Hi, first of all, thank you so much to everybody that left reviews and comments about the last chapters. I am glad you guys keep liking the story and being fair with you… this time you won't have to wait that long!
Thanks for reading. I apologize in advance for any mistake. Despite I am trying my best; this chapter has not been betaed so… maybe there are still errors on it. Thanks for your patience.
Some concept reminders, just in case you want to refresh….
CORE: is the Control for Remote-Materializing Equipment. It's ultimate Otome control system and there are three on them to guarantee extra-planetary materializing and communication among the Otomes in the known universe. It also allows other materializing technology to work as the Portal technology for transportation, all the imperial communications and data transfers.
PMT: Portal Materializing Technology, based on the Otome's CORE allows the portal activation opening the gateways for interstellar transportation. These gates are commonly known as "portals".
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 12. Falling shadows.
"Do not depend only on theory if your life is at stake."
Bene Gesserit Commentary
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
During the next few days Garderobe was caught by a frantic activity. Uma Shamrock had no other choice but accept Shizuru's notification, she had the Viola Seal and according to the Empire Law, Shizuru was now the official leader of a Noble House. Uma was still shaken, mainly because Shizuru told her she will tell her how the ring came back to her hands again…"when the right time comes, Headmistress."
Shizuru's relationship with the Countess of Kruger House was also the most exciting happening at Wallach IX. And the crowd of fans also included Uma Shamrock this time. Seeing the two taking care of their multiple duties but also excited as teenagers when they thought nobody was looking, made Uma think about her incredible good fortune. "This is precious for our targets and better than I was expecting months ago. Every gift comes with two edges, isn't Duchess Viola?"
That morning, at Wallach's main spaceport a small cortege was gathered to say goodbye to Armbrust and Chie due their departure to Aasgard. Everybody knew they had a hard target to accomplish protecting Kruger House position. Uma designated two groups of Otomes for joining the Kruger teams to Kansai and Aasgard. Who will go with Natsuki and Shizuru was still to be determined but Carla and Rosalie were going to the Imperial Capital under Chie's command. Of course, both of them with detailed instructions to safeguard Garderobe's sake and best interest.
By now, Uma was observing Natsuki and Shizuru together giving their last instructions and best wishes to Armbrust's team.
"As soon as we reach Kansai, we will establish the secure channel for communication. We will have three lines, one with you guys in Aasgard, and the others with Wallach IX and Horus. Make sure to keep yours completely safe."
"Yes, Natsuki, we already covered the plan… several times. If something goes wrong with the secure channel, we will apply the Kruger emergency code for communication using the open Empire line." Armbrust was an experimented warrior and Natsuki had to admit once the preparations began Chie and Armbrust were really the best option for this mission. Both were skilled for political and social talking; both were handsome, gentle, brilliant and charming but also deadly warriors and skillful commanders.
"Yes, they will make a great job." Natsuki said aloud to Shizuru while Reito and the others were also giving their farewells and advices.
"Of course they will my dear Natsuki. They are Kruger and you guys can't rest until the mission is perfectly fulfilled." Shizuru said smiling to Natsuki knowing her beloved was concerned for them.
"Armbrust, make sure that Chie don't get into troubles with the ladies of the Court. We have enough problems as we are now…"
"Hey Reito, that's pure envy," Chie said hitting the swordsman at the shoulder.
"No, I don't envy Armbrust position at all, Chie. There is only one thing worst than dealing with you."
"What could be that?" Chie wanted to know even when she suspected it won't be nice.
"Deal with her." Reito said making a discreet intent to hide his finger pointing to Nao Zhang.
Some steps behind the Kruger group, Uma waited with Sara and Nao flanking her.
All of them laughed discretely but Ray, who only smiled moving her head in disapproval towards to Reito. It was departing time, Rosalie and Carla joined the group and Uma approached with the Columns, standing aside Natsuki and Shizuru.
"Success, Meister Hallard, Kruger-san; is my hope to see you again safe and with brighter expectations on our horizon."
After thanking the Headmistress, the group headed to the light transport ship that will carried them to their cruiser but then, Armbrust stopped suddenly and ran back to Natsuki's place whispering hurriedly at his nephew's ear.
"Whatever happens Natsuki, watch your back. Outside Kruger House, the only person you can really trust is Shizuru-san," he whispered knowing it was a high chance the sensitive Otomes could hear him but what he really said to Natsuki using Kruger secret hand language was "Watch your back from the Headmistress. Don't trust her blindly."
