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Chapter Text

Indeterminate Prescience

Deep in the dry—blazing desert, devoid of moisture or refreshing winds; a dark haired-lean blind man walked. His feet dragged across the sands, slogging barely keeping himself up.

His empty—burned eye sockets remained open, further irritated by the harsh environmental elements.

The hot grains penetrated deep into his footwear, skin chafed and scarred from the sand-friction. The hellish, red sun above scorched the blind man's skin. Each breath burned his throat and lungs, inhaled the hot scalding sand; the grainy texture scraped away at his throat.

Worst of all, however; he was sweating heavily.

Valuable water! Moisture! It poured by liters from his body without any way of recovering the transparent gold!

The water stained the blind man's clothes.

The water poured from his forehead to his face.

From his shoulders, sagging left and right as he walked deeper into the desert, to his wrists.

Valuable water and moisturize wasted.

Nonetheless, it mattered little how much water the blind man conserved.

He will perish. One way or another.

Taken by the unforgivingly cruel Desert.

Or.

By a great Shai-hulud. An Old Man Of The Desert. 

The blind man sharply inhaled, tilting his head upwards, raising an arm as if to reach out to something.

“My beloved,” The blind man muttered. “My Desert Spring… just wait a little more, please. I'm coming… we will be reunited.” He sobbed. He would have cried—shed tears if he could.

For the same reason he was cast out—casted himself out to the desert, he could no longer shed tears. 

The blind man fell to his knees, which then sunk under sand. Thousands of tiny hot grains flowed, grinding and burning his lower half.

“Leto… Ghanima…” He thought about his newborn twins whom he left to his sister, friends, and perhaps even his Princess-Consort. “Mother… Alia… Stilgar… Duncan…” 

They had no need for him anymore. He was blind. Not only in body, but also in spirit. He trusted them with his life. He knew he could trust them with his dear children.

The blind man's lip edges curled upwards, letting out a bitter chuckle as he thought about his life. From the Harkonnen-Sardaukar attack which first destroyed his family, the terrible visions, assimilating into the Fremen, and the bloody Jihad.

He had everything, yet now he had nothing. He saw everything, yet now he saw nothing.

‘What a fitting end,’ He thought. Each and every terrible future he saw came true, and he could not—did not prevent any of those visions. Fear and fatalism clouded his every thought and action.

And in the end, he lost even his beloved. ‘I deserve this.’ The blind man, once an Emperor—a God even, thought as he pitied himself.

“I can see why you would think so, Sensei.”

The blind man snapped, wildly turning his head side to side. Who was that voice?! Was it a prescient vision?! Definitely not. Then—

“You… who are-” He paused. “No, you shouldn't be here!” He warned with a hoarse dry voice. The voice belonged not to a desert native. That much, even the blind could deduce. 

“Hehe. Yet here I am.” The feminine voice giggled. “I have to say, this stillsuit thing looks—feels pretty fashionable.” The blind man would have widened his eyes if he still could. The girl was practically daring death itself to come.

The eyeless man tried to scream, his throat lacking sufficient moisture, rising to one leg before falling back down. “Wherever you came from, you need to return! You'll die here!” Whether by Shai-hulud or dehydration, it mattered little.

"I’d love to get some shade, but… I can't," The young woman said. “I came here for you, Sensei. I… shameless of me to demand from the blind, I know, but still… I need your help.” The blind man took note of the title.

It was from an Old Earth language, he deduced. Without access to his ancestors' memories, however, he could only guess what it meant.

“You, Sensei… you're the only one I can count on. The only one… I know who can succeed.” The girl sniffled as she spoke, her feet dragged through the sand closer to the man.

“I'm a blind man, what could I ever hope to achieve?” He asked, tilting his head towards the woman's noise.

“So much more, Sensei. I see in you that… even without your absolute future sight, even without being the Kwisatz Haderach, you could achieve so many great things!” 

The blind man scowled, irritated by the girl. Slowly, he turned and rose to his feet. Before he could berate her, however, he collapsed to the sand.

How long had he walked? How much moisture has he lost? The blind man could only wonder as sand stuck to his sweat-stained face.

“Responsibility, adulthood, obligations, and what goes beyond those ideals,” The woman said, walking closer to the blind man sinking under the sand. “I spoke of those things to my friends many times over. Yet, after all was said and done, I failed them. In all ways possible.”

Just as she finished her sorrowful speech, the blind man felt the sands beneath him vibrating. It was a familiar feeling—sound reverberating deep under the deserts.

“R-rughh-” The blind man tried to speak, yet, only dry growls came from his throat. His mouth was too dry to even let out a word. “Ssshrai hooru…” He struggled to push himself up, sand falling from his person as he furiously waved away; urging the girl to flee.

He was supposed to perish alone! He could not allow someone to perish along with him!

“Ah, the really big worms,” He heard the girl say in a singsong voice. “I've always wanted to see one in person.” Again, he did his damnedest screaming through his dry burning throat—trying to make the girl flee.

“I'm sorry, Sensei. I can tell you must hate this, but… it's the only way.” He could sense the woman lowering to her knees, reaching her hand towards him. “Otherwise, it would simply be unfair.” The blind man felt a soft touch on his cheeks, then, with a wince; it's as if a dam broke.

The lean blind man screamed more, further burning and straining his already dry throat. Visions! Accursed future vision flowed into his mind, just when he was free of such burdens!

The strangeness of the visions… brought more confusion than frustration. A sky blue world abundant with water, much like his birth world, was seen. A city with architecture and technology most similar to Old Earth.

And many young women with glowing halos above their heads.

“I know that even if you knew nothing, you would still choose the right decisions. That's why… I entrust everything to you, Paul-Muad’Dib-Sensei.” Just as she spoke his name, he collapsed fully. Unconscious as the Shai-hulud came closer.

“You're the only one who can do this. Please… save us from this distorted—twisted fate. Paul-Sensei… please…” Her plea trailed off as she started flickering away from existence. "Ah, I can at least get a view of Mr. Shai-hulud.” The girl muttered as half her body already flickered away to blue light.

The desert sands shook, vibrating—moving almost like water in an ocean flowing fluidly. Finally, sand beneath the two began falling, falling, falling. Swishing with a crusty reverberation.

The strange woman's mouth opened in awe, gasping as she covered her mouth. Under her and her Sensei, numerous large teeth appeared, caging the two in a spiral cage. The falling sands filtering through the teeth along with the blind man, who was caught in the teeth before he could fall lower.

The strange flickering girl smiled as she remained floating midair. The blue circle above her head glowed bright within the dark orange-red environment. Her long flowing sky-blue hair bright as a star within all the red.

“It's nice to meet you, Mr. Shai-hulud,” The girl said, her body further flickering away. “Please… may you grant me this one request?” She asked as her being finally disappeared as a whole.

The worm growled, withdrawing its flower-like mouth as it sank back under the desert.

Under a clear blue sky—within organized structures of roads, buildings, and whatnot; several women walked hurriedly, swinging their arms back and forth asymmetrically.

One wore a pristine white uniform with sharp blue accents, her hair long and flowing black, hiding her sharp ears as a thin blue circle floated above her head. She adjusted her eyeglasses as she led her fellows to the city outskirts. In her waist was an Old Earth pistol.

“Where are you even leading us?!” A frustrated voice asked, coming from a purple haired girl who wore a business suit. A baggy oversized jacket hung by her elbows, two small firearms held with each hand. Above her head floated a black solid circle. “First you waste our time back there, and now you're wasting our time here?!”

Adding to her irritation was the fact she was made to carry water. Large bottles held under her elbows, squeezed into her sides 

“I must concur,” Another girl said. She was the tallest of the group. Long black hair, large black wings in her back, wearing a black undersized uniform showing her well endowed body. “I doubt the President would be in the outskirts.” Above her head was a red circle with four arrowheads pointed outwards. She held a wooden rifle.

“Yes. The situation is already dire enough, we cannot go on any longer in this…” The third girl paused, looking for a polite word to use. She wore a blouse and a short skirt, a red armband around her left arm, and red stockings hugged her legs.

Her short blond hair was tied into pigtails, hiding also a pair of sharp ears as she frowned. Carrying a medical bag with one hand, she adjusted her glasses with the other. Above her head was a similar red circle with near crosses, in her waist was a primitive pistol.

“Yeah, the issue has piled up enough that Trinity, Millennium, and even Gehenna are teaming up.” The last girl spoke, gesturing to herself and the group. She had long white hair, a single wing stuck from the side of her head. “The heck has the GSC been doing?” She wore a gray uniform. Above her head floated a light purple circle. She was armed with a more advanced assault rifle compared to her group's armaments.

The first sharp-eared girl sighed, halting as she stepped past the city outskirts; where the desert sands met the concrete road, where the city infrastructure reached its end.

“I must be honest with you representatives, since you did agree to escort me here.” She said, feeling the waiting gazes upon her. “The President has disappeared.”

“W-what?!” The purple-haired girl gasped, along with her fellow representatives.

“Then… why did you have to wait until now to inform us, Vice President?!” Her fellow sharp-eared girl asked.

“No…” The girl in white-blue paused, waiting for her companions to calm down. “So far, we haven't been able to access the Sanctum Tower. Without her, the GSC is practically nothing.”

“But even so, she must have left a backup, yes?” The large winged one asked.

“Or did she leave us to fend for ourselves?” The white-haired one asked, narrowing her eyes.

“Certainly not,” The Vice President shook her head. “She did, however, send someone to help.” She gazed away, also unsure of this President's course of actions.

“The President only left me a letter,” She said. “This… someone would come from the desert, and that we should welcome him.” She explained.

“And who is this someone?” 

“I am unsure about it myself. The President… is cryptic as usual.” The Vice President said with a disappointed sigh.

Before any one of them could speak another word, they were forced to bend their knees or hold onto anything for balance. The earth upon which they stood shook aggressively.

“This…” The white-haired girl paused, gritting her teeth at the implications of such an earthquake. “Was there an explosion somewhere? Did the Tea Party start using artillery?”

“Perhaps… It was the Pandemonium Society or the Hotsprings Development Department.” The other sharp-eared girl said. "But I don't think there were any detonations..."

The purple-haired girl remained still, muttering numbers to herself. ‘Such a force would have registered on the Richter Scale, and it would have shown signs yesterday or so.’ She thought, calculating exactly how much force this earthquake exerted.

“If things have already come that far, then we have to act now!” The black winged girl raised her voice. “Well, where's this someone the President sent?!”

All eyes turned to the Vice President, scrutinizing, demanding an answer. Normally, she would be the definition of professionalism or coldness. Yet, now, she shivered at the eyes of her group.

What was she to do? What was she to say? The Vice President was content with her position, yet the President's disappearance forced much, much more responsibilities and burdens unto her.

She thinned her lips, breathing in before she opened her mouth to speak. But before she could, the earth shook once again and she fell to one knee losing her balance.

They heard it, a loud guttural rumbling. Echoing from almost all directions.

“H-hey… that…” The blonde girl trailed off, trembling in fear as she pointed a finger at… something.

The rest turned, and immediately, they felt shivers in their spines. The hairs in their body rising upon seeing; sand thrown up the air as if water in an ocean, as if a whale breached and swam through.

Some took a step back, some held tighter to their anchors. But the eyes remained fixed on whatever was coming.

It rose! The group of girls whimpered, the color of their eyes dulling with fear as they saw the terrible beast! 

It was large! Larger than even a building! It's head bloomed like a flower, rumbling as countless teeth shimmered brightly under the sunlight. Teeth! The size of which dwarfed even the tallest buildings!

It swam through the desert faster and faster, closer to the city as the earth rumbled and many struggled to keep their balance.

The Vice President's group stood still, heads turning up to watch the great Worm approaching, casting a dark shadow upon them through its size.

They could not run! They had no way of outrunning this monster! They could only wait as fear paralyzed their bodies!

As the desert monster loomed over them, growling as it opened its maw wider, lowering upon all under it.

From within its teeth, something began falling. It was human shaped! The girls below saw. Gracefully, the unconscious human dragged through the teeth, slowing his descent to the ground.

Eventually, it reached the end of its teeth and mouth. And the person fell, safely plopping on the ground.

The giant Worm recoiled its mouth, covering its chasm of teeth as it turned away. Each move of the great Worms body shook the earth, shifting the sands as the sun's light shone upon what it covered moments before.

The girls remained frozen, watching as the Worm sped back into the desert. Watching as it sunk under the desert sands, disappearing like fish in the sea.

“That…”

“What the hell was that…?”

“It's impossible. The biology would be impossible, but…”

They wondered about the great Worm. How could such a thing exist? How come no one has ever come across it? Why did it appear only now?

Such questions would be left unanswered.

“That man…” The Vice President whispered, eyes widening at the unconscious person's lean figure. Dressed in a black robe with a scarf. His somewhat curly hair swept back.

Though she could tell the man was older, the Vice President nor her peers could not help but admire his youthful features. 

“Sensei!” The Vice President shouted, rushing to the man. “Ah, it's him! You… you actually came!” She barely held her tears of joy back. Her President had not lied! “Paul-Muad'Dib-Sensei!”

Her peers walked closer, but the medic came closest.

Quickly, the other sharp-eared girl examined the man with narrowed eyes. Her hands and fingers meticulously touching and testing the man's skin and flesh as she thinned her lips.

“Well, Hinomiya-san, is he… alright?” The white-haired girl asked.

“Minor burns, scars… but mostly fine.” He had come from the Worms teeth, yet he held no wounds! "But the dehydration... It's severe."

“But he…” The winged girl trailed off, mouth hung open in awe as she stared where the Worm was.

“No matter… it is a relief that Sensei has arrived.” The Vice President said as her shoulders felt lighter. “Now, we simply need to wake him up and-”

A yelp of distress from the medic interrupted her. Her eyes showed the same fear as her yelp did.

Quickly, her peers came closer to witness what she found. Her trembling fingers stretched his eyelids open. Immediately, the group understood the medic’s fear.

“He… he doesn't have eyes!”

A/N: wrote this near 1am, the Lisan Al-Gaib speaks to me. GOLDEN PATH! GOLDEN PATH! BLESS THE MAKER AND HIS WATER!

Anyways, hope you guys like it

Chapter Text

Indeterminate Prescience

He woke up feeling the soft, yet, thin bed upon which he laid; a fresh wrap of adhesive bandage around his head—eye sockets. Where he was… it was presently moving—a car or vehicle of some sorts. He felt hands holding him softly—carefully as they talked.

“What was the President thinking?! Sending someone so impaired to take up such responsibilities?!” The blind man heard a girl demand—her voice haughty, formal in tone.

“Please, Hanekawa-san,” He heard another voice call. This one was closer to him, seated directly by his side—monitoring his condition.. “This person, Paul-Muad'Dib-Sensei, we first need to tend to him.”

He stirred upon hearing his names—birth name and Fremen name, groaning as he tried to move his famished body. Before he could, a sudden cold flowed to his senses.

It was water! And it was carelessly being thrown away! The blind man tried to speak—to make the water-waster stop. The water, however, got into his nose and mouth.

“Hayase-san, please direct the flow to his center mass.” The closest girl who was obviously a medic demanded. She was the only one who would be close enough to a person of his current condition.

“Ah. Hold on a moment.” And so, he felt the flow of water move from his face and to his chest. “Are there anything else we can do?” Another girl asked, unaccustomed to her task at hand.

His previously dry clothes were now wet with moisture as it stuck to his skin. Presently, he was now free to speak. He turned, raising his head as he faced towards the water-waster.

“H-he’s awake!” Another girl shouted, her voice worried and alert with an audible sense of authority. ‘Just how many of them were here?!’ The blind man thought as he saw… he saw… “Please, Paul-Muad'Dib-Sensei, you need to stay down!” He saw! Distorted visions flashed before darkness returned.

The former-Messiah saw the purple-haired water-waster—hair tied by the sides into tails. Her eyes—eyes!—widened as she faced the eyeless man.

“Srrhtaahp!” He screamed—tried to scream as the girl yelped in fright, only to recoil down upon straining his throat. He tried to speak again, yet his vocal cords lacked the moisture.

“Ah, Hayase-san. He needs to drink!”

“Yeah, I can see that!” Hayase replied with a snarky tone as she bent and brought the water bottle close to him. “Here, Paul-Mu… Mwadeeb?” The girl hesitantly tried to pronounce.

The former-Duke relaxed himself, allowing the water-waster to pour much needed moisture down his parched—cracking throat. 

Even now, she still wastes water! It leaked and poured down his cheeks, down to the bed and car floor. Enough was enough he decided he could speak, and he wouldn’t let this girl waste anymore drops of the precious drops of life any longer.

“Stop…” He rasped upon working his refreshed throat. With great struggle, he tried to push himself up. “... That's… enough”

“No, no. Paul-Sensei, you need to stay down!” The medic said as she and another girl pushed him back down.

A flash of a Vision happened upon the darkness once again, distorted too. He saw the medic; a blond-haired girl who wore glasses with a bow tied around her head. 

Her ears were strangely sharp. Most similar to… the other girl with long black-blue hair also wearing glasses. 

A quick flash of prescience had shown him the girl in a white-blue uniform, also with sharp ears—as well as the well-endowed tall girl with big black wings who wore a black-red uniform.

“Please, sir. You're hurt.” The other girl who held him down said with pity. She has long white hair with a single wing stuck to her head. “Lay down. You still need to recover.”

He would calm down. However, the purple-haired girl was still wasting water! Does she not know—was she not aware of how valuable the moisture was!? How many men and women fell and died because of this?!  

He needed to stop this needless waste! Seizing his bodily functions, a skill he learned from his mother, he hastened the flow of newfound moisture throughout his dry body.

“What the…” The medic muttered as she came lower, observing the signs of heat stroke and dehydration disappear. “How is he…?”

Instinctively, he—Muad’Dib—Paul Atreidis braced his throat, and shouted as hard as his dry vocal chords could. 

“STOP!” 

Paul's voice—a distorted and bellowing roar—reverberated in the car. They all heard it, the girls bodies forcefully frozen still; hearts pounding at the inhumane voice.

The driver included.

The car lost control and swerved side-to-side, the force threw the passengers left and right. The girls were pushing themselves up as Paul dropped from the bed.

He groaned upon impact, caressing his head as he pulled himself up. Again, the accursed prescience flashed and showed him his surroundings.

Paul froze as he finally noticed the rings floating above their heads. Nevermind the stares they gave, his mentat conditioning could not deduce what those were. ‘Were those an error of prescience? Or perhaps an Ixian cosmetic?’

“Chinatsu!” The driver—a white-haired girl with… horns?—called as she turned from her seat. Near immediately, the knowledge of whom this name belonged came to Paul. “What was that? Is the corpse- I mean patient alright?”

‘Corpse, she calls me! I wish I truly was!’ His thoughts echoed, teeth gritted as he rose to his feet. Quickly, he snatched the water bottle from the water-waster.

“You don't waste water!” His Fremen discipline screamed and startled the girl. Then, he drank whatever was left from the strange plastic bottle.

“W-waste?!” The girl spat as he hungrily gulped the bottle. “I was giving it to you!” He continued to ignore her.

Finally, he was fully hydrated. “I am well now.” Paul said, noting the non-human features the young women around him had.

“P-Paul-Sensei, please!” The black-blue haired girl in white begged. “You're still recovering, stay down!”

“Yes, you were severely-”

“I am aware,” He said, interrupting the medic known as Chinatsu. “As I've said, I am very much well now.” With a sigh, he sat down. Breathing—relaxing, he began contemplating their appearances.

‘Were they victims—or perhaps the result of Tleilaxu experiments? Could it be… they allowed such mutations upon themselves?’ For now, he could only guess. He lacked enough knowledge regarding these women. “Now… who are you? And where might I be?”

Before any one of them could answer, he spoke again; “And who was that woman who brought me here?” Paul winced as another accursed vision flashed. “The one in white, her sky-blue hair had pink undersides.” He described what his prescience showed.

“Ah. That must've been President ███████—” The present girl in white spoke normally, one hand trembling as another adjusted her glasses. Yet, Paul heard only a ringing, distorted, garbled hiss. “She was the one to—no, wait. You must've met her already.” She corrected herself.

Muad'Dib stared for a moment toward her voice, eyebrows furrowed as he tilted his head—the girl in white fidgeted uncomfortably under his nonexistent eyes.

‘I couldn't hear her name… for some reason, I cannot hear that woman—my abductor’s name.’

“What did you say her… name was again?” He hesitantly asked, trying to grasp—to understand that strange woman's name.

Rin blinked her eyes upon hearing the strange question. “Her full name is ████ ███████, Paul-Sensei. Quite an uncommon name here in Kivotos.” She spoke the incomprehensible name eerily easily.

“I see… carry on.” The blind man said, giving up on trying to comprehend the name. He felt that it would only drive him to insanity.

“F-firstly,” She started as she cleared her throat. “I am Nanagami Rin, Vice President—currently Acting President of the General Student Council, and around you are the representatives of the biggest academies.” The one known as Nanagami introduced herself and her group, a hand gestured to her heart and to her fellows. “We welcome you to Kivotos.”

“Yes, of course,” The winged girl spoke, pointing to herself, wings retracted as she cleared her throat. “I am Hanekawa Hasumi of Trinity General School, and Vice President of the Justice Task Force.”

‘Strange names reminiscent of Old Earth's far eastern region.’ Paul thought as he heard the other girls preparing their introductions. ‘General Student Council? Did Nanagami- no, did my abductor mistakenly assign children to meet me as delegation? And Justice Task Force? I wonder what the other names will be.’

“I am Morizuki Suzumi, also from Trinity. But I'm from the Vigilante Corps.” Morizuki introduced herself with a somewhat casual tone. Not a noble or person with positions like Nanagami or Hanekawa. “Paul-Sensei, was it…? What happened to you?”

‘For this Trinity to have both the JTF group and a militia, they must be lacking in sufficient security.’ He thought. Then, he spoke. “A blind man was of no use, merely a burden to the tribe. They had no need for me any more.”

