Sooo yeah. The reviews are definitly making me very happy! Thank you all! I'm only hoping this chappie will get more since this is the actual confrontation! Woo!
Oh, and if anyone has a parent who is in the army and is not deployed, can you ask them what kind of safety glasses the army gave them? Or where the army got the safety glasses from?
Anyways, since I can't think of anything else, one with the chapter! Also, read the previous chapter cuz I made some important changes.
------
It was a full blown war outside of the broken-down warehouse between the A.I. enemies and the refugees of Otome-gem. The guns used before had been discarded and replaced with hand-to-hand combat when the rebels had thrown themselves among the androids. There was yelling and screaming and the sound of flesh meeting flesh, fake or real. Bones were broken, people and machines were killed, and blood spattered everywhere. It was quite the gruesome scene.
Natsuki had a pocket knife out and used it to stab and rip at any unknown faces, human or not. From head to toe, she was stained with splotches of blood and oil, but she paid no heed to it; it would come off after a long, hot shower. Her face was twisted in a furious snarl, teeth bared as she tore into a robot from the police force, ripping his head clean off of his shoulders and getting soaked with red oil before turning to a female SWAT member and slitting her throat just under her helmet, spurting blood into the helmet and at the blunette.
She sent a roundhouse kick to the head of an android coming at her with enough strength to short-circuit him, virtually knocking him unconscious. A sharp pain to her thigh alerted Natsuki to a still-alive human police officer. The woman sent him a venomous glare and crushed his throat with her foot, instantly ending his life. She quickly bent down and ripped the long shard of broken glass out of her leg and stabbed a woman in the gut just in time to avoid a knife in her chest. The woman's black oil dribbled from her mouth momentarily. She fell to the ground, dead.
Emerald eyes seethed and their owner threw herself back into the battle, putting her training to good use. She found Mai fighting too many A.I.s off at once, so she stepped in and grabbed two of them by their helmets, giving Mai enough time to slice open their throats with her Element prior to ending the other three's lives by means of gutting. The orange-head sent Natsuki a grateful smile.
Natsuki nodded, then turned away; she couldn't stay still for long, or she would lose her own life.
Knife in hand, the captain began hacking away at her enemies, killing those whose back was towards her. She showed no mercy and cut down anything and anyone in her way, save for her own soldiers. She knew they were badly outnumbered with the odds being twenty against one, but thankfully, her unit was especially skilled in hand-to-hand combat, so all of the Otomes and a few of the others were still alive and fighting.
Spotting Haruka a little ways away, Natsuki took the time to watch her take down a bunch of enemy androids at one time with her mace, but her attention was quickly averted to several SWAT men heading towards her, each carrying a knife. She smirked and pulled out another of her pocket knives, readying herself for the five on one fight.
Two lunged at her, managing to knick her forearms. The other three took turns sending hard blows her way, a few striking true and leaving large bruises. They knew they could easily end her miserable existance, but where was the fun in that? Instead, the five A.I. men decided to toy with the woman, bang her up a bit until they grew bored and simply broke her neck.
However, it wasn't to be. Like a fluid wave, Natsuki -in the center of the circle-, forced her blades into the throats of the ones who cut her arms. They gurgled and dropped like a dead weight. She blocked almost all of the strikes from the remaining three, sustaining several hits. She knew she was angering the SWAT field agents, and she knew their anger would lead them to go into a brawl instead of using their honed skills and numbers to end her, and true to her thoughts, that is exactly what they did.
Natsuki grabbed the arm that flew past her head and drew the body to her. She took his head between her hands and jerked it to the side, breaking the android's neck. Immediatly after, she was pulled into a headlock, her helmet having been yanked off, and was held while the other man wailed on her stomach viciously, causing blood to be forced up and out of her mouth. The blunette was flung onto the ground and was kicked repeatedly by both soldiers, knocking the breath out of her lungs.
Suddenly, they stopped and Natsuki, thinking they were aiming a gun at her, steeled herself and opened her jade orbs to stare defiantly at her soon-to-be killers, only to find they were without their craniums. Eyes wide, she twisted her head to look behind her and found a bloodied Miyu standing over her, the stained purple saber replacing her arm. The android nodded her head and resumed fighting, leaving a relieved Natsuki to pull herself onto her feet and force her helmet back onto her head, despite her body's protests. She knew there would be bruises everywhere and that they would be sore to the touch. Can't say I didn't expect as much.
