Saber Dolls G
A Saber Marionette Fanfiction
By BG-57
Program 05: Dark Mirror
Tiger walked through a set of metal double doors that opened automatically. On the other side was a well-appointed gym. It was long with a high ceiling that was lit by florescent lights. Mats hung on hooks along the walls, blocking any light from the windows. Treadmills and stationary bicycles stood nearby. Swords and other melee weapons hung on racks surrounding a sunken square sparring floor. In the far corner was the weight room: barbells, weight machines, a bench press and punching bags. Panther was busy pounding the daylights out of one of the larger punching bags, working with furious jabs. Luchs sat on the seat of the bench press and watched cheerfully.
"Damn! Damn it all to hell!" yelled Panther, slamming the punching back so hard it kept swinging up and hitting the ceiling.
Tiger walked over. "Panther are you all right?" she asked.
"Leave me alone!" barked Panther.
"Luchs what's wrong with-?" she began.
Luchs was blushing beet-red with her hands over her face and giggling.
Tiger put her hands on her hips. "Not you too?"
Panther slammed a fist into the punching bag causing it to rupture and spill out sand. It quickly formed a pile that buried her feet. She let her arms drop limply by her side. She slowly turned toward Tiger.
"What is this burning in my heart?" she demanded angrily.
Tiger looked confused. "It's your love for Lord Faust isn't it?"
Panther shook her head. "I've never felt like this before."
"He kissed us," said Luchs happily. "When we were joined as one in 01A. Weren't his lips soft?"
Tiger blushed as Luchs began to hug herself.
"But what would have happened next?" demanded Panther.
Luchs shook her head. "I'm not sure. I never got to finish my research with Otaru Mamiya."
Tiger sighed and leaned against the wall, her arms folded across her chest. She turned to Luchs.
"Panther," she said.
"I'm Luchs," said Luchs.
"Are you okay Tiger?" asked Panther.
Tiger pushed up the brim of her cap and put a hand to her forehead. "I'm sorry. Our minds were joined together and I'm not used to it."
"We got pieces of each other when we separated," said Luchs.
Panther scratched her face awkwardly. "Y'know, I never knew how much you two admired me."
"Your strength and force of will is amazing," said Luchs, putting a hand on Panther arm.
"But you are so smart and efficient Luchs," said Tiger.
"You're the most caring and loving Tiger," said Luchs, "I'm just a cold fish."
"And I'm a hotheaded bimbo," said Panther cheerfully.
Tiger began to cry and embraced both of them. Panther and Luchs exchanged glances.
"Hey, it'll be okay," said Panther consolingly.
"I love you both," said Tiger, "I don't want you to get hurt."
"Hurt?" asked Luchs, her violet eyes wide, "Yes, if Lord Faust chooses one of us, what will become of the other two?"
They stood apart. Tiger hung her head.
"If only we could have stayed as one," reflected Panther bitterly, "Then Lord Faust wouldn't have to choose."
"Maybe we could be his harem," said Luchs thoughtfully.
"Are you nuts?" yelled Panther grasping her collar.
Luchs moved Panther's hand off her lapel. "We each have traits he admires. Why not share his love?"
Tiger ran off still crying and left through the double doors.
"Tiger.," said Panther.
The lights flickered and went out.
Panther and Luchs caught up with Tiger in the main corridor.
"What happened to the power?" asked Panther.
Luchs frowned, her eyes glowing. "I'm blocked from the database."
They reached the main conference room. The Provisional Council was seated along the oblong table, the old man called Grandpa at one end and Faust at the other end. Soldiers in black trench coats and goggles and round helmets surrounded them, with drawn weapons.
Tiger drew out her blade whip and Luchs fanned out a set of shuriken blades.
Colonel Roland swiveled his chair and smirked. "Order your Saber Dolls to stand down."
Faust folded his arms and closed his eyes. "I rely on their judgement."
Roland pounded a fist on the desk. "Fine! Drop your weapons you damn Marionettes!"
"Never!" said Panther.
Roland arched an eyebrow. "You wouldn't want your beloved Fuhrer to get hurt, would you?"
"You need Lord Faust to rule Gartlant," said Tiger, clenching the handle of her blade whip.
"Then I'll kill the rest of the Provisional Council," said Roland nonchalantly.
Tiger and Luchs threw their weapons onto the floor.
"Good girls," said Roland, "Men, escort our guests to their cells."
The soldiers led the members of the Provisional Council away, leaving just Roland, Faust and the Saber Dolls.
"So you want to rule Gartlant Roland?" demanded Faust coldly.
He chuckled. "No, you misunderstand my Fuhrer. You will rule Gartlant!"
"I've given up that ambition long ago," said Faust sadly.
Roland sighed. "I don't understand Fuhrer! What happened? You were once so strong and now you're just a shell of the great man I once knew!"
"You will never understand Lord Faust!" said Luchs angrily.
"Fine," said Roland darkly, "I'll give you a week to cool off. Then we'll see if you have what it takes to rule Gartlant again."
He tapped a button on his chair and soldiers entered the room again.
"Escort them to security," said Roland, "And keep them in separate cells!"
After they were led away Ruebens entered the room from a side door. Roland swiveled his chair to face him.
