AN: I am so sorry, I read Constellations by Unwelcome Storm on Sufficient Velocity (Crucial that you read that first). It is the best Worm AU I have read, certainly one of the top five. This is my poor attempt to add some legs to that. It kind of flew out of my fingers in a few days after reading her excellent story. It can be considered AU of where I last read that story. Chapter forty-six I think, everything that follows can be considered the biggest Omake in history.

Constellations

Taylor glared at Sunny as she dried herself, shivering. "You know I'm female right. So my monkey years are supposed to be eighteen and thirty something right?"

Sunny smiled at her between bouts of chuffing wolfish laughter.

A knock came at the door just as Taylor got back in her wide sleeved top over her camisole and her winter skirt. She stepped to the heater as she said "Come in!"

The door opened and bright-eyed beaming Dinah burst in "Snow!" the girl spun on her heel and ran off. Taylor sat on the floor by the heater and put on her socks while shaking her head. Her boots followed, she then lifted herself and headed outside to the squealing.

Taylor watched amused as Sunny chased Dinah through the snow and helped in building a snow fort. She, after the first moments of watching set up her music stand and got her flute. The notes of her playing drifted over the growing crowd who trod the paths around the walls to the clean benches and down the cleaned cobblestone path. They were all smiling. The snow was pristine white, like it had fallen on a glacier somewhere, not in Brockton Bay. The shrine was stunningly beautiful as the rays of the setting sun lit it.

After practice Taylor refilled the charms and ema baskets, untouched by snow, and took Dinah into her office for tea. Sunny lay on at the top of the steps like a lioness surveying her domain.

Taylor called Oni Lee and Dinah grinned at her. Taylor helped the girl comb her hair out and found her something dry to wear. A big sleeved white, raw silk haori like she had and red hakama. Both too small to fit herself. Donated to the shrine by some of the locals. Lovingly stored by either former Miko or their families, in some cases the last memory the family had of their Miko daughters. Taylors were made for her. There were very few women in japan five feet eight inches tall and there had probably never been a Miko that tall. Dinah loved it of course. She loved the lecture from Taylor about representing Pawprint shrine and the Miko that had had it before while wearing it and how she should behave even more as Taylor helped her into it and the tabi and zori for her feet. Last she tied her hair in a pony tail with red and white hair ribbons. This would become known as the full Miko, a shrine maiden in her 'colors', inviolable. Dinah took it very, very seriously.

Taylor knew the story of every donated piece. The Baachan collective had made sure of that.

Constellations

Taylor walked out with Oni Lee and Dinah after a cup of tea and a melon roll for Oni lee and the immediate area jerked to a halt. Deep bows from the people around made Taylor blush and Oni Lee smile under his mask.

Taylor showed the two the construction material and her site plan. Oni Lee nodded. He knew of these plans already. Oni Lee smiled at the two Miko going over the site. He stroked the head of the white wolf that had pushed his hand up lifting it to his waist.

Dinah sighed and said goodbye. Taylor looked at her "Like you won't get lost again tomorrow." Dinah grinned and took Oni Lee's hand. He led her to the bus stop while Dinah returned deep bows with bright smiles.

Taylor never noticed the page of drawings she had laid out on the pile of lumber held down with rocks. She entered the Torii as it got dark and gave Sunny another glare as the snow was all miraculously gone. "You just wanted me frozen." Sunny chuffed at her. Taylor sighed and led her to the shamusho, the small office building of the shrine. She would get dinner together and then it was bedtime. A dunk in freezing water was exhausting.

Constellations

Legend looked at the video and then at Chessman and the rest of the protectorate "Well that's like no power I have ever seen before."

Miss Militia laughed "Welcome to Brockton Bay. That kind of thing is our specialty. A foot or two of snow in the shrine and only in the shrine, lightning bolts for chastisement. Nothing out of the ordinary."

Legend nodded "As I am realizing. OK, so tonight's patrols are again an effort to deny the Merchants key terrain. We will be moving through these buildings near the former Dock Workers Association and clearing them."

Danny nodded "I have some friends still in the Union. Mark and Kurt are getting some guys together to take it back and hold it once we clear it. There are a couple of buildings there that can be put in useable condition fairly easily and that will deny it to either the ABB of E88. The Dockworkers already have tentative contacts with Local 433 which is apparently what the legitimate side of Lungs Operation is going by now."

Emily Piggot nodded "Which still baffles the thinkers. We do have some coming in with the appropriate cultural experience however. The closest ours got was it is some kind of honor debt owed the Miko by Lung."

Velocity spoke up "The Kami. Lung owes the Kami. Him striking the Miko in the temple put him way behind the curve."

Emily nodded "That is from the Baachan collective?" Velocity nodded.

Dragon spoke up from her monitor "Brushstroke just happened to have winter Miko robes to fit a girl that size?"

Velocity snorted "Probably more than that. She is tall. Annette must have been a tall woman too Danny. All of the Miko's clothes are new, either commercial clothes in the correct colors acquired by Good Dog lick marking them or from her house. Her winter clothes are made by the Baachan or under the orders of the Baachan. There are some Shinto families among them. Quite a few actually who had Miko as relatives before, well, before. They deliver them on their weekly visit and teaching trips."

"The Miko wears a white haori, and a traditional red divided skirt, hakama. For winter probably lined. Around the shrine at least she is wearing tabi and zori, divided toe socks and sandals. Her hair is tied in a red and white scarf. That is the full Miko, her 'colors' if you will. Out of the shrine she wears any number of different things but has gravitated to red and white. Expect her to be in full Miko costume for a while now. The Baachan will insist and take steps. This will be seen as necessary for her to display her colors, and so that there is no question who she is. Any attacks on her will be punished severely. It's also an opportunity for the Baachan to get her used to full costume. They won't pass it up."

Dragon nodded "Any progress on which Kami?"

"Amaterasu is still the best guess and the Baachan will neither confirm or deny this. Sunny fits though." Velocity shrugged.

Danny pinched the bridge of his nose "Taylor was never exposed to eastern mythology as a child. If she triggered at eight years old as we suspect, she created this whole cloth, like those infinite monkeys. Now she is a Miko? A priestess who's origins are lost in the prewriting history of Japan. A country she has never been to."

Velocity shrugged and looked apologetic "In the old ways, a shaman, pre Buddhism and its influence on Shinto. Her ofuda and charms work, especially on demons. The Baachan are sure of it. Powers are bullshit?"

Legend nodded "This is fascinating, and I may have to move Arthur here permanently over it. He wants to get a look at that shrine so bad he can taste it. However, we do have this thing tonight. Now that Lung has helped us get rid of Coil, and before Kaiser gets his reinforcements in here." The others nodded and got down to work.

Constellations

Sunny smacked her lips over the crockpot nikujaga Taylor had cooked while they were out and about. Taylor laughed "It is good. I need a real kitchen though. I have a hankering for a lasagna. I can't bake either."

