giant blackwood trees
forming the frame of Ilyirko's camp. Her eyes take note of the
foot patrols now scouring the area with extra vigilance given the
status of two of their visitors. Running a hand up her arm, she
turns to get dressed...then stops.

What was that?

Her eyes turn to the small clearing to the south of the camp,
in the general direction of Tizros City. There was movement in the
treeline, movement that definitely wasn't a landshark heard.
Racing inside her hut, she draws out some macrobinoculars, then
takes a look. One is enough. "Damn!!" she gasps, then races for
Ilyirko's hut. "Ilyirko, get up!!"

"What is it, my Princess?" he bolts out of bed, untangling
himself from a still-dozing Carona.

"Visitors!" the *laqu'r* snaps. "At the south clearing!!
Looks like Izrihko decided he wanted to make a social call!"

The baron's eyes widen in surprise. He bolts out of bed to
get dressed. Shinobu races back to her hut as pots and pans are
banged from ground level and nearby huts, relaying the warning from
sentries a safe distance away. As people scramble to action
stations, the *laqu'r* returns to her hut to take a second look to
confirm who the raiders were. "Pifizrite light infantry," she
grins. "Izrihko, you just made a big mistake."

She races inside. A moment later, dressed in her panties and
T-shirt, cape and leather boots, she races down a ladder to get to
Ryuunosuke's hut. Mendou emerges from his hut, then nearly faints
in shock on seeing his former classmate without the chainmail suit
everyone wore under their clothing. "Shinobu, what in the name of
the gods are you doing?!" he stops her. "Get dressed! Those
people are after you, remember?!!"

"I know that!" she leans into Ryuunosuke's hut to see the
tomboy still on the bed, two midwives preparing her to be evacuated
in case the camp was overrun. "Hi, Ryuu-chan!"

"Shit, you have flipped!!" Ryuunosuke shakes her head. "What
are you trying to do, you idiot?! Get killed!"

"No, I'm just going to take Izrihko's allies away from him,"
Shinobu stares at Dansei, now wide-eyed in her crib. "Hi, Dansei-
chan. I'd normally use Aiotoga for this, but she's still on Earth
so I hope you don't mind volunteering to stop a war."

"Princess, are you mad?!" one midwife gasps. "Those heathens
out there will cut you down!"

"Then you don't know the Pifizrites at all," Shinobu lifts the
child into her arms, then grips Ryuunosuke's hand. "She'll be safe
and sound, Ryuu-chan. I promise."

"If you don't bring her back safe and sound, Jamie-kun'll kill
you!" the tomboy grunts, feeling her fear vanish as the confidence
flows from the *laqu'r* into her. "And I doubt all your friends
out there'll stop him!!"

"I know," Shinobu winks, then exits the hut.

Ilyirko and Carona are already on ground level. "If you think
you're going out there all alone...especially with that baby...then
you've totally taken leave of all your senses!!" the latter snaps,
racing over to stop Shinobu. "Have you any idea what those people
are capable of doing?!"

"I'm aware of it, Carona," Shinobu strides by them without
stopping. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a war to stop."

She heads for the approaching wall of bronze-clad dark-skinned
warriors. Ilyirko shudders, then looks at the assembled woodsmen.
"If any of them get close to the Princess, kill him!" the baron
snarls.

The others howl as they race to their firing lines. In the
meantime, Shinobu marches toward the Pifizrite line. Already, many
of the nomads had her in sight, chanting and howling on seeing the
latest of the southern leaders making her way right into an embrace
of tempered metal. In the middle of the formation, Izrihko gapes
at the approaching *laqu'r,* unwilling to believe he could be this
lucky! "I'll handle this," he snarls, dismounting his sloth, then
drawing his sword, marches right for Shinobu.

Shinobu stares at the handsome fellow coming at her, her own
eyes never wavering though her stomach was churning in disgust from
what her empathic senses detected about Izrihko. She then expands
her senses to feel the emotions of the nomads who came out with the
constable. Admiration, a touch of awe, even genuine curiosity.
Little hatred; many probably had heard about her speech from the
previous day. Time to show them what she really thought of them.

With that, she shifts her cape away to reveal the tiny bundle
in her arms. Izrihko jolts on seeing Dansei now asleep in the
*laqu'r's* arms, then snorts as he continues his advance. Shinobu
stares evenly at him, lightly smiling. Just like Sheko. He really
wouldn't care for the fate of a newborn baby, especially in the
middle of a potential shooting war.

Others would.

Shinobu's eyes fall on an exceptionally tall woman staring at
her from the line of nomad warriors. Her eyes danced between
Izrihko and Shinobu, always focusing on Dansei. Shuddering, she
gazes again at the constable. A surge of disgust races up from
deep in her heart as her hand reaches for her sword. Did this
idiot have any concept of the really important things in life?

Too bad.

Shinobu stops as she allows the constable near her. Izrihko
is totally focused, not hearing his cousin's surprised shout as
Siblira races at him, her mountain sloth racing at a faster clip
than the normal sandsloth. Seeing the northern woman close the
distance, Shinobu then looks a final time at Izrihko.

"Check six," she warns.

The constable pauses, then turns as Siblira charges, sword
sweeping up for the kill. He cries out, then his voice and life
are terminated with one cut! Siblira reigns back her mount as she
keeps her weapon clear of Shinobu and the precious bundle in her
arms. "Princess Shinobu, may I say one thing?" Siblira laughs.
"At least have the common courtesy of defending yourself!"

Shinobu grins, then pales. "Look out!!!"

