DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome owns the characters, I own these musings.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: It seems our poor Natsuki has gotten lost in Wonderland; will she be able to get back to her own Earl? The geek in me loves the dark universe stories, those tales of 'what if'. Read and enjoy my dear lurkers.
Earl
In A Mirror, Darkly
Natsuki Kruger was becoming impatient as she waited for Irina Woods to tap into the Shinso. Earl was deep in the middle of what would be the last battle to reclaim Windbloom, Natsuki knew that in order to defeat the Grand Duke's Valkyrie she had to destroy their Shinso. Just as she was about to yell once more, Irina gave the word. Natsuki materialized loving the sensation of her robe falling around her and the power that surged through her.
As Natsuki materialized her cannon to take the shot, her thoughts drifted to Shizuru. Her life as Headmistress had never been boring. With Shizuru at her side, Natsuki took each day as a gift. Since Grand Duke Nagi began his conquest of Earl in Windbloom and attacked Garderobe, Natsuki felt utterly lost. Shizuru's words to her during that attack, though true, cut her to the quick. She was able to keep her thoughts in order because she knew instinctively that Shizuru was unharmed, worse for wear, but still awaiting her return.
Upon firing, Natsuki's thoughts became clear, 'Blessed Lady, let this work'. The shot fired from her cannon, just as a shot fired from Windbloom Castle, and as the two energy blasts met there was an overwhelming power surge. The current back-flowed to both Shinso and a bright white light spread out from Windbloom and engulfed all of Earl. Because of the power surge, Natsuki Kruger never saw what happened next, her limp body fell to the ground unmoving.
The next thing Natsuki Kruger knew was a swift, breath stealing kick to her ribcage. Natsuki clutched her side in pain and coughed, thankfully she was still materialized and her robe had absorbed most of the force of the blow. The cool ground was little comfort as Natsuki opened her eyes to see who had attacked her.
Shizuru…
"Shizuru, why…?" Natsuki started to ask as Shizuru forcefully lifted her from the ground, her crimson eyes bearing such malice and contempt.
"Don't you speak to me with such familiarity," Shizuru answered as she held Natsuki up, "The Council of Enforcers is awaiting your arrival. You've become nothing more than a worthless drunk, a pale shadow of the warrior you once were."
It wasn't until she heard the words that Natsuki smelled the lingering alcohol. That look in Shizuru's eyes coupled with the tone of her voice had Natsuki completely confused.
"Council of Enforcers…? Shizuru, why are you treating me like this? What happened? Did we defeat Nagi? Is everyone okay?" Natsuki asked trying to get her bearings, the sense of ill-ease making her very nervous as well as confused.
"I see that my 'former' puppy needs to lay off the alcohol. As Annam's Enforcer, it would be smarter if you addressed me properly, Madame Kruger. Now off to the Council," Shizuru replied coolly, her strides swift and hurrying as she nudged Natsuki along making her need to adjust her gait to match.
Upon entering the Mausoleum, Natsuki noticed there were far too many things that seemed out of place here. The overall tone of all she had seen so far was similar, but darker in strange ways. The large picture of Fumi was still present, but it depicted not her smiling countenance, but on a battlefield killing mercilessly with her scythe.
"Thank you Madame Viola. It seems as though someone needs to be retrained," announced the stern voice from the table in the far corner of the Mausoleum.
"My pleasure, as Supreme Enforcer I would do anything for you," Shizuru replied as she bowed and took her place at the table with the others. Her old mask firmly in place, a mask Natsuki hadn't seen in many long years.
"Madame Kruger seems to be in need of refreshing, I can smell her foul stench from here," the voice said echoing loudly in the cavernous chamber of the Mausoleum.
Natsuki was too busy, trying to take in all the rough edged differences, to catch what was being said behind her. As Natsuki was about to turn for the table, she was thrown forcefully against the wall below the large Fumi portrait and once again knocked unconscious.
