A/N: As I told you guys. For me to not have any regrets, I will take my time with this arc. This arc, if my calculation is correct, would be finish in 4-5 chapters.
Working on my favorite part of the series, Volume 8,Reminiscence Chapter.
I will employ many changes in this version. It will still have canon but I will make this arc very unique from what happened in CANON.
PLEASE ENJOY AND REVIEW.
The Prince of Yotsuba
Chapter 6: Okinawa Military Arc Part 1
(Suzune POV)
Darkness is the void that humankind is terrified of.
The devil is the symbol of the ultimate evil of the world.
Dragons are the beast so ferocious and powerful that the world quiver due to its mere existence.
At that time, I knew that I should have run.
I should have ran when I had the chance, when I was still able to.
At that time, I knew that I should have accepted my faith as a former magician and live my life as an ordinary human being.
At that time, I knew that I was involving myself with monsters and demons that could easily crush me on a whim.
At that time, I knew that I was stepping into uncharted territory, into a dark territory that would devour me if I am not careful.
I should have run, I should have accepted my faith, I should have been satisfied that I lived through that kind of hell and go on with my life as a normal human being, in a place that those monsters and the darkness could not reach.
But my pride, my curiosity, my wants won over the logical portion of my mind.
I stayed and did my best to recover my ability to use magic.
Magic is the drug for every Magician. Magic is a drug that is many times more addicting that heroin, marijuana, or any other drug in the world. To those who have been touch by magic, we could not imagine our lives without it anymore.
The moment I lost my ability to use magic, I lost my identity as Ichihara Suzune.
I became a nobody when I lost my ability to use magic.
I could never a accept being a nobody.
That is why I stayed.
I stayed in the darkness that did not allow a ray of light to shine upon its territory.
I stayed in a kingdom where the ruler is the devil.
I stayed and served a dragon that God himself is terrified of.
And if given the chance to do everything all over again, I will not change a thing.
Bowing to darkness, I have no single regrets.
(Break)(Suzune POV)
When I was nothing more than a child, I could remember looking at myself in front of the mirror. When I look at the mirror, I see a girl with a book on one hand and a CAD on another, a smile on her lips as she planned for her future, as she planned to elevate the stature of magicians in the eyes of the public. I wanted to prove to the world that magicians are not just weapons but also beings that can benefit society.
I haven't seen that girl in two years.
And I do not know whether or not to be relieve or to be disgusted with myself at that fact.
It has been two years, more than two years actually, since I became affiliated with the Yotsuba.
It has been two years since I became the Guardian of one Tsuyoru Tatsuya.
In those two years, I have lied, murdered, blackmailed, threatened, intimidated, stole, sabotage, and conned my way to the good graces of both my primary and the Matriarch of the infamous clan.
The scary thing about those two years is that I am slowly adopting the mindset of the Yotsuba Clan, and I am far from being happy or proud about that.
I am probably the only one under the employment of the Yotsuba Clan that is not produced, developed, conditioned, or trained by them. My initial mindset when I joined the Yotsuba Clan was that of a girl that believes in morals and ethics, and that believes in the existence of good and evil.
Looking back, I could not help but laugh at how childish I am.
I would have never survive in the world, in the real world with such childish ideals.
Good and evil does not exists.
Morals and ethics are nothing more than useless guidelines, a convenience for society.
Working for the Yotsuba, working with the person that defines what a Yotsuba warrior is, had turn me into a cynical and jaded realist.
I am far from being proud of what I had become. Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I could see all the people that I have killed, all the lives I have ruined, and those who I have broken. In those nights, I wake up from my sleep and cut myself with a blade. The pain that I bring to myself sometimes help dull the guilt that I feel in those nights.
My Primary is correct in this regard. Being under the Yotsuba, regardless of the benefits, is hell.
He is also correct that I am not born for this kind of life and work.
The amount of sin that my Primary and, to an extent, I committed in a monthly basis is mind scarring.
Though I finally understood why my Primary is what he is right now.
Having emotions would just be a handicap in the kind of life that he is living.
The fact that he has been doing this kind of work for his mother since he was nothing more than 5 years old and remain sane, for him at least, is both staggering and admirable.
I respect and admire my Primary, regardless of how apathetic he treats me. In fact, I think, in his own way, he considers me his friend, and that alone is a reward worth risking my sanity on. At least I know, to some degree, that the Dragon of Yotsuba held me above the faceless masses that he would never spare a single glance to.
That made me regret my sins and what I have become less.
And that is the scariest aspect in my current life.
(Break) (Suzune POV)
Quoting the words of Yotsuba Maya, the night is beautiful tonight.
The moon is full and the stars were glimmering brilliantly.
There were no clouds in the sky, which allowed the moons and stars to shine without any obscurity, without any challenge.
Yes, tonight is a beautiful night.
Unfortunately…
"Suzune-chan, more tea please…"
Blood is going to be spilled in large quantity tonight.
"Yes, milady." I replied as I move to refill the cup of Yotsuba-dono with tea.
As I do so, I gaze upon her.
There are many words to describe my Primary.
Monstrous and Dangerous are the two best and prominent words to describe him. My Primary is a bonafide monster that only has few weaknesses, weaknesses that he could circumvent with ease.
Vulnerable will never be use to describe his person.
Yet, currently, my Primary looks very much vulnerable.
He is, currently, as vulnerable as one can get.
The sight of him being vulnerable is both a foreign sight and an adorable one.
At the moment, my Primary is fast asleep.
This is also strange because even though he requires rest, his body remains as tense and alert as when he is awake. One single wrong move and he would burst into action and what happens next would depend of what kind of wrong move took place.
But right now, my Primary's entire body is relax. The tenseness, alertness, and cautiousness that is always present within him was completely absent from his being.
This is not a first for me to see but every time I witness it, I am always filled with disbelief.
A person who sees danger and threat wherever he goes lets his guard down within the presence of the one being, of the only known being who possesses the ability and power to end the existence that he so cherishes.
I could not comprehend that.
