First, thanks for reading…DID YOU READ CHAPTER 10? I published two chapters this time and it's very important you read 10 before 11, you know.
There are very small probabilities that you read all this, so I make it shorter so you can jump right away to the action. Just to mention that as the previous one, this chapter is unbetaed. I apologize for any mistake or error that you find on it.
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.
Yggdrasil System: The Otome new control system based on a cyborg and substituting the Fumi System.
Note: This story is rated M. It contents intimate encounters between two females as well as other sexual content, strong language or violence. If you dislike, please don´t read.
Disclaimer: Sunrise owns Mai Hime and Mai Otome characters. Dune is owned by Frank Herbert legal heirs. I only own my imagination.
Tears of Warriors
by GaladanChapter 11. Time of meetings.
"Seek freedom and become captive of your desires. Seek discipline and find your liberty."
The Coda
Chapterhouse: Dune
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
We don't expect them. We are not prepared for them. There are certainties that are felt only once in life and when we are face to face with them the only alternative left for us is to live them.
For Shizuru, the last remaining disturbances she was feeling before knocking Natsuki's door that night vanished when she entered the room to find Natsuki standing up on the penumbra, waiting. Natsuki's brilliant green eyes were fixed on Shizuru's and then she finally knew those green eyes that had always been inside her. Since she was a child, when Shizuru tough she was remembering her savior's eyes, she was in fact remembering the eyes of the woman she was going to love.
For a slight moment, the time folded in front of her eyes to show her another Shizuru and another Natsuki, a different time, a different space but in some way the same they were now. Shizuru emotions were for once showing openly at her face and frowning, Natsuki approached her with concern.
Touching Shizuru's shoulder, the question she was going to ask died in her lips when Shizuru grab her and pulled her almost with violence. Natsuki was disconcerted. Shizuru was overwhelmed; as is suddenly, something very precious that was lost could be at the reach of her hand again.
"Shizuru…" Natsuki said the name as an exhalation of emotion.
Natsuki's voice brought Shizuru back to the present time, her inner voices keeping silence for once with reverence; the memory that just happened was way older than any of them.
Shizuru didn't say a word; it was no way to explain Natsuki what just happened to her…at least now. Releasing a bit the grab on Natsuki, Shizuru's hand went up to cherish the white skin on Natsuki's cheek.
"I am sorry if I scared Natsuki," Shizuru said at last, after several moments cherishing and staring the other woman face. Shizuru's gaze was different this time, Natsuki could feel it and see it in the red eyes; darkened with an emotion she had never seen before.
Shizuru didn't want to hear anything but her name again on Natsuki's voice. Letting her finger to run over Natsuki's lips as a feather, she pulled the younger woman very gently until their thighs and bellies were touching.
Natsuki's heart almost froze with the intimate touch but no word could reach her throat and she wasn't sure she really wanted to say any; breathing was already hard enough.
Shizuru's cherishes ran down Natsuki's silky neck, thanking Wallach IX weather that made Natsuki to remove her usual Kruger uniform's jacket and wear only the close-fitting top tank, allowing Shizuru to travel over Natsuki's shoulders and arms.
Pulling Natsuki even closer now, Shizuru closed her eyes and leaned down a bit, cherishing Natsuki's forehead and nose with her own. The tenderness is Shizuru's gesture made Natsuki open her lips with anticipation but the kiss didn't happen. On the opposite, Shizuru's face slid left to Natsuki's hear, aspiring deeply the scent on the dark hair and going down through her neck while embracing her stronger and stronger. For the time Shizuru's nose was again touching Natsuki's, their hearths were beating at the unison and Natsuki's breathing was betraying a moan. Both opened their eyes to find the other's dilated pupils; the desire of one was the reflection of the other. Then Natsuki's lips didn't have to wait again.
Both were taken on each other like in the middle of a storm when Shizuru caught Natsuki's lips with her mouth. The kiss was also different to all the previous ones. Gently at the beginning, tasting and exploring, the kiss increased its intensity when Shizuru's lips opened a bit more with every movement devouring Natsuki's and making her to open her lips for deepen explorations.
When Shizuru's hands cupped her breasts, Natsuki grasped the fabric of Shizuru's uniform. Took her still few more intimate touches but when Shizuru's hand slid on her inner tight just too close to her sex, Natsuki couldn't hold a groan anymore. The sound of Natsuki's sexual arousing triggered Shizuru's need to a new level. She needed to see her Natsuki lost in the pleasure with her, for her, because of her.
While spreading kisses to Natsuki's neck and jawbone, Shizuru pulled her gently to the bed and lowered the discrete zipper on the front of Natsuki's top. The top was form fitting, thick and well designed enough to be wear without anything else. After endless seconds, Shizuru was rewarded with the sight of Natsuki's small but perfect breasts once it was completely opened. Natsuki blushed intensely, trying to cover her exposed torso with her arms but Shizuru's hand impeded.
