Disclaimer: I do not own the names or characters of Mai Hime/Otome, nor a lot of the concepts presented within this story. I just allow my imagination to roam freely.

Rules and Guidelines Note: WARNING! This is for Mature Audiences only as it will contain adult situations that may not be appropriate for minors. This does not apply to every chapter, but as it applies to the story as a whole it will be noted.

Author's Note: I appreciate and thank the readers who reviewed or left a comment. Your words and thoughts are always welcomed. A writer (whether professional or as a hobby) at times require constructive criticism in order to continue their own growth and maturity towards the story and oneself.

And now I present the continuation of Salvation...


(In the year 1235 of Countess Viola, 60 years has passed since Shizuru went into slumber)

She had secured her motorcycle helmet underneath her arm and was heading outside the HIME Corporate building, into the immortal realm to do her patrolling. As the times have changed so must everything else along with it. The group unanimously decided to alter the insurance building into a magazine building called HIME, which printed a monthly issue of highly desirable clothing wear for the general mortal public, which also helped in funding the maintenance.

She was walking briskly down the stairs towards her motorcycle when someone called out to her, causing her to pause in her stride turning around she answered, "Chie."

Chie smiled, "Natsuki Kruger, I forgot to tell you that you're off the hook this week when it comes to patrolling." Chie couldn't help but do a quick by pass of what Natsuki was wearing. Natsuki had on dark blue leather pants that were snug but not to snug around her lower body, with her military motorcycle boots which probably held some sort of concealed knife. Natsuki's top portion was covered with a dark blue Jacket that was snug around her frame, perfect for movement if necessary. On top of that Jacket she wore a black vest that sported ample bullet magazines and other sorts of medical necessity that she required. Strapped to her back was a katana along with two six inch knives securely placed on the side of her legs near her hips. And who could forget the 9mm strapped to her right thigh. Chie nodded approving Natsuki's look when Natsuki cleared her throat.

"Why do you address me by my full name Chie? And I wasn't aware that I didn't have border patrol this week, can I ask why?" Natsuki stated patiently waiting for a response.

"Sorry bad habit and that was my fault, I should have told you last week when you returned from your patrol. The princess Viola will be awakening soon and as you are a new sire she would like to get acquainted with you. It's something that she does when she reawakens. It's also kind of how she welcomes you into her fold." Chie answered.

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "We're dead and this isn't some play school reality, Chie. If she wishes to address me she can do so after I have completed my task. It's more important at the moment to see to it that her realm is secure then to play kiss ass."

Chie laughed, "Always the cold one aren't you Natsuki. Alright, I'll let our princess know that you chose her safety over ass kissing. I should warn you though, no new sire has not attended her reawakening meeting. It's kind of like a requirement when you signed up."

Natsuki calmly replied, "What's the worst she can do, kill me when I'm already dead. I will tend to her when I return, and if I die, well she won't have anything to worry about now will she."

Chie exhaled, "You talk as though your presence holds no weight. You do know the blood line you carry within you, right Natsuki, even though you try to mask it. I've known Shizuru long enough to know that the same blood runs in you."

Natsuki glared at Chie, "I have spent many years hunting the likes of you and your princess Viola. Do not dare to compare me when you know nothing of how I came to be or the matters in which I am the way I am now."

Chie rubbed the gap between her eyebrows, "Look I've heard of the vampire huntress Kruger and how you killed many of my brethrens, knowing full well they deserved it. You may still be that person but at the same time you are not. You have a responsibility Natsuki."

Natsuki sighed, "My responsibility is to see to it that your princess stays alive for as long as possible. That's all I promised the old man before he perished. I have no desire to overthrow her or take the helm. I have other matters of the heart that requires settling before anything and when I say anything I mean anything else gets in my way. And if that so happens to be your princess, so be it."

Chie tried to reason with her, "Natsuki if you would just talk to her she might be able to help you with those matters. I mean what's…"

Natsuki snapped at Chie, "This does not concern you or she and I can handle it myself. You have matters to attend to so tend to them as for me I have a task to do. Besides you can always track me, to know that I'm alive." Natsuki pointed to the golden watch securely embedded onto her wrist before turning around to leave.