"Suzune-chan…"
"Here is your tea, Madam." I served the beverage to Yotsuba-dono before bowing my head, my eyes not leaving my Primary.
He has an adorable sleeping face.
Yotsuba-dono sat on the edge of a very expensive and ornate looking sofa. The sofa was made out of gold and the cushion looked very comfortable, made out of material that I could not name but the quality was clear as day.
Yotsuba-dono is not alone in the sofa as my Primary joined her.
My Primary is fast asleep on the sofa. His head was resting on his mother's lap and in this angle; I would even say that my Primary is curled up on his mother's lap like a child.
Yotsuba-dono had a beautiful smile on her lips as she lovingly played with her son's hair, her slender fingers occasionally tracing his face.
The adoration in Yotsuba-dono's eyes as she gazed upon her son, upon her living treasure and legacy is both moving and endearing.
It is also concerning and unusual considering who she is and who her son is. Anyone who looks at them right now would mistake them as nothing more than a loving mother and son. They would probably not guess that this two is capable of toppling countries by themselves
"Suzune-chan, you are thinking some very dangerous and unnecessary thoughts, again."
I stiffened at those words.
Sometimes I forget that Yotsuba-dono can see through my thoughts by just glancing at my facial features.
I automatically bowed my head in apology. I really do not want to anger the one being in this world that my primary acknowledges as someone who can put him down.
"I'm sorry…"
I sigh mentally in relief when Yotsuba-dono merely waved me off. "There is no need to apologies, Suzune-chan. Believe it or not; I understand your line of thinking." Yotsuba-dono stated with a chuckle. "But you should know by now that I truly love my son and that my son truly loves me. Regardless of our willingness to do away with each other if the need arises, we truly do love each other."
Are you listening to yourself, Madam?
Shaking my head, I wore a blank expression that I picked up from my Primary.
"It is just bizarre for me to see Tsuyoru-dono look so relax." I told her honestly. "He has always been so tense, even when he is at the safety of his own home."
I knew that I have said something unforgivable when I felt a chill running up my spine. "Suzune-chan, please do not mistake that building that my son is using as his nest as his home. I am my son's home. Wherever I am is his home." Yotsuba-dono stated strongly, pride evident in her silky, soprano voice. "Of course he would relax and drop his guard when I am present." There was a cold chuckled that echoed in the room.
"I am capable of protecting my son."
'Unlike you…' Was the unsaid words, but I heard it nonetheless.
I bowed my head at those words.
Speaking with Yotsuba-dono is difficult.
I know that Yotsuba-dono cannot read minds, but I know enough of her abilities to know that she can detect my thoughts by simply looking at me. By detecting the smallest changes on my face, my thoughts can be projected in her eyes.
I could never hide anything from her.
"Ease yourself, Suzune-chan. I am not going to hurt you by that simple offense." She told me casually and I was relief by those words. "Yes, it is uncommon for my son to lower his guard. That is true, that is how I raised him. He is so attuned with his surroundings that he can see any form of threats directed at his being, whether it be overt or covert. But towards me, his own mother, he can relax and ease his instincts. My intention for my son has always been clear. I have always been honest to him as he is to me. I would not harm him. That would make me a horrible mother." She had an exaggerated, horrified expression, but mischief sparkle in her eyes.
Yotsuba-dono, Madam, Milady, you are not mother of the year material. You are far from it!
Suzune, deep and calm breaths. Empty your mind of all harmful and offensive thoughts towards the woman who can literally end you in a flash.
"My apologies for all unnecessary thoughts." It is strange apologizing for things that I have yet to say, but I have learned early that it is better safe than sorry when dealing with Yotsuba Maya.
The lighthearted and soprano laugh of Yotsuba-dono was both relieving and spine chilling. "You are forgiven. In fact, I commend you." There was delight in Yotsuba-dono's voice. "I am a very dangerous individual, Suzune-chan. I would even say that I am more dangerous than my own son is. The fact that you worry about him when he is within my presence, even though you know of his capabilities first hand, is something heartwarming for me as his mother and commendable for you as her guardian."
"Thank you…" That is a compliment and compliments coming from her are something to be grateful for. She does not hand compliments handily.
Also, compliments from her should also be treated as a warning.
Because when a servant is commended by Yotsuba-dono, a threat would soon follow.
"Though a word of advice, please keep that 'care' that you have for him to a professional level." Yotsuba-dono told me with a cold smile. "Remember your place in this clan."
"Of course, Yotsuba-dono."
Even if I try, he would not look at me with any form of affection.
There are only two beings that he is affectionate with, and they are better than me in every way, shape, or form.
I am not even at the level of those two.
"Now, Suzune-chan, you should also relax. Why so tense? I am not going to hurt or punish you." That tone of voice, filled with mischief and humor, is the only indication that I am now out of charted waters. "Your service towards my son has been rather spectacular as of yet, and my son have told me that you have something to discuss with me."
…Oh boy, I looked at Tatsuya-san accusingly. I cannot believe that he would tell Yotsuba-dono about that.
"Suzune-chan…" The matriarch called me and I sighed at this. It seems that I have to ask now. "…pull up a chair, have some tea, and speak with me about that peculiar request of yours."
Knowing that this conversation would not be drop, I resigned myself and obeyed. I sat across Yotsuba-dono and helped myself with some tea.
If Yotsuba-dono offers you tea, you will accept and drink the tea. If you do not, I hope you like having your body rigged with several hundred holes.
"Now, Suzune-chan," Looking at me with eyes filled with mischief and expectation, I downed the contents of my cup. "…you have something to ask of me?"
"Just one, Yotsuba-dono. If I may?" I replied politely, courteously, and more importantly, formally.
"You may…" Yotsuba-dono is enjoying playing with me. She enjoys playing with her servants. She takes joy in making them squirm.
"I would like to formally ask if I can enroll to Magic High School."
Entering High School is not for me to decide. Whether or not I enter High School is a decision that I could not make.
I am no longer a free woman. I am a Yotsuba Guardian.
