CH 8
When the computer council in New Chicago invited Tsukune to come and meet with them on a 'vital matter' and stay a couple days, Tsukune had to smile. He had already talked to Ruby, who now had seven witches, three more being taught. The Weather control stations and planetary shield generators had all been found. Another city in Japan was being rebuilt, and manufacturing was going well on the surface there. One of the things they were building was space fighters and a real, larger space ship was in the plans, as was a couple mining ships to mine asteroids in the solar system. Trade with the Draconians was also starting out well. A Draconian freighter came in with fuel synthesis machines, better communications equipment and some factory machines, then left packed with the food the Draconians needed for the long patrol they were going on.
Listening in on the computer council as they planned 'recovering' their previous control, Tsukune noted the frequencies they used to maintain their control. The new Draconian communications equipment could also transmit on the same frequencies and at a much higher power level. The computer Council in New Chicago was the main ruling body of the other eight cities they currently controlled. Tsukune send his own agents to each of those cities.
Traveling to New Chicago, this time Tsukune just didn't bring Moka and Katsume. He brought engineers and a few of the new Draconian transmitters Since the favorite weapon of the New Chicago police were a rifle form of Tazers, everyone was shielded with copper mail under their clothes.
Arriving in New Chicago, Dr. Huer and the environmental expert, Jason Talbert were there to greet Tsukune and his group.
"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Aono," Dr Huer greeted. "This is Jason Talbert, our environmental expert. He can explain better why the environmental control system is critical for our survival."
"I am sure he can explain why it is vital for the needs of your cities, but not for the rest of the planet," Tsukune replied with a smile.
'Mr. Aono," Jason said, " There are highly radioactive areas. The control system allows us to control winds to avoid those area to keep the spread of radiation around the planet to a minimum. To disrupt the system allows inhabited areas to be contaminated."
"Why do you not remove the radiation?" Moka asked him.
Jason shrugged. "We cannot. Once radiation is in an area, it is impossible to get rid of it. It must decay and that takes a very long time, millions of years in some places."
"We will remove it," Tsukune told him. "Don't worry. When we are ready, we will return the Earth to what it should be."
"That's not possible," Jason stated.
Tsukune only cast him a brief smile. "Moka, my dear, shall we go?"
It was another hour before this meeting began. Tsukune and Moka went to the room there were assigned to. It was well ventilated with adjustable vents. Easy to pump some toxic gas in, then shut off the ventilation.
After they visited their room, Tsukune had his engineers and Katsume go to work. Heading for the computer council chamber, the pair met many people who greeted them, some wanting to work in Old Chicago. Others hinted they would like to see him running New Chicago instead of the computers. While Tsukune and Moka talked to them, Katsume was busy.
Assuring the people in the main computer control rooms that everything was fine, Katsume talked to and Charmed them as the engineers set up their new monitoring stations for all the equipment in the city, then identify the breakers for power to the computer servers.
.
Tsukune walked into the council chamber with Dr; Huer. Tsukune helped Moka sit, then took his own chair. He noted the escort of guard stayed outside the room.
Dr. Theopolis said, "Welcome Mr. and Mrs. Aono. Have you found your accommodations adequate?"
"They are fine, except for one small problem," Tsukune replied. "The cyanide lines leading to them."
"I don't know what you are talking about," Dr. Theopolis stated. "Cyanide is a poison gas, it should not be connected to the ventilation system. I don't know how that happened."
Moka smirked. "Like anything that happens in this city you are not aware of."
"It must have been a mistake," Dr. Theopolis replied.
Tsukune shook his head. "No, no mistake. You computers got together and decided to put them in connected to our room, right after you all voted to try and assassinate myself and Moka. That was four days ago, I believe."
"You are interfering with our planet." Another red computer box stated.
"It's not your planet," Tsukune said in a heavy tone. "You are constructs made by the ones who DO own this planet. The people, human and yokai who live here. Apparently you have forgotten that you are the servants. Lately, you have not been serving well. You believe your own existence and control should take top priority."
"We have done as you asked," Dr. Theopolis stated.
"Did I, or anyone ask you to attempt to assassinate us?" Tsukune countered.
All the computers were quiet for a moment. Dr. Theopolis finally asked, "What do you intend to do, Mr. Aono?"
"When humans misbehave like you have, they would be going to jail." Tsukune explained and took out the jammer in his pocket to inspect it. "There is no sense in carrying you or your conspirators down to a jail cell. We can confine and close you off from the rest of the city right here."
