DISCLAIMER: Mai HiME and its characters are Sunrise property.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I think that the letter contents aren't as important as the truth Shizuru must learn from them. There may be nothing to be gleaned from them at all, as often in life sometimes things just are...whether that is the truth or curiosity or even a destined moment.


Nothing but the Facts

The title scrawled on the envelope is twofold in truth. First it is the story of the HiME of previous ages. Second it is the story of us, the last HiME in our words, well their words.

The first letter I read is from Sister Yukariko, she says she has delivered her daughters and is unhappy. She fell in love with a man who used her to gain power; he sought to use her to usurp the Obsidian Prince. I cringe as I read the things she willingly did for him, my stomach turning over as I think of Natsuki, and then the truth later learned of the coercion by Nagi and the Obsidian Prince of this age, Reito Kanzaki. She loves her daughters, but still is very devoted to the church, and as such could not remain with their father, Wataru Ishigami. It would seem her letter had at one time bore a verse from the Bible. Unable to make it out, I wonder how relevant it was and who or maybe what thought made her decide to erase it.

Sister Yukariko was afraid of what the mark meant until I shared mine with her. I told her there were others, but she was too shell shocked to listen to what I already knew. I should have noticed and asked what was truly scaring her more. Was it the creatures that fought at our side or the fact that to save lives, we faced the 'at first' unwilling choice of sacrificing another in order to wield it? It was never our own sacrifice, no matter how Nagi phrased or tried to candy-coat it, no matter our perception of the truth it couldn't be changed or so I told myself back then.

I gloss over Akane Higurashi's letter next, because she admits to having no idea of the torment we faced once turned against one another. She makes it clear that she would have done anything for Kazuya's safety, even if it meant killing one of us, but her words seem to lack the conviction. I think her role was as destined as any, to be the example for us all. As harsh as that thought is, I think she was better off not learning as we did.

I am disturbed by the lack of a letter from these three. Mikoto, Nao, and Yukino all state that they will only speak to me in person. Mikoto Minagi troubles me the most because she seemed very innocent though bore the strength, conviction, and heart of a warrior. She was Reito's younger sister and none of us had known until it was dying time. Facing Yukino comes with Haruka as her protector, how karmic that Yukino-HiME accepted the power to be Haruka's protector.

I owe both Yukino and Nao most sincere apologies, whether or not they accept them, like Haruka. I owe them that and much more, but like the last time I have few words that don't bring a bad taste with them. Thinking of them reminds me too much of the pain, the arrogance, and Natsuki. What is there to say to Miss Minagi, I guess to know would be to listen to what she has to share?

I am tempted to read Miss Sugiura's letter next, but I am drawn to the one that says Harada. Chie Harada was not just a simple gossip queen; Harada was/ is an information broker for anyone with something worthy of trading. It is interesting to note that she has been given carte blanch information on the HiME, the Carnival, and the after effects of it all. I wonder if I should accept her offer to call and test that knowledge, maybe glean from her what my reception would be. If her words here are any judgment, it is challenging and reminiscent of what I would expect from Natsuki.

As I search I realize that there is not a letter from Natsuki among the remaining letters. I feel as if my heart has been sucked down to my feet and that my stomach had been forever lodged in my throat. I guess I should have known, but my heart wished for her letter if even just for a moment. In the end once again she makes it clear she has nothing further to say to me.

I hear laughter from across the hall and realize that Miss Sugiura hasn't left. As I wonder why she is staying, I realize morning fast approaches and set aside the rest of the letters for sleep.

Do I continue come morning light; will my courage hold out that long?