Sunny smacked her chops and Taylor chuckled "Hey, aren't you supposed to be at Kayden's house soon? I think you should go. Kaiser might not consider what he thinks of as internal discipline to be a violation of the truce." Sunny looked at her thoughtfully then nodded. She kept looking at Taylor who laughed "Yes I will lock the door." Sunny gave her a stern look and then trotted over to the door and opened it. It had come with handles rather than knobs. Taylor listened then groaned and went over and locked it "fine mother." Bark! Taylor listened to the claws clicking on cobbles, smiled and went to clean up and store the nikujaga and reread about sukiyaki. Another one she could pull off in her crockpot she thought. Plus she had a London broil that needed something done with it someone had left. That must have been for Sunny but Sunny had brought it to her. She looked at the cases packed with winter vegetables and straw out her window and nodded. She would prep in the morning.

Taylor settled in and called her dad then worked on homework, finally going to bed.

Constellations

Sunny patted the balcony window and got a grin from Kayden and Aster. Kayden let her in and she immediately put her head within reach of Aster. Kayden rolled her eyes. She would be tripping over Sunny all night unless she figured this out. Theo chuckled "Put Aster on the floor on a blanket. I'll be in here doing homework or cruising the net anyway. I can be Sunny's thumbs." Kayden nodded. That was a good idea. Kayden did just that and Sunny took over Aster. Kayden went about cleaning up from dinner and getting some work done.

Theo opened the PHO boards "Sunny? Where did the new Miko come from?"

Kayden leaned her head out of the kitchen "New Miko?"

Theo nodded "Oni Lee is walking that girl home again, well, riding the bus with her. Or has. She is wearing Shrine colors."

Kayden walked over "It's the same girl as in the other pictures."

Theo clicked on another picture and both of their jaws dropped. The shrine was covered in snow. And Sunny along with the girl were diving in the snow and then piling it up and diving in bigger piles. Sunny chuffed. Kayden looked at her "What did you do Sunny?" Sunny got a look of complete innocence. Kayden snorted. "By the way what happened with Taylor? Do I need to go tee off in those Merchants behinds?"

Theo snorted "Not from the post on the boards. The Protectorate is grinding them to an extremely fine paste. Plus, the news on TV. There is a new raid every night. Heavy patrols during the day too. This post has a ward patrol and its all the wards plus a PRT squad. The ABB hasn't even started on them yet. The Miko being under Lung's protection has to draw fire from him somehow."

Kayden had walked back in the kitchen "As long as the ABB behaves. Hard to believe you two snapped a leash on a dragon Sunny."

Sunny lolled her tongue out. Something she regretted as Aster grabbed it. Theo and Kayden laughed until they cried. They both got pictures. Kayden sighed when it was all over and Sunny had managed to retrieve her tongue. "To bad we can't post these until we get away from Kaiser."

Theo took one of Aster laying surrounded by a curled up Sunny. Kayden smiled at it. Theo nodded "Dad is an idiot. You and I both know he doesn't believe that crap and Medhall makes a fortune. I have never understood why he wants to 'rule' Brockton Bay. It drives most of the politicians we have around her insane."

Kayden laughed "Yeah, I figured that out after a while. It's something you have to realize on your own apparently. OK bed for me. You have school too. Sunny put Aster to sleep." Theo looked over and smiled at his half-sister sleeping in a wall of fur.

Kayden got Aster in her crib and Sunny lay down in front of it. "Thank you Sunny." Sunny nodded and Kayden went to her room, showered and fell in bed. It was eight o'clock.

Constellations

It was three a.m. Emily watched on the screens as Chessman's green army men swept through the last of the twenty-block area. Backed up by APC's and Tanks from a bygone era. Still deadly though. Resistance had been crushed immediately. They were finishing up the pacification of this area and the cordon could go defensive. The PRT was coordinating with the dock workers and the forensics folks would have another whole day of work as would the Police liaisons. Everyone else would get eight hours sleep and start the prep for the next raid. Paul, her deputy, would be here in an hour and she could hand off to him and be back at noon. Barring some crazy crap happening that forced them to call her.

Constellations

Kaiser sat looking out his window facing the boat graveyard watching the flashes and listening to the whumping sounds of explosions or massive force being applied. "Fucking Merchants. The Protectorate isn't holding back at all."

Krieg shrugged "They attacked a capes family. Would we hold back?"

Kaiser laughed "The whole thing would be on fire by now." He sighed "There is nothing we can do against Lung with four of us."

Krieg nodded "He has Oni Lee and Brushstroke."

Kaiser rubbed his chin "I have been going over the truce meeting in my head. I don't think he has her so much as she has him."

Krieg frowned "Some kind of religious thing perhaps."

Kaiser nodded "We need to let that settle. This Protectorate thing needs to settle and we need to get as many of our capes back as possible."

Krieg nodded "Medhall makes a lot of money and has a lot of lawyers thankfully." The pair settled in silence for a moment. Krieg continued "Rumor is Lung bought his way out of some trouble with the shrine by gifting her property contiguous to it. We actually own a lot of property around there that is useless to us and a tax burden. We did burn out the Union because they wouldn't cooperate with us."

Kaiser looked at him thoughtfully. It would actually be worth it to settle Brushstroke and get her off of them. With Lung and the Protectorate in her corner she was effectively untouchable. "That was the excuse Hookwolf used. Still a leader is responsible."

Constellations

Lung looked at Oni Lee "As distasteful as it may be we may have to coordinate with the PRT. I think the shrine is a good spot to have a conversation with representatives of theirs." Oni Lee said nothing. Lung nodded "Another Miko?"

Oni Lee was silent a moment "The girl that was attacked, who Coils mercenaries tried to retrieve from the shrine."

Kenta sighed "A white girl playing."

Oni replied "The Miko instructed her. She behaved appropriately." Kenta grunted.

Constellations

Taylor was up early and went into the shrine yard in a red and white track suit. She stretched and then ran along the pawprint sidewalks beaming smiles at people who stopped, faced her, and bowed until she passed.

Sunny found her along the route. Taylor smiled at her "Did you have fun?" Bark! "You could have stayed. I have school." Sunny looked up at her. Taylor rolled her eyes "I can get to school on my own." Sunny was unmoved. Taylor rolled her eyes.

Back at the shrine Taylor stretched while Sunny went and patrolled the shrine before coming in as Taylor washed up in the bathroom. When Taylor came out and looked at the tatami mat she was sleeping on she sighed, Sunny had laid out a bright white haori and brilliant read hakama "Full Miko? Really?" Sunny looked at her "No mistakes with who I am or who I belong to. OK fine. I understand. Besides it is a bit nippy out. I can wear a watch cap or something on the ride there though right?" Bark! Taylor smiled "Thank you. Now breakfast and we can go." Taylor dropped two eggs in the water she had boiling after splashing in some vinegar, looked at Sunny and dropped in two more. While those were poaching she got out some bread and toasted it over the charcoal.

The pair were finished breakfast and on the way to school smiling at bowing people halfway there. Yuuta caught her at the bike rack at Winslow and nodded "Full colors. Good idea. We don't want anyone making any mistakes so Lung comes over here and turns the building inside out. Although that might get the heat fixed. I mean they would have to build a new one right?"

Taylor opened her mouth and squawked as she was drug off by girls in Local 433 jackets and into a empty classroom. The girls promptly got to work on her hair. Yuuta was shut out of the classroom and Taylor squawked again as her skirt was pulled off and redone. The girl doing it beamed at her "You had the five in front fine but the two pleats in back weren't right. It's hard without a friend to help. Good effort though. Nice work on the under hakama knot in the Obi as well. Where was the little Miko?"

Taylor sighed "Dinah. She got wet playing in the snow and those are all the clothes I had that would fit her. She isn't a Miko."

