Holding the crown in her hands, Ayumi could not steer her eyes away from the ancient relic. Old, centuries old yet it was definitely as captivating and as powerful as the first time it was made and offered to the queen of the light. The girl held it carefully, a delicate masterpiece of art that still managed to contain a potent power and reflect its meanings with every carve and little detail; threads of gold interwoven together in an intricate pattern assimilating flower buds and sun rays, the threads of gold protruded i certain areas as if supported by a gentle wind holding its fragile design with care and potency. Translucent in fabric like the purest of water, with fine jewels shaped like droplets dispersed between the carved flowers. When its power were summoned for a fight, it shone with the furiosity and rage of the fire. And on the top, the symbol of the sun stood proudly towering over all the nods of respect paid to the other princess of nature, ascertaining the infinite reach and potency of the one queen ruling over all the other elements and bringing them together under her rule and shade.
The crown that displayed all these hidden layer of authority was surprisingly not that big or huge as one would imagine of an all - powerful queen of nature. In fact, it resembled a tiara more than a crown, perhaps a trial at modesty that worked quite well, but not succeeding completely. Nevertheless, it shone with a light that could turn the obsidian night into a mirror of the morning when used. Simple yet elegant with few jewels to add royalty to the design. But one fact remained indisputable, and which dimmed down the shine reflected in Ayumi's eyes. That crown was molded of the prayers that never came true, even with the determination of the queen of light. That blinding power and serene light was weaved of despair and yearning, of hopes and wishes. It was a weapon for a few's happiness born out of the misery of countless others.
After nearly an hour of silent awe - driven reflection, Ayumi put the crown down carefully, her eyes still fixated on the relic belonging to a deceased queen. What she was slightly hoping it belonged to imagination was manifesting step by step into an undeniable reality. Knowing she could reach every heart and feel its sorrows and wishes, yet still unable to grant everyone their deserved happiness, how did that make Amaterasu feel? What thoughts was she left wandering with? Did the same despair reach her heart as well, weakening her power and therefor leading to her defeat? But as for herself, regarding a small first step in her assigned mission, she felt quite relieved being able to reach into Mister Hashimoto's heart and will of living, and by the same words resounding through that mirage of fantasy created by the twin princesses of the stars, she was able to reach everyone they affected, evidenced by the shop keeper gradual change in attitude and outlook about life, and Chisato's tale of her uncle returning to his usual old self, neither the desperate one nor the daydreaming one. The young girl felt blissful satisfaction... she managed to accomplish something useful and valuable, though small in scale. Something none was able to grant her yet she rejoiced in granting to others. Maybe her duties, aside from fighting the weird creatures seeking her power was not that hard or difficult after all.
"You have a wish that these powers can not fulfill, but I can!"
The star princess had claimed confidently, as if she could read and see directly into her mind and heart which Ayumi herself had not figured out completely yet. It was too early to make choices and determining what circumstances she want to weave for herself and nest in. She was still a young teenager, numerous options laid ahead of her, and she had always been consistent throughout her life. Her worries were limited to her grandmother and education, her ambition resided in said education, and her sadness over the parents she lost was securely pushed into the furthest corner of her mind in favor of the previous matters, bursting only under severe stress or bouts of longing which she was not immune to, of course, but simply refused to give up to them. So, by what right did that fairy princess proclaim to know and wish to deliver a non- existing choice yet? Ayumi felt angry thinking back about that conversation and the brief weakness she almost succumbed to, unable to tell what it represented or where it had come from. Yet at the same time, she felt frustrated though… a magical ancient powers were bestowed upon her and yet she still did not feel fulfilled or satisfied while also not knowing herself or what dormant wishes actually laid dormant in her heart.
Anyway, she was ought not to give much thought to this matter. Even being sure that stranger incidents were to be faced, she could not foretell exactly what the upcoming days will bring her, but she still believed they will clear all the fog smothering her thoughts and all the uncertainty weighing down her soul.
And she was absolutely right, about the first part to be more precise... Ayumi might had had no idea what the next few days would bring her, but she definitely did not expect that the exact next day she would be handed a delivery box, one that she did not order, its contents leaving her red with mortification, and her grandmother's pale with surprise and daze. The poor grandmother knew she was siring a teenage girl, but that girl was mild and docile... she did not expect her precious granddaughter to be into those... "fantasies" for lacking a better more polite description. Ayumi had to repeatedly confirm to her perplexed grandmother that she had not ordered that delivery... that she was not into cosplaying... that no unsupervised party was lurking on her schedule of adolescence. First of all, she would be never be invited to such parties even if only her remained on the face of this earth, second of all, no such party existed, third, she was not into cosplaying... and definitely not into cosplaying this lewd costume that was more befitting a newly wed bride or a a board housewife that wanted to entice the flames of her dulling marriage.
