Memory Manipulator: Memory manipulators are a relatively rare type. Only a couple hundred thousand are believed to be in existence across the galaxy. They are effectively a more specialized sort of Telepath. Acting in a similar way, although some require a direct physical connection to use their powers, memory manipulators reach into the target's brain and connect via magic particles. This connection can be used to manipulate the target's memories, recalling them, deleting them, or changing them. Memory manipulators are far more effective than telepaths at this job, and can return memories hundreds of years old and behind significant mental barriers without half the effort a normal telepath would require.
-Grimoire Ingenium
As the last bits of energy from the transfer faded away, and the last bits of rumbling ceased, the bridge was already a hive of activity. The lingering danger of the warp energy faded away, telepathic communications went back and forth all over the ship, every sector confirming its integrity.
The astroclairvoyant was already sweeping the surrounding space, while the ship was powered up back to normal status. "Has there been any change to the plan?" Columbine asked.
Astikai raised her eyebrows in interest. "Has there been?" That girl replied.
Columbine suppressed a sigh. "No, there hasn't been."
"Then it shall continue as intended," Astikai called out, "Plot a course southwest. Take a few hours to confirm the route, we should have such time." The minutes started to drag by. Columbine looked behind herself, confirming that Ushio had barely moved at all.
Worried? Columbine asked. Frowning, Columbine turned all the way around to face the girl.
Escher…Ushio's voice echoed solemnly, that name makes me feel so…nostalgic.
Not even a second later, the astroclairvoyant was crying out. Ship detected! Scanning now! Images transferring, coordinates transferring! No insignia, does not match standard Deathwatch or Inquisitorial vessels. Not Grey Knights. Identity unknown! Distance fifty thousand kilometers!
Columbine spun around as the viewscreen started to zoom in on the other vessel. Sure enough, it was a rather old class of ship, not something in standard use. It didn't bear any sort of insignia at all. Incoming message! The astrotelepath announced.
It played in their minds, conveyed by that girl.
Dear Lady Astikai, and the crew of her vessel.
We understand that aboard your ship is a certain Ushio Uzuki. All we ask for is for you to hand over Ms. Uzuki and all information pertaining to her, as well as all of her possessions. Should you choose to comply, we expect you to send her by way of shuttle. Should you choose to refuse, then we shall take her from you ourselves.
The message ended. Columbine looked to her leader. And for once in her entire life, Astikai looked concerned for a split second. Then her cold face returned. She replied herself. We will not comply with threats. You are welcome to come here yourself. You will not succeed.
There wasn't a reply. Astikai turned to Columbine. "You're staying here." She ordered, "Do not move from this spot." There wasn't any doubt as to why she made that so clear. "When can we leave?" Astikai asked.
About half an hour. It took me a few minutes to get centered after the warp exit, so they are only ten minutes away. Astikai nodded, turning for the doors.
"Make a plan," She ordered Columbine, "But stay here." Columbine watched her leave, before turning uneasily to Ushio.
Who are they? She growled mentally. A shudder ran through Ushio's body. Columbine calmed herself down, seeing that the girl was more put off by this than anyone.
Her voice was quiet as she said, maybe I knew them once, but I don't know them now. Columbine stepped forwards.
Speaking sternly, yet still calmly, she said, can you remember anything about them at all? Do you have any idea? All she received was a small shake of the head. Columbine stamped her foot on the ground. She turned around, watching the ship draw closer.
A plan was formulating in her mind. Said plan just proved Astikai's suspicions correct, but all that thought made Columbine do was smirk. Ingwe, she called.
I heard what's happening. Stuck with Ushio? The girl asked.
Columbine confirmed, on the bridge, I think Astikai has an idea of what's going on, but she hasn't said a word. She left. Not sure what she's doing.
Do you think it's time? These people, who are they?
I don't know, but we have to think quickly. If I do my job, they won't get Ushio, but if I don't, they will. Columbine cursed under her breathe, and Ushio seems to know something, but can't remember it. If for nothing else, I'd want to get out of here just to find out what that is.
Think carefully, Columbine. I'm expected to assist, but I won't act until you give the word. Over anything else, ask Ushio. Ingwe cut the line. Columbine sighed heavily. She stormed to Ushio, grabbing the girl by the collar.
She spoke quietly enough for her voice to go unheard by anyone else, amidst the chaos of the bridge. "Ushio, I can get you out of here. Tell me right now if going with these people is the right choice."
Ushio's eyes went wide. She started breathing quickly. "Columbine…I don't know. I feel like there's something I should remember…but I can't!"
She almost dropped to the floor when Columbine released her hold. Holding up her right hand, Columbine kept staring into Ushio's. Suddenly that hand glowed a bright blue. "This will hurt, don't scream." Then that hand shot out and grabbed Ushio's face, gripping down tight.
Ushio's breath choked up. Her face twisted in pain and fear as Columbine held onto her tightly, refusing to let her drop. A few seconds passed, Columbine averting her gaze for most of them. After Ushio started to go limp entirely, she was released.
The girl hit the ground, staring up in fear at Columbine. Breathlessly, Ushio tried to say, "…need…with…them…" Columbine reached out, helping her up. As soon as she could recompose herself, Ushio shouted out, "I have to go with them! I have to!"
The words changed the course of everything. But Columbine still had to think. If I don't intervene, Astikai will certainly kill them all, and finding out the truth will be harder. This gives me a chance. She looked deep into the frightened eyes of Columbine, and besides, I won't let this girl be harmed anymore.
Columbine moved in an instant while grabbing Ushio's hand, knowing that the others already heard. The bridge doors opened before her, and Ushio was pulled along right behind her, barely able to stand on her own. Ingwe, she called out, it's time to go.
The two ran through the halls. It won't be long before they find me. The only chance is to find a way out. She found the others in her squad, sending a brief message. I'm sorry.
To the ones who had called them before, Columbine replied, this is Columbine Frieden. Ushio Uzuki is under my protection. I am willing to bring you her. The only condition is that you take me and my comrade along.
A response came instantly, from the same voice. Meet us in the second starboard hangar, Ms. Frieden. Columbine turned at the next corner, racing down another hall on the path there.
"I figured this was your cue." A voice called out. Columbine came to a stop, seeing Cherepia step out into the hallway behind her. "Interesting choice, but it's why I'm here."
Columbine didn't turn around. "How much fun do you have, being her little pet?" The girl asked.
"Her little pet?" Cherepia echoed. She brought up a finger to her face, staring off to the side as if disinterested. "Well, I guess I'm not that good of a pet then."
"Why's that?" Columbine growled, annoyed already.
Cherepia grinned. "Because I'm not going to stop you."
Columbine turned around, shoving Ushio out of her line of sight. "Then why not come with me?"