The girls all giggled "We saw her face Miko. You have an apprentice."

Taylor snorted "I am an apprentice." Taylor wobbled and a girl steadied her arm as another removed her boots and put tabi and zori on her. She stilled as her chin was grabbed and a quick nearly professional minimalist makeup session had her at her very best. Taylor blinked. She had never been one for makeup and that happened so fast it was a blur. Granted it was very little, a little eye makeup, some mascara, a couple of swipes at her face with something, a little tickling with a brush that ended as it was feeling good and some lip gloss, but still.

The girl finished tying the obi "Oh no. You planted the trees, made the neighborhood better. As Brushstroke you improved hundreds of buildings. Your charms exorcise demons. Now you taught Yuuta how to do them and his work too! You are the Priestess." She stepped back and they all bowed deeply.

Taylor bowed back several times, turning in a circle "Thank you. I hope to make things better. Really it's all Sunny."

Lily, the leader, nodded "The Okami. OK we are ready." One of the girls opened the door and two of them stepped out then Taylor then the others. The other students in the hall made way for her. She smiled and nodded to the ones she knew. Admittedly few.

Constellations

Danny stood in front of the house. Kurt watched as the foremen of the shops involved in the project looked the house over. "The car is a write off Danny. I think the house pretty much is too. We will get some laborers in and move everything to storage and then see what can be saved."

An Asian man stepped up "You are Mr. Hebert, father of the Miko?"

Danny and Kurt looked at him and Danny bowed a little "Yes."

The man bowed back "George Nakashima, master carpenter. You are perhaps looking to rebuild?"

Kurt nodded "He will be. You guys are expensive though."

George smiled "Not for the Miko. Plus, I suddenly have lots of apprentices to train."

Danny opened his mouth but Kurt beat him to it "A lot of that going around." The two walked off toward the house leaving Danny standing by the drive looking at his car, or what was left of it. George Henrick walked up "No saving that one."

Danny nodded then smiled "Taylor is alright though."

George Henricks nodded "Got your priorities straight, good. That lot behind yours, it's abandoned. So are the two on the other side of you. Put them all together and you got a full acre there. Insurance plus the City and PRT are probably going to pay off enough for you to leave Taylor a nice place. Maybe some more connected. The Jorgensen's keep talking about moving downtown to that assisted living building. The Millers and Smiths looked into it as well."

Danny grinned "Plus what we have taken from Skidmark's people so far and I get a piece of that. Taylor and Sunny get a big chunk as they took down Skidmark."

George nodded "Get her started on her onsen."

Danny nodded "Those are double lots she got given. She has those two doubles with businesses on both ends and an alley between. I wonder if Mr. Nakashima could do anything with two doubles for the onsen."

Martha Henrick walked over "Get the girl someplace to live besides the temple first. And a nice big kitchen."

"Taylor calls it a shrine Mrs. Henrick." Danny offered. He flinched at the stare he got back.

Constellations

Martha Henrick looked around the office of the shrine. She was amazed at the stacks and stacks of canned vegetables. "You had a good year in your garden Taylor." She had taught Taylor canning and vegetable storage herself. She hadn't realized the girl got this much done. How much did those bike baskets hold?

Taylor smiled as she gathered her tea things. It was an unseasonably warm late afternoon. Tea outside with the Baachan collective would be fine. Martha was a bit of a shock, her just showing up like this, in the middle of ABB territory. George Henricks was over at the Onsen lot with George Nakashima. Taylor blew at a loose lock of hair and Dinah came back in for another load of things. The girl had shown up as always now, gotten her haori, skirt and other things out then practiced her Sunny eyes on Taylor until she helped her into the uniform.

Taylor had to admit she had done nothing but help since then though. Taylor was actually glad. It had turned into a busy Friday.

Martha Henrick fell right in amongst the Baachan. Automatically included in the highest position as being the closest Grandmother to Taylor and then proving her own worth when the Baachan understood Taylor got her gardening and cooking knowledge from her.

Carol Dallon was unaccountably nervous. No not unaccountably, they were headed for the lair of a master. The PRT had her as a master three but she had a projection that had taken out half of the E88. Carol knew that meant she was a high master. Sarah had of course been insistent. So, the entirety of New Wave was going to pay their respects.

Glory Girl led them down and they got themselves arranged on the pawprint sidewalk. Carol's mind wandered a bit. She had read the reports from the PRT about their experiments proving these were not artifacts of the master but that didn't explain why people on them were left alone or how there was one within a reasonable distance of most populated places in town. They had been mapped. One left from each side of the gate ton the shrine and zigzagged all over town.

Carol had done her homework and then found a lawyer who was of the Shinto faith. Thy Bui had agreed to meet her here as she had intended to offer her services to the shrine anyway as part of her duty of faith. Carol had blinked at that, Thy was vicious and still building both her reputation and a firm. She had prepared a briefing though and had told Carol that if this Miko was really what she appeared to be they were dealing with one of the most powerful goddesses of the Shinto faith and that talking to the Miko was the same as talking to the goddess. The projection, Good Dog, was not Brushstroke's but the goddesses. Carol had a bottle of wine contemplating that after Thy left. It was Brocton Bay however so anything was possible. New Wave had received the briefing like it was a natural occurrence. Something they did everyday. Lad de da, a goddess in town.

The important thing to remember was the Shrine was accorded neutral ground. She would have to be on her best behavior until something obviously untoward happened. "Wait Victoria. Thy will be here in a moment I am sure." Thy, thankfully, arrived just then.

Thy looked them over "Nice, your colors are a good idea. OK I haven't been to this shrine. They are all set up about the same though, so the Miko or perhaps the new one will probably greet us on the path. I will need to go by the fountain and leave an offering before we do any business. Violence will not be tolerated. No matter who shows up, Oni Lee stops by everyday, it is not your job to arrest him, especially in the shrine precinct or if he is escorting the new Miko. Let the PRT and Protectorate sort that out. Lung has shown up on several occasions. Leave him alone here and on the pawprint sidewalks as well. Purity has been seen here as well. Just because she is not an adherent of Shinto doesn't mean the neutrality of the shrine does not extend to her. OK are we ready?"

Sarah Pelham, Lady Photon, the leader of New Wave looked around then nodded. Thy lead them into the shrine under the torii. Carol blinked. The shrine was full of people. Not crowded but definitely busy. It was also like entering a different world. You could actually feel it. "Welcome to Pawprint shrine." The young woman in the blindingly white big sleeved top and red, empire wasted divided skirt smiled as she greeted them. Thy bowed deeply and the girl returned a less deep bow. Thy smiled and moved down the path to the fountain.

Vicky, Glory Girl took over "Brushstroke! Hey! Let me introduce you to New Wave! Is Good Dog around?"

Taylor smiled "Sunny is somewhere, supervising Dinah last time I saw her. The Baachan are a little hyper today because Mrs. Henrick showed up with her husband and a master carpenter."

Vicky went through the introductions and they all got bows. Taylor led them down the path explaining the buildings and the rope circled tree. They followed perforce. At the steps of the main visible building Taylor excused herself and picked up a rod with T shaped pieces of paper with long legs attached and went to a line of people who were waiting and started waving the wand left to right in front of or in the case of one person in a wheel chair over them. Amy Dallon, Panacea, watched intently. Thy finished with her offering walked back up to the group. She grinned at Carol "So, not the horrible big bad you were expecting right?"

