Renascence

by Twisted Eternal Wolvetta

Awoken from a year long coma, baffled and weak, Natsuki's world was turned upside down with the changes the world had taken in her leave. Will she regain her memories and become the Gakuenchou she was famous for, or develop into a different person entirely? (Collaboration with: Harmonium-Kruger).

10. Silent Leviathan

RENASCENCE
Silent Leviathan

---

by Harmonium-Kruger

and Twisted Eternal Wolvetta

---

A Few Days Ago, the Hexagon, Aries Republic.

"This Week's Armitage!"

Perhaps Yukino had seen it coming. But at the same time, maybe not.

Sat within a chair overlooking the situation, Yukino sighed. Clasping her palm to her forehead, she practically face-palmed. "...Haruka." She breathed, wondering whether she could dare look.

The screeching of metal under duress was heard, as well as Haruka's slight grunt. If that woman had the tank over her head again with one hand…

"This series feels lighter than the last!" Haruka boisterously exclaimed, pointing with her free hand to another tank. She balanced the one over her head, grinning widely.

Why are they even doing this series still?! Peeping out from between fingers, the president instantly cringed. Of course they were also outside the Hexagon, positioned on the other side of the river.

What was the world going to think about this? Glancing down to the megaphone which lay beside her, she paused in thought.

Haruka was more or less juggling the damn things!

The president glanced down to her hand, a ring settled on her finger. Considering she was to be married to the incredibly reckless otome… How could she say no to her? Yukino sighed, watching Haruka parade for the cameras.

She was so silly.

But it was a break from the strain of their current… predicament. Then again, this was the worst way of taking a break.

Yukino sat up in the chair, watching as Haruka quite literally began to juggle the tanks. "A-ah, be careful!" She called out, fidgeting once before she was sure the otome could handle it.

Why was this even a thing? Why was she part of this? Why was she even thinking on this? Disgruntled, if not uncharacteristically, Yukino closed her eyes.

"I'm sorry, president." Jumping from the buzz of her ear-intercom, Yukino blinked. Hesitantly, she clicked the device into activation, listening carefully. "Security has caught the CEO of Kruger Industries in the corridors. What shall we do with her?"

Saeko… Kruger?

"Is she… hostile?" Yukino worried, nibbling her lower lip. Saeko could be quite the opponent, especially with the incident between…

At least they knew Natsuki was alive, now. That broadcast has frightened her to the bone, but Haruka had seemed excited by it.

Excited didn't even begin to describe it. Absently, Yukino wondered whether she should notify Haruka of this new installment?

"Bring her… here." Frowning, but staring at Haruka, Yukino massaged her temples.

Haruka held both tanks still, done juggling them. She frowned up to her lover, noticing the woman seemed distressed. "Yukino!" She shouted up to get her attention.

Jumping in her chair, the president glanced down to her. "Haruka…?"

"Watch this!" With a rolling of her shoulders, Haruka slammed the tanks together. The metal meshed and the collision forced a shockwave, everyone hunkering down to avoid being moved.

"Haruka, what are…?" Yukino stared, face reddening as she realized what the otome had done. The two tanks now formed a heart, and Haruka held it happily.

The cameras were targeted upon the flustered president, Haruka propping it to her shoulder. With her hair jolted by the wave of energy, Yukino awkwardly glanced away. Coughing into her fist, Yukino sighed a breath of relief as the cameras were pointed away.

"My love for you is out of this world!" Haruka shouted, whirling and throwing the meshed tank heart into the sky. With the force she used, it was soon out of the atmosphere and into space.

Yukino stared towards where it had gone, seeing a faint twinkle before it was gone. "Haruka…"

Had that really happened? She could've swore she had even heard a chime- "You certainly know how to surprise me…"

Honestly, Yukino wasn't even sure why she was so shocked. It wasn't like this was uncharacteristic of Haruka. If anything, it was within the general's personality perfectly.

Haruka grinned up to her, the cameras focusing on the two of them again. Unfortunately, they also caught sight of the CEO. Haruka almost jumped out of her skin, mistaking her for Natsuki.

Glasses, and long-coat in place, Haruka sighed her own breath of relief.

It was just her mother… wait. Haruka frowned, staring at her suspiciously.

Hang on a damn moment! This CEO was as much of a delinquent as that Gakuenchou! "Yukino!" She barked, waving an arm to the camera managers.

This notion didn't appear to be obeyed though.

"Ah…" Here already?" Yukino gingerly climbed down from the tall chair, corralling Haruka with a wave. "Madame Kruger…" She was hesitant; Nerves spiking a little higher than before.

"Please stop calling me that!" Huffing, Saeko glanced between the two guards escorting her. "Can you take these handcuffs off… seriously?" Shoving her restrained wrists towards one guard, the CEO pouted. "Also stop calling me madame!" Saeko huffed towards the president, catching Yukino by surprise. "That's what people call my daughter!"

"A-ah, take off the cuffs." Yukino ordered, approaching her with Haruka in tow. Saeko Kruger sure was odd… "What do we owe the pleasure of this visit?" She hoped it wasn't about backing down from the impending war…

Not that she was crazy about the idea herself, but…

"I require the brigadier-general's… Shizuru- no, that's Natsuki's wife." Oblivious to the expressions Haruka, and Yukino possessed, Saeko mused. Propping her fingers to her chin, she sank into thought. What was that sand… drill called? Suzu…? Sussie?

"The… Suzushiro?" Yukino's brows furrowed. Did Natsuki get married? What an odd thing to happen during this time.

"Correct." A voice behind them cause Haruka to jump again, the otome turning with intent to get violent.

"I have disarmed the cameras." This voice reported.

"Oh, Miyu." The CEO fixed her eyes upon the gynoid. Miyu was staring uninterestedly at Haruka. The blonde otome appeared vexed, but confused, unsure what to make of the newcomer.

Behind the gynoid, the camera crew haphazardly worked upon their equipment. They were puzzled, their attention solely upon these devices.

"My sensor is forcing them to go into standby." Miyu murmured to the president.

"Cameras? Oh, am I interrupting 'This Week's Armitage'? I love the show!" Saeko grinned, tugging Miyu to her side by the hand. "I hope you didn't hurt the footage, Miyu."

"It is intact." The gynoid didn't seem to mind the personal space invasion, watching Haruka with narrowed eyes.

Why was Saeko behaving so oddly around Haruka, the gynoid wondered? After all, this otome was responsible for putting Natsuki into a coma.

Haruka merely stared back at her just as intensely.

Both Yukino, and Saeko took notice of this, but pried their eyes away.

"Listen… I won't pretend for any longer than I have to." Saeko's tone changed, though she subdued Miyu with a hand at her arm. "I need the Suzushiro to leave Aries and go see my daughter."

Haruka fidgeted under the change in attitude, looking uncomfortable. Saeko took pity, and sighed. "I know some odd circumstances must have taken place… But Natsuki needs me."

Seeing with what had been broadcasted lately, Saeko feared the worst. Natsuki had never managed to cope well with her anxiety. Let alone face the whole international community upon her decision.

But Aries' position was… a difficult one.

Yukino looked to Haruka, deciding that it could be the otome's choice. It was her vehicle, after all. Not her fault, exactly… The blonde still had no idea what had happened that night.

"I…" Haruka shifted her weight nervously. "When will I get Suzushiro back?"

"If all goes well, two weeks. If not?" The CEO shrugged, pondering. "... A month or two?"

Unsatisfied with that, Haruka grumbled. "Fine…" She grasped the keys and held them over, Miyu taking them. "Be careful to be… Discreet."

Arching a brow ever so faintly, Saeko adjusted her glasses. Haruka had seriously been carrying the keys around with her? Perhaps she had recently used the vehicle? Brushing the thought aside, the CEO nodded to both women.

"Please don't hurt her." Haruka blurted out again, flushing softly. She adored that vehicle, and hoped Saeko would use it professionally.

"Suzushiro is a girl?" Saeko cocked a brow, tilting her head. That was a little… weird.

"...Miyu is a girl. What's the difference?"

"Miyu's a gyno-" Closing her mouth, Saeko paused. Glancing over to the president instead, she was simply rewarded with a meek exchange. Ah, forget it. Sighing, she regarded the blonde again. "It'll-"

"She'll."

Gritting her teeth at the correction, the CEO silently exhaled. "... She'll be fine. President." Saeko brought her gaze back to the mousy woman, Yukino blinking.

"Yes?"

"The next batch of vaccines should be delivered tomorrow. There are two versions this time however, so the general might act…"

"Odd?" Haruka supplied, narrowing her eyes.

"More so than usual, but not as rough as… well, you know." Saeko waved a hand, smiling. Miyu stared at them still, a little offended to be compared with that tank-drill behemoth of a vehicle.

Saeko began to move towards the location the Suzushiro was situated. But Miyu hesitated. Staring at Haruka, this gesture only lasted for a moment, Miyu spinning on her heel stiffly. With that, she followed after the CEO, leaving a befuddled Yukino, and Haruka.

Perhaps she was just overreacting, Miyu wondered?

"Miyu, scan the Suzushiro and learn its capabilities." Saeko ordered, gesturing to the keys. Like hell or high water she would be trying to drive this thing…

"Affirmative." Locking her gaze upon the huge vehicle, Miyu's crimson eyes flickered.

It was a surprisingly compact machine, from the looks of it. The size alone was due to armour plating across the thick metal. The inside would be cramped however. Was Saeko serious about cramming in her… sisters with them?

Trailing her eyes to Saeko, Miyu studied her quickly.

"The Suzushiro is currently 86% full for fuel. Two rechargeable batteries are fully charged and in perfect condition. The drill's expiry date is next year; it will easily make the journey to Windbloom." Miyu reported, latching her attention back to the vehicle.

Heading towards the sand-drill, Miyu pressed her hand to it. She only had to wait a brief moment, the handleless door opening out. The door formed itself into a ramp, and she climbed the short slope before Saeko.

"Good…" Saeko climbed in, taking a look at the interior. Just as Miyu had processed, the CEO spoke. "It is far too small inside… Perhaps we can take some and have the others follow close behind?"

"Saeko." The gynoid turned to her, causing the woman to tilt her head. "An army of gynoids would bring suspicion. Especially traversing the harsh climate of the Black Valley."

The Black Valley was nomad, after all.

"I know… but I thought you may follow up my terrible idea with a good one." Saeko sighed, rubbing her temples. "I need them all; We can't spare to leave even one behind." The CEO relented, leaning against the main chair.

"Miyu… Do you have any ideas?"

What would their best bet be? It wasn't like they could shut-down the gynoids, and fold them up. Propping a hand to her chin, Saeko stared above the lenses of her glasses. Neither could she shrink them.

They weren't exactly in some fancy pancy magical girl anime.

Saeko sighed, rubbing her temples again. What could they do? With a pout, she directed her spectacled gaze towards Miyu again.

"I suggest bringing only the Artemis class. The Greer prototypes are far too weak." Miyu suggested, standing straight. She had no need to lean against anything; her posture persistently correct.

"Mm… excellent idea. They would be hardest to detect as well." Saeko stood straight, turning to hoist up the ramp back into a door. "Let's get a feel for this… and set off. We've got to save Natsuki and her wife."

"Miyu." Saeko murmured, gesturing the other over.

Monotone, and characteristic, Miyu strode over. Sitting herself into the driver's seat, her eyes flashed. The controls were not alike to a typical on-road vehicle. Instead, this looked more alike to a spacecraft.

To think, the brigadier general would have such a complicated contraption.

"This is quite the vehicle…" Saeko admired the build and materials, humming. "Why don't I have something like this?" She wondered aloud, standing behind Miyu after another moment.

"Because you already have a nuclear motorbike which you insist I drive also."

"Hush, you." Saeko mumbled, standing beside Miyu. The gynoid's attention was upon the monitor, menus flickering before her. Yet she could've swore she saw Miyu's lips twitch.

Suspiciously, the CEO stared at her, eyes narrowing. "Are you snickering?"

"Negative. I am doing nothing of the sort."

"Mhm…" Saeko smirked softly, looking over the display. This seemed fairly complex as well, but she was sure Miyu could handle it. "I would like to drive that bike, however…"

"Which won't be for a long while."

"State the obvious why don't you?" Saeko muttered.

There was a rumbling which sounded abruptly, the vehicle being brought to life. Miyu inputted information into the computer, the whole structure vibrating.

Saeko grasped hold of the chair to keep from jumping, chuckling softly. "Well, the Suzushiro sure can purr." The CEO murmured, looking around. She couldn't just stand the whole time…

She'd go flying, probably.

Then what use would she be with a broken hip? Seeing only chairs at the back of the vehicle, Saeko huffed. She wasn't about to sit down right over there! But she refused to stand, else she'd get thrown over.

Well, whatever. The CEO simply sat herself down atop her gynoid. "Much better."

"Saeko..." Miyu seemed to warn but thought better of it. She shook her head faintly, amused by the antics. "At least move so I can drive properly. Would you like us to drive straight through a mountain?"

"Preferably not." The CEO mumbled.

Saeko repositioned herself, leaning her back against one of the chair's arms. Her legs rested on the other, her side pressed against Miyu's front. "Is this better?"

"If I told you no, you wouldn't move anyway." Either way it was a hopeless case. But fortunately for Miyu, Saeko wasn't in the way. At least not too much. "You're ridiculous, Saeko." A flicker of a smile cast upon the gynoid's lips.

It would be a long journey. But she would get them there.

---

"Everyone able use the stairs. I'm sick of having to call the lift back." Yohko grumbled into the intercom. Her voice emitted through the speakers which surrounded the large, underground laboratory. Sinking back into her chair, she groaned.

She was so relieved she was getting her lab back, but could they do it… more quietly? Running her fingertips against her temples, she closed her eyes for a brief moment.

Why were they so noisey?!

The Miyu gynoids were not much better either. The ones she had managed to help repair were worse than corals!

At least they listened to the Gakuenchou and her mother…

Corralling the gynoids, Natsuki sighed as she tapped each one that passed her. She was directing them to the stairs, having noted the doctor's annoyance. There was still a bit of pain between her temples, but it was time to surface. She grasped Shizuru's hand, tugging her to the stairs.

Shizuru was quiet; Crimson eyes scanning the younger as if she could see inside like one of the gynoids. Perhaps she could; Not in a literal sense, but perhaps she could detect the pain from her body language.

"Mayha may have to stay down due to her broken ribs." Shizuru reminded, just in case Natsuki wanted a group meeting soon. Though she did worry for what reaction this would bring. Especially within such a constricting location.

"Gakuenchou, Archmeister." A low murmur sounded from behind them, and curiously, the two turned.

Blinking in surprise, Natsuki was greeted by the sight of Sara. The blonde looked… worse for wear, to say the least. Her spiky tresses lay haphazardly, poking out in different directions. Whether it was the dull light down here, she looked paler than usual. Bags were also under her eyes, suggesting a lack of sleep, and stress.

"I'm assuming we're Hexade meeting later?" Sara asked, standing up to her full height. "I'll be… staying here- with Mai." She added.

"Good… I was going to suggest that." Natsuki smiled, letting go of Shizuru's wrist. "Everything's going to be alright, Sara. I promise." She held herself a bit taller in response, nodding to the blonde.

"Let me know if anything changes…" The Gakuenchou murmured as an afterthought, and Sara nodded.

"I will… Maybe the gynoids can help clean whatever has gotten wrecked?" Sara smiled, nodding to them both. She was off again, leaving the two alone.

They joined the large queue by the stairs. In height, it was rather amusing; they were a good head taller than the corals they waited with. These students huddled together in one large group.

"Up the stairs, it's safe now." Natsuki assured, though edged with Shizuru to get to the front. Maybe they would move faster with people leading them…

Although… ah. Pausing, with Shizuru doing the same, she spotted Miss Maria heading over. The corals wouldn't need her help with the epitome on her way. Wincing, the Gakuenchou tugged Shizuru gently. "Come on." She murmured.

She just wanted to get above ground; Fresh air and… sun? What was the time, after all? Sighing, the Gakuenchou put that aside and climbed the stairs with Shizuru. Her head was pulsing too bad to remain standing for long.

Not to mention, she could feel her nano-machines swimming around. Why, she was unsure. Nor was she sure whether Yohko should know of this new occurrence. Perhaps she should speak with Shizuru after the meeting?

"Natsuki is thinking?"

"Ah… I'll tell you when we're in private." She smiled minutely, though it was obviously serious. Shizuru refrained from teasing, instead giving a nod.

"Here… Natsuki should cover her eyes. We do not want a headache atop her injured state." Shizuru murmured, gently covering the Gakuenchou's eyes with a hand. She led the way, free arm around the younger's waist to guide her.

"O-oi!" Finding the Archmeister's hands, Natsuki relented, then sighed. "Please just don't roll me down a hill."

Hearing a snicker sound from behind her, Natsuki grumbled. "I heard that."

"I will not roll her." Shizuru smiled, kissing the back of the younger's head softly. Up the last few steps, she nudged open the door and closed her own eyes. The sun was overhead, and it was so utterly bright.

She was glad she had shielded Natsuki's eyes.

The sunlight blared, and even through this gesture, Shizuru had to turn her head. The gleam still managed to piece through her eyelids; her sight not used to such brightness.

She secured over Natsuki's eyes tightly, grateful that she had thought of this. "Mm… it is very bright. Everyone, shield your eyes."

The grounds were in surprisingly good condition. Most of the combat had been either in the forest, or within the sky. The most damage was probably via the stairs to the Gakuenchou's office. For reasons they all knew far too well.

Getting used to the light, Shizuru opened her eyes as they stood on solid ground. "I am going to uncover your eyes, Natsuki… But it would be best to shield them, at least."

"Mm." Natsuki lifted a hand over her eyes and opened them. "Ah…" The sun lighting the stones affected her even still.

Everything looked… dazzlingly bright. But nonetheless pretty unscaved, which said something, to say they were invaded. Now… what must they do?

Drumming her fingertips against her chin, Natsuki squinted her eyes. "Shizuru…" She spoke softly, regarding the faintly taller woman. "We need meister to check the buildings for any traps. Schwartz could've planted anything under our noses."

Why hadn't she thought of this sooner?

Shizuru glanced over to her, seemingly impressed by the request. "Natsuki remembers well, it seems. We will check before anyone is allowed in the buildings, yes." The elder nodded, giving a low sigh as she rummaged in the pocket of her skirt.

Natsuki watched her, curious before the jade cigarette holder was revealed. She sort of… liked the idea of Shizuru smoking; Was that odd?

For some reason, it just suited her. Even if it was a dirty habit. But seeing Shizuru with such a flaw was refreshing. If only she had gotten the experience of this side of Shizuru before becoming her fan…

All those years ago, their relationship had been a… strange one. Huffing at the old memory, Natsuki shoved her hands in her pockets. "I might be recovering, but least my intelligence is in tact." A flicker of a smirk etched along the Gakuenchou's lips, before disintegrating.

"Her intelligence shall never diminish." Shizuru agreed, slipping a cigarette into the jade holder and lighting it. She took a slow drag; Natsuki able to see the stress ebb away from the elder's expression.

She looked pleased. The Gakuenchou flushed, presented with the nudge to look away. She defied it, watching Shizuru smoke. It added a certain… level of intimacy.

The description Natsuki searched for to explain this never came. But seeing Shizuru like this, it made something… click. It was a trait people wouldn't expect, she supposed.

"If Natsuki is so curious…" Pausing, Shizuru took another long drag. "Why not try?" She continued, wisps of smoke slipping from her lips.

"Me?" Natsuki seemed stunned at the offer, but stepped closer. She had seen Shizuru do it… shouldn't be too hard. Glancing around, she nodded.

Shizuru smiled softly, offering the tip to the younger. Licking her lips, Natsuki leaned in and took a drag; not as long as the elder's yet not short either. Easing from the holder, the Gakuenchou immediate coughed out a burst of smoke; the gripping feeling on her lungs.

How did Shizuru even manage to keep this smoke in? Let alone breathe it in?! Pulling away, she set her eyes back onto crimson. There she only found amusement, with the trace of a tease forming.

"That hurt…" Then again, it was her first time.

"I think Natsuki tried to swallow it… Not inhale." Wine glittered, the elder chuckling softly.

"...Maybe."

"I always knew Natsuki was a goodie-goodie." A devious snicker overtook Shizuru's expression, and Natsuki flushed.

"A-am not."

"I insist, Natsuki. You are."

"I-I've killed people!" Why did she stutter or hesitate? The blurted outburst made Shizuru stifle a hard laugh, the elder turning away for a moment.

A gathering of gynoids passed by them. Natsuki, seeing this, quickly glanced at Shizuru pointedly. Cheeks reddened, she grumbled under her breath, turning around. "...Miyus?"

Herding the group around her, she spoke quietly to them.

"I need you to check all the buildings. Schwartz may have hidden something." She murmured quietly, feeling crimson burn into her back.

"We will check every square inch of Garderobe for foreign devices!" The gynoids promised, seeming to lock into place before they took off slowly in every direction.

Natsuki watched them go, turning to Shizuru again. "This is exhausting…"

"We shall at least be seated during the meeting." Shizuru murmured, heading towards her slothfully. With her index and middle fingers, she rested the cigarette holder against her lips. Resting her free hand against Natsuki's shoulder gently, she added. "Are you wanting anything at all right now?"

