Kinto's head throbbed and his lungs burned. Hazy shapes flitted before his eyes. Clearly he'd taken quite the blow to the head. No woman at court would kiss him in the dark, for sure.

The stranger was silent so long that he figured he'd imagined the rescue, too.

Then a voice issued from the darkness. A teasing, lilting voice, full of music and hidden laughter.

I am but a humble lotus of the pond,
Not worth your notice or your praise.
Why should you seek to enter my poor dwelling,
When there are so many splendid mansions nearby?

Well. A woman who could riff off a Murasaki poem on the spot was a rare treasure in these parts.

Sitting up carefully, he peered into the dark water. His senses must be addled; there was no way the voice could be coming from that direction.

Thinking a moment, he called back:

I have heard that you are a lady of great charm,
And I have longed to see you for myself.
But now that I have come to your door,
I find it closed and barred against me.

The lady laughed: a bright tinkling as beautiful and sharp as breaking glass. She probably realized he'd dropped the poem that came before hers in the book.

Then, with a regretful sigh, she said, "I will find help for you, Prince Kinto. Please wait for me."

How odd. To courtiers he was "my lord" or "my prince"; to his cheekier cousins he was Kinto. But only a dignitary from across the sea had ever called him "Prince Kinto."

As his senses cleared, he caught a whiff of a sweet, heady fragrance. Wisteria. He must be on his father's pleasure island. That would make this lady one of the emperor's famous beauties. A face swam up through the haze of memory: luxuriant dark hair, winglike brows, long slanting blue-gray eyes. Blue-gray? It was very possible that his father had a woman with foreign blood in his harem.

Her words filtered back to him too. How brave she'd been to rescue him despite her fears she'd caused his fall. She'd risked exile or worse by showing herself. And what was this talk of continuing his work? Had she been searching for clues about the recent attempt on the emperor's life? Such warmth and devotion touched his heart.

A splash told him the woman must be swimming away. A foreigner for sure, he thought. He cried after her: "Please tell me your name. Are you my father's?"

Her dark head rose from the water at a distance, her face shining under the full moon.

"I am Amaya," she answered in her clear, ringing voice. "And I belong to no one but myself."

With that, she disappeared into the pond. Kinto rubbed his forehead and sighed. Amaya, meaning night rain.

Would she vanish in the daylight, with no trace of her presence? He could still feel the frantic clutch of her hands on his shoulders, the firm pressure of her mouth. That was surely no illusion. He touched his lips, then snatched his hand away.

As the moon rose higher, it lit the curious imprints she left on the bank. With nothing else to do on the shore, he scooted over to study them.

How very curious. If he wasn't mistaken, those muddy prints were ... scales.

* * *

Of course, he'd be the only one wandering outside at this hour.

Racoon Dog-Face, properly known as Lord Toyasu, was stomping up and down the wooden walkway that led to the moon-watching gazebo. His heavy gait and perpetual scowl filled her with dread.

If the boaters kept her from catching fish by day, Racoon Dog-Face haunted her nights.

Supposedly he was investigating the assassination attempt. Night after night, he skulked around the palace halls, poking his head into rooms--and behind private screens--wherever he pleased. Amaya heard ladies complain that he used his official position as an excuse to spy on their nightly activities. She'd even caught him peering through their latticed windows using a variety of scopes and viewpieces he'd made.

That said, he had found the blade the assassin threw in the water. And his concern for the emperor's well-being seemed to be genuine.

She'd just tip him off about the prince and be on her way. Smacking him on the behind with her fishtail would have to wait.

Amaya swam under the moon-viewing gazebo. Hiding in its shadows, she called, "Prince Kinto is injured on the pleasure island. He needs your help."

Racoon Dog-Face lifted his head like a hound scenting a fox. His head swiveled toward her and his eyes gleamed. Even though she was safely hidden in the shadows, she shuddered.

"The prince doesn't visit the pleasure island," he said suspiciously. His voice grated and wheezed with effort: apparently he'd suffered an injury himself.

"I understand he was taken there from the water. Please, he's taken a blow to the head and is soaked through."

His footfalls thudded across the walkway to the gazebo. He was directly overhead now; Amaya, hiding beneath, could no longer see him.

"Why didn't you fetch Ienari to heal him, then?" he demanded.

Because I've got fins, you ninny. "My lord Toyasu is known for his great devotion to the royal family. I fear the prince is ... not himself right now. You will see he gets the help he needs without spreading rumors about his weakness."

His voice dropped to a purr. "Would you be his weakness, then? You sound like a very attractive woman."

What? She sank into the water and blew bubbles out of sheer rage. Seriously. Stop being a flaming pervert and make yourself useful for once.

"I am an honorable lady of a good family, my lord," she said through gritted teeth. "I fell into the water while trying to help Prince Kinto. My robes are most unsightly, so I speak from the shadows."

A hairy hand appeared over the edge of the gazebo, reaching for her. Oh, how she wanted to sink her teeth in it.

"Please hurry, Racoo--er, Lord Toyasu. There's a boat docked just over there. We wouldn't want him to catch a chill."