Chie opened her mouth but shut it and watched while Natsuki strode off anger oozing from her causing those nearby to dissipate in her presence. And when Natsuki drove off on her Ducati, Chie couldn't help but yell from the top of her lungs, "You coward."

"Who are you calling coward love?" Upon hearing those words Chie spun around in a pout earning a soft chuckle from the woman who questioned her.

Those soft sweet chuckles made Chie smile her mood brightening up upon replying, "I was yelling at that damn Natsuki. There are but a few of us who knows who really sired her and she chooses to be ignorant to the fact."

Aoi nodded in understanding, "I heard from Yohko awhile back that there is something odd about how she was sired."

Chie answered, "Yes, Yohko told me that as well when Natsuki joined us. Even now she is still running her test and is still puzzled by what she finds. Just like the princess we have another enigma on our hands and one that carries his blood too. I don't know if Dracula is laughing at us or turning in his grave."

Aoi shrugged, "You should not think so much about it or it will only give you a headache. Besides Natsuki has been around for a good quarter of a century before she was sired and even then she's been around for a good two decades. I would hope he taught her the ropes of how things work, unlike Shizuru's father."

Chie grabbed Aoi, "Let us think of this later if it becomes an issue, which I hope not. Right now we have other affairs to tend to."

xxxx

Her eyes snapped opened and all you could see was the crimson orbs in the darkness. With her mind she telepathically called out to Haruka, "How has things fared while I have been absent?" One of the few perks she enjoyed having as a vampire.

Haruka was in the middle of discussing an issue when she heard Shizuru's voice, startling her while she replied, "You're awake?"

Shizuru chuckled in Haruka's mind answering, "Yes I just stirred awake. Now are you going to leaving me pondering what has become of my realm?"

Haruka scoffed, "Everything is fine Shizuru, but we did get some new sires, one of them is a handful. A delinquent if I say so myself, but she has guts so I can over look some of the things she does."

Shizuru smiled, "It is odd of you to praise someone especially a new sire."

Haruka nodded, "She's been with us for a couple of decades now and still as cold as ever. Yukino says that the way she was sired was rather intriguing. Oh don't get me wrong not as intriguing as how you were sired."

Shizuru sighed and Haruka realized she broached a subject that shouldn't have been broached, but didn't know how to change the discussion remained silent until Shizuru asked, "How long have I been slumbering?"

Haruka who had already dismissed herself from the meeting and was almost to Shizuru's chamber answered, "You tend to sleep less if you don't over exert yourself when you are awake."

Shizuru nodded in the dark agreeing with Haruka, "Yes I have noticed that myself as well. But from what I gather I have been slumbering for longer than two decades if that so called delinquent of yours has been in our service for that long."

Haruka opened the lid of the casket causing Shizuru to glare at her before Haruka laughed, "Well good morning to you to sleepy head."

Shizuru slowly sat up, allowing the sensations in her body to return, "You could've warned me before opening the coffin, Haruka."

Haruka shrugged, "After how you startled me it was only fair. Besides, it's the only way to actually wake you completely. If I let you wake yourself it would take you another week or so for you to crawl out of this coffin."

Shizuru stretched her arms, "There is no real way to warn you when I awake, you do know that don't you. By the way how is Yukino?"

Haruka stood up handing Shizuru a glass of red liquid, hopefully enough to stir Shizuru awake completely while answering, "I told her you were awake, she should be here shortly. She was at the HIME building discussing your meeting with Chie and Aoi about the new sires."

Shizuru was slightly perplexed by the name for it didn't sound familiar but those questions could wait. After downing the liquid Shizuru stood up, "How are those two by the way and what of Midori and Yohko as well?"

Haruka took the time to explain to Shizuru that the four of them had fared well while Shizuru had slumbered. They all seemed to be busy with other matters and now that the building was a magazine corporate building, things had gotten even busier. She explained to her about the change and how it also gave them a substantial amount of income which they used for medical, military and technological means.