"Can you finish in a week?" asked Ruebens.
"Yes, but I can't guarantee the results," replied Ruebens.
"Good," said Roland grimly, "No matter what, Lord Faust is going to be the next ruler of Gartlant!"
Tiger had given up trying to call for help after the first few days. She stared again at the barren cell: plain white walls, a bed, a security door and a box of field rations. She slumped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.
"I hope Lord Faust and the others are alright," she mused.
She gasped as she saw the tiny vent in the ceiling start to shift. It was pulled back to reveal a young boy's face.
"Mikey!" said Tiger.
Mikey put a finger to his lips. "Shh!"
Tiger was amazed. "Have you been hiding all this time?" she asked.
"Yeah, I was in my room playing when suddenly I heard soldiers storming the building," said Mikey, "So I hid."
Tiger looked solemn. "You must be hungry."
He nodded and she threw up a few packets of field rations.
"Thanks Tiger," he said, "I'm sorry I was afraid of you before."
She smiled warmly. "Well I was scary before so I don't blame you."
"Oh yeah! Can you climb through the vent?" he asked.
She shook her head. "It's too narrow. But you can still help us get out."
"How?" he asked.
She frowned and paced. "Luchs is better at formulating plans. Can you find her cell?"
"Sure thing!" said Mikey.
"Be brave," she said as he shut the vent.
Mikey wiggled through the ductwork until he reached another vent. He peered out and saw the top of the heads of two men.
"Colonel Roland, the repairs are nearly complete," said the man with spiky blond hair.
"Excellent Ruebens," said Roland, "Has the process been completed?"
"Yes," replied Ruebens, "The subject shows no abnormal signs so far."
Roland stopped. "I'm curious why you agreed to help me, Ruebens. You've always been loyal to Lord Faust."
"Lord Faust was meant to rule Gartlant, Colonel," replied Ruebens, "I want to help him realize that."
Roland laughed. "You Japoness are always so crafty! Just remember that if you stab me in the back, Koyuki will pay."
Ruebens frowned. "There's no need to resort to threats."
They continued down the corridor. "Maybe you can talk sense into Lord Faust then."
Mikey crawled through and intersection and reached another vent. He looked down and saw another cell with a form under the blankets. He cautiously opened the vent.
"Luchs?" he asked.
A hand reached into the vent and pulled his head out. He began to scream and came face to face with Luchs, who was wedged against the upper corner of the room. She blinked and released him.
"You're Mikey aren't you?" she asked.
He put his hand to his throat. "Wow are you some sort of ninja?"
She chuckled. "I'm sorry, I was preparing a trap to get out."
He grinned. "Tiger sent me. She said to ask you to come up with a plan."
Luchs put a hand to her chest. "I'm glad Tiger is okay. I'm come up with several plans, but none are likely to succeed."
Mikey's face fell.
"But you have given me a new idea," said Luchs brightening. "The vent is too small for us to get out, but you can get part of us out."
Mikey looked worried. "Part of you? How will that help?"
"I'll tell you Mikey," said Luchs, "Now listen carefully, you need to do exactly what I say.."
There was a polite knock on Tiger's cell door.
She sat up in bed. "Yes?"
"It's me," said Faust's voice.
"My Lord!" she exclaimed, "Come in!"
The door beeped several times and opened with a faint hiss. It slid open to reveal Faust. Tiger gasped when she saw him. His long golden hair was untied so it fell on either side of his face. He was dressed in a long black cape with enormous epaulets over a vest with a cravat at the collar and baggy pantaloons with black jackboots. He regarded her imperiously.
"Leave me alone with the Marionette," he said to the guard without breaking Tiger's gaze.
"But Fuhrer!" protested the guard.
Faust gave him a withering glance and he pressed the code lock. The door swung shut again and sealed.
Tiger reached out her hand and tentatively touched his arm. "Lord Faust?" she asked.
He looked down at her fondly. She began to cry and nearly fell into his embrace.
"This is my fault Tiger," he said enfolding her in his arms, "I got you all in this mess, because of my selfish pride."
She shook her head. "No my Lord. We all agreed this was for the best. We knew the risks."
"I'm sorry Tiger," he said, "I know what I must do, but I need your strength."
She sighed and leaned her head against his massive chest. "Of course Lord Faust. I will do anything you ask me to."
He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her away. "No Tiger. You are not my slave. Any relationship between us must be equal to work."
She stared up into his blue eyes. "Equals? But my Lord, I'm a Marionette and you're human."
He stared at her intensely. "No, I'm a man and you're a woman."
She frowned. "I don't understand."
He sighed. "Never mind."
He leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. She blushed and covered her mouth with her hand.
"I love you Tiger," he said as he rapped on the door behind him.
"Wait!" she cried, clutching fiercely to him. "I love you too Lord Faust!"
He smiled and held the palm of his hand against her cheek. "I know. I just want to have no regrets."
"Please don't say farewell my Lord," said Tiger crying against his arm.
"I'll see you later then," he said as the door slid open. She clung to his side, tears rolling down her face. The guard finally pushed them apart. Tiger slumped to the floor and looked up at Faust.