The other girl shrugged, as if there wasn't an answer. "I exist to annoy you. But you're right, I'd never want you to die."
Columbine intensified her glare for a second, before turning around and running away. Ushio accompanied her. "Stay safe!" Columbine begrudgingly called back.
She knew exactly who was pointing the gun at her as she came around the corner. Columbine didn't stop moving, only looking with shame into the eyes of her comrade. The girl put her gun down. What are you doing? She asked as Columbine kept going.
Something selfish, she communicated to only Alice, you might die if you stay or go. Columbine didn't look back as she left the girl behind. She prayed that the others would be as merciful.
On the way, Ingwe called, hang on a minute more. Columbine emerged into a tall room, multiple tiers going up and down from where they were in the middle. It didn't take any advanced intuition to guess a trap would be set.
"I guess Cherepia didn't do her job," A voice chuckled. Columbine pushed Ushio aside as she barely dodged the blade from above. A single armored foot landed gently on the pommel. Margareta smirked from atop the claymore, arms on her hips. "Tell me, did you defeat her, or did she just let you go?"
"You don't need to know the answer," Columbine stared up at Margareta from the side of the narrow bridge. Ushio pushed herself against the wall. With a flash, Columbine's armor appeared around her. "Now come on, kill me or don't."
Bowing gracefully, Margareta said, "I shan't delay." She tipped backwards, flipping off the sword so as to propel it into the air. The knight effortlessly caught the spinning weapon, lunging forwards in the same motion. A screeching sound filled the air as the blade scraped against armor.
Columbine danced backwards as Margareta merely stepped forwards. Her blade was fast enough to put her opponent on the defensive without even really trying. Then a lower sound echoed through the room, as metal cut into metal.
The blonde stumbled back, minding the cut on her chest. Just armor damage, but she couldn't last long. The sound of several shots was the only reason she was still alive. While Columbine expected Ingwe's appearance, she instead saw Ushio, bolter raised.
Every shot was easily deflected. But now, Margareta stood with her blade pointed at Ushio, her left side entirely exposed. Columbine's hand glowed bright, and she leapt forwards. Margareta moved like lightning, her blade slamming into Columbine's midsection.
It cut till the spine, were it finally lost momentum from the force of flesh, blood, bone, armor, and the surrounding magic fields. But Columbine's hand was on Margareta's bare head. The girl briefly flinched, but her hand still came up to send Columbine flying back with a bone-crushing punch to the face.
Still stumbling, Margareta could only narrowly avoid Ushio's next barrage. But several bolts still took her in the chest. Rather than continue, Margareta exited, falling from the bridge to the level below. Ushio glanced briefly at the girl as she knelt down, then ran to Columbine.
"Columbine!" Ingwe shouted out, storming in. A single revolver was drawn. Ushio nodded to the side of the bridge. Nothing was there when the gun-wielding girl checked. "Pick her up!" she ordered to Ushio, "We need to move! Columbine, if you have a plan, now's the time!"
The plan is…Columbine sounded rather dejected, hope that the cavalry saves us.
Do not worry, the girl's voice was perfectly calm. There wasn't the slightest hint of anything but perfect tranquility. We shall arrive at your position in three minutes, less if you continue moving. Columbine was on her feet again, but that didn't make anything any better.
While those of her squad were letting her pass freely, the others were not. Most were mustered towards the obvious breaching points, such as the hangars, in order to fight off the invaders, but Margareta and the other top fighters among the Khornates were on the hunt.
My notes! Ushio cried, can we get to them?!
There's no way we can! Columbine shouted. I trust Ciuatl to not get involved unless she is directly threatened. We can't fight her and all the others. If Astikai hasn't gotten involved yet, she will by the time we get through Ciuatl, even if we are saved. Besides, Margareta is still after us.
The three emerged into a large intersection of four hallways. As if cued by Columbine, a red figure leapt from the side. From the other direction came one in violet. "They're mine, Delyth!" Margareta screamed as Ingwe blocked her and fired back.
Dancing around Columbine's strikes, the Slaaneshi called out in a singsong voice, "We'll see who gets them first!" Columbine instantly knew that they were in trouble. There was only so much that could be done against the two of them. Out of the corners of her eyes, she saw others waiting. Not long now.
Then everyone scattered at the sound of gunfire. Columbine swore she saw bolts pass right before her eyes, yet not a single one struck her, Ingwe, or Ushio. Explosions covered the entire room as hundreds of bolt rounds ripped apart everything.
Margareta let out a cry, leaping at the source of the shots. Columbine couldn't keep up with what happened next. Another girl leapt forth, armored but without a weapon. With only her hands she fought Margareta to a standstill. Then Delyth leapt forwards.
"Come this way please," ordered an armored girl as she dissipated a massive weapon that could only be described as some sort of bolter-chain gun. Then she raced forwards, striking out at Delyth, whose back was turned by the combat with the other. The Slaaneshi tried to spin around, but her dodge only meant that the girl's arm went through her stomach rather than her chest.
Screaming out in a mix of pleasure and pain, Delyth was blasted from her impalement, before her attacker materialized the chain gun again. While in midair, Delyth was assaulted by a single second of fire from the weapon. Her comrades moving in as the girl fell to the ground as a bloody tatter.
Columbine rushed forwards as Margareta's comrades joined her fight. Yet the unarmed girl seemed to hold them off easily. Once again, the other girl leapt into the midst of the battle. Margareta only barely dodged the strike, the girl's arm instead piercing another Khornate.
A sharp crack preceded the Khornate crumpling to the ground as fragments floated down from the girl's palm. That incited Margareta to withdraw, obviously disturbed by the prowess of her enemy. "Keep going," one ordered as Columbine ran past them, "The way is clear."
From behind, a shout almost gave Columbine pause. "Running away?" Astikai called. She walked slowly down the hall. Heel to toe she stepped gracefully, eyes going back and forth across Columbine and the others. "Ah, your new friends…" She glanced to Delyth and the motionless body of the Khornate. "Looks like they haven't changed one bit…" Astikai stopped moving. She took a deep breath, before staring directly at the two she spoke of. "Hello again, my old friends."
"Run!" Columbine shouted to the other two, "Run now!" She insisted when they hesitated. Both armored girls turn and ran. We can't beat her. She won't even use her full power, and she'll still kill us all. Only proving her point, a dazzlingly bright spear came flashing like lightning down the corridor.
The one who had summoned the chain gun spun around, reaching out both arms. A field of blue energy appeared before her. "Withdraw." She ordered as a thunderous bang signaled the spear's impact. The unarmed girl continued moving, and Columbine lead the way. They turned a corner.
Looking back revealed the spear not slowing, till the shield burst with a loud pop. The tip of the weapon was only a few inches from the girl's chest. Yet she easily rolled around the next. The resulting explosion blotted out any other images, and then the next corner was turned.
