One can be surprised by one thing once, but to be surprised by the same thing twice is partly improbable, but that is exactly what happened with Ayumi's shocked grandmother.
Her granddaughter had already brought a friend under the guise of being "a senior helping student" or something similar, and now another blonde girl stood by Ayumi's side, looking completely out of place and time, perceiving and receiving nothing like the state the grandmother's mind was going into at that moment.
"This is Amaterasu, another senior student volunteering here to help us prepare for our exams."
"Ok… is she a foreigner? Why are they all blonde?"
"Ahahaha… it is the rage these days… maybe I would dye my own hair one day…."
The joke did not land well with the girl's grandmother, earning her a serious warning look, and neither did the explanation as the old woman decided to question further this time.
"You are welcome in our house…. What should I call you?"
"Amaterasu!"
Ayumi jumped quickly to the answer which made the issue of this particular senior student even more suspicious.
"But still, where are your parents? Can you not stay with them… I only ask because I know of parents' worry…"
The old woman asked, her gaze directed in Ayumi's direction who once again had to rush to answer as the revived queen was not speaking yet.
"She lives in another city, and I invited her over… she is so smart and talented… I want to hug all the benefit to myself!"
Ayumi laughed, leaning toward the dazed woman and slumping her shoulder around hers like close bodies.
"All right… that seems like something you would do yet would not at the same time…"
The grandmother stated much to Ayumi's dismay of that version her grandmother had created of her.
"Well, the exams are approaching and you always turn into a nervous wreck at this time of the year… so perhaps having someone guide you is not a bad idea…"
"Thank you grandma!!"
Ayumi exclaimed happily, startling the silent guest who still leaned on Ayumi like a robot despite the latter pulling her arm away. Still, a reprimand was still in place, justifiably.
"But you should have asked for my permission before… imposing her on us…"
Ayumi's grandmother lowered her voice at the last remark, she was not really annoyed by hosting guests, just suspicious of their strange appearances despite the great effort Reiha and Chiyasu went through to find a modern dress and shoes in the middle of the night and fitting the reluctant queen into it, who was probably embarrassed and afraid, just like a Cinderella story.
"Care to remind me of your name, dear? I am an old woman after all!"
Ayumi opened her mouth but that would only emphasis the weirdness of her "friend's" condition.
"Hara Nanami"
Surprisingly, a reply came out of Amaterasu's lips hiding behind a thick red rouge, who bowed politely while introducing herself. Ayumi wanted to know if the queen had finally remembered but nothing in her hazy stares or stiff posture indicated this fortunate turnout, and besides, that was not her name.
"Did not my granddaughter call you something else... like… Amaterasu…"
The latter's eyelashes fluttered for the first time, and the girl realized what was happening, rushing once again to save the situation.
"That's a nickname, because of her beautiful eyes and hair… is she not gorgeous? Do you not wish for a granddaughter as beautiful as her? You would marry her off easily!"
Ayumi laughed again on her own, but then a smile appeared on her grandmother's face.
Nailed it!
"OK, Nanami or Amaterasu… however you prefer me to call you, just tell me. Welcome to our house, consider yourself at your own home!"
Amaterasu raised her head, her eyes blinking and lashes fluttering at the warm words and she bowed again whispering.
"Thank you."
While leading the "senior student" to Ayumi's room, the latter's arm was pulled harshly almost coming off like a doll's arm. It was her grandmother again whispering in her air.
"Is she on drugs? She definitely seems like it!"
"What? No!! Her trip was just too long!!"
Ayumi exclaimed gaining Amaterasu's attention, whose face portrayed worry, aware despite her misty mind that she was causing a problem and stirring discomfort in a way she did not what it was. Still, she spoke another short sentence.
"Do not yell at your grandmother or any elderly."
Ayumi almost choked on her spit, still dazed and of a barely waking conscious, the queen was still giving advice and instructions? Well, she was not the most powerful queen of light for nothing… However, her statement sounded more like an elderly sister giving advice to her younger sibling, warm yet resolute and Ayumi felt strangely moved by it.
"Yes, I am sorry big sister… I am sorry grandmother!"
***
Haro Nanami.
