The Gakuencho

Chapter 2

Rating- T

Disclaimer- I do not own Mai-otome or any of its related characters. Mai-otome belongs to the genius people at Sunrise.

Summary- Continuation of mai-otome. Life after zwei featuring shiz/nat, haruka/yukino, chie/aoi, yohko/midori, Nao, tomoe and more. Love, romance, drama, secrets, lies and the their lives all revealed. Things really aren't that easy.

A/N - THANK YOU EVERYONE for reading and for those of you that did, reviewing as well. (special thank you to reviewers at the end of the fic.) So this is chapter 2 and i hope it does justice for the series and hope you all enjoy =)

Also please go to my profile to vote for which couple you would like more scenes of. I'm trying to keep it evenly divided between every couple, but I'll give the people what they want.


Dressed in a yellow summer dress and a cardigan, Aoi Senoh waited by a lamp post as she waited for her date to arrive. She nervously kept smoothing her dress out as she looked out for the Major. She felt a tap on her shoulder, and she turned around to be delighted to see Chie standing behind her with a boyish grin.

"Who might you be waiting for cute lady?"

"Chie!" Aoi happily yelled out as she jumped and hugged the major. Chie quickly took the opportunity to pick Aoi up and spin her around several times.

"Mo, Chie put me down" Chie stopped turning but still held onto Aoi so she was still couldn't touch the ground.

"Hmmm only if the cute lady pays me." Knowing the price for such an act Aoi leant down and kissed Chie as she wrapped her arms around Chie's back as she was slowly let down.

"Arigato miss" Chie said as they pulled away. Aoi hit her on the shoulder lightly

"I missed you Chie-chan."

"I missed you too."

"But you know, you can stop with the charming act now, I've been charmed too many times by you for it to work anymore."

Aoi took a step back to observe Chie's attire, she wore her Aries Military-otome uniform, a skirt and fitting blazer with several badges adorning her shoulder, and frankly Aoi thought she looked dashing. Taking Aoi's stare to mean something else Chie quickly took her blazer off leaving her with her white shirt and tie.

"Sorry I didn't have an opportunity to change" Chie apologised thinking Aoi's stare to mean something different.

"Oh, no, no, I didn't mean to stare. I was just admiring how cool you look Chie-chan."

"Really?"

"Yes" Aoi exclaimed with a firm nod "I haven't seen you properly in your uniform before."

"Why thank you then pretty Miss. But I think I'll leave the blazer off. Less people recognise me that way." Folding her blazer and holding it with one hand she offered her other arm to Aoi who took it and they started walking.

"Ok but it's a shame because I wanted your fan girls to get jealous."

"Oh Aoi I've never heard you talk like that before, you sound jealous yourself" Chie said and laughed earning her another whack.

"Of course I am. At least in Windbloom I got to keep an eye on you but who knows what you get up to here."

"Nothing I assure you. As I've told all those that proposition me I only have eyes for a certain head of the country's maid."

"President Chrysant has maids as well."

"Yes but she also has Haruka onee-sama who guards her maids from suitors just as well as she does the President."

"Hai Hai I believe you."

Chie smiled as her girlfriend started to laugh and she couldn't help joining in. She had missed Aoi, more than she ever thought she could have. So seeing her right now was a dream come true. Of course they talked over the phone, by letters, whatever means they could, but nothing could compare to seeing Aoi before her. Unfortunately though both of their schedules were tough and demanding, with little time off. When Chie was able to sneak away after certification she would use her robe to fly to Windbloom to see Aoi and surprise her. Though opportunities like that were becoming fewer and fewer as her responsibilities grew. Often Chie thought about transferring to the Windbloom Military but she knew Aoi would never allow it. That's a talk for another time Chie thought, now is just about them.

Arriving at their desired restaurant Chie held the door opened as Aoi made her way inside to continue their date.


