Yes, tonight is a weird time for an update… sometimes one have to figure out with the available time :)
Sorry for the long wait. I was working on the last chapters all together so we are finally here. This is not the final chapter but the last two chapter will come on the next two weeks so, keep in touch.
My gratitude to AtlantisLux for her help.
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 15. Crossroads
"There are weapons you cannot hold in your hands. You can only hold them in your mind."
Bene Gesserit Teaching
Dune: House Atreides
Kansai, Viola House Planet. Ruins of the Ancient City of Heian-kyo, Daidairi Palace
Dark clouds were slowly rising on the horizon changing the sky from dark blue to menacing dark, as a bad omen of their days to come. Shizuru had her red eyes fixed on those distant clouds knowing that sooner or later, they will reach them.
"They didn't make it Natsuki. Whatever my mother plan was, she didn't make it on time. If the no-ship wasn't destroyed, it must be still hidden where it was originally"
"Why are you so sure?" Natsuki, who was working with Miyu trying to guess the best place for the no-ship, feared the answer she will get just by hearing Shizuru's dark tone.
Shizuru recalled the story Saeko Kruger told her in Skáneland in what seemed ages ago.
"Lady Saeko found my mother, severely injured but still alive when she came responding my mother's call. My brother and my father were dead by then. Your mother was kind enough to delete any recording of them dead but that's for sure, Natsuki."
After Miyu's warning, an avalanche of activity overflowed the Kruger's forces in Kansai. Natsuki split her people to undo the campground, eliminate any trace of their presence in planet, find the no-ship Shizuru's mother mentioned at the message and transport the CORE to the main cruiser.
Time was against them if as they suspected, Garderobe and Horus were attacked, those who wanted the CORE will be hunting them very soon. They had a small window to retain the surprise factor and Natsuki had the strong feeling the no-ship was the keystone for that.
Natsuki and Miyu did a quick reconstruction guessing that the most probable location for the no-ship was on the hangars. They must find a similar basement on the hangars as soon as possible. Finding the no-chamber took them almost the whole day, they didn't have much time left.
"Countess Kruger, there is a possibility."
"We will look at any option, Miyu-san. Tell us."
"We can't trace the no-ship signal but we can set the hangar perimeter and find the same terrain patterns we saw in the no-chamber. Duke Viola needed a similar structure to hide the ship but also to allow taking off."
"The hangars are more than 10 times bigger than the Duke's lab Miyu however if there is no other chance…"
"Yes, there is one Natsuki."
Shizuru was a bit apart from Natsuki and Miyu looking for her inner balance; the previous exercise of diving inside her past memories or maybe everything since they got land three months ago was triggering an overflow of consciousness inside Shizuru. Whatever could be the reason, as a damn that was suddenly beaten by the weight of water, the barrier holding her memories was slowly cracking while the water was expelled with extraordinary pressure through the fissures. More and more fissures were appearing in that mental and spiritual wall, so many that Shizuru had to recall the litany to ease her soul and inner peace before the major flood she was about to live.
"What it is Shizuru? Did you remember something?" Natsuki as a wild animal could feel disaster coming; she could feel the interior storm emanating from Shizuru.
"I am…remembering. The no-ship is not at the hangars." Heading to a complete different direction, Shizuru explained, "My father had two important places, his lab and the observatory."
"An observatory? Why you would have an observatory in the castle?" Natsuki looked at the building plan since she didn't see any reference to an observatory.
"You had an arena in Castel Skánien, isn't Natsuki?" Shizuru asked smiling, having Natsuki by her side made her internal restlessness more bearable.
"Yes…" Natsuki responded proudly and promptly.
"Do you see arena any in the plans of Daidairi?"
"Well, no…but…"
"My Countess will have to admit that not everyone has to be a warrior… I will concede her that not everyone has to be a scientist," as speaking, Shizuru kept walking to another location in the torn down structures. Again, she was the one leading the way.
Despite Shizuru's teasing, Natsuki was happy to see her in good mettle, mainly after all everything she bore in that long day. The Kansai's sun was way past its climax, they were running out of time and the storm was clearly coming. "Still, Shizuru, there is no observatory on these plans."
"No, maybe you have it there as the 'Dome'…?"
"Affirmative, Archmeister. The so called structure should be exactly where we are right now."
"Thank you Miyu-san. Please run the terrain scanning as you did it on the previous location."
Shizuru was standing as a queen with Natsuki by her side, the latter with her arms crossed over her chest and frowning a bit, looked serene on the exterior but internally praying Shizuru and Miyu were right.
Miyu moved quickly, running the scannings all over the area while dark clouds were gathering on the horizon and the sky got darker with purple and gray shades announcing a huge storm coming.
"The most likely location is here, Archmeister Viola," Miyu said signaling an area about 25 square meters.
"Are you sure? This is like too small."
"The 'no-ship' is not like other aircrafts Natsuki. I trust Miyu-san's conclusion. Call the others and we will know it for sure."
For everyone's relief, Miyu was right and they found a fortified chamber exactly like the CORE's one. The storm was over them, electrifying the air when Shizuru slid her ring as a key one more time. The last item her family left behind was about to be gathered, even dead, her parents were watching over her. Her mother left her GEM for her with her precious memories and wisdom; and her father giving them maybe the most powerful weapon that will tip the scales in their favor.
This time, the opening was a bit different than they were expecting. After Shizuru's action, a soft tremor spread through the terrain.
"What the hell...?" Natsuki couldn't end the sentence.
The tremor increased and instinctively, all of them moved away of its epicenter. The ground cracked in several places and a big cleavage ran like a ground thunderbolt cutting land under their feet. Moving further away quickly this time, they saw how the cleavage grew wider and wider. The terrain was opening in front of their astonished eyes, revealing a shiny and polished surface that after some seconds, slid following the first one, showing an identical third layer that slid as well after some seconds showing a big and dark basement.