I am an indentured to the Yotsuba Family. Even if I want to say that, I wanted to attend high school, so long as Yotsuba-dono or Hayama-san declared that to be 'unnecessary', the point was moot.
In my current situation, there are many reasons, all of them logical, for Yotsuba-dono to deny my request. The one glaring reason being is that Tatsuya-san, my Primary, is still in Middle School and he won't be entering High School for another two years.
If Yotsuba-dono gave me permission to attend High School, I would be entering High School this very year. That means that my Primary and I would only be attending the same school for a single year, which means that my duties as his Guardian are compromise.
And Yotsuba-dono dislikes that.
I looked at her calmly. I prayed that she would allow me to forgo with my selfish desires, but I was also bracing myself for disappointment.
After several seconds, a very tense several seconds, Yotsuba-dono gave me a bright smile. "Granted."
That one word caused my heart to flutter in happiness, but my mind was fill with suspicion.
I have been in the Yotsuba Clan long enough to know that Yotsuba-dono does not grant any wishes without any strings attach. Even her son is not an exception.
Regardless of my suspicion, I have no courage, as well as the right, to question Yotsuba-dono. In the Yotsuba Clan, Yotsuba Maya's word is law.
She is the lone sovereign of the strongest Magical Superpower of Asia.
I merely bowed my head. "Thank you for permitting me."
"No thanks needed. I am a fair woman, and I reward servants of mine that provides excellent service to me, to my son." Yotsuba-dono told me in a comforting, mischievous way. "For not being conditioned early to be a Guardian, you have perform admirably, above and beyond the call of duty." Another compliment, that is twice in the row tonight.
"Also, I have seen your academic grades. It might not be as high as my son, but it is high enough to impress me, and it is enough to warrant me to grant you access to any form of education that you desire."
Okay, this is getting uncomfortable now.
What is you game, Yotsuba-dono.
"But, I hope you will still adhere to the guidelines that I gave you when I had you transfer school to be near my son."
"Of course, Yotsuba-dono." Those guidelines were simple.
First, my relationship with the Yotsuba must remain a secret.
Second, my duty as Tsuyoru Tatsuya's Guardian must not be affected by any of my activities.
Third, my performance in any activity that I enter must be superb, superior to the rest.
And lastly, I must be ready to leave everything in order to tend to my duties.
Those were my guidelines.
"Wonderful, wonderful, and by the way, Suzune-chan." The look that Yotsuba-dono gave me shifted from mischievous to the one filled with expectation. "You are to attend First High. Regardless of who your peers are, I expect nothing but excellence from you. Anything less, you will not like the repercussions."
In is quite uncommon for Yotsuba-dono to reveal the ultimatum that frankly. Normally, she would have played me until she gets bored.
Still, I am not going to question her. Upsetting her now would merely reduce the chances of me attending high school, of me getting to the place that would help with my goals and dreams.
"I would do my best, Yotsuba-dono." I told her passively, but with unwavering confidence. Anything less would result to questioning that I really am not looking forward to.
Being interrogated by her is similar to being interrogated by my Primary. That is not a fun experience.
"See that you do."
That signaled the end of our conversation.
The sound of the speaker coming to life is the signal that we have reach the intended destination.
"[Milady, we have arrived in our intended destination.]" The familiar, grandfatherly voice of Hayama-san echoed from the speaker.
"Ichihana, prepare my gear." My attention was diverted towards my Primary as he rose from his slumber.
My fuchsia-colored eyes met his cerulean blue eyes.
I shivered at how empty those eyes look.
Two years in the same roof as him, and his eyes still unnerved me.
I could only stand and bow before obeying.
Blood will be spill tonight.
(Break) (Suzune POV)
From the screen, I watched as my primary stood on the edge of the armored yacht that we are currently boarding.
He was wearing a new combat gear, designed and knitted by his mother herself (don't ask). A black leather vest with silver highlights, and black cargo pants with many hidden pockets. Under the vest was a plain black a shirt. He was also wearing a Victorian-style mask that obscured half of his face to hide his identity.
He looks stylish and elegant but the mask is a bit of an overkill and very unnecessary.
Nobody would be able to see him because everything in front of him would be dead in the next…I glance at the digital clocked at the bottom left side corner of the screen…ten minutes or less.
Still, there is something I need to ask.
Glancing beside me, I was met with the sight of Yotsuba-dono looking at the screen with a smile filled with unfiltered excitement and bloodlust. She sat on the sofa like it was a throne, and she looks every bit as a Queen of royal and noble blood.
Suddenly, I want to remove myself from the immediate vicinity. I felt truly insignificant compare to her.
"Yotsuba-dono,"
When she did not reply, I took this as a sign to ask my question.
"Shouldn't I be beside him?" I asked confusedly. In every skirmish that Tatsuya had been in for the last two years, I was always with him, whether it be beside him or behind him.
"Do you want to get torn apart by 18 inch cannons?" Yotsuba-dono inquired with an uninterested tone.
Looking at the screen again, I saw an array of ships in front of the yacht.
There were a total of 27 ships.
10 of which were Destroyers.
Another 7 were Cruisers.
5 were Carriers.
3 were Assault Ships.
And 2 warships.
Further looking into the screen, it seems that there are also 9 submarines surrounding the fleet.
I am not going to survive against that.
Magicians might be able to alter reality, but we are still human beings at our very core. I cannot do anything against the firepower of that fleet.
I am, at most, a magician that excels in fighting one-on-one. I also am capable of fighting small groups.
But against an army, I would die. Against that kind of artillery, I would die.
Against my Primary though, they should have brought an Armada, and even then, I would wager that they would be nothing more than corpses after my Primary is done with them.
My Primary is, in a nutshell, a Warship with Weapons of Mass Destruction capabilities.
The only saving grace of this night is that the battle that is going to take place is not happening on land.
If it did, the map of the area would have to be drastically redrawn or permanently erase. My Primary can sometimes be excessive when fighting large numbers.
On another topic, what is a foreign naval fleet doing in such close proximity to Japan...
