Welcome to chapter two of Glory of the Valkyries! Please enjoy! ^_^
Chapter Two: Blooming Princess
Two weeks later, after what came to be known as the "Battle of Armitage", a party was being held for the top ranking officers who had survived the battle. The event took place at the home of Captain Kuga. While her mother and the others enjoyed themselves downstairs, she took a moment to gaze out of her bedroom window.
"I'm so thankful to be alive. And yet, how could I lead my men into something so foolish?" She then shook her head. "No, it had to be done, it was a losing battle which didn't help turn the tide of this war." Captain Kuga clenched her fist in frustration. "I guess it can't be helped, but all I need is a miracle to go along with the news of the President's proclamation..."
Captain Kuga left the room, proceeding down the staircase to where the sound of chatter could be heard. Surrounding her were the officers who had served in the Battle of Armitage, along with their families. The wives of these men were once slave women, now free to enjoy a more suitable lifestyle. Captain Kuga smiled as she gazed upon these happy families, thinking to her herself how nice it must feel.
"This is why we fight, so men and women despite their differences, can unite as one. It is to create a whole new world."
As she walked through the sea of people, some of the women made whispering comments about the Captain's beauty and clear skin.
'Extraordinary...'
'Dashing in that uniform, like a beautiful man!'
'Her profile fits that of the Holy Mother herself.'
Thanks to her good sense of hearing, she blushed slightly at the flattering comments. One becomes the center of attention as a high ranking female in a man's world. Especially one as beautiful as our Captain, wouldn't you agree?
She parked herself near the window again, focusing her eyes on the people. Even the brave men who were severely wounded attended. Captain Kuga smiled as she watched these brave men laugh, but her smile quickly turned to a frown. She wanted everyone smiling and laughing in harmony, rather than be involved in this vicious war. Suddenly, a voice could be heard outside of the walls of her inner thoughts.
"Natsuki!"
The Captain turned her head and saw one of her childhood friends standing before her. "Yukino!"
"Oops, I meant Captain Kuga!" She corrected herself. "I was so happy to hear the news of your survival!"
"So was I."
Both women laughed, which was a very rewarding feeling for the Captain. Yukino Kikukawa was a well educated woman, who was once a slave from the southern region. Rescued and freed by another commanding officer, she now studies literature and works for the Captain's family.
"How's Fujino these days?"
The Captain blushed at the thought of her beloved Major. ((I'm sure you girls would do the same)) "Um, uh...AHEM! Impossible as always. She managed to escape the battle with very minor injuries too. She took care of me for the past week, even though I didn't need it. You know how she is."
"Yes I do." replied Yukino as she blushed at the thought of Major Fujino's predictable actions.
"How about you, Yukino? Is everything okay on your end?"
"Yes, thank you. I'm still working for your father, seeking a diplomatic solution to end this war."
"Good luck with that," replied the Captain in a serious tone. "First District supporters and their congress won't answer to what they consider 'weakness.' "
This disappointed Yukino and she lowered her head. "Peace is not a sign of weakness."
"Yes, Yukino. We know that. They don't."
The two continued their discussion, when the Captain's mother, Saeko Kuga, called out to her daughter."Oh Natsuki! May I see you for a moment? There's someone I would like for you to meet."
"Oi!" The Captain turned to Yukino. "We'll discuss this later."
As Captain Kuga exit the room with her mother, they enter into the main office which belonged to her father. Everyone inside was already partaking in a heavy discussion regarding the divided nations. Many top officials from all over the Fuka Nation were gathered together. Two individuals stood out above the rest. The first being Governor Yukariko Sanada, who strives to recruit as many soldiers as possible to fight for the Fuka Nation. The second was a graceful yet powerful woman, who's appearance made it evadent something big was about to occur.
"Good afternoon, Governor. I would like you to meet my daughter, Natsuki Kuga." said Saeko as she presented Natsuki.
"The pleasure is mine!" exclaimed the Governor with a gentle smile.
Quickly, Saeko pointed her daughter's attention to today's featured guest.
"Natsuki, have you met Maria Graceburt?"
Maria turned to face the young Captain. The chatter suddenly turned to silence, for Maria Graceburt was a highly respected figure. Accomplishing so much, especially during this tough time. She escaped slavery at a very early age. Since then, she became a major influence on the movement for womens' freedom. Not the closed minded type, she strongly believed in equality between all men and women. The young blue haired Captain was so honored to be in Graceburt's presence, that she had trouble expressing herself.
"Miss Graceburt," said a nervous Natsuki, bowing her head in respect. Maria did the same, for she knew what the Captain had stood for. They were similar in almost every aspect.
"Such a wonderful meeting between the both of you. Your mother told had me that you followed Miss Graceburt's example each and everyday." said Governor Sanada.
"It's true," replied Saeko."It was her dream to meet Miss Graceburt in person. After her last battle, I had to set something up as a reward."