"No, please. Let me see you. My Countess is so beautiful."
Shizuru thought is was not possible for Natsuki's blush to increase but it was; Natsuki was all blushed but proudly sustaining Shizuru's gaze.
Shizuru held herself a bit to guide Natsuki's hands to her own clothes and standing up in front of the young woman who was sat in the bed, Shizuru showed her gently how to remove the complicated Otome uniform piece by piece, touching Natsuki's hands, face and shoulders during the whole process until the last piece of undergarment was there. Natsuki hesitated since she was still wearing her trousers and all her lower clothes.
Shizuru took Natsuki's hand to her hips and then captured her mouth again for a passionate kiss that just break to whisper rousingly at Natsuki's hear, "I need you to do it."
Holding herself was getting harder and harder for Shizuru but she really wanted Natsuki to see her, she wanted to show Natsuki she was giving in completely to her in every way. Making a last effort, Shizuru slowly pushed Natsuki letting her admire her body.
The only sound in the round was their breathings and Natsuki still took some minutes caressing Shizuru's body that was a new and intoxicating territory for her senses. Then she overcame her own inhibitions to lower down slowly Shizuru's undergarments. The sigh of Shizuru completely naked in front of her, froze her some seconds. Aching to be touch, Shizuru encouraged the shy hands to keep exploring her skin. And Natsuki did it until she slid her hand between Shizuru's leg feeling the wetness and moistening her fingers with it.
That finally broke Shizuru's containment and pushing Natsuki again over the sheets, she spread wet kisses over Natsuki's naked chest, breasts, abdomen and the skin down that was exposed while she removing the remaining clothes. When Natsuki was naked as well under Shizuru, her breathing and moans were far beyond control. Shizuru was rewarded to see that Natsuki's sex was as wet as hers. With the same slow movements as she was kissing Natsuki's groin and inner thighs, Shizuru held Natsuki's hips with her hand and opening her mouth captured the clit and lips that were eager for contact.
The feeling of Shizuru's mouth and tongue on her sex tore off stronger moans from Natsuki, who arching her back and squeezing Shizuru's shoulders, was moving her pelvis at the rhythm set by Shizuru's caresses.
Shizuru felt Natsuki reaching the pick so fast and slowed down the pace a bit, "Not yet my dear Countess …soon but not yet."
Moving away, Shizuru released the precious place almost sadly, but comforting herself with the thinking that was still very early. She promised to taste it again, several times that night.
Her reward was to see, Natsuki's face blushed with excitement and desire. Then, keeping one leg between Natsuki's, Shizuru embraced her, kissing her while her right hand cherished her clitoris and tried the warm and moist entrance. Two fingers slid slowly inside Natsuki, causing her to moan breaking the kiss. Shizuru's fingers moved, keeping the movement deep and slow while her thumb kept a careful contact with Natsuki's clit.
Shizuru was trying strongly to keep under control but the soft rub of her own sex with Natsuki's thigh was driving her crazy and the skin on Natsuki's thigh was pearly with her moisture. Natsuki was strongly grasped to Shizuru, moaning uncontrollably when she felt the spasms shaking her.
Shizuru kept the movement of her fingers slowing them down softly. Natsuki was breathing erratically and gasped when Shizuru finally removed her fingers. Shizuru cuddled her and Natsuki stay still recovering just breathing the scent of the other woman.
"Shizuru…" she said at last, "that was…"
Smiling, Shizuru caressed her cheek, "Yes?"
"Wonderful…I never… and I didn't…"
Natsuki was stammering a bit and Shizuru could imagine what was her concerning and shut the argumentation with a soft and long kiss.
"Don't worry my Countess. Practice is the secret of mastery and you can practice all you want… with me."
Skáneland, Castle Skánien.
A discrete knock diverted Saeko's attention from her carefully organized desk. Since Natsuki left with her cousins no one was looking for her. She should meet Haakon every night for the general brief of the day but it wasn't even noon yet so when she opened the door to find Haakon Kruger in person she knew something should be happening.
"Good morning, Lady Saeko." Haakon greeted her smiling, during years the way he addressed his daughter-in-law had a combination of sarcasm, mistrust even disbelief; now he kept calling her the same way but his disposition towards her was almost friendly. Finally, he was treating her like family.
"Good morning, Haakon." She didn't give him the pleasure to ask what he was doing there that early in the morning. Haakon was really taking care of everything in Skáneland giving Saeko time to organize her pending issues; a deep hunch was telling Saeko it won't be time for spare in the near future.
