Hi there. Here is the new one, accompanied with some more definitions. I am deciding to "blend" a little bit more the Otomes with the extended Bene Gesserit concept giving them some additional "abilities". Otomes rock anyway, right?
Thanks everyone for reading and reviewing, but in the first place, BIG THANKS to Azn-anime for her work doing the beta for this story. It is just by her effort that you are reading this story this weekend. She is great even when she spanks me because I am fooling around too much (like now, so move on).
This story is rated M for mature content between two females, please do not keep reading if you don't like it.
Disclaimer: Sunrise owns Mai Otome and Mai Hime as well as their respective characters. Dune and all the related belong to Frank's Herbert's legal heirs.
Otome Imprinter: A full power Otome trained with extensive abilities for seduction, sex and sexual imprinting. Men or women seduced by an imprinter are permanently affected (what is called imprinted) by the sexual experience.
Otome Truthsayer: A full power Otome trained in the way to sense and/or perceives truth or lying (depending on the case) by detecting the slightest inflections and changes in the subjects voice, body language, expression and vital (body) signs. All Otomes are trained as well to detect a incredible and terrifying degree of minutiae and details that regular people don't see, but a truthsayer extends by far this ability.
IMPORTANT NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I start the research for this story in early June this year. At that time I only had some glances of Otome and even when it doesn't affect this story; I found out that my "sources" may have been wrong or incomplete. I found then "Ray Jagger Naut" but today researching for some fanarts I am doing, I found "Rei Juggernaut" for the same character! Even the some famous wiki has two important errors regarding this character. Whatever, I decided to keep the original I though (Ray). I wanted to keep the "Otome characters" as loyal as possible to the originals even if this is an AU, I apologize and wanted to clarify. So, please for this story Ray Jagger Naut and Rei Juggernaut refer to the same character.
For the hard core Otome fans, at the end of this chapter you will find the list of Otomes and GEMS as they will appear in this story. I am getting inspiration from and subsuming together all the Otome-verses I know, (ZHiME, ZHiME Zwei, ZHiME Sifr, My Otome Manga and My Otome Saga Novel) Notes below.
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Tears of Warriors by Galadan
Chapter 6. In your…arms.
"Speak the truth. That is always much easier, and is often the most powerful argument."
Bene Gesserit Axiom. (Dune)
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Skáneland, Castle Skánien.
Almost three weeks have passed after the battle in Skáneland. There was a lot of material damage, mainly on Skane City and the surroundings of the Castle, but Castle Skánien held its ground. The losses of human lives were few considering the big danger they've faced. Not a single one of the dignitaries visiting was hurt and when everything was in control and they were able to leave and see the damage done in the city; most of them were surprised and thankful. The Kruger Family, Garderobe, and Horus had saved everyone of a for-sure death. For now, everybody had returned to their planets and systems with the exceptions of the Tokiha Family, Garderobe, and Horus.
Two people were very upset with the results of the attack: Ambassador Marguerite and Sergay Wang. The Ambassador managed to stay longer as part of her imperial duties, but the Kruger House had everything brilliantly under control, so she had to reluctantly accept her departure back to Aasgard, accompanied by Armbrust Kruger to give a detailed report to the Emperor.
Ambassador Marguerite was extremely pissed but thought about the emergency measurements she will have to take in order to protect the identity of the traitors and her future plans. She partook her best effort to take the prisoners out of Skáneland with her but with Shizuru and Saeko's expert diplomatic negotiations, she had to accept that they would be transferred by The Kruger House forces instead to Aasgard in the upcoming weeks.
Saeko noticed the way Shizuru had been looking at her since the day of the battle but they didn't have any spare time to spend on personal issues. However, both of them had business to take care with each other before Garderobe's group leaves Skáneland in the next few days. Garderobe's job there was almost done, and Shizuru couldn't shake away the disquieting feeling she felt when she thought about her departure. Ever since the first time she saw Natsuki, the formerly subdued tide that was inside her was now becoming high and wild, menacing to drag her with it. Shizuru decided not fight it.