…This trip suddenly became clear.
"My son looks like a badass, isn't he not?" Yotsuba-dono giddily stated as she enjoyed and cherish that sight of her son wearing the clothes that she had weaved for him.
Now, it might be strange for someone as proper and eloquent as Yotsuba-dono saying such crude word like 'badass', but when it comes to her son, she is quite witty and liberal with her words.
Also, Tatsuya is a certified badass.
When the feeling of warmth assaulted my senses, I knew that the carnage has began.
I looked at the screen to see my Primary using one of his three signature magic.
Astral Projection.
The magic that allows the user to completely dominate Pushion or Spirit Particles.
Silver flames, flaring around him brilliantly, covered his entire body as well as the entire yacht that he was standing on.
I could feel the Spirit Particles gathering in the immediate vicinity, gathering towards them. Spirit Particles all swearing allegiance to his might.
My Primary is a scary monster, the scariest in the world, and the reason is simple. He has yet to reach his prime. My Primary is a powerful monster, and he is still getting stronger.
When I met him, he, together with Yotsuba-dono, is the strongest and most powerful magician that I have ever seen.
The fact that he is still growing is something I consider extremely terrifying.
From the silver flames, two dragons emerge.
The dragons were four meters long (roughly 13 feet).
The two dragons appeared to be Japanese-styled, evident on the number of toes/claws they have. The dragons have three toes (claws).
The two dragons also have identical, silver colored gems on their foreheads.
The two dragons also possessed the same eyes, similar to their creator, My Primary.
The two dragons look identical, with one glaring difference being their coloring.
The dragon on my Primary's right has sea blue scales while the dragon on his left possesses metallic-chrome like scales.
Watching my Primary use Astral Projection, regardless of the many times I see him use that magic, always left me in awe.
Astral Projection is the ability to completely dominate Spirit Particles and through that, it gives the user the ability to create and control Astral Bodies, the highest form of Spiritual Beings.
Astral Bodies are Spiritual sentient beings capable of Super Powers.
Alone, my Primary cannot alter reality. He can only restore and destroy reality.
But that is a moot point considering that he can create and manipulate beings that can alter reality in his steed.
I could still remember the first time I saw him use this magic, the first time I saw him create Dragons.
I must say, when compare then, he is better now.
The dragons that he used to create, aside from his Avatar, have an animated design. The Dragons that he can create now are much more realistic and life like.
And those Dragons are many times stronger and more powerful compare to his old construct.
I watched as my Primary snapped his fingers.
The Dragon with the sea-blue scale flew in front of my Primary.
The dragon took a deep breath and as it did, large quantity of water rose from the ocean. The moment the Dragon exhaled, the large quantity of water split apart to form at least three dozen, spheres of water.
With an ear-splitting roar, those water orbs flew towards the naval fleet with speed comparable to that of a cannon ball.
The water spheres smashed through the naval fleet, shaking and causing moderate damage among the ships.
That was the opening salvo.
Three seconds later, the naval fleet returned fire.
A hail of large caliber bullets, artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and torpedoes were fired towards us.
The Dragon that fired those water spheres retreated and the Dragon with the metallic-chrome scales hovered in front the rain of lethal metal.
The gem on its forehead and its eyes glowed ominously.
An ominous and intangible barrier erupted from the dragon that spread around the yacht and expanded roughly hundred meters in diameter.
The projectiles that made contact with the barrier bent to a different direction. Each projectiles that made contact with the barrier changes trajectory in mid-flight. The projectiles went sideways, completely missing the yacht.
"[Mother, is this defense sufficient enough?]" Tatsuya inquired while watching the flying artillery stoically while completely ignoring the explosions echoing several meters from the yacht where those artillery projectiles were landing.
"Yes my darling, it is sufficient." Again, Yotsuba-dono's loving tone is still disturbing to me. "Entertain me, my darling!"
Okay, I am going to ignore the sultry and near sensual tone that I sense from those words.
Seriously, that's your son!
And his taken by a girl a year younger than him!
Actually, me saying that he is taken is stating it lightly.
Shaking my head, I focused my attention on the screen.
My Primary's orders are to entertainment, which means that he would take his time demolishing the enemy fleet.
Normally, my Primary would determine the threat level of the enemy before proceeding in eliminating them in the most effective and efficient way possible while exerting the right amount of energy and effort for the task.
That is his style. Calculate, execute, all bases cover, all variables accounted for.
But the moment Yotsuba-dono gave the order for him to entertain her, my Primary would obey without question.
He would exert extra effort just to please her.
My Primary stepped off the boat. Instead of falling to the sea, the silver flames that surrounded the yacht flowed through him, creating a pair of gigantic dragon-like wings on his back. This allow him to float, to hover, to fly.
Those were the wings of his Avatar.
A chuckled echoed in the room.
"Look, Suzune-chan, my beloved son is going to give me such wonderful entertainment!"
Please stop sounding drunk and arouse!
My Primary glided forward.
The Dragon with the sea-blue scale was beside him while the Dragon with the metallic-chrome scale was left behind to defend the yacht, to defend his mother.
Stepping out of the electromagnetic force field, my Primary once again snapped his fingers.
The Dragon beside him let out a roar, and this created a high-pressure, rotating column of water, a water drill.
Snapping his finger again, the Dragon flicker one of its claws towards the enemy fleet. The water drill flew above the ocean surface, passing through the ranks of the naval fleet before slamming into one of the massive warships.
On impact, the warship was sunk as its entire upper deck was smash by the rapidly rotating and highly pressurizes water drill.
Three destroyers sailed towards him, turrets flaring as high-speed bullets flew towards him.
The Dragon flew in front of My Primary protectively. Slamming its tail on the ocean surface, the Dragon created a simultaneous; multiple stream of water rings that the cut through those three destroyers like hot knife through butter.
Those three destroyers were cut into several uneven pieces.
From the screen, I could see the submarines trying to encircle him.
And if I could see, that means that he had already anticipated it.
One snapped of a finger and the Dragon assisting him change color from sea blue to arctic blue.