"It's a floodgate sliding system! Wow!...This is unbelievable." Natsuki was amazed of the technology level required to do what they saw that day and then looking at Shizuru, realized that was build at least twenty years ago. Then remembered what her grandfather told her about Shizuru's family. They leaded the imperial technology advances and cruisers designing and construction, no one was better than Viola House for science and technology among the Noble Houses. Natsuki wondered why the attack came when the CORE was under the Viola custody when Windbloom or Kruger House were easier targets; and understood why Shizuru wanted so bad an explanation from Uma Shamrock. The only one who had better technology than the Viola House was Garderobe itself and the Scientific Guild, but now looking at the 'no-field' technology Natsuki was having her doubts about.
When the sliding system finished, a big dark square of 50 meters per side was opened under their feet.
"It will be hard to hide this Countess Kruger." Irina said with a shocked face again.
Everyone walked to the edge, at the bottom some lights were lighting a dark and strange aircraft, delineating the sharp edges of an assault airship like no other. Materializing, Shizuru approached Natsuki slowly, holding her tightly by the waist.
"May I fly Natsuki down?"
Natsuki still in shock like Irina, only nodded blushing a bit but still giving Ray and Reito a last minute order to follow them.
Once down there, on the ground. Ray and Shizuru kept their robes materialized, just in case while the four observed the aircraft in detail.
"Do you think it will fit in our cruiser?"
"Oh yes," Reito was in ecstasy admiring it but still willing to answer Natsuki's questions. "But maybe we will have to leave some of the Sky Wolves and other things here."
"Or maybe try to keep them on the other cruiser." Ray suggested as well.
"Remember we still have the CORE guys."
"Our cruisers are imperial standard K Class, the last ones designed and produced at the Viola's shipyard; unlike that modified one that attacked us in Skáneland that had 4,500 meters length…at least; we have only a bit more than 2,200 meters."
"That's very encouraging Reito, really."
"Sadly those are the numbers Natsuki. I don't know if we will be able to fit everything on the cruisers."
"Give the Sky Wolves the priority, we can't leave behind artillery we will need on the future. Make them fit, Ray help him out. Have everything ready to leave, I will take this baby out and will join you at the main cruiser. We should get out of here before the storm reach us."
Ray complied promptly but Reito still had a disappointed air on his face while Ray carried him out.
"He is dying to fly it right?" Shizuru said finding the ship control panel and opening it for Natsuki.
"Maybe…but he will have to wait."
"I am sad for him but you are right…if is not my brother, you are the only one who deserves to fly it for the first time."
Natsuki smiled, touching Shizuru's arm with restrained love as the no-ship gate was opening. It was no time for more, but finally after so many years, a Viola will claim for the ship.
The ship has about 50 meters length and was definitely, an assault aircraft. It was extraordinarily well designed and built and was bigger than regular assault aircrafts. Natsuki with expert eyes evaluated that it could carry a seven people crew when the regular assault ships carried a maximum of five but it was so well designed, that it could be flown with a small three people crew.
"This is really amazing Shizuru…your father was…oh, I am sorry, I didn't…"
Placing a gentle finger on Natsuki's lips, Shizuru silenced the apology.
"Natsuki doesn't need to apologize. You are to only one who can talk about my father as about your own family."
"Thanks, Shizuru. I just don't want to make you feel…uncomfortable."
"I assure you, you don't make feel uncomfortable in any way." They were at the main command booth. "In fact, I am happy you like the aircraft."
"Oh I like it, but it's a lot more than just liking Shizuru. It's wonderful. Your father was an amazing engineer and designer."
Smiling Shizuru, explained, "He was more a scientist with a wide range of interests. I remember that few days before the attack, we were on his lab, he was telling me a story and he showed me his project for a 'city ship' that has almost ten thousand meters length and as you can guess, was a flying city."
"Ten thousand meters?!" Natsuki's eyes opened with wonderment.
"Amazing right? It was his last project and he was trying to get the funding from the Empire to accomplish it."
"Your father had a lot in his hands when the attack happened, right?" Natsuki couldn't avoid a dark tone to filter in her voice at that sentence.
"Indeed, my dear, maybe too many things that other people wanted. The question is which one of those was the cause of such destruction and pain."
They stayed at Command Bridge in silence, just standing close of each other and after a while, Natsuki proposed with determined voice, "Let's go out and find the answer."
Using the big storm coming to hide their last traces, Natsuki ordered departing with her small army. Shizuru's last glance of her lost home was the earthy dark surface, cut through with long scars and wrapped up with a massive wild storm. The last desolated picture of a paradise.
Wallach IX, Garderobe Headquarters Planet.
"Master…we are getting activity from the main chamber!" S-2 entered the Headmistress office that S-1 had claimed as part of his conquest.
S-1 smiled, "So the Headmistress was saying the truth, she didn't have control over the system. But now it is getting back we have to see what the powerful Uma Shamrock has to say."
"Meet me at the main chamber and bring the Headmistress with you," S-1 ordered with satisfaction.
Aries, Armitage House Planet
"Breath, Yukino-san…everything will be fine, breath and calm down."
Yohko was carrying Yukino in the quietness way possible at the Armitage military facility's medical center where they were secluded and guarded since D'Artai arrived to 'save' them from the invaders. The violent siege in fact, stopped since he arrived but he took control over everything. They were all lucky to survive.
All the Otomes, including the ruler of the House, Haruka Armitage were kept in a high security detention facility under severe and strict control means while Yohko, Midori and Yukino were allowed to stay with some amount of freedom on that regular military facility. Yohko insisted in to keep Yukino under strict medical vigilance and the help of Sakura Hazakura, who amazingly was supporting Baron D'Artai, made it possible. However Yohko feared this day, she didn't know what will happen once the child was born.
"Midori, I am going to need your help."
"Uhmm?!...I…" Midori felt a frozen hand tightening her heart but under Yohko's gaze, she endured.
