Saber Dolls G
A Saber Marionette Fanfiction
By BG-57
Program 01: Three Wishes
Nighttime had fallen over the city-state of Japoness; the only light was from the moon and the shopping districts. Although only it was only 300 years old, it looked far older. Dominating the skyline was a huge oriental castle surrounded by white walls capped with sloped gray tiles. The castle had been the residence of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa who along with all the other shoguns had been exact clones of the original founder of the same name. The castle was now the residence of the brilliant and lovely Lorelei, the only human female living on Terra II who was busy developing female clones. Directly opposite and beyond the city limits loomed the snow peaked volcanic cone known as the Japoness Fuji, despite that there were no other mountains on Terra II called Fuji.
In the dark streets below four people made their way along the alleyway. They reached an intersection and looked around. A Marionette stepped forward and scanned the surrounding area. She was dressed in a long sleeved black jacket and a dress shirt and tie, but a very short skirt. Her violet eyes, normally hidden under bangs of blue hair glowed softy in the night. In her visual readout appeared the words 'Akte Nicht Gefunden'.
"What is it Luchs?" asked the tall man with peaked blond hair taking his hands out of the pockets of his leather jacket. He wore jeans and his hair in a ponytail.
"We're lost Lord Faust. I'm consulting my map database," said Luchs in an embarrassed tone.
"I see," said Faust evenly.
A Marionette dressed in a similar jacket and tie but with baggy pantaloons decorated with stars folded her arms across her chest. A large tuft of blond hair mostly hid the star shaped eyepatch she wore over her right eye but her blue visible eye expressed annoyance. "Tch! You'd think these people have heard of street signs!"
Faust glanced at her. "Panther, the First Ieyasu came from a different culture on Earth than the First,"
The Saber Dolls knew that he meant the original Gelhardt Faust, since their master was actually the tenth clone of the First, complete with the memories of the first nine.
"We meant no disrespect Master Faust," said the third Marionette, dressed in the jacket and tie and form fitting black pants with a red sash. She wore a cap over her short cut red hair.
"I know Tiger," replied Faust indulgently.
"Found it," said Luchs her eyes dimming. "Left at this intersection then right after a block."
They walked down the street and eventually made it to a building with a rustic alpine motif that contrasted sharply with the nearby buildings.
Faust read the sign. "Faust Diner!" He looked stunned.
The Saber Dolls gasped and knelt in front of him. "Forgive our impudence Master Faust!" said Luchs.
Faust waved a hand. "It's alright. What else would you Saber Dolls call a restaurant?"
Panther quickly unlocked the door and let them in. Tiger flicked on the light switch. The fluorescent lighting illuminated rows of closely packed booths and tables. Behind that was a counter with cash registers and the kitchen was visible on the other side. Faust took a seat in one of the booths. The Saber Dolls stood nearby.
"Can we get you anything my Lord?" asked Tiger.
Faust picked up the menu and quickly scanned it. "Just something to drink for now."
Tiger ran behind the counter and quickly returned with a cup filled with ice tea. She set it down in front of him.
"Have a seat all of you," said Faust folding his arms across his chest and closing his eyes.
They all sat down on the opposite bench. Panther wrung her hands under the table.
"First, I'm impressed with all of you. You have obviously grown a lot. Clearly Otaru Mamiya and his Marionettes have had a good effect on you."
"We are not worthy of your praise Lord Faust," said Luchs, not daring to look up.
"Secondly, I have a lot to think about, especially considering the events involving Marine and my body double."
Tiger sighed as she recalled her last minute rescue of Faust from a liquid metal Marionette. It was the first time that he had embraced her.
"I regret betraying your body double," said Panther sadly.
"Why? He was evil," said Faust pensively.
"Because it felt like I was betraying you," she said.
"I want you to betray me if I ever become like him," he replied.
The three Saber Dolls spoke as one. "Lord Faust, you can't mean that!"
"I know I said that you were just tools, but I was wrong." He opened his eyes. "You shouldn't blindly follow me."
"As much as it hurts sometimes, we will always follow your orders," said Tiger meeting his gaze.
He nodded. "I have caused so much pain to so many people. And to you three most of all. So I've decided to make it up to you. Tiger. Luchs. Panther. Ask me what you wish, and if it is within my power, I will grant it to you."
Luchs looked at him, her eyes wide. "A wish?"
Panther gaped. "For each of us?"
Tiger covered her mouth with her hands. "Whatever we want?"
Faust nodded solemnly. "Give it some thought," he sipped his tea.
Later that night the Saber Dolls were lying awake on their futons, which were lying side by side in a tatami room above the restaurant. Luchs turned to Panther. "Can you sleep?"
Panther opened her eyes. "No. I'm trying to think of a wish."
Luchs blushed. "Do you think Master Faust would agree to.you know?"
Panther sighed. "I'd be too scared to ask for that." She rolled over to her other side. "Tiger, what do you.." She saw that Tiger's futon was empty.