So that was Amaterasu's real name before becoming the queen of the light. Did that mean the other princesses had other names? Ayumi felt disappointed that after all the time she had spent with Reiha and Chiyasu they had not disclosed such information to her. Aside from this, it seemed that a part of the queen's memories were struggling to reach the surface, the part pertaining to her past before her coronation yet still her action, especially releasing that pillar of light that protected Noboru was a fragment of a closer past.
It was a matter of which part would find the light first, and what consequences would that bring.
After multiple failed persuasions for Amaterasu to take the bed, the girl gave up and laid the extra mattress down for her to sleep. Still, after being literally "dumped" with this difficult task by the other two princesses who explained that staying near the scepter and the spear might bring the queen's memories faster, the girl could not sleep a bit. She feared monsters would reawaken and react in the same manner after her own power awakened. But there was much more to her sleeplessness, she was simply intrigued by the figure sleeping soundly next to her. As if her revival was not a miracle by itself, the woman's mere presence brought an immeasurable presence of majestic air and powerful dominance. Ayumi was taken suddenly by sad thoughts; how would the queen react to this new world? Unlike the other princesses of nature, she had not lived through the changing of eras and times. How would she feel seeing her murderer after regaining her memories? How would she accept her powers being transferred to another queen? The last thought brought the girl a bit of anxiety that made it even harder for her to close her eyes and surrender to much needed sleep. Will Amaterasu accept that for good or will she be angered and feel wronged? If the latter was to become the case, did she not have the right to feel this way?
***
Several days passed, through which Ayumi did not get much sleep, watching Amaterasu who was acting as normal as a woman of an absent conscious and memories could, making her grandmother make the assumption the blonde was some sort of autistic genius, but Ayumi still feared the moment Amaterasu would recall everything, perhaps suddenly at night or amidst the day... and do something dangerous out of confusion or vengeance.
"Girls, it has been two weeks since you left your room… I fear your brains will rot at this rate and not blossom with knowledge!"
Ayumi's grandmother yelled from down the stairs and she was right indeed. The two princesses of wind and earth had not shown themselves for the entirety of these two week, gone on a mission to find and retrieve old scrolls that might help them with Amaterasu's situation, as well as dealing with any other revived demons and monsters in response to her aura. Amaterasu knew nothing of the modern world, and Ayumi taught her the basics, the shower, the T.V setting, how everyday appliances work and she was responsive though clearly not interested. It felt as if by learning these strange boring stuffs, she was paying a debt owed to Ayumi, and to add to the latter's stress, all of this had to be done in secret away from her grandmother's watchful eyes. However, this was nothing difficulty compared to when it was school time, proving to be the most difficult challenge. Ayumi had to go to school and take Amaterasu with her because she was "a senior student helping everyone out in between classes", but in reality Ayumi had to leave her with the care of a nearby shop owner she knew well and trusted enough to leave the estranged queen in her care, claiming her "visiting cousin" was mentally challenged and could not be left alone while she attended school. If Amaterasu had any further reasons for seeking revenge once she truly reawakened, Ayumi's claim was an enough reason to go after her. The shopkeeper was a nice girl, and her sales increased doubles and triples as costumers rushed in buying things just to get a glimpse at the "other - worldly blonde woman".
Ayumi's grandmother was right indeed, it looked as if the two girls were imposing on themselves some sort of grounding, and for sure, the former queen needed clothes and some everyday stuffs, as none of Ayumi's clothes fitted her. Amaterasu was indeed slightly larger and older, and that was without taking into account the centuries and decades she had lived and the different built people had back then, and thus Amaterasu was stuck in that same dress since she arrived. Finding at last a dress that barely fit her, Ayumi thought; sure, why not go shopping and introduce the queen to the new world properly?
Following her grandmother's advice, Ayumi led Amaterasu out of the house and into the markets and shopping malls, taking her on a pleasant stroll down many streets, the queen staring curious and confused in the same manner the crowds that started to follow her, enchanted by the angelic presence of the woman. So, the first thing the girl bought was a big straw hat and black sunglasses to dim the gorgeous blonde effect.
Some people tried to speak to them, even take photographs and Ayumi kept declining politely at first then angrily until at one point she had to take the queen's hand and hide for a while but even at the small alley, the two girls were not left alone, as a voice asked them with uncontrolled laughter.
"Can I take a photo of this unmatched beauty please? I want to dye my hair the same color!"
"Laila!!"
"You know… it might change how people look at me and perceive me..."