"Ah, no… I'm fine for now. Maybe a sponge once we can re-enter the buildings…" Natsuki sighed, rubbing at her brow momentarily. "And to never try smoking again…"

"Oh? Never again?" Pressing the holder back to her lips, Shizuru's eyebrows lifted. It was almost as if she was attempting to pass Natsuki a message. Those eyes never faltered, rubies only narrowing in study.

"W-what?" Natsuki grumbled.

"Perhaps I have gotten Natsuki a present…"

"...Is it a pipe?" Coal brows quirked, interested. "Maybe not never… if you got me a pipe." She had always wanted one, even if she never thought to smoke.

"A bubble p-"

"Please, Shizuru." Natsuki rolled her eyes. "What did you get me?"

"My, but Natsuki." The Archmeister's grin intensified, covered barely by the cigarette holder. "I am truly serious."

Gruffly, Natsuki crossed her arms. "You're mean, Shizuru."

At that moment, the rest of the students piled through the double doors. They must've finally been kicked out by an annoyed Yohko. Reacting similarly to how the columns had, some of them groaned, covering their eyes.

Natsuki chuckled at that, rubbing over her forearm. "I want a normal pipe, Shizuru." She smirked over to the elder, keeping her arms crossed as she stepped closer.

Saeko emerged, parting though the students with Miyu in tow. "It's good to have some fresh air." She adjusted her glasses, smiling to the both of them. "I am so glad I came when I did… Though if only I had arrived sooner…"

"It's fine, mother." Natsuki murmured quietly. Emerald greeted one another silently, until the Gakuenchou broke their gaze. Absorbing in Miyu's appearance, Natsuki blinked.

Why was Miyu still dressed like a maid? Why did her mother insist on dressing the gynoid up, anyway? It was puzzling for Natsuki.

Did Miyu even like it?

"Mother, shouldn't you not dress her up as such?" Natsuki gestured with a hand, circling Miyu a bit.

Shizuru watched on, amused. Why was Natsuki so concerned with Miyu's outfits? It was kind of cute.

"But doesn't she love it?" Saeko protested. Jabbing a pointed look at Miyu, she awaited the gynoid's response.

"Affirmative." Miyu droned in monotone, crimson eyes narrowing at the CEO. "I especially enjoyed the time I wore the Version 4 of KOSMO-"

"Too much space drifting for my liking." Tutting, Saeko wafted a hand at Miyu, silencing her. "You are an Yggdrasil Unit, Miyu. Not an operating system."

Who even made OS these days? They were a waste of time with their persistent builds being released. One moment you'd have one, then another would be released, making your version out of date.

"I never said I wa-"

"Miyu…" Natsuki huffed, feeling Shizuru take her ear.

"Ara, Natsuki, so many questions… If Miyu did not want to wear it, I am sure she would not." The elder smirked, wrapping her free arm around the Gakuenchou's waist lazily.

"Do I have to be jealous?"

"No." Natsuki and Miyu spoke in unison, the gynoid looking amused. "Natsuki, be nice to your wife."

"W-we're not married!"

"Yet." Saeko piped, Natsuki shooting her a flabbergasted stare. "Shizuru." She focused upon the Archmeister, catching her attention. "You have my full permission to marry my daughter." Grinning, she nodded.

"O-oi, I don't need… permission to marry anyone!" Natsuki huffed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Least of all Shizuru…" She mumbled as an afterthought, turning back to the main buildings to focus.

She hoped none of the gynoids came across any traps… Her mother may cry.

On another thought, she realised her mistake for allowing everyone up in the first place. Cursing under her breath, Natsuki latched her tongue between her teeth. Glancing up to Shizuru warily, the Gakuenchou frowned however.

"What…?" She mumbled to the Archmeister.

Shizuru's head was tilted, crimson filled with concern, and curiosity.

"Shizuru?" Natsuki stepped closer to her, worried herself with the elder's silence. Laying a hand on the Archmeister's shoulder, she gently squeezed. Angling her head just barely to regard Shizuru, Natsuki soundlessly lured a reaction from her.

"Mh?" A smile curved along Shizuru's lips finely. Planting a slightly larger hand atop the Gakuenchou's, Shizuru leant forward. "Natsuki is not thinking too hard, is she?" Crimson irises drifted towards older emerald, Shizuru setting her eyes upon Saeko.

"I suppose I might be… I still have a headache." Natsuki muttered softly, taking her hand back. She planted it against a temple, closing her eyes and sighing. "At least Mayha is worse off…"

Hearing this snippet of information, Saeko's voice drifted over. "She deserves an apology for that at least, Natsuki." Miyu remained mute by her side, her, and Natsuki's gazes locking first.

Firing a glare at her mother, Natsuki opened her mouth. With nothing to say, she clamped her mouth shut, then huffed. "Come on, Shizuru…" She murmured, entwining her hand with the Archmeister's.

"I didn't get an apology." She muttered to the elder, leading her away from most of the group. Were the gynoids almost done scanning the campus? She felt she needed a place to sit; to lie down perhaps…

There was a stone bench close to their position. It was around the corner, against the classroom buildings wall. That area was usually shaded from the sunlight. Certainly this location was desired.

Tugging Shizuru's hand gently, Natsuki guided them towards it.

"Ugh." Natsuki sat hard on the bench once she was able to, letting go of Shizuru. She leaned forward, holding her head with both hands. "The sun is only making it worse." She murmured, sighing as she lifted her head.

"Do you think I should apologize?"

Threading her fingertips into midnight tresses, Shizuru paused. Stood before the Gakuenchou, she peered down to her. "You should both apologize." Shizuru piped, massaging the padding delicately into the younger's scalp.

"Mm… She should apologize first, then." Natsuki leaned her brow to the elder's stomach, wrapping her arms loosely around her waist. Her head felt a little better, only with the petting…

Smiling, Shizuru continued her action. "You are stubborn, Natsuki; far too headstrong." Perhaps she would have to scheme a way for forcing them to interact, Shizuru mused?

However she knew Natsuki far too well. This would take a lot of work indeed.

"You like me this way." The younger argued softly, smirking. Shizuru couldn't contest that, however. It was that stubborn and cheek that had drawn the elder to Natsuki, after all.

"Not when it brings ill health." Shizuru protested quietly. Running her fingers into long locks of hair, the Archmeister halted her hands. The warmth of Natsuki's scalp was absorbed by her hands; the cool skin likely soothing the Gakuenchou's headache.

To relieve this pain even a little, Natsuki would be grateful. This, Shizuru was certain of. "Perhaps Natsuki needs a nap after the meeting?"

"I'd love to get one before." Natsuki pulled back, giving a frown. She blinked, rubbing her eyes as the pain was alleviated a bit. "Though I suppose that won't be happening… I wonder what the status is of the Miyus scans."

"They will report once ready." Shizuru clasped her hands to the younger's shoulders. Through the thick material of Natsuki's jacket, she squeezed. Sneakily, she pried her fingers under this clothing, fingers skimming across Natsuki's shirt. "We would know if one is damaged. I am sure your mother would notify much of the academy personnel." Smiling in amusement, the Archmeister exhaled. Natsuki's cheek was still pressed to her abdomen, her arms hooked around Shizuru's waist.

"...Perhaps later this evening, I should give Natsuki another massage?"

"Mm… I'd appreciate that, Shizuru." The younger murmured, resting against the elder a little more. Her mind was soon at ease; furrow of her brow vanishing quickly. "I can't wait until tonight, then."

Humming, Shizuru lifted her head. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw no one within her sight. Although she could hear them, the Archmeister knew they were alone. Adjusting her attention back upon the Gakuenchou, Shizuru wet her lips. "Sleeping in our own bed would be nice."

"Especially after last night." Natsuki dryly murmured, sitting herself upright. She reached up for Shizuru's arms, tugging the elder slightly down. Tilting her head up, she gently captured her lips.

"Natsuki! The campus is secure; Your wife and you can return inside!"

Almost flying out of their skin, the pair jumped apart. A gynoid came to a rushed halt before them. The Miyu bent her knees, and spread her arms outwards as she stopped. "Reporting from duty! How may I be of service?!" Saluting the stunned columns, the Miyu grinned wildly.

"A-ara…" Shizuru murmured quietly.

"Uh… Oh. Go find Rosalie and Laura, and the girl, Ribbon. I want to speak to them before we have that meeting." Natsuki was a bit off-put by this particular gynoid. She also… liked her. A lot.

She seemed amusing; the Gakuenchou smirking a little.

Wasn't this one also the one her mother had used as a radio of sorts?

"Affirmative!" The gynoid made a move to turn, but after a split second, twisted back around. "Natsuki's wi-"

"Shizuru, if you would please." The Archmeister blinked. To be honest, she was rather… speechless. The hyperactive Miyu nodded to her enthusiastically, puzzling her yet further.

"If I may." The Miyu added. This earned a cautious nod for continuation from Shizuru, and so she did. "Why does Shizuru use Zipangese in her speech pattern?"

Natsuki blinked, directing her gaze back to her lover. "Why is that, any way?" She looked back towards the odd acting gynoid, curious. Did they all have personalities like this…?

Each version she had met seemed to be just as insane. But this one seemed more… playful; almost childlike. Perhaps her mother had purposely done this to make them more interesting? In her own, weird way, of course.

"I wonder why?" Shizuru smiled down to this particular Miyu. In relation to the true Miyu, this gynoid was quite short too. "My nanny was Zipangese."

Wait. Shooting her gaze back to Shizuru, Natsuki's eyebrows arched. Shizuru had a nanny?

"When you were… a baby? Or, two?" Those were the only ages Natsuki could think of, and she couldn't even imagine Shizuru that young. She stood from the bench, quirking a brow curiously.

She must know. "I never needed a nanny… What with Miyu and of course my mother. Now I want to know how you looked as a baby… Were you bald?" Natsuki grinned, whipping her gaze when she heard the gynoid laugh.

This one could laugh?

"Don't laugh." She piped to the gynoid. "You might hurt Shizuru's feelings."

"Natsuki said it!" The gynoid defended herself, causing the Archmeister to laugh instead.

"M12, where are you?" Upon the abrupt interruption, the gynoid's mouth flew open.

"With Natsuki and… S-Shizuru!" The gynoid blurted out, unsure of the name. Natsuki watched with amusement as the small version of Miyu scrambled.

Taking off, the gynoid sprinted around the corner.

Turning to Shizuru, the Gakuenchou chuckled quietly at the elder's expression. Shizuru was completely flabbergasted. Surprise overtook her eyes, and her lips were agape.

"Shizuru?" Natsuki fanned a hand before the Archmeister's face, capturing her attention. "Earl to Shizuru?" Grinning, ruby and emerald clashed.

"That one is absolutely adorable." Shizuru absentmindedly pointed. "I doubt Natsuki's mother would give her up…"

"Oi, I wouldn't let you take any anyway…" The Gakuenchou smiled, taking her hand. "Oh, that one was supposed to find Rosalie and Laura for us… I wonder if she forgot."

Such an advanced piece of technology couldn't possibly "forget" though, right? Natsuki wondered upon the thought, stepping closer to Shizuru. "It reminds me of the times you've stood in the kitchen with milk." Natsuki snickered, tilting her head. "You just stare at the sink, not knowing what to do."

"I do no such thing, Natsuki." Shizuru narrowed her eyes. Suddenly, a smile cast upon Shizuru's lips, Natsuki's expression shifting to suspicion. "Unlike when Natsuki dumbfoundedly stares at something. Her frown is so cute." Propping a finger underneath the Gakuenchou's chin, Shizuru locked their gazes.

"Just because I forgot how to brew your tea doesn't mean you can make fun of me." The younger playfully warned, leaning in to quickly peck her lips. "You make it better anyway."

"Lovebirds, do we need to get a hose?" Laura's voice called over, the Gakuenchou springing away from Shizuru.

"Only for Natsuki, when she is hotheaded." Clutching Natsuki's wrist, Shizuru pried her closer again. There was a devious smirk gracing the Archmeister's features, causing Natsuki to flush.

"W-well." Bringing her attention to Rosalie, and Laura, Natsuki scratched her cheek. Forced to stay close to the Archmeister, Natsuki sighed, simply relenting in escaping.

"Like a captured cat." Laura commented on the position, holding Ribbon. "Not for your eyes, young one." She teased, covering the blonde girl's eyes playfully. "Or Rosalie's." Laura lifted Ribbon up higher, and the child's hands covered the older blonde's eyes.

"We're only standing close!" Natsuki protested, shouting over to them.

"Perhaps they think this is how the columns… multiply?" Shizuru grinned softly.

"Don't you start." Furrowing her brows, Natsuki stared up to her. She looked almost anxious, prodding Shizuru in the ribs. Of course the gesture was delicate, as to not harm her lover.

Shizuru chuckled lowly, letting go of the younger. "And how is little Ribbon, hm?" The Archmeister drifted over, offering her arms out for the child.

"Restless." Laura deadpanned, giving over the blonde. "That little Miyu was hilarious, though." She spoke over Shizuru's shoulder to the Gakuenchou, snickering.

"Careful, Rosalie may steal her-!"

"I won't!" Rosalie huffed, crossing her arms. "I'm not into the ones that act like I'm five!"

"No, no, you're a very mature seven." Laura gave her a thumb's up, getting an arm wrapped around her throat again.

Natsuki snickered, striding over to be with Ribbon as well. She hoped Mai would be… awake? Out of the pod soon?

For all of their sakes. Especially Ribbon's.

"Ribbon, how are you feeling?" The Gakuenchou murmured in question, lifting her voice faintly.

"Bored!" The girl proclaimed, draping herself restlessly backwards in Shizuru's arms. The Archmeister stifled a snicker, gently rocking the dramatic child side to side.

"Rosalie, she is just like you… What green eyed guy did you-?" Laura's throat was constricted further by the arm around her neck. Rosalie blushed darkly, taking the elder to the ground.

"I wouldn't be an otome if that was the case!" Pressing Laura's cheek to the ground, Rosalie sat herself atop the elder's side.

"H-help!"

"I…" Staring down at the performance, Natsuki blinked. "I think we should leave them…" She muttered, turning her back on the two. Alike to what the Lutecian had done, Natsuki covered Ribbon's eyes.

Shizuru agreed mutely, chuckling to herself as she led the way. "I am sure this will lead to a… consummation?" She glanced back to the two on the grass, smirking.

Natsuki snickered, keeping up with the elder. Ah, who could take Ribbon now…? Surely the meeting would be soon.

"Yohk-bad idea." Rubbing along her neck, Natsuki grumbled under her breath. "... Can't your nanny teleport to us?" Sighing, Natsuki stretched; holding her arms above her head, she groaned.

"Hm… I could contact her, I have reason to believe she is nearby." Shizuru spoke, eyeing the younger.

"...Why do you think that?"

"No reason."

Narrowing her eyes, Natsuki regarded her. "Who even is your nanny?" Cocking a brow, she propped her hands behind her. Leaning her weight against her palms, she stared up to the sky.

It was mostly clear, except for a few clouds. They were fluffy, and white in appearance; truly the best kind.

"Such a mystery, I wonder…" Shizuru teased the Gakuenchou, playing with Ribbon's hands. The girl seemed to be faring better with them; Less bored.

"I will find out, Viola…"

"Only with her arrival, Kruger."

Propping her palm to the back of Ribbon's head, Shizuru murmured quietly. "Natsuki shall be surprised. She will never be able to guess who it is, either."

After all, her nanny had a daughter who was her childhood friend. Natsuki could never imagine who it was.

The small blonde propped her chin to her shoulder, and the Archmeister smiled. "You are going to kick yourself when you find out."

Frowning to them, Natsuki leaned further back on her palms before she carefully laid onto the grass. "Lame, Shizuru." She sighed, taking a moment to relax.

Who could watch Ribbon for now, however...?

"Hang on." Natsuki shot up. "Why are we having a meeting about Hexade if Tomoe, and Nina haven't had their butou?" Natsuki was confused. What was the point in this? This had already happened just before Schwartz had invaded.

"Hm… I suppose they will have to fight first." They still needed their fourth column, after all. Shizuru touched her GEM, conversing softly as she passed Ribbon to the younger.

"Oh-" Natsuki took great care, though unsure if she should be bracing the child's head. She seemed like she could hold it up alright…

Then again, Ribbon was six, so surely? She had no clue about kids…

"Miss Maria." Shizuru uttered. An exchange of words were passed, Shizuru pausing every so often. "The meeting should be after. We still require our fourth column."

The Shinso must be rolling in her grave about not having a column.

"Yes… later today, then? It will give everyone a chance to… relax. Agreed. The meeting will take place tomorrow." Shizuru turned to look at Natsuki, giving a devious grin.

"...What?"

"Oh, Natsuki. You shall see."

Natsuki had a bad feeling about this. Studying Shizuru's face, Natsuki paled.

She was definitely in for it. Whatever that might be.

---

The bathhouse had not been used for some time; Not to say that it was in any disarray of course. Perfectly cleaned and operational, it warmed to the command. Perhaps Natsuki just couldn't remember the last time she had been in…?

Did she really need to wear this swimsuit? Natsuki held a towel to her chest, unsure of exiting the locker room.

It was white in colour, but plain. A two-piece in nature, it had of course been picked by Shizuru. It felt… strange against her. The swimsuit was rather tight, yet not at the same time? She was however, quite aware of how it was riding up her rear-end.

A disgruntled expression cast along her features, and awkwardly, she shifted. Threading her fingers against the swimsuit, she manoeuvred it, putting it back in place. Natsuki knew it was in vain, because the moment she'd move, it'd simply rode back up.

"Curse you, Shizuru." She grumbled under her breath.

"Ara, it is not my fault that Natsuki has… grown." Shizuru had heard her name, crossing her arms beneath her chest. This emphasized her own swimsuit of choice… among other things.

Natsuki flushed darkly, clearing her throat as she wrapped her towel around her waist only. That would hide it for now… "It is… too small." She griped, having to adjust the top as well. This surely wasn't her size?

"It looks rather fine to me, Natsuki." Flashing the Gakuenchou a look of amusement, Shizuru turned away.

Her own swimsuit clung to her form perfectly. Dark grey in colour, with an oval parting between the breasts - because why not? - this strangely suited Shizuru. The back of the costume was almost non-existent, Natsuki also noticed.

It would only take the pulling of a string to cause disaster…

"Really, Shizuru?" Natsuki hesitantly pulled away from Shizuru, the blush intensifying across her cheeks. "Why are you wearing that?"

"I could go naked, if you wa-"

Perhaps it had been a relax, Natsuki wasn't even sure. But she had caught Shizuru's hand which was laid upon the elder's violet sarong. Somehow she just knew that this hand would've pulled the swimsuit strings.

"Like you really would…" Natsuki murmured, edging closer to press her lips against the elder's ear. "Don't make threats you won't keep, Shizuru." Take that, Viola! Letting go of the Archmeister's hand, Natsui passed her with a victorious smirk.

Haughtily, Shizuru stared after the younger as she paused to regain her composure. Oh, Natsuki would be in heaps of trouble later… Narrowing her eyes playfully, she followed after the Gakuenchou as they entered the main area.

They weren't alone, that much was for definite. Within the large pool were situated twelve others. Although the water was quite deep, and spacious, it already looked a little cramped.

Cautiously glancing over her shoulder, Natsuki eyed Shizuru.

She hoped Shizuru wouldn't do any funny business.

"Oi, Rosalie, come here." Laura was off in one of the side pools, beckoning the blonde over. Why were there pool toys? Did they belong to someone, or the students…? The school? Natsuki had no clue, and dumbly stared at them as Shizuru met her side.

The dark-skinned meister was straddling over an inflatable gator, waving her hands obnoxiously for the blonde. "C'mere!"

Sitting by the edge, Rosalie's back faced Shizuru, and Natsuki. The meister was almost stark-naked, let alone wearing a bathsuit!

Gaping at the dark string which barely covered vitals, Natsuki closed her mouth.

What even was all of this?!

"Rosalie… You have a tattoo." The Gakuenchou pointed out, having been distracted by what was barely covering the blonde. On the left side of Rosalie's rear was a blossomed rose…

"Natsuki!" Shizuru hissed, lightly hitting the younger's hip. She made sure not to hit over the odd mark, but frowned deeply. She hadn't even noticed!

"Kruger, ogle your own girl… Wait, you didn't remember Rosalie's tattoo?!" Laura grinned big, snickering as the blonde turned to see Natsuki.

"No, no, no! Not this again!" Crossing her arms across her breasts, Rosalie huffed. Hopping into the pool, she propelled herself in the water sluggishly. "Keep away from me and your overgrown lizard!"

"Overgrown lizard?! It's an alligator!"

Dumbfoundedly, Natsuki stared as Laura splashed after Rosalie. Blinking, she slowly registered that everyone was more or less watching.

"Laura, what do you mean I didn't remember Rosalie's tattoo?" Natsuki caught their attention again, tilting her head. She felt Shizuru staring at her, and flushed a bit. Hopefully it wasn't anything too bad…

"Huh? Oh, haha!" Laura smirked, resting her arms atop the edge of the little pool the two were in. "When we were pearls, the two of us dared Rosalie to get a tattoo. We even brought her into the shop, and you paid for it!"

Natsuki's jaw dropped, laughter resounding around the bathhouse.

