Story 12: Final Gambits
Posted: Sun Aug 02, 2020 2:22 pm
Final Gambits
Quick reminder: The map and the descriptions of the returning characters (including the ones from the more recent stories) can be found on the topic called: Description of the characters. (viewtopic.php?f=234&t=3321) Since nobody asked otherwise, I won't describe the returning characters to avoid repetitiveness and breaking the rythm.
**************
Zoé was applying herself to composing a bouquet of flowers. The flower arrangement was basic, but it was her first time alone. Mikani and Klenia were observing her.
There wasn't red dye anymore in the child's hair. At least for now, Mikani and her friends thought that it wasn't a good idea to remind people that Zoé was part of the Basileus Faction. They wanted to make sure that the girl wouldn't attract any unwanted attention. A testimony of how mature she was, Zoé didn't complain to keep her dye. She knew the danger she could be in if she was recognized as a descendant of Constantin Basileus by the wrong people.
With her tongue sticking out, the child put the last flower, a red rose.
“I dit it!” she happily exclaimed. “I dit it!” She showed her work to Mikani.
The latter smiled. “Then give it to Aster. She may want to put it on sale.”
“And I will ask for part of the profits.” the child added.
The black-haired woman chuckled lightly. “Of course!”
She and Klenia watched the girl run in the other room of the shop.
“This kid's gonna go far.” Klenia commented. “She has already understood how the world was working...”
Mikani nodded.
“You must be proud of your daughter.” her friend added.
“Klenia, I already told you. I can't adopt her. I'm not fit to raise a child...”
“Mikani... How long have you been postponing your phone call to the child services?” Klenia gently interrupted her. “More than three months now?”
“We've already had that discussion, Klenia.” the shorter woman interrupted her. “She's the last descendant of Constantin Basileus still alive. All the remaining Olympian supremacists are looking for her, to use her as a rallying flag. Technically, she's a threat to the new government. I don't trust Cérès to properly take care of her. All her life, she would have to face discrimination. Or worst... Zoé wouldn't be the first child sacrificed for the needs of the State. That's why I don't call them.”
“Sounds like a convenient excuse to me.”
“I...”
“You want to protect Zoé. You care about her. You attend to her needs. Why are you so reluctant to make it official? Adopt her. Keep her here, with you. We will help you. Aster has a steady job and you can work in her shop. Zoé will simply be raised by several mothers, that's it.”
“Even if I do, how can I know that Cérès won't one day find about her? That's not just a convenient excuse, you know? It's a real possibility...”
“For Cérès, I have an idea.”
Mikani frowned. “I recognize that expression...”
Klenia winked. “I will tell you more during the party, tonight.”
**************
“I'm not sure it's a good idea to do it now... Maybe we should wait...”
“My decision is final. Now, you have to choose. Is it Reka or is it me?”
Lucina blinked. “You've changed.” she commented.
Selena shook her head. “Lucina, you're my friend, but you've always underestimated me.”
The other woman hesitated, then she said: “I... I'm with you.”
“Just like in the army?”
“Just like in the army.”
Selena took a deep breath, then entered the room that Reka was using as a war room. Lucina was walking behind her. For once, she wasn't trying to be the center of attention.
Reka was studying a map with Max and Lizéa. Amy was standing in a corner of the room with a sullen expression.
While she didn't want to show it, Selena was feeling a little hurt by how quickly Lizéa's team pledged their services to Reka. For Max, she could understand. The short accountant was upfront with her since the beginning: His goal was to free Reka and once they reached it, he would obey her orders again. But Selena was the one who hired Lizéa and her team. And yet, they were now working for Reka.
Her other teammates also chose Reka over her, even the most grounded ones like Karin or Helen.
Well, at least Lucina was still with her...
The tall black-haired woman was currently talking.
“The last pieces are falling into place. We will send Amara, Helen, Coral, Karin and Kjelle to the hospital and Lizéa's team to the shop.”
“Reka. We need to talk.” the redhead said.
The tall woman looked at her. Usually, Reka didn't like being interrupted. But, since Selena was the one who organized her escape, she had a preferential treatment.
“It looks important.” the tall black-haired woman simply said.
Reka asked the others to wait outside for a few minutes.
Once they were alone, the black-haired woman asked: “What is it? I don't have much time.”
“This revenge. I want out.” Selena buntly said. “Lucina too.”
There was a long moment of silence. Reka's facial expression didn't change. In fact, she was completely still, not moving a muscle.
Lucina quietly took a step back, but Selena stood firm.
“Is there any way I can change your mind?” Reka finally asked.
“No. I'm sorry.”
Reka sighed, and shrugged.
“Fine, suit yourselves. I wish you good luck.”
Selena and Lucina shared a quick awkward glance.
“Just like that?” Selena asked.
“What else can I do? I'm your leader, not your master. I can't force you to keep working for me. Well, except Amy, but that's because she's a backstabbing twat. I won't try to stop you. You'll be on your own, though.”
“Okay... Then, we'll leave. We wish you the very best for the future.” Lucina intervened with a nervous smile.
“Can I make a suggestion?” Selena added.
“Of course.”
“You should give up on this revenge. It will bring you nothing good.”
