Hi, thanks for reading and following this story over all these months and being patient with my update times. Only one long chapter left…next week.
Also, thanks to AtlantisLux for her help, patience and encouraging. Any error still remaining in this doc is my entire responsibility.
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 Galadan
Chapter 16. At the end of Fate
"The greatest and most important problems of life cannot be solved. They can only be outgrown."
Bene Gesserit Sister Jessica, Private journal entry
Dune: House Harkonnen
"To keep from dying is not that same as ´to live´."
Bene Gesserit Saying
Dune: House Harkonnen
"Many creatures bear the outward form of a man, but do not be fooled by appearances. Not all such life-forms can be considered human."
Bene Gesserit Azhar Book
System Alpha Lupi, Kruger Cruiser, Blue Wolf.
Saeko and Natsuki remained in silence after Shizuru's statement, so Shizuru finally exposed her point.
"We have to go to Aries, Natsuki, Saeko-san and I have to talk with Yohko-san."
Saeko stayed in silence waiting for Natsuki' to answer Shizuru´s request, she was the Kruger House leader and according to the current status, Shizuru's love; she was the only one who could take the last decision.
"Shizuru, D'Artai is in Aries with an army of Schwartz men; even having my mother with the ECCO device, do you have an idea how dangerous it will be? It won't be like sneaking into Castel Skánien."
But Shizuru wasn't willing to change her mind, they didn't have many options and Natsuki needed to see the thinks from another perspective.
"Natsuki, Saeko-san…what do you think will be more powerful, the CORE system and Otomes together or the HiME?"
Saeko took some time thinking about Shizuru´s question, in the better way to provide an answer not for Shizuru but for her daughter.
"The CORE is the most important supporting system for our civilization …and as everybody know now, it could be very dangerous; even if our civilization will vanish without it, the HiME herself will be completely independent to the CORE system. It will come a time when her relation with the CORE will only make her only more powerful. The real truth is we don't know for sure how much powerful she could be. That the straightest answer I can give you."
During her mother dissertation, Natsuki realized finally how they will win this war.
"Mother, Shizuru is right. We shall go to Aries and talk with Yohko-san. Aside of the HiME project, talking with her will be crucial to win this war, protect our friends and recover our home."
For Shizuru, that was enough by now.
When the three of them entered the command bridge, everybody was waiting for them, ready to get into action. Breathing deeply Natsuki called her forces to the holographic table were all the information and maps she requested were waiting for her war plans.
"It's time to move. We have to hit them unexpectedly without chance to recover. For this, we will have to split and cover two positions. We need some important information from Aries and we need to weak the conspirators' forces, grounding ourselves."
Typing expertly on the table controls Natsuki showed, Aries and Cardair floating on the air.
"The best chance to infiltrate the conspirators is through Krauxeku. According to our information, there is also an opposing force to the royal family there that will help us if we recover the planet and several Otomes. Unlike Carthagos, Windbloom and Aries; Schwartz didn't have men in Cardair, surely because they consider the Krauxeku an ally. We have to depose the Prince and take control over his forces under the highest secret possible. Neither the Empress, the other conspirators or Schwarz should know about it."
"Irina and Miyu-san, make sure to keep strict control on the communications using the CORE system. Mother, let the Otomes in the ECCO network know we will take Cardair back. They have to help us to protect that position."
Signaling Cardair, the planet showed in a magnification. "Reito, you know the guy better, I need you to go there while…"
"Wait, Natsuki."
Natsuki arched a brown at the interruption but then she saw who her interlocutor was. Ray was standing in front of her.
"I will go to Cardair." Natsuki had the authority to denying but not the arguments. The person going to Cardair should be able to pilot an aircraft, infiltrate, fight and maybe kill. Ray was perfectly able to do all that and more. Natsuki's main concern was she knew Ray had also other powerful reason for wanting to go.
"I would prefer Reito going Ray. He knows Prince Krauxeku…and he can bring back Nao Zhang back too."
"Would you let Reito going in your place if Shizuru-san were there?"
Natsuki gritted her teeth. "Damn Ray!" The silence could be felt while Ray and Natsuki looked at each other.
"Ray will go to Cardair," Natsuki conceded annoyed, "A small group will go with me and Shizuru to Aries."
Ray moved to her place again, bearing Natsuki's ice glare to her.
"However, we have a problem. We have to do the missions simultaneously but we only have one undetectable ship."
"You and Shizuru-san should take the no-ship to Aries, Natsuki. I will take a SkyWolf to Cardair. It will be a lot more dangerous for you. I can manage to avoid their sensors."
"Countess Kruger, Meister Jagger," Irina step ahead with a small device on her hands. "Miyu-san and I have been studying the no-field device at the no-ship and even when Miyu understood very well the science on it, reproducing the device is not that easy. However, we were able to produce this. It won't cause the same effect than a no-field yet but it will camouflage the aircraft signal mimicking the surroundings signal. In other words, Ray-san aircraft will be customized as everything else."
"It is really an air camouflage." Reito said taking Irina's device on his hands.
"Install it on one of the SkyWolves, I will take it with me and we will prove it." Ray asked to Irina.
"That's a great job Meister Woods, but don't you think will be dangerous to use it so soon Ray-san?" Shizuru understood how Ray was feeling but she, as Natsuki was concerned for the young woman.
"It will be better than nothing, Shizuru-san."
"I have to agree with Ray, Shizuru. Besides, if it works as we expected we can use it for the second part of our plan." Natsuki took control of the holographic table again.