The next day, Natsuki and Shizuru were leaving to Kansai so the rest of the day was full with preparations. They didn't know what to expect from Kansai but for sure they will need everything from basic survival supplies and communication to weapons. Natsuki wanted to be ready for anything.
"Shizuru."
The alluded raised her head from the desk she was working on smiling to Natsuki; they were working at Shizuru's place since their return from the spaceport. Amazingly for Natsuki, thanks to Shizuru she felt comfortable in Wallach since the very first day. Despite her deep love for Skáneland, a deep part of her fitted with Garderobe's environment.
"Yes, my Countess?" No matter how intimate their relationship grew during the last days, Shizuru calling her like that in private while looking at her amorously always made Natsuki blush.
"Well, I was thinking…we haven't talked about how you feel by coming back to your home planet after so many years. We don't really have any clue of what we can find there."
Natsuki was standing aside of the big working table, looking several digital maps and models trying to get familiar with the planet, planning the best location for their campground considering the search they will be conducting there. They had updated information about the current state of the planet but after the devastating attack it was very sure no report or digital map will prepare them enough for the real thing on the ground.
Shizuru approached Natsuki, still smiling. "It's so sweet Natsuki is concerned for me but fear nothing, I can handle anything with Natsuki by my side."
"Besides, we will have the best team ever, not only Ray, Nina and Kanzaki-san but also your father's men. And it's like time for me to come back home, maybe I will finally understand what happened there twenty years ago."
Shizuru's serene and confident words helped to calm Natsuki's worries a bit. As Shizuru said, she was going to be by her side. Keeping their minds busy and focused was the best way to avoid unnecessary concerns.
"Talking about the team, do you think you can convince Shamrock to send the…Horus' cyborg with us?"
"My dear Natsuki," Shizuru started with a bit reproving gaze, "Miyu-san is a biocyborg, meaning she has highly advanced nanorobotic components but she was born a human. We still don't refer to her as a thing."
"Well, yes, you are right…I am sorry Shizuru, it's just is hard to deal with her sometimes."
"And you want her to go with us?"
"Yes, yes… She is old isn't she?"
"Miyu-san is not the original Yggdrasil unit but yes, she is old. That's why you want her to go with us?"
"That's part of the reason. She is also a terrific weapon. Thanks to her antimaterializer function we were able to succeed in Skáneland."
"If that's Natsuki's wish, let me see what I can do with the Headmistress during our meeting later today."
Standing side by side, Shizuru was staring at Natsuki's lips when the target moved giving Shizuru a severe warning.
"Don't even think about it, Shizuru! We have a lot to do…" Natsuki said coming back to her maps and documents, when Shizuru's hand caught hers.
The intense look on Shizuru's eyes was enough to make her forget what she was saying.
"A kiss is never an excess and always nurture the soul, my dear." Natsuki had really no arguments against that and had to surrender to the gentle kiss.
"And it's also a promising augury of nightly…surprises." After saying that with a seductive smile, Shizuru went back to her desk, leaving Natsuki feeling a bit guilty for not telling her all her reasons for picking up Miyu but better be safe. Natsuki trusted her life to Shizuru but she was sure someone was always listening their conversations on that room or in any other place inside Garderobe after their first day and maybe even before that.
Shizuru and Natsuki were not the only ones with a full and busy day. Meister Juliet Nao Zhang was also leaving next day but she expected nobody else but the Headmistress and Maya Blythe knew about it.
Nao was not really hungry that night and preferred some time alone in her room. Lost in her thoughts, she only noticed something was wrong when the automatic lighting system failed after she walked into the room. Nao was opening the control panel in the wall looking for the failure when a voice behind her, made her hearth stops.
"You are not afraid of darkness right Meister Zhang?"
A small balloon light started to irradiate at the side of her bed but she didn't needed the light to know who the owner of that voice was. "Ray," asking the very same question Nao did the first night they were together. However, it was no playful tone in Ray's voice, just a serene calmness.
"Did you lose something in my room Jagger? Or are you one of those perverts who like to sneak on other's people's underwear?"
Nao wasn't looking at Ray; she was still trying to turn the main lights on and was shoving the panel around with not too much success. She felt Ray approaching, stopping right behind her and then resting both of her hands on the wall keeping Nao on the space between the arms without touching her. Not any part of their bodies were touching but Nao felt shivers running down her back and was no longer trying to turn the lights on. She was just standing, trying to keep her breathing steadiness.
"Were you leaving without saying goodbye?" Ray asked while letting her head down slowly, resting her forehead on Nao's head.
Nao couldn't answer. She was struggling too much to stay still and keep everything she was feeling under control to articulate any word.