There was another moment of silence.
“I'm from Ares, and Sao was my friend.” Reka answered. “I can't.”
**************
The party was Aster's and Klenia's idea. They were thinking of organizing it ever since Mikani returned. The idea was to gather all their friends, old and new.
Mikani didn't know that the friends she made during her adventure in Southern Cross were supposed to come too. It was a little surprise.
“The last guests are coming.” Zoé said.
“Good.” Aster commmented. “I bet Mikani will be overjoyed.”
**************
Selena's and Lucina's former teammates, the members of Lizéa's team, and even Max, took the time to say good bye to the two leaving women, and to wish them good luck. Only Amara didn't show up but that wasn't surprising. Amara couldn't stand Lucina. And, of course, Amy didn't come neither.
In spite of her slight hard feelings towards Lizéa who gave up on her so easily, Selena was still touched by the gesture.
Then, the two women left. The others didn't have much time anyway. Everyone was preparing for Reka's next operation.
Now, Lucina and Selena were walking alone in the streets of Olympus City with, in their backpacks, food, money, clothes, and (of course) tools to neutralize and bind other women.
"So..." Lucina said. "What's the plan?"
“We simply need to proceed step by step. Our priority is to snag a vehicle, and perhaps a few clothes to go along with it. Just in case. Let's not forget that we are wanted criminals, even though our faces aren't as well known as Reka's.”
**************
Mikani was happy to see familiar faces again.
Venia was talking with Shayna and Klenia. She was living in Naïad currently, but was often visiting her sister, who was living with Klenia now.
Zia made the trip from Shield, just like she did for the previous party. She had resumed her medical studies and was second of her year.
Thorn was serving drinks. The tall black man lived in the same town as Aster, although they didn't see each other as often as they would have liked. He had taken over the late Dimitri's company and was often away on business trips.
Thales and Morgan Shark were standing next to Thorn, talking with him. It was the first time Mikani saw them since the end of the civil war.
Hieron was with them, although he didn't seem as jolly as usual.
Hana was here too. This timen, she had chosen to come in person, not just only see them via webcam. She was shyly looking at all the people gathered together, a lot of whom she didn't know very well (or didn't know at all). She embraced Mikani, albeit a little awkwardly.
“Macha didn't come.” the black-haired young woman apologized. “She's still not very comfortable... about everything.”
“No need to apologize. We understand.” Mikani answered. “I'm happy to see you.”
She heard other voices.
“Mikani!”
Amber was here, Clover and Posy too.
Overjoyed, Mikani embraced her friends one after the other.
“I didn't know you would come!”
“Of course, it was supposed to be a surprise.” Amber explained.
“We surely didn't want to miss an occasion to see you again...” Clover commented.
“We'll stay a few days in the region. We've taken a hotel room.” Posy added.
“That's great! I'm sure Zoé will be delighted to see you.” Mikani took Hana's arm. "Come, I will introduce you to everyone else!" she said to the four women.
Klenia, Shayna and Venia were watching them from afar.
“Is it me, or are half of the guests Mikani's friends?” Klenia asked with a smile.
“Apparently, she has a way to connect with people...” Shayna answered.
“She truly did break out of her shell. She wasn't like that at all when we first met her.”
“It's like Aster said. You corrupted her.”
**************
Selena noticed the two policewomen talking to each other next to their car. They were holding donuts and cups of coffee in their hands. They were probably taking a break.
The first was a tall curvy woman with brown eyes, a deep voice and a slightly pointy chin. She had brown hair, tied into a midback-long high ponytail. The second was of average build and height, but with a soft cute oval-shaped face and green-hazel eyes. She had shoulder-long down light brown hair. Both were wearing a traditional police uniform: dark blue cap, dark blue uniform jacket, weapon belt, dark blue uniform pants, black boots, and a shoulder radio.
“Excuse me. I need your help!” Selena said to the shorter policewoman. “Someone stole the purse of my friend!”
“Of course.”
The other policewoman stopped her. “Yusufa, wait.” She looked at Selena. “Is your friend a woman?”
“What? Um... Yes.”
“We will call reinforcements.” the policewoman said. She grabbed her shoulder radio.
“Prim? Are you sure...?”
“Yes I am.”
Selena understood that she had to flee. Somehow, this policewoman had just seen through her true intentions.
“Prim! She's fleeing! Let's chase after her!”
“Only after the reinforcements are here. I asked them to send us policemen.”
She has found a counter! Selena thought to herself.
When she reached her friend, the redhead grabbed Lucina's arm to make her run away with her.
“What happened?!”
“It didn't work! When did that ever happen?!” Selena complained.
**************
Mikani came to see Klenia when the party was rearing its end.
“So now, it's time to confess. What is your big idea?” she asked her.
“Well, I've been thinking about the latest developments. About how we defied Cérès' orders when we went to Frontier, about the fact that she will never forget that. And about Zoé. I think I found the crux of the problem.”
“Which is...?”
“Cérès herself, of course.”
“Explain.”