"After Cardair and Aries, we will meet in a specific location. Both missions should be handled very carefully, we can't risk the betrayers to know we are on the move. After we meet, we will go straight to Wallach for the final strike."
All of them breathed deeply and nodded determinedly.
Natsuki organized all the activities, Reito will remain in charge of their fleet while she was in Aries, hidden at the portal where it was hardest to be detectable.
At the last instructions, Natsuki and Saeko went to see Ray who was ready to leave to Cardair. Ray equipment was few but still she was very focus on her preparations avoiding Natsuki's eyes.
"Ray… you shall not kill him." Natsuki said touching her cousin arm. "There is too much on the stake for us…"
"…Unless is strictly necessary Ray-san." Saeko indicated calmly, getting an angry glare from Natsuki due her words, the last thing Ray needed was that kind of encouraging. Ray on her side, only returned an innocent blue gaze to mother and daughter.
"Of course I won't, Natsuki."
Just by hearing her, even Natsuki could tell Ray was lying.
Cardair, Krauxeku House Planet.
While Natsuki took her way with Saeko and Shizuru to Aries, Ray breathing deeply was focusing on her mission to Cardair.
Despite having Miyu's device, Ray took all the possible precautions approaching Cardair's orbit and when hitting the atmosphere but luckily no one detected her. Saeko was going to inform Nao about their infiltration plans so she will be aware.
Ray had a small advantage than any other Otome, she was tall and boyish, so it was easy to get one of the guards and use his clothes to camouflage her into the Palace. According to Saeko, everything was heard and watched inside Kazuya´s castle. The building and maybe the whole planet was planted with spying devices.
"The man is a bit paranoiac." Ray thought calmly while approaching Nao's room according to Saeko's indications.
Once there, Ray considered knocking but that could alert someone else. The guard she chose was a captain so he had a master key on his belt so Ray decided for the quietness option. Using the master key, she opened and entered the most naturally way possible at the room.
Nao heard the steps approaching and as always was ready for her visitor. She was laying loosely at the couch, pretending to read.
"What my prince needs from me?" She asked as always, thinking it was her regular escort; Kazuya requested her at the most odd times so she was never surprised but it was different this time, when she turned met the guard's intense blue eyes.
Ray didn't say a word and just approached her a bit.
"I will be ready in a second, Captain," Nao said with a dry throat and her heart beating like crazy, glaring discretely at Ray, "Damn Jagger! Are you out of your fucking mind?" Keeping control using all her skills and concentration, Nao ran away of the couch, pretending embellish herself for Kazuya. Saeko warned her about someone going to Cardair but she never told her Ray was the chosen one or the way she was getting in either.
Nao had just taken her small and dangerous bottle when her door opened violently letting Kazuya in, furious like a bull.
"What are you doing inside here damned?!" he howled to Ray. "Neither one of you have permission to stay here!"
Kazuya was thinking Ray was one of his guards, but that didn't ease his fury. On the opposite, he threw himself towards Ray taking her by the uniform and smashing her violently against the wall.
"My Prince!...wait," Kazuya's main Captain was behind him, trying to get his attention when he noticed Ray's unknown face. "My prince, this is not a captain of the guard."
Kazuya, who was still holding Ray, turned to his Captain and then to Nao, who was just looking at the scene with her brown arched, her ironic mask intact but her heart struggling with her own feelings. In a second, Ray was surrounded by several armed guards, pointing at her. Kazuya was out of his mind thinking that Ray was a guy and that was alone with his Nao.
"Who the fuck you are and what are you damn fucking doing here!? Are you ok my dear? If this bastard hurt you in any way, he will wish to be dead soon."
"Oh, I am perfectly, my Prince. I never imagined he wasn't one of your men. Wow! That was impressive, how did you get here so fast my Prince?" Nao said approaching Kazuya and touching his muscled arm, trying to get his attention towards her but Kazuya was rabid.
"I asked you a question, you asshole!!!" Kazuya demanded shaking Ray.
"My Prince, he looks like a young boy maybe we should take him to the restricted area for interrogation." The Captain knew the young intruder won't live long with Kazuya as mad as he was, but they need to get information before the Prince killed him.
"That's an excellent suggestion my Prince, you should listen your Captain. We certainly have to get information from him." Nao's mind was racing thinking what they could do now. "Brilliant Jagger that was truly a brilliant move!"
Ray remained in silence, looking serenely at Kazuya's eyes and that was like defiance towards a mad and wild dog.
"So, you are not going to answer bastard?" Kazuya was not really expecting an answer because after saying that he hit Ray violently, and keep doing it until she was on the floor, where he didn't stop and change to kicking her. Taking Ray face, he menaced "I don't fucking care who you are but I assure you, I will erase that confident gaze of your face, I will make you scream, I will make you regret your foolishness by coming here."
"Take him." He finally ordered to the Captain, "and wait for me. I will conduct his interrogatory personally. No one can touch him but me."
Aries, Armitage House Planet.
Getting into Aries was not like getting into Skáneland but once she took a decision, Natsuki was going straight to her target. Considering the situation, she had to assure they could get in and out safely so Natsuki decided not to carry a crowd with her and dismissing Reito's argumentation it was only Saeko, Shizuru and the sempiternity Miyu going down to the planet on the look for Yohko.
"According to Sara's information, all the Otomes are in high-security facility with strong restrictions. D'Artai doesn't want risks." Saeko said, third on the line Natsuki was leading in the woods where they chose a small clear to get land and hide the no-ship.
