I don't own Mai-HiME or My-Otome or any of the characters. Beware, this is yuri and there will be lemony-ish situations but not gross ones, at least I don't think so. I'll warn you ahead of time in case you don't want to read them and if someone says I need to change the rating I will.
For Shizuru/Natsuki fans, sorry but I'm just not fond of that pair so I tried to make their relationship more sisterly.
And for the purpose of the story, there can't be a chain of deaths if a HiME gets defeated, for example Mikoto getting defeated causing both Mai and Natsuki to disappear.
Thanks for the reviews I've gotten so far.
Hope you enjoy.
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Chapter 1
"Fa-" I mentally cursed for slipping with that word again. "Sergay," I corrected and saw him look up at me with an interested expression. "I believe you are well enough now that I can…" I paused, my heart giving a painful twist at what I was going to say. He looked puzzled by my halt in speech.
"Yes?" Sergay prompted when my eyes dropped to the ground. I chewed the inside of my cheek for a second before a simmer of anger swept through me. Why am I feeling this way? He doesn't remember me. My fists tightened in hem of my shirt. And even if he did, I now know that my plea for his love only escalated to where it did because he was all I had. In reality… I relaxed my grip and looked back up into his face. In reality… I didn't want him that way. All I wanted was for him to continue to love me as his daughter but I was afraid…
"You are well enough now that I believe I can return to Garderobe…" Even after convincing myself that it wouldn't hurt. It did. I sorely did not want to lose my father but after a half a year of waiting, it was obvious that his memory would not be returning anytime soon.
Sergay smiled. "Ah yes," he said lightly. "I am grateful for your concern these past months but I too feel that you are perhaps staying for a lost cause." His words forced me to take a step backwards.
"I-I…" I stammered, feeling that I somehow had to correct his thinking then bit my lip. My father is gone, I reminded myself again.
"I know that it must have been hard…" Sergay murmured. "And I'm sorry that I was unable to be the person you wanted me to be…"
"It's-" I tried to tell him it was fine but he held up a hand.
"But," he looked happy for a moment. "I'm sure that whoever I might have been… He wouldn't want you to forfeit your life like this."
For a moment, I couldn't hold in most of the emotion I had been keeping locked away inside and a tear trickled down my cheek. I quickly looked into the snowy trees surrounding the cabin. It was always snowing in Artai. The landscape of the country I was supposed to call home was incredibly uninviting. Some might call it peaceful and serene but I preferred the cheerfulness of Wind City.
"I would like to return…" I admitted softly. "But I wonder if they would have me? After all I've done…" The last part I said more to myself then quickly shut the thoughts away before the carefully carved mask I perfected broke and all my fear over what had happened rushed in me.
"Go, Nina," Sergay said kindly. "I am just fine. I will be able to live a perfectly normal life here thanks to your attention after I woke up. It's time you returned to where you belong."
That place used to be by your side… Father… But now… A flash of red hair atop a very familiar back crossed my vision and I felt my throat close up and my heart thump erratically at the same time. I had managed to go all this time without thinking too much about my life at Garderobe and about…
My heart pumped painfully. I wanted to go back. I needed to go back. But could I?
"I trust you'll be leaving as soon as possible?" Sergay asked with the hint of a smirk. I nodded and took a breath, trying to steady my trashing pulse.
"Tomorrow morning if I can manage it." I bowed and walked back inside the house. I leaned heavily against the closed door and tried to stay upright.
I didn't even thank her… My chest felt restricted. I didn't even say goodbye. I could imagine her now, smiling happily, trying to be a great Otome for Queen Mashiro. She dived after me in space, to save me from burning in the atmosphere. It was a miracle that we survived and I just left.
I pushed myself away from the door and slammed my fist against the wall. The hard wood jarred my bones and strained my muscles. I flinched with the pain and tried to collect my thoughts. At first, it wasn't like this. At first, she was so annoying. I wanted her to stay away from me. But then, she tried so hard to be my friend and before I knew it, she was. Suddenly, I cared about her well being and worried over her clumsiness. Suddenly, I felt the need to protect her and help her because suddenly she became very important. I don't even know how. That girl, she was just able to waltz right into my life and turn it upside-down. And then, father took an interest in her and I was so afraid that he would want her for his daughter. I felt so confused, my emotions were merging together and I didn't know what I wanted from Father anymore. Duke Nagi's gemstone called out to me, it wanted my pain and it turned it to anger. And then… Oh, the look on her face when I… when Erstin…
I slammed my hand into the wall again with more force as fresh tears hit the floor. She looked like she hated me and I broke. I tried to kill her, twice, until she pursued me to space.
I fell to my knees and tried not to cry but the tears kept coming out. She didn't hate me; she wanted to help me. She forgave me and she saved me from the Ultimate Black Diamond.
Warmth spread through my abdomen even though my eyes still sent tears down my cheeks as I thought about how she held me as we were falling through atmosphere. It was then, as we were dropping into the searing heat that I knew why I was in so much pain after Erstin died. It was when our robes were dissolving and I felt the warmth of her skin on mine that a different kind of heat cascaded through my nerves. She held me so securely. Whatever it was that allowed me to let her into my life felt so clear as I clung to her in the sky.
"Arika…" I whispered her name for the first time since our battle. It felt hot on my tongue. I gulped a breath down and lifted my hands to my face to wipe away the tears. I would not cry. The tears I couldn't control came sometimes but I would not give in because once I did, I wouldn't be able to stop.
The phone rang noisily, making me jump. I looked at it with curiosity before realizing who it must be since Nao-sempei wouldn't be calling me now. I felt afraid all of sudden, afraid that they were calling to tell me that I should have died up there in space after what I had done. For a moment I was paralyzed.
"Are you going to get that?" Sergay called from outside and I almost jumped out of my skin.
