Legends of Amacia The Awakening

Chizu’s Return

As they were talking, Chizu, who had been absent when Hanna and Selina arrived early in the afternoon, walked in, leaning heavily on a cane accompanied by Arabella. Chizu wore a sleeveless knee-length gray dress with a leather belt around her waist and sandals on her feet. She looked tired. Arabella sported her white doctor’s coat, blouse, blue trousers, and sandals as she helped Chizu along. Sakura noticed their entry and gasped in amazement. “Hey everyone, it’s Chizu!” she cried in delight.

All eyes turned to Chizu as Arabella walked her to the center circle of chairs. Trinity immediately vacated her recliner, letting Chizu sit down. “There you are, sweetie,” Arabella chimed, helping Chizu sit down. “You did very well. Now just sit down and rest.”

“Thank you, Dr. Bishop,” Chizu replied weakly. “You’ve been so kind to me.”

“It was my pleasure,” Arabella beamed. “Just seeing you walking around after such a terrible ordeal just makes my day.”

“What happened to her?” Hanna asked, immediately going to Chizu’s side. “Was it something the Emperor did to her?”

“Chizu has been fighting a terrible infection ever since the raid,” Arabella stated. “She’s been very sick from an infection caused by the ropes they tied her up with. Nemesis told me everything when she was brought in for treatment. Apparently, she was tied up with the ropes pulled up into her groin for so long it blistered her genitals and infected her reproductive and urinary tracts. Selina apparently freed her of the ropes and Nemesis treated her while in the Harem long before your raid. But his treatment of her didn’t completely knock out the infection. It merely slowed it down and kept her from dying. We’ve been treating her with the Healer and additional medicines since she was brought into the infirmary. Now, we’ve eradicated the infection and repaired the damage it did to her to the point where we gave her a clean bill of health. But she’s still very weak from the experience. Since she’s part of your sisterhood, I thought you girls could help her out until she regains her strength.”

“Absolutely,” Izanami declared firmly. “We are delighted to help our sister.”

“Where is sister Selina?” Chizu asked weakly, looking around.

“I’m here, sister,” Selina chimed, rolling over to Chizu in her wheelchair. “I’m so happy you survived that calamity.” Stopping beside Chizu, Selina reached out and grasped her hand. “I’m here for you,” Selina purred.

Tears welled up in Chizu’s eyes. With a surge of surprising strength, Chizu rose and embraced Selina with great gratitude. “Thank you for saving me,” she sobbed. “I remember you freeing me of that terrible binding and treating me with your fantastic purr. Please, let me feel your purr once more.”

“Of course, sister,” Selina cooed, holding Chizu in a warm embrace. “It would be my pleasure.” Selina’s purr roared loud enough for all to hear. The purr filled Chizu, calming her raging emotions and giving her intense delight. Stroking Chizu’s back, Selina added, “You showed me how powerful my purr could really be. Thank you, sister.”

“Oh, a rapture of delights,” Chizu beamed, soaking up Selina’s purr for a few moments. “You truly are an angel of mercy. My heart and mind revels in your purr, sister.” She backed away and sat down on the recliner, holding Selina’s hands. “You saved me, my feline sister,” she stated. “I owe you my life. If you need anything, just let me know. I am at your service whenever you need me.”

Selina smiled sweetly at Chizu, supremely delighted that Chizu had finally beaten the infection that threatened her very life. “Chizu, my friend...my beloved sister,” she replied. “You owe me nothing, not a thing. All I ever wanted from you was to be your friend. I’ve had very few friends that I could count on; that is before I became one of you.”

“You have my friendship and undying loyalty forever,” Chizu insisted. “And you can count on me to stand by you, even if the world comes to an end. You have my word on it. I just wish I could have seen our deliverer when she stormed the Harem. Unfortunately, I was comatose when she rescued us. Do you know where she is?”

“Your deliverer is right here among us, Chizu,” Selina stated. She pointed at Hanna, declaring, “See the face of our salvation from the Emperor. Hanna fought the Emperor himself in his own throne room for us. Didn’t you, Hanna?”

“Yes,” Hanna stated, moving in and kneeling before Chizu. “I did. I had no idea how bad off you were when we came to the Harem. Had I known, I would have made special provision for you, as I did for your sisters who were crucified on those pillars. Can you forgive me?” She reached out, gently grasping Chizu’s hand.