With a roar, the water beneath the Dragon and my Primary was frozen solid. Those submarines that were near enough to my Primary were encapsulated by ice.
Slamming its tail on the ground, the ice shattered, shattering the submarines that were encapsulated within.
The Dragon then leaned towards the water and breathed an icy aura. This unleash a ray of ice that froze the water as it moves towards a carrier.
The carrier tried to evade but the ice was faster. The carrier was frozen in place.
Lifting his gun-shape CAD, my Primary took aim and within a pull of a trigger, a black and white bullet was shot from the barrel towards the carrier.
This is one of the scariest Decomposition-type magic that my Primary had within his arsenal.
[The Corrosive Bullet.]
On impact, the magic creates a spatial anomaly that corrodes surrounding space with gravitational waves, freezing and destroying any matter within the anomaly.
The size of the explosion and, subsequently, the size of the spatial anomaly depends on the amount of Psion use on the spell.
As the spell made contact, the spell detonated and an the spatial anomaly is roughly, by my estimation, around 720ft. Which means the entire ship was devoured by the spatial anomaly, meaning that the large carrier and everyone within it were reduce to nothing.
It seems that what remains of the Naval Fleet have acknowledge that threat that my Primary poses as their attacks were now directed at him and also, several fighter planes were deployed out from the four remaining carriers and are now at the process of flying towards my Primary.
My Primary, like his usual self, was not faze.
An eruption of Silver flames from his body, another Dragon emerged.
This one identical with the other two dragons, but it has pure white scales.
The Dragon positioned itself behind My Primary, its creator. The Dragon opened its mouth and a beam of light erupted from its mouth, cutting through all the projectiles that it touch. Moving its head, the Dragon proceeded to cut down every projectiles that was coming towards my primary.
Several arrays of explosions blanketed my Primary from enemy view.
Using this as an advantage, he nodded towards the dragon behind him.
The dragon changed the color of its scales from white to violet.
The now violet dragon flew up towards the sky, surpassing the elevation of the fighter jets. The violet dragon emitted an electrical charge around its body before swiftly flying above the jets. As it flew above the jets, the Dragon continuously released a bolt of lightning the struck down the jets that it was passing by.
When all the jets have been struck out of the sky, the scale of the violet dragon changed into black.
Opening its mouth, a black orb descended down towards the naval fleet.
As it reach its center, the black orb expanded to the point that is covered all the remaining ships into a dome of darkness.
My Primary then lifted his arms and motion for the Dragon near him to move.
The dragon change color from arctic blue to sea blue as it dove towards the water.
There was a single moment of silence before four submarines was hurled up to the surface, several meters above the water surface.
As they descend, several gigantic spike of ice erupted from the sea, which completely skewered the falling submarines.
The seven destroyers and two cruisers, due to their size and their ability, were able to break away from the fleet before the dome of darkness surrounded them.
They tried to surround my Primary, bombarding him with every single weapon that they have on board, from every possible directions, but those projectiles rotted, rusted to none existence as a black mist surrounded my primary.
Aiming his CAD upwards, he pulled the trigger.
Beams of plasma rained down from the heavens and sunk those seven destroyers.
Distortion, a hybrid magic created by simultaneously casting Decomposition and Regrowth. By Decomposing matter and regenerating it in intervals, my Primary can siphon different types of energy and use it as projectiles.
With the Destroyers taken care of, he turned his attention towards the two cruisers.
Due to their size and sturdiness, they were able to survive the raining plasma bolts.
The cruisers continued bombarding him with different types of ammunition, including railguns and plasma cannons.
But none of their attacks could touch him as the black mist simply rotted everything it made contact with.
Everything that has form will never be able to bypass his defense.
Lifting his free arm, he made a swiping motion towards one of the cruisers.
The Cruiser was suddenly dismantle, broken apart to its most basic components.
I watched as the crew of the Cruiser and its many parts fell to the sea.
The Dragon that was defending the yacht made a single motion with its claws. The motion was the middle claw making a rising gesture.
Instantly, every metallic components of the dismantled Cruiser levitated from the sea to the air.
The Dragon then made a swift sweeping motion with its tail. The metals that were idle in the air flew towards the other Cruiser as if they were bullets.
The Cruiser was faster than the debris and were able to dodge but its was very futile as the debris followed the cruiser tried to dodge but the metallic debris followed them wherever they go.
Not seeing any alternatives, the enemy Cruiser attempted to intercept every projectile that was directed at them.
They could not block every debris.
The Cruiser suffered heavily as metallic objects rain down and tore into the vessel.
Surprisingly, it did not sunk.
What happened next made them wish they have sunk.
The Black Dragon descended in front of the Cruiser. The scales of the dragon change from black to orange-red.
The now Crimson dragon opened its mouth.
A massive stream of fire engulfed the entire ship.
I watched as the flames generated by the Dragon melted the entire ship. The fire was so hot that it liquefied the metal.
A whirlpool suddenly appeared in a specific part of the ocean. The crew of the cruiser that my Primary dismantled was pulled into the massive whirlpool. When all the crew was accounted for, the whirlpool suddenly froze, trapping everybody and everything caught in the whirlpool in ice.
If the whirlpool did not kill those people, there sudden imprisonment in ice did.
An arctic colored dragon emerged from the center of the whirlpool.
With those assault ships accounted for, my Primary directed his attention to the gigantic dome of darkness.
Snapping his finger, the darkness receded, revealing the ships to be relatively unharmed though there was something worth mentioning at the sight of those ships.
They were no longer attacking nor were they moving.
"[Mother]" The cold yet affectionate voice of my primary echoed in the speaker system.
"Yes, my son…"
Again, the affection in Yotsuba-dono's voice is borderline incestual.
"[For you,]" From one of his many CAD holsters, he brandishes an ornate gun, adorned with gems and engraved with such elaborated carvings.
Pulling the trigger, another dome of Darkness encapsulated all the remaining ships. But unlike the first dome, this one generated flashes of light.
