Hi guys. As always, thanks for reading.
My gratitude to AtlantisLux, with her help this story has less mistakes. Any error still remaining, it's because of me and my last minute editions and changes.
CORE: acronym for 'Control for Remote-Materializing Equipment' it is the 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. Each CORE is numbered for identification: Man (Garderobe's CORE 1), Zwei (Horus' CORE 2), Drei (Noble Keeper's CORE 3)
ECCO: acronym for 'Enhanced Classified Communication Object' is an advanced steganographic device attachable to an Otome GEM to allow encrypted and secure communication and messaging. In the Dune universe, that was the function of the Distrans bats. In this case, the device allows the Otomes on the ECCO network to hear or to communicate with other Otome user securely. It works through the CORE system as all the Otome's materializing capabilities.
MSP: acronym for Maximum Security Protocol, is the CORE system higher emergency level. In normal operation condition, each CORE is exactly the same like the others. During the MSP, all the COREs are locked but only one can be recovered and its selection is part of the MSP. The safer CORE is selected to be the main one during this conditions and protect the others.
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Terrain scanning technology that allows to know the inner terrain structure and conditions.
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 14. Discovering.
"We tend to become like the worst in those we oppose."
Bene Gesserit Coda
Chapterhouse: Dune
Aries, Armitage House Planet. Suzushiro Capital
Sakura still waited to wake up and realize that everything was a terrible nightmare. But even when she was dreaming, she knew that it was only a wish, sometimes a desperate and longing wish.
They were just left the Portal on their way to Aries when a solicitous assistant approached Baron D'Artai to give him the notice.
Sakura was standing at the command bridge having the first sight of Aries stellar system, Nagi only reviewed the crystal report and then fixed a strange gaze on her. \
"Sakura-chan, please come with me at my cabin. There is something I would like to discuss with you."
This time, Sakura didn't argue, something on his voice alerted her senses and when she met his eyes, for once it wasn't mock not even irony on them. Without a word, she walked to his side and silently, they left the command bridge. Nagi didn't speak during the short walk to his cabin; all the way he seemed lost on his thoughts. With every second, the sense of alarm was growing on Sakura. She feared the worst, "Aasgard was attacked."
When Nagi finally closed the door of his spacious cabin, leaving them alone, he invited her to take sit but Sakura just kept standing, looking at the dark space outside through the big window panel. Nagi has by far a wonderful view from his cabin but that only increased Sakura's feeling of loneliness.
Steeling herself and looking at him straight at the eyes, she demanded, "Tell me."
He smiled a bit sadly but his eyes were hard as stones, "Your brother is no longer Emperor of the known universe and Hazakura House is no longer the Imperial family. Aasgard has a new ruler."
Sakura expected anything but that. Nagi wasn't kidding her; he was serious as she never saw him before during their short time together. Using all her Otome training and self control to keep her attitude and dignity, Sakura managed to ask as calm and coldly as possible.
"How is that possible? Do you know what happened?"
Nagi waited before answering, observing her with detail. "This woman is really remarkable, I just told her something that will change her life forever and there she is, still standing proudly, still ready to fight. I wonder what it takes to break someone like her."
"New attacks Sakura, I have to tell you that Aasgard has not been attacked but Wallach IV and Horus both were. We have no report on how intensive they were and what is their current situation. After that the Noble Council met and your brother was deposed as Emperor."
"But it should be a very powerful reason to do that! I should be a formal request made for a major Noble House and it must have the support of the majority!"
"All those conditions were met and due the emergency, it was approved immediately. Maybe you don't want to hear it right now but remember, I warned the Emperor about fear being such a bad advisor. The Noble Houses representatives present in Aasgard were scared to death after the first round of attacks, then knowing about Garderobe and Horus was…just too much for them."
"But, something doesn't make sense, we just left few hours ago...I have to go back to Aasgard Baron, please provide me with one your ships. The smallest one will serve my purpose; I know you have a lot to deal with here and…"
Nagi denying with his head slowly while glaring at her, silenced Sakura's requirement.
"That won't be possible. You can't go back to Aasgard, Sakura."
"Why not?" Now it was her turn to glare at him.
While talking, with the intensity of her arguments, Sakura approached him and now she was talking only few centimeters of him, waiting for his answer.
"Why not, Nagi? I have no time to waste, this is a terrible mistake and I have to go back."
"I don't think the new Empress will be happy to see you there. Trust me, Sakura. You must stay here. There is nothing you can do for your brother. In fact, if you really want to help him, you shall stay."
Now Sakura was mad, "Who the hell this man thinks he is to give me orders?!"
Not waiting for more, Sakura tried to leave Nagi's cabin but his hand fastening her arm stopped her. She was ready to release, neither Nagi nor any other man was a rival for an Otome and certainly, not for this one. But were his words more efficient to hold her back than his physical strength.
"Ambassador Marguerite is the new Empress, Sakura. All Imperial Otomes and the Hazakura Army have sworn their loyalty to her, officially. If you go to Aasgard you will put your brother's life in danger and also, yours. You know it. Now, calm down and listen."
"Tomoe? Tomoe Marguerite the Empress? There is a huge mistake… That is not possible! Who in the name of all gods could have supported that insanity?!"
"Insanity is more possible than you think. The support came from the Noble Council of course, but more important, from the Hazakura Army…after they heard the proposal from your sister, Ayane. I told you, Empress Marguerite has full Otome support."
After that, Sakura felt her world falling into pieces but when she could see every single piece, also everything made sense: Tomoe using both, Anri and Ayane for her twisted purposes, the treatment against the Kruger House members that were literally arrested as soon as they arrived, the warning from Uma Shamrock about a traitor inside the court…and even her departure from Aasgard. Tomoe and Ayane didn't want her there interfering…even when Anri proposed it; everything was part of the same trap. Then reached the final realization…Uma Shamrock said it was more than one traitor.
