Arakawa sat at her computer terminal, thinking about that strange dream she had. Lady Himari had explained it very well. It was completely logical that she had dreamed the events at the Maple Inn. Still something nagged at her. Why had she gotten so drunk? She didn't even LIKE to drink.

?All staff report to the main conference room in ten minutes? the overhead speaker announced.

Arakawa checked the virus supply status. Upon the page opening up on her computer, she saw large red letters over the batch files that read 'SANITIZED'.

?What's this?? she asked, and tried to bring up the production files. A white page with large letters reading 'Unauthorized' greeted her.

She tried again, searching for a way to figure out what was happening. From what she could see, the tank had been cleaned and purged, all the diclonius virus was gone. Any information about the virus was now either wiped from the system or she no longer had access to the files that she could find.

?All staff report to the main conference room in five minutes.? the overhead speaker announced.

?Hey, Miss Arakawa, we better go,? her lab tech said as he walked out the door.

?What happened to all my work?? Arakawa asked, as if he could answer.

The man shrugged and said, ?I'm sure this meeting will tell us. We better go.?

?How am I suppose to work like this!? she complained. ?And not even decent facilities here, I haven't had a good bath since ... since Lucy...? she stopped short in her complaining. She HAD taken a bath with Lucy. The perfect water temperature, the large tub with the constant trickle of fresh water. It was no dream, she was there!

?Excuse me, Lady? Your presence is requested in the conference room,? a gentle female voice said.

?I'll be right there!? Arakawa snapped, then froze in place as she looked at the woman. The woman who'd come in wore a white robe like Lady Himari. The woman also had dark violet hair and horns. Her horns were painted in rainbow stripes.

?You ... you're a...? Arakawa stuttered.

?I am a white robe, yes,? the woman said with a smile. ?Please come along, Lady Hakata is waiting for us.?

>>>

?There must be something that can be done,? Yuka said, begging the doctor.

Nana who appeared to be sleeping peacefully, lay in the hospital bed with life support equipment attached to her. A tube coming out of her mouth ran over to a machine that quietly moved bellows up and down, taking breaths for her. Wires coming out of her chest led to a device with a monitor that shocked her heart, making in constrict and beat. A brainwave monitor set up with wires attached to her head only showed flat, green lines.

Kouta looked down on her , his face crimped up in pain.

?Everyone has done their best. It was the massive blood loss,? The doctor explained. ?That man Kita nearly bled himself out to keep her alive on the way here. The truth is that even then, not enough oxygenated blood reached her brain. With his help, we did heal her body but her brain did not survive. I am so sorry to say this, but the Nana you knew, is no more. What you see before you is an empty shell.?

?I ... I can't do it,? Kouta said in a croak. ?I can't kill Nana.?

?You are not killing her, Nana is already gone. All you can do now is let her go,? the doctor said, and tried to hand Kouta the clipboard that authorized stopping life support.

Kouta refused it. ?She's in a coma, right? People can come out of comas, I've heard stories,? he said.

?There is no brain activity, not even enough nerve cell activity left to let her breathe on her own. She's not coming back,? the doctor explained, and tried to hand Kouta the clipboard again.

Kouta slapped it away. ?No! I WILL NOT KILL NANA!? he screamed. He tried to flee, but Lucy caught him. She held him tight as he first struggle to get away, then broke down and cried on her shoulder.

Shifting her gaze to the doctor, Lucy said, ?Kouta has told you his answer.?

?Look at the financial aspect, you're going to pay large amounts of money to keep a dead woman's heart beating,? the doctor said. ?She cannot live without this equipment, and she will never wake up.?

Yuka put a hand to her mouth and asked, ?Doctor, may we have a few minutes??

The doctor nodded. He put the form down on a cart beside Nana, and left.

Yuka moved over and wrapped her arms around Kouta and Lucy, which brought them into a three way hug. Slowly, she said, ?This is ... so hard. But, if that was me lying there, I wouldn't want all of you to suffer like this. I'd want you to move on.?

?As would I,? Lucy said softly.

?Nana doesn't deserve this,? Kouta said in a sob. ?She is the most cheerful ... wonderful girl .... She deserves to be happy, to watch Mariko grow up.. to...? planting his head on Lucy's shoulder, he held her tight and said, ?It's not fair.?

Lucy petted Kouta's hair saying, ?I know. And husband or not, it's not fair to demand you be the only one who decides.? Lucy gazed sadly over at Nana. ?Kouta, let Nana go. She would not want to see you so sad.?

?I can't,? Kouta said weakly.

Yuka and Lucy looked at each other. Yuka gave Lucy a slight nod. ?Yuka, hold onto Kouta tightly,? Lucy said softly. Reaching out with her vectors, she wrapped two around Kouta and Yuka.

?What are you doing?? Kouta asked fearfully.

