by Sharp
The Kato Castle Tokyo
The Mikado was sat upon the chrysanthemum throne that for centuries the Emperors of Japan had sat upon. The messenger arrived he spoke. “Your Majesty it is as you suspected the Empress wishes you to continue as Regent until she reaches the age of 21. When your daughters got there they were treated with great respect. The Empress accepts your apologies. Our agent reports that she already has a far larger harem than your illustrious ancestors. There is something else you should know two of the eternally young dragon lords protect her. Our agent named them as Lord of life Draconaris and his brother Lord of the eternal light Brightflame. He might not have realised until one of the small ones referred to them by those names. Our agents consulted the priests and scribes. The agent even managed to take photographs of the small daughters of Lord Draconaris.”
The Mikado turned to the priests. “Well is what he tells me true?”
“Emperor we have scoured the history books & scrolls from our ancient history. It appears the blessed ones have returned to their ancient homeland. It appears her strength and power will increase until she is at full strength. If she is who we think she is then Queen Gabriel will attract more and more of the ancient ones. They will come from far and wide because she is their Queen. So far none of the other eastern countries have realised what Queen Gabriel is and it is not up to us to tell them. When they do be they Communist, Capitalist or Dictatorship they will all kneel before her. At least we can say we are the first of her Eastern people. The ancients wrote the kingdom of Brigantia was their homeland. They even gave Britain its name.”
“My daughters in that case will not be enough. All the daughters of every Royal house are to be trained as Samurai and sent as protection they are also to be married off to her.”
Across Japan the Royal families were only too eager to obey the instruction of the Emperor. Not one thought to question the order. As most of the daughters already had some skills they were to receive a week’s intensive training. One or two families who did not have daughters to send, instead rather than be disgraced took their sons to the hospital where they were operated on to make them females. Not one of those changed objected as it was ingrained in them to obey the Emperors instructions. The spies of other countries soon realised that something was afoot and resolved to find why the Emperor was gathering all the daughters of all the Royal families in Japan.
Back in Scarborough.
The hotel Claremont Gardens had been purchased for the Eastern contingent of Princesses. All the Princesses boxes had been brought up to the Claremont Gardens. Su Yum went to see Su Lin. “Su Lin my maid has a problem the extras that were added back in Japan can not be removed now without discovery. If we were discovered it would mean both our deaths.”
Su Lin. “Sister I suggest you inform your maid’s parents he has been selected to protect the Empresses Gabriel’s Harem. I also suggest you take photos of your maid and send them so they know what their daughter looks like now. As for those extras they should no longer be removable. Our scientists developed them for ladies who had breasts removed because of cancer. After 24 hours they become part of your body. The same is true of the panty you put on him. In fact it will continue to give him doses of female hormones for the rest of his life. I could not have you sister putting all our lives at risk. At least now you can cuddle your maid as often as you want and nobody will object.”
Su Yum returned to her apartment and spoke to her maid. “Strip I need to check you out.”
“Mistress Su Yum I realise what you want to check. That life of me being male has now gone. I am your maid and companion now and for ever. When Sue Lin stuck these on me I still thought there was hope. I did not realise they were the same as my father developed for ladies with cancer. I also heard him say it was possible now to change men to ladies almost instantly. It was foolish of me to even come to the palace and do what we did. Had your father discovered us we both would have been executed. Now nobody can tell I was born a boy. If these pants are what I think they are, then like you I will be able to have children in the future.”
“My sister Su Lin says they allow you to produce female hormones.”
Then they are what my father developed. The last thing he would expect was to use them on his own son.” As they finished speaking there was a knock at the door.
“Su Lin the Empress Gabriel requires us all in western clothing and at the Ballroom of the Royal. Two soldiers escorted the Princesses to the Ballroom.”
Su Yum’s maid recognised the Welsh dragon mistress. “Mistress Su Yum I thought we were being sent to an English Queen. This place is far more than that for that is a dragon Queen.”
“Greetings ladies. Yesterday I did not get to talk much to you all. There are a few things I noticed. Su Yum and maid step forward. Su Lin you also. I believe the three of you have something to tell me.”
The maid stepped forward, “Empress Su Yum and I love each other. I was kissing her when Su Lin discovered us.”
“I am not interested in that it is more what you are wearing. I also need the doctor to give you all medicals so we will start with you three. You are to go with the doctor and get a full medical. Meanwhile I will be getting reacquainted with Kiko as she has already had her medical. The rest of my companions are making for the beach. Once the doctor has finished with you then you can join us. Your sisters can wait here with Martin and his mother as they also need medicals.”
After Gaby and friends had gone to the beach. A nurse came out with some forms for the princesses to fill in. Each of them had to fill it in and then take it with them when they went into the room with the doctor. One of the Princesses was apprehensive at answering one of the questions. She decided to leave it blank and ask the doctor about it. The first three came out with a smile on their faces. Su Lin sent the next three in. They were not long before they also came out. Eventually it was the turn of the Princess who was worried about the question.
The doctor noticed the answer had not been filled in and asked,” Is there something you want to explain to me?”
“At the age of twelve one of the court officials raped me. Farther found out and the man was tried and beheaded for his crime. I though was soiled and no man would want me.” The Princess burst into tears. “I can not even be sent back to Japan as it would also mean my death. I am no longer a princess. I am worse than the prostitutes.”
Martin came across and cuddled the Princess. “It is obvious to me you need to see a Psychologist like I do. I lost my father in the same accident that crippled mummy. When I first saw you yesterday I was considering asking Gaby if you could be assigned to me and mum.”
“Princess what my son is not saying is that he will never be a man. The same accident that claimed my legs also claimed his life as a man. The change he is under going is very slow. He will eventually need the help of a big sister to teach him things I can not.”