So, any spare time Shizuru could get in those crowded days between her duties as Garderobe's Archmeister, she managed to spend them by Natsuki's side. She participated in accompanying the young Countess to visit the injured, to supervise the reconstruction jobs, and to some tea preparation for her or for a simple frugal meal together. She was no longer trying to find a reason, but when she saw Natsuki coming back safe from the outer space battle, she was certain: she cared about that young woman more than she had cared for anyone in her life.
It was during the night that they could have more time to spend in other, more personal activities but then Saeko had managed to have private meetings with her daughter at that time as well until very late at night. Natsuki was starting to feel angry with her mother for insisting in that dynamic until support came from the most unexpected sources: Uma Shamrock and Haakon Kruger.
That night Saeko couldn't ask Natsuki to stay with her longer because Uma Shamrock insisted publicly during diner to talk with her privately. Natsuki couldn't hide a wide smile accepting promptly, while fixing her gaze with Shizuru immediately after. Saeko didn't miss that interexchange and Uma didn't miss Saeko's quiet resistance but then, Haakon made his unexpected entrance.
"Natsuki, this is a wonderful opportunity to show Shizuru-san a bit more about Skáneland. The previous odd days have been very busy for you and certainly, Shizuru's support for the Kruger House during this hard time has been in invaluable. You girls take a break; I think we can handle the planet one night." He said with his deep voice and used his gentle gaze that he only used with Shizuru. Then smiling he added, "Shizuru-san will be departing with her… group very soon, we at least own her some nice memories of our native planet."
"Ookini, Kruger-san, being by The Kruger House these days was the only place where I wanted to be." Shizuru said, smiling to Haakon and looking intensely at Natsuki but not missing Saeko's serious face.
Before anything else could happen, Natsuki intervened. "That's a great idea grandfather. Let's put it in practice right now." Standing up she had to stop when her mother tried to say something but Haakon interrupted her daughter in law immediately.
"At your command, Countess Kruger. Reito, please escort the Countess and Archmeister." He said in a good mood, smiling to her granddaughter and waving to his lieutenant.
The three of them left the dinning room happy like kids. The one that was not so happy was Saeko.
"That was rather out of the protocol Haakon." She said coldly once the three left.
"Lady Saeko…our Natsuki led The Kruger House against the deadliest threat in its history, fought like a true warrior and a true Otome. I should add to my pleasure that these days, she is behaving like the true Head of this Noble House in front of our people and visitors. Beyond that, she is already a grown up woman, a very brave, and wise one for her 20 years. She deserves to do whatever she decides to do, whenever she decides to do it." And paraphrasing Natsuki's words to put Sergay Wang in place, he finished off, "You shouldn't need me to remind you all this. And screw the protocol," leaving Saeko and Uma alone after that.
Trying to ease the things for Saeko, Uma invited her some tea in her private room after the diner that they ended alone; taking their seats at the couch in front of the bio-heater, Saeko and Uma remained in silence during some minutes before Uma tried the terrain.
"It has been long since the last time we were drinking tea this way."
"It is true, Airlie was still with us at that time," Saeko said sadly, lost in the old remembrance and kept looking at the smoke-less blue fire, silently.
"Haakon was right about Natsuki. She did a wonderful job. I shall say that we succeeded because of her. I am very close to forgiving you for not sending her to Garderobe."
That comment took Saeko by surprise. As an Otome and a Column, she was ordered to send Natsuki to Garderobe's main training facility to become an Otome, but Kyler never accepted. It was very hard for him to deny anything to his beloved wife but he never granted it. Now Saeko was starting to understand why.
"We decided, as a family it was the best way Uma; we were also thinking that it was the best way to protect her," Saeko said calmly and confidently.
"Indeed. We all were thinking of protect THEM. Both of them, Natsuki and Shizuru." For Uma, the hard part was coming.
"Saeko, you know that the future of hundred of years of our genetic program depends on bringing together the Kruger House and the Viola House. We were really hopeful when Airlie and Aylen had Seki and Shizuru. We expected that Seki, as the first-born son could marry your future daughter. That was the original plan."
Saeko closed her eyes thinking in her past days when Airlie, Aylen, Kyler, and she were making plans for their heirs and their futures.
"We almost lost everything with the Kansai attack." Uma said.
