by Jessie Wolf
“But mama, we don’t have any dresses or anything else like that. Who is going to be your brides maids?” asked Fuyuko.
“You four will be my bride’s maids, but you won’t be wearing dress. Instead you’ll be wearing your armor and ready to mount your AP Suits.”
“Why mama? Are you ashamed of us? Asked Nanami.
“No child. I’m very proud of you and want the world to see you as the beautiful young ladies that you are. However your sister and I believe that the rebel Houses will attack us during the ceremony. So I need you to be ready to fight if that happens.” The looks of shock on their faces were ones that I hope to never see again.
“Listen, baby sisters. You were not told of the threats made against us or mama. The Head of House Light has made it very clear that he plans to destroy House Nakatoma and force mama to marry him while you three will be either killed or sold into slavery as sex toys.” I tell them.
“What of you, big sister?” asks Nanase.
“That is not your problem, baby girl. You just make sure they don’t get to mama.” I was not about to tell them want they wanted to do to me.
“They said that Maiha is nothing but a whore who is impersonating a High Families Lady, and when they get done with her she’ll know her place. Which is on her knees or her back servicing real men.” Mama tells.
The looks of rage that cross their faces told me a great deal about my sisters. For Fuyuko I can see a long standing hatred for House Light for some reason. With the twins there is a cold look of wanting to kill every last man in that House. What am I missing here, what is it that I don’t know about their past. Turning to mama “What don’t I know about House Light and my sisters mama?”
When mama looks over at me I see nothing but sorrow in her eyes for my sisters’. I was expecting her to answer me, but it was Fuyuko who tells me. “Before we came to House Nakatoma our parents tried living under House Light’s protection. We had been there a little over two weeks when the Head of House and his body guards came to our home. They didn’t ask they just took everything mama and papa had saved up. Then when papa tried to stop them they beat him saying it was taxes for protection. The next week they came back and took the money they had earned at the market selling the vegetables from mama’s garden. When they came back the following week and they didn’t have the same amount of money they took mama in the bedroom and raped her while our papa was tied up in the living room. A week later, while we were planning to leave House Light, they came and beat up papa again then raped mama and me. They said that since we didn’t want their protection then we had no rights to be protected and that was how it was everywhere on Hades. That night mama and papa packed up what we still had and ran from that place. Maiha the people who live in that compound are nothing more than slaves. If they come here and take over the same will happen here.”
As I listen to Fuyuko tell me of their time under House Light the madder I became. It is well and truly time for that Family to become extinct. Before now I was only planning on removing them as a House, but now, now every last son-of-a-bitch who participated in the terrorizing of its own people and those they’re supposed to protect will face a death sentence.
Maiha you need to calm down girl. (Dee De)
She is correct commander. You need to calm down. (Charley)
“Just what are you two talking about?”
Honey, you’re in full combat mode! (Dee De)
“I am not!”
Yes you are commander. (Charley)
At their insistence I walk over to a mirror to prove them wrong. What I see shocks me to my core. I was so infuriated that I didn’t even realize I had engaged my armor or my combat mode. When I turn to look at the rest of those gathered here I see for the first time that they are all afraid of me, even Top. I try to calm down enough to disengage my armor, but fail. I am able to get a hold on my emotions though. Taking deep calm breaths I fight to find my center once again. Again I fail. I just cannot get out of my head what the men of House Lights military have done to my sisters’ and their original family. Mama comes over and stands in front of me. “Maiha, remember your training. Slow down your thoughts, look within your heart, and find your peace. You cannot win this war if you let your emotions rule your actions. Think child, this is what they wanted from you when they sent that message yesterday. They want you mad and out of control. They know if they can get you to react in an emotional manner you will make a mistake. Then they can tear apart our House and Family in the public eye.”
“Oh no, mama. I may have been angry before, but now. Now I’m beyond that. What I am now is what they should have tried to avoid at all coasts.”
“And what is that sissy?” Nanami asks in a frightened voice.
It was Alice who answered her not me. “What they have done my future little sister is awakened a sleeping giant.”
“What are you talking about Alice?” asked Nanase.
“Back in the days before any of us were born there was a Death Dealer who was known as Death himself. He had two children both of whom joined the military. His son died on the battle field on some forgotten planet as one of the few Death Dealers that were assigned there. His daughter and her husband died buying time for their unit to escape from a no win situation. Up to a week ago he was all set to die here on Hades as an old worn out man. Now he stands in front of you as your sister, but there is one major difference this time.”
“What is that difference Alice?” asked Fuyuko.
The smile that crosses her face is one of pride and love. “That is very simple my dear sister-to-be. There stands their greatest nightmare.”
“And what is that Sergeant?” asked Top.
“Death’s own Daughter.”
At that simple statement everyone looks at me. As if wondering if I was going to deny it. But how can you fight the truth.
“Yes, I am Death’s own Daughter and now it is time for me to bring that power into play.”