A low chuckle sounded from behind her. She spun around.

Racoon Dog-Face had only been distracting her with his hand. He'd also lowered a viewing-tube.

"Such lies," he said with amusement. "You're neither honorable nor a lady. Nor are you wearing robes." A slurping sound: he'd licked his lips. "But as I thought, most attractive."

"Are you as slippery and wet as you look, I wonder? Oh, come off it," he added, when she bared her teeth. "I must thoroughly investigate all matters of interest to the court. Or shall I raise the alarm ... ningyo?"

Amaya froze. Of course she could swim away. But if he raised the alarm, the courtiers would come running with swords and lanterns. She'd be spotted, sliced, and diced within the hour.

She doubted that he'd accept the emperor's treasure in exchange for her freedom. He'd probably just take both, the creep.

Her last resort was to do exactly what they expected of her: raise hell. Beneath the pond lay the sleeping earth. She knew what to whisper--had always known--to wake it to a rolling and thundering fury. With the earthquake came fire as lanterns smashed across the palace. By morning, nothing would remain but ash--and her gentle prince on his island.

She'd feed him tenderly on slivers of her tail. And then the two of them would live forever.

Prince Kinto, who searched for clues about his father's assassin while others slept. Prince Kinto, who laughed at himself but never others, and spoke poetry with sensual wit. Who asked her name with a heartbreaking sadness--as if he knew they'd never meet again.

Prince Kinto was who he was because of the people around him. He was, in the best sense of the word, human.

And so she'd let his humans live on, for his sake. Also for sashimi, if she ever got a hold of that miracle-on-a-dinner-tray again.

That left her one choice.

"My dear Lord Toyasu," she said sweetly, "I'm so embarrassed to tell you the truth, but if you insist... it's Prince Kinto. He's so ravishing that I stole him away to the island. But as it turned out, he's terribly inexperienced in pleasing women."

She stepped toward the moonlight so he'd have a better view of her face. She hoped it didn't look too homicidal.

"You, however, have seen everything during your nightly rounds. Please instruct him in any manly techniques that would help him to perform to my expectations. As for compensation..."

She trailed off. It was such a ridiculous excuse that she was sure he'd laugh her off--then raise the alarm. But all she could hear was him smacking his lips.

"Dear Ningyo," he said, "do not speak of payment. I would consider it my duty to his highness. But may I closely witness the activities? I wish to assist you most thoroughly."

Amaya would have thrown up if she had anything in her stomach. "How ... conscientious of you, my lord."

She swam out from under the gazebo and lifted herself above the water. Her long wet hair just covered her bare breasts, and she heard him suck in his breath.

"Come, then," she said. "You'll get a better view before the moon sets."

* * *

Kinto stared at the box in his hands. He'd found it in the rushes not far from where he waited. Had it been here all along? Impossible; the emperor or his beauties would have spotted it earlier. Amaya had brought it, then. But why give it to him and not his father?

It was made of black lacquered wood with a mother-of-pearl inlay and sprinklings of gold. The inscription was a poem by Henjo:

The fisherman's net
Caught a ningyo in the bay
And he set it free
For he knew that such a prize
Would bring him endless sorrow

Kinto glanced at the scale prints on the muddy shore. If she was a ningyo, she'd probably found the box in the water. And given the poem, the treasure must have to do with her.

But she'd left the treasure behind for him. Why? Had she overheard him that afternoon and feared his threats? Then she should have left him for dead in the water. Instead she'd saved his life.

He ran his fingers over the inlaid image: a ningyo swimming under the full moon. "Such a prize would bring him endless sorrow," the poem said.

So would losing it.

Just then, he heard the splashing of oars. Quickly hiding the box in the rushes again, he forced himself to his feet.

Then he made a face. Toyasu was scrambling up the bank.

At first he thought they could work together on the investigation, but the lord had ... other interests.

"How I envy you, my prince," he puffed. "There is no man who does not dream of a ningyo's charms."

Kinto started. She'd revealed herself to this man? "I don't know what you're talking about," he said carefully.

Toyasu smirked and gave him a sidelong look. "There's no need to be shy, boy. She's a fine catch. A very fine catch." He glanced over his shoulder. " Ningyo?"

Amaya slowly rose from the pond. A lilypad and a pink lily rested atop her head like a cap, adorably. Meeting Kinto's eyes, she suddenly flushed pink and ducked down again. Kinto cried out. Toyasu just shook his head in disgust.

"I don't know which of you is worse. A thing that lives for forever but blushes like a new bride, or a boy who doesn't know how to grab it by the tail and show it he's a man."

"Excuse me?" Kinto rubbed his forehead, wondering if he was now hearing things. "Lady Amaya is..."

"Lady Amaya? Is that what we're calling her now?" Toyasu rolled his eyes. "Honestly, the courtly role play is so dull. The good thing about a fish, boy, is that you don't have to play nice." He stood on his toes to whisper loudly in Kinto's ear. "You can treat her just as you like."