Things were quiet for once at Garderobe. The Queen and her Otome were In Aries, the students were all behaving properly and there was minimal paperwork today. Natsuki smiled to herself, leant back in her chair and put her feet up on her desk; a nap couldn't hurt. The rhythmic cheers of the students outside soon caused her to drift off into a state of tiredness, but before she could fall asleep completely she heard it. The horrid sound of heeled boots clacking against the marble floor, getting louder and louder as the person came closer and closer to her office. Natsuki would usually compose herself whenever she heard clacking, only the staff and Shizuru wore heeled shoes at Garderobe. It was in fact the distinct rattle of keys that accompanied the clacking that caused Natsuki to quickly dive under her desk. On all fours she closed her eyes in mild fear hoping Miss. Maria would just accept she wasn't in right now. She knew why Miss. Maria wanted to talk to her, and Natsuki knew it wasn't going to be one of their usual scolding/teaching sessions. Natsuki winced as she heard three exact knocks on the door before it opened. She internally frowned at herself, she the Gakuencho of Garderobe, one of the most esteemed positions in the world, is hiding under her desk from her old teacher. Natsuki's ears pricked up as she tried to pick up the dulled sounds of the heels and cursed her choice for redecorating with carpet flooring. It was difficult but she could make out the faint sounds of three steps forward, three steps back, a pause, and finally the door closing. Success! Letting out a big sigh of relief Natuski clambered up from under the table using her chair as leverage.

"Gakuencho" Miss Maria said sternly. Oh crap. Slowly with a guilty look on her face Natsuki slowly turned around and knew there was no escape. She gulped and sat back on her chair, facing her ex-teacher.

"Hai!" Natsuki said in a high pitched tone, she quickly cleared her throat "Ahem, I mean yes Miss. Maria."

"It seems not much has changed from when you were at school then" Miss. Maria walked in front of her desk and stared sternly at Natsuki with such a glare that made her want to make up an excuse about her homework all of a sudden.

"Aheh, well... Anyway what can I do for you?"

"Tomoe Marguerite." Natsuki sighed and stood up facing the window, it always helped out to look out to the distance when confronted with a difficult issue since it reminded her to always remember the bigger picture and not the small circumstances.

"What of her Miss. Maria?"

"News of her re-enrolment to Garderobe has just reached my ears. She is apparently to return after a reduced two month sentence. I hope that this is just the usual school girl gossip."

"It's not. I have permitted her to return."

"Oh what grounds? She is a failed otome, allowing her to return brings shame to the school and all whom have sacrificed their lives in the preservation of honour and loyalty to their masters and comrades. I cannot permit such a thing."

"Miss. Maria you may find it hard to believe, but I agree with you."

"Then why allow such a notion?"

"I want to give her a chance for redemption."

"Gakuencho-" Miss. Maria started but was quickly interrupted by Natsuki

"I don't trust Marguerite-san, I can't forget what she did nor what happened as a result of it and her returning to Garderobe doesn't wipe the slate clean" Natsuki paused and unknowingly clenched her fist as she remembered all that had happened because of the green haired girl. She exhaled and looked to the distance once more and relaxed "but everyone deserves a second chance. Aswad, Artai, myself even." Natuski turned around and gone was the scared girl standing guiltily in front of her teacher, she was the Gakuencho. Natsuki continued "Locked up in a cell for countless years won't disperse her rage, it'll only further her little remaining connection to humanity and fuel her anger more. It is here in Garderobe with familiar faces, familiar friends, familiar hopes and dreams that she can remember her reason for wanting to become an otome. So I extend the hand of faith to her in a hope that she'll accept it in order to find herself again."

Miss. Maria's expression was a mix between astonishment and a scowl as if she didn't know how to react. After a short silence between them she smiled slightly

"Hearing you talk like that makes me proud that you are the Gakuencho. It makes the possibility of my retirement all that easier to dream of." Natsuki blushed lightly for it was rare a compliment ever came from stern Miss. Maria. "I must ask though, what is Shizuru-san's take on all this."

"It was her idea. She's gone to great lengths to help Marguerite-san."

"And what is your personal view on this?"

"I am trying to remain impartial throughout." For everyone's sake. With a nod Miss. Maria turned to leave

"I hope you realize that if she does return, I'll be keeping a more watchful eye on her than I usually would."

"I count on it." Natsuki called out as the older woman closed her office door behind her. Letting out a large sigh of relief Natsuki quickly fell onto her chair and relaxed. She knew her decision about Marguerite-san would cause confrontation on all levels, but it was the right thing to do; or at least that's what she told herself. She never would have thought of the idea to allow the girl to return, considering all that she had done, to the school and more importantly Shizuru.

It was after Tomoe's sentencing (before Zwei) that Shizuru admitted all that had happened between herself and Tomoe during her captivity. Natsuki could remember the anger she felt as Shizuru cried and retold the events. Tomoe had tricked Shizuru with lies of Natsuki's capture and torture and so Shizuru behaved, she complied with Tomoe's wishes. The full extent of Tomoe's wishes was never fully disclosed to Natsuki, but Shizuru reassured her that she had managed to persuade Tomoe out of a lot of things, apart from one kiss. Not that Shizuru would ever betray her, she knew that, but it was the thought of Tomoe pushing herself onto Shizuru, her Shizuru that caused Natsuki's blood to boil. Apart from that Shizuru managed to only talk with Tomoe, but these were not normal talks, these were discussions of truth and secrets that Natsuki herself had never even discussed with Shizuru.