"I know you are growing up... and these are the youthful years of love and infatuation... but this... this is a little over the top... I had never said no to you... but this... I am afraid I have to..."
Her grandma trailed in daze, as if hypnotized or delirious by what her eyes fell on; a black sexy nun costume with an open back and flirtatious ribbons, its use was obvious even to the blind, seduction and baiting fetishes.
"You do not have to put your foot anywhere or take any action... this is not mine!"
Ayumi exclaimed still mortified, shame taking over her face that she covered as if she the true culprit behind the obscene costume folded neatly inside the box.
"And you had never said no to me because I have never asked grand to begin with..."
The girl wailed, taking the box and running upstairs in shame, unintentionally solidifying her grandmother's worries and confirming her suspicions.
What was even more stranger, was the fact that box carried no name or address, not even the name of the delivery company, meaning it was impossible to return. Ayumi came to the sound conclusion it had to a prank, but by whom? But who would prank a high school girl with such a thing? Many perverts, her grandmother answered way too quickly over discussing the matter over an awkward dinner.
Ayumi was not too eager to tell her friends about the perverted delivered box, but she was bursting with need to speak about it. However, she refrained in the end. The last thing she needed was ruthless rumors about her preferences and some double life she was leading secretly behind her stoic nature and perfect record.
However, the deliveries did not stop at this.
The next box was even more suspicious and weird; it contained christian items obviously stolen freshly from some church; candlesticks and candles, small statues, icons. Some of them were golden and clearly valuable. But the strangest content was a worn out piece of dark clothes, seemingly belonging to a priestess' robe. By how frayed and wearied out one could assume it might have belonged to a point far away in time like the medieval ages.
"Should not we report this to the police?"
Ayumi asked hesitation written over her features, and her grandmother again quickly darted an answer:
"Who would believe we found this by accident? These things are obviously valuable, they are most certainly stolen… they will think we are the culprits!"
And thus, without further argument, the two buried the box in the local garden in the midst of the night, sneaking in disguises, as if they actually were the presumed thieves.
Few days passed without any other weird deliveries. Was it all an coincidence? Some vague cult or gang sending their requests to the wrong address? Apparently no, as a brochure of an old church was neatly placed on Ayumi's desk in her bedroom. There was no signs of intrusion, as if the wind had placed the small paper carefully there. Was it the work of some princess or other element of nature? If it was Reiha or Chiyasu, they would have told her their purpose. Should she become a nun to occupy Amaterasu's position? But the latter was not a priestess nor a religious figure, she was a supernatural one if she could describe her as such. Unless, Chiyasu was pranking her for the sheer sake of confusing and irritating her.
"Well, if that is the case!"
The young girl shouted the two princess names, in the most inelegant way to summon her followers. Reiha immediately manifested, ready for a fight while Chiyasu stormed with an angry frown of humiliation.
The princess of the wind dropped her guard when she detected no wicked energy or hidden danger while the other princess spat out:
"How dare you call me like I am your servant!"
"Yet you came anyway!"
Chiyasu was already summoning her roots to attack the girl who was learning step by step to stand up to the princess of the earth, not seeking dominance but respect and more importantly to her, friendship and peace.
Reiha grasped Chiyasu's hand stopping her and the latter complied for the moment, just to ask in mockery:
"So what did you need us for "your majesty"?"
Ayumi gave her the brochure which the princess did not even bother to flip through, seeing it was a touristic advertisement.
"What? You want a vacation? Nothing has started yet!"
Chiyasu mocked the teenager thinking she already exhausted and tired from one simple battle against the stars fairy, a battle which ended positively with her winning the crown.
"I knew you are a disappointment."
"It is not that! I have been receiving these odd deliveries!"
Ayumi clarified ignoring the earth princess taunting. The two waited for more details, so Ayumi went on:
"First, it was a... an improper nun costume…"
The confused stares on the two princesses forced her to stop, she staggered with dead steps and hesitant legs to bring the box and open it. For claiming to have lived across centuries, the two sure did need few moments to process the information as they peered cursorily at the flashy seductive dress Reiha was the first to break the silence guessing the purpose behind the call while Chiyasu's laughter filled the room, reaching the neighbors for certain and overcoming every barrier of concealment:
"You need us to protect you against some pervert?"
"No!"
Ayumi sought hardly to defend herself, but Chiyasu's next statement left her no chance.
"Maybe he is a persistent missionary who wants to have you in missionary."