Shock filled Chizu’s features, leaving her speechless. “Yes, sister,” Izanami called out. “You see the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies kneeling at your feet. The mutated Beowulf, who calls herself Hanna, is looking you in the eye, begging your forgiveness.”

“Don’t be afraid, Chizu,” Hanna cooed. “I’m flesh and blood, just like you are. Feel my hands and flesh. I’m not a myth or phantom, but a woman just like you. Don’t be afraid.”

“I am not afraid,” Chizu whispered in awe, suddenly touching Hanna on the face with both hands, feeling her bone structure. “I didn’t truly believe, even after Selina told me about you before I lost the fight with the darkness. I didn’t want to believe it.”

“Believe it, sister,” Hanna insisted, revealing herself to Chizu telepathically. “I have fought demons, Old Ones, monsters, and the Emperor himself for you. You are my little sister, whom I love very much.”

Chizu’s eyes grew wide as she realized who Hanna truly was. “Oh, Fate be merciful,” she breathed, “You really are the One: the Beowulf reborn.” Tears filled her eyes as she instantly knew Hanna was responsible for her liberation and ultimate recovery. “Oh, milady,” she wept, “Would it be out of line if I hugged you?”

“Not at all,” Hanna answered pleasantly, pulling Chizu into a warm, caring embrace. Rubbing Chizu’s back as they hugged, Hanna cooed, “It’s okay, little sister. I know your pain and the darkness that haunts you for it haunts my mind too. Together, we shall destroy this darkness, and let the love and light of the Almighty fill us to overflowing. He cares for you, Chizu, as do all of us.”

Chizu wept as a little girl on Hanna’s shoulder. “I didn’t believe it possible,” she sobbed. “I didn’t think anything could pierce the shadow of the Emperor, but I can feel your light, life, and love driving away my fears and terrors. How is this possible?”

Selina put her arm on Chizu’s shoulder as Hanna held her. “It’s possible because Hanna is the one your prophecies have foretold about since the 1st Age,” she cooed. “Hanna is the Caverias, the Beowulf, and I am his Celestial Mate. She is the very hand of the Ancient of Days in this land. Furthermore, Hanna is highly telepathic, as I am. She just revealed herself to you telepathically, letting you see who she really is. You should feel honored. Hanna doesn’t do that for just anyone.”

“I am honored,” Chizu answered, still choking with emotion. “But I’m confused. If you’re the Beowulf, how did you become a woman? I thought the Beowulf was supposed to be a man.”

Hanna sat Chizu down and knelt before her, holding both her hands. “There’s something you need to understand, sister,” Hanna said softly. “When I came to this savage underworld of the Emperor, I wasn’t as you see me now. I was a man named Hannibal. But Selina and I were captured in Cush by an old enemy of mine and taken to the Emperor as prisoners. After having my mind locked into a clone girl, the Emperor tortured me as one of you on the sex floor. But he couldn’t break me, even after enduring a full crucifixion rape and being turned into one of his dolls. When he realized he couldn’t break me, the Emperor returned my mind to my own body and then had Josephine, his pet, mutate me into what you see now. I fought in the arena as a woman and destroyed everything the Emperor threw at me, including my old foe and former apprentice, Lord Hades. Thank God in Heaven I had some guardian angels watching out for me...guardian angels named Nemesis and Magnus. Magnus rescued me from the Arena after I killed Hades at the direction of Nemesis. After they treated my wounds, Nemesis bade Magnus to take me back to my friends, which he did. Now, I understand that Nemesis was responsible for saving your life as much as Selina was. He treated your infection to the best of his ability and kept you alive. So, like you, I owe Nemesis my life. He’s a close, dear friend to me. I’m honored to call him a blood brother. Do you see this?” Hanna held up her hand, showing a prominent scar on it.

Chizu stared in wonder as Hanna stated, “I made a blood pact with Nemesis right after I was rescued from the Arena. I charged him to watch over Selina and the rest of you until I could come back and rescue you from that infernal prison. He performed his charge flawlessly and even helped me confront the Emperor in his own throne room.”

“That I did,” Nemesis called out, having slipped into the room without being seen. All eyes turned to Nemesis. Gasps of delight erupted from many of the women there, including Izanami. After he reached the inner circle of chairs, he knelt down on one knee and held his organic hand up, showing a nasty scar on it. “See the evidence of my blood pact with Hanna,” he stated. “Hanna and I are blood brother and sister, bound by blood and honor.”