Shizuru lay her head on Natsuki's lap as they sat on the large sofa in her office. She had managed to stop crying a while ago and she felt genuinely better after having told Natsuki about how worried she was about her safety and life and how guilty she was in allowing one kiss. Natsuki gently stroked her lovers head and smiled down at the woman. Throughout it all Natsuki kept her cool, she didn't judge, she didn't jump to conclusions, she just waited for Shizuru to explain at her own pace. Theirs was a love based on absolute trust after all, and they both knew that.

"Better now?"

"Yes. Natsuki is too kind. But there is one more thing."

"Go on."

"We talked."

"Talked?"

"Yes. We had daily discussions sometimes about irrelevant things, sometimes about you, but mostly how she would do anything to receive my love." Natsuki remained quiet and listened "It was in these talks that I realised how similar Tomoe-san and I are, and it scares me Natsuki."

"What? No! How can you say such things? You are kind, thoughtful, and loyal. I could never imagine you doi-"

"Natsuki" Shizuru said as she sat up. She leaned towards Natsuki so their faces were almost touching and they stared into each other's eyes. "It was the desperation of her love that reminded me that I was her not too long ago." Natsuki opened her mouth to speak but was quickly silenced by Shizuru's hand as it moved swiftly to caress her face. "I remembered there was a time that I loved Natsuki so intensely that I would have done anything for you so that you would return my affections. Anything you hear me. In our case I decided to distance myself from you and fortunately that led us to coming together after you adorably barged into my room demanding to know why I hadn't talked to you for two days."

"I held out longer than that." Natsuki muttered.

"That's not the point my love. It was during my talks with Tomoe-san that I found myself identifying with her; I would have gone to great lengths to receive my Natsuki's love. I would have betrayed or destroyed anyone, king, master or country so long as you would be safe from harm. I would have done anything. Seeing her so desperate because of love just reminded me of a horrible time when I was the same. But such was the intensity of her love for me, and mine for you." Suddenly Natsuki kissed her, pouring all of her emotions into it to let Shizuru know how she really felt. Years of love and devotion were poured into that single kiss, and from the caress of Shizuru's hand on her face Natsuki knew she could feel it too. Slowly they pulled apart resting their foreheads against one another.

"My love is the same for you Shizuru."

"It is?"

"It is." She paused "But don't you understand what you're saying? Yes you both loved intensely, so intensely that it could have led you to do crazy things, but the difference is you didn't."

"But Natsuki, I would still do all those things now to ensure your safety." With a smile and a quick kiss Natsuki whispered

"So would I. I would do anything for you."

It had taken a bit more convincing, but Natsuki was able to convince Shizuru that she and Tomoe were not the same and that Shizuru was not the dark person she thought herself to be. Natsuki knew that Shizuru still harboured some guilt for what had happened, after all if not for flirting with the underclassmen none of this would have happened. But to deny Shizuru to flirt was to deny a fundamental part of herself. So she wasn't surprised when her lover mentioned the idea of helping Tomoe.

Natsuki had thought long and hard on how she could help the green haired girl. In truth it was not only Shizuru who thought the Tomoe resembled her past self, Natuski did as well. The current Tomoe, one who heart has been closed off because of hurt and betrayal, one who has only anger for the world, she is how Natsuki was. It was coming to Garderobe that saved her from herself, and she hoped that if Tomoe accepted to return, it would save her too. It would take a while to forget everything that had happened but everyone deserved a chance at redemption.

Natsuki's ears perked as she picked up the sound of clacking again, though this time she didn't hide under the table. The door opened after two gentle knocks and in walked Shizuru smiling and graceful as always. She closed the door behind her and put two files on Natsuki's desk.

"Your report from Mai-san, Gakuencho" Shizuru said.

"Arigato and don't call me Gakuencho Shizuru, it sounds weird coming from you."

"I enjoy calling you Gakuencho though. How about I call you Na-tsu-ki?" Shizuru asked emphasising her name on purpose.

"Ah...call me what you want" Natsuki grumbled.

"Okkini Natsuki-sama."

"Don't use sama either!" Shizuru giggled at her lover's expense.