"We also had our share, Uma. Remember why Natsuki is the Kruger House leader now."
"You are right, Saeko." Uma said moving her hand and taking Saeko's she added, "I am sorry."
Taken by surprise by Uma's words and actions, knowing that the tough Garderobe's Headmistress never apologized, Saeko had to concede and lower her guard.
"I am not trying to minimize your pain or your loss, Saeko. I know you loved Kyler. Despite our orders and duties as Garderobe's Columns, you and Airlie created truthful families and came to love your arranged husbands. Beyond that, the two of you and I were friends. More than friends; you and Airlie were the only family I ever had."
After a moment, Saeko had to admit, "I know Uma, I am sorry too."
"I also considered Shizuru and Natsuki part of my family, Saeko." Uma moved onto the couch to face Saeko and hardening her expression she asked, "Why have you been treating Shizuru with displeasure? You aren't only a hidden rank Otome Column. You are in charge of our genetic program. The only person, after Airlie died."
Uma was straight to the point and won't leave with her concerns unanswered. Garderobe's genetic program was too important for that, but for the future of the Kruger House as well.
"Since you are asking so directly, I will answer you the same way. I don't dislike Shizuru at all. My concerns are for Garderobe's genetic program and the Kruger House succession, Uma. Shizuru is Garderobe's star; she can marry anyone in any of the Noble Houses, even easier than Natsuki. Their heirs can marry in the next generation as we planned." Saeko said with an efficient voice but Uma wasn't willing to take the bait.
"We need a union during this generation, Saeko. You know that. All the reproduction schemes are set to the next generation as well as the conclusion of our program."
"We need an heiress from such union, Uma. What are you suggesting, genetic manipulation or some Schwartz kind of experiments? Are you so desperate that want to break Garderobe's rules that badly? All our subjects shall are be conceived and born naturally."
"I am not saying otherwise." Uma said leaning back in the couch. She almost had Saeko where she wanted.
"What are you suggesting then?"
Without any other words, Uma took a small box out of the inner pocket of her elegant Headmistress coat and handed it to Saeko.
"These have been at the Garderobe chamber since hundreds of years ago. They came from the time when Garderobe was only an Otome training school back at the former Earl. Yohko dated them 305 A.M. If that is right, and I have never seen Yohko failing, they are almost three thousand years old." Saeko looked at her during the short explanation and Uma waited until she opened the case.
At the box were two rings of the strangest material with the same seal resting on the velvet. The seal was what took Saeko's gaze like a magnet. A wolf and a hydra intertwined. They were somewhat similar to the Kruger and Viola's seals but looked a lot more primitive. Taking them out of the box, she could see they were almost the same size.
"What is this, Uma?"
"I don't know for sure. They are just too old. There is no single mention of them in Garderobe's records. The information related to them is only what has survived from Headmistress to Headmistress since the time we broke the link with masters and started the link with the Otome memories. Unfortunately, a lot was lost during the Dark Ages." Uma said.
"I can't give you a rational explanation, Saeko. I just know that some dark fate led us to this situation. Shizuru could have died with her family but she didn't. She is here and you know better than anyone what it took to have her here. We almost lost hundreds of years of genetic prospecting. We have prospected that the Kruger and the Viola genetic lines union will breed a daughter that will be free of our chains but here we are with two girls. Coincidences don't exist." Uma ended thinking "But we can help them a bit," even though she didn't voice it.
Saeko tried to think calmly. There were things hard to explain. The secret process of becoming an Otome was not only by accepting the nanomachines into their bodies but also linking with the GEM and with the memories and voices of the precedent Otomes. It was certainly very disconcerting and scary for common citizens that they had the inner memories and the other inherent talents of other Otomes.
"There is too much left to random fate, don't you think? This is not like you." Saeko said quizzically looking at Uma. She knew that the Headmistress didn't leave anything random. Uma already had a plan, but she just didn't want to tell her…yet.
Uma sustained Saeko's gaze steadily.
"Ok. What do you want from me?" Saeko asked exasperatedly. It was very long time ago since Uma Shamrock exasperated her like this.