Laila went on with her joke, showing no fear in the presence of two queens of light, vastly unlike her initial reaction upon witnessing the dead queen resurrect. The possibilities of facing dormant foes did not slip Ayumi's mind, and she had her scepter in her bag. The princess of darkness read her intentions immediately and waved her hands dismissively.
"I come in peace, I am not even carrying my ax!"
"Yeah, as if you cannot summon it from thin air!"
Ayumi countered intensely, now she had to fight for herself and protect the clueless queen who could not sense Laila's evil aura. But what about of Reiha and Chiyasu? Would not they typically appear on their own when sensing a similar situation?
"I have concealed my presence, so do not count on your precious companions to come. Also there is no need to fight, I told you, I am merely curious…"
"Spying for Noboru?"
"I am merely curious about the queen's state. And no, I have told you before, I do not follow Noboru or anyone else! Also, my ax is in bad shape and is healing… is this enough to let me tag along? I love shopping too, is it not too obvious to tell?!! "
"What?!!"
Ayumi was playing the smart certain detective, but she did not need to be one to guess Laila's intentions. Still, the latter had stated many times that she does as she pleases and does not follow Noboru's orders. Her lack of a weapon, if true, did not necessarily mean that she was not dangerous. Seeing the angry look on Ayumi's face, and her arm extending slowly to her bag, the princess of darkness dared her.
"Come on, pull your weapon and unleash its power… I will not create a transportation realm or a hiding aura… can you compel such powers yet? Or do you wish to frighten all of these innocent people?"
Ayumi quickly made her resolve, ready to call upon Reiha and Chiyasu but Laila did not miss that notion either as she approached the two queens.
"Yes… distract your friends from whatever important mission they are on to help this poor mess of a human and endanger the former queen just for fun!"
"Can you read minds or something?!"
Ayumi asked frustrated, but every encountering argument Laila came up with was surprisingly reasonable, and Ayumi could not believe how easily it was to see through her thoughts because she was certain Laila was using none of her power, probably still drained of them and injured herself as she sensed no evil dark aura or power in display. So, what was she truly after?
Before the girl could concentrate and come up with any explanation or conclusion, she felt and arm around her shoulder and saw another one around Amaterasu's shoulder as Laila stood in the middle between them and declared with a cheerful smile carrying genuine excitement.
"Now, let's go have some real girls fun!!"
"Fine! Fine! Just shut up!!"
Ayumi sighed pushing away the cuddling arms and standing between the princess of the darkness and the former queen, against her better judgement, taking the role of the older protective sister this time. Laila laughed at this futile endeavor but did not mind it.
If the girl had to deal after leaving her home with Amaterasu's "gorgeous blonde craze" the late queen caused on the streets, now she was suffering a double curse. That one and the craze following the seductively dressed long black – haired woman.
Laila was dressed in a short, very short, leather skirt leaving nothing for imagination, even the black lace beneath it was visible if she walked a certain way, with a silver top – crop with no sleeves and tons of accessories, her long high - heeled boots making the revealed parts of her legs even more tempting to chase and eye-catching.
Ayumi could only bare it for a short while, with all the whistling and perverted cat naming before she took a quick glimpse with a blushed face at Laila's attire and her barely covered breasts. Addressing angrily, yet with envying eyes at the perfect womanly figure walking by her side.
"If you had planned on "tagging along us" as you claim, did you not consider you were going to be walking with a school girl? I have my reputation… could you not have dressed more… appropriately?!"
"What? Look at what you dressed the former queen of light in! A short dress barely reaching her knees!"
"That's because her figure is longer than mine! My clothes barely fit her and that's why I went out in the first place!"
"What, you were planning on putting her in some nuns robes to preserve her divinity?"
Ayumi subconsciously let out a laugh, and Laila joined her with a chuckling smile. When Amaterasu saw the two girls laughing and smiling, she joined with a serene smile surprising them both. Strangely enough, this shopping trip promised to be fun and harmless.
After few steps, Ayumi asked chewing the inside of her cheeks trying not to sound too caring or envious.
"Anyway, why do you dress like that? You can have all the attention you want without having to reveal anything of your skin or… or giant… breasts…"
Laila covered her face and bent in another bout of laughter. This day just kept getting stranger and stranger, the princess of the darkness' laughter, when not over her excitement for a fight or enjoying mocking others was sweet and sincere, a melody for the ears.
