The anticipation was killing her. It seemed as if Miss Maria was taking her time just to annoy Natsuki. Of course, it wasn't just Miss Maria in front of the Pearl class. Shizuru was there as well as Haruka Armitage. Under normal circumstances, there would only be Miss Maria, The Headmistress, and one of the five pillars. However, there was no headmistress this time. The previous one had decided to retire and left the post earlier that year. Miss Maria and Shizuru both took over the duties left behind. No one really knew why Haruka-oneesama had to be there, but she kept insisting that there just had to be three meisters present.
One by one the Pearls were given meister assignments or told there were alternatives to being an otome. Surprisingly, they went in reverse order and started with the lowest ranked member of the class and worked their way up the ranks. Soon, it was only Mai and Natsuki left. Natsuki felt a bead of sweat run down her face as she waited for her fate to be handed to her. She glanced at Shizuru for a moment. She looks so complacent right now. I wouldn't doubt that she knows my outcome. Hopefully…No…I will be able to remain by her side for the rest of my life, even if I have to become some world leader's otome. Natsuki turned her glance over to her best friend and roommate. She noticed that Mai had an aura of uneasiness about her. That's odd, Mai is usually so sure of herself. After a moment, she turned her attention back to Miss Maria.
Upon realizing that it was now her turn to become a meister, Natsuki stiffened with nervousness. She could feel hear Shizuru's words of praise and warm embrace already. Now was the moment that would determine her destiny as an otome, the most important moment of her life thus far. Natsuki prepared herself mentally.
"Mai Tokiha, Pearl Class Number One, you are to become one of the five pillars and wielder of the Fire Stirring Ruby, should you choose to accept it."
Natsuki was shocked. Why had she been skipped? Was this a mistake? What the hell? Natsuki was concerned and turned to Mai. What was more troubling, though, was Mai's expression. Her face had bore a look of uneasiness before the assignment, but now it showed a look of shock and terror. What was wrong was her?
"Don't be shy; it is unbecoming of a young meister. Go ahead and take your GEM," Miss Maria ordered. Mai nervously took the ornate box from the teacher's hands and examined it. She continued to contemplate the box as her superior continued.
"Pearl Number Two, Natsuki Kruger, I did not pass over you on accident. With great deliberation among meisters and with the guidance of our lady, Grandmeister Fumi Himeno, the academy staff has granted a unique opportunity for you, should you choose to accept it." Miss Maria paused; adding to Natsuki's anxious anticipation. "You are to become a member of the Five Pillars, as well. You are to wield the Ice Silver Crystal. However, in addition to this great responsibility, you are to be the new headmistress of Guarderobe Academy."
Natsuki's jaw dropped. It is a miracle that she was able to accept the box that contained her GEM in the condition that she was in. Her lover, Shizuru, was as shocked as Natsuki was. She gave a sidelong glance at Mai, but Mai continued to contemplate her own GEM box. That was puzzling; usually her roommate would cheer her on.
"Woohoo! What a great amendment! We now have a new girl to take the old hag's place!" Haruka was literally jumping with joy.
"You mean 'announcement', Haruka Armitage," Miss Maria corrected her. Haruka said something in return, but Natsuki paid no attention. She was still in shock from the great news. Of course she would accept it! With Shizuru also being a Pillar, she could remain with her forever. It was a Pillar's duty to help out the academy. With that being the case and with Natsuki being the headmistress, Shizuru had no reason to leave her side. She continued to ponder the possible adventures that the couple would have over the coming years while the ceremony drew to a close. Endless nights with her dear Shizuru-oneesama…
There was a reception afterwards and Natsuki was nothing else but the embodiment of joy. Mai, however, was a different story. She was morose and refused to leave the table that she resigned herself to. Her gaze was fixed on the GEM and when someone would speak to her, she would politely acknowledge them, but her mind was somewhere else. Natsuki tried to figure out what was wrong, but could not get away from the press long enough to actually talk to her dear friend. Thus, Natsuki knew nothing of what was actually going on in the red head's mind.
Suddenly, from behind, someone grabbed Natsuki. She jumped, but calmed down when she realized that it was only Shizuru. Natsuki smiled genuinely as she finally had a chance to talk with Shizuru. Throughout all of her Guarderobe Academy career, she had been striving to make her big sister proud. This moment, this joy, was the embodiment of everything she had wanted in her life. She took Shizuru's hand and pulled her away from the crowd. Natsuki took her to a place that was a little ways away from the party. She wanted to be alone with the one she loved and admired. As soon as they were alone, she kissed Shizuru with a kiss so deep that it touched both their souls. Natsuki pushed Shizuru up against a tree fumbled with the fasteners on her meister robe.
"Ara…Ara…Natsuki-chan, isn't it supposed to be me who initiates these kinds of actions?" Shizuru teased.
"I love you Shizuru, and I just wanted to show it on the biggest day of my life," Natsuki said tenderly as she covered Shizuru's neck with kisses. Shizuru pulled the new headmistress closer towards her. The rest is left unsaid…
The Pearl class had the rest of the day to do as they pleased. They were told that they were to inform Miss Maria twenty-four hours before the graduation ceremony if they chose to accept their assignments. Mai did not know what to do. She had to tell someone of her predicament. This would mean that she would have to tell her story, the story that she had kept secret for so long. She thought about who it should be. Who knows me the best here? Who can I trust? She sat up when she realized it. The one person she could really trust, the one person she loved most on this campus. Natsuki.