"Did you say the same thing to Luchs and Panther?" she asked.
He smiled faintly to her as the door slid shut with a faint hiss.
The guards escorted Faust down a hallway to a massive room with large pillars supporting a lofty ceiling. Red carpeting covered a path leading up a dais. Several cameras were pointing toward the podium. Colonel Roland and Ruebens were standing near the main entrance.
"What do you want me to say?" asked Faust.
"Nothing too complicated," said Roland smoothly, "Just announce that you reclaim your position as Fuhrer of Gartlant."
"And if I don't?" he retorted.
"We execute you and your Saber Dolls," said Ruebens.
"I understand," said Faust as he walked toward the podium.
Roland signaled the cameras to begin recording and Faust walked up the steps of the dais and faced toward the cameras.
"Citizens of Gartlant, I, Gelhardt von Faust, have an important announcement to make. As you all know, Gartlant is the greatest of all nations on Terra II! And because Gartlant is great, it needs great leadership. Therefore, I have decided after much consideration that Gartlant must be ruled someone other than me."
"What?" said Roland in disbelief.
"I formally renounce any ambitions to ever rule Gartlant again. I have already done enough damage. For the future of Gartlant and all of Terra II I will.."
He stopped as he saw the lights on the cameras go off.
The sound of applause echoed through the empty hall.
"Bravo!" said Roland, "Great speech!"
Faust stood there and glared at Roland.
"You knew the consequences my Lord," said Ruebens, "So why?"
"Surely you of all people know why," said Faust, "My life is unimportant compared to the welfare of my people."
"And your Saber Dolls as well?" demanded Roland.
"In the grand scheme of things, yes," he said regretfully.
Roland hit his fist into the intercom. "Kill the Saber Dolls! Bring a firing squad here on the double!"
Ruebens shook his head. "I tried to convince you my Lord. But I feared you wouldn't cooperate, so we prepared a contingency plan."
"Contingency?" asked Faust as they felt the room rumble and shake.
He frowned as he recognized the deep metallic roar above the building.
"The Zaubelberg!" he exclaimed.
"Operation Phoenix is underway," announced Ruebens.
The giant viewscreen behind Faust flickered to life. He turned to see the image of the Zaubelberg hovering over the Summer Residence. It was damaged and scarred all over its surface.
"Like a Pheonix rising from the ashes, so will a new generation rise up from Gartlant's defeat," said a high thin voice over the loudspeakers.
Ruebens and Roland knelt as the image changed to that of a small boy sitting in a black chair that was far too large for him. He had blond hair that peaked dramatically and ice cold blue eyes. He was dressed in a black uniform with white trim at the collar and cuffs.
"So I finally get to meet the Tenth," he said sneering. "I must say I'm not impressed."
"You made another clone of me?" said Faust angrily to Ruebens and Roland.
The doors opened and a squad of Sabers marched into the room. All of them had long red hair and eyes hidden behind gray helmets with black visors. They wore skintight outfits with combat boots and shoulder mounted machine guns. They formed a single file line in front of Faust and their safeties went of with a harsh click.
"Just relax and leave Gartlant to me Tenth," said the boy, "Record my speech now Ruebens!"
"Yes my Lord," said Ruebens, pressing a console.
"Attention citizens of Gartlant! I am Gelhardt von Faust the Eleventh. I claim the title of Fuhrer by right of ascension. As the leader of Gartlant and future leader of Terra II I demand total obedience! Terra II will bow to the glory of Gartlant!"
Roland and Ruebens applauded.
"Wonderful speech my Lord," said Ruebens, "We will transmit it all over the world."
"Colonel!" said a soldier bursting in. "The Saber Dolls!"
"What?" said Roland, "Did they escape?"
"Parts of them," replied the soldier.
Roland grabbed his collar. "Stop speaking in riddles!"
"Their maiden circuits are gone!" he managed to stammer out.
"Damn it!" roared Roland, "Kill Faust!"
The firing squad took aim. Faust regarded them evenly. At the last second a Saber at the end of the firing line turned and faced the others and pumped them full of bullets. They sprawled all over the place and exploded. The Saber jumped onto the dais.
Faust slowly lowered his arms.
"Lord Faust?" it asked slowly.
He stared and smiled. "Panther. I knew you'd come."
The Saber hugged him.
"Wait, Roland and Ruebens!" he said.
They turned to see them already gone.
"The Zaubelberg!" said Faust.
Tiger winced as the door to her cell was blasted open. She stared at a Saber with green hair carrying a scythe and wearing a white military cap.
"Tiger, here." It said, tossing her blade whip to her.
"Luchs?" asked Tiger in wonderment.
"Mikey installed our maiden circuits in some Sabers undergoing maintenance," said the Saber, "but this body feels like molasses compared to my real body."
"Let's go rescue Lord Faust!" said Tiger running down the hallway.
They almost ran over Ruebens and Roland running the other way.
"You're always in my way!" growled Roland, drawing out his pistol and leveling it at Tiger's head. He froze and gasped, blood suddenly coming out of his mouth. He looked down at the tip of a katana protruding from his chest. Ruebens gave a twist on the blade's handle and pulled it out.