Haakon entered the room and sat directly at one of the guest visitors at Saeko's desk without waiting for an invitation. He didn't wait for a question as he didn't wait for the invitation; he could be friendlier with her but some things never changed.
"Something is happening in Aasgard. A communicate has just arrived, requesting the immediate deliver of the "presumably" Schwartz integrants and the captured ship. In fact, I will say the "imperial notification" was more a demand than a request."
"That's very much on the style of the Emperor." Saeko interrupted all her activity after hearing Haakon's asseveration.
"More on the style of certain Ambassador, I would say; however what should be really a point to note is their sudden interest. I would like to know why they are so interested so suddenly."
Saeko had to agree with Haakon. During the last month they didn't have any news from the Empire, not even a note, as if they don't care about it. Nothing. She had to get in contact with Natsuki and Uma Shamrock as soon as possible.
"Maybe we should start with the plan, Haakon."
"That's exactly the reason of why I am visiting you Milady or did you think it was a courtesy visit?"
Saeko finally smiled corresponding Haakon's smile.
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
Uma Shamrock had an unexpected visit to her room that night. When she entered her room after staying very late at her desk, nothing happened when she tried to light it up.
A shadow was sitting on her bed.
"What can I do for you Meister Zhang?"
No answer, only a drowned laugh. Despite her calmness Uma's mind was looking for all the possibilities that triggered Nao decision to be there precisely that night.
Nao stood up and approached the Headmistress walking slowly, not with a direct approach but rounding her. Uma sharpened her senses but remained calmed and motionless until Nao was face to face with her. Whatever this young lady was pretending, she was way ahead of her. "So, let's see what you got."
"It's the second time an Otome made me the very same question tonigth, you know Shamrock?"
"Really?
Nao didn't give her time to elaborate. "What makes all of you think there is anything you can do for me?"
Nao was looking her straight in the eyes, the subtle indecision and the shadows Uma was seeing in those green eyes the previous weeks were gone. Its place was taken by something cold and keen.
"Then what are you doing here, Meister Zhang?"
Nao's grin widened to answer, "A test."
Uma blinked with disconcert and that was the second of distraction that Nao needed. Next thing Uma knew was that she was firmly and securely tided by her four limbs on her own bed with Nao sitting on top of her, straddling her hips. It someone knew how to restrain an Otome, was another Otome.
"Wow, are you finally here?"
"Juliet Nao Zhang this behavior is unacceptable...What is all this?"
"Relax Shamrock, isn't your life boring enough that makes you yearn for something interesting on it?"
"What?"
"Yes. Look at you, the powerful Garderobe's Headmistress, undergone on her own bed…that's not exciting for you Shamrock? Do you still remember how to feel excitement, isn't? Real excitement I mean, of course"
"Whatever you are doing Nao, you will regretted soon." Uma said coldly and severely but her mind was thinking as fast as she could how to get out of the situation. She felt caught in a spider web…
"Really?" Nao said in the same way and tone than Uma did to her minutes ago and after smiling mischievously, "Maybe I will regret it, but I assure Shamrock…you won't."
Those were the last words Nao said. Fixing her gaze to Shamrock's, she let her hands to run over the Headmistress body, she didn't bother to unbutton or remove properly any clothes; do that would have ruined the fun. Instead, she chose a small version of her laser element to cut them accurately; making sure to keep her eyes on Uma's while doing it.
Uma protested, menaced, scolded, and cursed. It took her more than she expected but finally Nao ministrations with her hands, mouth and naked body switched the outcries to poor hidden moans. Smiling evilly, Nao thought even Shamrock could be broken pushing the right buttons.
Nao proved that she was right a couple of hours later when Uma ended the session with a succession of orgasms like electrical shocks while Nao was penetrating her and massaging her inner walls with precision. During some part of the session Nao released the Headmistress of her bindings but still keeping control enough to subjugate her. Nao in fact, never lost control or let Uma to touch her as she wanted.
Removing the last binds, Nao moved away to get her clothes, making sure to dress seductively slow, with careful movements, letting Uma to see her well and not showing any intention to get closer again. Nao's attitude was confident but cold, distant and serious.
Then Uma felt it. While seeing Nao getting dressed sensually, a rush of desire assaulted her. An Otome could not imprint another Otome; Nao had no power over to force her to do anything, but that fact was not saving her to feel the raw and intense need to have sex with her again.
Nao was now standing properly and fully dressed in front of Uma; looking at her steadily. She should know what Uma was feeling but wasn't making any intent of intimacy neither was mocking on her. Nao was just waiting. Uma remembered then what Nao said before about a test. She wasn't testing Uma. She was testing herself.