"Help me here with Yukino-san"
"Haruka-chan…will be, must be already…very concerned and anxious."
"I am sure she will be fine Yukino-san, we will find the way to notify her, but now, you have to focus."
They were finally at the small surgery room and leaving Midori holding Yukino's hand; Yohko ran and prepared everything as fast as she could. She felt her heart stopping when the door opened on their backs.
Standing on the door frame was Sakura Hazakura.
"You should let me know Helene-san." She said walking in and joining promptly to help Yohko.
Even when Yohko accepted her help without saying a word, Yukino was a complete different matter. The young woman lowered her eyes and keeping her rhythmic and deep breathing, avoided Sakura's eyes.
"You have powerful and valid reasons to distrust, Archduchess Chrysant…" Sakura tried as an approach.
"I have not that title Meister Hazakura"…"Haruka-chan has it"… "I am just her wife." Breathing between sentences, finally a strong contraction closed Yukino's eyes in an effort to keep herself under control.
"Can I call you Yukino-san then? I assure you, I am here to help. Please allow me."
Three pairs of eyes were posed on her with concern.
"You will be glad of that at the end."
Sakura may have reason, but at that time, it was no other choice for them.
Kansai Stellar Space. Kruger Cruiser 'Blue Wolf'.
Natsuki and her team were all reunited at the cruiser main bridge. The CORE-Drei now fully operational, just provided them with the history of the previous months. Everything since the very moment they left Wallach IX was there. The brutal attacks Aries, Carthagos, Windbloom and those Wallach IX and Horus were subject of; Anri Hazakura deposing as Emperor and Tomoe's designation as first Empress of the known universe, the falling of grace of Kruger House, the ECCO transcriptions and even the names of the betrayers were there.
The bridge was in complete silence after they saw and hear the reports. The universe had a new balance and the one holding the handle was Schwartz and their main cover was the new Empress, Tomoe Marguerite.
Natsuki was leaning on the head of the meeting table with both of her arms and her head lowered. For the first time in her life, she felt completely lost and she looked like.
Sergay Wang was designated 'temporary governor' of Skáneland under the excuse of treason and her family was under arrest in her own planet and Aasgard. Chie or Armbrust never sent a message because they were the first ones getting caught. Natsuki felt as if suddenly she might have lost everything.
Raising her head she found several pair of eyes looking at her, waiting loyally and anxiously for her commands. They were renegades, but these men and women still trust her to do…something. Shizuru was looking at her with an arched brown and a slightly reprobate gaze. Since Natsuki didn't say a word, Shizuru took the initiative.
"May I have a few words with the Countess in private, gentlemen and meisters?" Shizuru asked with perfect control and aristocratic confidence, and all the presents assented respectfully to the Garderobe's Archmeister and Duchess Viola.
"My Countess?..." Shizuru took the lead out of the bridge but waited for Natsuki to walk ahead of her.
"That's not the attitude the leader of the Kruger House should have, Natsuki." Shizuru said once they were alone.
Natsuki remained in silence looking at Shizuru's eyes, surprised of the determination shinning on them.
"I don't know what to do, Shizuru. They are expecting me to guide them; they are expecting me to fix a terrible situation that is way out of my hands… I…"
"Then do it, Natsuki, as you did in Skáneland saving your home and your people. Saving all of us."
"But Shizuru…look at the numbers! Six major planets, six and an Empire had been taken aback by those…!
But it was no valid argument for Shizuru.
"And are you going to let them? Will all the pain we saw be in vain? Did your father died in vain? Did my family and my home vanished in vain?" Shizuru's voice was cold while she was asking those questions.
"WE… the Otomes, your father's men, you and I, are the only hope left. And you have nothing more but us. You will have to manage with that. What is the worst that can happen after? That we die fighting? Dying protecting what we love? Or are you expecting to stay here sitting lamenting our unfair fate?"
Natsuki felt Shizuru's words as violent shock. Never before she had seen Shizuru like that, she had the determined and fierce look of an ancient warrior as she talked.
"As long as you are alive the House Kruger will prevail. It's your choice Natsuki…and you know you won't be alone. I always fought to protect Garderobe's sake until this day; from now on, I will do it only to protect my most precious person because she is the only I have left. I won't let anyone to take her away from me."
Natsuki felt pain in her chest after those words and the fire lighting up on her soul. Shizuru was right; she can't run away no matter how hard the path ahead was.
With new determination, Natsuki walked back to the command bridge. She still didn't know what to do but she had the best team to help her to figure out that.
When she got into the bridge, her firm and straightened attitude made everyone to raise the head, straightening their pose as well. "Shizuru is so right, no matter how hard, I have to withstand."
"Enough time of resting." She approached the holographic table where the CORE, secured on the ship main generator area, was sending the report's projection.
"Those assholes will make a huge mistake: they will underestimate us. We have to be clever and move ahead of them. We have the CORE so we are the ones in control, not them. I need a most accurate planetary system map and the portals distribution. Miyu-san, I need your best estimation of the Schwartz positions. In the meantime….Navigator, set the path to the portal."
"Final destination coordinates Countess?"
"Skáneland."
System Alpha Lupi, Skáneland's Stellar Space - Castel Skánien.
During their travel through the portal to Skáneland, Natsuki drew an action plan with her people. They had the CORE information but they certainly needed more power than that.
"According to the CORE's report, CORE-Man and CORE-Zwei in Wallach IX and Horus respectively, are active but still locked, Countess." Irina worked together with Miyu to extract and resume the more information possible during their way through the portal. "Miyu-san has kept the communication system shut down as you requested and so far, the only information they could have are CORE-Drei's first coordinates in Kansai but nothing more."
"Don't forget the ECCO system Meister Woods."
"Right!...yes Miyu-san," before Irina could explain Natsuki was already looking at the digital report.
"So, this ECCO system will be the only way to communicate."
"For Otomes, yes it is correct and it will be only between the designated users."