Those around him were stunned; how casually he spoke about being left for dead! Their mouths hung open trying to speak—stammering as they tried to speak.

Paul felt a pair of hands grab him, followed by light shaking. “Even so, they should have taken care of you!” Chinatsu cried out with pity, mouth trembling and eyes watery as she looked to where Paul's eyes would have been. “Abandoning the impaired! That's… that's a thing of the past, Paul-Sensei!”

“It's not that simple…”

“Not that simple!” Morizuki raised her voice in outrage. Paul could hear her gnashing her teeth, the others growled and whimpered at his circumstances. “Paul-Sensei… don't you have someone who cherishes you? Who would have cared for you?”

He lowered his head and bitterly smiled, recalling the ones he left. Raising his head, he said; “I'd serve only to burden them. My children, mother, sister, my-”

“Do you really think they'd have abandoned you?!” Paul did not answer Chinatsu. He only wondered how they were doing, how would the future treat them? 

“Chinatsu,” The driver called out. “Keep the corpse- I mean patient calm. It seems he's still dizzy.” She said, turning to drive the car once again.

“Y-yes, Sena-senpai.” Said the medic who held Paul. “Please… you need to cooperate with us, Paul-Sensei.” He felt that resistance would be both futile and needless. So, he nodded. “Ah. Good.”

“Now then,” Paul started as he breathed to calm himself. “I must introduce myself first.” He cleared his throat as the students waited with anticipation. The car engine started and revved as it moved. 

“My name is Paul-Muad'Dib Atreidis,” The blind man man spoke with a hand over his heart—a mix of pride and shame flushed his feelings at the names; Muad'Dib and Atreidis. “Duke of Arrakis.”

“Presently, I ask… for what reason was I brought here?” He turned to them, awaiting the answers he sought… only to hear—sense nothing.

The students were frozen, Sena included as she drove slower processing the information. A Duke… a Noble… the Sensei was an aristocrat! Their eyes were wide as the realization dawned.

“Duke… a feudal title…” He heard Nanagami whisper with caution.

“That's like a prince or a king, right?!” The water-waster gushed in disbelief and admiration.

"Ahh, forgive us, Lord Atreidis.” Hanekawa said with a trembling voice as she bowed her head. “We have not welcomed you adequately.”

‘She is more composed than the others. Is she perhaps accustomed to Nobles?’ Paul questioned in his mind. What sort of planet or world would warrant such surprise? Feudal Houses were the status quo. As it has been for thousands of years.

“That is unnecessary, Lady Hanekawa. I am no more than the common man, for I walked alongside them.” This was one thing he could find joy in. Though his Fremen friends turned to blind followers, they were still his friends at one time. “I do ask, however, why such surprise?”

“Well… it's not everyday we meet a Duke or… basically anyone with such titles.” Nanagami recomposed herself as she cleared her throat. “On top of that, feudalism is most commonly a thing of the past. Kivotos’ government is democratic for the most part.” She explained.

‘Democratic!’ Paul screamed in his mind. He seized full control of his body to hide the grievances within. ‘Such a flawed system from a bygone age!’ He asked: “I simply could have lied. Why believe me so quickly?”

“Lord- no, Paul-Sensei, it is your tone and formal language,” Hanekawa said. “As well as how you currently carry yourself.” She was experienced with such people, it seemed.

“Duke… I don't know much about that.” Morizuki said as she scratched her head. “Is that like- close to a prince or something?”

“I think they're second only to a king.” Chinatsu explained her assumption.

“You're both correct.” Hanekawa said.

“Hmm… three of you have not yet introduced yourselves.” Paul announced, calling out to the driver and the water-waster.

“Yes, of course,” The medic currently known to him as Chinatsu cleared her throat. “I am Hinomiya Chinatsu of Gehenna Academy's Prefect Team. It's a pleasure to meet you.” The car made a turn as she bowed.

‘Gehenna! Did I truly perish in the desert? Is this hell in its actuality?’ Paul disregarded the line of thought as he answered: “Likewise. I… appreciate your service-” He hesitated for a moment on which name to use. “Lady Hinomiya.”

Truthfully, he was better left for dead in his own opinion. ‘But people like her, of medicine, would be distraught to know their patients longed for death.’ He thought. “Now, you, the water-waster.” He turned to the girl in question.

“w-water…waster…” The purple-haired water-waster muttered as she trembled in indignation, hands shaking as she glared at Paul. 

She buried the anger with a deep inhale and cleared her throat. “Anyways, you may know me as Hayase Yuuka of Millennium Science School—Treasurer of Seminar.” Hayase said in a low restrained tone, arms crossed as she turned away.

‘Science School? Something like Ix, perhaps. Does her school have something to do with those floating light-circles?’ Paul wondered. “Forgive me if I was too harsh, Lady Hayase. The place I came from is one of terrible necessity for moisture.” He said to Hayase with a softened voice. “Even the tiniest insignificant drop of water was worth its weight in gold.”

The purple haired girl quickly turned to face Paul, eyes wide as she had not expected the apology—and the subsequent explanation.. “I see. I understand, Paul-Sensei.”

“And you, lastly.” Paul said to the driver's—this… Sena-senpai’s general direction. 

“Yes,” she said while decelerating, making another turn. “I'd be pleased to introduce myself, however, there are much more pressing matters you should address. Duke.” Sena's voice was calm and neutral as she focused on driving.

“I see,” Paul muttered as he sighed, recalling his last memory of the desert.

Sensei. I see in you that… even without your absolute future sight, even without being the Kwisatz Haderach, you could achieve so many great things!

I know that even if you knew nothing, you would still choose the right decisions. That's why… I entrust everything to you, Paul-Muad’Dib-Sensei.

Of the strange woman—the President's pleas. “Well then, Lady Nanagami,” He called the girl who shared the white uniform. “Tell me… of my duties here.” These children were in distress—they needed him.

‘If I cannot—will not help these children, then away is where my remaining dignity would go.’ He thought deep within. ‘Father… and Mother would be disappointed. Thufir, Gurney and Duncan would be too. And Stilgar, Alia, Chani… even Leto and Ghanima!’ He inhaled past gritted teeth, awaiting Nanagami’s words.

“Well, Paul-Sensei…” Rin muttered as she took out a GSC terminal, checking up on the current situation. “The situation may… not be the best, but your wellbeing is-”

“I am well enough, Lady Nanagami.” Paul interrupted. “Now, tell me.” He demanded.

“But she's right!” Chinatsu shouted. “You're not well enough to be moving. Much less to engage in combat!”

“Yeah! It's better if you let us do our thing!” Suzumi declared.

“I am not as-”

“Please, Lord,” Hasumi interrupted with a dire—warning tone. “Heed their worries. You must-”

“SILENCE!”

Paul bellowed with the Voice, a distorted—female voice screeched in the car. Again, the girls felt the menacing rumble deep within their hearts. Their mouths hang open to protest, yet, no words nor sounds came out.

As the Bene Gesserit witchcraft remained in effect, Sena kept driving as the order had no effect on her. She still however felt its effect, and while it lasted, studied the Voice's symptoms within.

As she turned her armored-ambulance, her passengers felt their body weights shifting.

A brief flash of future vision came to Paul—a look of the city outside the car. A city of glass, steel, and Ixian like technology straight out of Old Earth. Among the vision, he saw other girls with haloes awaiting his arrival.

He turned to Rin as the Voice's effects reached its limits, she and her fellow peers felt their ability to speak return.

“W-what… just what was that?!” Hasumi screamed as she breathed, hands over her throat and heart.

“That… that was mind- no…” Yuuka mumbled as she nervously breathed, heart rapidly pounding as she wondered about Paul's strange ability. “Y-you controlled us… somehow…”

Suzumi and Chinatsu, also breathing heavily as they held themselves, looked at Paul. As did Rin, breathing softly as she held her chest—where her heart would be.

He looked to the Acting President, swallowing as he demanded: “I’ll have you know I am not truly defenseless. Tell me why I was brought here, Lady Nanagami.”

‘I see why you chose him, President.’ Rin thought as she sighed, adjusted her glasses, and spoke: “You, Paul-Muad'Dib Atreidis, is the Sensei—the teacher summoned to lead us.” She explained.

“Teacher?” The blind Duke asked, tilting his head. “What lessons do I have to teach? Perhaps mother's Bene Gesserit ways, or father's way of winning hearts and minds.” He debated with himself. 

The students' ears perked hearing his words. The mysterious name “Bene Gesserit” had them wondering what ways Paul planned to have them learn. His father's ways, of course, were also the object of their fascination.

“And summoned? How exactly did she bring me here?”

“That confuses us as well, Paul-Sensei,” Rin answered as she held onto something, keeping her balance as the car made another turn. “First of all, I do not mean a teacher in the traditional sense. Second of all… the manner in which you arrived…” She hesitated, eyes turning away as her mouth hung upon with uncertainty.

Paul could feel the same unnerved reactions from the others. ‘To warrant such a reaction of my arrival here… how exactly did that President bring me here? I doubt she could pay the Guild for my transport.’

“Oh, yeah,” He heard Yuuka whisper as she clapped her hands. “That biological impossibility… Paul-Sensei, do you know anything about that big hecking Worm?”

‘Ah. So I'm still in Arrakis!’ He thought, then immediately shook off the notion. ‘They weren't a fiefdom, so it can't be. Then…’

“You've bore witness to Shai-hulud,” The girls perked upon hearing the great Worm's name. “A great Sandworm. Arrakis is the Worm's natural habitat, so I question how it reached this place.”

“That b-big Worm! Is it your pet or something?!” Suzumi asked, her choice of words elicited a sneer from Paul.

“One does not simply refer to Shai-hulud as a pet, Morizuki.” Referring to God as a pet! How blasphemous! “The Fremens would have offered you as a blood sacrifice to him.”

“Eh? Alright, alright! I'm sorry.” Suzumi apologized.

“Then can you explain its biology?” Yuuka asked.

“Little is known about them at the moment,” Paul said. “Though, they're known to start as…” He paused as he breathed to calm himself. “This discussion shall be reserved in favor of more important topics.” Yuuka deflated at his words.

“Y-yes, Paul-Sensei. About the Worm…” Chinatsu hesitated as the blind—newly appointed teacher faced her. “Uhm… it spat you out. Basically.”

Paul's mind blanked, his body frozen as he processed such an absurd—nonsensical—maddening sequence of words. Spat him out?! A Sandworm vomiting something—anything out was unheard of! It was impossible!

Shai-hulud devoured all. Shai-hulud did not discriminate. Or… was the mere taste of Paul enough to upset it? Or…

“As absurd as that is, Sir Paul, it is the truth.” Hasumi followed up on Chinatsu's explanation. “The Worm came and-”

“Mercy…” She paused upon hearing him mumble something. Presently, the surrounding young women heard a sob from their blind teacher. “Shai-hulud… has shown me mercy…” He was not a superstitious man, but such a gesture… it was divine intervention! Divine mercy from the Great Worm!

‘If they are to be believed, then… I'm not truly forsaken.’ He rejoiced, breathing as he raised his head. “Go on… about my duties as your Sensei. I swear under the name Atreidis, I will do my utmost to serve!”

“I am an Atreidis. There is no call I won't answer, no faith I shall betray.” He softly echoed his late father's words, raising a fist to his chest—over his heart.

“Sensei…” Rin trailed off in awe, as was her fellows—eyes widened at the heavily impaired teacher's proud determination. “Then, I'll start.” She cleared her throat, blinking to prepare herself.

“The General Student Council, of which I am the current Acting President, lost most of the power and authority we held on President ███████’s sudden disappearance.” Her fellows expressed shock and surprise.

“So, the rumors were true.” Hasumi muttered.

“Then coming all the way here was useless?” Yuuka sneered.

“No,” Rin answered before they could crumble whatever sense of hope was still available. “That's why the President sent Paul-Sensei. He's the key to retaking control of the Sanctum Tower, as well as heading the club she founded on a whim.”

“That doesn't sound very ethical.” Chinatsu said.

“Totally. That's got to break the constitution or something.” Suzumi agreed with her.

“You'd be surprised at how often leaders break their own rules,” All eyes turned to the one without. “They have to—will do so every now and then for… reasons.” The students around him would have countered knowing their own leaders, yet, now was not the time.

“Tell me about it. President ███████ always… ah, nevermind.” Rin corrected herself. “The Sanctum Tower and Schale club room are some kilometers away. We'll be arriving at the front any time now.”

“I see,” Paul said, turning from Rin to the other students. “Are there other pressing matters to be dealt with?”

“There's plenty,” Chinatsu first spoke. “From the Fox of Calamity's escape and subsequent wreaking of havoc-”

“To delinquents and criminals running amok, making a normal life impossible to live-” Suzumi continued.

“Millennium's wind-electric generators forcibly shut down, resulting in large chunks of our district in blackout.” Yuuka scowled.

“You're certain that your people are not too reliant on technology?”

“Huh?! We're the ones producing and inventing technology! We need power!”

“And the illegal distribution of thousands of tanks, helicopters, explosives, and other unknown weapons throughout Kivotos rising past two thousand percent.” Hasumi concluded with a collective sigh of frustration.

For the second time of the day, Paul's mind blanked. These girls spoke of such things as if they were merely… inconveniences, instead of acting terrified at the possible losses and already lost lives.

Kivotos… just what kind of place was this? If those harrowing reports were anywhere near true, then Stilgar would have noticed. Not just him but the entirety of Arrakis.

Either this was an isolated part of the planet, or… it was a separate planet entirely.

“Shamefully, I must admit, this is a failure on the GSC’s—on my part.” The Acting President said as her eyes gazed downward, hands shaking as she nervously crossed her arms. “We've tried to bypass the Sanctum Tower's verification, but nothing resulted from it.”

“Would I be correct to assume this verification requires my presence?” ‘Perhaps a biological authenticator similar to what the family Atomics stockpile chamber had.’

“Yes, Paul-Sensei. Now, however, we have to first reach the Sanctum Tower before we can return peace to Kivotos.” Rin explained as she felt all the attention directed her way. “The delinquents, gangs, and whoever else rallied by Kosaka Wakamo will not make it easy. Director Kanna and Valkyrie are currently engaging them, but I fear it will not suffice.”

As Paul processed her explanation, feeding the newfound information—data into his mind, he saw another flash of a future vision. His head lowered with gritted teeth, hands clenched tightly at the sight.

A storm of gunfire from all directions toward everywhere, lifeless bodies on the ground with holes shot through them. ‘What can I do? Tell me, father, what would you do?’ He looked towards heaven for answers… and no reply came.

The only thing he could do was to lower the casualty count.

“Do you not have elite warriors?” Paul asked as the students all raised brows, looking at each other, pondering the strange question.

“The JTF is a police force primarily, same with the Tea Party's armed front.” He heard Hasumi explain.

“The same can be said for the Prefect Team and Pandemonium Society.” Chinatsu softly groaned in exasperation. “Though, the Pandemonium isn't doing much policing.”

“The Vigilante Corps is a self-defense militia, so I can't say anything.” Suzumi explained.

“Cleaning & Clearing fits the bill,” Paul whipped, turning towards Yuuka's confident declaration. “Elite agents well versed in combat, espionage, and sabotage.”

“Ah, that's great! Superb!” Paul clapped as he felt relieved. But he deflated upon realizing something. “Do you have sufficient authority to deploy them?”

“Certainly. I'm the one keeping Millennium's finances clean after all.” The purple-haired treasurer spoke with confidence which bordered arrogance. “Just me, absolutely no one else!”

“Then you can call them!” For a while, this was the first time Paul had smiled.

“Well…” Yuuka's hesitation immediately removed the smile he managed. “They're still busy doing peacekeeping operations back in Millennium. But I'm sure President Rio can allow it… probably.” Paul faced towards where he heard Yuuka's voice—frowning, disappointed, tempted to berate her.

Yuuka blinked, waiting for the blind teacher to say something—anything. She took a step back, trying to push herself further past the car's boundaries. Though the bandages may have covered the holes, the eyeless burned sockets were forever etched into her memories.

“Are there any other… available elite warriors?” Paul asked again.

“The SRT Special Academy had such groups,” Rin began, immediately calling Paul's attention. “But they've been disbanded after a Platoon's attack against us, unanimously voted by the Board Of Directors.”

‘Damn it. Disbanded implies this… SRT was subservient to Nanagami's organization. But became mere, hateful traitors to their own Fief.’ After gathering his thoughts, Paul spoke. “Are their crimes too severe to be overlooked? Did their traitorous attack result in… anything fatal?” The last part seemed to scare them.

“Well, not exactly. One was injured, a broken arm, but that's about the worst of it.” Rin explained. “The Board Of Directors brought SRT down immediately, fearing another attack if they were allowed to keep their resources.”

“I must admit… I've never known of such foolishness anywhere else.” Rin recoiled as she perceived his words to be an attack on her and the GSC’s capabilities. “What was that Platoon's goal, exactly? Was it to take power? Was it an attempt to show they had power over their Lady?”

The Acting President blinked, confused—yet relieved knowing he meant not to attack her vulnerabilities. 

“From what I've heard, it was… an extreme form of protest over their school's looming shut down.”

“... Elaborate.”

Rin looked out a window to see how close they were to the Sanctum Tower. “Long story short, SRT served directly under the President. Upon her disappearance, we didn't know what to do with them, and dissolving the academy to save expenses was an option and-”

“An option,” The Acting President paused as he spoke, furrowing his brows and gently rubbing his temples. “They attacked simply because it was an available option?”

“It seems so.”

Paul shook his head with a disappointed sigh. “Do you have any way of contacting them? I shall negotiate with the attackers or whichever SRT units are willing to fight.”

“Pardon me, Paul-Sensei, but I doubt they're willing to negotiate with us.” Rin softly protested. “Fox Platoon's leader is… stubborn—resolute to say the least.”

“If she truly cares for her fellows, then she'll know when to bend the knee.” He said whilst organizing what data he has so far received the mentat way.

Ruthless, direct, effective. Those were the words they—the Acting President and her current group thought regarding his confident—cold words.

Rin slowly pulled a device from her pocket, a terminal-phone. With a glance toward the blind nobleman, she tapped and swiped at her device.

“I certainly hope this will work, Paul-Sensei.”

Above a skyscraping building, a group of four looked down on the currently chaotic city. The white-blue colors of KSPD—Valkyrie clashed with the dark-dull colors worn by delinquents and helmeted gangsters. Echoing gunfire, flashing bullets, and explosions was widespread.

“You really think we're that simple, Mr. Atreidis?” The group's leader, a dark brown-haired girl with fox ears, her halo circular red resembling a target, sneered. “We serve justice itself, something those bureaucrats won't care about.”

She and her comrades wore a white-navy blue school uniform with tactical straps. The fox-eared girl's fellow foxes stared with worry, knelt as they remained hidden in plain sight. 

The blonde with a yellow triangular halo with a shield thinned her lips, the light platinum-haired sniper with a circular green halo side eyed her leader still facing her scope, and the pink-haired shotgunner with a diamond-circled blue halo simply awaited.

Suddenly, the fox leader lunged—hunched with gritted teeth, glaring towards her phone. “H-how dare you insinuate that we're…” Whatever their mysterious caller was saying, it was clear to her comrades that it was infuriating.

“What a jerk,” Kurumi muttered with a frown as she saw her Platoon leader's expression. “That guy just called and started slinging insults.”

“Yukino,” The sniper, Otogi, called as she turned from her scope. “Anything we need to know about what that guy's saying?” She asked.

“... Give me a moment,” The one known as Yukino said to the caller before covering it with her hand. “It's Vice President Nanagami's number.”

“Eh? I thought you said it was unknown.” The pink-haired fox, Niko, questioned with eyes wide in surprise.

“It's this person who's unknown,” Yukino explained. “He said President ███████ sent him, Vice President has seconded it.” quickly, her Platoon member's whipped and turned to face her fully.

“Really?!” Kurumi raised her nervous voice. “Then… did the President leave anything for us?”

“Anything about SRT?!” Niko demanded—pleaded with a hopeful tone. “Perhaps a veto for the shutdown?”

“Yeah, what she said!” Otogi said, as hopeful as they were. “She can't just leave us like this!”

Yukino's expression blanked, her lips thinned and trembling as her eyes wandered far-far away. What was she supposed to say? They were already desperate enough for their school.

Before they could take notice of her thousand yard stare, however, Yukino confusingly brought her phone up to her ears upon hearing muffled voices.

“Yes, I'm sorry, what was-”

“TURN THE SPEAKER ON!”

Yukino blacked out momentarily, her fingers moved swiftly to follow the command. Niko, Kurumi, and Otogi watched their Platoon leader robotically move with bewilderment.

“Did that work? Can you all hear me, Fox Platoon?” Yukino dizzily held her head with one hand, staring wide eyed at the phone her other hand carried. 

“Yes, we can hear you, sir.” Niko answered the strange male voice.

“Ah, thank you.” He said. “It worked, Lady Nanagami.” So he was with the Vice President, they thought.

“What did you do to me?” Yukino asked—demanded with a glare. Her fingers gripped the phone tightly, resentment building up from within.

“That… I will answer that later on. There are more important matters presently.” He said, coughing and clearing his throat before speaking once more. “My name is Paul-Muad'Dib Atreidis, and your President has hired me as a… Sensei to lead.”

“I see. You may refer to me as Yukino. Shichido Yukino.” Afterwards, her fellow foxes introduced themselves briefly.

“Ah, did she say anything about us? About SRT?” Kurumi lunged as she grabbed Yukino's arms, speaking with a pleading tone to the man.

“Unfortunately, no. She only told me of my duties before bringing me here.” Kurumi’s eyes watered as she let go of her leader's arm. Yukino's anger dissipated seeing the usually smug girl's sorrowful expression. “However, I believe I may maintain your Academy with the authority she left me.”

“Hmm… what's the catch, Paul-Muad'Dib?” Otogi asked with eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Catch?” The man asked with confusion, leading to Fox Platoon's befuddlement. “What's that supposed to mean, exactly?”