Doctor Helga. “You Princess will move in with Martin and help him with his mother. Your older sister has informed us of items that can speed up Martins changes. It also can help many of the Empresses friends. Have you heard of Mermaids? Well they are all children that suffer from gender problems. The Empress thinks the items your sister told her about can help the boys who want to be girls. Martin if what they tell me is true then you in future could have children. It would be as a mother and not a father.”
Martin started to smile. “In that case I better tell you. For a long time I felt I was a girl. When the accident happened and I was informed my testis had been crushed and so they were removed and plastic ones inserted. I realised that I was being given male hormones and stopped taking them. When I had my last blood test there was not any testosterone in my body. The doctor shook his head and informed mother he was going to have to give me Estrogens, as the Testosterone was not working. Mum agreed and I was given my first shot the day before the show.”
The Princess. “Well from the look of your chest very soon you will need some support. Doctor Do you mind if I go and get Su Lin?”
Su Lin. “I have some spare sets. Martin can you put this all over your body and take a bath. I will go with Su Yum and get you all you need. You my sister have a companion to look after you must ensure she has a bath and all the body hair is removed.”
Su Lin glued on the breasts and then asked Martin to step into the skin coloured pants. “As Martin has no testosterone in his system the attachment will be far faster. For normal males it is usually 24 hours or slightly less before they become complete females.”
Martin still not dressed gave Su Lin a hug. “Oh that tingles it was like electric shocks in my breasts & I also need to go to the toilet.”
“I think something has gone wrong. When at the toilet the water sprayed everywhere and then there was lots of blood.” Su Yum looked at Su Lin.
The doctor had Martin hop on to the examination couch. She checked the breasts and as she did so Martin said, “They are a bit tender.” She then examined Martins bottom.
“Well Su Li apparently if there is no testosterone in the system the attachment is almost instantaneous. Martin here is going to have to change her name to Martine. Martine you are in future going to have to use the sanitary protection all women do. I am sure your new sister will help you out. Now I suggest you get dressed and the Princesses help you look presentable.” Doctor Helga went to prepare her report for Gaby.
One of the other Princesses asked, “Where is Martin? He went in there with you?”
Su Lin. “Martin was actually a tom boy and has been living life as a boy. Mother Nature had other ideas and decided it was time Martin became Martine. Whilst in there Martine suffered the curse for her first time. It came as a shock as she had forgotten it would happen one day. She now needs sisters to advise her.”
Martin’s mother. “Well I have never heard of a boy having a period, and have any of you girls? They all shook their heads.
One of the Princesses. “Some of us were nervous about approaching you when we thought you were a boy. Now though everything is OK. Did your dad want a boy and so he had you dressed as one?”
“My daddy is in Heaven and I also nearly lost Mummy at the same time. I tried to respect my fathers wished even when he was gone. Now though mummy has Martine back for keeps.”
“Sorry about that. We also are taught to respect our parents and it was our father’s wish we came here to this strange country. I think we will have to help each other out as you are going to need advice on being a girl. I cannot imagine what life was like for you having to dress as a boy and yet you were a girl. I presume you never got a chance to wear a pretty dress like we did. We will correct that later. First we have to get you some clothing. The princesses order you to dump all your boys clothing. Even with that short haircut you have nobody is going to mistake you in a dress for a boy. Especially with those bumps you have on the front. They will be looking at them instead.”
“Sue Lin did you spot the Dragon Lady she also is here?”
“Sister I know you trained in the arts of speaking with the Dragon peoples are you sure she was here? If she is here then father needs to know. We will ask permission to speak to our father and ask for advice. I know you spotted her but as the oldest I will speak with father.”
There was a knock at the door. Su Lin opened it and there stood a small child. “The Empress realised you might need showing how to get to the beach. Hi Martine you look a lot better in a dress than in those boys clothing you insisted on wearing. Can I beg a lift on your scooter, as my little legs will not go fast? I presume you all have towels and costumes? Today is a lazy day as we have had quite a few hectic days.”
Su Lin. “We promised Martine we would go shopping to get her a new wardrobe. She needs everything. Do you mind if we ask a question or two? By any chance is there a person called Lord Draconaris or something similar? And is there one here who might sometimes call himself Brightflame?”
“Yes Lord Draconaris is my grandpa. Well actually my great grandpa. The other name I heard for the first time on Wednesday and I thought it was a joke of some sort. Poor Saphira was quite upset. I do not know what the joke was. Shortly after that the helicopter went to collect Angahrad from near Sheffield.”
“Thank you little one you have told us all we need to know. Is it possible for us to telephone father and say we are safely settled in?”
“Sure just dial 9 to get an outside line and then the number you want. Please call me Tiny in future all the others do. In case you are wondering I will never get any taller nor age any more than I am now. When I die I will still be a child.”
The Japanese Emperor was roused by an aid that said there was a telephone call from Princess Su Lin.
Su Lin spoke to her father in their native language, “Father we arrived safely. You will never guess who also is here. The Grand Welsh Mistress my sister spotted her and several others including Lords Brightflame & Draconaris. I also have one of the eternally young daughters of Lord Draconaris here. My sister says she also spotted the terror twins. Tiny has informed me one of the girls is called Saphira.”
“Thank you daughter is there anything else you need?”
Actually there is I need a supply of those special items. They worked a treat on Su Yum's boyfriend and now there is no reason to execute either of them. I should also tell you if the testis have been removed or are damaged then the items work almost instantly instead of the 24 hours.”
“Thank you daughter I will arrange some tests to see if that is true.”
“My father is happy we have been made welcome.” Tiny grinned to herself as she realised the Japanese girls did not realise she could understand every word they said. Tiny also broadcast to Baby & Wee Wee.
