So here's the usual disclaimer of me not owning Strawberry Panic, its characters, places, etc. I do own the created characters of Blake Saberheart and Kairos Blackthorn and other characters that will make their appearance later on.
A few words of warning for the readers. There are several elements of the story that I have changed like the relationship of Nagisa and Shizuma and some other things. Regarding the non-existent relationship of Shizuma and Nagisa in this story, I seriously am irked by the character of the latter (no offense to those who adore her). I do believe that many will find it absurd that Shizuma and Nagisa do not have any sort of romantic relationship with each other and I am open to criticism. So for those who are expecting a story revolving around the aforementioned or are disgusted about the change, then perhaps other stories on this site would interest you more. Rest assured, I have kept the rest of the elements as true as it was in the series (e.g. past histories).
Otherwise, I hope you do enjoy this even for a little bit.
Chapter 1: "Enigma"
"Shizuma," The blue-haired young woman muttered. "When will you start taking your duties seriously?" It was apparent that she was very exasperated with her dear friend. "You have been the Etoile for a year already!"
Shizuma, the platinum-haired woman sighed inwardly as she continued to stare at the lake's gentle surface. "Another lecture?" Her whispery voice was just loud enough for the other woman to hear. The wind was starting to pick up as seen so with Shizuma's long and wavy hair dancing in the wind.
"Seriously, you wouldn't be hearing this if you just listened to-" Miyuki Rokojou started.
"All your past lectures, I know Miyuki." Shizuma's shoulders seemed to droop for a moment before she stiffened again. "Alright you've caught me shirking my duties but you cannot fault me. Any human would yearn for some quiet time, don't you think so?" She turned a little to the side to fix her eyes on the slightly shorter girl.
For those brief moments, Miyuki saw the anguish and sadness in her dear friend's eyes. Every single time her eyes gave off those feelings, Miyuki could swear that she feels an awful tugging at her heart. "It's her... isn't it?"
Shizuma gave no sign of replying. "There is nothing else to talk about that matter," she started. "What did you come here for anyway, Miyuki? I doubt you just came here to lecture me about neglecting my duties." She turned back and started walking through the wooded-area of the school campus.
Miyuki followed suit as she explained the situation. "We're having a student transfer to our school and her expected arrival is tomorrow." She looked up through the leafy cover of the woods and noticed that the sky was starting to darken.
"Is there anything new with that?" Shizuma surprisingly replied in a sarcastic tone. It was very rare to see the Etoile express any emotion. "Astraea Hill's three prestigious academies always attract numerous students to enroll in one of the three exclusive girl schools."
Miyuki increased her pace to walk at the side of the Etoile. "According to the Astraea administration, this girl is very special. I couldn't get any other information about it though," Miyuki informed her counterpart. "I do know that she has an extensive background with various military groups not to mention she is also affiliated with several world renowned science and research organizations."
Shizuma eyed the student council president in disbelief. "Are you sure of your information, Miyuki? It seems suspicious," she mused. "Military background? Affiliations with renowned organizations? I believe that just goes to show that she has prestigious family who has power and connections." Shizuma was put into a deeper state of disbelief as she watched her friend shake her head.
Miyuki crossed her arms across her chest. "I managed to find information about that actually." She looked sheepish because of the fact that she's been so nosy. "I looked into the records that she mailed to the school. From what I've read from her documents she has no family."
"How is she able to survive then? She has no source of income." Shizuma pointed out as the woods started to thin as they approached the Strawberry dormitories. "Not unless through her connections, it is the government and those organizations she's affiliated with that are supporting her?" She hypothesized.
Miyuki nodded. "It is apparently so. The administration has tasked you and me as the Etoile and the student council president to receive her tomorrow morning."
Shizuma and Miyuki walked through the gates of the Strawberry dormitories as the platinum-haired woman stated her last words for the day, "We shall receive this intriguing girl then."