"Holy sh-" Coughing into her fist, Natsuki harshly cleared her throat. Turning on her bare heel, she was only greeted by Shizuru. Awkwardly, she smiled lopsidedly, unable to read Shizuru's expression.

Oh, no.

Was she in trouble? Natsuki wasn't even sure.

"I was wondering what was up with that weird tattoo." Nao grinned, sat beside a glaring Shiho. Catching Rosalie's gaze, her delight rose, forcing a blush from Rosalie. "You should've wore something instead of a huge cheese-string." She shrugged.

"Oi, Rosalie can wear what she wants. It's a nice tattoo." Laura smirked to the blonde, amused by the Gakuenchou's startled look. "I think Kruger might be in the dog house…"

Shizuru eyed Natsuki up, narrowing crimson as she obviously awaited an explanation. The younger's mouth opened and closed, having no idea of what to say. "I-I… Why would I have done that?" Natsuki murmured to the elder, hoping she wasn't seriously mad.

"Oh right, we had snuck off some alcohol from one of the cooks connections." Laura snapped her fingers, playing with Rosalie as she splashed the blonde again.

"I suppose it is not I that should be making Natsuki feel guilty, no? We were not together during that little escapade…" Shizuru murmured, teasingly ruffling the towel around Natsuki's waist.

"I don't think that'd work, Shizuru." Laura murmured. "It wasn't just us."

Just how many of these rebellious underclasswomen had gone with Rosalie? Crossing an arm across her waist, Shizuru drummed her fingers to her chin. Curiously, she glanced back at Natsuki, edging towards her. "You are not getting into the pool?" She questioned, shooting a mischievous glance at her, eyes glinting.

"I will get into the bath, not the pool." Natsuki grumbled, throwing a glare to Shizuru. It was weak and didn't last long, the Gakuenchou dropping the towel only when she was halfway into the heated water.

Only now did she notice Mayha; The older column opposite her against the wall of the bath. She was glaring; Mottled bruises littering her ribs heavily. Natsuki glared back, a hint of guilt in the expression.

"At last Na-tan shows herself!"

Jumping in the water, Natsuki shot her gaze to the voice.

Why. Oh, why did her luck run so dry? Natsuki inwardly groaned, staring as her mother floated over on… Miyu? The gynoid looked rather unimpressed with her current situation. Miyu was floating on her back, though how, mystified Natsuki.

Looking down at the gynoid's body, Natsuki idly noticed small water jets suspending Miyu's body. Ah, so that explained it…

Why did Miyu even allow her mother to do this? Cocking a brow at the sight, Natsuki sighed.

Slipping into the water beside Natsuki, Shizuru seemed just as surprised.

"Miyu… Why do you indulge her like this?" Natsuki asked, leaning forward to speak to the gynoid more easily. Saeko snickered, waiting for the answer as well.

Hearing the snapping of Miyu's eyes lock onto her, Natsuki exchanged a look with Shizuru. Miyu's hair was sticking to her features, yet her pale skin was unchanged in the water. Then again, she wasn't human.

"Your mother, and I undergo the nightly activities of intercourse. Although I must admit I adjusted my vital assets to avoid procreation." Upon the words which poured from Miyu's mouth, the bathhouse was all but silent. She appeared as blank as ever, if not annoyed.

Natsuki stared, unsure if she should believe Miyu or not. She hadn't known the gynoid to… to joke, or tease about anything like this! "Y-you, you what?!" She barked, baffled as she stared down to Miyu.

Mayha covered her ribs as she tried to keep her wicked snickering down. It hurt like hell, but this was hilarious! One by one, the others broke from their shock to laugh, trying their best to stifle it just in case of a response.

"I must apologise." Miyu continued, locking their gazes again. "I will confirm that I'm not your secondary mother."

"My, Miyu is adventurous in her explanation tonight." Patting the gynoid's cheek gently, Saeko grinned sharply at her daughter. "Let us go, Miyu!"

With that, the water jets increased power, and the two floated away.

"Wh-w-wha-wh-" Swallowing, Natsuki stared off at them. Her shoulders slouched, the weight dropping.

Her mother, and her robotic guardian was… was…

Sliding into the water deeper, Natsuki groaned.

Where was the sponge…? She had never found the damn thing. Her migraine was returning…

Shizuru stared after the lazily floating CEO and Miyu, shocked. "Natsuki's mother… and Miyu?" For the first time in a while, she was rather speechless.

Mayha burst out into a raucous laughter, small noises of pain filtering in as she held onto her ribs. "Damn you, Kruger, but damn it that's hilarious!" Tears of laughter and pain escaped, the column writhing on the edge of the bath seating.

Much to the room's surprise, or perhaps the opposite, Nao joined in. The two shook with laughter, the pair sitting beside one another.

"Kr-Kruger. I knew you w-was weird bu-" Obnoxiously, Nao pointed over to Natsuki. "No wonder you're so awkward!" She gasped, cackling. "O-oh, my god!"

"O-oi! Stop laughing at me before I break your ribs too!" Natsuki stood in the bath, face crimson as she fumed. Mayha glared weakly at her, though was laughing too hard with the redhead to truly care.

"I hate you both." The Gakuenchou hissed, sitting back on the inner edge as she crossed her arms tight. Why would Miyu do this? This was clearly not protecting her; In fact, this was obviously the opposite!

"Natsuki?" Three voices speaking at once filtered in, and the Gakuenchou gawked. Natsuki glared at the three gynoids entering, suspicions rising.

These three were smaller than the others. Natsuki wondered whether one of them might be M12; but then again, why were these ones shorter? Was it because these ones had personality?

The one to her right haphazardly grasped the other two's hands, linking them. The one in the middle appeared nervous. The last, however? Narrowing her eyes, Natsuki studied them quietly.

The last one looked rather… Moody. Maybe she was a mistake. Shaking her head, the Gakuenchou thought that a bit too mean.

"I swear, if my mother has a harem…" Grumbling under her breath, Natsuki exhaled. Rolling her fingertips along her temples, she leaned against Shizuru. "What is happening to this world, Shizuru…?"

"I… do not know." Shizuru replied, watching the three gynoids float after Saeko in the water.

These Miyu bots were indeed multi-purpose, weren't they?

Flickering her gaze down to Natsuki, Shizuru smiled. Looping her arm around Natsuki's waist, she tugged her closer. Perhaps now they could relax? Mayha, and Nao appeared to be calming down at last.

"I don't even know what to do anymore." Natsuki whispered, slowly sinking down into the water more. She leaned against Shizuru, sighing as she covered her face. And now everyone knew about it too! What an odd secret…

Moving her gaze across everyone within the chamber, Natsuki slid her hand from her face. She honestly wasn't sure how much her heart could take right now.

What with the nano-capsule, she had found out Rosalie's tattoo was due to her. Not just that, but her mother was sleeping with her guardian? Urgh. Natsuki groaned, pressing her face against Shizuru's arm.

She wasn't going to live this down!

"What is all this laughter about?" A stern voice quieted them all. Grimacing, Natsuki covered her eyes so as not to see the elderly woman in anything near a swim suit. Shizuru snickered softly, teasing the Gakuenchou.

Maria stared harshly at them all, Yukariko entering shyly behind her.

The aged otome was wearing a black full-piece. A sarong was wrapped around her hips much alike to Shizuru, except grey in colour.

Shooting sharp glances between the separate women, Maria pursed her lips. Glancing over her shoulder, she quietly regarded Yukariko. Why had she been dragged into this ridiculous situation?

If they really had to, she would've preferred it to be just the two of them. Not a whole group of people who reacted to one another like toppling dominoes!

Natsuki glanced away, still fairly shocked. Her mother and… Miyu? Why? Was there no other people her mother was interested in?

The Gakuenchou stared into space, ignoring the two as the rest of the room soon did the same. At least they were no longer staring.

Yukariko quirked a brow at the atypical behavior; Trying to meet Natsuki's gaze, this failed, the Gakuenchou staring at the distance wall. Her full-piece was tugged by Maria, no doubt to preserve her privacy.

Flushing, she almost batted the elder's hand away from near her chest. But the stern glance forbid her so. Instead, Yukariko awkwardly glanced away, Maria adjusting the swimsuit.

"Thank you." She mumbled.

This one-piece she did wear, Yukariko liked however. It was turquoise, with simplistic, white lines bordering the front-sides. This was all she wore, preferring just the swimming suit alone.

A thrash of water was heard, directing attention towards Natsuki once more. "I think… I'll be right back, Shizuru." She sheepishly murmured under the attention, rubbing at her eyes briefly.

"Ah?" Shizuru cocked a brow, but Natsuki was already slipping from the bath. Should she be concerned? Though, perhaps it was only a reaction from the news about her mother…

Taking a towel, the Gakuenchou wrapped her waist tight and stormed into the locker room. The issue with her mother was big, but it wasn't at the forefront of her mind. Everything suddenly felt… odd. Like she didn't belong.

Was this because of a lost memory? Or was she just having those thoughts again?

Personally she didn't feel in control. Her mind was still cloudy, and there were so many questions unanswered. There were so many new obstacles forming before her. It was ridiculous.

It seemed the better grip she got of her surroundings, the more pressure was added.

She couldn't keep doing this. Maybe Yohko had something to give her for… this? Whatever exactly this was. Settling herself on a bench, Natsuki let out a low breath and rubbed at her brow.

Was there a way to… restore her memories with more force? Obviously, remembering as she went along was no longer an option; Nor did it work quickly. She either needed all her memories, or for everything to… freeze.

But wouldn't the shock of having those memories be too much on her body? Surely her brain would become stunned upon remembering everything? But this was a risk she'd probably have to take. At this rate she'd still not remember everything.

Things were still so fragmented.

Groaning, Natsuki put a hand against her temple and closed her eyes tight. She heard someone enter the locker room; Shizuru? She didn't look, and bent further forward to hold onto her head fully.

Another migraine...

"Natsuki. You don't feel well."

Miyu.

Shooting her gaze upwards, Natsuki tightly stared at the gynoid. Miyu was dripping wet, but didn't appear phased at all. Her hair clung to her skin, or if you could call those products as such.

She was far too human-like.

"What's this about, Miyu?" Natsuki groaned.

"You are too stressed. I cannot do what I do with your mother to you-"

"Miyu. Rephrase that."

"...Your scar is too close to massage your scalp as such." Oh. That's what she meant. Natsuki flushed, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Why… why are you with my mother? I don't get it."

"With?" Miyu tilted her head, obliviously confused. What did Natsuki mean by this? Of course she currently wasn't with Saeko, else she'd be next to her.

"Engaged in whatever activities you do with her. In bed. That isn't massaging her. Or… sleeping." She was trying so hard not to say it.

"Oh." Miyu murmured, shifting her eyes across Natsuki's form momentarily. "Intercourse without the means of reproduction."

"Yes…" Natsuki's eye twitched. "Why exactly have you… chosen to do that? You did choose to do that, didn't you?"

"Correct. For the benefit that Saeko was feeling depressed." No expression was cast upon Miyu's features, the characteristic typical. "Such an act works better for her."

"My mother was… depressed? Why?" Oh, that was a dumb question. "Probably because of the whole… incident." Well, if Miyu had chosen to do it, and still chose it…

Natsuki winced, her head pulsing again. "Ah…"

"You should probably rest." Miyu suggested. "I can tell your wife, if you would li-"

"Shizuru isn't my wife!" Natsuki snapped, embarrassed. Well, she might as well be, but still! "I… think I'll return to the baths. Maybe I could relax..."

Then again, if anyone else caused chaos she didn't think she'd stay. But she may as well return. What bad could it do? Besides, Shizuru was probably wondering if she was alright or not anyway.

Eying Miyu, Natsuki stood and kept the towel around her waist. "I guess… it's okay for you to be with my mother. If you want to be. Just be sure she isn't turning you into some sort of personal toy. And that is all we will say to each other on this front."

Moving away from the gynoid, and back towards the baths, Natsuki shivered.

Her mother, and Miyu?! She still couldn't understand it?! What was even happening?!

Shaking the thoughts, Natsuki sighed and returned to the main area. She spotted Shizuru, the elder woman looking up to her with concern. Shedding the towel by the edge, Natsuki sunk into the steamed water and sighed.

"...Sorry about that."

But what was she to do about this migraine? Shoving the thought aside, Natsuki inwardly growled.

She should just get over it.

"Anyway." She grumbled, clearing her throat. "There's a lot of things we need to sort today." They couldn't just dally around just because they were back on the surface. If anything, they desperately needed to reorganize. Another attack could come at any moment.

Shizuru ran a hand over the nape of Natsuki's neck, frowning. She had left so abruptly… "Mm." The elder leaned against her, pressing her lips to the younger's head softly.

They had so much work ahead of them still, so much to do… It was times like this where they could relax, if only minutely.

---

"What with the other day, I'm unsure if these two really want to fight."

In the arena once more, Natsuki cupped her fingers against her jaw. The waiting was always the worst with butou. At times she wondered if the duelists were even in the arena.

"I am sure Tomoe and Nina will still want to fight and give it their all." Shizuru grinned, chuckling lowly. What even was happening between the two of those students, she wondered?

Natsuki hummed, leaning forward in her seat. Miyu, or rather, one of the gynoids was stood close to her. She had wondered why, until it started to offer food.

"Ooh…"

She supposed the gynoids really did have use. Course they were terrifyingly amazing combat bots, but still. They needed other uses too, right?

Stretching over to the feminine droid, Natsuki paused. The copy of Miyu stared at her, regarding her silently for a time. Two more stood on the other side of the nearest gynoid, looking to them to listen.

"Natsuki, you are feeling better?"

How did these damned things know?!

"A bit, yes. Thank you." She was passed a bag of popcorn, and grinned. "Oh… How do you know if I'm not feeling well by the way?" Natsuki quirked a brow, popping a piece into her mouth. It was warm, and good… Did she just make this?

"Saeko put a sensor into you when you were small. Then, when the nano-machines forced it out, she made a new one for you."

"...Excuse me?"

"Oh, no. It's nothing." The middle gynoid muttered. "Seems our humour software needs repairing again. I think it got corrupted when you froze us." Although then again, they needed a system restore anyway… no, a reboot?

Staring oddly at her, Natsuki frowned. The gynoid stared into space, but seemed to then shake out of it.

"I apologize, perhaps it would be best you don't speak with us." Offering a small drink to the Gakuenchou, the Miyu farthest away from her paused in speech. "... With ice?"

"Uh… No, this is fine. Sorry for freezing you, I sort of… lost myself." She stared to the gynoid, confused. What was going on with this one? Maybe she really did mess them up?

Staring still, Natsuki took a sip from the straw. She liked these gynoids… Hopefully the damage wasn't permanent.

"Natsuki, you are strange." The Archmeister pulled at her collar, making the younger face the arena again.

"Oi, you're the strange one." Natsuki huffed. Adjusting her collar, now that it had been messed, she gave Shizuru a pointed look. "Shizuru."

"...Yes?" The Archmeister cocked a brow.

"You are daft."

Shizuru gazed at her, furrowing her brows. "Why am I daft?" Natsuki had been acting a little… odder since her fight with Mayha. She had hoped it was nothing, but now she was unsure.

Oh, that. "Well…" Scratching her cheek, Natsuki gnawed her lip. "I don't know either."

Shizuru stared before leaning forward to kiss the younger's brow. "We will see Yohko again after this match." She warned, allowing Natsuki to settle into her seat.

Ah, they were coming out now!

Just like the match between Shiho, and Nao, their intercoms were set to the surrounding speakers. At the back of Natsuki's head, she also wondered whether Chie would be commentating. Surely she would? The Trias member did a decent job last time.

From either side of the arena, the two walls rolled downwards. As these barriers came to a halt, the students stepped out.

"Oh, Shizuru. Didn't you want anything?" She asked to the Archmeister, glancing towards her.

Shizuru slipped her hand into her skirt pocket, and shook her head.

Natsuki peered down to the hand, blinking before the arena caught her attention again. The elder passed a smirk to the distracted Gakuenchou, slipping a cinnabar case from her pocket.

Opening it, she slipped the jade holder from within along with a cigarette. Closing the case after securing a match, the elder lit the end and sighed. Leaning back into the seat, Shizuru pressed the holder to her lips, then inhaled.

"Tomoe Marguerite is the second amethyst, and representative for this year. Recently, her opponent knocked her from first place. Will today be the day she retakes this title?"

None other than Chie Hallard's voice emitted from the surrounding speakers. She continued her detailing upon the students; the two reaching the centre of the arena.

Nina seemed… different. Instead of her hair being up in its usual style, it was in a loose hold and down. Natsuki sipped her soda, brows furrowing. She heard the gynoids next to her conversing, tilting to listen in.

"-looks like Natsuki… No, no genetic similarities."

"Did you really scan her to prove that?" Natsuki softly asked, surprised. The closest one to her - M12? - sheepishly smiled.

"Nina Wang is the new first amethyst. Will she keep her new title, or will she lose it tonight?"

"I wonder why she lowered her hair." Shizuru mused. It was mostly to herself than to Natsuki. Breathing the smoke of her cigarette only briefly, the Archmeister exhaled. Her leg was crossed atop the other, an arm loosely coiled around her middle.

Unconsciously, Shizuru pressed her palm to her right hip, and frowned. "Natsuki."

"Huh? Is something wrong?" Natsuki turned her attention back to the elder, though listened as the match began. Seemed they were each scouting the other…

The odd feeling wasn't at her hip, more… inner thigh, creeping up. Shizuru furrowed her brows, catching the younger woman's gaze.

It couldn't be a period, seeing as her GEM cancelled those out completely. Curiously, she wondered what it could be.

"Who does Natsuki think will win?" Shizuru didn't look at the Gakuenchou. Instead, she watched the match play out before her.

Both students circled one another like ravenous wolves. Each were just as cautious as the other. Never did they relent in this action, both of their gazes locked.

Nina had sai daggers, and she handled them perfectly. This surprised Shizuru; the students hadn't had long to learn their elements, after all. Tomoe's element however, was oddly suiting.

A halberd.

"Ooh…" Shizuru heard Natsuki murmur to herself, giving a faint smile as she smoked. This would definitely be a match to talk about.

"Tough to call… Nina has to get close, but Tomoe has the range on her side; Her weapon is longer… Though if Nina can get close, that will become a burden." The Gakuenchou hummed, wetting her lips before she took a sip of her drink.

"I call Nina."

"Do not forget that Tomoe's unarmed skills are possibly the best against all other students." Shizuru reminded, shifting her eyes to Natsuki. The Gakuenchou was leaning in her chair slightly, her focus entirely upon the match. "Nina may catch her in close quarters; but Tomoe could unarm her within seconds given the chance."

"Hm…" Popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth, Natsuki side-eyed Shizuru. "I'll bet you Nina wins. If she does… you've got to impersonate someone." Why was it so hard to find a betting term against Shizuru? Even still, the thought of the Archmeister impersonating someone was… incredibly amusing.

"Ara…? Alright, Natsuki… But what if Tomoe wins? What do I get?"

"Um… what do you want?" Natsuki cocked a brow.

"Wang's daggers, the sai are an eastern weapon. These are perfect for close quarter combat. However, how will they fair against Marguerite's halberd?"

"That is not a question Natsuki should be asking." Shizuru's eyes glittered with mischief, exhaling another cloud of smoke into the Gakuenchou's face.

About to be offended, it sent Natsuki into a brief daze instead. The smoke wasn't choking, nor did it stink. It smelled… scented; almost like a perfume?

Seeing the expression, Shizuru leaned in to softly kiss the Gakuenchou. "Natsuki looks so cute."

"No I'm not." Muffled, Natsuki pulled away.

"But she's also mean." Shizuru added, though no negativity ever showed. Instead, Shizuru leaned into the younger's side. "Let us go somewhere once this is all over…" She murmured.

"Where would we go?" Natsuki leaned into her as well, taking the elder's hand. She was very eager to see who would win this fight… Out of the three nominees, she just did not want Zhang to rise up.

Then again… knowing her luck…

"Windbloom? I am sure Natsuki has missed it." Although who knew how long this would be? Discreetly, Shizuru's brow furrowed, her eyes following the two figures in the arena.

"Tomoe Marguerite, the second amethyst, has a halberd. Though it might be a melee weapon, it has range. Marguerite certainly has the better hand for defence, and offense."

"I'd like that." Natsuki muttered quickly, focusing entirely on the match at hand now. Nina appeared bristled by the comment that Chie had made, spinning her sai in both hands viciously.

The Gakuenchou leaned forward, eyes darting between the two. She was secretly rooting for Nina.

Surprisingly not a word was spoken between these students. Usually in the past they would've thrown a few insults. But apparently this wasn't the case anymore. This little addition was picked up by Chie, the Trias instantly broadcasting it.

"Usually they are feisty. Why they aren't throwing a few insults, is beyond me."

Natsuki glanced back to Shizuru, snickering a little. Since their bonding in the underground, the Gakuenchou assumed that they had indeed gotten… closer.

Nina frowned, trying to think of a plan of attack. There was a mess of columns that had rose, she could use that to her advantage… Sai still spinning on each hand, she darted into the thick of them.

Lowering her halberd only slightly, Tomoe arched a brow at this performance. Grasping the element in her right hand only, she followed after the fellow student cautiously.

What in the world…?