Draconaris was talking to Angahad on the beach when Baby asked. “Grandpa who are the dragon Lords and Grand Welsh Mistress? Also the Princesses have informed their father the terror twins are here.”
Angahad. “That is my title or at least it was. Nobody knows me by that these days. The terror twins are Saphira and Sidonie from Germany. I should have expected them to spot me. Most people do not give me a second glance. The Japanese & the Chinese though venerate the Dragon People. Now the Emperor knows he has an obligation to fulfil. He already is part way in filling his quota but he still has a way to go.”
Baby, “What has he to supply and how many?”
Draconaris thought and then spoke, “I negotiated the deal with the Emperor a rather long time ago. At the time he had rather a lot of daughters and promised me 1000 pure princesses as my companions when I returned. As he has already sent his daughters to Gaby he will be calling on the other Japanese Royal houses help him fulfil the quota.”
In Tokyo the Emperor roused his ministers from their sleep. One of the ministers spoke, “We are still short and the training will take at least a month not a week as we first thought.”
“We can not use the normal people for this they must be of Royal blood. If there are not enough daughters then the families will have to supply their single sons. If that is still not enough then all the married couples under 30 must be used to fill the quota. All those families will be informed they now have daughters and their documents amended accordingly. I will not go down in history as the Mikado who failed to honour the word of his ancestors. At least we have only to supply 1000 princesses. China made a similar deal with the dragon lords for far more that that.”
With those agents of the Emperor scoured Japan for more princesses. Several Princesses who were crippled were also gathered up. They were allowed to take their maids. The Royal Households watched the transformation of their sons to daughters. The grand total was gradually increasing. It was still falling short of the total required. Once again the agents of the Emperor set out. This time it was the married couples under 30 who were required. Wives had to watch the transformation of their husbands. By now the quota was very nearly reached.
The Emperor started to smile at last and then said, “Why have those in this household been exempt? The instructions said All Royal households. I know I previously sent all my other daughters. There are still my daughters who are crippled and their maids. Then there are those of other families who reside here.”
The chief minister smiled at last. “We are slightly over the total required however we have allowed two disabled Princesses to one complete one and hope that will satisfy the agreement.”
“The Emperor kissed his remaining daughters. “You and the other disabled princesses are going to join your sisters immediately. You will inform the dragon Queen that the Mikado honours the words of his ancestors. As soon as the maids have packed your things you will be gone. I am going to telephone myself. Of all the people I had to insult it had to be the Dragon Queen and not even a normal queen as I first thought.”
In Scarborough on the beach.
Gaby and the others had been laid on the beach or building sandcastles for most of the morning.
Tiny. “Gaby the Princesses they have far more freedom here than they had back in Japan. That telephone call certainly upset the Emperor. I was wondering if we could catch a bus to Kinderland. That is if you would like to go. All the tinys would like to go there for a day out.”
“Ok I was thinking about moving on.”
“Kiko you and your sisters better come as I want a little chat with you all. What can you tell me about dragons?”
Kiko. “Oh they visited our people long they taught us much and gave my ancestors much. Two dragon lords visited our people in exchange for their help the Mikado negotiated a deal with those dragon lords. They would return to their lair. One day the Emperor would receive a summands from either them or the dragon queen. Then they would be expected to meet their obligations in full. I and some of my sisters had to study dragons as part of our culture. My eldest sister notified father we thought that there might be two dragons here. Father already knew and is making the relevant preparations.”
Nena started to laugh. “Saphira & Sidonie have you heard this. The Japanese Princesses think we have dragons amongst us. I cannot think of any unless you class Renate as a dragon. I know she can be a bit scary at times.”
Kiko and her sisters all went down on their knees.
Gaby. “Kiko and sisters get up you all look terrified. Poor Saphira is not that scary.”
Kiko. “Please Empress Gabriel are the Terror twins also your companions like us?”
Saphira. “Kiko, Gabriel is our family. So the answer to your question is yes we are companions of the Empress as she is our cousin.”
Kiko. “My sisters now understand why father was scared. His refusal to permit you to visit was an error of the greatest magnitude. Had he done so he might have realised earlier who you were?”
Sidonie. “Gabriel you will not convince them otherwise. To them you are now the Dragon Empress not just Gaby friend of Kiko. Or the Queen of Northumbria. Each one of the Princesses has trained in a different skill. Kiko here can see Auras. Another can see your inner self. They even quizzed one of the eternally young. They failed to recognise Tiny as the one who should have recognised here is not here. She will be soon.”
Gaby. “Princess of Japan I do not want to hear another word about Dragons. You may call me Gaby, Gabriel or Empress. Sometime some people may also refer to me as Drew or Andrew they are names of a life I once had these names are not to be used normally as referring to them can cause me great distress.”
Su Lin. “Empress will try and not call you those names. Occasionally one of us might forget as it is ingrained in us. Father though will try and meet the conditions of help set by the Lords of Life & Live.”
Gaby’s telephoned bleeped and she answered it. “Yes we are on our way to the spa. I intended going to Kinderland as the Tinys wish to go there.”
When they got to the spa two men were waiting. Kiko uttered “The Lords of Light & Life.”
Draconaris. “Greetings Princesses of Japan. Thank you for calling us by our ancient titles. Gaby I have to warn you that your life is in danger. Lucinder says Meadows is making his way here to kill you.”
Su Lin. “Father had all his daughters trained as samurai warriors. All of us are trained to kill by using our hands.”
Draconaris, “Hopefully it will not come to that. Our agent is tracking him. He has been very careful. Meadows only just missed being caught twice. Lucinder would be interested in having him should you capture him. I thought I had better make you aware of what was happening.”
Su Yum bowed, “Lords of Light & Life we the daughters of the Mikado take our job serious as do the daughters of the Lord of life. We will work together to protect the Empress even if it means our own death. Once he gets here he will soon realise he cannot get close as we are all females.”
