As Mia and Ann now walked towards Akiras office, they talked of everything that had occurred over the last week. Time travelers, the Normal and One Humanity, it was proving to be a bit overwhelming. "So how weird was your weekend," Mia asked.
"Probably weirder than yours," Ann sighed. Mia smirked, with everything going on she could use a bit of levity. "Okay I'll take that bet," she said. "I spent the weekend talking with that girl Misaki."
"Akiras niece from the future," Ann asked. Mia nodded, explaining her interactions with the girl. Eighty years in the future, Misaki would move to the states from Japan, residing with Akira and befriending the Catalyst. Now, the 15 year old girl was adjusting to not only the past but living in a different timeline. "Shes actually kinda cool," Mia stated. "Shes staying with Akira right now, helping out Ayami with the baby. Mostly though she asked a bunch of questions about Terumi and Rini. They have a bunch of classes together."
"Okay yeah I can see how that can be kinda weird," Ann stated. "But I got you beat." Mia raised an eyebrow, curious as to what Ann had done. "So my mom and dad wanted Winery to stop by the Magic Shop," Ann said, Mia already rolling her eyes at the mention of the werewolf princess. "I'm sure that was fun."
"That's not the weird part," Ann said, rubbing the back of her neck. "See, my folks knew Winery's parents would have a hard time believing her, so they kind of brought a future version of Winery back in time." Mia gawked, a second Winery! "So what happened!"
"Well the other Winery told her family about what was going on when they met with S.P.E.A.R," Ann said. "I guess everything worked out though."
"Please tell me future Winery left. I can only deal with one of them."
Ann giggled, assuring Mia she was gone as the pair now entered Akiras office. The teens originally wanted to check with the kitsune to see if he had any new information. As they walked in, they now noticed most of his security team as well as Misaki. "Akira is everything okay," Mia asked.
"Everything is fine," Akira stated. "I was just concluding my morning briefing when Misaki entered." Mia and Ann nodded, noting the Asian girl standing beside her uncle. "Where's Ayami," Ann asked. "With the baby," the kitsune replied. "Little Sachiko is a bit under the weather so she took her to the doctor." The teens nodded, they were aware of Akiras newborn daughter Sachiko. The kits birth had been a welcome surprise, both Akira and Ayami overjoyed at her arrival. Still, the girls wondered what doctor could possibly treat an infant kitsune.
"Misaki though has brought something to my attention," Akira continued. "Something that needs to be dealt with immediately." Mia and Ann now curiously gazed at the kitsune. Akira was being cryptic for some reason. As they were about to ask what, they jumped in surprise as Hsu Hao now pressed a knife to Shays throat. "What is the meaning of this," Shay exclaimed. "Let go!"
Ann and Mia gasped as they gazed at the ragged, grey kitsune. They always had a bad feeling about him and now watching him press a knife to the Nekomatas throat, only strengthened that mistrust. Quickly the teens now began to conjure a spell, yelling for him to release Shay. "He's not the problem," Misaki stated. "Shay is!"
"What is she talking about," Shay scoffed. "Akira, tell this murderous kitsune to release me!"
"Huli Jing," Hsu Hao replied.
"A what," Mia asked.
"Hsu Hao is a huli jing," Akira stated. "A Chinese cousin of the kitsune. Their people have resided in our kingdom for sometime. There numbers are small but they are family to us." Akira now strode towards Shay, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the nekomata. "He also owes my sister a life debt. She rescued him during the Boxer rebellion. At the time, he swore upon his honor to defend and honor my sister and her family."
"I fail to see why he has to threaten me though," Shay retorted, Hsu Hao's knife now pressing firmer to her throat. "It's because of who you are truely working for Shay," Akira replied sternly. Mia and Ann were confused, watching as Misaki now stepped forward as she gazed at Shay. "You're working for Fukushu," she stated. "I know this because in my future he told me."
Shay gulped, nervously glancing around the room. It was true she was working undercover for Fukushu and Abolith, keeping tabs on Akira and his people. "You don't understand," she said quickly. "Enlighten me then," Akira scoffed. "Before I have Hsu Hao discover how many lives you have left kitty."
"Okay look it's true," Shay said quickly, her cat ears twitching in alarm. "After Abolith gave birth to her son, she was nervous about any moves the wizards might make against her and Fukushu."
"Fukushu has a son?!"
"Yes," Shay stated. "Around the same age as your daughter Akira. After his birth, they became even more paranoid of the wizards. She paid me to investigate you, make sure this timeline wasn't trying to attack him. He has no quarrel with you or anyone else at the school. Only the wizards I swear!" Akira rubbed his chin, his tails swishing behind him as he glared at the nekomata. With a nod, Hsu Hao now released her, Shay rubbing her neck from where the blade rested. "Look you may not believe me but I actually was trying to help."
"I believe you," Akira said softly. "But now you're going to do something for me." Shay nodded, her eyes darting in all directions as Mia and Ann gaped at her. "You are going to give me Fukushu's location Shay," he said. The nekomata nodded, Ann and Mia still in shock at the entire situation.