“What brings you here, my ursine protector?” Selina asked.

“Actually, Miss Chizu brought me here,” Nemesis replied. “I just found out the good doctor here had released her from the infirmary, so I wanted to drop by to see how she was.”

“Did you really treat me in the Harem?” Chizu asked Nemesis. “The only one I remember is Selina helping me.”

“I did, little one,” Nemesis rumbled softly, flashing a warm smile. “Myra had alerted me to your grave condition, so I came to your assistance. When I got there, your sisters were treating you the best they could with Selina’s direction. Selina’s help and direction made the difference. Had she not acted, you would have been dead when I got there. By purging you of puss from the infection, they bought you valuable time and allowed my medicine to pull you back from the brink. My treatment slowed the infection tremendously, but obviously didn’t completely eradicate it. That’s why you were still ill when we rescued you. I didn’t know that the infection was still there until after the raid. I’m so happy that Master Enoch had sufficient medical knowledge and a healing machine to help purge you of the infection. It was a long time coming, but you finally beat it.”

Tears welled up in Chizu’s eyes again and she reached out, hugging Nemesis. “Thank you, Nemesis,” she sobbed softly. “Now, I know what really happened. Thank you for saving my life.”

“You’re very welcome, little one,” Nemesis replied, returning the embrace. “I’ve always seen you as my little sister. I couldn’t let the Cadre spirit you away when you fell ill. I’ve seen it happen too many times.”

“I’m sure you did,” Hanna said softly. “It couldn’t have been an easy thing to see.”

“It wasn’t,” Nemesis answered. “I’m also very pleased that you and Selina are up moving about so quickly after that nasty shebat business. I didn’t look to see either of you up for another couple of days.”

“What can I say,” Hanna chimed. “Apparently, we’re quick healers.”

Nemesis’ eyebrow rose. “It may be more than that,” he rumbled as Chizu leaned back in her recliner. “You may have a healing element you’re not aware of. It could be similar to what Princess Amelia has.”

“A healing element,” Izanami murmured. “That’s an interesting thought, Nemesis. Have you considered that you may have a potential healing element available to you, Hanna?”

“No,” Hanna answered. “It never occurred to me that I might have the power to heal like Amelia. But it would explain why I seem to recover from such devastating wounds so quickly. I just thought it was the Almighty doing it.”

“Think on it for a while, Hanna,” Nemesis ordered. “You have great elemental power to destroy. I’ve seen it in action.”

“So have I,” Hanna replied grimly. “It scares me that I wield such incredibly destructive power by instinct.”

“I know it does,” Nemesis stated. “But you must understand, elemental power doesn’t just have the power to destroy, it can heal and create too. Even the Cadre knows the elemental Earth has the power to heal and create, not just destroy. However, they only focus on its destructive aspects. They use it to intimidate and coerce. I, on the other hand, have taken time to look at the elemental Earth’s good side: its healing, creating side in relation to its destructive side. I truly believe that the good side can be just as powerful. Remember, the universe is a balance of light and darkness, good and evil, fire and ice, yin and yang. When the balance is lost, we get conflict and misery. Think about it, Hanna. You’re a master warrior and know how to channel your energy. Instead of channeling it into a destructive form, such as your Inferno blast, try channeling it into healing and good things. Life itself is considered an element if I remember what I learned about them from the Cadre. It’s a most powerful element. It has the power to heal or destroy. Using it in a destructive way, you can drain an enemy’s very life force, killing them. Or you could use it to give life to someone who needs it.”

“Whoa,” Sakura breathed. “That’s deep, Nemesis. How come you can’t use these elements?”

“Because I’m not equipped,” Nemesis stated. “I wasn’t engineered to channel such power. Most of my power comes from my cybernetics and the metal nano-machines grafted into me. The elemental power I’ve seen both Hanna and the Emperor wield is far more powerful than anything I can channel. For me to do so, I’d have to be a cyborg of the caliber of Josephine. I’m positive she can channel the elemental Earth as a 1st Age cyborg. My systems are not designed to utilize such power. It would burn me out.”

“Nemesis, can I ask you something?” Chizu murmured, puzzling over what she had heard from him and Hanna.

“Of course, little sister,” Nemesis chimed. “What would you like to know?”

“Who do you think Hanna is?” Chizu asked bluntly.