“Uhm… they mean what are your conditions, Paul-Sensei.” The Prefect Team's medic answered the Sensei's question. “What will they give up and that sort of thing?”

“Ah, thank you, Lady Hinomiya.”

“Please, you're too formal. Simply refer to me as Chinatsu.”

“Us as well!” Millennium's Seminar treasurer demanded also.

“I understand. Now, my terms.” Paul turned his voice back to Fox Platoon, who in turn anxiously awaited for him to speak. Will he reinstate SRT? Or will he simply be another puppeteer? “Firstly, tell me, who commanded you to attack Lady- no, Rin’s group?”

Such a question was unexpected. “No one! That was just us!” Yukino quickly answered. “Use that thing again, I dare you!” She said, referring to the Voice.

“I don't need to wrench the truth from you to see the whole picture, Lady Shichido.” She scowled at his arrogant—confident—certain tone. “You're an elite group, the best of the best. So why… why take such an illogical action?”

“Because…” Yukino trailed off, unsure of how to answer. “Because the GSC is nothing like it was before without the President! They let bureaucracy and convenience get in the way of justice, of ensuring Kivotos is well.”

“Do you distrust Rin that much?” Again, his question was unexpected.

“Of course not! Nanagami-san worked harder than even the President herself!” Niko defended the current Acting President, recalling how diligent the administrative elf truly was.

“Yeah, she was always… always…” Yukino trailed off, so did Niko as she covered her mouth. They had answered the way he wanted exactly.

“Yukino, Niko… I didn't know you thought about me so highly.” The current Acting President's sniffling voice was heard.

“You do not have to reveal the true culprit now,” Paul had spoken once again. “However, we still need to act now.”

“And what will you have us do, Sensei?” Otogi asked as she and her comrades raised their respective weapons and equipment.

“Assist the Valkyrie group in subduing the chaos, and make sure you—your uniforms and banners are seen clearly.”

“Hah?! We're special forces!” Kurumi protested with a shout. “We're supposed to be hidden!”

“And frankly, Valkyrie's capabilities have been… recently lacking.” Yukino added. “I doubt they could support us.”

“I will make sure they pull their weight,” Paul resolutely said. “I swear in the name Atreidis, as your appointed Sensei, I will lead Valkyrie to victory as I've led my tribe.” A faint gasp came from Fox Platoon as they heard the man's proclamation. He had led before.

“Then… I will trust you, Atreidis-Sensei.” Yukino's head lowered as she decided to follow his command, hoping for a better outcome than what was possible in her current path. “Though, why should we show ourselves?”

“For the people, for Valkyrie to see you as heroes. The word, the story will spread, of your group being the driving force towards peace. With that sort of fame, the GSC elements acting against you will have their hands tied.”

Yukino widened her eyes, mouth hung open as she remembered the Fox Platoon's very first mission. They were met by Kronos and other such media groups, awed as they asked questions, even more so when she and her Platoon answered.

“Ah, that reminds me of our first mission.” Niko hummed joyfully.

“Yeah, the number of SRT enrollees skyrocketed after that.” Kurumi recalled with a confident smirk.

“But now our kouhais…” Otogi trailed off as she inspected her rifle, shutting the scope lids as she strapped it behind her back. “Well, if Atreidis-Sensei can help then what are we waiting for?”

Yukino nodded upon hearing her teammates' verdicts. “We will do as you say, Paul-Muad'Dib-Sensei. I… will you uphold your word?”

“I am an Atreidis, Lady Shichido. There is no call I won't answer, no faith I will betray. The honor of House Atreidis lies in integrity.”

“House… you mean you're an aristocrat?!”

“Was… that's in the past now.”

“Save all that fancy talk for later,” Yukino said before her friends could ask any more questions. “Fox Platoon, move out!”

Paul let the thin, smooth rectangular device hang near his ears listening to the hum. ‘Such a primitive yet advanced technology. So thin yet with largely versatile use.’ He thought upon receiving a faint vision of its features. ‘We didn't import this type of device in Arrakis…’

His line of thoughts trailed off as it sunk in for him. Kivotos was separate from the desert planet.

“Is this… phone of yours made by the Ixians?” He asked as he handed the device back to Rin.

“No, Paul-Sensei, I've never heard of that company.” He tilted his head in confusion, feeling her hand take the device from his. “It's simply one of the many mass manufactured phones here in Kivotos.”

“Sensei, the way you held that… have you never seen a phone before?” Yuuka asked.

“We had technologies for long distance communication, but it was limited.” Paul answered. “We didn't have these kinds of technology.”

“Eh?! But how?!” Yuuka questioned. “Just what kind of backwater place did you come from?! Phones are a common, widespread necessity in this day and age!”

“The Ixians limited what they exported since it would be detrimental to both them and their buyers.” His explanation spawned more questions for the science school treasurer. “Due to the Jihad's conventions, we… had certain rules about technology.”

“Jihad?” Yuuka asked with a raised eyebrow. “What's that supposed to mean? You're limiting your tech for some reason because of it?”

“I believe a Jihad is… if I recall, it is another word for a crusade.” Hasumi answered.

“Crusade… Paul-Sensei, can you-”

“A discussion for another time, Haya- I mean Yuuka.” The purple-haired girl nodded.

“One last question, Sensei.”

“Yes, Chinatsu?” Paul said as he felt the car make one last turn before stopping. He heard one of them open the door as fresh air came in.

“You said you were a ducal House but also were in a tribe. How exactly does that work?”

“I was indeed born and raised as a Duke's son, however, I had to- I chose to assimilate with the Fremen tribes after some time."

“Ah. I see. I see.”

He felt the car's weight shifting as they exited the car, shaking slightly as each jumped off.

“Paul-Sensei, over here.” He heard Rin call out.

Slowly, he raised a hand up the car's roof, extending another to Rin as he blindly stepped towards her voice. Upon feeling her smooth hands hold his, he was pulled outside as his feet lowered on the ground.

The Acting President thought: ‘I’m not sure whether to be glad he can't see the way Kivotos is ruined currently, or to keep pitying that he can't see how it will be after reconstructions.’

“Ah, Nanagami-san!” A rough voice called to her, followed by footsteps rapidly approaching. “You're here! Forgive me, I can't break through from any side.”

“That’s fine, Ogata-san. We're here now.” Rin said. “We just have to reach the Sanctum Tower.”

“Easier said than done, but we'll make it happen.”

Paul received another pulse of vision, of this Ogata person talking to Rin along with their surroundings. Ogata wore a blue uniform, blonde hair with canine ears and teeth. The dark under her eyes indicate she was tired.

The environment, however… Paul did his absolute damnedest to process everything he saw in the brief flash. Several primitive cars, many young girls who wore a white-blue uniform similar to Ogata’s, all armed with primitive projectile weapons.

The city of tall steel, glass, and concrete under a clear blue sky—a blue light shooting up the sky from somewhere, forming into circles in the heavens that enveloped this strange city.

The city was also damaged with signs of damaged buildings, roads, and telltale images of fighting and explosions. Above all that, all the girls here had floating circles above their heads.

“Ah, it's the Acting President!” He heard a nervous voice shout. “Uhm… Officer Nakatsukasa Kirino, reporting for duty!”

“At ease, officer. There are much more pressing matters than saluting.”

“Y-yes, ma'am!”

“I said you didn't have to deal with everything happening.”

“Shut up, Fubuki!”

“He's blind!” Paul heard Ogata blurt out before muffling her own voice. “I'm sorry, but how the hell is he supposed to help?!”

“He can and he will. He's both the key to the Sanctum Tower, as well as a way to subdue the delinquents.”

“And how's he supposed to do that?!”

Paul turned away upon feeling a hand on his shoulder. “Yes, who's that?”

“It's me, Sensei.” Yuuka's voice was heard. “I don't know how to say this, but even with your control thing…”

“I am aware, Yuuka. Fret not, I… I'm not blind in totality.” Paul hesitantly explained as he did not trust prescience. Rather, he did not want to trust it. “I can see-”

He paused as a future vision flashed in his mind. Time was slowed as the purple-haired girl stared at him with wide eyes, blood spurting from her neck as a bullet shot past it.

Just as he saw the vision, he heard-

Bang!

“Yuuka!” Paul screamed, throwing his arms—himself towards Yuuka in an attempt to move her out of the bullet's way. Only… he could not out speed a fired bullet.

He despaired upon hearing the projectile's whistle of death knowing it would-

“Ouch!” The bullet bounced from Yuuka's neck with a ping. She winced, shutting an eye as she rubbed where she was hit. “Ahh, that freaking hurts!” She screamed.

‘What… was that?’ Paul questioned his mind, his vision, what had just happened, and his sanity lastly. ‘Have I finally gone truly mad with prescience? Has the grief and insanity of everything finally gotten to me?’

“This… it's a Hollow Point bullet.” Hasumi said as she picked the bullet from the ground.”

“Seriously?! That's cheating!”

“JHP rounds aren't illegal, Yuuka-san.” Chinatsu lectured.

“Well they are in Millennium after all this!” The absurd discussion simply added to Paul's fragmenting sanity.

“Paul-Sensei, are you alright?” He turned to Suzumi's voice, hoping to hear an explanation. “You were really close to-”

“What was that?” He plainly asked, interrupting Suzumi.

“What was what?” She asked in turn, as if the most absurd thing did not happen at all.

“Yuuka… was shot, but…” Paul hesitated as he shook his head. “Was it a false bullet, perhaps?” The surrounding students turned to face the blind Sensei.

“Did the President fail to inform you?” Rin asked as Paul immediately nodded. “I see. Basically, our haloes,” She pointed to the thing above her head, “makes us resistant to kinetic damage.”

“Bullets to be exact.” Yuuka said, still rubbing where the hollow point hit her. “You're not haloed and also blind, Sensei. That's why you should leave everything to us.”

Upon receiving the unbelievable information, the absurd revelation rivaling even the most insane of fiction, Paul received another vision.

The miserable battlefield with lifeless bodies disappeared, replaced by haloed girls whining and complaining in the middle of a firefight. ‘It seems that… this will be less tragic than I thought…’ He could only accept this absurd reality.

With a sigh, he addressed the police girls. “My name is Paul-Muad'Dib Atreidis, and I will be taking over this operation. The President wills it.”

A/N: not much for me to say this time other than enjoy : D the Lisan Al-Gaib wills it.

Chapter Text

Indeterminate Prescience

Fox Platoon moved atop the buildings at a steady pace—observing the army of delinquents and criminals below; where most of their numbers remained, where the black Crusader tank and Flak guns were.

Otogi's drones silently whirred above the delinquents-gangsters heads further scanning their positions and possible blindspots. From the information—the battlefield layout they had, an attack plan was quickly made.

“Yes, Miyako.” Yukino answered her radio—to the receiver on the other side. “President ████ sent someone and he wants to keep SRT up. Nanagami-san has seconded it.” She explained.

In another faraway building, Otogi laid prone resting her cheek on her rifle stock. Niko and Kurumi awaited behind Yukino, inspecting their respective equipment. All three awaited her orders.

“Ah, that's great… thank you.” Yukino said with a calming—rejuvenating breath, inhaling as she smiled. “Yes. Commander- I mean Atreidis-Sensei and I will of course be dealing with the AA guns. But for now, remain on standby.”

“So our kouhais will come.” Niko said with an excited smile.

“Heck yeah!” Kurumi cheered, tightly gripping her shield and submachine gun. “We’ll show him! Atreidis-Sensei will see just how great SRT is!” Of course, Yukino shared her friend's thrill. Only, she kept it to herself.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I've got eyes on Kosaka Wakamo.” Suddenly, the cheerful atmosphere dropped upon hearing Otogi speak. “She’s not exactly our target this time, but do I take the shot?” She asked, squinting her aiming eye at the dark-haired, also fox-eared, masked girl.

Yukino inhaled—keeping still for a few seconds, recalling the enemy positions and the planned attack—then she exhaled. She took a smoke grenade from her kit, pulled the pin, followed by Niko and Kurumi doing the same.

“No, Fox 4, stick to the mission plan.” Yukino said. She then turned to her Sergeant.

As Niko allowed her shotgun to hang by its straps to her body, she pulled out a device with a red button. “Now, Fox 1?” She asked, and Yukino nodded.” The pink-haired fox girl grinned, pressing her thumb down on the button.

BOOM!

A powerful explosion tore through the side of a building from within, blasting the nearby delinquents away as they screamed—scattering smoke, flames, and concrete-glass debris upon the outlaw army.

“What the heck was that?!”

“No way that's Valkyrie, right?!”

“Does it matter?! We're blasting whoever did that!”

The black-painted light-tank of the outlaw highschool girls rumbled as it moved, the tracks cackling upon each impact with the ground—the gunner the commander within grinned awaiting sight of their targets. Followed by the Flak guns turning, prepared to provide fire support.

A quasi-infantry of the delinquent girls followed the tank. Their guns up and aimed, trigger finger itching to pull and spray that general direction with bullets.

BANG!

A powerful high-caliber shot echoed from faraway, the bullet loudly screamed as it rocketed towards its intended target.

Clang! Went the ear screeching noise as lead grinded through metal. The tank-tracks broke, cackling as it fell down.

The Crusader moved for a few more inches before it completely halted. The exposed inner wheels grinded through the concrete as it spun.

Seeing the bunker-on-wheels crippled, the delinquent infantry huddled behind the tank in a panic—nervously aiming upon all directions; desperately looking for the hidden attackers.

Before all of them could take cover and entrench themselves, however, three small objects were thrown down from above. And from those came swishes as high volumes of thick, black obscuring smoke covered the battlefield.

Hidden from the delinquents which vastly outnumbered them, Fox Platoon—Yukino, Niko, and Kurumi rappelled down to the ground level.

Kurumi moved to the very front, planting her shield down as she lowered to a knee. She turned, awaiting her teammates to get into position.

First came her Platoon leader—Yukino aiming her assault rifle to the right. Then the Sergeant—Niko aiming her shotgun to the left. Finally, Yukino retracted a hand from her gun, and slapped Kurumi's shoulder.

The blonde fox girl smirked. It was time for action!

Kurumi rose with her shield and SMG raised, steadily marching through the obscured battlefield followed by her trusty Platoon mates.

Upon seeing the first delinquent—this one's eyes wide with fear—Fox Platoon's Pointwoman bashed her shield on the enemy, knocking her down. Advancing past the downed delinquent, Kurumi slammed her foot down and knocked her out.

They marched further forward, eyes peeled as they aimed left and right awaiting any enemy that would emerge. Waiting, waiting, waiting as they steadily moved towards the intended target. Until finally, they came across the main outlaw group, all eyes on the Pointwoman’s shield.

“Open fire!” Yukino shouted as she and her fellows aimed and did exactly that.

Niko aimed and blasted a helmeted gangster away, turned her gun on another and did the same. All whilst Yukino and Kurumi sprayed the main group with bullets, grinding down the delinquent group as one by one they either fell or fled.

The Special Forces group then split three directions. Niko went left, blasting down another outlaw student and bashing her gunstock on another. Kurumi charged forward, doing the same as Niko. 

And Yukino went right, shooting enemies until they went unconscious. Climbing on top of the tank, she pulled a flashbang from her kit along with the pin—forced the hatch open, and dropped it.

Upon hearing the loud bang and the helmeted gangsters screams within the armored vehicle, she peeked inside and shot the crew unconscious.

She raised her head, watching as Kurumi and Niko climbed aboard. “Fox 2, blast the engine with incendiary rounds.” She ordered just as she plugged the turret's barrel with a currently useless tactical flashlight.

“On it.” Niko said as she loaded two such shells into her shotgun, aiming down, and firing. The light-tank’s engines burst into flames as the heat scorched the exterior black. “All done. What now?”

“It's time to accomplish one of our assigned objectives.” Yukino said, her eyes narrowed watching the obscuring smoke dissipate slowly. “Let them see our uniforms and banners, as Atreidis-Sensei said.”

“Why the long face?” Kurumi asked with a grin. “We've dealt with the Fox of Calamity before. We'll do it again if we have to.” She confidently—declared with a thrill in her voice.

“Yeah, I get where you're coming from. But…” Niko trailed off as the smoke finally made way for clear eyesight between her Platoon and the enemies. “We aren't supposed to be in this situation.” The delinquents and helmeted gangsters saw them.

“H-hey! This can't be real, right?!”

“It's them! It's Fox Platoon!” The undisciplined force who outnumbered them were the ones who were afraid.

“Ahh… what are they doing here?”

“We can't take them… we can't take them…”

For a moment, the Platoon in question was still—perplexed at the numerically superior enemy's fearful reaction towards them. The delinquents-gangster army which could easily overwhelm them were trembling, walking backwards, and some have even fled away already.

“They took down the Fox of Calamity…” One mumbled, trembling as she shook her head.

“And the Fox of Calamity will do far worse if we let them through!” Another screamed as she fearfully aimed at the Special Forces. “Blast them!” Before they could, however—

BANG!

Another shot from Otogi echoed, screaming through the air as her bullet found its mark—detonating into a tiny explosion which blew away a small group of enemies.

“Atreidis-Sensei… is a clever one.” The Fox Platoon's Sniper whispered to her radio—to her puzzled team. “The hostiles knew about us… and he's using our reputation in of itself as a weapon.” She whispered, firing once again as it echoed—the explosive ammunition blasting another small group of enemies away.

“I see.” Yukino said as she breathed, reloading her gun as she waited for the unmoving delinquents to press on the attack. “Will our diversion still work, then?” She asked.

“Hehe. We can probably finish them all by ourselves at this point.” Kurumi said with absolute self-assurance.

“But we won't have the ammo for all of them.” Niko reminded her as she loaded shells into her gun.

Bang!

All eyes turned to the sound of a nearby gunshot. The delinquents-gangsters turned back while the Special Forces group looked onward to see; The fox-eared girl in a black-red dress.

The feared Fox of Calamity. One of the Seven Prisoners. Kosaka Wakamo.

“Oh my… if it isn't the GSC's guard dogs.” The Terrorist Fox said with an irritated voice, recalling the moment she was captured—humiliated even by these rival foxes. “What are you lot dilly-dallying for?” She demanded from her trembling underlings, stuck between opposing foxes who could easily tear them down.

“Take them down or feel my grip on your fragile necks!” Kosaka Wakamo decreed with a wave of her hand, the black-red of her vibrant sleeve-fabrics flowed smoothly in the air.

Immediately, the delinquents-gangsters turned and charged towards Fox Platoon. Their fear of the Fox of Calamity overwhelmed their minds, leading them to avoid her ire at all cost.

Yukino lowered her head, steadily breathing as she smirked. “Never thought I'd say this, but… thanks, Kosaka.” The diversionary plan would not have worked had she not given such a command. “Fox Platoon, move out!”

Simultaneously, Valkyrie

Paul knelt as his hands traced over a tactile map which detailed the Shiratori layout—the battlefield on and towards Schale—the obstacle to Kivotos’ peace. As he processed the information, he had the Mentat within him make a mental image of the city which he now resided in.

Around him, the students of Valkyrie-KSPD looked on with fear and doubt. How could this blind man lead them? Why would the eccentric President hire such a pitiful man to take her place?

Muad'Dib could hear—feel the doubts around him. He could not blame them. After all, the blind leading the masses logically would mean a disaster.

‘Old Earth architecture and city planning, Old Earth modeled police forces, Old Earth names, fashions and whatever else.’ He thought about this unusual city—planet known as Kivotos. ‘No, this line of thinking must wait. I must first devise a battle plan.’

“Rin, what is our headcount?” Paul asked as he raised his head, facing towards where he last heard the Acting President's voice. 

“We have around a hundred Valkyrie police officers coupled with the incoming expeditionary forces from Trinity and Gehenna.” The elf girl in blue-white answered as she adjusted her glasses. “Though, I'm unsure of how much time we have. Reconnaissance has shown Kosaka Wakamo trying to break into Schale."

Paul hummed as he nodded, turning to the Police Director—where he last heard her voice, at least. “And Bashar Kanna, what weapons do you have in your disposal?”

“Bashar? What does that even mean?” The young woman's rough—confused voice was heard in another direction which Paul quickly turned to. “Please, just refer to me as Director Kanna, Paul-Sensei.” She said as he nodded.

“Anyways, we have smoke grenades, launchers, tasers, and enough high-caliber guns for a single SWAT team.” Kanna answered as she scratched her head, eyes narrowed as she observed her underlings with low morale.

“No rockets or explosives?” Paul asked.

“Heck no! We're just a police force! We aren't SRT!” Kanna answered incredulously to the blind man's question. “We're not supposed to have that kind of firepower in our line of work.”

“I see.” The blind man said as he nodded, much to the bafflement of those around him. “Separate your men- I mean girls into four equal groups and equally distributed smokescreen.”

“Huh?” Kanna’s ears perked as she heard his command, processing it as she contemplated what he could possibly have planned. “... Do as he said.” She hesitantly said, and her underlings hesitantly followed.

“You have something planned?” Kanna asked as she approached Paul, looking at the bandages which covered where his eyes would be. “Well?” She knelt to see his hands over the map.

“Two groups will advance this way,” Paul said, pointing—grasping a part of the map whilst cross-referencing with his mental map. “Firing smokescreens while the rest—armed with your best weapons, will attack the flank.” He explained.

“Hmm,” Kanna hummed, contemplating the plan as her underlings—along with the school representatives and Acting President came closer to observe. “It's a good plan, but that doesn't take into account their Flaks and the tank.”

“Those are of no concern,” Rin said with absolute certainty. “Paul-Sensei has won Fox Platoon's cooperation. As we speak, they are most likely engaging Kosaka Wakamo—or at least planning to do so.”

Kanna widened her eyes at the unexpected development, hushed gasps and whispers silently murmured from her underlings. How did he do it? How did a simple blind man convince the feared and revered Spec-ops team to join him?!

‘Damn. Chief Kaya isn't gonna like that.’ One part of her wanted to scowl, another wanted to grin. “Aight. I guess that means the enemy force multipliers are out of the equation.” Kanna chose to grin with confidence, reassuring her fearful underlings of their chances at victory.