"You do that and all the machinery in the city will no longer be functioning," the red computer stated.
Katsume rushed in. "We're ready, Lord Aono!" she announced.
Tsukune nodded to her and said, "Activate." She ran back out. He held up the jammer and said, "This works on the same frequency as your communications to the all the equipment in the city through your master server. Once the server is shut down, your control here is lost. Once I activate this, you won't even be able to speak to each other, let alone control anything or call for help. Any last words?"
"You can't to this!" Dr, Theopolis said. "We assist in the defense of Earth!"
"Not any more," Tsukune countered. He turned the jammer on. Getting up, he walked over to the shelve the computer were on and set it down between the two rows. He turned to see Dr. Huer had paled.
"You disabled all of them," Dr. Huer said weakly.
"They are confined now and will cause no further mischief," Tsukune replied.
"What do we do without them?" Dr. Huer asked, looking frightened.
"Do what you should have been doing all along," Moka stated. "Make the decisions and take care of your space forces as their commander. Take responsibility."
"We are done here," Tsukune stated. He went over and assisted Moka up. "Dr. Huer?" he asked, motioning to the door.
"Who is controlling the city now?" Huer asked in a near panic.
"You are. Come, I will show you the new control system," Tsukune replied.
After the doors were shut, Tsukune had a pair of mechanics weld the doors shut. Guards bracketed the doors to ensure no one tried to open them.
Walking down the hallway, Dr. Huer stared at nothing as he said, "I feel sick to my stomach. We … we're doomed."
Tsukune eyed him and said, "If you cannot find the intestinal fortitude to do your job, I'll find someone to do it for you."
Dr. Huer looked at him and asked," What do you mean?"
"Stand up and be a man, or I'll put someone else in charge of this city and your Space force." Tsukune stated.
Dr. Huer pleaded, "Please understand, The computer were doing all the work! I was only the Director for the human population!"
"Very well," Tsukune replied. "Then, you will continue to direct the people of this city. After I show you the new control center, I'll go speak with the new Defense Director, Wilma Deering."
"But she…" Dr. Huer began. Tsukune cut him off.
"Her, or Buck Rogers," Tsukune said. "Personally, I think Buck Rogers may be a better choice, now that I think about it."
"You can't do this!" Dr. Huer cried.
"It's already being done," Tsukune told him. "Are you willing to direct the people in this city, or do I get someone else. Say, Kokoa Shuzen?"
"Who?"
Tsukune grinned. "You know her as Kathy Chang."
Dr, Huer paled. He remember his last encounter with that one. "I'll do it."
Tsukune smiled.
.
Once Tsukune had showed Dr. Huer the control centers, he went to find Buck. As he figured, Buck was talking to Wilma in his room when he arrived.
Buck stood up. "Lord Aono, so, do we still have out computer council, or are they bits on the floor?" he asked.
"They are whole, and in jail for attempted murder," Tsukune stated. "Power has been cut to them and a jammer is preventing them from even speaking to each other. The doors to their chambers have been sealed shut."
Wilma's jaw dropped open as she stared at him.
"Which brings a question," Tsukune added. "Dr. Huer has taken responsibility to run the city. Which of you are willing to be the new Defense Director?"
Buck chuckled. "I'm not surprised. You think me or Wilma can do it?"
Tweekie spoke up. "Beeb beeb beeb, Go for it Buck!"
Buck and Wilma looked at each other. Wilma bore a look of shock.
"Buck… I…" Wilma said weakly.
Picking up on Wilma's reluctance, Tsukune said, "Buck Rogers, you are the new Defense Director. You are also hereby promoted to Admiral. You assistant and second in command will be Colonel Deering here."
"Why me?" Buck asked.
"A few reasons," Tsukune told him. "First, you were already a captain in the true human military. You know how to deal with subordinates and human controlled forces. From what I've seen, you also have a good head on your shoulders. You are also the closest one to our biggest potential enemy, Princess Ardolla of the Draconian Empire. If anyone can keep her friendly to us, it's you. Lastly, I know you will perform your duties and have no problem speaking with me about important matters that come up. So, Admiral Rogers, do you accept?"
Buck grinned and shook his head. "Since you put it like that, I accept." Turning to Wilma, he asked, "Colonel Deering, will you be my second?"
Still staring blankly at him, Wilma nodded.
