Near the Lake
By Hidden Pen (Original by Allquall)
Chapter One: The Girl in the Door
Weeks before graduation. The tension had built up for months, especially with the remarkable turnouts of this year's Étoile election, its unexpected twist was more than just "the word of the day", for some of the local gossips of the school, it was the talk of the town at this point. Curiosity of the students seemed to inspire this intricate desire to throw stories about the election back and forth, this truly was as they said, "and election to remember."
Although this was rabidly discussed among the students, like wolves to the fresh torn flesh of its prey, it was only second to the more prominent detail of Nagisa Aoi, and Shizuma Hanazono. Their newly found relationship was chatter and giggles especially among the younger generation of the school. Nagisa was of course embarrassed by such talk, however to Shizuma it was daring her ego, and that was a dare made in hell for the one pushing it there.
Telling such things to Shizuma or asking questions just made her proud and modest at times. She managed to do it in a way that didn't embarrass Nagisa, which was quite the task, as Nagisa was easily offended, and embarrassed.
It was my final year; I would graduate on May 13th, so my concern was just getting my classes done and out of the way. I didn't have time for gossip and rumors; I had clubs to plan out for when I left. Upon my graduation the clubs would all need new leaders, so it was my duty as the current leaders to appoint new ones. Yes I am in more than 1 club; some say I have many unusual hobbies because of this fact.
I really didn't need to study much actually. I've always been a straight A student, and could achieve it with little studying. My parents always said I was gifted, I just thought I was lucky, however with my non-existent need to study, it freed up much time to pursue personal goals and extra activities. This could be drawn back to my participation in many clubs.
Another reason I join clubs is that I just enjoy being around other people. I am a very social person and a rather likeable girl as I've been told. The students at Lilium always told me that I was a very easy going person and never let anything bother me. This was true on the most part, but things did bother me, it would be impossible to never be bothered, however being student council president, I had to do my best to set an example. This is why whenever something did bother me I would hold it in like a caged bird. Unlike the bird though, it never seemed to yearn to get out as much. I don't think there was ever a time in my life when I felt the need to let out my black crows I had locked up inside my heart. It was as if my heart had always warmed them and turned them into doves and set them free. I guess I let go of my worldly problems fairly easily.
"Chikaru!" Said a familiar voice outside of my dorm.
I was just buttoning my shirt up when I reached the door. My uniform was tidy as ever. I was big on looking professional and neat and tidy. I couldn't stand messes.
I opened the door to be greeted by the young face of a pretty young innocent blonde. She had wavy hair, and the shyest eyes you've ever seen. She wore her white Spica uniform, and had a light smile, that only complimented her shyness. She had a pendent of the Étoile hanging from her neck.
"Greetings Étoile Hikari", I said with my normal smile.
I was famous for my smile, they say it almost never left my face, as if someone glued it there and nailed it down. I do admit I like smiling however.
"Chikaru-sama, is it true that Shizuma and Nagisa are dating now!?" Asked a surprised and anxious-to-know Hikari.
My hair retreated from my eyes as I brushed it while standing there. I had brought my pink hair brush to my doorway with me. I then slipped it back into the room and rested it on the table and gracefully closed the door.
I giggled and smiled at Étoile Hikari. I gave my flirtiest, more adorable face and turned to my side. My head peaked in her direction.
"How do I look?" I asked with enthusiasm.
Hikari was in awe as she stared with those crystals she called eyes.
"You look amazing!" Said Hikari rather loudly, almost enough to wake up the 'late,' sleepers.
"Shhh", I said as I raised my finger to my lips to gesticulate my request.
"Sorry!" Hikari said with lower audio covering her lips with both of her hands, her face turning crimson now.
"So what's the deal, coming so early?" I asked. I was polite as I could be; I tried to make a habit of it.
"Is it true?" She asked.
"What true?" I replied.
"About Shizuma and Nagisa," the Étoile asked curiously.
I sighed and smiled brightly.
