Chapter 36: Let’s Achieve the Fusion, Part 5 Getting Used to the Fusion

We set off for the King’s castle, about a thirty-minute walk away. On the way, we discussed mentally what we would do now that we had achieved the Fusion, and how we would fight to finally defeat the Demon Queen. Each of us shared her point of view on what needed to be done.

—I think we should carefully plan what kind of training we’ll do, so that we can reach the highest possible synchronization. We should decide what to practice first. That’s something we can’t overlook, —Mizuki said thoughtfully.

—I think we should start by practicing movement and physical combat before taking on demons in missions, —Akane said seriously.

—I believe we should go to the Leader of the Elite Magical Girls and ask her to train us, so we’ll have enough strength to kill the Demon Queen. I don’t think she would refuse to make room in her schedule for this. After all, this could be the chance to finally defeat the evil of this world, those damned demons and their Queen, —Mizu said with contained fury.

—In that case, after caring for the King’s children, we should go see the Elite Leader and train with her, —Rem said confidently.

Then I spoke up:
—First things first. Let’s take care of those children. Once we’re done, we’ll return to the Guild and talk to the leader… but what was her name again?

We all fell silent for a moment, until Rem spoke:
—If I remember correctly, her name is Ranma. She’s one of the greatest Magical Girls alive. I’m sure she’ll help us with this.

By then, we had arrived at the entrance to the King’s castle. Some knights stopped us and demanded our identification. One of them spoke with a harsh voice:
—Identify yourselves immediately, so we can know whether you may enter or not.

We showed them the Golden Card. When they saw it, their tone became calmer and friendlier:
—Very well. You have permission to enter the castle. So you must be Tamiakemizuki, the fusion of the five Magical Girls: Taiyaki, Rem, Mizu, Mizuki, and Akane. Welcome to the King’s Castle. I hope your short stay is pleasant. And please, do not touch anything.

We were silent for a moment, then replied:
—Understood, sir knight. We won’t touch anything, and we will also take good care of the King’s children. By the way, what are their names?

The knight answered calmly:
—The prince is Subaki, and the princess is Tohka. Please treat them with care. They are the future rulers of this kingdom, and they must live to reach their coronation.

He opened the doors for us, gesturing with his arm toward the inside:
—You may enter now. Have a good day.

We stepped into the castle. It was elegant—more so than the Guild. Paintings lined the walls: portraits of kings, princes, and depictions of battles against demons and monsters. They seemed to be records of great victories.

At the end of the hall, we reached the royal palace. The King and Queen sat on their thrones, their children at their side. The King signaled for us to approach, and we obeyed.

Once we reached them, we knelt before the King and said:
—Oh, Your Majesty, we are here in honor of our Guild. We have come to care for your two children. In the name of the Guild of Magical Girls, the Kingdom, Humanity, and the great Goddess Aqua, please allow us this duty. We will give our very lives for them if necessary.

The King smiled and replied:
—Very well, Lady Tamiakemizuki. My wife and I entrust you with their care. Good luck. My children, listen to this lady and obey her in everything she says.

Subaki and Tohka, curious, said:
—Alright, Father, we’ll listen to this pretty lady. But just one thing: can we play hide-and-seek with her? Please say yes! We both want to play hide-and-seek!

We didn’t know what to say and stayed silent. The King just smiled and gave the key words:
—Very well, if that’s what you want, please play hide-and-seek with them.

We responded respectfully:
—It will be an honor to play hide-and-seek with your children, Your Majesty.

Then the Queen spoke:
—By the way, try not to let them cause too much mischief. They love to make a mess. And you two, behave yourselves—we don’t want you embarrassing us.

The King and Queen left to attend to royal matters, leaving us alone with the royal children.

Tohka, full of joy, said:
—Alright, Lady Tamiakemizuki, you’re the seeker and we’ll both hide! Oh, and you have to count to 100.

With that, they ran off, while we went to one of the thrones and began counting to 100.