“There are two main sides in the Government. One is led by Hieron, Morgan and Thales; the other by Cérès. Cérès is the main threat to Zoé's safety, and to us in general. She's the leader of the side of the Government that could hurt the child, or at least use her as a pawn in their political games. So, if we could... find a little dirt on her, we could weaken her enough to allow Hieron's and Morgan's side to take the advantage. Though it means that we would have to infiltrate Government Palace... Now, I've stopped mugging women to spend more time with Shayna, but we've had a talk and she agrees with me that this situation requires to get back into action. If you want to...”
“Let's do it.”
“Of course, I knew you'd say 'no'. It's too dangerous and... wait what did you say?”
“I said: 'Let's do it'.”
“You... agree with me... to go infiltrate the Government Palace?”
“I told you. I want to ensure Zoé's safety.”
Klenia remained flabbergasted during a few seconds, a reaction to which she wasn't used to. Usually, she was the one making other people feel flabberasted.
Then she smiled. “Okay then. Let's grab Hieron and tell him about our little project. I'm sure he'll be glad to lend us a hand.”
**************
“I can't believe it... It's as if they all suddenly wisened up!” Selena complained.
“Or just bad luck.” Lucina tried to comfort her.
After their failures with the two policewomen, they tried their luck with two delivery women... who refused to go help them when they pretended that their tire was flat and stayed with their male colleagues. The two college students they met next immediately ran for help and they couldn't grab them in time to prevent them from alerting a few policemen.
“At this rate, we won't have our vehicle and our disguise... Maybe we should just steal a car and be done with it.” Selena decided, reluctantly admitting defeat.
They went to the nearest parking lot.
Once they arrived there, they assisted to a rather incongruous scene.
A policewoman was currently giving a fine to a van. On the vehicle's frame were painted images promoting a magic show: playing cards, white stars, a wand, and so forth. The two women to whom the vehicle belonged were arguing with the policewoman.
“Do you know who I am?” the first woman said.
“Yeah! Do you know who she is?” her companion added.
“I am the Great Amelie! Famous magician! And this is Megan, my assistant!”
Amelie was indeed wearing a blue magician leotard. Though, to cover her upper body, she was clad in a black suit jacket and a white shirt. The cuffs of the suit jacket were white, with golden cuff links looking like spades. Strapped on her boutonniere, there was a blue carnation. She was also wearing grey fishnet tights to cover her legs, and black stylized boots adorned with white cuffs and white ribbons.
The magician had a white skin, light blond hair and ocean-blue eyes. Her armpit-long hair were tied up into two high twin-ponytails. The blonde had a soft heart-shaped face and a delicate nose.
Megan the assistant magician was wearing a white long sleeved shirt, a black sleeveless waistcoat, a black bow tie, black suit pants and black shoes. She had shoulder-long reddish brown hair, a slightly tanned skin, and chestnut eyes. There was a silver piercing on her chin.
“Ma'am, I wouldn't care if you were Constantin Basileus reincarnated. You parked your van in a handicap spot, you must pay a fine.” the policewoman retorted.
“I simply needed five minutes...” Amelie tried to justify herself.
“Also, I have to remind you that it's forbidden to walk the streets in a swimsuit.” the policewoman added.
“This is an outrage! It isn't a swimsuit! It's a magician leotard!”
“Sure, sure... You have one week to call the station if you want to contest the fine.” the policewoman said.
“You can bet that I will!”
“Have a good day, ma'am.” the policewoman said while leaving Amelie and her assistant alone.
The magician made a rude gesture of the hand in her back. Then she started to talk with her assistant.
"Can you believe that jerk? As if they didn't bleed our money enough with the taxes..." Amelie complained.
Megan nodded.
"Anyway... We shouldn't waste any more time if we don't want to be late for our next show. Can you drive the van?"
Megan nodded again.
Now that the policewoman had left, the two women were alone and isolated in the parking lot.
“We take their van.” Selena decided. “And their clothes.”
Lucina looked at the outfits. “It will surely be an original experience...”
“I refuse to settle on a defeat. This time will be the good one.” Selena decided.
She approached the two women just as they were about to climb inside their van.
“Excuse me!" she said to Amelie. "I heard that you were a famous magician.”
The blond-haired woman smiled. “Yep! The Great Amelie!”
“I'm a huge fan of magic shows.” Selena lied. “Can I get an autograph?”
“Well...” Amelie scratched the back of her head, flattered and a little embarassed. “Of course...”
“Oh! And can I see your magic tools? I bet they're in the back of your van...”
Amelie exchanged a glance with Megan. The assistant didn't seem very keen about that, but the blonde decided to not follow her silent advice. Selena's flatteries had been effective.
“I suppose a pick won't hurt... Follow me.”
Amelie entered the back of the van. Selena followed her... and closed the door.
Amelie's assistant frowned when she noticed the vehicle suddenly rock back and forth. Even though they were muffled by the metallic frame, she could hear the noises of a struggle and of cries for help.
Megan moved to check what was going on, but suddenly felt a blade on her side. “I suggest you don't do something that you might regret later...” Lucina whispered in her ear while putting a hand on her shoulder. From an outside observer, the two women seemed to simply talk to each other. Nobody but Megan was able to see the switchblade Lucina was using to threaten her victim.