"Y-yes!" I told him before scrambling to my feet and rushing over to the phone. I took a calming breath.
"Hello, Nina Wong," I stated.
"Nina?" The Headmaster, Natsuki Kruger's voice crackled over the connection. "Is that really you?" Hearing her for the first time in a month was comforting.
"Yes, Headmaster…" I responded softly. "It's me."
"Oh, Nina!" She sounded relieved. "Arika had told us you were all right but we hadn't heard from you so we thought that maybe she…" Natsuki paused. "Well," she started a more subdued tone. "We thought that perhaps she was lying to make your death easier on herself since she hasn't been acting quite…correct since you've been gone." The casual mention of Arika's behavior and my supposed death startled me.
"Is Arika alright?" I asked, trying to make confusion hide my worry.
"Sometimes we catch her staring off into nowhere," Natsuki sighed. "But when asked what's wrong she just smiles and shakes her head before going back to doing what she was supposed to be doing." There was a pause. "I don't think it's a problem but the Queen seems quite thrown off by it, so we had to consider your demise."
"I'm fine, Headmaster," I said quietly. "And as I'm sure you've heard…?" I tried to ask but my voice dried up.
"Yes, you want to return to Garderobe, right?" Natsuki confirmed. "That's wonderful news!" I blinked at her exclamation.
"So, I can?" I asked rather dumbly.
"Of course, Nina," Natsuki said. "Why wouldn't you be able to? We could get you by tomorrow if you care to come that quickly."
"Yes," I said maybe a little too fast. "Tomorrow would be fine." I felt elated that the Headmaster didn't seem to harbor any hatred towards me although that didn't mean that the rest of Garderobe…
"Great then," Natsuki said happily. "Oh, and Nina?"
"Hmm?"
"How is your father?"
"How-?" I started to ask then stopped. "Nao-sempei…" I grumbled.
Natsuki laughed. "Yes, she informed me. Is he alright?"
"As good as he's going to be," I told her before exchanging good-byes.
I stared at the phone in my hand and let my mind wander. It strayed to Arika and I gave my head a quick shake. I was going home tomorrow and I needed to rest, not contemplate things that would keep me up all night.
I finally put down the phone and walked toward my bedroom. I suddenly felt exhausted. I looked at my packed suitcases in the corner and started to take my hair down. After deciding to return to Garderobe, I started to wear it up again. It made me feel more like myself. I looked in the mirror for a moment and took in my appearance. Not much had changed in the past month. I was maybe a half an inch taller but that was all. My hair was still dark and my body still fit because of training. I reached up and touched my now empty GEM earring. The smooth metal felt empty without the company of a GEM. I gave myself a small smile before slipping into bed and turning out the light. With the darkness pressing around me my mind caught the same flash of red hair before I drifted to sleep.
The morning was louder then it was supposed to be. Vaguely, I tried to remember why my alarm was sounding when it dawned on me. I sat upright in an instant and tapped the blaring off. It was eight in the morning; my transportation would be here in a half an hour. I felt sick and excited at the same time, like I was about to go on a roller coaster that would determine my future.
"Nina?" Sergay asked from outside my door. I blinked the sleep out my eyes and responded.
"I'm awake." I heard his footsteps pad in the direction of the kitchen and flopped back into my bed. It was cold out today, more so than other days. I tried not to think of it as a sign of foreboding. Stretching, I winced at a twinge in my shoulder where Arika had stabbed her dagger to stop my rampage. I spent some extra time turning the socket around before slipping out of bed. I would have to get that looked into properly once at Garderobe; perhaps Yokho could fix it before I was put back into Otome training. I took in a breath of brisk air and grabbed my Garderobe uniform. I hadn't worn it in a long time. The fabric was familiar underneath my fingers. I carried it to the bathroom and set it on the sink. I turned my shoulder around once more and clicked the shower on. The hot water started to fill the cold room with steam instantly and I watched as my reflection disappeared from the mirror. I stripped out of my pajamas and left them in a pile in the corner before stepping underneath the stream of water. It burned my skin and I sighed, letting it flow down my body. The steam bellowed around me as I lathered soap onto my skin. Ten minutes later I shut off the flow of water and grabbed a towel. I dried myself off and stepped deftly back out into the bathroom. The colder air hit me like mist and I shivered, goose bumps erupting across my arms. I toweled my hair and slid into my clothes quickly. Once dressed I put my hair up and studied myself in the mirror. It almost felt like déjà vu, like looking at myself before everything had happened.
The smell of eggs sizzling filled my senses and I felt my stomach turn. I was too nervous to eat. I grabbed my discarded clothes and walked back to my room. It was colder in here and I rubbed my arms for warmth. After dropping my clothes onto the top of my packed items I proceeded to zip my suitcase closed and carry it out into the front room.
"Hungry?" Sergay asked, turning a little to focus one eye on me.
"Not really," I said and settled myself on the couch by the door. I was eager to leave all this snow and despair behind me.
"Okay," Sergay nodded and turned back to cooking his own breakfast. "When are they coming?" I looked at the clock.
"In about ten minutes," I told him and looked out the window. I couldn't see much except for white.
"Will I see you again?" He asked and I closed my eyes.
"I don't know," I told him. "Perhaps." I could feel him looking at my back but I didn't turn around. He turned off the stove and scrapped his eggs onto a plate before sitting down at the table. We sat in silence, only the wind and the sound of his fork against the plate filling the distance that had grown between us.
"Have a good trip," he said quietly as I stood up. He hadn't heard the car approach but he knew I had because of my heightened senses. I turned around to face him finally.
"You'll be fine?" I asked again, feeling like staying but knowing it was just fear of leaving. He smiled at me and beckoned me over. I walked up to him silently. He stood up and threw an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a hug.