"I want you to trust me, of course. But more importantly, I want you to give them a chance." After a short pause and deep, deep scrutiny in an Otome way, Uma revealed her final card. "Being who you are, will it bother you that bad to see Natsuki and Shizuru together as a couple?"
Saeko felt like a clout hit her face in the way Uma had asked that question; she thought deeply but didn't answer her.
"Maybe you have been a conservative Countess for too long, Saeko. Even when the ban for sexual intercourse with men had ended for Otomes, Garderobe has kept a legacy of female relationships and even the Empire acknowledges them as legal for a couple of centuries!"
As Saeko kept silent, Uma decided to the end the topic with one final advice.
"I will invite you to reflect about your real reasons, Saeko. We are lost when our fears took control of our decisions and the acts driven for those decisions. In the meantime, we don't have any other choice at this time but to protect them."
Sighing deeply Saeko put the rings inside the box and handed them to Uma asking, "When will you tell me the rest?"
"When the right time comes, as always. A Meister Otome shouldn't ask that dear Saeko," Uma said smiling, teasing her friend a bit but she didn't move to take the box. Saeko only raised a brow in a silent question.
"You keep them. No matter what, the Kruger House and the Viola House will be together. You are the Faecatrix Arboris Otome from now on and the only parent alive in our genetic program. You deserve the right to deliver them to their rightful owners…whoever they may be."
Late that night Saeko was standing alone in her private room, still looking fascinated at the rings and at other ring she had. She knew what Uma had done with her earlier that night. Uma reminded her that she was a high ranking Otome Column and not only a Countess of a noble house, engaged Saeko into an important Garderobe mission despite her maternal priggishness, and basically, kicked her ass for being mean with Shizuru and her own daughter. The rightful owner. Now she had three rings under her care. She had to evince Uma that she got the message.
Cardair, Planet House of Krauxeku House.
Prince Kazuya had been outraged since the news of the failure had reached him two weeks ago. Like a caged beast, he tortured and killed several girls in his fury of madness. But now he was more calmed, and he wanted something that could fight back more than his defenseless victims. Baron Nagi advised him to dissimulate his anger and at least, give Argos Soir a welcoming diner. For Kazuya, it was also a great opportunity for something he was waiting for since a long time ago. That thought improved his mood.
"Captain! Let's get the show started." Walking, dressed only with a combat loincloth and oiled for the fight, his body was glittering, marking his well toned muscles and slender body. He got into the small combat arena of the Krauxeku Castle where he ordered a week of celebrations because of the safe return of Argos Soir from Skáneland.
Several people of his court were there applauding and cheering. They all knew well that the Prince loved the acclamations and that he always had spies around to inform him if someone didn't acclaimed enthusiastically enough or said something inappropriate. Such disrespect weren't tolerated by Kazuya and the inflictors suffered a painful death as punishment and as a message for the others, of course.
Akane and her father were sat in the honor balcony when Kazuya entered the arena and the first slave was released to fight against him. The slave was stoned and Kazuya's knives were poisoned. The poor man didn't have the slightest chance against the Prince. But the mob liked to see him covered in blood--with the exceptions of Akane and her father.
"This trophy is for your honor, beautiful Lady!" He said with his foot on top of the dead body of the slave, while raising his right hand with the knife as salutation.
Argos smiled, satisfied, and motioned his daughter to do the same and thank the Prince. They have to keep the façade if they wanted to survive. Argos was very worried for his daughter's safety, but after his trip to Skáneland and a talk with Nguyen and Haakon Kruger, a very small light of hope was lit in his hearth.
"My dear Argos…I am very happy that you returned well from the dangerous mission in Skáneland's hell, while representing Krauxeku principality. You have always been a loyal subject of my house." Argos felt a very bad feeling in Kazuya's words. He never has spoken before during his combats.
"I want to honor your return by asking you for your daughter to become the royal concubine and my personal Otome!" Kazuya ended, triumphantly.
Argos had to make his best effort to control himself but for sure he was pale. Thinking deeply, he steeled himself to answer but he had to suppress his surprise as well when saw his sweet Akane standing up.