Her breathe was almost at normal rate now, so Uma stood as well. Her clothes were not longer usable so didn't bother to cover.
"Did your test get the results you expected Meister Zhang?"
"I think we both will know the answer once I am done with the mission Headmistress." Nao said to her as if they would have been talking of the weather the previous hours.
"What makes you think I will give you any mission?" Uma responded almost before thinking and she cursed herself for that. Nao of course, knew she was more vulnerable at that moment. Uma didn't care for being naked in front of Nao but she had to admit that wasn't the most advantageous position for her.
Nao kept looking at Uma's eyes without saying a word. Uma tightened her jaw. Twice that day her Otomes were taking a step ahead of her but in some way, she was still having the control of the big picture. "Sometimes you give, sometimes you take," her inner voices advised. At the end, the mission she thought for Nao was really a though one in several ways. It was something close to cruelty. She decided don't leave space for her own hesitations.
"Krauxeku. Kazuya Krauxeku."
Nao did a great job keeping her steadiness, but Uma saw her take a deep breath.
"Do you think you are ready to come back to your home planet, Meister Zhang?" A small chance to escape that Uma knew Nao will refuse.
"I wouldn't have come here tonight if I wasn't ready, Headmistress."
Uma had to acknowledge she was brave. Since it was nothing else to say, Nao turned to leave the room but stopped at the door. Uma was still at the same place, visibly contented. "Let see how much control you have Shamrock."
"If the Headmistress wants me to stay, I will do it gladly."
Uma didn't miss the emphasis Nao made on some of the words, with her teeth strongly tightened and cursing 'her' Otome, she ordered.
"You may leave Meister Zhang."
Nao left the room smiling satisfied. Uma couldn't sleep that night and some others and kept the wrong idea her plan had worked very well. It was, but not exactly in the way she thought. In fact, nothing will go as she thought it was.
System Unknown – Stellar Space close to Experimental Space Platform Höllenjunge-Drei, Schwartz Main Base
"Navigator… set the path to Aries stellar system."
The blonde man was on the main command deck, sitting at the Capitan chair. The main decks on the modified Krasnikov Cruisers were thought for maximum functionality with the minimum space. They need all the space possible for carrying weapons and warriors and didn't need to impress anyone. However the desk was impressive. The ambience light was the minimum and the lights at the control panel gave to the crew faces a phantasmagoric and imperturbable look.
"S-9, are you in course?"
"We are ready for departing S-1."
"Everything has to be on time. We can't take any risk and we won't have any communication from now on, neither you with the others. Every team of your group should make sure to have success."
"There is no doubt about it S-1. There is no room for mistakes, we are going for everything."
The communication between the men was bad quality but they really didn't care about such inessentials things.
"The second assault group will depart on time S-9, whatever happened. You will have the fate of your brothers on your hands."
"Count on me, Master S-1."
Like the blonde man aboard this cruiser, other three blonde men aboard of similar cruisers were giving similar instructions to their navigators setting paths to other three destinations.
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
Wallach IX seemed completely different for Natsuki the first morning she woke up to find soft sun rays falling over a naked Shizuru turning her on a golden asleep Goddess.
Natsuki never imagined she could feel everything she felt last night on that woman arms. The mere thought made her blush again.
"What my beloved Countess could be thinking to have her blushing that way?" a sleepyhead voice asked making Natsuki jump and sit on the bed in surprise.
Shizuru, with partially open eyes was also admiring Natsuki's naked upper body.
"Hey Shizuru!!! Were you awake?" And noticing the other's attention on her body, the younger woman pulled the sheets to cover it.
Smiling at the gesture, Shizuru stretched like a big wild cat thinking, "Yeah, the breakfast will worth the effort."
Natsuki seeing the desire on the red eyes and feeling exactly like the prey of a wild cat tried to resist but it was a bit too late.
"Wait…Shizuru, there is too much… light."
Shizuru was holding her, making Natsuki to lay back on the bed again while kissing her exposed shoulder. "Uhmm?"
"You…heard me, Shizuru…wait…"
Shizuru's hands were already following her mouth through other areas of Natsuki's body, her prey may be protesting but her voice and breathing were betraying excitement; her hands weren't pushing Shizuru with the real purpose to move her away and when Shizuru's mouth went down to kiss her breast, Natsuki arched her back and tightened the hold on Shizuru's shoulders. A leg made its way between Natsuki's thighs and Shizuru moved to lay on top of Natsuki holding her closely.
"Natsuki is so beautiful…there is no need to be shy with me, my Countess."
After saying that with sensual voice and looking straight to Natsuki's eyes, Shizuru's head went down to kiss her slowly while moving her hips to make contact with her sex; Natsuki moaned in Shizuru's mouth, holding her stronger.
