Rikya's activity during the time Ichi was busying himself with Tama was well spent. She headed out and met Satou near Syon and Myon's sleeping bodies.

Satou studied her new white blade as Rikya approached.

"How'd you trick him?" Rikya asked. Her voice was filled with wonder.

"He's my future husband. I don't need to lie. Scipio's path will be fruitful for me in the future."

Rikya laughed.

"Really? Didn't you say he was a self-destructive fool?"

Satou turned to face Rikya.

"And that's why I keep my distance. Spending time with people you actually care about is, mature, right? My dad does it all the time. So I'm copying him."

Rikya smiled.

"I'm sorry about the short notice. I didn't know an opportunity like this would come. We have time, so come rest in that building Renya made. Tama spruced it up."

Satou hugged the white sword. The dark circles under her eyes looked heavy, but her eyes were sparkling.

"Are you kidding? Who's going to watch Syon and Myon? Now that I have this, and even this golden gauntlet that Syon forced on me, how can I trust some dirty rebels from the spirit world? Moreover, would you be okay alone? In another world, with only your imaginary friend?"

Rikya smiled.

"Thanks, Satou. Then, that means you're coming with us to the Spirit World?"

Satou nodded, still hugging the sword.

"I need a vacation. Plus, aren't you worried about Syon and Myon taking revenge on you?"

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Rikya laughed a little, her face strained.

"Last I remember, I just stood there while you tied them up with that magic of yours..."

"You're the one who wanted their Armory."

"That was Tama's idea."

Satou sighed.

"You aren't thinking of the future at all, are you?"

Rikya looked into the forest behind Satou. She saw a glimmer of sunlight bounce off metal in the treeline.

"Ah, the rebels are here. I'll show you, I can be responsible. Sometimes."

Rikya waved to the forest. A blue ball of fire lit up her hand. Although it was morning, hundreds of eyes waiting in the treeline could see it just fine. Fox spirits wearing armor trotted out. Some had the form of men, some were large as wolves. Tails of all colors flicking behind them, the fox spirits mimicking soldiers carried spears and swords. Their swords were sheated and their spears were held straight as they eyed the little girls suspiciously. They surrounded the girls.

A gray fox stepped forward, bashing an armored paw to his chest. A thud of metal rang out.

"Rikya? Rikya Burncastle?"

Rikya nodded her head. Her face straight, she held her ground with Satou at her side. Satou wielded a dull pale blade. Fox spirits eyes moved over the blade, as they chattered with awe.

"Silence." The grey one called out. "Tamano has been freed? This is true?"

Rikya nodded her head.

"We stand with Tamano no Mae. If she desires the throne, she will have it. Do you feel the same?"

Rikya nodded.

"Good. Now, these are the two prisoners?"

Rikya nodded.

The grey one motioned to the fox spirits, who picked up Myon and Syon.

"We have nothing to restrain them with, I apologize. We were given such short notice."

Rikya shook her head. She held out her hand to the girl with dull golden hair beside her.

"She's the chains. Please allow her to travel with the prisoners."

The grey one's eyes flickered over the white sword and the girl in a black dress.

"There was nothing in Tamano's message about her. That... blade... especially."

His voice trailed off as Satou's eyes met his, and he looked away.

Rikya nodded.

"And it will stay that way."

The grey one cracked a smile.

"So this is the welcome of a legend? How wonderful."

He raised his arm and shook it briskly in a circle. The soldiers thinned out, returning to the forest. A few picked up Syon and Myon, and Satou waved goodbye to Rikya as she followed after the fox spirits. She twisted the white blade in her hand and it disappeared, a smile spread across her face as she let out a short laugh.