"According to this list Shizuru must have one," raising her head Natsuki looked for Shizuru's eyes.
"The activation instruction was given after we left Wallach IX; the only ECCO device that was activated previously to Wallach's attack was…Meister Zhang's," Irina double checked before giving Natsuki the details. "Maybe the Archmeister's device carrier never made it through the portal."
Natsuki fixed a gaze on Ray but her cousin was serious and calmed as always and returned a crystal clear gaze to Natsuki.
"What is Zhang's location right now?"
"Cardair, the system indicates she has a mission there related with Prince Kazuya Krauxeku."
"That guy is insane Natsuki;" Reito warned, "If he is part of the betrayers, whatever Meister Zhang is doing there could give us a possibility. I knew him at the swordsmanship training; he was expelled from school with dishonor due his multiple and dirty 'habits' for fighting among many other…disgusting habits. He has absolutely no sense of honor, I am sure no one can control him, he must be a pain for Schwartz and D'Artai."
"Nao-san should have him controlled by now Natsuki but Kanzaki-san is right; Prince Krauxeku is our best change to infiltrate the conspirators' network." Shizuru said handing Natsuki Garderobe's internal information sheet about him using one of the CORE portable handheld devices.
Natsuki frowned while reading using the digital device. "Having this CORE is like having access to an almighty oracle. This is the way Shamrock does it, right?"
"Sort of that," Shizuru smiled at Natsuki's face of disgust.
"And do you have sheets like this for many people? Like me?"
"Yes, Garderobe has…well, had countless information on the important people…not only about you, my Countess." Shizuru teased Natsuki a bit but inside, she was finding hard to refer Garderobe as something linked to her. She was used to think in Garderobe as 'us' but since some time ago, she was thinking Garderobe in terms of 'them'. In any case, that was the final and clear signal that she already chose a side.
"According to the list…all Columns should have an ECCO device but the system only shows activated those assigned to Lady Saeko, Meisters Gallagher and Zhang, Countess." Irina was almost thinking aloud while informing Natsuki. The ECCO device was currently the only secure and available way of communication and it was very surprising the Headmistress wasn't using it.
"We elaborated why Shizuru didn't get hers but what about Shamrock's?" Natsuki wanted to know fixing a questioning gaze towards Irina.
"There is no info, Countess. Either the headmistress didn't get it as well or she never activated it."
"So, the user had to activate it first?"
"Indeed. The device is attached to the GEM and works like a key, only the designated GEM can be linked. Using the CORE network and Otomes materializing principles, the ECCO device can communicate the users securely, virtually anywhere at the universe." Irina explained proudly since she helped Yohko to design it. She didn't expect Yohko will use them so soon and was anxious to see them working. "But the good news is there are more ECCO devices activated."
"More? Where?" Natsuki was slowly having a glimpse of how they could win this war.
"Mai Tokiha, Arika Yumemiya…" Irina stopped reading the last name with surprise.
"Is there some one more, Meister Woods?" Shizuru asked seeing Irina's astonishment.
"Yes…Archmeister, the system is showing Meister Chie Hallard." Irina's eyes were wide open.
"Those are great news!" Natsuki smile widened. As they were putting together the pieces, she was feeling more confident they could make it. They had the main CORE, now they needed more Otome power.
"There are no transcriptions from her but she is active."
"That could be because she is under arrest." Ray guessed internally happy to have at least a small new about Chie.
"It doesn't matter, having Chie there is like having a hidden bomb we can use at anytime. Tomoe's hooligans didn't crushed Chie and Armbrust; they allowed to be caught to get us some time. I am sure they are waiting for the right time and we will let them know when it is. We need at least one of those ECCO users with us."
Natsuki was looking at her Otomes for advice.
"It's better to leave Mai and Arika on their planets; they are the only ones who can protect their people. That left us with the Columns." Ray pointed after thinking a bit. "With the only exception of Lady Saeko, there are other Otomes in addition to the Columns in Cardair and Aries."
"So, Zhang or Meister Gallagher would be our best options?" Natsuki felt a knot on her throat thinking on her mother.
All the Otomes assented but Shizuru and Natsuki noticed immediately.
"What happen Shizuru?"
"Well, aside of the fact Ray-san pointed so accurately there is other issue: Garderobe Breeding program Natsuki. The only ones that can tell us about it are Uma Shamrock and Lady Saeko. And your mother is the only one we could have chance to talk about." Shizuru didn't mentioned Natsuki about her last talk with Uma Shamrock in Wallach IX before departing to Kansai but now, everything made sense. She needed to have a talk with Natsuki and Saeko together.
"I ordered to come here because I thought taking back Skáneland will give us a competitive advantage but I have doubts right now. Maybe we shall wait and strike in a different way."
"Did you have a plan Natsuki?"
"Oh yes, but we have to talk with grandfather and my mother."
"We can take the no-ship and enter the castle using the emergency underground tunnels." Reito proposed and looking for a digital map, he showed Natsuki the alternatives. "I don't think Sergay Wang has bothered to look beneath his feet. Haakon, Sakomizu and Lady Saeko must be cooperating, also waiting for the best opportunity just like Chie and Armbrust. We can use the tunnels, if Miyu-san comes with us, we can certainly intrude the Kruger systems without them to notice us and find where they have Lady Saeko."
"Have the no-ship ready Reito, you and Miyu-san will come with us. Ray, you will remain on charge of our fleet during my absence."
Horus, Scientific Guild See. Capital City Nekhen.
S-5 was extremely frustrated; from all her brothers, he was the one with the worst luck. Whatever they were expecting to find at Garderobe's scientific arm, they weren't getting it. He wanted to have someone to blame and to make pay for it.
The scientific guild had a contrasting planet; it was highly automated with huge advances in technology but in other areas keeping a careful old taste. The buildings at the capital city, Nekhen, were old but well cared. Nobody could imagine that behind those wide walls or even inside the wall, sophisticated devices controlled the survival systems, air quality, networking and utilities, as well as other information services.