“We'll wait until Selena is done with your friend, then we'll join them. Don't worry, nothing lewd is happening right now. She's just stealing her clothes. But it's for purely professional reasons.”
Time passed.
“We... We don't have much money...” Megan suddenly stammered. “Business isn't doing great lately...”
“We don't want your money. Just your vehicle to leave the country. And your clothes. Just try to take it easy.”
“Take it easy?! You're mugging us!”
“That's not a reason to make it difficult.”
“What?! Of course it is a...”
“Or I could shank you and be done with it.” Lucina interrupted her. “Keeping you alive is actually the more complicated way of doing it.”
Megan gave her a forced smile. “I'm taking it easy! Life is good! Sunshine, rainbow, and all that!”
“Don't overdo it.”
**************
Presa and Alexie had found them another apartment in the outskirts of Olympus City, one that they could use as a hideout. Luckily for them, this time the place was big enough to give them some privacy. Therefore, Yuna and Cynthia didn't have to put up with the sounds of Presa's and Alexie's wild nights anymore.
After their little escapade in the hospital where Emery was resting, the team laid low for some time. Cynthia even wanted to leave the country, or at least the Province of Olympus. However, Yuna refused to leave the town.
Not before having her revenge on Cérès. Just as Emery advised her, she was doing what she wanted.
"How much time will it take to your girlfriend to gather all the informations we need?" she asked Presa.
"My fiancée, please." the blonde corrected her. "And, to answer your question, a few more weeks at least."
"I've already waited more than two months now!"
"Excuse me, but we're not talking about infiltrating a mere hospital. We're talking about the Government Palace."
Yuna rubbed her forehead and sighed. "Sorry. You're right. I shouldn't be too hasty, as long as we get what we want. Revenge is a dish best served cold."
**************
Lucina heard a few knocks on the metallic frame of the van. Selena's signal.
“That's our cue!” she said to her prisoner.
Still under the threat of Lucina's switchblade, Megan opened the back door of the van and entered. Lucina followed her and closed the door.
The back of the vehicle was cluttered because of all the props the magician and her assistant were storing, but there was still enough room for two uniform stealers to do their business.
Amelie was already stripped down to her deep blue panties and matching strapless bra. She was seated in a corner of the van. Her upper-arms, her wrists and her legs were bound with strong brown package tape. However, she wasn't gagged for the moment. Selena wanted to ask her a few more questions.
The redhead was now wearing the magician costume.
Megan watched her employer in dismay.
“So it wasn't a joke...? They're really going to steal our clothes...?”
“Yes.” Amelie glumly answered.
“But why? They're not exactly the best to blend in. They're not even that comfortable...”
“Well, they go with the van.” Lucina explained.
“But...”
Lucina rolled her eyes. “Goodness! You're so talkative... Are you actually naked under your costume? Is that why you don't want to take it off?”
“What? No!”
“Then, less talking and more stripping.”
Megan sighed and shared a resigned look with Amelie. She unlaced her bow tie and took it off. Then she unbuttoned the waistcoat and the shirt, before dropping them on the floor. Next, she removed her shoes and socks, and shimmied down her pants. “Is that enough?” Currently, she was only wearing her white comfort bra and orange boyshorts.
Lucina smiled. “Yes. I wouldn't want to deprive a woman of some way to protect her modesty...”
In no time, Megan was bound with tape and seated next to Amelie.
Lucina quickly took off her casual clothes and slipped into the assistant magician costume.
“You know... If you're a magician... why haven't you freed yourself yet?” Lucina asked Amelie.
The blonde's cheeks reddened a little. “That's because you're using tape, not ropes or chains. Tape doesn't have knots to undo or locks to pick. And it's sticky.” she justified herself.
“Or maybe it's because you're not very good at your job?” Selena intervened.
Amelie lowered her head.
“You're not a well-known magician, aren't you?” Selena insisted. “I bet you're not even a real magician...”
“I'm a birthday entertainer.” the woman shamefully confessed. “For kids.”
“And probably teenagers as well, given your outfit.” Selena added while trying to adjust the leotard she was now wearing.
Amelie bit her lower lip, but didn't answer anything. Next to her, an embarassed Megan was shifting nervously.
“So, it looks like we finally managed to grab a disguise and, more importantly, a vehicle. Time to leave this city. And this country.” Selena said.
“What do we do with these two?”
“I don't want to risk being seen carrying them if we try to drop them in some dumpster...” the redhead commented. "I'm not feeling in luck today."
“Looks like they will have to do part of the journey with us then.” Lucina concluded.
“Oh come on!" Amelie exclaimed. "Can't you just... mmmhhhhh!”
The redhead gagged Amelie by shoving into her mouth one of the colourful scarves she was using as an accessory for her tricks. She used another scarf as a cloth gag, since they had used all their tape to bind the two women. To prevent her from freeing her assistant, she used a blue scarf to blindfold her.
Megan looked at them. “Is the gag really necessary?” she asked.
“Of course! The bondage wouldn't be complete without it.” Lucina answered. She gagged her in a similar way, then blindfolded her with a red scarf.
Lucina then chuckled. “Novice...” she commented.
They exited the vehicle, leaving the two women in the back of the van.
Selena sat behind the wheel.
