After leaving the director’s office, both Raine and Alakoni are subjected to curious glances from the surrounding personnel of the facility. In the subordinates’ mind, they find it unusual that they would see the highest authority within the company spending time babysitting a minor during working hours.
Nevertheless, both Alakoni and Raine disregarded the stares and continued forward along the hallway on their way to the laboratory. Both of them have already passed multiple checkpoints and offices on their way to the lab, and finally, they could see an entrance with the laboratory sign above it, flanked by a pair of guards.
Alakoni nodded slightly at the guards, with Raine following behind as both of them passed through the entrance to the laboratory.
Inside they can see many scientists and their assistants working on a variety of scientific instruments, the purpose of which are not clear to Raine.
Alakoni then lets Raine’s hand go, and then approaches one of the more senior looking scientist around, leaving behind Raine who is marveling at the equipment and computers around her.
The scientist that Alakoni is approaching looks to be around 40s, with curly red hair, a pair of glasses, wearing the same white lab coat like the one adorning Raine currently, a pair of black boots and wearing a pair of purple gloves.
The same scientist looked up from his data pad as the director approaches him.
“Greetings Professor Dexter, I am the director of Lai Dai group, my name is Alakoni Ishanoya. I trust you have already been informed of myself coming for a visit and the purpose of said visit?” Explained director Alakoni.
“Yes, I have been updated director Alakoni. And the girl behind you must be the fascinating guest who have stalemated some of my work. No offense though director, our security personnel could use some work if they are not able to resolve the emergency quickly, and maybe next time I would have the pleasure of working in peace.” Said Professor Dexter lightheartedly at Alakoni as he smiled kindly at Raine.
“Indeed professor. The matter of retraining our security personnel notwithstanding. I hope you don’t mind spending some time and effort to outfit our recalcitrant guest with some of our more properly… advanced equipment?” Asked Alakoni quietly.
“Certainly, now if the young lady can make herself available here with us we can proceed.” Said professor Dexter as he nodded and placed his datapad on the nearby desk.
However, interrupting both of the professor and the director’s conversations, an explosion suddenly rings out and shocked both of them and the next thing they know the emergency sirens activated and loudly broadcasted throughout the laboratory. The alarm is followed by scores of hovering drones flying over above their heads toward the burning engine on an open testing ground, and then the drones start to douse it with synthetic foams.
“My lab!” Shouted professor Dexter in panic.
Both the professor and the director turned their attention to Raine only to find her frozen with her finger on a glowing big red button, which is on a computer panel near her.
Raine freezes having been caught in the act, with a deer in the headlights expression on her face.
“I was curious. Sorry...” Raine said remorsefully.
“Sigh, I really should have learned to label the self-destruct button and cover them with a glass panel. The nightmare with my sister is happening all over again.” Lamented professor Dexter as he took off his glasses and pinched his nose above the eyes.
As guards and personnel stream in from outside the laboratory trying to salvage the situation and save as much data and equipment as possible.
“I am sorry about her action professor. Perhaps this is not the best time for a visit. We will be back again in the future. “ Said the director as she picked up Raine and exited the laboratory hurriedly.
Outside the laboratory, besides the entrance door, Alakoni put Raine back on the ground as the older woman shakes her head at the destruction and the cost that this will reflect on this month’s balance sheet.
“Sorry…” Raine apologized again.
“Ah, it’s fine we managed to identify another safety risk with this, so it’s not like it’s a total loss.” Said Alakoni while trying to smile at Raine and failing.
“Although, now that the professor will be pre-occupied for a while. I am at a loss on how we can outfit you now.” Said Alakoni as she looks around for a solution.
“I can help you with that director.” Said a voice out of thin air near both Alakoni and Raine.
Both Alakoni and Raine looks around but are unable to spot anyone nearby, Alakoni then sighed.
“Mrs. Ashi, how many times have I told you not to wear the Light Frame Scout Dropsuit with the cloaking field active?” Said Alakoni with exasperation.
“20 times now, but who’s counting?” A voice said as the figure materializes in front of them, wearing a silver-coloured full body, form fitting cybernetic armor with a full reflective faceplate. A handgun holstered on her right leg and a short sword sheathed on her left leg.
