James was taken aback by the overt hostility all the aliens directed at him.

  “Perhaps we should start with introductions,” Mitsue interjected. “You all seem to know who we are.”

  “They said they’d send enforcers around to make sure we stayed in line,” one of the women said. “To make sure we constructed this hovel and demean ourselves serving the local whelpspawn.”

  “It makes sense that it would be some of the thugs that took us down in the first place,” the first man put in.

  “Harsh words from a military unit sent to assassinate a child,” Mitsue said coldly. “Ironic that now, stripped of your magic and gadgets, you can be kept in line by a pair of adolescents.”

  “That monster is no child,” the larger lady spat, talking over the heads of the people in front of her. “She’s a danger to the Empire!”

  “Only because your Empire insists on invading!” James retorted. He put his hand on his katana. “And don’t call my senpai a monster, or—”

  “Hey, guys!” the third woman spoke up quickly. “Let’s not antagonise the nice humans, hey? Let’s get to those introductions!”

  The first woman started to glare at the third, but gave it up with a frustrated snarl.

  “Very well. I am Harbinger Amruta.”

  “Is that a title, or your first name?” James asked. “Are you in charge of the group?”

  “It is my rank,” Amruta said stiffly. “The first teams to carry the word of the Empress are always led by Harbingers.”

  “Okay… my name is James St John, and this is Kageya Mitsue-san. We don’t have ranks.”

  The Harbinger nodded acknowledgment and pointed at the first man to have spoken. “This is Shadow Nakula.”

  “Are you the one that we fought?” James asked. “You look different in your disguise.”

  Nakula nodded sourly. “That is generally how disguises work. That armour you wore then… where did you get it?”

  “I don’t remember,” James answered honestly. “I get the impression it was handed down as a family heirloom.”

  “That’s not possible!” Nakula insisted hotly. “You must—”

  “Finish the introductions first, Nakula,” Amruta interjected.

  “Oh, that must mean it’s my turn!” the third woman exclaimed. “I’m Sundhara! I was a Weaver, but that’s been cut off somehow.” She glanced at a tattoo on her wrist.

  “Bastion Parvatha is next, by protocol,” Amruta corrected.

  “That’s me,” the tall woman growled. “I don’t expect we’ll be friends. They took all our stuff away, but I’m still strong enough to tear you apart.”

  “Indeed,” Amruta agreed. “That just leaves Blade Vayindra.” She pointed at the final male alien, who had kept quiet so far. He didn’t speak in response, just waved his hand vaguely.

  “Right,” James said awkwardly. “We don’t have any special instructions for you, so just go ahead with what you were doing.”

  “Then, we still have a lot of setup to do, so we will get back to that,” Amruta said.

  “Wait,” Mitsue said. He looked at Nakula. “Why did you ask about his armour?”

  Nakula glanced at Amruta, but her face stayed expressionless. “I’ve seen it before,” he said. “In records of previously contacted civilisations. Either enemies or allies, I don’t remember which.”

  “That doesn’t seem likely,” James said. “It’s supposed to be fifteen thousand years old.”

  “Oh, Imperial records go at least that far back,” Nakula said easily. “The Empress is eternal, after all.”

  “That must be a lot of records, then,” James mused.

  “It is. That’s why I don’t remember the details. I’ve got a good memory, but it was a quick review of our history. I’m pretty sure it looked the same, though.”

  He frowned. “If we still had access to the Redoubt, I could consult our records, but that woman set off the self-destruct somehow.”

  “Yes,” Amruta spat. “I would very much like to know how she overrode the safety protocols.”

  “She said we told her,” Sundhara said softly. “But none of us did. Is she some kind of telepath?”

  James just shrugged. He still didn’t know how Suki had gathered all that information on the strike team, but they didn’t need to know that.

  “Hey!” A shout came from further down the beach. When James looked, he saw a teenager in boardshorts, carrying a bag that probably held his school uniform. “Hey, you guys are PMC, right?”

  James held off a sarcastic reply that they were the other group that wore white blazers and carried swords.

  Save it for second year, he told himself. His lack of response didn’t matter as the boy didn’t wait for a reply, but hurried over as fast as he could move on the sand.

  “Remember, prisoner protocols,” Amruta hissed to her troops. “We are just ordinary beach-bottoms in front of the locals.”

  There was a flurry of “Ayes” before the student arrived. He stumbled to a halt in front of James, gasping for breath.

  “Wow, didn’t realise you were—” He cut himself off. “I mean, I heard something! Three beaches over. Or are they coves… whatever; there’s a voice.”

  “So?” James asked. “People are allowed to talk.”

  “Not a voice voice,” the student insisted. “A creepy voice. Inside my head. It told me it was going to eat me. I figure that’s PMC business.”

  “I guess,” James acknowledged. “How did you know to find me out here?”

  The boy shrugged. “I was heading back to town. If you hadn’t been here, I would have gone back to school and reported it there.”

  “We’ll check it out, then,” James said. “Anything else you want to tell me about it?”

  The boy shook his head, then reconsidered. “It felt like it was coming from some cliffs on the third beach,” he said, waving vaguely. “I didn’t see anything, but the voice was pretty threatening.”