The sun was starting to rise on the horizon as a heavily tinted black sports car drove up the steep mountain road to Astraea hill. Inside sat a hard-faced driver, a young man dressed in a long-sleeved, button downed, white shirt and comfortable slacks and a girl who looked a few years younger than the man sitting at her side. The young man had sea-green eyes and short hair whose color was very similar to sand. He sat casually against the leather seats with his eyes half-closed though he would glance occasionally at his companion. In his eyesight, the younger girl was dressed simply but looked sophisticated. Her three-fourths long-sleeved shirt and fit pants were as black as her straight, just newly layered, shoulder-length hair. She had lightly tanned skin and a very fit figure. What were actually very stunning about the girl's looks were her stormy gray eyes, which have been giving off a cold and blank feeling.
"Nervous, Blake?" The young man asked as the car turned on one path.
Blake turned her head to look at her long-time friend and comrade. "Pardon?" She smirked at him and raised her eyebrows at him. "What gave you that idea, Kairos? There is absolutely nothing for me to be nervous about," she claimed as she leaned her head back on the headrest.
Her deep voice sounded uncaring and sure but Kairos was skeptical of course. "I've known you for more than half of your life," he stated in his older brother fashion. After knowing her for so long, he practically felt that he and Blake were brother and sister. "You're hiding your emotions as usual.
Blake sighed, brought her hand up to her face and rested her forehead against her fingertips. "Sometimes I wish you couldn't read me that easily," she muttered. "Hiding your emotions is quite a good strategy."
Kairos chuckled and casually patted his friend's head. "It's a good strategy for certain situations only my dear Blake," he replied. "I know something is wrong and I want to hear it," Kairos demanded as he fixed a steady stare at the often serious and stoic girl.
"You treat me like I'm not an eighteen year old," she complained. "Alright then, I am feeling a little bit uneasy because of the fact that I never went to a formal educational facility," she confided in Kairos.
Kairos looked a little surprised then fixed a smile on his face. "I know you never went to a school before," he started. "It was never needed because all those organizations had enough personnel to educate you properly."
Blake let out a huff of air. "So why did they all of a sudden decide that I should start going to school?" she questioned as she rubbed her arms. "I believe that the education that they gave me and were planning to give me is of better quality than those in schools."
Kairos rested his had gently on the girl's shoulder and looked at her solemnly. "I don't think I need to answer that because you very well know why they decided to let you go on this path for now."
Blake shook her head and looked sullenly out of the window refusing to go further with the conversation. She instead watched the passing scenery from the window of the car as she waited to arrive at their destination.
"Ah! We're here already Blake!" Kairos exclaimed as the car slowed to a stop as a view of three large buildings arranged in a semi-circle neared. "Driver, park the car in front of the middle building," he ordered. To Blake he explained, "The middle one is called Saint Miator Academy according to my sources, the other buildings on either side of it are the Saint Spica Academy and the Saint Lulim Academy." As the car slowed to a stop in front of the Saint Miator Academy, Kairos ran his fingers through his hair in an attempt to look more presentable. "You ready?"
"I'm always ready, Kairos." She opened the car door and decorously stepped outside. As she stood on the ground while still holding on to the car door, she eyed her surroundings and spotted two girls garbed in seemingly conservative long-sleeved black dresses as their uniforms. "I shouldn't be surprised, the members of the organization did mention that this particular academy was run by nuns," she thought to herself.
As the two girls approached, Kairos beckoned Blake to stand next to him, which she immediately complied to do. "They must be the ones who were tasked to receive you," he concluded in a hushed whisper. "Now be polite," he ordered. "Usually when you meet new people you have the atrocious habit of going silent." He smiled inwardly when he saw Blake grimace. "You will take my advice?" It was both a question and a backhanded order.
Blake looked at him straight in the eye and curtly nodded her head. "You have no reason to worry." Blake watched as the two uniformed girls stood before them and bowed in the traditional Japanese manner in greeting guests. The slightly shorter girl had short dark blue hair while the taller girl had waist-long platinum hair. For just a small moment, she was taken aback by the beauty of the platinum-haired girl. Her amber eyes seemed somber although she had a smile on her fair face.