"Hai, Hai. Anyway what does your report say?" Natsuki opened Mai's report which contained diagrams and in-depth explanations all carefully written.

"Honestly Mai it's like you still want to be the number one coral" she said to herself. Natsuki then read aloud her letter

"To Natsuki and Shizuru-san, things are A-ok here, but I'm sure Shizuru's already told you^^ we had loads of fun." Natsuki raised her eyebrow at the brunette meister who conveniently busied herself with pouring tea "The Schwartz members are all enjoying their life here on the black valley and most of them have had their crystals disabled, only a few more people left to go.

Also all of Aswad have moved here, considering the black valley is their original homeland after all and they seem to be mingling well with the locals. Anyway the rest of my report is self-explanatory. You and Shizuru should come by sometime, if not for a holiday then at least for my ramen! We can go out to the Cat-god karaoke bar as well. From Mai.

Natsuki smiled at her friend's everlasting love of karaoke, she could still recall Mai dragging her out of Garderobe to sing despite it being exam season. She looked at Shizuru who drank her tea slowly and she remembered the promise to she made to herself-to not hide their relationship anymore or keep quiet about it. With a sudden idea Natsuki quickly stood up.

"Shizuru let's go have lunch."

"Ara, would you like it delivered here?"

"No, no let's go out."

"Out?" Shizuru exclaimed with surprise and delight. "I thought my Natsuki dislikes going out because I quote 'There are too many rumours around school about us.'"

"True but I honestly don't care about any rumours about us anymore seeing as they're all true. So would you like to go out for lunch so I can purposely show you off?"

"Ara, ara, is this a date then? My Natsuki hasn't asked me out on a date in so long, I'd forgotten what this feeling was."

"Get used to it because I'm going to keep doing it to prove to everyone that every single rumour is true." Natsuki grinned cheekily.

"What even the rumour about how if you get on the wrong side of the Gakuencho and she glares at you, you turn into ice?"

"I could try that, but I would need my robe on wouldn't I?" with a smile Natsuki took Shizuru's hand and together they walked out of the office.

"Neh Shizuru, feel like ramen?"

"As long as you don't put too much mayo on it" Shizuru teased happily.

"Alright."

"Oh Mai-san and I had so much fun last time."

"Yeah about that-"


"Wahhh get back here!" Irina yelled as she ran out of the lab. Yohko quickly shot up from reading her data and went outside to see what her young apprentice was yelling at. Her eyes squinted at the sun light, after being inside for so long, but she welcomed the bright day it was extremely refreshing.

"Why you little!" Irina yelled out again. Yohko watched as the girl chased what seemed to be a grey blur on the ground, she rubbed her eyes and realised that said grey blur was actually Mikoto the Queen's cat, or at least one of them. Back and forth the cat ran until it ran towards her at a rapid speed. It jumped at Yohko but she managed to catch it and hold onto it.

"Why hello" Yohko exclaimed as she stroked the cat's head earning a pur in return.

"Sensei you got it."

"Yes I did, but why were you chasing the Queen's cat?"

"It scratched my chip board! Now I have to start all over again."

"Well I'm sure catching the cat wouldn't help the chip board" with a defeated expression Irina walked back into the lab not before sticking her tongue out at the cat, who did the same thing in return.

"Honestly." Yohko held the cat out in front of her "cute thing aren't you?"

"Meow." A sudden rustle in the trees made Yohko quickly turn around and swiftly she took an attachment from her belt and threw it rapidly towards the tree. A red figure quickly jumped out and landed before her.

"Getting better."

"I'm not getting better I'm just getting more paranoid." Midori smiled but her mouth quickly dropped upon seeing the adorable fat cat in her friend's arms. Yohko grinned remembering Midori's love of cats and she held the animal in front of Midori's face, swaying it side to side.

"Midori-san do you think I'm cute?" Yohko asked impersonating the cat. She watched as the Aswad leader tried to keep a stern face by biting her lip slightly in an attempt to suppress the smile that was forming. Midori slowly raised her hand up towards the cat's head as if she were to pet it then for no apparent reason she flicked its head hard and back flipped, assuming a fighting stance.

"I demand a rematch cat!"

"Midori!" Yohko yelled in shock, she quickly looked at the now dazed cat and held it comfortingly. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Yohko that cat is a warrior. Don't be deceived. It can materialise!"

"What? That's ridiculous, only otome can materialise, human otome, not cats. Honestly Midori." She shook her head in shame before letting the cat down onto the ground. Mikoto rubbed its head with its paws and Midori felt guilty for hitting it.