Panther sat up and saw Tiger sitting on the balcony. She walked over but Tiger didn't seem to notice her. Tiger clutched her hat closer to her chest. "Dear Lord Faust, you are so kind to us now. So why does your kindness make my heart ache?" A tear rolled down her cheek.
"Tiger are you okay?" asked Panther putting a hand on her shoulder.
Tiger looked up and felt her cheek. "I should be happy. Why am I crying then?"
"Maybe your Maiden Circuit is malfunctioning," suggested Panther.
"I think it's working fine," Said Luchs joining them. "But we can get it looked at tomorrow."
Tiger got up. "I have to know now."
"Tiger!" said Panther.
She walked past them into the hallway and knocked on a door.
"Come in," said Faust's voice.
She slid open the door to find him sitting in a chair watching the moon. He was still dressed, his jacket draped over another chair. Tiger picked it up and put it on a hook. "Really Master Faust, you can be so careless sometimes."
Faust smiled quietly. "You're right of course."
She didn't turn around. "You can't sleep Master?"
Faust looked back out the window. "I don't sleep much. Is something on your mind?"
Tiger looked at him over her shoulder. "My Maiden Circuit may be malfunctioning again. Can I go to a Marionette repair shop tomorrow?"
Faust stood. "I'll look at it. Sit down."
She sat down across from him. She blushed as he carefully unbuttoned the bottom of her shirt and opened up her chest panel. He gingerly removed the cylindrical circuit with a convex cover on top. It was pulsing softly and attached to her by a few wires. He flipped out a magnifying glass and inspected it through a digital readout.
"It doesn't seem damaged. Lorelei did a good job repairing it," he said after a few moments.
She felt dizzy and weightless at the same time. "Master.how does it feel?"
He looked up. "How does what feel?"
"My Maiden Circuit," she replied breathlessly.
He closed his eyes and encircled it with his hands. "It feels warm. Warm and delicate."
Tiger started crying again. "You've never held my heart before."
He looked away, abashed. "Does it hurt?"
Tiger shook her head slowly. "No."
He examined it again. "I could crush it like an egg."
She covered his hands with hers. "You can if you want to."
He seemed distraught at that and met her gaze. "Tiger.." He dropped his head and sighed.
She gently touched his cheek with her hand. "Don't worry Lord Faust. I trust you."
Faust managed to pull in his emotions and busied himself in checking the diagnostics. "It's functioning fine." He replaced the maiden circuit and closed the chest panel.
She touched her chest. "So these are normal feelings?"
He nodded. "Yes. The Maiden Circuit will be at capacity soon."
She sat there and absorbed that. Finally she spoke again. "Master Faust, what should I wish for?"
He put the magnifying glass away. "Whatever your heart desires."
She rose. "Thank you Lord Faust. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." He went back to staring at the moonlight.
The next day Tiger went downstairs to find the kitchen already busy. Luchs was hurrying around boiling something in a pot and cutting up vegetables. She looked up but kept chopping as she talked. "Good morning Tiger. Feeling better?"
Tiger nodded. "What are you doing?"
"Isn't it obvious?" she replied. "I'm cooking breakfast for Lord Faust. I want to show him the results of my training with Cherry."
Tiger smiled. "I'm sure he'll be pleased. Can I help?"
Luchs shook her head. "I'm all set."
"Mornin'," Said Panther ambling in. "What are you making Luchs?"
"Miso soup and pickled vegetables. A traditional Japoness breakfast," she said waving the knife at the food.
"Smells good," said Faust as he came down the stairs.
"Oh you're too generous Master!" gushed Luchs. She quickly brought the pot over and served four bowls with soup. She hurried back to the kitchen as the others sat down.
Panther took a sip. "Well, she's improved at least," she commented.
Luchs returned with a plate of pickled vegetables. She served some onto each of the plates with chopsticks. She expectantly watched Faust take a bite.
"It's good," he said.
Luchs hugged herself furiously. "Oh thank you Master! It's nothing really!"
Panther stared. "Maybe her Maiden Circuit is the one malfunctioning."
"Have any of you thought of a wish?" asked Faust.
"Yes Master!" said Luchs, raising her hand.
He leaned on his hand. "What would you like?"
"Um.." Suddenly she had become bashful. "I was wondering if you would like to spend some time with me later today. Maybe go to a play and dinner?"
He thought about it. "You mean a 'date'?"
Luchs fidgeted nervously. "A 'date'? Yes, if it pleases you Master."
"Fine with me," he said.
"Aiee! Master Faust, thank you!" she said running off.
Panther called after her. "Luchs you little sneak! How dare you beat me to my wish!"
Tiger and Faust sipped their soup.
Later that day a Marionette stopped by a large statue. She was tall and muscular, with long red hair tied back. White ropes that twisted across her back accented her low cut dress. She smiled as she looked at the statue of herself but became angry when she saw birds perching on the statue's head.
"Hey! Shoo! Go somewhere else!" she said waving at them, causing them to scatter. She hopped up onto the statue to inspect the damage and found someone hugging the other side.
"Luchs?" she asked.