"See for yourself", I said pointing to Shizuma's dorm room door. Which now some motion could be detected from behind its wooden concealment.
The door opened to reveal a young redhead whose hair looked only fairly combed; it had signs of a long night, more than likely one of many adult activities, as I thought this I giggled to myself inside. She had on cloths that were too big for her, insinuating they belonged to the former Étoile. I could safely assume that they were most certainly "confirming," their new found love the night before. Young love made me lose myself in exploring its mystery and pleasure. However it appears as though Nagisa got to see the pleasure part.
The fourth year ran past us and off towards her roommate's room. It was clear she was going to go meet Tamao this early to see if she was still around.
Hikari was silent in shock and surprise.
"So it is true, everyone thought after the election they were just fooling around. That's Spica for you though; I can't stand how they always argue with Miator! It's so pointless; the council needs to grow up just a little!" Hikari said in protest to their methods.
Personally I was accustomed to this never ending battle between Spica and Miator. This was old news, and I personally didn't care who the Étoile was, or which school had more control, as long as things got done and everyone was happy. This is where my reputation of being carefree came in. I'd have to agree with that reputation though, because I really was carefree. Power, money, immortality, you could offer it all to me, and I'd decline the offer.
"Guess she was in a hurry," I said.
"Huh?" Asked a confused Hikari.
"Nagisa of course," I giggled.
"Must have been a long night..." Hikari's face lit up with a blush as she spoke these words.
"That's Shizuma for you", I said with a light laugh.
Hikari couldn't help but laugh at that statement; she too had to admit it was funny. I didn't blame her though; Shizuma did have a well known reputation of being very clingy and refusing to accept less when she could have more.
Regardless of her behavior, we loved her. We wouldn't change her in any way.
The day passed and I was walking down the hall as always near the end of the day. I stopped to see a confrontation just outside of a classroom in Miator. I was delivering some papers to one of the Miator teachers.
The squall was short, but not without meaning. It was between Shizuma and Tamao. I was curious to see how this ended.
Shizuma extended her arm and lashed it like a whip in the face of Tamao as she pivoted to greet her. The crack it made was enough to wake up the devil himself. A red mark was left where impact was made, and Tamao's face not only swelled with the mark, but with the shock of that happening to her.
"Do not ever put Nagisa through that again. She is a part of me. An attack on her is the same an attack on me," said the enraged Shizuma.
Her words were crisp and shot like arrows at the helpless Tamao. All she could do is cower in fear as the elegant Shizuma delivered a verbal and physical beating on her. Her face turned pale and she slouched and landed in the middle of the hall on her knees.
The students around us seemed to be to be taking off and returning to their daily motion that had become law to their bodies. Tamao did not dare move though. As if the slap she had received paralyzed her body and spirit.
I wanted to help but no words could heal the obvious sting of her feelings for Nagisa that were clearly involved. I was relieved that I wouldn't have to when I saw a compassionate Yaya kneel down and touch the shoulder of the broken blue haired Miator student. I listened intently from around the corner where I had retreated until I thought I was safe from being seen.
Yaya's words at first seemed like they were going to hurt more than help, but I didn't step in still.
"I hate to say this, but you kinda deserved that," Yaya said trying to show as much sympathy as she could for that statement. Which was easier said than done with something that crude.
I still said nothing. Call me a softie, but I don't like confrontation when it's not required, and it appeared as though Yaya had it under control. Also I guess as much as I hate to admit it I was curious about how this all started, which I hated because I couldn't stand being a rumor-goer. I put my morals aside and tuned back in.
Tamao hissed and growled at the comment with a gruff grunt. She muttered something under her breathe that was more than likely a swear.
"Oh c'mon. The whole dormitory is abuzz with how much of a dick you were to Nagisa this morning." Yaya said in response to her dark reply.
Tamao broke at that statement and just started to cry. The tears fell and touched the floor with their speedy advance to the bottom of her face. Yaya could see she needed comfort and held her on her shoulder as she sobbed. I thanked her in my mind, because that is what I would have done too. I always let people cry when they needed too, it just my thing. I felt that if one needs to cry, to just let it out. Tears are the water that washes the soul and cleanses your mind so you can fight the bad things inside.