"But Yohko-san isn't restrained with them, right?" Shizuru tried walking behind Natsuki had her senses in full alert to detect any thread.
"Wait…" Saeko interrupted the walk and everybody stopped with her, waiting while she whispered on the air. Those were the longest two minutes in Natsuki's life but she agreed to comply her mother and Shizuru's instructions. They knew the Aries terrain and also, all the involved persons.
"Sara just updated. Sakura Hazakura was at their detention cells to inform Haruka Armitage about her daughter's birth. Yohko is with Yukino at the military medical center."
"Well, now we only had to know where exactly in that medical center we will find her." Natsuki knew the information was just in time for their purpose but still concerned about their intrusion.
"Well, my dear. Meister Hazakura also told them where Yukino was…per Sara's request." Saeko said smiling.
"Wow, how convenient. That ECCO thing is wonderful however D'Artai has no women on his army, we can't just walk around and ask where Yukino is. We have to get in and out of there as quickly and quietly as possible mother, so what do you suggest?"
"I already took care of that too, my dear." Saeko said with confidence.
"What you mean?"
"Sara Gallagher is very persuasive and we suspected since some time ago, Sakura Hazakura is not part of the betrayers. Ayane Hazakura is but not Sakura. She is together with D'Artai for different reasons."
"Will she help us just like that?" Shizuru asked cautiously, she talked with Saeko about their possibilities and knew about Sakura's situation.
"Let's say that we will help each other's cause," was Saeko cryptic answer. "There is an unused warehouse on the way to the facility center. Sara sent me the coordinates; we will wait for Meister Hazakura and Yohko there."
"What? How long will we wait there? And how do you know is not a trap?!"
"We will wait all the time is necessary and trust me Natsuki, it is not a trap."
Cardair, Krauxeku House Planet.
"Do you really have to go right now, my Prince? The intruder will still be there after you have some rest…" Nao was cherishing Kazuya's bare torso trying to ease and distract him but he was just too outraged.
"He dared to get into your chamber! I will kill him in the most painful way possible but first, he will tell me why he is here." For once, Kazuya didn't surrender to Nao's charms and stood up. They were at the Prince's room and a knock in the door announced the guard Kazuya called to escort him at the prisoner's area.
Nao warned Akane about was happening, since her father, Argos Soir was the one organizing the resistance and according to Akane, they were ready to hit at anytime however Nao knew the right timing was crucial for their success. Although she felt a knot on her heart for Ray, she had to gain time and do the move on the right moment. But the guard waiting for Kazuya changed everything with his next words.
"My Prince, there is something you should know about …the prisoner."
"What's about Captain?" Kazuya asked while getting dressed.
"Maybe I should inform you in private my Prince." The captain's eyes were fixed on Kazuya avoiding looking at Nao.
"I made you a question…if I wanted to talk in private with you, we will be doing it. So, inform me." Looking at his Prince in the more dangerous mood the man ever seen him before, he decided not tempt his luck too much.
The captains' words froze Nao's blood.
"The prisoner is not a man, my prince. It's an Otome."
"What?!" Now Kazuya focused on Nao, grabbing her by the arm, demanding, "Do you know her? What kind of trap your fellow Garderobe whores are cooking up?" And with dangerously smooth voice, he asked "Are you cheating on me, my dear little bitch...?"
"No my Prince," Nao bore Kazuya's perturbed gaze firmly but as the good imprinter she was, Nao knew that jealousy in a subject like Kazuya was the most unwanted and unpredictable secondary effect of imprinting.
"We will see…" throwing Nao away, he left the room with a command for his captain, "Bring her and Akane to the interrogatory room. Bring more guards too."
When Akane and Nao arrived to the interrogatory room, escorted by a dozen of guards, Nao was looking for their alternatives. They were three and Akane had another three young undercover Otomes helping her. "Six…against the whole Krauxeku's army… it can be done but at what price? Damn Jagger!!! What the hell you were thinking?"
Her internal yelling against Ray ended as soon as she walked in to see Kazuya hitting her. Ray was restrained with handcuffs on her wrists and ankles, her clothes rip out and several marks of the treatment Kazuya was providing her. Pulling Ray's head by the hair, Kazuya screamed what seemed to be the same question again and again.
"What are you doing here!? Who send you!?" Noticing Akane and Nao in, Kazuya turned to see them and then asked Ray again, "Do you know them? Are you coming from Garderobe?"
As if Ray was waiting exactly for that moment, she just answered, "No."
Kazuya was taken by surprise by Ray voice. It was the first sound she made and even when he was hitting her badly, her voice was controlled and calmed, cold. Nao went into maximum alert after hearing Ray, getting ready for whatever was coming. Those chains were nothing for an Otome, Ray could materialize any time. "What are you doing Jagger?"
"No? No what, you stupid," Kazuya was getting madder with every minute since Ray wasn't showing any pain or fear. That was not an acceptable behavior for any prisoner on his presence.
"I am not coming from Garderobe…and I know them."
That got Kazuya's attention. Breathing wildly, he fixed a furious gaze in Nao and Akane.
"Who send you?" He asked with his teeth tightened.
"I am here on behalf the Kruger House."
"What?" Kazuya laughed in Ray's face, taking her face with one of his hands and shaking her. "Kruger House doesn't exist. Sergay Wang is the new governor of Skáneland."
Ray was taller than Kazuya and despite the restraining; she was still looking him from above.