"Oh, Bloodberry, hi," said Luchs trying to look as nonchalant as possible while hugging a statue.
Bloodberry saw Luchs was wearing a pale green gown and matching hat. "What are you all dressed up for?"
"It's so embarrassing!" she replied. "I'm waiting for Master Faust."
Bloodberry looked lost. "You're going on a 'date'?"
Luchs nodded and hugged the statue tighter. "Yes, my Master has granted me this one wish."
Bloodberry leaned against the statue of an impish looking Marionette. "Huh? Are Tiger and Panther okay with this?"
"They haven't asked for their wishes yet," she replied.
Bloodberry wondered to herself why she hadn't thought of that approach with Otaru before. "Well I'll see you then. When's he meeting you?"
"Around Noon," she said, sighing.
Bloodberry hopped to the ground and rubbed her head. "It's almost eight. Have fun waiting."
"Thank you Bloodberry," said Luchs cheerfully.
"She's worse than Cherry," Bloodberry muttered to herself. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to get Otaru to grant me a wish!"
The wind rustled the grass in front of a nearby dojo. The martial arts students eagerly gathered at the windows to watch Faust and Panther facing off in the courtyard. Both were dressed in loose pants and tunics with black belts.
"Are you ready for your wish?" demanded Faust sternly.
"Anytime Master!" said Panther enthusiastically.
Faust buried a fist into his palm. "I don't want you to hold back. That's an order."
Panther smiled broadly. "Yes my Lord."
A student turned to a tall thin man with long black hair sitting on the porch. "Master Soemon, who do you think will win?" he asked.
"Panther," replied Soemon evenly.
"But surely Faust-," began the student.
"I see no malice in his eyes now. Panther has a fire that he lacks," said Soemon in a worried tone.
Panther ran toward Faust at full tilt yelling all the way. She brought down a fist that Faust barely managed to block. She spun and hit him in the chest with her foot, sending him sprawling. She ran over to him. "Lord Faust!"
He swept a leg under her feet, tripping her. He smoothly rose. "Don't let down your guard Panther!" he admonished.
She leapt back up and sent her fist forward. As he sidestepped, she fired a beam on light from her right eye. He ducked and ran towards her. She grabbed his arm and flipped him over her shoulder. She released and Faust landed on his back with a tremendous thud. She whirled around and got into a fighting stance but he just lay there.
"Lord Faust?" she asked.
"You win," he said weakly.
A few minutes later she was kneeling next to Faust wrapping a bandage around his head. "Please forgive me," said Panther miserably.
Faust chuckled quietly. "Panther, if you didn't get carried away like this you wouldn't be true to yourself."
Panther smiled awkwardly. "Master, thank you. It was an honor to fight you in combat. But how was I able to win?"
Faust rubbed his forehead. "I created you to do the fighting for me."
Soemon walked over. "You shouldn't exert yourself so my Lord."
Faust shook his head. "You can call me Gelhardt."
Soemon smiled secretively. "I don't even think Lady Lorelei can call you that."
Faust nodded. "You have a point. Panther I suppose you can't either?"
Panther looked aghast at the suggestion. "I would never disrespect you so."
Faust sighed and stood up with Panther's help. "There's no need to treat me like the ruler of Gartland anymore. I'm just an ordinary man."
"There is nothing ordinary about you my Lord," said Soemon walking away.
Panther and Faust exchanged silent glances.
Across town a young man with brown hair tied in a ponytail walked into a restaurant, brushing aside the curtain hanging over the entryway.
"I'm back!" he called.
"Welcome home Master Otaru!" said a young marionette with a pair of enormous red ornaments in her purple hair.
"Hi Cherry." He walked up to the counter and sat next to Tiger, who was sitting with her head down on the countertop. "Hey Tiger, are you okay?"
She turned to look at him without raising her head. "What do you wish for more than anything?" she asked.
"What do I wish for?" he asked. He stared ahead pensively for a while. "Nothing really."
She sat up. "Nothing at all?" she said.
Otaru shook his head. "I already have all I really want. Right, Cherry?"
Cherry blushed and fidgeted with a carving knife. "Oh Master Otaru, you are so bold! You want me all to yourself?"
Otaru blushed and turned back to Tiger. "What's this all about?"
Tiger rested her head in her arms. "Master Faust wants to grant us three wishes. But we are not supposed to want anything except his love. We were created to serve him, not the other way around."
"Love is about sharing," said Cherry. "You have receive love as well. Right Master?"
"Uh, yeah," said Otaru rubbing his head. "He does care about you, though. I know he has a funny way of showing it."
Tiger sighed. "You didn't know him as a child. He was so joyous and carefree. When he was implanted with the memories of the other clones he.changed."
"Yeah, but he's nice now," said Cherry. "He used to be mean."
Tiger looked up. "He carries a sadness he didn't have before. Even when he was cruel to me I admired him. He inspired me to fight harder. Now he's so unsure of himself."
"He seems sure about you guys," said Otaru.
Tiger closed her eyes and smiled. "Thank you Otaru. But what I really wish for can never happen."