"The Soir Family is honored, my Prince." Inclining her head and making a deep reverence she said a formal Otome-like sentence to promise loyalty. Since Otomes were no longer linked to a master's will, it was their own decision to choose a cause to live and die for. "I am Meister Otome Akane Soir, the Pure Heart Malachite and exist only to serve."
The multitude exploded in applauses, screaming; Argos felt something breaking in his hearth. Kazuya grinned perversely, he couldn't wait to own that pure heart, completely ignorant of the real meaning in Akane's words.
Garderobe also had spies inside Cardair and Akane already had her orders. Kazuya didn't notice that Akane never mentioned that she will serve him specifically.
Skáneland, Castle Skánien.
Natsuki was so happy to finally have free time to spend with Shizuru that she wanted to do very many things.
"Ara, Natsuki we only have a few hours, mainly if you want to have some sleep." Shizuru said smiling and since Reito was far away enough to not hear them, she added, "But of course, I could also sleep with Natsuki and that would give us more time and certainly, other kinds of happy memories."
Natsuki blushed furiously at that comment and all of her rambling stopped, which was subsequently substituted with stammers.
"Hey, Shizuru!" She managed to protest finally.
Shizuru smiled at the Countess' embarrassment. She suspected since the beginning that Natsuki didn't have any sexual experience but during her talks with the Kruger family members and after the right questions, she was now sure Natsuki didn't have any sexual experience at all. She enjoyed teasing the young Countess, but she also had to admit the effect that Natsuki had on her. She could tell that Natsuki was feeling something as well. Every time they had the slightest touch, electricity flew between them but strangely, Shizuru was the one that felt insecure to go beyond and act out. After the light kiss on the cheek before Natsuki's departure to catch the Schwartz's cruiser, they haven't had time alone for other intimate demonstrations.
"Let's decide. Would you like to do, Natsuki?" Shizuru walked closer. They were at the armory because Natsuki wanted to show her Skáneland's Rya Wolves since Shizuru saw them during the battle and asked Natsuki about them afterwards. They were really terrifying and imposing but two of them were acting the most dearly with Natsuki.
"I…" Natsuki started, "I have a special place I would like to show you, I though we could take the bike," Natsuki blushed a bit remembering the first ride they had together when had Shizuru just arrived and how mean she was at that time with the Archmeister. "But you are right, even with the bike at full speed it will take us some time." Natsuki face then lightened with an idea.
"But we can take one of the SkyWolfs and be there in 20 minutes!"
That gave Shizuru also an idea.
"Well, since you will show me something special of yours, maybe I can also give you a new special experience." Shizuru said smiling but Natsuki face showed some concern at the selection of words. Giggling at Natsuki's face, Shizuru completed.
"Oh, I was meaning this experience." With a soft movement of her left hand in her hair, she materialized in front of Natsuki for the first time.
"Wow… that's…amazing." Natsuki was truly impressed by Shizuru's outfit, which she could finally see clearly for the first time--and the way that outfit shaped Shizuru's body.
"May I fly you to your special place, my Countess?" Shizuru added quite pleased by Natsuki's astonished gaze, extending her gloved hand to her.
Natsuki was not exactly a mundane person and nobody had treated like this before. She was used to be amongst guys and soldiers that treated her as an equal. Shizuru was a very powerful warrior, more even so than any Kruger soldier, but she was a woman. And she was treating Natsuki as a woman too every time they were together, and Natsuki realized how much she enjoyed to be by her side.
They weren't alone at the armory; Sakomizu, Reito, and Armbrust as well as some officers of the Kruger Army were there, but for the two of them, everybody else ceased to exist. Everybody went silent when Shizuru materialized and now they were trying to keep as silent as possible. All of them felt like intruders.
Since Natsuki didn't move, Shizuru walked very slowly, as if she was approaching a magnificent thoroughbred horse. Shizuru let her mask to fall down and with her eyes fixed with Natsuki's, she took the Countess' hand and asked again, "May I?"
Feeling her hearth stop at the contact, even though there's a glove, Natsuki only nodded nervously. Then, Shizuru put Natsuki's hand on her shoulder, carrying her in her arms effortlessly.