She'll be fine, the unarmed girl promised. Her helmet dissipated, revealing a head of short white hair. Androgynous, one could say. I'm Tamashii, she named herself before pointing back, that's Dvasia.
Columbine knew where they were. One hallway more, then a turn, and they'd be at the entrance to the second starboard hangar. Anything else in our way? She asked Tamashii. The albino girl shook her head.
A quick series of explosions proceeded a loud screech as Dvasia slid across the metal floor, tossed by the blinding detonations. "I cannot continue this battle without a dangerous expenditure of magic," she spoke in a monotone.
With Dvasia now alongside them, they continued. "Astikai won't chase us quickly. She wants to scare us." Columbine knew that if she wanted them dead, they'd be dead.
Link in, Tamashii ordered, opening up her mental network to the others. They all tapped in, seeing that there were a dozen other magical girls in the hangar. Those were the only ones. Columbine felt a bit worried, but could see that they were hanging on, especially with her own girls staying out of the fight. At their pace, it was only a few seconds before they came to the hangar doors.
Yet before they could be opened, a voice from behind called out. Not the corridor from whence they came, but another one that led straight to the entrance. "I must say I did not expect this from you, Columbine." Clementine sounded disappointed. She raised the large cannon in her hands. She was surrounded by several of her girls.
Dvasia was firing before any they could. The loud roar of the chain gun filled the enclosed space as Tamashii called for the doors to be opened. Yet out of the flames came return fire, forcing the others to dodge. Dvasia did as well, leaping into the air, kicking off the walls and ceiling, moving around so that not a single shot hit her.
A loud bang from the side signaled something breaking the speed of sound. Columbine spun her head to see the shining spear coming forth in slow motion. Only for someone to get in its way.
Tamashii, arm glowing, extended her right palm in front of the weapon. She grunted as the metal went straight through her arm, protruding a little from the shoulder. But the girl didn't shudder. She waved for the open doors, leaping through with the others.
Can you pilot? Dvasia asked her over the network. Columbine gasped in shock as she saw what sat in the middle of the hangar. Now, the two newcomers were leaping towards the sixteen foot tall bipedal vehicle. Shaped like a bulky knight, the machine carried a large blade in the left hand and had a chain gun slung under the right arm. About six foot long wing shapes stretching out of the back contained additional thrusters. The entire thing was painted black, no insignia whatsoever.
Columbine had to admit that she was impressed. How'd you get your hands on a Dreadnought? She asked, glancing behind herself at Clementine and her girls, now emerging from the flames.
No response came to Columbine's question. I'm fine, the albino replied to Dvasia, ignoring Columbine for the moment. Tamashii ripped the spear from her arm, and the weapon went clattering across the ground as she hopped into the lower of the two seats in the walker's chest. Get in the shuttle, Tamashii ordered Columbine, we'll handle things from here.
Columbine waved to the Thunderhawk near the edge of the hangar. The space wasn't entirely under control. There was an active firefight further down, against those who hadn't jumped at the chance to kill Columbine and her comrades, or at least watch them die.
Pounding up the ramp, Columbine heard the Dreadnought open fire. Withdraw, Tamashii ordered to the others. Engaging dispersal mode. On that command, the others started rushing back. The Dreadnought, taking the full force of the around twenty girls, started to back up.
Columbine stepped aside, but still watched as the others rushed into the Thunderhawk. Taking a few steps backwards, the Dreadnought spread out its arms. Dozens of small tubes popped open, and a swarm of missiles was ushered forth.
Half of the hangar was covered in explosions as two more barrages were sent out, also filling the hallway with flame. Then the Dreadnought was spinning around, rushing for the exit. Now! Tamashii cried. The Thunderhawk lifted off, the engines firing at maximum power.
The Dreadnought's rear thrusters fired. Columbine held on tight as the rear doors closed while the ship sharply turned to the right, going up and around the starship. As the Thunderhawk slowed to turn away over the ship, the walker caught up. Columbine could hear the thing docking with the clamps on the bottom. Hurry! She cried, Astikai can still kill us all! She found a clairvoyant monitoring the hangar, and her heart leapt into her throat. Without a helmet, Astikai stood at the mouth of the hangar, perfectly still. She faced towards the other ship, tens of thousands of kilometers away.
Columbine knew exactly what would follow. "Initiate transfer," she would say in her stern voice as her arms stretched out to either side. Then she was surrounded by bands of golden energy, and as she brought her arms to her stomach, they all flowed into a single point.
Faster! She screamed at the pilot, even though they were already on the other side of the ship. Her hands at her stomach as she bent over, Astikai suddenly pulled them away as though she drew something out of herself. They flared out to the side, as a bright light emerged from her.
Dozens of golden beams shot out from the center of her gut. Far out from the ship, squadrons of fighters were locked in dogfights. Everything that wasn't on Astikai's side was destroyed, traced by the beams that twisted and turned as though sentient. The void shields of the other warship was bombarded by impacts equal to those of capital class weapons.
A dozen came up around the ship, tailing the Thunderhawk. The vessel shot down along the side of the ship, before turning away as it reached the bottom. Still the golden bolts chased them. You can't outrun them! She called to the pilot.
Then Columbine heard the Dreadnought move. It climbed atop the Thunderhawk, the vessel now speeding away from the ship. The bolts were incredibly close. Full discharge authorized. Dvasia announced flatly. Engaging, please clear the area of fire. She spoke as though it were a recording.
Through the clairvoyant, Columbine watched with awe as the Dreadnought dropped both its weapons, and materialized three chain guns around each arm. A storm of blue energy bolts poured forth at the approaching spears of light.
Right before they could hit the ship, they were slowly worn down before disintegrated by the storm of fire. Columbine almost fell over as relief spread through her body. Above, the Dreadnought sat motionless, and the mental signatures of Tamashii and Dvasia disappeared.
Frightened, Columbine saw that no one seemed concerned. Sorry about that, another voice called, that's what happens when the go all out like that. Looking at Ushio and Ingwe, she saw that the former was still frightful as ever, while Ingwe looked concerned.
You know it's not over, right? She asked. The clairvoyant zoomed in on the top of Astikai's warship, and there she was. Standing there facing the fleeing Thunderhawk. Yet she wasn't charging.
She's never done it twice in a row, Columbine said, we'll be fine. As if to prove her right, Astikai choose that moment to turn around and step gracefully away. She disappeared below the edge of the ship.
However, the Thunderhawk was still on the other side of the warship from its own vessel. That previous voice spoke again, I'm the leader here, call me Hjalma. If you're worried, I do have a plan for this, I promise. The Thunderhawk started to make a wide turn. This would take it far in front of Astikai, and ultimately to its mothership.