Nemesis smiled warmly, looking into Chizu’s eyes. “Who do I think Hanna is?” he replied. “Why Hanna is our salvation, little one. She is the one the ancient prophecies have foretold for over twelve thousand cycles. Hanna is the mutated form of the great Beowulf, the Caverias of legend. Hanna has fulfilled the prophecy to the letter, and in a couple of days, there will no longer be any doubt of who she is.”

“What happens in a couple of days?” Chizu asked.

“Miss Josephine, the cyborg you knew as the Emperor’s pet, will reverse Hanna’s mutation and we shall see the Beowulf arise with the power to checkmate the Emperor,” Nemesis declared. “When Hanna becomes the man she used to be, we shall know for sure that she is the Caverias, heir to the Amacian throne, the great Warrior King Beowulf...the Last Caverias.”

Chizu saw Nemesis’ passion and looked at Hanna in awe. Reading her expression, Hanna said softly, “I know it’s hard to believe, Chizu, but Nemesis is right. I’m apparently the heir to Thoth Caverias’ throne. Sometimes, I don’t want to believe it myself, but here I am. I cannot argue with Nemesis or the prophecies I’ve seen that shows me down to my most intimate mannerisms. I wish I didn’t have this burden, but I do. I didn’t come down here to be a leader or messiah, but it seems my destiny was written tens of thousands of cycles before I ever existed. I am the Beowulf, or at least I will be once Josephine reverses my mutation.”

“But you are already the Beowulf, the Caverias,” Selina reminded Hanna. “Your very genetic structure shows you have the gene sequence of Thoth and Ariel buried inside your own DNA. You are the One these people have been looking for, and I’m your celestial mate.”

“How can you be Hanna’s celestial mate?” Chizu asked. “Where are you from, really?”

“I am a Lynxian, little sister,” Selina reported. “It seems you may have been too ill when I first told about myself to our sisters here. I’m not from this planet, but a planet on the far side of the galaxy called Kaitia. Hanna rescued my father and I using a portal generator in the Temple of Tiamat when our blue sun went supernova. Of course, this was long before the Emperor mutated Hanna. At that time, she was a man going by the name of Hannibal. Hannibal appeared out of thin air and rescued my father and I as our crippled ship was about to be destroyed by the supernova’s shockwave.” A trembling sigh escaped Selina’s lips. “I watched my whole civilization perish in a moment, blown to space dust by an explosion you can’t comprehend,” she reported solemnly. “So, from the prophets of this planet’s view, I’m a celestial being and mate to Hannibal.”

Only then did Chizu realize that Hanna was the One and Selina was her celestial soul mate. “You mean you’re literally from another world?” Chizu asked, stunned at the news.

“I am,” Selina purred. “My purr should be sufficient evidence because humans cannot purr like I can.”

“No, they can’t,” Chizu admitted. “And you and Hanna are mates?”

“Yes,” Selina answered. “But right now, we’re more like sisters because of her mutation. I ache to hold my man in my arms again.”

“You won’t have to wait too much longer for that, Miss Selina,” Nemesis rumbled. “As I speak, Enoch, Elias, Magnus, Horace, and Josephine are making the machinery ready for Josephine and Hanna. They should have everything ready two days from now. They’re double and triple checking the connections and Josephine’s ability to operate the machine.”

“That’s really good news,” Hanna chimed. “As much fun as it’s been being a woman, I long to be my old self again. Maybe when I finally get this mutation reversed, I’ll have the final piece that fills the hole I feel in my soul.”

“What do you mean, milady?” Chizu asked.

Hanna sighed deeply. “It’s hard to explain,” she admitted. “Have you ever felt that you’ve misplaced something vitally important to you?” Chizu nodded. “Well, it’s kind of like that,” Hanna stated. “In my case, it seems my original form is that very thing. The Emperor took my identity when he mutated me. My male form and identity is who I really am. What you see now is not my true identity. It was thrust upon me by force so I had to secure my male side while adopting a female identity. That way, I wouldn’t go mad. Now, I’ve been a woman so long now that I’m having trouble finding my male side again. The last fifty cycles of my life as a man is like a dream that’s slipping away. If I don’t find and reconnect with that piece of myself, it’s no point in reversing the mutation. I’ll go mad, feeling I’m a woman trapped in a man’s body. I have to lock on to my male side and reintegrate it so when Josephine reverses my mutation, I can become the man I once was.”

“Oh, milady,” Chizu cried softly. “And I thought my troubles were bad. If there’s anything I can do to help, just name it. You must find your true self and become the person you were meant to be.”