After some seconds with no answer or even a harsh comment, Ray moved her hands from the wall to the slender waist giving Nao a tight, form-fitting embrace from behind and a soft kiss on her lower neck.
"Don't die." Ray whispered the old Otome adage for hard times and tough decisions at Nao's ear and then, releasing her, walked to the door.
"Damn Jagger!"
Ray found herself suddenly smashed on the wall with Nao crushing the front of her jacket.
"You are an idiot! You…" Nao's eyes were sparkling gems, it was the very first time they could look at each other with nothing in between and Nao had to admit it; facing Ray after so many days and feeling her so close was the shove she needed to finally admit what her fear was. Nao stopped pushing Ray away, she had been pushing Ray away in too many ways already and it was time to change that.
"Where the hell do you think you are going?" Nao said with husky voice before pulling Ray for a longing kiss.
Nao was between Ray's arms again but this time, Ray was kissing her passionately, it was no air between them and Ray's hands were exploring her body with renewed desire. Nao felt Ray lifting and carrying her to the bed and lying down her, keeping their bodies entangled without breaking the kiss a second. Nao was doing her part helping it but Ray's intensity was a surprise, a so pleasant surprise.
"Wait…Not that fast, Jagger," Nao asked breaking the kiss gently but keeping Ray's body closely entangled with hers.
"What? I thought you wanted…"
Ray felt devoured by the green eyes when Nao cleared, "I want."
Twirling her torso, Nao made Ray lay on her back taking the top position and with the same movement catching Ray's lips again. This time was Ray's turn to be surprised by the other's intensity feeling Nao's movements on top of her.
Straddling Ray's hips Nao straightened undoing the front of her Otome uniform for Ray to see her and touch her. Getting the message, Ray removed slowly the rest of Nao's clothes exposing her torso for caresses and kisses. Nao's effort to take it slower were falling apart by feeling Ray's hands on the bare skin of her back and her mouth and tongue exploring and cherishing her breast.
"We are not even here Jagger…" Nao said while managed for undoing Ray's clothes. From her advantageous position, she took the opportunity taste every centimeter of Ray's skin as she was exposing it but going far beyond until Ray was the one naked under her.
Nao loved to see Ray slender and well defined body responding to her touch. Ray always looked at her directly, openly…hiding nothing and this time wasn't the exception. The whole range of emotions from desire to surprise and to something deeper was there for her. And no one else but her could see that in Ray's eyes.
Nao removed the rest of her clothes purposely slow under the thin light, she didn't want Ray missed any detail, and then straddled Ray's hips again. Ray's eyes were attracted to Nao's crotch and its visible wetness made Ray's hands move to Nao's backside holding her tightly and pulling her for a more intimate contact. Nao was starving as much as Ray for the same contact but….also wanted something more. Using the same movement, Nao kept a bit more ahead than Ray wanted, keeping the contact of their breasts and giving Ray a deep, inciting kiss.
Ray could feel Nao flowing, wetting her abs. Ray's breath was getting deeper because Nao's kisses and the sensual balancing of her hips, teasing and inciting her but avoiding a direct contact.
"What's up Jagger?" Nao was excited and her voice wasn't hiding it. "Do you want something?" her question was accompanied with slower movements forward and backwards while rubbing her torso lustily against Ray.
Holding her suddenly still, Ray answered with her voice close to break the last contention. "You. I want you."
A darker blue on Ray's eyes was the last thing Nao saw before going down for another kiss that finally triggered the reaction she wanted.
Holding Nao tightly in her arms and kissing her passionately, Ray turned again so Nao was the one lying back on the bed again with Ray smashing her down and moving between her legs. Ray was always passionate when making love to her but that night was beyond that. Nao was moaning, grasping her to Ray's body with every lunge.
Nao had to admit that maybe she took the game two far after her forth orgasm on Ray's hands.
A couple of hours later, Nao was curled in warm arms, lying back on Ray's body, felling her kissing her back and shoulders while delineating invisible paths on Nao´s bare skin. It was the worse time ever for any question but Nao really wanted to know.
"Who told you?"
"Does it matter?"
"No, but I want to know anyway. Call it an insane sense curiosity if you want Jagger."
Due the lack of response, Nao turned around to face Ray, who loved to see those green eyes after their lovemaking sessions but now those eyes were waiting anxiously for an answer.
"Nobody told me anything specific. Shizuru-san advised me that maybe will worth to give you a visit. And you know her; she has a…particular way to give advices."
Nao was surprised; she would have never expected that answer. Shizuru was just too loyal to Shamrock and the Headmistress didn't want Ray close to her. Maybe Natsuki's company was being benefic for the Archmeister after all.