Turning towards you now. Though it was out of the clairvoyant's range, the other vessel was turning hard. Eventually, it would be in the perfect point to accelerate forwards across Astikai's T and pick up the Thunderhawk. But its shields were dropping fast, damaged severely by Astikai's barrage.
That won't work, Columbine said as Hjalma described the plan. You can't cross her, there's a dorsal gun and you'll walk right into it. You need to go over. Not now. Wait until you're close, then raise upwards and pull right over them.
Hjalma had a hard decision to make. Columbine, I respect you, but you understand Astikai-
Won't do anything. I don't care what you think you know. I've been with her for over nine years. If she wanted to kill us, we'd already be dead. If this Thunderhawk makes it back, they'll stop firing. At this point, Astikai wants to know what's going on just as much as I do. Columbine hastily explained.
A few seconds passed. Fine, Hjalma conceded. The appropriate course corrections were made. Columbine released a pent-up breath. She wasn't scared. Simply aware of the variables in play. Without looking, she communicated privately to Ushio, there better be a damn good explanation for all of this.
If there is one...Ushio said meekly, I don't know what it is. Columbine didn't reply. The girl's memories were sealed deep into her mind. If they could be retrieved, it was going to take a conscious dive in order to do it. Whatever this is about has something to do with those memories, Columbine concluded. These people must want them back. Her notes too, but there's no chance of retrieving those, at least at the moment.
She was impressed with the power of these girls. Just a handful managed to hold back half of Astikai's force. That Dreadnought too. She ran her eyes over them, seeing that most had their armor marked with the insignia of some Chaos god. But they're obviously not Imperial. I've never heard of them. Just what did Ushio get herself into?
Shields dropping low, Hjalma's ship's upwards thrusters fired at the last second. The edges of the ship's void fields scraped against one another as they passed by, while the hangar doors slid open for the Thunderhawk. Hjalma's vessel started accelerating towards maximum velocity.
Columbine held on tight as the Thunderhawk shot into the hangar, failing to stop in time and crashing to a halt against the wall. Another loud crash signaled the dreadnought slamming into the floor. But both had slowed enough to prevent total destruction.
The door slammed against the ground as it was kicked down. The others already making their way out, Columbine extended her hand for Ushio. She stood a bit higher than the door, the Thunderhawk having been twisted by the impact. The girl looked at it, confused. "Are you taking it or not?" Columbine asked, dissipating her helmet.
Ushio stammered, playing with her fingers uncomfortably, "But…but I got you into all-"
The blonde just smiled, as if the complaint was pointless. "That's exactly why I'm holding my hand out."
Ushio thought for a few seconds more. Then she took Columbine's hand and stepped down with her. She gasped as Columbine patted her on the head. "You've just made my life a whole lot more exciting. For that, I'll thank you any day."
The brunette blushed, before raising a hand to cover her face. She walked alongside Columbine as the two strode out into the hangar. Ingwe was waiting right beside the exit of the Thunderhawk, while the other girls were gathered in the middle. A figure one could assume to be Hjalma was speaking to them.
"-for a few days. We need to assess Ushio's condition and the state of her memories. If Columbine is capable of retrieving them, then we move forwards as planned. If something more is needed, then we act differently." Hjalma paused as she heard the others from behind.
With black hair tied in a bun, the girl wore a long great coat of blue that covered most of her. Black shoes and gloves were the only other things visible, aside from the skin on her neck. "Greetings," She shook Columbine and Ingwe's hands. Her eyes fell on Ushio as though she was an old friend, "It's been a long time," Hjalma remarked.
Ushio frowned in confusion. She looked briefly at Columbine, then shook her head. "I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about. I…I don't remember who you are."
"That bad, huh?" Hjalma remarked. She waved her hand, and the others walked away. She looked to the crashed dreadnought. Tamashii had climbed out with Dvasia draped across her arms. "Do you remember either of them?"
Once again, there wasn't the slightest trace of them in her memories. "Something in my head made me feel I had to escape and come here, but I don't know of any you in particular." Ushio explained.
Hjalma sighed. "Well…" She tapped her foot for a few seconds, then looked at Columbine. "Can you look into her head?"
"I already did," Columbine said, narrowing her eyes. Hjalma knew she was a memory manipulator, but she'd never met any of these people either. "Whatever you're talking about is buried incredibly deep. In the subconscious, I'd say. That can't be accessed without diving in ourselves, not unless we risk damaging Ushio's mind."
"That's unacceptable." Tamashii stated sharply, as though Columbine was seriously considering it.
Looking out of the corner of her eyes, Columbine made clear, "And I never thought it was acceptable." Her feet shifted with unease as she looked at Hjalma. "I feel like I deserve an explanation here."
That girl nodded. "Come with me, please." She started to walk away, and Tamashii followed. Dvasia was still unconscious. Columbine hesitated, then followed with Ushio in tow. Ingwe was the last person to move. In silence, she looked all around the hangar.
"This is bad," She whispered to no one, before following after Columbine.
Some travel throughout the ship led them to their destination. The lack of any signs of battle said that Astikai was letting them go. What they eventually walked into resembled an open-air terrace. Hexagonal in shape, the platform was constructed with fine stone in the floor and steps, and white marble in the railing. The door into the room was made of a light wood, and opened into a long walkway that finally led to the terrace. Surrounding the stone was a lake. A massive body of water stretched for hundreds of feet in every direction from the terrace.
The walls and ceiling were colored like the night sky, with singular points of light scattered across the canvas. A bright full moon hung in this sky. It looked incredibly real. Columbine, Ushio, and Ingwe were all in awe as they strode along the walkway. Hjalma was in front, while Tamashii still carried Dvasia just behind her.
It looked as though Dvasia had woken up, but she hadn't been put down by the one who carried her. Columbine took that at face value. They came up the steps to the terrace, and Columbine observed the table in the middle. A total of three sofas were present as well, one against every other side.
There was already a girl standing there. Her hands were clasped in front of herself, while her eyes scanned over Columbine and her companions. She was dressed in a black and white suit, with a head of short platinum blonde hair, curling up near the neck.
Judging from the fact that she seemed a bit older than eighteen, Columbine assumed she wasn't a magical girl. She pulled out the chairs for everyone as they approached, Tamashii putting Dvasia down before taking a seat. Columbine and Ushio sat a few seconds before Ingwe. That girl had to take some moments to look around, as though everything was a threat.
Then she sat down. There was a kettle of tea in the middle of the table, and the girl in the suit poured everyone a cup. "Thank you," Hjalma nodded to her. The girl bowed lightly, then stepped back.