During the time she was thinking, Sakura walked to the big panel window, touching the crystal as if she could reach her home planet that way. At the distance, Aries was becoming visible and as the ship approached it, the lights of the battle were becoming also visible.
Turning to face Nagi with slow determination, she said, "You are one of them."
It was not a question, but Nagi surprised her again.
"No, I am not. The simple idea that you may think I am 'one of them' is offensive, Sakura-chan."
Sakura was disconcerted for a moment. Now Nagi approached to her, explaining. "Oh, well. Yes, I helped your brother to see the things in a different and maybe convenient way 'for them' as you said but he made his own decisions. And let's say, I am 'linked' with the real interested party behind all this but I am not one of them. And please, don't compare me with that mean and sneaky woman your brother chose as his Ambassador and lover or with your slippery cousin Jin."
The ship was getting closer and closer to Aries but it stopped at a safe distance of the battles. Through the inner communication channel, the navigator's voice sounded clear and accurate.
"We are in position and ready Baron. General Wang left the Portal on time and is on his way to meet us."
"Great, well done Tatsuhiko, you are a deserving disciple of my loyal Sergay. Let me know when he arrives. Keep on the position and keep monitoring Aries. Deploy the chasers and make sure nothing pass through the portal. Nothing Tatsuhiko, did I make it clear?"
"Crystal clear, Baron." The communication ended.
"What? Are we staying here? We have to reach Aries! We are here to help them, there is people dying!" Sakura was now looking with incredulity to Nagi who was just standing calmly in front of her.
"We will reach Aries on the right time, dear Sakura; in the meantime we will wait here."
That took Sakura out of control and materializing, she threw herself against Nagi, pushing him violently and restraining him on the floor with her sharpen element on his throat.
Their eyes were locked with each other; Sakura was breathing trying to avoid killing him. Nagi was just looking at her intensely; and Sakura found no fear on his eyes. The fact he didn't have fear to die on her hands, was stopping Sakura. Seeking deeply with her Otome senses, Sakura didn't find fear, guilt or regret on those eyes, she could only perceive something close to admiration towards her.
Almost screaming with frustration, Sakura released him and walked away. It was no alternative, killing him will not fix anything.
"Even when there is no other way I will prefer to die than in your hands…" Nagi had to clear his throat a bit while getting up of the floor, "that was a wise decision Sakura-chan."
She turned to see him with a longing question, "Why are you doing this?"
"I wasn't the cause of your brother deposing. He made his own decisions since long time ago. Who do you think caused more harm to your brother, that poisonous woman Tomoe or your own sister?"
That was like a direct slap on her face for Sakura but he didn't stop there.
"I wasn't the cause of the resentment some Noble Houses had against Hazakura House or the Empire. What the Empire did for their subjects? I wasn't the cause of the attacks; do the Empire, Garderobe or even the Noble Houses know what was of Schwartz's matters for?"
After a duel of gazes, Sakura finally said, "You may be not be the cause, but you aren't doing anything either. There are people dying in Aries right now, innocent people that have nothing to do with these battles and power avidity."
"Of course I am doing something my dear…I am helping everyone to take the veil off of their eyes and see the reality. In fact, I am doing the hardest part of the job because when I say everyone, I mean everyone. At the end, all will have to face the consequences of their decisions, Garderobe, the Empire and whoever is holding it, the Noble houses, Schwartz…even me. Unfortunately, there is always a price to pay. Some or maybe even a lot of people will pay the price of human nature…and no one is innocent."
"Of course there are innocents...You are so terribly damaged if you think so!" Sakura wanted so bad to shake Nagi and make him understand, she couldn't believe the man she was so close to feel admiration could be part of all this setting up.
"Please, allow me to make you one question, Sakura-chan, well two actually. I am sure you will answer it honestly because I know you better than you think, maybe better than you know yourself."
"Make them."
"There was only one Noble House, one Sakura, which not only clearly denied its support for Tomoe becoming the Empress but also backed off strongly at the Emperor Hazakura. One, can you guess what family was?"
Breathing deeply Sakura, took some time thinking rapidly before answering with a question, "Windblom?"
"Good guess but no." Nagi made sure he got all Sakura's attention for his next words. "It was Kruger House."
"What did you do to help Armbrust Kruger and Chie Hallard from the unfair arrest they suffered? You suspected from Tomoe since some time ago, isn't it? You knew your sister was helping her. You suspected from your cousin Jin too. What did you do?"
Sakura felt devastated. Not because of Nagi's question but because the fact he already knew the answer. Nothing, she didn't do anything for anyone but trying to help Anri. And she wanted to help him because she wanted everything to keep as it was. Sakura didn't voice the answer but her silence was enough answer for Nagi.
"Can you guess what will be the fate of Kruger House now?" Nagi was still serious but a soft grin was curving his lips.
"No, I have no idea but they were tricked the same as Hazakura House was, as Garderobe and the others. There is a reason on why the attacked planets were Aries, Carthagos and Ealdgyth."
"Absolutely my dear, I was sure you will see it very soon. That's why everything had to be on time and have a perfect coordination. I am not sure what will happen to Garderobe and the others, but I will have under my charge Kruger House fate, so you will know for sure…since I expect you stay as my Otome, of course."
"That was unworthy and vile, all of you set up a mean ensnare instead of facing your opponents and voicing you requirements."
"It was brilliant and efficient, Sakura. There is no point in facing a biggest and stronger opponent. Let Garderobe and the Empire to destruct each other, to hit each other and then when both are weak and abated; strike the two at the same time. Success is guaranteed. That is efficiency, isn't?"