She took a quick look around once more and to her horror, more police squads and even the military were showing up. Natsuki suddenly realized they weren't going to be able to get out of this jam. Her heart lurched at the reality she and her Otome-gem warriors faced. Almost thirty were sentenced to death the moment this mission was ratified, and for what? Nothing, because the usb drive wouldn't even make it back to Otome-gem. It would just be put back in the lab room and the security would be improved to higher standards than the rebels would be able to face, the efforts of the dead refugees wasted. It would be incorrect to state this wasn't one of the risks, but until now, it seemed as if the last free warriors would succeed and bring about the end of the A.I. (Not including the A.I. in Otome-gem.)
It was in that instance of realization that Natsuki came to a painful conclusion, and although her self-preservation instinct kicked in at the thought, Natsuki did what she had to do.
She pressed a small button on her helmet that connected her to her unit. Immediately, voices that were not her own entered her mind.
Ah! Fuckin' Nazi A.I.!
Haha! That's right fucker, I got you!
Kyaaah! That was close!
I am sooooooo hungryyyyy! I'm gonna diiiieeee hungryyy! Waaaah!
Shit! I think I just saw my life flash before my eyes!
Natsuki! If I die, I only hope you will know of my feelings! This death is for you, my Natsuki-hime! Raaaah!
By my calculations, if I throw myself into that mob and slice their throats in one movement, I should be able to rid them in eighty-nine hundredths of a second. Here I go!
Natsuki concentrated and shouted -in her mind-,"Attention!"
Yes, boss? All living answered.
I want all of you to prepare to run into the warehouse. You won't have much time. Natsuki dodged a blade and counter-attacked with a sharp uppercut and a break of the neck. You'll know when to run. Am I understood?
Ma'am, yes ma'am!
Good. Miyu, do you know how to open the secret door?
Yes.
You must be the first leave. Do I make myself clear?
Ma'am, yes ma'am!
Good. Signing off.
Natsuki ended the mind chat, breathing heavily. The energy that took was unbelievable, which is why it is only used in emergencies or extreme conditions.
She was caught off-guard as a biting pain erupted from her upper-back. To her knees the blunette fell, and then her stomach. The triumphant laugh of her to-be executioner entered her ears. One would think Natsuki would still fight until it was impossible for her to fight anymore, but you see, it was all part of her plan. (Of course, it also helped that the man missed her vital organs.) Her "death" would give the woman enough time to prepare for what was soon to come.
Eyes closed, Natsuki breathed in deeply and exhaled sharply. In her head, she slowly repeated the mantra thrice, "Fire. Ice. Become one and destroy,". As she thought this, she imagined fire and ice fusing together to create herself. The blunette felt a tingly sensation over-take her body in an uncomfortable, yet soothing way. Her limbs burned with raw power and her blood boiled and froze in her veins. Natsuki's eyes shot open. "Energize!" In a fluid, almost undetectable movement, Natsuki shot up from the ground.
Pure energy pulsed throughout her being, strength filling her to the core. Natsuki knew she could do anything right now, wanted to do whatever her heart yearned for, but focused on the task at hand. It took a great amount of self-control to regain command of herself, but she did and instantly, her mind was clear with only one goal in mind: Save her unit.
But first..."NOW!" Her voice echoed for miles; the sheer strength and shock of it knocked many to the ground, but none of her troops.
The remaining Otome-gem warriors retreated, only a few sparing a glance at her. She sped after them, using the downed numbers and surprise to her advantage. However, the enemy came to their senses and were up in seconds, but to their dismay, almost all of the rebels were moments from escape. Immediately, they gave chase, showering the escaping refugees with bullets. The effort was futile, however, because Miyu had already opened the wall and almost all survivors were in it. All except for Natsuki, who knew she wasn't going to make it. Not with the soldiers only inches from her.