Columbine didn't question, but looked suspiciously at the girl. She knew the others noticed it, but they didn't say anything. Hjalma took a deep breath, preparing to begin. She exhaled, then started the tale. "This all begins ten years ago. On the planet of Athena."
Columbine looked in shock at Ushio. "Out of the seven people in this room, five were present on Athena ten years ago." Hjalma continued. Columbine's shock only grew. Ingwe didn't react at all. "I, Tamashii, and Dvasia were all together at the time, seeking to stop the machinations of one Sifras Astikai." Columbine nodded, understanding.
Ten years ago. I joined Astikai nine ago. Astikai was just putting things together then. That'd make sense. Columbine stayed silent, thinking to herself as Hjalma took no break in the story.
"She was attempting to perform an experiment. Originally devised by Ushio Uzuki. We do not know what this experiment was. We arrived too late to stop the effort from failing and a rampant surge of energy from sucking the planet away. We succeeded in locating Ushio. Her memories were sealed by that point, by her own hand. She had no knowledge of what happened on Athena."
Hjalma took a deep breath, "For several months, we tried to break Ushio's seal, but were unable. We needed an incredibly powerful memory manipulator, and someone who could cooperate. So when we heard rumors that such a person had joined Astikai, we abandoned Ushio and had a third party tip off Astikai of her location."
Columbine slammed her hands on the table. "You mean you played me this entire time!?" She cried, "This was all a set-up to get me here and willing to look into Ushio's memories?"
"There was that, yes." Hjalma nodded. "We knew Astikai would be careful with her, and because you were instantly appointed as executive officer, we figured there'd be some contact between you two. We don't really know what happened, but the idea seems to have worked. Furthermore, we figured that Astikai would eventually come back to the Nibelung Sector, and that Ushio would subconsciously desire a return as well." Columbine remembered how Ushio's foresight had brought them to Nibelung. "We've been waiting for the right moment to strike and retrieve Ushio. We're glad that you willingly came, Columbine."
"So…you hoped Astikai would try to use me to unlock Ushio's memories?" Columbine asked. Hjalma confirmed that. "And through that, I would somehow learn the truth and desire to assist Ushio in escape?"
"Yes," Hjalma replied, "However, it seems Astikai outplayed us. She must have guessed that Ushio appearing from nowhere was a trap. I suppose she planned to simply wait until we made a move, and didn't expect you to act as well."
Columbine shook her head. "No, she expected me to move. Like I told you, she could have killed us all if she wanted to. I think that she wants us to go through the trouble of unlocking Ushio's memories, and then come in for the reward. Or maybe she has some other plan, I don't know. But she had to have known what was going to happen and what was going on, yet she still let us go." Then an idea sprung up, "Wait, I'd imagine Astikai is planning on using Ushio's notes still on the ship."
"You didn't retrieve those?" Hjalma asked.
Columbine looked down. "Sorry, but Ciuatl-damn…" The blonde suddenly stood up as the realization came to her. "We forgot about Ciuatl."
"Who's she?!" Hjalma said in a panicked voice.
"A Tzeentchian." Columbine explained, her mind racing to find the answer. "She seems to be opposed to Columbine, but she wanted the notes too. She has to know something about Athena and this experiment. I wouldn't be surprised if she's somehow pulling Astikai's strings."
Hjalma shook her head. "We don't know anything about her. She has to be planning something though, if she held onto Ushio's notes. That's the other side of this plan. We put Ushio back there so she could try and recreate the experiment from scratch. Even minus her memories, it could still be performed with those notes."
Ushio now spoke up. "Those notes weren't complete though. I still need more time to finish everything. That's all I know about them. The rest I've sealed away. Now…I guess it makes sense why I put that automatic program in, to block off everything related to this." Desperately, she asked Hjalma, "Are you sure you've no idea what that experiment was?"
"Whatever it was, its failure removed a planet from existence." Hjalma solemnly said. Ushio looked sad. She stood up, almost falling over. A hand on her shoulder stopped the girl's trembling legs from bringing her down.
"Are you alright?" Columbine asked. Hjalma and the others looked surprised at this. Ushio shuddered, then fell in towards Columbine.
"I'm fine," she mumbled.
Columbine ran her eyes over Hjalma and the two others. "What do you three really want?" she asked.
Hjalma went into silence, and Tamashii spoke up. "We wish to stop Astikai from accomplishing this experiment."
"Then why did you expect Ushio to reproduce it?" Columbine questioned. Tamashii cracked a grin, accepting defeat.
"Columbine, we want to stop Astikai, and attempt to carry this experiment out ourselves. But instead of doing it for personal power, we seek to do it for the sake of good." She explained.
"You're traitors, heretics," Columbine countered, "What can you do that is good?" Then she realized what she'd said. Certainly, I worship a different god, but she is not too separated from the Imperium's Goddess. I could too 'good', if I so chose.
"Correct," Hjalma remarked, "But this is less what the Imperium considers good, and more what is better for us all." She then stood. "You must be tired, would you like to get some rest?"
Columbine thought for a few seconds. The girl almost collapsing in her arms made her think 'yes'. She agreed. "Requita," Hjalma gestured to the girl in the suit, "Please show them to their rooms."
"Of course ma'am." The girl nodded, then walked smoothly to the top of the steps, "Misses, if you'd follow me please."
"What relation does she have to Athena?" Columbine asked. Hjalma smiled at the question.
"She was a little girl, about nine years old. Stumbled onto our shuttle as we were escaping, so I took her in." Hjalma explained. Then she waved her hand. "Go along now, get some rest. We can take more later. Warp entry is in a few hours."
Columbine nodded, then walked away. Once again, Ingwe hesitated. She ran her eyes over the others, giving them a threatening glare. Then she was walking away. Ushio was able to move on her own as Requita led them through the halls. After a few elevator rides, they found themselves led into exquisite staterooms. "There are only two available, as we did not expect three. I apologize." Requita bowed.
"I can take Ushio in one," Columbine said, "Thank you." Requita handed them keys, before walking away. Columbine sent Ushio over to their own while standing in the doorway of Ingwe's room. "Are you alright?" She asked.
Ingwe shook her head. "Something's off here, I can feel it. They're not telling us everything."
"Of course not," Columbine agreed, "But as long as Astikai is no longer breathing down my throat, I think I can rest easier. Don't get too paranoid, we don't want to push away our hosts. They need me, and they need Ushio. And they won't do anything to antagonize me. It's certain that we're being played, but they won't harm us until they're done playing us."
She turned for her own room. "And by then, we'll have already outplayed them." Her words had no plan backing them up, but just saying them gave her confidence.
With a solemn face, Meryet walked through the door with Alicia's hand in her own. It shut behind them, goodbyes already having been said. Meryet's 'thank you' was half-hearted, though. Mustering up a proper response to such a disappointment was difficult.