"Put her on her knees, from now on that will be the only height from you will see me," Kazuya ordered and then messing his genitals he pointed, "And this is the only thing you will see, very closely while you suck it."
Their guards didn't have time to fulfill his command.
"I am here gathering evidence Krauxeku and you have provided a lot…now I have it, me and all the people who are listening at our conversation at the Noble Council and the Empire. As a noble member of Kruger House, I accuse you of treason and defy you to duel."
Kazuya stood like hit by a lightning.
"What did you say? Did you beat this bitch too bad Captain? She lost her mind."
"What you hear Krauxeku. Natsuki Kruger is the official ruler of the Kruger House. Until whatever lie you and your accomplices set against her is proved, Kruger House retains its noble rights, I am the second in the succession line and what you have done to me until the present second is enough reason for a Kanly duel. After everything that has been recorded and transmitted, a duel is your only choice Krauxeku."
"Didn't you search over her?!" Kazuya yelled to his capitan.
"Everything is heard Krauxeku, you better be careful with what you say."
"My prince, please come with me." The captain of the guard dragged Kazuya out of the interrogation room pale like dead. Once outside, Kazuya grabbed the man's jacket.
"How is that possible?! There is no universal communications since months ago!" Kazuya was out of balance, doubting.
"She is an Otome, my Prince. We search on her but there is no way to know if she had some device we don't know about it. They are witches but aside that, if she is truly a noble heir, we will be in troubles. "
"Schwartz didn't care about the Noble Council or the Empire, Kruger House is nothing!!! We can kill her and no one will care."
"Maybe Schwartz didn't care but Empress Tomoe wants an Empire to rule."
"I will be the Emperor once Schwartz gets what they want, captain," dismissing his captain advices Kazuya got into the room again ready the cut the problem on the root.
Ray was waiting for him. "So Krauxeku, will you accept the duel or are you too afraid the whole Empire witness how you are defeated by a woman?"
A muscle contracted in Kazuya's face by hearing Ray's affront.
"Because is not the Otome challenging you, as an Otome I ought to have killed you long ago but I am offering you a fair duel among nobles… But seems you are not only a traitor but also a coward."
Kazuya tried to hit Ray again but this time his captain and some of the men stopped him. "You are a stupid if you ever think a whore like you can defeat me!"
"You can tell anything, but is only until you do it that everyone will know if it is truth or not. After the duel if you win, Natsuki Kruger will surrender and you can deliver her to the Empire. If I win, the Noble Council will take charge on your House until a fair successor is designated."
That was very tempting for Kazuya, delivering Natsuki Kruger humiliated and dishonored will be a huge reward, Schwartz and D'Artai were desperately looking for her after that planet exploded. The Krugers were so stupid and 'honorable' that it will be hard they break their word…if that was truth. Calmed for the first time in the last hour, Kazuya approached Ray.
"How will you prove you are truly a Kruger heir and that your word will be fulfilled if I win?"
"I have the seal in my collar, look by yourself. I will sign with the seal if you do the same."
Kazuya doubted distrusting a trap of some kind even with Ray restrained. Looking at Nao, he waved her, "You show me."
Nao approached Ray and carefully, looked for the seal she has pending on her neck trying the brilliant oval that opened at her touch. Nao breathed deeply at the sight of the shinny silver wolf and lifted it for Kazuya to see it.
"So, you are a Kruger heir but if I take your word what you will win anyway?"
Ray, who all the time kept her gaze on Kazuya, avoided the Prince´s eyes this time looking thoroughly at Nao and answered, "Her…once and for all."
That triggered Kazuya's madness out of control, to the point his guards had to hold him by the force.
"My prince!...the Otome is putting herself in your hands, please calm down. There is no way she can defeat you in a duel! If you kill her during the Kanly nobody could blame you and Kruger House will be dishonored. But the other way…she has the seal and if she is really recording and transmitting everything…?"
Growling with rage, Kazuya accepted but not for any of the reasons argued by his captain. He accepted because he wanted to erase Ray of the face of the Universe after she dared to look at Nao the way she did it.
Snorting like a beast, Kazuya ordered the man. "Take my Otomes out of that room and escort them all the time. And prepare both of my knives."
Once the captain informed Ray about Kazuya's acceptance for the duel; she was released while the preparations were made.
Nao was speechless, while she was dragged out Ray's cell with Akane, she finally understood what Ray was doing; she was giving them a fair and proper way to initiate the strike, whatever the result of the duel was. Nao had a shiver on her back, "You better defeat him Jagger."
Aries, Armitage House Planet.
Sakura spend more time than she expected with Nagi due the Horus explosion and because the Armitage baby. Nagi was not interested in to keep Aries for him, he wanted Skáneland for poetic reasons, but he wanted to know who Yukino's daughter's father was. It took Sakura a long time for convince him she didn't know. And she in fact, didn't and didn't want to know either.
"If you are really not expecting to steal this planet, why would you care about that?"
"Come on Sakura-chan, pure curiosity." Nagi had the hunch that baby was important. Garderobe had too many resources focused on Aries. Yohko Helene was a known scientist and the ruler of the extinct Horus and Sara Gallagher was a Column. It was too much for a coincidence. Garderobe had a secret agenda there and he wanted to know what their plans were. Looking at his beautiful Otome, Nagi knew he had to be patient with Sakura to get those answers.
"If you have nothing more urgent, I have to go back and help Yohko-san a bit more, Baron."
"I won't hurt the Armitage family Sakura-chan…but the Garderobe's puppets AND the Garderobe's Otomes are a complete different matter. Don't get too attached to them…my dear."
