A/N: Wow... Prelude to Geronimo got a lot of you guys buzzing! I guess my idea might be another winner? Heh, who knows? Anyway here is my next chapter and before yo ask...
I WILL NOT BE SHIPPING TYUULE WITH NORIKO
I HAVE PLANS.
To everyone who left a review in the last chapter, tanks for your input and I really hope you enjoy this one. Now on to the story...
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{ Chapter 45: Undone... }
06:17 hrs, Alnus Hill...
The Earthshake may had already passed, but there was still an atmosphere of uneasiness that hung over Alnus. It was a feeling shared by many of Alnustown's residents, both human and Demi-Human, as they got ready to start a new day in the town they had created. Something just felt off, yet no one knew why. But eventually, the residents of Alnustown began to notice certain things that had not been there the previous day.
For one thing, the U.N. Peace Keepers now carried black staff that were similar to the ones carried by Coalition Soldiers. Up until that point, both Italian and Egyptian personnel had only carried pistols and sub-machine guns when they made their patrols the settlement. Now they were equipped with assault rifles and now patrolled in groups of six, sometimes with an Armored Personnel Carrier following behind them in support. They seemed tense, but no one dared to ask them just what was going on.
Near the main entrance to they settlement, about a dozen civilian tractor trailer trucks were parked on the side of the road and under heavy guard by Coalition troops. These trucks belonged to a "Private Security Firm" which had been contracted by the Coalition Governments to run cargo through the Gate and normally, they would have already returned to Japan to be loaded up for the next supply run. Yet here they were, out in the open with their engines idle. While their drives did what they could to pass the time.
Just what was going on in Alnustown?
But while Alnustown's residents were still trying to figure out just what was happening, Fort Ginza itself was in complete lock down. Events from the previous night had resulted with the base commanders closing off the facility from the outside world. Security was at the highest it had been in months, as extra security precautions were implemented at every single entrance an exit. The only vehicles that were being allowed to enter and exit the Fort on a regular basis, were the ambulances that hade been running medical supplies to the field hospital that had been set up at the Air Field.
By now, the Fort's Medical Facility was under tight security and almost completely blocked off from the rest of the base. In the Third Floor, investigation teams took photos and gathered what evidence they could, as the members of the medical staff wheeled Norra's body out of what had been Noriko's room. As this was going on, both Tyuule and Delilah were being treated by medical staff in different parts of the Facility and each under heavy guard. Tyuule was being treated for several cracked ribs and even a collapsed lung, while Delilah had suffered a serious concussion and had yet to wake up. Their fight with the Dar assassin had taken a serious toll on both of ther bodies,but in the end, Norra was the only one who did not leave that room alive and was soon going to be the subject of an autopsy within a few hours.
Noriko herself was quite shaken by last nights events and after the fight, she was moved to the Administration Building by the request of General Hazama himself. Noriko did not feel safe after Norra's attack and refused to return to the hospital for treatment. Hazama, upon hearing this, took pity on the already traumatized woman gave her his personal quarters to sleep in. Telling Noriko that she could stay there until she went back to Japan. But while the situation with Noriko was easily solved (The General hoped) there were many questions that needed to be answered.
Just was now laying in the Base's morgue? Why was she even in the base? How did she get on the base? Was she here to kill Noriko? But even more perplexing... what was Delilah doing in the Hospital in the first place and why was she Armed?
This was a serious lapse in security and head would most certainly roll once the investigations were done. A team had been dispatched to Delilah's apartment to search it for clues, while a message had been sent to the Formal Clan about the former Maid's situation. But the only persons who would be able to answer their question were currently unable to do so. Hopefully, the Investigation Team would be able to gather more information until either Delilah and Tyuule were able to speak.
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Camp Formal, Italica...
13:12 HRS...
"What?" Kaine gasped in shock, as the head maid of the Formal house hold met with Major Payne. "Are you sure?"
"Positive." The Marine Corp officer replied, as he showed the older woman the photos that had been sent from Ginza. "The MPs found it in her room."
