(GS3) Home Field: Espoir Mansion

[Jello]

A week later...


The dreams were incessant. Ever since that day in New York with the nightmares of burning fields and those lithe pale arms wrapping around him, Haruka was still a bit phobic when it came to sleeping. He often just passed out and hoped throughout the night he would just blank through it. That happened about three-out-of-four times. The other fourth, well, Haruka woke up in a sweat, nearly shouting.

That was almost the case this time. He woke up from the fingertips of those arms digging into his sides. Haruka shot up, disheveled hair and half-buttoned sleep shirt. Yukino was still fast asleep on his left apparently. She must have been a heavy sleeper because over the course of the week, Haruka had these dreams three times in a row and all three times she seemed to just doze right through all of it. Lucky.

After a few good minutes of just taking slow, deep breaths and rationalizing, Haruka climbed out of bed, careful to not wake up his beloved from her slumber. Not like she would anyways, she was pretty much a rock this past week when it came to sleeping. He trudged over to the armchair in the corner of the room where he had his outfit for the day laid out. Nothing too complicated, dark blue jeans, red tank top and a green army-styled jacket with combat boots. Haruka had become fond of casual wear again instead of suiting up everyday. It suited his dynamic more anyways; he wasn't very formal to begin with as a person.

Downstairs was the normal cup of coffee prepared as always. Butler-san was getting better at it everyday. He was also a much better Nova Grappler player than Haruka was, for sure. Butler-san often took games off of Haruka in the morning before school. He had no idea if Butler-san was just a better Nova player than Haruka was a Kagero player, or Butler-san was just overall more intuitive to the game of Vanguard. Strange.

Today was a school day, but Haruka ended up skipping due to a recent transition he's been having in his daily routine, as he had been doing late night shifts at work. This means that he would have to sleep and miss the half-days on Saturday. He spent the remaining free-time with Butler-san in the kitchen, usually either waiting for Yukino to wake up and head downstairs herself, or he would get a headstart into the day. That was actually the plan this time, as after he finished his second cup of coffee, he ended up dashing out the door with a wave and a thanks.

Where to today... hmmm?

[Lance Korilum]

  On his way to the mansion, Cero experienced some unforeseen delays (He had to ride the horse on the walls of buildings instead of the street), causing him to take significantly longer than anticipated.  Upon arrival, the horse leaped over the gate into the yard of the Espoirs.  Several servants come out to see Cero dismount the horse.

  "Stable this horse.  Do not do anything else to this horse.  Do not touch it directly.  Do not approach it with any kind of weapon.  Do not look at it wrong.  Do nothing that could make it feel even slightly threatened," Cero said before leaving the Espoir mansion behind.  The servants weren't exactly certain whether or not to heed the words of the maniac who had just leaped into their master's yard with a horse and left the horse in their care.  One of them, luckily, recognized the man and made sure that no one did anything to the magical physics-defying horse. 

  Cero was now en route to continue the fight against Reverse, likely without allies unless he ran into them on the way. 

[Cherry]

It's begun.

Yugure had been awoken from a stasis chamber and led back home in a daze. Immediately upon return, reports flooded in, and her phone was showing an enormous amount of missed calls and texts. There was little time to even attend to them with voices ringing in mind. Alfred informed the Chosen Sword about the Liberators being nearly wiped out, yet, she wasn't too surprised about it. More thankful as many as possible came out alive.

"Ugh..." she groaned, hearing about their HQ already being contaminated with that virus. Even worse, Satoshi's prolonged markings were likely out of her control by now. Seifer needed to speak with her too, and she could only hope neither of them were killed or harvested. The paladins seemed alright... for now, but she wasn't aware of further devastation. Making a preemptive inquiry, Dragon Empire's and Zoo's situations were requested. Leopald's rampage was brought to the queen's attention. In addition to that, something happened to Vowing Sword and Gauntlet Buster.

"Look into Dark Zone."

An odd order but Jewel Knights immediately left the hall of her mind to do so. Yugure needed to check on the Umano situation, as nobody was answering her from there. Satoshi and Seifer were more pressing matters, along with Cero's condition if the Training Facility was overrun.