“Ms. Raine, let me introduce you to Mrs. Ashi, she is the bodyguard and also wife of our private security contractor.” Explained director Alakani.
“Please director Alakoni, call me Ashi. My husband and I are not much for formalities between friends.” Said Ashi, her voice clear even though her face is covered by the faceplate helmet she is wearing.
“I’ll keep that in mind Mrs. Ashi. Although what is this about something that you can help with my charge here.” Said Alakoni as she gestured towards Raine’s direction.
“If she does not mind I have a spare undersuit she could wear inside my husband's office and I. It's the advanced version with enhanced profile dampening, and it’s even breathable! Plus I have a couple of ideas that I think would be perfect for her. Teehee” Said Ashi with some glee at the end.
“Why not, it’s not like she can wear anything worse. You can go ahead Mrs. Ashi. I know the way to your office, and I can follow behind you.” Alakoni said as she gestured towards the direction of Ashi’s office.
“Wonderful, I’ll see you there then. Toodles.” Ashi said while waving her hand as she jumped back while doing a 360 degrees flip and engaged her cloaking field as she was about to reach the ground.
“Oh, I forgot to mention that she is also a ninja.” Alakoni said as an afterthought.
Raine’s eye sparkles with admiration as she saw how cool Mrs. Ashi was, now she cannot wait to reach her office. She starts pulling on Alakoni’s sweater so they can reach Mrs. Ashi’s office faster. As they walked ahead, they found themselves in front of a traditional looking office with old Japanese stone lantern and artificial pond with koi fishes swimming in front of the office entrance.
“Excuse me.” Said Alakoni as she slides the traditional door sideways and enters the office.
Raine rushes past Alakoni and looks for Mrs. Ashi but instead found a Japanese looking man sitting on the floor drinking hot tea from a cup with a pot of said tea beside him. The man was wearing a white robe and white leggings with gray combat boots, and his hair is also tied in a ponytail just like Alakoni.
“Welcome to my humble abode director Alakoni. How may I help you today? I am afraid my dear wife just went past me without explaining anything to me. But where are my manners? Please.. Sit down and have a cup of tea with me.” Said the man with a calm and pleasant tone as he put down his cup of tea and starts preparing tea for two more people.
“As always it is a pleasure, Mr. Jack.” (Editor Note: Ayy, Samurai Jack) Said Alakoni as she enters Jack’s office and sits cross legged on the floor opposite him.
“Ms. Raine, please come and sit together with us. Please introduce yourself as well.” Alakoni said as she gestured towards an empty spot beside her.
Raine obediently follows Alakoni request and sits in a proper seiza beside Alakoni as she recognizes the ancient tea pouring ceremony from the far east.
“Good day Jack-san, my name is Raine. I am pleased to make your acquaintance.” Said, Raine, as she bowed her head until it touched the floor in front of her and raised her head again with back ramrod straight as she stares ahead toward Jack.
Jack stops making the tea for a moment and then moved again as he continues pouring the matcha or green tea powders into the cup, took a ladle of hot water from the pot and pour it into the cup as he whisked it firmly with one hand, while the other is holding the cup.
Jack then passed the steaming cup of hot tea to Alakoni.
Alakoni accepted the cup of hot tea while looking beside her with curiosity at Raine’s sitting position and mannerism.
“What a charming girl you are, I was sure that there are no more people in today’s day and age, that have the knowledge of the ancient art of tea-making ceremony customs. And Raine, such a precious name, just like rain (Editor Note: Puns, lol), I have never felt natural rain again beside the showers. Your name also reminded me of the blooms of the flower and the scent of wet plants after the rain has passed. Yes, it is a good name.” Said, Jack, as he starts preparing another cup of tea for Raine.
“Nope, I am sure I am but a novice compared to you Jack-san. But perhaps if you will permit me to make a cup of tea for you?” Said, Raine, as she outstretches her hands as if requesting the tools to make the tea.