"Whatever it is, you should still ask him," said Otaru as he munched on some sukiyaki that Cherry set before him.
Tiger suddenly got up. "You're right. I have to ask him."
"Good luck," said Otaru.
"Thank you, come again," said Cherry as Tiger left.
Faust removed the bandage on his head as he reached the statue. He glanced back and forth and leaned against the base. Luchs noiselessly landed next to him.
"My Lord!" she said breathlessly.
He turned to her. "Luchs, have you been waiting long?"
She shook her head. "Oh not at all!"
He stared at her dress. "You look nice."
She turned beet-red. "Oh Master! Don't say things like that! It's so embarrassing!"
Faust blinked a bit. "Shall we go?"
Luchs nodded and they walked down the street. She shyly looked up at him. "Master?" she asked.
"What is it?"
"May I.hold onto you?"
He nodded and extended an arm. She wrapped her hand around his elbow and leaned her head against his shoulder. She sighed.
"Anything wrong?" he asked.
"No Master. It's just that I've always wished for this."
"It's the least I can do," he said, "You've risked your life for me countless time and saved Lorelei."
She stopped still holding onto his arm. He stopped as well.
"What's wrong?" he inquired.
She couldn't look at him. "Are you doing this out of obligation to me Master?"
He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm doing what I should have done a long time ago."
She looked up, her eyes moist. "So it's guilt? Is that all?"
He sighed and embraced her. "No Luchs. I'm doing this because I care about you."
She couldn't stop the tears. "I am not worthy of such praise my Lord."
He grimaced. "Stop saying that! You are!"
She looked up into his eyes. "Oh Lord Faust!"
By now a short blue haired marionette wearing a white dress with long sleeves was watching them intently. She wore a yellow bandanna with a large ornament stuck into it.
"Hao!" she said brightly.
Luchs gasped and pulled away from Faust. "L-Lime!"
Lime blinked and waved. "Luchs, Hao!"
Luchs feebly waved back.
She turned and waved again. "Faust, Hao!"
Faust nodded to her.
She giggled and ambled over to Luchs. "Whacha doing?" she asked.
Luchs seethed. "You're ruining my chance with Lord Faust!" she snapped.
Lime stared at her blankly. "Chance? What's that?"
"It's an opportunity to confess how you feel to the one you love," she said testily.
"Otaru is the one I love!" said Lime enthusiastically.
"Why don't you go tell him that?" suggested Faust.
Lime looked up, lost in thought for a second. "Hey! Good idea! Thanks Faust!"
They watched her jump onto a rooftop and hop from building to building.
Luchs sighed. "Thank you my Lord."
Faust offered his hand. "Let's go."
She smiled and took it.
Tiger sat alone under a tree on a hillside that overlooked Japoness. She was dressed in her uniform and playing idly with her whip blade. She closed her eyes and sighed. Faust came over the ridge and looked down at her. As he came close she spoke.
"Master, you came!"
He stood next to her and admired the view of the valley.
"Of course Tiger," he said evenly, "What is your wish?"
Tiger stood and removed her hat and held it out to him. "Please?"
He looked distraught for a second but nodded. He sat down next to her. She put the cap on his head.
"How does it look?" he asked.
She stared at him gravely then began to giggle uncontrollably.
He tried to pull the cap down but it didn't fit his head. He smiled faintly.
"I'm sorry Master!" she said, trying to control regain her composure.
He sighed quietly. "It's alright Tiger." He removed the hat and adjusted the headband. He then replaced it.
She smiled. "It looks good on you."
His smile was tinged with sadness. "This is your wish?" he asked.
She nodded. "I was always the happiest when I was playing with you in a field of flowers."
He met her gaze. "That was a long time ago."
She nodded. "I know. Can you do one more thing Master?"
He looked thoughtful. "If I can."
"Please get some sleep," she said.
He frowned. "Sleep? What about your wish?"
She smiled, patting her knee. "This is my wish. Please lie down."
He leaned back so his head was resting across her lap. He looked slightly ill at ease.
"Are you uncomfortable my Lord?" asked Tiger.
"I feel like a little child again," he said.
Tiger nodded. "Can you remember how happy you were then?"
He felt the breeze blow across his face. "Yes. It seems so long ago now."
"Can you hear the wind rustle the leaves?" she asked, "The flowers sway to and fro?"
He closed his eyes and nodded. She stroked his hair.
"Let go of your burdens for a while Master," she said softly.
He seemed to nod off.
"Thank you," she added.
"For what?" he murmured.
"For granting my wish," she replied.
He mumbled something she couldn't make out. Soon he drifted off to sleep. Tiger leaned down and kissed his forehead. She looked up and watched the sunset bathe the valley in hues of orange and red.
Preview
Lord Faust wants to talk to Lorelei privately! But they won't let her leave the castle! It's up to Luchs, Panther, and I to get her out! Will Lord Faust confess his love for her? Will he still need us if he does? Next time on Saber Dolls G: 'Confession'. Lord Faust, I love you!