“I appreciate the offer,” Hanna answered with a sober smile. “But this is something I have to do alone. In fact, I was working on that this morning with Selina. She has an intimate memory of who I used to be, so she was sharing those memories with me while we looked at some old pictures of me before we came into this savage land. With her help, I’m starting to reconnect with who I used to be. But it’s still not like it should be. I still have much work to do on it.”

“That you do, Hanna,” Selina agreed. “But you’re slowly digging Hannibal out of the tomb you placed him in. You must keep at it.”

“Selina’s right,” Nemesis agreed. “Keep digging, Hanna. You’ll get Hannibal out of there. Can I make a suggestion?”

“Sure,” Hanna replied.

“I didn’t truly know you before your mutation,” Nemesis admitted. “But I did see you just before your mutation. Your male side is a formidable warrior, fearless and determined. If you want to free him, become him. Go to the practice arena and practice your martial prowess. Fight, spar, and hone your skills as a warrior and I’m sure your male side, your Hannibal will break out of his prison. He almost broke out when you fought the Emperor. You must free him by becoming him.”

“Impressive deduction, Nemesis,” Selina declared. “I was about to suggest just that course of action. Seeing pictures and memories of Hannibal can only go so far. Hanna needs to reach down into her soul and pull Hannibal to the surface. The only way I can see her doing that is through practicing her martial prowess. Hannibal practiced his katas and sparring religiously. That’s how she’ll free him. Do you understand what we’re saying, Hanna? You must fight for him to get him back.”

Hannibal’s signature grin suddenly crossed Hanna’s face. “You guys may be on to something,” Hanna crowed. “I can feel Hannibal stirring within me. And let’s face it, I have been a bit lax in practicing my martial prowess since the raid. I’ve been too busy having fun being a woman. But I forgot that I used to have great fun in practicing my katas and weapons. It made me feel strong and centered.”

“Then your course is set,” Nemesis stated. “The warrior within you calls to you. Now is the time to answer him. Go; reconnect with your warrior within through battle. If you need any sparring partners, feel free to call on Magnus or me. You could learn much by sparring with us.”

“I might take you up on that,” Hanna stated. “But first, I need to practice what I do know. It’s the only way to reconnect with my old self.”

“Then do what you need to do,” Nemesis stated. “We’re ready to help any time you need us.”

“So are we,” Myra stated. “Aren’t we, sisters?” Everyone in the room agreed, including Chizu.

“Thank you for the support,” Hanna replied gratefully. “It’s still a bit strange to have such an outpouring of support after a lifetime of fighting my battles alone.”

“You don’t have to fight alone any longer,” Izanami declared. “Myra meant what she said when she said we all have your back. Call on us whenever you need us.”

“I will,” Hanna said, smiling broadly. “It feels so good to have friends I can count on. But now, I think it’s time to get something to eat. I’m starving. What time is it anyway, Nemesis?”

“Just about six in the evening,” Nemesis reported. “I think your family is about to have dinner upstairs. You and Selina should join them.”

“You’re right,” Hanna agreed. “But first, Chizu...I’m delighted that you’re on the mend now. If you need anything of Selina or I, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“You, Selina, and Nemesis have given me more than I could ever repay,” Chizu replied gratefully. “Even Dr. Bishop, Dr. Drew, Emma, and Elle have been so loving and patient with me. I am without words as to how grateful I am. Dr. Bishop, will you thank the others for me?”

“Of course, sweetie,” Arabella replied, smiling warmly. “It would be my pleasure. Now just sit back and relax. That was a pretty long walk from the infirmary. You should relax and let your sisters help you.”

“I will, Doctor,” Chizu answered. “Will I see you again?”

“Sure you will,” Arabella chimed. “I’m always around. Now if you start to feel ill again, let someone know. We don’t want you having a relapse of that infection.”

“Okay,” Chizu murmured, settling back in her recliner. “Boy; this chair feels good.”

“Well, I’m off,” Arabella said pleasantly. “I have others who still need me. I’ll see everyone later.” With that, she walked away with a smile on her face.

“Are you going to be okay, little one?” Nemesis asked Chizu.

“I think I will,” Chizu murmured as she became drowsy. “Thank you for saving me, Nemesis. Now, I think I’ll take a little nap since this chair is so comfortable.”