Sarah chuckled at Carols pinched face. Amy asked "What is Brushstroke doing?"

Thy smiled "In modern Shinto that is a gohei, the stick, it has shide attached to it. Folded in the Ise style which pretty much confirms this is a shrine to Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The architecture of the buildings is only allowed in those shrines dedicated to her as well. Miko were shamans. I would be willing to bet, the Miko intends that as a purification ritual. You should introduce yourself and check a couple of those people Amy. I bet they are cured of whatever ailed them or are on the way to a cure."

Amy blinked "A striker or blaster healer?" Amy wandered off and the younger crowd went with her.

Thy shrugged "If she is a parahuman at all. Her powers would be amazing."

Sarah nodded as they wandered one of the paths "You don't seemed convinced she is a parahuman."

Thy smiled "There are reports of events associated with gods from the earliest recorded histories. I judge her by her works."

Taylor caught up with the group "Sorry. It is a bit busy. Its not normally like this on Fridays. I guess the recent events with the Merchants have people nervous."

Thy smiled "Yes, I think so. You provide comfort and familiarity Miko."

Taylor sighed "I try. I'm still learning though."

"I heard you have some issues that might benefit from a lawyers touch? I came to offer my services to the shrine." Thy offered diffidently.

Taylor beamed at her "That would be wonderful! I got a call today out of the blue. Kaiser wants to meet with me tomorrow. The last time that happened, or something similar, Lung gave me these five lots. Purity helped me out then and made sure he paid all the back taxes and put some money in escrow for the future taxes on the properties. Of course then they all got drunk. It was a bit of a day."

Carol blinked "Purity?"

Taylor nodded "She apparently works in real estate. She has been very helpful and Sunny baby sits for her. Oh, if Sunny brings out the sake be careful. She apparently enjoys people dropping their inhibitions."

Sarah laughed "So much so that the PRT Director slaps them in M/S protocol until they sleep it off."

Taylor blushed as the adults chuckled. "Let me get the documents for you to look over Ms. Bui, or, you can come to the shamusho?"

Thy looked at the others "The shrine administrative office. Certainly." I think if you show us where we can handle it from there. I believe you are needed elsewhere Miko."

Taylor looked around and Dinah was standing there with Sunny. Dinah bowed "Miko, we are running low on charms and ema."

Taylor nodded "If you can get out my ink and brushes along with some paper and the wood we can make some more charms and ema. You can continue with your practice."

Dinah smiled and waved to the top of the steps of the haiden. The short easels and a table between two mats with two quartz heaters , one on either side were set up. "Sunny showed me how Miko."

Taylor smiled "Thank you Sunny. OK Let me show these folks to the office and I will join you Dinah."

Dinah and Sunny left and Taylor led them to the office then headed to the haiden. Carol looked at Thy "That isn't a dog."

Thy grinned "It is the Okami, the signature animal of Amaterasu, a wolf."

Mark Dallon shrugged "Seems friendly. I like this place. Its peaceful. I think I'll wander and talk to some folks while you ladies look over the shrines books and papers." Carol blinked.

Neil Pelham nodded "I'll come with. We will have to find the kids."

Sarah waved toward the haiden "Not hard to find. Amy is sitting on the steps healing people or checking the ones Brushstroke is healing and the rest are watching the Miko's art lesson."

Thy looked at the group at the haiden "Caligraphy. Making ofuda, charms. One of the main sources of income for the shrine. This ones only source of income for now."

Sarah looked over her shoulder. "Brushstroke is spending her reward money from the E88 capes on the shrine."

Carol looked up from the paperwork she was looking at "The PRT offered her a place in the Wards. She turned it down and they recognized her as a team, a rogue team. They also recognize the shrine as neutral ground. Wait, the Shrine and lanes and paths pertaining thereto. Wow that's broad. That could be taken to mean any road that connects to the shrine."

Thy nodded "Since the paths are marked and Sunny patrols them, plus they both travel them I think it would be taken to mean the pawprint sidewalks."

Sarah sighed "How does she stay here in the middle of ABB territory."

Thy snickered "Lung hit her the first time they met. In the temple precinct. Amaterasu hit him with a bolt of lightning. Probably only his regeneration saved him. She isn't Jesus. If you slight her she will kill you. Smacking the priestess of the shrine she is currently inhabiting? I don't know of anything that would be more of a slight."

"Those properties, his protection of the shrine, the union and leaning more toward legal business. Those are minor repayments. The Dragon has miles to go before he sleeps."

On the steps of the haiden Amy looked at Taylor "So you are a healer."

Taylor shrugged "It's Sunny."

Amy turned her head and Sunny noseprinted her cheek. "Gah! You are both nuts."

Sunny head butted her and Taylor laughed "Scratch between her ears. So are those people healed?"

Amy sighed "On the way to it. I didn't do anything besides check several and then you waved your wand and I checked them again. Something is going on. Its kind of slow motion compared to my healing though."

Taylor beamed "Oh that's good! And good to know. You should take Sunny with you to the hospital!"

Amy chuckled "I will have to see if they will let her in. There are some places where they use dogs for therapy. Maybe its like a accelerated version of that."

Dinah spoke up "If we can quantify it maybe Sunny can ask for a donation?"

Taylor nodded "How much do you get Amy?"

Amy blinked "I don't?"

Taylor frowned "Why not? I bet the hospitals are charging. Plus the doctors that call you in. You should take someone with you who could suggest a minimum donation."

Crystal Pelham, Laserdream, nodded "You know you are right Miko! We can do that."

Vicky nodded "That actually makes sense. I wonder if we could use like the medicare charges for a suggestion. I know the doctors bitch about how low they are."

Eric Pelham, Shielder, looked at her "I thought you were just flirting with those interns." Vicky gave him a glare. Vista bouncing up saved him. Taylor made trhe introductions.

Vista beamed at her "The Ema worked! I want another one!"

Crystal asked "What?"

Vista explained the whole thing and everyone wanted ema. Taylor smiled and painted them some. as Clockblocker walked over. Velocity, the escort again, had gotten trapped by the Baachan.

The outdoor heaters and gas mantel lanterns someone had brought were lit as the sun set.

Carol, Sarah and Thy had run the gauntlet of Baachan after getting an appreciation of the shrines books and were just coming to set up a time when Oni Lee walked in the gate. New Wave tensed, but he was his normal glacially calm self as he stood near the Miko waiting. She had risen to greet him and he had bowed and told her to finish with her training of the young Miko for the day and he would escort her home. Thy walked up to him "Kaiser wishes to see the Miko tomorrow."

Velocity had escaped the Baachan, well, not totally as he led Baachan over on his arm "Legend would like to talk to the Miko as well."

Before Taylor could open her mouth Baachan nodded "They can come for tea. three o'clock." Taylors jaw dropped open. Baachan looked at her "Do you not trust Baachan Miko?"

Taylors mouth snapped closed "I trust you Baachan."

Baachan beamed at her "Good. The pieces of your teahouse and rooms are ready. Men will be here at six am to start putting them up. By noon your teahouse will be ready. Correct Mr Nakashima?"