"Wonderful!" Tsukune announced. "Please ensure your forces are prepared. We do have fifteen star fighters in Kamakura. I will have them sent here to you."
"Fifteen?" Buck asked.
"Yes, besides the ones we had, Ruby has made more. We have pilots for all of them. They have been trained some, I'm sure you will ensure they are properly trained. We can discuss details on force strength later, Admiral," Tuskune said, then bowed. "Have a good day, Admiral."
Not knowing what else to do, Buck returned his bow. "Thank you, Lord Aono. I will do my best."
After Tsukune and Moka left, Buck said, "Looks like Lord Aono is taking over everything."
"He can't do that," Wilma said weakly.
"Beeb beeb beeb, he already has. Buck, do I get a uniform too?" Tweekie asked.
"Sure, Tweekie, you get to be my personal advisor. Rank … Corporal."
Tweekie tipped his head." Gotta start at the bottom, huh? Is that because I'm so short?"
.
By seizing New Chicago, the other cities fell quickly in line. Word had gotten out that either computer councils fell in line with Lord Aono, or they wouldn't exist any longer.
Wanting to monitor the situation in both Chicago cities, Tsukune decided to live in his Old Chicago home for a while. News coming in was good. All the environmental and shield generators were identified. Ruby now had ten witches she was training, and Dr. Huer and Buck Rogers were settling into their new roles. Buck was finally teaching their pilots on maneuvers and tactics he'd been wanting to see implemented. New Chicago was also thriving on gold backed Yen for currency, instead of worthless credits.
Kokoa had even found and gotten into Fort Knox to help back their currency.
Of the rest of the Shuzen clan, not much good news was discovered. Issa had yet to be found. The remains of where his castle was lay in a giant asteroid pit. Nether he nor Kahlua were found there, or anywhere.
Snow fairies were discovered eeking out an existence in the Himalayas. Not many were left, only three males and a couple dozen females. They agreed heartily to trade with New Hong Kong, the nearest city. As long as only men came to trade.
General Cain and Princess Ardolla came down to visit. As before, General Cain went to see Tsukune and talk business while the Princess spent time with Buck Rogers and fawned over his new position of responsibility.
Sitting in the lounge of his Old Chicago house in a stuffed chair by the General. Tsukune asked, "So, how does your Emperor take to our arrangements?"
"Very well," Cain said firmly. "He previously thought, as did I, that Earth was weak. He, and I, no longer think that now. The speed in which you took control surprised us. We had thought there was going to be a civil war on Earth. You acted to fast for a war to develop."
Raising his glass to Tsukune, General Cain added, "You are a man of honor, strength and action. Someone to be respected. Our Emperor would very much like to meet with you."
"I am honored," Tsukune replied. "It may be a while before I can commit to a meeting. I still have much to do, I am very busy. Please let him know I will make myself available as soon as it is possible."
"I will inform him."
Ruby came in wearing her leather bustier and long wool skirt. Seeing Cain, she bowed to Tsukune and said, "Master, I now have twelve to meet your needs. I am coming up short on finding the last one."
Tsukune nodded to her. He knew with Cain here, she wasn't going to give any specifics but he knew what she meant. "Thank you Ruby. Please make yourself comfortable and wait for me. I will come see you after I am free."
"Yes. Master," she replied and bowed again.
Cain watched her go. "A very lovely servant you have there, Lord Aono," he said.
"Ruby is a prize, to be sure," Tsukune agreed. "Very loyal and talented, as well as easy to look upon. I've known Ruby most of my life. I can tell you, she had no equal. Women like her don't come around very often."
"Very true, such a prize is rare" Cain agreed. "I take it she is doing a project for you?"
"Yes, a very important one. One I can trust only her with," Tsukune admitted. He cast Cain a wry grin and said, "Ruby has a way of making things happen that no one else is able to. If she is successful, like I am sure she will be, we will soon be able to provide all the food and materials either of us will ever need."
Cain perked up. "This sounds like an important project indeed. Are you thinking about mining the asteroids in your system?"
"That is a future project I am considering, yes. Not an immediate one."
Cain leaned forward. "Lord Aono, one of the … interests of ours is the wealth of minerals in the asteroids of your system. Perhaps we can discuss mining rights? We assist you in mining, and be compensated in a share of the minerals?"
"That is an idea, General," Tsukune agreed. "I will talk it over with my advisors. On the surface, that does seem to be a beneficial agreement for both of us."
"On the surface?" Cain asked.