Shizuru kissed her slowly, covering Natsuki's lips with her mouth not getting tired to feel the softness and to hear the overwhelmed groans as she kept moving slowly and rhythmically against Natsuki's pubis.
Natsuki stop caring about the light or the time, her limbs lustily entangled with Shizuru's who was moving and kissing her more passionately every time.
Shizuru made her love until Natsuki screamed her name crushing the sheets with her hands.
Still panting and trying to regain her breath, Natsuki managed to ask, "What was that?"
Shizuru, who was still on top of her reticent to break the contact and spreading kissed to Natsuki's neck and hear, answered, "My way to say 'Good morning Countess'?"
Natsuki could not answer because a calling on her door, a very inappropriate and unexpected calling. Natsuki tensed but Shizuru decided to take the lead and put everything on its place since the beginning. She made her decision since last night and it will be better for everyone to know. With one last kiss to Natsuki, she stood up.
"Wait, Shizuru…" Natsuki was also trying to stand up but her limbs weren't responding as they should.
"Don't hurry. Please take your time and let me handle this."
"But…this is my room."
"Yes, and this is Garderobe and I here inside…with you."
Natsuki was left in the bed with her mouth open seeing how Shizuru put only the necessary clothes on her to make sure that anyone outside knew exactly which way she was 'with Natsuki' in the room.
The bed wasn't visible from the door but anyway Shizuru opened it only the necessary for the visitor to see her and to let the other know that was interrupting.
"Th…Ar…," whatever Chie Hallard was going to say froze in her mind with the vision of Shizuru opening the door of her cousin's room…dressing or more properly, undressed like that.
Shizuru took her out of her staring, arching a brown and asking with her best charming and tuneful voice, "Yes, Meister Hallard?"
Chie felt as if the one undressed was her.
"Shizuru-san… I mean, Archmeister…Viola, I was looking for Natsuki." After her first deep impression, Chie tried to keep her seriousness and recover her voice steadiness but she was in fact starting to feel blissful, "Damn Natsuki!!! She finally DID IT!!"
"May I ask the reason you were looking for her?" Shizuru was still smiling properly noticing Chie's happiness.
"Lady Saeko and our grandfather established communication few minutes ago requesting an urgent meeting with Natsuki. We don't have more information and Ray asked me to come for her."
"I see," after a short pause, Shizuru instructed, "Please, inform Meister Jagger that we meet in 10 minutes at my private studio, there we can set the communication with Kruger House and you can have the meeting privately and more comfortably than other placed. Make sure to have proper food for the Countess as well, Chie-san."
"Forthwith, Archmeister." Chie only nodded promptly and left right away to follow Shizuru's instruction; she was impatient to tell the girls how the day started for Natsuki.
Aasgard, Imperial Capital, Hazakura House Home Planet.
Sakura was jumping from surprise to surprise with that disconcerting Artai man. He was young, she with her inner memories had a lot more experiences and knowledge than him, but still, he made her feel like an inexperienced teenager.
And it was not what he said, it was the way he say it.
"so, Hazakura-san, you think I am over reacting about the actions taken by the Empire to guarantee our safeness?"
His tone was innocent but the gleam in his eyes was telling Sakura that he was being ironic. She hated to admit that he agreed with him and she won't express a public opinion questioning her brother's decisions but that will also question her own ethics. What kind of Otome she was if she couldn't make a fair evaluation of her brother government?"
Since she kept silent, Nagi added, "I am very sorry if I am bothering the imperial Otome with my questioning."
Another set up. She couldn't admit either he was so bothersome for her.
"You are not, Baron. Please, take in consideration your questions can't be answered lightly." She said seriously.
Finally the tour through the Imperial palace was after dinner by the Baron's request. He wanted to see Aasgard stars.
So while they walked, Nagi kept asking tough questions to Sakura.
"But you have a will and an opinion, isn't Hazakura-san? You could be a powerful imperial Otome with duties and responsibilities, but you are also a free woman. Or at least, I will think so."
"We can't detach ourselves from our responsibilities Baron D'Artai. I can't be only Hazakura Sakura as you can't be only Nagi D'Artai. It will be careless and irresponsible thinking and acting like that," Sakura argued proudly.
"Precisely…don't you think then that's the way your brother has been acting the last years?" This time Nagi was serious and wasn't irony on his eyes.
"Shit. He caught me like an idiot. I can't answer his question without betraying Anri's carelessness or betraying my own ethics."
This time Nagi kept silent, waiting. He could see her internal battle and in somehow, feeling sorry for her. That Emperor had really a treasure with his sister. With Sakura of course, the other twin was…well, Nagi still had to confirm his doubts.
"Look at those stars Hazakura-san."
