Chapter III: Maidens Assemble
Welcome to the third chapter of GOTV! In our last chapter, Captain Natsuki became Colonel of the 25th Fuka Infantry. The first ever female regiment in history. ^_^ I hope you will enjoy this chapter! Exclusive comments after the chapter is done.
In less than a week, an assembly meeting was held at the city square for all of the enlisted slave women from all over the Fuka Nation. The women anxiously awaited the person in charge that will mold them into soldiers. Such determination and hope in their eyes, as if they were awaiting a message from God. From the town hall, a young male band consisting of drummers and flute players headed outside and a formed line in front of the slave women. Together they began to play a patriotic march as Colonel Natsuki Kuga made her appearance from around the street corner. She rode in on a beautiful brown stallion, carefully examining the women. They were so dazzled by the Colonel's beauty that most of them couldn't speak, though some had a few things to ask...
'We're a fine bunch, aren't we Colonel?'
'I wonder when we're going to get the blue uniforms!'
'Yeah, yeah! They look good on men, why not us?'
As Colonel Kuga continued forward without response, she spotted Yukino smiling at her in the audience. The Colonel smiled back softly and pressed on.
'When will we get to fight, Colonel?"
"Oh please, let us defend our land!'
The Colonel then spotted Midori Sugiura, the slave woman who had helped her in the Battle of Armitage aftermath. She focused hard on the Colonel, giving her an icy stare. Colonel Kuga wondered why she was staring in that fashion, until Midori broke the ice by smiling and pointing at her own neck as if she were asking the Colonel how the injury is doing. Natsuki understood and responded with a wink, to which Midori nodded. The colonel arrived at the center square where several male officers and Major Fujino awaited.
"Good morning, men. Major Fujino."
"Good morning, Natsuki." replied Major Fujino.
"Shizuru!" hissed the Colonel.
"I know, I know. Colonel Kuga."
"You're a piece of work, Shizuru," the embarrassed Colonel thought to herself before focusing on the slave women. "Good morning, ladies. I'm Colonel Natsuki Kuga. I'm your commanding officer. You have all been chosen to become part of something grand. It is a chance for you to make a difference, so that all men and women can speak. The love, courage and honor that has brought us together will one day obtain peace. May God bless us all!" The women erupt in a massive cheer, much to the Colonel's delight. "We will now commence with forming companies!"
Once the Colonel gave the command, each company officer took to the crowd and assembled their band of women in alphabetical order. Major Fujino included a bit more information...
"Don't forget to do your very best now," said the Major as she delivered an angelic smile to the band of women. "Okay?"
"Yes, Major Fujino!"
The Colonel approached her Major for quick meeting, both focusing on the women being assembled.
"Not a bad start, right Natsuki?"
"Right. Just make sure you show them a bit of strictness in the future. This is serious, you know."
"Come on Natsuki, it wouldn't hurt to show them a friendly face before the actual training begins."
"These women won't stare at anything friendly in the face when the time comes. You know that, Shizuru."
"You're gonna get wrinkles on your forehead from worrying so much, Natsuki."
"Ha! You always say that, but it never happens."
"I wouldn't be so sure..." Shizuru hands Natsuki a mirror. "Take a look."
"AHHH!"
"Ara, ara! How embarrassing!"
"Shizuuuuuruuuuuuuu..."
"I'm just playing games Natsuki, that's just a crack on the mirror."
"Oi! SHIZURU!"
"You may be the Colonel, my darling. But we know who's really on top."
The Colonel blushes beet red and looks the other direction. "I have to get going, I'll see you later."
Meanwhile, the slave women were on their way to base camp, which wasn't far from the city square. Here is where the women will rest and unwind after their training. It's unfortunate how a majority of these women don't look at all prepared for battle, let alone training. Wearing dirty clothing, ungroomed and barefoot. Marching towards the camps, among the line, a very young slave girl spotted Yukino enjoying her favorite reading material.
"Hi Hi! Is that a fun book?"
"Why, yes it is actually." said Yukino as she smiled at the excited girl. "My name is Kikukawa. Yukino Kikukawa."
"My name is Mikoto! Mikoto Minagi! Tell me, tell me! What's that book about!"
"It's actually a collection of essays, directly from some of the most famous Transcendentalists."
"Um...does it have neat pictures of kitties?"
"Ha ha, sorry."
"Darn...think you can teach me Yukino? I'm not very smart...I can't even read."
"Aw, don't say that Mikoto-chan. I would be happy to teach you!"
"YAY!" exclaimed Mikoto as she hugged Yukino tightly. Close by Colonel Kuga examined the women once more before they made themselves at home. She also examined a couple of immature male soldiers who took great delight in the women.
'Well, lookie what we have here!"
'So a few dozen pairs of tits think they can win this war?'
'Fat chance! You're better off cooking our meals!'
This disgusted the colonel as these were men who serve the Fuka Nation. She decided to ignore it for the time being, but next time they might not be so lucky. "People can be so stupid. In time, perhaps they'll change their opinions on these women."