"It didn't take too much research for finding out where you are going." When Ray finished, her eyes were darker but for different reasons this time.
No explanation was necessary. They grew up together; Ray knew where Nao came from and how she ended at Garderobe to become an Otome. Nao wanted to say something but looking at Ray, she understood it wasn't necessary. The way they were silently looking at each other was more relevant than any explanation.
"Maybe you are not the big idiot I thought Jagger but…" frowning and staring at Ray, "even after that advice you were just leaving?"
"You missed me." It was not a question, Ray was looking at her with candid blue eyes without any trait of conceit in the phrase.
Ray expected a mockery, a yell, a hit, anything but Nao sliding a finger on her face admitting, "Yes…I did."
System Unknown – Experimental Space Platform Höllenjunge-Drei, Schwartz Main Base
"Prime, we have confirmation. The Krugers will go to Aasgard. The 'Emperor' waits for the delivery of our brother, his assistant and the prototype cruiser."
The alluded man, who was standing in front of the main panoramic window of the space station watching at the darkness smiled, "Those are the most wonderful news. The Countess' timing couldn't be more perfect if she were working for us."
S-1 let his pale eyes rest on the antarean sidereal watch floating on the control panel showing with gloomy pale light the seconds changing implacably. He didn't need it to know the time; it was a weakness he was allowing to himself as a gift. Counting the seconds for the reborn was a weakness but after one thousand years of wait, he could indulge it.
"Our brothers will be in position soon, however I am concerned Prime, the Empire will have one of our ships."
"They don't know is just the prototype Two, calm your fears. Our 'inside' people will handle together with the Countess Kruger. They just provided two gifts instead of one; once everything is in motion, we will even have our brother at the Empire!"
Two kept giving him information about attack coordination but only part of his mind was listening. The other was imaging the scenario that will occur. Prime wished he could be there in every location watching the bewilderment, the surprise to finally the fear. He will be there somewhat since all their brothers were him but he wouldn't be able to live it as they will. That was a shame but he was reserved for a higher honor.
"Two," he said interrupting the other finally, "the most important think you have to take care of is I could be in Wallach IX at the right time."
"Of course, the Hammer of God is already on the main takeoff deck, just waiting for you."
"Waiting for the time to reborn, dear Two, that's what we are all waiting."
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
Shizuru walked as silently as possible inside Natsuki´s room. It was very late a after her meeting with Uma Shamrock. Natsuki was already at the bed and Shizuru knew that only being extremely careful she will avoid awakening her. She loved admiring Natsuki while she was sleeping and with a soft and fluid movement, Shizuru sat on her side. The serious Countess Kruger looked younger and peaceful in her dream than any other time, even when Natsuki could also down the guard when they were together intimately, this was a different way. The talking that night with Uma Shamrock was still reverberant on her mind.
Like many other nights, Shizuru walked inside Uma´s office and tea was waiting for her.
"I will miss your tea Uma-san."
"Coming from you, I will take it as a personal compliment dear Shizuru or should I start calling you Duchess Viola?"
Shizuru fixed her red eyes with Uma´s. So much had changed between them so suddenly.
"Ara, Isn't the Headmistress underestimating the advantage of having a Noble inside Garderobe?"
Uma kept her breath still. "So close, I shall not forget who I am talking with," knowing her comment wasn't a fair play, Shizuru's comment was so right. Never before a member of the Noble Houses by direct bloodline became a high rank Garderobe Otome. The Noble Houses sent their daughters to Garderobe but they always came back to their homes. The same Noble Houses married Otomes or take them as concubines, but the Otomes never ruled the House. Haruka Armitage and Saeko Kruger were remarkable exceptions on that side but also the other option, a Noble leading Garderobe, had not happened never before until now.
"You always get to the right point right away."
"You trained me for it, Uma-san."
Just three months ago, they were on the very same place, drinking other tea with Uma trying to convince Shizuru to join her for a trip to Skáneland and face the unknown. Now Uma will have to ask her something similar.
"You are right and I should do the same. I asked you to come before your departing because I want to know what will be your decision regarding Natsuki Kruger."
"I supposed the Headmistress had something important to inform me but I never imagined it was related to the Kruger House."
"Shizuru, you have your mother memories. You know your brother was meant to get married with Natsuki."
"I am aware of that fact, Headmistress." Shizuru kept her calmness the best she could; she had several valued memories of her brother; coming from her and from her mother voice inside her, and for some reason, talking about him regarding Natsuki with Uma wasn't something she wanted.