Hearing the genuineness in the way he was talking to her, she look up as Nagi requested.
"You are a powerful Otome but you can't affect any of those worlds. Do you know what's happening on them? Do you know what they need? How many inhabited planets and colonies are ruled by this Empire? Do you even know that?"
"No," was finally her answer. Not even has an Otome she could answer those questions.
"The Empire," Nagi avoided to say 'your brother' this time, "is keeping the illusion of sureness and steadiness as a fact for all those worlds, Hazakura-san, when there is nothing that could give us that surety."
"Do you mean to the Noble Council?"
"The Noble Council is also contributing to build that illusion by believing on it. Human nature has been the same and will be the same… always. That's why the Otomes existed on the very first place."
"Otomes existed on the first place to avoid wars and to keep the balance. Garderobe's purpose even after the independence is to serve."
"I am agree and disagree your argument, Hazakura-san. Yes, Garderobe exists to serve, we all know that, with all those high ideals; the same ones that move Kruger and Windbloom Noble Houses; all of them very brave and honorable."
"If everybody were like they, Otomes and Garderobe wouldn't have a reason for exist. War wasn't the reason really Hazakura-san. War is only the effect, not the cause. The cause of Otome's existence on the begging was the uncontrollable desire of men for killing and causing pain to each other towards a very justified argument of power and who deserved to hold that power."
Nagi exposed it coldly and serious but vehemently.
"And as I said…human nature is the same now and will keep being the same."
What Nagi was saying was terrible and Sakura could accept human meanness that easily.
"But you have pointed out, we are not the same for the goodness or the evilness, Baron D'Artai."
"No, we are not the same. At the end, it's everyone's decision." Sakura felt a shiver downing her back while Nagi was saying that.
"May I call you Sakura-san…by the way?" Sakura didn't notice it but during the talking, they sat on the gardens seats, close to each other and despite the dense topic, she was feeling more relaxed and comfortable.
"I will do it only in private, of course. I don't want to compromise your honor." Even in the darkness, Sakura could see his mischievous grin.
"This man is a real puzzle."
"And you can of course call me Nagi, instead of your highness or Baron D'Artai, that's very boring."
"Ok," Sakura finally conceded but didn't call him Nagi yet.
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
"Good morning guys. Did we have news from home so soon?" Natsuki asked getting right into the subject as soon as, accompanied closely by Shizuru, walked inside the meeting room, causing all conversations to stop.
The entire Kruger group reunited at Shizuru's working room greeted both them; the room was spacious and formal as corresponded to the second in command of Garderobe. And was maybe the second time that Shizuru used it and was definitely, the first time she was happy to have it.
"It seems so Natsuki, Lady Saeko instructed us to contact them once we were all together." Ray answered her, she was the only one who was looking exactly the same as always: serious and controlled. All the others, even Nina had a small shine of surprise and complicity by seeing Natsuki walking in for the meeting together with Shizuru.
"Well, connect us Ray."
Using Shizuru's holographic table, Ray set the communication with Skáneland and in less than a minute, Saeko and Haakon were displayed floating over the table.
"Hi dear,"
"Mother." Natsuki was always formal with her mother but this morning she felt more under observation. "She can't read you mind Natsuki, stay calm."
"You look different today my dear, are you okay?"
Natsuki was left speechless and nothing came out of her mouth to respond her mother's inquire.
"Good morning dears. It has been few time since you left but there are some news from the Empire you should know before taking your next steps". Haakon intervention distracted the attention from Saeko's question but everybody at the room knew Saeko was not giving up that easily. It was pretty obvious Natsuki looked radiant.
"Yes…mother, grandfather, we also have news from here you should know. Considering the situation, Shizuru will be with us for the conversation."
Before Saeko could say anything, Haakon greeted Shizuru warmly, thanking her for supporting his family there.
"You have no idea, grandfather. Shizuru support has been …strategic."
Precisely and neatly, Natsuki explained everything about their first meeting with Garderobe's power group. It was harder for her to tell her Haakon about Garderobe's finding related to her father's dead but he had to know,
Ray, Nina and Chie informed what they found individually the previous night, closing with the warming from Uma to Natsuki about to cancel her visit to the Empire.
"Today we will meet with Shamrock-san again and I will decide if I should reconsider the visit to Aasgard."
"You probably should cancel even without meeting with the Headmistress, my dear." Now it was Saeko and Haakon's turn to explain the early call they got from the Empire.
Saeko knew if Uma was giving the advice to Natsuki it was a lot more behind that the Headmistress was not telling her and they will never know; but maybe someone will.
"What do you think about it Shizuru-san?"
"Lady Saeko, I will highly advice the Countess to cancel the visit to Aasgard."