  “Okay, well, head back to school and report it. Let them know we’re checking it out.”

  James looked over at Mitsue, who had gotten distracted talking to Sundhara. “Mitsue. We’re going to check it out.”

  I sound like a cop drama, he thought.

  Mitsue looked at James, and then back at Sundhara. “Um. That is out of our patrol area?”

  Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.

  James raised his eyebrows. Mitsue coughed.

  “I mean, yes, it is outside our area, but we will, of course, follow up on a report of dangerous activity.”

  He followed James along the beach, the way the student had come.

  “What the hell, man?” James asked as soon as they were out of earshot.

  Mitsue glanced back to make sure no one was following them. “It’s just that… well, she’s really pretty.”

  “I got that,” James retorted. “But seriously? Everything about this screams bad idea.”

  “It’s just talking,” Mitsue said defensively. “We’re both adults.”

  “One of you is an adult, and it’s not the one who’s still in school.”

  “In the village, you’re counted as an adult once you’re fourteen,” Mitsue said. “She’s a bit older, yes, but a bit of experience can add spice to a guy’s first time.”

  “I don’t believe this,” James said. “You remember she doesn’t look like that, don’t you?”

  “I got a look at her when she was captured,” Mitsue replied. “She was really pretty. I’m fine with her having blue skin and the ears…” Mitsue had to stop to clear his throat. “Elf ears are hot.”

  “You were ogling her when she was being held captive?”

  “I wasn’t ogling her, I was just noting her facial features. In case we had to distinguish them from some other group of blue-skinned aliens.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Besides, on Okinawa, she was wearing that military-cut armourcloth, which was pretty modest. Not like that… thin cotton shirt that she was wearing here.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “I was wondering if their illusion devices needed adjustment, because that shirt looked a bit too small. She was really stretching it out, you know?”

  “I wasn’t looking that closely,” James lied. “Isn’t this coming a little too soon after Midoriko-senpai?”

  “I’m moving on,” Mitsue said a bit sullenly. “This is the only way I know how to do it.”

  James sighed. “Well, I won’t tell you to stop. Or tell Midoriko-senpai.”

  “Midoriko-senpai rejected me; she doesn’t get a say in who I talk to.”

  “President Midoriko might have something to say about a PMC member dating a prisoner.”

  “Oh, right. I suppose so.” Mitsue paused. “Thanks. But we’re not… what you said. It was just talking.”

  “Don’t pretend you didn’t want it to lead to something more. Look, this school is full of pretty girls, can’t you find one that isn’t trouble?”

  “It doesn’t work that way,” Mitsue complained. “It’s the trouble that makes them attractive. Well, that and elf ears.”

  “Just date Kana then,” James suggested. “She’ll go out with you if you just feed her.”

  Mitsue gave a single snort of laughter before clamping down on his amusement. “Don’t even joke about that, Kana-san is far too much trouble.”

  “I’m glad you have some standards in that regard.”

  The second beach ended with a low promontory. The boys started climbing the gentle slope.

  “You never suggested that strategy to the rest of the boys in our class. Did you only now think of it?”

  James grimaced. “I’m not going to inflict Kana on anybody who doesn’t know what they’re getting into.”

  “That’s fair,” Mitsue agreed. “Is this the last beach?”

  “I think so,” James said. “What about Junko-san? She’s beautiful. Her father would probably appreciate a ninja son-in-law to take care of the competition.”

  “I’m sure he already has people for that,” Mitsue demurred. “And I don’t find Junko-san attractive at all.”

  “Don’t let Junko-san know that,” James told him. “I think it might be illegal.”

  “Her father is not that important,” Mitsue chuckled. “Is this where we should be? Closer to those cliffs, perhaps?”

  “Let’s check it out,” James agreed. They walked along the beach, keeping an eye out for anyone who might be hiding in the brush further up.

  Ah, excellent. More minions to serve me.

  James stopped. “Did you hear that?” he asked, looking around. There wasn’t anything to see.

  “I did… except for the part where I didn’t hear it.”

  Come closer, fools! How can you serve me if you do not attend me?

  “Can you hear me, strange voice?” James called out.

  Closer!

  James looked at Mitsue. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by telepathy, after all this. Have we run into it before?”

  “Not unless Suki is a telepath,” Mitsue said thoughtfully. “There are ninja magics to carry your words over long distances, but the magic carries words, not thoughts. I think the aliens had devices that let them communicate silently, but only with each other.”

  “It wants us to get closer,” James said. “What do we want to do?”

  Mitsue shrugged. “I don’t sense any compulsion to do what it says. It should be safe enough? Closer to the cliffs, do you think?”

  “Probably,” James agreed. He took a few steps closer to the rocky peninsula.

  Yes! Approach my majestic presence!

  The two boys kept going until they stood at the foot of the cliffs. They weren’t very high, perhaps thirty feet. James could see that the rock face was riddled with caves.

  “Can you hear me now?”

  Of course, I can hear you, minion. Your opinions are of no value. Enter the cave and begin your destined journey!