Both girls straightened. "We welcome you to our academy of Saint Miator, Blake-san and Kairos-san," the blue-haired girl greeted in heavily accented English. "Please forgive us for arriving later than you because we did not anticipate your early arrival."
Kairos shook his head and smiled ruefully at the two girls as he spoke in their native language of Japanese. "You do not need to speak to us in English, ladies," he informed them with a warm smile. "Rest assured Blake and I are fluent with your language since our superiors were sure that we would end up being assigned to this country." He laughed inwardly as he observed the surprised reaction of the blue-haired girl. The other girl did not give any sign of being surprised. "Although, you already know who we are, I would still introduce ourselves again." Kairos reached out with his hand and offered a handshake as he said, "I am Kairos Blackthorn," he shook the hand of the platinum-haired girl first before the blue-haired one. "And this is Blake Saberhart." He gestured at his companion who had obviously fallen into her bad habit of odd silence.
Blake continued to stare blankly at the exchange of greetings being done in front of her. Her train of thought came back to her when a long graceful hand came into her view. To her surprise, the same hand touched her cheek and stayed in that position. She looked down blankly at the platinum-haired girl's eyes, trying to find out what her intention was.
The girl with platinum hair brought her face up closer to the taller Blake's face. It was only when their faces were just a few inches away from each other were words exchanged. "Are you alright Kuroi-san?" She smiled ever so sweetly at Blake who felt her cheeks flush with color. Kuroi was Japanese for black and she wasn't surprised why she nicknamed her that.
"Shizuma!" The blue-haired girl exclaimed at her companion's actions. "Please forgive Shizuma, Blake-san and Kairos-san."
Kairos chuckled as he watched Shizuma step away both in a reluctant and graceful manner. "So she is Shizuma and you are?" he directed the question at still unnamed girl.
The girl with blue hair looked flustered for a few seconds before gathering herself once more. "I am Miyuki and I am the student council president of this academy," she finally told their guests. "Shizuma is the Etoile or the representative-leader of all the three academies on Astraea hill."
"It is a pleasure to meet the both of you, ladies," Kairos said sincerely as he bowed once more in respect. As he did so, he slightly elbowed Blake trying to make her give her greetings. Fortunately, it seemed like it worked for Blake also bowed to the girls.
"I am grateful for your considerate receiving of me and my companion," Blake said in a smooth voice. "I believe I am being left in good hands." She looked up slightly into the eyes of Shizuma who gave her quick wink. As she and Kairos straightened, a cellphone started to ring. "Kairos, I believe that is yours." She pointed at his pants pocket.
"I apologize," he told all three girls then picked out his cellphone and answered it. "Blackthorn speaking," he switched back to English as he spoke into the mouthpiece of the cellphone. "Affirmative, we have arrived." He paused for a few seconds as the three girls looked at him. "Alright then, I suppose there is no more need for me to stay any longer since she is more than capable of taking care of herself," he informed the other speaker on the other line. "I will be there punctually... Good-bye." He pocketed the phone once more and offered his hand again for a handshake. "Unfortunately I must go already, ladies," he said sadly, as both the uniformed girls shook his hand. "I leave Blake in your capable hands." He bowed once more then turned to Blake to look her in the eye.
Blake shook her head at him and reached up to pat his head gently. "You mustn't worry about me, Kairos," she told her older friend. "You did say that I am more than capable enough to care for myself. Besides, you have other business to attend to." She ruffled his hair playfully before dropping her hand back at her side. "I'll be alright and I won't forget to call you once in awhile," she assured him as she pointed to the slight bulge, which was shaped like a cellphone in her pants' pocket.
He laughed as he reached out and wrapped his arm around Blake's shoulders and tightened his arm in giving the hug. "Then it is good-bye for now, Blake." He released her from the hug and bowed one last time to Shizuma and Miyuki before stepping into the car and driving off.
"Blake-san," Miyuki called her out of her thoughts. "We must bring you to the board room to meet the board members of the Astraea hill administration and the various officers from the three academies." Miyuki turned on her heel and started walking down the main hallway of the Saint Miator academy. "If you will follow me?"