Sakura returned only a serious gaze at Nagi´s threat and left the room, still hearing him mocking at her back.
"Don't be too late tonight Sakura-chan…this ´baby thing´ makes me nostalgic of you."
It took Sakura more than two hours to be completely sure she was not being followed and that everything was dark enough for taking Yohko to the abandon warehouse and meet with Saeko Kruger.
By the time Sakura arrived, Natsuki was doing her best to remain calmed. Outside, it was dark since long ago and a lot darker in the middle of the forest where the warehouse was. Their sharp senses and Miyu´s infrared vision was their only way to know what was happening outside.
After seeing Yohko and Sakura, once an imperial Otome, Natsuki eased her anxiety a bit, Yohko was a prisoner and she was in a tough situation like them but Sakura didn't look like a bad person. "Whatever my mother reasons are, I have to trust her." Natsuki thought but stayed alert, just case.
The first thing her mother did was giving Yohko a hug. They knew each other since long time ago and due a terrible, terrible mistake, her native planet, the one she was on charge and swore to protect, was completely lost.
"Yohko-san," Shizuru greeted her as well, giving her some time before making any question. But Yohko was also brave and surprised all of them by taking the initiative.
"I know why you are here Lady Saeko, Shizuru-san."
"If you mean because of the Core-Drei, that's part of the reason Yohko-san but not the only one."
"Oh…Yes, I know about the CORE too. I was joyful when I knew you found it…unfortunately, I never expected to cause a tragedy because the decision I took but truth said; it was the right decision despite this huge cost. But I wasn't referring to the CORE; I was referring to the Breeding Program. The headmistress talked with you after all, Shizuru-san?"
Yohko´s asseverations were unexpected but going far beyond that, she left everyone speechless when taking her belt, removed the buckle and handed a small chip to Miyu explaining, "Miyu-san, inside this device there is all the information you need to know about the Breeding Program and the SEEDs nanomachines and also… the coordinates of Garderobe's remote space station, Artemis."
Without waiting for any question Yohko kept her gaze on Shizuru, "I can't answer your questions because I don't know the answer. The only I know is there are things I am not agree with. I am very sorry for everything you have gone through."
"Wait, Yohko-san how did you know we were here because of the Breeding Program?" Natsuki was amazed.
"The Breeding Program culminates in the next generation with both of you, Kruger-san, Shizuru-san. The reason I was here in Aries after the attacks was to protect the Armitage family and their daughter."
"Are you saying Yohko that the child was naturally conceived by Haruka and Yukino-san?" Saeko was as surprised as her daughter.
"It will be natural for an Otome, Lady Saeko." At least one good new in the middle of all her loses.
"During ages the nanomachines we use for Otomes have been improving and perfecting. Now Otomes can have male partners without losing their materializing power. That was thanks to Garderobe advances using Nucleotic Acid Robots or NUBOTs as we called them. Those revolutionary nanomachines worked together with the Otome´s DNA, preserving the Otome powers and giving them the option for conception. Still those DNA molecules weren't allowing female-to-female reproduction. Our researches on DNA structures lead us to the smallest DNA organisms: Viruses."
"Viruses need a host to replicate and synthesize but in this case, the SEEDs are DNA nanomachines that carry out the Otome's genome, fusing it with the host's genome; I mean the mother's genetics, this way the implanted ´seed´ will develop as a normal child."
Everyone, even Saeko and Shizuru were staring at Yohko.
"That's the easiest way I can explain it!"
"Its fine Yohko-san…it is just is amazing. Uma Shamrock knew this since long time ago?" Shizuru managed to be the first one to recover and ask.
"Horus has been working with this technology since decades. Every leader of the Scientific Guild has had the role of guiding the research. As you know, genetic manipulation is forbidden, but the nanomachines are part of being an Otome and all the research about them is not only justified, but necessary."
"Uma Shamrock didn't tell me about the SEEDs but she told me it was a possibility for Natsuki and me to have a daughter." Shizuru said that with her red eyes posed on Saeko. Natsuki's mother was silent, listening and Natsuki was frozen on her spot.
"Yes, she was thinking that you could upgrade you nanomachines to the SEEDs Shizuru-san. Since they use the parent's original genome, your child will be feminine and well, you know there are great expectations for a daughter from the Houses Viola and Kruger."
Saeko then understood better Shizuru´s distrust on Uma. ´Great expectations´ was not enough to describe the weight the heiress of Kruger and Viola union will carry on her back.
"How is the process Yohko-san? You said Uma was expecting Shizuru submitting to the procedure." Saeko finally asked.
"The SEEDs have complete nanomachine functionality, taking them is like becoming an Otome for the first time. It will be highly demanding even for someone who is an Otome. Meister Armitage was accepted for the test because of her strong condition, she was the only one who could upgrade and resist and still allowing us perfecting the process. I could say Uma was thinking the same about Shizuru-san. Since Countess Kruger as Yukino-san, is not an Otome, she will be the one conceiving the baby."
"Wait, wait, wait…" Natsuki stepped closer, finally getting out of the shock; she didn't want to have a child! Yet, at least. "Do you mean that you put those nanomachines on Shizuru and…?"
"Every time you two have a sexual intercourse, there is a chance for you to get pregnant, yes. That's exactly what I mean Countess Kruger." Yohko said cool as if they were talking about the weather.
Natsuki was purple and speechless, trying to not look at her mother or Shizuru.
"What if I want to have the child Yohko-san?" Shizuru asked.