Chapter 2
As all eyes turn to me there is a knock at the door. Waving for Fuyuko to answer it I step back out of the line of sight of the door. I didn’t want whoever it is to see me the way I currently was. After Fuyuko opens the door I hear a very young girl ask to come in. Looking over at mama, she nods her head yes and three young girls enter her room. When I hear the door close I step back into the room. Looking at the newcomers I see that all three are wearing the robes of a novice. What really gets my attention though is the radio signal that I pick up on my combat sensor sweep. From what I can tell it’s a tracking signal. As I walk over to them they flinch back from me. Not really caring I reach down and grab the hem of one of their robes. Wrapped around her ankle was a tracking bracelet.
“So you’re one of the juvenile delinquents at our temple. I take it you’re here to learn how to be a proper young lady along with you other two.” At their shocked looks I knew exactly who they were. “What you didn’t think that I knew about the High Families sending their problem daughters to the Temple? Let’s see if I can figure out who each of you are?”
“Dee De, give me a full run down on each of these girls please?”
Coming right up, Maiha. (Dee De)
A few minutes later I get a print out on displayed on my H.U.D.; the first girls name was Susann White Horse. She was here because her Family, the White Horse clan, had found out about her smuggling operation on Little Big Horn. The next one was Lisa Van Perce; her family was the owner of an inter system construction company that built public works for planetary governments. She was here because of her problem with forging illegal IDs. Made a pretty good bit of credit at it too. The last one was the surprise though. Daniella Sophia Sha Dan his Imperial majesty’s youngest daughter, here because of her refusal to give up her desire to become an APS pilot. Now normally this would be no big deal, but the fact that she used forged papers supplied by the Van Perce girl to try and gain entry into the military was.
The thing that got me though was that all three of thes
e girls have been here for the past three years. More than enough time to be allowed to return to their homes and to get the ankle bracelets, something wasn’t adding up here. “How long were you girls supposed to be here?”
“That depends on who you ask, my Lady.” answered Susann.
“Just what do you mean by that, young lady?” demanded mama.
“It’s simple, Lady Dai Etsu. If you ask our families then we would be here until we turned twenty-one. If you ask the Emperor then we would be going home tomorrow. However according to His Lord High Chamberlain we can only leave here when we wed one of the current Heads of House for the Light, Daniels, or Moore Families.” answered the Lady Daniella.
“You mean the former High Chamberlain, your Majesty. Yes I know who you really are, just like I know who your friends are. Starting with the brunette on your right we have the Lady Susann White Horse of the White horse clan from the planet Little Big Horn. On your right that cute little red head is Lisa Van Perce. All three of you were sent here for trying to get you into the Imperial Military.” The looks of shock that cross their faces is priceless. “Oh yes, princess; I know exactly who you are. Along with your two friends, now please tell why you are here?”
“You already know why. Our families are ashamed of us. Just because we don’t want to be their prim and proper Ladies, so what if we went outside the box to try and be what we want to be.” Lisa put in.
Now I’m already pissed off at certain High Family ass holes as is. For this little bitch to give me that type of an attitude was not one of her brightest moments. As the targeting cross hairs form around her I feel my combat blades extend. I watch as the color drains from her face, and realize just how close I am to losing control. Stepping back from the three girls I turn around and walk to the far side of the room. Not that this small distance will keep me from killing them if I wanted, but to give me time to collect my thoughts and gain some small amount of control.
Mama, seeing me do the move steps in to prevent what might be a very messy situation. “Young ladies, I believe what my daughter wants to know is why you’re here in my rooms.”
A very frightened Susann answered for them. “Sister Mary Elise sent us, my Lady. We’re to be your new hand maidens, Reverend Mother.”
“I am no longer the Reverend Mother, child.” Mama told her.
“That is not what Sister Mary Elise said, Reverend Mother.” Lisa told her. “According to her you are a Reverend Mother until the day you die.”
The giggle that escapes me is out before I even have a chance to stop it. “Is there something funny about that statement, Maiha?” mama’s very hard tone lets me know I just might have screwed up.
“No, mama. It’s just that no matter what you or I do we cannot escape our past.”
“What, pray tell; do you mean by that, Maiha?”
“Mama, it’s simple. Just as I will always be the one who is known as Death himself, you will always be known as a Reverend Mother.” At the look on her face I can’t help but giggle.
Everyone one in the room starts to laugh at my statement, even Top. Mama’s new hand maidens, though, are at a loss as to what they’re supposed to do. They have no idea of what is going on. However it is just the thing to help me finally get in control of my emotions. Looking over at the three of them “Alright ladies, seeing as how you are to be mamas new hand maidens let’s get you into something better to wear than those Temple robes. If, and this is a big if; you can show us that you can be trusted I’ll see about getting those tracking bracelets off of you. However if we find that we can’t trust you, you will find that you will never get them off. Do we understand each other?”
The Lady Daniela looks at me as if I have lost my mind. “Who do you think you are to tell me I have to earn your trust little girl?”
Before I can say a word Fuyuko jumps right in her majesty’s face. “She is the Head of House Nakatoma, the first First High Lady of the Death Dealers, and the only person on this god forsaken rock who can release you from those ankle bracelets, bitch. If you want to get that damned thing off your leg before you turn twenty-one and get off this rock. You’ll shut your hole, and do as you’re told. If not be my guest and piss her off some more. I’m sure she would be glad to turn your sorry ass over to House Light, and let them show you what their idea of respect for women is. Trust me, little Girl! That is not something you want to face. I know, because I have!” she was screaming by the time she got done. My little sister was so enraged she was shaking. “Of all the people on this planet, she is the only one who is trying to keep your throne in your family’s hands. The rest of the Houses here want to take it from you.”