Blake nodded her head and followed suit. She was a bit surprised when Shizuma chose to walk by her side instead of leading her to the boardroom. She did not make any reaction to this and continued to keep her eyes looking ahead of her.
"You surprised me back there, Blake-san," Shizuma whispered to her. "I was convinced that you were such a stoic and nonchalant stone, but it seems like you are quite human after my little test." Shizuma smiled in a somewhat wicked and teasingly manner. "The color is still there in your cheeks by the way," she pointed out.
Blake shook her head and couldn't help but smile at Shizuma's amusing antics. It seemed like she had such a talent with flirting and her so-called test was just to make her show emotion. "It is quite rare for me to get flustered like that," she informed the girl. "You are talented then in that way because you are the first such person to do so," she playfully joked.
Shizuma chuckled. "I am truly flattered, Blake-san. You aren't at all that stoic and nonchalant a person." As they continued walking, Shizuma would let the back of her hand bump gently against Blake's hand.
Blake remained unknowing of what the other girl was doing as she observed her surroundings. From looking at the various interior designs of the Saint Miator building, it was easy to deduce that the academy was relatively old.
As they trio made their way to the boardroom, hordes of students of all ages and of different uniforms stopped in their tracks to first gawk at the girls before gathering their wits to bow and greet the council president and the Etoile. It was easy to see in their eyes that they truly held the two girls with much admiration while they were taken aback by the fact that they had a foreign student in their midst.
Miyuki halted in front a great set of double doors and gripped the door handle. She turned to the other two and announced, "Here we are! The councils from the respective schools and the board of administrators should be here already." With that said, the president pushed open the doors and ushered in Blake and Shizuma.
As the Etoile walked into the room, all the students present in the meeting got on their feet and in one motion bowed down and greeted her in unison. The board members of the administration merely nodded their heads in greeting and gestured for the three girls to take the unoccupied seats.
A woman in her mid-fifties cleared her throat, which appropriately silenced the group. "First of all, we would like to welcome you Blake Saberhart to Astraea hill," she started, fixing the papers set in front of her on the desk. "The meeting has several purposes and the first thing we should decide on is which school you will be enrolling in."
Another woman took over the conversation by continuing, "Now, you very well know that all three of the schools are known for its high class quality of education, its extra-curricular activities and its sprawling campuses," she iterated. "According to the instructions given to us by the Lionheart Organization that has been charged with your upbringing, you are to be given free will in choosing which school you want to study in," she informed all the people present in the room. "Furthermore, the organization also requests that you are not to be bound to the uniform rule," she said in a somewhat disagreeing manner. "Please enlighten us and kindly explain this request."
As all eyes settled on her, Blake sighed inwardly and cursed Kairos silently. It was he who gave all the requests to the organization. He knew that she wasn't at all comfortable with wearing uniforms.
The truth was she actually tried going to a real school a few years back and she had not enjoyed it because of the ridiculous conservatism of the school. She particularly didn't like the stiff and often plain looking uniforms and she ended up leaving after a few days. She had argued with the organization superiors that normal schools and universities actually allow students to come in civilian attire. She had told them that she would rather attain her education from within the organization.
Blake gathered her thoughts and looked seriously at the both the board members and the students present. "I am a foreigner and as you know in most schools found in the United States of America and Europe, the Department of Education doesn't require their students to dress in uniforms," she explained. "Although I have never had experience in any real educational facility except for the few days' trial I agreed to do years ago, I have grown accustomed to wearing civilian attire."
The board members nodded their heads as another older woman started again, "We were also informed that you not be given a curfew," she clarified with indignation. "The Lionheart Organization wrote in your letter of admittance that you often kept late hours and that you were not restricted from moving around freely," she continued as many of the board members looked at Blake with dismay.
"It is a first for us to bend the rules like this," one of the board members pointed out. "Although we do not like this idea, we have decided to compromise," she informed both the student council members from the three schools and Blake herself. "We are not giving you a curfew but we are requesting that if you are to roam and move around freely you do it only within the limits of Astraea hill." Most of the board members nodded their heads in agreement, as the woman looked through the other papers in front of her. "As for the other requirements, we will continue on that as soon as you decide which school you wish to enroll in."