One of the main reasons for S-5's frustration was that despite all that technology or maybe precisely because of it, they couldn't get into the CORE's chamber. So close and sadly, too far away from their most wanted target.
He was wishing to present the key to all Garderobe´s secrets, the CORE and be the one who could handle it against their enemies. No one else, with the only exception of S-2, who was in Wallach IX, had better opportunities than him.
The higher ranked Otome he found at the Guild was a very young girl, Erstin Ho. She was claiming day after day she had no way to get into the CORE chamber. When the CORE-Zwei restarted after the MSP, in response to the CORE-Drei reactivation in Kansai, S-5 knew it would be maybe his last and only chance.
Maybe that was the reason of the catastrophe.
S-5 was standing proudly at the chamber's main door, when their men showed up, literally dragging Erstin with them.
"Have you noticed something different Meister Ho?"
Erstin posed her clear eyes on the door. The main panel was active, waiting for the right command. The one, she as deputy Otome of Horus could enter in.
"My answer is still the same; I don't know the pass activation code."She answered serenely but a sudden shiver travel over her body from her nape, her inner senses were warning her of a huge danger.
"I don't think so, Meister Ho. This will be your last chance: What is the access code?"
"I don't know it," was Erstin's nth answer.
"Ok. Decoder, proceed at your discretion." S-5 ordered and then stood aside enjoying the view while a young man was installing several devices.
Erstin closed her eyes feeling despair, sadness, impotence. She had at least to give it a try.
"Don't do that."
"Give me the access code and I will stop it."
With a sigh, Erstin looked at him and her next words made his smile vanish. "Then, we will all die."
"It is a trick! I will show the Master there is no way of trusting these bitches!"
The decoder finished installing the device and all moved to a safer distance. S-5 smiled like a possessed while pushing the button. They were using special explosive charges that were the last D'Artai creations.
The expansive blast was ten times more destructive than any other bombs of its kind, they were standing at the safe distance indicated by Sergay Wang but still the debris hit them a bit.
When the dust lowered down, S-5 was exultant. The panel didn't resist the explosion and through the irregular hole it left, they could see red lights flashing. "The doors didn't resist but the CORE is intact! As Wang said it will be!"
S-5 got into the chambers with his men dragging Erstin again just in time to hear it.
"Self-Destruction Protocol initiated…"
"Executing…"
"3:00 minutes for self-destruction…"
"2:59"
"2:58 "
S-5 was not giving credit to his ears, he ran to the CORE gravitational base looking for the control panel but everything was locked. The CORE for the first time on the ultimate protocol was already unreachable for anyone. It was a red fire ball turning into the deadliest force to be known on the universe.
"2:57"
"2:56"
"You! Stop this insanity!" S-5 shouted toward Erstin with his finger trembling and his voice fulfilled with fear.
"2:55"
"2:54"
"I have been telling you all the time…I can't. You ask but you don't listen."
Erstin gave her serene answer before a wide-eyed S-5 and the time kept running mercilessly.
Dragging her again, S-5 though it will be enough to get out of the chamber and maybe out of the building, but Erstin unreadable face was a heavy burden. The serene resignation on those eyes was a lot more concerning than the countdown and the memory of her words. "We will all die then." All, she said, we all.
"0:10"
"0:09"
The seconds ran very fast for Erstin. Although they were no longer at the CORE's chamber, she could hear the countdown knowing what it meant. Erstin and every Otome at the universe were listening through the GEMs link with the COREs.
"0:01"
"0:00"
A massive tremor that was not going to end, initiated at the CORE's chamber, spreading in all directions while the CORE was getting its critical mass.
Erstin had a succession of frozen moments; her hearth was fulfilled with sadness because it was nothing she could do to help. As the deputy Otome left in charge by Yohko-san and the Headmistress, she had only one mission and she couldn't even guarantee to fulfill at least that.
The Schwartz man understood too late what was happening, he tried to send a messenger, he tried to save himself…but it was no escape.
No one was now taking care of watching her now, so materializing in the middle of the chaos, Erstin went to Yohko's office gathering a small device from Yohko's secret safety box and then, she flew away the fastest she could but it was not fast enough.
A deadly ring of fire deployed from Horus' center, expanding to the infinite.
Aasgard, Imperial Capital – Aries – Carthagos – Cardair – Wallach IX …
Every Otome in the universe had an unbreakable link with the CORE system. Once it was set through the GEM link, an Otome was always an Otome. They could chose to stop having a GEM and 'retire' and they won't be ever able to materialize again but they will felt a permanent hole in their souls that nothing could fulfill.
In that dark hour, all Otomes were seeing inside their minds the ring wave of destruction and feeling a part of their beings crushing; the immense tragedy was an overwhelming pain on their souls. Something like that shouldn't ever happen and none of them will remain unmarked since all Otomes were part of the same system and for some of them, it was a sacred system that deserved any sacrifice.
Ayane Hazakura fell on her knees on the solitude of her room, "What we have done?"..."What I have done?..."
All the Otomes under arrest at Aries including Haruka Armitage kept an astonished and shocked silence…
Mai Tokiha embraced her brother with an out of gear face…
Juliet Nao Zhang sat up in her bed surrounded by the darkness, forgetting where she was for some seconds, sure she was having the worst nightmare ever had...but it happened to be truth…
Uma Shamrock closed her eyes with a deep pain spreading on her chest for the second time in her whole life…
For every Otome in the Universe the time stopped and they remained completely out of any human contact or able to show any emotion, suspended in a silent scream.
Skáneland, Kruger House Planet, Castel Skánien.
The easy part was deceiver their own systems, with the no-ship it was nothing to fear about. Natsuki, Shizuru, Reito and Miyu, used the small and light ship, passing by the D'Artai cruiser orbiting Skáneland's. The chasers never looked at them either.
