Prologue

The clock in the hallway struck twelve, its monotone gong echoing throughout the mansion. It was at this time a single man entered the dim-lit area, treading across the carpeted floors at a brisk pace. Although his grey hair was disheveled, his eyes blood-shot, and his body in a somewhat unhealthy condition, there was a look of success upon his face.

"It's done. It's done," he said to no one, holding his cupped hands close to his chest. After months and months of research and testing, he had finally reached his goal, only one obstacle standing in the way of its full completion.

Knock knock

Arriving at his destination, he waited eagerly in front of the large oak door, his anticipation and excitement growing as time passed. He only had to wait for a few more moments before hearing what he wanted to.

"Come in."

Now opening the door, he wasted no time in stepping inside and closing it behind him.

"I've done it."

The figure, who had been looking out through a large glass window at the night sky, slowly turned, now facing the other with a mild look of interest.

"My lady, " he addressed her with a bow.

At first, she said nothing, her dark eyes flickering to his cupped hands, but as they moved upwards to meet his gaze, a smirk, a dark and conniving one at that, grew upon her face.

"Are you sure this time?" She asked, a hint of dark humor in her voice. "I've heard these words from you in the past only to see failure before my eyes."

"My lady," he said again. "I promise you I have."

Though this girl was only fifteen years of age, her power in this household was great. One wrong word or move and one could easily be disposed of in a heartbeat. "I deeply regret having wasted your time on my past failures, but I can fully assure you this is it."

She merely raised her eyebrow at this.

"Have you tested it?"

"I have," he answered. "Two of the prisoners battled, and the outcome was simply amazing! They are ten times stronger than the previous ones used. Look here."

He walked over to the desk and held out his hands, placing down a medium sized red gem.

"I see you've changed the color from its once obsidian state."

"Yes. A reaction due to a new chemical added," he replied. "We no longer need an Otome who has given birth. Previous data has allowed me to find a way around it. My lady, you must believe me when I say that this has been the most successful test I have ever witnessed. Both slaves fought to the death, their strength and movements, as I said before, much stronger than the old slaves. However, though much stronger, I don't believe they have the power to fully defeat a Meister Otome."

Sitting down, she leaned back in her black, leather chair, eyes still fixed on the gleaming item.

"Perhaps not alone, but if we make enough, we may have the ability to over power and defeat them. How many are ready?"

"Only four. It does take a while to settle and form. Getting enough ingredients needed to make this new chemical will take some time, and then once it's made, it needs time to harden. That could take a good month or so. This was one of the downfalls of not making them the traditional way."

"Time, my friend, is still a necessity for us all right now," she told him. "We can use this extra time to our advantage. The day will come where we will truly need to fight, and on that day, we will need many of these crystals, but until then, a few will do. They will merely serve as a distraction to Garderobe while we continue our search."

"I understand," he nodded. "Do tell me, how has that search been coming?"

"Not well," she said lowly. "They have all come up empty handed. It's quite annoying actually, but we will continue nonetheless."

With a sigh, she turned away, the back of her chair now facing the man.

"Before you make anymore, I would like to witness a battle myself tomorrow morning. You better be right. Is that understood?"

"Yes, my lady."

"Good. Now leave."

Without a single word, he did so, disappearing back into the hallway and leaving the girl to her solitude.

"I can feel you…"

She reached up her hand and placed it on her shoulder, rubbing it gently.

"You're near. I know it. I will find you, and when I do, your time will come to an end. This time we will not fail. This time, you will be the ones defeated."