Natsuki deeply blushed but she kept her proud manner. Shizuru loved that, "This girl, that led an army and rules a noble house, blushes at my teasing but keeps her visage as the proud, tough, and sometimes arrogant Countess Kruger." Watch out, Shizuru, her internal voices were teasing her, including her own mother's; you may fall in love with this girl.
"Hold on, my Countess." Shizuru said and feeling Natsuki's grip tightening, she looked at the open balcony and with a sudden and intense shine of her robe, blinding everyone in the room, they left.
In took several moments for the men in the armory to recover. Once they were able to speak again, Armbrust asked Reito, "Did you have that talk with Natsuki, Reito?"
With a somewhat penitent expression, Reito answered, "No…I didn't find the right time."
"Damn, Reito… you are like her older brother, you should have done it since a long time ago!" Armbrust said a bit angry with Reito knowing that it was his responsibility.
"Take it easy guys," Sakomizu intervened, wise as usual. "I think our Natsuki is bright enough to figure out how things work even without our help. Besides, I think she will have a very good teacher."
"Yeah…" Reito said with a thoughtful expression. "I feel almost envy, I would like to have a teacher like that," just to get a friendly knock from Armbrust. The three men laughed with good mood.
Skáneland, Cliff of the Wolf.
It took about 15 minutes to get to Natsuki's special place even though Shizuru was not flying at full speed. She wanted Natsuki to enjoy the ride. For Natsuki, who was a pilot, flying was not a new experience, but maybe because she was in Shizuru's arms or maybe because there was nothing between her and the wind, her heart was racing like a runaway horse, powerful and strong inside her chest.
Shizuru landed gently where Natsuki indicated and placed her on the ground carefully, keeping Natsuki's hand on hers, getting a silent squeeze in response. Shizuru noticed under the silver moon light that they were far away from Skane City and the Castle. And the spectacular view of Skane bay could be seen from there. There was no other light there but the moon.
After several minutes of silence, looking at the silver plated glint of the sea, Natsuki said, "Shizuru, I never thanked you for being here by our side and helping me protect my people."
Shizuru waited, knowing by Natsuki's expression that she was trying to say something important and meaningful to her.
"This place was my favorite place since I was a kid. My father used to bring me here and tell me stories about our family and how our ancestors were here, always overseeing us. He taught me that we always had to protect what we loved."
Shizuru remembered seeing the wolf shaped stone at the Castle balcony and imagined the scene of Natsuki as a kid with her father.
"When I was old enough to ride a bike and wanted to be alone, I start coming here on my own and now I wanted to bring you here… before you leave. Down here is everything I care for but when I was up there trying to get the Cruiser, the only thing I wanted to know was if you were fine." The memory of the Schwartz man, menacing to kill everybody that Natsuki had ever loved, unleashed her fury and she tightened her fists.
"Natsuki…it's ok, everything is fine now." Shizuru walked closer, trying to comfort her.
Natsuki felt a warming sensation radiating from her chest. She felt as if she had a lot inside her chest but she couldn't give it a name or put it in words. Something was going to explode inside her if she didn't say anything, so raising her gaze, she found Shizuru's eyes.
"Shizuru…I don't want you to leave."
"Natsuki," the Countess' name was the only word Shizuru could say. Natsuki expressed what she hasn't to herself in the previous days. She didn't want to leave either but that was not optional. However, tonight, they could pretend that she wasn't leaving.
While Shizuru's right hand was cherishing Natsuki's face, her free hand interlaced her fingers intimately with Natsuki's closing the distance even more between them.
Natsuki blushed intensely but didn't step back; her green eyes were brilliant and her lips partially opened with her breathing. Shizuru was amazed at how young and beautiful the Countess looked and wanted that moment to last forever. Nobody and nothing else existed but them. Her hand on Natsuki's face made its way down, slowly, traveling like a feather on Natsuki's neck, and then delineating her shoulder and arm. After one last pause, Shizuru's arm took Natsuki by the waist and pulled her until their bodies were touching.
Natsuki never felt like that before. Electric shivers were traveling over her body and a warming ache was pulsing between her legs. It was a completely new sensation but somehow intimidating, more than facing an army of crazy invaders and more than flying a plane in the darkness. It was like jumping in a precipice.