The harder part after hiding the ship carefully was getting into the tunnels and remaining unnoticed. Natsuki and Reito looked at each other from time to time wondering how Sergay Wang could have taken control of Skáneland so soon. Kruger House was not under attack, all their army was intact at the planet, the fleets, armament, everything. It was only one reason.
"Lady Saeko and Haakon-san were forced to surrender. And they did it to avoid the citizens more pain and losses."
"That's a really high price to pay Reito, but I am sure neither my grandfather nor Sakomizu had surrendered for real. They are just waiting."
"I am agree Natsuki, if that mean they are not under arrest maybe they are still at the castle."
They were walking with extreme carefulness through the dark tunnels, moving ahead slowly trying to make the minimum sound, hiding their presence as the natural sounds of the underground.
Shizuru and Miyu were very quiet during the whole trip and were walking a bit behind of Natsuki and Reito, when suddenly Shizuru stopped the walk suddenly, leaning of the wall, holding herself against it with her hands trying to keep her balance.
Noticing something was wrong, Natsuki ran back to hold Shizuru.
"Shizuru!... are you ok?"
Shizuru didn't answer; her gaze fixed in some point at the infinite.
"Shizuru!...Miyu, what is happening?"
Miyu had a different kind of connection to the CORE system than the Otomes. She was a privileged guest and she was also hearing the countdown but she didn't have any emotional bound with the CORE system.
"CORE-Zwei has initiated the self destruction sequence," was her cold answer.
Reito and Natsuki turned pale imaging what that meant but their brains and wills were still resisting the terrible truth.
"What?! That's the one in …"
"Horus…" Shizuru finally talked. "Horus will be destroyed in less than one minute." With an incredibly sad gaze, Shizuru looked for Natsuki's eyes. "We have to hurry Natsuki; we have to find Lady Saeko as soon as possible."
Aries, Armitage House Planet.
"Horus…disappeared? A whole planet? How is that possible?" For the first time in his life Nagi was completely surprised and disconcerted.
"Yes your highness, General Wang also confirmed reception of the same information from Wallach IX, S-2 himself call him to tell him about. We don't have any other information."
"That could only meant that the Schwartz´s slave on charge made a huge mistake or they fell under a massive unknown attack." Nagi's mind was spinning rapidly, looking for alternatives. Anything on his plans predicted something like that and no one was strong enough to achieve such attack but the most concerning thing was no one really wanted to destroy Horus or even Wallach, what Schwartz wanted was Garderobe's secrets and knowledge.
"Tatsuhiko, look for Meister Hazakura and bring her to me, immediately."
Sakura passed the first shock but after that, the hardest thing was telling to Yohko and Midori. They already had Yukino's daughter clean and safe, and were attending the mother when it started. Sakura had to sit with the other looking at her with concern.
Sakura stood up and literally trembling of rage and impotence, asked Yohko to follow her outside their improvised labor room.
"What is happening Hazakura-san? You look…well, overwhelmed. It's truly concerning to see an Otome like you in this state."
A tear, brilliant like a gem slid Sakura's cheek, it was no easy way to say. It was no way. "CORE-Zwei…initiated self destruction."
Yohko covered her mouth with both hands and after some seconds, the two women embraced each other, desolated.
Tatsuhiko found them still in that position, requiring Sakura to follow him with Baron D'Artai.
Still holding Yohko, Sakura murmured, "Stay here with Yukino-san until I came back Yohko-san, and don't leave the medical room for any reason. I will stop by to see Meister Armitage. Please trust me and do exactly as I said if you really want to help them."
Skáneland, Kruger House Planet, Castel Skánien.
Natsuki and her group found a positive signal using Miyu's skills to hack the Kruger security system. Luckily, Lady Saeko was at Haakon's private studio together with Sakomizu. Reito activated the hidden mechanism opening the false wall on Haakon's studio; letting them in.
At the beginning, Saeko, Haakon or Sakomizu didn't give credit to their eyes; as an answer to their prayers, Natsuki was there standing in the darkness.
Without any word, Natsuki walked inside, hugging her mother first and after, Haakon and Sakomizu. Saeko fused in a deep embrace with Shizuru after hugging her daughter.
"An eternity wouldn't be enough punishment for the one who did this," was her dark comment after a while, still holding Shizuru.
"Whoever was responsible, he died along, Lady Saeko. We can't change it…but now, we have a chance." Haakon said keeping her granddaughter's shoulder on his big hands and looking at her face as it was the first time… or the last one.
"You did it right, my dear?"
"We did it grandfather, we have the CORE," Natsuki answered her grandfather but kept her eyes on Shizuru. Shizuru and her mother were still devastated by the Horus' tragedy but handling it well.
"I was hoping we could meet in different conditions but I am so glad to see you Kruger-san." Shizuru greeted the old Count.
Haakon held Shizuru as he did with her granddaughter, looking at them with love and satisfaction.
"Is it safe to talk here, grandfather?" Natsuki was a bit nervous under Haakon´s detailed exam but Shizuru was smiling back to him, comforted by his approval.
"Yes, by now it is my dear. Sakomizu informed me Sergay Wang is in communication with D'Artai in Aries due the Horus' …lost. They will be busy for a while wondering what happened."
"In any case it's better to be safe, Miyu…take care this room remains completely safe from unwanted listeners and watchers."
Miyu diligently fulfilled Natsuki's command using Haakon's terminal. It was blocked for Haakon to access it but not for her.
"Natsuki, coming here was truly a risky move!..." Saeko was now saying getting her daughter's full attention. Something that Natsuki feared was taking the wrong direction and for a moment she thought she did it but then Saeko finished her sentence, "but I can't tell you how happy I am you did it."
A visible relief showed on Natsuki's features after that acknowledgment from her mother.
"If you have the CORE, by now you know everything that is going on," Saeko affirmed.