“I suppose I can let you try Raine-chan, I would love to drink the tea made by you.” Jack said with a smile as he passes the whisk, the ladle, the long spoon for the matcha powder and the empty cup to Raine’s outstretched hands.
To Jack’s surprise, Raine arranges the tools correctly according to custom. The tools arranged perfectly beside her as Raine sits in proper seiza position. Every movement is smooth and done in one continuous motion, flowing from one step to the other without pause or hesitation. From the position of the empty cup in front of her, the pose she has adopted while pouring the matcha powder, the pouring of hot water and to the whisking of the matcha until it is ready. Raine then passes the completed hot matcha tea to Jack’s hand.
As Jack stares at the cup of tea in his hands, Raine proceeds to close the ceremony by cleaning the tools and drying them with a piece of cloth and arranging them appropriately for the next person to use. Jack then took a sip of the tea and marvels at the texture, the taste and the temperature of the tea, for it is a tea made by a master.
“You have the skills of a master, Raine-chan. Tell me, how did you manage to make this tea and who teaches you how to do it?” Jack asked with wonder and delight.
Raine then puts both hands on the floor in front of her as she bows at Jack, and then she lifted her arm and proceed to remove the sombrero hat still on her head.
As her leaves became free from its containment inside the hat, Jack was looking in even more wonder at Raine.
“I have no master, as I have learned the knowledge myself through observation and participation Jack-san. I have lived for two hundred years already, and that was three hundred years ago, I may have some tricks up my sleeves because of that.” Raine answers as she sits still in seiza position.
“I see. I thank you for the tea you have made for me. It has been so long since someone else has shared their tea with me.” Jack said as he put both his hand in front of him and bowed slightly, an action mirrored by Raine.
Raine and Jack then close their eyes and sit in seiza position facing each other without saying anything else.
As the silence continues, the forgotten Alakoni beside Raine awkwardly raised her hand in confusion.
“What just happened?” Asked Alakoni, bewildered.
“Director, now it is a time of peace and reflection. Please, wait while I meditate together with Raine-chan.” Said Jack serenely.
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
“Peace Mrs. Alakoni, we will meditate until Mrs. Ashi returns to us.” Said Raine with serenity.
After 10 minutes have passed in silence, the sound of footsteps descending on staircases can be heard from where everyone has gathered.
Alakoni, Raine, and Jack stir and looks toward the direction the sound is coming from but failed to see anyone until a figure suddenly materializes and hugged Jack tightly from behind.
“Jack! Husband, did you enjoy having my little kitty cat here as a guest?” Said Ashi as she rubbed her faceplate against Jack’s face repeatedly.
“Ashi! Please, not in front of our guests!” Said, Jack, as his face gets redder and redder in embarrassment.
“Again, you’re such a prude dear husband. It’s fine there are only friends here.” Said Ashi as she takes off her helmet and shakes off her hairs, which are black and of short length.
Ashi looks beautiful, and to Raine’s surprise, she looks like she has a pure Japanese ancestry as well, the same ancestry as Jack.
Raine then shifted her attention towards Alakoni, with an expression looking for an explanation.
“I did say that purebloods are a rarity, but the pairings of Mr. Jack and Mrs. Ashi is considered very rare and should they have children, their children would also be considered as purebloods.” Explained Alakoni as she sipped her hot tea.
“I am still waiting for that child, by the way, husband.” Said Ashi with annoyance.
Jack then put one of his hand under his chin, and with a thoughtful expression, he then shifted his attention towards Raine then at Ashi before finally nodding his head.
“I suppose you have waited long enough Ashi. I am open to have that child now after seeing Raine-chan. For some reason, the thought of having someone like Raine-chan of my own to spoil and teach is something that became very appealing to me now.” Said Jack with conviction.
Ashi then squeals and proceed to shower Jack’s face with kisses and hugs.
“Oh, kitty-chan! I cannot thank you enough for convincing my husband for a child! I love you even more now! I promise you can even be one of the godparents when we have the child!” Said Ashi as she switched target and latched to Raine, to Raine’s fear and horror.
Raine is lifted from her seiza position by Ashi, and her cheeks are rubbed by Ashi’s cheeks until she can feel them getting redder and tender.