Later that night, the sounds of horses and trains passing by could be heard throughout the camp site. Several tents were packed with women, chattering away about their lives or enjoying a peaceful sleep to prepare for the morning. Out of all these occupied tents, only one was vacant. Or so we thought...
"Mama...HUH?"
Four women entered the tent, including a little girl. This surprised the first tenant. The first guest being Midori Sugiura, followed by Yukino Kikukawa and Mikoto Minagi. The fourth woman and the little girl don't say a word, as they make themselves snug in a corner of the tent. The original tenant notices Yukino making herself a little too comfortable near the opening of the tent.
"No way, that's my space you wench. I get my beauty sleep closer to the window flap."
"If you don't mind Miss, I would like a space with more sufficient reading light."
"Ah! I love it when rich girls try to sound intelligent."
Yukino giggles, "I would be happy to teach you, it would be my pleasure!"
"Now you listen to me, specky. I've got nothing to learn from no house wench. You understand what I'm saying?"
"I'm a free woman, like my mother before me."
"Oh you're free? Then get your free ass out of my space before I kick it!"
"HEY!" shouted Midori. "There's no reason for that!"
"Nobody said nottin to you, old hag!"
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!"
"It's okay!" said Yukino. "I'll be fine if we switch places, okay Miss?"
"My name is Nao Yuuki and don't forget it. Or else I'll bust ya right in the mouth!"
The others went about minding their own business, which made it seem like Nao established a pecking order of sorts. Mikoto couldn't stand the seriousness of it all and spoke up to get a conversation going.
"I wonder when we'll get the pretty blue uniforms! They're sooooooo cool!"
"Ha!" snickered Nao. "There are no uniforms for the female soldier, only for the male soldier."
Mikoto stood up and raised her fist in the air. "BUT WE'RE SOLDIERS NOW! YAY! PLAY MUSIC IF YOU AGREE!"
Suddenly, the little girl who stepped inside the tent earlier began to play her little drums. She displayed impressive skill for a young girl, to which all the others enjoyed her music. All except for Nao, who covered her ears as if it were simply noise. Nothing more, nothing less.
"Hey! Quit that drumming you idiot! HEY!" Nao crawled towards the little girl, taking her drum sticks away and started playing out of sheer frustration. Midori and the others looked on as Nao continued making a fool of herself. "What's your name, little girl?" No response came out of the shy girl's mouth. "I...said...what...is...your...name...LITTLE GIRL?"
Yukino stepped into the conversation. "Can't you see that little Alyssa is mute."
"She what?" asked Nao.
"She's mute."
Midori stepped in. "You mean this girl can't talk?" Yukino shook her head.
"I see. Come over here sweetie, you can sleep by me." said Midori as Nao looked on. Shrugging, she crawled back to her space. "Retards and idiots, ain't that a bitch."
As much as Midori didn't enjoy Nao's company, she tried to make friendly conversation with her. "How about you, Nao? Where are you from?"
"Finally we're making this conversation about me. Well, if you must know, I'm from the First District region. I ran away from one of their kid prisons when I was 7 years old and I never looked back."
Mikoto rushed right up to Nao's face and excitedly asked, "What have you been doing since then? TELL US! TELL US!"
"I ran for President."
Everyone was stun silent, with Mikoto blinking her eyes in confusion. Nao flipped her hair and said, "Then they realized I had boobs."
Everyone erupted in laughter, including the mature Yukino who couldn't help herself. Nao took a quick glance at her, with Yukino looking back. She stops laughing, remembering the hostile Nao from earlier.
Midori then glanced over at their last roommate who was busy writing a letter this whole time. "Excuse me, Miss. We haven't been properly introduced yet. My name is Midori Sugiura."
"Um, hello! I'm sorry I wasn't paying attention earlier. My name is Akane Higurashi."
"Say! What were you writing about just now?" exclaimed Mikoto.
"Oh...nothing! Really!"
Mikoto stared suspiciously at Akane, "LOOK! A NAKED MAN!" Akane foolishly looks towards where Mikoto is pointing and then her letter is swiped away.
"No! Don't read that please!"
"Um...Uhhhh"
"What's the matter, can't read Mikoto-chan?" asked Midori. "I'll read it for you!"
"I rather you didn't! Please!"
"What? You have something to hide?" snickered Nao.
"No, it's just that..."
"...you're in love with Major Kurauchi!"
"Who he?" asked Mikoto.
"He's a Major that serves another regiment in the western region. He's a very good man who rescued many slave women from death. How did you end up with him, Akane?"
Akane covers her blushing face and proceeds to tell her story. "A few years ago, Kazu saved me from First District men who wanted to have their way with me. He was injured from the fight, so I took him to my home where I cared for him until his fellow soldiers arrived. Kazu healed in time and we became very close. He taught me to read and write, the kind of skills I never used to be good at. His men finally recovered him, but instead of abandoning me, he took me with him to his beautiful mansion in the Northern region where I lived with him for the past three years. Sadly our time together was short, as Kazu had to rush off to battle every so often. Each time he left, I feared for his safety.
"So how did you end up here with us?" asked Midori. "Surely you could of remained safe in the Northern region."