Pushing servants aside and giving them tasks, it was time for the soldier herself to advance. Leaving out of the manor's front doors, she was greeted with the sight of Cero's horse leaping into their yard. It was being left here...?

"Cero!" Yugure shouted, running after him.

[Lance Korilum]

  Cero turned around just before the gate, looking back at Yugure running after him.  He was tempted to simply ignore her and continue on his way to liberate the Training Facility, but decided against it.  Her skills and knowledge of the invaders would be valuable, and it would be foolish to rush back in there without a plan.  Once she had caught up, he asked simply, "What is it?"  The look in his eyes was one filled with determination, defiant of the invaders. 

[Cherry]

"What happened to the Training Facility?"

There was no wasting time with greetings. That look in his eye and her own focused resolve on seeing humanity survive made the King and Queen get down to business as soon as possible. The reports already told the base was under the control of someone infected, but seeing Cero here instead of there means it's likely worse than stated. It's a miracle to even see him intact as it is.

[Lance Korilum]

  Cero was silent for a moment, disgusted at the fact that he allowed these events to transpire.  "Completely overrun.  I had to abandon it, their sheer numbers were nigh impossible to overcome."  He looked at the ground as he said, the disdain and frustration loud and clear in his voice, with a fist clenched.  That Training Facility was exactly what the enemy wanted in the end, a collection of powerful fighters all wrapped up in a fancy glass bow. 

[Cherry]

Gritting her teeth, Yugure expected this answer. It was simply harder to swallow to see that the prideful Cero had to submit to retreating. "Damn it..." she cursed, looking off to the side. The fury in the king's heart will be answered with overtaking the base back, especially judging by the texts of the Cardfight Club Yugure's phone was registered into. Hana was over there, and they were going to gather for getting a hold of the situation.

"As it stands, we're not going to be able to get it back", is the honest truth that came out of her mouth. Espoir geniuses and Cero's diligent trainees, along with the one who had led the takeover would surely trample over the duo. "We need backup."

Seifer, Satoshi... Haruka. Hana probably charged in, despite the overwhelming numbers. If she could get through to the ringleader and take it back with whatever unit she took with her... this will tip back into their favor somewhat.

... If she took a unit with her.

No, nonsense. Yugure knew Hana, the princess wasn't stupid.

"I'm heading to someone's house to get some reinforcements. I recommend you find whoever you can and do the same."

[Lance Korilum]

  Cero was reluctant to follow Yugure's advice to find back-up, but he knew there was no chance with just the two of them, possibly three if Hana was still fine.  They were all skilled fighters, but the sheer advantage that the Reverse fighters had in numbers was too great.  "Alright," he relented, "I'll search the shopping district, and we'll meet back here as soon as possible."  With this, Cero set out in search of allies to the Resistance.

[Hope]

The Princess was called to an audience by The King early in the morning in order to discuss the current events.

Star Rain and Garmore insisted that she accessed the King's Audience Hall using the Sanctuary behind the Espoir Manor. She used to use it to attend the council meetings and send her image as her powers were still largely undeveloped and it functioned as an enhancer back then. Nowadays, she really has no need for it, but since the two paladins kept on insisting, she followed along.

"Welcome home, Hana!" Her parents welcomed her and both ran to her to embrace her as she entered the Manor gates, something that she has not done in so long.
"You're so fit and mature looking now! So cute, aww you had a growth spurt just like your mom!" Mom-san pinched her cheeks as she held her in a motherly embrace which felt more like a bear hug due to her sheer strength.
"T-Thamksm Mam-sen." She said as he face was being squished by the Chief Nurse.

Speaking of bears. Lions.

"How have you been? Anyone treat you wrongly? I shall destroy them." He held both of them within his grasp, and he still had a large arm length left to spare, enough for Yukino most likely. It's how the family man of a half-man and half-lion was designed.

It seems that Yukino wasn't home, and when inquired about her, the two stated that she should wait until after breakfast. It wasn't a full family meal like they used to have since Yukino wasn't present, but it was close. Dad-san was there with his over-protective remarks and often far too serious attitude. Mom-san, meanwhile argued with Shamsiel as the Bermuda Triangle units looked at Hana with judging eyes saying. "This is basically you too." Hana had forgotten how it was to spend time with them, and they didn't seem to hold it against her that she had been gone for so long. They more or less asked about it just to get to know her. In Dad-san's case, to look for someone who has done her wrong.