"I'll miss you," I said not to the man hugging me but to the man who was my father.
"I'm sorry," he repeated and I nodded, hearing footsteps coming up to the door. Someone knocked.
"I'll be going now," I mumbled and pulled away. He nodded and returned to his breakfast. I walked over to my suitcase and picked it up. Heading to the door I glanced back at Sergay again. He was quietly eating. I felt some burden leave my shoulders as I opened the door.
"Goodbye…" I whispered and stepped outside into the snow. I closed the door behind me and lifted my head to face my visitor.
"Wong Nina-san?" He asked with a hopeful expression. I nodded and he offered a low bow. I returned the gesture.
"It's nice to meet you, Wong-san, my name is Karo and I will be driving you to your transportation," he commented and turned toward the car. "This way." I followed him to a simple black car and stopped when he did.
"I'll take your suitcase, you can get inside. It's much warmer in there," he added with a laugh. I gave him a small smile and let him take my suitcase from me. My smile widened when he had some trouble lifting it. He shot me an amazed look and I heard him mumble something about Otomes before I eased into the car. He was right, it was much warmer. I reclined against the seat and turned my head to look at the cabin I had secluded myself too for the past six months. I had the sudden urge to run back inside but suppressed it. I knew that I needed to leave.
"All set, Wong-san?" Karo asked.
"Yes," I told him and he smiled.
"It will take a little time to reach the airship, just relax until then." He turned around and I felt the car rumble to life beneath me. I gave one last look at the cabin before it vanished in the falling snow.
I sat quietly as the car drove smoothly over the normally bumpy road and watched as the trees whipped past my vision. I was leaving. I was finally going home.
"We're here, Wong-san," Karo informed me, half an hour later and I snapped out of my reverie to look at him. Surely we hadn't been driving that long. Karo noticed the puzzlement on my face.
"I told you it would only be a little time," he laughed and exited. My door opened and he bid me outside. I straightened and got out of the car. Looking around I saw a small aircraft nestled in a little airport a little off to my right. What on earth? When did this get here?
"Confused, Nina-san?" A familiar voice said calmly from outside my range of vision.
"Shizuru-sama?" I asked into the snow and heard a delighted laugh.
"Sharp as ever, Nina-san," she said coming into my eyesight. She hadn't changed either. Her eyes sparkled with same mirth.
"Shizuru-sama, I didn't know that the Headmaster sent you to-" I sputtered, taken aback by her appearance.
"I volunteered," she said absentmindedly and waved her hand. "No one has been informed about your return, except for me of course. Natsuki tried to keep it from me but Mai tends to talk loud." Shizuru shrugged with a small smile.
"Why-" I started to ask but was interrupted.
"We don't want people to gossip," she said seriously and I looked down a little sadly.
"Nina-san," she called and I looked back up. She had somehow managed to get my suitcase and was now holding it in one hand and walking back toward the aircraft. Startled I turned back to Karo and bowed hastily before running after Shizuru. She mysteriously made it to the aircraft so far before me that it took off right after I had gotten inside. I stumbled a bit and Shizuru caught me.
"Careful, Nina-san," she said amiably, her breath teasing my ear. I felt my face heat up.
"S-Shizuru-sama," I stuttered and stood up straight, pulling out of her hold. She smiled at my reaction.
"This way." She turned around and walked into a little room. I followed and sat in a chair after Shizuru said to.
"First off," she started. "It's good to have you back, Nina-san." She gave me a genuine smile and I nodded and looked down, feeling shy.
"Thank you, Shizuru-sama," I said softly. She gave another little laugh.
"Natsuki told me to update you on a few things before we arrive in Garderobe," Shizuru continued. I looked up with interest.
"Since you've been gone, most of Windbloom has been rebuilt under the constant care of Queen Mashiro and Meistar Arika." My expression changed slightly at the mention of Arika's name, something that did not go unnoticed by Shizuru. Her eyes glinted for a moment before continuing. "The castle has been finished and try as we might we cannot get the Queen to choose her second Otome for the kingdom of Windbloom. She's very picky…" Shizuru mused and I couldn't help but smile. The Queen was defiantly hard to handle sometimes but I couldn't help but wonder why she wouldn't pick a second Otome. Arika must have her hands full…
A thought crossed my mind.
"Has Arika graduated?" I asked a little unhappily. It would be so annoying if Arika graduated before I did. I was number one after all.
Shizuru shook her head with a laugh. "No," she said. "That girl still has a lot to learn about being an Otome. She works with Queen Mashiro alongside doing her schoolwork." I nodded. "The next thing I was supposed to tell you was that Duke Nagi has been imprisoned," Shizuru said and I narrowed my eyes at the mention of his name.
"I'm pleased to hear that, Viola-sama," I said with conviction.
"There has also been no mention of disturbances since the war," she continued. "No slaves or Otome battles have occurred and we are pretty sure that none will for some time."
I breathed a sigh of relief as Shizuru nodded and leaned back into her seat. She folded her hands delicately in her lap and addressed me with a much more serious disposition. I tensed at her change in attitude and regarded her carefully.
"And finally," she said with some distaste. "There are some who still hold you responsible for the destruction caused during the war."
There it was. The thing I had feared the most about returning. I felt my eyes burn but kept a hard face on.
"I figured that, Shizuru-sama," I told her, staring her in the eye.
"Don't pay any mind to them, Nina-san," Shizuru told me strongly. "They do not know what they speak of." I nodded, knowing that I should listen but it was difficult when I too believed that it was my fault.
We were quiet for a moment, listening to the whirling of the airship.
"I'll make some tea, shall I?" Shizuru said at last and I nodded, feeling grateful that she had not talked about that subject any longer. It was difficult.