I move over and pull her into a much needed hug. Where she proceeds to cry. At first lightly then with great soul wracking sobs. “Let it out baby girl, let it all out.” I whisper in her ear. Looking over at the princess I can tell she is shocked. I guess no one has ever talked to her in that manner before. I can tell that for the first time in her young life she understands that she has to earn the respect for her title. She can’t demand it, and the fact that she is the one people will hold responsible for the actions of the Lords and Ladies that she will appoint in the future. Maybe there is hope for her after all. “I see you now know what it means to ‘earn the respect of your people’, your Majesty. Are you now ready to learn what it means to be a Royal?”
When she looks at me all I see is defeat in her eyes. This girl has been put through hell in her quest for the respect she so desperately wants. “Yes, ma’am. I’m…um…sorry for the way I have acted toward you and your family. I’ll do whatever it takes.”
Mama takes over at that point. “Then it is time for your first lesson. Nanase, Nanami take them out to the central courtyard and show them the proper way to walk. For a set of two year novices they move like cows on roller skates.”
“Yes mama.” The twins bow and turn to lead her new hand maidens outside.
“And girls.” When they look back at mama she tells them. “You are not to return until they can.”
Swallowing, the twins say ‘yes mama’ and nod their heads, taking the girls outside. Once we are alone again mama takes Fuyuko from my arms and leads her over to her bed. Where she lays my younger sister down and climbs in bed with her to keep her company. Top looks up at both me and Alice. “Lady Maiha, can you and Lady Allison handle the meeting this afternoon without the Lady Dai Etsu?”
I just nod my head yes. “Top, I need you to do me a favor. Go over there and help mama with Fuyuko. I don’t know what all the House of Light troops did to her, but I know this much if she gets any of them in her sights, they’re dead men.”
“No, Lady Maiha that is where you’re wrong. They’ll be lucky if she just kills them or if your mama doesn’t get a hold of them. For that matter, they better pray that none of the House troops find out about what they did to their little ghost here.” He says.
“Their little ghost? What do you mean Top?”
Sighing he looks over at Fuyuko who has cried herself to sleep. “Before she became your little sister, even before she first went to the Temple, she would take little gifts of food or drink; sometimes she would even repair a uniform or some other piece of clothing for them. She would always sneak into the barracks to do these things when she thought no one ever saw her. Of course she didn’t know about the security cameras. At first no one knew who was doing these things so the troopers started to call her their friendly little ghost. When they found out they just called her their little ghost. She’s sort of an unofficial mascot.”
“Oh holy hell! Top are you telling me that Fuyuko is ‘little ghost’?” Alice breathed.
“Yes, Sergeant. That is exactly what I’m saying.”
“Oh my Goddess. Maiha, we cannot let any, and I mean any; of the House military find out. That means both the House troops and the bodyguards.”
Understanding how most military minds work especially when it comes to superstitions. If there is one thing you don’t me
ss with is a unit’s mascot. Those things are more sacred than a unit’s battle banner. The fact that Fuyuko was adopted by my House military means I have a real problem on my hands. Because if they find out about Fuyuko’s past, I might not be able to hold them in check when the time comes for the trap. “Top, we can’t let this get out. Every last man or woman in our House military will go on a killing spree when it comes to House Light.”
“That is only the tip of the ice berg. Your baby sisters have stolen the hearts of the younger troops. They all, and I do mean all; look on them as their kid or baby sisters. I afraid that when it comes to the Storm Dancers, if something happens to one of them, all hell is going to break lose.” Top was actually smiling when he said that.
If the House military has taken that strong a liking to my sisters I definitely have a problem on my hands. Then again that just might be something that I can use to my advantage. With the Storm Dancers in the middle of the battle line every one of our troops will see that we truly value their lives by taking the most dangerous position there is. Then again that might backfire on me. I just don’t know, but that is the nature of warfare. It is always a gamble. Hopefully all of our preparations will turn the tide in our favor. All I can do now is make sure I have done all that I can to win.
“Thank you, Top, for all of your insight. Please, look after mama and Fuyuko for me.”
“Go ahead, and handle your business, Lady Maiha. I’ll make sure that they are taken care of. I must admit that I have come to love your little family as my own.”
“First Sergeant, my family has taken to you as one of their own. I for one look forward to the day you can call me your daughter, but until then I’ll take what the Goddess will give me.” walking up to him I stand on tip-toe, and kiss him on his check. With that done I head for the door and out into the hallway before he can say a word.
Once in the hallway I find my lady’s maids waiting for me and Alice. Gin begins to say something about how I’m dressed, but I cut her off. “Not one word, Gin. Not one word, you do not know what I have heard this morning. Right now I highly doubt anything will help me get my emotions under control enough to disengage my armor except total exhaustion. Now tell me if the commanders for all of the military units are here yet?”