"This meeting will be postponed until Madame Kruger is back to herself," the voice said as the woman it belonged to headed out of the Mausoleum, the other members taking their cue to follow.
Shizuru Viola walked over to the once again limp body of Natsuki Kruger, the smell coming off her disgusting the Annam Enforcer. It was a hard life; many of the Enforcers were disillusioned. The thirteen member council consisted of the most vicious of the Guardians. They were not Otome, paper dolls for political means; they were Guardians, and the strongest, most fit warriors of each nation.
As Shizuru headed out of the Mausoleum, she twirled the ring on her left hand. Her hand would seem bare without this jewelry, which had adorned her middle finger since she had become a student of Garderobe. Headmistress Yukariko Steinberg never cared where her students were from, just that their tuitions were paid in advance. Shizuru's family had paid for her entire four years in advance, making Shizuru stand out amongst the other students, except for her roommate Haruka Armitage.
Both young women showed signs of being Enforcer material within their first year. It was clear they would make it to Coral and Pearl years as they easily dominated their competition. Haruka Armitage had racked up the academy's record for most kills and the nickname 'Slayer' before becoming a Coral. Shizuru on the other hand killed only during training or organized events, her skills were unequal to Haruka, but Shizuru craved a different power, a conquest of the sexual nature. Something to this day she still craved above all else.
An evil smile crossed her face and Shizuru licked her lips, coming up the path towards her were three Pearl students. Shizuru turned her ring in order to hide its features as the three girls drew near. Being an Enforcer fed two desires, both the violent kind and the sexual.
"Madame Viola…" the three young girls said in unison as Shizuru was upon them. Their heads bowed, each girl held her breath as the 'Viper' stopped in front of them. These girls were the strongest of their class, but this woman's reputation was a well known fact. The tallest and strongest of the three cast her gaze slightly upward to catch the eye of the Enforcer.
"After you handle this charge, Puppy, I will be awaiting your presence in my quarters," Shizuru said huskily as she turned up the face of young Chie Hallard, making sure the young woman understood her quite clearly. Though her features were marked, the 'Viper' found Chie most charming and willing to flex however necessary. Even if she detested this woman's touch, her body betrayed her arousal from it.
"Yes Madame Viola," Chie Hallard replied obediently as the other two Pearls released their breath. As Pearl Number One, Chie Hallard was not only revered by some of her classmates, but feared.
None of the students dared say it in Chie's presence, but many of them knew that cleaning the Enforcer's room wasn't her only duty there. Juliet Nao Zhang and Erstin Ho both wanted the Artai Enforcer position, but neither wanted to fight the other for it. They agreed Coral year that if they both survived until graduation, the first to challenge the Artai Enforcer would be unchallenged if she survived. The Artai Enforcer was said to be the weakest and second most devious of the thirteen.
"Ho and I could have handled this job without you, Nao. Why did you feel it necessary to join us?" Chie asked tersely. Her body was aroused by the thoughts of her visit to the Enforcer's bed, but her legs itched to hurry on.
"Bored and curious…besides since when do I need a reason to be with you?" Nao asked feigning indifference. She had shared Hallard's bed more than once, but never had sex with her, usually she just watched. Erstin on the other hand was a frequent visitor and could often be heard screaming in delight as the night curfew took hold. Chie Hallard used Erstin to release her needs whenever she was not summoned.
"Since rumor has it you are spending time in the Windbloom Enforcer's bed," Chie replied pausing at the Mausoleum entrance, awaiting the answer.
"You smell that Hallard, that's why that rumor is bogus. That and the fact that Headmistress Tokiha already occupies that spot," Nao smiled as she watched Chie shudder and then follow Erstin into the Mausoleum with the stretcher.
Nao refused to step beyond the doorway, but was glad that Madame Kruger was seemingly unharmed. Nao had been sneaking off grounds since her first year, as of last year Madame Kruger had recruited her to procure liquor for her. The Windbloom Enforcer was becoming something of a disgrace to the Council, because of her frequent dances with the bottle.