“Uuuuu, let go of me woman! Also, my name is not kitty!” Complained Raine while trying to escape from Ashi’s grasp.
“Uhuhuhu, not yet you aren’t. Let’s give you the reason why you are here in the first place.” Said Ashi as she let go of Raine and took out from her inventory a black colored, skin tight undersuit.
“Tadaaaa! As promised, Raine chan's new outfit! Now let’s get rid of all the junks you are wearing now!” Said Ashi as she approaches Raine slowly like a predator stalking her prey.
Raine started to back up slowly and was going to run, but she was too slow compared to Ashi’s reaction speed. Ashi then starts stripping her Omni-tool, clothing, gloves, and boots until she’s stark naked on the ground.
“Noooooo!” Raine screamed with mortification as she laid on the floor while trying to cover her exposed privates.
During the commotion, Alakoni and Jack retreated to the second floor as they left the pair together to their own devices.
“Hold still will you!” Ashi said as she grappled with Raine, trying to force her to wear the suit.
Raine resisted, but was no match for Ashi’s strength, until finally, Raine was wearing the black skin tight, turtle necked undersuit, which is covering her from her neck to the tips of her fingers and toes.
Ashi then forces Raine to wear the black colored reinforced combat boots and the black colored reinforced combat gauntlets. And as is the standard for the equipment Raine has encountered now, all of them adjusted their size to fit her perfectly.
Ashi then attached back Raine’s Omni-tool and secured it on Raine’s right arm.
Finally, Ashi covered Raine’s head with something that looks like a ninja mask made from the same material as her undersuit. Ashi is also making sure that all her leaves are inside the material, which is thankfully breathable as she breathes from her leaves, thank you!
Now Raine looks like a scuba diver, with some part of her face and eyes the only thing left uncovered from her whole body.
“And now the finishing pieces!” Said Ashi as she raised a black cat ears hairband from her inventory.
Raine took one look at the black cat ears hairband and shook her head rapidly, rejecting it.
“Aw come on Kitty-chan. I’ll give you this black cat tail belt as well if you wear it for me?” Said Ashi with a pleading voice and a puppy dog eyes with fake tears streaming down as she dropped to one knee with one hand in a begging position under her chin and the other hand holding the belt with an actual black cat tail attached to it.
Raine takes another look at both the black cat ears hairband and the black cat tail belt, then proceeds to give Ashi an unimpressed stare.
“Oh, it's a shame if you refuse. You see, inside the tail are hidden multiple discs of high explosives. See for yourself.” Said Ashi while pointing at the source of the tail where there is an opening. Ashi inserted her hand and took out a disc with a button on top, as she presses it the disc starts beeping rapidly before she quickly presses the button again.
“You see the explosive discs are stacked on top of each other inside the tail. The tail itself is made from a durable and fire-proof material as a precaution against the explosives. The belt itself also has some pockets lining its side for you to keep anything small put inside, as well as a couple of slots for knives. How is it? If you keep wearing the cat hairband all the time, I will continue supplying you with the explosive discs for free!” Said Ashi while she dangled the tail in front of Raine’s eyes.
Raine psyche is conflicted between the humiliation of wearing the black cat ears hairband and the pull of her need to see something explode.
In the end, her manly psyche wins out and forces her to accept the deal.
Plus Ashi said that she would replenish the discs every time she sees Ashi again.
Raine thinks that this will also ensure her to visit both Ashi and Jack more often. Something that both Ashi and Jack seems to look forward to.
However, as the decision was already made, she nodded and took both the black cat ears hairband and the black cat tail/explosives belt from Ashi’s hand.
With forced grumpiness, she wore the black cat ears hair band on her head and next, with genuine cheerfulness she wore the black cat tail belt as she stroked it lovingly.
“Click!”
The sound of a camera from Ashi’s Omni-tool sounded as she pointed her Omni-tool at Raine and forever immortalized the moment she lovingly stroked her cat tail.
“Oh, how adorable! You look just like an actual kitty cat!” Gushes Ashi as she rubbed her cheeks again against Raine’s cheeks.