Heart pounding, Natsuki yelled, "GO!" She flung the usb drive at Miyu, who caught it, startled. Natsuki closed the door to the warehouse and pressed her back against it, a sword she always had with her in her hands. She swung and beheaded several, her enhanced strength managing to fend off the hundreds of opposers. I'm almost out of time. Natsuki thought in panic, killing more of the enemy.
Natsuki-sama, what are you doing?! Miyu's alarmed voice rang in her head.
Ending our mission! Natsuki growled. Leave now while I can handle them!
But, Natsuki-sama-!
That's an order!
...Yes ma'am.
GO!
Finally, Natsuki's time ran out and she collapsed, unable to stand upright anymore. The awesome power she had just then was suddenly gone, and without it, her body would not function properly for nearly three day. It was the price she paid for activating her GEM, a device created in Otome-gem that could increase one's strength and intelligence ten-fold, before it was developed properly. The power surge could not end safetly just yet, therefore rendering whoever used it dangerously weakened.
She felt a gun press into her chest. Just as her life was about to end, a command rang out, "Do not kill her! She may be valuable!" just before the door was beat down, but there was no one inside. Everyone was safe.
---
In the tunnel, eight refugees bathed in stillness, eyes cast down. Four pairs were embracing for comfort; two soldiers by the names of Arika and Mashiro, Mai and Tate, Mikoto and Reito, and Miyu and Nao. They felt as if a hole of emptiness had been dug into their hearts and a great misfortune settled comfortably about. Most had wet faces and shaking shoulders as they mourned for their leader. Only one did no such thing: Miyu.
Miyu was incredibly emotionally-controlled. Even thought it was okay to let go, she found it difficult for mostly one reason: She had to be the leader now. At least, up until she led the small group back to Otome-gem and gave the usb drive to Youko to analyze and figure out.
Holding up the drive, Miyu narrowed her eyes at the pink orb. This had better be worth yourself, Natsuki...She inwardly warned before shoving the object into a pocket in her ACU jacket. At that point in time, Natsuki's voice suddenly entered the android's mind, despite the fact Miyu was not wearing her helmet. Being an A.I. did have its advantages, she mused.
She listened closley to the last words she may ever hear from Natsuki and promised to fulfill the blunette's last wishes.
---
Back at Otome-gem...
It was a sad day for those who lost a loved one in the vital mission into the lab. Only eight were alive, and one was unknown. That unknown was Kuga Natsuki, Commander of the unit. Her loss was taken the hardest, because while she tended to be a cold person, she was still a good one. She would give out help when needed, offer advice to the young ones, train the new generations of fighters, help provide music during special occasions, like weddings...the list goes on. Natsuki was well-respected and disiplined and had a high sense of honor and integrity. She was one of the bravest, intellectual, strong-willed and determined people one could ever meet. Her loss was a large one, indeed, and would be mourned by many, but not as heatedly as by her friends and family.
Miyu had her eyes shut tightly, willing herself not to shed her artificial tears of sadness. She had to be strong, not for herself, but for the sobbing red-headed woman in her arms: Nao, Natsuki's truest and closest friend. If Natsuki's unknown fate took the worst toll on anyone, it was Nao. The bond they shared was unique and tenacious; irreplacable. Their friendship, while playful, was one that had the potential to last a lifetime, a rarity in itself, especially with the way Earth was. Each was protective and caring of the other in their own true way and held the other person up when she was about to fall. They supported eachother through various difficulties and made up after spats, something many friends didn't do. Their relationship was envied by many, yet respected at the same time. Natsuki and Nao had personalities that could either make them enemies or friends. Thankfully, they became friends, but Miyu was positive they were enemies in a past life.
A sudden weight on her leg startled the cyan-haired android. She peered down and caught sight of blonde hair. It was Alyssa, Natsuki's youngest sister. Another weight, this time around her shoulders, was Nina, Natsuki's seventeen year-old sister. If Alyssa and Nina are here, then...Miyu looked around. To the left, near the door in the funeral room, was Natsuki's parents: Saeko and Sergay Kuga. She had grown very close to Natsuki and her family, almost to the point of being able to call them her own family.