Recalling her last conversation with Midori, Shizuru was curious as to how that project had progressed, "What of Midori and her tracking project?"

Shizuru had taken to sitting down on the window sill looking out at her realm not paying attention when a voice that she knew answered, "Her project has gone rather well. Better than we would've hoped for and rest assure the design is rather incorporative of her methods, to the point where majority of the vampires are wearing it," causing her to turn around and smile.

"Yukino," Shizuru calmly stated in greeting and Yukino shyly smiled back with a response, "It's been awhile Shizuru."

Shizuru chuckled, "Always the shy one after all these centuries," pausing with a smile before further questioning, "Do elaborate on what you said about Midori's project."

Yukino exhaled and explained in detail to Shizuru, "At first we only implemented it as a requirement on military and other personnel's. It worked just as Midori had stated, and we had a chart of your territory and was able to keep track of them. Midori then had the idea of elaborating it so that we could incorporate the entire realm. At first we thought it would be too mass of a project but after a decade she managed to map out the areas she was familiar with and with the help of others the map is as complete as it will ever be. Even to this day, there are still things being added onto the map. But that is not the good news. The good news was that the vampires wanted to keep track of their underlings, and so Midori decided to create each noble house their own little tracking device. So now she has all the noble households color coded. It is a rather intriguing design and has come a long ways."

Shizuru was curious asked, "How did she get the nobles to agree to such a thing as to wear it?"

Haruka huffed, "It wasn't her, I told them if they wished to know where their minions were they had to wear one as well. Some were defiant until recently, but they finally saw it my way when one of the noble houses realized that one of their most loyal subject was leaking information to another household."

Shizuru nodded in understanding, "Sometimes it takes a little bit of encouraging especially when it comes to those of us who tend to outlive our own usefulness."

Haruka shrugged, "Would you like to guess as to which noble household was put to shame?"

Shizuru sighed, "It would not surprise me if it was the Marguerites? But who was it that the spy was trading information to. I'm intrigued as to what information was being traded now."

Haruka calmly answered as though it was a topic of boredom, "The spy was leaking information as to how the Marguerites were operating to the Shamrocks. Nothing of importance was ever disclosed."

Shizuru exhaled in disappointment, "You mean a life was killed for information we had already acquired."

Yukino noticing the mood was going sour deterred the topic of discussion to other matters that were pressing at the moment, "If Shizuru is up for it I was hoping to show her around the newly remodeled HIME building as well as discuss matters pertaining to your meeting with the new sires." Shizuru agreed and the three allowed the topic to drop.

xxxx

Midori was furiously pacing back and forth cursing, "We are suppose to be a team. I warned her about entering that territory unnecessarily because it is dangerous and on the outskirts of Viola's realm, but she doesn't listen."

Chie tried calming Midori down, knowing full well who was treading outside the realm on their patrol, "Look it's not the first time she's done this and it's not the last time she's going to do it. Be thankful she keeps the lower level demons in check so that they don't attack the nearby settlements unnecessarily."

Midori grunted, "What's the purpose of my ingenious project if they go out of their way to get killed when I specifically told them that these spots are off limits for safety reasons."

This time Yohko spoke up trying to lower the tone of discussion to a more reasonable one, "Midori dear, Natsuki is not just some vampire. She may require a little reprimanding here and there, but you do know that she's the only one who goes out of her way to get matters settle quickly and without too much of a hassle. She's good at what she does. We all know it and so does she."

Chie huffed, "She's still a coward."

Shizuru had walked in on the end of the conversation only to hear the last remark made by Chie. She had spent the previous day touring the new facility and did not have the time to meet with her loyal colleagues. So she had decided to surprise them today, but walked in on them when they were in the middle of a heated discussion.

Curious Shizuru inquired, "Can I ask Chie who is still a coward?"

The three in the room did not feel her presence and were shocked upon hearing her voice abruptly letting the topic drop turning their attention towards her. Yohko smiled and in an attempt to divert the topic of discussion excitedly stated, "Shizuru, it's good to see you awake again. Your presence and guidance has been sorely missed. How was your slumber?"