Now Raine looks like a demi-human of the black cat species if there are such a thing as a beast people anywhere in this universe.
With the full body change from the top of her head to the tip of her toes, her skin tight black undersuit, her black reinforced combat boots, her black reinforced combat gauntlet, her black cat ears hairband and finally her black cat tail belt.
Raine just stands there silently enduring the humiliation looking both adorable and deadly at the same time.
After a while of Ashi’s petting session, to Raine’s relief, she can hear the sound of Alakoni and Jack coming back from upstairs.
As Alakoni and Jack approach closer, Jack tried hard to hold his laugh while Alakoni laughed hard without holding back at Raine’s new outfit.
“Amazing, she looks both adorable and deadly at the same time! I couldn’t have picked a better outfit for her!” Said Alakoni with admiration after she finishes laughing at Raine’s expense.
“You have done well Ashi. She is very. As you say, cute.” Said, Jack, as he holds his laugh.
Raine pouted and puffed her cheek angrily as she sits cross-legged and turns her body, so it turns around and facing away from all three of them.
“Oh, don’t be like that Raine. I know what will cheer you up! Jack and I have discussed a matter related to you upstairs, and we have decided to give you a weapon to protect yourself. We will be there with you as well as the bodyguards who will be arriving tomorrow, but we have decided it’s always good if you can fend for yourself if need be.” Said Alakoni good-naturedly.
“With that said, it is my honor to present you with this blade. It belongs to me, but I have confidence that you will be able to use it well.” Said, Jack, as he took out a blade and offered it to Raine.
Raine accepted the offered blade and marveled at the dark metal coating and the honed edge. As she inspected her new blade, the grip looks high tech and is heavier than expected.
“That is an Advanced Nova Knife, specifically the ‘Blackprey’ ZN-28 Nova Knife. To explain it to you Nova Knives are a close-quarters melee weapon. The Nova Knife is as deadly a weapon as anything on the battlefield. Its name derives from the heated plasma edge of the blade formed by a thermic igniter and linear gravity condenser that, in skilled hands, can be used to carve through even the thickest drop suit armor.” Explained Jack as he observes Raine inspecting her new weapon.
Raine, satisfied with examining her new weapon, proceeds to sheathe her new blade on the available slot on her belt’s left side so she can use it when she needs it.
“That is the most advanced Nova Knife you can get in the market, with a damage output almost double compared to the standard Nova Knives available in the market. The only thing more advanced than a ‘Blackprey’ Nova Knives are the Nova Knives used exclusively by Ishukone corporation operatives, and even those are only 33% more powerful compared to the ‘Blackprey’ Nova Knife.” Said Jack further clarifying the capabilities of the enhanced knife he has gifted to Raine.
“As an addition, as a personal gift from me. I wish to pass to you something which belonged to me and has a deep history for myself.” Said Ashi as she stood beside Jack and offered what looks like an onna-men mask from a traditional Japanese Noh play.
On Ashi’s hand lies a white mask with a feminine expression and a small and light red lipstick where the lips are supposed to be.
“Ashi, that mask!” Exclaimed Jack as he looks worriedly at his wife.
“No, Jack. I am ready to let go of the past. This part of myself must go, and I cannot imagine a better person to pass this to other than Raine-chan.” Said Ashi with serenity.
Raine accepted the mask from Ashi, and she can feel that the mask is no ordinary mask as her hands shuddered when she touched it.
“The mask is enchanted through a process that I have no knowledge of. What I know is that the mask will somehow increase your speed by another 50 percent and increases your stamina regeneration to twice compared to normal. I entrusted this mask to you, together with the knife from Jack, I hope you can use the mask and the blade well.” Said Ashi with faith.
Jack still looks worriedly at his wife but look resolved to stand by her decision.
Raine, still holding the mask on her hands decided not to wear it over her face but decided to secure it on top of her head.
So a part of her face is still uncovered, and with her nose and mouth covered by the ninja mask, she looks like a mini hunter-ninja from the anime Naruto franchise.
“I humbly thank both of you for the hospitality.” Said, Raine, as she bowed deeply once more.
