Disclaimer: I don't own Claymore. It all belongs to its original creator.

Chapter 6: Covered in Ash

It has been a full month since the raging fire that nearly consumed the city of Tairouse. There was a lot of mayhem and the dragon kin elders were particularly furious at the house of Verda. Some even feared that there will be a new war. However, nothing became of it as the elders were able to find a way to appease all the parties involved. And so, life is now beginning to return to the city though much still need to be fix.

Now, Rubel quietly walk through the burned city. Its huge walls (at least those that are still standing) are covered in ashes. Hundreds of buildings destroyed and various boulders block the path. He looked left and right and not a building in the center was left standing. Indeed, the damage was truly remarkable.

Truth be told, Miria was only planning for the destruction of the "Grand Dragon Library" which was located at the heart of the city. Her purposed was to cause sufficient damage that would force the dragon kin elders to order a compilation of historical records. Once that happens, the house of clay will submit their own "legitimize" documents and then they will appear more – "genuine". Yet, it's not always that easy, isn't it? Though no one could dare to think that the fire was started simply to burn "documents", destroying the library would certainly raise unnecessary suspicion towards them. Thus, Miria created a devious plan that even send chills to Rubel's spine.

Let their business opponents (and there are several), successfully burn up their storage supply of various merchandise. However, their merchandise also contained large amounts of black oil products that act as a combustion giving more strength to the explosion. Moreover, Audrey and Dietrich place strategically boxes of black oil at certain parts of the city. Thus, as soon as the heat reached the area, the box would then blow up. As a result, the fire explosion easily spread throughout the city center causing confusion. Considering the strength of the explosion and the distance between the ware house and the Library, Miria estimated that it would take at least 15 minutes for it to reach the library and another 15 minutes to burn a significant part of it. But, surely the dragon kins would come at once to stop the fire, right? And so this is where the brilliance of Galatea's ability comes in. By simply redirecting the movement of the dragon kins, it caused confusion among the soldiers. In the end, many of them gave in to the fear and run away like scared cats. Rubel chuckled to himself. If only Rimuto have seen such results, he would have certainly sent Galatea to the main land years ago. But then again, it's not like they are facing experience fighters who fought wars for more than 50 years. Most of the dragon kin soldiers within the city are truly children compared to the ancients. They are strong but not strong enough to defeat the ex-Organization's #6 in a one-on-one battle.

Unfortunately, a prince from the house of Verda came in a bit too soon. Realizing that Galatea can't use her ability on him without revealing their location, they opted to use Raphaela's ability instead. In the end, this was the result. One could say that the plan is either a smashing success for the Library and warehouse is now utterly destroyed or a terrible outcome which will cause the elders to order an extensive investigation as to what really happened.

Fortunately, Ilena already made extensive preparations that will lead the investigation away from them. For one thing, various members of the House of clay were already set-up before the fire started. As a result, they were able to minimize the casualty to only a few humans and end up appearing as saviors to several citizens. The only casualties, as far as Rubel can gather, are the ones who caused the explosion. Cynthia and Uma have set-up various clinics that help those who were injured by the fire. As for the burnt structures, Helen became the face of utter generosity as she gave money to all those who were affected by the fire. Apparently, nearly everyone has become indebted to them it would be difficult for people to imagine that they were the actual masterminds of the fire.

"Oh my. It seems that my ugly ducklings are now grown up". Rubel thought to himself as he looks up to the graying sky.


Location: House of Clay's provincial Manor.

Within the town of Blue Rock; located south of the City of Tairouse

Due to the fire, classes were suspended indefinitely. Now, Miria is just leisurely sipping her cup of coffee. She would have enjoyed it more it if were not for her visitor. He was actually an old grey man; nearly bald with a clean shaven face. Just like other dragon kins, he had pointed ears and a muscular feature. Yet, his dark eyes glowed in the room. There was a time when she both feared and hated his stare. Now, she somewhat welcomed it for she knew he was her ally although they have different goals.

"So it seems that everything went well." The old man started. "The elders have declared that Prince Darius was actually poisoned even before he reached the city. This led him to have delusions and went delirium when the city burned. Moreover, Lady Sonia also had several transactions with those "arsonists" and the elders became suspicious of her. Of course it also helped that Lady Sonia had several enemies and so they use this opportunity to get rid of her."

Miria sighed. She only met Lady Sonia once in a tea party and definitely did not like her methods. However, she did not wish for her brutal demise.

"They skinned her alive. A fitting punishment, I must say, for a woman full of vanity." The old man chuckled. He obviously does not share Miria's guilt of even of her doubts.

"Her family?"

"Unfortunately, her daughters were already married into other strong houses and so they were spared. It however severely weakened their position." The old man continued. "I want you to know though that she deserved what she got. She was truly indeed poisoning members of various dragon kin clans. Although that poison was only intended for Lady Tiara at that time.

"Hmph. I know." Miria started. That is exactly the main reason why I refused to let anyone of the house of clay attend her tea parties. Apparently, she was using those situations to poison the ladies. Her purpose is to weaken their wombs. These make the soon-to-be wives infertile. I must say; it's a clever strategy really. The stronger houses make too-good-to-be-true deals with the condition that the ladies will be able to give them a son or a grandchild. Failing to do so will effectively make their agreement null and void. As a result, several weak houses lose to the stronger ones and became financially dependent on their gracious gift. Lady Sonia was the perfect woman for the job." Miria stared directly to the old men. So tell me, did the elders really believed the story? That she alone and those arsonists are responsible for the attack? Surely, they are not that stupid." Miria added.

"Of course not but this is all they can do for now without arousing clamor for war. But tell me, why do you feel pity for her? It is shown all over your face?" The Old man examined her intently.

Miria sighed. She looked at the man again and said: "The first human I killed had committed worst crimes than she did. And even that man, Rimuto, received a far quicker death." "Her punishment was just - too severe."

After a few moments, the old man suddenly asks her a question she never considered before. "Do you pity him now? Rimuto?"

Miria looked at that old man sitting across the table. He glared at her with eyes so dark she is sure to be swallowed by it.

"Yes - but only after meeting you." This was Miria's honest response.

The man snickered. He found this child very amusing indeed. "Well, I am a far worst enemy after all but a very good - friend.

"Says the most brutal Dragon kin – in history." Miria scoff back.


NOTE: In case it was not clear, Miria's team did not do the actual bombing. They simply made it worst by planting the black oil at the ware house as well as in certain strategic points. Lady Sonia's demise was also not part of the plan. However, the elders use Sonia's own crimes to prevent war between the two houses. So what do you think?

I'm sorry if I'm turning Miria into an anti-hero. However, I do like complicated characters and Miria is the type of leader that will do what needs to be done to protect her family. Review Please (^_^)