"None of them was innocent Sakura. Garderobe has kept watching over to preserve its own power, as all the others. And power, you know it, not only attract insane people but also make them more insane. And the commons are so willing to be guided, to be saved, helped to avoid any effort; that will keep in power anyone that make such promise. Those in power don't even have to comply with their promises, they have only to make them and wrap them up as a beautiful gift rot inside."
While talking Nagi's eyes got harder, to Sakura's mind the image of him as a young boy in the middle of his army came in again. But now, he was not the fragile angel she saw.
"Everything is a façade, dear Meister Hazakura. And I am going to blow it out in thousands of pieces so everyone can see its own face and decay at least once."
Three months had passed since the moment Sakura had that conversation with Baron Nagi D'Artai. They waited days on Aries space until they landed. She still had fresh in her mind the moment they landed in Aries and he took control of everything, on everything that was left.
Now laying in the bed naked aside him, with his slender arm holding her waist closely, feeling the warm skin of his chest on her back and his breath on her neck, she also remembered the first time he took her or more accurately, the first time she gave in to her true desire.
With every day, Sakura had to admit Nagi was the only man she could ever surrender off unconditionally. He was the only one who ever talked her with the complete and bare truth whatever it was; he was the only one who truly showed himself completely naked in heart and soul and his abyss was overwhelming. Only sometimes, when he was making love to her deeply and passionately, Sakura could see a small little light drowning in the deepness of his eyes.
Moving, Sakura released her from his holding and left the bed. Not bothering to cover her nakedness, she walked to the window to watch the dawn. The two moons of Aries were still on the sky and shades of purple and blue were starting to trace on the horizon.
During all this time, Sakura didn't hear any news from Aasgard. All the communication channels were still broken but the portals were still operational so messages were sent in a primitive way: through messengers. However, she didn't send any and didn't get any.
The only time she and Nagi talked about Anri and his fate, Nagi warned, "Watch out my beautiful Otome, only those who are so close can betray us so effectively."
Now watching at her merciless fallen angel, sleeping peacefully at the reach of her hand, Sakura thought, "Or save us."
Kansai, Viola House Planet. Ruins of the Ancient City of Heian-kyo, Daidairi Palace
Natsuki was frustrated. Day after day after day they failed. She was sure they have scanned and inspected every square inch of Kansai and it was no single trace of the CORE. Her team was exhausted for bearing their sixteen, eighteen and sometimes twenty hour days.
The crew of her father arrived later. The captain spent some time scanning the planet, hiding their trace and recognizing the terrain. Since they were not able to contact with Natsuki by the regular communication channel, they were expecting the worst. All feel alleviated when they finally meet.
Having an extra cruiser was a lot of help but not even with it, they could find the CORE.
Shizuru moved on their improvised but comfortable bed, holding Natsuki closely and kissing her neck just below her jaw line.
"You should have some rest my Countess…your focus will be better if you are fresh and rested."
"Aww, Shizuru…I…how did you know I wasn't asleep?" Natsuki was trying to keep as still as possible to let Shizuru rest.
"Easy, you are not snoring." Shizuru was smiling while whispering the answerin Natsuki's ear.
"Hey! I don't snore!" Natsuki was glaring at Shizuru but had to smile after seeing the devilish glint on the red eyes at the soft yellow light of their tent.
"Natsuki is beautiful when she smiles…maybe I can help her to release the tension, I am sure you will sleep after that."
Natsuki glared at Shizuru again but with an amorous trace this time.
Laying again, this time on Shizuru's shoulder, Natsuki left the tension to dissipate, holding the warm body. Natsuki wished she could forget at least for a while but with every day that passed without finding the CORE she was feeling more and more cornered. They didn't know what was happening, every day the probabilities they could be exposed grew up and every day the team was getting more tired. They were now extending their reserves but soon they will be in troubles.
As if she could read her mind as always, Shizuru took Natsuki's chin to make her raise her face and look at her.
"Natsuki can't give up. We will find it and you have to be sure of it."
"I know Shizuru and there is nothing I want more but we are running out of options. We have looked beneath almost every rock with no luck. If the CORE was here, it is like if it was vanished in the air." Natsuki breathed deeply and put her arms under her head.
Shizuru knew it was her thinking position. "Now, she will stay awake until the morning."
"Natsuki, look at me."
Hearing that tone in Shizuru that didn't accept a negative, Natsuki leaned on her elbow to look at her.
"Twenty years ago, when I was hiding in the darkness I was sure I was going to die. I had that certainty and amazingly I was so calm. I can't explain you or even myself why. I was a kid but I was there, calmly waiting for death."
Shizuru never talked before about how that night was for her or her feelings in so openly way so Natsuki remained in silence, listening respectfully. Shizuru sit on the bed, the sheets sliding to reveal her naked torso. She looked like a goddess on the dim light.
"I should have died; well you only have to look around to figure out that. But I didn't. Your mother showed up and saved me. Even if she couldn't save my family, she saved me. And that simple fact changes everything. I lived to make all I have done until now; I lived to meet you and to be here, at your side. Do you think it is random? Do you think it is a simple coincidence?"
Suddenly Natsuki realized something she didn't notice before. Straightening suddenly, Natsuki ran out of the bed and stared at Shizuru. Natsuki's face was no longer disappointed or looking tired, her mind racing, "Shizuru is the key," was her conclusion.
"Shizuru, where were you when my mother found you?" Natsuki asked barely containing her anxiety.
Looking strangely at Natsuki, Shizuru recalled that night. Her memories and her mother's superposed on some times.
"I was on the Palace, Natsuki. But we already looked at it. Irina scanned every ruin and she didn't find any trace…"
"I know, I know," Natsuki moved, excited and sat in front of Shizuru, trying to find the best way to explain what she was thinking. "Please think more accurately, exactly where in the palace?"