Nemesis patted Chizu on the knee. “Go right ahead, little one,” he said softly, the care in his tone obvious. “You’ve earned it.” He stood up, towering over everyone present, and looked to Izanami. “Make sure she finds her way to her bed, Izanami,” he rumbled.

“We will,” Izanami chimed. “Are you leaving us, my friend?”

“I’m afraid so,” Nemesis answered. “I still have much work to do.”

“Come anytime, now that you don’t have to sneak in to see us,” Izanami said, smiling warmly at the cyborg bear.

“I will,” Nemesis rumbled as he bowed to the women. “If you will excuse me, I must be off. Hanna, call me if you need anything.”

“I will, my friend,” Hanna replied, taking up position behind Selina’s wheelchair. “You can be sure of that. At some point, I’m going to want to test myself and it seems you’ll be more than enough of a challenge.”

“Anytime you’re ready,” Nemesis growled. “I’d be honored to spar with you and test your martial prowess. Just let me know. Ladies, be safe.” With that, Nemesis turned and walked away.

“I hope you know what you’re doing, Hanna,” Selina said soberly. “Nemesis is not just any ordinary soldier. He’s the best of the best the Emperor had.”

“And that’s why I want to spar with him,” Hanna stated. “Apart from the Emperor and the drakens, Nemesis is the most powerful being in this savage land. Besides, I know he won’t kill me. We’re brothers in arms.”

“But he has the power to tear you to pieces,” Sakura said urgently. “And he’s more than twice your size. I don’t think Selina wants to see him hurt you, and neither do I.”

“Nemesis is not going to hurt me,” Hanna declared. “He will test my skill to its limit, but he will not kill me. I know him. He’s like me and follows the same code of the warrior.”

“You take a great risk sparing with Nemesis,” Izanami warned. “He’s a hardened warrior with hundreds of cycles of experience. He’s seen it all.”

“And that’s why I want him to test me,” Hanna insisted. “He has seen it all, and that makes him the perfect judge. He’ll know where I’m weak and show me.”

“That is if he doesn’t mangle you,” Myra stated grimly. “It makes me shudder just contemplating the thought that you and Nemesis would fight. I don’t want to lose you, and neither does anyone else.”

“You don’t understand what I’m proposing,” Hanna said, seeing their confusion and concern. “My sparring with Nemesis is not going to be a fight to the death. It’s merely a test of my skill against his. I don’t have any delusions about whether I can take Nemesis head to head. He’d just steam-roll me, and I can say that because I saw him in battle during the raid. He’s even more vicious in battle than I am and has the strength to match. His cunning has no equal, and he’s very adaptable. But this is not full-scale battle I’m talking about. It’s him testing me to see if my skill is sufficient. He will not kill or maim me. You must trust me on this, sisters. He and I have a blood covenant that’s been tested in battle. He will not destroy me.”

“I sure hope you’re right,” Sakura replied. “Nemesis is someone you don’t want to cross.”

“I’m well aware of that,” Hanna stated. “His very name says that. Do you know what the name Nemesis mean?”

“It means the goddess of justice and retribution,” Izanami stated. “All who commit evil have to deal with her. She returns balance to the scales of justice by punishing the guilty.”

“Indeed,” Hanna chimed. “I find it ironic that the Emperor gave him the name Nemesis. Now, he’s literally the personification of justice and vengeance against the evil of the Emperor. Those who do no wrong have nothing to fear from him. He’s a loyal friend to all who love the light. You all know this for true.”

“So true,” Myra agreed. “He’s a close dear friend to us all. But what worries us about you wanting to fight Nemesis is the raw brutal power he has. Do you really think he’ll go easy on you in battle?”

“Not a chance,” Hanna replied stoutly. “And that’s just how I want it. He must push and test me to my limit; otherwise, I cannot grow and become stronger. But he will not kill me. If you doubt me, come see us spar. You may be surprised at what you see.”

“Okay,” Izanami conceded. “We’ll trust you. But if Nemesis knocks your block off, we’re going to say we told you so.”

“If Nemesis knocks my block off, it will be because I deserved it,” Hanna stated. “I’ll have been sloppy and careless and needed someone to put me in my place. But to be honest, I’d rather have Nemesis knock me senseless than be in the same position fighting the Emperor. The Emperor will not hesitate to kill me if I let my guard down. That’s what this is all about.”

“Oh, I understand now,” Chizu crowed softly. “You want Nemesis to find your weak spots so you can reinforce them.”