"Gomen Yohko it was a misunderstanding. There was a cat that looked exactly like this one in the desert that materialised and fought with me."

"I don't even know if I should believe you or not."

"It's true!"

"Midori look at it." They both stared at Mikoto lying on its belly lazily. "Mikoto is hardly a threat."

"Perhaps this is just a simple fat cat." The cat's ears perked up hearing Midori's words and with an unknown speed it charged towards her rapidly.

"I told you Yohko!" Midori yelled as she leapt towards the animal. In a mighty clash they charged at each other with great force, but at the last moment Mikoto jumped onto Midori's head and happily leapt into the nearby tree. Midori consequently tripped and fell face first into the ground. Yohko just stood with her mouth open at the spectacle. The Queen's fat cat had just toppled over the Aswad leader; this was going to be a story for the ages. With a grunt Midori pushed herself upwards and sat on the ground with a thud. She and Midori looked at each other silently for a while and then burst out laughing.

"Well if anything that still doesn't mean the cat can materialise" Yohko exclaimed once they had regained their breath.

"I'm telling you it can. Just believe me for once without the need of evidence" Midori replied as she stood up and dusted herself off.

"Ok fine I believe you, but I can still be sceptical can't I?"

"I don't expect you any other way." Yohko giggled to herself upon seeing a black pawprint on Midori's forehead. She took her sleeve and proceeded to wipe it away. She unconsciously stood close to Midori and held her waist with her other hand as she focused on her task. Midori however noticed the closeness between them and she was fighting back a blush and various mixed emotions. She tried to think straight but her eyes were drawn to the Researcher's luscious lips as she bit her bottom lip slightly in concentration. Midori could kiss her, she could, but what good would it do? It would be a moments joy only to be followed by what be another eternity of doubt and confusion. No she wouldn't have herself broken by this woman, not again.

She tried to remember the last time they had stood so close like this; it was so long ago. The memory was almost lost on Midori. They were young, teens, probably eighteen and seventeen- when Midori was genuinely seventeen. Midori had visited Yohko wanting to give her a present. Yohko received it happily but she gave Midori a look which she didn't understand at the time. It was a sad sort of smile and Yohko's eyes, her eyes, she looked at Midori as if it were for the last time. Midori at the time simply took this as a bout of depression the girl was going through due to Reito's illness progressing so she didn't think much of it at the time. Midori knew something though that there was a deeper cause than Reito's illness when they kissed, it was so passionate and desperate. It's only now in her adult life that that kiss Yohko gave to her was goodbye. The next day Yohko had disappeared leaving only a note asking no one to look for her.

Remembering their past Midori quickly stepped backward from Yohko and refused to look at the researcher. It was Yohko who left her, and as a proud Aswad she wouldn't go back to this woman, no matter her reason for leaving. She wouldn't be broken by her again.

"You can't do things like that anymore" she muttered. Yohko suddenly realised she had overstepped her boundaries with her closeness

"Sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable" Yohko quickly answered whilst taking a small step forward, but Midori retreated once more.

"Forget it."

"Midori -"

"I want us to be friends Yohko and I'm working hard at that" She said matter-of-factly.

"So do I. I want us to regain what we've lost."

"Then don't go doing things like that anymore!" Midori shouted. "We're not the people we once were. You doing things like that, being close to me, it confuses me, makes me doubt if seeing you again is a good thing." Midori scowled and rubbed her forehead herself roughly. She took a look at the cat who still sat happily in the tree, then one last look at the Researcher. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to yell just now." She paused "you should get back to work. I'll see you tomorrow." With that she jumped up and travelled across the trees until she disappeared from sight completely.

"At least there's still tomorrow" Yohko whispered to herself sadly.


Five rows of ten girls and women stood in uniform formation, not moving a muscle as their Brigadier General paced back and forth in front of them. The ever boisterous Continental Orb Topaz had called them all to the training field for an encouraging pep talk before they travelled to Windbloom to try out to become Otomes.

"Boys!" She shouted proudly. Nearby in a building a balcony door opened and out walked Yukino with a megaphone.

"It's Girls, Haruka-chan" She corrected yelling through her megaphone, her voice echoing practically through Aries. "Better bring my work out here" Yukino suggested to her assistant with a smile.

"Yes girls, that's what I said. Anyway today is an important day. It is the day you all travel to Windbloom to try out to become Otome. I want you to be strong and courageous and take on every challenge that Principle and the Bubuzuke woman throw at you. We are Aries women and go down fighting! Got it?"