Feeling like the beginning of a creepy movie… Once Tomoe entered into the thick of the columns, she paused. Nina was nowhere to be seen; Monitors searching for her.

"Hah!" Sai implanted into the side of one, Nina revealed herself as she kicked onto another. She was fast; Striking at Tomoe each time she crossed for another column.

Seriously? Dodging, and blocking were the only answer now. The more she did so, the faster Nina became. But Tomoe saw a flaw; Nina was quickly losing energy, and before long, she'd tire.

If Tomoe could keep at thi-

-sliding backwards from a strike, a scattering of sand surrounded her. Another burst of energy covered the whole arena, and a curse slipped from her throat.

Nina planted her boots against the staff of the halberd, kicking off and flipping to land before Tomoe. As the older girl reeled from the strike, Nina kicked off the ground to try and finish her off.

Natsuki gazed at the nearest monitor, watching with a rising excitement. Could Nina do it…?

Not yet, it seemed. The elder student barely managed to jump out the way herself.

"What are you, a circus monkey?!" Tomoe's voice hissing through into the arena intercom. The clanging of element-metal clashed in the feed, the two being spurred on.

"Maybe I am!" Nina growled back, turning and stabbing her sai into the ground to slow herself down. She propelled back into the thick of the columns; wanting to remain hidden from Tomoe and sneak an attack.

"Your paper daggers aren't going to help you hide! What would you do? Give me a papercut?! Come out already!" Spinning around on her heel, Tomoe attempted to lock onto Nina.

Where was she? Just where would she hide? Obviously not on top of any columns. But behind…? Within defence, she lifted her halberd protectively, and trailed further into the arena.

She knew fully well this was a trap. But that made it interesting, right? Tomoe wasn't one to avoid risks anyway…

Natsuki furrowed her brows, scanning from one monitor to the next. This might end up a very lengthy battle… Entertainment value no doubt high as well. Cupping a knuckle under her nose, she focused on trying to find Nina on any of the displays.

The girl seemed more taken with stealth at this point, though whether or not that was a good idea… Tomoe strode further into the bundle of pillars, tightening her grasp on her halberd.

She had never seen the younger girl fight like this. Perhaps that little… thing between them made her nervous?

Usually they were knocking each other out right about now. Then again, she supposed Nina was finally using those tactics of hers.

But this was strange. Why was Nina behaving as if she had a stealth GEM? This was more alike to meister Gallagher's combat strategy. Let alone the Altain's.

An idea leapt within Tomoe's mind, but she continued to survey the arena. Lest her guard fell, her face would meet the floor instead. "You do know you're on the next issue of the Otome Graph, right?"

"Am not." The younger was heard grumbling, though she peeked behind a pillar to be able to see Tomoe. She doubted it was true either way; Wouldn't she have had to sign something?

But then again, the Otome Graph was directly linked to Garderobe…

Tomoe wasn't budging. She simply remained in her position in the opening, swiftly surveying. For some reason, Nina couldn't see any openings from her either. Even when she was in such a vulnerable position, she still cast the upper hand.

Cursing, Nina grinded her teeth. Why was Tomoe so infuriating?!

Perhaps returning to the ground would be best… She was wasting energy clinging here. Nina pulled her sai and leapt down, away from Tomoe but within her sight. If she could see the other girl, the other girl could see her.

"After this, I may need to find a hot spring… I'm sure to be sore."

Shooting her gaze towards Nina, to her luck, Tomoe found her. Their eyes locked, and Tomoe glared. Though it wasn't as harsh as usual, for some reason. Narrowing her eyes, Tomoe regarded silently, watching her every move.

Shifting into a readying stance, the elder faced Nina.

Nina spun her sai again, flipping them between her hands. Maybe she was showing off; Newly gained confidence from what was happening between them no doubt the cause. Weapons grasped tight in her palms, Nina took a strong wide stance and waited.

"Did I mention you're in the manga section of the Otome Graph?" Tomoe trailed up to her carefully. With her halberd lifted, she angled the long point directly at Nina.

The blade of a halberd downed horses, and desert raptors alike. If Nina liked getting shredded apart, then Tomoe would be surprised. If not a little creeped out. She snickered at Nina, and pounced.

Nina absorbed the shock of the attack with both blades of the sai, shoving the elder back. She struck quickly after, spinning and doling out hits hand over hand. Tomoe kept the staff of her halberd up to defend; A point against herself taken when Nina let the hilt of one sai hit at the elder's stomach.

Enraged that she had left herself open, Tomoe whipped around and let the end of her staff whack the back of Nina's head. Now they were matched evenly.

Wincing, Tomoe quickly backpedaled. She watched Nina closely, who had grunted in pain, violet-steel absorbing her appearance.

The younger student had practically almost dropped her sai daggers. Pain skimmed along Nina's face, and she growled. "Tomoe."

"Am I expected to be angry when you struck me? Are we not fighting?" Tomoe drawled back, the younger's expression twisting into another gloomy glare. Huffing, Nina rolled her shoulders and spun her sai for three turns.

"Lower the columns." Nina and Tomoe both spoke at the same time, prompting odd looks. They were going to end this now.

"Lowering the columns can only mean one thing! ...Total devastation! Will Marguerite, and Wang survive? ...Will we survive?"

Unsure whether Chie was taking the situation seriously, Tomoe ignored her commentary. She kept her stance in front of Nina, awaiting the pillars to slide down.

The sand surrounding them was disturbed by this feat; particles falling between the edges of the columns.

"This is getting interesting… M12, can I get more?" Natsuki turned to the gynoid, holding out her drink. Shizuru shook her head, amused and grateful that the younger could be so carefree.

That would change.

The pillars sunk into the floor, the arena now bare but for the two combatants. Nina gripped the hilts of her sai tight, her hair rustled by the breeze.

"Trying to look dramatic won't help you!" Pushing forward, Tomoe's feet sank into the sand. This was only partially however, more of the fragments flying up. Pushing her weight into the first blow, Tomoe struck quick, and hard.

She wasn't about to lose.

Nina blocked the strike with both sai, forced back until she dug her heels in. Tomoe kept her weapon locked, forcing the younger back another step. There was a faint crack along the blade of one dagger, and with another push, it broke.

"Ah…" Nina grasped her remaining sai with both hands, holding tight against the halberd's weight.

"If you don't move-" Struggling against Nina's hold, Tomoe tensed. They were wedged like this for a few moments, Tomoe grunting out. "I'm gonna slice you like butter." Closing their distance barely, the elder snickered, Nina arched her head away.

Tomoe's halberd veered off the lone sai, metal screeching.

With another push from her halberd, the remaining sai broke as well. Nina stepped back, glaring as she tried to think. Another point was announced against her, fueling her rage. With immense speed, she grasped onto the staff of Tomoe's weapon and wrenched it from the elder's hands.

Surprised, Tomoe stepped back and fumed. Nina smirked, however, and snapped the weapon in half over her knee. They were matched again, two to two.

"Y-you didn't." Stunned, Tomoe simply stood there, staring at the broken element. Seriously? Had that even happened? Looking to Nina's knee, she blinked. Abruptly, she snapped out of it, slipping into another stance.

So they were fighting dirty. So what. "I guess I'll just have to knock you out with my bare hands." Tomoe muttered.

"Seems like it." Nina glared, cracking her knuckles one by one.

"Whoa! Both elements broken, Wang, and Marguerite must now do hand-to-hand combat; a knockout or submission hold is the only way to end this match now!"

The commentary was getting a little… funny. Natsuki snickered, sipping at her refilled drink. This match was definitely much better than Zhang and Huit… She wondered who would win now?

To be honest, at this point, not even she was sure who would anymore. Seeing the two in combat like this; it was unpredictable. It was almost like her, and Mai- Frowning at the thought, Natsuki pried her gaze to Shizuru.

The elder was almost finished smoking. Sinking into the chair, the Archmeister sighed, exhaling a smoky breath.

"Who do you think will win?" Natsuki whispered over, sitting back against her own chair. Leaning forward was starting to put an ache into her spine…

"Who indeed…" Shizuru took one last drag, putting out the remains of the cigarette. She tucked her holder back into the case, slipping it into her pocket once more. "They are very evenly matched, though Nina has shown more… Tactic."

"Seemed pretty pointless though." Natsuki murmured, watching the pair trade punches. Arching a brow at this, she glanced at Shizuru again. "Are they always like this? Or just together?"

"Hm…" Wetting her lips, Shizuru clasped her hands together. "Very different. Nina's tactics seem to be leaning towards Sara's however." Observing the two, Shizuru seemed unphased by the behaviour.

Just how typical was this for Nina and Tomoe?

"Tomoe's…? She is incredibly reckless - a powerhouse. But her tactics bring killer blows." Shizuru supposed in a way, Tomoe was similar to… ah.

Nina slammed her elbow into Tomoe's back as she dodged a lunge; backing off when the elder whipped around on her. She was starting to get tired, and by the looks of it, so was Tomoe.

Her knuckles were bruising; Reminding her of the time Zhang had locked them in the arena locker room. God, she detested that damn girl…

This only spurred Nina on. Her fist caught the elder's temple by chance, hearing, and feeling her knuckles crack. She would've reacted, if Tomoe hadn't punched her square under the chin.

Stars greeted her, her sight quickly blackening. Nina felt Tomoe collapse against her, and she quickly followed suit. The pair landed against the sand in a messy heap, neither conscious for the impact.

The entire arena collectively gasped, waiting to see if one of the girls would stand.

"Wow! It appears as though Marguerite and Wang have knocked each other out!"

A countdown was issued, and upon reaching ten, Chie spoke once more.

"Marguerite and Wang are disqualified!"

"What… how did…?" Natsuki gazed down to them, leaning over the stone rail once more. Shizuru kept a grip on the back of her jacket, amused. "They… both knocked each other out? Then that means… but… I don't want…"

"Poor Natsuki." Chuckling softly, Shizuru guided the Gakuenchou back into her chair. "I am sure Nao will not be that bad, once she gets to know her."

"She cut my trousers off on the side of a busy highway." Natsuki bit, rubbing her hand over her face. "I suppose we… have to go back down to tell the Shinso, then?" Last time, she had had a bad anxiety attack…

She felt better now though, of course. She could… respect Fumi, instead of fearing her. Still, she was a bit scary.

A bit. Perhaps that was slightly under-exaggerated? If anything, Natsuki would much rather hide under a table. But she was the Gakuenchou. She couldn't go doing that, could she?

"Natsuki likes to hold a grudge." Musing, Shizuru veered her gaze back the arena floor.

Yohko's group were by the two unconscious students. The doctor was swiftly checking them over. In the meantime, her assistants adjusted them securely, bringing them away from one another.

"It seems as though Marguerite and Wang are alright! Thoroughly knocked out, however, they will recuperate in a few hours!"

Natsuki sighed, very disappointed in the turnout. "Seems we have to bring Zhang down to meet the Shinso, hm?" She grumbled softly, leaning into a palm. "Has Mayha been able to leave the infirmary, yet?"

"Natsuki…" Shizuru warned, but quieted. "We may need all columns present, I will check."

Leaving the Gakuenchou to her own devices, Shizuru skimmed her fingers along her GEM. The intercom directly connected to the Shinso System, and she murmured softly. "Shinso, are all columns to be present during the IV's ceremony?"

Hang on a minute. Natsuki frowned at the elder, pondering. What if Nao didn't even want to become a column? She had a choice in disagreeing, right? They weren't going to do this now, were they?

Surely not?

But… they were in the midst of war-at war. So perhaps none of them would have a say soon?

Awaiting the Archmeister, Natsuki sank into her chair. She simply observed the taller woman, darting her eyes across Shizuru's body. Those crimson eyes were focused upon the steps underneath the row of seats before them. A concentration was held within them, but also a concern.

"Indication of the fifth column's health are critical; Mayha Blythe may not attend. Nor shall the alpha column , Sara Gallagher partake; She is currently caring for Meister Tokiha Mai." The Shinso droned back, Natsuki nodding as she sat forward.

"We'll have to tell Zhang to... meet us by the gate? Or should we escort her?" Natsuki queried, unsure if the Shinso would allow her down as well.

"All other columns mandated to attend. The Gakuenchou is in fairer health, although her GEM is damaged."

Damaged? Natsuki brushed her own fingertips to her GEM. The crystal was streaked with a scratch. Oh, right… Mayha had managed to clip it when hitting her. It was just a scuff though. Would this be enough to cause it significant damage?

Or did the Shinso mean when she had… manipulated the nano-machines?

"If the Gakuenchou can handle the ceremony, she may attend." She felt like that was a playful dig, and tilted her head. Was the Shinso prone to making jokes? "Himeno." Pressing her fingers into the GEM, this focused the Shinso upon her solely. "This is not a threat, but when I am in even fairer health, I plan to fight you."

"Documented, and uploaded into archive."

Natsuki released a breath, feeling better about the Shinso. She ended her part of the link, grinning to Shizuru. "She's a trickster, isn't she?" She asked, tilting her head at the elder.

A hum escaped the Archmeister, deactivating her own link. She slid forward in the chair, and trailed a hand upwards. "Perhaps." Shizuru's lips curled finely, silencing as her digits touched Natsuki's GEM. "Hold still."

"Ah, what are you going to do...?" The action made her nervous, but Natsuki held still. She trusted Shizuru, of course. But she still wondered what the elder was up to. Watching Shizuru carefully, she almost flitched.

Shizuru scratched delicately at the miniature chasm against the sound clicked within the Gakuenchou's ear loudly, jolting her.

"...Yohko said it would be simple enough to repair." Shizuru paused, her brow faintly furrowing. "But I worry what Natsuki's nano-machines did to it."

"Eish." Natsuki pulled back, covering her ear. "We'll see what the Shinso says about it..." She murmured, rubbing a bit at her gem. She stroked the surface, feeling the scratch.

It was evident to the touch, but she wondered what it looked like. Was it obvious damage, or discreet, slight?

Natsuki pulled back, covering her ear. "We'll see what the Shinso says about it..." She murmured, rubbing at the GEM. She stroked the surface, feeling the scratch. It was almost alike to a sense that if she kept rubbish it, the damage would vanish. The Gakuenchou knew this wasn't the case, and sighed. "I'm still disappointed Nina didn't win."

"Of course she is... Nina looks an awful lot like she did." Even from this distance, the cameras had picked up the student's expressions. At the back of Shizuru's mind, she wondered how they'd react to their double-defeat.

Then again, judging those two, it'd just move into more fighting.

Covering her mouth, Shizuru stood. "Come, we must... see to making our new column." She whispered, Natsuki's shoulders slouching immediately.

The audience were slowly beginning to trail out from the stands. As Shizuru watched this, her gaze veered back down to Nina, and Tomoe.

The two students were slowly starting to rouse; Their expressions casting extreme disbelief.

Tomoe rose, but too quickly. Clutching her temple, she groaned, and leaned forward. The sensation tore into her skull sharply. If anything, if felt as if it was going to explode.

Yohko led her to lay back once more, scolding her softly. Nina hadn't tried to sit up, and if anything, she looked as if she may black out once more.

"I highly dislike this." Natsuki muttered, following after the elder meister quickly. She hopped down a few stairs at a time, catching up with Shizuru. But she had to admit that Nao seemed a little different last they spoke. But even so…

Derailed from her train of thought, Natsuki twitched upon the contact of weight atop her shoulder. Shizuru's larger hand clasped to it, squeezing gently.

"You would be surprised. Perhaps even disgusted to know that Natsuki, and Nao were decent friends." A devious smile aligned Shizuru's lips, floating down the last of the steps.

"I was friends with her?!" The Gakuenchou almost shrieked, startling the spectators around her. Of course, there were still other butou to be held, but… Sheepishly, she caught up quickly to the elder woman and ran a hand down her face.

"How could I have ever been friends with that… girl?" Natsuki seemed disgusted by the mere thought, a sneer playing upon her lips.

Shizuru chuckled softly, running the backs of her knuckles over her lips as she turned; Crimson dancing playfully over Natsuki's features. The younger paused, tilting her head to the reaction. She was sure she would have gotten a scolding instead…

"Natsuki is far too cute… She predetermined her feelings from one picture, and one instance." Shizuru tutted softly, watching alabaster cheeks puff out and flush.

"Shizuru!"

Laughing softly, Shizuru retreated from the Gakuenchou. Making it down to the stairwell which led to the underground arena, she paused. "Give her a chance, you might be surprised."

Turning around, the Archmeister awaited the younger otome. Natsuki grunted from atop the last flight of stairs.

Shoving her hands into her pockets, Natsuki gnawed her lip delicately, glancing away in the process. "... She didn't give me a good first impression."

"Because Natsuki didn't let her." Shizuru argued back, pulling at the younger's earlobe with a sharp tug.

"A-ah! Okay, fine! I will… put her out of my mind and try for another first impression." Natsuki pulled from the elder, huffing. "Besides, if she does act up, maybe I can punch her… or the Shinso could always scare her.

"Natsuki cannot punch a student."

"She's going to be a column, right?"

"Not if Natsuki is going to make her one just to fight her." Shizuru sighed, chuckling as she led the way.

"...What if I just asked her to spar with me?" The younger woman seemed adamant, if given a cheeky grin.

"I do not think anyone would want to spar with Natsuki after her fight with Mayha…"

"Ouch… that stung, Shizuru." Relenting, if only in a small amount, Natsuki halted before her. "You're no fun, Shizuru." Capturing Shizuru's hands between hers either way, she exhaled. "...Hey, Shizuru?" Was it just her, or did these days seem so… fragmented?

It was almost alike to a story with independent scenes. No matter what you did with them, they always didn't seem to flow properly. Did this make any sense? Natsuki wasn't sure.

"What is it, Natsuki?" The elder turned towards her fully, cocking a brow. The younger had been acting a bit odd since that second hit to the head…

"Huh? Oh… Ah, it's nothing, just a silly thought." Natsuki smiled, shaking her head. "Let's head down to the chamber, then?"

"Least we shall be in an area where Yohko can treat Natsuki's head quickly." The Archmeister half joked. She weaved her fingers more securely around Natsuki's, standing by the Gakuenchou's left. "Let us go?"

"Nothing wrong with my head… anymore?" Natsuki shrugged, holding onto Shizuru's hand. "Mm…"

She was done with being injured.

---

Having had her GEM checked for damage, it was indeed a simple enough repair. The activity had taken Yohko no less than a few minutes. Sometimes, Natsuki truly wondered if their scientist was superhuman. If not human at all.

Although the nano-machines themselves would still need to be checked over by the Shinso. Or at least explained.

"Since you're waiting, I may as well show you something I have discovered." Yohko reported, not once looking over her shoulder. As always, she frantically typed away at her holographic laptop, her back facing the pair. "More precisely, it relates to the GEMs."

"What is it?" Natsuki approached behind her, crossing her arms to remind herself of personal space. Not that she had a problem, but… Yohko apparently did. She tilted her head, squinting to focus on the display.

At last the doctor glanced over her shoulder to them. Gesturing to two seats either side of her, she continued. "I am unsure why, but…" Wetting her lips, Yohko pressed enter, a menu materialising. "GEMs store snippets of memories. Seems every single one has memories; even your typical student GEM."

Natsuki took her seat on Yohko's right, Shizuru following suit opposite. "Really? Can you… bring a memory up?" The Gakuenchou quirked a brow, a little intrigued.

Shizuru darted her glance to Natsuki, a little worried from this.

"It isn't anything like your sci-fi films." Yohko warned, chuckling at Natsuki's instant disappointment. "It is more of a… fragment of thought. A paragraph of words, for instance."

Honestly Yohko herself wasn't sure on the science behind it. She had stumbled upon it by complete luck.

"The Lofty Crimson Jade is an old GEM." Switching menus, Yohko brought up a 3D model of the GEM. "Let's not forget Hazakura Ayane, and Rena Sayers wore this GEM during their lifetime."

"I would love to see what they thought of…" Especially if it could be used against them in their current situation. Natsuki examined the model, tilting her head and cupping her chin.

She had an idea, but… "Can you take memories from GEMs in active use?"

"I haven't tried. It would take a lot of work, expenses, and… volunteers…" By the tone of Yohko's voice, it almost sounded like she was disgusted. The scientist shook it off, then directed them to a type of addon within the software.

It was only a small window compared to the software. Within this addon, a wave of typing was depicted. For what it meant, Natsuki had no clue, nor did she desire to find out.

"There is no dialogue from dead otome." Yohko declared. "By chance I discovered that by scanning a GEM, you can piece together a set date. Think of a strand of DNA, you can decode it. By decoding the nano-machines, you can essentially… convert its format."

Yohko wasn't sure how to describe it simply, there was no way of doing so. "Radio waves have been converted into audio. Take this as an example."

"Ah, I think I understand… Seems to me like it is almost similar to taking the waves off an object and extracting sound from even years back on it?" Natsuki admired the information, bookkeeping it inside of her head.

Footsteps were heard, no doubt of Miss Maria and that Zhang girl…

"The earliest decoding I have is of twenty five years ago. Obviously this is during the time of Rena Sayers' ownership. It seems to be very late into the ownership, possibly just before her last recorded materialisation."

"Wow." Natsuki stroked along her jaw, eyes scanning along the display. "When we have more time, perhaps I'll volunteer… Get the memory of what happened to me-"

"I do not think that would be the best idea, Natsuki." Shizuru softly interjected, the elder's gaze on her.