My eyes widen as Yotsuba-dono crackled in joy as she lovingly applause her son's performance.
An area roughly 3 kilometers was encapsulated in darkness and in that darkness, light pierced every object, every living being.
I knew that my Primary could emulate his mother's signature magic, [Night] or [Meteor Line] or its other, more accurate name, [Meteor Stream]. The emulation is not perfect, but it was good enough to be usable.
I never expected my Primary to be capable of a large scale version of [Meteor Line].
"[Did that make mother happy?]" It is difficult to detect but my primary sounded nervous and hopeful.
Seriously, how can he love someone that can and will kill him if the need arises so much?
Yotsuba-dono did not speak until the spell receded. Her smile took another disturbing turn as the ships descended down to the bottom of the sea. Each ships having thousands of cannon ball size holes throughout their body.
"Yes it did." Yotsuba-dono stated as she clapped joyfully. "Now, be a dear and clean up."
"[Yes, mother.]" Returning the ornate gun to its holster, My primary grabbed another CAD and pointed it to the sea.
With a pull of the trigger, a black mist erupted beneath him.
The mist grew and moved swiftly as it devour and rusted everything it touches to nothing.
As the black mist devoured everything, the Dragons that my Primary summoned disappeared.
This is another successful mission. Another successful mission recorded in the record books of the Dragon of the Yotsuba.
(Break) (Suzune POV)
As my Primary return from battle, he swept across the room, stalking as if there was another prey that he must execute.
He stood before his mother, his mother who sat on the sofa as if it was the throne of the Gods.
Crimson eyes and cerulean eyes stared at each other.
My Primary's eyes were cold and lifeless yet filled with adoration.
Yotsuba-dono's eyes were mischievous and calculating yet filled with love.
Elegantly, Yotsuba-dono extended her right hand towards her son.
In one single motion, my Primary dropped to one knee before proceeding to bow his head to the being that gave him life. Gingerly taking the hand offered to him, he kissed it before resting his forehead on the back her hand.
My Primary is strong and powerful.
I would even bet that if he and Yotsuba-dono duel each other, my Primary would win.
So the question is why a superior being would bow to an inferior one?
The answer is simple.
He choose to bow and submit to her, not out of obeisance but because he wants to.
My Primary acknowledges his mother as someone worthy to obey.
There was a perverse delight in Yotsuba-dono's eyes.
She enjoys the sight of her son bowing to her.
This signifies his willingness to submit to her, and this gives her pleasure.
"Suzune-chan…" There was a shift in Yotsuba-dono's voice. The commanding yet alluring voice of hers truly oozes superiority. "Tell Hayama-san to set our course to Okinawa Island. I have business there." Yotsuba-dono ordered as she retracted her hand from her son before wrapping both her arms around his head.
Displaying physical strength that was not expected from her, she drew her son into her arms, his head position firmly on her breasts.
There was something in Yotsuba-dono's eyes that I would rather not acknowledge.
"Get going with haste. Leave us. I have to reward my son for the entertainment that he had offered me."
There was no need to tell me twice. Bowing once, I made my way out of the room.
"Lock the door."
When Yotsuba-dono assigned me to be Tsuyoru Tatsuya's Guardian, there was one rule, one definite rule that I must adhere to without fail.
Never question how they show their 'familial' love to each other.
For the preservation of what remains of my sanity, I won't.
(Break) (Miyuki POV)
(Dream)
Tatsuya-kun's bed has always been extremely comfortable.
When the opportunity arises, I always liked sleeping on it.
The fact that I can sleep with him is an added bonus.
I looked at Tatsuya-kun, my dear Tatsuya-kun, and I smile at how peaceful he looks as he slept.
It is strange and very cute that someone as battle hardened as Tatsuya-kun can make such an adorable face.
And that face is reserve only for me.
The thought of that brought a smile to my face.
I moved up my hand to touch his cheeks and the moment my hand made contact, his eyes snapped open.
Our eyes, which has the same shade of blue, met.
We smiled.
I giggled as I felt his strong arms being wrap around my waist.
I did not hide the moan that escaped my lips the moment he press his lips on mine.
Okaa-sama would be extremely disappointed in me. Okaa-sama has been noticing how submissive I am whenever Tatsuya-kun and I become affectionate. She does not have any problem with us being affectionate towards each other but she had told me that I should at least show initiative and take the lead.
That is not going to happen anytime soon.
Tatsuya-kun and I have kissed many times before, and I would never tire kissing him.
He is such an incredible kisser.
So incredible that every time we kiss, my toes curl, my heart flutter, and a shiver of pleasure racked my body.
The way his lips perfectly blended with mine, the way his tongue explore my mouth and the way it wrapped around mine, the way he nibble my lower lips, the very thought of how he kisses me made my body hot all over.
Every time we kiss, I wish that time would stop so that moment would never end. So that he and I can stay in the position were our bodies were flush together.
I am truly in love with him.
Miyuki-san
Miyuki-san
Miyuki-san!
(End of Dream)
My eyes abruptly open.
I was greeted with the sight of my mother giving me an exasperated look.
It seems that I am in trouble.
"Miyuki-san…"
"Yes Okaa-sama…" I tried to adapt an innocent face but for some reason, my cheeks felt hot.
Okaa-sama sighed at my reply. Closing her eyes, she shifted her eyes forward. "I acknowledge that you and Tsuyoru-kun are an item. I have walked in on both of you in several compromising positions." I blushed deep scarlet at the mention of my relationship with Tatsuya-kun and how open we are in showing affection to each other.
When we entered Middle School, Tatsuya-kun and I started dating.
Normally, when entering a relationship, I would have to ask Obaa-sama for permission but Tatsuya-kun and I are very spoiled children.
We could not deny each other.
We did not even attempt to deny each other.
Also, Tatsuya-kun have already ask permission from Okaa-sama if he could pursue a relationship with me. She answered positively, though there are some guidelines, guidelines that he and I follow out of respect and appreciation for Okaa-sama.