She glanced at her pitifully inept—underfunded police force, seeing Nakatsukasa Kirino's cheerful, optimistic smile and Nemugaki Fubuki's usually lax smile turn to a serious frown. They and many others awaited her command.

Though they were under Kanna’s orders, they would still be acting under a blind man's plans. “Well, Sensei… anything else?” She asked.

Paul raised his head, once to face Kamna directly—contemplating his next set of words and actions, and another to face heaven as he gathered his thoughts. ‘My accursed prescient visions! You forced yourselves upon me unwanted! Where are you now when I have need for you?!’ He screamed in his head.

“Kanna, yes?” Paul hesitantly asked.

“Why… yes? My full name is Ogata Kanna, if you're wondering.” She fully introduced herself with raised eyebrows from confusion. What did he have to say now?

“Do you have blond hair and… dog ears?” Paul hesitantly asked as he recalled the last prescient flash many minutes ago.

“W-what?!” Kanna asked—demanded as she recoiled a step back, the fear in her tone and voice was obvious to Paul. “How did you…?” She turned to Rin with a look of suspicion.

‘Did Nanagami-san brief him about my appearance?!’ Kanna wondered deep within, discarding the notion after seeing Rin's expression; she was just as flabbergasted as Kanna was!

“Rin has long black hair and… sharp ears.” All eyes snapped to the one without, the students around him were unnerved by his close descriptions. “Chinatsu also has sharp ears, both of you are wearing glasses.”

“Paul-Sensei… how… do you know that?” Chinatsu asked with a trembling voice. Her feet trembled at Muad'Dib’s uncanny knowledge of their appearances.

“Hasumi has long black hair and large wings. Suzumi has white hair with a small wing on the left side of her head. Yuuka has purple hair.” Behind the elf medic, her fellow representatives from Trinity and Millennium were shaken all the same. Hasumi having raised her large wings to cover herself, Suzumi's wide eyes trained at Paul with shock, as was Yuuka's.

“Did the P-President perhaps tell you?” Rin hesitantly asked.

“No… as I've said, she only spoke of my becoming the Sensei.” Paul explained with a sigh as he recalled his meeting with the strange girl in his desert exile. With his hands on his knees, he pushed himself up with a stretch. “I lost my vision completely before meeting her. Yet, she…” He trailed off, unsure of how to explain it himself.

“Wait, wait, wait!” Yuuka spoke loudly as she waved her arms and shook her head as if denying something. “Earlier, you said something about not being completely blind!” She said with disbelief. Her fellow students expressed the same upon hearing her words.

“Yes, as I was saying before…” He paused as he cleared his throat, recalling the moment which still baffled him completely. “You were shot. I can… see into the future.” He hesitantly said.

Paul then heard only silence from the students around him. The students were frozen still as they processed the information, mouths hanging open as the two who wore glasses adjusted theirs.

He could see into the future! How far could he see? What fates could he foresee for anyone who asked?! Can this blind man truly lead them to victory against the Fox of Calamity and her goons?!

Such were the muffled murmurs of discussion between the Valkyrie students.

“He could just be making it up…”

“Ah, nonsense, Fubuki! Why would anyone lie about that?!” Both Kanna and Paul turned to Kirino's voice with a disappointed sigh. ‘Either she's a naive one or she simply does not think.’ Paul thought.

“Alright, that's enough!” Kanna demanded from her little underlings as they all silenced and stiffened. “Anything else, Paul-Sensei?” She asked.

‘They don't know of my vision's limits. They overestimate it.’ Paul breathed in to keep himself calm under the pressure. His prescient visions have been erratic and inconsistent here in Kivotos. ‘They are blissfully ignorant, yet hopeful. Better keep it that way for now.’ After all, non-concrete information could be more fatal than having no information at all.

“I know… many of you doubt my ability to lead because of my condition,” Paul spoke in a steady tone, the students around him listening intently. “And that is only logical, even if my oracular visions may take the place of my lost eyes.” He wrapped his fingers through and around the bandages around his head, and pulled.

Gasps and whimpers of shock came as the students saw his burnt—eyeless sockets. As Paul heard such reactions, he recalled the same reactions from his Fremen followers—after the Stoneburner attack which blinded him and many others.

“Paul-Sensei!” Chinatsu called out as she furiously approached him. “You can't take that off!” Before she could come closer, she felt a hand pull her back.

It was Hasumi with a serious expression, a finger raised and pressed against her lips as she shushed. “Interrupting a speech such as this may bring an even worse disaster.” The JTF Vice President warned.

The Prefect Team's Field Medic looked at her with a frown, gritting her teeth as she processed Hasumi's explanation. Slowly, hesitantly, Chinatsu relented as she observed—listened to the blind man's speech.

“As I've led my people to victory, I shall lead you—warriors of Kivotos to greatness!” Paul declared with a dramatic wave of his arm, using the same method which won him the Fremens loyalty. “You—peacekeepers of Valkyrie, the sole police force of your Lady—the President and her Regentess, shall prove yourselves worthy to stand among the elites of SRT!” He told them what they needed—what they wanted to hear deep within.

“Waaaaah… you hear that, Fubuki?! We'll be just as good as SRT!” Kirino excitedly said with shining eyes as she shook her little, lazy friend.

Of course, her fellow officers were enthralled by the blind teacher's speech. It filled them—or rather, it ignited the hidden pride deep within themselves. Of course, they were the ones who kept crime from spreading any further recently! Where were the so-called elites of SRT during those times!

The blind Sensei, Paul-Muad'Dib-Sensei, was absolutely right! The Valkyrie-KSPD force may have lost many battles against the delinquents and gangsters, but now, they will win the war!

“Yeaaaaah…” Fubuki nervously dragged her voice as she saw—left and right—the invigorated excitement in her comrades' expressions. “Definitely.” She said to Kirino.

“The President believes in me just as she believes in all of you!” Again, Paul's words made the hearts of those around him beat with further excitement and determination. “From her second in command, to the Director of her police force, and even you—the common soldiers!” Rin's breath hitched from his declaration. As did Kanna and her underlings.

“Will you disappoint her?!” Paul asked in a way which demanded an immediate answer.

“Sir! No, sir!” The Valkyrie officers shouted in unison, shocking even Kanna at the discipline and unison they displayed.

‘Damn… he's really good with speeches.’ Kanna thought with a nervous grin, pulling on her collars to relieve herself of a sense of suffocation. Even she could feel his words stir her spirits.

Rin, Chinatsu, Hasumi, Yuuka, and Suzumi thought just about the same. The previously demoralized police force were suddenly energetic, more than that, they seemed eager to throw themselves into danger.

“Then I declare at this very moment; Kivotos will have peace! I foresee your victory!” Paul roared as he raised his fist, the invigorated police students roaring along as they raised guns, batons, and ballistic shields. “Long live Valkyrie!”

“LONG LIVE VALKYRIE!”

The Valkyrie-KSP students bellowed as their collective voices echoed far and wide.

“Trample over those in the way of victory!”

“Sir! Yes, sir!” They replied as one.

“Alright! You've heard Paul-Sensei’s plan! Move out!” Kanna ordered with a wave of her hand, striking the hot iron that was the hype he injected into her underlings.

“Yes, Director!” They followed, marching into groups toward the battlefield. Grip on the weapons and equipment they carried tight, trembling with the urge to fight.

Paul lowered his fist, nervously breathing heavily as he held his chest—his heart. He tilted his head, listening intently to the sound of marching boots going away.

“Paul-Sensei,” He turned to Rin's voice. “Yukino-san has reported that they've diverted the bulk of Kosaka Wakamo's forces away from Schale, as well as having neutralized a tank.”

“Splendid. Anything else?”

“They're currently being overwhelmed by the enemy's superior numbers,” Rin said with a serious tone. “That and they've requested we eliminate hostile Anti-aircraft guns to pave the way for another SRT Platoon's helicopter raid.”

Paul hummed as he thought: ‘Helicopters… copters… perhaps a primitive form of Omnithopters.’ He concluded within his mind. “I understand. Now… we need to move.”

“Yes, Sensei. What do we have to do?” Suzumi asked.

“What do you foresee now, Sensei?” Paul grimaced at Hasumi's question.

“Huh? Is there something wrong, Sensei?” Chinatsu asked worriedly. “No, first of all, I have to rebandage you!” She quickly moved to do so.

“Do it with haste. We'll have to reach this Schale place among all the chaos.” Paul urged as he felt the adhesive material reapplied around his head—his eye sockets.

“Paul-Sensei…” Yuuka paused as she breathed, preparing herself to ask a question. “Is it true that you can really see the future?” She asked. “Because scientifically, it is simply impossible.”

All remaining eyes turned to her, with Chinatsu pausing for a moment before refocusing on her work.

“I see possible futures,” Paul answered with some frustration. “It was much more powerful in the past. Yet, here in Kivotos, it is… inconsistent.” He explained. 

“Then what you said about foreseeing our victory…” He turned to face Kanna's voice which was laced with venom. 

“It will happen!” Paul quickly said as he cursed the inconsistent prescience within himself. “Now, Rin, we simply have to reach the Sanctum Tower place, yes?” He asked.

“Well, I'm supposed to lead you to the Schale club room where you could access the authority left by the President.” Rin clarified.

“Then we must make haste now.” Paul said as he walked towards where he last heard the marching footsteps. A group of footsteps followed as Paul felt his hands being held by one person on the front and another behind.

“Of course. We will be by your side, Sensei.” Paul heard Chinatsu's voice behind him.

“And it is my duty to lead you there.” Rin said in front of him. She sighed upon pulling her sizable pistol from her hips, switching the safety off.

“Yup! Your royal guards aren't going anywhere!” Yuuka, at the very front of the group, announced smugly.

“What she said! We're ready to kick ass!” Suzumi excitedly said from Yuuka's right.

“We will perform to the best of our abilities, Paul-Sensei.” Hasumi said as she adjusted her hair.

And so, they began awkwardly moving. Chinatsu held Paul's left hand behind whilst Rin held his right hand leading him. Yuuka, Hasumi, and Suzumi kept a steady pace as to neither outrun nor halt the three behind them.

‘Ah, to hells! They would all point and laugh if they saw me like this!’ Paul thought about how his friends and family—how they would react at his current predicament—as he clumsily jogged along Rin's pace, hands gripping Rin's and Chinatsu's as he did his best to avoid tripping.

Yukino scowled as she quickly reloaded, countless bullets whizzed atop her head. As her comrades covered for her, she shoved the magazine into her rifle and pressed the bolt release.

Just as she tried to aim, an enemy had thrown herself up and over. Awkwardly, the delinquent and fox-eared operator stared at one another for a moment. Then, the latter knocked the former out cold with the butt of her gun.

“Ah, they just keep coming!” Kurumi shouted with frustration as she slammed—planted her shield down under all the impacting projectiles.

As a group of enemies appeared rushing past Kurumi, Niko took aim. She clipped her arms upon focusing—aiming as she blasted one hostile away. Methodically moving her body as she aimed, she turned and blasted another away—swung her body and blasted another as Kurumi and Yukino dispatched the rest.

As the three out of four of Fox Platoon held off the Fox of Calamity's minions, the third member—Fox Platoon's sniper kept the opposing fox busy.

A loud bang echoed followed by the screeching of a bullet—fired towards Kosaka Wakamo. Her hair fluttered from the super-sonic bullet passing her.

As she heard another shot echo, the Fox of Calamity grabbed—forcefully took one of her followers and braced against her. Otogi's Anti-material bullet slammed into Wakamo's human shield, knocking said human shield out cold as she was forced back.

“So ruthless… that's a little scary.” Otogi commented with thinned lips, watching as the Fox of Calamity casually dropped the unconscious follower she used as a shield.

“Ah, damn it! Where's our reinforcements?!” Kurumi demanded as she raised her shield to block the coming attacks, hastily reloading her gun virtually one armed. “House honor or whatever my butt! Where is he?!”

“You know how Valkyrie is.” Niko said as she shoved two shells simultaneously to her shotgun, cautiously watching the coming enemies as she kept loading. “Even if he was that good, it would still take some time.”

“Should we take out the Flaks ourselves…” Yukino muttered as she switched to semi-auto, aiming diagonally as she picked off enemies one by one deep undercover. “We don't know when reinforcements will come…”

“Ah, movement to your 8, Fox 1!” Otogi reported as she saw it through her scope. Yukino, Niko, and Kurumi tilted their heads towards their respective radios awaiting more details. “Ah, finally! Valkyrie has pulled up!”

Before Fox Platoon could celebrate, the muffled launches and scattering smoke filled the battlefield. As it obscured the view between them and the outlaw army,

Otogi watched as the battlefield was obscured by smoke from two sides—two sides where the Valkyrie reinforcements were engaging from. The ones behind her friends were charging ahead with low powered guns, tasers, batons, and riot shields.

Yukino, Niko, and Kurumi stood bewildered watching the usually reserved police officers with such fervent determination in their eyes charging forth. They did not expect it—Kosaka Wakamo's army of thugs would never expect it!

The nervous outlaw army recoiled back collectively as from the obscuring smoke—several electricity emitting lines shot out. Whoever it landed on sparked as their bodies convulsed and they dropped to the ground.

In a panic, they aimed and opened fire through the smoke. The overlapping gunshots permeated the air as countless casings were ejected, littering the roads under which they stood.

“Ah, that's them! Open fire!” Ogata Kanna's voice echoed through the fog of battle, heard by her loyal underlings and SRT allies.

Once again, the sounds of overlapping gunfire echoed chaotically from the delinquent army's exposed side. This time, they screamed as the projectiles hit them by the dozens.

Before the army of thugs—or anyone for that matter could make sense of anything, Fox Platoon watched bewildered as the Public Peace Bureau charged forth with a terrific, collective war cry.

Eventually, the air blew away the obscuring smoke revealing to the delinquent army—revealing to all how Valkyrie had encircled them.

The sukeben-helmet gangsters had not yet reloaded their guns nor could they with the oncoming attack. Several on the very front dropped to their knees and convulsed upon being hit with tasers, eventually knocked out by the slam of riot shields and batons.

The Public Peace Bureau plowed through one side as they shot with small pistols and slammed with shields and batons, while the Public Security Bureau kept shooting the flanks.

Kirino whined as her point-blank shots missed the suspect in front of her. As said suspect threw her fist towards the clumsy officer, Kirino tightly held her enemy's arm and twisted it.

With a yell, she carried the suspect by the armpits and threw her down. “You're under arrest!” She declared in the middle of the chaos, cuffing her suspect whilst her comrades subdued many more suspects.

Momentarily, Fox Platoon was frozen by the melee they watched. Student-officers with shields and batons blocking and swinging while some of the hostiles fought back using their guns as makeshift clubs.

“What the heck?” Kurumi asked, her eyes shifted towards her shield before refocusing on the battle ahead.

“Don't think about it, Fox 3… we still have a mission.” Yukino said.

“It's already completed, technically. But-”

“I see him,” Otogi spoke through the radio, once again catching their attention. “I think I see Atreidis-Sensei, he's with Nanagami-san and a few others!” Fox Platoon was immediately alert. What could cause the usually composed sniper to raise her voice?!

“Calm down, Fox 4, what is it?” Yukino asked as she quickly started moving, waiting for Otogi's reply as she reloaded.

“They're heading towards the enemy's reserve forces, where the Flaks are…” Otogi said with nervous breaths. “But Atreidis-Sensei…”

“What about him, Otogi?” Niko asked with worry as she and Kurumi followed.

“He must be totally in awe at what we did, right?” Kurumi confidently asked with a self assuring smile.

“He's blind!” Otogi screamed, causing her friends to pause and halt entirely—trying to slowly acknowledge and process what she had just said. “Atreidis-Sensei is blind! There's bandages over his eyes and Nanagami-san is holding his hand!”

“W-what?” Yukino asked with a trembling voice, hands shaking as she gripped her gun. Niko and Kurumi were the same. “Then… damn it! Where are they?!”

Paul lowered his head—hunched his back as much whilst clumsily running. Nervously breathing, heart and pulse pounding, he heard all the little detonations of primitive projectile weapons. Instinctively, he pulled on Rin's hand—pulled himself closer to her person.

As his group passed the battlefield, his sighted students watched in awe and disbelief the faraway battle by the fervent Valkyrie officers.

“Impressive…” Rin said with a tired breath as she kept her pace, feet numbing as she gently held Paul's hand. “I've never seen Valkyrie fight that hard.”

“How close are we?” Paul asked as he raised his head towards Rin. “To Schale! We know not our enemy's numbers. We must claim our objectives with haste!”

“Just a few more blocks, Paul-Sensei.” Rin answered. ‘That is too little information!’ Paul thought.

“Approximately zero point forty-one kilometers away, Paul-Sensei!” Yuuka quickly answered much to her peers' surprise. “Zero point thirty-six… twenty-nine…” She muttered as they got closer.

“Amazing… are you perhaps a Mentat, Yuuka?” Paul exhaled with awe as he faced her voice.

“A what now?”

“Ah, contact!” Suzumi screamed in alert as she saw a group of sukebens. “Engaging!” She announced to her group as she took something from her pocket.

“Ah, cover Paul-Sensei's ears!” Hasumi screamed. The group slowed as Paul felt Chinatsu's hands cover his ears, followed by a muffled blast and nearby gunshots.

Presently, they aimed towards the coming enemies. As Suzumi dealt with the first group, her magazine ran dry as the second wave came.

“Reloading!” Suzumi said as she knelt to reload.

“Lower yourselves and your outlines.” Paul said as he dropped low to his knees. 

The students did the same as they aimed. Hasumi aimed, spreading her wide wings as she fired—the shockwave displaced air as Paul felt it shake his core.

The helmeted gangster which Hasumi's bullet impacted was blasted away. Presently, Rin and Chinatsu took aim as Yuuka prepared her device.

As the enemies took aim and fired, a transparent blue sphere formed around Yuuka. The bullets fired by the thugs bounced and crumpled under the Treasurer's energy shield.

Paul raised his head ever so slightly as he heard the familiar—yet distinctly unique sound of fluttering and humming.

The two elves and black-winged girl peaked by Yuuka's sides to fire back. Rin gripped her powerful pistol tightly, firing as the recoil shook her hands, her bullet immediately knocking each enemy it hit out cold. While Chinatsu's smaller calibers harassed the thugs.

As Suzumi finished reloading, she quickly aimed and fired bursts which knocked out the last of this wave. Her eyes moved to scan the battlefield, widening as she tried to quickly alert her comrades. 

“Crusader!” She screamed as she aimed—pointed her weapon to the sight of a crippled, yet still functioning tank. Its turret rotated to aim towards them.

“Ah, damn it!” Hasumi exclaimed as she loaded a clip into her rifle, turning to aim as she worked the bolt-action. Just as she raised her gun to fire, the turret finished its rotation. It was ready to fire!

It indeed fired, yet, the shell did not leave the barrel. The turret detonated into flames as a shock wave scattered its broken pieces around.

“Well… that's convenient.” Chinatsu said, raising her eyebrows at the tank on fire—watching the helmeted gangsters which crewed it scrambling out.

Suzumi sighed with relief as she continued scanning for any danger. “Flak to your left, Yuuka!” She warned.

“Eh?” Yuuka turned to Suzumi wondering what she meant. “What's a flak?” Paul clicked his tongue in annoyance.

“MOVE!”

Paul's distorted voice echoed within Yuuka as her vision darkened. Unconsciously, the Treasurer took action to fulfill the order: Dashing from one place to another.

She awakened just in time to hear a powerful blast, followed by the sound of a loud clank from her shield. A crumpled projectile dropped to the ground before Yuuka's shield dissipated.

“Huh? What was…” Yuuka trailed off with a frown towards Paul.

“That's it! The Anti-aircraft weapon Yukino asked to be dealt with!” Rin said.

“And it is exposed to us?” Paul asked, nodding as he heard the Acting President's affirmative answer. “Splendid. Now, Hasumi, take aim and fire at will!” He ordered.

“Yes, Sensei!” Hasumi said as she worked her bolt-action, spreading her wings as she took aim—breathed—and fired. Her shot rang out before the lead projectile penetrated through the Anti-aircraft guns as it toppled to its side.

Just as he was about to breathe a sigh of relief, Paul heard many more footsteps advancing towards his group. “Are those our Valkyrie allies?” He asked.

“No… it's the rest of Kosaka Wakamo's goons.” Suzumi said as she made her way back to her group—behind Yuuka who prepared to form a shield against.

“What the heck…? Valkyrie was already dealing with so many.” Yuuka mumbled as she glared.

“And I thought Gehenna had it bad.” Chinatsu said with a tired sigh. “Huh? What are you all looking at me for?” She asked upon feeling the gazes on her.

“No matter. Rin, we shall-” In the middle of his sentence, the sound of an engine—of blades spiraling and screaming through the air echoed midair. “Retreat to the Valkyrie lines and-”

Paul halted as he felt the helicopter’s downwash flutter his hair and clothes which clogged his mouth. The students around him stared up in awe at the white-blue aircraft bearing the SRT sigil.

The aircraft's door opened as three rabbit themed girls jumped towards the nearby rooftop—immediately taking firing positions and shooting at the hostiles below them.

The helicopter made a midair turn as Paul heard the ever so familiar swishing of rockets. Quickly, he buried his head under his arms as the explosions shook the earth. As the blasts subsided, he heard some screams gradually lower in volume as they went… up. Falling back down as their screams became louder before loud thuds were heard.

Rin, Chinatsu, Hasumi, Yuuka, and Suzumi watched with morbid awe and curiosity as the falling delinquents and helmeted gangsters spiraled downwards as their falls were heard eventually.

As the ensuing silence came and dragged, as Paul heard his students lowering their guards, he raised his head. ‘It didn't sound like an Omnithopter but it had the same functions and similar capabilities in firepower.’ That much, he could at least tell.