Lord Brightflame. “I have an idea to capture him and it would need the help of some Princesses. I noticed an empty shop on the front. I was thinking we could open a transformation shop where men could come and be dressed as ladies. We will get those who only wish to be dressed for a short while. There will be those who wish to make the change permanently and to those we can offer the same package that has helped two here.”
“Thank you Su Lin & Su Yum you along with your maids will do as I already have two of the daughters of Draconaris already there. They are needed to scan all potential customers so that there is no mistake. Kiko while your elder sisters are with us you are to take charge of the Princesses.”
Meanwhile Meadows was still on the run from the police. His funds were drying up. He had some luck though he had received a couple of telephone calls to tell him the police were on their way to capture him. He even got one telling him that boy was now in Scarborough and surrounded by girls and women. Another bit of luck was finding a rather seedy Bed and Breakfast. The old lady that ran it reminded him of some of the Madams he supplied with drugs. The old lady on Durham Place had said come in dear. I take it you are looking for a place to stay. He had replied yes but I am running low on funds. The lady had told him not to worry, as she would still give him a room. She said would he mind helping her a bit in exchange for the room. She had worked him quite hard but also given him all his meals. He noticed he was loosing weight but thought it was because of working hard. Today the lady had said to him. Why do you not go into town and look around. So he had decided to do just that. His luck was still with him he spotted Drew. Right I have you now. I have to have a plan on how to get close to you. I have tried several times to kill you and each time something goes wrong.
As Meadows was sat watching he noticed two men and three girls go into a shop on the front that at one time had once been part of St Thomas Hospital. He noticed the posters. This is a new change of life store. He read the posters carefully. He decided to be polite and go and ask. “Excuse me is this shop like the place near Manchester where men can go and dress like ladies?
Draconaris looked at him and said, it sure is we are opening tomorrow and there will be special offers on then. Can we interest you?”
“Well I might be but money could be the problem.”
Su Lin. “Well we do not officially open to tomorrow, but if you want my sisters and I can practise our skills on you so you look like beautiful lady. As our licence does not start till tomorrow we can not charge you.”
“In that case sure go ahead.”
“In that case please put all your clothing in this box and then it will be taken to a secure place. After you have completely stripped off we will cover you in oils so you smell nice. And then you take a shower.” He took the shower and when he got out he discovered the ladies had towels to dry him. “Please get on table so we can fix your breasts. There might also be a slight stinging down below. We need to numb it so we can get these pants to fit.”
He jumped a little when he felt the prick. The next thing he remembered was been shaken and one of the girls saying, “Are you ok? You drifted off to sleep.”
He looked at himself in the mirror. Su Lin handed him a handbag with his personal items in. “I cannot believe it I actually look very pretty. Thank you so much.”
Su Lin. “We do appear to have done a good job. Remember to come back within 24 hours or the effects might be permanent.”
Meadows chuckled to himself. Nobody will recognise me now I could get out of this country. First though there is that score to settle. Meadows did not realise the girls had implanted a transmitter in his body that allowed them to locate him. He started to feel odd and went back to Durham Place. He fell asleep and slept for three day solidly. Unknown to him the old lady kept visiting him she listened to all he said in his sleep.
Gaby at Kinderland and North Bay.
Meanwhile Gaby and the others had arrived at Kinderland. They paid for their entry and then went in. One of the first things the girls headed for was the water slide they got in what looked like a skip on rails. As the slide hit the water those at the front got a soaking. After this they headed for the pedal boats and they went on them. The tinys soon discovered several slides and started going down the. There was a young woman with several children. Are they your sisters and cousins? They are all playing together very well. These want to go on the pedal boats, but I cannot take them and look after the baby.”
Gaby held her arms out, “Let me hold her while you go with the children.
Constance came and sat at the side of Gaby. “Do you know where Wee Wee is as I am bursting?”
“She is busy playing with the others.”
“Oh I like Maddy Anne am ready to Explode.”
“I was just going to look for some formula as this one is very hungry.”
Constance looked at Gaby and said, “If the baby would just take a little from me it would help.” Constance let the baby suckle and then changed sides. “Wow she must have been one hungry mite. At least I am not going to explode now.” Gaby noticed the mother looking across and then she went back to the other children.
Gaby wiped the face of the sleeping baby. “Well that is a happy face. Wee Wee has the same expression when she is full.” Gaby continued to sit talking to Constance.
Eventually the mother returned. “Is she not awake yet? Usually she is screaming the place down wanting feeding.”
Constance. “My little one is playing and usually she needs feeding about now. Gaby here was looking for some formula to feed your baby but could not find any. I hope you do not mind but I ended up feeding your daughter myself. I was ready for exploding. That is one hungry mite you have there she drained me in seconds and then fell asleep.”
“No I do not mind. I do breast feed her, but have to top her up with formula we must have lost the bottle somewhere. I will be glad of the break. If you ladies do not mind I will go with these to the indoor play area.”
Gaby. “In that case we will come as I could do with some refreshments.”
“In that case allow me to pay for the drinks. You after all have looked after my baby and fed her that I did not expect. My name is Pia & my Husband Brian should be around somewhere he is with the boys. We live down in the West Midlands.”
Gaby. “Oh I thought you must be from Brum from the way you talked?”
Brian appeared, “Well you are not too far from where we live. This is our first time here. The boss saw the news broadcast about Scarborough and wanted to come here on holiday. This is my first time here, but it will not be our last. All the children love the beach. Sometimes we have gone to the south coast, but they have miles of pebbles.” Brian looks at Gaby I am sure we have met previously, but I cannot think just where it was. It will come to me eventually. Dear do you have some wipes and plasters as this one crashed the racing scooter and fell out? I cleaned him up as best I could.”