Shizuru raised an eyebrow as her gaze went from Chie who's demeanor was one of there's nothing new going on, to Yohko who looked as though she was hoping to change the topic of their discussion, to Midori who still seemed to be fuming but was attempting to hide it.

Haruka barged in at that exact moment exclaiming, "It's that gawd damn delinquent again isn't it. One of these days her carelessness is going to get her killed."

Shizuru was perplexed at hearing that one of the new sires would not be attending her meeting asked, "I was under the assumption that all new sires were to attend a meeting tomorrow with me. So why is this new sire out patrolling?"

Chie coughed clearing her throat, "Well princess in her own words she said, "we're dead and this isn't some play school reality, Chie. If she wishes to address me she can do so after I have completed my task. It's more important at the moment to see to it that her realm is secure then to play kiss ass." So I informed her that I would pass it along to you and I have."

"Ara," was the only response Shizuru could come up with. Throughout the course of her life, she had set up particular protocols for reasons she deemed important, no one had challenged her or dismissed them until now. She had known that it would happen earlier during the course of integrating it into her scheme of checks and balance, but after such a long period of time had passed it had finally happened and she was unsure of how to proceed.

Haruka was now slightly irritated, "I should have known she would do something like this. It is so like that delinquent. When she gets back she is going to get an earful from me and rest assured she will not be attending those patrol routes for a while. She may have guts but she needs to learn she cannot just do as she pleases."

Yohko sighed trying to be the voice of reason, "As much as I agree with you Haruka, it does no good to pester Kruger, she is and will do things her way. It's not like she's putting any one in harm's way."

Shizuru cleared her throat grabbing everyone's attention, "I may not know what is currently happening and might not be able to assist the matter, but I would like to know who sired her?"

Shizuru could see that the moment she asked that question it felt like everyone had completely stopped breathing, so she cautiously asked, "Do we know who it was that sire her or is she an unknown sire?"

Yohko knew from the moment she had signed up to be a part of Shizuru's grand design that there was nothing they could keep from her. Even if they did hide it from her she would find out sooner or later and they would suffer her wrath. Shizuru had chosen only a handful of individuals in which she could trust and Yohko was amongst one of them so she spoke up, "She was sired by Yamada."

Shizuru repeated the name, "Yamada," upon hearing it. Oh she knew that name very well, and had met him only once during the course of her reign. He was in some aspect similar to her father, one who had lived too long and suffered from some sort of madness. Either that or he really did not care for the blood that flowed in his veins and sought only retribution for having acquired it. She had learned from him during their brief meeting that her father had sired him without his consent and so he had detested Dracula for it and only hoped that she would not turn out to be like him. He had warned her that if she did he would not hesitate to annihilate her. After that meeting she did not know where he had vanished off too. Shizuru was curious as to why now of all times would he sire someone and what it was that he is hoping to accomplish.

Shizuru was brought back from her thoughts when Chie attempted to clear up the possible presumptions that might be going on in Shizuru's head, "Shizuru, Natsuki doesn't want the throne. Hell, she doesn't even want anyone to know about who sired her. The only people who know are in this room along with Yukino and Aoi. She's hiding something and I don't know what it is, none of us do. She won't tell us anymore other than the fact that Yamada sired her."

Shizuru realizing the situation was never in her grasp to begin with inquired, "What of Yamada then, can we not ask him?"

Chie lowered her head and looked away causing Shizuru to ponder as to why when Midori spoke up, "He's dead."

Upon hearing the response Shizuru mouthed an "O" softly before asking, "Did anyone confirm this?"

Yohko grabbed the back of her neck messaging a tension that had just recently rooted itself there due to the discussion replied, "It was confirmed. He died here in this building before Natsuki signed on. She brought him here as he had wanted to perhaps see you again before his demised, but he was unaware that you had gone into slumber, and was disappointed. He wanted you to know that even though you were sired as an abomination, you have done right in his eyes and would see to it that no harm came to you. He did not say as to how or why Natsuki was sired only that he sired her and that she would be joining up with us."