"Natsuki will have to become an Otome getting the SEEDs instead of the regular nanomachines, but I wouldn't recommend following that path. The Countess hasn't had the Otome training and she could die painfully if she tries and fail."
Shizuru and Saeko stared at each other; the opportunity to fulfill the breeding program on the right generation was at the reach of their hands. For Shizuru, it was a lot more but for sure, Uma had other plans.
"In any alternative you chose, you will need the SEEDs Shizuru-san. The chip I gave Miyu has all the information you need. This first SEEDs still require cero gravity to be created and inoculated. At the Artemis space station you will find everything you need."
Natsuki was finally recovering her natural color and the use of her brain. "Yohko-san, we came here also to ask you something more. This is something very important." Natsuki kept silence looking at Sakura Hazakura who remained in silence during all the audience, a bit apart but surely listening even when she was monitoring for D'Artai guards or Schwartz people.
"You can trust Meister Hazakura, Countess Kruger. Please ask freely." Yohko offered Natsuki with calm, but Natsuki's question caused her breath to stop.
"How can we destroy the entire CORE system without destroying a planet or killing millions of people?"
Cardair, Krauxeku House Planet.
Ray was standing in the middle of the Krauxeku Coliseum waiting for Kazuya. "The man really knows who to set up a show."
The coliseum was small but crowded with people acclaiming their prince loudly and vituperating Ray. There was where Kazuya liked to delight is lower combat instincts fighting against slaves, prisoners or anyone he wanted to torture; he always fought with poisoned knives and countless truculent snares and always, his opponents died in a terrible agony. No one had ever defeated him in that ground. This time since was a noble duel wouldn't be that easy for him but still Ray was gathering all her focus and concentration despite the noise.
Akane and her father assured Nao they had everything ready for any time and but she still had a steel grip on her heart by seeing Ray in the middle of the arena. When Kazuya walked inside the arena, the coliseum exploded. He was so confident, that he asked for the duel to be public, making also public the bet on the balance.
Argos Soir walked to the middle of the arena, offering a ceremonial knife to Ray, who took it with a slight head inclination.
Nao felt the Kazuya's captain hand on her shoulder. "He wants you carrying this." It was Kazuya's knives box. After a deep breath Nao walked to Kazuya's position, Argos was still on the center waiting for the Prince to be ready.
When Nao stood in front of Kazuya, handling the box opened for him to take the knifes; the whole coliseum quiet down to a reverent silence. Kazuya was fighting with two knives while Ray was doing it only with one; taking is time, he took one of the knife raising it over his head signaling the starting of shouting, which increased even more when before taking his second knife, he grabbed Nao to kiss her wildly.
As Kazuya approached the center with a wicked smile on his face, Ray did it the same.
Lifting his hands up, Argos initiated the ritual and receded.
"Is the Otome ready?" Kazuya asked in a mocking of the traditional kanly ritual.
"May your knife chip and shatter," Ray murmured.
The two moved in a circle, crouching and measuring the other, both barefoot and wearing light combat clothes. Ray was expecting Kazuya to throw himself right away towards her but he didn't initially; the unbridled crowd was supporting its prince and Kazuya was taking his time hunting Ray. Some cuts were the only he need to get a definitive advantage over.
"She is mine," Kazuya growled, threatening Ray's neck finally, Ray evaded the sharp blade easily but Kazuya fought with two hands and the second attack to flank was not so easy to evade.
"Are you going to fight or will you run the whole night?" Kazuya said after a couple of unsuccessful attacks. The only thing his knives were finding was air, no flesh or blood yet and no serious attack from Ray either. "Now everybody can see who the real coward is."
Ray was registering every movement from Kazuya, his speed, the way he combined the attacks at two hands, inclusively his continuous talking was telling Ray something about his opponent: he couldn't stand the silence. The silence made him nervous, that's why he set up the whole spectacle.
Ray noticed Kazuya was trying to cut her and Reito's warning about him being expelled due dishonorable practices, "Poisoned blades, he will try to weak me using poison," Ray thought moving gracefully and avoiding once again two shooting attacks one after other, Kazuya always made the same slight shifting movement right before the attacks.
"You are a very good dancer… but my little bitch needs a lot more than that. She likes it raw and wild."
Ray was expecting the same movement Kazuya was doing but this time, a feline leap surprised her and the attack came from a different direction. Blaming herself Ray felt the blade cutting her deeply in her left flank.
"You are truly pathetic extending this 'combat' so uselessly." Kazuya was smiling wickedly again, knowing the first stab at his prey was on its place.
Breathing Ray now had to focus on the combat and in fighting the poison running on her blood. The Krauxeku was better than she expected, his first movements were a trap. With a sudden clap, the blades on their right hands clashed and Ray jumped backward quickly but Kazuya moved, following Ray's movement easily, Ray spun quickly on her axis, releasing her from Kazuya's siege but getting a second cut on her right forearm from his left knife.
The prince, laughed knowing Ray was starting to feel the effects of his poisoned blades. Still processing the venom substance, Ray noticed the second was different, the first one was venom but this one was a soporific meaning to make her slower and inaccurate on her attack. Kazuya was moving more comfortably now, extending his movements and tricking Ray, who was still moving fast but with visible effort now. The prince didn't have any blood on him while Ray's ribs where stained with dark red, the patch spreading on her white clothes with every move.