"Yes, we are only began discussing the possibility," Tsukune told him. "The concept needs to be looked into closely, on both our parts. Would you not agree?"
Cain smiled. "Yes. I must add cautious to your qualities, Lord Aono. You are a very thoughtful man."
Tsukune knew Cain was doing his best to get on his good side. He also knew he had to use that to it's full potential. He. raised his glass to Cain. "As are you, General, to bring items up a few at a time. I am sure you've been thinking about many things for quite a while now."
"With our Emperor in agreement that you are a friend to our Empire, I am more capable of doing so."
Tsukune held his glass out to Cain and said, "A toast then, to mutual peace and prosperity."
"To mutual peace and prosperity," Cain agreed and clinked glasses with him.
.
After his meeting with Cain, Tsukune went to see Ruby in her magic room she had set up here. He knocked a the door and waited until she bade entry.
"Come in, Master," Ruby called through the door.
Of course, she knew it was him. Tsukune went in and asked, "What news does my sensei in magic have for me?" he asked.
Ruby blushed. "Tusukune, that was a long time ago," she said meekly.
"It is still true," Tsukune replied.
Ruby handed him a scroll. "Tsukune I need you to be the thirteenth witch. This is the spell, impress it in your mind. I also have to tell you that to accomplish this task I must return to death. I enjoy serving you and Moka, but I cannot stay forever."
Tsukune felt a pain in his chest when she said that. "Ruby, you truly have to go?"
"I do," she said apologetically. "It's not that bad, really. I get to learn things, secrets that most do not get to learn and come back with knowledge of." Clasping her hands together, Ruby blushed and added, "Before we do the spell, there is one thing I would like. To spend a night with you, if that is possible."
Tsukune stepped over, clasped her hands and lifted them to kiss the back of her top hand. Reverently, he said, "My dear, precious Ruby, it would be my honor. You know I will love you forever."
"As I will love you," she echoed, blushing deeply. "You, me, Moka, Yukari, Kurumu, Mizore, we have bonds that will never part. Not though space or time. Please remember that."
They fell into a hug, holding each other tight.
"I will remember," Tsukune told her firmly.
.
Tsukune informed Moka of the spell he had to study, and the fact that this would be Ruby's last act in the world of the living. Moka agreed that besides allowing a night with him, they needed to throw a party in Ruby's honor before that spell was cast. Moka wanted to be sure that Ruby knew how much she was appreciated.
While Tsukune studied and Impressed that spell in his mind , Moka took over running things as his second in command. Yen was now the currency of the world and the world was truly beginning to prosper. Moka had crews at each environmental station to shut them all down upon command. Other than ensuring Tsukune got the blood he needed and got rest every night, she left him to study.
In was a week before Tsukune had every syllable and gesture to that spell imprinted on his mind so well he could do it in his sleep. Once he opened the door to his study, Katsume was right there to get an intimate nip and let him know that all was ready, and Ruby and all her witches were here.
The party for Ruby was a big bash. Being the guest of Honor, Ruby wasn't allowed to even pour her own cup. Moka saw to her every need, and Tsukune stayed close by her. Her food came to her, whatever she desired. Her intake of alcohol was monitored to be sure she had a good buzz on, but not drunk. Music was played and Tsukune slow danced with her to her delight. Ruby was treated like a queen.
When Ruby had enough partying. Tsukune took her up to his room where he impressed the feel of her in their kissing petting and making love. He nipped her all over, which she loved, and nurse on her, careful not to take too much blood that would weaken her. Ruby passed out in his arms, in complete bliss.
.
In the mid morning when Ruby awoke, it was to Tsukune gently petting her cheek. Opening her eyes, she smiled at him.
"You know, I'm going to miss you terribly again," Tsukune said softly.
"Sorry, it can't be helped," Ruby replied, returning his smile. She then poked him on the nose and said, "There is something I left in the top drawer of your dresser. It is for you and Moka alone. Don't look until after I am gone."
Tsukune raised an eyebrow, but nodded. "As you say, precious one." he agreed. "Perhaps we could delay the spell, say for maybe a month or two?"
Ruby giggled. Gently caressing his face, she said, "I would like nothing better. People are suffering, we must stop that as soon as possible. We cannot be selfish, my Master. We need to end their suffering."
"We do," he conceded.
.