Shizuru arched a brown looking curiously at Natsuki.
"Shizuru…you just told it. Look around and think about this: You were the only survivor. Look at your planet and tell me, how it was possible?"
Natsuki was right, it was in front of their eyes all this time but they didn't see it until now.
"We have to go to Daidairi Palace again, but now we will ask Irina and Miyu for the detailed plan of the building and we will change our searching strategy." After saying that Natsuki took Shizuru's hands gently and holding them in hers, she asked, "I know this must be hard for you, but I have to ask you to recall everything you remember about that night and tell me."
Shizuru remained in silence, looking at the beautiful green eyes. It will be hard to dive into her mother memories and her own buried ones, but she will have those green eyes to bring her back again.
"Shizuru, we have to find the exact place where you were hiding during the attack. The reason you survived is because you were at the most secret and safest place in the whole planet! I am sure, I could bet my life, we will find the CORE there."
Cardair, Krauxeku House Planet.
"You should be at Carthagos since months ago, Prince Kazuya!"
Kazuya was sitting slothfully at his chair, looking at the miserable messenger that whore Tomoe sent to look for her accountings. The prince was considering sending back only his head as an answer.
"We can't kill him my Prince…no matter how much fun it would be. That woman is still the Empress, it will be bad politics and that is not fun." Nao whispered at Kazuya's ear, sliding a playful arm for the back of the chair.
"I love the way you read my mind, my beautiful kitty…but don't do it too often. I wouldn't like that." Kazuya say watching at Nao, his comment half mockery, half warning.
"I have been busy Imperial messenger," Kazuya answer instead with disdain to Jin, who hated his new position but was thankful to still being alive. Baron Nagi left him with a mission but this part of his target was contemptible for someone like him.
"Fucking you new whore?" Jin dared to say emboldened by Kazuya's neglectful attitude but he had time to regret it.
Standing up, Kazuya made a beck and four guards caught Jin, immobilizing him.
"Maybe I should keep you here and send a new messenger to the Empress. I heard that she enjoys beautiful girls and boys. Maybe I will send her two, one of each."
Jin was now trembling but Nao and Akane came on his help. They will need them later, Kazuya can't kill him yet.
"Please, Kazu-kun, don't waste your time."
Nao took Kazuya's hand while rested the other on his chest. "Akane, is right my Prince. Besides…you really don't want to kill this worm. He is not a rightful contender for you…of anyone I could say. You could use him to feed the beast but they can get sick. Maybe you will inclusively do a favor to the Empress by releasing her from him."
That was a good point Kazuya didn't think about. It was better if Tomoe kept that useless rat.
Walking back to his chair, flanked by the two women, Kazuya said, "Tell the Empress, she has nothing to fear. Everything is under control in Carthagos. The Tokiha family is still alive but controlled. I will go there personally…sometime soon." This last sentence was expressed looking lustily at Nao.
"Guard, send a locked messaging device with this worm reporting the Empress our advances in Carthagos," and then looking one last time at Jin, "fail to deliver that you idiot and nothing will save you. Captain, request for a new messenger and take this trash out of my planet as soon as possible." With that said Kazuya left the room accompanied by the two young women.
It was a fact that he should be in Carthagos since weeks ago. Just as Nagi was in Aries, taking care of the manor and supporting Schwartz to get the necessary to unlock Garderobe's Chamber but since Nao arrived, he couldn't think in any other thing than be with her. Since that very first 'private' meeting when Nao warned him about Tomoe but mostly about Nagi's intentions and then practically rape him, Kazuya was obsessed with the Otome.
Sometimes he invited Akane since he enjoyed seeing them together but most of the times, he wanted her only for his pleasure. Kazuya barely tolerated seen her with anyone else, unlike his other toys when he enjoyed watching his favorite guards raping them, he couldn't handle any other man or woman touching Nao. Akane was the only exception because it was like a special sister to him.
This time Akane was with them, Kazuya ordered her to undress Nao while he rested on a big fluff cushion. Just by looking Nao naked in front on him, looking at him with those defiant green eyes, his excitement triggered. Akane was now inciting him, touching between his legs but truth said, it was no need for it. He was already upright.
"So, my prince…what will be next? Are you really planning to travel to Carthagos?" Nao asked seductively.
"The Tomoe bitch can wait sitting, everything is fine there." He made a pause closing his eyes at Akane's ministrations.
"I am more interested in Aries. As you told me, that tricky Baron D'Artai is keeping all the fun for him. He is the only one meeting with the Schwartz leaders…and according to him; your damn fucking Headmistress is unbreakable. Schwartz wants Garderobe's secrets and technology but there is no way. The chambers are locked in Wallach and Horus and they can't get in."
Kazuya laughed, indicating Akane to undo his belt, "I can imagine their frustration, the powerful Schwartz can't get into the chambers, can't find the damn Natsuki Kruger and they granted Tomoe's most wanted wish for nothing! They don't even have the Empire control!"
"But Baron D'Artai is then securing is position."
"Oh yes"…"The small guy had the control of Skáneland with Sergay there but he is making a huge mistake."
Looking Kazuya's eyes getting darker, Nao approached him but didn't let him touch her.
"Really, what's that?"
"He is too interested on the Armitage. He said the dyke's wife, Yukino, is pregnant and very close to gives birth. He thinks that child is related somehow to Garderobe and that will give him a powerful weapon against them."
"Yukino, pregnant? That's new. Well, soon they will have to tell us something." Using her ECCO device, Nao sent all the information she considered useful. As the other users were logging into the ECCO network, she hoped they could have a chance. The only places where they don't have information were Garderobe and Horus. For some reason, Shamrock didn't activate a device there. But in this very moment, Mai, Arika, Saeko, Chie and Sara Gallagher were receiving Kazuya's last comments.