Her blessing meant the world to me. The fact that she likes Tatsuya-kun is also an added bonus.
As for how affectionate we are…I cannot mention that without a full body blush.
For someone as stoic and emotionless as my Tatsuya-kun, he is quite an affectionate boyfriend.
"That said, please, both of you, try to be more refine in your relationship. I know both of you can control yourselves in public, but both of you must also display that kind of control in private."
I looked down blushing at that insinuation.
In public, the two of us can control ourselves. The extent of affection we give each other in public are along the line of holding a hand, a few kiss here and there, a quick embrace. In public, we are quite reserve in showing affection to each other.
In private, that's a different topic entirely.
"We are not that bad, Okaa-sama." I tried to defend myself and him, but it was a weak defense.
Okaa-sama looked at me with a raise brow. "Last time I walk in on both of you making out, you were trying to remove his shirt and his hands were in places that it should not be in."
At the reminder of that incident, I buried my face on my hands.
That was not our greatest moment.
"You are still disappointed that he cannot come with us, aren't you?"
I was relieve that Okaa-sama change the subject. This saves me from a lot of embarrassment. That being said, I was also sadden at that reminder.
Every summer, Tatsuya-kun leaves Tokyo, meaning he leaves me temporarily, to spend time with his mother.
Now, I dislike Tatsuya-kun's mother.
I do not dislike her for how she raised my Tatsuya-kun. At a magician's perspective, at the perspective of a descendant of a Ten Master Clans, at the perspective of a Yotsuba, I understand why she raised my Tatsuya-kun in that matter.
I love Tatsuya-kun, I love everything about him, but I have not seen the full extent of my Tatsuya-kun's power. I know that his powers are unique, a Born Specialist Magician capable of three magic would automatically make him unique, and I also know that his powers at the hands of a person not condition properly would result to a catastrophe.
Tatsuya-kun even once confess to me that his emotional detachment due to his conditioning is a gift because it helps him control his Magic and that it guarantees him to not perform any accidental magic, accidental magic that would be completely destructive. It also allows him to tamper any negative emotions that may cause his powers to go haywire.
Tatsuya-kun being an extreme autistic has some merits that I would agree upon.
I don't even dislike her for raising him as a weapon. Magicians, in a way, are weapons. Every Magician is a weapon.
Even I am weapon if look upon a certain way.
I dislike his mother because she's the only one who can influence him aside from me, and I know that her influence have more impact on him than mine.
I am a very jealous lover.
"A son's first love would always be their mother." Seemingly sensing my dark thoughts, Okaa-sama spoke to me with wisdom in her words. "Mothers sacrifice many things for their children. I do not know Tsuyoru-kun's mother but from his adoration of her, I would suspect that she had sacrifice enough to earn Tsuyoru-kun's unconditional love and unequal loyalty. You may not like her, Miyuki-san, but you must respect her."
I smiled bitterly at those words.
It is difficult to argue with Okaa-sama at times.
"It is just difficult to accept that he is not completely mine." I admitted to Okaa-sama my biggest woe in my relationship with Tatsuya-kun.
"As a man, he is already yours and that will not change. But as a son, he can never be yours."
With those words escaping Okaa-sama's lips, the airplane touched down at Naha airport.
I could hardly feel any tremors from the landing.
The seat belt that was only a meaningless formality unlocked and I opened the shield of the capsule seat.
Underneath was a regular seat, the seat was so narrow my elbow collided with it, it seemed like we were crammed in here without a trace of civility but, if I had to put up with who knows how many people I don't know and had never seen before at point blank range for an hour, I wouldn't be able to endure it.
I waited for Okaa-sama to leave her seat. Together we turned to the passenger exit.
We were using the summer break for both a private family vacation trip and a family affair that must be attended.
A family trip was originally a private matter, I think, but in the case of our family trips, they were almost never private. Even so I was regrettably cheerful.
After all, I really wish for my beloved to be with me right now.
I wanted a summer romance with him.
But, the conversation between Okaa-sama and I is still fresh in my mind.
I hate Tatsuya-kun's mother. I don't know her, but I hate her.
But, Tatsuya-kun loves her and Okaa-sama has a point.
As a man, Tatsuya-kun is mine.
But, as a son, I can never have him.
It is difficult to share the affection of your beloved but at least the love that I would one day receive from him would be greater than the love that he offers the woman that gave him birth.
I guess that is a good enough consolation.
(Break)
Among the servants of the Yotsuba Clan, the elite of the elite are the Yotsuba Guardians.
The guardians of the Yotsuba Family bore the duty of preserving their primary's life even at the cost of their own. This title came from the combat slaves that once rescued a young woman from the Yotsuba Family from enemy attack and were responsible for preserving the Yotsuba bloodline.
On the surface, this mission differed little from ordinary bodyguards, but temporarily hired bodyguards were fundamentally different from guardians. While the Yotsuba guardians were not selected from birth, once selected, their term was for life. Though they were the same as bodyguards in that they served for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, guardians did not possess the right to resign from their duties. Since guardians were only relieved when their primary was released from protection, to this day, without exception, Yotsuba guardians had done their duty until the day they died.
Because of their responsibility, the Yotsuba had invested a lot of time and resources breeding and developing Guardians. The Yotsuba also have no qualms using illegal means to create the perfect Guardians to safeguard their bloodline. From genetic alteration, to acquiring and even reformatting magicians with unique abilities, the Yotsuba would go to any lengths just to assure that the clan and their bloodline flourish.
In addition, the trainings that a Yotsuba Guardian would go through before being assigned to their primary are both barbaric and inhuman and it is not surprising if they die or go insane during the training process. The trainings that the Guardians go through are design to increase their magic abilities and talent as well as increase their physical abilities to the maximum. The trainings are also use to condition the Guardian, to remove unnecessary emotions and to imprint into their heads that their life is meaningless when compare to their primary.
'Everything for the family' is the mantra that the Yotsuba adheres to but the clan is not without mercy or compassion.