Kazuya was elusive, this time he threw an attack looking for Ray's face, but it never reach that destination, Ray arched to elude but ducking down, Kazuya's her left hand drew an extended arch to Ray uncovered and exposed breastbone, fast enough for a long cut on her abs, reaching her in the middle on her jump. The wound, worse than any of the others finally made Ray wince with pain.
The crowd went crazy when Ray landed on one of her knees barely keeping the balance, Kazuya sure the poison was making effect seeing Ray's slow reactions and sweating face, threw himself against her eager see Ray drowning on her own blood ; during the lethal attack Kazuya opened his guard for the final stab, in that very moment Ray stood up like a flash, blocking the attack with her bare left arm and hitting Kazuya below his jaw with a powerful and certain hit that drive her long knife on his trachea, directly to Kazuya's brain.
The crow silenced suddenly when Kazuya fell to the ground like a lump, immobile with Ray's hilt overhanging, stabbed on his bottom jaw.
Ray just stood at his side and no one knew what to do. Prince Kazuya was dead, abruptly and irreversibly. Getting ahead at the multitude reaction, Argos stepped closer to the combatants concluding the combat, "Ray Jagger, in the honor of the Kruger House, won this combat."
Kazuya's captain walked inside the arena with some Krauxeku's army men circling Ray and Argos. "According to the rules of this combat, the winner should designate the legatee for Cardair's government until the Empire's designates a final heir."
Still breathing brokenly, Ray said "Argos Soir."
"I will be honored," while Argos was accepting the temporary government, Nao was surprised to see several Krauxeku guards restraining others, some member of the court and giving instructions for clearing the coliseum. Akane with the other three Otomes were materialized and also giving instructions. But she was even more surprised to know that Kazuya's captain was also part of Argos preparations after seeing him escorting Ray out of the arena, leaving Kazuya laying on the ground and accompanying Ray to where she was waiting.
Ray was finally alone in front of her, bleeding and bruised; Nao raised her hands to touch Ray's shoulder, cherishing Ray's face with the other. "That's was the only way to do it without killing innocent people Nao, I am sorry I couldn't tell you on time."
"You are an idiot Jagger! Why you had to let him left you like this? You could kill him quickly."
"So do you, isn't?" Nao frowned at Ray's comment, glaring at her but still touching her gently.
"Yes, I could kill him but my mission was infiltrate him not kill him."
"Mine was recovering the planet not killing him…unless it was absolutely necessary. I couldn't make him a martyr, dying unfairly fast on the hands of a powerful Otome witch. His soldiers, his court, his people had to see him on his bare true nature, mad by a Otome and losing his life or death combat due a terrible human mistake. He had to become the evil and mediocre human he really was instead of the hero and they had to remember they could be more."
"So, you basically used me Jagger, to drive him crazy!"
"No, every single phrase I told him was true. I cheated him with my actions, not with my words."
Smiling mischievously, Nao leaned down to rest her head on Ray's chest and Ray finally allowed herself to embrace Nao closely, aspiring the scent she missed so badly the past months.
"We have to go now. Natsuki will be waiting for us and she is not good at waiting."
"Why Jagger, why you did it like this?" Nao even had to materialize, Argos and Akane were taking care of Cardair and no one could blame them of anything.
"A world is supported by four things ... the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave. But all of these are as nothing ... without a ruler who knows the art of ruling." Ray recited from Garderobe's coda; they both know where Kazuya didn't fit.
"Now you are a preacher?"
"No, I am a rushed Otome," releasing Nao with reluctance, Ray grabbed her by arm, making her way to the aircraft just after a quick farewell to Akane and her father.
On the way, Nao had to ask with devilish mood, "So, everything you said was true, Jagger?"
The Captain of the guard, now Argos´guard, provided them a small vehicle to leave Krauxeku's castle and Ray kept driving it diligently, immutable after Nao's question.
Ray remained in silence until they arrived to the place where the Air Wolf was waiting for its pilot, but before leaving the vehicle, she looked at Nao, with that gaze that Nao felt could touch her soul deeply as no one.
"If you ask a question you have to be ready for the answer Nao. Here and now, I will only say: Yes, everything I said was true."
Nao felt a knot in her stomach with the same realization she reached in Wallach three months ago, but this time, it was better to wait. There were still too many things to do.
"You are truly romantic Jagger, I am touched." Nao said getting out the vehicle, walking to the Air Wolf.
Once there Nao took a deep breath, by second time, she was flying with Ray. Looking at the aircraft, she warned deadly serious before getting into it, "Two things Jagger: You are not my brave knight on a shiny armor, got it? I am perfectly able to take care of myself."
Ray just smiled warmly for the first time as answer. Nao´s green eyes were brilliant like wild gems.
"And two, better if you are gentler this time when flying this damn thing. Where are we going?" Nao asked, getting into the aircraft.
"Wallach IX."
Nao just breathed and closed her eyes. Whatever plan Kruger had, Shamrock was not going to like it.
Skáneland, Kruger House Planet, Castel Skánien.
Haakon was restrained at the Castel Skánien dungeons that barely can be talked like that. The space was too clean, ordered and lit to be a traditional dungeon.
Sergay Wang was furious. He sent a third part of his men to look for the Otome with no success. It was impossible she could vanish in the air. "This man knows something about her."
But both were stubborn and decided men, and Sergay was running out of option. "You are not making the things easy for yourself, Kruger."
"I am not intending too," was Haakon cold answer. "I can't answer a question if I don't know the answer."
"You know where she is!"
"No, 'General'…Wang. I don't know where Saeko Kruger is. I am certainly not her baby sitter. Are you sure you have the right person? Maybe you should ask some of your men, Otomes are extraordinarily good seducers."