Disappointment, she thought, strange. Do I really just want Alicia to have something wrong? What's wrong with me…She did brighten up a little as she saw Lucine leaning against the side of a car. The girl lowered her sunglasses, smirking as she saw the two react.
"Just running away from me, huh?" she asked, strolling around to the driver's side. Meryet sighed, then conceded and got into the passenger seat, while Alicia slipped into the back. With the girl's size and personality, it was hard to remember that she was thirty-seven years old.
"Not at all," Meryet said quietly as Lucine pulled away. She shifted to look out the window, hoping to avoid the gaze of her companion. The bright sun above bathed everything in warm light. But the heat was uncomfortable. Not unbearable, at least.
Lucine waited a bit before saying anything more. A calculated move to throw off Meryet, and it worked. The girl almost jumped when Lucine said, "So what were you doing there?"
Meryet sighed, "Do you really need to know?"
"Are we not friends?" Lucine replied. Meryet turned to sit up straight, and crossed her arms.
Her eyes closed as she took in a few deep breaths. "We're certainly friends, but there are some secrets-"
"Oh come on, Meryet. You were getting Alicia checked in, were you not?" Meryet barely let her demeanor slip enough for it to be confirmed. "You told me last night, if you're wondering about this sudden spurt of intelligence." Lucine said mockingly.
That didn't get a reply. Meryet just kept staring forwards, hoping that this would end quickly. Then she realized the road wasn't one she knew. "Where are we going?" She asked.
"Nowhere really. Just driving around until you start loosening up." Lucine explained. "You're free to get out, I suppose. I can't stop you, and you're entirely capable." She said with a shrug.
Meryet weighed her options. In the end, she stayed. Her discomfort was shown as obvious as possible, as she crossed her arms and looked annoyed, but Lucine had long since learned to handle the girl. "Alicia," She called back, "What was the result of that examination?"
Alicia was quiet for a few moments. Then she said, "Nothing, as always. Not the slightest trace." Lucine nodded. She tapped her finger on the wheel, before speaking to Meryet.
"You understand that this behavior is rather strange. It's not just concerning me, it's the rest of the squad." She explained calmly, "I'm not saying you should stop worrying, or that your actions are wrong, I'm saying that you need to stop having these examinations. Someone else might decide something's wrong based only on your worries."
Just like that girl, Maria. Meryet thought of Lucine's words. "Do you want something to be wrong?" Lucine asked.
Exactly like her. Meryet realized. I've always heard this from Lucine, but if she's saying that…then I guess there's some truth in those words. She didn't show her acceptance visually. "Fine," She said, "I'll stop this, is that what you want?"
Lucine groaned. "Always a sensitive one," she remarked. Suddenly the car spun around in the middle of the highway.
"Ah! What was that for?!" Meryet demanded with a glare.
"I'm not talking to you if you're going to go into that mode. I don't want to listen to you feel all bad, only for me to admit that you're right." Lucine snapped, "This has been going on for years now." She shook her head, "I don't know how you can keep this up."
"I'm just worried," Meryet said. The sudden outburst brought tears to her eyes. "I just want to make sure that Alicia's happy, that she's not got something inside her that could hurt us all."
"That's just wrong, isn't it?" Lucine didn't speak those words. Meryet's eyes shot open as she looked behind herself.
Alicia was there, looking at Meryet with sadness in her eyes. "If you really care about everyone, you wouldn't be worrying them like this. You wouldn't make such a big deal of it. You…" She looked down, eyes going wide, "You wouldn't make me feel like a monster."
Lucine didn't say a word. The expression she showed Meryet said "This is your problem." Meryet took a deep breath, and shifted to more easily look at Alicia.
"Alicia," She said quietly, "I…I don't think you're really bad. I just want to be sure. I see you and…and something inside my head tells me to be worried. I don't know what it is, or why it tells me that, but it's there, alright? And…and I'm more inclined to listen to it than to not."
Alicia didn't seem to be changed by these words. She kept staring out the window, not paying any attention to what was said. "Alicia!" Meryet begged, "Listen to me, please!" The dark-haired girl just pushed herself against the window even more.
Meryet sighed, turning back to face forwards. Her hand came up to her face as she tried to think. It's fine, Lucine said, don't worry. She'll be fine. Just prove to her that you do care about her. This is really what I was worried about. You forget that Alicia's not some monster.
Taking deep breathes, Meryet didn't feel like replying. The remainder of the journey back to their destination was spent in silence. Even the awkwardness that descended in a short time wasn't challenged by anyone.
The bed was incredibly soft. Actually a bit better than the one she usually slept on, but that was to be expected. Meryet stared up at the ceiling, eyes running over the white wood over and over again. She knew that just across the wall was Alicia.
Desperately, she wanted to make that girl know how she really felt, but at the same time, she knew that giving her space was important. I'll give her half an hour more, Meryet decided, then I'll try. Trying to wait for her to come to me is pointless, I doubt she will.
A few minutes later, Meryet jumped as the door opened. Not only was she deep in thought, but also because it wasn't Lucine coming in. Alicia stared at with a blank gaze. But it changed to one of surprise as she saw Meryet flinch. "Surprised?" She asked.
Meryet tried to cover up the feeling. "Ah, well…" She sat up and pushed herself backwards. "You see-"
"You didn't expect me to come in on my own, did you?" Alicia asked. Then she raised her tone, demanding, "Did you?!"
Meryet averted her eyes. Now she faced towards the window. "Meryet, this is what I mean. You treat me like I can't even act on my own. It's true, I appreciate the fact that you care about me. I appreciate all that you give me, and in many ways I need all of this."
She took a few seconds to collect herself. Then she said, "But in the end, I'm still my own person. Just try to remember that, alright?"
Meryet instantly spoke up before she could leave. "Alicia!" She waited for the right words, so as to not sound desperate and foolish. "I…I know you're your own person. But at the same time, there's…like I said, there's something that makes me feel like I need to be there for you."
"Maybe it's wrong that I feel that, maybe it's wrong that I act on it to such an extreme, but I won't ignore it." Meryet explained, speaking from the bottom of her heart, "Because if I ignore it, something bad might happen, and how can I justify that to myself." She looked away once more, "If you want to hate me for it, then do it, but I won't stop, because I really do care about you."
Alicia thought on those words for a few moments. All around herself she glanced. Eventually, "Well…" She said quietly, "I…" Then she walked forwards. Meryet was surprised to find Alicia embrace her. "Thank you," The younger girl said as she relaxed.
Meryet herself calmed down while relief flowed through her body. "It's not a problem at all…" She said quietly as she leaned back.
Echoing off the sides of the great hall, voices filled the air. The room was a bustle of conversation, whether it be simple small talk or serious official matters. There wasn't any clear division either, and all the sounds just mixed together till it was near indecipherable.