"I think she's going to drink herself to death one of these days," Erstin huffed as they started back towards the school grounds proper.
"The Supreme Enforcer will probably do away with her before that, it wouldn't be the first time," Chie replied as she thought of some of the rumors.
"The Supreme Enforcer would never cripple the Council. Madame Kruger will keep her position until someone knocks her off, like every other Enforcer has done in the past, including the Supreme Enforcer from Aswad," Nao replied her words following fact not rumor.
As the three girls delivered Natsuki Kruger's body to the baths, they were greeted by Miss Maria. The elder Guardian ordered the girls to deposit the Windbloom Enforcer's body into the shower and leave. None questioned and did as told, Nao and Erstin returning to their rooms, Chie reporting to the Supreme Enforcer.
Back in the bath,
Maria Graceburt turned on the cold water in the shower and backed off. Sitting calmly and patiently on a nearby bench, she waited for the young Enforcer to wake.
"Which are you Madame Kruger, the soldier or the heir? Either way poor child you never listened to my advice. Had to become an Enforcer, and still she couldn't love you," Maria said softly as Natsuki sputtered.
"Blessed Lady, what is wrong with you people?" Natsuki screamed as her body felt the chill of the water, her eyes barely open before the last word left her mouth. With a violent shake, Natsuki opened her eyes glaring at Maria Graceburt.
"You've disgraced yourself again. I will fetch an outfit from the Headmistress' quarters as soon as you are alert enough to clean yourself," the elder Guardian stated calmly without venom and with pure concern.
"Why didn't they just bring me to my own quarters, I am Headmistress?" Natsuki asked gruffly as she turned off the water, returning to the small stool barely capable of standing much longer.
"Seems you are farther gone, than I originally thought," Maria said as she got up to leave, "Bathe…I will be back with your night clothes."
"Just where on Earl am I?" Natsuki asked as she watched the elder Guardian depart.
Outside the Supreme Enforcer's quarters,
Chie Hallard paced the corridor with serene grace, a keen eye, and exuded the raw power of her position. Neither Nao nor Erstin wanted to take the chance against Chie, because for one it meant killing the other for the chance, and both knew the other choice was ridiculous, because it would take more power than they had between them to defeat her.
Up ahead the corridor turned left only and Chie paused momentarily before making the turn. Chie steeled her senses and resolve before turning the corridor. Every time she encountered this woman it was different, odd, and always made her feel awkward. Of the thirteen members of the Council, Chie only feared two, one she slept with and the other a woman whose motives to this day remained unclear to all. With a deep breath, Chie turned the corridor and stood before the large ornate doors of the Supreme Enforcer's quarters. Before she could raise her hand, Chie heard the woman's voice.
"Enter, Pearl."
"As ordered Madame Kruger was taken to Guardian Graceburt once again," Chie stated looking directly at the Supreme Enforcer trying to keep her curiosity and suspicions from showing through.
"Excellent work as always Chie Hallard, I believe this is your free period. Is it?" the Supreme Enforcer asked her eyes focusing on Chie's as if burning through them into her very soul.
"It was until Madame Viola ordered me to clean her quarters, Supreme Enforcer," Chie replied seeing a hint of mirth alit the Supreme Enforcer's eyes.
"You may report to her bed after you've warmed mine. Strip now, Hallard," the Supreme Enforcer ordered watching as Chie slowly removed each article devoid of all emotion. This was usual for Chie because of her time with the Annam Enforcer.
"Well it seems Madame Viola's taste in strong women still has her by the short hairs," Youko Helene said with a voice as smooth as whiskey, rounding her sofa. The way her eyes scanned Chie's naked form gave the younger woman a brief feeling of relief, there had been intrigue and desire in Youko's gaze but no malice.
For a moment Chie bit her cheek, this woman was a complete mystery to her and it was very unnerving to be before her naked in all the important ways. Electricity shot through her body as she felt the smooth strong hands of the older woman gently caress her back and then move to her chest and settle on her breasts.