"Maybe I am waiting on a certain someone to come and scold me into dressing appropriately."
Laila removed her hand, raising her face at the sky and watching the passing clouds with a solemn expression before she regained her cheerfulness in seconds. Ayumi wanted to ask but stopped herself, she had to remind herself that she was walking right by her enemy's side, and the possibility of this being some sort of a trap should never be discounted.
Despite the careful calculations of every move and word on Ayumi's side, the rest of the day went really well… the three odd girls, each in their own way, went shopping, Ayumi having to close her eyes at Laila's suggestions for what to buy, having to pull the surprisingly seeming interested former queen away from the bad influence like a child bribed with candy a stranger, and so Amaterasu ended up with few long dresses, while Laila bought god knows what as Ayumi refused to stand in the cashier with her but the girl did buy a shirt for herself, only under Laila's pressure to indulge herself. Ayumi refused at first saying she did not need anything, luring out a friendly laughter of mockery from the latter if she was telling her while eyeing her dull clothes "really, girl?" , and second because it felt like Laila was encouraging her to commit the sin of gluttony. But after the gears in her mind turned, Ayumi accepted the fact that she was putting so much thoughts into things; how would buying a shirt corrupt her power? And after meeting Amaterasu's sad eyes when she realized Ayumi bought herself nothing, the girl had to oblige and get herself something.
A burger joint was involved, a photo - booth to which Ayumi was forcefully dragged into, looking the only angry one as Laila was charmingly smiling or making silly faces, and Amaterasu stood still with a shy smile when she noticed Ayumi was not enjoying this particular activity.When Amaterasu looked at the photos, seeing herself entrapped in carton board, she was not surprised, and by the sadness looming over her eyes, Ayumi realized the queen was not waiting for an explanation about this strange magic, she was not surprised at how she looked, but at how she seemed trapped within the corners of the photo, while at the same time standing freely and enjoying the breeze.
Through the hours of their touring, Amaterasu snuck glances from above her dark sunglasses, watching everything with an infantile curiosity; the towering buildings, the paved streets, the strange carriages and people's simple interactions and outfits. Ayumi had to save her many times but not from Laila, but rather from the swindlers vendors noticing her interest and tendency to touch she saw everything and examine it thoroughly. At one shop, the revived queen stood but touched nothing. The other two girls followed her to find it was an antique shop displaying figurines of warriors, dragons and other mythical creatures. Although the queen's face could not display proper emotions, or blush under the sun or freeze in the cold, a hue of nostalgia dwelled in her eyes and a sigh was locked in her throat.
"Do you wish to get in? We can have a look?"
Ayumi suggested, believing this might help the resurrected queen to retrieve her memories, if not, then at least her sense of identity, but Amaterasu strangely shook her head and walked away much to Ayumi's surprise. Was the queen interested in scarfs and bags more than her own self?
"Maybe she does not want to remember, maybe she is afraid of remembering."
Laila spoke with a serious tone, making Ayumi wonder.
"Was her death really that traumatizing?"
Ayumi had seen her demise in her dreams, she was stabbed and killed but as a warrior… though still feeling sympathy and sadness for her, was not this an expected outcome or at least a regular possibility for a woman choosing the path of fighting?
"That's enough for today, let's go home."
Ayumi proposed without realizing she had included Laila in the invitation and the latter remained silent following the two queens.
Maybe it was not her death what was traumatizing, maybe what happened before it, the events leading to it, but the princess of the darkness did not care for the details at the time, she knew why Amaterasu's mind was avoiding regaining its memories, but kept silent as she had no part or advantage in sharing the information, deeming it stupid and shameful.
"I really do not know what to say about today… I have not forgiven you… and I will not but today was…"
"Then just forget it."
Laila shrugged, and Ayumi recalled her resolution for ending this battle... Though not today.
The sun was already setting down, and as the three girls approached Ayumi's house, Laila seemed reluctant to excuse herself. As the sun sank in the sky in a steady rhythm, the lingering rays painted random spots of lights on the surrounding houses, Ayumi's house was engulfed in a black fog and the girl stopped petrified at the sight of the swirling black aura residing inside and outside her home.
"This is Noboru's work..."
Laila commented just as surprised, and Ayumi had one thought in her mind as she rushed into the house through the dark aura yelling in panic:
"Grandma… grandma… are you alright?"