Natsuki's parents, upon noticing Miyu, headed towards her. Saeko was silently crying and clutched onto her husband for support, who was being strong for his wife, although inside, he, too, wanted to let his tears flow. Instead, he bent down and scooped Alyssa into his arms, burying his face in her blonde hair.
There were no words spoken for a long while, but finally, Miyu broke the tense, depressed stillness. "Saeko?" Her voice was hoarse and strained.
"Yes, Miyu?" Saeko was not faring much better.
For a moment, Miyu hesitated. "Saeko...Natsuki left me a request before she..." The android didn't have to elaborate.
The distressed family turned their green and blue eyes on her, Nao included. "She...what?" Saeko's voice shook.
Miyu closed her eyes briefly. "Yes. She told me to tell her family and friends she loves them and that she is sorry she made the decision to allow herself to be captured. She told me..." Her voice shook. She cleared it. "She told me to tell you that somehow, someway, she would come back, no matter the circumstances, and that she won't allow herself to be broken by any means." Miyu turned her attention to Natsuki's melancholic parents,"Specifically to you two, she wanted to apologize for all the hard times she has caused the both of you. She said she's sorry and that she'll miss you, as well as her siblings and friends. She hopes she won't be gone long, but if she is, she wants you to not dwell on her. All of you will always be in her heart, wherever she is be damned, and you will always be loved by her." Miyu finished quietly, her hold on Nao tightening slightly. By now, most of the occupants of the room had quieted down to sniffles and loud breaths.
Saeko wiped her eyes, but the wetness was only replaced. "Do you think she's okay, Miyu?" Came her shaky, choppy inquiry.
"Yes. I don't believe anything bad is happening to your daughter."
"I hope she's not in any pain," Sergay muttered, pulling his wife into his body to give her comfort.
Miyu offered a grim smile. "I'm sure she's fine." Somewhere inside of her, however, was the unshakeable feeling that Natsuki was suffering heavily.
---
Blood dribbled from a bruised, swollen mouth and onto an already bloodied shirt. A face that had once been beautiful was now marred by bruises, blood, sweat and minor cuts here and there. One emerald eye was swollen shut and the nose was broken and the bottom lip was split. Blue hair framing attractive facial features was caked in blood and dirt and stuck to the person's forehead and cheeks, causing a slight discomfort that was easily ignorable as oposed to the hot pain already existing in her face. It was bearable, but it was felt.
"I'll ask you again," An angry, deep voice entered deaf ears. "Where is Otome-gem?"
She didn't answer, choosing only to glower coldly into the silver eyes of the A.I. unit that glowed in the darkened room.
He raised his fist and struck her. Hard. The chair she was tied to toppled to the floor with a loud 'clop'. Her head bounced against the concrete and she felt her shoulder dislocate, yet all that escaped her lips was a pained grunt. She was left on the floor for nearly half a minute, the pressure on her dislocated arm beginning to get to the blunette, before she was set upright once more.
She lifted her emerald eyes back to the man's gruesome features -he was most likely disfigured to strike fear into captives' hearts-, her jaw set tight to keep silent. Her gaze flicked to the aluminum bat in his hand and when they met his eyes, he was grinning coldly; murderously. Fear chilled her spine, but her eyes remained stoic and empty, much to his anger.
"How many of you are there?" She didn't answer. "Tell me, you insignificant mongrel, or I will beat you to death with this!" He raised the bat threateningly, expecting her to flinch. When he recieved no such movement, he brought the bat down, solidly connecting it with her now tender stomach.
The breath was knocked out of the captive and more blood spurted from her mouth in a cough, splattering onto the floor. She wheezed rapidly to regain oxygen, but it seemed the man didn't plan to let her breathe easily anytime soon. He beat her everywhere, from her legs, to her torso, to her arms and even her head. When she was nearly unconscious, he paused his vicious assault to ask her one thing: "Will you answer me now, you stupid fool?" She mustered the air and energy to frostily glare at him and mutter a 'no' through her teeth. A snarl on his face, he hit her again. Finally, she blacked out.