I stared out the window at the changing scenery. We were leaving the snow behind and heading into a much more inviting environment, the outskirts of the country of Windbloom. Shizuru set a small cup of tea in front of me and I thanked her before taking a sip. The soothing liquid warmed me from inside and I smiled, remembering that Shizuru always made the best tea.
"We will arrive in Windbloom in less then twenty minutes," the intercom crackled somewhere above me after a few hours of idle chatter and I closed my eyes, thinking about how my life was finally going to go back to normal. At least, I thought. Somewhat normal.
Shizuru's soft voice brought me back to reality.
"Does it feel good to be back?" She asked and I gave her a smile.
"Yes," I told her. "I missed it." She nodded and stood up.
"We'll be landing in about five minutes." She fixed the hem of her skirt and gave me an uncharacteristically fond look. "We are happy to have you return, Nina-san," she said again. "It will help you to remember that."
I tried to regard her with a reserved look but she seemed to see through it because she smiled. I looked up at her and gave her tiny smile of my own before she wiggled her fingers at me and took her leave. I sighed a sigh of relief as I saw Windbloom castle looming in the distance. Glancing at the clock I wondered if Arika was there. It was about eleven and morning classes should have been over by now. She might be at lunch actually…
There was a shudder as the aircraft set down in front of Garderobe and I heard Shizuru beckon for me to hurry outside. I got to my feet and found my way back to the exit. The Headmaster was waiting at the bottom with an open face.
"Nina," she said and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Welcome back."
"Thank you, Headmaster," I said sincerely and bowed. "It's good to be home."
Natsuki laughed and steered me toward Garderobe. "Let's get you settle in then," she squeezed my shoulder then removed her hand to walk by my side. "Shizuru briefed you in the aircraft, correct?" She asked. I nodded.
"Yes, Shizuru-sama told me of the events that took place in my absence and of the other matter," I finished in a more subdued tone. Natsuki glanced at me but I didn't meet her gaze. I felt her sigh.
"I hope your not agreeing with that other matter, Nina," she said sternly and I shook my head.
"Of course not, Headmaster," I lied. Natsuki seemed to sense that but luckily didn't say anymore. I heard a few giggles and looked up. Some students were talking near the front of the school. They didn't seem too familiar but I was sure they would recognize me if they looked. I kept my eyes forward and held my head up. Natsuki watched me carefully and I saw her smile out of the corner of my eye.
"Shouldn't you three be at lunch?" Shizuru said softly, sneaking up on them and the students in question yelped and bowed hastily.
"Yes, Viola-sama," one piped.
"We're sorry, Viola-sama," another said and they bowed before quickly hurrying inside.
"Don't intimidate the students," Natsuki said tersely. Shizuru looked at Natsuki with innocence.
"I don't know what you mean, Natsuki," she said placing a thoughtful finger against her cheek. Her eyes danced.
Natsuki managed to roll her eyes in annoyance and smile in affection at the same time. I tried to stifle a little laugh.
We entered Garderobe and I saw a flurry of activity as students walked from classroom to classroom or headed for the cafeteria. I caught glimpses of a few of myr yearmates and tried not to feel self-conscious.
"Your stuff has already been taken to your room," Natsuki was saying and I stopped looking around for a sign of someone that I knew personally and listened. "I suggest taking some time to unpack and get reacquainted with the school before reporting back to me for your schedule for the rest of the semester."
"Yes, Headmaster," I said as we started up the stairs to the dorms.
"I will be placing you in the same classes as before because your absence was not long enough to get a replacement in the midst of rebuilding Windbloom. You also have your old room, naturally."
"With Arika?" I practically gaped and stopped in my tracks as that registered in my head.
"Nina?" Natsuki asked in confusion. "Something the matter?" I didn't respond. "Is rooming with Meistar Arika a problem?" She asked in a more sympathetic tone.
"No," I recovered quickly. "Of course not."
Natsuki gave Shizuru a puzzled look. One she returned with a knowing smile. Natsuki widened her eyes in shock and looked back at my now tinged pink face.
"Um, yes?" I asked, missing the previous exchange.
"Nothing at all," Natsuki said with a note of recognition in her voice. We walked the rest of the way to the doors chatting absently until I noticed the familiar room on the right. My room.
"Well, we're here," Natsuki said casually. "Take until the afternoon classes are finished to settle. I'm sure your friends here would love to see you also."
I gave a rueful smile, wondering if that really was the case but nodded and took my old key back from Natsuki.
"Thank you, Headmaster," I bowed and fit the key in the lock. It opened with a click and I hesitated.
"We'll be taking our leave then," Natsuki said and nodded to Shizuru. "Don't worry, Nina, everything will be fine."
I watched their backs until the turned to corner to take them back to the stairs and took a deep breath. Closing my eyes, I pushed the door open. A slight breeze hit me and I peeked through one eye to see the window open and the sunlight shinning onto my old desk. I stepped into the room and closed the door behind me. My suitcase was sitting by my old bed, new sheets sitting crisply on the mattress. I glanced around and saw that the bunk bed had been changed for a regular bed since the bunk was no longer needed. Regret twisted at my heart for a moment but I pushed it away. I had already forgiven myself for Erstin and so had Arika.
Speaking of which, Arika's bed was unmade and her alarm lay on the floor, the plug ripped out of the socket. I shook my head, that girl never changed. Her own desk was messy, with papers strewn about and a shirt hanging off the back of her chair. One of her dresser drawers was left open and her pants were out for the world to see, their edges blowing lightly in the breeze.
I took in a deep breath and noted the same sent of peach shampoo hinted at the air and a smile crept around my lips. I was home. This was my home, here with Arika, in this room. My heart felt light as I walked toward the window and leaned my elbows against the sill. The sun warmed my face and I closed my eyes, enjoying the weather without snow.