Shizuru was in a state of astonishment, a man who had threatened her in her past had stated with his dying breath that she had done right in his eyes. Yet that only brought up the question as to why he would sire Natsuki. But there was something in what Yohko stated that caused her to question, "What does Yohko mean when she says that you are unaware of how Natsuki was sired. Is there not only one way a vampire is born or do you mean to tell me that Natsuki is also an abomination?"

Yohko quickly shook her head, "No, you have the wrong idea. She had a life prior to being sired by Yamada. She was not born like you Shizuru. As you are aware I run quite a bit of test on all the blood of vampires that I can get my hands on. And nobles are more than glad to hand them to me as they are proud of their lineage. If you think about it this way, the vampire genetic makeup is more dominate than the human genes. So the moment a new sire is born they lose all their genetic blood for it has been overtaken by the vampires. And a vampire sires by completely sucking the corpse until but a drop of their mortal blood remains, before infusing the body with their own blood. In Natsuki's case she still retains some of her human genetic blood trait as well as that of Dracula. It's as though it has intermingled kind of like yours. The only possible conclusion I can come up with is that he didn't sire her the typical vampire way, but instead gave her his blood in order to save her life. Which brings up the question as to why?"

Shizuru was massaging her temples now. This was too much information to consume after having slept for nearly sixty years. Surely the only one who could answer their questions was currently off somewhere she wasn't supposed to be playing hero. Deciding to let the matter drop until a more appropriate time she addressed the group, "It is best if at the moment we leave this matter alone, as the person in question is not present to answer these questions for us. When she returns and time permits we will address them then."

Everyone had unanimously agreed, but that decision would soon be short lived when Yukino and Aoi stormed into the room seemingly agitated by something. Yukino quickly reported realizing the urgency of the matter, "We just received reports from Florince, that one of the towns located on the outskirts of Viola's realm was recently attacked two nights ago by demons. Natsuki was passing by on her routine patrol and went to assess the situation."

Midori was beyond furious now groaned, "Why the hell did she not report the situation to us?"

Aoi stated, "She reported it to Florince and they reported it to us."

Midori was livid, "There is a gawd damn communicator device on the watch so that she can call here directly. That way there would be no miscommunication on either ends, allowing for a timely response."

Chie couldn't help but laugh causing everyone to look at her pondering the question within their minds as to what was so funny at the moment. Calming herself down she explained her outburst, "My apologies it's just well. Natsuki told me once a few years ago that she didn't know how to use the watch and didn't want to bother with it, as it required too much time which she deemed unnecessary in her mind. That was why we always received her reports later than usual and by means of messages or other individuals."

Midori sighed in annoyance, "She is so going to go through training when she gets her sorry behind back to headquarters, again."

Shizuru smiled slightly missing this feeling of interaction with everyone and was glad to be a part of it yet again ordered, "Well I suggest we send out a support group to aide our little champion. I wouldn't want to have her perish on us, especially when her mere presence or lack thereof can cause such a commotion among my most trusted lieges."

xxxx

Natsuki would have been beyond outrage if she found out what was currently happening back at HIME quarters pertaining to her. But at the moment she was preoccupied with an income arrow from straight on, as she rolled behind a rock. She was currently contemplating the best method to handle the situation when a small holographic image appeared from her watch. Midori's voice was heard loud and clear, "Why did you not report the situation to us Natsuki?"

Natsuki was puzzled by the question answering, "But I did, I reported it yesterday in Florince upon finding out myself, that there was a situation that needed tending to."

Midori groaned there was no point in arguing at the moment, "What is the status of the situation, Natsuki?"

Natsuki pondered about it before requesting an explanation, "Why is it that demons tend to resort to prehistoric means when it comes to being threaten and defending themselves, and when they attack they become rather barbaric? Have they not evolved after all this time?"

Midori yelled at Natsuki, "Now is not the time to be asking those questions. Can you please tell me what your status is?"

Natsuki nodded, "Well it appears that I am surrounded by at least a dozen angry demons. I managed to slay a handful before one of their arrows got me in the leg. I must say though for being prehistoric in nature, their weapons are very high in quality."