Rounding the cushion and holding Kazuya from behind, Nao put her device on standby and whispered at Kazuya's ear while incrusting painfully her nails on his shoulders, "Enough chatting…time for fun, my Prince."
Kansai, Viola House Planet. Ruins of the Ancient City of Heian-kyo, Daidairi Palace
It was very early in the morning but Natsuki have them all at the ruins of the palace in frantic activity. She took a couple of her father men to help but keep the others at the campground on charge of the surveillance.
Using the detailed plans Miyu and Irina provided them, they were replicating the successes and movements of Viola family the night of the attack. Natsuki and Shizuru were standing at the center with a digital copy of the plans. They were ready to start and it was Shizuru's turn.
"Seki and I were at the library. He was showing me some images of skyliners and other combat ships he was going to pilot. My family always had a scientific and engineering base but we never disregard the war and strategy training, like every noble family. However, I think the friendship with your father and Haakon made my father more aware of it. "
Natsuki smiled at the reference, trying to imagine the wonderful woman at her side as a kid.
"The initial training for strategy used to start at thirteen but my father changed it for start at seven, so Seki was starting his training that summer and he was all excited."
"Yes, that's the same age when it starts at Skáneland." Natsuki said recalling her mother's disbelief and disagreement with that.
"That's why Kruger House had such unbeatable warriors and high class Otomes, my Countess."
Reito got the library position, marking with his laser the area it should cover.
"I remember my mother came in hurriedly, asking us to follow her. She was calm and controlled as usual but I remember an incredibly sadness in her eyes."
"Did you feel anything that could indicate you were under attack?"
"Not at that time Natsuki, but on the way we saw everybody running and voicing instructions. The guards were taking defensive positions carrying heavy weapons." Shizuru walked and closing her eyes, she moved to another position. "My father met us quickly still giving orders to his commanders, here. This was the main living room. After dismissing his men, he kneeled to face Seki and me."
Ray and Reito were working signaling, while Irina and Miyu were running multiple scanning on the places Shizuru was recognizing.
With her eyes still closed, Shizuru was bringing to her mind the image of the big living room, the frenetic movements, the noises, but among all, the image of her father's face and his words.
"You must not fear my beloved. Remember, fear is the mind killer. We are having a tough situation here but I and your mother will protect you above anything else. Whatever happens, remember, always remember I love you."
"Those were his last words. I never see him again. After holding us tightly, he stood up, gave a strange gaze to my mother and left with some of his men."
Shizuru opened her eyes then and walked decidedly to a new spot. "My mother took me to my father's lab. My father was more a brilliant engineer than a warrior and he had an amazingly huge laboratory for his work. Seki took me stealthily to it since my mother never let us in when my father wasn't there. We were not allowed to get in even accompanied. But we loved to get in and see with astonishment all his stuff; we were always very careful but my father always knew we were there. He used to scold Seki for inciting that vandalistic behavior in me. Seki was my hero after those intrusions and my father knew it. At the end he always forgave us but instructed us about not telling my mother."
Shizuru was looking at the floor taking her hands in front of her. Natsuki knew by seeing her that she wasn't aware of the ruins at that moment. Shizuru was seeing the castle as it was then.
Nina and Laura, joined Ray and Reito silently, detailing the area with their lasers. As Shizuru was getting closer to the place she survived, the more detail they were giving the traces.
"We were just getting to the lab when we felt the first devastating blast. It was too close of the palace, in fact; maybe it hit directly some part of the castle because we were thrown away by the expansive effect and the tremors."
Shizuru closed her eyes again, diving on her memory.
"My mother took us again, Seki could walk but the dust didn't let me see well so she carried me. I remember that we went stairs down. That is really strange because we never saw any basement on my father's lab." Opening her eyes she fixed her red gaze to Natsuki.
"I remember Natsuki, we were stairs down. I didn't remember it before but my mother took me to a chamber I didn't know on my father lab."
"Do you remember where it was?"
Looking at the traces the others did, Shizuru approached one of the corners, "My father used to have storage furniture here, the last thing I remember when my mother was carrying me was seeing it. After that, everything was darkness."
"Let's try to clear this area the best we can, we need to find an entrance…Irina, Miyu, focus your scanning on this area," and after her command, Natsuki was the first one to start moving rocks and debris.
Even though they had very good equipment and tools, it took them until noon to find it. They were all dusty and sweaty when Nina and Ray moving a big piece found a trace of metal that was different to the others.
"Hey Natsuki, Miyu…take a look on this." Ray called ducking to see it better.
Everyone approached, after a quick scan; Miyu determined it was not construction metal but a different alloy. Quickly, everyone focused on that area to clear it. When they finally end and squared piece of metal was in front of them.
"Miyu, what the scan says?"
"Nothing about the CORE Countess Kruger, it is like all the others, however there are signals of structure below. The basement as Master Viola indicated."
"Ray, what did Sara told you about my father's dead. It was here?" Natsuki made the question with controlled voice.
"No, I have compared the coordinates Sara provided me; when she found the rests of the explosion caused by uncle Kyler and that's on the other side of the planet."
"Maybe he was leading them precisely away of the CORE. Ok guys, let's try to open this. Miyu, Irina, make sure there is no danger, if the CORE is really there maybe my father put on some traps."
After a couple of hours they were finally in the basement. Part of the structure was devastated and Shizuru by looking at it recalled that part of her dream when her hiding place exploded. She moved on the space, now illuminated by the temporary lanterns. For Shizuru the place looked extremely small but she was tall woman now. Then, she was a five years old kid. Diving in her memories again, she tried to find the location where she could be sitting but something didn't match.
"Miyu-san, Irina-san is there something, even the smallest signal in your scans?"
