They had set out in the afternoon, and by the time they were nearing their destination, it was almost night.
Within the dark gray canopy of the sky were three machines as fragile as butterflies. The faint blue light radiating from Imhotep's palm became even more distinct in the dark night.
Like a tiny, extremely fast-flying firefly.
The three aircraft flew in parallel, staggered vertically.
"We're almost there! My Lord Isis!" Imhotep shouted from above. "Please be careful, we might encounter a storm!"
Mori Tsukisa waved happily, but Arrietty was dissatisfied with how Imhotep addressed her: "They've really gotten addicted to calling you that. Isis, Isis! Aren't you angry that they're calling you by another god's name?"
"What does it matter..." The girl pressed her ear. "If Anck-Su-Namun and Imhotep like it, let them."
As she spoke, the girl suddenly turned her head. "I've noticed that Arrietty cares a lot about what others call me."
"Ridiculous... I just think it's a bit inappropriate!" the Little Sprite said stubbornly.
"She's worried that Master might provoke that deity from Ancient Egypt." Nagini, who was resting her chin in her hand and watching the moon, suddenly chimed in. "We don't know how many gods are still slumbering or how many are awake. Rashly agreeing to Imhotep's request was already a big risk, yet from the mouth of this 'blasphemer,' he calls you by that venerable deity's name."
"Undoubtedly, Arrietty is worried about you."
The Little Sprite retorted fiercely: "I'm worried about us! We'll be in trouble!"
"You're worried about Mori Tsukisa, and you're also afraid that the name 'Isis' will steal the glory of the noble and beloved Queen in your heart." Nagiduidui, no longer afraid of heights, gave a cold glance to the sprite in her palm. "Mori Tsukisa's name should resound throughout the Multiverse, not Isis. If it's a title, it shouldn't be tainted by the true name or remnants of other gods."
"She should be your Queen."
"That's what you're thinking, isn't it, Arrietty?"
The Little Sprite crossed her arms and remained silent.
"Master, actually, I don't quite approve either." Nagini smiled lightly and looked at Mori Tsukisa's back. "I suggest we find an opportunity..."
"We'll talk about it later."
Mori Tsukisa nodded obediently, then suddenly changed the subject: "Nagini, you've wanted to say that for a while, haven't you?"
She had wanted to say it but was worried Mori Tsukisa liked the title, so she kept it in her heart, waiting for a silly scapegoat to stick their neck out first. Then, she would explain on the other's behalf, smoothing over any potential anger from her Master, and in turn, making herself look virtuous and sensible—
How sinister, snake.
"Nagini!" Arrietty realized the truth and suddenly stood up in the palm, her coral-colored long hair blowing in the wind. "I—I was wondering why you were so kind to tell me!!"
"You tricked me!!"
Earlier, this annoying cold-blooded creature had been hanging around the Little Sprite. Every time she served cookies or salty cheese, she would drop a few lines:
'Arrietty, I'm a bit worried...'
'Do you think calling Master that will draw the wrath of the gods...'
'Master's situation is already difficult...'
Then, she subtly led Arrietty closer to Imhotep so she could occasionally hear him calling Mori Tsukisa 'Isis.'
'I'm still very worried... this name will end up representing Master.'
'Doesn't that mean she's acting as a substitute for that deity...'
And so on, Arrietty felt it was more and more inappropriate.
That led to the current suggestion.
The simple Little Sprite hadn't expected that she was being used as the first bullet fired to scout the path—if Arrietty's words met with Mori Tsukisa's dissatisfaction, Nagini would mediate on the side and wait for the next chance; if the Little Sprite's suggestion was gladly accepted, like just now, then Nagini would snatch the conversation and provide the explanation.
Taking all the credit for herself.
"Nagini!!"
"My Wabi-Sabi Courtyard is not welcome to you!"
The woman covered her mouth and chuckled softly. Seeing this, Mori Tsukisa couldn't help but smile as well. She was actually very aware of their concerns, but she didn't expect Nagini would think she would... "I will never be angry with you, Arrietty, Nagini," Mori Tsukisa said crisply. "We are partners, souls bound together forever. You shouldn't worry about these things."
"She's just a black-hearted snake with too many schemes!" Arrietty now found Nagini completely disagreeable: "She tricked me! And she tried to trick you! Your Majesty, you shouldn't bring her out next time!"
"Then where should I put Nagini?"
"Anywhere is fine, just keep her away from us!"
"It's not that I want to cling to you, Arrietty." Nagini looked a bit troubled. "But, can Arrietty make the cookies Master loves to eat?"
Silence.
"Do you know how to make Master's soft bed so she's most comfortable?"
Silence x 2
"How much milk, tea, and sugar should go into the black tea Master likes?"
Silence x 3
After talking about Mori Tsukisa, Nagini changed the subject to Arrietty: "Dear Little Sprite, would Master always wrap up the nut kernels you like, keep them in her pocket, and hand them to you when you want to eat?"
Silence x 4
"Would Master comb your hair every morning and tie a beautiful ponytail?"
Silence x 5
"And that warm little nest you love to roll around in—who laid it out for you?"
Silence x 5
"And—"
"Aaaaaah!!" Arrietty covered her face. "What should I do! Your Majesty! She's poisonous, aaaaaah!!"
Mori Tsukisa laughed heartily. The girl was always happy with such scenes: "Hee hee, Arrietty, we really can't do without Nagini."
Up until this moment, Nagini, the sharp-tongued and scheming black-hearted snake lady, had finally, while getting closer to her Master, also conquered the leader of the Little Sprites who had always disliked her.
And in the foreseeable future, she would continue to conquer others.
"Speaking of which..." Mori Tsukisa pinched her itchy earlobe and looked at Nagini in confusion. "Did we... forget something?"
"Forget something?" Nagini shook her head and passed the question to Arrietty.
"Nothing... right?" Arrietty was also a bit hesitant. "Food? Water?"
The Little Sprite felt her pocket and patted her waist. "Nothing, right? The weapons are here too."
Mori Tsukisa patted her forehead in frustration.
"Eh... I really feel like we forgot something..."
"What on earth did we forget..."
...In the quiet of the night sky, the three machines hummed as they pierced through the darkness.
Baru hadn't spoken the whole time.
The Boy remained vigilant of his surroundings. While Mori Tsukisa and her 'partners' were joking around, he continued to watch below and to both sides. As he got closer to his father's dream, he became more and more nervous.
And there was Sheeta.
He had to go save her.
Perhaps asking Big Sister would work too? Could that... terrifying, evil snake... save Sheeta?"
Baru stared blankly while holding the joystick. Suddenly, in his peripheral vision, a vertical iron wing, like a shark fin, sliced through the airflow, revealing a menacing corner from the lead-gray clouds beneath the fuselage.
—The massive silhouette of the airship far exceeded the Boy's imagination. It was like the difference between a mosquito and a hawk; against the vast shadow cast on the clouds, the three aircraft were as tiny as dust, ready to shatter at a touch.
Oh no!
"It's the goliath!!"
Baru shouted upward with all his might: "Sister! Sister! goliath! That goliath airship of Muska's!"
"Evade! Turn aside, let's head into the deep layers!"
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