"Yes General Armitage!" They all shouted whilst saluting.

"I expect every one of you to get in or else never come back to Aries. Trust me on that I'll be waiting on the border for your return." Haruka smiled with confidence as she saw the look of terror in their eyes. She quickly looked up and somehow could spot Yukino smiling cheerfully. She then remembered what they had agreed earlier and so she lightened up a bit feeling slightly guilty. "Although it's not a bad thing if you lose, just have fun" she said very quickly crossing her arms.

"Yes General" they shouted with relief.

"If I hear though that Aries has less people accepted than An Nam into Garderobe I will still be waiting on the border to spank the butts of those of you that lost. Dismissed!" They all quickly ran out of the training field.

Haruka dusted her hands off, proud of what she thought was possibly the best speech ever, and walked to the exit. Drilling recruits was probably one of the more fun things she did as Yukino's otome, it was certainly better than sitting in on those meetings. Haruka scrunched her eyes as she saw two figures waiting by the edge of the field.

"Oi Hallard" she called out as they approached her. "What are you doing here? I gave you the day off didn't I?"

"Actually no you gave the job of escorting the Queen and Otome about; they didn't need escorting so escorting this lovely lady around instead."

"Ah whatever I don't care what lie you tell your colleagues."

"General if I may I would like you to formally meet the lovely Aoi Senoh, head maid to Queen Mashiro" said Chie proudly. Aoi stepped forward and curtseyed lightly as the maids were taught to do in front of Nobility or generally important figures of society.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you General Armitage" Aoi said.

"Call me Haruka. Only runts in the army like Hallard here have to call me General" she exclaimed whilst pointing at Chie, who muttered something about not being a runt. "Tell you what Aoi why don't we go to the President's office so I can tell you about all of Hallard's embarrassing stories."

"General hold on a moment" Chie said, but neither woman listened.

"I didn't know Chie had embarrassing stories."

"There's plenty!" Haruka put her arm around Aoi's shoulder and they walked off together chatting contently together. Chie dejectedly followed them; it seemed that in front of the General and her girlfriend her charming behaviour counted for nothing. Oddly enough though as she looked at Aoi's smiling face she decided she wouldn't have it any other way. Chie's ears perked up as she heard Haruka start to tell the story of how she had hit herself through her hat with her robe when she was starting out. Her heart stopped when she saw a group of passerby's listening in on them

"General wait I have my reputation to maintain!"


A hooded figured walked through the woods, wrapping her arms around herself in an attempt to keep warm. Strapped onto her back is a long branch that has been carved into a make shift pole; the only weapon available to her if she encounters someone less than desirable. She hates these trips into the woods, but it's a necessary short cut to get to the city quickly for supplies. It snowed the previous day so there is snow spread on the floor and trees in a beautiful fashion but she's extremely cold and tired so it would be best to only get a few essentials and return to her cabin. She stoped mid-step upon hearing a brawl occurring up ahead and quickly ran behind a large tree. A large burly man, obviously a bandit, ran by her panting, and her eyes widened in surprise as his clothes have been ripped to shreds and he's holding onto the little remains of his trousers.

"Forget her guys. She's nuts! Let's just go!" he yelled before running off. Soon five other men run after him all screaming and holding onto their clothes. The figure comes out from her hiding place and watches in awe as the local bandits are running off screaming. She turns to continue on her way but bumps into someone and falls down. She hasn't the time to react as she feels something sharp on her throat. Her eyes close in fear and she gulps as they use their other hand to draw her hood down.

"Nina Wang." She quickly opened her eyes at the familiar voice.

"Nao-Sempai!" She cried in relief. Nao put her dagger away and grined that trademark grin of hers before helping Nina to her feet. Nina jumped to hug her before pulling back "You're the one that took care of the bandits?"

"Heh they were disappointing, I didn't even need to materialise. Honestly who do they think they are trying to take advantage of innocent women in the woods? I showed them!" Nao exclaimed triumphantly.

"Thank you I usually have to outrun them or just hide."

"You hide? Then what's the stick on your back for?"

"In case I have to fight, but I've never had to luckily" Nina paused "Actually Nao-sempai what are you doing here in the Artai woods? You should be in Windbloom."

"I'm on a mission of course. The Gakuencho kindly chose me out of all the columns to come to the freezing woods to find you" Nao said with obvious sarcasm.

"Me?" Nao reached into one of her coat pockets and pulled out an envelope sealed with the Gakuencho's crest.

"She wants you to have this."

"What is it?"