"I can never forgive you for trying to execute Lord Faust," said Ruebens coldly, " Farewell Colonel."
Roland fell limp onto the floor. Ruebens stared levelly at Tiger and the Saber. He wiped the blood from his sword.
"So are you friend or foe?" asked Tiger.
"I'm a friend to Lord Faust," he replied, "Both of them."
"We have to stop the Eleventh!" said Tiger.
Ruebens lowered his blade at her. "I cannot allow you to harm him."
"Luchs, go stop the Eleventh!" yelled Tiger, "I'll hold off Ruebens!"
"No!" called out Ruebens as Tiger's blade whip wrapped around his katana. He broke free as the Saber ran past down the corridor.
Tiger retracted the blade most of the way and it formed a rigid blade. She lunged forward and Ruebens expertly blocked with his katana.
Faust stood on the roof with the Saber staring up at the Zaubelberg.
"Panther, we have to get up there," he said.
"I'll help!" said a Saber with the scythe joining them.
"Luchs?" asked Faust.
She nodded.
"Toss me up there," he said removing his cape and letting it blow away in the wind.
The two Sabers joined hands and he stood on them. They hurled him with tremendous force at the pitted and scarred surface of the Zaubelberg. He managed to grip a broken and bent panel. He tied a cable to a bolt and let it drop to the ground. He carefully clambered up to an access hatch. He put his hand into a recessed panel that scanned his hand.
"I.D. confirmed," said a tinny voice, "Welcome back."
The hatch smoothly opened and Faust climbed inside. He made his way down a narrow triangular corridor to a staircase. He went down two flights and reached a door. It opened automatically, revealing the main control center. He walked over to the central chair. It was empty. He looked around to see all the controls were automated and unoccupied.
"You're harder to kill than I thought," said a voice behind him.
Faust turned to see the Eleventh now holding a pistol.
"You're really a clone of me?" asked Faust.
The boy sneered in a familiar manner. "You think I'm a fake?"
He shook his head.
"I'll be glad when you're gone!" said the Eleventh taking aim.
"Why?" he asked.
The boy looked annoyed. "Because I hate you!"
Faust stared evenly at him. "Is that how you really feel or were you programmed to hate me?"
"Programmed?" asked the boy.
"Yes," he replied, "I was one an innocent boy not that different from you. But I was forced to absorb memories of nine lifetimes. It nearly destroyed me."
He looked grim. "But I had no say in my fate. If you really want to kill me, that's fine. But if you were told to kill me, then you are not the master you are the slave!"
The boy fired a bullet that shattered the screen directly behind Faust. He didn't flinch.
"Shut up!" the boy yelled, "I'm the ruler of all Gartlant!"
"Try to remember," said Faust, "Of a time you were happy, when you didn't have any hate."
The boy covered the sides of his head. "Argh! Stop confusing me!"
He raised the gun again, but it was knocked away by a scythe blade.
"Luchs!" said Faust.
"I'm glad your safe my Lord," said the Saber.
The boy slumped onto the floor.
Ruebens locked his blade against Tiger's.
"Try to understand!" he yelled.
"I don't care what your twisted motives are!" she snapped back.
"Enough!" said Faust appearing in the corridor carrying a boy in his arms.
Ruebens dropped his katana and ran over to Faust. "My Lord, is the boy.?"
"He'll live," said one of the Sabers walking past Ruebens into one of the cells. After a few moments Panther walked out in her own body. She adjusted her eyepatch.
"You helped to create this clone of me?" asked Faust.
Ruebens nodded. "Roland wanted to replace you with a clone. Since I knew you wouldn't agree to rule over Gartlant I agreed to help. I didn't want the line of Faust to end with you."
"Why not an adult clone?" asked Tiger.
"We didn't have time," said Ruebens, "Plus it was easier to brainwash him."
"Can it be undone?" asked Luchs, appearing in her body again.
"Yes," he replied.
Faust nodded and tenderly passed the boy to Luchs. "I will ask the Provisional Council for clemency for you then,"
Ruebens hung his head. "I deserve what I get my Lord."
"I cannot decide your fate," said Faust.
After freeing the Provisional Council the Saber Dolls and Faust reached his bedroom. Luchs laid the boy on the bed and tucked him in. Panther embraced Faust.
"My Lord, I feared the worst!" she said.
"Calm down Panther," he said, "We all made it."
Tiger watched them and sighed. When she walked outside, Mikey was waiting for her with his hands behind his back.
"Tiger, are you okay?" he asked looking up.
She smiled and knelt in front of him. "I'm fine Mikey."
He hugged her. "Thanks for saving Grandpa and everyone!"
"I couldn't have done it without your help," she said.
He nodded. "Is that boy okay?"
"I think so," she said, "Would you like to meet him later?"
"Sure!" he said brightly.
"Good," said Tiger, "I think Lord Faust the Eleventh will need friends."
Preview
Lord Faust wants to save his clone, but what will the Provisional Council decide? Tiger and Panther and I have to care for the boy, but are we up to it? What are these strange feelings in my heart? Can a Marionette have two Masters? Next time on Saber Dolls G: 'Eleventh'. Lord Faust, I love you!