The princess of the earth sneered proud of herself, crossing her legs and sitting on Ayumi's bed as if she owned it. The latter's face was burning red, cheeks ready to explode under the heat. Even the self - restrained Reiha turned her face away, muffling a chuckle. Ayumi took a deep breath trying to get back to the appropriate subject.
"Then there was items clearly stolen from a church, golden and evidently priceless!"
"A bribe?"
"Then, this church brochure..."
"A date place?"
Ayumi struggled hard to keep her temper leveled against Chiyasu's immature taunting which she reveled like one would revel in a delicious long awaited meal.
"Well, this is strange."
Reiha finally contributed to the conversation, getting on Ayumi's nerves more the other girl.
"You think?!"
Ayumi exclaimed, sighing in frustration. Maybe she was better off telling her classmates, or even better, no one!
At the accusatory glares coming out of Ayumi's eyes toward Chiyasu, the princess laid leisurely on the bed with her boots still on, resting one cheek on her hand inquiring without any seriousness.
"You really believe I sent you these? Don't be so full of yourself! You are the type I would like to enjoy killing immediately, not hunting."
Ayumi's brows furrowed, she became used to these threats. Not deeming them empty but still not taking them all that seriously anymore. The princess of the earth wanted no more to do with ridiculous show, but she could not help herself and went on.
"Could it be some demon who was familiar with Amaterasu's fashion in bed? Was she into this? never expected that... maybe that is why she went down..."
Starting as a joke, the statement took a dark turn quickly, but the princess of the earth was not the least remorseful or regretful although her mood soured a little.
Reiha did not comment, she held the nun's costume in curiosity and flipped her lips. Ayumi remained alert thinking the latter was inspecting the dress for traces of sorcery or spells, some demonic power perhaps but that was not the case at all, even the acrid earth princess who spoiled her own mood, gazed from the side of her eyes at the woman inspecting the item, her eyes growing large till they were almost round in disbelief at the comment that followed, Ayumi donning the same expression.
"Is this what women wear today to seduce their men? How tasteless and inefficient...."
Speechless, stunned, struck by thunder, left in the wet rain, driven over by a truck... all these were more familiar and believable expressions and incidents than the one that had just occurred.
Reiha did not bother to respond to the stony faces of the other two girls, as he kept inspecting the items one by one. For the first time, Ayumi's eyes met Chiyasu sharing the same confusion and disbelief. As usual, the princess of the earth could not hold her tongue for long.
"And what should a woman wear to seduce a man?"
Even the modest inexperienced, boyfriend deprived Ayumi was eager to hear the answer.
"A translucent silk, or better, nothing."
Yep, straightforward as her words and attacks.
Reiha took the brochure thrown on the ground, the first one to think of flipping through it to look for hidden messages only to find nothing. It was a regular information on an old medieval church, its history, semi- destruction and the holy items guarded in it.
"I do not know why would anyone send…"
She suddenly stopped, pecking the attention of the still two bewildered girls who decided, in favor of forgetting this most unexpected confession and taste of passion of the wind princess to fight over the bed's cleanliness and neatness. A particular picture drawing her attention.
"Chiyasu, you must recognize this as I do, I believe."
Chiyasu took the papers refusing to leave the bed, just to spite the teenager proclaimed as her queen, but then immediately sprang out of the bed at seeing the picture.
"It is a sculpture of it, with no doubt!"
Now Ayumi's curiosity was peaked at the other's two sudden interest in the brochure they have dismissed earlier. She grasped it and stared at the picture that caught their attention; it was an image of a European priestess's statue, holding some rod or scepter.
"What of it?"
She asked, sounding dumb to the alerted princesses. Reiha explained:
"We believe it is Amaterasu's scepter."
"We know it is!"
Chiyasu insisted, and Reiha went on:
"Whoever sent you these deliveries, he was giving you clues to the scepter whereabouts."
"That is if it is actually there, and not a ere replica or just a carved accessory to the woman's statue!"
"But who is trying to help us?"
Ayumi asked the sensible question and Reiha had the more sensible theory.
"We don't know if that person is actually trying to help us. It may be a trap for all we know."
"So what do we do?"
Ayumi asked again. After all, she needed to get the three monarchy symbols.
"We go there and investigate!"
Chiyasu stated as if this was the obvious choice. Ayumi waited for Reiha to speak some sense as usual but she was nodding in agreement with Chiyasu, a most rare occasion.
"Did I forget to mention that the church is in England, Yorkshire to be precise?!"
Reiha said as she showed the location printed on the brochure, leaving Ayumi wondering desperately how many mini and part jobs she had to take to afford a ticket.