The shock of seeing something may cause a bad reaction. Shizuru didn't care what people might say; she wasn't prepared to see something bad happen to her.

"Ah… Alright." Natsuki nodded, understanding. Still, maybe there was something they could find to help…

"Gakuenchou, Archmeister." Miss Maria had finally arrived, with the redheaded student in tow.

The student appeared confused- more baffled if anything. She regarded the meisters, and scientist quietly, arching a brow. Veering her gaze to Miss Maria, Nao then tilted her head. "What is this all about, anyway?"

"You will find out if you hold your tongue." The epitome narrowed her eyes, inclining her head to the other three.

"Thank you, Miss Maria… I think we can take it from here." Natsuki stood, glancing to Juliet. She did not want the Shinso to automatically assume her weak with the epitome's presence with her.

Let alone Zhang. Drifting her gaze momentarily to Yohko, Natsuki spoke softly. "When should we speak about this next? Will you contact us?"

"I will." The scientist replied, typing away once more.

Nodding, Natsuki returned her glance to Juliet. The redhead seemed nervous, more like the young woman she was and less of an annoyance in the Gakuenchou's eyes.

Maybe she wasn't so bad, then?

"Right." The Gakuenchou grumbled, and scratched her cheek. "We have something to tell you."

Lame. Absolutely, and utterly lame. What kind of response was that? Cringing, Natsuki hurriedly focused her gaze upon Maria. The epitome climbed the stairs steadily, the elder's feet clicking.

"You were nominated."

"Nominated for…?" Juliet trailed off, not knowing what it could be. Why would they bring her down here, and not the Gakuenchou's office- Oh… That's right. Natsuki hadn't yet gone in there. Must be something up with her head still.

Shizuru encouraged the younger, and Natsuki softly sighed. "Juliet, you have been nominated to take the place of our fourth column."

There was a silence which loomed over them. The only disruption was the soft humming of machinery, and Yohko's typing. As barely a few seconds past by, Natsuki wondered whether Nao was doing it on purpose.

"O-"

"-I'm surprised you're the one saying it, Kruger." A grin scaled along Nao's features, the gesture transforming into a smirk. She knew fully well of Natsuki's dislike. But she wondered whether this was appropriate- of course it wasn't.

"Jul-"

"-If you accept." Shizuru butted in, subtly skimming her hand against Natsuki's back. "The Shinso would like to speak with you." She stood just slightly behind Natsuki, jabbing a finger against the younger's back.

The notion wasn't painful, but it was enough to bring attention.

"Yes… Do you accept, Juliet?" Natsuki fought the rise of irritation and rather let Shizuru sooth her thoughts. The elder was quite adept at reading her body language… Cheeks flushing just barely, she focused emerald onto jade.

"...I accept." The redhead murmured after a moment, glancing between the two of them.

Oh, great. Inwardly, Natsuki groaned, and twisted around. "This way then." She muttered, signalling Yohko.

The scientist didn't even need to be told. She inputted the command, and the Archmeister's Passage opened. The doorway slid upwards just alike to last time, a silent grinding echoing.

"Mind the fourteenth step on the second flight." Yohko warned suddenly, catching the three women off guard. "One of the damn gynoids broke it last night."

"That's a really random number, how should I remember that?" Natsuki grumbled, watching every single step. No doubt she would trip over that one anyway… "How did she even break it?"

"Do you always talk to yourself, Kruger?"

"Maybe I was talking to you!"

"How would I know?!"

Urgh! Nao Juliet Zhang! She was going to be Natsuki's downfall!

Shizuru followed after the two silently. Unclasping a hand from before herself, she brought it to her lips. "My… you two almost sound like a couple." Hiding her lips behind well placed fingers, a smirk highlighted. Nao, and Natsuki shot their gaze behind them. "... When is your first date?" Crimsons lit with a humorous fire, hawking her gaze between them.

"Sh-Shizur-rah?!" Flinging her hand to catch the railing, Natsuki looked down to the step.

Are you kidding?! This was the broken one?!

Worry bright in crimson eyes, Shizuru shot forward but was beaten by their newly appointed colleague. "Kruger, really?" Juliet huffed, grasping her by the shoulders to make sure the Gakuenchou didn't fall right through it.

Covering her mouth again, the Archmeister softly chuckled. "Kannin na, Natsuki…"

"Maybe Juliet wouldn't distract me going down a staircase." Natsuki shot back, though the two reeled away from each other once she was safe.

"Afraid of getting cooties, Kruger?"

"Wait, wha-"

"Please watch the stairs, children." Shizuru sighed, guiding them down. Brushing past the two other women, the Archmeister led them. "Zhan-"

"-Juliet."

"... Juliet. I must warn you that where we shall be heading, runs through the catacombs."

Was that supposed to be a big deal? Nao lifted a brow.

"It can become… much." Natsuki sneered at how she described it, but she hadn't much else to say. She followed closely after Shizuru though, prompting Juliet to do the same.

The Archmeister listened to Natsuki's breathing, noting that she seemed to be doing better down here than the last time.

Nao's pestering was certainly a help. To say the least it was a decent distraction for Natsuki. Shizuru felt that Natsuki clouded all positivity when it came to the redhead.

But alas, the Gakuenchou was far too stubborn at times.

Shizuru would need to do something about that.

"We are nearing her chamber." Shizuru warned for them to quiet, and Natsuki did so immediately. Was the Gakuenchou still frightened? Perhaps, but she still seemed to be having less anxiety.

"Be sure to be polite, or she'll slice you." Natsuki blurted out to the redhead, Juliet blinking in return.

Glancing up at the Gakuenchou, Nao regarded her silently. Definitely this was the same Kruger she knew well. But there were certainly some… characteristics added recently. The redhead couldn't quite place her finger upon them though.

It was just a prying suspicion, mostly. But there was indeed… something.

Shizuru tugged Natsuki softly, the Gakuenchou snickering softly but sobering up. She would need to keep herself in check for the Shinso's chambers…

The catacombs came first, Natsuki refusing to read the names upon them this time.

If anything it would just set her off again. She couldn't have this, especially not in front of Nao.

At the back of her mind, Natsuki wondered why she was so bothered. It was near on obsession to her behaviour against Nao.

"Isn't meister Gallagher supposed to be here?" Nao inquired. Obviously Mayha couldn't join them, for obvious reasons.

"Sara will not be joining us. She has been stationed to look over Mai." Natsuki murmured back to her, a somber expression taking hold. She hoped that Mai would be alright…

Shizuru sent a glance backwards to them, clearing her throat softly. "Her chamber is just through here."

Utterly nothing had changed. It surprised Natsuki, considering Maria would come down here frequently. But then again, the epitome was the definition of perfection. Of course nothing would be out of place.

Though this cleaning didn't stop the occasional spider from skittering before her.

The lights on either side of the narrow corridor activated by sensor. They flooded the three otome in light, showcasing their features sharply. Now that Natsuki thought about it, perhaps these lights were purposeful?

Although the detail was simplistic, it always felt so off-putting.

It was starting to give her tunnel vision… A feeling crept up the nape of Natsuki's neck, though she couldn't place it before they reached the end of the corridor. Glancing to Shizuru, she awaited the elder to lead them into the main chamber.

She felt this would be the best way. Given with how the Shinso had reacted before, and besides… It was traditional that the Archmeister appointed the next column. A Gakuenchou merely conducted the rites for their successor.

At least Natsuki hoped this was still the case.

Juliet was quiet, trailing behind them with an almost reluctance. Natsuki wondered if she was as wary of the Shinso as herself; This was clearly proved to be the case in the next moment. Shizuru opened the chamber, and Juliet flinched to the immediate invasion of the gynoid's voice.

"The second column, Gakuenchou Natsuki Kruger. The third column, Archmeister Shizuru Viola." Each of these selected words were precise, without a hint of deformity. The Shinso's glowing eyes regarded these two women, before fixing upon Nao. "The nominated fourth column, Zhang 'Juliet' Nao."

What was with that weird order?

Natsuki smiled faintly, looking back to the redhead. The Shinso must have picked up on Juliet's favoring of her middle name instead…

She followed Shizuru quickly but gracefully, settling to her knees at the same time. Natsuki watched Juliet copy their movements, and the three bowed before the gynoid respectfully.

"I assume the last encounter will not be repeated?"

Oh… Natsuki stifled a quirk of her brow, looking up to her. "Not as such, unless proximity is closed." She quipped back, inclining her head again. The Shinso definitely was teasing her, wasn't she?

But by the drone of the digital voice, and the lack of body language, it was difficult. Natsuki was also pretty sure the only person able to decrypt the Shinso, was Maria. The two had a strange bond, both historically, and personally.

"Proximity will be kept unless challenged." Gears whirred, and the Shinso faced the three of them squarely. "Third column, Archmeister Shizuru Viola?"

"We are here for the confirmation of Zhang 'Juliet' Nao. Afterwards, we intend to discuss a private matter with you."

A private matter? Natsuki frowned subtly, flicking her gaze between Shizuru, and the Shinso quickly.

"Noted." The Shinso set her gaze solely upon the redhead. "Zhang 'Juliet' Nao, nominated for the position of fourth column. Do you accept?"

"...I do." The redhead murmured. She focused her gaze upon the gynoid's feet. Nao had to admit, there was something… unsettling about the Shinso. Perhaps it was the sheer lack of connection you had with her? No matter what, the Shinso was always emotionless.

Natsuki still felt a faint disappointment that Nina had not won, but perhaps Juliet would take this responsibility handily. The Gakuenchou rose when Shizuru did, but the elder gestured she stay down.

"Third column, Archmeister Shizuru Viola will now seal the contract."

Doing the same to Nao, except the opposite, the redhead stood before Shizuru. There was a discreet nervousness illuminating from the Altain, and Shizuru smiled. "Do not worry." She quietly murmured, facing the shorter otome fully.

Keeping her position against the floor, Natsuki watched them through the corner of her eye.

"Worry?" Now Juliet was unsure if she should or not. Why would she…?

Natsuki noticed the Shinso's lips twitch; Was she smiling?

"Under the contract of the Shinso, Himeno Fumi, do you accept these terms? That under her empowerment, you shall protect the otome, innocents, and Garderobe?"

"I accept." Juliet took a breath, standing straight. Shizuru glanced up to the Shinso, a branch of understanding passing silently.

"By under the law of the Shinso, you shall obey to her command? That no matter what your country's relations are, you shall stay loyal?"

Juliet swallowed, fidgeting in her space. She froze with more gears whirring, and stood tall again. "I will obey her command no matter of my country's relations, origins, or affiliations." Wetting her lips, Juliet forced her gaze from the Shinso. Instead, she continued to focus upon Shizuru's shoulder.

"That you shall maintain, and care for your GEM, nano-machines, and reputation?"

Reputation? Juliet forced herself not to wince. This was a lot to take into consideration, and she hadn't exactly… thought about it. She would need to shape up, stop being so… What, cheeky? The Archmeister was the epitome of cheek!

Raising lime from the elder's shoulder to crimson, the redhead nodded faintly. "I accept."

"That you shall not couple with the likes of a cisgendered man?"

The Gakuenchou, and nominated column could've swore they saw a hint of a devious smirk. It tugged at the Archmeister's lips, and as present within her eyes.

"E-ew! No, I wouldn't do that anyway!" Juliet's outburst echoed, and she froze. Natsuki sat up quickly, just in case she would need to defend the redhead against the Shinso. Instead, they were both surprised by a low chuckle that emitted from the gynoid.

The laugh within itself was as unsettling as the Shinso's silence. It held no humour, even though the gynoid was indeed amused.

"Continue, Archmeister." The Shinso ordered, falling mute once more.

Shizuru stifled herself, darting a look to Natsuki. The Gakuenchou settled back down into her bow, thankful and very perturbed.

"I mean… I would not do that." Juliet corrected herself, feeling a little less nervous.

There was a wrenching anxiety within her gut. This sensation barely relented upon the Shinso's behaviour. Even if she did feel less nervous; Now she understood why elder otome were so uncomfortable when speaking of the Shinso.

"That once becoming the fourth column, that you shall be under Miss Maria's training?"

Wait, she was getting trained by her?

Maybe she should take another moment to consider… Then again, she didn't want to stay down here any longer than she had to. "I accept." Juliet held her head up, nodding.

"Then… the official ceremony will take place once everything has settled down." Shizuru spoke, bowing her head faintly to the redhead. "As of now, Zhang, you are our fourth column."

"There has not been a fourth column for precisely twenty-five years, Zhang 'Juliet' Nao. Do not disappoint me." The Shinso stated, attached her gaze to the newly appointed column.

"...I will try not to, Shinso." Juliet glanced to her, clearing her throat softly. "And under Miss Maria's gaze, I doubt I will."

Natsuki smiled softly, feeling a little guilty for having thought so little of the redhead. Still… she would watch her.

But least her faith had been restored just slightly in Nao tonight.

"I doubt she would allow the slightest slip up." The Shinso spoke. "You shall not speak of this nomination until contacted. You are dismissed."

Just like that?

"Of course." Juliet felt a little odd, but bowed to the Shinso once more before she withdrew. Natsuki stood, pointedly staring at the redhead.

"Wh- Oh, right, that private matter…" Did she remember how to go back to the surface? "May I… Wait outside?" Juliet asked, clearing her throat.

"No. This concerns you." The gynoid uttered, catching Natsuki off guard. And how in the hell did the Shinso know this? Shooting her gaze to Shizuru, she furrowed her brows at the elder.

"It is about your progression, Natsuki." Shizuru reminded her, gently capturing her sleeve.

Dragged by the Archmeister's side, Natsuki stiffened. Her senses relaxed, if only a little, Shizuru's hand clasping her shoulder.

"It will be fine."

"Second column, Gakuenchou Natsuki Kruger. What was the altercation between yourself and fifth column Mayha Blythe?" The Shinso queried, though Natsuki wondered if she already knew.

"Mayha gave me a personal insult that I believe even you may have responded to her for. My way of response was to show her I was no longer weak, nor would I willingly give up my position as Gakuenchou while I am trying so hard." The words were out before Natsuki registered them, the woman pausing. That had been far too… fluid.

"The materialization of your robe was unauthorized, yet it was not triggered by myself. It was the Highly Advanced Materializing Equipment that you called upon. Were you aware of this at the time?"

"...No, I was not. It was as if I had blacked out, but was conscious. I just… couldn't do anything to stop myself." Natsuki rose a hand, but faltered, and let it drop.

Suddenly, the platform Fumi was atop became oddly interesting. Through her own anxiety, she stared at it. Was she supposed to say more? She didn't know; Actually, she was unsure whether she heard the Shinso sp-

"-erialisation is spontaneous. For a HiME to summon their element and CHILD it is of second nature. My data suggests your birthmark is on the small of your back, to the left. Is this correct?"

"I… Yes, that is correct." Natsuki looked up to her, suddenly curious. "Shinso, may I show you something under no threat of violence or retaliation?"

Shizuru eyed the Gakuenchou, about to interrupt. Was Natsuki really going to-?

"Approved." The Shinso squarely faced the Gakuenchou, surveying her.

Natsuki nodded, lifting her hands. Between her palms, ice and crystal began to form. Like before, she controlled it, and made a small model of Fumi.

It was strange how easily she could capture the detail of the sculptures. Natsuki believed that perhaps it was just down to concentration. These… HiME powers were more or less the same as her otome ones. If you focused your imagination, it usually worked.

Clanking gears echoed throughout the chamber as the Shinso neared. She leaned her towering height downwards, nearing her gaze to the ice sculpture.

Nervously, Natsuki stiffened. What was she doing? She dared not fall back, else the Shinso might react.

"... 86% likeness determined. A decent first attempt; Though the sculpture almost mirrors my original form."

Had Fumi just joked about her frozen corpse…?

Natsuki blinked, smiling a bit. "If I knew more, perhaps I could make a better sculpture." She actually enjoyed the Shinso, now.

"These powers are your HiME nature; The handiness and easiness of how you control them can be a threat. Scans indicate that at the moment you materialized, you had struck your head atop a step?"

"Ah… yes. Mayha had tackled me." Now that Natsuki remembered… "Once my head struck it, I felt such a heated, blinding rage…"

"A HiME only behaves as such when their KEY is threatened." The Shinso paused, mechanical eyes veering over to Shizuru. "However, alike to a SLAVE, this instinct can be manipulated. When untrained, or suffering physical damage, the Oto-HiME falls into psychotic rage."

"So… this might happen again? But, I hurt my leg during the survival hike and I didn't… react badly." Natsuki kept the sculpture between her hands, wondering if the Shinso would like to have it.

Wait, wasn't there supposed to be a smaller version of Fumi around…?

"It was not centred upon the head." Fumi stated, her gaze never retreating from Shizuru. It put the Archmeister on edge, but Shizuru refused to show any strain against the notion. She simply stood by Natsuki's side in silence, absorbing the information as best she could.

"With the close presence of a HiME's KEY, they do not risk having their sanity slashed. For instance: With their KEY missing, the Oto-HiME falls into insanity. But with their KEY, they can suffer from head injuries, yet stay stable."

Natsuki glanced to Shizuru, settling the sculpture into one hand. Grasping the elder's with her free one, she looked back up to the Shinso. "That seems a dangerous element… But one that could be used to our advantage."

Feeling the elder's fingertips dig into her palm, Natsuki glanced at her.

The Archmeister appeared hesitant, almost nervous. Was there something wrong? Was Shizuru not liking the idea of this?

"Wait, so Kruger went mad because the Archmeister wasn't near when she struck her head?" Oh right, Juliet was still here.

The Shinso rounded on the redhead, as if she too had forgotten. Of course, this couldn't have been the case…

"I… Well, isn't that right?" The new column nervously shifted in her stance, the Shinso letting out another eerie chuckle.

"Correct. Although the Gakuenchou is a rather special case."

This sparked the columns' curiosity, and they listened closely.

"Most Oto-HiME's never quite rise to their full potential. Rena Sayers materialised, but she never physically summoned her CHILD. Artemis had instead been used in my place as a contract."

"Artemis…" The talk of that seemed familiar… She would have a CHILD, wouldn't she? Natsuki glanced up to the Shinso, tilting her head. "Would I be able to rise to my full potential, then? You said I was a special case?"

"Your HiME nano-machines evolved late. A HiME usually gains their nano-machines during their puberty. This is the same for an Oto-HiME. They are usually already HiME before enrolling into Guadeloupe."

Guadel- "Although you evolved fairly late into your life, you have already adapted quickly. This feat takes years, if not a lifetime. " The gynoid paused once more, as if she was thinking. "A CHILD comes at a cost, however."

What did Fumi mean…? Searching the Shinso's expressionless features, Natsuki tilted her head faintly. Unconsciously, she squeezed Shizuru's hand, and wet her lips.

"Once arriving on Earl, the CHILDREN have unlinked with the HiME. There are also no HiME left, except for one. I merely call you one, because I believe you have this potential. An Oto-HiME is a CHILDLESS HiME, but a HiME has their CHILD, and KEY."

"Hm." Natsuki seemed lost in thought, though it was clear she had indeed heard everything. So there could be a CHILD out there… for her?

"Ah…" She let go of Shizuru's hand, and backed away from the pedestal. Her head was starting to feel foggy again; The Shinso directing attention to her.

"I understand, but perhaps we should be getting back to the others?"

"The second column, Gakuenchou, Natsuki Kruger's senses are overloading." The Shinso stated abruptly, dragging Nao, and Shizuru's attention to her. But only for a moment. "Rest is suggested. Only return once understanding my information. Second assurance; resting is imminent to the Gakuenchou's nano-machines. My data feed cannot supply a solid answer for what may happen. A full conversion of a GEM has never occurred. "

And with that, the gynoid slumped back into her original position. With her scythe clasped into her hands, it balanced horizontally. Through this simple position, it showcased the precise strength, and balance the gynoid truly held.

After a few moments, the humming from the Shinso died, her illuminated eyes switching off.

"...Oh." Nao mumbled, propping a hand to her waist. That was a little… strange.

"Well, that is a lot of information to process…" Natsuki lifted a hand to her eyes, rubbing them. Remembering the sculpture in her free one, she glanced at it. After a moment, she altered it slightly and placed it on Fumi's pedestal.

"I forgot to put in her scythe, no idea how." The Gakuenchou mumbled to herself, closing her eyes again.

"...Perhaps rest would be good." Shizuru draped a hand along the back of Natsuki's neck, cradling gently. "Rest, in a big proper bed."

What did that mean- Wait… Natsuki winced faintly at that, looking to the elder. "...My office?"

The elder nodded, smiling. "I am sure Natsuki will fair better than last time. After all, she has got much better since then."

"Ugh, love birds…" Juliet muttered, linking a hand against her wrist, she then propped them behind her skull. She hoped she wouldn't have to see this little display all the time.

The students never shut up about them, let alone their fans outside Garderobe. Rolling her eyes, these lime irises directed back up to the Shinso.

She was a column now…

"Okay." Natsuki smiled to Shizuru, drawing away and focusing on Juliet. "You will get moved into your faculty dorm after the ceremony. For now, everything stays the same." She informed, receiving a nod. "Come… let's get out of here."

---

"Shizuru, do you think this is wise?" Situated next to the door which led into the building, Natsuki hesitated.