A Saber Marionette Fanfiction
By BG-57
Program 05: Dark Mirror
Tiger walked through a set of metal double doors that opened automatically. On the other side was a well-appointed gym. It was long with a high ceiling that was lit by florescent lights. Mats hung on hooks along the walls, blocking any light from the windows. Treadmills and stationary bicycles stood nearby. Swords and other melee weapons hung on racks surrounding a sunken square sparring floor. In the far corner was the weight room: barbells, weight machines, a bench press and punching bags. Panther was busy pounding the daylights out of one of the larger punching bags, working with furious jabs. Luchs sat on the seat of the bench press and watched cheerfully.
"Damn! Damn it all to hell!" yelled Panther, slamming the punching back so hard it kept swinging up and hitting the ceiling.
Tiger walked over. "Panther are you all right?" she asked.
"Leave me alone!" barked Panther.
"Luchs what's wrong with-?" she began.
Luchs was blushing beet-red with her hands over her face and giggling.
Tiger put her hands on her hips. "Not you too?"
Panther slammed a fist into the punching bag causing it to rupture and spill out sand. It quickly formed a pile that buried her feet. She let her arms drop limply by her side. She slowly turned toward Tiger.
"What is this burning in my heart?" she demanded angrily.
Tiger looked confused. "It's your love for Lord Faust isn't it?"
Panther shook her head. "I've never felt like this before."
"He kissed us," said Luchs happily. "When we were joined as one in 01A. Weren't his lips soft?"
Tiger blushed as Luchs began to hug herself.
"But what would have happened next?" demanded Panther.
Luchs shook her head. "I'm not sure. I never got to finish my research with Otaru Mamiya."
Tiger sighed and leaned against the wall, her arms folded across her chest. She turned to Luchs.
"Panther," she said.
"I'm Luchs," said Luchs.
"Are you okay Tiger?" asked Panther.
Tiger pushed up the brim of her cap and put a hand to her forehead. "I'm sorry. Our minds were joined together and I'm not used to it."
"We got pieces of each other when we separated," said Luchs.
Panther scratched her face awkwardly. "Y'know, I never knew how much you two admired me."
"Your strength and force of will is amazing," said Luchs, putting a hand on Panther arm.
"But you are so smart and efficient Luchs," said Tiger.
"You're the most caring and loving Tiger," said Luchs, "I'm just a cold fish."
"And I'm a hotheaded bimbo," said Panther cheerfully.
Tiger began to cry and embraced both of them. Panther and Luchs exchanged glances.
"Hey, it'll be okay," said Panther consolingly.
"I love you both," said Tiger, "I don't want you to get hurt."
"Hurt?" asked Luchs, her violet eyes wide, "Yes, if Lord Faust chooses one of us, what will become of the other two?"
They stood apart. Tiger hung her head.
"If only we could have stayed as one," reflected Panther bitterly, "Then Lord Faust wouldn't have to choose."
"Maybe we could be his harem," said Luchs thoughtfully.
"Are you nuts?" yelled Panther grasping her collar.
Luchs moved Panther's hand off her lapel. "We each have traits he admires. Why not share his love?"
Tiger ran off still crying and left through the double doors.
"Tiger.," said Panther.
The lights flickered and went out.
Panther and Luchs caught up with Tiger in the main corridor.
"What happened to the power?" asked Panther.
Luchs frowned, her eyes glowing. "I'm blocked from the database."
They reached the main conference room. The Provisional Council was seated along the oblong table, the old man called Grandpa at one end and Faust at the other end. Soldiers in black trench coats and goggles and round helmets surrounded them, with drawn weapons.
Tiger drew out her blade whip and Luchs fanned out a set of shuriken blades.
Colonel Roland swiveled his chair and smirked. "Order your Saber Dolls to stand down."
Faust folded his arms and closed his eyes. "I rely on their judgement."
Roland pounded a fist on the desk. "Fine! Drop your weapons you damn Marionettes!"
"Never!" said Panther.
Roland arched an eyebrow. "You wouldn't want your beloved Fuhrer to get hurt, would you?"
"You need Lord Faust to rule Gartlant," said Tiger, clenching the handle of her blade whip.
"Then I'll kill the rest of the Provisional Council," said Roland nonchalantly.
Tiger and Luchs threw their weapons onto the floor.
"Good girls," said Roland, "Men, escort our guests to their cells."
The soldiers led the members of the Provisional Council away, leaving just Roland, Faust and the Saber Dolls.
"So you want to rule Gartlant Roland?" demanded Faust coldly.
He chuckled. "No, you misunderstand my Fuhrer. You will rule Gartlant!"
"I've given up that ambition long ago," said Faust sadly.
Roland sighed. "I don't understand Fuhrer! What happened? You were once so strong and now you're just a shell of the great man I once knew!"
"You will never understand Lord Faust!" said Luchs angrily.
"Fine," said Roland darkly, "I'll give you a week to cool off. Then we'll see if you have what it takes to rule Gartlant again."
He tapped a button on his chair and soldiers entered the room again.
"Escort them to security," said Roland, "And keep them in separate cells!"
After they were led away Ruebens entered the room from a side door. Roland swiveled his chair to face him.