Kaine for her part, could not believe just what was happening, yet she doubted these other worlders would lie to her about one of her girls. Just a little over an hour ago, the head of the Formal Clan's maids was told that the commander of the Coalition forces in Italica wanted to meet with her as soon as possible. Kaine did not think twice about the Major's request, as the two regularly had meetings to discuss and and all issues that came up in the young Principality. The Coalition had, in her opinion anyway, conducted themselves in an honorable manner when they interacted with not only the Countess, but with the people of Italica as well. Never once did they attempt to under mind Myui's authority and in some ways, they actually helped cement her title as ruler of Italica.
Needless to say, there was a high level of trust between the two groups.
So you could imagine her surprise when Payne informed the Head Maid that one of her girls had apparently received a message from the Formal Clan to kill someone. But what was even more shocking, was the identity of Delilah's would be target. Although Kaine and the rest of her girls were absolutely loyal to their Countess and would do anything to keep her safe, Kaine would never order such an attack. Especially if it meant destroying the relationship between Italica and it closest/most powerful ally.
"This is... not possible..." the older woman stated, as she looked on at the image of the scroll displayed on the LED screen. "We... I never sent out such orders to Delilah! But... I don't know just who sent those orders to her!"
Payne just sighed heavily, as he digested Kaine's words. Honestly, the Major had no reason to believe the Formal Clan's head maid would lie to him or even instruct one of her own to assassinate someone that was helping the Coalition. Kaine was like a second mother to many of the Formal Clan's maids, she would never have them conduct such an act that would endanger her girls. Yet, the scroll that had been found in the Warrior Bunny's apartment had the official seal of the Formal Clan emblazed on it and that particular seal was only used for official use. If Kaine did not send the scroll, then who did?
"Miss Kaine, who else would have access to the Formal Seals?" The Marine asked the maid, as his mind slowly began to realize that someone unknown was trying to cause trouble for the Coalition.
"Well only Countess Myui could use the official seal if she chooses." Kaine began to explain. "They are normally stored in the Countess' personal study. The only persons who has access to those seals are Countess Myui, myself and..." Her expression soon began to change, as the maid soon came to a shocking realization. "That bastard!"
"What?" Payne asked curiously, taken aback by the older woman's sudden outburst.
"Bartholemew." Kaine growled, "He is the third person who has access to the Countess' Study. He would have had more than enough time to take one of the seals after the quake since he was the last one to leave the Manson and was the first one back in!"
"Why would he steal one?"
"Bartholemew... has his demons."the Head Main began to explain. "He and the Late Count Formal would normally host... parties in their youth, but after the birth of his daughters, Count Formal matured into a loving father while Bartholemew... well... he never grew out of his old habits."
"So wait... why was he still employed if he had such a... colorful private life?" Payne asked the woman.
"Because the Count considered him as a friend." she replied. "The two of them were thick as thieves in their youth and even after Formal started his family. There were a couple times the Count had to pay off Bartholemew's debts and I thought he had changed his habits after that... but it seems that I was wrong about him."
"One other question. Why would he instruct one of your maids to kill this Tyuule person?"
"I do not know." Kaine answered. "But... I must let you know that the Bunny Warriors employed by the Formal Clan have suffered unspeakable horrors in their lives... and they believe that their former leader Tyuule is responsible." The head maid then began to inform the Major about the Great Northern War against the Bunny Tribes and how msny of them were forced to flee after their queen seemingly betrayed them. It was a story the head maid knew all to well, as many of her girls had told her the same tale about Tyuule's treasonous actions. "I have to ask though, just why is your Coalition working with the former Queen?"
"I really don't know." Payne explained. "I am not that high up in the chain of command to know everything. Command may have their reasons for having her on the base, but right now our main focus should be on how to locate this Bartholemew individual and capture him before he tries to flee the city."
"Leave him to me." Kaine demanded firmly. "He lied to one of my girls and she almost died because of him. No one messes with my family."
"Very well." The Marine agreed. "I will contact Ginza and inform them that we have a suspect."
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Fort Ginza Medical Facility.
19:00 hrs...