Shizuru could read every emotion on Natsuki's face, the fear, the pleasure, the indecision. The young woman didn't have all the memories she had or even the practical experience but she wasn't opposing Shizuru's. Natsuki was there, in her arms and there was no going back for Shizuru now.
Under the silver moon, with the cold breeze messing their manes slightly, merging their threads as their hands were, Shizuru lowered down her head very slowly and gently, covered Natsuki's lips with hers.
Skáneland, Castle Skánien,
"You don't… own me Jagger," Nao managed to say between breathes. Ray was making Nao's best efforts to think coherently fail.
Since the battle they had spent any free time Ray and she had together. Even the way they were having sex changed since that day; it was still very passionate but ever since Nao got injured, Ray used that as a reason to make love to her slowly and tenderly, kissing her deeply all the time with all her soul. Ray had to internally accept the fact that she wanted to take Nao to the next level but the redhead was not making the things easy for her. Nao was not ready to admit how much she cared for Ray, not even after almost being killed like an idiot.
It was late at night and they were in Nao's room standing on the balcony; Ray was holding her from behind, leaving a wet trace of kisses in her neck while one hand was massaging her right breast and the other, her upper thigh, and groin.
"I know…Meister Zhang. I don't want to own you," Ray lied thinking that Nao was an imprinter, not a truthsayer, "I just want you to admit that you will miss me," Ray said sliding her hand from Nao's groin to her crotch with soft pressure.
Nao gasped arching her body at the intimate touch, "Ray…" she whispered. Nobody made her felt that way, so vulnerable and exposed.
An idea came to Ray's mind and tried the tease as a shoot in the dark. "Oh, I see your problem. Let's do this then. Every time you say my name tonight will be as if you are saying that you will miss me."
Nao felt embarrassed to be caught like that and was angry with Ray for noticing it. Her inner voice screamed that she will miss the Kruger House Chief Otome badly, more than she would be willing to admit even to herself. She squirmed in Ray's arms until was she released from them.
"There is no fucking way of that happening Jagger." She turned around to face Ray and felt a bit madder in seeing a half smirk on Ray's regularly serious features. She can't let that happen.
"There are plenty of beautiful girls back in Wallach IX waiting anxiously for my return to have any time to waste missing you." She regretted her angry comment after seeing the smile fade from Ray's face.
Ray walked slowly to approach her and taking her in her arms with their gazes fixed, she said, "You have nothing to fear then."
When she kissed Nao, it was no longer gently.
Several hours later the sky was getting clearer and Ray was standing in front of the balcony again looking out at the sea, smiling. Nao failed. She said her name many times; in fact, "say" was not the exact verb to describe it. Scream or cry could fit better. Ray was exultantly happy and she walked in the dark room again, approaching to the bed. Nao was also getting up. It was very early but those days, all of them were working extra hours. Natsuki will be looking for her Chief Otome very soon but Ray wasn't ready to let Nao go, so she pushed the other woman gently onto the bed again, getting a soft growl, a half protest, and a half agreement.
With her body on top of Nao's and one leg between hers, Ray teased her, "I will miss you too, Meister Zhang… I will miss you so very much," her blue eyes never left Nao's while she talked with a deep voice. Nao felt as if Ray could read deep into her soul as she could read in her body. With a violent shiver running over her whole body, Nao knew she had to escape.
Turning her head away from Ray's gaze, she pushed her gently but firmly, standing up from the bed to prepare for the day. When she was on the task of looking herself at the mirror, she noticed a couple of hickeys on her neck. Angrily, she complained to Ray.
"Hey Jagger, I told you that you don't own me. What the hell does this mean? Are you marking your territory or what? Damn it!" After finishing her angry complain, she looked Ray and froze.
Ray was getting dressed as well and she was wearing only her white shirt. With a dry mouth, Nao's eyes traveled by Ray's long and well shaped legs, admiring how the white shirt enhanced the modest curves of Ray's body. She never had the chance to see Ray like this. When they were together, Ray was always fully dressed or fully naked, but this sight was rushing Nao's desire to a new level. She always thought Ray had too much of a masculine attire and attitude for her, but this subtle womanish side took her completely by surprise.