Feeling better then I had in weeks, I turned around and started to unpack. Once I had all my clothes in their proper drawers I continued to set things upon my desk. I replaced the books and little trinkets in their old spots and clasped a hand around the locket with the three of us in it. I smiled again and reached down to grab my bathroom items from their case. Setting them on the bed, I zipped my suitcase back up and slid it under my bed. I grabbed my bathroom stuff and headed to the other side of the room to put them away.
In the bathroom I gave a short laugh at how similar everything was from before. Arika's towels from this morning were still sitting on the floor and her shampoo had managed to turn upside-down and all the shampoo was leaking out onto the bathroom floor.
"Arika," I sighed and righted the bottle. Peach filled my senses and I smirked. It was the same, just like I thought. I turned on the water and let it carry the spilt shampoo down the drain before setting my own shampoo and conditioner next to Arika's. Then I bent down and grabbed Arika's towels and hung them up. Satisfied that everything was in order I went back into the room.
I looked around again, just letting the fact that I was out of Artai sink in. I briefly wondered what Sergay was doing but banished the thought from my mind and strode back over to my bed. Seeing that they were very securely tucked in I loosened them a little before walking back over to the window. There were a few people down in the courtyard.
"Hey," one of them ran over to a bigger crowd. They all turned to address her. "Have you heard?"
"Heard what?" Some of them chimed. I listened closely.
"Someone said they saw Nina Wong walking into Garderobe with the Headmaster and Viola-sama!" The girl squealed. I blanched and was about to pull away from the window with a sick feeling when the girl squealed again. I looked back and saw her waving right at me. She was smiling. I wasn't expecting that. The other girls turned around and also started waving. I recognized a few of them. I waved back a little hesitantly, unsure if they were genuine or not.
"Nina-san!" One called. "We're glad your back, Nina-san! We thought that you had well…" She tapered off as one of her friends hit her in the side.
"Welcome back, Nina-san!" The girl called. I nodded in her direction before a large crowd coming out of the school caught my attention. What were they doing?
"Arika-sama!" I heard a girl shriek from the crowd and my breath caught in my throat. The crowd of girls swelled as someone walked through them. Another shout of Arika-sama rang through the crowd. Then there she was. Her red hair flowing in the gentle breeze, a look of amusement and frustration on her face as she tried to get out of the crowd.
"I have to get to the castle!" Her voice whined and it sent my heart into over-drive. Arika… I thought, leaning my body over the windowsill to see her better. She seemed to sprout up like a beanstalk from the last time I saw her. She must be taller then me now by about an inch. Her hair was slightly shorter and she had taken to wearing it in a more simple ponytail, her ant look forgotten. I saw the glint of the Blue Sky Sapphire in her earring and smiled. More yells sounded and Arika flashed them a friendly grin. My heart warmed with hidden admiration as I watched her handle the younger classes.
"Arika-san!" The girls from below me called and I saw her head try to locate the call. I froze as she looked this way. "Arika-san!" The girl called again and all of them ran over to the crowd. "Come here, it's-!" she started to say but was drowned out.
"Sorry!" Arika called and I saw her break out of the crowd. "I'm late and Mashiro-chan is going to kill me!" She squeaked and I saw her ran at full speed in the direction of the castle. Don't run, Arika, I pleaded inwardly and flinched when I saw her plow into a bread stand. She stood up and started apologizing but the bread guy just smiled and bowed. I was amazed.
She must be doing okay as Queen Mashiro's Otome… I mused then laughed. Arika-sama… I laughed harder. I never would have thought that day would come.
Sighing contentedly, I slipped my head back into the room and padded over to my bed. I sat down and looked at my hands, trying to calm my racing heart. Arika was exactly the same, albeit maybe a little more grown-up. That thought alone picked up any dampened spirits I might have had earlier. I briefly thought to go look around the campus again but decided against it. I remembered it well enough and felt a little tired anyway. Stretching, I felt the sting in my shoulder again. Oh right… I thought and stood up, grabbing my key. I should go check that out.
I locked the door and made my way to the infirmary, avoiding peoples eyes. The students regarded me with either anger or admiration; both made me feel uncomfortable. Once I reached the infirmary, I knocked gently and heard someone grant me entrance.
"Yes?" Yohko asked from behind a computer, not bothering to look up. I saw Irina in the back, tinkering with something.
"Can you take a look at my shoulder for me?" I asked in a slightly uncomfortable tone. I was sure once she looked up she would know why I needed my shoulder looked at.
"Your shoulder…?" She said absently, still not looking up. "What's wrong with it?"
"Uh," I fumbled a little then sighed. "I was stabbed by a giant dagger," I said, hiding my exasperation.
"What?" Yohko snapped her head up to look at me finally and I saw her widen her eyes in shock.
"Nina!" She exclaimed and I saw Irina drop whatever she was working on and whirl around in surprise.
"Nina-chan!" She cried happily and ran forward to throw her arms around me. "I thought you were dead!" She sobbed into my shirt over dramatically.
"Irina!" Yohko chided. "Arika told us she was alive." She fixed me with a smile. "Good to see you, Nina."
"You too," I replied and tried to pry Irina off me. "Irina, stop it," I said in an annoyed tone and I felt her laugh.
"Oh, Nina-chan! It really is you," she said happily.
"Irina," I grumbled and placed my forehead into my hands. She laughed again and let go.
"Where were you?" Yohko asked, crossing her arms. I smiled a little sheepishly.
"I was taking care of my father," I admitted. "But he has not regained his memory…"
"I'm sorry, Nina," Yohko said sincerely and I nodded. "But your home now, right? Everything will be fine."
I smiled. "Yes, I am home."
"Have you talked to Arika yet?" Irina asked, her eyes stern. I shrunk under her stare. "She's been acting strange, you know!" Irina admonished. "You should really talk to her."