Yuka tightened her grip. ?Just hold us, my love,? she said, her voice quivering. She pulled his head over onto her shoulder.

Kouta's eyes widened as he realized what Lucy had planned. ?No, no, don't do it!? he yelled, struggling against them.

?Please don't make this any harder,? Yuka said with a sob.

Kouta dropped down, slipping from their physical grasps, then pushed back against Lucy's vectors. Afraid he was going to hurt himself, Lucy left him go. Kouta shot over and knelt by Nana's head. Holding her hand, he said, ?Nana, you have to wake up now. This is your last chance. Come on, squeeze my hand, move something ... anything. You have to let us know you're still here. You have to do it now, come on Nana!? he begged with tears in his eyes.

Yuka sat down on the edge of the bed wearing a grief stricken face. She looked up at Lucy and shook her head. ?I don't have any strength left, I can't take this.?

?Nana, NANA! You have to move NOW!? Kouta cried.

Lucy closed her eyes and took a deep breath. As she tried to regain some resolve, she sensed each of her family, especially Kouta's agony. At one time, she had torn Nana's limbs from her body. At the moment, she would sooner rip her own limbs off, rather than do what needed to be done. Without seeing, she knew Yuka was at the foot of the bed. Kouta was by Nana's head, pleading with her to move. Nana lay motionless....

Lucy snapped her eyes open and stared at Nana. She had been around so many diclonius lately that sensing one had ceased to be something she paid attention to. She could sense Nana. If she could sense Nana, then that meant that on some level, Nana was still here.

Walking around the bed, Lucy thought hard. The doctor said Nana's brain wasn't working. Kita had been spent by the time they got to the hospital. He had focused on keeping her alive, healing the wounds he could see. No one had tried to heal Nana's damaged brain.

?Lucy, what..? Yuka asked, then fell silent as Lucy raised a hand to quiet her.

Standing opposite of where Kouta was kneeling beside Nana, Lucy sent out a vector into Nana's head. Mimicking what she had felt when Lady Hakata had entered her mind, she searched Nana's mind. While it was true there was no activity, Nana's mind was not dead. Her brain cells were alive, but needed something to wake them up. Something Nana enjoyed, something that would spark her attention. Kouta's pleading was literally falling on deaf ears, he wasn't getting through to her. Nana needed stimulus from her own body. Kneeling down, she reached over the bed and took Kouta's hand.

?Kouta, what does Nana enjoy the most?? Lucy asked.

?What?? he asked, giving her a confused look.

?When it's her turn, or at any time, what does Nana enjoy feeling the most?? Lucy asked again.

?Breastfeeding,? Yuka said automatically. ?Haven't you seen her face when she feeds Mariko? It's like she's in heaven.?

?Yeah,? Kouta agreed. ?She really does love that.?

?Then do it,? Lucy said, and ripped Nana's hospital gown open.

?You ... you mean...? Kouta stuttered.

?Do you want Nana back?? Lucy asked harshly.

?Yes,? Kouta stated.

Pulling Nana's gown apart to expose her breasts, Lucy said, ?Nurse on her. You on that side, I'll take this side. Yuka, rub her feet, tickle them, just keep touching her. Nana needs stimulation.?

?But, that is so ... perverted,? Yuka said weakly as she eyed Lucy bending over to suckle on Nana's breast.

?We need to stimulate her, just do it,? Lucy said firmly, then latched onto Nana's right nipple and sucked.

Kouta leaned over and took Nana's other nipple in his mouth. He sucked, and felt the warm milk enter his mouth. Not knowing what else to do, he drank as he suckled. Her milk did taste really good.

Yuka rubbed Nana's feet, trying to ignore them. ?I really hope no one sees this,? she said as she blushed deeply.

A few moments later, a soft moan came from Nana. Her hands rose up and cupped the back of Lucy and Kouta's heads.

>>>

Hearing his door open, Director Kakuzawa turned from looking out the picture window of his office to see a pair of black suited men come in wearing serious faces.

?I don't remember calling for anyone,? he said in warning.

One man walked up to his desk, and pulled out a paper. ?Mr. Kakuzawa, this is an order of termination from the Prime Minister. You are no longer in the service of our country.?

?I'm being fired?? Kakazuawa asked in a chuckle.

?Yes sir, effective this moment you are terminated.?

Director Kakuzawa pointed at the door and said, ?Then get out of my facility. This is my land, my personal property I have built up with my money. You men are trespassing.?

The other man came up and slapped another bunch of papers down on the desk. ?Wrong sir, as written in a treaty between our Emperor and Lady Hiromi in 1941, the government of Japan acknowledges all land and holdings of any of Yukaita's sect, belongs to the common welfare of the sect, not to any individuals, or Japan. We have discovered you are of the sect of Yukaita. In accordance to that treaty, this island and everything on it has been handed over to the Elder of the sect.?