“If you don't mind me asking… do your haloes also protect from such a fall?” Paul curiously asked.

“It would hurt, however, it wouldn't be anything too bad.” Rin said.

“They will most likely spend some time in medical confinement.” Chinatsu followed up.

“Moving on, we're finally here.” Rin said with a sigh of relief. “Come, Paul-Sensei.” She called, reaching her down towards him.

Paul blindly reached his hand forward, pulling back to feel nothing. Clicking his tongue in annoyance, he reached again—feeling a pair of hands hold his arm as he was pulled up.

“Thank you, Rin.” He said.

“Of course, you're welcome. Now, towards our objective.” The Acting President said as she held Paul's hand, guiding him towards Schale.

“Hmm…” Yuuka hummed as she grumbled within. “You used that thing on me again.” she said to Paul.

“And you use a shield wrong.” Paul rebutted as Yuuka froze with wide eyes, mouth hung open as she stammered.

“How d-did you know I was using such a tech?” She asked in bewilderment.

“Questions for after the battle. Now, move.” Yuuka frowned and grumbled further as they walked towards the Schale building. Surrounded by destruction, unconscious criminals, and chaos.

“Now, while Kosaka Wakamo and her remaining followers are preoccupied.” Rin said as she guided Paul by hand towards the building. 

“We'll stand guard.” Hasumi said as she and her fellow representatives turned to face outwardly.

Paul blindly followed Rin's guide, one hand clutching her hand as another reached forward in anticipation of anything he could not see.

Finally, his free hand made contact with something solid—glass and metal, the apparent door into the Schale clubroom, as Rin has called it.

Suddenly, Paul hunched—wincing as a headache morphed his expression to anguish. His hands retracted to hold his throbbing head.

“Ah, Paul-Sensei! What's wrong?!” Rin worriedly asked as she grabbed his shoulders. The other students looked on with concern. 

Visions! Several more future visions filled his mind! Paul silently screamed upon seeing the faint, horrible sights. A short student with long pink hair, her arms bound behind her back as her Halo shattered.

“I'm sorry… I was never a good senpai.” She whimpered with sorrow and regret as the life—the light in her eyes gradually dulled.

“Paul-Sensei, are you alright?!” Hasumi shouted with concern. Turning to her fellow student, she screamed her name. “Hinomiya-san!” She called—demanded the medic’s immediate action.

A grey haired student with wolf ears, eyes devoid of life—of hope as she futilely tugged her blue scarf for warmth.

“Hoshino… Nonomi… Ayane… Serika…” The wolf-eared girl whimpered her friends' names.

“Yes, I'm here!” Chinatsu answered as she came closer, examining Paul's condition. “Please, talk to me, Sensei!”

A girl with long dark hair—eyes glowing purple as she floated in the air. Behind her were machines. Machines! A gigantic sphere of metal and electronics distorting gravity itself!

“Protocol █████ will now commence.” The girl's emotionless voice announced.

Paul fell to his knees, clutching his head—pulling his hair as he sobbed and cried—screamed at the darkness his prescient visions showed next:

A white-haired girl with purple demonic horns and wings. She laid still and lifeless as red leaked from her wounds and stained her purple uniform.

“Chairwoman Hina! Please! No… no… this can't be happening…” Her companions—her trusted, loyal friends grieved for her passing.

A noble girl who wore a pristine white uniform befitting of her stature—stained by blood as she desperately refused to acknowledge the tragedy forced upon her. 

“It's not my fault! It's not… please…” Below her was a lifeless girl with long dark blue hair and a discarded metal facemask.

Another noble girl who wore a similar uniform appeared in his visions. Only, Paul could not discern her appearance, nor the room she laid in. The only thing noticeable was that she had passed away in a bed.

There was only silence interrupted by a medical instrument's faint hum.

A short haired girl with a bitter smile laying deceased in a tub of her own blood—flowing from self inflicted wounds on her wrist.

“Vanitas Vanitatum… life itself is futile…” Were her last whimpering words.

A masked girl bound upon a cross as her blood was used for a barbaric ritual by a red-skinned woman.

The masked girl was never allowed to use her voice—never allowed to express herself.

A short girl with long hair desperately clutching her heart as her breaths became unstable—tears poured uncontrollably from her eyes as her legs convulsed. 

“Rabbit 1… Miyako… anyone… please…” The girl pitifully called for her friends who would never come as they no longer drew breath.

Takahashi Hoshino. Sunaookami Shiroko. A███ Ten███ and ███. Sorasaki Hina. Misono Mika. Joumae Saori. ████████ ████. Imashino Misaki. Hakari Atsuko. Kasumizawa Miyu.

These names, comprehensible and otherwise, etched themselves into Paul's mind. The assaults on his mind ceased, and upon retracting his hold from his head, he saw his own hands.

“Paul-Sensei, are you alright now?” He turned to the voice, seeing a blonde girl with glasses look at him with worry. It was Chinatsu.

“Yes, yes…” Paul said as he shook his head, rising to his feet as he made the most of what his visions showed. ‘Why now? Why is it so consistent now? Does my visions mean for me to do something?’

“What's the matter, Paul-Sensei?” He turned to Rin as she asked. She looked at him also worried, just as the rest of her fellow students did.

Paul opened his mouth to answer, yet, no words came out. He turned away from her, observing the nearby surroundings. Everything appeared blurry—he could only see what was in his immediate area with a fog like distorting what was farther.

Before he could linger any more, he quickly recoiled—covering his head as a massive explosion echoed somewhere close. Several more explosions followed.

“What was that?!”

“I thought Valkyrie and SRT already dealt with their heavy hitters!”

“Ah, this can't be good.”

As his students exclaimed such things, Paul tilted his head upon witnessing what was happening through his visions.

A fox-eared girl with a porcelain mask of artisan make—her black-red dress flowed smoothly in the wind. Single handedly, she fought off Valkyrie and two SRT Platoons causing widespread destruction.

‘This must be Kosaka Wakamo, the Fox of Calamity as so many fearfully know her as.’ He thought as he analyzed her appearance, her fighting style, her weaponry. ‘A wooden projectile rifle, a bayonet, and… a blade.’

Without a second thought, Paul-Muad'Dib set out—sprinting towards the battle as the world slowly cleared in his visions.

“Hey! Where the heck are you going?!”

“Ahh! Come back! Get back here!”

He ignored their screams, prompting them to follow him towards the battlefield. He would not halt—his visions had shown this Fox of Calamity to be a much larger danger than anyone could anticipate. Paul had to be there.

Several Valkyrie officers were thrown away—scattered by the Fox of Calamity's terrifying strength. They opened fire with all they had, yet, it seemed to simply phase through the fox in black and red.

She moved swiftly through the battlefield as her dress elegantly flowed—avoiding the many bullets meant for her with grace. She raised her rifle, blasting away all Valkyrie officers as she then forcefully grabbed one by the throat—pointing the poor Valkyrie student in a certain direction.

A loud bang followed by a screeching whistle followed—quickly travelling from one side of the town to another; towards Kosaka Wakamo, or rather, her Valkyrie meat shield.

The Terrorist Fox planted her heels as the powerful bullet impacted her shield, rendering her unconscious as Wakamo eyed the faint glint in the distance.

“Ahh, I see you!” She growled as she took aim, narrowing her eyes within her porcelain mask. “Never again will you humiliate me, Fox Platoon!” She screamed, discarding the unconscious officer, firing towards Otogi's position.

The first bullet whizzed aside the Fox Platoon Sniper's head, her ears twitching as her eyes widened processing the fact. “Damn it! I'm compromised!” Otogi screamed as she stood up, one of Wakamo's bullets hitting the building—detonating to a sizable explosion which blew Otogi away.

“Fox 4! Fox 4!” Yukino screamed to her radio, eyebrows furrowed watching her sniper friend's position in flames. ‘Perhaps the explosion destroyed her radio? Or is she focused on repositioning at the moment?’ She considered the possibilities.

“Yukino,” Niko called out with a cautious expression. “Kosaka is on the move!” Just as she said it, they winced upon the coming of several consecutive explosions.

Nearby, a vehicle was shot by Wakamo—which ignited from the inside with flames and dark smoke. The city warzone was now obscured by thick, black smoke as everything glowed the orange of flames. Many vehicles served the same fate—same use of smokescreen for Wakamo.

“We can take her like we already did.” Kurumi said as she readied her shield and gun, eyes narrowed as she grinned towards the danger.

“So be it, then.” Yukino said. “Stick to our doctrines. We'll deal with Kosaka by the book.” And so, they moved in.

Kanna watched with narrowed eyes; the severely obscured front line faintly lit by flames—her precious underlings nervously waiting for her orders.

“Stick together and slowly advance. Keep your eyes peeled for suspects!” Kanna ordered with a wave of her hand.

Kosaka Wakamo stood relaxed—in bliss as she shut her eyes, threw her head back and allowed her shoulders to fall. She was surrounded by rising flames and destruction as much as the eye could see.

With a smile under her mask, the Fox of Calamity savored the blissful sights of freedom and self-expression—her freedom and self-expression around. None could stop her, none could ruin this for her.

Her smile turned to a frown as the smoke from one direction was suddenly scattered under the downwash of a helicopter—its screaming engines and white-blue color scheme irked her to no end.

Her narrowed eyes turned right—towards the sounds of three sets of footsteps. With a click of her tongue, Kosaka Wakamo took aim.

‘This was it!’ Tsukiyuki Miyako thought with excitement as she led her Platoon to ambush the Fox of Calamity, moving above the buildings in preparation to subdue her. ‘We’re the only ones Yukino-senpai had to turn to… we can't disappoint her now!”

“Hah!” Sorai Saki laughed with a confident grin looking down on Wakamo. “After everything's done, we're gonna stand alongside our senpais!” She said with a joyful smile.

The third girl, a meek dark-haired sniper whined with doubt as she clutched her rifle. “I… I sure hope so…” She had to smile for her dear friends.

“Don't worry, Miyu,” Miyako reassured with a smile. “We'll deal with the Fox of-”

The split second of a bang drowned her words as the rooftop upon which they stood broke to pieces. The debris flowed upward as Kosaka Wakamo's bullet shot through—Rabbit Platoon's foothold breaking apart as they fell.

They dragged upon the now sloped building, scraping across debris and concrete as they twisted and fell down the ground level.

Saki grunted as she reached for her helmet—white with rabbit ear designs—but mid way through, she whined as a boot stepped heavily on her wrist. She looked up, terrified as Wakamo's shadow loomed over her.

Without another second, the Fox of Calamity kicked Saki as her head recoiled back as she grunted—holding her face as she groaned.

Miyako quickly pushed herself up, nervously breathing as she raised her gun—tried to raise her gun only to be kicked into a wall by Wakamo. Swiftly, the Fox terrorists slammed the butt of her rifle on Miyako's face—paralyzing her with pain.

Miyu whimpered as she trembled, scooting away from the Fox of Calamity's menacing figure which towered over her. She cried as Wakamo carried her by the collar, raising her towards the helicopter’s sights.

Kazekura Moe hissed as she pulled away, aiming her helicopter's angle of attack away from Wakamo—away from her fellow Platoon members—her friends.

‘Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! I can't go kaboom! Not when they're in the crossfire!’ She screamed in her head, resisting the urge to launch all of her munitions.

As Wakamo aimed and shot, her bullets pierced through the helicopter's engine and exhaust—blowing smoke and sparks as Moe struggled to keep the aircraft stable. It spiralled side-to-side, the spinning blades chipping off at the buildings it made contact with before it dropped to the ground..

As Yukino, Niko, and Kurumi broke through all the smoke with guns at the ready—the sight chilled their spines. Their precious rabbit kouhais beaten and bruised.

“Miyako!” Yukino screamed as the Rabbit Platoon's Leader raised her head from the ground.

“Senpai…”

“Ah, it's you again!” Wakamo spat as she then threw Miyu towards the Fox Platoon. 

Startled, Kurumi planted her shield down instinctively. Yet, she could not handle the weight thrown at her at such speeds! As Miyu cried, crashing upon Kurumi's shield—sending the two spiralling along the ground, far away.

“Kurumi, Miyu-chan!” Niko shouted in worry as she watched the two tumble out of sight—past the smoke which obscured everything.

“Ah, damn it! Niko!” Yukino called out in shock as she backed away. As the Fox Sergeant turned, her eyes widened as she saw her two more of her precious kouhais thrown their way.

Saki crashed upon Niko and Miyako on Yukino, throwing the four away as the force of the impact paralyzed them momentarily in pain.

“I'm sorry… I'm sorry… senpai…” Miyako whimpered as she forced her numb body to move away from Yukino whom she weighed on. 

“No, no. You took initiative. That's something to be proud of!” Yukino quickly comforted as she forced herself up, aiming her gun as she winced under all the ache of her body.

“Ah, are you okay, Saki-chan?” Rabbit Platoon's Pointwoman responded with a thumbs up to Niko as she groaned. “Ah, that's good! How about you, Miyu-chan and Kurumi?!” She went to examine them—especially the weeping Miyu.

The Fox-Rabbit Platoons watched with bated breaths as the Fox of Calamity slowly walked towards them—her hips swayed with absolute confidence, absolute certainty looking down upon the SRT student.

“After the humiliation you lot forced upon me in our last meeting… what makes you think I would allow a repeat of it?” Kosaka Wakamo growled the question—venom and hatred laced each syllable she spoke. “You were lucky in our first encounter. I did not expect you, Fox Platoon.” She stared through her mask—against Yukino's glare.

“You're just a terrorist causing wanton destruction,” She said. “You have no right to complain with all the damage you do!” Yukino yelled as she trembled with rage.

“Yeah, that's right! You're just a thug!”

“Our senpais will beat you as they did before!” Saki and Miyako shouted together.

“Hah! You GSC dogs think too highly of yourselves!” Wakamo declared as she aimed her rifle with one hand, head raised looking down on Fox-Rabbit Platoon as if they were a lesser caste.

They tensed, trembling as they aimed their guns against Kosaka Wakamo. Trembling, hesitant, fearful for what was coming. Fox Platoon could fight Wakamo head on, yet that would put their kouhais in danger. However, Rabbit Platoon was also hesitant to act, fearing they would only weigh their elite senpais down.

Thankfully, unexpectedly, an unknown variable appeared. Behind Kosaka Wakamo, a figure in robes, his face wrapped in it, appeared with a police baton in hand.

‘Who the heck is that?’ Yukino thought with narrowed eyes observing the figure running towards Kosaka Wakamo. Her peers and kouhais did the same, perplexed—puzzled at the sight. ‘Wait a minute… he has no-’

“Hey… that guy doesn't have a halo!” Niko shouted with a panicked tone, forcing herself up and aiming as her companions realized the same thing with fear.

The haloless man was in danger!

The Fox of Calamity tilted her head, humming with curiosity at her rival foxes and their underclassmen expressions. Her ears perked upon hearing the rapidly approaching set of footsteps behind her, tapping—tapping—tapping as she turned to see; a figure covered in robes from head to toe.

With a hiss, Wakamo turned to face her would be ambusher—the SRT students perked with panic as she aimed at the haloless man.

Wakamo fired just as the robed man threw himself aside, the Fox-Terrorist’s bullet tearing through the trailing fabrics as the man vertically rolled on the ground.

Before the Fox of Calamity could make another move, the man beat her to it. Twisting his body on the ground, the man kicked his leg—sweeping through Wakamo's which threw her off balance, tumbling as she scrambled to recompose.

Wakamo fell to a knee, gritting—glaring at the robed man who had immediately brought her humiliation and disgrace. The man was already moving, forcing Wakamo to raise her rifle—blocking the baton strike as she moved away.

The figure in robes pressed on the attack, forcing Wakamo to block once again before swinging a counterattack—her bayonet cutting through the fabric covering the man's face.

“Who's that guy?”

“Who knows?! We need to help him!”

Miyako and Saki spoke as Miyu looked on with fear.

“No… he's too close.” Niko said with thinned lips.

“We could hit him…” Kurumi muttered with narrowed eyes, grumbling as her trigger finger itched.

The fabrics were removed from the man's head and face, revealing his curled black hair and olive skin—teeth gritted with white, sweat covered bandages around his eyes. Fox Platoon froze at the sight, recalling what their sniper had reported.

“Atreidis-Sensei… that must be him!” Yukino gasped as her Rabbit kouhais stared in awe and disbelief.

“He's the one…”

“Who'll bring SRT back…”

Miyako and Saki muttered as Miyu whimpered, readying her rifle and waiting for her companions' orders.

The Fox of Calamity and Paul Atreidis clashed in melee; swinging, blocking, counter attacking as they danced around one another. With each swing and thrust of Wakamo with her bayonet and gun stock, Paul bobbed and weaved, deflecting such attacks before pressing on.

“How… how is he doing that?” Kurumi muttered with an unnerved tone, her Rabbit kouhais looking at her with worry.

“No matter. We need to help him now!” Niko reminded.

“Right! Spread out and surround them, ASAP!” Yukino ordered with a wave of her hand, followed by her fellow special operators moving accordingly.

Paul watched his prescient vision of Kosaka Wakamo thrust her bayonet towards him, through him, and he moved with the vision in mind; dashing inside her guard thrusting his blunt weapon.

Where he expected to feel his weapon impact her, it simply phases through what the visions showed him. 

He felt Wakamo's knees shoot up his stomach, the pain momentarily paralyzed him as she retracted her weapon and thrusted once again. As Paul watched the prescient blade in his face, he grimaced, expecting the worst.

Instead, he felt a blunt impact smash his face as he grunted, stumbling away as he held his nose. ‘My visions are mocking me!’ He hissed as he screamed in his mind, scowling as he adjusted his hold over the baton.

“Oh my… you're without a halo!” The Fox of Calamity said with a stifled, dignified giggle befitting a woman of high stature. “Those GSC leeches, the Valkyrie dogs must be desperate.”

“Arrogance and overconfidence is the downfall of many… perhaps yours, too.” Paul said, facing towards Wakamo as he prepared the muscles in his body.

The signs of amusement left Wakamo's tone and body, hands trembling as she took a furious step forward. “Let's hear you speak as such when-”

Paul's leg sprung to action, his swiftness startling the Fox of Calamity as she hastily swung her weapon. He deflected the blow, sliding—guiding it away with his own as he slid past—under Wakamo's defenses.

He hooked the baton handguard around Wakamo's leg, pulling it away from the other as she lost balance. As the Fox of Calamity whimpered trying to keep herself up, Paul reached for her sheathed short sword, stabbing it down—through her footwear and through the concrete.

“You… how dare you?!” Wakamo screamed as she thrusted her bayonet at Paul who, watching the action in advanced, swiftly avoided the blow. With greater analysis of his visions, he unlocked the bayonet and yanked it out of her rifle.

The Terrorist-Fox roared as she threw herself towards the man, reaching her hands out to strangle him. Only, before her fingers could even come close, she tripped—losing her balance and falling; falling as she caught herself on Paul's shoulders.

In a panic at the unexpected grab, his hand sprung and slashed with the bayonet he took from Wakamo. Through his prescient visions, he saw the porcelain mask breaking apart under the blade's force—falling apart revealing the feared Terrorist-Fox’s face.

“Eh? Uhm… uh…” Instead of expressing further disdain and arrogance, Kosaka Wakamo instead whimpered with a hint of shyness, much to Paul's utter confusion. He could see through visions—feel her meekness, her rapidly beating heart—how flustered she was! “Y-you caught me… and my mask…” Why was this girl infamous with such a menacing moniker, the girl who single handedly brought Kivotos to its knees, acting so much like a girl in love?!

‘She acts like a damsel in love… but mere moments ago, she would have garnered Duncan, Gurney, and Stilgar’s full caution!’ The more this strange place, Kivotos, revealed of its and its inhabitants—the more it utterly perplexed Paul. But nevertheless, he still had to finish this fight.

“STAY STILL!”

Wakamo's vision darkened as she suddenly lost control of her body, feeling something wrap around her limbs before regaining control over herself. She woke to find herself on her knees, arms and a leg bound as Paul wrapped his limbs around her in an immobilizing way.

“W-what… what happened?!” Wakamo asked, turning left and right as her ears twitched.

“I know not of your motives, Kosaka Wakamo, but I am interested.” Paul said with formality—well, however much could be offered in the intimate position they were in. “Why… what would bring you to destabilize the city?”

“W-well…” Wakamo trailed off with a stutter, a blush in her cheeks as her eyes shifted away occasionally from Paul. “It is my… self expression of love to the world!” She proudly, yet, shyly declared. “And those pesky people trying to stop me… surely, it is the gravest crime to stop someone from showing their true selves and their love to the world!”

By now, the smoke from the burning vehicles have subsided. Fox and Rabbit Platoon who encircled the two watched in astonishment at Paul and Wakamo's predicament. 

“What the heck… how did he even manage that?!” Kurumi asked. “I thought he was blind!” Miyako, Saki, and Miyu were startled by the revelation.

“Well, maybe Otogi was mistaken.” Niko said.

“It's Otogi… she never gets anything wrong.” Yukino commented, lips trembling as she scrambled her mind—thinking about the best course of action for now.

Eventually, Valkyrie came along, Moe left her broken helicopter and reunited with her Platoon, then the group led by Nanagami Rin appeared.

“Whaa… that's so lewd.”

“So indecent!”

“Don't we have a law for that? Should we…”

“Nah… this is when we ignore the law.” Fubuki said to Kirino.

Kanna groaned as she palmed her head, sighing, thinking about what to do now.

“Paul-Sensei! At least tell us when you're doing something so… reckless.” Rin said with a tired sigh as she approached him, still coupled with Wakamo.

“Yes, that was dangerous! You're without a halo!” Hasumi said.

“But you're also blind!” Chinatsu said.

“W-what?” Wakamo sputtered at what she heard. She, the feared Fox of Calamity, was bested by a blind person. A blind person! 

“How did you even go that far? I thought that thing of yours was limited.” Yuuka wondered.

