Steampunk Knight

For those of you who don't know, steampunk denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England. So this Shiznat story takes place in the Victorian era, but futuristic steam-powered mechanics is used. Think "Wild Wild West" or "Treasure Planet". If you get confused, just PM me.

Oh, and I realize there weren't any knights in the Victorian age, but knights in this story are basically a type of royal guardian. I guess like an Otome, minus the powers.

Chapter 1

Night drifted over the busy town of Fuuka as Natsuki Kruger wiped her sweaty brow and breathed a content sigh of accomplishment. She'd just repaired her steam-powered motorbike, which she appropriately dubbed the Steambike. It was one of a kind, and a modern marvel at that. It had a slightly roguish look, yet it was beautiful at the same time, much like Kruger herself.

"Ugh, I feel gross," she mumbled to herself, glancing over her grease covered clothes. She was wearing a loose fitting white collared shirt and slightly baggy brown pants that were rolled up to her knees. Leather boots protected her feet and a pair vintage mechanic goggles adorned her head. Trudging to the bathroom, she pulled the goggles off her head and attempted to wipe the grime off. They were her most prized possession. Her father, the famous Silver Wolf, was arguably the greatest knight in all of Garderobe and the original owner of the goggles. The never left his head. However, he was killed two years ago and the protective headwear was left to her. Natsuki never had a mother, and when her father died, she was left to fend for herself at age fifteen. Now seventeen, the wounds left from her father's death haven't healed.

Yet, she wasn't left completely empty handed. The Krugers weren't rich, but they weren't poor either, so Natsuki could afford to live comfortably. She still had to work, however. Not that she minded, she loved working on machines. Her father taught her most of what she knows, since knights had to forge their own armor, which was composed of leather, metal, and machinery. The bluenette was Fuuka's greatest mechanic. It was a craft with a high demand, since the technological age was in full swing, and just about everyone owned some sort of machine. From automobiles to hot air balloons, and even air ships, Naksuki could fix it all.

After a well-deserved shower, she decided to head into town for a drink. Plus, she needed to speak to Yamada, the bartender. So, she hopped on her Steambike and rode into Fuuka. Her mind drifted back to her father. There were many rumors surrounding The Silver Wolf's death. Some say it was an accident, but Natsuki knew better. Two years ago, Daisuki Kruger left Fuuka in order to escort a diplomat to the war-loving nation of Aswald. It was supposed to be a peaceful meeting to figure a possible trade agreement between Garderobe and Aswald. Neither the Silver Wolf nor the diplomat returned. The ruler of Aswald informed the nation that Schwarz, a rebel group that hates the current government, killed them in attempt to start a war. They failed, however. And ever since her father's death, Natsuki has vowed to destroy the people who killed her only family.

"Oi Kruger! Long time no see," Yamada greeted her as she stepped into the bar. "Yeah, yeah you old man," she feigned annoyance, removing her long coat, which was also her father's. She owned only a few feminine clothes, since she was never taught what to wear from lack of a motherly figure in her life. About a fourth of her wardrobe consisted of her father's clothes, and they were all slightly big for her, so she altered them to fit her slender form. Despite all of this, she was still very feminine. One thing that no one else was aware of was that Natsuki Kruger loved lingerie. Even she isn't sure why. Maybe it allows her to be feminine without showing it, or maybe she just likes the way it feels.

Anyway.

"The usual, Yamada," she said, settling down in front of the gruff man, as he poured the alcohol. She grumbled a "thanks" as he handed to her.

"Everyone in this town knows you're not old enough to drink, princess," he smiled, knowing that nickname pissed her off. She snorted.

"Everyone in town also knows that I'm the only one who can fix their useless crap. They know I wouldn't give them my services if they said anything."

"True," they both knew that Natsuki only drank to get through the day. She had it worse than many. Yamada pulled out a damp rag and started to wash a few dirty glasses.

"Any news?" Natsuki asked.

"Oh, I guess I was right when I figured if you only liked me for my information…" Yamada teased, chuckling to himself. Natsuki rolled her eyes. "Actually, Schwarz has been pretty quiet lately. But I'll let you know if anything comes up."

Natsuki sighed. She hadn't really gotten anywhere in her investigation. Schwarz was very elusive and obscure. It was even difficult for someone like Yamada to get information on them. She looked up when the old man spoke.

"If anything DOES come up, what do you plan to do about it anyway? I mean, I know our father was a great warrior, but you aren't. You plannin' on taking down this whole operation single-handed, Kruger?"

Natsuki looked thoughtful for a second. She reached up and adjusted her goggles, something she did out of habit. "Well, I've been working on this airship..." Yamada looked skeptical.

"Look kid, I don't know much about these guys, but I do know they ain't something to mess with." He put the mugs down and proceeded to wipe the counter. "Ever thought about training to become a knight?"

Natsuki took a swig of her drink. "Yes, I have."