“Then, onwards for new adventures, I guess...” Lucina commented.
Quick reminder: The map and the descriptions of the returning characters (including the ones from the more recent stories) can be found on the topic called: Description of the characters. (viewtopic.php?f=234&t=3321) Since nobody asked otherwise, I won't describe the returning characters to avoid repetitiveness and breaking the rythm.
**************
Zoé was applying herself to composing a bouquet of flowers. The flower arrangement was basic, but it was her first time alone. Mikani and Klenia were observing her.
There wasn't red dye anymore in the child's hair. At least for now, Mikani and her friends thought that it wasn't a good idea to remind people that Zoé was part of the Basileus Faction. They wanted to make sure that the girl wouldn't attract any unwanted attention. A testimony of how mature she was, Zoé didn't complain to keep her dye. She knew the danger she could be in if she was recognized as a descendant of Constantin Basileus by the wrong people.
With her tongue sticking out, the child put the last flower, a red rose.
“I dit it!” she happily exclaimed. “I dit it!” She showed her work to Mikani.
The latter smiled. “Then give it to Aster. She may want to put it on sale.”
“And I will ask for part of the profits.” the child added.
The black-haired woman chuckled lightly. “Of course!”
She and Klenia watched the girl run in the other room of the shop.
“This kid's gonna go far.” Klenia commented. “She has already understood how the world was working...”
Mikani nodded.
“You must be proud of your daughter.” her friend added.
“Klenia, I already told you. I can't adopt her. I'm not fit to raise a child...”
“Mikani... How long have you been postponing your phone call to the child services?” Klenia gently interrupted her. “More than three months now?”
“We've already had that discussion, Klenia.” the shorter woman interrupted her. “She's the last descendant of Constantin Basileus still alive. All the remaining Olympian supremacists are looking for her, to use her as a rallying flag. Technically, she's a threat to the new government. I don't trust Cérès to properly take care of her. All her life, she would have to face discrimination. Or worst... Zoé wouldn't be the first child sacrificed for the needs of the State. That's why I don't call them.”
“Sounds like a convenient excuse to me.”
“I...”
“You want to protect Zoé. You care about her. You attend to her needs. Why are you so reluctant to make it official? Adopt her. Keep her here, with you. We will help you. Aster has a steady job and you can work in her shop. Zoé will simply be raised by several mothers, that's it.”
“Even if I do, how can I know that Cérès won't one day find about her? That's not just a convenient excuse, you know? It's a real possibility...”
“For Cérès, I have an idea.”
Mikani frowned. “I recognize that expression...”
Klenia winked. “I will tell you more during the party, tonight.”
**************
“I'm not sure it's a good idea to do it now... Maybe we should wait...”
“My decision is final. Now, you have to choose. Is it Reka or is it me?”
Lucina blinked. “You've changed.” she commented.
Selena shook her head. “Lucina, you're my friend, but you've always underestimated me.”
The other woman hesitated, then she said: “I... I'm with you.”
“Just like in the army?”
“Just like in the army.”
Selena took a deep breath, then entered the room that Reka was using as a war room. Lucina was walking behind her. For once, she wasn't trying to be the center of attention.
Reka was studying a map with Max and Lizéa. Amy was standing in a corner of the room with a sullen expression.
While she didn't want to show it, Selena was feeling a little hurt by how quickly Lizéa's team pledged their services to Reka. For Max, she could understand. The short accountant was upfront with her since the beginning: His goal was to free Reka and once they reached it, he would obey her orders again. But Selena was the one who hired Lizéa and her team. And yet, they were now working for Reka.
Her other teammates also chose Reka over her, even the most grounded ones like Karin or Helen.
Well, at least Lucina was still with her...
The tall black-haired woman was currently talking.
“The last pieces are falling into place. We will send Amara, Helen, Coral, Karin and Kjelle to the hospital and Lizéa's team to the shop.”
“Reka. We need to talk.” the redhead said.
The tall woman looked at her. Usually, Reka didn't like being interrupted. But, since Selena was the one who organized her escape, she had a preferential treatment.
“It looks important.” the tall black-haired woman simply said.
Reka asked the others to wait outside for a few minutes.
Once they were alone, the black-haired woman asked: “What is it? I don't have much time.”
“This revenge. I want out.” Selena buntly said. “Lucina too.”
There was a long moment of silence. Reka's facial expression didn't change. In fact, she was completely still, not moving a muscle.
Lucina quietly took a step back, but Selena stood firm.
“Is there any way I can change your mind?” Reka finally asked.
“No. I'm sorry.”
Reka sighed, and shrugged.
“Fine, suit yourselves. I wish you good luck.”
Selena and Lucina shared a quick awkward glance.
“Just like that?” Selena asked.
“What else can I do? I'm your leader, not your master. I can't force you to keep working for me. Well, except Amy, but that's because she's a backstabbing twat. I won't try to stop you. You'll be on your own, though.”
“Okay... Then, we'll leave. We wish you the very best for the future.” Lucina intervened with a nervous smile.
“Can I make a suggestion?” Selena added.
“Of course.”
“You should give up on this revenge. It will bring you nothing good.”
There was another moment of silence.