A Saber Marionette Fanfiction
By BG-57
Program 01: Three Wishes
Nighttime had fallen over the city-state of Japoness; the only light was from the moon and the shopping districts. Although only it was only 300 years old, it looked far older. Dominating the skyline was a huge oriental castle surrounded by white walls capped with sloped gray tiles. The castle had been the residence of Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa who along with all the other shoguns had been exact clones of the original founder of the same name. The castle was now the residence of the brilliant and lovely Lorelei, the only human female living on Terra II who was busy developing female clones. Directly opposite and beyond the city limits loomed the snow peaked volcanic cone known as the Japoness Fuji, despite that there were no other mountains on Terra II called Fuji.
In the dark streets below four people made their way along the alleyway. They reached an intersection and looked around. A Marionette stepped forward and scanned the surrounding area. She was dressed in a long sleeved black jacket and a dress shirt and tie, but a very short skirt. Her violet eyes, normally hidden under bangs of blue hair glowed softy in the night. In her visual readout appeared the words 'Akte Nicht Gefunden'.
"What is it Luchs?" asked the tall man with peaked blond hair taking his hands out of the pockets of his leather jacket. He wore jeans and his hair in a ponytail.
"We're lost Lord Faust. I'm consulting my map database," said Luchs in an embarrassed tone.
"I see," said Faust evenly.
A Marionette dressed in a similar jacket and tie but with baggy pantaloons decorated with stars folded her arms across her chest. A large tuft of blond hair mostly hid the star shaped eyepatch she wore over her right eye but her blue visible eye expressed annoyance. "Tch! You'd think these people have heard of street signs!"
Faust glanced at her. "Panther, the First Ieyasu came from a different culture on Earth than the First,"
The Saber Dolls knew that he meant the original Gelhardt Faust, since their master was actually the tenth clone of the First, complete with the memories of the first nine.
"We meant no disrespect Master Faust," said the third Marionette, dressed in the jacket and tie and form fitting black pants with a red sash. She wore a cap over her short cut red hair.
"I know Tiger," replied Faust indulgently.
"Found it," said Luchs her eyes dimming. "Left at this intersection then right after a block."
They walked down the street and eventually made it to a building with a rustic alpine motif that contrasted sharply with the nearby buildings.
Faust read the sign. "Faust Diner!" He looked stunned.
The Saber Dolls gasped and knelt in front of him. "Forgive our impudence Master Faust!" said Luchs.
Faust waved a hand. "It's alright. What else would you Saber Dolls call a restaurant?"
Panther quickly unlocked the door and let them in. Tiger flicked on the light switch. The fluorescent lighting illuminated rows of closely packed booths and tables. Behind that was a counter with cash registers and the kitchen was visible on the other side. Faust took a seat in one of the booths. The Saber Dolls stood nearby.
"Can we get you anything my Lord?" asked Tiger.
Faust picked up the menu and quickly scanned it. "Just something to drink for now."
Tiger ran behind the counter and quickly returned with a cup filled with ice tea. She set it down in front of him.
"Have a seat all of you," said Faust folding his arms across his chest and closing his eyes.
They all sat down on the opposite bench. Panther wrung her hands under the table.
"First, I'm impressed with all of you. You have obviously grown a lot. Clearly Otaru Mamiya and his Marionettes have had a good effect on you."
"We are not worthy of your praise Lord Faust," said Luchs, not daring to look up.
"Secondly, I have a lot to think about, especially considering the events involving Marine and my body double."
Tiger sighed as she recalled her last minute rescue of Faust from a liquid metal Marionette. It was the first time that he had embraced her.
"I regret betraying your body double," said Panther sadly.
"Why? He was evil," said Faust pensively.
"Because it felt like I was betraying you," she said.
"I want you to betray me if I ever become like him," he replied.
The three Saber Dolls spoke as one. "Lord Faust, you can't mean that!"
"I know I said that you were just tools, but I was wrong." He opened his eyes. "You shouldn't blindly follow me."
"As much as it hurts sometimes, we will always follow your orders," said Tiger meeting his gaze.
He nodded. "I have caused so much pain to so many people. And to you three most of all. So I've decided to make it up to you. Tiger. Luchs. Panther. Ask me what you wish, and if it is within my power, I will grant it to you."
Luchs looked at him, her eyes wide. "A wish?"
Panther gaped. "For each of us?"
Tiger covered her mouth with her hands. "Whatever we want?"
Faust nodded solemnly. "Give it some thought," he sipped his tea.
Later that night the Saber Dolls were lying awake on their futons, which were lying side by side in a tatami room above the restaurant. Luchs turned to Panther. "Can you sleep?"
Panther opened her eyes. "No. I'm trying to think of a wish."
Luchs blushed. "Do you think Master Faust would agree to.you know?"
Panther sighed. "I'd be too scared to ask for that." She rolled over to her other side. "Tiger, what do you.." She saw that Tiger's futon was empty.