"Stop it, Irina," Yohko sighed. "Arika is probably already in the castle. She stays there some afternoon's remember?"
"Oh, right," Irina said then shrugged. "Of course you'll talk to her, I mean you two are very close, right?" I choked and faced her.
"Excuse me?" I asked. It wasn't like it was incorrect, it was just…
"Oh Nina-chan…" Irina grumbled and walked back over to what she was working on. "Your too mean." I felt bad suddenly, like I had said it right to Arika's face. I looked at the floor.
"Never mind her," Yohko said in exasperation. "Let me see your shoulder."
"You don't need-?" I started to ask as I slipped out of my shirt.
"I already know how you received it, Nina," Yohko said softly and I stiffened. She didn't say anything more and pressed her fingers all over my shoulder, feeling the muscle. I winced at some points and she wrote those down on her little clipboard.
"Well," she said after a few minutes. "It seems that Arika tore your muscle clean off your bone." She stood up and moved away slightly to write something else down.
"Arika-chan did that to you?" Irina asked, her interested eyes looking at my scar. "When you two were fighting?"
I narrowed my eyes as my heart gave a painful twist. Placing my hand over my shoulder I angled myself away from her.
"Wow," she said softly. "I'm sorry, Nina-chan, that was stupid of me."
I eyed her carefully and she looked at me with regret before tinkering again.
"Lucky for you," Yohko said, ignoring the tension. "I can fix that."
I looked at her with a relieved expression before she suddenly stuck a needle right into my arm.
"Ah," I flinched and shuddered as my nanomachines activated. Hot energy surround different parts of my body and I felt the restorative capabilities healing the wounds I failed to treat after the fight.
"You haven't activated a robe since your fight with Arika, right?" Yohko guessed and I nodded, wishing that she wouldn't say that so casually. It was still painful. The nanomachines stopped and I felt almost ten times better. The ache in my shoulder was gone, as were other minor aches in the rest of my muscles and tendons. I rubbed my fingers over my shoulder and bit my lip when I felt that my scar was still there.
"That won't go away for some time," Yohko informed me. "The skin already healed, therefore the nanomachines won't do anything for it."
I sighed and pulled my shirt back on. I didn't want that scar. It was a constant reminder of how I almost killed Arika and the destroyed the rest of the world. I shuddered, the mere thought sending shame through me.
"You should return to your room and rest for a while," Yohko advised. "Using the nanomachines like that will cause you to fatigue."
I was about to protest when a wave of exhaustion washed over me. I blinked in surprise and Yohko gave a short laugh.
"See?" She said and I smiled a little. "Now go get some sleep."
I made sure my uniform was correct and turned to leave.
"See you in classes, Nina-chan!" Irina called and I waved before leaving the infirmary.
Back in my room I laid on my bed for some sleep.
"I'll talk to you later, Yayoi-chan!" A voice shook me awake and I sat up when I recognized it as Arika's. The afternoon light was fading, giving the room a reddish glow. The lock opened and the doorknob turned. I watched the door as if my life depended on it and considering who was about to walk through it, I think maybe it did.
The door opened and Arika's form walked into the room. She looked up to the window briefly and froze. Her blue eyes stared right at me but her face had a frustrated expression. I felt slightly panicked, thinking that maybe she didn't want me here. I was about to say something when she shook her head and stepped back outside, closing the door. I was dumbstruck and an awful ache was searing in my heart. Suddenly, the door opened again and Arika looked at me and gave a weird sort of laugh.
"To think I'm hallucinating now…" she muttered and put her head in her hands for a few seconds then looked back up. She fixed me with a blank expression and sighed. She doesn't think I'm real… I realized with a pang. Did she really expect me never to return?
I wanted to do something but I couldn't take my eyes off her. Everything about her that I remembered was better, the curve of her neck, the lean muscle in her arms and stomach and those eyes, bright and observant. All traces of her immaturity had vanished and now I was looking not at the uniform of the school, but the official uniform of a Windbloom Otome. We were both almost seventeen and growing up had only helped Arika in all the right ways.
"Arika?" I finally asked hesitantly, since she was still giving me a weird look. At the sound of my voice her eyes widened to the twice their normal size and she dropped her bag. Concerned, I stood up and took a step toward her. "Arika," I said again, a little louder.
"Nina…" She said softly. My name on her voice sent a chill up my spine. "Is that really you?" She asked in sheer disbelief.
"Who else would it be, Arika," I said a little impatiently and saw her lean backwards against the door.
"You came back," she said. Her voice sounded weak, like she was unable to get the syllables out. Alarm shot through me as she started sinking to the floor and I took a few quick steps towards her.
"Yeah," I told her. "I-" My voice got stuck as I watched a tear drop down from Arika's face and hit the floor. My heart almost screamed.
"I thought you…" she said in a wobbly voice. "I thought you weren't coming back. I thought you wanted to be with…" A few more tears dropped and I reached out tentatively to touch her, to do something to stop the crying but she flinched away from me and looked up. My eyes burned as I saw hers swimming with unshed tears. My head was reeling, in all my thoughts of how Arika would react when I returned, this was one thing I didn't imagine. I blinked away tears of my own willed her to say something but she didn't. Her fists were clenched at her sides and her face had taken on a hard expression. I didn't know how to fix this.
"Arika," I pleaded and she looked away. "I didn't mean… I didn't want…" I couldn't form a sentence, my heart was thumping painfully in my chest. I expected anger or disappointment, not this. I didn't expect this at all and it hurt far more then I could have imagined.
My incoherent speech seemed to have some sort of affect on her because I saw her flick her eyes back up to my face for a moment.
"What about Sergay?" She asked straitening away from the doorway. She was watching my hand, not my face but at least she was talking.