Ray was disconcerted, both by the complaint and the grimace on Nao's face. In her resistance to accept her feelings, Nao was being harsh with Ray and with herself. Ray approached Nao in the light, removing her shirt in the process to stand up in front of her mate naked again.
"Then does this mean that you own me, Nao-san?" Ray asked seriously. She looked angry but very few people would have known that she wasn't angry. She was hurt.
Nao was complaining for two small hickeys on her neck but Ray had several more marks in their lovemaking session, on her neck curve, collarbone, and upper breast skin and even in her hip, where Nao found a very sensitive spot to drive Ray crazy. After allowing Nao to take a detailed look, Ray turned to allow her to see her back.
What abashed Nao the most was to find marks of her nails in Ray's shoulders and mainly, on her back. Nao could try to escape of her feelings but she couldn't escape the facts. And on Ray's body was the evidence of the overwhelming sensations she was feeling and the uncontrolled need she was so desperately trying to deny.
"What? Are you not saying anything now?" Ray said facing Nao again. They looked angrily at each other until Ray turned, put some clothes on and materialized, leaving Nao's room using the balcony instead of the door as usual.
Standing alone in the room, Nao felt strangely empty inside as Ray left.
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Thanks for reading! …and for reviewing, of course. Hope you guys liked. It was a quiet chapter. Next, we will tighten the grip again. Until then, hope you enjoyed.
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Otomes and GEMs at Tears of Warriors Story Grouped by Noble House
By Kruger House
Saeko Kruger ………………………….Ice Silver Crystal (III Column)
Ray Jagger Naut ……………………..Intensely Playing Peridot
Chie Hallard …………………………….Rushing Dragon Lazulite
Nina Wang ………………………………Neptune Emerald
By Garderobe
Shizuru Viola…………………………….Bewitching Smile Amethyst (II Column)
Uma Shamrock…………………………Bound Dragons Rhodonite (I Column)
Juliet Nao Zhang………………………Break String Spinel (IV Column)
Sara Gallagher………………………….Galactica Aquamarine (V Column)
Laura Bianchi…………………………….Flowery Splendour Enstatite
Erstin Ho……………………………………Rainbow Cloud Rhodonite
Rosalie Claudel………………………….Abyssal Green Jadeite
Maria Graceburt……………………….Eternal Recurrence Jasper
Yukariko Steinberg………………....Dazzling Mirage Lapis Lazuli
Fiar Grosse……………………………….Excel Elegance White Onyx
Carla Bellini………………………………Rumbling Thunder Garnet
By the Scientific Guild at Horus
Irina Woods……………………………..Black Smoke Chrysoberyl
By Armitage House
Haruka Armitage……………………..Continental Orb Topaz
By Tokiha House
Mai Tokiha………………………………..Fire Stirring Ruby
By Windbloom
Arika Yumemiya……………………….Blue Sky Sapphire
By AnNam
Anh Lu ……………………………………..Infinite Wisdom Azurite
By Krauxeku House
Akane Soir ……………………………….Pure Heart Malachite
By The Empire (Hazakura House)
Ayane Hazakura ………………………Lofty Crimson Jade
Sakura Hazakura …………………….Stormy Sakura Chrysoberyl
Shiho Nuit ……………………………….Spiral Spin Serpentine
Chiharu Shinome …………………….Sharpening Moonstone
Yuriko Memiya …………………………Mysterious Peridot
There are only few changes at the originals.
I changed Uma Shamrock's GEM because she is set at the same time with Shizuru, since Raquel Mayol is not showing in this story and her robe its awesome, I gave her that one.
Chie Hallard and Irina Woods GEMs are never known (or I least I didn't find them), so I assigned them one from the Manga (Chie's GEM was Rila's and Irina's GEM was Nina's).
The Empire's Otomes will show up next chapter. All have their original GEMs but Chiharu and Yuriko; I wasn't able to translate to something reasonable understanding. They came from the Manga.
Finally, yes, I changed the Garderobe's Columns order and GEMs a bit. I will say it is acceptable since the time its way ahead in the future. At the original stories, from to ZHime there are some changes too….and the two more important ones are still there!