Siblira spins aboutto see Tivluko lunging at her...then is
blasted down by a bolt of particle shot!! The count gurgles as he
collapses from his mount, a bloody shower of bone and gore where
half his head once was. The northern woman blinks, then turns
toward the source of the bolt that saved her life. Not five metres
back from Shinobu, Izonba lowers the Urban Assault Cannon, smiling
at Siblira, her green eyes now glowing a beautiful silver...

* * *

"Aiotoga!!!"

Shinobu kneels as Junba scampers across the room on hands and
knees to sink into her adopted mother's embrace. Laughing, the
*laqu'r* picks her up, then carries her to the awaiting crib.
"That's my beautiful girl!!" Shinobu coos as she lays the baby down
for her nap. "Now go to sleep and be happy, my beautiful Aiotoga!"

The door to her chambers opens, revealing Ryuunosuke, Dansei
asleep in her arms. "Yo, Shinobu!" the tomboy smiles as she walks
up to embrace her friend one-handed. "We're ready to go."

"Have a safe trip home," Shinobu sighs, then wags her finger
at Dansei. "And keep this one away from your father."

"He's already started," Ryuunosuke's eyes roll. "Already
saying that Dansei-chan's his grandson, not his granddaughter. Too
bad; Jamie-kun'll fix him in a few years."

"Yeah," Shinobu nods.

They gaze into the other's eyes, tears already flowing down
their cheeks. Ryuunosuke tightly hugs her friend as if for the
final time. "You come back to us, you hear?!" she hisses. "You
don't stay in this place longer than you have to."

Shinobu pulls back. "I can't guarantee that, Ryuu-chan."

Silence falls as Ryuunosuke gradually accepts her decision,
then turns to head back out. "At least come to visit, huh," the
tomboy looks back at her former classmate.

"If I have time," Shinobu shrugs, then nods outside. "Go on!
Your ship's waiting for you."

"Yeah," Ryuunosuke nods. "Later."

Shinobu closes her eyes as her best friend closes the door
behind her, then sighs as she stares at the beautiful city around
her. Already, the warpshuttle sent by Alko to take her former
classmates and their spouses home was by the front gate, the others
having long since said good-bye to their friend-turned-Princess.
Shinobu looks down as Ryuunosuke and Dansei are led out by one of
the guards. The tomboy stops, then waves. Shinobu waves back.
With that, Ryuunosuke boards the ship, the door closing behind her.
Taking a deep sigh, Shinobu leans back as the vessel lifts off,
making a beauty pass of the castle before rocketing into the
heavens. "Later, Ryuu-chan," Shinobu smiles, then blinks on
hearing a knock at her door. "Come in, Izonba!"

The captain walks inside. "My Princess, your friends are on
their way home," she sighs. "Are you alright, Shinobu?"

"I'll be fine," Shinobu stares at her. "So, when's the
wedding between Ilyirko and Carona?"

"In two days, my Princess. It'll be a dual wedding, what with
Xisrivba having recognized Droko and all that. You've been asked
to stand as Carona's second. It'll be at the camp in the Wood."

"A wedding in the meadows," Shinobu beams. "Oh, did Xasirna
mind my asking her to watch over Milquina?"

"The two took to each other like bees to honey!" Izonba beams.
"Xasirna has stated that she'll relocate her keep at Milquina's
farm so she can be close to her ancestral grave and all. Her
wedding to Xasripko'll be in a week; his parents want to meet her
and all that. Oh, you'll be meeting the northern elders tomorrow
at noon. They'll want to bring a medicine woman to ward off any of
Sheko's evil from overwhelming you. Are they safe, Shinobu?"

"They're quite fine, Izonba," Shinobu gazes at her.

"Oh, I just remembered," Izonba pulls out a roll of parchment,
handing it to her. "This is from the late Prince's sisters."

"Oh?!" Shinobu takes it, then opens it. "'Dear Shinobu...We
just heard of what you did to our brother. We understand it was in
vengeance over what Sheko did to your beloved bond-mate Ataru, so
we realize what motivated you. Remember this well...we have that
motivation too, and all your pretty words about power abuse and all
that won't stop us from getting our just vengeance. Always look
over your shoulder...Wanra and Hyrona.' Where are they?!" she
rolls up the parchment, then stares at Izonba.

"They're on Danamar at last report," Izonba snorts. "Don't
worry; even those of Kyotos there heard your words. They'll be
watched no matter where they go, Shinobu. Count on it."

"Good," Shinobu sighs. "Anything else?"

"Oh, one more thing," Izonba looks to the door.

It opens to reveal Siblira, now in the freshly-forged armour
of a guard lieutenant. "Princess," she bows lightly.

"Hello, Siblira," Shinobu walks over to kiss her cheek. "How
are you? You still angry about what happened to Izrihko?"

"After he pretended to acknowledge our beliefs?!" Siblira
snorts, then smiles. "Why should I mourn him?! At least YOU do
what you promise to do, Princess!"

"Good!" Shinobu nods. "So, when will you and Izocha have your
handfasting? Do you need a Sensualist to come down?"

"It's alright, Shinobu," Izonba laughs. "My recognition is
bond enough in her people's eyes; the medicine woman will confirm
it tomorrow after you make the treaty with the elders."

"Great!!" Shinobu claps her hands. "Anything else?"

"Not right now," Izonba stretches, then gazes warmly at her,
a sparkle in her eyes. "After sunset?"

Shinobu blushes on feeling two pairs of approving eyes. "Why
are you and Siblicha doing this, Izocha?! You two should be
working on your relationship, not offer yourselves to me!!"

"We are, Shinobu," Siblira winks. "But this day, you bid
farewell, perhaps for the last time, to old friends, friends who
love you and will always love you until the day we all enter the
Afterworld. We're just showing you that you have friends here who
love and care for you just as much."

Shinobu sighs, then grins. "I'll see you later."

*** The Beginning ***