"An invitation to her birthday party" Nao joked, but seeing her ex room attendant so serious she continued "I'm not meant to say much, but it's an invitation for you to rejoin Garderobe."

"But why?" Nina exclaimed full of shock. She had betrayed the school, not to mention her friends and what became of one of them. Of course she helped out during the CHILD incident but that alone wasn't enough for her to repent. Nina had thought about staying in Windbloom, but seeing Arika and Mashiro's cheerful faces reminded her of the pain she had caused everyone, not to mention the pain she had gone through herself. Certainly she felt better and came to terms with her guilt by seering everyone again, but she needs to take it slow. She couldn't just stay in windbloom like Arika suggested, her guilt can't dissapear through one event. With Sergay, well with the man who used to be Sergay, at least she can start afresh. So even when Shizuru-onee sama had approached her about continuing her school she declined. She can't return; she doesn't deserve too. Not after everything that's happend, she can't return, at least then thats what she thought. Seeing the internal battle in her ex-room attendant's head Nao took her mitten clad hand and held Nina's chin making her look up at the red head.

"Because you deserve it. You, Nina Wang deserve to be an Otome."

"But Nao-sempai I did so many thi-" Nina cried shaking her head and trying to force back the tears. Nao bent her head down slightly until Nina looked at her directly then she continued.

"Forget the past Nina. We've all done things we're not proud of but we move on from it and become better people."

"I can't just move on though. People are gone because of me. Ers, Ers-." Nina tried to say her beloved friend's name but the words just wouldn't come through.

"Would Erstin want you to be living like this? Would she want you living with the shadow of a man you once loved? No. Nina she would want you living your life to its fullest, she would want you happy. Tell me are you happy?" Nina shook her head. "Now I don't know if being an otome will make you happy but at least come back to Windbloom, I'm sure it's better than hiding away in the woods like a hermit. So what do you say?"

"I can't give you an answer yet and Sergay needs-" Nina answered.

"Bring him with you if you think you're going to miss him so much. But he's not the same Major Wang is he?"

"No he's not."

"Just promise me you'll think about it though" Nao said putting her arm around Nina's shoulders. "I kinda miss having my room attendant around you know?"

"I'm your ex-room attendant now Nao-Sempai" Nina exclaimed with a chuckle feeling slightly better. Nao somehow always managed to make her feel better no matter how down she was.

"Nina, Nina, Nina once my room attendant always my room attendant. You know too much about me and my ways" Nao said with a wink.

Perhaps Nao is right Nina thought. She should start living for herself now, in memory of Erstin. She should become someone her friend would be proud of. No more will she hide away from the world, watching it change before her as she remains the same. She, Nina, will change along with it now. She'll talk it over with Sergay today. Although he's not the same man, he still has retained his kindness that made her love him in the first place, he'll help her decide what to do. He doesn't remember anything of his past, so she is simply Nina to him. It made her happy at first when she realised that there would be a possibility of a future with him but when she looked into his eyes she realised even with no memory of his past he still treats her as a young girl, a daughter of sorts and not a potential romantic interest. Sergay is no longer her father, her hero, the man who rescued her as a child, he is a farmer now. Without his memory he is no longer the same man he once was and it pains her at times to remember such a fact. Over time she herself has fallen out of love with him, the man she loved is no more, and it his place is a friend whom she wants to see happy. It was painful at first to go through such a process alone, but it was during the CHILD incident that made her realise that perhaps her time with him is over and that she should move on and find meaning as well. At least now things will be by her choice, her hand, her decision.

"Nao-Sempai" Nina whispered.

"Nani?"

"Perhaps I will go to windbloom."


Natsuki yawned and stretched her arms out as she walked out to the Garderobe gates in the early morning. Natsuki was desperately trying to ignore an itch on her back caused by her Collumn uniform; it was always itchy when she wore it. She hates her uniform and only wears it when necessary, and unfortunately today was one of those days where she has to wear it.

"Natsuki-neesan hurry" Sara called out as she ran past the Gakuencho. "You'll want to see this."

"What's the hurry? It's only the new candidates." Natsuki approached the gates to see all the girls standing by talking animatedly with their country representatives. She smiled when she saw Shizuru laughing with the An Nam representative whom happened to be Shizuru's cousin. She internally sighed at the teasing and joking at her expense that would going on later. The girl's themselves looked excited and some merely terrified; a lot of pressure is being put on them to get accepted into Garderobe after all. Natsuki stood by counting the numbers sent from each country, everything was as it should be, the largest group sent from a country was four; a standard number. She was surprised to see that even her own homeland, Durandal had sent two candidates; she'll go talk to them later. She walked to Sara who stood away from the crowd and was looking into the distance.