Throwing his head back, Director Kakuzawa roared in laughter and said, ?They are long dead and gone! My lawyers will have a party with you!?

?Not dead, not gone,? came an aged voice from the doorway. Lady Hakata appeared and walked toward them.

Kakuzawa stared at her. As she approached, he studied her, then asked, ?Hakata? Is that you??

?Lady Hakata,? she said, emphasizing her title. ?And I thought you had been lost also. Now I find you here, causing trouble and disgracing our people. I am having your virus destroyed, and sisters are searching for any more youngsters you may have secreted away in those steel vaults.?

Face open in surprise, Kakuzawa said ?But, the village was destroyed. I watched the bombs hit. How did you survive??

?How is not important. Your actions, and answering for the crimes you've committed are,? Lady Hakata said sternly.

Face screwing up in anger, Kakuzawa clenched his fist and yelled, ?How dare you say that to me! You were there, you witnessed the battles. You saw our children and friends gunned down. We cannot live in peace with these ... humans! We need to show these useless monkeys that WE are the superior race. It is WE who deserve to rule THEM. I will not hide in some forsaken village and wait for another attack. I will go ON the attack and fill this world with our kind!?

?You are insane, devoid of any emotion other than hate. That is why your mind hands were permanently disabled in your brain. Unfortunately, that did not stop the hate that burns your soul. I do feel sorry for you,? Lady Hakata said apologetically. Her voice hardened. ?But you have murdered and destroyed many lives without a hint of remorse. That must not go unpunished. Even Yukaita herself cannot forgive one such as you.?

?And what will you do? Hand me over to these monkeys so they can parade me around as a prize?? Kakazuawa asked, spitting the words at her.

Lady Hakata shook her head. ?No. As stated in the treaty, you are of the sect, so the sect must deal with you. I wish you a happier afterlife. May you find peace.?

Realizing what she meant, Kakuzawa reached for his gun. Halfway though the motion, his body jerked as a wet slicing sound was heard. His head rolled down off his neck, and his body fell to the floor.

Lady Hakata let out a sigh and said, ?So sad, indeed. The fault was not entirely his. Let us hope this time of agony passes quickly.? To the men beside her, she said, ?You may inform your Prime Minister this matter is being dealt with. Lady Himari has created a center for people who unexpectedly have children of the sect. Please be sure knowledge of it is spread. Far too many have suffered already.?

?Lady Hakata, what of this facility?? one of the men asked.

Lady Hakata looked around the office and said, ?This is a place of sadness and despair. Once we collect our people, we will leave this place to the discretion of the Prime Minister. I would ask he tear it down and use the materials here for scrap.? She turned and walked out.

<<<< five years later>>>>

?Papa's home!? Mariko cried happily upon seeing Kouta remove his shoes in the entryway. The light violet haired girl bore a wide opened happy face as she ran, then in a long leap, dove into his arms. Kouta dropped his briefcase and caught her just in time. He'd no more than regain his balance when Kanae ran around the corner. Racing at him with her dark hair flying to partially obscure her head band, she leap into his arms with a cry of, ?Welcome home, PAPA!?

Kouta caught Kanae and hugged his girls. He laughed and asked, ?So my young ladies, how was your day? Did you have a good day at school, Mariko??

Mariko bounced her head up and down. ?I sure did! Wanna see what I learned?? Leaning over to look at his briefcase, Mariko frowned, and the briefcase lifted up in front of them. She then spun it like a top as she giggled. As it spun, it suddenly flew off to hit the wall, just missing the grandfather clock.

?Sorry, Papa,? Mariko said as her cheeks colored.

?Hmm, not bad hon, but maybe you should practice more at school,? Kouta mussed.

?I want to go to school too,? Kanae said, turning her lip down in a pout.

Kouta couldn't help but smile. Kanae looked so cute when she frowned like that. ?Next year, sweetie,? he told her. Although she bore her mother's horns, Kouta couldn't help but see his sister's face in his daughter.

?Papa, Mayu's home, she brought a boy with her. Are they gonna get married?? Mariko asked.

?Let's go find out,? Kouta said, and carried his girls into the dinning room to find Mayu standing by a boy who looked like he was trying to hide behind her.

?Hey Mayu, welcome home,? Kouta said all smiles. Mayu had grown into a very pretty young lady. Her first year of college had gone well grade wise, and now it appeared she was getting better at trusting others.

?Hi Dad,? Mayu said, putting an arm around her boyfriend. ?This is Takashi. Takashi, this is my dad,? she said, beaming with pride.

Bowing, Takashi said, ?Hello, sir. It is an honor to meet you.?

?Ahh, I see you've met,? Yuka said as she came in, wearing a maternity smock that smoothed out her bulging stomach. Pausing by Kouta, she kissed him, then said, ?All right girls, get down and let your father breathe.?