"I could have, Midori-san. But when I heard the news of the first female regiment, it was time to show Kazu-kun that I can make it on my own. He didn't want me to go, until..."
"Kazu-kun! I must become a part of this!"
"No, Akane. Remain here where it's safe. I don't want to lose you."
"Kazu...please."
"I'm sorry Akane, I cannot allow it. I love you so much."
"I love you too, Kazu. However, you can't stop me from doing this."
"AKANE!"
"You've always spoke of liberty for women, Kazu! Why do you deny my chance at becoming a symbol for our nation!"
"I..."
"If you love me Kazu, you'll let me go. I promise, I'll come back."
Kazuya embraces his brave girlfriend, putting all of his trust on the line. "Go, Akane."
Tears start running down Akane's face as she covers her mouth in disbelief. "Really..."
Kazuya nods. "When you return, I would like your hand in marriage. Is that okay?"
Akane wrapped her arms around Kazuya, then stared into his eyes that were filled with kindness. "Of course, I'll marry you!"
Both Akane and Kazuya kiss.
I will return, I promise...
"That is why I'm here to fight alongside you all. So let's do our best, like the Major said earlier!"
Yukino and Mikoto wipe the tears from their eyes and nod their heads. Midori and Alyssa as well, with Nao laying on her side. Scoffing at her roommates.
"Mushy crap."
Meanwhile at the cafeteria which was not too far from the campsite, the top officers were having their dinner. Including our very own Major Fujino, who topped her dinner off with a nice cup of tea. As she sipped it down, she notices Yukino walk into the cafeteria. What could she be doing here at this late hour? Especially with the men looking at her funny.
Major Fujino called over to Yukino, "Mrs. Kikukawa! Over here!" Yukino walked over and sat down with her back turned to the men. The Major then looked at these men with her firm smile, and they understood the message. "What might you be doing here at this late hour, Mrs. Kikukawa?" asked the Major.
"I just couldn't sleep, it's so uncomfortable in those tents."
"What about your comrades? Are they treating you fairly?"
"All except for one, so I'll survive. Goodness, it's so refreshing to talk to you again, Shizuru."
Colonel Kuga notices Shizuru and Yukino talking to each other and calls out for the Major. "Major Fujino! A word with you please?"
Yukino beamed with excitement. "Invite Natsuki over so we can get reacquainted!"
"No problem, I'll be back with her."
As the Major walks towards the Colonel, she could tell something was wrong.
"Uh oh, I think Natsuki is upset with me again."
"I won't permit that kind of fraternization."
"It's only Yukino, silly."
"She's an enlisted woman, Shizuru. Don't break order around here."
"Whatever you say, Natsuki."
"Anyway Shizuru, I've sent for help and it has arrived. These women need a proper teacher. One that will make them strong enough to withstand anything."
The Major glances over the Colonel and sees the silhouette of a bold looking woman standing behind her.
"These ladies need tons of discpline and strictness to take on First District! Most of all...GUTS!"
Hello readers! I hope you enjoyed the latest chapter! You know, I've gotten messages asking why the Infantry is numbered "25th". Good observation for those who've seen Glory. Yes, in the movie, the Infantry is called the 54th. For my story, I wanted to go with the number 25 because it's a special number to me when it comes to the Mai-HiME anime series. Episode 25 is special to me because it's where Natsuki and Shizuru's shining moment occured. Their one-on-one battle and the aftermath was so emotionally powerful. Shizuru's love and Natsuki's understanding made that episode grand. One of the many reasons Mai-HIME is such a legendary classic in anime history. So yeah, that's why I renumbered it "25th". XD Boy I ramble on and on, don't I? lol
I had fun with this chapter, mainly with Nao. As some of you who know from my rantings at the Mai-Multiverse forum, I'm not the biggest Nao Yuuki fan. However, she's so much fun to play as. I do appreciate the character and felt bad for her in the anime series, so it was a cool chance to get into her character. With that larger than life ego and that delicious tendency to be mean. ^_^ You have also noticed that our Colonel is taking her job a little too seriously. It'll be interesting to see whether you readers agree with her strictness or think she's being too bitchy. I guess it doesn't matter, since this IS Natsuki we're talking about. XD It was also fun bringing in Akane Higurashi. When I first made this account, I was going to do a one-shot for Akane, but decided not to at the last minute for something a bit more grand. When I'm done with GOTV, perhaps I'll surface it again. Akane is the HiME character I'm attracted to and feel I could have a successful relationship with. Since she reminds me of someone I know. So...yeah. 3_3
Stick around to see what happens next with our heroines, as they begin their training. Also I would like to make a special request for any authors out there. For my ShizNat website, I would like permission to feature your name/account link on my fanfiction page. Even the amazing Shay-P is featured. To see it, check out my ShizNat website located on my profile. Also, don't forget to check out and join the Mai-Multiverse forum. ^_^ I would like to discuss your work and anything Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome related. I'll love you forever! XD Thank you for reading and I'll see you again in the next chapter!
~ Luu Sky Sapphire