---
Shizuru was looking forward to her second day on the job. Kenjo-san had informed her that the day after she was situated in Valkyrie H.I., the chamber fifty feet underground HiME-rem, she would begin her new job immediately. Fifteen minutes earlier, Kenjo-san had called to tell her there was a new prisoner being sent to HiME-rem who was directly from Otome-gem. She was a Commander, in fact. Kenjo-san knew she had many secrets that could mean the end of the underground rebellion uprising and he desperately wanted to know this information. He instructed Shizuru to do anything and everything in her power to get the woman to talk and said nothing was out of the question. A sinister smile had spread across Shizuru's lips before she hung up.
At HiME-rem...
Instead of turning left as she normally did upon coming to the fork in the hallways, Shizuru took the right corridor and walked to the end, stopping before what appeared to be a janitor's closet. She stepped inside and locked the door. She was immersed with darkness since the light bulb was broken, but it wasn't needed.
Shizuru knocked once in the middle of the door, waited five seconds and knocked in the same spot. A blue square suddenly showed in the center of the door. She placed her palm against the square and watched as a green line moved from the top of her middle finger to the bottom of her palm, scanning it to be sure she wasn't an intruder. Just as she retracted her hand, the square flashed red and the ground below her desended into Valkyrie H.I. as if it were an elevator. When it reached its destination, the door flung open.
Crimson orbs were met with gray bricks and a gray cieling that formed a ten-foot wide passageway that led to a single room at the end of the dreary corridor. Once out of the elevator/closet, the door closed and traveled back to the surface to resume its duty as a camoflauged broom closet.
How long am I going to have to wait down here? Shizuru wondered from her place lying down on the platform that had straps attached to it, thinking back to Kenjo-san's orders to wait in the chamber until the prisoner was brought to her for questioning. Her head rested in her hands and one leg was bent, the knee pointed at the cieling. Ara, ara, not very long, it seems, Shizuru thought when the sound of the disguised elevator opening made its way to her ears. She turned her head to the door curious as to what the Commander of Otome-gem looked like.
Suddenly, the door was flung open and a slim, yet strong figure was thrown roughly onto the dirty floor by two beefy black-haired A.I. men. The one with golden eyes spoke, "Kenjo-san has ordered Shiame-san and myself as guards to prevent any attempted escapes or unwanted intrusions, Fujino-san."
She looked over them in amusement. "Is that so?" She giggled childishly and sat up. "Very well, then..." Her raised eyebrow called for a name.
"Itaitsuki."
"Very well, then, Itaitsuki-san. Shiame-san." They gave a short bow and made a move exit when Shizuru said, "Please tell me when it is twelve o'clock, good sirs."
They bowed once more. "As you wish, Fujino-san."
The door closed.
Shizuru hopped off of the platform and stood several feet from the woman's head. She watched as the captive pushed herself off of the floor with one arm, the other hanging uselessly by her side. Now on her knees, a hand was lifted to her face and a sharp crunch was heart. Crimson eyes widened. Her nose was broken? A louder crack was heard as the blunette popped her shoulder back into its socket, a small grunt escaping her mouth. Her shoulder, as well? She blinked.
"Uuugh...where am I?" A low voice sounded.
Quickly, Shizuru realized the prisoner had no idea she was in the same room as the brunette. An amused grin played on her lips and she silently crept towards her while she was wiping her face with her shirt, stopping a mere foot away from her. She said nothing until the shirt dropped and those shapely shoulders stiffened at the sight of her shiny boots. "Ara, ara, now who do we have here?" She chirped playfully.
It was then when malevolent crimson met glacial emerald.
---
Finally, the confrontation! Sure, it's small, but it's going to be quite a large portion of the following chapters. I bet you guys are wondering how the romance is gonna play out, huh? So am I! But I have ten chappies til ShizNat is even thought of, so that's good. Btw, I am now striving for an update on a one every two weeks basis, since that's how it's been going, I think. Mind me you, I do have a life and a wonderful girlfriend, so I can't really spend all of my time on this. -_- REVIEW REVIEW
Omake!!!!! -In the background equals italic.-
Ume-sama- Yay! They meet! They meet! They meet! -singsong- ^_^
Me-:-l...Ooookay...
Midori-Sensei- Na-nana-na, na-nana-na, hey-ey-ey, good-bye! Remember the HiMEs!
Meow- Meowth! That's right!