"Can you finish in a week?" asked Ruebens.
"Yes, but I can't guarantee the results," replied Ruebens.
"Good," said Roland grimly, "No matter what, Lord Faust is going to be the next ruler of Gartlant!"
Tiger had given up trying to call for help after the first few days. She stared again at the barren cell: plain white walls, a bed, a security door and a box of field rations. She slumped onto the bed and stared at the ceiling.
"I hope Lord Faust and the others are alright," she mused.
She gasped as she saw the tiny vent in the ceiling start to shift. It was pulled back to reveal a young boy's face.
"Mikey!" said Tiger.
Mikey put a finger to his lips. "Shh!"
Tiger was amazed. "Have you been hiding all this time?" she asked.
"Yeah, I was in my room playing when suddenly I heard soldiers storming the building," said Mikey, "So I hid."
Tiger looked solemn. "You must be hungry."
He nodded and she threw up a few packets of field rations.
"Thanks Tiger," he said, "I'm sorry I was afraid of you before."
She smiled warmly. "Well I was scary before so I don't blame you."
"Oh yeah! Can you climb through the vent?" he asked.
She shook her head. "It's too narrow. But you can still help us get out."
"How?" he asked.
She frowned and paced. "Luchs is better at formulating plans. Can you find her cell?"
"Sure thing!" said Mikey.
"Be brave," she said as he shut the vent.
Mikey wiggled through the ductwork until he reached another vent. He peered out and saw the top of the heads of two men.
"Colonel Roland, the repairs are nearly complete," said the man with spiky blond hair.
"Excellent Ruebens," said Roland, "Has the process been completed?"
"Yes," replied Ruebens, "The subject shows no abnormal signs so far."
Roland stopped. "I'm curious why you agreed to help me, Ruebens. You've always been loyal to Lord Faust."
"Lord Faust was meant to rule Gartlant, Colonel," replied Ruebens, "I want to help him realize that."
Roland laughed. "You Japoness are always so crafty! Just remember that if you stab me in the back, Koyuki will pay."
Ruebens frowned. "There's no need to resort to threats."
They continued down the corridor. "Maybe you can talk sense into Lord Faust then."
Mikey crawled through and intersection and reached another vent. He looked down and saw another cell with a form under the blankets. He cautiously opened the vent.
"Luchs?" he asked.
A hand reached into the vent and pulled his head out. He began to scream and came face to face with Luchs, who was wedged against the upper corner of the room. She blinked and released him.
"You're Mikey aren't you?" she asked.
He put his hand to his throat. "Wow are you some sort of ninja?"
She chuckled. "I'm sorry, I was preparing a trap to get out."
He grinned. "Tiger sent me. She said to ask you to come up with a plan."
Luchs put a hand to her chest. "I'm glad Tiger is okay. I'm come up with several plans, but none are likely to succeed."
Mikey's face fell.
"But you have given me a new idea," said Luchs brightening. "The vent is too small for us to get out, but you can get part of us out."
Mikey looked worried. "Part of you? How will that help?"
"I'll tell you Mikey," said Luchs, "Now listen carefully, you need to do exactly what I say.."
There was a polite knock on Tiger's cell door.
She sat up in bed. "Yes?"
"It's me," said Faust's voice.
"My Lord!" she exclaimed, "Come in!"
The door beeped several times and opened with a faint hiss. It slid open to reveal Faust. Tiger gasped when she saw him. His long golden hair was untied so it fell on either side of his face. He was dressed in a long black cape with enormous epaulets over a vest with a cravat at the collar and baggy pantaloons with black jackboots. He regarded her imperiously.
"Leave me alone with the Marionette," he said to the guard without breaking Tiger's gaze.
"But Fuhrer!" protested the guard.
Faust gave him a withering glance and he pressed the code lock. The door swung shut again and sealed.
Tiger reached out her hand and tentatively touched his arm. "Lord Faust?" she asked.
He looked down at her fondly. She began to cry and nearly fell into his embrace.
"This is my fault Tiger," he said enfolding her in his arms, "I got you all in this mess, because of my selfish pride."
She shook her head. "No my Lord. We all agreed this was for the best. We knew the risks."
"I'm sorry Tiger," he said, "I know what I must do, but I need your strength."
She sighed and leaned her head against his massive chest. "Of course Lord Faust. I will do anything you ask me to."
He put his hands on her shoulders and pushed her away. "No Tiger. You are not my slave. Any relationship between us must be equal to work."
She stared up into his blue eyes. "Equals? But my Lord, I'm a Marionette and you're human."
He stared at her intensely. "No, I'm a man and you're a woman."
She frowned. "I don't understand."
He sighed. "Never mind."
He leaned in and gently kissed her on the lips. She blushed and covered her mouth with her hand.
"I love you Tiger," he said as he rapped on the door behind him.
"Wait!" she cried, clutching fiercely to him. "I love you too Lord Faust!"
He smiled and held the palm of his hand against her cheek. "I know. I just want to have no regrets."
"Please don't say farewell my Lord," said Tiger crying against his arm.
"I'll see you later then," he said as the door slid open. She clung to his side, tears rolling down her face. The guard finally pushed them apart. Tiger slumped to the floor and looked up at Faust.