If anyone had focused, they might have easily picked out the individual words, but the alcohol was ensuring that few did. Meryet had to name herself as one of those few. Her lesson about alcohol had been learned, and she wasn't going to disregard it. It was why she was leaning back against the wall, well away from any of the nexuses of conversation, merely observing the rabble.
Wherever Lucine went, her eyes followed. The last time the girl had come to some social event such as this…Meryet shook her head as she thought of it. Too humiliating to even consider, she shuddered at the thought. I'll drag her out of here if needed.
She did understand that the role had effectively been forced upon her by the rest of her squad. None of them desired a repeat of the previous incident. Otherwise, Meryet would have preferred to be back with Alicia. Are you alright? She called the girl for the third time in the past half an hour.
I'm fine, Alicia insisted. Give me a break, alright? I'll tell if you something goes wrong, and I don't see how anything can. Meryet knew she was right.
Sorry. She sent back.
Try to take your mind off of me. Alicia suggested, try talking to someone.
I don't want to-oh by the Goddess. She opened up a separate line to Lucine, her consciousness automatically splitting to speak to both at the same time. A short explanation to Alicia ended that conversation, while she said to Lucine on their private line, think about what you're doing. I suggest that you use patience and thought before acting.
Meryet could obviously tell that Lucine was busy charming some other magical girl. She couldn't tell who the girl was, but hopefully it wasn't someone important. It's fine, Lucine replied, nothing to worry about. I think you're the one who ought to use patience.
Grimacing, Meryet shot back, if something goes wrong, I'm getting part of the blame too, alright? Don't be stupid, alright?
Fine, fine, Lucine chuckled, I'll do my best. Meryet rolled her eyes, making show the emotion was conveyed to her comrade. A part of her wanted to be back on the front lines, but knew that part was just trying to hide from the responsibility of keeping Lucine on a leash.
She stepped away from the wall with a sigh. Hands clasped behind her back, she began to adopt a long path around the outskirts of the partygoers. Having been thrown by some high-ranking inquisitor or someone, there were plenty of people there just to socialize.
And by people, the meaning was of course magical girls. Not a single human was in sight. Meryet just hoped that none of them would take a liking to her, and started her circling while lost in her thoughts. She'd look at Lucine every now and then, who'd managed to surround herself with a trio of them now.
This really wasn't fun compared to a battle. Battle was strangely exhilarating, strangely enjoyable, something that Meryet couldn't deny liking to some extent. But in the end, she thought privately, my life is always on the line. Worse fates could await me. Yet not a bit of her regretted making the contract and joining the knights.
When it came down to it…Meryet really had to think before concluding, I'd rather be fighting a war right now. She came to a stop before a tall window. The moon sat in the sky, a tiny crescent. Her hand ran through her hair as she thought. Well, there are plenty of battles to be fought. Besides, Alicia's safer here than she would be out there.
Even then, it begged the question of what was more important. Why do I care so much? Meryet wondered.
An unfamiliar voice interrupted her. A "Good evening," spoken in a polite tone drifted to Meryet's ears, but it took the girl stepping beside her before she really acknowledged it.
After a flinch of surprise, Meryet said awkwardly, "Good evening," She ran her eyes over the blonde girl in an elaborate red gown.
"Heredia Oschalus." She introduced herself, reaching over to shake Meryet's hand. The dark-haired girl shook it gently, doing her best to put on a grin.
"Meryet Aleanudh," she replied quietly.
Heredia's beauty was only enhanced by the excellent application of makeup on her face, and she seemed to always be grinning about something. "You don't seem very talkative," she commented.
"Ah, I'm just bored. Not really here to talk, I suppose." Meryet admitted. She looked over her shoulder. Her expression turned to a frown as she saw Lucine headed off. "If you'd excuse me a moment, I have to prevent a major incident."
Heredia almost laughed, as if she understood the feeling. Meryet strode off quickly towards Lucine, already leaving with a few others in tow. Stop it, now. Meryet ordered, we're not having this again.
It's fine! Lucine cried, there's no problem whatsoever! Resisting the urge to just shot the girl from across the room, Meryet managed to intercede in time. She stepped in front of them with a smile that could paralyze a daemon.
"Good evening," She said as politely as possible, before focusing on her comrade. "Lucine, what are you doing?"
With a hidden roll of her eyes, Lucine replied, "Enjoying myself, Meryet. Relaxing, you ought to try sometime." Meryet started tapping her foot impatiently.
"Remember the last time?" Meryet said with a smirk. "I still think Captain Yourand still might kill you if she sees you again." Lucine faked a laugh, trying to walk around Meryet. The dark-haired girl held out an arm. "You laugh, but it wasn't funny being held at gunpoint while words like 'traitor' and 'psychopath' were thrown around."
The other girls had a range of reactions. Of the four, two looked concerned, and the other two just looked all the more interested in Lucine. And even the concerned two will probably continue this. She ran her eyes over them, assessing them all to be at least twenty years younger than Lucine. Not that that actually mattered to Meryet.
"Well, well, that was a mistake. This isn't." Lucine promised.
"Then who are these four lovely ladies?" Meryet asked.
Lucine named them all, even giving their postings. Meryet couldn't argue with that logic, and when it was confirmed no prior lasting relationships existed, there was no longer any way for her to deny Lucine. "If I wake up tomorrow and you're in trouble, I'm not helping," She said to the girl as she left.
And with that, Meryet found herself without any reason to stay. Then clacking footsteps reminded her of the new acquaintance. "My my," Heredia chuckled gently, a hand in front of her lips. "You're an interesting one. That your friend or something?"
Meryet nodded, "Yes, Lucine." She started walking away from the doors towards one of the corners. Heredia followed along. "She caused a bit of trouble about ten years back." Meryet grinned humorously at the thought, lightened up for some reason, "Slept with the lover of one Captain Marya Yourand, Wings of Redemption 3rd Company. Said girl was also one of the Sergeants in the company. They were found out in the middle of the act, and quickly escalating emotions led to some strikes being thrown."
"I woke up in the morning surrounded by Yourand's girls, insistent on detaining me and the rest of the squad. Apparently Lucine had 'started' it, which I somehow doubt, but the whole thing was such a mess that in the hours it took to clear it up, nobody really cared out." Meryet shrugged, "It just wasn't pleasant, and to this day that entire company doesn't particularly enjoy us. Said incident apparently revealed some bad secrets within that company," She waved her hand, "I don't really know, nor do I exactly care. The only problem is that since we're good friends, the rest of my squad put me in charge of making sure it doesn't happen again. So of course I'm concerned she's walking off with some girls twenty years younger than she is."
"So you're babysitting her?" Heredia asked.