The comment, done with Shizuru's best polite tone, was a definitive one.
"Is there anything else we should now, Shizuru?" Saeko knew it wasn't fair to ask Shizuru that question, but if her hunch about her daughter's look that morning was right, Shizuru already put her fate in Natsuki's hands.
"It's the Headmistress' right to give the details, but yes, Garderobe's intelligence team and our infiltrated agents have identified at least three Schwartz's allies among the Noble Houses and the Empire."
"Inside the Empire?" Haakon asked; that was something Kyler always said in the last times.
"I am afraid to say Count Kruger, that inside and at the highest level."
"Confirmed identities?"
"We are working on it." Shizuru foreboded Uma's rage and tried to keep her disclosure on the limit of the betrayal. She was more useful to Kruger's cause were she was other than stupidly confronting the Headmistress.
"Viola-san," Reito requested her attention, "You mentioned, the Noble Houses, it's the Artai House involved this time?"
"It's interesting you mention them, Kanzaki-san. We haven't been able to find anything yet indicating they are involved."
"You probably know Shizuru, Artai and Kruger Houses never have been in the best terms." Natsuki explained touching Shizuru's arm. "Shamrock's warning made us think maybe they were part of the setup."
"They can't be taken out of the picture Viola-san," Armbrust pointed joining Reito, "even if Garderobe haven't confirmed its involvement, I could swear they are in to the neck on this."
"You guys are a bit slanted against Artai House." Shizuru express aloud to see the others reaction.
"There are reasons, Viola-san. All our family has had to face Artai's intrigues…painfully, I should add." Looking at their faces, Shizuru could say every one of them had powerful reasons loathe Artai House; even the Otomes had a dangerous gleam on their eyes.
"Armbrust," Haakon called severely, "Shizuru's family had its share with the Artai House as well, as painful as ours; so appease yourself. The three keeper families had several enemies, the Artai House, the most explicit one but not the only one or the biggest one. We have to keep perspective."
"Accept my apologies Viola-san. Never mean to underestimate your perspective, my uncle is right, please help us."
"Of course Kruger-san, I understand yours concerns."
"Grandfather, based on what we know, if I am not going to Aasgard, I have to go to Kansai."
Natsuki's sudden asseveration took everyone in the room as well as Saeko and Haakon by surprise. The only one that seemed to be expecting it was Shizuru and was the first one to talk.
"Do that maybe dangerous Natsuki. There is no need for you to go there to recover the CORE."
"I can't hide from reality Shizuru, even if it's painful, it will be there whatever my decision to see it or not. I knew my father went to Kansai before coming here."
Shizuru didn't say anything keep her gaze fixed with the green eyes a while.
"Besides… I respect Meister Gallagher expertise but probably she didn't find everything was there to be found, Shizuru. We Krugers have secret ways to communicate, just as you Otomes have. I am sure there is message there, Gallagher didn't find."
"In that case, I will go with you." Shizuru said it without a second thought to the proposal.
"As Garderobe's representative?" Saeko asked from the distant transmission.
"No, Lady Saeko, as the Duchess of Viola House," Shizuru raised her hand for everyone to see the Viola seal on it. Yesterday they decided it was early for the rest to know, but since Shizuru was dressing this morning, she decided it was no sense in waiting more and Natsuki's last decision, closed the circle.
Everyone was surprised by the revelation but Natsuki and Saeko.
"I wish a brilliant return for the Viola House, my dear." After the first impression, Haakon Kruger was smiling with joy.
"It's decided then. However, the captured ship and the prisoners still had to be delivered to Aasgard and now we also have a time constraint due the Emperor's request. If we take too much time it will be the perfect excuse for him to go after us."
"I will take care of the deliver Natsuki," Ray offered.
"No Ray, I will prefer you and Reito to go with Natsuki and Viola-san to Kansai. Even if you are the second in the succession line Ray, I am the older family member here."
"You aren't wiser or more competent than me because of that, Armbrust."
Armbrust laughed; amused by seeing Ray a bit offended by his argument. "No, I didn't mean that Ray… being the older gave me the perfect reason to go but I am also the less valuable. If something goes wrong, the Empire can't blackmail you guys for me!"
"That is not fair Armbrust! Besides you are not going alone…" Chie stood up to scold her uncle.
It took a long round of discussions that Shizuru found the most interesting, but they could finally make an agreement. Looking at them Shizuru had the same feeling Saeko used to have about a bounded pack of wolves. All they could look cold, serious and though but among them were playful and amorous, and they will fiercely defend the others. What made her the happiest woman in the world was that Natsuki was treating her as part of that family.
"Its decided then," Natsuki resumed, "Ray, Reito and Nina will go with me and Shizuru to Kansai. Chie and Armbrust will take the ship and the prisoners to Aasgard. On the way, the surviving team of my father will join us as well."