"He doesn't remember anything," I said, anger coloring my voice.
"Is that why you came back?" Her voice was quiet, not the usual loud chirp she normally spoke with. I could feel myself being drawn into it.
"No," I said, mimicking her tone. "I came back because I wanted to." I told her with as much conviction as I could. It was the truth, even if that was going to be difficult for her to believe. I would have come back even if Sergay remembered me. She was closer to me now and she slowly reached out. I reacted instantly, stretching the same hand that I tried to touch her with before to meet her. She hesitated at first then took another step forward, sliding her fingers lightly over my hand. The touch made me shiver, her skin electric against my own.
"You know," she said lightly and I saw her smile. The one little smile melted the cold that was threatening to take me. Her fingers grazed over my wrist and up my forearm as she continually stepped closer to me. My pulse sped up considerately. "He was the first older man to look at me and see something other than a child. I think it went to my head." She gave a small laugh and I caught myself smiling too. It would seem that I was forgiven, again.
"I guess we were both confused," I said and closed my eyes. Arika's fingers were inching closer to my bicep. The sensation was making it hard to concentrate.
Suddenly she stopped and I opened my eyes to find her leaning forward with her usual smile. I took a startled step backwards and she laughed outright, the tension completely gone.
"Oh, Nina-chan!" She exclaimed happily. "You haven't changed at all!"
I scowled at her and crossed my arms. "What do you know, Arika!" I snapped and she threw her arms around me in a tight hug before bounding into the room. I stood, a little stunned by the sudden change in demeanor and watched her jump onto her messy bed.
"I have so much to tell you, Nina!" She breathed and waved her arms around, making her bounce up and down on her mattress. "Mashiro-chan works me like a dog!" She said and flopped onto her back. "I never knew being a Meistar Otome was so much work!"
"Well, what did you expect?" I asked and sat down on my own bed. Arika stuck her tongue out and I smirked.
"I thought it would be less paperwork and public events," she grumbled. "I feel like a show animal." I laughed and Arika snorted.
"You're so mean Nina-chan," she pouted. "Laughing at my troubles."
"Those aren't troubles, Arika," I chided.
"How is Sergay, anyway?" She asked, picking up on a slight bitterness in my voice.
I opened my mouth, then closed it and shrugged. She shot me a sympathetic look and I glared at her, making her smile.
"It's okay," she told me firmly. "He wasn't so great."
I put my head in my hand and shook my head. Geez, Arika…
"So you were with him the whole time after we fell from the sky?" She asked quietly, her mood changing again. I looked up cautiously but her eyes were on the ceiling. Her shoulders were tense.
"Yeah," I said. "But I…" I missed you.
"You what?" She wondered.
"No, it's nothing," I said and folded my hands in my lap. She glanced at me out of the corner of her eye before heaving a huge sigh.
"Mashiro-chan made me fly up and clean the top windows of the castle today!" She complained, changing the subject. I had to laugh at that.
"Nina-chan, aren't Otome supposed to protect stuff, and I don't know, do important things?" She asked, her voice exasperated.
"Arika, you haven't even graduated," I reminded her. "You can't expect to be someone like Shizuru-sama!"
"I'm a perfectly capable Otome!" She countered.
"Oh yeah?" I scoffed. She crossed her arms.
"C'mon Nina-chan I was able to-" She stopped suddenly and closed her eyes for a moment then recovered. "Well, I'm a good Otome." She finished in a subdued tone. Seeing the beaten look on her face I tried to back-pedal.
"I was just teasing, Arika," I mumbled. That caused her laugh.
"I can't believe it, Nina is backing down!" She exclaimed in delight and sat up. "Maybe your not so mean." I narrowed my eyes at her goofy smile and crossed my arms. The cloth of my uniform caught on my scar and pulled. I gave and involuntary gasp of pain and clapped a hand over my shoulder. The muscle was fine but the skin was still sensitive.
"Ow…" I muttered and rubbed it lightly.
"What is it?" Arika asked. I shook my head and continued to rub it.
"It's nothing," I assured her and waved my hand to show her I was fine. It still stung but it wasn't anything big. Arika's eyes focused on where I was rubbing and I watched as something flickered in her eyes before she turned away.
"Do you have her schedule, yet?" She asked and I blanched. I had forgotten about going to see the Headmaster.
"Crap," I cursed and stood up. "I have to go see the Headmaster."
"I'll come," Arika said quickly and stood up too. We both grabbed our keys and left in a hurry.
"I completely forgot," I said to myself but Arika heard and she smirked.
"So unlike you, Nina-chan, your full of surprises today," she cooed and I felt blood rush to my face.
"Be quiet, Arika," I growled and quickened my pace. She giggled.
"Lighten up!" She exclaimed and in a flash of motion poked my side. I gasped as the sensation shocked my body then blushed madly and looked around for the perpetrator. She was already running.
"AR-I-KA!" I yelled and chased after her.
"Oh no, Nina-chan's maaaaad!" She laughed and ducked deftly around the corner. She was faster then before, that was for sure. I could hear her cackling just up ahead and I ran to catch up.
"MEISTAR ARIKA!" Natsuki's yelled from down the hall. I stopped abruptly and took a few breaths to make it look like I wasn't running.
"Eeeeeyaah!" Arika screeched in surprise and I stifled laughter as I rounded the corner.
"Nina, do you know what this is about?" Natsuki asked with annoyance as Arika struggled against the hold of Shizuru.
"Shizuru-san!" Arika whined. "Let me gooo…"
"Now why would I do that, ne Arika?" I felt jealous suddenly of Shizuru's closeness to Arika and crossed my arms.
"Nina?" Natsuki repeated.
"No, Headmaster," I said, feigning ignorance. Arika looked at me with mock betrayal in her eyes. I hid a smile. "I was just on my way to see you when Arika ran by me. I have no idea what she was in such a hurry for."