Midori groaned, "I cannot talk to her like this. Haruka she's all yours." Natsuki watched when Midori's face disappeared and Haruka's face appeared on the hologram. Natsuki waited and Haruka cleared her throat, "Look here delinquent I need a full assessment as to what is currently happening."

Natsuki sighed, "It's Natsuki not delinquent and for your information I can handle the situation fine. There may be some bloodshed on both sides but I assure you I will be the victor."

Haruka nodded, "Then try not to get killed and kill them all. An attack on one of the villages is like an attack on the princess herself. You will see to it that they get their just punishment, Kruger."

Natsuki shook her head, "It's Natsuki, not Kruger to you, and yes I will see to it that my duty is completed. However I do not think I can continue the patrol due to the injuries I will be sustaining from this encounter. I suggest you send another out to patrol."

Haruka responded quickly, "Worry not about those matters. See to the cleansing of those demons and return back to headquarters, those are your priorities now. A support group is headed your way and will reach you by the end of the day to clean up the mess or lend a hand if necessary."

Natsuki nodded in understanding and quickly ended the conversation before returning to the angry demons. True to her words the support group arrived at the end of the day, but by then there was not much to do. They disposed of the demon bodies by burning and cleared any trace of demonic presence in that area. It was to avoid attracting other demons to that vicinity, and a precaution as well to keep them at bay.

Natsuki had found refuge underneath a tree, contemplating something, not really paying heed to her wounds, when an individual from the support group approached her, saluting her with a fisted left hand to the chest. It wasn't really to the chest, it was to an emblem of an eight headed snake embroidered into the chest, the markings of Viola. She never really asked what the emblem was suppose to signify, or cared much for it, as she had no emblem or the proper patrolling requirements on. Natsuki thought the armor was a piece of junk that just got in the way, so she chose her own outfit, which she found worked out just fine.

The individual stated, "It would have been wise of you to wear your armor, for that would have caused less turmoil in the matter if they had known you were from Viola. By the looks of things they had presumed you to be a rouge vampire."

Natsuki waved her hand dismissing the remark, "Regardless of the fact, it's better to have dealt with them properly. If they fled they would only be back to cause more mayhem. So the way I see it there is nothing to worry about."

The individual talking to Natsuki sighed allowing the topic to drop while he brought up another matter, "I was informed to tell you that they had moved the new sires meeting to the day after tomorrow, so that if we leave now we can get back by mid-afternoon tomorrow. Allowing you the night to get a proper medical checkup and rest before the meeting."

Natsuki sighed, "I appreciate your care of me minion, but I refuse to leave until at least some of my wounds have stopped bleeding. If you had taken the time to notice a few of my wounds are still oozing with blood. So the lot of you should relax and know that we most likely won't head out till tomorrow night."

The individual was in a state of shock and embarrassment questioningly stated, "What, but I was informed that you were of noble blood, your wounds should have healed already. Do you require some blood or medical attention?"

Natsuki now slightly irritated by the questions answered, "No I do not require blood. I just need some time and a little bit of peace and quiet for my body to heal itself. So if you wish to be useful, run along to the rest of your group and tell them we will not be heading out till tomorrow evening at the latest. I also suggest that you report this in, in the morning as it is of late and well we don't want to bother them."

The individual saluted Natsuki and left without another word leaving her to embrace the calm tranquility of her surroundings. She frowned at the mere thought of seeing such an ugly surrounding causing her to look up at the sky, an attempt to see some stars only to find disappointment. Muttering to her own self before closing her eyes, "What have I gotten myself into?"

To be continued...


There you have it, the second installment of Salvation. Hopefully as readers you were able to differentiate when they speak telepathically to when they have a normal conversation. I do not wish to italicize it, for I want to be able to incorporate it smoothly into the story. Hopefully it won't be too tedious to differentiate. This story is fast paced and many things will present itself, but it'll all be wrapped up nicely when the last chapter is presented. Updates will be posted weekly on Friday evening's, unless otherwise noted.