"What's holdin' ya back?"

She leaned back in her chair and closed her emerald eyes. Sighing, she fiddled with her headwear again. "Circumstance. Only the wealthy or people with connections can become an apprentice. They'd never consider a middle class mechanic."

"Ah, but you have something no one else does. A name."

"Huh?"

"Ask anyone in Garderobe about the name Kruger. Your father is legendary, princess. They'd be stupid not to let you become an apprentice." Yamada grinned.

"Yeah, but there's one problem. No one knows that the Silver Wolf had a daughter. How am I supposed to prove it?"

"Show them the famous Silver Wolf symbol your father used to wear. Don't you still have his old armor?"

"That's true. I'll think about it, Yamada. But in the mean time, I've got a business to run." She replied, stoic as ever. "I'm going to take down Schwarz, and I can do it without anyone's help."

"You got a good head on your shoulders, kid." Yamada patted her on the shoulder. "But I can see through you're careless façade. I know you dream of becoming a knight, it's in you're eyes whenever someone mentions it. If you want something, you gotta go for it, no matter the risks. I don't know about taking down Schwarz, but I know you're gonna become as legendary a knight as Daisuki one day. You got that Kruger blood." He smiled and turned to another customer. "And the drink's on the house." He winked at her. She snorted.

"You've grown soft old man," she smirked as she grabbed her coat and walked out the door. Yamada only shook his head in response.

Back at her house, Natsuki pondered Yamada's words.

Of course I want to follow in Dad's footsteps, but there's no way I can live up to his greatness. I'll just embarrass myself and ruin the family name.

But then again, he would want me to try. Yeah, I'm sure of that. He always believed in me.

"Dad, should I go for it? Or play it safe and stay here, living comfortably forever?" she spoke aloud, wandering outside to look at the stars. Natsuki has always had a strange fascination with the stars. Whenever she needed to think, she'd look up a the night sky. It made her feel like her father could hear her better. Suddenly, her ears perked up a calm, yet distressed voice coming from the road a little ways from her front porch.

"Sir, I told you I wasn't interested. Now please, allow me to continue my walk in peace."

Hm? Who would be out this late? And this far from town?

"Aw, pretty lady, please allow me to... escort you home. There are bad people out at this hour," a gruff voice slurred. As the shadows came into view, Natsuki could make out a woman, probably of nobility considering the top hat, and a well-built lower class man. The man seemed to have some difficulty keeping his balance. The raven-haired mechanic watched on in apprehensive curiosity.

"I'll repeat myself once more, sir. Please leave me alone," Natsuki could make out a sweet, yet forceful Kyoto-ben. The woman did not slow down for the stumbling drunk, she kept long strides. How could someone sound so polite and strong at the same time?

"Oi! I said I'll escort you home!" the man growled as he grabbed her by the arm. Natsuki stood up, read to step in, but she didn't have to. The woman pulled out a long barrel revolver from a hidden holster and aimed it directly at his forehead.

"Father would hate for me to use this, especially on one as low and filthy as you. However, if you do not turn around and go home immediately, I just might be forced to break my dear Father's heart," her face was veiled by darkness, but Natsuki could tell she probably had an intimidating expression. The man gasped and wasted no time spinning around and scampering away, tail between his legs. After a moment, the noble woman holstered the revolver and resumed her walk as if nothing happened.

The mechanic jumped off the porch and jogged up to the woman.

"Miss, are you alright? I saw everything just now." she inquired, trying not to sound like the rude, abrasive person that she was. The woman stopped.

"Oh, I'm sorry, did the noise wake you? I had no intention of-"

"No, I didn't wake me, I was just outside and I saw what happened."

"Oh, well good. Ookini for worrying. I'm fine." the woman giggled, which seemed uncharacteristic of her considered she almost put a bullet into that drunk bastard's forehead. "I have had to deal with men like that on many occasions, so I've become quite talented in the art of handling them."

"Heh, well I can certainly see that." Natsuki chuckled. Then, on a strange impulse she said, "Uh, w-would you like to come inside? You know, have a cup of tea? I'm sure you're at least a little bit shaken."

The woman looked thoughtful for a second. "Hm, tea you say? Well, I think I can spare a few moments. Ookini...er...I'm sorry. I never got you're name."

"Oh, Kruger. Natsuki Kruger. Pleased to meet you," she offered a leather gloved hand. The woman gasped.

"Kruger? As in-."

"Silver Wolf? Yup, he was my father."Natsuki interrupted once again, and she couldn't help but proudly puff out her chest a little. The woman was silent for a moment.

"It is quite a pleasure Kruger-han," she took Natsuki's gloved hand with her own. "My name is Viola Shizuru."

What do you think!? Reviews are nice.

Here's a picture of Natsuki's goggles:

There will be more pics of outfits and stuff later as soon as I can post them on my Deviantart account. I like to draw as well as write. :)