The wildlife utterly surrounded them on all sounds. From the echo of insects, to the chirping of birds. Natsuki couldn't quite believe just how truly different it was up here. They were only a few minutes up the mountainside, yet nature clung so tightly.

It was pretty terrifying, now that she thought on it.

"I do. If anything, Natsuki needs to be in this safe space…"

She couldn't argue with that, she supposed. Natsuki sighed, wavering in front of the door. The elder passed over the key, silver and shined. Had Shizuru been taking care of it or had she just used it rarely since then?

Taking the item, Natsuki hesitated for another moment. "Alright… might as well get it over with." Sticking the key into the lock, she turned it and pushed the door open.

The notion felt like an age as Natsuki watched the door. It was only until the structure hit the doorstop did she unfreeze. Jumping at the clatter it made, she jolted her eyes towards Shizuru. "U-um… ladies first…?" She tried, gesturing her hands towards the open entrance.

Shizuru stifled a chuckle, one hand on her hip as the other hid her lips. "If Natsuki is really so scared-"

"I am not scared! I'm just… trying to be polite. See if I hold any doors for you anymore." The Gakuenchou grumbled to herself, facing the doorway once more. Forcing herself, Natsuki strode into the hallway of the building.

Everything appeared just how she remembered it. This was a short corridor which forked into two opposite directions within the middle. To their right, the double doors to the office were displayed. Whilst on the other side, were the quarters.

"Which… room would be best?" Natsuki asked quietly, Shizuru falling into place beside her. "...Surely the office be best? But the quarters would be more…" Personal?

Shizuru watched her for a moment, directed a sweeping gaze over the area in thought. "Perhaps Natsuki would benefit from a short trip into the office. Then, she can finally put it behind her, hm?"

"...I suppose that would be for the best." Though it seemed the last thing she truly wanted to do. Natsuki turned towards the right, and approached the doors. Something was making her head foggy again; Before she could back out of the idea, she had opened them.

Although the sunlight slipped through the shut blinds of the windows, it lit the room enough to see. It was in the afternoon, so the office was illuminated in a warm orange.

Natsuki felt the sudden urge to open the blinds, yet at the same time, didn't want to. The warm colours were gentle on the eyes, and strangely enough, helped relax her. Why was this?

Stuck within her train of thought, the Gakuenchou trailed towards her desk. "... It hasn't changed at all." She murmured softly, running her fingertips along smooth oak. Searchingly, Natsuki peered down to the desk, and trailed her eyes across it. There was a small platform located on the desk's side. Atop it, rested a small figurine of the Shinso.

Oh.

"I remember this thing…" Of course she did, she remembered her entire office. But, she meant something different than just remembering the figurine, didn't she? Natsuki touched it gently, a fingertip tracing along it.

This figurine had overwatched all of her time as Gakuenchou; All time spent behind this desk, for better and worse. Color suddenly filled Natsuki's cheeks, a raging pink darkening to red.

Shizuru watched her, amused but mildly concerned. Was Natsuki… remembering something?

Why this…? Inwardly, Natsuki groaned. Clasping her hands to her cheeks, she tried to dampen the blushing. This failed miserably, so she instead simply allowed her hands to fall. Oh, of course her first snippet of memory had to be this.

It wasn't so much the use the desk had, from a… range of things. But the… ah. Why did the sight of an inanimate object embarrass her so much? It didn't have a conscience; it couldn't literally go out of its way and tell Shizuru.

Yet… ah…

Sheepishly, Natsuki spun the figurine around, so instead it looked towards the doors.

Why was her past-self so embarrassing?

"Ara, Natsuki. Why are her cheeks so red?"

"Zip it, you." Natsuki muttered, only removing her fingers from the Shinso's skull until she was happy with the angle.

Shizuru cocked a brow, lips twitching into faint amusement. "My, the little figurine must have seen too much…" She trailed off suggestively, watching Natsuki stiffen.

Stepping closer, the Archmeister set a hand down along the younger's shoulder. "If she is ready, perhaps it is time for rest?"

"But we just got in here?" Surely she should try and remember more instead of just…

...Getting off to Shizuru.

"I really want to remember what happened in Aries." Natsuki murmured, sitting down upon the chair. It was comfortable, just how she remembered it. Leaning back into the black material, the chair creaked gently. "Shizuru…"

Positioning her arms against the rests, Natsuki wet her lips. "... What precisely do you think a KEY is?" She tilted her head, watching Shizuru who stood on the opposite side of the desk.

This was… so alien, yet so homely.

"A KEY… from the way the Shinso spoke of it, I take that it means someone's most precious person…" Shizuru smiled down to the figurine, still finding it cute that Natsuki had turned it.

"I must be Natsuki's KEY, of course. As long as I am close, I hope that this keeps Natsuki from going into another rage…" Shizuru pursed her lips, making sure an area of the desk was free before she gently sat upon it.

Her back faced Natsuki, and her hands enclosed the edge of the desk. Looking over her right shoulder, she quietly observed the Gakuenchou.

Could a HiME… or in their case, an Oto-HiME also be a KEY? The idea felt logical to Shizuru, but at the same time, distant. There was a strange tug which pulled at her senses. The Archmeister felt as if she should know something which was important about this. But she simply couldn't suss it out.

"Hm…" Natsuki hummed. Abruptly, something sparked within her mind, and she spoke. "Fumi had said there is only one HiME left. Who is that?" It couldn't be Rena Sayers, because she was a hybrid like herself.

"I do not believe I would know, Natsuki." Shizuru smiled over her shoulder to the younger, taking a moment to think. She honestly didn't know. "Perhaps the answer will come during our time?"

"...Perhaps…" Natsuki leaned back in her chair briefly once more before she sat up. Opening a drawer, she began rifling through the many items and documents lying inside.

Why was this thing so disorganized?! Grumbling under her breath, she set her feet solidly against the floor. The notion brought a curious glance from Shizuru, the Archmeister watching her.

"I want to try something…" Natsuki hoisted the large stack of papers from the drawer. Setting them against the desk, she shuffled through them. "That's if I can find clean paper."

A lone digit puzzled Natsuki. It drifted towards her chin, and she glanced upwards. Shizuru propped this fingertip under her chin, removing her attention from the papers entirely. "Calm down." Shizuru chuckled softly, taking half the stack with a free hand. "...I shall help her."

"O-okay…" Natsuki flushed, shaking her head. Leaning back, she focused her attention back onto the papers. Most did have her handwriting, or were typed; No doubt those ones she received.

Why had she written so much when they had technology? Furrowing her brows, she read a few sentences of a random page.

"The Kingdom of Galleria is under tight religations after its civil war. Many groups have already fled the border, risking their lives in the Black Valley. Under further note, we pray Garderobe would consider bringing aid."

Galleria… that was the country where Yumemiya Arika was from, right? Tilting her head, Natsuki skimmed her eyes lower.

"Half of the country is already a wasteland. What the future may hold for Galleria is uncertain. But I fear soon it won't be a country at all."

It was true. Galleria was no longer a recognized country. It was just ruins within the Black Valley these days.

"Natsuki?"

"Huh?" Blinking, the Gakuenchou lifted her eyes from the letter. Shizuru was eyeing her, no doubt concerned about what she may have read. Natsuki settled back into her chair, focusing on the document again. If aid had been sent, would it have helped or just delayed Galleria's destruction?

"Have you found a blank piece of paper yet?" Natsuki murmured, rubbing at the bridge of her nose. Seemed most of it was just confidential…

"There is one her-" Turning the paper around, Shizuru's brow arched. It was an information chart of some sort. But was Sara's from around the time of her being appointed the first column. Tutting, she turned it back around, and slid the paper before Natsuki. "Natsuki requires herself a shredder, it seems."

Either way, through her sigh, Shizuru smiled. With a pen in hand, she leaned back, resting it atop Natsuki's own. "What are you going to try?"

"I want to make a list… We already know a few HiME. Maybe we can think of a few more?" Natsuki smiled up to the elder, chuckling softly. "I do need a shredder, don't I…? I wonder how long all of these have been sitting here."

From the date of the letter she had just read, it had been… years.

Actually, she was surprised some of this information hadn't been leaked, at this point.

Scribbling the pen upon the surface of the paper, she tested the utensil. Fortunately, it worked after a moment, and she sighed. "Should we list them as Oto-HiME? The Shinso said there is only one HiME left, and all..." Humming lowly, she tapped the pen against the desk in her dominant, left hand.

"Perhaps, it would make sense to." Shizuru nodded, turning a bit in her seated perch to watch her better. "We do know a few, after all…"

Natsuki started the list slowly, writing her own name first. Shiho had been said to be one, by the Shinso herself… Rena was of course one as well. Mai was…

Drooping a bit in her seat, Natsuki hoped Mai would recover well and fast. She added Mai's name in last, having seen the mark and overheard the suspicion.

"I think Arika might be a HiME. That is if HiME nano-machines are genetic." It was a far fetch, but considering the girl's… odd talents, it was possible. Boxing this section off, Natsuki wrote in the student's name.

"Oh hey, wait… Fumi is a HiME too, isn't she…? Does she count…?" Natsuki hummed lowly, staring down at the paper. Well, her gynoid could defend and initiate battle, so…

The Gakuenchou listed the Shinso's name down, emerald darting to the figurine.

"..." Clutching at it, she threw it - though gently - into the drawer, then shut the lid. Another intense flush scattered along Natsuki's cheeks, burning them. A strange shudder ran down her temples, and spine, her ears twitching.

The Archmeister was laughing at her.

"Natsuki. That is no way how to treat the Shinso!"

"Shizuru, she's seen too much!" Natsuki blurted out, instantly regretting it. "I mean… It was annoying me." Definitely would not work, but maybe that diversion would save her the embarrassment of having to tell Shizuru…

Those damned lips of Shizuru's curled into a devious smirk. "Has the poor thing been phased for life?" Her eyes lit in absolute glee. "Perhaps you should explain why she was phased?" Wafting a hand before her face, the Archmeister exhaled. "Ara… preferably animated, and not wri-"

"Don't. Finish. That. Sentence." With every word, Natsuki's blush intensified. The Gakuenchou tried, but to her dismay failed. Her sheer embarrassment toppled around her, and she groaned loudly. "Shiz-"

"Did she use the Shinso to-"

"I didn't use her for anything!" The Gakuenchou practically screeched, and spun on her chair. Standing, she almost tripped over herself, and jolted away from the Archmeister. "I didn't use her as a di… dil…-"

"-do?" Shizuru supplied, tilting her head.

"SHIZURU!"

There was a far off thud, and Shizuru stood from the desk. "Did Natsuki fall? Hopefully not onto the Shinso-"

"Yes I fell!" Natsuki yelled, having tripped out of the doors. She covered her head with her arms, facedown on the floor. She wished the carpet would just swallow her up…

Especially upon hearing Shizuru's laughter. Even the tips of her ears were red! The elder shut the doors behind them, sauntering to Natsuki's side and kneeling.

"I daresay the little Shinso has seen a lot of Natsuki… But, did Natsuki forget the little figurine has seen a lot of myself as well?"

"Don't you start about the desk now!" Moaning, Natsuki covered her ears, and shoved her face away from the elder. How was Shizuru not being affected by secondhand embarrassment?! Oh, right. It was Shizuru.

The mere thought almost hissed from Natsuki's lips. Sitting up, she crossed her legs, then stared at Shizuru suspiciously. "Why does my lover insist of trying to kill me?" Leaning away from the elder, emeralds scanned Shizuru.

"Ara, I do not want to kill Natsuki… Who would I tease, especially at night?" Shizuru smiled deviously down to her, but frowned at a confident smirk.

"Yourself, most likely. Don't I have a few photos of you doing that exact thing? I wonder where they could have gone to…" Natsuki slowly stood, and Shizuru backed away towards the closed office doors.

"So they are in there, then?" The Gakuenchou grinned, face still red but having the upper hand now. The elder's face was tenderly pink, and steadily deepening.

"It appears… we both require… a…" Turning on her heel, the Archmeister made a brisk stride through the doors once opening them. "...Shredder!" The door on the opposite side of the corridor was opened, Shizuru running full-dash.

"A-aa-" Opening her mouth, Natsuki stared at the rare display. "W-wait! I wanna see them!"

The younger dashed after Shizuru, shouting still. "Don't make me freeze you! I want to see those photos!" If they were the last thing she saw, she would die happy. Natsuki grasped onto the elder's shoulder, gently pinning her to a corner of the wall.

"Where do you think you are going, Viola… I want to see those photos, or you recreating them."

"N-no. I am afraid I am unable." With her front pressed to the wall, the Archmeister stiffened. "...My fingers are in pain?" Twisting around just barely, she regarded Natsuki, smiling innocently.

Her heartbeat absolutely thundered within her chest. It was so much, that Shizuru thought her ribs might explode.

"Shizuru…" Natsuki neared her, lips almost brushing the elder's. "Use your imagination."

"I use it a lot, thank you very much." Perhaps a huff had been about to release from Shizuru's mouth. If the Gakuenchou hadn't leaned over her, that is. A throaty exhale instead replaced this, the Archmeister pressing against Natsuki's front.

"I put them into safe keeping. Else Natsuki would have burst a fuse if I had kept them in the album."

They had originally been in there…? But then again; the last she had seen the album had been when she had awoken those months ago.

"Well then… You should really find them for me, shouldn't you?" Natsuki pinned her further, feeling something replace the embarrassment. She wasn't teasing Shizuru anymore, not fully.

She really wanted to see those photos.

"If Natsuki releases me, I can." Wasn't this obvious? However she was honestly amazed. Natsuki was being so dominant, almost forceful. This side of Natsuki was certainly refreshing…

Shizuru found herself quite liking it, in fact.

"Hm… I don't think I want to release you." Natsuki leaned in, gently kissing the elder. Shizuru pressed against her fully, whimpering when her lover pulled away. "On the other hand, I very much want to see those photos."

The Gakuenchou drew away, pushing herself off the wall and eyeing down Shizuru's body. Embarrassment had indeed been changed into something else.

"Go get them, Shizuru… please."

For once, Shizuru was stunned. It was an odd sight to absorb, yet Natsuki was too busy to think upon it. She felt… restless. But more than anything, she wanted to get Shizuru back for that little Shinso performance. But before then, she needed those photos.

Natsuki followed the elder once Shizuru began to move, the bedroom their destination. Doors closing behind her, she watched her even still. The bed was rather large, and looked as though it had been tended to already.

"You've been cleaning this area, haven't you? The office, my… our bedroom?"

Pausing by the bed, the brunette meister glanced at her. "Of course I have." Shizuru murmured, turning her back on Natsuki entirely. Kneeling down, she reached under the bed, and brought a box out.

"That's very thoughtful…" Natsuki smiled, though it was clear she was still stuck in her mood. Wetting her lips, she watched Shizuru rise with the box. Crossing the room, she propped herself atop the bed and gestured the elder join her.

"Are you embarrassed, either from showing me or that I am so eager to see them?"

"I am surprised." Humming, Shizuru paused, fixing the box into her lap. "Who would have thought Natsuki would become so curious of sexuality…?" A tease, and a chuckle sounded. But Shizuru covered the nervous jitter looming within her stomach.

This sensation pitted into the apex of her legs, and she sighed softly.

"I'm not curious about sexuality… Just about you. Our sexuality." Natsuki tried to describe, flushing faintly as she watched her.

"...Are you aroused right now?" She knew that body language.

"What a silly question, Natsuki. Surely you know the answer already?" A smile traced Shizuru's lips, and her skin heated. Suddenly, she felt awfully aware of her clothing- of their clothing.

Twitching, the Archmeister jumped upon skin contact. Natsuki's hand pressed against hers atop the box, luring her to open it.

"I like you like this… Very aware, sensitive…" The younger drew her hand across Shizuru's, toying with her knuckles slowly.

"Natsuki…" The elder warned, cheeks darkening.

"I'm barely doing anything." Natsuki chuckled huskily.

"Mean." A huff, an opening of the box, and scattered photos later, Shizuru silenced. She handed a handful of the photos to the younger, stiffening as Natsuki got behind her.

So fluidly they had been taken from Shizuru. They were still fully in her view, and she became far too aware of Natsuki. The Gakuenchou's left leg was beside hers, but the right pressed against the other. If not purposefully, she found the box removed from her hold- instantly forgotten.

"Oh, wow…!" She heard Natsuki exclaim, feeling her own ears become reddened.

Staring down at the photos in her hands, the box by her side, Natsuki flushed darkly. They were so… well done, but lewd. "Who took these?"

"Natsuki did."

O-oh.

"It was our first anniversary together." Leaning back into Natsuki, Shizuru wondered what memory this could activate. Their first anniversary had been quite… wild to say the least. In many ways, in fact, not just the photos.

"Wow…" She was almost breathless, staring at these photos. One kept dragging her eyes back towards it; It portrayed Shizuru on her back surrounded by plush pillows. She was nude, of course, with one hand between her legs and the other captured in tawny hair…

"I took these? I feel like… I would have passed out just walking into the scene."

"I must admit, Natsuki was rather feisty." Tilting her head against Natsuki's shoulder, Shizuru remained in this position. This was oddly… nice. Which was rather strange, considering how sensual this was.

The Archmeister did wonder what precisely was on Natsuki's mind. Was the Gakuenchou considering doing something to her? Were these scenes in the photos going to be recreated?

Obviously Shizuru was up to such activities. Of course she was. But was Natsuki?

"I… I think I have an idea." Natsuki murmured, eyes consumed with the photos. "Is there a camera in here?"

Shizuru giddily stood, carefully however to not jostle Natsuki. "We do… What is Natsuki thinking?"

"I think you know."

Once more, the elder was down on the floor. Retrieving another box from under the bed, Shizuru paused before standing. Would the battery in this camera be alright? Well, they were about to find out.

Unboxing the item, she bought the device into her hands gently.

"Give." Natsuki held her hands out, taking the camera from Shizuru. She took the lens cap off, powering it up handily as if she knew how to use it. Perhaps she had remembered?

"There is a… pose I am thinking of. One which I can't get out of my head." Wetting her lips, Natsuki stared at her squarely. Sliding her fingers against the smooth material of the camera, she continued. "It's sudden but would you… um." Flushing, Natsuki broke their gaze, and focused on the camera instead. "... Get naked?"

"I…" It was not as if Shizuru would refuse, more so… "I am afraid I am… already, ah…"

"You are cute when you're embarrassed. I assumed as much, but… please?" Natsuki didn't seem to mind but rather encouraged it. She smiled, darting her gaze up to Shizuru briefly.

This camera had old photos on it… Did she want to see them, yet? Right now, she would rather watch the elder undress…

To think that by just getting a few memories of a damn figurine, it'd lead to this.

"Natsuki can have it her way." There was a sigh, a tease highly evident within Shizuru's tone. It masked the embarrassment which the elder felt, and she positioned herself before the Gakuenchou.

With their knees barely brushing together, Shizuru reached behind herself. Deft, and roughened fingers undid the pale shirt, her hands lifting afterwards. "Though you are not bursting a fuse- yet."

Honestly, Shizuru wondered if she would too. She was… ah… damp.

The shirt fell to the floor, emeralds following it before they settled onto Shizuru once more. The elder had took her case from the pocket of her skirt, settling it onto the nightstand.

"I definitely want that pipe." Natsuki remembered, murmuring softly. The camera was on, and recording as Shizuru undressed. The elder noticed, and suddenly become bashful.

"Natsuki! Ikezu…"

A weighty sensation pitted into Shizuru's stomach. Whether her body responded intentionally, she was unsure. It was a feeling which clustered her nerves, forcing them to become hypersensitive.

From the notion alone, she heard the hum of the camera. Its red light was on, which indeed indicated she was being recorded.

Ah, Natsuki was mean. She would have to get her back for this.

"I'm taking a photo, I may as well get the process up to it…" Natsuki smiled to her, still running the recording. "Besides, didn't you say we had actually made a… a sex tape? This is revenge."

"Natsuki insisted we make it!" Shizuru vehemently gasped, covering up again only briefly. "She set the camera up, drew the curtains…"

"Did I?" Natsuki smirked faintly, snickering. She could see herself doing that, seeing as what she was doing now…

"I will get Natsuki back for this… such a naughty girl I have." Shizuru tutted softly, giving a swivel of her hips as the skirt fell.

"You can try. But since you're into it…" Why stop here?

In the back of her mind, Natsuki couldn't help but feel baffled. She felt so oddly comfortable within these quarters. Surely she would've felt the opposite, seeing as her memories were so clouded?

"Of course I am 'into it'. Though I would much rather do this to Natsuki."

"Exactly. The fact that's it's you makes it fun for me… and I think you like it this way when the tables are turned." Natsuki wet her lips, angling the camera down the older woman's legs.

"Thigh highs… and garters? You wear garters?" The Gakuenchou tilted her head, zooming in.

"On… occasion." Shizuru was barely heard, her hand covering her mouth. "The occasion being that I thought I would be the one coaxing Natsuki under the covers."

"As she knows, I have considerable enjoyment for these displays." Hooking her fingers around the elastic of the garter, Shizuru kept their gaze locked. "...Correct, Natsuki?" Pulling the stretchy material back, she released her grip.

The elastic snapped against her skin, imprinting a red mark against smooth flesh.

"S-Sh-Shizu-"

A husky chuckle released from the Archmeister's lips.