Panther sat up and saw Tiger sitting on the balcony. She walked over but Tiger didn't seem to notice her. Tiger clutched her hat closer to her chest. "Dear Lord Faust, you are so kind to us now. So why does your kindness make my heart ache?" A tear rolled down her cheek.
"Tiger are you okay?" asked Panther putting a hand on her shoulder.
Tiger looked up and felt her cheek. "I should be happy. Why am I crying then?"
"Maybe your Maiden Circuit is malfunctioning," suggested Panther.
"I think it's working fine," Said Luchs joining them. "But we can get it looked at tomorrow."
Tiger got up. "I have to know now."
"Tiger!" said Panther.
She walked past them into the hallway and knocked on a door.
"Come in," said Faust's voice.
She slid open the door to find him sitting in a chair watching the moon. He was still dressed, his jacket draped over another chair. Tiger picked it up and put it on a hook. "Really Master Faust, you can be so careless sometimes."
Faust smiled quietly. "You're right of course."
She didn't turn around. "You can't sleep Master?"
Faust looked back out the window. "I don't sleep much. Is something on your mind?"
Tiger looked at him over her shoulder. "My Maiden Circuit may be malfunctioning again. Can I go to a Marionette repair shop tomorrow?"
Faust stood. "I'll look at it. Sit down."
She sat down across from him. She blushed as he carefully unbuttoned the bottom of her shirt and opened up her chest panel. He gingerly removed the cylindrical circuit with a convex cover on top. It was pulsing softly and attached to her by a few wires. He flipped out a magnifying glass and inspected it through a digital readout.
"It doesn't seem damaged. Lorelei did a good job repairing it," he said after a few moments.
She felt dizzy and weightless at the same time. "Master.how does it feel?"
He looked up. "How does what feel?"
"My Maiden Circuit," she replied breathlessly.
He closed his eyes and encircled it with his hands. "It feels warm. Warm and delicate."
Tiger started crying again. "You've never held my heart before."
He looked away, abashed. "Does it hurt?"
Tiger shook her head slowly. "No."
He examined it again. "I could crush it like an egg."
She covered his hands with hers. "You can if you want to."
He seemed distraught at that and met her gaze. "Tiger.." He dropped his head and sighed.
She gently touched his cheek with her hand. "Don't worry Lord Faust. I trust you."
Faust managed to pull in his emotions and busied himself in checking the diagnostics. "It's functioning fine." He replaced the maiden circuit and closed the chest panel.
She touched her chest. "So these are normal feelings?"
He nodded. "Yes. The Maiden Circuit will be at capacity soon."
She sat there and absorbed that. Finally she spoke again. "Master Faust, what should I wish for?"
He put the magnifying glass away. "Whatever your heart desires."
She rose. "Thank you Lord Faust. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." He went back to staring at the moonlight.
The next day Tiger went downstairs to find the kitchen already busy. Luchs was hurrying around boiling something in a pot and cutting up vegetables. She looked up but kept chopping as she talked. "Good morning Tiger. Feeling better?"
Tiger nodded. "What are you doing?"
"Isn't it obvious?" she replied. "I'm cooking breakfast for Lord Faust. I want to show him the results of my training with Cherry."
Tiger smiled. "I'm sure he'll be pleased. Can I help?"
Luchs shook her head. "I'm all set."
"Mornin'," Said Panther ambling in. "What are you making Luchs?"
"Miso soup and pickled vegetables. A traditional Japoness breakfast," she said waving the knife at the food.
"Smells good," said Faust as he came down the stairs.
"Oh you're too generous Master!" gushed Luchs. She quickly brought the pot over and served four bowls with soup. She hurried back to the kitchen as the others sat down.
Panther took a sip. "Well, she's improved at least," she commented.
Luchs returned with a plate of pickled vegetables. She served some onto each of the plates with chopsticks. She expectantly watched Faust take a bite.
"It's good," he said.
Luchs hugged herself furiously. "Oh thank you Master! It's nothing really!"
Panther stared. "Maybe her Maiden Circuit is the one malfunctioning."
"Have any of you thought of a wish?" asked Faust.
"Yes Master!" said Luchs, raising her hand.
He leaned on his hand. "What would you like?"
"Um.." Suddenly she had become bashful. "I was wondering if you would like to spend some time with me later today. Maybe go to a play and dinner?"
He thought about it. "You mean a 'date'?"
Luchs fidgeted nervously. "A 'date'? Yes, if it pleases you Master."
"Fine with me," he said.
"Aiee! Master Faust, thank you!" she said running off.
Panther called after her. "Luchs you little sneak! How dare you beat me to my wish!"
Tiger and Faust sipped their soup.
Later that day a Marionette stopped by a large statue. She was tall and muscular, with long red hair tied back. White ropes that twisted across her back accented her low cut dress. She smiled as she looked at the statue of herself but became angry when she saw birds perching on the statue's head.
"Hey! Shoo! Go somewhere else!" she said waving at them, causing them to scatter. She hopped up onto the statue to inspect the damage and found someone hugging the other side.
"Luchs?" she asked.