The woman looked “Oh I have gone and picked up the wrong bag.”
Gaby, “Well never mind I have some here. One or more of us always has a first aid pack on hand.”
Brian was still thinking. “I know now where it was. You remind me of a boy called Drew Bond that does cycling. I have seen him win several races.”
Pia. “Brian dear you have cycling on the brain. This is a young lady and I am sure she does not want to be told she looks like some boy in a smelly cycle skins.”
“But Pia.”
“No but Pia, you will apologise for that remark and then you will be a gentleman and go and buy us all drinks.”
“Yes Pia. Sorry about that I was saying what I was thinking. What would you two ladies like?”
Constance, “Cherry soda please?”
Gaby, “Dandelion & Burdock please. As for your previous statement you were nearly correct the person you named was my late Brother. As we were twins you spotted the family resemblance.”
“Oh I did not know he was dead. I am sorry for dragging up distressing memories for you. He was a good rider and I thought he might go places.”
Constance, “Some drug crazy driver ran Drew and another boy down with a Land Rover only one of them survived.”
Pia gave her husband the look. “Ok I will go for the drinks and change the subject.”
Maddy Anne came and sat down with the group. “Gaby have you seen Tiny or Wee Wee I need their help.”
Brian came back and saw Maddy Anne. “What is the demon bike lady doing here? I thought you would be selling bikes Maddy. Come to think of it could you do me a deal on a new bike? Ok Pia I get the message no Bike talk.”
Maddy Anne giggled, “Yes I could if you wanted one for each family member. It would cost you a bomb though Brian, I am sure Pia has other plans for your money considering the amount of children you have.”
“Same as usual Maddy? May I ask what you are doing here?”
“Well Brian I was just minding my own business when a job opportunity arose. I have to turn my hand and write a book about a cycling family. It is in reality a biography of the family Bond. Hence the reason for me being with Gabriel here.”
“Great in that case I want an autographed copy of it when it comes out.”
Pia looked at Maddy & said, “It appears you have sprung a leak.”
“Oh dam I am going to have to go to the ladies and sort myself out.”
Pia said, “I better come as well this one needs feeding again she is always hungry. I swear if we had a cow in the back yard she would drain it dry.
Pia looked at Maddy in the ladies. “Do you mind if she has a little and then I will feed her as I have picked up the wrong bag.”
“Wow she is like a suction pump. One gasp of air and she empties one side. Tell you what Pia I could do with meeting up with you around mealtimes and letting this one have a feed on a regular basis.”
“Well we can until Monday Brian wanted to go to Harrogate to the Bike show. I was planning on taking the children to the Valley Gardens and letting them go in the play area. Do you know if there is a boating pool there as the boys have wanted to try out the motorboats they bought? They were not allowed to use them in the indoor swimming pool here in Scarborough. I do not feel safe letting them use them in the sea. This one is finally full I felt her let go she only does that when she has had her fill.”
Maddy Anne, “I might be able to help you with one of those problems.” They returned to the table and sat down. “Gabriel would it be possible for Pia, Brian and the children to use the pool? The boys want to try their new remote controlled boats out and the normal pool will not permit them.”
“I can not think of a valid reason to say no. Although the boys might have some company as I know certain Tinys also like remote controlled boats.”
One of Brian’s sons. “Tinys are they the small girls who act silly. They have been teasing us since we arrived here. I like that one the best” pointing at Wee Wee. “When we are old enough we will get married and she will have lots of babies like mummy.”
Pia, “I think you will have to wait a long time for her to grow up dear. She might not want you when she is old enough to choose.”
“OK, but I still want her as a friend. She promised me a kiss if I carried her. She said her legs were worn down. Is that why she is so tiny?”
Gaby burst out laughing. She went into the ball pool were Wee Wee was sitting. “Wee Wee you have just had your first proposal. The only problem is he will have to wait till you grow up and then you will have lots of babies. He also tells us you are so small because your legs wear down.”
Wee Wee started to giggle. “I will come and give him the kiss I promised him. Wee Wee keeps her promise.”
“Would you like to have a go with my remote controlled boat after tea? We are coming to test our boats out in your swimming pool.”
Tiny came to join them. “Just think Elizabeth you are growing up your very first date with a boy I am so jealous.”
“Hi, I am Stan his twin would you like to make a foursome?
“Sure why not? The others will all want to have a go or will be bringing their boats.”
Gaby’s mobile rang and she answered it. “Hello it is the Mikado. Please inform the Lords of Life & Light I honour my ancestor’s words. My remaining daughters are missing their sisters and requested that I allow them to go to them. I was a little nervous about sending them as these all have disabilities. The other princesses will be ready in just over a month my advisors inform me. They are being trained in the arts of protecting an Empress.”
“Emperor your eldest daughters are currently doing a job for me. I have Kiko and the others here with me if you wish I can switch to speaker phone so all can hear you.”
Draconaris. “Greetings Mikado the Lords of Light & Life have taken note you are honouring the words of your ancestors. Be assured no harm will come to your disabled daughters. I believe Gabriel will put them in her disabled cycle team. I take it you have already married them off, as is your tradition. When should we expect them to arrive?”
“My Lord of Life I did not expect to speak with you personally. I trust your word my daughters will be safe. I had to deviate slightly from the original agreement, as unlike my ancestors I do not have enough daughters of my own. So I asked all the other Japanese Royal households for their help. As some we are sending are disabled we allowed a few extra to make up the difference. My daughters should be arriving at Leeds Bradford airport tomorrow around 10.00am your time. Can you make arrangements to transport them to their new abode?”
Kiko, “Papa the Empress will be present herself to greet our sisters.” Kiko puts the telephone down.