“I'm from Ares, and Sao was my friend.” Reka answered. “I can't.”
**************
The party was Aster's and Klenia's idea. They were thinking of organizing it ever since Mikani returned. The idea was to gather all their friends, old and new.
Mikani didn't know that the friends she made during her adventure in Southern Cross were supposed to come too. It was a little surprise.
“The last guests are coming.” Zoé said.
“Good.” Aster commmented. “I bet Mikani will be overjoyed.”
**************
Selena's and Lucina's former teammates, the members of Lizéa's team, and even Max, took the time to say good bye to the two leaving women, and to wish them good luck. Only Amara didn't show up but that wasn't surprising. Amara couldn't stand Lucina. And, of course, Amy didn't come neither.
In spite of her slight hard feelings towards Lizéa who gave up on her so easily, Selena was still touched by the gesture.
Then, the two women left. The others didn't have much time anyway. Everyone was preparing for Reka's next operation.
Now, Lucina and Selena were walking alone in the streets of Olympus City with, in their backpacks, food, money, clothes, and (of course) tools to neutralize and bind other women.
"So..." Lucina said. "What's the plan?"
“We simply need to proceed step by step. Our priority is to snag a vehicle, and perhaps a few clothes to go along with it. Just in case. Let's not forget that we are wanted criminals, even though our faces aren't as well known as Reka's.”
**************
Mikani was happy to see familiar faces again.
Venia was talking with Shayna and Klenia. She was living in Naïad currently, but was often visiting her sister, who was living with Klenia now.
Zia made the trip from Shield, just like she did for the previous party. She had resumed her medical studies and was second of her year.
Thorn was serving drinks. The tall black man lived in the same town as Aster, although they didn't see each other as often as they would have liked. He had taken over the late Dimitri's company and was often away on business trips.
Thales and Morgan Shark were standing next to Thorn, talking with him. It was the first time Mikani saw them since the end of the civil war.
Hieron was with them, although he didn't seem as jolly as usual.
Hana was here too. This timen, she had chosen to come in person, not just only see them via webcam. She was shyly looking at all the people gathered together, a lot of whom she didn't know very well (or didn't know at all). She embraced Mikani, albeit a little awkwardly.
“Macha didn't come.” the black-haired young woman apologized. “She's still not very comfortable... about everything.”
“No need to apologize. We understand.” Mikani answered. “I'm happy to see you.”
She heard other voices.
“Mikani!”
Amber was here, Clover and Posy too.
Overjoyed, Mikani embraced her friends one after the other.
“I didn't know you would come!”
“Of course, it was supposed to be a surprise.” Amber explained.
“We surely didn't want to miss an occasion to see you again...” Clover commented.
“We'll stay a few days in the region. We've taken a hotel room.” Posy added.
“That's great! I'm sure Zoé will be delighted to see you.” Mikani took Hana's arm. "Come, I will introduce you to everyone else!" she said to the four women.
Klenia, Shayna and Venia were watching them from afar.
“Is it me, or are half of the guests Mikani's friends?” Klenia asked with a smile.
“Apparently, she has a way to connect with people...” Shayna answered.
“She truly did break out of her shell. She wasn't like that at all when we first met her.”
“It's like Aster said. You corrupted her.”
**************
Selena noticed the two policewomen talking to each other next to their car. They were holding donuts and cups of coffee in their hands. They were probably taking a break.
The first was a tall curvy woman with brown eyes, a deep voice and a slightly pointy chin. She had brown hair, tied into a midback-long high ponytail. The second was of average build and height, but with a soft cute oval-shaped face and green-hazel eyes. She had shoulder-long down light brown hair. Both were wearing a traditional police uniform: dark blue cap, dark blue uniform jacket, weapon belt, dark blue uniform pants, black boots, and a shoulder radio.
“Excuse me. I need your help!” Selena said to the shorter policewoman. “Someone stole the purse of my friend!”
“Of course.”
The other policewoman stopped her. “Yusufa, wait.” She looked at Selena. “Is your friend a woman?”
“What? Um... Yes.”
“We will call reinforcements.” the policewoman said. She grabbed her shoulder radio.
“Prim? Are you sure...?”
“Yes I am.”
Selena understood that she had to flee. Somehow, this policewoman had just seen through her true intentions.
“Prim! She's fleeing! Let's chase after her!”
“Only after the reinforcements are here. I asked them to send us policemen.”
She has found a counter! Selena thought to herself.
When she reached her friend, the redhead grabbed Lucina's arm to make her run away with her.
“What happened?!”
“It didn't work! When did that ever happen?!” Selena complained.
**************
Mikani came to see Klenia when the party was rearing its end.
“So now, it's time to confess. What is your big idea?” she asked her.
“Well, I've been thinking about the latest developments. About how we defied Cérès' orders when we went to Frontier, about the fact that she will never forget that. And about Zoé. I think I found the crux of the problem.”
“Which is...?”
“Cérès herself, of course.”
“Explain.”