"Yes and we need a plan. We have to get our planet back and find a way defeat Schwartz and its myrmidons," Natsuki said gritting her teeth with anger. "We need your help mother, grandfather, that´s why we are here...we…"
"Not so fast my dear. Yes, you are right, that's exactly what we have the do. The key question to answer is how we do it?"
Breathing deeply, Natsuki looked at her grandfather with respect, waiting for what he had to say.
"What we are facing here is not a random attack, my dearest. This was organized years ago, our 'beloved' Emperor didn't see it coming, he never listened to anybody but trusted all the wrong persons. Too many mistake for which he already paid the price and will keep doing it but the Noble Houses and Garderobe have responsibility too." And looking at Shizuru and Saeko, "We all have responsibility."
No one dared to say a word against his argument.
"Natsuki, this is the reason why your father never wanted you to becoming an Otome. You will have the alternative in your hands and there is something you never have to forget: No one is more dangerous than those who have nothing else to lose but their lives when those live are unworthy to be lived."
"We are seeing an ancient hate that had been becoming stale during ages, more time that you can ever imagine. Their hate might have a reason to exist thousand years ago but now is a distorted reality out of control that we have to handle very, very carefully."
"The Schwartz men are the most dangerous ones. The traitors among the noble houses are just too blind to see it and their reasons, whatever they could be, are just mundane. But Schwartz, they will die to get what they want or die trying. There is no possible negotiation, whatever plan we think; remember it Natsuki."
"Haakon is right Natsuki, but now there are only two COREs left and Uma Shamrock will never, never allow them access the one in Wallach. Schwartz won't take the risk to destroy that one too…after Horus. They will try to get the one you have and it is just a matter of time before they know how to find you."
"Do you know anything about Shamrock? We know about your secret communication device, what is happening in the other locations?"
"We don't have any news from Uma and don't know what could be happening at Wallach IX. We have first hand information almost everywhere but Wallach. Meister Zhang has infiltrated the Krauxeku traitor and is constantly providing us with relevant information about their plans but it was nothing we could do… until now."
"We will strike them first mother and now; we have an ace under our sleeve nobody is expecting."
Natsuki told them about the no-ship Shizuru's father left, the no-field technology and how she thought they could use it to balance the war against Schwartz. The time was implacable since the very moment the CORE was activated, and again, they didn't have much of it left before someone noticed a strange activity at the system Miyu was controlling, so hurrying all agreed the battle was not going to be held in Skáneland but in Wallach IX where the real motivations of Schwartz were.
Despite her protests Haakon insisted in Saeko going with Natsuki and Shizuru.
"They will know someone was here!" Saeko protested one more time.
"Maybe, but they won't be sure until is too late. You may perfectly only escaped the castle but remain on the planet. That will be a great distraction for Sergay, he will lose a valuable time looking for you and you will be thousands light years away from here."
"Yes Haakon, but after a while he will suspect. He may try to…"
"Rip the truth off from me by any mean? Let him try. Besides I have grown up enough to take care of myself. No, Lady Saeko, you shall go with them, they will need you more and you know it. Maybe D'Artai wants Skáneland in a twisted sense of revenge but Skáneland has no real value. The battle will be outside here and there is where you have to be. Sakomizu and I will stand and take care of home until you get back, all of you."
It was no way to convince Haakon and Saeko had to surrender. The Kruger men always made their way with her. They discussed a bit more the alternatives and after a short and emotive farewell, the group left with one more integrant.
Reito was the last one saying goodbye to the old men.
"I am proud of you kid, you were as a son for Kyler and a brother for Natsuki. Those three women are the most important Reito; take care of them for me."
System Alpha Lupi, Kruger Cruiser, Blue Wolf.
Natsuki, Shizuru and Saeko were at Natsuki's cabin after they arrived from Skáneland without any incident. They had a lot to do and few time left but Shizuru insisted she had to talk with Natsuki and her mother before doing anything or moving anywhere.
Natsuki told her mother about their findings in Kansai during the travel back to the Cruiser so she couldn't imagine what Shizuru had in mind and was as expectant as her mother.
"Lady Saeko… what is the real purpose of Garderobe's breeding program?"
Disconcerted by the question, Saeko frowned looking a lot alike her daughter with the gesture.
"What you mean Shizuru? Airlie told you the truth; our two families are part of the main genetic schema since centuries ago and at the next generation the one who won't need a GEM to materialize will born. She will be the ultimate Otome and all the secret books; those deserved only for the high ranked Otomes on the breeding program, called her 'HiME' and she will have a great power on her hands".
"Yes, that what was expected until my brother died. But that's only the final result Garderobe is expecting, but what is the purpose of that result? That's what I want to know."
Shizuru was talking so coldly about that Saeko had the feeling they were talking about a thing and not about a human being, a child that should be her granddaughter. Saeko remained in silence gathering all the information she could from her ancient memories.
"The breeding program started right after the Dark Ages and all of you say the HiME will give Garderobe freedom and she will be ultimate power on the Universe. So, Garderobe wanted to be sure she was going to be completely under its control, right Lady Saeko?"
Hearing Shizuru, Saeko couldn't believe, Garderobe's Archmeister was the one talking like that.
"Shizuru, Garderobe has been a vigilant protector of human kind since its foundation, thousands of years ago."
"I am not saying otherwise, Lady Saeko. I am just saying that Garderobe also wanted to keep that incredibly source of power under their control. Am I wrong? That's why Uma Shamrock was so mad against your husband for not sending Natsuki to become an Otome."
It was no point on denying that.
"Yes, Shizuru. You are right, Uma was mad but…" Saeko didn't continue, both Otomes were looking at each other. Saeko was a Column as well as Shizuru but now, Saeko could see a strong difference between the Shizuru she first meet in Skáneland and the one who was facing right now.
"Garderobe used the Noble Families, mainly Windbloom, Viola and Kruger for its breeding program, giving them certain autonomy but now it was so close to end, Garderobe wanted to keep everything under control or more accurately, Uma Shamrock wanted the HiME on an exclusivity basis for Garderobe."