  “Yeah, I don’t think we’re going to do that,” James said, looking at Mitsue.

  “That would not be wise,” the ninja agreed. “There could be anything in those caves.”

  “Yeah. So who are you, again?”

  My name is not for mortal ears. I am your destined master, the one who will grant you wealth and power beyond imagining as you conquer this world in my name.

  “That’s a bit of a mouthful. Have you got a name we can call you?”

  Master will suffice.

  “Yeah, I don’t think so. How about…” James' mind cast around for something suitable. “…Chuck.”

  “Chuku?” Mitsue asked. “Is that an American name?”

  “Well, it was. But sure, let’s go with Chuku.”

  Your babble offends me. Get into the cave before I lose my patience!

  “Why?” James asked. “What’s in the cave?”

  The task that I have for you. Complete it and you will be richly rewarded.

  “What’s the task?”

  There was a strained silence in James’ head. Finally, the voice spoke again.

  There is a… sigil that I need you to destroy.

  “Can’t you do that yourself, with all your power?”

  There was another pause. Then:

  Not… quickly. It cannot be easily affected from where I am.

  “It’s a seal, holding you in place, isn’t it?”

  James still didn’t know how magic or spirit seals worked, but he was familiar with the idea that they could only be destroyed from one side of the barrier they made.

  It holds for now… mortal. When I do get free, I will remember those who have helped me and those who have hindered. You do not wish to be one of the second kind.

  “I guess not. So you must be some kind of spirit, right?”

  Nothing of the sort. I am a ferocious oni of immense power and a temper that is feared throughout the land.

  James knew the legends of oni, or at least a few of them. The mask that Suki had worn was supposed to be one of them. He made a note to ask Harue about how oni fit into the spirit ecosystem.

  “How long have you been here, promising things to students that go by?”

  Not long. The seal weakens. Until recently, it held my thoughts in place with the rest of me. Now my thoughts are free. Soon, the rest of me will be.

  “We should take this to Midoriko-senpai,” James said to Mitsue.

  Mitsue nodded. “We should definitely take this to Midoriko-senpai,” he agreed.

  You will not. Enter the cave! Free me! Untold wealth waits for you!

  “Okay, Chuku,” James said. “We’re going to report this to our superior, see if she knows anything about ancient seals that need renewing. Why don’t you sit tight, and we’ll get back to you.

  I will stretch your entrails across this island while you are still alive. The wind will play tunes with your guts as you wail in harmony!

  “Okay, talk to you soon!” James jerked his head back the way they came, and the two boys jogged away. At around the same point where they first heard the voice, its threats cut off.

  James drew a line along the beach, parallel to the cliff. Mitsue picked up a piece of driftwood and drove it upright into the packed sand.

  “That will last a little longer,” he said.

  “Let’s get back and report.”

  The trip back was uneventful, if a little awkward. They took the shuttle bus back, since it was faster. After a few attempts to sit down with his sword, James ended up standing.

  Before long, they were standing in Midoriko’s office, explaining what had happened.

  “An invisible voice, promising wealth if you freed it?” She asked, frowning.

  “I know it sounds incredible, but…” James started.

  “No, you don’t understand,” Midoriko said with a sigh. “We’re going to have to fill in one of the forms.”

  “Tick any that apply,” Mitsue read. “The entity promised (a) great wealth, (b) power, (c) personal harm, (d) harm to friends or family. I guess the first three.”

  “Is this a joke?” James asked. Midoriko had selected the document Mitsue was filling out from a large selection of forms.

  “Maybe,” Midoriko said. “Shintaro-kun—President Yamada to you—does like his jokes, but he likes his forms as well. I won’t know until we hand it in. Either he laughs or is he just quietly pleased.”

  “Would you agree it was about fifty metres from the point where he spoke to the cliff?” Mitsue asked. James nodded in agreement.

  “Does any of this get the seal fixed?” James asked Midoriko.

  “No… at least I don’t think so. This is just something we’re supposed to do. The council might act on it, but sealed spirits should be a matter for my uncle.”

  When James just blinked confusedly at her, she clarified. “The priest at the shrine. Shimoyanagi Katsunori kannushi-san. I’ll bring it to his attention.”

  She frowned. “It’s possible that he wasn’t informed of this particular duty. The transfer of duties from my father to him was… rushed. Still, there should have been records, but… It’s odd.”

  “What is?”

  “I don’t know any specific rituals for oni,” Midoriko mused. “They are common in folklore, but I’ve never encountered one before.”

  She frowned. “It’s possible, I suppose, that they are weak spirits that do not require specific rituals. But then why would they be so mentioned in folklore?”

  “You have not encountered one before?” Mitsue put in.

  “No. I’m not some spirit hunter, to have encountered many spirits. I never thought it odd until now. I will ask about it, when I talk to him.”

  She paused for thought.

  “I can also search the library here. It is surprisingly well stocked on occult topics. It might tell me something if my uncle refuses to tell me why oni were not included in my training.”

  She shook her head.

  “He is family,” Midoriko said. “I’d hate to think he was being negligent.”

  is pretty traditional.