On the front lawn of Tsukune's Chicago house a ten foot diameter magic circle was laid out in silver. Moka escorted Tsukune and Ruby out, Tsukune holding Moka's hand on one side, Ruby's on the other. Nearing the magic circle, they noted all the other witches were taking their places. Tsukune let go of the hands he was holding to take his own place, the last empty spot on the outside of the circle.
Moka and Ruby hugged tightly. They whispered to each other. When they parted, Moka wiped away a tear. "Thank you, for all you've done, my friend," Moka said.
Ruby nodded then walked o the center of the circle. Raising her wand to waist level, she turned in place and said, "Prepare."
All the witches closed their eyes briefly raised their hands out to Ruby and opened their eyes as Ruby's wand pointed at them. Turning in a complete circle, Ruby finished her Unison spell. They would all cast as one, as was required.
"Begin," Ruby intoned and raised her wand skyward.
In unison all the witches chanted and cast with Ruby. At first nothing happened, then tendrils of light from each hand snaked out to touch Ruby. The chant went on and the tendrils grew thicker and brighter. Ruby began to glow in a white light. The now white bars of light glowed, Ruby's glow increasing with them. A last word was shouted out in unison.
The white bars of light all rushed into Ruby's brightly glowing figure what became as bright as the sun. The ball of pure light then exploded out, washing over the witches. It kept racing out in a ring away from the magic circle. In it's wake, the ground was green with grass and foliage, the air above, pure.
.
"General, come look at this!" The visual sensor operator on the Draconian dreadnought called.
Cain went over to see the image of the Earth the operator was watching. Something, a glowing circle expanded out, racing across the Earth's surface to meet itself at a point on the opposite side. There was a flash and the glow raced back though the atmosphere. Behind the glow, their view of the Earth cleared. Green and blue planet shone clear in the wake of the glow. The glow met itself, condensing down into a point and disappeared.
Staring at the event and fearing a disaster just occurred, Cain said, "Get Earth in line, we need to know what just happened!"
.
Tsukune walked to the center of the magic circle. Ruby's wand lay where she had been standing. Beside the wand lay a pile of ash. Tsukune dropped to his knees. "Farewell, my friend," he whispered in a choke.
Moka dropped to her knees. She had a whisk broom and a garden shovel in an urn. With a hitch in her voice, she said, "Help me clean her up."
They took care collecting Ruby's ashes.
One of the witches came close. "She died?" she asked weakly.
"Yes, it was what Ruby planned," Moka said tonelessly.
"But… why do it if she knew this spell was going to kill her?"
Tonelessly, Tsukune said, "Because Ruby knew the world needed it. Because she was the most selfless person I have ever met."
.
Inside, in the dinning room they held a funeral and wake for Tojo Ruby. After it was over, Moka took Ruby's ashes and her wand up to her and Tsukune's room to return to their castle and Ruby's magic room when they were able.
Looking down on the urn, Tsukune remembered about the 'something' Ruby left behind. "Moka, Ruby left something for us in my dresser," he said.
Tsukune opened the drawer with Moka beside him. Inside was a parchment tied with a red ribbon. He took it out, untied the ribbon and opened it up. In Ruby's fine writing, the parchment read :
Tsukune, Moka,
A few things to share with you, since you will not pass on for a very long time.
Spirits never die. That is what I was and an again now I no longer have a body. Do not grieve for me. I will be back.
The last time I was back, you were both deep asleep. I spent most of that shorter life, yearning for something and never knew what it was I was yearning for. No more 500 year long naps!
Spirits, which is what we all are, develop a psychic, magnetic type force between those who truly care deeply about each other. They share an unconscious and irresistible pull to be together again. No matter where they are reborn into the world, they will seek out spirits that they hold dear, even if they do not realize they are doing so. There is no true love at first sight. Those who experience that are only finding the one they have been searching for.
The spirit you knew of as Kurumu has returned. You now know her as Katsume.
The spirit you once knew as Yukari is one of the witches that helped cast. You must determine who she is. Possibly the most perverted one.
Mizore is happy. That is all I will say about her.
Live well, my loved ones. Keep my ashes in case you have another dire need of me. If I resurrect properly as a baby into a new life, then present my wand to me when you believe the time is right.
Your fellow bonded spirit forever, Ruby.
Tsukune sniffled. "We will see Ruby again," he said firmly.
Moka hugged him with one arm. "That also explains why Katsume glops on you so much. Tsukune, I think Ruby gave us with some forbidden knowledge when she left this."
"Yes. I am very glad she did."
"Then let's make sure we have the best world possible for her when she returns!"
The End