Blake looked solemnly at all the faces in the room. She would be spending a year of her life on this school. To the organization, it was a well-needed break for her. If this was indeed a break for her, she might as well pick the school that is best known for its education and extra-curricular activities. With a deep breath, she gave her decision, "I believe I will enroll in Saint Miator Academy." She felt amused looking at the sudden smiles that came on the faces of the Miyuki and her two student council aides. Shizuma merely nodded her head at her decision.
With that, the board members rose from their seats and started filing out of the boardroom. One of the board members stopped in front of Blake and shook her hand warmly. "I hope you will enjoy your stay here, Blake Saberhart," she started. "Rest assured, the Saint Miator academy will take care of you." She smiled once more then left her in the company of Miyuki, her two aides and Shizuma the Etoile.
Miyuki stretched as her aides gathered their papers and put them in their portfolios. "Well then! I believe you would want to settle in," she told Blake in a friendly manner. "Most of the girls in these schools choose to dorm in the Strawberry dorms since Astraea hill is quite far from the urban area." Miyuki laughed as she saw the questioning look on Blake's face. "The dorms are called that way because its architecture resembles the shape of a strawberry from the sky," Miyuki explained.
"Rokojou-sempai," one of the aides called from the door. "Something has come up and we are requested to attend another meeting."
Miyuki sighed and looked at Blake and Shizuma. "I am sorry, it seems like I won't be able to accompany you to the dormitories," she apologized. "But I believe Shizuma will be willing to escort you," she started and looked at Shizuma who was leaning against the wall. "Am I right?" she questioned her friend.
Shizuma pushed herself away from the wall, walked to Blake's side and laced her arm into the taller raven-haired girl's arm. "It is one of the Etoile's duties," she replied. She had meant it as a joke to Miyuki. She smiled sweetly to Miyuki and led Blake outside to the hallway, which was filled with many young girls itching to see the Etoile.
Blake looked surprised as she observed the numerous students squeal and coo at the Etoile. Many of them had flushed cheeks and were pushing each other to get close to Shizuma. She felt Shizuma's hand tighten on her arm as she led her through the crowd. "You're quite popular," Blake mused as she let Shizuma keep her arm laced in hers.
Shizuma shook her head and gave her a rueful smile. "I suppose so," she replied. "The position really gives me a lot of popularity and fame."
"Oh?" Blake questioned as they exited the main building of Saint Miator and headed down the stone-paved path towards another building. "It doesn't seem like those girls admire you just because of your prestigious position." She played her part by letting Shizuma feel comfortable with her hand resting on her forearm.
Shizuma merely chuckled and led the both of them into the dormitories. At the lobby, she gestured with her free hand at the large room to their right. "That room is the main cafeteria." She pointed to a hallway on the first floor and explained, "That hallway leads to the seniors rooms. According to our rules, sixth grade or senior students stay on the ground floor while the fifth grade students stay on the second floor," she explained further then gestured at the upper floors. "The other grades stay on the upper floors."
"Roommates?" Blake asked the girl who continued to cling onto her arm.
Shizuma shook her head. "You see when you become a fifth or sixth grade student, you are given the choice of either rooming with another student or if you'd rather have a room to yourself," she told her companion. "The younger grades are required to stay with a roommate since it is believed that building relationships is important."
Blake nodded her head in approval. "I understand their logic, but since I am given the choice as a sixth year student, I would prefer to have my own room." She smiled at Shizuma and gently extracted her arm from the other girl.
Seemingly unfazed by her action, Shizuma returned her smile and said, "I suppose you'd like to settle in your room. We already foresaw your decision of claiming a single bedroom and have already moved all your belongings into one of the rooms down this hallway." Shizuma walked down the hallway that she pointed out previously.
Blake followed the girl at a casual pace and let her eyes wander at the surroundings. The halls seemed simple enough and the rooms seemed to be big enough for her to feel comfortable in. Blake stopped as the Shizuma stopped in front on one room.