“There are two main sides in the Government. One is led by Hieron, Morgan and Thales; the other by Cérès. Cérès is the main threat to Zoé's safety, and to us in general. She's the leader of the side of the Government that could hurt the child, or at least use her as a pawn in their political games. So, if we could... find a little dirt on her, we could weaken her enough to allow Hieron's and Morgan's side to take the advantage. Though it means that we would have to infiltrate Government Palace... Now, I've stopped mugging women to spend more time with Shayna, but we've had a talk and she agrees with me that this situation requires to get back into action. If you want to...”
“Let's do it.”
“Of course, I knew you'd say 'no'. It's too dangerous and... wait what did you say?”
“I said: 'Let's do it'.”
“You... agree with me... to go infiltrate the Government Palace?”
“I told you. I want to ensure Zoé's safety.”
Klenia remained flabbergasted during a few seconds, a reaction to which she wasn't used to. Usually, she was the one making other people feel flabberasted.
Then she smiled. “Okay then. Let's grab Hieron and tell him about our little project. I'm sure he'll be glad to lend us a hand.”
**************
“I can't believe it... It's as if they all suddenly wisened up!” Selena complained.
“Or just bad luck.” Lucina tried to comfort her.
After their failures with the two policewomen, they tried their luck with two delivery women... who refused to go help them when they pretended that their tire was flat and stayed with their male colleagues. The two college students they met next immediately ran for help and they couldn't grab them in time to prevent them from alerting a few policemen.
“At this rate, we won't have our vehicle and our disguise... Maybe we should just steal a car and be done with it.” Selena decided, reluctantly admitting defeat.
They went to the nearest parking lot.
Once they arrived there, they assisted to a rather incongruous scene.
A policewoman was currently giving a fine to a van. On the vehicle's frame were painted images promoting a magic show: playing cards, white stars, a wand, and so forth. The two women to whom the vehicle belonged were arguing with the policewoman.
“Do you know who I am?” the first woman said.
“Yeah! Do you know who she is?” her companion added.
“I am the Great Amelie! Famous magician! And this is Megan, my assistant!”
Amelie was indeed wearing a blue magician leotard. Though, to cover her upper body, she was clad in a black suit jacket and a white shirt. The cuffs of the suit jacket were white, with golden cuff links looking like spades. Strapped on her boutonniere, there was a blue carnation. She was also wearing grey fishnet tights to cover her legs, and black stylized boots adorned with white cuffs and white ribbons.
The magician had a white skin, light blond hair and ocean-blue eyes. Her armpit-long hair were tied up into two high twin-ponytails. The blonde had a soft heart-shaped face and a delicate nose.
Megan the assistant magician was wearing a white long sleeved shirt, a black sleeveless waistcoat, a black bow tie, black suit pants and black shoes. She had shoulder-long reddish brown hair, a slightly tanned skin, and chestnut eyes. There was a silver piercing on her chin.
“Ma'am, I wouldn't care if you were Constantin Basileus reincarnated. You parked your van in a handicap spot, you must pay a fine.” the policewoman retorted.
“I simply needed five minutes...” Amelie tried to justify herself.
“Also, I have to remind you that it's forbidden to walk the streets in a swimsuit.” the policewoman added.
“This is an outrage! It isn't a swimsuit! It's a magician leotard!”
“Sure, sure... You have one week to call the station if you want to contest the fine.” the policewoman said.
“You can bet that I will!”
“Have a good day, ma'am.” the policewoman said while leaving Amelie and her assistant alone.
The magician made a rude gesture of the hand in her back. Then she started to talk with her assistant.
"Can you believe that jerk? As if they didn't bleed our money enough with the taxes..." Amelie complained.
Megan nodded.
"Anyway... We shouldn't waste any more time if we don't want to be late for our next show. Can you drive the van?"
Megan nodded again.
Now that the policewoman had left, the two women were alone and isolated in the parking lot.
“We take their van.” Selena decided. “And their clothes.”
Lucina looked at the outfits. “It will surely be an original experience...”
“I refuse to settle on a defeat. This time will be the good one.” Selena decided.
She approached the two women just as they were about to climb inside their van.
“Excuse me!" she said to Amelie. "I heard that you were a famous magician.”
The blond-haired woman smiled. “Yep! The Great Amelie!”
“I'm a huge fan of magic shows.” Selena lied. “Can I get an autograph?”
“Well...” Amelie scratched the back of her head, flattered and a little embarassed. “Of course...”
“Oh! And can I see your magic tools? I bet they're in the back of your van...”
Amelie exchanged a glance with Megan. The assistant didn't seem very keen about that, but the blonde decided to not follow her silent advice. Selena's flatteries had been effective.
“I suppose a pick won't hurt... Follow me.”
Amelie entered the back of the van. Selena followed her... and closed the door.
Amelie's assistant frowned when she noticed the vehicle suddenly rock back and forth. Even though they were muffled by the metallic frame, she could hear the noises of a struggle and of cries for help.
Megan moved to check what was going on, but suddenly felt a blade on her side. “I suggest you don't do something that you might regret later...” Lucina whispered in her ear while putting a hand on her shoulder. From an outside observer, the two women seemed to simply talk to each other. Nobody but Megan was able to see the switchblade Lucina was using to threaten her victim.
“We'll wait until Selena is done with your friend, then we'll join them. Don't worry, nothing lewd is happening right now. She's just stealing her clothes. But it's for purely professional reasons.”