"W-when Shizuru is embarrassed, she whispers…" Natsuki spoke aloud, most likely to the camera. "Also, there is no 'coaxing' me under the covers, Shizuru… You just have to ask."

"That is boring." Shizuru bit softly. Reaching behind herself with a lone hand, she leaned down.

With the notion, Natsuki flushed. The camera pointed directly towards Shizuru's breasts. The lense was so close it almost touched flush against skin. Nervously, she glanced up to Shizuru, and was instead bolted still.

"... When Natsuki is embarrassed, she stutters, and becomes louder."

"That… that's actually true." Natsuki grumbled softly, shaking her head. "Lose the lace, Viola…" Maybe she was more confident behind this camera? No doubt how she got those photos… and that video.

Shizuru sent her a smoldering look, but she didn't manage to catch it on the recording.

"What is the pose which Natsuki desires?"

"Y-you-"

With the push of Shizuru's hand, Natsuki was forced to catch herself. "A-ah?"

"Which pose, Na-tsuki?"

"You're on your stomach… with the pillows surrounding you." Swallowing, Natsuki watched as the elder propped herself onto the bed. Having been so sidetracked with the action, she had forgot the camera.

Puzzled, she quickly aimed the lense back at the elder woman.

"Prop your arms against the pillows, so they are near your front then...th-"

"What, Natsuki?"

"Sh-Shift a leg up so you're loosely straddling the pillow."

"My, this is getting specific…" Shizuru seemed hesitant, and Natsuki remembered the reason why.

"H-hey…" Natsuki lowered the camera briefly, easing closer to kiss the elder's cheek. "I definitely don't mind."

Shizuru's cheeks burned bright, but she nodded with a renewed enthusiasm. "Oh?"

Unhooking her bra in only a brief moment, Shizuru allowed it to sag. How she had forgotten such an article of clothing was beyond her. But no matter.

Adjusting, she slowly removed it. "Ara. Natsuki is cute." She grinned, a blush attacking the Gakuenchou's features. Playfully, she then hung the bra-strap around the hands holding the camera.

"A-ah…" Natsuki flushed darkly and nervously chuckled. She watched Shizuru sink almost naturally into the pose, the elder even taking a knuckle between her teeth. Crimson winked to the camera, startling the younger into remembering to take her photos.

"I will make Natsuki's head spin, mark my words; and once I have? The memory shall never budge."

Oh, Shizuru was going to have fun with this.

Natsuki stared, and if possible her face reddened darker. Shizuru almost grew concerned from the silence, but kept her pose as the younger's fingers flitted over the button to capture more photos.

"You look…" Raising her gaze from the display towards the elder, Natsuki nervously wet her lips. "You look really beautiful, Shizuru."

Humming lowly, a soft smile traced along Shizuru's lips. "I am glad Natsuki thinks so." Ruffling a hand into brunette tresses, Shizuru disturbed the hair. The long locks followed her palm, slinking between fingers, until being clutched. "...Natsuki herself looks irresistible."

Every movement Shizuru made, Natsuki captured; Be it with video or pictures. Slowly, she ended the recording and set the camera away, gesturing the elder stay in the same position.

"Hm…?" Silently, Shizuru watched her curiously. She removed her knuckle from between her lips.

Sheepishly, Natsuki undid the pinned ruby at her throat under a like gaze. Slipping the silk of the cross-cravat from her throat, she laid it onto the table beside her. Shizuru's eyes lit up, watching the younger undress before her.

The long jacket hit the floor next before Natsuki shuffled oxfords off, a knee dipping to the mattress. She joined Shizuru atop the bed, swallowing thickly.

"Oh? Is Natsuki wishing to join in the photos?" Shizuru grinned. "Or is she desiring something more?"

"D-don't say it like that…" Natsuki softly chuckled, then lay onto her stomach and looking up to the older woman. "I was wondering if you would give me a massage?" She had faintly remembered a promise of it earlier, and now felt a little sheepish.

Would Shizuru be disappointed if this was all she wanted right now?

The Archmeister remained silent for a moment. Crimson irises absorbed the details of the Gakuenchou, narrowing. "I am surprised." She murmured. "What with Natsuki's enthusiasm, I would have thought her… attentive."

Either way, Shizuru sank out of her pose. Rising up, she grounded her hands to Natsuki's shoulder, rolling her onto her back. Knickers, garters, and thigh-highs the only clothing covering her form, Shizuru paused. "Off with your shirt, Natsuki."

"It's not that I… don't want to be, because I am… y-you know." The younger flushed, starting to unbutton the pale fabric. "I just… want you to touch me like this, for now." Was Shizuru upset?

She couldn't tell. But even so it worried her.

"I understand." Shizuru uttered, grasping the shirt away from Natsuki. Allowing it to drop beside the bed, Shizuru wet her lips. "Natsuki might be aroused, but I know she is not up to it."

The Archmeister knew fully well of Natsuki's sexuality. Just because she was enamoured to the situation, didn't mean she was sexually connected. To be romantically joined, didn't mean to be sexually attracted.

"I know how she feels." She smiled, unhooking Natsuki's bra. It would only get in the way, after all.

"Mm… Thank you, Shizuru." That made her feel better. Sinking her cheek into a pillow, the Gakuenchou's lips twitched into a devious smile. "You smell very good."

"Natsuki!" Gently the Gakuenchou was hit against the shoulder. A flush greeted Shizuru's cheeks, and she straddled her waist. "Bad!" Oh, she needed to quiet this lover of hers.

Planting the heels of her palms against the small of Natsuki's back, Shizuru wet her lips. "I will show her." The Archmeister dipped her palms upwards, scaling them slowly against Natsuki's back.

Shizuru's heart continued to race either way. She was awfully aware of the wetness which pressed against Natsuki's back. Fidgeting, Shizuru shuffled against her, freezing as her hips dragged against the Gakuenchou. "A-ah."

"S-Shizu-" The rest was muffled in a bite against the pillow, drawing a darker flush to both women. "Did you mean to do that?"

"Not… precisely." Shizuru seemed shy now, and Natsuki chuckled softly against satin. Listening to the hoarse chuckle of amusement, the elder drug the tips of her fingers down Natsuki's back once more.

"I think I rather liked that…"

"Of course she liked it." There was a pleasant tingling which swarmed across Shizuru's form. It trailed downwards, settling into the pit of her stomach. Although the massaging was an innocent activity, their emotions were the opposite.

"Mm…" Relaxing fully, Natsuki let out another breath as a knot was rubbed out. It was painful, but the end result felt incredible. She laid her cheek fully into the small pillow, opening one eye to peek back to Shizuru.

"Hey… Do it again."

"Which?" Shizuru snickered above her. "The massaging, or-"

"Y-you know what I mean!"

"Do I?" Repeating the motion from earlier, Shizuru added more pressure this time. This was a sensual intimacy. It wasn't sexual, but it sure was bordering it.

This was their favourite form of relationship. It heightened their awareness of one another romantically, but added a light flavouring.

Natsuki stifled a moan this time, happily biting the pillow once more. She definitely liked that; Was that odd? Now she had a brief image of a different sort of riding…

"Na-tsu-ki… If her mind wanders anymore, I may have to stop."

"D-don't!"

"Do not…?" Clasping her rough hands to Natsuki's ribcage, Shizuru rubbed along the smooth skin. "What?" Dragging her fingertips against the Gakuenchou's back, she rolled them against muscle, and bone.

"D-don't… stop." Coal hair covered most of the red upon Natsuki's ears, but she lifted a hand and shoved a lock behind one ear.

"Do not stop which, my Na-tsu-ki?"

"Both…"

The dampness against Natsuki's back was driving her absolutely insane. Nor was it helping that Shizuru pressed the apex of her legs against her. The smooth material of silk rubbed against her form. Purposely, Shizuru paused, and Natsuki's ears twitched.

A raspy breath released from the elder's throat, forcing Natsuki's mind to blank. Sh-Shizuru was… riding her.

"Why do you keep… stopping?" Natsuki sounded frustrated, but the elder only laughed softly.

"My… Natsuki does seem so very eager. What she is getting from the massage is clear, but from this?" Shizuru brushed her hips over again, listening to a choked groan with a small smirk. "Tell me…"

"I-I-Aa-"

"Aa?" The Archmeister tilted her head, brushing Natsuki's hair away from her face. "What is it?"

"It just… feels really good. Like… how it feels for you?" Natsuki's voice was a bit muffled against the pillow, but the message was perfectly clear.

"Natsuki is able to connect with sensual desire. It is her connection of trust, feeling, and romance. She experiences all those; which translates into a similar sexuality to mine."

Hands cupped Natsuki's sides. They gently squeezed, touched, and rubbed. The massaging was thorough tonight. Given with the recent events, the notion completely erased Natsuki's mind, and body of stress.

"Shizuru…" Her voice was lower now, on the verge of sleep mixed with her desire. "I love you." The way she felt was purely more than just love, it was as if… Every instance of her life could and would always end up drawing her further and further to Shizuru. Attraction, sensuality, sexuality… Everything always made her fall for the elder even harder.

It didn't matter if she was asexual, nor homoromantic. Her connection with Shizuru was something much deeper. Was this the power of a HiME's KEY? Was what she was experiencing right now, the tip of the mountain?

If Shizuru was to release her, would she fall further in love?

No doubt she would. Natsuki hummed softly, jolted from the lull of almost sleep by another roll of the elder's hips.

"I love you too, Natsuki." The breathy change of her voice and speech spurred Natsuki to be more aware. Shizuru noted that the younger liked it much more for her to reply in kind, without her… proper wording.

There was a shuddered pause, a throaty murmur releasing from the Archmeister's lips.

Slender muscles flexed in Shizuru's thighs, and fingers bent. Those finely kept nails abruptly dragged down the Gakuenchou's back. "Na-Natsuki." A quiet rasp escaped her, chest heaving.

"Sh-Shiz-uru…?" Had Shizuru just…? A groan pierced Natsuki's own throat, the nails burning their tracks downwards. The dampness against silk intensified, and suddenly, Natsuki became far too aware of the scent.

Swallowing thickly, the younger cleared her throat. "Wow…" There was sweat along her back as well, from both herself and Shizuru. She very much enjoyed that…

Shizuru seemed shy, however. The Archmeister lifted herself from the younger, lying beside her in an attempt to sense her reaction. Natsuki smiled, leaning over to lazily kiss her; Reassurance gained when she felt the elder relax.

"That was amazing…" Natsuki murmured, curling her arms around Shizuru's neck. From the feeling, outburst, and reaction, Natsuki felt so exhausted. She nuzzled against the elder's neck, pressing her nose against clammy skin.

She immediately felt safe within the Archmeister's hold. Sighing, she inhaled Shizuru's sweat, and sex ridden scent.

"You still smell very nice." Natsuki grinned against the elder's throat, feeling rough hands caress down scratch marks. They stung, but felt so good…

"I would hope Natsuki enjoys it." Shizuru seemed a bit shy still, burying her nose into coal locks.

"Mm… I do regret that I didn't record this, though." Frowning, Natsuki coaxed a chuckle from her lover and softly joined in.

"Time for bed, Na-tsu-ki…"

She couldn't disobey the elder's suggestion. Sinking into the pillows, and Shizuru's larger form, she murmured. "Of course, Shizuru…" Reaching behind herself, she linked her fingers around the Archmeister's.

Bringing their hands between them, the Gakuenchou lightly kissed along roughened pads. "Goodnight, Shizuru…"

---

Darkness, comfort, warmth, and scent. All of these factors closed around Shizuru with a familiarity. Half awake, but not opening her eyes, she rested closer to the heat she held. Even within her state, she knew who it was; how couldn't she?

Inhaling the younger woman's aroma, Shizuru sighed. Her front was pressed against Natsuki's back, but not uncomfortably so. From how her nose rested against Natsuki's throat, Shizuru assumed she had moved downwards in sleep.

Opening her eyes at last, Shizuru hummed. She was simply greeted by more darkness, Natsuki's form blocking the window's light.

The Gakuenchou was asleep; Blanket wrapped over her form, their form. She was without her jacket still, though it was nearby as well as the hairpin. The navy article was folded with the silver item resting atop like a crowned jewel. Did Natsuki's head still hurt…?

She supposed the only way to know was to wait for Natsuki to wake.

Her right side against the mattress, Shizuru's dominant arm was tucked between herself and Natsuki. Her left arm was slung amid Natsuki's hip and ribs, lying perfectly so.

With her mind gradually venturing away, Shizuru discreetly frowned. What in the world was happening? For the questions which had been answered, more had thrown themselves in her way.

"Mn…" Hearing Natsuki start to stir, the elder cleared her mind to focus on the present. "Shizuru… are you awake?" She sounded far more tired than when they had fallen asleep.

Tugging her arm closer to Natsuki, the Archmeister slipped her hand upward. Her palm just barely brushed against the younger's chest, and she paused. "...I am." She murmured silently, brushing her nose to the Gakuenchou's neck.

"Good…" The younger didn't stir, nor did her eyes open. She merely laid with Shizuru, speaking softly as to not break the drowsy spell around them. "My head still hurts a little, but it feels better than before. I don't really want to get up." Natsuki almost whined, lifting a hand to rub at an eye.

Settling back down, the Gakuenchou curled back against Shizuru more. "Do we have to get up?"

"No. We don't." Uncaring of her speech, and simply too tired to bother, Shizuru relaxed. Gently, she drummed her fingertips across Natsuki's stomach. "The sun isn't up. We have a while yet."

"Mm… good." Natsuki sighed out, not bothered but not ready to start the day. There was far too much to do, yet she needed to start. Perhaps later… Roaming a hand along to find Shizuru's on her stomach, the younger gripped gently to still the elder's. "Playing the drums, dear?"

Chuckling softly into Natsuki's back, Shizuru lowered against her. "We both know I'm not much of a drums person." Closing her eyes, Shizuru twisted her wrist around. Slotting their hands neatly together, she lazily played with the Gakuenchou's fingers.

"Mm, I believe you're suited to more oral instruments." Natsuki muttered back, smirking as she felt Shizuru start to laugh soundlessly against her. "The piano, too. An all around pleaser-" The elder covered Natsuki's mouth, both of them now shaking with laughter.

"Playing the Natsuki, is my favourite." The Archmeister's lips were beside Natsuki's ear. Gradually, she removed her hand from Natsuki's, and drifted it south slowly.

"A-ah…" Natsuki flushed, tugging the elder's hand from covering her mouth. "Do you really think we should be…?" After that hit to her head? Though, it wasn't as if it were a complaint. She closed her eyes again, pressing back against the elder. Reaching back to wrap an arm around Shizuru's neck, she grasped tawny hair playfully.

"What does Natsuki think?" Shizuru softly murmured. Her lips curled, and she delicately pressed them to the lobe of Natsuki's ear. "Her head isn't hurting? I want revenge for earlier."

"It was… I'm feeling better now, though." Her quickness to reassure made the elder chuckle again. Face darkening with a flush, Natsuki cleared her throat softly. "Like you're not… eager."

"Eager, whatever does she mean?" Stilling her fingertips, Shizuru relaxed them. Brushing her nose lightly against Natsuki's back, she sighed. "It has been… difficult." Venturing her hand to the Gakuenchou's hip, she rested her palm there.

"Mm…" Petting through what hair she could reach, Natsuki lay her arm back in front of herself. Slowly, she started to turn to face the elder; mattress under the both of them dipping with the shifting.

Lowering her gaze down to Natsuki, the Archmeister cocked a brow. Mindlessly, she rolled the padding on her fingers across Natsuki's hip. Shizuru had to admit… Natsuki's form was filling out much quicker now. Her muscle mass was almost on par to how it had been originally.

"Natsuki has gotten stronger..." Shizuru softly whispered, the younger tilting her head further into the pillow to stretch.

"Seems I have... I'm not complaining, but I think my bicep may have grown half an inch."

"Complaining? Bragging?" Shizuru smiled. Watching the shorter meister stretch out in front of her. "What am I going to do with you?" She pondered aloud, humming lowly. With the arm which rested between them, Shizuru lifted it. With her index and thumb, she caught a lock of Natsuki's hair between the padding.

"Massage my muscles when they are sore?" Natsuki teased, smirking faintly as she stared up to Shizuru. She thought back to when they had discussed marriage, though vague the discussion was. After all of this mess was cleared up, perhaps she would ask more firmly. "I love you, Shizuru."

Dragging her eyes to meet Natsuki's, Shizuru's smile deepened. Thoughtlessly, she curled the strands of Natsuki's hair around her finger. "But we know Natsuki would use it as an excuse."

But then again…

The last time she had massaged Natsuki had been… a week or so ago? So much had happened between then that she couldn't remember. Everything felt so long ago now.

"I love you too, Natsuki." Slinking forward and manoeuvring downward to level their gaze, Shizuru shoved the blankets aside. With the covers just barely by their hips, she curved her arms around Natsuki's neck. "Never forget that." Touching her lips to Natsuki's gently, she paused in this position.

Inhaling sharply through her nose at the kiss, Natsuki pressed up against her to the pause. "I've forgotten once, I don't intend to again." She whispered, raising her hands to push the elder's hair from tousling into her face. "But, if I somehow do, please remind me." She grinned, leaning up to kiss the elder again.

"Hm?" Absorbing in the younger's details through half-lidded eyes, Shizuru melted. At the back of her mind, Shizuru pondered. If Natsuki forgot again; would everything become fragmented? Or would the Gakuenchou physically remember like she had before…?

Truly, Natsuki had never totally forgotten. Every memory had merely been… displaced, and locked away. It was like the Pandora's Box. A small treasure box which was taboo to be broken open.

But with a careful picking of the lock…

Pushing away from Natsuki slowly, she was greeted by curious emeralds. "If Natsuki forgets and never remembers, I'll still be there."

"I bet I would fall in love with you over and over again." Natsuki softly murmured, locking her arms lazily at the back of the elder's neck. If she never fully remembered, or forgot everything once more...? Natsuki was sure that Shizuru would forever be a constant in her life; Consciously and not.

It was… disheartening. What if it foreshadowed something?

Much to Shizuru's confusion, she found her back meeting the mattress. Looking up to Natsuki, her expression creased into worry. Without a word, she lifted her hands up to clasp to Natsuki's cheeks. "...?" Tilting her head, the Archmeister tried to pry her soundless question from her.

"I would never want to forget you… I forgot our relationship, but I did not forget what I felt for you." Natsuki spoke as she hovered over the elder, straddling her hips in a quick motion. The younger seemed concerned as well; A far-off look in her eyes of a storm brewing in her mind.

"If I were to forget you, as a person… I don't think I would even be myself."

"But you never did." Tracing out the soft curves of Natsuki's cheeks and jaw, Shizuru frowned. Her thumb met with the corner of Natsuki's eye, and felt dampness. "...Natsuki?"

"Oh, sorry…" The younger flushed, blinking away a few hot tears. One slid down the frame of her cheek regardless, meeting with the skin of Shizuru's hand. It was warm; the elder gently wiping the trail away with her thumb.

"Even thinking of it is too much…"

"Then don't think. Come, Natsuki." Shizuru murmured, sliding a thumb across Natsuki's lips. Exhaling silently, she parted the younger's mouth. "What do you want to do about this, Natsuki? Tell me. You can ask me anything."

"It's silly, Shizuru, really…" Natsuki murmured around the thumb, pressing a kiss into the pad of it. "What if we lived before? In a world different from this, but somehow… similar? Is that why there are… HiME? Is that why I am one, as well?" She questioned, unsure if either of them had an answer.

Thinking upon the idea, Shizuru studied forest irises. "It isn't silly, Natsuki." Even though it sounded ridiculous, it was just… right? But why? Something so far fetched simply couldn't be true, could it?

A past life? Reincarnation?

The HiME had originated on earth. This much they understood.

Nodding to the reassurance, Natsuki nuzzled against Shizuru's palms. This had been running in her mind as of late, ever since… Ever since she hit her head upon the stairs during her fight with Mayha.

Her odd explosion of power, even without her GEM fully active…

Sure, that meant she was manipulating her nano-machines as Rena Sayers had, but was it something more? How did Shizuru relate to this? Her… KEY?

What precisely were HiME? Exactly what had they done? Certainly, the otome had been inspired upon them. But…?

Questions had been answered, yet there were so many more unshrouding themselves. What on earl was she to do?

Through the darkness, Natsuki could still easily make out Shizuru's figure. The elder was attentive as ever. Rubies continued to stare up to her, detailing her contently.

"Maybe we'll have answers one day." The younger woman whispered, lowering down atop Shizuru. Their lips met again, chaste until it grew to more.

Perhaps what they were looking for was right under their noses? Maybe it had been with them for years, perhaps even decades? With her lips becoming idle against Shizuru's, Natsuki remained in this position.

"Natsuki?" Shizuru questioned, hooking her hands to the Gakuenchou's shoulders. She tilted her head, watching Natsuki silently. Unconsciously, her lips curled, watching Natsuki jump at the abrupt sound of thunder.

Light momentarily flashed upon the Gakuenchou's form, highlighting her. It only took a few given seconds before another rumble sounded, a flash striking.

The rain here was always so odd… Natsuki lifted up from Shizuru for a moment, looking back to a shrouded window. It was now much darker than before the rain… Raising a hand to rub at the back of her neck, the younger woman grinned.

"We're still not needed anywhere for a long while."