"Not mine, Archmeister. There is absolutely no strange signal. I have debris, metal, rock, bare ground. I can even see the terrain underground structure with the ground penetrating radar but anything else."
"Miyu-san?" Shizuru insisted since Miyu was still silent.
"Basically the same about the results but there is something about the shape."
"The shape? What you mean Miyu?" Natsuki wanted to know, the space was so reduce that only Natsuki, Shizuru, Miyu and Irina were down there at that time.
"Yes, the ground penetrating radar is showing only the terrain structure and all the scanners said what Meister Woods indicated but the terrain structure we are getting is not completely normal for Kansai terrain. There are some straight lines that should be curve. In fact, the lines are too straight for any terrain."
"Where is that Miyu?" Natsuki approached at the wall Miyu was signaling.
The wall wasn't sleek, it had jutting outs and looking at one of them carefully, Natsuki felt a thinnest strip of metal.
"Shizuru, come a take a look on this, well feel it because maybe you couldn't see it. What do you think it is?"
Shizuru approached and when she put her hand were Natsuki was indicating, the whole structure shook with the sound of stone shrieking against stone.
Concerned calls came from the surface and Ray quickly jumped in trying to take them out, thinking the whole structure was collapsing but it wasn't.
In front of their astonished eyes the wall cracked opening a door size aperture, revealing a shiny metallic door.
"What is this?" Natsuki asked, "Why the hell you didn't tell me this thing was behind the wall?"
"Because nothing like this showed at the scanners Countess Kruger." Miyu answered immutable. Irina still had her mouth opened, looking alternatively at the scanner and at the metal structure trying to establish if the device was wrong or her eyes were.
"According to the scanners what we are seeing is not there." Miyu finished off categorical.
Shizuru didn't say a word and approached the door. With her proximity, her GEM lit up and part of the door became a liquid panel.
'Welcome, Bewitching Smile Amethyst…
Granting authorization…Please, validate credentials'
Now not only Irina but everyone had their mouth opened, exception made by Miyu, of course, who was registering and scanning everything for further analysis.
The welcome screen turned black again, waiting. No one knew what it was waiting but then Shizuru placed her hand on it, feeling the liquid metal and small shivers on her palm.
'Authorization Granted: Welcome Shizuru Viola'
The door opened exposing a second chamber that unlike the other, this one was a lot bigger, was illuminated with a strange light and it was impeccable.
Walking in one by one almost with reverence, all they felt overwhelmed by the sight in front of them.
It was as if it was alive, floating over its base, rotating on its axis as a small planet, with traces of light running through its shinning surface as millions of small interconnect roads and pulsating like a gigantic hearth, it was the CORE they were so eager to find.
System Unknown – Experimental Space Platform Höllenjunge-Drei, Schwarz Base
Three months after the first attacks over the Noble Houses of Tokiha, Armitage and Windbloom, they were more in control but still too far away from where they wanted to be.
S-1 knew their attack on Garderobe and Horus was very successful yet their efforts to get information from them not so. He summoned an emergency meeting with all their brothers. Never before Schwartz was so close to get their purpose. Never before they were spread at the universe as they were now. S-1 closed his eyes to enjoy.
"S-13 reporting from Aasgard's position, all clear Master."
"S-9 reporting from Aries' position, all clear Master."
"S-8 reporting from Carthagos's position, all clear Master."
"S-7 reporting from Windbloom Kingdom's position, all clear Master."
"S-5 reporting from Horus' position, all clear Master."
"S-3 reporting from Skáneland's position, all clear Master."
"S-2 reporting from Garderobe's position, all clear Master."
Unfortunately for him, it wasn't a live connection. He was hearing the welcoming of the recorded messages that every team had to send due the impossibility to have interstellar communication. The Otome sisterhood was still interfering with their higher purpose. Despite all their efforts, the COREs of Garderobe and Horus were still locked with no way to even get into the chambers that were protecting them.
If they destroyed the chamber, that would be a suicide. The CORE will activate a self destruction weapon and they won't have the CORE either, that was the only they knew. Schwartz didn't know they won't only destroy the chamber and the CORE but the whole planet, every captured Otome will die before revealing that information. Not even the examination probes were able to tear off any information from them.
They had everything under control but that. Maybe was time for a different approach.
"S-4, it's time to go to Wallach IV and claim what is ours."
Wallach IV, Garderobe Headquarters Planet.
Some days were worst than others. That was one of the worst ones. It was better when they try to get information from her. Her Otome training made that sessions bearable but during days, they forced Uma to see the questioning sessions on the other Otomes and the students.
Uma wasn't concerned by the Otomes; they could do the same she was doing, closing her senses, take away the pain, process the chemicals, fight the venoms, endure and survive. But the students…many of them didn't make it.
"You won't have any gain by torturing the students, they don't know anything!" Sometimes, despite her training, Uma lost the composure, more frequently when some of her students died.
Uma knew that was the price for surrendering but she didn't have any other choice, as the Otomes on the attacked planets had to choose. The invaders were too many and the enhanced soldiers were soon razing everything and there was no way to fight all of them at the same time. At the end even if they could be beaten, a lot of people will die, maybe all of them. Uma understood why finally Windbloom, Carthagos and Aries surrender; and she had to do the same. After three months only ten of her students have died.
"You know how to stop this Headmistress. Open the chamber." S-4 kept doing the same request day after day despite getting the same answer every time.
"I already told you…several times. I can't open the chamber. Once the security protocol is activated, there is no way to open it. The surrogate system is controlled outside Wallach IV and I don't have control over it. You will have to find a solution by yourselves because I don't know either where the system is. You can kill us all and you won't have something we can't give you!"
Despite her very convincing tone of despair, Uma was glad Yohko disobeyed her for the first time in their lives. Uma was truly unable to recover the CORE functionality. Now she only prayed everyday for Natsuki Kruger to find CORE-Drei.