"You know our rules; in order to protect we have to keep secrets, even among us." Leaving the couch where they were sitting talking, Uma went to her desk to grab an ancient crystal book handing it to Shizuru.
"One of the best kept secrets of Garderobe: the breeding program, a genetic effort of centuries."
Taking the book with some wonderment, Shizuru exclaimed "I thought that was strictly forbidden, talking about rules Uma-san."
"Genetic manipulation is forbidden but what we did can be called as natural selective breeding."
Shizuru didn't need too much explanation; just by looking at the hundreds of genealogical ramifications she had on her hands was enough. "I see. So, Kruger and Viola families have been part of it since long time ago. That's why Seki should marry Natsuki."
"Indeed. However we all know what happened."
Shizuru stood up and walked to the main large window in Uma's office to look at Wallach sunset.
"Is the Headmistress expecting us to continue the breeding program by marrying other prospects? I don't expect you to explain me the ultimate reason of this breeding program but I can assure you this has nothing to do with our decision to stay or not together."
"Our program is far beyond that Shizuru." Uma said standing aside Shizuru but turning to fix her gaze on her. "Our 'reason', as you call it, will occur, one way or another. If you ask my personal point of view, you and the Countess Kruger are meant to be together. Not your blood lines, but the two of you. Natsuki's mother is not agreeing with me, but I am sure there is no accident in your encounter. However, both as current leaders of important Noble Houses maybe should consider other reasons."
No matter how much Shizuru's rational mind wanted to refute Uma, her feelings towards Natsuki and the deep tides she moved inside her memories since the very first moment they meet, were telling otherwise. Shizuru dreamed with those eyes since long before and maybe Uma was telling her the reason of that right now. However, Uma was for sure right about the other reasons.
"Succession."
Uma only nodded. "Even if you don't care about it, I am sure the Krugers do."
"It's not my position to tell Kruger House what decide about that matter and how. I will decide my part and that's all I can do, Uma-san."
"But… if would have any other possibility, will you consider it?"
Now both of them were looking intensely at each other. Later, sitting at the bed watching Natsuki asleep, Shizuru couldn't resist the temptation to touch her dark hair and skin. She didn't even need to consider it, Shizuru was sure she will do anything for that woman.
Opening her eyes slowly and calmly as if she knew who was the one at her side, Natsuki murmured, "That was a long meeting."
"It was. But I got what you wanted. Miyu-san was assigned to go with us."
"I was sure of that." Natsuki said closing her eyes again and moving almost nothing in a futile intent to make room for Shizuru.
"Really? And how Natsuki was so sure of that?"
"You always get what you want."
Shizuru got into the bed smiling and thinking the only she wanted was already there in her arms.
Aasgard, Imperial Capital, Hazakura House Home Planet.
Tomoe and Jin, ordered by the Emperor to give the welcoming to the Countess Kruger and take care of all the proper arrangements, were advised the Kruger Cruiser was landing right at the expected time at the Imperial Spaceport. Jin hurried to be there on time; shaken by the Emperor's recent threat towards him but Tomoe was taking her time. She didn't have anything to be worry about.
"Let the little counselor to take care of the smallness, Meister Hazakura. That will give us a bit more time together."
Ayane smiled at the comment, walking with Tomoe literally hanging up on her arm, a behavior that made the Otome incredibly happy. The Ambassador was giving her more and more time each time and less to her brother.
For Tomoe, her time was coming and having Ayane's support was a lot more important than having Anri. For the bed issues, any Hazakura was the same. Her real object of desire will be at the reach of her hand soon.
Tomoe ignored the Jin's angry gaze for having the Kruger group waiting for the Imperial cortege to be ready.
Chie and Armbrust, followed a couple of step behind by Carla and Rosalie, walked in perfect formation until there were facing Tomoe and Jin as imperial representatives. They knew the Emperor wouldn't be there so it was good for start.
Armbrust and Chie were impeccable dressed with the formal Kruger attire and bowed to the imperial hosts.
"We are honor to welcome House Kruger in Aasgard," Jin said with extreme courtesy, by protocol, the visitors had to wait the formal salutation from the Empire before introduce themselves. "Please let me introduce us, Imperial Ambassador Tomoe Marguerite," Jin bowed towards Tomoe but the Ambassador was deadly serious and she didn't make any movement to salute their visitors in any way. Recovering fast from his sudden bewilderment, Jin remembered to introduce himself. "I am only the powerful Emperor's humble servant, Counselor Hazakura."