"Oh, Bloodberry, hi," said Luchs trying to look as nonchalant as possible while hugging a statue.
Bloodberry saw Luchs was wearing a pale green gown and matching hat. "What are you all dressed up for?"
"It's so embarrassing!" she replied. "I'm waiting for Master Faust."
Bloodberry looked lost. "You're going on a 'date'?"
Luchs nodded and hugged the statue tighter. "Yes, my Master has granted me this one wish."
Bloodberry leaned against the statue of an impish looking Marionette. "Huh? Are Tiger and Panther okay with this?"
"They haven't asked for their wishes yet," she replied.
Bloodberry wondered to herself why she hadn't thought of that approach with Otaru before. "Well I'll see you then. When's he meeting you?"
"Around Noon," she said, sighing.
Bloodberry hopped to the ground and rubbed her head. "It's almost eight. Have fun waiting."
"Thank you Bloodberry," said Luchs cheerfully.
"She's worse than Cherry," Bloodberry muttered to herself. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to get Otaru to grant me a wish!"
The wind rustled the grass in front of a nearby dojo. The martial arts students eagerly gathered at the windows to watch Faust and Panther facing off in the courtyard. Both were dressed in loose pants and tunics with black belts.
"Are you ready for your wish?" demanded Faust sternly.
"Anytime Master!" said Panther enthusiastically.
Faust buried a fist into his palm. "I don't want you to hold back. That's an order."
Panther smiled broadly. "Yes my Lord."
A student turned to a tall thin man with long black hair sitting on the porch. "Master Soemon, who do you think will win?" he asked.
"Panther," replied Soemon evenly.
"But surely Faust-," began the student.
"I see no malice in his eyes now. Panther has a fire that he lacks," said Soemon in a worried tone.
Panther ran toward Faust at full tilt yelling all the way. She brought down a fist that Faust barely managed to block. She spun and hit him in the chest with her foot, sending him sprawling. She ran over to him. "Lord Faust!"
He swept a leg under her feet, tripping her. He smoothly rose. "Don't let down your guard Panther!" he admonished.
She leapt back up and sent her fist forward. As he sidestepped, she fired a beam on light from her right eye. He ducked and ran towards her. She grabbed his arm and flipped him over her shoulder. She released and Faust landed on his back with a tremendous thud. She whirled around and got into a fighting stance but he just lay there.
"Lord Faust?" she asked.
"You win," he said weakly.
A few minutes later she was kneeling next to Faust wrapping a bandage around his head. "Please forgive me," said Panther miserably.
Faust chuckled quietly. "Panther, if you didn't get carried away like this you wouldn't be true to yourself."
Panther smiled awkwardly. "Master, thank you. It was an honor to fight you in combat. But how was I able to win?"
Faust rubbed his forehead. "I created you to do the fighting for me."
Soemon walked over. "You shouldn't exert yourself so my Lord."
Faust shook his head. "You can call me Gelhardt."
Soemon smiled secretively. "I don't even think Lady Lorelei can call you that."
Faust nodded. "You have a point. Panther I suppose you can't either?"
Panther looked aghast at the suggestion. "I would never disrespect you so."
Faust sighed and stood up with Panther's help. "There's no need to treat me like the ruler of Gartland anymore. I'm just an ordinary man."
"There is nothing ordinary about you my Lord," said Soemon walking away.
Panther and Faust exchanged silent glances.
Across town a young man with brown hair tied in a ponytail walked into a restaurant, brushing aside the curtain hanging over the entryway.
"I'm back!" he called.
"Welcome home Master Otaru!" said a young marionette with a pair of enormous red ornaments in her purple hair.
"Hi Cherry." He walked up to the counter and sat next to Tiger, who was sitting with her head down on the countertop. "Hey Tiger, are you okay?"
She turned to look at him without raising her head. "What do you wish for more than anything?" she asked.
"What do I wish for?" he asked. He stared ahead pensively for a while. "Nothing really."
She sat up. "Nothing at all?" she said.
Otaru shook his head. "I already have all I really want. Right, Cherry?"
Cherry blushed and fidgeted with a carving knife. "Oh Master Otaru, you are so bold! You want me all to yourself?"
Otaru blushed and turned back to Tiger. "What's this all about?"
Tiger rested her head in her arms. "Master Faust wants to grant us three wishes. But we are not supposed to want anything except his love. We were created to serve him, not the other way around."
"Love is about sharing," said Cherry. "You have receive love as well. Right Master?"
"Uh, yeah," said Otaru rubbing his head. "He does care about you, though. I know he has a funny way of showing it."
Tiger sighed. "You didn't know him as a child. He was so joyous and carefree. When he was implanted with the memories of the other clones he.changed."
"Yeah, but he's nice now," said Cherry. "He used to be mean."
Tiger looked up. "He carries a sadness he didn't have before. Even when he was cruel to me I admired him. He inspired me to fight harder. Now he's so unsure of himself."
"He seems sure about you guys," said Otaru.
Tiger closed her eyes and smiled. "Thank you Otaru. But what I really wish for can never happen."