“I humbly thank you for the tea.” Said Jack.
“I humbly thank you for the cognizance.” Said Ashi.
“Well, I am just going to give a standard thank you.” Said Alakoni.
Both Ashi and Jack returns the bow and back to standing side by side after completing the bow.
Both Alakoni and Raine then said their goodbyes as both of them left Ashi and Jack’s office.
Inside Ashi and Jack’s office, both Ashi and Jack are discussing their plan.
“So.. about your promise?” Asked Ashi with a nervous undertone.
Jack smiled and kissed Ashi full on the lips, which Ashi returned.
“Of course, dear Ashi. And I apologize for taking this long to decide.” Said, Jack, as he stroked Ashi’s cheek and as both their forehead touching each other.
“Oh, husband.” Said Ashi as she happily snuggled Jack back.
Jack then separates himself from Ashi, and then he bent down to pick up Raine’s previous outfit. Raine’s sombrero hat, white lab coat, rubber gloves and rubber boots from the floor.
“What do you want to do with Raine chan's old things, Ashi?” Asked Jack.
“Hmmm, I will burn the hat, use the rubber gloves and boots for housecleaning. And the white lab coat. I have something special in mind, so I will wash it and wear it so we can play doctor.” Said Ashi happily.
Jack looks blankly at Ashi as he nervously rubbed the back of his head.
“Forgive me Ashi. I do not quite understand the last part. Can you explain it to me?” Asked Jack with confusion lining his face.
“I will repeat what I said, husband. You are such a prude.” Said Ashi annoyedly while rolling her eyes.
Moving forward to outside Ashi and Jack’s office, both Alakoni and Raine are walking without a clear destination as everyone they have passed now draw not a curious gaze but a shocked one instead, while lingering on Raine after the initial look.
Unknown to both of them since then, there would be rumors on the corporation grapevines which states that director Alakoni has created and funded a project with the goal of transforming children's into a perfect weapon of war.
Years later, this rumor would continue to persist and even started numerous copycat projects from the other Caldari mega-corporation and pirate groups.
“Now that you are outfitted worthy of your stature Ms. Raine, would you like to retire and rest? A guest room is ready for your stay and should you need anything I can have a maid available for you.” Offered Alakoni.
“Thank you for the offer Mrs. Alakoni, but I would like to return to my tree and rest there. I feel that I would feel more comfortable resting there.” Answered Raine.
“Very well Ms. Raine, it’s a long way back to your tree from here, but we can go there now. If you would please follow me.” Confirmed Alakoni.
“Talking about Mr. Jack, how could he have married a ninja as his wife in the first place?” Asked Raine with curiosity.
“Mr. Jack claims that when he was a samurai, both Mrs. Ashi and he are involved in some dispute. A dispute which they have since resolved.” Explained Alakoni.
Raine giggled hearing Alakoni’s answer.
“What is funny, Mrs. Raine?” Queried Alakoni.
“Oh, a samurai and a shinobi marrying each other? It was nothing, just an old joke.” Said Raine with a smile.
“If you say so Ms. Raine.” Said Alakoni with a nod.
Both Alakoni and Raine then proceed forward, passing through offices and checkpoints and still along the way they would be under stares from everyone they passed.
Until finally, they reached the entrance to Raine’s tree, director Alakoni then authorized herself and Raine after talking to the pair of guards by the entrance to be cleared entry into the secure cavern.
As Alakoni and Raine enter the large cavern, both of them could already see the entirety of the large tree, glowing somehow, even from a considerable distance from the entrance, which is behind them.
“So... I am finally back to where I first started..” Said, Raine, as she gazes longingly at her tree.
“Indeed, Ms. Raine. How does it make you feel?” Asked Alakoni as she stares at the same tree beside Raine.
However, before Raine could answer, both Alakoni and Raine are distracted by someone’s exclamation from a distance.
And as they looked ahead, both of them can see the middle-aged scientist woman who Raine first met when she first woke up and were wrongly convicted of her escape, fast approaching them looking murderous at both of them.
“I feel that some things stay the same Mrs. Alakoni.” Answered Raine with some mirth.