"House Kruger thanks the powerful Emperor, Counselor Hazakura," with military perfection; Armbrust bowed again "Armbrust Kruger, official representative of Kruger House in the Empire and the Noble Council." Then bowing a bit towards Chie, "Meister Chie Hallard, the official representative of Countess Kruger for this visit and third on the Kruger succession line."
Then was when the problems started for then.
Jin's jaw fell a bit betraying his surprise. The only other persons at Kruger cortege were clearly Garderobe's Otomes. Countess Natsuki Kruger wasn't there!
"...Kruger-san, the Empire was expecting the official visit from Countess Kruger. What this mean?" Jin finally expressed, he was having a very bad feeling about this change. If Anri didn't kill him, someone else will certainly do it.
"Counselor," Tomoe decided that was the perfect moment for her intervention, "It's clear that Kruger House has no respect for the Imperial figure and laws. This insult is unacceptable."
Behind Tomoe, Ayane was smiling perversely. She never liked Chie when they were at the Garderobe and now, she will have her on her fist. Armbrust and Chie held their breaths after the Ambassador introduction.
"Ambassador Marguerite, please, if you grant us time, we will explain…" Armbrust was promptly cut by Ayane and her personal guard whom immediately responded to her mark circling the Kruger group, in position to attack at the slightest provocation.
"How dare you to interrupt the Ambassador when she is talking?"
Chie and Armbrust felt suddenly caught in a dangerous trap, Jin was speechless. Conciliatorily, Chie tried to expose their reasons again. "Ambassador, Meister Hazakura, we deeply apologize, we never meant to be offensive. There are reasons because the Countess Kruger is not here now, we were sent in representation of Kruger House to fulfill the compromise made in Skáneland and for diplomatic reasons. Everything will be explained."
Behind Chie and Armbrust, Rosalie and Carla were in alert but it was nothing they could do. Their orders were to watch per Garderobe's best interest. Fighting against the Empire was not the best for Garderobe.
"Of course you will explain Kruger-san, Meister Hallard. However, since this is highly irregular, you will be confined and an interrogatory session will be conducted before you can meet with the Emperor." Tomoe exclaimed as a sentence.
Jin recovered the use of his voice too late, "Wait…Ambassador, they are the official representatives of Kruger House! We can't…"
"Of course we can, Counselor. Are you forgetting the warning Baron D'Artai made to us? We shall do anything to protect the Emperor."
Chie and Armbrust frowned at the mention of Artai, interchanging concerned looks.
"Meister Hazakura, please make sure our 'guests' are properly and comfortably… allocated. As well as the ship and the prisoners they brought with them. We will inform the Emperor and will decide the proper actions ahead." Looking Armbrust and Chie, she added for them, "Meister Hallard, Kruger-san, if you can provide an explanation, be sure you will have the opportunity. You cooperation is expected and trust me, it will be the best way to serve Kruger House."
Chie's sense of truth was telling her that everything Tomoe was saying was a lie.
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
Natsuki and Shizuru were the first departing on Wallach spaceport that morning and unlike the previous day, this time the spaceport was full. Everyone wanted to be there to say goodbye to the beloved Archmeister.
"I will look forward for your safe return and success Meister Viola, Kruger-san. Once the CORE is secured, we will have several issues to take care together."
Natsuki still have Armbrust's last words bugging in her mind, mostly because Shizuru was a bit distant after her last meeting with the Headmistress. However, this was protocol torture so she had to behave accordingly.
"Thank you Headmistress, our hope is the same." Shizuru answered as corresponded and then turned her head slightly to Natsuki. One arched brow told Natsuki it was her turn.
"Yes…Kruger House thanks Garderobe its hospitality during our visit and its support for this task. Thank you Headmistress Shamrock." Natsuki said inclining her head only the appropriate to Uma. Since her humanness test, she didn't feel very respectful towards the Headmistress and only for some protocol reasons she called her formally. All the other times, Uma was only 'Shamrock' for Natsuki but that will change, Uma was sure about it.
Behind Shizuru and Natsuki joining the Kruger team were Miyu-san, Laura Bianchi because Ray's specific requirement and Irina Woods. Looking at them Uma couldn't avoid thinking it was a formidable team combining expertise in all fields, science and arms. "That disrespectful kid Natsuki can't complain, she is even taking Garderobe's Archmeister!"
Nao and Sara and some of Garderobe´s higher rank Otomes were behind Uma also for the formal farewell and when everyone at the Kruger team turned to board the transport ship, Nao walked decidedly towards them.
Ray, who was looking at her during the whole ceremony, was the only one not moving wondering what Nao was doing. The others stopped and Natsuki stared at the approaching Otome with an angry look and arched brow. "What the hell…Zhang?"