Time passed.
“We... We don't have much money...” Megan suddenly stammered. “Business isn't doing great lately...”
“We don't want your money. Just your vehicle to leave the country. And your clothes. Just try to take it easy.”
“Take it easy?! You're mugging us!”
“That's not a reason to make it difficult.”
“What?! Of course it is a...”
“Or I could shank you and be done with it.” Lucina interrupted her. “Keeping you alive is actually the more complicated way of doing it.”
Megan gave her a forced smile. “I'm taking it easy! Life is good! Sunshine, rainbow, and all that!”
“Don't overdo it.”
**************
Presa and Alexie had found them another apartment in the outskirts of Olympus City, one that they could use as a hideout. Luckily for them, this time the place was big enough to give them some privacy. Therefore, Yuna and Cynthia didn't have to put up with the sounds of Presa's and Alexie's wild nights anymore.
After their little escapade in the hospital where Emery was resting, the team laid low for some time. Cynthia even wanted to leave the country, or at least the Province of Olympus. However, Yuna refused to leave the town.
Not before having her revenge on Cérès. Just as Emery advised her, she was doing what she wanted.
"How much time will it take to your girlfriend to gather all the informations we need?" she asked Presa.
"My fiancée, please." the blonde corrected her. "And, to answer your question, a few more weeks at least."
"I've already waited more than two months now!"
"Excuse me, but we're not talking about infiltrating a mere hospital. We're talking about the Government Palace."
Yuna rubbed her forehead and sighed. "Sorry. You're right. I shouldn't be too hasty, as long as we get what we want. Revenge is a dish best served cold."
**************
Lucina heard a few knocks on the metallic frame of the van. Selena's signal.
“That's our cue!” she said to her prisoner.
Still under the threat of Lucina's switchblade, Megan opened the back door of the van and entered. Lucina followed her and closed the door.
The back of the vehicle was cluttered because of all the props the magician and her assistant were storing, but there was still enough room for two uniform stealers to do their business.
Amelie was already stripped down to her deep blue panties and matching strapless bra. She was seated in a corner of the van. Her upper-arms, her wrists and her legs were bound with strong brown package tape. However, she wasn't gagged for the moment. Selena wanted to ask her a few more questions.
The redhead was now wearing the magician costume.
Megan watched her employer in dismay.
“So it wasn't a joke...? They're really going to steal our clothes...?”
“Yes.” Amelie glumly answered.
“But why? They're not exactly the best to blend in. They're not even that comfortable...”
“Well, they go with the van.” Lucina explained.
“But...”
Lucina rolled her eyes. “Goodness! You're so talkative... Are you actually naked under your costume? Is that why you don't want to take it off?”
“What? No!”
“Then, less talking and more stripping.”
Megan sighed and shared a resigned look with Amelie. She unlaced her bow tie and took it off. Then she unbuttoned the waistcoat and the shirt, before dropping them on the floor. Next, she removed her shoes and socks, and shimmied down her pants. “Is that enough?” Currently, she was only wearing her white comfort bra and orange boyshorts.
Lucina smiled. “Yes. I wouldn't want to deprive a woman of some way to protect her modesty...”
In no time, Megan was bound with tape and seated next to Amelie.
Lucina quickly took off her casual clothes and slipped into the assistant magician costume.
“You know... If you're a magician... why haven't you freed yourself yet?” Lucina asked Amelie.
The blonde's cheeks reddened a little. “That's because you're using tape, not ropes or chains. Tape doesn't have knots to undo or locks to pick. And it's sticky.” she justified herself.
“Or maybe it's because you're not very good at your job?” Selena intervened.
Amelie lowered her head.
“You're not a well-known magician, aren't you?” Selena insisted. “I bet you're not even a real magician...”
“I'm a birthday entertainer.” the woman shamefully confessed. “For kids.”
“And probably teenagers as well, given your outfit.” Selena added while trying to adjust the leotard she was now wearing.
Amelie bit her lower lip, but didn't answer anything. Next to her, an embarassed Megan was shifting nervously.
“So, it looks like we finally managed to grab a disguise and, more importantly, a vehicle. Time to leave this city. And this country.” Selena said.
“What do we do with these two?”
“I don't want to risk being seen carrying them if we try to drop them in some dumpster...” the redhead commented. "I'm not feeling in luck today."
“Looks like they will have to do part of the journey with us then.” Lucina concluded.
“Oh come on!" Amelie exclaimed. "Can't you just... mmmhhhhh!”
The redhead gagged Amelie by shoving into her mouth one of the colourful scarves she was using as an accessory for her tricks. She used another scarf as a cloth gag, since they had used all their tape to bind the two women. To prevent her from freeing her assistant, she used a blue scarf to blindfold her.
Megan looked at them. “Is the gag really necessary?” she asked.
“Of course! The bondage wouldn't be complete without it.” Lucina answered. She gagged her in a similar way, then blindfolded her with a red scarf.
Lucina then chuckled. “Novice...” she commented.
They exited the vehicle, leaving the two women in the back of the van.
Selena sat behind the wheel.
“Then, onwards for new adventures, I guess...” Lucina commented.