Meryet agreed with the summarization, "More or less." Then she looked at Heredia. The girl was staring off at the window, now on the other side of the room. Her eyes fell upon the moon. Meryet stayed silent, and choose to look off in her own direction.
A sudden question interrupted her. "What are you doing here, then?" Heredia asked. The question was a difficult one to answer.
"Well-I didn't want to leave when we just started a conversation." Meryet explained. "But, I suppose if this is bothering you…" She recalled the way in which the girl stared off into the window.
"Not at all," Heredia raised her eyebrows. "But if you this is awkward for you, I'm not keeping you." She turned and strolled away.
Meryet blinked, and her eyes flashed for a moment. Who are you really? She asked. No one listed as Heredia Oschalus in the records. Your hair seems to be its original color, as do your eyes. Dress is obviously created magically, but you're at least hiding your name.
Heredia came to a stop. She looked over her shoulder with an accusatory glare. Snooping around like that isn't a good idea. She remarked, then said, of course, I likes girls who are actually intelligent. Smoothly turning on her heel, she walked back to Meryet.
Meryet almost leapt away as the girl's hands came to hold one of her own gently. "Shall we speak elsewhere?" Heredia asked quietly.
Blushing fiercely, Meryet put on her most formal tone and said, "I apologize, but I must refuse the offer at this moment. Perhaps another time." She waited for Heredia to pull away, and when the girl didn't, Meryet yanked her hand back and quickly strode away.
"Goodnight," A singsong voice called after her. Meryet could only hurriedly call back the same thing before storming out of the room and out into the cold of night.
She breathed hard as she almost collapsed outside the door. It was a while back to where they were staying, especially without Lucine's car. Damn her, Meryet quietly remarked. Remembering the direction back was easy, but she knew it would just take time.
"Without transport, huh?" Heredia's sweet voice drifted to Meryet's ears. The dark-haired girl spun around, and then scanned all around her seeing nothing. In the next instant, Meryet spotted her sitting atop the roof of the large mansion. "I can give you one, if you want."
"For a price, I might imagine?" Meryet snapped.
Heredia smirked, "Only if you want to…and if you ask a psychologist, I imagine they'd say you're projecting your own desire."
"Is that who I'm talking to at the moment?" Meryet wondered.
The blonde shook her head, falling to her feet. "No, I'm not involved in a business as boring as that." She brought a finger to her lips, "In fact, you might want to be listening to any orders I give, unless I'm mistaken."
Meryet froze. Could be a sergeant, but could be a captain. "Well, I'm in no position whatsoever to talk back."
"Not even a sergeant?" Heredia asked. "You're sixties, seventies right?"
"How do you know?" Meryet frowned.
"One of those girls you're friend walked off with. She's in my company." Heredia explained. Then she threw up her hands in response to Meryet's shock. "Don't worry, no incident to worry about here, but it was just a matter of simple math."
Taking a deep breath to calm herself, Meryet said shakily, "I am indeed not a sergeant."
Heredia just smiled with that same brightness. "Then make that request to help you an order to let me." Meryet suppressed the sigh. It was obviously a game.
"Fine," she caved. It was certainly a game, but she didn't want to spend the next hour traversing a few hundred miles.
"Good, good," Heredia grabbed her hands and pulled her along.
The following car ride would be made in near total silence. The lack of practically anyone in these parts of the planet but magical girls meant speed limits were non-existent, so it didn't take long. Meryet enjoyed that fact, as she had no intention of making small talk.
Heredia, or whoever she was, seemingly didn't either. But the fact that she constantly dropped the speed unnoticeably, till Meryet glanced at the meter at least, said that she was certainly trying to bait Meryet into making the first move.
It was a battle of the wills the entire ride. Meryet was ready to leap out as soon as Heredia pulled up. "Are you sure you wouldn't like to talk some more?" Heredia asked with a perfectly straight face as Meryet stepped from the car.
"No, but thank you very much for your assistance." Meryet saluted, then quickly spun on her heel and walked away. She let out a long breath as she made her way inside, almost ready to pass out.
I swear everyone in this Adeptus is insane, was all she could think.
What Meryet did find when she stepped through the door of the hotel room was silence. She couldn't help but bask in it for a few seconds, not daring to take even a step. When it ended, it was almost jarring hearing herself step across the floor.
It only took a thought for her boots to dissipate, and her bare feet now felt the cool wood. She ran a hand through her hair as she walked towards Alicia's room. Meryet paused to listen for the girl, also reaching out with her mind. After finding not a trace, she cracked open the door a little.
The girl lay peacefully in her bed. Her eyes were closed, and she slept soundly. Meryet breathed a sigh of relief. At least she's not going anywhere, she thought happily. It was moments like these that let her enjoy her time away from the battlefield.
Compared to the rest of my life, there'll be so few moments of true peace like this. Meryet felt a strange sensation spread through her body. Her demeanor shattered, as she took on a worried look while trying to identify it.
A sharp scream distracted her. Still in the doorway, Meryet leapt into the room as she looked around frantically. There was no one else that could be seen, and nothing was identified by her eyes. Alicia! She cried telepathically, repeating the cry physically as well.
The girl was sitting up now, grasping the sides of her head with a distressed expression. Alicia breathed hard, not even recognizing the presence of Meryet till the girl embraced her. "Alicia!" she cried again, "Are you alright?"
Stunned by the sudden movement, Alicia collapsed into Meryet's arms. "Yeah…" She whispered, "Just a nightmare." Her voice was unsteady.
A few seconds passed as Meryet reassured her. Then Alicia cut in, "I have this feeling. This terrible feeling. Something bad is coming." She turned her head to look out the window. Meryet's hope plummeted down as Alicia spoke in a quiet, frightful voice, "And it's already on its way here."
Dreadnoughts are advanced weapons mainly used by the Mage Knights. Some Inquisitors are known to possess one, but the majority are in the possession of the knights. These bipedal weapon systems are mainly powered by their own engines, but are capable of linking to a magical girl's soul gem for advanced power. Some consider this a breaking of Her Holy Majesty's declarations, but given that these machines hail from before the Heresy, it is safe to say that She allows them. Furthermore, they are merely supported by a soul gem, and can otherwise operate on their own.
The average Knights Chapter has around ten Dreadnoughts, but the larger and older a chapter gets, the more they will have. The Lifewardens are believed to have around fifty, but that number is speculated by some to be false. Large numbers are spread out throughout the various groups of traitors in the galaxy, and some are even known to have been fused with daemons.
-Grimoire Magica
If there's any regret I have about this whole story so far, it's that there wasn't the slightest hint Columbine was a memory manipulator before. It was supposed to be mentioned in a conversation about Ushio's experiment that ended up being shortened, and I just never found the right place till I realized things had gotten here.