"It's alright. I know how it is, and how anger can build up and spill out without a moment's warning." Said Yaya.
Tamao seemed to be defensive to this statement.
"But we all know how you got over Hikari!" She said as if she was battling Yaya, and this was her victory blow.
Yaya instead of loading her weapons and shooting back just laughed nervously to see a jealous glare of Tsubomi.
Eager to ease Tsubomi she helped Tamao up and hugged her once more. She smiled at her and gave her a comforting look. Tamao left a light smile, and Yaya and she exchanged no more words. Yaya took Tsubomi's hand and they walked to class.
I could see the pain still in Tamao's eyes. I knew it was now or never if I was going to do anything, plus I would have to walk through sooner or later to deliver these papers.
Deciding sooner rather than later, I'd walk by killing two birds with one stone.
I stopped behind Tamao mysteriously without her sensing my presence. I placed a hand on her should and this made her jump with surprise.
She did not turn to face me; instead she just listened carefully as I spoke into her ear softly.
"Time heals all things," I began.
Tamao listened.
"But remember, time waits for no man, you can't rush it either, give time a chance, it's best to forget about her," I said.
Tamao was still silent.
"For your own sake." I added.
Tamao had no words to return to me, so I walked past her and into the office I had procrastinated to reach. I was at long last able to deliver the papers I was assigned to drop off. I was relieved at this.
The evening approached quickly and I had been able to throw off my uniform and slip into my pajamas and rest. I was tired from the long day. It was true I had a lot of energy, but when the going got tough, I got burned out. When it came to sleep, I wasn't the one to stay up late to often. I was a poor sport when it came to parties for this reason.
I was close to drifting off into my slumber when a knock was heard at my door. I couldn't believe someone would bother me this late, however I then realized they must be in real trouble to show up this late, so I would show my respect and treat them as nice as I always do, when I'm not cranky.
I opened the door to find a wreck of a Nagisa. Her hair was a mess, and her eyes were crying so hard they were moments away from bleeding from overuse. Her clothes were untidy and sloppy looking. If I didn't know her I'd say she just came from a bar.
No doubt in my mind this had to do with the incident that happened earlier pertaining Shizuma and Tamao. I would have to be delicate when moving the pieces of this puzzle, as if they were made of glass, one false move and they would shatter and never be able to be put back together.
"What's wrong Nagisa?" I asked as if I didn't know.
"Oh Chikaru-Sama..." She said collapsing into my chest crying.
I stroked her head softly and instinctively. I sat her down next to my bed and smiled.
"You don't have to add the Sama you know? We're equal, Nagisa", I said to the moping girl.
She smiled slightly and wiped her eyes.
"Ok," she said softly.
"Now, what's bothering you?" I asked.
"Well I'm sort of mad at Tamao", she admitted rather depressed-like.
"What happened?" I asked curiously. This time I wasn't acting, I honestly wanted to know what was bothering Nagisa and causing her so much pain.
"Well at breakfast this morning, she made a rather inappropriate comment about me and Shizuma, and the whole class heard. I've never been so embarrassed in my life and from Tamao too..." She said fighting tears.
I leaned in slowly and questioned.
"What did she say exactly?" I asked.
"We were talking about French, and I mentioned I sucked at the speaking part, and she made a remark saying 'I should have learned the 'French tongue' from being around Shizuma so much,' I've never felt so ridiculed", Nagisa said outraged.
I nodded in understanding. This all made sense to me now. Nagisa had to be very upset by this for sure. However part of me said this was a misunderstanding. Another part suggested this was because of Tamao's jealousy. I couldn't put my finger on which though.
"Well Nagisa, I'd have to say, Tamao is probably just as hurt as you are", I said.
Nagisa's face turned to shock and disbelief.
"She made that remark about me! How is she hurt!?" Nagisa jumped to the defense.