George nodded as he walked up, obviously used to the ways of Baachan "Of course. We will lay the gravel tonight and drill the foundation holes. It will take just a few minutes. My men are already working." He waved toward the shamusho. The others looked and men in coveralls were measuring and marking "Miko, can we review your drawings for the onsen?"

Taylor blinked "Beg pardon?"

George Henrick said "We found your plan on the pile of lumber. It's beautiful but we think it should be bigger. A separate inn and Onsen as well. We can track down the ownership of those lots around your boundary. Probably went back to the city for taxes anyway. Lung doesn't own them does he Mr. Lee?"

Oni Lee looked at a plat map and shook his head. He marked the map with his finger "No, all of these are not ours. The buildings are not fit for anything, they were not when we bought these."

George Nakashima nodded "We can increase the Shrine precinct and build the onsen and inn on it, make sure it is neutral ground."

Thy nodded "The honden and haiden could be expanded and the kagaru den rebuilt."

George nodded "Hai. My thoughts as well. A larger garden as well, more lawns and trees. This half of the block for the shrine and the other half for retail space. The rent can support the shrine and the Miko."

Baachan nodded and started pointing out plots "My bakery here, a tea house, a green grocer, a butcher, fish monger, some others I know. I will arrange it with Ms. Bui Miko."

Taylor blinked and laughed "I have one part time assistant."

Baachan looked at her and Taylor shuddered. Baachan nodded "I will arrange it Miko."

Oni Lee stepped in "I must escort the miko home Miko." He bowed to Taylor and offered his hand to a smiling Dinah.

The group broke up eventually, Taylor said her goodbyes then went around turning off heaters and Lanterns that weren't in use. The workmen had finished by the shamusho and set up floodlights in the area they were preparing for the tea room. On impulse she took her gohei and blessed the workmen and the site of both the tea house and the addition to the shamusho. Sunny chuffed at her. Taylor eyed her as they went in the office "What did you do?" Sunny grinned at her and shoved into her as she sat on her knees.

Constellations

Lung looked at Oni Lee "Tea with Kaiser and Legend at Three o'clock. So Kaiser moves to take over the shrine, or to get forgiveness from the Miko and Okami. I will require a suitable kimono and hakama." He looked at Oni Lee's smile he was somehow emoting past his mask and "Tch."

Constellations

Kaiser looked at Krieg "Tea, at three. Tea in that culture is very important. I will need a briefing on the salient points in case she pulls a tea ceremony on us as she supposedly did Lung."

Constellations

Legend looked at Velocity "Tea?"

Velocity nodded "A tea ceremony, very formal. It constrains the guest and host. It will actually prevent any untoward behavior. I'll walk you through it."

Emily nodded "We have the thinkers and our cultural advisors working on it. A striker or blaster healer?"

Velocity shrugged "More evidence she is a priestess in the ancient sense. A Shaman."

Emily looked at Chessman "Your daughter is full of surprises."

Danny nodded "Not sure whether to be horrified or proud. I'll go by tomorrow and see if she needs anything."

Constellations

Taylor woke up and stretched then grinned. Today would be fun. In a horrifying, ton of work, kind of way of course. She washed up and got in her exercise clothes. She went outside and stretched then took off on her run, sprinkling greetings and smiles on early risers. In a few cases late homecomers.

When she returned the workmen were already present and trucks were lining up at the gate of the shrine. She greeted them and returned their bow and went in to get breakfast. Sunny trotted over from where she was looking at the plan with George.

The beauty of Japanese carpentry is that it uses no nails. The tea house and addition to shamusho had already been built and assembled. Checked for fit and function and then disassembled and loaded on trucks. The ground prep and plumbing connections would take the longest time. After that the buildings would be assembled in a couple of hours. Assuming a big enough crew. Taylor got herself and Sunny breakfast, they discussed Aster and Purity as they ate and Taylor dressed, then Taylor took Sunny's brush and went to the steps of the haiden. She brushed Sunny and watched the workmen as the sun came up.

By seven the floor of both the addition and teahouse were laid, or built, on the post in the ground. Taylor looked toward the Torii to see five girls from eight to fifteen dressed in the white haori and red hakama arrive with their parents. Sunny greeted them with happy barking. Taylor set about her daily task around the shrine while smiling and giving instructions to the happy, smiling, girls after greeting their parents. Dinah showed up in her haori and hakama and joined right in. Taylor arched a brow at Sunny's completely innocent face. She went and started some lunch.

The vrrr of Segway's announced the arrival of the Baachan collective at eight and the panels and roof deck went on the teahouse just in time. By the time the collective were greeted the interior of the teahouse was finished enough to begin a practice with the new miko and Dinah watching as the workmen finished around them and the tile roof went on.

Taylor, sure this would be exhausting, instead had fun. The girls did too as two of the older girls and Dinah were selected to guide Legend and Kaiser plus any who accompanied them through the ceremony.

The addition to the office, a bedroom, bathroom and galley kitchen, were finished along with all the facilities of the tea house by noon and the Baachan started cooking. The Baachan stayed, waiting until a delivery of tools and a scroll was made. Taylor was blown away buy the tea tools and now got nervous as she learned the history of a set of tea tools five hundred years old and a scroll a thousand years old.

The Baachan looked at Sunny when it was all delivered. Sunny returned her look evenly. Baachan bowed. Work including landscaping continued at a furious pace and Taylor, plus the three selected girls were taken to dress and have their hair done. Requiring a constant stream of women and girls into the Miko's quarters. Thy Bui showed up and was dressed as well.

Kayden called to warn Taylor she had been drafted to be Kaisers plus one since she knew her already. Kaiser had finally managed to talk to her over the phone and Kayden had, somewhat gleefully and fully spitefully told him what had happened. She had pointed out the Miko and Sunny had been fully distracted, as had Oni Lee and Lung which was the point of the mission. The rescue had failed because Chessman outsmarted him, not because Purity had not killed a teenage girl who she liked.

Baachan went out to survey the four and a half mat tea area teahouse and was pleased. It would be ready in plenty of time. It was a perfect fit with the shrine architecture. Nakashima was to be congratulated. They were ready, Taylor was ready, the guides were ready. The formal questions and answers for Legend were ready. The Miko was a white girl who started training late and had not had much. It would be the height of rudeness to make a complaint. Of course it was Lung. But the Okami would be there.

Danny arrived and was let in to a seat behind a rice paper divider to talk to Taylor as the final stages of her preparation were made "How you doing little owl?"

Taylor smiled "Fine Dad. When did you get here? Sorry but I am getting my warpaint on."

Danny laughed "That's what your mom used to call it. A few minutes ago. You got a new building and an addition I see."

"Mr Nakashima. I have no idea how I am going to pay him." Taylor fretted.

Danny laughed "He already put a sign up on the wall outside advertising, in a very tasteful way of course, you don't have to worry about paying him. Our house is going to be the same. Completely rebuilt with a tasteful sign mentioning Nakashima carpentry and DWU as the builders. I bought the lots around us from the city, or the owners who wanted to leave. They are clearing our house off, removing those houses, and building a house fit for the Miko. They did, or rather, are salvaging as much of the old house as they can. The other houses as well."

"Do you need a place to stay dad? I can sleep in the office and you can use my room here?" Taylor asked setting the Baachan to smiling and twittering.

"Oh no Taylor. I have a room at work too. I haven't used it much to now. Not to change the subject, but Legend told me to tell you not to be nervous." Danny added.

