[FFML] [FIC][BGC] Draft Frozen Butterfly Arc 3 Chapter 4

[skychan]

Hi,

Here's the next chapter, please feel free to offer any help and
comments/critisism that you think might help improve the story flow or
grammar.

Previous chapters can be found on fanfiction.net
https://www.fanfiction.net/~skywiseskychan
or now here
http://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/frozen-butterfly-bubblegum-crisis-bgc-fanfiction.278175/



Frozen Butterfly Arc 3 Chapter 4 a story of Bubblegum Crisis

"STOP!"  I froze.  My heart caught in my throat as I heard the first
definitive command from my *master* since I had arrived.  It was a jarring
realization, and yet, somehow it was a relief as well.  Now I knew.

>From her silence I think it was as much a surprise to Nene as me, *master
not anticipating unit's response to command 72% probable.*  Why so low, or
did she already suspect?  I wanted to turn and see her face, to put my
suspicions to rest but I couldn't act.

"Is there a problem here?" The voice was sharp, authoritative, and came
from the duty officer.  I could see his reflection in the glass as he rose.
One hand held out of view, likely on a panic button.  Was this how it all
ended?

Nene's taut voice was one of the most relieving things I had ever heard.  "No,
everything's fine."  *Master concealing nervousness 87% probable.*

"You sure?" the officer asked, and I could see both the slight doubt but
willingness to accept another officer's word in the planes of his face.

"I'm sure," she answered; her voice stronger, carrying conviction and I saw
his shoulders begin to relax.  "Come with me Kari.  We should find a better
place to talk privately."  And just like that I could move.  But before I
could really think of what to do with my limited mobility she went on.  "and
I don't want you running off again until I say we're done."

I swallowed.  My shoulders slumping as I felt the… inertia of her words
really hit me.  Was she really going to do this, now?  What punishment was
waiting for me?  Thoughts in turmoil still I followed her meekly as she
lead the way outside.  It made me feel like a ten year old being sent to
their room.

I wasn't sure if I should be grateful or not to escape AD Police
headquarters on foot.  It was miles to the Silky Doll and the other Knight
Sabers, but it also wasn't like I could do anything even if that was Nene's
intended destination.

As we headed down the block towards a gaming hall I pondered my options.  Just
what was she going to do?  I could attack her, maybe, but then what?  I
didn't even really want to contemplate the option and that was without my
subconscious mind trying to shy away from the possibility as well.

Crossing the street I blinked.  We really were heading for the gaming
center.  Then my eyes began to trace the marque from the first floor up and
I almost tripped.  2nd floor MacDonald's, 3rd floor Boomer Repairs, 4th and
above… love hotel.

Getting the rest of the way across the street I couldn't help but blush.  Was
*master* really taking me to a love hotel?  D-did she want, it would be
private, but she wouldn't want, but if I could coax her another way.

Idle fantasies and hopes alike crashed hard as instead of the narrow stairs
Nene turned into the game center instead.  Taking my hand she led me past
countless arcade games and into a small padded room.  Swiftly shutting the
door behind us she pointed imperiously to the spot on the couch furthest
from the door.  "Sit." So I did.

Twisting the little panel to show the room was occupied she quickly fed a
credit card to the machine and in moments there was a cheery technopop beat
bouncing wall to wall in the private Karaoke room.

On reflection it really was perfect for holding a private conversation.  A
soundproofed room, filled with techno music, surrounded by all the white
noise a gaming center could provide.  I wonder why spy movies don't use
them more often.

The couches were comfortable, and even if the fake leather was a little
worn on the edges the staff had done a good job keeping them clean.  The
walls were an unrelieved blue/grey apart from the rectangular patch of
white used as a screen by the projection system in the roof, the flashing
video and lyrics on the screen providing most of the light.

Tapping my toes I nervously watched my sneakers rise and fall, their
pattern subconsciously/ no consciously shifting to match the techno beat.  Just
another thing to consider before a familiar pair of black flats and dark
stockings moved into view signaling the end of my prevarications about the
situation.

It's just, Nene was my *master*.  How could I not have realized this before?
Isn't it something a 33-S should just instinctively know?  Did this mean I
didn't actually lo-like her, or were my feelings separate from the
institution?  If I was supposed to be loyal to her when I woke up how did I
run away the first time, and if I wasn't then why was I loyal to her now?  The
confusion over my situation just continued to grow.