"Did you say the same thing to Luchs and Panther?" she asked.
He smiled faintly to her as the door slid shut with a faint hiss.
The guards escorted Faust down a hallway to a massive room with large pillars supporting a lofty ceiling. Red carpeting covered a path leading up a dais. Several cameras were pointing toward the podium. Colonel Roland and Ruebens were standing near the main entrance.
"What do you want me to say?" asked Faust.
"Nothing too complicated," said Roland smoothly, "Just announce that you reclaim your position as Fuhrer of Gartlant."
"And if I don't?" he retorted.
"We execute you and your Saber Dolls," said Ruebens.
"I understand," said Faust as he walked toward the podium.
Roland signaled the cameras to begin recording and Faust walked up the steps of the dais and faced toward the cameras.
"Citizens of Gartlant, I, Gelhardt von Faust, have an important announcement to make. As you all know, Gartlant is the greatest of all nations on Terra II! And because Gartlant is great, it needs great leadership. Therefore, I have decided after much consideration that Gartlant must be ruled someone other than me."
"What?" said Roland in disbelief.
"I formally renounce any ambitions to ever rule Gartlant again. I have already done enough damage. For the future of Gartlant and all of Terra II I will.."
He stopped as he saw the lights on the cameras go off.
The sound of applause echoed through the empty hall.
"Bravo!" said Roland, "Great speech!"
Faust stood there and glared at Roland.
"You knew the consequences my Lord," said Ruebens, "So why?"
"Surely you of all people know why," said Faust, "My life is unimportant compared to the welfare of my people."
"And your Saber Dolls as well?" demanded Roland.
"In the grand scheme of things, yes," he said regretfully.
Roland hit his fist into the intercom. "Kill the Saber Dolls! Bring a firing squad here on the double!"
Ruebens shook his head. "I tried to convince you my Lord. But I feared you wouldn't cooperate, so we prepared a contingency plan."
"Contingency?" asked Faust as they felt the room rumble and shake.
He frowned as he recognized the deep metallic roar above the building.
"The Zaubelberg!" he exclaimed.
"Operation Phoenix is underway," announced Ruebens.
The giant viewscreen behind Faust flickered to life. He turned to see the image of the Zaubelberg hovering over the Summer Residence. It was damaged and scarred all over its surface.
"Like a Pheonix rising from the ashes, so will a new generation rise up from Gartlant's defeat," said a high thin voice over the loudspeakers.
Ruebens and Roland knelt as the image changed to that of a small boy sitting in a black chair that was far too large for him. He had blond hair that peaked dramatically and ice cold blue eyes. He was dressed in a black uniform with white trim at the collar and cuffs.
"So I finally get to meet the Tenth," he said sneering. "I must say I'm not impressed."
"You made another clone of me?" said Faust angrily to Ruebens and Roland.
The doors opened and a squad of Sabers marched into the room. All of them had long red hair and eyes hidden behind gray helmets with black visors. They wore skintight outfits with combat boots and shoulder mounted machine guns. They formed a single file line in front of Faust and their safeties went of with a harsh click.
"Just relax and leave Gartlant to me Tenth," said the boy, "Record my speech now Ruebens!"
"Yes my Lord," said Ruebens, pressing a console.
"Attention citizens of Gartlant! I am Gelhardt von Faust the Eleventh. I claim the title of Fuhrer by right of ascension. As the leader of Gartlant and future leader of Terra II I demand total obedience! Terra II will bow to the glory of Gartlant!"
Roland and Ruebens applauded.
"Wonderful speech my Lord," said Ruebens, "We will transmit it all over the world."
"Colonel!" said a soldier bursting in. "The Saber Dolls!"
"What?" said Roland, "Did they escape?"
"Parts of them," replied the soldier.
Roland grabbed his collar. "Stop speaking in riddles!"
"Their maiden circuits are gone!" he managed to stammer out.
"Damn it!" roared Roland, "Kill Faust!"
The firing squad took aim. Faust regarded them evenly. At the last second a Saber at the end of the firing line turned and faced the others and pumped them full of bullets. They sprawled all over the place and exploded. The Saber jumped onto the dais.
Faust slowly lowered his arms.
"Lord Faust?" it asked slowly.
He stared and smiled. "Panther. I knew you'd come."
The Saber hugged him.
"Wait, Roland and Ruebens!" he said.
They turned to see them already gone.
"The Zaubelberg!" said Faust.
Tiger winced as the door to her cell was blasted open. She stared at a Saber with green hair carrying a scythe and wearing a white military cap.
"Tiger, here." It said, tossing her blade whip to her.
"Luchs?" asked Tiger in wonderment.
"Mikey installed our maiden circuits in some Sabers undergoing maintenance," said the Saber, "but this body feels like molasses compared to my real body."
"Let's go rescue Lord Faust!" said Tiger running down the hallway.
They almost ran over Ruebens and Roland running the other way.
"You're always in my way!" growled Roland, drawing out his pistol and leveling it at Tiger's head. He froze and gasped, blood suddenly coming out of his mouth. He looked down at the tip of a katana protruding from his chest. Ruebens gave a twist on the blade's handle and pulled it out.