A constant, rhythmic beeping greeted the former queen, as Tyuule finally awoke from her slumber. Almost immediately, the Bunny Woman overwhelmed by an unholy pain that throbbed from her chest and rib areas of her body. Her "Black Ops" attire had been replaced with a hospital gown that now covered her body, as a Intravenous drip had been connected to her left arm .
The room itself was well lit, but empty. Save for the heart monitor and other medical equipment that had been placed their by the medical staff. The last thing Tyuule remembered was being crushed to death by one of Bouro's assassins before everything went black. Now she was in another hospital room by herself and judging by the pain she felt, she was still very much alive. Suddenly, the warrior began to panic as her mind began to drift back to Noriko. Was she alright? Was she safe? The heart monitor began o beep rapidly, as panic began to fill the former queen. If Norra did as so much as rest a single had on that child...
Fortunately for the Bunny Woman, several doctors and guards rushed into her room after being alert by said monitor, and tried to calm Tyuule down.
"Where is she? Where's Noriko?" Tyuule asked frantically, her slightly bruised face showing that she was clearly in distress. "What happened to her?"
"Noriko is safe." A new voice cut in, gaining the attention of everyone that heard her voice. General Hazama had now entered the room, but he was not alone. For with him was Rory the Reaper wearing her familiar smirk on her face. "She is currently in my care and is unharmed, but I would like to have a chat with you"
Tyuule finally calm down as the medical staff backed away. After a few words with the doctor in charge of the ward the medical staff left the room, leaving only the Apostle and Hazama to speak with the former queen. "I am guessing you want to know who attacked me last night?"
"Oh, we already know." Rory replied, "I already told the general everything I knew about the Pied Piper."
"What we really want to know is why she wanted to kill you and Noriko?" Hazama asked the Warrior Bunny. Tyuule just sank back into her bed and sighed heavily.
"If the Apostle already told you about Norra, then I guess you are well aware about the Haryo Clan." The Bunny Woman asked the Japanese General. "Cause if she did, then you are well aware of just how devious and and dangerous they could be."
"Miss Mercury informed us about the clan." Hazama confirmed. "What why would they want you dead?"
"Because..." Tyuule began. "Because, they tried to use me to destroy the Empire."
"What?"
"The Hayro want to does not want to destroy the Empire, but control it." the former queen began to explain. "They genuinely believe that are the rightful rulers of Flamart and that it is their destiny to take control of the Continent... and that they should rule over every other species that call it home."
"But what does that have to do with you?" Hazama asked her, puzzled by this group's logic.
"They believe that the only way they could take over the Empire, is if they were to have one of their own born into the royal family." Tyuule replied. "One... of their spies came to me one night and asked if I could get Zorzal to mate with one of their own. The wanted the Crown Prince to get one of their women pregnant and bare an legitimate heir to the Saderan Throne. The Haryo believe that with one of their own on the throne, they could take control of the Empire and by extension, Falmart."
"That's a stupid plan." Rory snorted out. "There is no way that fool Zorzal would select a heir that was not born to one of his slaves."
"He would not have to." Tyuule began to explain. "The Haryo know that their plan would not work... unless all the other members of the Imperial family were dead, leaving Zorzal illegitimate child as the sole heir to the Saderan Throne. With one of their own as Emperor, the Hayro believe that they would control the Empire. But I promise you, they would be no better."
"But you were... working with them?" Hazama asked the warrior, choosing his words wisely before her spoke. Tyuule just shrugged before she replied. " I did, in the beginning... before I knew just how devious they truly were. We both hate the Empire but where I want to watch Sadera burn to keep my people safe, the Haryo and its leader want to control it and subjugate everyone it rules. Including my people."
"I'm guessing you no longer being that close to Zorzal, has not gone over well with their leadership?" the Japanese general commented. "They were most likely the ones who sent that fake message to Delilah to kill you."
"Believe me, Delilah would have killed me even if the Hayro had not tricked her into doing it." Tyuule said sadly. "To my people, I am a traitor. I was the one who sold them out to the Empire, somehow I am not surprised that Delilah was more that willing to come after me."