Uma had her head lowered down, so she didn't see the second blonde man entering the interrogation room, which used to be a training room, until he spoke.
"Dear Headmistress Shamrock, the last thing we want is to kill you or your fellow students,"
Uma raised her head slowly. The men were identical but she knew this one was different.
"I heard that Otomes aged slowly than rest of the humans but you are doing certainly better than others…Headmistress. It's so nice to see you…again."
Kansai, Viola House Planet. Ruins of the Ancient City of Heian-kyo, Daidairi Palace
"What we do now, Shizuru?" The room was crowded again even when they tried to keep the minimum necessary people.
"Miyu-san, the CORE is locked so we have to run the restoration protocol. This situation never happened before. We need all your records about the matter." Shizuru wanted to be sure before doing anything. It was a lot on the balance for them to make any mistake.
"Archmeister Viola, any Column had the administration credentials to re-activate the COREs, due to your position as Garderobe's second in command you are definitely more suited than any other Column with the only exception of Headmistress Shamrock. We will only know if this CORE was set as the main until the run of the recovery protocol. The system will keep denying access if our hypothesis about this CORE is mistaken."
"What will happen in that case?" Natsuki wanted to know, remembering that meeting when she knew about the other function of a CORE.
"Since the Archmeister will run the protocol, nothing happened. She will just get a denying access warning. If other person tried, exists the risk of activating the self-destruction mode."
"We don't want that by any mean Miyu-san."
"Affirmative, Countess Kruger, that's the most probable reason of why your father moved away the intruders he found on the planet; aside to protect the planet, toprotect the CORE itself."
Breathing deeply, everyone got their place.
Shizuru identified the CORE main panel at the gravitational base, fitting her Meister ring on the key aperture. By seeing her, serene and controlled, Natsuki couldn't avoid thinking how heavy the fate Shizuru was carrying was. She was really the key for everything.
At the next second Shizuru place her right, the CORE that already looked alive shined with a new light, like awakening after a long dream. The main panel shined as well with new life and a secured panel opened showing the CORE's main control.
"That's a good signal right, Miyu-san?"
"So far it is Countess Kruger." Natsuki and Miyu were the only ones down there that weren't Otomes, but Miyu was a different matter, so Natsuki was the only one completely in the darkness about what was happening.
All the Columns knew how to re-active a CORE, it was part of their training after being selected as columns. But of course, no one but Shizuru had ever done it for real. Shizuru didn't have any inner memory to support her this time. She was alone. "No, I am not really alone"
With one last gaze to Natsuki's eyes, she started the recovery protocol, praying inside this was really the main CORE. If her hunch was right, that was the only real option they had to make a difference on whatever was happening outside Kansai.
To everybody's surprise and relief, few seconds after Shizuru executed the protocol, the CORE came into full life. All the panels at the gravitational base activated and all the red lights at the CORE surface, started turning to green.
"Otome's functions are being restoring…some of the secondary systems will have to be restored manually but we are getting on. This was really set as the main CORE, so…" Shizuru didn't end the sentence.
"Something bad happened in Horus and Wallach IV. Can we know what it was Miyu-san?"
"Affirmative, during the MSP, the CORE are locked but still functional, everything they are set to register they will do it. Once the system is restored all the COREs will network and we will be able to see what is registered on the other COREs."
It took Miyu and Shizuru together about 5 minutes to have everything set up and the CORE on line. As it was networking with the other COREs and updating the information, Miyu found something else.
"Archmeister Viola."
"Yes, Miyu-san?" Shizuru was still typing in one of the terminals looking for the other systems.
"There is a message for you here."
Shizuru looked back at Miyu with surprise and approached slowly. Natsuki and Ray who also heard Miyu's call did it as well.
"According to the registry, it was left by Meister Airlie Viola… the same day Kansai was attacked."
Looking at the CORE after that at Natsuki, Shizuru asked, "Play it Miyu-san, please."
Natsuki approached to Shizuru, standing very close of her.
"It's locked Archmeister; I assume that only you can unlock it."
Shizuru got to the panel again and as Miyu said, it required a key. Introducing her meister ring again, the system validated the GEM and her identity. Every GEM was indelibly attached to its Otome bearer. It was no way, anyone else but Shizuru could open a file that was locked for her as the Bewitching Smile Amethyst.
A holographic projection started. A woman, some years older than Shizuru currently was, appeared. Same wild golden mane, same red eyes, her features were extremely delicate, elegant and yet, very decided. Shizuru's mother was extremely beautiful.
Shizuru felt the pain spreading on her chest by seeing her mother, so vividly, so alive.
"My dear Shizuru, I am making this message hoping you never have to see it…There is no way, no one else could see it but you. I don't know how much time will pass if you have to see it, I don't know how you will look as an Otome but I assure you, since now, I am proud of you.
We are under a severe situation and I decided to leave you a message for the future. This is a message that may help you if the worst happens this night.
Someone wants to get the CORE Viola family has the duty to protect during the following years. We don't know how these intruders managed to outwit all the security systems but we knew we were under their attack too late. We are currently facing an extreme disadvantage. Your father is doing the best and the most he can but that may not be enough. Also, I sent an emergency call to Garderobe and to the only person I really trust in my life, Saeko Kruger. Whatever you are doing now and whatever position you have, listen and trust me: She is the only one you can trust.
Shizuru, you are very important, you and your brother of course. Garderobe has a secret program that has been perfectly executed during centuries. Probably you heard about it by now but only certain Otomes have the complete information. I am one of those Otomes. Garderobe's Breeding Program had the objective to produce the perfect Otome, the one that will be free of our chains and restrictions. This will be a woman, which in certain age will be able to materialize without any nanomachines on her body and without any GEM. She is destined to become Garderobe's Hime and start a new era.