I was happy to be in a small private room with her.  Shouldn't I be more
upset about the fact that I couldn't leave if I wanted to?

Feet shuffling slightly Nene took a breath, just barely perceptible beneath
the beat.  "Kari, I'm not going to hurt you."  Her hand moved to rest on my
shoulder and I twitched at the touch, eyes drawn willingly meet hers.

"I know."  I gave a slight shrug.  "You’re a good person."  I let my
confidence in that simple hope shining through my eyes and voice.  It was
the only option left for me, and I only prayed I was right.

Nene blinked to prevent a surprised tear from escaping, my simple words and
faith having an effect.  "Oh Kari, why did you have to run away?  It was
getting better, I almost had Priss convinced, and Sylia… she would have
come around."  *Probability master believes this 56%.*  Nervously she sat,
not quite close enough to touch by accident but well within reach.

I felt myself leaning toward her slightly, I would say subconsciously but
was very cognizant of the decision to do so.  Almost too aware of the gaps,
small and wide that still separated us.  "I couldn't take it anymore.  Maybe
it was me, or maybe the 33-S, but I can't live confined like that.  I
didn't really have a choice."

Something in my words must have alarmed her because I could see her slowly
swallow back a sudden rush of apprehension.  I could feel the weight of her
next question.  "Kari, have you hurt anyone since you escaped?"

*Escaped over Left, master's concern related to action centered on need for
freedom 84% probable.*  "No.  Nene, you know me.  I'm not the kind of
person to do anything like that.  Why do you think I've been trying so hard
to avoid notice?"  I looked down and after a short breath went on.  "I need
a steady supply of blood, synthetic or otherwise but, I'm not going to hurt
people to get it."

Again my sincerity was easy to get across.  She didn't even try to hide her
relief, leaning back against the couch and letting out the breath she had
been holding.  Why she believed me so easily I don't know, I could have
lied to her, I was almost sure of it.

"Ne-chan, that's why I need you to let me just, get away with it.  Without
that blood I'll suffer, and die."  *Master likely withholding final
judgment until case fully presented 92% probable.  *Not letting up I
ruthlessly pressed my emotional advantage reading her responses like an
open book.  "But more than that, the others I met, without me they will
have to go out and kill again.  They don't have morals.  They aren't bad,
they just… don't know any better."

Watching her expression closely I realized I had lost her a bit with that
and scrambled to try to explain it better.  "They're like children, and the
only example they've had for how to act is their limited experience with
their masters.  To take what they want without thinking of the feelings or
thoughts of those they're abusing.  I know what they've done is wrong.  I
just, need some time to get them to understand that as well."

"I appreciate that you feel related to them Kari, but."  Nene sighed.  "You
can't hold yourself responsible for their actions.  They've gone
rogue.  They're
unstable and a danger to everyone around them.  We have to stop them."

"You mean kill them."  My voice was flat as I shifted to force Nene to meet
my eyes, my posture slightly threatening, just enough to catch her
attention fully.  "I want to stop them.  If they never hurt someone again,
if they learn how to live in the real world they won't be a danger to
anyone.  Rogue boomers are dangerous because they don't know anything.  No
one tells them the rules."

Softening my posture as I moved closer I pressed my point home.  "But we
have a chance to change that.  Maybe not for all of them, but for these two
it's not too late.  Please, will you give me a chance to change them first,
before getting the Knig- ah your friends involved?"  Even here
incongruously listening to "sugar rush" it struck me as a bad idea to voice
her allegiance aloud.

I could feel her wavering, *master* just needed a tiny little bit more to
push her over the edge.  "Please," I repeated.  "It would mean so much to
me.  I, I'll even show you where I'm living now, and if it doesn't work you
can take me back to the basement."  The manipulation wasn't even remotely
fair to her.

Being able to read her emotions, to pull on her feelings of guilt over my
confinement, and gratitude at the trust I was ostensibly offering.  I felt
guilty about it.  I wasn't even really offering her anything she couldn't
do already, just changing the context.