"How's the idol career?"
"Is your manager treating you right?"
"Do you need any help?"
"How's Pr<3ism?"
"Are you doing alright living by yourself?"

After the flurries of questions, they saved the one that she knew react to most for last.

"How's Miyuki?"

Dad-san and Mom-san knew about their relationship, and in both of their cases, they really liked Miyuki and have been actually the ones helping to keep the condition a secret from her parents. Dad-san always imagined that both of his daughters would find men to be with one day and was caught by surprise when told about her daughter's choice. Though, after some though, especially looking back at the relationship the two had, he had no reason to reject and gave him blessing to them. Hana looked down at her plate, unknowingly playing with her food a little as she was lost in deep thought. Guilt? Still there. Frustration? All the way. How about happiness? Forget the other two, that's what Hana definitely was.

"Ah, she isn't doing well still, but Mom-san's nurses are helping a lot! She is able to wake up occasionally and we are able to spend time together. Even if it's just by her bedside and in my home, I am happy.. really really happy to be with her."

Mom-san stood up and gave her a pat on the back while Dad-san gave a smile and a thumbs up. "Sorry that I can't do much.. it's a disease that I've never encountered before..." The Nurse said apologetically. There was no need to apologize in Mom-san's case, since in terms of physical condition, Miyuki has been kept in such a shape that she could be a professional athlete. She was healthy as can possibly be, the only issue was really, the invaders. Hana wondered if the two knew about them. Dad-san probably did, but it was best to save that for another time if possible.

After dinner, Mom-san had to make preparations for her next trip and Dad-san had to return to his office to work. Hana had to go ahead and do the same.

Upon reaching the King's Audience Hall, she saw three warriors awaiting her. It seems that Ahmes was absent at the moment. She walked on towards the King's throne and gave a bow as this was his domain. After that she was given a signal to raised her head, the conversation was now to begin.

"Did you enjoy your meal with the Lion and the Chief Nurse?" The King smiled.
"Of course!" She gave a peace sign, "... wait that was your idea?" She asked, taken aback by the fact.
"No, No.." The King shook his head, "It was Gancelot's!"

Hana turned over to see him, the knight who was smiling proudly, with a somewhat nerdy smirk. It was weird to see him like that especially since she's always known him as being a stone-faced loner. The King, she could understand, but Gancelot's idea?... Isn't he...  Alone... Alone? Solitary?... His armor had changed as well, to a more golden and much for firmer look, as if he had evolved and rached a higher rank, his Zenith.

"It was my idea to call you here." Gancelot confessed. "I know you are wondering of Ahmes whereabouts, as well as Yukino's. Rest assured, they are together at the current moment and protecting one another."
"I dunno Dancealot, I never expected you to be as cheesy as Alfred here." She turned her had a little, teasing the knight.
"Ah well, yesterday I received his blessing!" He let out a hearty laugh.
"Goodness gracious, the explains a lot!" Her eyes widened.
"Ah, well let me explain the events of yesterday." Gancelot began.
"I'm sorry," She bowed her head down, "I know I was supposed to meet up with them, but the large amount of reversed fighters in the Shopping District as well as Miyuki's conditioning worsening that night I-.."
"It's alright man!" Garmore assured her. Seeing as how he was with her and slacking as well, he was also trying to cover his trail.
"It's not about that..." The King turned to Garmore.

Gancelot went over to Hana and placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes looking into hers as he understood her now. She realized it then, that he really did learn something, something that he wanted to convey to her too, that they were no longer alone.

"The power bonds that you spoke of with Daiyusha... the true justice that you told him about, he told us that those words saved him. I wanted to offer something to you as well for the sake of one of my Vanguards... your sister, and for your sake as well, our Princess." He prepared himself to speak once more, "Yesterday we fought against the enemy, almost defeated, wiped out... your sister and I were most of all shaken beyond anything. She feared failure once again."

Hana turned away a little. She had already forgiven her, except for that part, but that's what Gancelot was trying to get at.