Brian and Pia were stunned by what they had just heard. “Is your Father really the Emperor of Japan or is this some sort of in house joke.”
Maddy Anne. “My friends it was my mistake. I did not expect that telephone call. My friend Gabriel Bond here is also known as Gabriel Battenburg Queen of Northumbria. You Pia entrusted your baby to a queen and a princess also fed it. Kiko here is a princess of Japan. She also likes to cycle so Brian you might even see her at some races. Gabriel here took over from her brother as junior cycle champion. She hopes to continue racing if at all possible. If you meet us in town please refer to her as Gabriel Bond. Some of the media are slow on the uptake and still do not realise they are the same person.”
Stan, “I am not interested in all this princess talk. You promised we could catch the little train to the Sea life centre.
“We have our Blue Peter Badges so we get in free. Dad you said to remind you as there is a submarine down there now and that a real captain was going to talk about it.”
Gaby. “Well in that case we will come with you. I want to see if a certain person is still on the door.”
The group gathered up its members and they made for the North Bay railway and got into the carriages. A short time later the train pulled up into the Scalby Station. They then descended the steps to the sea life centre. Sure enough the same woman was on the till. She took one look at Gaby and waved the group through. The woman pressed the intercom and spoke. “She is back with some friends. There are about 30 of them this time.”
The manager went to the café and had the catering assistants cordoned off one area with just over 30 seats in it. A sign with reserved went up in that area. Other assistants went to remove any used items from the remaining tables. The cleaning lady gave the floor a quick sweep and mop over and then went to check on the toilets. Stan & Stew were holding the hands of their small friends. They looked at the tanks with all sorts of fish in them. As they walked round they went through a glass tunnel & they could watch the fish swimming around in what looked like a natural landscape. Although they all knew it had been purposely built for the fish. They then found themselves by the open top of a tank. The Rays were coming to the surface to be petted. Eventually they found the U-Boat. There was a sign that said the talk would begin in 3 minutes so they all took a seat.
A man appeared in the uniform of an officer, “Gutten arben. Ich Bin Kaptain Gunther Starkey. This afternoon you are my crew. Today we have to sail on a secret mission to the land of the Angles. In case any of you are wondering. I once did captain this ship. I was the only survivor. Using archive footage of this and other submarines we are going to recreate her last journey. As you can see from this film we are getting ready to sail from the U-boat pen in Norway. We sailed down the coast of Germany as we had to collect some items. We did this, but because of a stormy sea found we had strayed into the English Channel. We unfortunatly got spotted by a British aircraft and it bombed us. We sustained one casualty and some damage. I did not realise at the time we were loosing fuel. We got to an area in the North Sea where I mistakenly thought another submarine had been operating as we could see flotsam on the surface. Around this time the fuel ran out. I have to order my crew to abandon ship and they opened the sea cocks to flood the ship. My orders were that she had not to fall into enemy hands. The crew and I took to life rafts and we headed for the shore. Alas the weather was not with us and a great storm arose and drowned all my men. I was found by a captain of a fishing boat and taken to his home where his daughter nursed me back to health. Years later my grandson comes along and discovers my old ship and she was raised from the seabed and brought here. Now she has been cleaned up and everything is again working. If you all split into small groups I will take you into my last submarine.
Stan held his hand up. “Sir did you sink many ships?”
“That is a fair question. While we had the capability of submarines to sink shipping we never did as we were primary a transport ship. If somebody wanted something moving we did it. The strangest thing of all is over 60 years after the submarine was sunk. Her cargo reached the correct destination.”
“Wow and mum complains if the post is a day late. I bet the person the goods were meant for thought they never would arrive.”
“Now this is my son also called captain Starkey and he is going to talk about Trawlers and deep sea fishing.”
Stew put his hand up, “Sir Do you still go fishing?”
“Yes I still go out although there is a limit on what sort of fish I can catch and from where.”
Stan, “Dad I need the toilet and I am hungry.”
Nena. “The toilets are upstairs by the café. We also are going to the café if we can get seats.”
Both boys came out of the toilet to find Pia had already ordered their food. Gabriel asked where the family was staying.
Pia. “A friend of ours bought an apartment in the former Queens hotel on Queens Parade and they are letting us use it. I liked it so much that I have decided we will get one there ourselves, and then we do not have to worry what the place we stay at is like.” As she was talking the order came and the boys tucked into their burger egg and chips. They finished off with cola & ice cream.
Gaby, “In that case we will catch the train back and cross by Peasholme Park before walking up North Marine road.”
Brian, “In that case the boys will want to show you the shop where they bought their boats. They have interchangeable modules so they can put a chip in with a different wavelength on.
Baby, “Is this place far? As the smallest of us get tired very easy.”
Nena, “Do not worry Baby we will all take turns in carrying you. I suppose we could do with two or three of those collapsible pushchairs.”
All too soon the train had arrived back at the North Bay station. They crossed the road and walked through the park. Then it was a steep hill to negotiate. Pia, “I will just take this bag back and collect the boats and remotes.”
Brian, “Will you boys be good children for these ladies and show your friends where you bought your boats. I will help your mum collect the items. We will then come to the shop to you.” Brian & Pia crossed the road while the others stayed on the right hand side.
Stan, “Look this is the shop it sells toys, Models, Sweets, Papers and art things.”
Gaby spotted three collapsible pushchairs. “Right we will have those for you three. Then none of us have to carry you when you get tired.”
Tiny spotted Connie in the same shop, “Mama.”
“Oh hello Gabriel as it was a rest day I was exploring around here and noticed all the art equipment. I was wondering if I should get myself some.”
“Mama, Mama, Mama.”
“Ok Tiny I will give you a cuddle.”
Gaby, “I had just seen these pushchairs and was thinking about getting three.”