"Well, this is it." Shizuma unlocked the door and pushed it open.
Blake walked in and took in how the interior looked like. On the right side of the room was a simple bed that had white sheets. On the opposite side of the room stood a study desk, which sported her schoolbooks, writing materials and a lamp. Beside the desk stood a large armoire, which would hold her clothes and other belongings. Her trunk and suitcase lay against the wall on the north side of her room. On the north wall was a huge window, whose height started from Blake's waist and almost reached the ceiling. A modest looking black and white rug was at the center of the room as well as her favorite basketball and silver soccer ball. Hanging on the wall were her Japanese katana and nodachi swords, which were given to her by Kairos as a gift. Just below her swords, her naginata, a staff weapon that was capped by a foot and a half of blade hung.
"I see you are very active in several extra-curricular activities."
Blake turned to Shizuma and nodded her head in reply. "Usually when I had free time in the organization I would play basketball or soccer with the younger and more athletic members," she explained. "As for the swords and the spear, I have had an interest in these weapons at a young age."
Shizuma looked interested as she explained her hobbies. "And would you happen to know how to use these weapons?" she asked.
The raven-haired girl smiled and bent down to look in the eyes of Shizuma. "Maybe I'll tell you another time, Etoile-sama," she teased. She smiled as she saw the look in Shizuma's eyes. "Only if you are good, Etoile-sama."
Shizuma chuckled and brought her face closer to Blake's face. Right away Blake's face was tinged with a crimson color but did not move away. Shizuma continued to move her face closer and closer and it seemed like she was just about to kiss Blake when she changed course and kissed the other girl's cheek. "I will take my leave and let you fix your things," she told the girl. "Dinner will be in about an hour and a half," she continued as she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. "Meet me at the cafeteria? We could continue your tour of the dorms after eating."
Blake bowed to the Etoile both respectfully and gratefully. "I thank you for your kindness and I will take you up on your offer," she replied as she watched Shizuma smile once more and close the door behind her. Blake listened to the retreating steps before sitting on her bed.
So many things have happened since that day and maybe perhaps the organization was right his time for letting me go to a normal school this time. Blake thought to herself as she pulled out her cellphone from her pants pocket. She scrolled down her address list until it reached Kairos' name and pressed the call button. She waited as it started to ring but became disappointed when his answering machine answered her call. She decided to leave him a message saying that she had already settled in and that she would tell him the other details when she calls him up again.
Ending the call, Blake stood up, placed her cellphone on the desk and proceeded with unpacking her belongings. She first opened her suitcase, took out her iPod and other electronic gadgets and settled them beside her cellphone. In the next hour, she was able to completely empty her suitcase and trunk and had arranged everything to her liking.
"Thirty minutes more before dinner," she talked to herself. "What else is there for me to do?" she asked herself and made her way to the large glass windows. She looked outside and saw the sprawling gardens and the setting sun. "I'd like to go out but maybe I'll do that later on," she decided against it. "Shizuma did say that she was going to continue touring me around before the curfew." Blake stretched her body and decided to take a short nap instead. She lay on her bed and covered her eyes with her arm and lapsed into a short slumber.
She woke up half an hour later to the sound of pattering feet in the hallway. Rubbing her eyes she mumbled, "I guess it's about time for dinner." She sat up and ran her fingers through her tussled hair. When she was satisfied with her hair, she stood up, discarded her socks and shoes and brought out her leather slippers. Afterwards she straightened out the wrinkles on her pants and three-fourths sleeved black shirt then walked out of her door and followed the noise to the cafeteria.
As soon as she entered the huge dining room, a looming silence came into her ears. She stared back at all the stares given to her as she placed her hands into her pockets and casually headed to an empty table in one corner of the room. There she sat down comfortably and was served a tray of food by one of the cafeteria's employees. After the employee scurried off, she rested her elbow on the edge of the table then rested her chin on her hand as she continued to address the stares of the students.