But when I felt her lean into my side, and let out a simultaneously
defeated and relieved breath I no longer cared.  The sensation was electric.
I could feel the nerves along my arm firing, sending the impression of
warmth and pressure back to my brain.  That was nice by itself, but knowing
just who it was made it feel even better.

Snuggling into her side, arm slipping around behind me, Nene cradled my
waist and it was enough for now to know she really did care.  "Alright
Kari-chan, we can do this your way."  I imagined I could hear the fondness
in her tone.  *Tone and inflection of master's tone indicative of affection
84% probable.  *"But don't think I missed what you did there."  I stiffened
up minutely, she didn’t mean…

"After all," her voice still gentle, "You didn't give up anything I didn't
already have.  Even so, I think we're *Done Here*."  And I felt the
restrictions on my behavior melt away like morning dew as she very
obviously released the trigger command she had given back at the ADP.

When would I stop underestimating her!

It was a strange mood that held sway between us as we rode the subway back
towards Tokyo University.  Embarrassed and a little confused on my part,
and teasing but thoughtful on Nene's.  It felt good, relieving to know that
she trusted me, despite my attempted emotional blackmail, but at the same
time it left me feeling a bit unsteady.  I wasn't sure where I really sat
with my *Master*.

I wanted to think we were still friends, but were we?  Both of us were
hyper aware of our *enhanced* relationship status.  Sticking close to her
side I found myself needing the reassurance of her physical presence
several times, reaching out to brush fingers or rub shoulders just to
ensure everything was real.  I knew a careless word from Nene, could twist
me all around inside, and could she really believe anything I said wasn't
tinted by my programing, could I?

It was the second concern I think that had Nene falling quiet more often
than the first.  The atmosphere was much like a first date.  With both of
us being on our very best behavior, and cautious of what we said to one
another, while searching for the smallest meaning in the slightest gesture.

When I led her off the subway and towards the dorms of Tokyo University
Nene paused and then almost glared at me.  "How, I checked all the incoming
students closely!"

Though the upset in her eyes made me want to squirm the satisfaction of
having pulled at least this much over on her had me breaking out in a smile.
"Ne-chan, did you remember to check the second year students as well?"  I
asked, for the first time since seeing her again daring to use a teasing
tone.

I could hear her grumbling a little to herself as we rode the elevator
unmolested up to my floor and gave her had a sympathetic squeeze.  I
wondered how differently my classmates would be appraising us if Nene
hadn't changed out of her uniform before leaving work.  Then again, I
wondered if any of them would really believe it wasn't just cosplay with
how perfectly she fit in with the rest of the crowd.

Settling in to my room, and sitting across from each other on the rolled
out futon, I didn't have two chairs, the silence between us took on a
weight of its own.

"So you really are just living here and going to school?"  Settling down
Nene looked a bit incredulous as all the evidence backed up my story.  Not
as if she hadn't believed me before, but the reality of it all only now was
sinking in.  *Master internalizing situation, acceptance of continued
independence 78% probable.*

"Yup, I sure am.  I could even introduce you to my friends if you
wanted.  Classes
haven't started yet, but living in a dorm is like being part of a giant
extended and annoying family.  I think you would get along pretty well with
them."  Tugging at my collar I wondered why things felt so awkward sitting
here with her.  It was like I needed to fill the silence but my social
program wasn't offering up any suggestions.

Finally falling back on traditional rules for hospitality I offered, "Can I
get you anything to drink?"

"No that's alright."  As she continued to look around at the scarcity of
belongings Nene met my gaze.  "I don't want to make things any harder on
you than they are.  If you can wait until tomorrow it will be safe to start
withdrawing more funds from your bank account."  *Signs master is guilty
over situation 86% probable, acceptance of continued independence 99%
probable.*

Following her gaze I realized my closet was in plain view and almost
entirely bare.  No wonder, she probably realized I didn't have much more
than water to offer even if she had wanted something.  "Thank you, I'm
trying not to," I paused unsure how best to phrase it.  "Be criminal I
guess, but it's hard."