"I actually had the misfortune to encounter the Hayro many years ago." Rory suddenly spoke up. "There are special places in Hardy's realm for them when they die, places where Norra now resides. They probably sent her to kill Delilah after she had killed Tyuule."
For the next hour, Hazama spoke to Tyuule in an attempt to gather as much information as he could about this Haryo Clan and how they operated. From what the Former Queen told him this Haryo Clan was not to be taken lightly, considering one was able to infiltrate the Fortress and manipulate someone else to commit attempted murder, this sentiment was well founded.
Despite her position as an Apostle, Rory agreed to help the Coalition locate the Haryo and its leaders. She may not have been able to assist them directly, but the Apostle of Emroy could still help them by providing information she could gather from persons who may know where this clan hid.
She was the Apostle of Emroy, who would be foolish enough to lie to Rory the Reaper?
By the next morning, Rory had left left Fort Ginza on her on personal mission to locate the Haryo Clan and its leadership. While General Hazama held another meeting with the other Coaltion commanders to discuss the situation with the Haryo Clan and their ultimate goal. By the end of said meeting, the commanders all came to the conclusion that the Haryo were indeed quite dangerous and if stability was to be achieved after the war's end, the Haryo would have to be taken out of the equation... perminantly.
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4 Days later, Somewhere above the Knappnai Mountain Range.
'Black Sheep above target' the F-35 pilot said into his flight mask, as he watched the information that was being displayed on the aircraft's HUD system. The F-35 was just one of 6 which had been deployed by the coalition for this mission, all of whom now orbited high above their intended target and were armed with a mix of of AMG-154C "Glide Bombs" and JADMs for this particular mission.
Days earlier, Rory had returned to Ginza with the location of the main Haryo stronghold in tow. Her mission had been a success and according to her, the entire leadership of the Clan were due to have a meeting the the days to come. With such an opportunity presenting itself to the Coalition Command, a contingent of British SAS and Japanese SFG were deployed via Osprey to the Knappnai mountains to confirm the location.
Curiously, Rory herself had also joined the joint Task Force at her request. As she too had an invested interest in ensuring the destruction of the Haryo clan. In her mind, the Haryo were not worthy enough to stand along side Emroy in the after life. A couple days after being dropped off, the two teams and the Apostle were able to locate he Clan's stronghold. Which as it turned out, happened to be located in an abandoned fort partially built into the rocky mountain side. With Rory's help, the Coalition troops were able to confirm the identities of several high ranking Clan Leaders and their overall leader, Bouro.
With the Haryo base location confirmed and with the Clan leadership all in one place, there was only one thing left to do.
"Black Sheep flight, you are cleared to engage the target." a voice replied over the radio, as the Lightning Pilot saw his target being painted by laser. With one last word of confirmation, Black Sheep Lead guided his aircraft into formation with the rest of his squadron. The first three aircraft came in at an angle and dropped their combined payload of of six Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) at the former Imperial Fortress.
The 1000 lb munitions striking true, as massive explosions erupted within the now crumbling stone walls and pretty much killing everyone inside, but the Coalition wanted to make sure that the Haryo were completely taken out of the picture. No sooner had the first three aircraft made attack, the second wave came in and dropped their Glide Bombs to ensure that the destruction was absolute. That no one would be getting out of the rubble alive.
Once again, the guided bombs found their target, this time causing the mountain come down and bury the fortress once and for all. And with it, the Haryo threat to the Special Region.
Come the Morning, the joint British-Japanese unit would survey the destruction and confirm that no one had survived the Lightning's attack. A fact that made the Apostle of Emroy smile wickedly, as she saw the smoldering rock slide before her. Within a few hours, the SAS and SFG would return to Fort Ginza. Leaving behind the tomb they had created for what had been he Haryo Clan...
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A/N: And just like that... I killed off the entire Haryo Clan. I regret nothing, NOTHING!
Now with "Tyuule's Arc" mostly done, now I can focus back to dealing with the issue of the Aquadraco and how I will kill it... and of course, Giselle. So as always, please leave a review and until next time, NIGHTSTALKER OUT!