"Whatever it is, you should still ask him," said Otaru as he munched on some sukiyaki that Cherry set before him.
Tiger suddenly got up. "You're right. I have to ask him."
"Good luck," said Otaru.
"Thank you, come again," said Cherry as Tiger left.
Faust removed the bandage on his head as he reached the statue. He glanced back and forth and leaned against the base. Luchs noiselessly landed next to him.
"My Lord!" she said breathlessly.
He turned to her. "Luchs, have you been waiting long?"
She shook her head. "Oh not at all!"
He stared at her dress. "You look nice."
She turned beet-red. "Oh Master! Don't say things like that! It's so embarrassing!"
Faust blinked a bit. "Shall we go?"
Luchs nodded and they walked down the street. She shyly looked up at him. "Master?" she asked.
"What is it?"
"May I.hold onto you?"
He nodded and extended an arm. She wrapped her hand around his elbow and leaned her head against his shoulder. She sighed.
"Anything wrong?" he asked.
"No Master. It's just that I've always wished for this."
"It's the least I can do," he said, "You've risked your life for me countless time and saved Lorelei."
She stopped still holding onto his arm. He stopped as well.
"What's wrong?" he inquired.
She couldn't look at him. "Are you doing this out of obligation to me Master?"
He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm doing what I should have done a long time ago."
She looked up, her eyes moist. "So it's guilt? Is that all?"
He sighed and embraced her. "No Luchs. I'm doing this because I care about you."
She couldn't stop the tears. "I am not worthy of such praise my Lord."
He grimaced. "Stop saying that! You are!"
She looked up into his eyes. "Oh Lord Faust!"
By now a short blue haired marionette wearing a white dress with long sleeves was watching them intently. She wore a yellow bandanna with a large ornament stuck into it.
"Hao!" she said brightly.
Luchs gasped and pulled away from Faust. "L-Lime!"
Lime blinked and waved. "Luchs, Hao!"
Luchs feebly waved back.
She turned and waved again. "Faust, Hao!"
Faust nodded to her.
She giggled and ambled over to Luchs. "Whacha doing?" she asked.
Luchs seethed. "You're ruining my chance with Lord Faust!" she snapped.
Lime stared at her blankly. "Chance? What's that?"
"It's an opportunity to confess how you feel to the one you love," she said testily.
"Otaru is the one I love!" said Lime enthusiastically.
"Why don't you go tell him that?" suggested Faust.
Lime looked up, lost in thought for a second. "Hey! Good idea! Thanks Faust!"
They watched her jump onto a rooftop and hop from building to building.
Luchs sighed. "Thank you my Lord."
Faust offered his hand. "Let's go."
She smiled and took it.
Tiger sat alone under a tree on a hillside that overlooked Japoness. She was dressed in her uniform and playing idly with her whip blade. She closed her eyes and sighed. Faust came over the ridge and looked down at her. As he came close she spoke.
"Master, you came!"
He stood next to her and admired the view of the valley.
"Of course Tiger," he said evenly, "What is your wish?"
Tiger stood and removed her hat and held it out to him. "Please?"
He looked distraught for a second but nodded. He sat down next to her. She put the cap on his head.
"How does it look?" he asked.
She stared at him gravely then began to giggle uncontrollably.
He tried to pull the cap down but it didn't fit his head. He smiled faintly.
"I'm sorry Master!" she said, trying to control regain her composure.
He sighed quietly. "It's alright Tiger." He removed the hat and adjusted the headband. He then replaced it.
She smiled. "It looks good on you."
His smile was tinged with sadness. "This is your wish?" he asked.
She nodded. "I was always the happiest when I was playing with you in a field of flowers."
He met her gaze. "That was a long time ago."
She nodded. "I know. Can you do one more thing Master?"
He looked thoughtful. "If I can."
"Please get some sleep," she said.
He frowned. "Sleep? What about your wish?"
She smiled, patting her knee. "This is my wish. Please lie down."
He leaned back so his head was resting across her lap. He looked slightly ill at ease.
"Are you uncomfortable my Lord?" asked Tiger.
"I feel like a little child again," he said.
Tiger nodded. "Can you remember how happy you were then?"
He felt the breeze blow across his face. "Yes. It seems so long ago now."
"Can you hear the wind rustle the leaves?" she asked, "The flowers sway to and fro?"
He closed his eyes and nodded. She stroked his hair.
"Let go of your burdens for a while Master," she said softly.
He seemed to nod off.
"Thank you," she added.
"For what?" he murmured.
"For granting my wish," she replied.
He mumbled something she couldn't make out. Soon he drifted off to sleep. Tiger leaned down and kissed his forehead. She looked up and watched the sunset bathe the valley in hues of orange and red.
Preview
Lord Faust wants to talk to Lorelei privately! But they won't let her leave the castle! It's up to Luchs, Panther, and I to get her out! Will Lord Faust confess his love for her? Will he still need us if he does? Next time on Saber Dolls G: 'Confession'. Lord Faust, I love you!