Garderobe's projections estimate this woman will be Seki's daughter with the heiress of Kruger House. Yes, my dear our two families and also other noble families have been Garderobe's experimental field for that only purpose.
However, I think, I feel inside my soul that the daughter has to be yours. I can't give you any scientific reason but the deep certainty which I woke up after the dreams. You shall have a daughter with the heir of the House of Kruger.
My mission as an Otome is to protect Seki as part of the Breeding Program…my mission as your mother is to protect both of you. Your father has been working on a very secret project he calls, the 'No-Field' and using that theory he build the 'No-chamber' where I will hide you after recording this message and the 'No-ship' where I will hide Seki. After that, I will fight together with your father to protect our home for both of you. You will be listening this message, if I fail on that target.
Whatever happens, the 'No-field' technology is very powerful and very dangerous. You have in your hands not only the fate of hundreds of years of genetic schemas but also a weapon that may change the face of the Empire. I wish you make the wisest decision about both.
But what I wish the most is you are not alone listening this message, the wish of my heart is that you have a Kruger by your side, either Saeko or her descendant.
There is something else you should know. Besides the Viola family, only two persons knew about Kansai security systems, Count Kyler Kruger and Meister Uma Shamrock. I already told you who you can trust Shizuru, don't forget it."
"Airlie! What are you doing? We have to bring the kids…hurry up!"
For few seconds both Shizuru's parents showed at the projection. Aylen Viola looked straight at the recording a bit more than two seconds. Shizuru was tall and strong like him.
"I am done Aylen…this is something I had to do, just in case."
"We will make it Airlie, just bring the kids. I will see you at the living room."
Before stopping the recording, Shizuru's mother stood up close to the CORE to say "I love you, Shizuru"
The recording ended and all them at the room felt a deep emptiness on their hearts. During some part of the message, Shizuru's hand slid involuntary on Natsuki's, squeezing it. That was the only gesture denoting the strong emotion Shizuru was feeling.
Less than five minutes, that was the only that was left. A five minutes message, a devastated planet and the most wanted device on the Universe, the active CORE. Natsuki noticed all the Otomes, her cousins and the others leaving them alone without any word. Miyu left as well, following the others after closing the holographic device.
Once they were alone, Natsuki faced Shizuru taking both of her hands. Shizuru's face was a mask of stone.
"Shizuru…" Natsuki's voice was full of concern; it has been a lot for her beloved that day, and Natsuki was feeling guilty for asking her too much but now after hearing that message Natsuki was overtaken. "Shizuru please, look at me. I am here with you, as I promised."
Natsuki's words were like an awaking call for Shizuru, who breathing deeply; found the way back again steadying herself on Natsuki's green eyes. After a couple of breathings, Shizuru finally closed her eyes but two tears were already falling down on her cheeks.
That was the most painful view for Natsuki, seeing Shizuru's pain and feeling it as her own. With a impulsive decision, Natsuki embraced Shizuru with all her strength, after a while, Shizuru also embraced her in response and Natsuki could finally breath with relief.
"I am here Shizuru, I won't let you alone." Natsuki whispered at the other woman ear.
Releasing the embrace a bit, Shizuru met Natsuki's eyes. The eyes Shizuru loved even before meeting the owner. According to her mother, she was destined to a Kruger. So be it.
"Thank you Natsuki, thank you for…"
"Don't say anything now, just…take some time and rest. Ray, Miyu and the others can keep on with this. We will go to the campground and have some rest."
Shizuru nodded, smiling a bit sadly. Natsuki was trying harder to make her feel better but she had a burning iron on heart.
Walking away from Natsuki, Shizuru approached the CORE again.
"This is what they wanted so badly Natsuki, can you imagine that?"
"No, certainly I can't. I wouldn't want to have something like this." Natsuki was so close of Shizuru again.
"That's why you are the only one who deserves it. Whoever made the decision, it was the best one."
"It was Shamrock isn't? Miyu-san said that."
"No, Miyu said Uma and Yohko had to run the protocol together but I almost sure Yohko made the decision."
"Why are you so sure about it?"
"During years, since the time I woke up at the hospital bed to know I no longer had a family, a home or a planet, I wondered what happened that night, the night of the attack. Nobody knew how it was possible they could have tricked the best security system on the universe. Your father was blamed for it."
"During years, I thought he was the only one who knew about Kansai systems as my parents did but now, we know he was not the only one."
"Wait, Shizuru…you know I don't like Shamrock but that doesn't make her guilty. My father was blamed, yes, but he was innocent. We don't know if it is Shamrock's case. Your mother only said the two of them knew."
"Yes…but during years Uma had known how much I wondered about that night and she never ever told me she knew the same than your father."
Natsuki remained silent for a while thinking about it.
"And there is another thing Natsuki, you father died protecting his family and this CORE, exactly as my parents. Whatever it is, Uma will have a lot to explain."
The sound of a throat clearing made them to look at the entrance. Ray was standing there, with abated face.
"Natsuki, Shizuru-san, I am really sorry to interrupt but this is very important."
"It's Ok, Ray-san, you are not interrupting, please tell us." Ray had an unconditional admiration and care for Shizuru and Shizuru was in retribution, always gentle with Ray.
"According to Miyu-san we have very few time left. As soon as the CORE finishes up the updating process with the other CORE, since it is leaving the MSP, it will transfer our coordinates to the other COREs."
"In other words, soon anyone who has the other COREs will know this one is active and also where it is." Shizuru completed.
"That's exactly the problem Shizuru-san." Ray looked at Natsuki waiting for her orders.
"Ray, call the others, we have to leave Kansai as soon as possible."
Thanks for reading and until the next time.