"Ah, yes. I understand that battle was at Armitage. Am I correct, Natsuki?" asked Governor Sanada.
"Yes," answered Natsuki.
"Victory and defeat fought for balance that day. Thank heaven The Lord protected those who were able to return."
Silence once again blanketed the room for a few moments. Along with Natsuki, many men who served in the battle were there, holding back the tears which carried the memories of carnage which took place weeks ago. The Governor broke the silence by placing her hand on Natsuki's shoulders.
"I could use your help, Captain. Together with Miss Graceburt, we have been approved to start the first regiment of female soldiers."
Maria Graceburt stepped into the conversation. "These slave women will be offered pride and dignity, for they have known only degradation."The woman with the powerful voice for equality circled around the desk and stood face to face with Natsuki."Because of your bravery at Armitage, we have submitted your name to be the Colonel of the 25th Fuka Infantry. For the first time in our nation's history, you will prepare women to defend our land. "The Captain's eyes widened, with a look of shock on her face. Natsuki couldn't believe she was given this rare opportunity to lead a band of slave women into war, to fight for their freedom and maintain peace between all human beings. Natsuki couldn't think of any words to say, other than..."Th-Thank you, Miss Graceburt and Governor Sanada. That is great ne-news." Her eyeballs scattered all over, unable to say anything further aside from... "Will you excuse me for a moment?"
Natsuki exited the room, with everyone staring at her with a sense of hope. The news spread like wildfire, as everyone quickly ran over to her, congratulating her for this incredible position as Colonel. Natsuki had nothing to say in return, as she needed time alone to think about all of this.
As she exited the building, a tipsy Major Fujino spotted her. Giving Natsuki a look of affection. Soon afterward, Natsuki is seen outside standing near her old swing set from when she was just a child.
"I haven't sat on this in years," She reflected. "I miss those innocent days. Have I been studying and fighting for THAT long?"
"Seems like it, Natsuki. The way your face looks when you're reminiscing is just darling"
"Sh-Shizuru!" exclaimed Natsuki, as she accepted a quick kiss on the lips from her Major.
"Hello there, my beloved," replied Shizuru. "Forgive me for not showing up sooner. I don't fancy these large crowds as I want to be with you alone."
Natsuki smiled, for the only person that could make her feel easy right now is Shizuru. Seconds later, both women are enjoying themselves on two different swings.
"This is so much fun, Natsuki. I find it cute that even a mature adult such as yourself has her own swing set."
"My father built it for me," said Natsuki as her eyes dimmed. "I miss him so much. Before this war had started, he would always drop everything he was doing just to be with me. Those were magical times for me, Shizuru. Aside from meeting you of course."
"Ara, you know that I'd do anything for you. Still, I know how you've always wanted to be Colonel, but a female regiment? That's almost too good to be true. Only a handful of us are free."
It's rare that Major Fujino pockets her usual flirtatious ways to have a serious conversation. The thought of Miss Graceburt's announcement also intrigued her. Shizuru stopped her swinging and looked up at the sky.
"Handing out firearms to a thousand women. It's enough to add more fuel to the fire. First District will try even harder to kill us all."
"I don't care, Shizuru. I'm going to do it."
Shizuru looked at Natsuki in shocked disbelief. She was used to her blue haired maiden following logic and avoiding conflict.
"You're not serious..."
"Yes I am, Shizuru and I want you to come with me."
In that moment, Shizuru understood why Natsuki had decided to go against the grain and accept this task. Blushing intensely, she took Natsuki's hand and rubbed it against her cheek.
"Oh Natsuki...I would be honored to join you, but can you picture me leading a regiment...or anything for that matter. I practically failed you at Armitage."
"No, Shizuru. We failed together. This time we'll do better. I would be honored to have you as Major once again."
Shizuru giggled and nudged her Captain. "You're so stubborn, my love."
Natsuki smiled and hugged Shizuru tightly, when suddenly Yukino shows up.
"Natsuki! Please tell me it's true! There's to be a female regiment?"
"Under our lovely command!" shouted Shizuru as she wrapped her arms around Natsuki's waist.
"Shizuru!"
Yukino's eyes lit up like stars. "Then I am your first volunteer!"
Hello! *wave* You have made it to the second chapter! How do you like it so far? ^_^ In Glory, the pacing of this whole scene was rather fast. So with GOTV, I wanted to get inside the mind of Natsuki better. Include a bit more of her inner feelings on the matter in comparison to Matthew Broderick's performance as Robert Shaw. As expected, a nice ShizNat moment returns to the scene! ^_~ There's nothing in the world that can separate these two characters for long! For the third chapter, expect more of the HiME to show up. Including the return of a certain HiME of Justice, Love and Friendship! XD More surprises on the way, so I hope you continue reading and stick around for the next chapter. Thank you!If you would like to discuss my work or Mai HiME/Otome in general, please join the Mai-Multiverse Forum (located on my profile) where I spend my time away from the word pad. XD
~Luu