Someone cleared her throat loudly, which brought all the students' attention to the other side of the room. Miyuki stood up and clapped her hands loudly. "Well now, that's quite a show of misbehavior isn't it?" she scolded all the students in the room. "I am expecting that this will not happen again, am I clear?" she demanded and got several calls of apology. "Alright then, before we let the Etoile lead the prayer before this meal let me introduce to you our new foreign student who will be studying here." Miyuki looked at Blake and signaled for her to stand up.
Blake was reluctant to stand up and let herself be the center of attention, but she conceded and got to her feet. At her feet, she stood at a stocking 5 feet and 10 inches, which was quite surprising for girls.
"This is Blake Saberhart, a sixth grade student from the western countries," Miyuki properly introduced her as Blake bowed to all the students in greeting but did not smile. "I hope that all of you will accommodate her! Now then, the prayer…"
Shizuma who sat beside Miyuki stood up and started the prayer. Blake sat back into her seat and listened to the prayer quietly until it finished. With that done, the students went back to their original noise seemingly forgetting about Blake and how she had silenced all of them with her entrance. Blake picked up her cup of tea and took a sip from it. As she relished the tea, she felt the table rattle beneath her as a tray was set on it. Blake looked up and saw a tall girl with light bluish-green hair in the white blouse and short skirt of the Spica Academy giving her a friendly smile.
"Would you mind if I sit with you?" she asked politely. "All the other tables are taken and I believe this would be a good chance to get acquainted with you."
Blake returned the smile and gestured for the girl to take a seat. "Please sit, I wouldn't mind the company," she told the girl. "I'm Blake." She reached out and shook hands with the girl.
"Amane." The girl returned Blake's handshake firmly. "So from where in the west did you come from?" Amane asked as she started eating her food. "Miator's council president wasn't too specific," she said jokingly.
Blake laughed as she also started to eat her food. "I couldn't blame her because I've been stationed in different countries in different years," she explained. "Most recently I was living in Germany and before that I was in Geneva, Switzerland," she continued. She became amused with the shocked look on Amane's face. "I've been travelling around a lot," she said sheepishly.
Amane shrugged and smiled. "You are lucky to have been able to go to all those different places," she said. "I wish I could go those places too." Amane's eyes went to their corners as she looked at the other table filled with girls. "It seems like we're drawing a lot of attention."
Blake looked at the table Amane was talking about and saw the girls talking to each other in hushed whispers as they stole glances at their table. "It seems like you're quite popular, Amane," Blake observed. "What is it that you do?"
Amane settled her utensils on her tray since she was down and rested her elbows lightly on the edge of the table. "I'm part of the horseback-riding team and a lot of these girls admire me for it," she said unhappily. "It's not like I like the attention. It tends to be excessive and annoying."
Blake chuckled. "Believe me I know how you feel," she assured the girl. "By the way, what grade are you?" she asked.
Amane allowed the cafeteria employee take away their trays before she answered. "I'm in fifth grade," she replied as the school bell started to ring. "By the way, do you need a tour?" Amane asked. "I could bring you around if you wish?" She was sincere about it.
"That isn't necessary."
Silence once again loomed in the room as all students stared at the table where Amane and Blake sat. Shizuma stood by their table with her arms crossed over her chest. Amane got to her feet, bowed in respect to the Etoile, and seemed unfazed by the icy tone of voice of Shizuma.
"I apologize," she said. "It seems like you had plans already." She smiled at the Etoile and Blake. "If you wish to ride horses Blake-san, you just need to head to the riding stables of Spica Academy."
Blake stood up, shook the hand of the girl, and smiled. "I will remember that Amane." She watched the fifth grade student make her way outside of the cafeteria into a horde of girl fans. As she watched the girl disappear down a hallway, Blake turned to face the Etoile and smiled at her. "Shall we then?" She stepped around the table and went to her side as if expecting her to do something.
Shizuma's icy exterior seemed to melt as she laced her arm once more in to the arm of Blake. The action drew out gasps and squeals from the students who remained in the cafeteria. One even shouted Shizuma-sama and Blake-sama are so hot together!