“Actually that is a good idea. I was looking at that mobile art pack. It has a chair and easel all built into it and inside there is storage for all your different paints, brushes ECT.”
Greta came holding a massive box that contained a remote controlled yacht. Sidonie came with a box containing a helicopter. Saphira came with what looked like a Blue-Green dragon “I just had to have this after what you all have been calling me recently.”
Pia who had entered the shop said, “Oh I very nearly bought one of those the other day. I thought it said Mama when I got near.”
Saphira got excited, “See I am not the only one it speaks to. It spoke to Pia as well as me. When I told the others they thought I was being silly.”
The shopkeeper smiled as the order piled up at the checkout. “Would you like a new one with a new set of batteries? This has been programmed to say Mama to every ten people who go passed it. I found those it speaks to usually want it.”
.
Pia giggled, “Well we will take two new ones. Can you program them to recognise Saphira or my voice? It took 15 minutes to program both dragons. Gaby also got a notebook and made a note of the estate agents numbers across at the Queens Apartments. Between them they had bought that much it was easier to put the items in the pushchairs and carry the three girls. Nena even managed to negotiate a discount because they had bought so much.
Brian, “What happened to the two men who were with you earlier?”
Nena, “Oh they got called away along with some of the others. I did not realise you had seen them as it was before we got on the coach.”
Brian, “Actually we were on the same coach so we saw them. We did not realise they had not joined you.” From the shop it took the girls about 10 minutes to get to the Royal.
Nena pointed to some changing rooms. “You may change in there as nobody else will be using them.”
Brian & Pia got in the smallest of the pools and the boys started to play with their boats. While they were in the pool a dragon flew in and circled Pia. Brian burst out laughing when it called Pia “Mummy.” A second one joined it doing the same.
Greta & Isolde brought the Yacht and soon had it sailing across the pool.
Nena and some of the others decided to start racing each other in the main pool. Gaby was ringing the telephone numbers she had wrote down while at the shop. “Hello I am making enquiries about apartments at the Queens hotel I understand you and another firm are responsible for the sale of the apartments.”
“Yes madam we have a joint sale agreement. It does not matter which of us you deal with. Currently we have 10 apartments on floor 2 and a similar number on floor 3. That is actually all the apartments on both floors. We also have apartments 1 & 2 on the first floor for sale. Which apartments would you like to view and what name should I put down?”
“Well first I want to know what prices are you asking for the apartments and should I purchase more than one what sort of deal can be done if say I wanted all 22?”
“All 22 madam is this a joke by a competitor?”
“It is certainly no joke. Should any of the remaining 8 become available I want them also. For now these 22 will do. I can have my representative at the hotel within 10 minutes. That is if you wish to make a sale.”
“Yes madam we can have somebody there who can negotiate a deal. In fact we will have a representative of the developer so there will be no delay.”
Gaby, “Ulrig, Sonja & Draconaris I have a task for you. There are 22 apartments available for sale at the former Queens hotel. The agents will meet you there in 10 minutes. You better take the Rolls.”
Sonja, “Why do we need anymore accommodation? I thought we had just acquired the last hotel in this block”
Draconaris, “Well Gabriel is due 1000 princesses from Japan. I presume she realised the apartments would do for none family who for some reason might need to be here like Maddy Anne Bell & her family. There are a few others I can think of but that would still leave some vacant.”
Ulrig, “The Empress has given us a task that we have to complete quickly.”
The representatives of the Estate Agents and the developers were waiting when they arrived in the Rolls. They pulled into one of the parking spaces that had been made in the former garden.
Sonja, “We wish to inspect all 22 apartments if they are to the standard we require we can start to talk money.” The first 12 there was no problem in some of the top floor apartments there was a problem.
The developer spoke, “One of the thermostats failed and boiling water melted the header tank this soaked through the ceiling. All the thermostats have been replaced and the ceilings are being redone. All the apartments come with the standard warranty. We had hoped to get the repairs done before any prospective client ever saw the damage. Our decorators were actually in here when it happened and so the damage was minimal. I suppose you will not be interested in purchasing these now?”
Ulrig looked across at Draconaris. ”Providing the damaged rooms are brought up to the same standard as the bottom 12 apartments we are still interested although we will withhold a portion of the agree total say 10% until all the work is completed satisfactory.”
The developer spoke, “The other flats are also available as they are only let off. Would you be interested in taking them on?”
Ulrig appeared to be a small computer. “Draconaris I believe we can wait until tomorrow and the price will drop considerably of course the estate agents no longer will get their commission.” The estate agents stood there with their mouths open wide.
Ulrig. “Quite ironic Hotel conversions gets a loan from the National bank of Bavaria or one of their subsidiary companies, and you have been given until tomorrow to repay the amount borrowed or your property will be forfeited. Then there are us working for a major shareholder of that same bank. Now I presume you all want to come out of this with something.”
One of the estate agents said, “We will be willing to cut our commission down to 1% that is better than nothing.”
The developer appeared to be working some figures out. Draconaris took the pen off the man and wrote an amount down.
“Yes that is acceptable. It is not as much as I hoped to make, but I will no longer have a cash flow problem.”
Draconaris handed the estate agents their cheques and the developer one. “The outstanding money will be paid once the work is done.” Sonja, Draconaris & Ulrig left in the Rolls.
After they had gone the estate agents said, “Was what they said correct if we had held out for more all they had to do was wait?”
The developer showed them the letter he had received a while ago. That is why I asked you to cut the prices of the apartments. At least I have enough to repay the bank and start again on something far smaller.”
Stan & Stew were having a great time at the pool a gong sounded and everyone got out of the pool. Tiny spoke, “Brian, Pia & children out as well, it is Evening meal time.” They all went to get dry and then Kiko came for them.