?Yes, Mama Yuka,? they said begrudgingly.

?So, mom, when am I going to have another sister?? Mayu asked.

?Brother,? Yuka corrected. ?And I will finally get to be first at something,? she said with a wink.

?Be first?? Takashi asked with a confused look.

From the entrance, Lucy yelled, ?Hey, we're home! We brought ice cream, but only for good little girls!?

Mariko and Kanae turn to the sound and went running with a happy yell of, ?Mama Lucy brought us ice cream!?

?Mama ..... Lucy?? Takashi asked.

?It's complicated,? Mayu said sheepishly.

?I take it you have a question?? Kouta asked him.

Takashi hesitated, then said, ?Well, I noticed both of Mayu's sisters have horns, but none of you do.?

Lucy walked in, a girl in each arm. A shopping bag dangled from one elbow. Her hair had darkened to a brilliant red. The girls in her arms pushed on her bosom, making the cleavage of her white blouse seem bottomless. Lucy walked up and kissed Kouta.

Right behind her, Nana strode in. The pink sweater she wore was strained across her ample chest. Her horns bore flower designs. She stopped and gapped for a second, then cried, ?MAYU!?

?NANA!? Mayu screamed back. They ran into each other's arms and hugged each other as they bounced with joy.

Casting a grin at Mayu and Nana's joyful reunion, Lucy eyed the boy and asked, ?Who's the boyfriend??

Still hugging Nana, Mayu pointed with an arm as she introduced people. ?This is Takashi, Takashi, meet my mother Lucy, and THIS is Nana!?

?You have two mothers?? he asked. Looking at Lucy's head, he noticed her horns that were painted the same color as her hair. He also couldn't help noticing the size of Nana's chest. Nana had huge breasts. Forcing his eyes back to her face he said, ?Ah, so the girls are yours, but...? he then shifted his gaze to Mayu and asked, ?But your mother is pregnant too??

Nana frowned at him and asked, ?Don't I count??

?Of course you do!? Mayu said. Then told Takashi, ?Nana is my best friend, but she's my mother too.?

?THREE mothers?? Takashi said as he gapped at her.

?I told you it was complicated,? Mayu said defensively.

Casting a crooked grin at Mayu, Lucy winked and said, ?And yes dear, we still take our turns.?

Mayu grimaced and said, ?Ohh, come on! Please don't get perverted in front of my boyfriend.?

Eyeing Mayu with a smirk, Lucy asked, ?You mean you're not??

?Uhoh,? Nana said and looked down at her sweater. ?Darn, I'm leaking again.?

?But, aren't you finished breast feeding?? Mayu asked. ?I mean, Kanae is four and Mariko is five.?

?I never said I was feeding the girls,? Nana said with a grin as she glanced at Kouta.

?Ughhh,? Mayu grumbled. Casting a sad look at Takashi, Mayu said, ?I'm sorry my parents are all perverts.?

?No problem,? Takashi said, then shifted his gaze to a painting on the wall. Seeing this, Yuka said, ?Mayu painted that, she did a great job.?

?That is good, ... Hey, isn't that Lady Himari??

?Yes, she stayed with us for a while,? Mayu said.

?You know Lady Himari?? Takashi asked again with wide eyes.

?Yes, we work for her at the center,? Nana told him.

?Which reminds me, she's coming over for dinner tonight. You'll get to meet her, you ARE staying for dinner,? Lucy told him.

Takashi grew a smile as he asked, ?Really? I mean, she's like ... the Mother Theresa of Japan. She's famous!?

?Tonight is going to be a big dinner,? Yuka said wearing a satisfied smile. ?It's going to be fun.?

Lucy put the girls down. ?But you need to take it easy, Yuka. We'll take care of dinner,? she said.

?I'll put the food away,? Mayu said, and took the grocery bag.

?I want to help too!? Mariko announced. ?Come on Mama Nana, let's help!? she said, grabbing Nana's hand.

?Me too!? Kanae cried as she bounced in place.

?Let's go,? Mayu said cheerfully.

?Nice to meet you, Takashi-san,? Lucy said, then followed Nana and the girls out.

?Hands off the ice cream until after dinner,? Yuka called after them.

?Yes, Mama Yuka,? they chorused back, then giggled.

Kouta listened, as if waiting. A crash was heard, then Mariko's cry of, ?OHHH, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to do that!?

?There go the new dishes, they didn't even make it to the cupboard this time,? Yuka said with a sigh.

?She hasn't missed a day yet,? Kouta said with a chuckle. Turning to Yuka, he said, ?I bought another set today, plastic ones this time. I'll go get them.?

Yuka cast him a small grin and said, ?And Kanae starts school next year. I do hope we have a house left by the time they learn to use her mind hands.?

<<<<<<<<<<< The End>>>>>>>>>>