A Yotsuba Guardian is 'free' to have a career of his/her choice as long as it does not interfere in their duty. The Yotsuba provides their necessities and essentials and the pay that the Guardians received in a weekly basis is lucrative enough that they can buy anything they want. In addition, provided that they will not be compromise their primary and that their primary remains their priority, a Guardian can pursue a spouse of their choosing and have a family of their own, and the Yotsuba would also look after their family.
The training and conditioning of Yotsuba Guardians starts at a young age. The moment a Yotsuba Guardian candidate is able to walk and was determine to have a considerable magic talent and potential, their training and conditioning will begin. This is to assure their complacent and loyalty to the Guardian system and to the Yotsuba.
Sakurai Minami is a second generation Yotsuba Guardians. Her parents, both father and mother, both of which were Yotsuba Guardians, died three years after she was born. When her parents died, she was transfer to the Yotsuba Estate and there, she was train and condition to be a Yotsuba Guardian like her parents.
Sakurai Minami is a member of the Second Generation Sakura Series. The "Sakura" series consists of Augmented Magicians, whose characteristic is their defensive magic against powerful objective and heat based attacks. The Yotsuba Clan at the tail end of the Third World War bought the Sakura Series. The Sakura Series is one of the few 'human resources' that the Yotsuba Clan purchased for their Guardian System.
Now, even among the Second Generation of the Sakura Series, Sakurai Minami was special. Even among the talented Augmented Magicians of the Sakura Series, even among the other Augmented Magicians that the Yotsuba had at their employment, Sakurai Minami was at the top when it comes to magical capabilities. Her abilities and talent in magic was both admirable and commendable, even by the Yotsuba's standard.
This, as well as her devotion and loyalty to the Guardian System and the Yotsuba Clan, coupled with her mindset, made her an ideal Guardian to any heirs of the Yotsuba Clan.
In fact, she was so commendable that, even though her training was incomplete, she was assign to a Household of a high ranking Yotsuba family member to complete her training with an establish and formidable Yotsuba Guardian.
She was also sent to the household to become a temporary, at least until her training is completed, Guardian to the most promising prospect and heir of the clan.
Sakurai Minami was the temporary Guardian of one Shiba Miyuki.
And Minami was determine to be Shiba Miyuki's permanent Guardian.
(Break) (Miyuki POV)
When we left the VIP lounge in the arrival lobby, Minami-san had already gone and picked up our checked in luggage and was waiting for us.
Having Minami-san travel all by herself and get the luggage wasn't some form of petty meanness.
Executive Class passengers had precedence when it came to disembarking from the plane. Their luggage also had precedence in being returned, nay, as expected she did have to wait a little. Considering the time it took to get the luggage ready for pick up, having Minami-chan, who was a commercial class passenger, go and pick up the luggage for us is not pointless.
Naturally, there is a proper reason for Minami-chan to be seated in commercial class alone.
In Executive Class, in addition to the normal cabin attendant, special crew members who specialize in handling violence act as guards and keep a watchful eye. If a criminal incident like a hijacking, suicide bomber or such were to occur, it would be in the loosely guarded commercial class. Minami-san was assigned a commercial class seat, for the sake of handling such an unlikely occurrence. That being said — even I acknowledge that the way my family handles such matters is not normal.
While I walk with Okaa-sama, I happen to glance over my shoulder. Minami-san is pushing the cart carrying our luggage all alone as if it were perfectly normal without a trace of dissatisfaction on her face, silently trailing us.
In fact, she looks to be ecstatic as she do her job.
Like she always does.
I like Minami-san. She reminds me so much of Sakurai-san. They even look alike.
But I have some troubles interacting with her.
I am aware at how Minami-chan was raised. She was born, bred, and raise to be a Yotsuba Guardian. I also know the duties and responsibilities of a Yotsuba Guardian.
I also know that for those who were raise to be a Yotsuba Guardian, to be assigned a primary is the greatest honor imaginable for them.
Even though Sakurai-san was only my temporary Guardian, the fact that she had been assign to protect and serve me proved two things.
First, in the eyes of Obaa-sama, I have become someone worthy of having a Guardian. I have become an important asset for the Yotsuba that deserves a personal servant and bodyguard.
Second, Sakurai Minami was considered as someone qualified enough to protect a Yotsuba descendant by Obaa-sama.
Obaa-sama has a very high standard for Magicians in our family. Her standards are very high, to the point that it was rare for her to acknowledge anyone in Magic.
The fact that she acknowledges me as an asset that needs protection and the fact that she assigned Minami-san to protect me is a compliment for both our skills in magic.
That being said, even though it has been two years since then, I still have no idea how to treat her.
After all, I am not someone who requires or actually want a servant.
Using some of the skills that I picked up from my Tatsuya-kun, with the barest possible movement, I looked sideways to a reflective surface.
The sight of Minami-chan having such a determined yet cheerful expression while pushing the cart filled with our luggage filled me with conflicting thoughts.
"Should I assist her, Okaa-sama?" I whispered unsurely.
"No," Okaa-sama replied calmly. "Allow her to do her job, Miyuki-san. Any assistance would merely be taken as an insult from her part."
I nodded my head at this.
"Very well then." I conceded with a nod.
"You will get used to it." Okaa-sama simply gave me assurance.
It is difficult for me to treat someone as a mere servant, especially someone who looks similar to Sakurai-san.
I know that Minami-san was raised and trained to be a Guardian. To serve and die for the preservation of the Yotsuba Bloodline. I have been told that this is the duty that she has been assigned to do and that she takes pride and pleasure for the service that she is providing me.
I also acknowledge our family's uniqueness.
But the expectation of my family from me to only look at her as a mere tool is something that I am not comfortable with.
I looked over my shoulder so that I could gaze at her.
Our eyes met.
Minami-san gave me a shy smile.
"Do you require anything from me, Ojou-sama?" She gave me an eager smile. She is so eager to serve. So eager to please.
I smiled clumsily in return. "Don't tax yourself." I then thought of something else. "Continue your good work."
The smile that she gave me was brilliant.
I guessed that is something.
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