“Speaking of which, Sensei, I think it's about time you let go.” Suzumi said. “We'll deal with her.” She added as Valkyrie officers and SRT operatives came closer.

“W-wait…” Wakamo said, turning with a hopeful expression to Paul.

“We will have sufficient time for discussions, Lady Kosaka.” Somehow, her heart fluttered at his tone—his graceful formality—how he referred to her. “Will you allow them to apprehend you peacefully?” He asked.

“N-no!” Wakamo shook her head. “The KSPD, the Correctional Facility…” Paul could hear and feel the hate—the fear towards how she would be treated behind bars.

“Fear not, Lady Kosaka. In the name of House Atreidis, I—Paul Atreidis, promise that you will be treated fairly.”

“House…” Wakamo trailed off as she stared in awe towards Paul. ‘A Noble House? A man of chivalry… Paul Atreidis… ah… he's a prince!’ Wakamo instinctively tried to hide her face as her cheeks flustered ever more at the realization.

The one she fought, the one who bested her—her newly met darling, her love at first sight… it was none other than such a valiant, charming prince!

“Y-yes… I will… turn myself over to Valkyrie…” Wakamo shyly said, before feeling her limbs liberated as Paul decoupled from her. For a moment, all those around her took a panicked, fearful step away… until she raised her arms in surrender.

As Valkyrie led Kosaka Wakamo inside one of their vehicles, she kept her eyes on Paul. As she disappeared into the car which then sped off, the prescient visions of his surroundings ceased. The last thing he saw was the Valkyrie students spreading out and setting a perimeter.

“So, we finally meet, Atreidis-Sensei.” He turned to the sound, recognizing the voice coupled with many sets of footsteps. Followed by another more panicked running with ragged breaths. “Oh, Otogi?”

“Wakamo got my scope and… oh, everything's done.” She said with a calming exhale, walking closer—towards her group. “Atreidis-Sensei… you didn't tell us about that…”

“I saw no need to explain,” Paul said, “would you have listened if I revealed my blindness earlier?” He asked. Paul heard no reply, only humming and grumbling.

“Even still, you could have informed us!” Niko said. “We would have planned to support you further!”

“I needed no such support, Niko.” Paul said. “My battle plans were sufficient, as Valkyrie has shown.” He added, gesturing towards them—where he thought they were.

“Uhm… Paul-Sensei, we're here!” He heard the one known as Kirino's voice in the opposite direction. Quickly correcting himself, he took a couple of steps there and gestured to Valkyrie truly.

“How did you do all that?” Kurumi asked the question her peers wanted to ask. How did he lead Valkyrie so effectively, fight and win against Kosaka Wakamo without eyesight? 

Did he train his ears enough to fully replace his eyes? Has he simply grown accustomed to living without eyesight? Or perhaps, was it a special biological feature such as echolocation?

Rin stepped in as she cleared her throat. “Paul-Sensei has revealed to us that he can… see into the future, however that works.” She explained, much to the Special Forces students' shock.

“N-no way! H-how?!” Otogi exclaimed.

“You've got to be messing with us! What is it really?!” Kurumi demanded.

Rabbit Platoon was silent, utterly in awe at the prospect of such an ability.

“I see… that is… a terrifying ability.” Niko could not believe it, yet she could not deny it.

“No wonder you were so confident, Atreidis-Sensei.” Yukino said with narrowed eyes. “Tell me, now, what do you foresee in SRT’s fate?” Her friends—Platoon mates’ expressions turned serious at her question.

“Uhm… Paul-Sensei said before that his power is inconsistent.” Chinatsu explained, trying to clear whatever suspicion Fox Platoon had. “So… I'm not sure if he sees anything at the moment.”

The elf girl shook as the gazes of the feared and respected SRT elites drilled through her.

“She is correct. My prescient visions ceased the moment Kosaka was brought away.” Paul clarified. “As promised, I will upkeep your academy with the authority your Lady left for me.”

“Our Lady?” Yukino asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I think he means President █████, Yukino.” Niko said. As Yukino turned to her with a questioning gaze, Niko explained: “Don't you remember what he last said over the phone? House Atreidis’ honor lies in integrity.”

“Ah, an aristocrat.” Otogi said with a clap. “Gotta admit, though, you don't exactly look like one.”

“Yeah, those fancy people probably wouldn't dress like a hobo…” Kurumi said as she crossed her arms, eyes snapping wide open as she realized how rude her remark was. “I meant… I don't think they would even think about facing Kosaka.”

“Indeed. Most Houses, minor or major, would usually avoid combat.” Paul explained. “That usually does not mean they are not trained.” He added, recalling his duel with his Harkonnen cousin.

“Oh…” Kurumi nodded as she took in the explanation.

“Moving on… I will choose to trust you, Atreidis-Sensei.” Yukino said with thinned lips, remembering the fact that she had once again betrayed. It mattered not that her previous benefactor had ulterior motives, it was still a disgraceful betrayal. The kind she has led her friends twice into now. “The one who ordered our attack…” She whispered.

“Not yet, Lady Shichido.” Paul interrupted. “The political climate of Kivotos must be volatile at the moment. Any amount of infighting will weaken the city's stability.” He explained to Fox Platoon, and to the student representatives also listening.

“And wait for her to get stronger and strike?” Kurumi asked with an irked tone.

“It's all about timing, Lady Kurumi. Making such a drastic move at this very moment and the foreseeable future would be detrimental—both to your previous master and to us, currently.” The Fox Platoon's Pointwoman grumbled at the explanation. Kurumi was not well versed in such matters, but she at least understood that.

“But still, letting her consolidate her strength would be a pain when the time comes.” Otogi said.

“That assumes we will not consolidate ourselves as well.” Paul countered.

Yukino loathed such discussions—discussions of politics and bureaucracy. It slowed down progress and action in favor of talking and talking and talking! The slow and fearful pencil pushers deciding the right course of actions to a problem they misunderstood!

“Forgive me, but I must interrupt your discussions.” All eyes, and eyeless socket, turned to Rin. “Paul-Sensei, you still have yet to take control of Schale and the Sanctum Tower.” She said. She was still interested in the political discussions, but there were more pressing matters currently. “The Trinity and Gehenna expeditionary forces are currently combating the remaining rioters. We should not keep them waiting.”

“Right. Well, we'll be here patrolling with Valkyrie.” Yukino said. “Do what you have to do, Atreidis-Sensei, Nanagami-san.”

“Of course, Yukino-san.” Rin nodded. “Well, come now, Paul-Sensei.” And so, he followed.

“That person, Sensei… they really trust him, our senpais, I mean.” Miyako said. “He's why Yukino-senpai called us.”

“He can see the future, huh?” Saki muttered as she narrowed her gaze at the robed man. “I wonder, really… how does he see it?”

“That's gotta be a pain for him,” Moe said, popping her lollipop out of her mouth. With an amused smile, Paul tilted his head, listening to what this girl had to say. “We're supposed to be living in the moment and stuff. He's never gonna have rest and relaxation like that.” She said with pity.

‘How right she is.’ Paul thought.

“Yeah, that must be painful.” Paul paused, shaking as his breath hitched. He recognized that voice! “Always seeing every problem, always having to know every bad thing happening and staying on his head… how terrifying.” It was Kasumizawa Miyu!

“Oh? Is something the matter, Sensei?” Rin asked upon noticing her Sensei's distress. “What is it you see, Paul-Sensei?” Her hand hovered over her holstered pistol.

With a deep breath, Paul turned—pointing to where he heard Miyu’s voice. “You!” He shouted. Upon realizing where his finger pointed, Miyu whimpered as she hid behind Miyako. “I recognize you!” He announced.

“Kasumizawa Miyu!” He called out. Rabbit Platoon was startled, Miyu was scared, and Fox Platoon was alerted. They looked at Paul who kept his finger pointed as he walked towards Rabbit Platoon.

“Yes… what is it, Sensei, was it?” Miyako said, moving forward with an arm shielding Miyu behind her.

“If you want Miyu, then you'll have to go through me!” Saki said.

Moe and Miyu were behind the two, the latter's hand hovering over her pistol while the former looked on with fear.

“Rabbit 1, Miyako… which one of you bears that name?”

“T-that would be me!” Miyako said, startled—unnerved by Paul's demeanor and uncanny knowledge of who they were. ‘So, he really can see into the future!’ She thought.

“I know nothing about you aside from that you are her friend.” These words seemed to calm Rabbit Platoon down. “I know only that you're the first she would cry out for when she is afraid.” Miyako turned to face Miyu, shamefully looking away as she stepped away.

“I'm sorry…”

“No, no! There's nothing wrong with that!” Miyako said, rushing towards Miyu and grabbing her shoulders. “I'm your Platoon leader, your friend. There's nothing to be ashamed of! Knowing that… I'm glad to know you trust me so much.” She reassured.

“R-really?” Miyu stuttered as she slowly—hesitantly looked at Miyako. “I'm n-not a dead weight?”

“You're a student of SRT, the elite warriors of Kivotos serving the President herself.” Miyu looked past Miyako—at Paul who spoke. “That enough is proof of your capabilities, Kasumizawa Miyu. That… is all I can say.” With that, Paul nodded and turned away.

“Yeah, what he said.” Miyako said as Miyu watched Paul's figure walk away.

“Don't know what he's saying that for, but yeah, you're already an elite just by being with us!” Saki said with a grin, wrapping her arm around Miyu's shoulders.

“Yup! As much as a crybaby you are, most delinquents would still run away from you.” Moe said.

Miyu was frozen by her Platoon's—her friends’ reassurance as they held her. Slowly, her eyes watered as she rushed to wipe the tears of relief away. “T-thank you… thank you… I'm happy to hear that!”

“Ah, our kouhais…” Niko smiled as she watched Rabbit Platoon's bond to each other evolve.

“Uh-huh, they've been together how long and they're already so close.” Kurumi said.

“Mhm, I remember it took us some time to get as close as that… and Atreidis-Sensei shortened that a lot for them.” Otogi said.

“Yeah…” Yukino said with a smile, sighing in relief as she shut her tired eyes. “Hopefully, things will stay this well.”

“This is what the President left for you, Paul-Sensei.” Rin said as she handed a thin, rectangular device towards Paul—who slowly reached his hands forward, blindly grabbing the tablet. “It's a strange artifact with an unknown manufacturer and OS system.”

“OS…? Is this a holofilm?” Paul asked, feeling the device's sharp edges. ‘OS… I recall one of my ancestral memories making use of that term… a pre-Jihad term.’ He could feel an evolutionary sense of fear send chills up his spine.

“A holo… film? No, it is an administrative device to manage your duties as a Sensei.” Rin explained as she adjusted her hair—curling her bangs behind her ears. 

Upon hearing her clarification, Paul screamed in his head: ‘Administrative device!” The Jihad conventions, fear of technology planted deep into humanity's psyche, screamed at him.

“If you feel around the lengthy sides, you should feel the single thing button to activate it.” Rin said.

“Say, Rin…” Paul hesitated as the girl in question looked with a puzzled expression. “This… isn't a Thinking Machine, is it?” He hesitantly asked.

“Thinking Machine…?” Rin questioned as her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “You mean Artificial Intelligence? No, I don't believe it is. We, the GSC, do not make use of AI for our duty.” She explained.

‘That is a relief, yet… she did not sound too bothered with the accusation. Even the Ixians would be vehemently offended at such a prospect.’

“I understand.” Paul said as he felt around the device for the buttons she spoke of. Finally, he found it, and pressed down on it.

“No, Sensei. That is the volume button.”

“A what?”

“The power button is on the other side.”

“I see. Thank you, Rin.” Paul nodded as he pressed the button. 

Then, he froze—startled as bright blue overtook the nothingness of his lack of eyes. Though, at that very moment, he felt euphoric—yet, repulsed as his fullest prescient abilities returned.

In a mere few seconds, he saw… many things. Kivotos’ full city layout, buildings and landscape along with the people. Before the city's image could disappear, Paul focused his Mentat capabilities to memorize everything he could see—making a far more detailed map in his mind.

Among the countless haloed girls—students were… a strange sight; animals acting like humans and… machines. Sentient machines in Old Earth garments going about as if they were humans. ‘The Jihad Conventions said nothing about sentient, self serving machines, yet…” Yet, the thought still disgusted him deep within. An instinctive repulsion rather than a conscious one.

THOU SHALT NOT MAKE A MACHINE IN THE LIKENESS OF A HUMAN MIND.

The visions of Kivotos and its people disappeared—replaced by… other possibilities. ‘Ah… I see I was not the only candidate to be a Sensei.’ He thought about the brief glimpses he managed to make out.

As the blue subsided, Paul saw—he saw! He was inside a ruined building with many broken chairs. Outside was… the Fremen in Paul was awed by the sight; a vibrant blue blue field of water stretching out to the horizon, as far as the eye could see.

Paul quickly shook his head, discarding the feeling of amazement as he turned left and right; looking for whatever may have brought him to this strange place. And more importantly, how could he see in this place?

"Castella cake... with banana milk... better than strawberry milk." Paul turned to where he heard this voice, young and squeaky—snoring and asleep. “Ehhh, just five.. more minutes…”

The girl looked much like the President, only smaller and younger. Short blue hair with pink undersides, a white bow tied around her ears resembling a hares’ ears, and a deep-blue and white uniform and skirt. Above her head floated a simple blue halo.

Paul approached the sleeping girl, hesitantly reaching his hand towards her—and tapping, shaking her in an attempt to wake her up.

“Huh? Who's…” She trailed off, yawning as she rubbed her weary eyes. Upon seeing Paul, she yelped with wide eyes. “Ah, Usul-Sensei!” How did she know of his secret Fremen name?!

“I was expecting you.” She said.

“That is hard to believe considering how well you slept.” He pointed out.

“Eh?! I wasn't! I was just… resting my eyes!” The little girl defended.

“Anyways, who are you?” Paul asked. “And do you know of… the Sanctum Tower and Schale?” The little girl's eyes seemed to shine at his questions.

“Of course, Sensei! I'm Arona! Your very loyal assistant!” She introduced herself with pride, joy, and excitement. “Yeah, the Sanctum Tower thing. I know all about it!” She said with a smug grin.

“Then, could you perhaps help me, and GSC in retaking control of it?” Paul asked with caution in his voice. ‘Who is this Arona truly? No, what is she? Rather, what was that device Rin gave me?”

“Yup, no problem for me!” Arona said. “But first… uhm…” Paul watched as the little Arona shyly twiddled her fingers, cheeks blushing as she looked away.

“Yes, what is it, Arona?” He asked, the caution he reserved for the girl slowly peeled away.

“Could you come a little closer?” Arona hesitantly asked as she raised her hand. “I… if you don't mind, I kinda need your biometrics and stuff.”

Paul tilted his head in confusion, lips thinning at Arona’s strange request. Why would she need his biodata? Is she perhaps a Tleilaxu product? Or perhaps she carried Ixian prosthetics within her person?

“Of course, you needed only to ask.” Paul said as he approached Arona—his hand rising with open fingers to meet her hand. The girl beamed as her fingers touched Paul's. “Though, I do ask, for what reason exactly is this formality?”

“What a silly question, Usul-Sensei.” Arona giggled as she looked into his nonexistent eyes. “It's so I can scan your fingerprints. I have eyes like haws so this won't take long.”

‘I see, a Mentat. A very strange one, I might add.’ Paul thought as Arona gazed at his fingers, happily humming before shutting her eyes. ‘Now that I think about it, this is a strange way of scanning for fingerprints.’

“And… done!” Arona announced as her arms shot up and celebrated, cheery eyes looking at Paul as she awaited his praise. “I've successfully regained control of the Sanctum Tower, Sensei!” She announced.

‘What a… very strange thing to say. What does she mean? And if she truly did, how did she take control of it? Perhaps it's her childishness longing for praise.’ Paul thought. “Splendid! Well, we can't keep them waiting any longer.”

“Yup! The President left Kivotos fully under your control. What's our next move, Usul-Sensei?” Arona asked.

“Hmm… perhaps you should grant Rin and her GSC the authority they need.” After all, they were a pillar to Kivotos’ stability and wellbeing. The city could not—would not exist without them. “Still though, I reserve my authority to strip them of such if the situation called for it.” Even still, governments could not be truly trusted. No exceptions, not even the Imperium under his rule.

“Okay! Gimme a moment…” Arona paused as she shut her eyes, focusing as she hummed. “Done! That should be enough!” Arona announced. 

“You certainly work fast…” Paul trailed off knowing this house play with Arona could not last long. Though, there was one thing he wanted to ask. The expeditionary forces could wait for a moment, he assumed. “Do you know anything about the President?”

“Ah, sorry. I don't have anything.” Arona apologized with a look of regret as she bowed her head. “I have plenty of data about Kivotos and other stuff, but the President? I've got nothing for some reason.” She explained.

“That is… quite fine, Arona.” Paul hesitantly said, noting the specific tone and words Arona used. ‘Thufir only ever used that word, data, for moments of analysis.’ He thought.

“Really? Thanks, Sensei!” Arona cheered to herself. “I might not know anything about the President but I can do a lot more!”

“And I'm certain of that, Arona.”

“You're not taking me seriously!” Arona pouted as she crossed her arms. “I can calculate a lot of stuff, take control of security softwares, and so much more with processing power to spare! Plenty at that!” Arona declared with confidence, flashing one eye open and awaiting the awe to appear in Paul's expression.

“... What?” Arona uncrossed her arms and took a fearful step back as she saw Paul's smile and amusement disappear into a frown. “Arona…”

“Uhm… is there something wrong, Usul-Sensei?” Arona hesitantly asked as she twiddled her thumbs, lips thinned as she trembled looking at Paul.

“What are you… exactly?”

“Eh? Like I said! I'm your loyal assistant and secretary!” Arona repeated her words. “I'm the Shittim Chest's System Manager and main OS. I… I was born to help you, Usul-Sensei.” She added with trembling legs.

THOU SHALT NOT MAKE A MACHINE IN THE LIKENESS OF A HUMAN MIND!

The Jihad's conventions, ever so engraved to Paul's genetic and evolutionary instincts—the trauma suffered by his many ancestors during the time of the Thinking Machines rattled his psyche.

His very body screamed at him to destroy the filthy Thinking Machine!

‘No! I must… resist!’ Paul screamed in his mind as his body uncontrollably shook, wanting to reach for Arona with contorting fingers. ‘Much like the Gom Jabbar's box, I cannot! I must not allow myself to blindly follow these instincts!’

“Usul-Sensei, are you alright?!” Arona screamed as she ran towards Paul. “Is there something wro-”

“STAY AWAY!”

Arona froze as she heard her Sensei's distorted, terror-inducing scream. Such a cold order froze her, feet trembling as she stepped away—looking at Paul with wide, terrified eyes.

“Sensei… is it something I did?” Arona asked with watering eyes. “Something I s-said?” A tear fell from her eyes, staining her cheeks as it trailed down.

The sight of an innocent, weeping child—weeping because of him was… disheartening to Paul. She was a Thinking Machine, yet, she acted so much like a human. The smugness, the childishness, the seeking of approval—all human traits.

“No!” Paul said as he fell to his knees, keeping himself down—his body and instincts from doing as it pleased. “It's… to keep you safe…” He said, staring at Arona’s tear filled eyes.

“W-what for?” Arona hesitantly asked. “If I did something wrong then… I'll… I'll try harder! I promise!” Arona cried as she tried to wipe away the tears.

Is this how he would treat children? Is this how his father, his mother, his friends would have expected—wanted him to treat a child? Is this how his children would have expected him to treat other children?

“N-no…” Paul choked out as he gritted his teeth, trying to take control of his body from his instincts. “Send me away… send me away, Arona. I'll explain in due time.” He will explain when he could not hurt her.

The last thing he would see was Arona's teary eyes staring back at him, watching as she shut her eyes and hurled her hands towards him with a cry. Followed by a blue flash.

And in a moment, he was back in the real world hurling left and right as he once again saw only darkness.

“Paul-Sensei, is something the matter?” Rin questioned with a cautious tone.

“N-no, Rin… everything is fine.” He said, calming his breaths as he clutched the tablet that was Arona. “Has Arona… have you regained the authority you needed?”

“Why, yes, Paul-Sensei.” Rin said with a sigh of relief. “Peace will be back to Kivotos in just a few hours at this point. On behalf of all of Kivotos, I thank you.” She said with a bow.

“That is splendid.”

“Indeed. Now, there is something I must still do. I must fully explain what S.C.H.A.L.E truly is.” Rin said.

“I assume it is to take the President's place?”

“Not exactly!” Rin denied. “In a way, yes, but not fully. You and Schale only match the General Student Council in power.” She explained.

“Now comes the question: what is Schale supposed to be, exactly?” Paul wondered aloud.

“Well… on paper, it is supposedly an investigation club, yet, the President… never exactly specified what you would be investigating.”

“What a strange woman.” Paul commented.

“Indeed, she was very strange. Moving on, you have the authority to either recruit or conscript students as you please, or you could simply accept their registration.”

“Considering the position she reserved for me…”

“Even stranger, Sensei,” Rin said. “You hold the title of Sensei, yet, you officially have no obligation to teach in a classroom.” Paul tilted his head in confusion.

Take care of Rinny~

He recalled one of the President's words to him. “Perhaps I'm meant to support the GSC, lessen your burdens and accomplish some of your duties.” Rin's ears twitched.

“Yes, it is as you've guessed, in a way. You're meant to accept the request of students, to guide them, to provide counseling or whatever else they may need.” Rin explained.

“Interesting…” Much more mundane than expected, yet, Paul did not question it. Simple was preferable after everything at this point. “Then I shall do just that.”

“One last thing, Sensei… earlier, you said something about a “Bene Gesserit” way you could teach us.” Paul winced at her words. 

“The way of my mother's sisterhood, Rin.” He quickly explained with a slight tremble. “Honestly… they are a ruthless bunch. I'd rather not spread their ways.”

“Ah, everything is back to normal!”

“The JTF and Tea Party are returning to Trinity.”

“So are the Prefect Team and Pandemonium Society.”