"Because she is a friend, and I'm sure it wasn't meant to hurt you like that, either a silly joke, or just a statement that came out wrong. Tamao is your best friend; she wouldn't hurt you on purpose. I'm sure she's stinging inside right now banged up about how much she hurt you, Nagisa. You should go to her, tell her that you're hurt too, I'm sure it'll be ok", I spoke.
Nagisa's tears flowed yet again as she embraced me softly then gripping tighter as if she needed reassurance I was a human that still cared about her.
I pet her head and kissed her forehead.
"You should go back to bed Nagisa," I said.
"Chikaru I-" She started but I cut her off placing my finger over her lips.
"Time heals all things darling Nagisa, time will heal this too. It's a long road to recover from anything, but you have to walk it if you want to hold the rewards. Tamao is a friend, and friends are forever." I said with a bright smile.
It was good to see a smile play the lips of Nagisa too.
"It's good to see you smile again," I added.
Nagisa and I both laughed, and for that moment everything was fine in her mind I assumed. Our laughter seemed to be confined in the small dorm room however.
"She's waiting for you Nagisa, go and make the first step towards forgiveness, no one wants to see friends fight," I said confident that she would head this advice and confront Tamao.
Nagisa stood up and I followed and she bowed.
"Thank you Chikaru-Sama, you helped me make a choice I wouldn't be able to on my own. For this I thank you and I'm glad we're friends," she said lifting from her bow and turning ever so elegantly.
The way she moved reminded me of Shizuma's elegance. Perhaps she really was rubbing off on Nagisa as people teased.
Nagisa was strong though, this much was true, if anyone had what it took, it was her. She acted weak and fragile, but when it came to her friends or Shizuma she would let herself break, just to hold on a little longer.
Her face was her most prominent feature as she walked out that door, and reached for the handle to close it.
"Nagisa", I said before she was engulfed by the darkness of the hallway, which matched her uniform.
"Yes?" She asked curiously.
I smirked.
"You don't have to call me Sama," I said.
Nagisa returned the smirking grin and replied. "Almost forgot."
"Chikaru", she said.
She shut the door and walked off. Her footsteps vanished into the night as the distance between her and my door grew.
After all that I was curious if Nagisa knew about the fight between Shizuma and Tamao. Maybe, but I probably should have brought that up. Then again I'd have to admit to spying, so it was probably for the best. Guess Nagisa would have to find out on her own about that fight.
It is hard, but I know in the end Nagisa will have to fight her own battle, I can't assist her anymore than just comfort. This would be something Tamao and Nagisa would have to work out together. I hated to sit and watch them suffer, but I had no choice.
A part of me didn't want to get involved too. I had my own problems that I was ignoring to deal with.
Yes it is strange I know, but I avoid my problems in the day, and spend more time thinking about them at night. Call me a fool, call me someone who bottles up emotion, I'd have to agree, but yes there was something I was feeling, and I didn't know it at that time, but It would soon lead me on a journey that would make my body push itself to every limit, and my mind to think at speeds it's never comprehended before. This feeling inside me was determination. I was determined to help in any way I could.
They say I'm weird because I am always looking on the bright side. I'd have to agree though, as I am always looking there for comfort and salvation from the darkness that is the unknown. It's not that I fear the unknown; I just don't see the point in thriving on the negatives.
In the end I believed in destiny, and it would soon be time to seek out my own.
I turned to the door and looked at it. The portal which allowed Nagisa to return to her dorm.
I stared and a smile shined on my face.
"Let's hope for the best Nagisa", I said.
--
A/N: Yes Nagisa and Shizuma STILL play a huge role. A lot may be wondering where the llamas are hiding. Well they are around the corner. Wouldn't be the same without Allquall's famous llamas. Original story credit goes to Allquall. Please feel free to contact me. I'm a very… Secretive person, but I am free to PMs and such. Also refer to the original story for anything you didn't understand. The original being: Beyond the Sea, by Allquall. So long for now. The llamas WILL run. Unlocks their cage