"Families are bonds, and it seems that for the longest time, you've given it up in your attempt to become more independent. You see family as weakness don't you, a reliance on your father, mother, and even your sister." The Knight saw within her heart.

"Forgive you sister completely, and see her as she is again. She didn't fail yesterday, we succeeded and evolved... together."

It was the truth, Hana had moved away from her family and distanced herself in order to be her own person, to seem less reliant on those who raised her and be taken more seriously as someone who was a subordinate sister to no one. Her inferiority complex had her forget the bonds that the families had, even getting angry at the Espoir destiny.

"Share the destiny with your sister." Alfred added, "You two are among the greatest warriors whom I've met. Hmmm... Speaking performance wise, a powerful duet?"
"Alfred, stahp." Garmore facepalmed.

They spoke the truth, except for Garmore. Hana covered her face for a moment, a revelation was brought to her by these knights. She entered deep thought. The conversation went on and on.
 

[Cipher Izanagi]

It took them a little bit longer to get here to the mansion, the place listed in the address given to him by Yukino. It was... Massive. So it seemed. Seifer had never been near, nor lived near anything like this. The entire way, Rosalia helped an exhausted Seifer along to the mansion. "Wow... it's... pretty big. Where do I start..." looking around at the gate they stopped at he saw the intercom... thing, that was on the side. He pressed his finger against the button, pressing it down fully and waiting for a response. He was actually admittedly a bit nervous. Going somewhere like this was rather unnerving to him, but he had to suck it up. He understand what Yukino had meant in the last text, so he might as well go to her.

[Cherry]

"You have guests-"

"Let them in and lead them to my work room."

Yugure cut off the servant, having no time for anything that can be cut down to five seconds short. The queen had been given one of her father's old work rooms. It was like a garage, having an abundance of tools, shelves, and cleared tables. Well, usually cleared. At the moment, metal rings, small green chips, and other devices were scattered about on several desks. The woman's jacket and gloves had been removed, along with her boots to help her cool down and relax. Using a magic drill of sorts, she began poking a hole into one of the steel circles.

[RosaliaIzanami]

Rosalia kept quiet for most of the walk, wondering just what their destination would be like. She could imagine what the mansion would be like... but what she saw in reality was nothing like what she pictured in her head. "Woaaaaaah.... This place is huuuuuuuuge... Oh, oops.... Sorry, I'll be quiet..." she muttered to herself, watching Seifer push the button. But with how big it was on the outside, maybe it was like one of the magic boxes where it was even bigger on the inside. At least it would probably seem that way..

[Cipher Izanagi]

That was fast. Seifer and Rosalia were lead inside to the work room by one of the servants, who shut it behind them, Butler-San? He seemed kind of lonely... For some reason. What was going on? Was something wrong with Yukino, or was it because... He didn't want to think about the last thing he'd told Yukino about Haruka... Seifer however took this time to try and stand on his own, almost failing on wobbly legs before standing straight. He looked exhausted, like he'd just gone five rounds with a professional wrestler or something. He stared right at Yukino though. "Sorry it took us so long." he spoke that part quickly before glancing to the side. "I'm also sorry for bothering you while you're working."

[RosaliaIzanami]

Rosalia followed into the mansion, careful to keep her hands to herself like a child in a museum full of shiny and very breakable things. She kept one hand entwined with Seifer's though. The other remained at her side where her deck sat. It still made her happy to know what changed in her deck. It just made everything better, and gave the female confidence... Save for the intimidation she felt merely walking the halls. When they found Yugure, or were led to her, whatever, the redhead waved but otherwise was quiet, looking at the room from where she stood.

[Cherry]

Butler-san simply bowed as he left them to his mistress.

"It's no problem, was everything alright over there?" Yugure had the drill vanish into thin air and made her inquiry. It was strange how something seemed to come up out of the blue, and seeing an exhausted Seifer basically spelled harsh travels. The barefooted queen left the current desk she had been working on, grabbing a couple tools and more metal rings, examining the objects, then tossing them to that table nonchalantly. Whatever didn't land on the floor was useful, whatever else was useless. A very bad ideology for a craftswoman, but she's magic, so she can make up whatever she wants.

The woman also responded to Rosalia's wave by greeting her back in the same manner with a smile.