Knowing she would realize it soon if she hadn't already I went on.  "I
can't really afford the blood service, or um, tuition.  I, I hope you won't
hold it against me that I cheated a little to get myself a scholarship or
the other thing…"

And while she didn't look entirely comfortable with it she nodded, her soft
hair dancing in the light pouring through the windows.  "I'm not entirely
innocent myself you know.  Just don't make a habit of…"  Catching herself
she stopped before it became a command.  "Sorry, *try* not to make a habit
of breaking the law like that."

There was a brief pause before she changed the subject, her mood falling
slightly as the topic became more serious.  "Do you really think you are
doing the right thing with the others?  They've killed Kari, three people
in the last week all of them innocent."

I felt like wilting before her.  "I think so.  They aren't bad or crazy.  Just,
amoral.  I know I can convince them, teach them, how to be productive
members of society."  I felt a bit like a sham even parroting that line,
like I was a corrections officer or something, especially as Nene was the
cop.  "I'm sure they can do it, they just need a chance and some time."  I
took a breath.  What I had to tell her next also might not go over very
well.

"There's something else that you need to know though."  I could feel it,
the need to tell her, but I couldn't pinpoint the origin.  It wasn't like
Nene had given me an order.  "Priss actually knows one of them, or one of
them knows Priss."  I stumbled to a stop there, not sure what else to say
in the face of a sudden change in Nene's behavior.

Wondering just what caused it I took in every detail, the widening of her
bright emerald green eyes.  The way her lips pursed followed by the
hardening of her jaw as she clenched her teeth.  The slight flush coloring
her cheeks as her eye movement indicated the process of recall.  I must
have gotten a bit distracted as Nene was speaking before I realized just
why she'd had such a reaction.

"Sylvie…" The name almost a whisper.  "Of course.  No wonder I," She
shifted her weight from side to side. "That is so unfair."  Eyes glaring at
me for just a moment with suspicion before another thought hit her.  "Priss
is going to kill her…"

"I know.  At first I thought maybe it was a trap for me, but after talking
with Sylvie.  I don't know what to do.  Is there any way you could break it
to Priss gently?"  I asked, knowing full well it would be all but
impossible.  "Or maybe wait a day so I can try to get Sylvie and Anri to
lay low…"

"I'm not sure.  Something like this, I can't just keep it from her, and she
might not, okay won't take it well at all.  This complicates things.  She's
going to want to know how I know.  Sylia will want to know, and even if I
don't say it she's going to connect the dots.  Then if I don't explain
things she's going to think you are behind the murders."

"And you can't admit that you know I'm not because I'm getting my blood
through different channels without explaining how you know about it and
that you're letting me get away with it.  Damn."  Every time it seemed like
I was making a little progress another problem came up.

I was trying to hide the fact that I was watching her every movement
closely.  I also wasn't sure how good a job I was doing, as when Nene
shifted to lean back I had to physically stop myself from leaning forward
in response.  Damn, had I been this affected by Mr. Flint's presence as
well?

Perfect hindsight does have its uses.  No, I wasn't.  As aware of him yes,
but I hadn't let that awareness impinge so directly on my own autonomic
behavior.  But with Nene, trying to think it through could drive me mad.  *Four
seconds since last exchange.  Longer delay will result in master feeling an
uncomfortable silence 86% probable.*

Right, "I have one idea.  I could maybe try to get Sylvie to tell her on
her own?  I know it's not a perfect solution but, it might work."  Really
the idea had holes large enough to sail a battleship through, but every
other option I could think of was worse.  "It might disarm some of the
anger over being lied to if she does."  I offered as added incentive to get
approval on my plan.

"I suppose I could let you do that.  But, if she doesn't know by tomorrow
night I'm going to tell her if Sylvie hasn't.  Nene looked for a moment
light she might add something else before letting out a sigh as she looked
me over.

When she leaned in I wasn't sure what to do.  Too many conflicting options
and ideas presented themselves to decide on any given course of action.

Warm arms wrapped around slim shoulders and pulled me close.  "What am I
going to do with you Kari?"  Nene whispered into my short blond hair.  Although
the question was rhetorical I still almost answered, 'anything
master.'  Thankfully
I managed to squelch that impulse before it could get me any deeper in
trouble.

Letting go, the air felt almost chilly on my skin, even after so brief a
contact.  "I'll see you soon, and cover for you too, but it can't be
forever.  Be good."  And just like that with a pat on the back and
injunction she was gone.
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