"Sara I noticed Aries aren't here yet."

"Oh they'll be here don't worry." Natsuki was about to counter with a question when the ground shook beneath them causing some of the girls to lose their footing and fall.

"What the?" Natsuki muttered as she squinted her eyes seeing something approaching. The ground continued to shake but it was in time, as if it were caused by marching. Shizuru also in curiosity stood next to Natsuki and laughed

"Ara ara, looks like Haruka-san went all out this year."

"Eh? What do you mean?" Natuski cursed at her shortness in comparison to her lovers, but she wasn't about to jump up and down like a young child just to get a look. She tapped her foot impatiently, but then she saw it and her mouth dropped. A gigantic flag of ridiculous proportions bearing the Aries crest and a picture of Haruka posing triumphantly blew in the wind. Then she saw the group of Aries candidates and Natsuki's heart stopped.

"What the hell Haruka?! There's about forty of them!" Natsuki yelled. The Aries girls all wore a otome military uniform and they were marching in sync with their representative standing alongside them proudly. They soon approached the group and with a loud last stomp they finished marching and finally the ground stopped shaking. The representative walked forward and saluted

"Aries reporting for the Garderobe try outs Gakuencho." Natsuki nodded, her mouth still gaping open. The man sidestepped to Shizuru "A personal message for you Meister-sama."

"Proceed." Shizuru replied with a smile.

"Ahem, please understand I am simply reading this Meister. General Armitage writes 'Bubuzuke woman I bet you weren't expecting that! My Aries girls will whip you're An Nam candidates butts! We'll see who'll win now." He stepped back with an apologetic nod. Shizuru smiled as always

"Well since everyone is here let's get started then shall we? Girls please go through and follow Yukariko sensai" Shizuru exclaimed. The girls rushed through and the ground shook again as the Aries girls resumed their marching. Soon only Natsuki was left outside with her mouth still gaping open.

"What the hell Haruka?!!!" Natsuki cried out again.


Omake

Proving every rumour true

Natsuki is standing on the Garderobe training fields with her robe on and is staring at the students

Nao: Shizuru your pup is acting weird. She looks like an old lecher staring at all the young girls

Shizruru: No my Natsuki is trying to prove a rumour about herself

N: Oh the one about she can turn girls into ice?

S: Hai

N: Wait a minute, that's the only rumour I didn't start. In fact weren't you the one who started that rumour?

S: I have no idea what you mean

N: Admit it. You just like staring at her whilst she's staring at the young girls

S: *whistles innocently*


A/N Ah i love shiznat and yohko/midori ( do they have an abbreviation yet?) But please do tell me if you want to see more one one particular couple either in a review or by voting on the poll on my main page. Also i hope you guys realised that the midori yohko part refers to the otome special, i think you can find it on youtube. We also feature Nina for the first time, oh nina, i actually forgot about her would you believe?

Also i hope you guys see the comparison of shizuru's character in hime and otome in this. Her darkness/obssesion is refering to the one she had in hime- i thought it'd be nice to blend things a little. And the fact that Natsuki's homeland is called Durandal- get it? I couldn't resist lol, well if you want to get technical, it is the name of an ancient sword, so her homeland symbolises power, stenght and courage.

and yes i realised after posting my last chapter that Arika was able to materialise without mashiro, call it a perk of owning the blue sapphire gem ;)

Also sorry if you waited long for this, the next one should be quicker (fingers crossed)


Anyway a special thank you to

ShadowCub (I'm not the biggest fan of Arika either) She reminds me of a red head sailor moon

kurakami The Natuski thought process when shizuru returned has never been written before (i think) so i'm glad i got to write that. Also haruka, yukino and chie scenes are just pure comedy gold

thank you very much, i hope you like this chapter too

RukaHulla- WOW such praise thank you so much!! I'm blushing lol

chum-sa- I hope i have a good middle and end as well =)

Mony19 - you know before your review i actually forgot all about Nina. Then i was like OMG i need to write her, she's going to have an excellent story, and it'll be something you're not expecting.

Twisted Eternal Wolvetta- I LOVE YOU TOO! thank you for the praise and i hope you enjoy this chapter too. I'm trying to touch on the serious issues and keep the comedy. I'm writing in the sort of way of how the anime was, light hearted yet serious when needs be.

I'll also post the replies as private messages next time

So remember please review guys =)

peace out JJ