Chie felt the woman's warm breath on the nape of her neck as she squeezed both nipples tightly. No matter how hard she tried to fight it, Chie let out a moan of pleasure as Youko placed a kiss on her nape and moved one hand to her stomach, pulling her close and tight, and the other hand still turning her nipple roughly between her fingers.
"Yes Hallard, I know what you like. I also know where I'm going to leave my mark. Why should the 'Viper' be the only the claim such a venerable feast," Youko said as she leaned the girl forward over her sofa, pressing herself closer.
Chie's breath hitched momentarily as she recognized the feeling pressed against her muscular butt. It was clear this woman was definitely going to take her here and Chie was not sure she was ready to be claimed as such.
"Don't worry kitsune, it doesn't have to hurt," Youko whispered hotly into Chie's ear. She stepped back, dropped her black and green robe in one quick motion, and returned to her position against the young warrior.
Chie could not say how long she had been the Supreme Enforcer's girl toy, but the brand on her left inner thigh definitely hurt less than Madame Viola's. The differences between the two women were numerous and as Chie enjoyed the heat of the Supreme Enforcer's naked form pressed into hers, she understood at least this one. Youko Helene did not kick her lovers out of her bed and Shizuru Viola did, even at the cost of the only woman who would ever truly love her.
Back in the bath,
Maria Graceburt returned not only with clothes, but a small drink of Arian ale for Natsuki. Though the elder woman was sure she was only acerbating the younger's problems. Natsuki was glad the glass was small because she couldn't stomach Arian ale, thanks to losing a bet with Haruka Armitage. Natsuki tried to avoid most liquor since the nanomachines dulled most of the effects. Now all it was to her was a bitter after taste.
As the warm liquid filled her mouth, Natsuki felt her body shiver with anticipation and the eventual warmth. The ale always was a perfect disguise for any remedy. Maria just sighed and sat for a moment. This had become almost routine between them and Maria waited for the soon to follow outburst from the younger woman.
"Thank you Miss Maria, though I think it was totally unnecessary," Natsuki said looking strangely at the empty glass in her hand as she felt the liquid warm its way into her stomach. A strange occurrence since the nano-machines should have taken the edge off completely, leaving just the warmth.
"Please stop trying to poison yourself, Madame Kruger. I know Arian ale is not the only liquid courage you take," the elder woman pleaded her voice nearly cracking, "Madame Viola has never loved anyone nor do I think she will ever be capable. Not since she killed her former lover, Madame Lu and took her position on the Council."
"Miss Maria, what council? What is going on…whoa," Natsuki started to say as the room spun suddenly, her body swayed, and once again the darkness crept in.
"I'm so sorry, if only I could help you see the truth," Maria Graceburt said as she kept Natsuki's body from hitting the floor. The elder Guardian materialized and carried Natsuki's prone form to the Headmistress' bed chambers. Maria placed her on the large bed and once again apologized as she looked sympathetically at Natsuki's slumbering form before leaving the room.
"Oh Headmistress, I'm sorry I was just leaving Madame Kruger to get some rest," Maria said trying to stave off her emotions.
"There's no need to apologize, disguise, or deny your emotions. Her body may be in my bed, but her heart no matter how broken, still resides in the Viper's," Headmistress Mai Tokiha replied as she took a hold of the elder Guardian's hand, gently squeezing it, before letting go and retiring for the night.
"How lost that poor child truly is?" Maria Graceburt said aloud to no one as she dematerialized and headed for her own quarters for the evening. Once again thoughts of her youth and her lost love fresh scars upon her heart, Maria ran a hand through her graying blond hair and wished she had had the courage to step forward much sooner.
Wondering what are Guardians and the Council of Enforcers? Why does everyone call the Enforcers, Madame? That will be explained to you when it is explained to our poor lost and confused Natsuki Kruger.