Taylor laughed "Somehow I'm not. Lung is the only one who has ever seen a real tea ceremony, and I am going to do my best but really geisha, masters of this, study for years and apprentice for more before they do one for real. I think I can manage the best one on the east coast."

Baachan added "They are the ones honored to be served by the Miko. George Nakashima knows well the value of being allowed to construct in the shrine as well. It will make his career."

Danny chuckled "Well, your girls outside are certainly very poised and are handling the media very well."

Taylor squeaked "Media?"

Danny chuckled "Taylor you are hosting a negotiation between the largest Asian gang, the largest Nazi gang and the Protectorate. Even if it isn't intended that way that is the effect. There are so many TV lights out there the grass is growing I think. Sunny is certainly being very regal about it all."

Taylor sighed "Oh, thank god I brushed her."

Danny laughed "So I shouldn't tell you about her leading the reporters over to the onsen site?"

"Oh god please no. Tell me you are joking!" Taylor nearly shrieked and Baachan tsked.

Danny chuckled "Nope. She did and George Nakashima had your drawing pinned up on a board. Did you know you apparently drew it using some architectural style only used in shrines dedicated to Amaterasu? That scroll hanging in the outdoor tea room is apparently from Kyushu. Everyone thought it was lost. Some Japanese network is here and the reporter waxed lyrical about the shrine and everything she is seeing in both English, perfect English by the way, in case you run into her, and Japanese. She knew the history of the shrine too. It was built by or rather for a Miko, Kiyoko Lee. Maybe at her suggestion. That part was a bit unclear."

Taylor sucked in a breath and Baachan put a folded cloth to first one eye then another. A different baachan fanned her face. "Oni Lee's sister. He said she sold charms at the shrine. I never put it together until just now. She was Miko here."

Baachan supplied "And in Ise Jingu. Her family came here after Kyushu. Oni Lee, Kyosuke, was already lost to, to, well, to everyone. His power some say. A bad crowd I always said. Those he ran with were bad. All dead in Kyushu though. Kyushu was bad, a bad place that turned the people bad when the powered people showed up. Like Gary. It didn't deserve Leviathan though. Japan was afraid. Kyushu wasn't the only place the tidal waves flooded, just the worst. Some say Kiyoko Lee was sent here on a mission from the Emperor. Oni Lee came here later, after she was killed. There was nothing of Kyosuke left." Baachan shrugged and smiled "An old woman's tales. You are ready beautiful one. Let's see what your father thinks."

Taylor came around the screen as it was pushed back to its mate and Danny gaped. Then he tossed eleven army men on the floor and made them grow. They were samurai, in tosei gusoku armor with brightly polished or gold-plated sun emblems on their helmets. "An honor guard for the most beautiful woman in town. To make a father feel better."

Taylor hugged her father and Baachan smiled and tutted and dabbed at her eyes then her own. Taylors makeup wasn't the white face makeup of the maiko but the perfect natural colored makeup of the full, mature, geisha. Enhancing rather than changing the natural beauty of a young girl who could grace runways the world over. Much more in keeping with the Miko of the Shrine of Amaterasu. Her kimono was bright, nearly painfully, white, though with the big sleeves of the unmarried woman and it had a delicate spray of cherry blooms in the palest pink with deep red centers, just a few tiny stitches each, drifting up it in a spiral that boggled the mind how it stayed that way. Danny smiled "May we escort you outside Miko?"

Baachan sprang up "Pictures!" She pushed and pulled the fearsome lion dog armored, full daisho armed, samurai around into the position she wanted and smartphones with cameras came out, then the Baachan told them how she wanted them to come outside and tottered out herself.

Sunny trotted in and took position on Taylors right. They exited the slide open screen with Sunny's red orange markings in full play in the late afternoon sun. The shrine precinct full of visitors, already looking toward the Miko's house took one look and bowed deeply. Including the newswoman from Japan and her camera man.

Velocity announced "Ladies and Gentlemen, The High Priestess of Pawprint Shrine, Brushstroke, and the Okami, Sunshine!" In English and flawless Japanese. Then he bowed until he was completely horizontal. Raised up and bowed again.

Taylor returned the bows with one to about a forty five degree angle. Danny led her toward the torii on his arm with her guard formed up around her.

The news people maintained a hushed machinegun stream of at least four languages keying off the translation of their Japanese colleague being spoken into their earpieces. Dinah and the two chosen Miko assistants stepped out of the office in full kimono, as beautiful and well presented as Taylor with their colors being slightly brighter and more red.

The other Miko were in their normal uniforms but they were spotless and the girls flawless. Thy appeared in a beautiful kimono and took up a position behind and to the left of Taylor as she stopped off to the right side of the torii still on the cobblestone at five minutes before three o'clock.

Just in time as it turned out as Legend arrived in a deeply black Jon Green suit and bright white shirt with Black tie. He was wearing a black domino mask. Arthur his husband got out of the van behind him wearing the same, except with a red tie. The van pulled away and Legend led them to Taylor then bowed deeply. Arthur bowed with him. Legend smiled "Miko, Sunshine, its an honor and a privileged. I can't tell you how happy I am to be here. May I present my husband Arthur?"

Taylor beamed at him "Welcome to Pawprint shrine." She bowed slightly. "We hope you find some respite here."

Arthur sighed "I already have Miko! It's wonderful. I spent years in Japan. Shrines always feel so wonderful." He looked around "It's beautiful, so, dedicated to Amaterasu then?"

Legend looked a little stunned as his husband took over the conversation. Dinah and the two guide Miko were introduced and after a few more words from Arthur to a smiling Taylor, Dinah led them away chattering away about the shrine and the things they were seeing and the normal procedure. Taylor would have to find out who her baachan was and do something nice for her.

Taylor watched as a limousine pulled up with a powerful rumble and Kaiser dismounted followed by Kreig, in black tie quite as upscale as Legend and Arthurs. Kreig was carrying a folio. The two froze for just a moment looking at the lights of the video cameras and the crowd and then approached Taylor. They both bowed and when they stood Taylor smiled at them and gave a slight bow "Welcome to Pawprint shrine. Violence is not permitted here."

One of the Kimono wearing Miko, Melissa, stepped up to Taylor and translated her words into German. Kaiser and Kreig blinked and bowed again. Kaiser said "Of course Miko. We are honored to be invited."

Taylor looked at her Miko and said "Melissa will be your guide and answer any questions during the ceremony."

Kaiser nodded "Thank you Miko. I have read about tea ceremony and been briefed, but a guide would be helpful." Melissa bowed and led them off to take them through the opening stages and Taylor turned back to the gate just in time for a group of people wearing 'Local 433' jackets to move down the street and take up positions, none on the pawprint sidewalks. Taylor frowned slightly, barely even.

This of course didn't pass the reporters notice. The Japanese reporter hissed and launched a string of Japanese.

Setsuko, the oldest of the Miko stepped up to Taylor "Lung!" she growled. Taylor beamed at her.

A black Escalade slid up to the torii and Oni Lee got out and opened the door. As always he was in dark haori and hakama. Lung stepped out in dark charcoal kimono and hakama and Taylor beamed at him. He arched forward with Oni Lee following and stopped in front of Taylor. He and Oni Lee bowed and Taylor returned it with Setsuko "Welcome to Pawprint shrine Lung, Oni Lee."