“The mistress instructs me to escort you to the dining room as you are guests of Maddy Anne.” Kiko took them to the table where Maddy Anne, Samantha, Karen, and several others were sat.
Maddy Anne, “We have a few surprises in store. First these are my parents and this is a dear friend we all call Aunty.
Stan, “Do you like riding like Maddy does Aunty? Dad is bike mad. We joke sometimes that if mum could have produced bikes instead of children dad would have been very happy.”
Aunty burst out laughing. “Sorry Pia I just got an image in my head of you giving birth to a bike. Now you children how would you like to go in a helicopter tomorrow with me?”
Stew, “Well daddy is supposed to be taking us across to Harrogate. He wants to visit the bike show. Mum is taking us to the park to play and we might chance to use our boats.”
“Brian I also like my trusty steed. I will be looking round the exhibition. As we will get there early we should have plenty of time. Most of the children will be there initially, but then they along with some supervision are going off in coaches. Two of your sons little friends would like them to go with them on the coach trips.”
Pia, “Where are the coaches going and how long will Brian have at the show?”
Maddy Anne, “Brian tomorrow the children are going across to Knaresborough to visit Mother Shiptons and have a look round the castle then they will go to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal. Some of the girls want to sing in the Abbey. They will also have their lunch at the abbey. Depending on the time factor they might feed the ducks and look for the deer.”
Isolde still in her wheelchair came across. “Well are you boys going to accompany us tomorrow or do they have to find new boy friends?”
Brian, “Pia you know once I get among bikes I loose track of all time. It is obvious the girls want the twins to accompany them. Stan & Stew you are going to have to help with the girls. Some such as this young lady might need help being pushed about. I for my part will look around and if Maddy needs help on her stall I suppose I could help her out.”
Pia, “What you mean is you will each try and sell more bikes than the other.”
While they were talking Gaby said, “I have just realised the tents have gone and we drove down the front earlier.”
Renate, “Gabriel most of the fleet left during the night. However a few ships have remained. The sailors are painting new names on those ships that remained in the harbour. Regarding your other instructions concerning the wartime wrecks and any others we discover in the course of searching for them. They will start being recovered in one week’s time. The Teeside shipyards are happy enough to break up the wrecks your navy’s recover.
The developer and his proposal.
After receiving the cheque from Draconaris the developer went directly to his bank. He asks the teller if the bank was a subsidiary of the Bavarian National bank.”
“Yes sir and that is an entirely owned company of the Wittlesbach and Battenburg trust. I can let you have one of the company reports if you are interested.”
He looked down the list of companies owned by the trust and many of them were in the top performing companies in the world. He whistled to himself and then left. As he was leaving he noticed another of the large hotels had come on to the market. An idea came to his head and he walked the short distance to the Royal. He walked up to the receptionist and said, “Excuse me is there a Mr Draconaris here or the boss of the Wittlesbach- Battenberg trust?”
“Mr Draconaris currently is not here but the head is. Would you like to see her sir?”
“Yes please if it is not putting you to much trouble.”
“They are in the dining room sir and have asked me to escort you there.”
He followed the receptionist to a table where some young girls were seated. “Sorry I think there is some misunderstanding. I asked to see Mr Draconaris or the head of the Wittlesback trust.”
Gaby, “In that case there is no mistake pull up a chair. Would you like Tea or Coffee?”
“Coffee please. Earlier this evening I sold the entire Queens Hotel complex to Mr Draconaris. My men have a few minor repairs to do and then the job is completed. After paying the cheque into my bank I noticed that the Highlander hotel was up for sale. I was wondering as Mr Draconaris can access funds that I am not able to. If Mr Draconaris would be interested in buying that hotel and then contract my company to refurbish it.”
“Well currently we have no use for another hotel. However your proposal has some merit. I take it you and your men can work solely for the trust repairing and refurbishing buildings. I did not know you had sold the Queens apartment. I did have a report though from somebody that was considered buying one of the apartments that the quality of the workmanship was good. Which estate agents did you see the hotel in?”
“Oh it was in Dacres window the amount they want though is rather a lot and if I had tried to buy it I would have over stretched myself.”
Gaby rings the number and the agent had just finished bringing all his documentation up to date. “Yes we can get round to you.”
The estate agent took details of the Highlander and another hotel adjoining it. He soon got to the Royal and was escorted to Gaby.
“Oh hello this gentleman has just been doing your job for you. He is trying to persuade me to buy more hotels and the benefits for us both in me acquiring them. For his hard work he should be due some commission.”
“Hi have you decided to branch out into my line of work? As to commission I will split my fees with you if we get a sale out of this.
I have brought all the details with me and what the owners of both hotels are looking for and what they might actually receive.”
Sonja came across saying “Hello, Gabriel, Ulrig previously looked at those two hotels. They have been neglected and will need considerable investment to bring them up to standard and we could not find a builder who could bring them up to standard in the required time. They also were over priced when we last looked at them.”
The estate agent looked rather uncomfortable when this was said. “Well Sonja we have our own team of builders who will work exclusively for us. They will carry repairs and alterations out to all our property. I am sure Draconaris can be the site manager and ensure all the work is done to our satisfaction.” Gaby wrote two cheques out and turned them upside down. “This is my one and only offer for those properties. I have no intention of going any higher as I have just been informed they both need considerable renovation.”
The estate agent pulled out his telephone and rang a number. “We finally have had an offer on both properties. This is based on the fact the properties are both in a poor state of repair. As you know they have only had one person interested so far. Also in the current climate you will find it hard to find a cash buyer like I have here. The cheques are already made out in front of me. My client instructed me to accept your offers on the hotels. Joe I bet that was the easiest money you have made.”
The Developer and estate agent left together. Clutching their respective cheques.