Natsuki, who remained in silence during the conversation, had her eyes on her mother, waiting for the answer.
"Uma Shamrock, your mother and I were like family on Garderobe, Shizuru. We were part of the breeding program as well; Uma was not designated to continue it as a progenitor like Airlie and I but instead, she was chosen Garderobe's Headmistress."
"It was right before the attack on Kansai, isn't it?"
"Yes Shizuru, Uma had been the Headmistress since then. We had our orders, and we always fulfilled them. The three of us were Columns and the HiME project will guarantee that Garderobe could keep protecting human kind. There is an order in the Universe and we promised to keep it balanced, that's Garderobe´s ultimate objective and the reason the originated the Breeding Program."
"At any price Saeko-san?"
"What you mean?"
"My mother message said Uma Shamrock and your husband were the only ones knowing Kansai security systems. Do you know it?"
Saeko surprised face was enough answer.
"My mother didn't tell you anything about it before dying?"
"No my dear, unfortunately when I found your mother, she had only strength enough to tell me where to find you." Saeko's eyes were sad remembering her agonizing friend but it was Airlie's daughter who was asking and Shizuru deserved to know.
"And during all these years, Uma Shamrock didn't tell you anything about it either?"
"No, after the attack, Uma and I kept minimum contact. She took care of you and we move ahead the best we could. Natsuki was born one year after the attacks."
"Did the Count Kruger know about the breeding program?"
"No, he didn't know about it. He didn't want other child, he loved Natsuki and she was his only and most wanted heiress. The projection set that a Kruger's daughter should marry a Viola's son so after the death of your brother it was no possible alternative. Garderobe's only remain option was considering your heirs," Saeko made a pause, pointing at Natsuki and Shizuru emphasizing her words.
"But Uma wasn't agreed."
Arching a brown, Saeko nodded. "Indeed, but I only knew it recently. What is your concern Shizuru, why are we speaking about this right now?"
"My mother wasn't agreeing either, Saeko-san."
"Airlie? How you know it?"
"It was in my mother's message too…she said it has to be my daughter, not Seki's." Shizuru made a short pause and continued, "I don't know if Uma had something to do with that, but my mother seemed very convinced, as well as Uma."
Saeko was very surprised and hurt by Shizuru's words. Despite her multiples disagreement with Uma and her disobedience to Garderobe due her love to Kyler, Saeko was always a loyal Otome; she risked her life on behalf of Garderobe and its sake countless times. But if Airlie in the middle of a major disaster took the time for leaving such a message to Shizuru, she must be really concerned about her family safeness. And the facts made evident, Airlie was right and did well trying to protect her daughter leaving that message for her.
Natsuki by her side, was sitting, looking anxiously to other side wondering why talking about that was so important when what she wanted the most was taking the way to Wallach IX the soon as possible, when Shizuru's next words fell over her like cold water.
"So according to the projections, the HiME should be our daughter…mine and Natsuki's."
"What?!" Natsuki stood up looking alternatively at Shizuru and her mother, who were just looking at each other. "What the hell are you two talking about?!"
"Did Uma talked with you, Shizuru?"
"Yes, she did it, previously to our departing to Kansai. She said, and I agree with her, that succession was the most important issue for a Noble House. In my current conditions, I can't offer anything to the Kruger House. Now I can see clearly, all Uma wanted was keeping the breeding program under control, as she always did."
"Why you say that?" Saeko was also remembering the last conversation she had with Uma in Skáneland months ago.
"She offered me a way to have a daughter with Natsuki."
Natsuki was blushing deeply for Shizuru having that conversation with her mother but both Otomes were ignoring her, so resignedly sat down again trying to understand what all that meant.
"We don't accept genetic manipulation Shizuru, you know about."
"Uma's proposal wasn't genetic manipulation Saeko-san. In fact, for Otomes it would be as natural as become an Otome."
"How is that?"
"The only Uma told me was its nanomachines related with. It's a project Yohko-san has been working with since long time ago and the first…baby of this new technology must be borne by now, the heiress of Armitage House. The conception and the birth were in a completely natural way according to Yohko's reports."
Saeko was speechless considering Shizuru's word. It was hard to believe but if Yohko was involved it has to be taken seriously. Natsuki was in shock.
"Have you talked with Yohko, Shizuru?"
"Not yet, but I think the first place we should go before going to Wallach is Aries. We shall talk with Yohko previously to do anything, for two reasons. According to Uma, Yohko is currently the only one who can explain the procedure. And because the decision of making the CORE-Drei the main one, giving us the control of the whole system was Yohko´s; we have to know why Yohko-san took that decision.-"
Saeko remained silent, weighting the possibilities and its consequences.
"Ok," Natsuki cleared her throat getting Shizuru and Saeko's attention. "Keeping the point of the… daughter aside, may I ask why is so important go to Aires right now?"
Shizuru sat by Natsuki's side taking her hand, Natsuki blushed under her mother's gaze but stayed still and proud.
"Yes, my Countess. The HiME project is exclusive from Garderobe, Schwartz didn't know the slightest thing about it, in fact nobody, outside Garderobe does. Schwartz is definitely behind these attacks looking for Garderobe's technology chamber…but twenty years ago? Those attackers were looking for something else when they didn't even touch the CORE."
"That is a very serious accusation Shizuru, be careful." Saeko still resisted believing it. "I arrived exactly when the first attacker was reaching the chamber. There is no way to be sure what he was looking for."
Shizuru could understand Saeko's resistance, it was hard for her to but after all she passed in Kansai a new perception was opened for her. She was flowing and the pieces floating in space and time were slowly falling on its places showing her the whole picture; a terrible and sad picture.
"Saeko-san...during all these years we have always though the objective of the attackers was the CORE but at that time maybe they didn't even know the Viola House had a CORE or what the CORE was. When I say they were looking for something else, I mean they were looking for me."
Thanks for reading.