Of course, Blake felt weird because of this. She did notice and deduced from the start that girls would end up "admiring" each other since they are boy-deprived, but she didn't expect it to be this bad. As she led Shizuma out of the cafeteria, she listened as the students continued to gossip with each other. "So where are we going?"
Shizuma led her to another door and opened it to reveal the gardens of the dormitories. "Since I am bound to the curfew and to the dormitory area, I can only bring you to the gardens." Shizuma smiled up at Blake and led her outside. "That would be alright with you, right?"
"Of course." As the both of them walked on the soft grass under the clear star-filled skies, both of them shared a comfortable silence. Blake spotted a fountain and led them towards it. She casually pulled away from the Etoile and sat on the fountain's low wall. Shizuma followed suit and sat a few inches away from Blake.
"The night sky here in Japan is different from the night sky in Europe," Blake started as Shizuma's head turned to face her. "I was taught by the some of the numerous scientists that depending on where you are in the world, you may see different stars and constellations in the night sky." Blake leaned back on her hands and tilted her head back to get a better view at the sky.
"You seem to be well educated," Shizuma pointed out as she too assumed the same position that Blake was doing.
Blake closed her eyes and savored the cool night air against her skin. "There were so many times that I felt so lonely even when I had Kairos with me," she explained. "To keep myself preoccupied, I purposely sought to be educated by the best there was from the Lionheart Organization."
"And it solved your loneliness?" Shizuma asked quietly. It seemed like she knew the answer to that question.
Blake laughed bitterly. "How can you see through me so easily?" she questioned, dipping her hand in the fountain's clear waters. "Almost all people cannot see through me with the exceptions of Kairos and you." She stood up abruptly and walked to a few feet away from the fountain. "Of course it did not remedy my loneliness, but I still sought out other ways to get rid of that feeling," she continued as she scuffed her foot at the grass. "I learned how to fight both unarmed and armed combat."
Shizuma looked at Blake's back as she continued to assume her sitting position on the fountain. "That didn't do anything too," she concluded bluntly. As Blake's head twisted to the side to fix one eye on her. "We struggle to find our place, but for people like you and perhaps even for me redemption doesn't come easily."
In that time that Blake took in those words and the somber look in Shizuma's eyes, she somewhat felt that she and the Etoile were kindred spirits. As a gut feeling, Blake felt that Shizuma had gone through an experience very similar to hers and probably still going through it. Her past was so clouded with anger, vengeance and loneliness that she had no intention of sharing it with anyone.
The last evening bell tolled for the night. Shizuma stood up and smoothed out her skirts. "We must go back inside already," she informed Blake. "I will accompany you to the lobby then we must go our separate ways for now."
Blake nodded and started for the door leading back to the inside of the dormitories. The conversation that they had was quite a serious matter that neither one of them talked to each other for the duration of the short walk. The lobby lights were already dimmed when they closed the door behind them.
Shizuma stopped in the middle of the lobby and gazed up the stairs leading to the upper floors. "We must part here then, Blake." She looked behind her and saw the other girl with her hands in her pockets and still deep in thought. Her stormy gray eyes looked so infinitely sad as she looked down. Shizuma walked towards the girl and gently cupped the taller girl's cheek and tucked a stray lock of hair behind the girl's ear. "To fight the loneliness is no meager task, but to share your life, your past and your loneliness with others will ease the some of the pain that you feel inside."
Blake eyes glinted for a few seconds as if tears were about to pour out of her eyes, but reverted back. As Shizuma took her hand away from Blake's face, she caught the hand in her own hands and gently placed a chaste kiss on it. "I thank you for your kind words for they have surely enlightened me," she told the other girl with feeling in her voice. She let go of Shizuma's hand, bowed to the girl and without further ado disappeared down the hallway.
Shizuma watched Blake's retreating figure fade away into the darkness of the hallway before making her way down another hallway to her room. As she lay on her bed that night, she gently ran a finger across the hand, which Blake kissed. "I hope that you choose the right person to share your past and loneliness to."