Me- ...Seriously, Shane?
Shane-What?
Ume-sama- Well, you did say she was hanging around Pokemon fans. -nods head-
Midori-Sensei- Pokemon is AWESOME!
Ume-sama- -shakes head- Surrounded by retards...
Shane- OI! I take offense to that!
-All eyes roll-
Me- Ume?
Ume-sama- What?
Me- Why is there a cat on your shoulder?
Ume-sama- Hmmm? -eyes cat- IT'S TRYING TO STEAL MY PLUMS! -crouches over plums protectively with cat still on shoulder-
Midori-Sensei- IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE, I WILL SAVE YOUR PLUMS! -proceeds to save plums-
Ume-sama- O.O" RELEASE MY PLUMS, YOU INSANE FOREVER 17 YEAR OLD!
Shane- ¿Blake?
Me- ¿Qué?
Shane- ¿No le dije no darles el azúcar?
Ume-sama- GIMME MY PLUMS!
Me- ¡Sí, pero ellos realmente quisieron el chocolate!
Cat- Holy mother of God, help me! I just wanted one plum! Just one delicious, juicy...purple...plump......plum....GAH!
Shane- ...¡ESTO NO IMPORTA! ¡AHORA ELLOS TRATAN DE MATAR AL GATO Y EL UNO AL OTRO Y REALMENTE AMO A GATOS! ¡GAH!
Midori-Sensei- STOP IN THE NAME OF JUSTICE! UME, ALLOW ME TO ASSIST YOU!
Ume-sama- NEEEVVVEEEEERRRRRRRR! My plums! MINE!
Cat- Leave me alone, damn you!
Ume-sama- -drops plums- NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! -really loud-
Me/Shane- -turns to insane people-¡¿AH DIOS MÍO, USTED TIPOS CERRARÁS Y CALMA JODER ABAJO?!
Audience who can't speak Spanish- What?
Me- Oh! Shane was just telling me I wasn't supposed to give Ume and Midori sugar, but I told her they really wanted chocolate, then she said something about important death and loving cats and then we told the insane people to shut the hell up.
Shane- No, I said it wasn't important that they wanted chocolate and that they were trying to kill each other and the cat and I really love cats.
Me- Oh. -blinks-
Ume/Midori/Cat- -turns to each other- Chocolate? -runs to chocolate factory, ties up Willy Wonka and eats sugary goodness-
-World blows up-
Shane ghost- You see what you do? -_-"
Me ghost- Ehehehehe...Sorry...-embarrassed grin-
Ume/Midori- CHOCOLATE? CHOCOLATE! CHOOOOCOLAAATE! CHOOOOOOOOCOLAAAAAAAAAATE! -Spongebob and Patrick run away-
END!
Chappie song:
The Agonist- Thank-You, Pain.
So, lowly criminal,
Please tell me, how do you plead?
Now, honorable judges, ladies, gentlemen of the jury, please allow me to present my case...
Ha! What case can you possibly present
To rip a man from his family, faith, and friends? Defense?
Listen before you convict, you see, I never did intend to ruin anything!
Intent is a guilty conscience's white flag against pride,
So I find you guilty of the crimes.
I know, although i don't believe
It's not only my afterlife I bereave.
Appeals will be denied!Through senses, what can we explain?
Not joy, not guilt, not pain.
Is love the same?
This senseless argument in vain erodes my sense of shame.
Who's to blame?
Thank you, Pain! (for crippling my body)
God bless Suffering!
Thank you , Pain! (for freeing my brain)
For preventing me from returning to the source again.Through senses, what can we explain?
Not joy, not fear, not pain.
Is love the same?
This reckless argument in vain erodes my sense of shame.
Who's to blame?
The line of duty calls for enforcement of laws, so you're our property now.
Intelligence has failed you somehow.
Oh, what a shame you play this game!
So it shall be!
Now do you see the error of your ways?
Of Rats and Men you speak, standing up tall but you are weak.
A smiling thief.
We are all murderers, you see,
But you let taboo human chemistry blind your needs.
Live is greed!
Logic won't concede.
Think about the statistics you feed.
Think before you plead.
Italic is what's related to the story.
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