"So mean…" Arika wailed. I watched as Shizuru bent down blew gently in Arika's ear.
"E-EH?" She squeaked as her face flared red. "S-Shizuru-san, d-don't do that!"
"Oh, let her go Shizuru," Natsuki sighed.
"Ara, your no fun," she pouted but let go. Arika scrambled away to stand next to me, her face still bright red. I glanced briefly at her then scowled at Shizuru. She regarded me with an amused expression.
"Well, Nina," Natsuki said and I looked at her. "I guess since you're here it saves the trouble of making the trip to my office." She reached into one of her pockets and fished out a piece of paper. "Your schedule," she said, handing it to me.
"Thank you," I replied and looked over it. Natsuki was right; it was the same, that was good. Arika could help me catch up. Or perhaps it will be the other way around… I thought and fixed her an annoyed look. She was playing with the end of ponytail, unaware of my eyes.
"We expect you in classes starting tomorrow," Natsuki informed me. I nodded and pocketed the piece of paper. "Arika," she turned to address the Meistar.
"Yes?" Arika wondered, looking up hesitantly. "Make sure you help Nina on the days you don't have to go to the castle," Natsuki ordered her. Arika's mouth fell open.
"Me?" She asked. "Help Nina-chan?" She laughed. "Nina-chan should be helping me, Headmaster." I rolled my eyes and nudged her in the side.
"Stupid," I said. "I've been gone, remember?"
"Oh, right," Arika nodded. "I'll help you then! I am number two after all!"
"Number two?" I asked in surprise. But that's… "Who's number one then?" Who was better then Arika, a real Meistar Otome?
"You, of course, duh, Nina-chan," Arika said like it was obvious and pointed at me. I stared at her in shock. Was she kidding me? This uniform doesn't mean anything right now…
"I'm not-" I protested but Arika was already walking back to the dorm. "Wait, Arika!" I yelled and turned to go after her, leaving the Headmaster and Shizuru behind.
"Those girls…" I heard Natsuki mutter and Shizuru's light laughter from behind me.
Shizuru regarded Natsuki fondly. "They remind me a little of you and Mai, don't you think?" She mused and Natsuki smirked.
"I'm going to take a shower, Nina-chan!" Arika called from ahead of me.
"Arika!" I shouted in frustration but she slipped into our room before I could catch her. What is with her? I wondered once I was settled on my bed. She beat me didn't she? I don't understand at all…
"Nina?" Arika's voice filtered through the bathroom door.
"Yeah?" I replied absently.
"Can you bring me the soap?" She asked in a sheepish tone.
"Your what?" I asked in confusion.
"Soap, it's sitting on my desk," she explained. I looked across the room and sure enough the soap was sitting right there, on some papers. I stood up and walked over to grab it. I swear, nothing changes around here. Grumbling, I opened the bathroom door and walked in, pre-occupied with why Arika's soap was on her desk and at first I didn't realize exactly where I was.
"Thanks, Nina-chan," Arika said gratefully and I glanced up and widened my eyes. Arika's silhouette was clearly visible from behind the shower curtain and I could make out the curve of her back and chest. Heat flared to my face.
"Yeah," I replied, keeping my voice normal. "Just don't leave your stuff all over the place." Arika laughed and one of her arms peeked around the curtain, palm outstretched so I could put the soap in it. The water glistened on her skin and my vision got fuzzy.
"Nina?" She asked in a puzzled tone and waved her hand around a bit. I shook my head and handed her the soap. Our fingers slid against each other and I kept my hand there longer then necessary. Luckily, Arika didn't seem to notice.
"Arika?" I heard myself asking.
"Hmm?"
"How did you become number one?"
"Oh," she grumbled. "A lot of work, that's what. Mashiro-chan said that she would only have the best Otome as her own and demanded that I tried harder. She's crazy…" She muttered. "But it's better now," she told me, her voice perking up. "Since your back I don't have to be number one anymore. I like the number two better…" she finished thoughtfully.
"I'm not going to be number one automatically!" I blurted, a little flustered. "I mean, I've been gone and you were better then me before, Arika so-"
"It'll be a competition then!" Arika exclaimed, turning the conversation around quickly. "And I won't lose to you, Nina-chan."
My pride flared. "We'll see Arika," I snapped but felt better. The shower turned off and I gulped as some of the steam cleared.
"I'll be back in the room," I stuttered and quickly turned away from the shower.
"Do I make you nervous?" Arika teased, her tone playful.
I blushed. "Of course not," I lied and got out of the bathroom. I could hear her give a short laugh before I closed the door. Sighing, I changed into my pajamas and wiggled into bed. It wasn't very late but I was tired from traveling.
"Going to bed?" Arika observed when she got out of the bathroom. I glanced at her. Red hair was hanging loosely behind her ears, a few wet strands slipping from the mass to fall about her face. My eyes swept quickly over her body and noticed the lack of clothing.
"Don't you get cold?" I wondered, secretly enjoying the view of her legs in her shorts.
"Nah." She shrugged and a sliver of her stomach peeked out at me. I looked away from her. Being with her like this might be harder then I thought…
"I have to work on a few things, do you mind the light?" Arika questioned, sitting down at her desk and pulling out a pen. She looked frustrated.
"I don't mind," I assured her and she nodded. "Do you always do your work this late?"
"No," she replied. "But on the days when I need to go to the castle I don't have a lot of time."
"Do you sleep enough?"
"You sound like my mother, Nina-chan," she said and turned to me with a smirk. I scowled and turned my back to her.
"Goodnight," she said softly.
"Goodnight," I replied, contentment welling up inside me. It was surprising how easy it was to ease back into how my life used to be. I just hoped it stayed like this…