Every one nodded in agreement. But something was still bothering Natsuki.
"Grandfather, do you think you have enough resources in Skáneland in case of any eventuality? According to Shizuru's information if two noble Houses besides the Empire and the Artai House…that will make too many hungry beasts rounding us."
"We will settle accounts with whoever dare to go overboard, my dear. Don't worry for us and focus and the target you have ahead."
Despite Haakon's confidence, all of them kept a hint of concern on their hearts.
"Do you think we will have the Headmistress' support, Shizuru-san?" Saeko was more worried for Natsuki going to Kansai than for their safeness at Skáneland but her daughter was right and it can't be avoided. Uma's highest interest was the breeding program and Saeko didn't know how this decision could impact that interest.
"I am positive she will, Lady Saeko. As Natsuki told, Kruger House has found interesting allies inside Garderobe."
Once the plan was set, knowing dangerous paths were ahead for everyone, the said goodbye with deep emotion.
It was close to noon by now and Shizuru haven't heard from Uma during the whole morning. That was highly unusual and she wondered if something additional was happening. She was reticent to leave Natsuki since she loved to see her frowning with concentration and arguing with her team. She was a young leader but wiser enough to listen what everyone had to say… even what Chie had to say!
"Now we are saving one cabin at the Kruger ship, can I have my own, Natsuki? Sharing with Ray it's a nuisance, she is too ordered."
"You are a mess Chie, besides you are going with Armbrust, remember? So you will have your own cabin anyway." Ray didn't even shift her eyes from the terminal she was using.
"What you mean Chie?" Natsuki made exactly the question Chie wanted to get into subject.
"Yes, now you and Shizuru-san are staying at the same cabin, we will have one free…"
Chie jumped just in time to avoid Natsuki's intentions to strangle her.
Shizuru left discreetly leaving Natsuki to deal with the topic as she consider was the best way.
Few minutes after, she was being announced at the Headmistress office. She made her way in to find Uma standing in front of the big large windows. Uma looked a bit distant of her regular self and Shizuru sharpened her senses to catch anything that could show.
"Good morning Headmistress."
"Good morning, Shizuru-san," Uma didn't seat at her desk as usual and turning, offered the couch the couch and tea to her friend.
"I glad you stop to see me; there is something I want to discuss with you." Uma was looking to best way to expose Yohko's research to Shizuru and wanted to explore the ground first.
"What a coincidence, Uma-san. I have something to discuss with you too." Shizuru's tone was confident and tuneful as always but it was something different on her and Uma cursed her distant behavior for noticing it too late.
Uma drinking tea with serious manners waited to see what Shizuru had to say. For her purpose, the most she knew the better.
"I am going to Kansai, Uma-san."
Despite all her training and self control, that was the very last thing Uma expected to hear from Shizuru. Struggling to get over of the first impression and control herself, with her mind racing to set her planned chess deck, Uma asked.
"That's a very sudden and unexpected decision Shizuru. May I ask what is causing it?"
"You asked Countess Kruger to recover the CORE in Kansai. Few moments ago, she informed me she was going in person to get it and I offered to accompany her."
"That's a meaningful offer from the Countess but you don't have to go with her. You are Garderobe's Archmeister Shizuru; there are hundreds of Meisters that can go with her representing Garderobe." Uma was trying to be rational. She didn't like the determination gaze Shizuru kept while talking. She was not asking Uma's permission, Shizuru was just informing her and Uma could not let that happen but also wanted to avoid a direct confrontation.
"I want to go, Uma. In fact, I will say, I have to go."
"That's not a decision you can take all by yourself, Shizuru. Representing Garderobe also mean comply with the orders."
Uma was disconcerted, never in 20 years Shizuru defied her orders and authority, but now she felt dragged by a stronger stream.
"This time I am not making decisions for Garderobe's sake, Uma." Shizuru's red eyes never fainted during the conversation. Uma could not make her change her decision whatever was the cost.
Shizuru always drank her tea taking the cup with two hands, one covering the other. It was nothing rare on her pose for Uma. With one last sip of the red tea she loved; Shizuru left the small cup on the table discovering her right hand for Uma to see the Viola seal.
"I am taking the decision as the only surviving and ruling member of the Viola House."
Uma's eyes opened in surprise by looking at the golden ring. Then Shizuru was sure Uma didn't know where the seal was during all these years.
"How…?" but finally didn't end the sentence. That changed the stage completely for Uma.
"I am going to Kansai, Uma-san."
Thanks every one for reading and thanks a lot to all the reviewers. I appreciate it.
I will make my best effort to make it shorter for the next update.