Cocking a brow at this, Shizuru watched her closely. "Oh. What does Natsuki have on her mind this time?" Moving her hands to instead rest atop Natsuki's knees, Shizuru wet her lips.

Natsuki felt… different in some way. Narrowing her eyes faintly, Shizuru pondered. Was she maturing? Continuing with this thought, she ran her tongue across her teeth.

"Same as when you had your hand going down my-" The younger woman was silenced with another kiss; This one deeper than the few that it followed. Natsuki smirked against Shizuru's lips again, burying her hands into tawny hair.

She was definitely maturing. That comment had brought a blush to Shizuru's cheeks, the elder pulling Natsuki tightly against her.

Their gradual development together - how long would it continue? Once ending, what would lie before them? These questions refused to leave Natsuki's mind. Not when she pawed at Shizuru's nightgown hurriedly. Especially not when she shoved it downwards, revealing the Archmeister's skin.

As her lips skimmed across the elder's smooth, but toned form, her thoughts lightened. If she remembered quicker, she could adapt to her GEM.

Shizuru did not seem to follow into her track of thinking; The Archmeister only pulling her ever closer into her own body. Teeth finding purchase on her own bottom lip, the older woman's body flushed. The rain couldn't drown out the sound of her heart racing, nor of Natsuki's own responding in kind.

"A-ah, Natsuki." Fidgeting underneath the younger otome, Shizuru swallowed tensely. Running her fingertips into long tresses, she stared down at Natsuki. She was merely pressed against the mattress, the Gakuenchou's body slotting against hers.

Perhaps it was Shizuru's mind going insane that she felt this way? But the sensation of Natsuki touching her numbed her mind. It was maddening, almost.

"Natsuki." She murmured quietly, catching her attention. "You are sure?" Resting her palm against the Gakuenchou's cheek, she studied her face delicately.

Her mind quieted with Shizuru; The younger's hands gently tracing over a hip and the soft spread of the sheets below her. "I am." Natsuki murmured softly, leaning into Shizuru's palm only briefly.

The elder's scent filled her being; Natsuki laying her brow to Shizuru's stomach to relax. There was a lingering tang of perfume, mixing with the scent of just the elder's skin.

Natsuki had missed this. Lifting her head after pressing her lips to a kiss on the Archmeister's navel, she traced downward slowly.

They hadn't managed be able to be intimate, what with recently. But now was their chance. Perhaps doing this would even help them?

Feeling the tug of Shizuru's fingers in her hair, Natsuki only had to pause. The elder's body naturally reacted to her, a flush tracing Natsuki's cheeks. Shizuru wrapped the Gakuenchou's hair around her fingers briefly, tensing.

"I feel guilty." Shizuru chuckled lowly, biting her teeth into her lip. "I should be helping you, not the oth-..." Her hands stilled against Natsuki's head, and her own tilted into the pillow. A groan slipped from her mouth quietly.

Satisfied that that had quieted the elder, Natsuki chuckled softly against the skin of her inner thigh. With a bit of nudging, she led Shizuru's legs over her shoulders, feeling fingers tighten in her hair once more. "I've got you, Shizuru." Natsuki assured, letting the elder relax once more.

"But why am I surprised…" Natsuki murmured, pressing her lips against Shizuru's inner thigh. "You aren't wearing underwear…?" Ever so gently, she bit her teeth into skin, and in response, her ears twitched.

Shizuru shuddered, the muscles in her thighs coiling. "Says the one who complains about the heat when wearing layers." Dipped in amusement, but with a fine coating of arousal Shizuru stared up at the ceiling.

"I need the cold… Unless I'm with you." Natsuki murmured against her inner thigh, smirking faintly. She heard Shizuru huff faintly at the flirtation, the elder's fingers curling against the nape of her neck.

Coal was tousled and played with so long as Natsuki kept still. If she moved; Kissed along Shizuru's perfumed skin or nipped, it would be pulled just hard enough to elicit a hitch of breath.

Shizuru's skin was pale, smooth, yet there were scarred areas. There was a scarred region on the back of Shizuru's left shoulder. It was due to a bullet wound. Yet it was ironic. After all, Natsuki had scarring from a bullet on her right shoulder, but at the front. It was almost as if they matched, but were still the opposite.

"N-Na-tsuki…" Shizuru huffed out with impatience. Her hair was pulled, whilst the Archmeister tensed her form again.

"I didn't forget about you." Natsuki teased, nipping along down the inner thigh of the leg she had neglected. "I was just thinking of your scars… We almost match with one." She murmured, hands gently massaging along the elder's hips.

"Why are you thinking such things now…?" Shizuru questioned. Though there was amusement, there was also lust. She ran her nails across Natsuki's scalp, before adding pressure. But only enough to send a shiver through the Gakuenchou's body.

"Mmph… I just remembered about them." Natsuki murmured, though had translated the thought wrong. "I mean, I knew they were there, but… I hadn't ever really thought of you having scars, Shizuru."

Imagining Shizuru with injuries felt alien to Natsuki. If anything, it just made her want to study each and every blemish Shizuru had. Perhaps… maybe she could do this?

Without another word uttered, Natsuki ran her lips against Shizuru. Wrapping her arms around the elder's thighs, she hummed in thought.

She wanted to hear some noise from Shizuru.

"A-ah-" Shizuru closed her mouth tight, embarrassed of the brazen noise that escaped her throat. She would get Natsuki back for this… Controlling her breathing, lest she be reduced to a puddle, she tugged against at long locks.

"Make some noise, Shizuru." Snickering, Natsuki nudged against Shizuru gently. Then again, she knew exactly how to tempt Shizuru, right?

Reaching her hands out, she caught Shizuru's, and rested their conjoined palms between them. Closing her eyes, she focused entirely upon Shizuru. Now…

"N-Natsuki is mean…" Shizuru breathlessly grumbled, taking her own bottom lip between her teeth. Not to mention that it had been… utter years since the younger had even done this.

It was completely out of the blue.

"N-Nats-" The syllables ran off Shizuru's tongue, and transformed into a hiss. Her body locked into place, a cold sweat greeting her. Yet Natsuki held her firmer, restraining her legs from movement.

Jolting in place, the Archmeister's senses clouded, another rasped breath escaping her lungs. "-tsu-tsuki."

"Getting better…" Natsuki smirked, not satisfied with letting Shizuru off so easily. With a well-placed breath, she felt the elder pull from her hands and instead tighten them in coal once more. It left her own hands open for holding her down more securely.

"I-I'll get y-"

"Oh? Will you, Shizuru?" The taunt was well received, apparently.

"Na-tsu-ki." Gruffly Shizuru sharply pulled at the younger meister's hair. Rewarded with a hiss, she pressed her head into the pillow.

Wincing softly, the younger muffled a chuckle against Shizuru that had the elder pulling her hair harder. "You will, I'm sure of that." Natsuki murmured, quieting as she held Shizuru's hips tighter.

It only took a few more moments until Natsuki sensed it. Yet it happened so quickly. Shizuru was on the edge, but before Natsuki could muster her on, the elder let go.

Crimson popped open wide; sweat glistening along her throat and peppering her face. She could hardly catch her breath, her hands petting into Natsuki's hair as the younger rose over her. No longer able to reach coal locks, they drifted down the Gakuenchou's torso until they fell limp at her waist.

"I didn't kill you, did I?" Natsuki teased, licking her lips as she watched Shizuru beneath her.

"My… my younger self… perhaps." Shizuru breathlessly murmured. She flushed at the sight of Natsuki above her, watching those lips. Grasping hold of the covers tightly, she swallowed. "But I must show Natsuki how it is done."

A full fledged grin traced along Shizuru's lips. Reaching to Natsuki's collar, she clutched it. Putting a hefty weight down against it, she lured Natsuki back downwards.

"W-what?" Surprised at the need for reciprocation, the Gakuenchou fell easily. Onto her stomach, she closed her eyes in anticipation of falling on Shizuru. Except, the space where the elder had been was now bare!

"Ah?" Confused, Natsuki picked her head up and looked side to side before she felt a puff of breath against the nape of her neck. "S-Shizuru…?" How had she gotten behind her?

"Somebody needs… to relax." With those words whispered into her ear, Natsuki instantly shivered. She knew this tone. It was hefty, and low - purposeful. Shizuru was… Natsuki wasn't sure what she was going to do.

Feeling the Archmeister straddle the small of her back, she squirmed. Before she knew it, Shizuru had grounded her hands atop her own, pinning them to the mattress.

"I only wish to give Natsuki happiness through pleasure."

Swallowing roughly, Natsuki stared down to the mattress. This was… a surprise. She had assumed that Shizuru had been holding back since she had awoken from her coma, but…

This was definitely arousing. Natsuki's entire face flushed a dark crimson; Eyes of identical color watching as it spread to the Gakuenchou's neck and shoulders.

She could… feel a dampness too. Natsuki's mind blanked, unable to process the information. Why was Shizuru's mere touch seductive?

Ever so slothfully, Shizuru ran her index, middle, and ring fingers across the younger's spine. Rising her index, she trailed only two digits either side of Natsuki's spine purposefully. "You are not… blowing a fuse?" Her lips curved, her breath hot against the other's ear. "... Gakuenchou?"

"I think… I might." Natsuki managed to refrain from stuttering, though she began to tremble up a storm. "H-how… How can you make me feel like this by barely doing anything?" The Gakuenchou confessed her question, face burning hotly.

Natsuki's voice was muffled into the pillow, yet Shizuru had heard it so clearly. Leaning her weight back against Natsuki she smiled faintly, eyes half-lidding. "I wonder how?"

To be honest, Shizuru wasn't sure how she did it. It simply came to her naturally. To seduce… it was almost like second nature to her. "I am the Bewitching Amethyst, Natsuki. Surely you know this?" Amusement lifted within her tone, and she brushed her fingertips across Natsuki's back.

"Of course I know." Natsuki flushed darker, clearing her throat as she pressed her face further into the pillow. Shizuru just had a way with her; She was never like this with anyone else.

Even just the caress of the elder's fingers down her back… Any more and Natsuki might literally explode. But, she definitely wanted more.

Her heart thundered, yet she didn't mind. Not even as the elder forced a bolt of energy to run down her body.

"Of course?" Shizuru questioned teasingly. Grounding the heels of her palms against Natsuki's shoulder-blades, she murmured. "...What?" Her voice lowered, and she reached behind her. With one hand, she rested it against Natsuki's rear. "I want to know how you are feeling, Natsuki."

Watching Natsuki, with the hand behind her, she squeezed.

"D-did you just-?!" The younger's muffled question died off, a groan escaping her throat.

Shizuru laughed. "No, no. Of course not."

Now… Shizuru wet her lips. Sneaking her hands underneath Natsuki, with difficulty, she gradually undid her clothing.

Having them on wouldn't do. Tutting quietly, she ventured her teeth to Natsuki's ear, and gripped the shell gently.

The Archmeister knew what this did to Natsuki. But they both knew what they wanted. So Shizuru wasn't about to relent. If anything… Shizuru wanted her to melt.

The younger woman muffled a growl into the pillow, unable to do much but clutch the bedsheets within tight hands. She might have to start biting it as well…

She was no doubt beginning to sweat as well, and Shizuru had barely done anything! This was… infuriatingly maddening.

"I want to hear you, Natsuki." Grazing her lips against the lobe of Natsuki's ear, she chuckled silently and slowly. "...Natsuki?" Adjusting herself above the younger woman, she hoisted the confused Gakuenchou up.

Although originally Shizuru had wanted these clothes off of Natsuki… no, no. That simply wouldn't do. Now sitting in an almost seiza position, but with her legs spaced out further, Shizuru hummed. She guided Natsuki into a similar position, the Gakuenchou's straddling her lap.

"I wonder if… you would like this change around?" She murmured questioningly. Resting her chin atop Natsuki's shoulder, she popped the last button of Natsuki's shirt open. "I am sure she does. Right, Natsuki?" Trailing her fingertips downwards, Shizuru stilled them by the rim of Natsuki's trousers.

"W-what are you doing…?" Natsuki couldn't even move if she wanted to. Biting her bottom lip, she pressed back into Shizuru. This was… Embarrassed, she squirmed to the intruding hand that dipped down only to spiral back up her stomach.

"You tell me, Natsuki. What am I doing?"

This woman. Shizuru Viola was going to be her death.

Natsuki's breath quickened, her chest heaved, yet those fingertips merely continued. They rolled against her skin, pressing, sliding, and circling.

Perhaps she had gone mad long ago due to those fingers?

The hand dipped lower, sliding past material like before. A shock pulsed across Natsuki's body, gliding ever south.

She felt…

"S-Shizuru…"

"What am I doing to Natsuki?" Shizuru smirked against her ear, moving her lips down along the side of the younger's throat. She teased more; Dipping and raising her hand into Natsuki's trousers.

"Driving me mad!"

"Am I?"

"Shizuru… I sw-"

"What…?" Shizuru whispered, slinking her hand downwards to cup Natsuki. Almost lazily, if not intended, Shizuru lay her arm across Natsuki's legs.

Whining, Natsuki bit into her own bottom lip hard. "Shizuru, I swear, if you don't-!" Crying out once the hand in her trousers lingered, Natsuki's flush spread down her chest.

"I did, I did." Shizuru sung. In a relaxed state, she gently slid the padding of her middle finger along Natsuki. "Would you want this slow or fast?" She asked honestly, her tone levelling.

During these times, she needed to take care of Natsuki. As much as Shizuru adored teasing her, she couldn't have her bursting a fuse. Right now, she needed to… ah. "Natsuki?" Catching Natsuki's hand with her free one, Shizuru smiled into her neck.

"I… I don't think it quite matters at this point." Natsuki stammered, heat rolling off of her body. All she needed was for Shizuru to just move…

"Alright." Shizuru murmured, closing her eyes. Exhaling softly, she curled her fingers. "I also promise to leave Natsuki alone to recover." She chuckled, delicately sliding her middle digit inwards.

"A-as long as you don't l-leave?" Natsuki stammered, unable to truly speak as she bit her bottom lip. This was almost pure torture; Rather, surely the teasing Shizuru had done prior was the torture.

A rivulet of sweat trailed down her cheek, the younger pressing back tight against Shizuru.

"Course not. You know I would not do that." Skimming her lips across Natsuki's throat, Shizuru hummed. Quickening her movements carefully, she squeezed the younger meister's hand.

Natsuki gripped Shizuru's hand tight in response, breath coming faster and in violent hitches. Her eyes were closed tight, hips rolling to match with the movements. "Shi-Shizuru…!" She lifted her free hand from clutching the sheets, covering her mouth to stifle the groan.

"Natsuki." The elder breathed.

At that moment, Shizuru wondered. What would her life have been without Natsuki? The thought was soon crushed, Natsuki gasping out. Holding her close to her own form, Shizuru coaxed her, pressing her mouth to Natsuki's ear. "Let go."

Natsuki hissed, leaning back against Shizuru as a muffled cry left her throat. She leaned forward a bit, a little limp from the sensory overload. Swallowing hard, she blinked and managed to be laid onto her side.

"...Shizuru…"

"I am here." Resting herself behind Natsuki, much alike to earlier, Shizuru smiled. Snaking her arms around Natsuki, she brought her close into her body. Their clothes were disheveled, and the blankets twisted around them haphazardly. But they didn't care. "I'm here." Shizuru repeated.

"Mm…" Natsuki stretched back against her, almost lazily. Letting out a breath, she hummed deep in her chest and sighed. "I love you, Shizuru…" She murmured, looking ready to go back to sleep. "But… we need to have a bath."

"You are thinking about that already?" Shizuru laughed softly. Although she didn't blame Natsuki, honestly. The sweat was clinging to her back, neck and other areas. "Though I would hold Natsuki if she was sweaty or not." Ruffling her nose up into Natsuki's hair, she inhaled.

Natsuki smelled of sex.

Chuckling huskily, Natsuki reached a hand back to curl into tawny locks. "As I would with you, but I am very hot." She whispered, pausing a moment before she gently tugged at Shizuru's hair. "You certainly love to pull my hair, you know."

"I hope she did not mind." Shizuru murmured, sliding her rough palms against Natsuki's abdomen. "I become rather… mindless." Was that the right choice of words, Shizuru pondered?

Then again, Natsuki would catch her drift.

Holding Natsuki's hand, and moving it from her hair, she settled it by Natsuki's stomach. "It is still early. We can have a moment, yes?"

"I didn't mind… I think rather like it." Natsuki smiled, curling against the elder and gripping her hand gently. "Mm… We can stay like this for a while more." The Gakuenchou murmured, lifting Shizuru's hand to kiss. "Oi… I said I love you, earlier."

"Oh? She did?" Shizuru's eyes lit with amusement. She clasped her palm to Natsuki's mouth, before raising it. "When?" She asked, covering the meister's eyes.

"Before you buried your nose into my hair and sniffed." Natsuki murmured, trying to tug the elder's hand from her eyes. "Oi…"

"Relax." Closing her own eyes, Shizuru rolled onto her back. Glancing over to Natsuki who remained on her side, she smiled. Seriously, what was she to do with this woman? Sliding her arm from under the Gakuenchou, she mindlessly trailed her fingers across Natsuki's back.

"If you don't say 'I love you' back, I will find your favorite violet scarf and tie you to the bed. No bath for Shizuru." Natsuki warned, turning onto her side to face the elder. She mock glared, nipping the fingers still nearby.

Eyebrows arching, Shizuru regarded her silently. "But where is said scarf?" She grinned. "And could a thing truly keep me bound?"

"It certainly could if I made it… and it's in the closet, above the coats." The younger murmured, sitting up to loom over Shizuru for a change. Emerald swept over the bare body of her lover, a bit of a devious glint lighting up.

"And I think you would actually rather like being tied down…"

"Ara, what is this? Natsuki is taking charge?" Arms spread out lazily, she remained idle. She simply watched Natsuki, waiting for her next move. What would Natsuki do? Would she truly attempt this? Or would be crumble halfway through the deed? "Natsuki…"

"N-not right now… Far too tired to have to tie you down." The younger woman teased, lying onto her side and facing Shizuru. She curled into the elder, easily wrapped in lazy arms.

Seems they may wait a while for that bath…

---

COLLAB NOTES

10,000 views, 110 reviews, 10 chapters, and a 100 page chapter. Bring on the ten! This is a milestone chapter of sorts. Blame Harmonium for the chapter size, not me. This chapter was so stupidly fun to type up, whether it took an age to upload. We also feel our writing quality has improved drastically. Not only this, but our styles have merged utterly, and completely.

We believe not many could tell the difference between our styles at this point.

REVIEWS

Equastar: Everyone loves their dark Natsuki. But her range of personalities are so fun to write. So no complaining there! Got to admit, I absolutely adored Dark-HiME Natsuki in the manga.

Rox: You have your Haruka at last. Now, let's hope to find out what happened between her, and Natsuki!

L.A: The HiME marks are described in such ways due to there being two versions. The earth HiME have the red, circular one, whilst the earl HiME have the blue stars. In Mai-Otome: Sifr, you get a clear shot of Rena's mark. There is of course the fake mark which Arika has in the Mai-HiME: The Movie trailer.

That whole scene with Saeko, and the gynoids felt like something out of Saints Row! We were about dying through the whole of it, haha.

As for Shizuru being strange… well, who knows? Of course, seeing as it is Shizuru, she's always up to something. Whether this is good, or bad, we don't know. Perhaps it is nothing at all?

Anne K: Our main priority in Renascence is to keep ShizNat balanced. We didn't want an unhealthy, and unfaithful relationship. Given with how Shizuru is portrayed by Sunrise, she can be pretty… overwhelming at times. What with her harem flirting, borderline harassment, and baiting.

Boredandidle: For Natsuki's memories of Mai, it isn't NTR we're leaning to. Since Mai disappeared those years ago, Natsuki feels incredibly guilty. Especially what with Mai's current situation. She has a harsh regret that we're sure will be cleared up eventually.

And Shizuru's awakening… Oh, you have no idea.

Soyunax: Oh, they sure did something, that's for sure!

Writing a spoiled Natsuki, and a flawed Shizuru is incredibly fun, as I'm sure you'd understand. We're pretty certain we've developed their personalities even more this chapter too.

I am unsure why, but a smoking Shizuru just… fits? Imagining her smoking just seems so characteristic. Especially with that little cigarette holder she has; makes her way more classy.

You have your Haruka! And an interaction with Nats-I mean Saeko. Close enough, right?

Okami: It might not be appearing on your feed because Renascence is rated M. Without the filter, all stories rated M don't appear.

I'd say go for the account, honestly. You'll find it way easier to follow stories, and authors!

Jenn: That's the fun of imagining what might happen next though! It is a shame when we have to do it for unfinished stories though. There are far too many of those. As for being a perv, well; I guess you certainly loved this one, huh?

Kutt: (Mai: Everyone wants me dead, and I'm not even conscious to defend myself!). Hahaha. We were tempted to kill her off, honestly. But she is such an important character in Renascence. As you might've read above, don't worry. We aren't taking the MaiNat route here; but they have a history, so that past needs to be there.

Of course though, Natsuki's is suffering from anxiety, so her thinking can be haphazard. Who wouldn't be if they were the Gakuenchou though? Being the head of the international army is bound to be… stressful.

Maybe we should change the title to 'Natsuki goes Crazy… Again'.