Zander
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Chapter 37 – Meeting at the Estate
🕑 Added 2025-09-13 10:27:21 +0000 UTCChapter 37 – Meeting at the Estate
The heavy bus rolled slowly through the open gates of the Takagi estate. The iron doors groaned on their hinges before shutting tight again, sealing the survivors inside. Beyond the walls lay chaos and ruin, but within stood tall buildings, ordered paths, and men with rifles patrolling as if it were a fortress rather than a family home.
The Students and Staff stepped down from the bus one by one. Some looked relieved, their shoulders sagging as if a weight had lifted. Others stayed tense, eyes darting around at the guards, the walls, the sight of armed men watching them. The estate was not just shelter, it wasa base with power.
Saeko walked beside Gaius, calm as ever, her sword at her side. Saya, however, barely looked around. Her gaze went straight to the mansion at the center of the grounds. This was her home.
From the wide steps of the mansion came Souichiro Takagi, tall, broad-shouldered, his presence commanding. At his side walked Yuriko, his wife, elegant yet firm, her calmness balancing his stern expression. A group of guards followed, weapons ready, though their eyes kept flicking toward the towering figure of Gaius.
Yuriko quickened her pace as soon as she saw Saya. “Saya!” Her voice carried warmth, and before her daughter could protest, she pulled her into an embrace. Saya froze for a moment, embarrassed, but did not push her away. Yuriko whispered something softly, and Saya’s face softened just slightly.
Souichiro did not move toward his daughter. His gaze stayed fixed on Gaius, the giant in blue and gold armor. The guards shifted uneasily, fingers brushing triggers, but their leader raised a hand, holding them back.
Gaius stepped forward, the weight of his presence filling the courtyard. His voice was steady, carrying without effort.
“From this point onward, this base is under my control.”
The words made the guards stiffen, several raising their rifles in instinct. The survivors behind the bus gasped, whispers rising.
Souichiro did not flinch. His eyes narrowed, but his stance stayed calm. He raised his hand again, and the guards reluctantly lowered their weapons. After a moment’s pause, he replied.
“We might need to talk in my office.”
He turned to one of his men. “Escort the survivors to the quarters. Follow procedure.”
Gaius tilted his head slightly. “What procedure?”
Souichiro’s voice was level. “Everyone who enters is inspected for bite marks. We cannot risk infection spreading inside these walls.”
Gaius gave a single nod. “I see.”
The survivors were guided away. Some looked nervous at the word “inspection,” but most followed quietly, relieved to finally find walls, beds and their relatives inside these walls. Saeko stayed near Gaius, while Yuriko guided Saya gently toward the mansion.
Souichiro gestured toward the doors. “This way.”
Inside, the mansion felt both grand and practical. Wide halls stretched under high ceilings, decorated with signs of wealth but also adapted for survival. Heavy curtains were tied back to let in light, but sandbags and wooden planks reinforced windows. The air smelled faintly of polish, steel, and cooked food.
Souichiro led Gaius deeper into the house, past patrolling guards, until they reached his private office. The door closed behind them, leaving only the two men.
Souichiro walked to a small side table where a heater and cups were set. “Tea or coffee?”
“Coffee,” Gaius replied.
Souichiro poured two cups, setting one in front of the massive warrior. Gaius sat carefully on a reinforced chair, his sheer size making the furniture look small. Even seated, he loomed, but his movements were measured, deliberate.
Souichiro sat across from him, resting his hands on his knees. For a long moment, they regarded each other. Finally, Souichiro spoke.
“Sir, I will agree to it. But first, let me ask, who are you?”
Gaius met his gaze without hesitation. His voice was deep but not harsh. “I am an Ultramarine. A Space Marine of the Imperium of Man.”
The words carried little meaning to Souichiro, but their weight was clear. He frowned slightly. “Space… Marine. You’re not from Earth, are you?”
“No,” Gaius answered simply. “I am not of this world.”
Souichiro leaned back slightly, studying him. “Then are you an alien? Or are there humans beyond Earth?”
Gaius shook his head slowly. “No. I am no alien. I was born human, as you were. The Emperor remade me into what you see now, stronger, taller, yes. But still of mankind. Always of mankind.”
He paused, his voice steady. “Among my brothers, to call us alien would mean death. But you did not know. So I tell you now, plainly.”
Souichiro stiffened at the warning, but then gave a short nod, acknowledging it. “I see. Thank you for the clarity.”
Silence stretched for a moment, broken only by the faint hiss of the heater. Souichiro set down his cup and stood. He walked to the window, pulling the curtain slightly to show the estate grounds below.
“This is my family’s estate,” he said. “More a fortress than a home now. Behind these walls are wide halls, meeting rooms, stores of food and medicine, and quarters enough for many families. I have gathered twenty to thirty armed men to guard the gates and patrol the grounds. Inside are fifty civilians, mothers, children, the elderly. They depend on strength and order to survive.”
He turned back, his gaze sharp. “If you are to take command here, you must prove you can lead not only with strength, but with order.”
Gaius listened quietly before answering. “I see. You need not worry. I am an Ultramarine, son of a primarch. We are not only warriors, but also leaders. Where others bring only the sword, we bring wisdom and discipline. This refuge will not fall as long as I stand here.”
Souichiro studied him for a long time. Then, with a firm step forward, he extended his hand.
Gaius looked at it for a moment before reaching out. His grip was strong, but controlled. The two men, one of steel and one of flesh, sealed an unspoken pact.
The estate had a new leader.
Ps. Busy today yo, sorry for the late upload.
Comments
Sh4deFire
What noctis said any fanfic reader has many stories they read so please take your time if it helps
TheOneWhoReads
Would be kinda cool if he took up the mantle of a primarch at some point :)