Nao ignored every angry or surprised gaze addressed to her and keeping her eyes on Ray's only, came to her side pulling her for a decided and intense kiss that raised a general exclamation of surprise through the whole spaceport.
"Don't die, Jagger," was the only thing she said to Ray after the kiss with a deep look to the blue eyes. With one last cherish to Ray's face, she came back calmly and confidently to her place. Nao only smiled once, very discreetly, when her gaze crossed a couple of seconds with Shizuru's.
"That was way out of the protocol, Meister Zhang." Uma said visibly angered when Nao walked by her side.
"You are not jealous right, Headmistress?" Nao said without looking at Uma.
Natsuki and Shizuru smiled, reassuming the way to the transport ship with Natsuki was mocking Ray for once, "Now I understand everything Ray, you are a very discreet sly fellow!"
"Meister Blythe, you and I must have a serious conversation with Meister Zhang before her departing."
"Let it be Miss Maria, that irrepressible nature that makes her the best imprinter also makes her wild and unruly." The angry gazes of Uma and Miss Maria weren't convinced at all by her argument. "Take the god together with the bad my friends; remember that every gift has two edges."
Aasgard, Imperial Capital, Hazakura House Home Planet.
Sakura had to admit the man has his points. He moved naturally through the Imperial politics and seemed immune to the poisonous strategies of Ambassador Marguerite and Jin's ineptitude. Anri was quite impressed with him. Sakura´s internal voices were telling her Anri wasn't the only Hazakura who was impressed by Nagi D'Artai but she tried to ignore them.
During the last days, they used to have a walk around the castle gardens during the sunset talking about different topics. He was ironic and cynic sometimes due some themes but always had an interesting point of view and Sakura had to admit that he was especially gentle towards her.
That afternoon, he asked for the training room since wanted to stretch a bit. "I am not used to this Court's life and I am resenting this inactivity, if you know what I mean, Sakura-chan," he told her. Hiding her annoyance due his lack of respect calling her like that, Sakura arranged a couple of men from the Imperial guard train with the Baron at the Emperor's training room.
Sakura was expecting they were already done for their walking but when she walked in, the Baron was still brandishing a sword against the two men at the same time. Sakura stayed as quiet as possible not wanting to distract any of them. She was surprised to notice the Baron training with bare foot and torso, wearing only black trousers and caught herself staring at his slender and well defined body. The guards fighting with him were at least 30 cm taller than him, more robust and muscled but moving elegantly, Nagi was avoiding and responding all their combined attacks. His technique was clean and effective but Sakura's eyes were more interested on the lines of his body than on his movements. His skin was white and smooth and he was not even sweating, Sakura noticed while her eyes went down over his elegant shoulders, his chest, abs and firm thighs…
"Wait, wait, wait…what I am doing?!" Sakura reprimanded herself feeling a flush on her body while looking aside him towards the gardens. "I am not thinking on that, I am NOT thinking on that…" But her inner voices were telling otherwise.
"Sakura-chan! It's that late? I just missed the time, please have my apologies." Nagi say noticing her presence in the room. Sakura thanked her luck for not being caught staring at him and when she looked back, was again the controlled Imperial Otome."
"Don't worry Baron; it's your time, of course." She said properly since her brother men were still there standing on formal position.
"I rather prefer to spend my time with you, please… give me two minutes to dress properly, I don't think you brother will approve I walk like this around the castle." Nagi said smiling devilishly.
He had to get dressed faster than that because at that very moment, a very rushed Imperial Counselor irrupted looking for Sakura.
"Sakura-san! Thanks to all Gods I find you. Please hurry, the Emperor request you immediately at the Throne room. "
"What happened Jin? I was with Anri 10 minutes ago. It has something to do with the Kruger group?"
Nor Jin or Sakura noticed the alert and interest on Nagi´s eyes at the Kruger name mention.
"Happening, Sakura, something is happening and has nothing to do with Kruger House. We are getting urgent aid calls from Aries, Cartago and Windbloom." Jin was already pulling Sakura while explaining and she was looking alternatively between Jin and the Baron.
"Some kind of disaster happens to one of them?" Sakura wanted to know while Nagi was putting on his clothes and shoes as fast he could.
"No Sakura-san, some kind of disaster yes, but we are having THREE independent aid calls from them." Jin was literally dragging Sakura.
"What?!" Sakura stopped walking looking at Jin with disbelief. Nagi took the opportunity to join them but remained silent at Sakura's side.
"Yes, Sakura, that's why the Emperor is calling you so urgently! Something really bad is happening to them… at the same time."