"I can never forgive you for trying to execute Lord Faust," said Ruebens coldly, " Farewell Colonel."
Roland fell limp onto the floor. Ruebens stared levelly at Tiger and the Saber. He wiped the blood from his sword.
"So are you friend or foe?" asked Tiger.
"I'm a friend to Lord Faust," he replied, "Both of them."
"We have to stop the Eleventh!" said Tiger.
Ruebens lowered his blade at her. "I cannot allow you to harm him."
"Luchs, go stop the Eleventh!" yelled Tiger, "I'll hold off Ruebens!"
"No!" called out Ruebens as Tiger's blade whip wrapped around his katana. He broke free as the Saber ran past down the corridor.
Tiger retracted the blade most of the way and it formed a rigid blade. She lunged forward and Ruebens expertly blocked with his katana.
Faust stood on the roof with the Saber staring up at the Zaubelberg.
"Panther, we have to get up there," he said.
"I'll help!" said a Saber with the scythe joining them.
"Luchs?" asked Faust.
She nodded.
"Toss me up there," he said removing his cape and letting it blow away in the wind.
The two Sabers joined hands and he stood on them. They hurled him with tremendous force at the pitted and scarred surface of the Zaubelberg. He managed to grip a broken and bent panel. He tied a cable to a bolt and let it drop to the ground. He carefully clambered up to an access hatch. He put his hand into a recessed panel that scanned his hand.
"I.D. confirmed," said a tinny voice, "Welcome back."
The hatch smoothly opened and Faust climbed inside. He made his way down a narrow triangular corridor to a staircase. He went down two flights and reached a door. It opened automatically, revealing the main control center. He walked over to the central chair. It was empty. He looked around to see all the controls were automated and unoccupied.
"You're harder to kill than I thought," said a voice behind him.
Faust turned to see the Eleventh now holding a pistol.
"You're really a clone of me?" asked Faust.
The boy sneered in a familiar manner. "You think I'm a fake?"
He shook his head.
"I'll be glad when you're gone!" said the Eleventh taking aim.
"Why?" he asked.
The boy looked annoyed. "Because I hate you!"
Faust stared evenly at him. "Is that how you really feel or were you programmed to hate me?"
"Programmed?" asked the boy.
"Yes," he replied, "I was one an innocent boy not that different from you. But I was forced to absorb memories of nine lifetimes. It nearly destroyed me."
He looked grim. "But I had no say in my fate. If you really want to kill me, that's fine. But if you were told to kill me, then you are not the master you are the slave!"
The boy fired a bullet that shattered the screen directly behind Faust. He didn't flinch.
"Shut up!" the boy yelled, "I'm the ruler of all Gartlant!"
"Try to remember," said Faust, "Of a time you were happy, when you didn't have any hate."
The boy covered the sides of his head. "Argh! Stop confusing me!"
He raised the gun again, but it was knocked away by a scythe blade.
"Luchs!" said Faust.
"I'm glad your safe my Lord," said the Saber.
The boy slumped onto the floor.
Ruebens locked his blade against Tiger's.
"Try to understand!" he yelled.
"I don't care what your twisted motives are!" she snapped back.
"Enough!" said Faust appearing in the corridor carrying a boy in his arms.
Ruebens dropped his katana and ran over to Faust. "My Lord, is the boy.?"
"He'll live," said one of the Sabers walking past Ruebens into one of the cells. After a few moments Panther walked out in her own body. She adjusted her eyepatch.
"You helped to create this clone of me?" asked Faust.
Ruebens nodded. "Roland wanted to replace you with a clone. Since I knew you wouldn't agree to rule over Gartlant I agreed to help. I didn't want the line of Faust to end with you."
"Why not an adult clone?" asked Tiger.
"We didn't have time," said Ruebens, "Plus it was easier to brainwash him."
"Can it be undone?" asked Luchs, appearing in her body again.
"Yes," he replied.
Faust nodded and tenderly passed the boy to Luchs. "I will ask the Provisional Council for clemency for you then,"
Ruebens hung his head. "I deserve what I get my Lord."
"I cannot decide your fate," said Faust.
After freeing the Provisional Council the Saber Dolls and Faust reached his bedroom. Luchs laid the boy on the bed and tucked him in. Panther embraced Faust.
"My Lord, I feared the worst!" she said.
"Calm down Panther," he said, "We all made it."
Tiger watched them and sighed. When she walked outside, Mikey was waiting for her with his hands behind his back.
"Tiger, are you okay?" he asked looking up.
She smiled and knelt in front of him. "I'm fine Mikey."
He hugged her. "Thanks for saving Grandpa and everyone!"
"I couldn't have done it without your help," she said.
He nodded. "Is that boy okay?"
"I think so," she said, "Would you like to meet him later?"
"Sure!" he said brightly.
"Good," said Tiger, "I think Lord Faust the Eleventh will need friends."
Preview
Lord Faust wants to save his clone, but what will the Provisional Council decide? Tiger and Panther and I have to care for the boy, but are we up to it? What are these strange feelings in my heart? Can a Marionette have two Masters? Next time on Saber Dolls G: 'Eleventh'. Lord Faust, I love you!