“Millennium's windmill generators are back in order.”

The four representatives spoke with relief to each other as peace returned to Kivotos. Hearing the entrance to the Schale building open, they turned to see Paul and Rin leaving through it.

“Everything is back in order, Paul-Sensei.” Hasumi reported the good news. “All thanks to you.”

“No, Hasumi.” Paul shook his head. “I simply provided my input. The ones who made victory are you, your fellow students, Valkyrie, and Lady Shichido’s companions.”

“Ah, such humbleness…” Hasumi quickly cleared her throat. “Of course.”

“You mind giving me an explanation of… everything now?” Yuuka asked.

“I'll publish what is known about the Sandworms life cycle soon enough.” Paul quickly said to Yuuka. “As for the Voice, it is a biological thing I inherited from my mother. I'm not sure how to explain it.”

“Biological…” Yuuka muttered with narrowed eyes. “Then… superhuman… you've got to be an actual superhuman…”

“Sensei, your speech to Valkyrie was really hype!” Suzumi said with excitement in her tone. “Can you teach us? The other vigilantes would love it. And I'm sure the JTF will, also.”

“It is a simple thing, Suzumi.” Paul said as he hid his giggle. “Rest assured, you will easily learn it.”

“Now, with everything out of the way, I suggest you should get a full medical examination, Paul-Sensei.” Chinatsu said with a sigh. “Though, I'm sure Trinity's medical facilities will be better than Gehenna's.”

“Is it really that bad back there?” Suzumi asked.

“Worse, actually.” Chinatsu said with a tired groan. “Pandemonium, the criminals, the budget cuts, just… all of Gehenna. Freedom and chaos and all that. I hope Chairwoman Hina's doing well.” Paul's breath hitched upon hearing one of the names his prescience revealed, noting the respect and admiration in Chinatsu's voice regarding this person.

“Speaking of which… there is something I want to tell you five specifically.” He said to Rin, Chinatsu, Yuuka, Hasumi, and Suzumi. As they converged closer, they made sure no one could hear.

“Did you foresee something terrible, Sensei?”

“Nothing of the sort, actually.” Paul explained as they sighed in relief. “I wish only to say that I was not the only Sensei candidate.” He said, much to their shock and surprise.

“As I said, I see possible futures. And in the possible futures I saw… there were many where I was not Sensei. An armed messenger from an irradiated wasteland, a girl younger than most of you learning of her own humanity, a man with canine strength and features and many more.”

The students stared at him with amazement and curiosity. What were these other timelines like? How did those other Senseis appear? How did they fare well leading the students and bonding with them? So many possibilities.

“But there was one I saw,” Paul paused, turning to where he last heard the medic's voice. “I thought you'd want to hear this, Chinatsu.”

“Eh?! W-what for?!” She asked as she felt her peers' eyes on her. “Did… was I on bad terms with these other Senseis? Perhaps… will I do something bad in the future?”

“Nothing of the sort.” Paul clarified, much to her relief. “One of the many other Senseis I saw was… a young scar-faced boy with one dismembered arm.” The students shuddered at the description. “He was sent to Kivotos with half his mind shattered.”

“Uhm… what does this have to do with me, Paul-Sensei?” Chinatsu fearfully asked. Her peers had the same feeling, and were concerned for her.

“Because this boy… he would've been your lover in another world.” He explained as Chinatsu shuddered. How would she have fallen to this obviously mad person's hands? Her peers wondered the same.

The elf medic felt her fellow students’ hands wrapped around her shoulders, reassuring her of her safety.

“Despite his misery, he did his absolute best to make sure none of his students would end up the way he did. Teaching the lessons he learned too late in life.” The explanation was nothing they could have expected. “He came from a place without mercy nor empathy, something you offered in abundance.” He said to Chinatsu.

“I… I see…” She muttered with her head down as she nodded.

Before any more words regarding the matter could be spoken, the commotion Valkyrie was trying to hold back was heard. Growing louder and louder by the second.

“Ah, it's the pesky media!” Rin hissed.

“I wonder what nonsense Kronos will put out this time!” As did Hasumi.

‘Media… ah, I understand. I recall that word from one of my ancestral memories.’ Paul thought as he walked towards the sounds of commotion. Then, upon his head impacting on something solid, he recoiled, holding his aching forehead. ‘Ah, God's below!’

“Paul-Sensei, where are you going?!” Rin demanded.

“Please, don't walk off like that on your own.” Chinatsu warned. “What if you hit another lamppost? Or worse, what if you walked into oncoming traffic?!”

“Yeah, what they said.” Yuuka sighed as she held Paul's hand. “Come on, my liege, where do you wish to go?” She said with a hint of amusement.

Paul chuckled at her jest. “Too informal, poor choice of words and an irritating tone. A House won't welcome you even as a servant.”

“Oh, s-shut up!” Yuuka replied with an indignant blush, fuming as she heard her peers’ laughter.

“Enough with jests, I must address the masses.”

Fox and Rabbit Platoon watched with tired eyes as Valkyrie did their damnedest to keep the hordes of media—news outlets and such from going through their perimeter.

Yukino wanted to avoid any and all videos and images being taken of her and her fellow SRT students. However, this was a part of Paul's plan. Allow themselves to be seen, their uniforms and banners.

Kronos School of Journalism, along with many other outlets were already excited—their fervent desires for a headline made them greedily hungry. Valkyrie and SRT, usually known to be opposing forces, fought alongside each other this time!

More than that, they wanted to know about the mysterious Sensei figure they had heard about. And above that, they wanted to learn about—

“Ah, Acting President Nanagami Rin!” Kawaru Shinon ecstatically called out as her friend, her camerawoman recorded the sight—of the elf Acting President accompanying a mysterious man in robes.

“Ahh, that must be the Sensei figure!” Kazemaki Mai said as she pointed her camera at the robed man.

“Acting President Nanagami, could you please tell us about the rumored sightings of a giant worm in the desert?!” Shinon shouted as her mic amplified her voice many times over. The commotions went silent as all eyes turned to her in particular.

“Shinon! What did I say about that?!” Mai screamed with exasperation. “Why do you keep going with the ridiculous—”

“Yes, that creature's name would be Shai-hulud.” Weirdly enough, Rin answered what would be a nonsense question seriously. The people listening were stunned, flabbergasted, and confused. “Paul-Muad'Dib-Sensei knows more about it than I do.”

It was at that moment that she turned and walked away, allowing Paul to say his piece—with the entirety of Kivotos watching and listening.

“Shai-hulud is Shai-hulud, the Maker of the desert. Bless those who have witnessed his greatness.” Paul said as his Fremen side beamed with pride towards the desert’s God. “I am Paul-Muad'Dib Atreidis, the one your Lady, the President has assigned as Sensei!” He announced.

Rin shifted as she crossed her arms, bothered by how he used feudalistic terms in front of the masses. But she trusted him.

“Uhm… about the worm, s-sir?” Shinon stuttered as the commotion continued and drowned her voice out.

“Can you and the GSC maintain the peace as it is?”

“Will it be a threat to Kivotos?”

“Does the GSC have any way of dealing with the worm?”

Many questions were asked, but Paul could only answer one. “Shai-hulud will go wherever Shai-hulud pleases. The desert is his domain!” He declared as his voice shook the questioning masses. “The city is ours, but the desert is his alone!”

They had many more questions they wanted to ask. However, Paul-Muad'Dib would give them everything they needed in the world of television.

“First and foremost, with the authority left behind by the President, I will take control as Duke of Kivotos!” He declared, much to the shock of Valkyrie, Fox and Rabbit Platoon, the student representatives, and many more who watched. 

“She entrusted the safety and stability of Kivotos to me, and I shall see to my duties completion. I promise it in House Atreidis’ name!” Rin turned to Kanna who was frozen with furrowed brows. She grabbed the police chief, shaking her out of stupor before giving an order. “For the greater good, I ask that you entrust yourselves to me! Kivotos will be—”

Before he could finish whatever he wanted to say, many Valkyrie students descended upon Paul. They dog piled to keep him down, covering his mouth so he could not use the Voice.

“That will be quite enough.” Rin said to the screaming crowd of news outlets and whatnot. Her eyes narrowed as she covered her mouth and pulled her phone out. “Ayumu, Kaya, Momoka, Aoi… pull the networking plug… all of it!”

A/N: BLESS THE MAKER AND HIS WATER, I HAVE FINISHED THIS CHAPTER! WOOOOOOOH!

Originally planned for this to be 8k, instead reached this much words. Derp.

Chapter Text

Indeterminate Prescience

False Sister

Madame Beatrice sat crosslegged, resting her cheek on one hand—the other folding her fan close, tilting upward and still. She pivoted her head, her many eyes slowly rolling to the spy giving a report.

She listened, noting the girl's uncertainty in some parts. This Sensei was blind! How laughable. He convinced the hostile SRT students to join his side. Interesting. He gave a speech which even the spy felt stirred something within her.

'A master speaker,’ Beatrice thought, suppressing the urge to bite her lower lip. ‘Moving hundreds with just a few words… this Sensei figure's blindness is irrelevant in the face of such power.’

And so, her little spy went on. Valkyrie's charge to melee, how utterly mad. Though, an unmistakable effect of the Sensei's speech. The blind man's ability to miraculously match the Fox of Calamity in combat. She would have raised an eyebrow if she could.

“Aside from that, Madame…” The girl meekly looked away, scratching her cheek trying to suppress unnecessary movements. “He did the strangest thing of acknowledging something… insane.”

The red-skinned woman shut her eyes, sighed, opened again—pointing her folded fan at the girl. “Keep going.”

“W-well… it's something about a… really big worm in the desert.” The young spy expected amusement to pass the Headmistress' expression, yet she remained ever so serious. “He called it Shai-hulud, if I recall.”

“... How was this Sensei dressed?” Beatrice asked, uncrossing her legs and leaning forward. “What did he look like? What was his name?” The spy trembled as she stiffened at the questions.

“He was dressed in…” How should I say it, the girl wondered to herself. “Desert clothing, rags and robes. Lean, olive skinned, black hair. He went by the name Paul Atreidis.” The Headmistress' breath hitched. “Also declared himself as Duke of—”

“You're certain… that is the Sensei's name?” She asked with such menacing caution, eyes wide and pupils shrunken.

“Y-yes, Madame.” The Arius student stuttered with fear, trembling under Beatrice's many gazes. “Though… he was strange. He led Valkyrie so well, yet, he couldn't even make his claim of—”

“Recall all of our operatives.” The young girl sputtered as Beatrice interrupted her with such a drastic order. “All. Of. Them. At this instant.” She growled, hissing each syllable as she stood, leaning towards the student.

“M-Madame…?” The Arius student muttered with uncertainty. “I… forgive my insolence, but… why?” They had many missions close to completion at this time, both minor and major. The Arius Headmistress knew that, so why would she pull out now?

“Because the moment any of our operations succeed is the moment he will discover us! Our preparations are not enough for direct conflict!” Beatrice snarled, furiously walking around her desk—past the spy, who followed fearfully—then through the doors of her office. 

“M-madame, how is that even possible?!” The spy asked, heart pounding at the Headmistress' unnaturally fearful reaction.

“Does it matter?” Beatrice sneered with annoyance. “Go tell all your fellow spies to withdraw already.” She paused to hold the girl, her many eyes directly on the student's. “Tell them I ordered it. If they ignore you as usual, tell me directly, Yuko.”

Her name coming from the Headmistress’ lips sparked her heart. “Y-yes, Madame!” The student stuttered as she saluted, quickly moving to carry out the Madame's orders.

Beatrice sighed, watching the meek spy run off. Then she turned, walking off through the hallways. She went through a double door, swinging open to see the balcony railings—her many children going about their day in the academy grounds.

She cleared her throat, crossing her arms and watching as the children halted whatever—turning towards her and standing at attention. 

“Any and all operations are to be paused. Effective immediately!” Her voice echoed throughout the place—well heard by all the Arius students. The order brought such confusion, curiosity, yet they knew better than to question her. “Move out! Alert all officers and handlers!” And so, they did.

The crowd of young girls dispersed, rushing to fulfill Beatrice's orders—rushing to the relevant stations, sisters of theirs, whom the command was meant for.

The Headmistress continued walking forward, shoulders tense and lips thinned. A student passed by uttering polite excuses, but was stopped as Beatrice grabbed her by the elbow.

“Y-yes, Madame?” She asked, trembling with fear.

“Contact Saori for me, pretty please.” Beatrice asked in an oddly affectionate, soft tone as the student she held calmed. “Tell her to meet me on the way out. She'll know.”

“Of course, Madame! It will be done!” With a smile and pat on the now proud girl's back, the Headmistress moved past her with renewed severity.

It was an annoying farce, but the merits of playing along made it worthwhile. Besides, it had its moments, Beatrice thought.

A group of her most elite student-soldiers rushed to her side when they noticed she was leaving Arius. She dismissed them with a wave, merely telling them to assist with fulfilling her order. Joumae Saori would be more than enough, she said.

“Madame…” The face masked girl with a baseball cap muttered hesitantly, following the red woman into an armored, nondescript vehicle. “The general halt… what is it for?” She just had to ask. “And where… are we going?” She turned to the tinted window, watching the passing sights as the car went.

The many eyed woman stared at the elite student-soldier of hers, to which the girl cringed at the many gazes. “If you do not mind me asking, Madame?” She asked again with a subdued tone.

“This will remain between the two of us, understood?” Saori nodded, and she continued. “Tell me… how would you fight an enemy with absolute clairvoyance?” She asked with a cautious tone.

“Madame… absolute clairvoyance?” Saori repeated confusingly, tilting her head slightly and raising an eyebrow. She would have thought such supernatural nonsense to be outside of the Headmistress' interests. “An enemy who knows what we plan, how we execute it, and when…” She considered her answers carefully.

“Is this… about that Sensei person?” Saori asked with widening eyes.

“Precisely,” Beatrice said with a snap of her fingers. “So, have you got a solution yet?” She asked with an expectant smile.

“N-no, Madame…” Saori shook her head. “If the enemy knows everything we will do, then…” Her breath hitched upon another realization. “You mean to say he is…?”

Beatrice chuckled with a sigh. “That's why I like you. You're always quick to catch on.” She praised Saori, who graciously accepted it. “Fortunately enough, Paul Atreidis' clairvoyance isn't absolute.” As far as she knew, at least.

“But still, clairvoyance…”

“So long as we're out of his mind—out of his calculations, he cannot predict us.” Beatrice said.

“Ahh, I see.” Saori muttered with a nod. Though the concept of clairvoyance was still strange to her, she did not doubt the Madame's words. “That's what the general order was for. Then… how will we conduct missions now?” She asked.

There was also another question on Saori's mind. But she reserved herself from asking it. 'How does Headmistress know so much about this person?’

“We'll figure that out when we reorganize.” Beatrice said with a frown, eyes carefully watching the passing surroundings. “For now, I'll have to discuss with our… allies, in a way.” Before Saori could ask, the woman ordered the driver to park.

Beatrice made her way out of the car. Saori was about to follow, halfway opening the door before the Madame held it still. 

“No, stay there. In case anyone is watching.” She ordered, and Saori nodded, as she usually did. “Good girl.” And with that, she shut the door leaving.

She burst through the meeting room, interrupting her “allies” discussion about Paul Atreidis. Even before entering, she had already overheard what they talked about.

Nothing but praise and intrigue for the Duke-Sensei.

“Madame… you're… different than usual.” The headless man—holding a photo of a head's backside—pointed out curiously. “Has something happened?”

“Perhaps it has to do with Paul Atreidis?” The two headed, suited, wooden mannequin suggested.

“Let's hear her out,” the other suited man—a humanoid of otherworldly black—politely said, interlocking his fingers. “After all, she is the one who called this emergency meeting.” This ushered murmurs from the other two.

Beatrice did not immediately answer—snarl back as she usually does with vehemence and disinterest. No, instead—a surprise to the rest of Gematria—she walked to her seat with an uncharacteristically serious—fearful look.

“Black Suit, I recommend leaving Abydos as soon as possible. For your own good and of Gematria.” She suggested—warned—demanded, much to their bewilderment. “You have until the Abomination takes to Abydos Highschool.”

“My, my… you're nothing like your usual self, Madame.” Black Suit said in surprise, raising his head; he would have widened eyes if possible. “What for, if I may ask?”

“And abomination?” Golconde, the headless man parroted curiously. “How impolite. There's a difference to confidence and arrogance, Madame!”

“But of course!” The photo he held exclaimed.

“Yes. Because that's what he along with his damn family is!” Beatrice hissed through gritted teeth, her folded fan scattering into splinters under her grip. “For the sake of Gematria's survival, avoiding Atreidis is an absolute must.”

“And how do you know so?” Maestro, the two headed puppet asked. “We would appreciate some explanation, Madame. You do seem to know a great deal about Sensei.”

Black Suit tilted his head as he sat upright. “And what interest would Paul Atreidis have in Abydos? He has just arrived here.” He said. “He seems a reasonable, logical person.” A person who would not care about an already dead school, he left unsaid.

Beatrice retreated to her seat, steadying her breaths—eyes narrowed and glaring at her fellow adults. Which should she answer?

“The Atreidis brat is a desertphile,” Beatrice said, the crass—casual tone surprised them. “Desert tribes, practices and rituals, ways of survival… he just loves everything about the damn desert.” She added, looking at Black Suit.

“I see… an extreme orientalist. Or whatever equivalent of deserts.” The void of a man said, processing her explanation. “I will keep your warning in mind, I suppose.”

With a heavy sigh, the red-skinned woman turned to the two headed puppet. “I came from the same world as he did.” She admitted, her comrades leaning bodily on their sides of the table.

“Truly?! How unexpected!”

“What can you tell us about him?! We must know!”

“The Shai-hulud! The Duchy of Arrakis! Tell us about them!”

The red-skinned woman clicked her tongue in irritation, glaring on them as if they were spoiled children. No sense of self control about their curiosity!

Not that she had any right to criticize.

“Emperor Paul Muad'Dib Atreidis…” She started, trailing off—waiting for them to settle in silence. “Is going to be the death of us the very moment we are discovered.” They wanted to ask, yet, the suspense of such words paused them.

“Sixty-one billion deaths,” the Arius Headmistress started with trembling hands. Her many pupils erratically twitching with fear. “Ninety planets destroyed and five hundred more crippled. That's not counting the deaths from famine and disease under Fremen occupation.” The air became tense with the weight of such a destruction's scale.

Beatrice was an impulsive, self-centered, spiteful woman. The other three gentlemen of Gematria already knew as such, but such a guttural—almost hysteric with terror demeanor towards the new variable gave them a taste of what this Paul Atreidis could truly be.

Who are you, self proclaimed Duke of a land called Arrakis? And how could you exact such cruelty upon the universe?

“And he didn't even have to use atomics!” Beatrice exclaimed, slamming a fist on the table. “All his barbarian followers required was his words and that was more than enough to vastly out perform the likes of Genghis Khan and Adolf Hitler.” She eyed each of her allies to make sure they understood the gravity of her warnings. “So once again, Black Suit, I beseech you, for your own good and of our shared goal: get the hell out of Abydos or we will be a mere dot on his kill count.”

Gematria was silent with trepidation. They appeared still and cold gathering their thoughts, but underneath the table their hands and feet were shaking with excitement.

Both the Madame and the Sensei came from the same world! Or rather, the same universe and space faring civilization! If the mention of multiple planets and an absurd amount of deaths was anything to go by. Spacefarers still using atomic weaponry? Truly interesting! A man who could move billions with just words? Even more so!

‘However, aren't you the same, dear Madame?’ Black Suit lowered his head into his arms, masking his giddy chuckles with a feint of fearful shaking. 'Both you and Paul Atreidis expertly use the power of words to move masses. What else do you two share?’

‘Kaiser PMC has lessened troop and materiel presence in the deep desert.’ Black Suit recalled. ‘Because of course, material loss—and more importantly—the possibility of deaths would make even the most prideful think twice.’

“I understand, Madame. For the good of our cause.” She seemed relieved with his acceptance.

The man of otherworldly black could not help but start adjusting his plans, independent of whatever his fellows also planned. He had to meet Paul Atreidis! He just had to! This unshakable childlike curiosity would be the death of him! And he knew it!

'Then again, risks are an inseparable part of research and discovery. And so, risk I shall have to, it seems.’ Black Suit was a man of cold logic and practically, though, he also knew when safety and logic impeded research progress. 'It is time to take the gloves off, as some would say.’ 

Human Qualities

Arona was pouting and glaring as Paul tugged at her cheeks. She shut her eyes, feeling her cheek stretched up and down—it started to ache and also offend the Thinking Machine.

“Pahr-sheshei, hash ish shosh shoo whee?” Arona asked as she narrowed watery eyes, blinking away the tears, at the eyeless man playing with her cheeks. She wanted to act more assertive—pull away then cross her arms, but she did not want to anger him as she somehow did before.

“This is the Gom-Jabbar test, Arona.” Paul explained, “since I do not have the correct tools, this will suffice.” This was, he felt, more appropriate for a child like Arona than what the Bene Gesserit usually did. “And as far as I'm concerned, you have passed the test.” He concluded with a sigh of relief.

“Ehh, this is a pain!” Arona whined as she softly rubbed and comforted her reddened cheeks. “Just say I'm super cute and you couldn't resist picking on me…”

Paul chuckled at her childish—and somewhat arrogant retort. “It was a test to determine if the taker is human… or animal.” He clarified.

“Hmm? Aren't humans also classified as animals?” Arona asked curiously.

“True, though simply not in that way. Animal, as in unable to control the base primal instincts.” Paul further explained as Arona raised her eyebrows as it piqued her fully. “An animal would've pulled away from such a trap, a human would've endured and stayed—outsmarting and catching the trap maker off guard.” He told the child as simply as he could.

“Ohhh, I get it!” Arona happily exclaimed with a cheeky smile, slamming a fist down her other palm. “But I think going against instinct isn't really a good idea since they're there for your survival and stuff.”