Wallach IX, Garderobe´s Chapterhouse Planet
At the same time, Aasgard was receiving the emergency calls, Garderobe and Horus got theirs by their own means. Uma Shamrock called for an urgent meeting with their main Otomes making a live communication with Horus. With Irina and Miyu accompanying Natsuki and Shizuru, Yohko was left alone with Midori as her main support.
"Yohko, what's your report of the situation?"
"Extremely concerning Headmistress. According to the emergency calls they are under siege, its not an direct attack…yet, but we are getting the same reports from Cartago, Windbloom and Aries."
Uma tightened her teeth by the mention of Aries. It was too much on the stake for Garderobe in Aries.
"Do we know how bad the situation is in any case?"
"Barely, the first items under siege were communications. We are contacting the Otomes at each planet through the Yggdrasil system but the signal is interfered."
"How could they interfere with the GEMs, Yohko?" Uma was extremely angry and doing her best effort to think calmly.
"It's exactly like this conversation Shamrock-san, we are talking were clearly now but if…let say, Midori-san were screaming aloud enough and continuously enough, we will face some problems to understand what the other is saying. They are doing something like that. There is a noise obstructing our signal so we can't understand well what they are saying."
"I can't believe they are cheating on us with something so…"
"Effective?" Midori completed Uma's sentence and the Headmistress certainly didn't like it at all.
"Yohko, we don't have time for this. We have to do something and fast. We can't be in three different places but at least, we shall protect Aries. I will send you a group but I need you to go personally to Aires."
"What will happen with Windbloom and Cartago? We don't have any notice from Skáneland either." Yohko knew what Uma's priority was but the other planets were also important, if one fell, the others will follow for sure.
"Saeko will call us if it's necessary, my smallest concern right now is Skáneland. They can handle their enemies pretty well. I will contact the Empire as soon as we end this call Yohko. I am sure Meister Sakura can convince the Emperor to back up the Windbloom and Tokiha Houses while we do the same with the Armitage House."
Uma was closing the meeting with that decision but Yohko interrupted her with concern.
"Headmistress, due the magnitude of the incident we are facing here, I would recommend to proceed with the maximum security protocol."
Uma weighted Yohko´s words. "That maybe an extreme measurement, Yohko-san, I prefer to wait before doing something like that."
"But Headmistress, what will happen if Garderobe is subject of a similar attack?"
"We don't know what is really happening Yohko-san, I don't think they, whoever they are, will risk a frontal confrontation with Garderobe."
"But what will happen if they do? Natsuki Kruger was right about one thing. They wanted the COREs and no price was too high to pay for fulfill that purpose. The best way to protect them and guarantee Garderobe's safeness is through the security protocol."
The Headmistress was absorbed into a long discussion with her trustful Otomes, requested more reports on the situations for Aries, Cartago and Windbloom and resisted as much as she could but due the graveness of the situation, Uma finally had to admit the security protocol was the best way to protect Garderobe.
"Ok, Yohko–san we will execute as you suggest. The main CORE will be Garderobe´s."
"But Headmistress!... the only CORE completely out of reach of everybody is the one in Kansai!"
"Yes. It is also out of my reach, Yohko." Uma was glaring deadly to Yohko. "We are not setting the Kansai CORE as the main one Yohko and that's out of discussion."
Immediately after the meeting, Yohko and the Headmistress ran their sequential encoded routines at Wallach and Horus respectively to activate the security protocol. But Yohko still doubted they were really taking the best decision.
Kansai, Viola House Native Planet.
The Kruger cruiser left out the Portal on the Alpha Hydrae system, Kansai was right after the gate at the center of the system. Natsuki understood then why was so easy for the attackers twenty years ago to reach the planet so fast and easily.
"Kansai was the leader on Cruiser designing and construction, Natsuki. The dockyards were spread as space station around Kansai. Being relatively close to the portal was an advantage…until that day."
They were at the main deck looking the distant planet while their small crew were running rapid scannings and security checking. Kansai was a umber world at the distance, with gigantic dust storms swirling on its surface. Natsuki felt a knot on her stomach at the live view of the destruction on Shizuru's home. Her partner in mission was serenely looking at the very same view, so Natsuki compose herself the best and kept giving instructions to her crew.
All their communications were shut down until they could guarantee a secure channel. They still had to land, set the campground and install all their equipment. Shizuru, Natsuki and their team didn't know what was really happening far away of Kansai until many, many hours after.
Thanks for reading and reviewing. More action is coming on the next chapter so; I hope to see you there for it.