Lung returned in a well modulated voice "It is an honor Miko."

"Setsuko will assist you with anything you need Lung, Oni Lee." Lung bowed again and Setsuko moved off leading the two men as Taylor returned the bow. The reporters started to move but the Samurai came to alert poses and they all froze. Taylor turned and lead to the teahouse talking to her father about what would happen.

The guest were escorted to the small waiting room of the tea house and Lung and Oni Lee changed into fresh tabi as the others were provided Tabi. They inspected the scroll and Lung hissed. Arthur nodded "Yes I think so as well." He explained to the others "The scroll hung in a shrine in Kyushu. For hundreds of years."

Lung snorted "How she does these things, even if it is some trickery, is beyond me."

Legend stepped forward and introduced Arthur around as Dinah circulated with a tray of warm water or sakurayu. Lung chortled a bit and Arthur arched a brow. Oni Lee supplied "Sakurayu, literally to make clear. Cherry blossom tea. A message for you I think Kaiser."

Kaiser asked "For me?"

Lung laughed "I have already had my lesson. Her father is in the Protectorate. I see no one else the lesson could be for."

Legend sighed "It's a harsh world. Perhaps it's a hope for all of us to see our way clear."

Lung chortled some more "It's a chaji. Lets see if you feel so charitable in four hours. After kneeling for that whole time."

Arthur smiled "A full chaji. I have never been to one."

Setsuko nodded "Honored guest are ready? This way please." She led them through the door to the roji.

Dinah explained "As you have already purified when we came into the temple precincts we will be moving to the niijiri guchi. Legend and his guest will go through the door first. Followed by Lung and Oni Lee and Kaiser and his guest."

Oni Lee and Lung nodded satisfied. Kaiser asked "Is there a reason for this?"

Dinah replied clearly as they moved slowly along "Legend is seen as the highest guest. Lung has recognized the neutrality of the Miko and the shrine, you are as yet an unkown quantity Kaiser."

Krieg nodded "Es ist richtig."

Melissa translated for the others "This is correct." Everyone understood then that everything would be in the open here. Krieg chuckled first, but the others followed along.

Arthur smiled "So the tea was a warning then."

Dianah smiled "If you cannot sit sieza, we understand. It is uncommon in the west. Crosslegged would be fine, you have all been provided yakuta in place of your jackets, those of you not in Kimono."

Lung nodded "Unusual but smart. We wouldn't want to wait the hour Kimono and hakama would take for you to change into. Though I expect the Miko has some ready in case anyone had objected to the Yakuta."

Arthur sighed "I am going to have to get trained for a full tea ceremony."

Oni Lee chuckled "There are many baachan, grandmothers, here who would be glad to provide you the discipline."

Lung nodded "Usually with a wooden spoon."

Kaiser laughed "So like growing up at my home then."

Legend looked at the small door into the tea room "First is an honor? Or is it to see how ungainly I can actually look?"

They entered and examined the things in the room. Legend and Arthur folded into sieza and Krieg was prompted to close the door firmly by the guides who had padded in near silently and seated themselves behind the guest.

Taylor entered, bowed, and greeted each guest. Legend asked the prepared questions Dinah had slipped him and Taylor lit the charcoal in the brazier.

Lung looked at Legend who shrugged "Aikido." He motioned to himself and Arthur.

Kaiser chuckled "Kendo and Iaido."

Lung nodded "Mother." The others chuckled genially.

The meal portion of the ceremony began and Taylor even had a little sake. Lung chuckled "The same sake as the Okami provided last time Miko?"

Taylor smiled "No, nor so much either. No pouting. We can drink tea informally some other time and you can drink all the heroes under the table again then. Looking back on it it was funny. It was only horrifying as it was happening."

Oni Lee offered "You were the only one sober Miko. That is always horrifying." The others laughed.

Kaiser shook his head "How is it I didn't notice the Okami until she was mentioned?"

Sunny was lying behind where Taylor sat head up and alertly observing the guest. She was the size of a horse. She smiled and Arthur laughed.

Taylor sighed "Baachan will be upset when I tell her how informal this has become."

Krieg reached for the portfolio and Melissa leaned forward and whispered to him that there would be a informal portion later and that was probably better left to then. Kaiser had leaned over slightly and heard the whispered German. They both nodded.

The dinner portion concluded and the guest were led back to the little waiting area by Legend. He took the opportunity to address both the other principle guest "I find myself in a bit of a quandry and I know Alexandria is going to flip when she hears about this."

Kaiser shrugged "We are in a truce right now while the Merchants are dealt with. Truth, my organization, while not weak enough to concede territory and admitting nothing, is being forced into transition."

Lung laughed "At tooth point. At least she didn't strike you with lightning."

Legend looked at him. "So that really happened then."

Lung shrugged "You would have to ask Oni Lee. I don't remember much of it exactly. I find myself in the position of being able to make more money if I am not spending so much on lawyers however. I would like to continue that."

Kaiser nodded "I hope to put myself in that position and make amends to the Miko for one of my employees burning down her fathers work and lifelong dream. I had no knowledge of it until all to late I'm afraid."

Legend pinched the bridge of his nose "I get the feeling you are both sincere. Kaiser where is Purity?"

Kaiser winced "She informed the Miko of the deal I was proposing and her thoughts on it. I am apparently unable to reconcile with her and the Miko has taken up her defense. Or the Okami has. My son keeps sending me pictures of my daughter surrounded by wolf or sleeping on ones back."

Lung laughed until he bent over. When he finally got control again he stood up and clapped Kaiser on the shoulder "Welcome to dealing with the Miko and the Kami. Mere mortals simply follow her whims."

Arthur asked slyly "Which ones?"

Oni Lee asked "Is there a difference? The Kami acts through either of them or both at the same time."

Out in the street in front of the shrine the Samurai of Chessman were putting on a sword fighting display with bokken. It was going live to Japan and was causing dropped jaws in the Kendo community.

A gong sounded and the Japanese reported trotted back into the shrine and did a standup announcing the end of the nakadachi while the guest purified themselves again or were coached through it as necessary again.

Nobody noticed Chessman and most of the protectorate slipping away and leaving Triumph and the wards, and the Samurai.

Back in the tearoom Taylor started the formal tea service and could barley suppress her smile as it went perfectly. Lung and Oni Lee bowed deeply acknowledging this and the miko behind the guest beamed. Taylor cleaned the service and left the room coming back in with more charcoal and Lung looked at Arthur "You will never see a more correct tea preparation and service than that."

Melissa leaned forward and told Krieg quietly that this was the informal portion. Satsuko took over serving. Bringing in a tobacco set and some more confections while Taylor waited on the water for the thin tea to heat.

In the temple precinct the Japanese reporter gave a glowing report on the tea ceremonies wonderful progress from unnamed Baachan, erh, sources. Really everyone had seen her talking to the Baachan collective as they bustled back and forth from the office to the tea house. Everyone ducked when automatic weapons fire was heard followed by a huge fireball rolling skyward in the boat graveyard.

In the tearoom Lung growled and Legend nodded "We expected the merchants to try something once they realized the tea ceremony was going on."

Lung nodded "My forces are on alert protecting the shrine as well."