“Exactly, Chizu,” Hanna chimed. “Better to have a friend like Nemesis do it than an enemy like the Emperor. This will give me the opportunity to go to a completely new level and maybe, finally break Hannibal out of his hole. I can’t do this without him.”

“So, this is as much about freeing your male side as it is honing your warrior skills,” Tasha declared.

“It is,” Hanna agreed. “But you all shouldn’t worry about it too much. I’m not ready to spar with Nemesis yet. I have to hone my skills first before I even think about getting Nemesis to test me. As far as I’m concerned, he’s the war master here, not me. I must learn from him first.”

“And so you should,” Izanami stated. “He didn’t become the alpha Xenian for nothing. Learning from him will do you well, Hanna. Just be careful. He’s a Xenian with many times your strength and cunning. Don’t expect to learn everything in one lesson.”

“I don’t intend to,” Hanna chimed. “Learning combat tactics is not something you learn instantaneously. Besides, I have plenty of my own tricks to polish up too. But it can wait until after we eat. I have to get something to eat. I’m starving. How about you, Selina; are you hungry as I am?”

“You bet,” Selina answered. “This has been great, sisters, but we need to be going. I’m so hungry I could eat a whole mastodon.”

“It’s quite all right,” Izanami replied pleasantly. “Come down anytime. You’re always welcome with us, both of you. Now go and get something to eat. Most of us are going to do that too since it’s about dinner time.”

“Is someone going to stay with Chizu?” Selina asked.

“I will,” Tasha volunteered. “Just get someone to bring me something from the cafeteria.”

“Done,” Sakura chimed. “We’ll even bring Chizu something too.”

“I’d like that,” Chizu replied sleepily. “Just don’t be too long. I’m libel to fall asleep right here.”

“Then go to sleep, sis,” Hanna stated with a smile. “Don’t let anything stop you. You look exhausted and I’m sure some sleep will help you. Well, sisters; see you later. Selina and I have a date with the dinner table.” With that, Hanna rolled Selina out of the room, heading for Enoch’s dinner table upstairs in the Tower.

“I hope they come back,” Chizu murmured. “I’d like to get to know them a bit better when I’m not so tired.”

“Don’t worry, sister,” Myra chimed. “They’ll be back. Hanna and Selina aren’t going anywhere now.”

“No, they aren’t,” Izanami agreed. “We’ve provided both of them with something they’ve been missing for a very long time.”

“What’s that?” Jasmine asked.

“Someone they can truly trust and call friend,” Izanami stated. “We’ve managed to endear ourselves into their hearts. We mustn’t betray the trust they’ve put in us.”

“Never,” Sakura cried out forcefully. “They saved us from the Emperor. Both of them have my love and loyalty until the day I die.”

“Me too,” Hitomi agreed. In seconds, everyone present vowed the same thing.

“We all owe Hanna and Selina much,” Izanami stated. “But they’re still vulnerable. Hanna is still trying to piece together her fractured psyche and find her place. Until she embraces her warrior essence that resides in her male half, Hanna will not truly discover her destiny and remain vulnerable to the Darkness. She must unleash her suppressed male side. She must become one with him and his power, just as each of us has done. Only then will she and the side she calls Hannibal become one and have the power to defeat the Emperor and his infernal hordes. We must continue to support and guide her to the ultimate fusion with her male side. She must become the completed soul, as she told us.”

“We will,” Myra insisted. “This may be the reason we’re here...to help Hanna finish what she started in the Harem. I’m not as telepathic as you are, Izanami, but I can tell she’s really struggling with the merger. She both longs for it, but also fears it. I hope we can be the ones who can show her the way to find that balance.”

“We will,” Chizu murmured sleepily. “We must have faith in her ability to figure this out. She’s the One. She will find a way to unite her soul as we have. I just hope she can do it before it’s too late.”

“Me too,” Izanami admitted. “Time is running out for her and us. I can feel it. Things are now in motion that cannot be stopped. The Emperor will come for us, and when he does, he will kill us all. Only Hanna has the power to stop his insanity. I suggest we all pray for her as we did while we were still prisoners. We saw how powerful our prayers could be when Selina purged that outlander General of the demon that possessed him. We also saw our prayers answered when Hanna first escaped, survived, and then returned to rescue us. We must pray that she finds the way to make peace with her soul and merge her two halves.”

“That we can do,” Tasha chimed. In seconds, all the sisterhood of the Harem swore to pray that Hanna finds the way to make peace with herself and become the completed soul.