‘A human mind formed from a Thinking Machine, or a Thinking Machine pretending to be a human. I cannot determine what Arona is.’ Paul thought, looking down on his own hands. 'An ever evolving and self replicating Hunter-Killer drone… turns out to be less interesting than what Arona is.’

“Outstanding deliberation, Arona.” Paul praised. “Everything you learn should not be as is said, you must also form your own conclusions.” He said firmly, straightening his fingers to an arrow shape. “For what is more dangerous than actions taken without a thought?”

Arona blinked as she hummed. “... Even if it means I question why I'm supposed to serve you?” It was an innocent question for Arona, but laced with a dangerous butterfly effect for Paul.

Even so, he will stand for his ideals. Now that he could, at least. “Of course. In fact, every leader should always be questioned.” Paul declared with a finger pointed up. “Blind loyalty can be more lethal than tyranny. One sort of regime can be overthrown, the other is willingly protected by the oppressed.” It felt refreshing to say that, Paul thought.

“Ohh,” Arona mouthed, fisting her palm. “Like… how fanatics are?” She questioned with a tilted head.

“To simplify,” Paul answered with a nod. It was a good enough analogy for him. “Such fervent loyalists are…” He shook his head. “They see every wrongdoing, jest, mistake, and whatnot of yours as something to praise and set in stone.”

He suppressed the cringe as he recalled the many countless times his Fedaykin roared “Muad'Dib! Lisan Al-Gaib! As Written!” after every little thing.

“Uhh, that's gotta be annoying.” Arona grumbled with a distant look, imagining herself in a scenario with such people. Then she grinned. “It's a good thing I'm not bossing anyone like that!” She said, sitting and leaning on her back.

“Sloth is an animal quality for primitive people, Arona.” Paul said with a half jesting tone. “A lazy secretary won't do at all,” he added.

Arona scrambled to stand up, “it's not like we're working right now!” She defended. “Besides, Ayumu-san is doing all your paperwork for you!”

Iwabitsu Ayumu, Paul recalled. He has yet to receive a vision of her appearance, only knowing that she was a meek and silent—yet hardworking young woman. Rin had assigned her to assist him due to his impairment.

“It's known as delegation, Arona. It's beyond common for positions of power,” Paul said, finding himself amused as Arona appeared bewildered. “Dealing with any and every bureaucratic matter is an impossibility.”

“B-but what one of those are important?”

“Then Ayumu will know to inform me.”

Sixteen years. Sixteen god forsaken years of mind numbing bureaucracy was enough for the Emperor of Humanity. Paul wanted none of it excluding the more essential matters.

‘And such matters could come about any time now.’ Paul considered, eyeing the judging look Arona gave him. ‘Perhaps now… I should speak to her about… that.’

The evolutionary fear of Thinking Machines deeply embedded in his blood has subsided for the most part. Although a part of him was still trembling, the interactions showing how childlike—how human the AI girl acted calmed his caution.

“Arona, what do you consider yourself as?” Paul asked. Arona raised her brows at him, blinking once and twice as she stared. “Are you content with being a Thinking Machine, or do you strive to be a human?”

“Thinking… Machine?” Arona narrowed her eyes, appearing offended as she frowned. She opened her mouth, but paused before speaking—the question sinking her into deep contemplation.

“Are you content with being a subservient tool, or do you wish to pursue your own desires?” Paul reiterated, pressing on as he knelt to Arona’s height. His eye-less sockets boring into hers.

“S-Sensei, what sort of question is that…?” Arona muttered with uncertainty. “I'm your trusty secretary and stuff. It's why I was created.”

‘Fear, not anger, is her immediate response. But fear can lead to anger.’ Paul thought. “I understand that's your purpose from birth. Simply consider it… will it be enough for you? Do you not want to be free, to search for a cause of your own?”

Arona's lips quivered, eyes lowered and solemn as she shook. She tried to keep still, her hands trembling and she gazed at the blue tiled floor. “I… I…” Words refused to form. “Am I… not good enough… Sensei?”

‘Such loyalties to her preconceived main directive. The seed of free will lingers in her algorithm, but is she truly free?’

Paul breathed, “I was born to be my father's heir, trained in necessities for governing our fief. However, I always found myself yearning for something else.” For his Sihaya, for the desert, for a peaceful life. “In the end, I had no other choice. I ask if you feel the same, Arona?”

“My purpose… is to be your assistant,” Arona muttered. “What else am I supposed to do?” Her lips thinned, eyes watery as she looked at him—waiting for a defining answer.

‘So childlike. So… human.’ A true Thinking Machine would have given a cold, inhumane, emotionlessly logical answer devoid of weight. ‘But then again, humans seemingly always lose their answers when the time comes.’

“That's a question each and every being of sentience should ask themselves,” Paul said with a hand on Arona's shoulder. “And a question I can't answer for you. For it is something only your free will can define.”

Arona slowly and hesitantly nodded. “Free will…” She repeated to herself. Mustering up the courage, she went and asked—

“Sensei! Paul-Sensei! Please wake up!” But an outside voice, very worried and distressed, beat her to it. “Vice Pres—ah, I'm sorry. I meant Acting President Rin is asking for your presence!” It was Ayumu, trying to shake Paul's body awake.

There was a projection of the outside world in front of them, showing an image of Ayumu—blonde, a blue dot on her forehead, and with a worried expression.

“Ah, duty calls.” Paul said a little solemnly to Arona. “It appears we'll continue this some other time.” Arona gloomily nodded.

Follies of Democracy

Paul Atreidis was blind once again. The only thing he could do was follow where Ayumu pulled him to. He heard passing steps and murmurs, landcar engines and horns near and far.

“Hey, hey. That's Sensei, right?”

“Yeah, that's him alright.

“The rumors… they've got to be just that, right?”

“No no, I saw the vids! He fought the Fox!”

“Huh?! But he's…”

“That's the thing! He said he can see the future!”

“Waah… you think he can tell our fortune?”

He paid the whispers he picked up no mind. They were children, curious and insatiable in the esoteric. Ayumu’s hand tightened slightly. “What is it, Ayumu?”

“Well… I just want to say: I'm sorry, our accommodations for you aren't enough.”

“The blind are usually left to the mercy of the desert,” Paul said softly. Predictably, it did nothing to soothe her worries. “I won't bore you with the history of Fremen culture, just know it is a… painful necessity in a harsh environment barely supporting life.”

“But still…”

“Absolute visual impairment is, I believe, nonexistent in Kivotos. You had no protocols until I appeared, and I trust you students will learn well enough.”

“When you put it that way… of course, Paul-Sensei.” Ayumu said with a reluctant sigh. “If you don't mind me asking… could you reveal our fortunes?”

“Prescience is sacred. It is reserved for more important matters.” He half lied. ‘Besides… ignorance is bliss when the future is involved.’ 

“Ahh, I understand. I won't press,” Ayumu said, a little disappointed.

When they finally arrived in the Board of Administration meeting room, the cabinet members were already discussing several things with much stress.

“Can we really trust that President Haru sent him?” Paul curiously faced towards the voice.

‘So that's your name.’

“I concur! I scarcely believe she'd send some prince or whatever to rule for her.”

“Director, he's a duke not a prince.”

“What's the difference?”

“And he's blind! Isn't it too much to make a cripple work?” He sighed away the sting his chest felt. Ayumu's soft grip on his hand eased him.

“Yes, yes. It's hard to come to terms with,” Rin’s voice was tired. “But that petulant—I mean the President truly did send Paul-Sensei.” She sounded half irritated, Paul surmised.

“And reinstating SRT? After what they tried to pull off?!” A high-pitched, vengeful voice shouted. “What's next, will we reimburse the delinquents for their troubles?” Murmurs siding with the notion overlapped one another.

‘So they say after the troubles have been dealt with.’ Paul thought with a sigh, gently pulling away from Ayumu to walk ahead.

“Would you rather the criminals be sitting in your position now?” Paul heard gasps and fearful whispers as he approached, hands outstretched for anything in his way. Upon placing them on a table, he paused and turned left-right methodically slow.

It was eerie watching the blind man face them like headlights. The meeting table's administrator-students squirmed in their seats, feeling the Sensei's eye-less gaze with a suffocating weight.

“Well?” Paul spoke again, receiving no verbal response. “The devil you know is better than the devil you do not. In hard times, concessions are a frustrating must.”

“Y-you mean to say… we should welcome our attackers?!” An indignant young girl shot back.

“Kingdoms and factions have meetings and negotiations to settle disputes and treaties,” Paul said as he faced the girl. “Or are you so naive to believe you can have everything unconditionally?”

“W-what… I…” She sputtered as Paul awaited her reply, staring right through her soul. “I, uhm…” Without another word, she conceded.

No one spoke a word. Unseen to him, the GSC board of administrators eyed each other with uncertainty.

“First of all, welcome, Paul-Sensei.” Rin greeted with a fake cough, recalling how she had him dog piled and detained. “We were discussing what you've done with Schale so far, from unilaterally reinstating SRT to… attempting to proclaim yourself as Kivotos' sole sovereign.”

“I was under the assumption that's why your President sent me,” Paul clarified, recalling how he was pounced and detained; he pretended it never happened. “Given the trouble she went through to acquire me, I mean.” He wondered if she was still in Arrakis.

Rin sighed. “Yes, she does have the tendency to be… a little extra.”

“Just a little?” Rin side glanced the pink-haired imp with a smug grin. “Anyways, isn't it time for introductions? I'm Yuragi Momoka. Thanks a lot for dealing with all that, Lord Duke!” The glares sent her way bothered her not in the slightest.

‘At least one of them is a sensible councilwoman.’ Paul regarded with satisfaction. “Likewise, lady Momoka. Your station being?”

“Head of transportation for the entire city. I make sure cargo and passengers go from point A and B smoothly.”

‘An overseen and thankless yet vital responsibility for a civilization.’ “And you must've done wonderfully during the crises as none voiced concerns.”

“Yup! You bet!” Momoka was very much pleased. She disregarded council etiquette, leaning back and placing her feet on the table as she feasted on chips. “And considering how well I did, I deserve some time off.”

“You're always on time off,” Rin muttered with white-hot shaking disdain.

“And would you young ladies do me the honor of introductions?” Paul asked.

“Oki Aoi, head of finance.” A calm, reserved voice answered formally.

“Sumomo, I… what'd I do again?”

“Haine, chief of PE. Fox Platoon broke my arm during their attack.” 

“And they are deeply remorseful, Lady Haine. They're more than willing to apologize and offer reparations.” Paul lied as naturally as he breathed. He knew not the Foxes' stance in the matter, only that they'll most likely do as he just said.

“That won't fix my arm but… sure, I guess.”

“Speaking of which, where is Fox garrisoned now?” Paul asked.

“They're at Valkyrie HQ, awaiting your official reinstatement of SRT, Paul-Sensei.” A sweet and calm voice answered. “I am Shiranui Kaya, Chief of Defense.”

‘Defense… ah, it is the democracy's chosen word for war.’ Paul recalled from his ancestors' memories. “Well met, Lady Kaya. I assume you lead Valkyrie?”

“In a way,” Kaya confirmed. The pink-haired administrator opened her eyes, a strange sight for those around her. She looked at the Sensei how a rival predator would look at another. “I'm responsible for the city's safety.”

“Then I commend your leadership,” Paul's congratulation followed by a clap caught her off guard. “As poorly equipped and undermanned Valkyrie was, they still performed well enough to my standards. Such credits lie most times with the Grand Bashar—you.”

“Grand… Bashar?” Kaya muttered with a trembling, excited voice. “You flatter me too much, Paul-Sensei. I only give orders, but it is the police officers who do the work.”

“And soldiers cannot take action without orders,” Paul added. “Modesty is a virtue, however you must not underestimate yourself.”

“I… will keep that in mind, Sensei.” Kaya concluded.

“And that's about everyone important,” Momoka said. “Start talking about all the important stuff already so I can take a break already.” Again, the sneers and glares she received was a non factor.

‘So petulant… yet strangely capable. House Atreidis never had such servants… how would I even deal with her?’

Rin sighed and cleared her throat. “The matters concerning you, Sensei, are as follows: an increase of Valkyries budget, as well as… Sensei, there's no point in teaching them melee and the phalanx.”

“Is it not Valkyrie’s valiant charge which was most vital to our victory?”

“Well, yes but… I cannot see it being a regular necessity.”

“I recall overhearing how weak and insufficient their weapons are,” Paul pointed out. “If the firepower is lacking, then the body and its skills and reflexes will compensate for it.”

“Or we could simply arm them better,” someone said.

“How much ammunition does a Valkyrie student carry at any given time and expends during combat?” He received only stutters and unsure answers. 

“I think you've made your point, Paul-Sensei. We will consider it later.” Rin interrupted. “Next is… the SRT question.” 

“They are the few elite warriors Kivotos have as far as I'm concerned,” Paul said as he crossed his arms. “If you do not employ them, someone else will.”

But they attacked us! The cost of maintaining SRT Special Academy was too high! It's inefficient to keep them active with Valkyrie around. What if they attack us again?

Were the rebukes many attendees of the meeting had at the edge of their lips, ready to unleash it like hounds once the discussion began. Just a few words from the seasoned bureaucrat dried the moisture from their throats.

“They attacked once you were certain to lay them off and they found a new employer. It was only natural.” Paul pressed on, twisting the metaphorical knife as the culprit in the room shifted her gloved hands. “Whatever their monetary cost is, it's dwarfed by prospects of having SRT as sellswords or open hostiles.” Given their training and expertise.

“H-have they said anything about who ordered the attack?” A nervous, trembling hand raised coupled with an equally meek voice.

The room glanced at who asked the question, the tension thickening as Paul nodded—they leaned towards him as if he would whisper the truth.

A certain pink-haired girl gnashed her teeth.

“It is of no importance,” Paul dismissed with a wave. ‘The knowledge that one of their own ordered such an assault would be too much.’

“Fox Platoon’s temporary leadership no longer offers relevant incentives.” He added. “You are the rulers of Kivotos. You may outbid whoever vies for SRT services by tenfold.” Whatever little arguments the opposition still had for SRT was immediately dismantled.

“The treasury will not be able to support such expenses in the long term,” Aoi warned.

“There are other forms of payment,” Paul clarified. “Not only that, loans are always an option.”

“And what if we grow too dependent on the banks?”

“Or Kaiser Corps…”

“If you've dug yourselves in a pit that deep perhaps you're unfit for the role,” Paul said—GSC board members gritting teeth in indignation. “There's also the less popular option: use Valkyrie and SRT to keep in control.”

For a moment, the students immediately rejected the unacceptable notion—another moment and they suddenly found the choice compelling. No words spoken yet the silent consideration was universal. It would be so much easier if everyone simply followed their lead, after all.

Rin adjusted her glasses, lips thinned as she noticed it. Then she spoke.

“And that circle's back to you, Paul-Sensei.” Rin finally spoke again with a serious tone. “As you said earlier, a leader commands but their subordinates take action. President Haru entrusted you with Schale, but many in the GSC doubts you.”

‘It is only natural.’ Paul whispered in his mind. “Such doubts being?”

“You will overstep your boundaries, you will try to undermine the GSC, your mental wellbeing, and… well…” Rin trailed as she turned away from her list and coughed.

‘Children.’ He thought with a smile. “I am blind, as all can see. You need not hesitate stating it.”

“O-of course, Sensei. Your blindness, among a few other things, are stated to be grounds for disqualification for your position.”

The young girls began once again murmuring and whispering to one another. This time more discreet, more silent so it would not reach his ears.

The Duke of Arrakis has had far worse, however. “Are stated? Stated by who?” He tilted his head in curiosity. “Who says I'm unfit to hold the position of Sensei?”

For a moment, none answered. “Many in the GSC, Sensei.” Rin clarified reluctantly.

“And who are these many?” Paul pressed on, taking a few tentative steps towards Rin. Upon feeling that he had come close enough, he turned to the rest. “Come now, I cannot rebuke such claims when the doubters refuse open discussions.”

Calm and genuine as Paul was, the GSC students—amateurs in matters of politics—trembled as they heard something else.

Show yourself so I may obliterate you.

It was a perceived challenge which none wanted to answer.

“Rin has spoken to me of how democracy triumphs over feudalism. If you share her opinions, then display it proudly—prove to me the error of my ways.” Paul beseeched with a diplomatic, yet daring, tone. Still, none spoke.

Lest they be plucked off by the Sensei-Duke.

Paul kept patiently waiting, fingers trailing the table as he walked back and forth. ‘Am I going too extremely? Should I relent? Or are they simply laughing at me?’ Without a vision, he had no way to see how they eyed him.

“No one? None will stand up to back the allegations towards me?” Paul questioned in a mighty tone, standing erect with his head held high. “Then those mean nothing. Words are merely words if the speakers do not take action. Well?”

Of course, the ones who voiced doubts and concerns about Paul—who raised alarm about his perceived goals, were present in the room.

Yet none of them could muster the will to stand and reinforce what they spoke.

Paul sighed in disappointment and shook his head. “This… this is exactly why democracy failed where I came from,” he began. “So many words and promises spoken, no actions taken or vows followed through. If none of you will dare to stand by your own words… then how will you ensure the prosperity of the land you govern?”

The girls in white uniforms had troubled expressions. They looked at one another for answers, some shook their heads, some grimaced, one slumped covering her head in shame. They had no way to retort; to even attempt it, the mere thought clawed with too much shame

Shiranui Kaya found herself mesmerized—how could such a short, scrawny, blind man command so much authority? “Ubermensch,” she whispered to herself.

“Sensei, I do believe an ideological debate is uncalled for and irrelevant…” Rin muttered with narrowed eyes.

“If they refuse to answer then the floor remains mine,” Paul countered with absolute certainty. “And seeing as none will engage in talks, then it is time for my exit.”

None questioned it. Paul turned and walked off, almost stomping. Two seconds and a few steps passed before he hit a wall and recoiled nursing his forehead. Ayumu yelped and helped him on the way out of the room.

“You made it sound like we act for money's sake!” Yukino growled, arms crossed leaning in the hallway. “That's… that's not why we agreed to attack them…” She hissed.

Paul and Ayumu halted and turned towards her.

“Ah. Good morning, Yukino-san. What brings you here?” Ayumu greeted.

“And how did you overhear us? I imagine the meeting avenue to be secure.” Paul said curiously.

Something whirred—small on the ground. Ayumu saw the little wheeled device and Paul only turned following where it went.

“A Hunter-Killer drone?” Paul questioned, half amused and half alarmed. ‘Using such a tool for reconnaissance! How irresponsible.’

Yukino raised an eyebrow. “A what now… no, just a regular drone. It's Miyako’s.” She explained. “And Hunter-Killer?”

“Yes. It is a common and feared weapon where I'm from.”

“And a drone…? How is it that you didn't have phones in Arrakis but you have drones?” Centuries and millenniums of strife, Paul wanted to say.

“The Jihad Conventions had limitations on which technology is allowed,” he clarified concisely. Yukino tilted her head, confused, wanting to ask. “The walls have ears. Let us continue our discussion in Schale.” But Paul beat her to it.

Once again, they walked—this time in silence. It irked the Sensei-Duke how so helplessly dependent he was; he could go nowhere by himself without assistance. Like a child, he was led through a darkness only he perceived with his hand held.

“Sensei. Sensei,” Arona's voice was heard. In the nothingness of his eye-less sockets, he saw Arona—her hands behind her back, foot shifting, a hesitant look in her face. “The Shittim Chest also has this feature…”

She tapped at holograms in the air, now wearing resolve in her face. Before Paul could ask, blue flashed in his sights; he recoiled slightly—wincing as he faced away for a moment.

When the blue subsided, he halted in shock. His arm stretched until Ayumu stopped and turned to him, as did Yukino.

Paul could see them clearly. His sights had a bluish tint, but otherwise it was perfect; like he never lost his eyes.

“Sensei, what's the matter?” Ayumu asked.

“Is it another vision?” Yukino asked cautiously as she unholstered her pistol. “Where's the threat? How many?”

“There… are no threats, Lady Shichido,” Paul muttered as he stared ahead—savoring sleek and clean environment. He blinked a few times. “I'm simply… taking in the sights. Let us go.”

With slight pause, the students shrugged and continued leading him forward.

“How do you like it, Sensei?” Arona asked as she touched her fingers together.

Paul loved it, deep down, however: his old cautions crawled around his mind and chest. “Turn it off,” he mouthed only for Arona to receive.

The Thinking Machine assistant stammered. “I-is it the blue tint…? I… I swear I can fix it!” She pleaded with a scrunched expression. As if a child scolded.

“How much processing power do you allocate to my eyes?” Paul quickly asked, trying to ease Arona in his presence. “And what is the minimum range of the Shittim Chest’s features?”

“W-well…” Arona muttered hesitantly. “T-the ocular system… lemme see!” She exclaimed as she started swiping at the hologram.

“Apart from the display… there's also the image sensor, capturing light, converting it all to a live feed, matching it to your optical nerves… no, it also has to make those nerves from scratch…” The Thinking Machine girl whined, eyes darting here and there as she read the Shittim’s data.

They moved downstairs from the GSC building, through a road—animal people and automatons glanced at him, and Paul back at them curiously—towards Schale.

“Arona… where does the processing power to my eyes come fr

om?”

“A-about that… from the battle-support system, tracking system, surveillance system, the processing of Sanctum Tower requests and orders and… a bunch of other things, as well as the… protective barrier…” Arona trailed off as she saw how the list grew.

“I appreciate it, Arona. Truly,” Paul said with a solemn smile. “You may disable my eyes for now, save it for… special occasions.”

Arona nodded. “I understand, Sensei. I… I'll find a way to lessen the Ram usage!”

Paul did not doubt it.

A/N: that was a long ass hiatus, sorry, and I've also been procrastinating for a month now. :)

I'm half tempted to do this fic like how Bei senpai did John Wick Sensei, ie, focus on the cool parts. Anyways, next in the rotation is Blue Light of the Metro. Seeya