Sergay doubted by a second, maybe he should explore that option, but nothing was saving Haakon from the pain he deserved for putting him on this situation.
"For the last time Kruger, where is the Otome?"
"Finally…hopefully for the last time General, I don't know."
"Akio," Sergay called his second in command, "Bring the examination probe."
Haakon didn't blink at Sergay's order. If the man were doing the right question, maybe he could do something else. But Haakon really didn't know where Saeko was and that was a lot better; he couldn't betray Natsuki and Saeko's trace in the middle of his agony with the probe.
For Sergay's disgrace, Haakon was telling the truth, he didn't know but Sergay was only sure until Haakon inert body had no vital sign but flat lines. He was sure Baron D´Artai will not care for losing a Kruger.
He was wrong this time.
Aries, Armitage House Planet Stellar Space
"Did Ray arrive?" Natsuki asked as soon as she got into her main cruiser from their Aries intrusion.
"Not yet, Natsuki." Reito responded stepping aside to let Natsuki take her place on the command bridge.
"We can't wait here, it's too risky. Mother, let's hope Ray will make it in Cardair. Provide Zhang with these coordinates; this will be our meeting point…"
Natsuki was handing the coordinates to her mother when a sudden impact on the ship shield, shook them violently.
"What?...Reito! Nina…what is happening?" Natsuki screamed on the middle of the sudden chaos.
"Chasers Natsuki, in furtive mode, the scanner didn't detect them." Reito managed to reach the navigator panel after a succession of impacts, shaking the whole cruiser.
"There are five of them, Natsuki! I can detect only their shields signals; they turned them off for shooting." Nina was on the radar panel trying the get the attackers' positions.
"We can't stay here at the open as an easy prey! Reito, bring three man to the launching deck! We are getting out… Hurry! Navigator set the path to the portal and get ready for some jumps…"
Nina and Irina were monitoring the ship damages, trying to help the navigator while the second cruiser were already firing, trying to provide them some backup. Firing from the cruiser required turning off and on the shield in the milliseconds needed for the shoot but the main attack was on Natsuki's ship and the men at the second cruiser knew their duty was to protect their Countess at any price.
Saeko hearing Natsuki's intentions to leave the ship, tried to stop her, "Natsuki, you should stay…Laura can get out with your men and fight them."
"No!...they shouldn't know how much Otome power we have, trust me mother, we have to take them down and leave from here before the reinforcements arrive!"
Natsuki left the command bridge running before Saeko could do anything to stop her.
"Be ready Laura," was Saeko's indication for the Otome.
Shizuru felt unsure about Natsuki's decision, but she couldn't question her orders in the middle of urgency. Someway those chasers detected them, maybe when leaving Aries´surface…or the cruisers hiding behind Aries´moon…or maybe someone betrayed them down in Aries. Trying to ease her mind, Shizuru approached Nina and Irina to see if she could help when Natsuki's final order came from the launching deck.
"We are ready, turn off the shields Nina!"
That was the most dangerous situation they were into. The cruiser wasn't combat ship and didn't have the structure and modifications for combat. Natsuki never expected a war exploding and ending in the middle of a space battle with it. Their cruiser was a cargo and transport ship. To release their combat aircraft they had to unprotect the whole ship for a couple of seconds.
The five furtive chasers weren't giving more than five seconds between in their shoot towards them. The shields were standing well but anything could happen in a two seconds window.
Inspiring, Nina turned he shields off and as soon as she did it a strong shook them violently with a direct impact; the lights flashed and some sparks flew on the affected circuits after Nina turned the shield off.
Reito's voice on the ship intercom made everyone to run at the launching deck.
"Nina!...send help immediately, we have wounded!...Natsuki…"
Shizuru and Saeko shared a concerned gaze while running out to the deck.
Only two Kruger combat aircrafts made it out of the cruiser and one of the furtive chasers was waiting for them like a hungry predator. Thanks to his skills, only one pilot avoided the ambush.
Inside the cruiser, four Otomes ran into a deck full of smoke to find several fires burning everywhere and two crashed aircrafts catching fire. Reito was maneuvering desperately at the top of one of them, Saeko and Shizuru hurried to help him while Laura ran to the other.
"Irina, bring the suspension shell! Quickly!" Saeko screamed while running, Shizuru was already materialized; up with Reito at the steaming form that barely could be recognizable as a combat aircraft.
"She was the first one taking off; she was caught in the middle …by the shoot, Damn it!" Reito's voice was strangled; he was struggling trying to find a way.
Shizuru understood why Reito was so painfully frustrated. The taking off speed and the shoot impact, literally crushed Natsuki's aircraft, stabbing her with several metal parts. Her beloved Natsuki had severe injuries and was imprisoned, if they took her off soon, she will bleed to dead.
But Shizuru was not letting that happen, when Saeko arrived the accident place just a couple of second after, she was already cutting very accurately the deformed metal around Natsuki with her element.
Saeko had no words; she knew how bad those injuries were.
"She is alive, Lady Saeko…" Reito said with a helpless tone.
Irina and Laura just got back with the suspension shell, the only option they have to keep Natsuki alive and try to save her. Irina, with careful and knowledgeable movements helped Shizuru to release an unconscious Natsuki enough to fit into the shell.
After several minutes of struggling, they finally had Natsuki stabilized on the suspension cartridge shell. They were barely keeping her alive…for now.
Thanks for reading guys and until the next one.