Kinto stepped out of range of Toyasu's breath. "I think you've misunderstood, my lord," he said coldly. "Lady Amaya most heroically rescued me from the pond. I plan to recommend her to my father for a formal reward."

Amaya gasped. Kinto glanced at her in surprise. Tears filled her eyes and were slowly rolling down as pearls into the water.

"You don't want a reward?" he asked.

She shook her head vehemently. "Prince Kinto, you mustn't mention me to anyone else. I'm a sign of calamity. The court will kill me. And if you stand beside me, they'll..."

"Send me into exile? Let them try." He strode into the water, mud sucking at his feet. "As you have protected us, I will protect you."

Amaya was treading water just out of arm's reach. Her tears were falling faster now. Catching them before they fell, she swam closer and showed her cupped hands to him. The diamonds sparkled and the pearls shone with an unearthly light.

"I have no need for human rewards," she explained. "I just want--"

Kinto stepped forward and took her in his arms.

She gave a little "oh!" of surprise. After a moment, she dropped her gems and wrapped her arms around him. Tucking her head into the crook of his neck, she gazed up at him with shining eyes.

Kinto held her in wonder. She was pleasantly cool, as shade in summer was cool, and soft as a deer. Her tail crept around his legs and tickled him flirtatiously. He reddened. Where was that tail trying to go?

He stroked her hair, trying to distract her from her teasing. "What were you saying you wanted?"

Amaya blinked and a stray diamond rolled out. "Oh, just dinner." She grinned, showing pointy teeth. "But this is very nice too."

Kinto bent his face to hers. But just then from behind them, Toyasu sniffed.

"Has the boy got nothing between his legs?"

Amaya offered, "Well, if you're asking, I can confirm..."

But the astounding rudeness of the remark had triggered Kinto's suspicions. Turning slowly, he met Toyasu's eyes.

The investigator had his sword drawn.

"It's a funny story," Lord Toyasu said. "Last month, the prince--hopelessly in love with a ningyo--begged the emperor to allow them to marry.

"When his father said she could never be empress, the prince lost his temper and drew his sword. Of course, the emperor never revealed who made 'the assassination attempt.'"

Amaya gently detached herself from Kinto and bared her teeth. Kinto reached for his sword--but came up empty. What a time to have lost it in the pond!

"Tonight the prince, torn between his love of country and the ningyo, commits a lover's suicide with her. The court mourns its beloved prince, but time must move on. Lady Akane's son will take the throne."

"And Lady Akane will grant you ... certain favors," Kinto said through gritted teeth. His eyes darted around their surroundings. The rocks were no match for a sword. A stick? Hardly.

Toyasu spread his hands with a smile. "What can I say? As you put it, good service deserves its reward. Now--"

He swung the sword down between them, forcing Kinto to jump aside.

"The emperor knows Kinto didn't try to kill him," Amaya spat.

Toyasu shrugged lightly. "Rumors are everything, my dear. You know what they say about the heartless ningyo, don't you?"

He slashed again--not at Kinto, but Amaya. She shrieked as the sword sliced a ribbon of blood across her torso.

Kinto lunged at Toyasu, but Amaya had already slapped her tail on the water. A giant wave sprang up and dragged him into the pond.

As he rose up, sputtering, Kinto kicked him in the back. Once, twice. Toyasu, howling with pain, spun around with sword raised.

That was when Amaya struck Toyasu on the back of the head, hard. He gave a sharp cry--then fell senseless into the pond.

Kinto hurried to Amaya's side. She was still holding the treasure box high in the air.

"It probably wasn't meant to be used for this," she said cheerfully. Then her eyes widened. Lowering the box, she slowly opened it.

Inside was a teardrop-shaped magatama bead the length of his pinky finger. Inlaid with diamond and pearls, it radiated a cool moon-like light.

Amaya's hands shook. "It's my soul. From long ago, when I was human." She met his eyes, as if unable to bear the sight. "After trapping me in this form, someone must have locked it in here."

Kinto swallowed. "Does this mean that you can become human again? If you want to," he added quickly. "I'm perfectly fine with--"

Amaya laid a finger across his lips. Then she lifted her finger and kissed him softly.

For awhile, they didn't speak at all. Then Toyasu began to stir on the ground. Kinto used his own sash to bind his hands, Toyasu's sash to bind his legs--and after Toyasu's string of curses, a kerchief to gag him.

Amaya slapped Toyasu with another wave of pond water for good measure. "If Lord Toyasu staged the assassination attempt, why did he steal my box too?"

"To make it look like a robbery, I'm guessing," Kinto said. "But maybe also your soul decided it was time to return to you."

She hugged the box to her chest, eyes shining. Then suddenly she pointed at the pond. "Look at the moon in the water now. It's like a path."

Kinto loaded Toyasu into the boat and cast off into the water. "Then we'll have to see where it goes."

Amaya swam up beside them. "To grilled sweetfish, I hope."

Kinto laughed. "And then?"

She winked mischievously. "I can think of lots of things I'd like to do with you."

Together, they crossed the water as the lotuses bloomed under the moon.