Kaiser admitted "As is Purity and some of my associates. She insisted. Miko, in that vein although separately I find myself in the position of having offended you. One of my associates is the one who burned done the Union hall. While it was not me I am the leader of the Empire. You have my abject and heartfelt apology. As a small token of that I would like to gift you these properties that are either contiguous to the shrine precinct or very close to it." He unzipped the folio and lay out the deeds and a plat map. Thy who had been silently watching rose and sat beside Taylor looking at the property deeds and watching the description of where the properties were. Legend and the others rose and looked at the map as Kaiser explained. Kaiser finished and Lung opened his mouth but didn't say anything when Oni Lee bumped him unobtrusively and nodded to Sunny.

Sunny was staring at Kaiser hard. Lung smiled and waited. Taylor looked and then nodded "For the offense we accept these properties. We wonder what your paln for the future to avoid other such offenses might be?"

Lung was so happy he could have kissed the Okami. She snapped her head to him and lolled her tongue out and he froze. He was still vibrating with joy at seeing Kaiser of all people under the same knife that was on his neck. He wasn't about to incur anymore debt however.

Kaiser was smooth though "Truthfully Miko until I can determine the status of my associates I cannot tell you. I, like your friend Lung, would like to extend my guarantee of neutrality to the Shrine and yourself."

Taylor nodded as Setsuko prepared the thin tea service tools, Dinah brought cushions, and the guest settled again.

Taylor was deep in thought as she prepared the thin tea and served each guest. Again her service was perfect. She finally offered "Hookwolf cannot stay or ever have the chance to return to Brockton Bay. All of his assets will be turned over to the DWU."

"You will cease your illegal activities like Lung has begun doing. Yes, yes Legend I know about the whore houses and the gambling. But those people on both sides want to be there. Sunny has checked the ones in ABB territory and will be checking the ones in Empire territory from now on. Those are not parahuman crimes though. They are regular crimes and the regular authorities can handle them if the parahumans are not thwarting them. We will need years to educate people away from that lifestyle, those lifestyles. These drug addicts too."

"We will also need years to reeducate people away from the hatred and mistrust both of your organizations breed and foster. That neither, or rather, any of you believe in. You all will contribute to that reeducation and trust building that we have started here at the shrine."

"I despise the very idea of the Birdcage. Everyone in it will have their case reviewed by a neutral party. Perhaps I can get a international tribune together. No one will be sent to it without that tribune or neutral parties approval. Yes Legend. The Protectorate and PRT are not innocent in all of this."

Kaiser sat for a moment then nodded. Taylor told him "I will judge you by your works. Or rather you will be judged by your works."

Conversation paused then jerked back to a more neutral course and everyone blinked. The ceremony finished with Lung wanting to groan as they examined the tea tools. He could recognize the design and age. These were probably five hundred years old. She had done it again. The guest were guided away as Taylor bowed from the door. She turned weak in the knees and was caught in an ecstatic hug by Thy and then passed around the Baachan and Sunny like a party favor. Then she was hustled out to meet the guest and farewell them in the shrine precinct.

As they left New Wave flew back in slightly mussed. Vicky landed with Amy. "How did it go? Bit of a scuffle while you were busy. The PRT was waiting on the Merchants when they got frisky though, so it really wasn't much. We did some search and rescue and Amy had to treat a few. Not near so many as I thought with all that gunfire. Somehow your dads troops weapons sound like guns but act like tasers. He is total tinker bullshit."

Taylor gaped at her an minute then sat on the bench nearest the gate and laughed "It was exhausting. So are you." Amy giggled and Vicky pouted.

Crystal smiled "That might actually be a compliment from someone who just threw a four hour dinner party for Lung, Kaiser, and Legend and they all left talking and smiling. Oh and one of the plus ones was Oni Lee."

Taylor smirked "Kaiser gave me two and half city blocks."

Carol went to find Thy. Sarah asked "He tried to bribe you?"

Taylor shook her head "A personal apology, and it was mostly worthless and a tax burden to him but it borders the shrine precinct so it is useful to me. Somehow without managing to take responsibility for Hookwolf doing it he managed to apologize for that asshole burning down the DWU. Plus I kinda read him the riot act about illegal activities. She blushed ferociously "Oh god I read the riot act to Legend over the birdcage as well!"

Sarah put her hand on her chest "Whew. OK, so all good then. The PRT was getting a little free shoving people in there. Some people in their custody have disappeared too. You need to ask him about that when he comes back."

Taylor blinked "Back?"

Sarah laughed "Arthur will have him back here in the morning. I could see designing a shrine precinct all over him now that you said that about the land. You did know he is an architect who studied in Japan right?"

Taylor huffed "Can I hide in my room?"

Vicky dragged her to her feet "Oh they finished it! Show me, show me!" Sarah laughed as the girls dragged Taylor away and Sunny followed snickering like mutley. She wandered off to find Carol.

Sarah found Carol with Thy who was relaxing with a cup of sake "You should have seen it. Fucking Kaiser was so smug, thinking he was going to get away with it all. She ate his lunch. Lung was smiling like an idiot and she ate his lunch too. Legend was looking all self satisfied and she let him have it over the birdcage. Which is effectively a death sentence. I bet there is a way out of there soon."

"The Baachan were ecstatic over her tea service and she was erudite well informed and had good opinions on anything they asked her. It would have never done for a tea service in Japan but it was perfect for her audience. Her service was perfect but they didn't know how to act. Aside from Lung and he is Lung. She went with the flow but controlled it. Like a Geisha matron. They all had fun until she channeled the kami then they had fun again until they left. Now, is the war over?"

Carol was looking over the deeds and Thys notes "No, closer though. Chessman handed them a ass whipping. Do not get on that guys bad side."

Thy drummed her fingers on the folding table under the heater they were sitting at "He is a widower. His wife has been dead a few years now. He is very tall."

Sarah grinned "And has a daughter so powerful we can't even tell if she is a parahuman."

Carol snorted "Who will smear you across the landscape like a grease spot."

Thy nodded "Give me a few months to work into things with Taylor. I can see how Danny is at the same time. He is so awkward its adorable."

Carol sighed "Christ. It's like high school again."

Thy snapped her fingers "Speaking of which, I want to take a run at those fucks and that drunk fuck who killed Annette. I hate drunk drivers."

Carol nodded "Everyone knows. You destroy them in court constantly."

Sarah nodded at the sake bottle and arched a brow. Thy waved her off and produced two cups from somewhere "I can crash in the Miko's office. Her pallet is still in there. You two have designated fliers. Somebody has to supervise the slumber party Vicky is planning."

Constellations

Kaiser sighed and downed the excellent scotch and poured himself another. Krieg chuckled "Fucking Lung makes it work. We have to be able to figure it out."

Kaiser saluted him with his glass "Plus Legend is half way onside. Not about Hookwolf but a sacrifice may have to be made and I don't know how he would fit in an organization that was mostly legal."

Krieg nodded "True."

Kaiser added "Potentially this keeps Purity in the area with my children, without a ten million dollar legal bill as well."

Constellations

Lung looked at Oni Lee grinning like a monkey "She fucked that Nazi over worse that me. He should have took the lightning."

"Legend didn't escape either." He paused a moment "Fuck! She helped me! Damnit! All work done for the Miko at cost. Two can play this game Kami."

Oni Lee didn't say anything. He looked at this phone and the text telling him Dinah was staying at the shrine.