Chapter 11: Red Handed
"The parcel was delivered by Erstin Ho." Natsuki recalled to Miss Maria, seated at her desk. "I'm inclined to believe someone might be manipulating her."
"Be careful with your accusations, Headmistress." The greying epitome warned, her expression as stern as ever. Her hands were neatly cupped before her, standing before Natsuki's desk. "We do not have enough evidence."
"That's what worries me; what if we never do have enough?" Brushing a lone knuckle to her lips, Natsuki rolled her chair to the side. She stared at the distant wall, a deep frown marred into her brow. "Weren't many of her relatives killed during the Dragon King War, Miss Maria?"
"Correct. She is the last the Ho family have in regards to Garderobe."
Then was it possible this factor was being used against her? Surely not? Given Artai's corrupt past, Natsuki wouldn't be surprised though. Perhaps she could tempt the answer out of Erstin? She was a nice girl, that much was obvious.
"Have Chie Hallard keep an eye on her." She ordered. "If push comes to shove, have her become Hallard's room attendant. Tomoe Marguerite could be Juliet Nao Zhang's attendant instead."
"And if Chie Hallard lets slip?"
"She won't. She was personally chosen by President Chrysant."
Eventually the veteran left the room, and Natsuki wilted in her seat. She sighed harshly, running a hand along her cheek. Miss Maria had been on her case for several hours today. What made things worse is she hadn't seen Shizuru since morning! Shizuru had been dragged off by Yukariko just before classes. It was something or other related to robe training. Of course Shizuru was the perfect choice for such a lesson, but even so?
It had been just yesterday that they had taken the next jump in their relationship. The memory was still fresh in her mind. In fact she was amazed she had kept her cool around Miss Maria. That woman could practically see through anything.
Focusing her eyes back upon the desk, her heart sank at the sight. A new stack of unfinished paperwork had been brought by Miss Maria. Though there wasn't any external documentation, this was all by the teachers. Every so often she had to review Garderobe's progress in teaching methods. Usually she was lucky, and only had to add signatures. But at times she required direct help from the teachers. Shuffling through the documents, she found only a few to have this issue. Another sigh crept up from her throat, and she sank into her chair.
Really? Being the Headmistress sure did suck at times. Looking out the window, she only just noticed the sun was beginning to set. With one final glance at the stack, she stood.
She needed a drink.
"The Headmistress suggested that?" Shizuru murmured, receiving a nod from Miss Maria. A concerned flash briefly showed upon her face before it vanished. Certainly Erstin Ho had brought the parcel, but nevertheless it was currently their only option. They were within Yukariko's empty classroom. They had been for a while, in fact. After taking part in robe training, Yukariko, and herself had returned to the classroom. Along the way, Miss Maria had met with them.
"I will have Chie Hallard keep an eye on Erstin Ho." Miss Maria stated. "But I expect you to do the same with the Headmistress, Archmeister."
"Of course, Miss Maria." Shizuru clasped her hands before her. She glanced to Yukariko beside her, continuing,. "She is in your class, correct? Has she been showing any signs of unease?" Personally she hadn't observed anything out of the norm due to her own busy schedule.
"Not that I know of." The teacher murmured. "Recently she, and Nina Wang made friends with the newcomer, Yumemiya Arika."
That was interesting. Actually, that gave Shizuru an idea. If she got close to these three students, perhaps she could squeeze the information from Erstin? If the girl was innocent, she would surely tell her. It had worked any other time. "We should all wait, and see. If she is truly guilty we will catch her eventually." Shizuru concluded, deciding against revealing her plan. She would play upon this in secret to see where it'd lead her.
"That would be most sensible." Yukariko nodded, Miss Maria saying nothing in the meantime. "But I have kept you long enough, Shizuru. I am sure Natsuki is beginning to wonder where you are." She spoke in light amusement.
"Yes, I should. If you would both excuse me." Shizuru made her exit, bidding the two a good afternoon.
Shortly after, Shizuru found herself back at the office. For the time being, instead of entering, she decided to make a standstill by the double doors. How exactly was she going to deal with this situation? As Archmeister she was naturally inclined to stay by the Headmistress' side. She couldn't possibly abandon Natsuki; especially not after the pretend bomb, it could make her a sitting duck. Unless she had someone keep an eye-no, she couldn't trust anyone with this matter.
Opening the door, she instead brought her attention to wondering what was going through Natsuki's mind. She could only assume the letter bomb was worrying her again. But there was also the case of last night. Shizuru was sure the Headmistress' head was on the verge of exploding. Peaking into the room through the open door, she called out; "Natsuki?" Where was she? She was nowhere to be fo-
"-Shizuru?" She heard the woman's voice which was muffled from within the quarters. The door was ajar which Shizuru made a beeline for. Before entering, she noticed a new stack of paperwork upon the desk, and took a double take at it. How on Earl wasn't Natsuki working on it furiously? Her eyes drifted across it, her curiosity piquing.
Entering the room Natsuki resided inside, Shizuru found her leaning against the far wall. She was beside the windows, taking a slow drink from a glass which definitely didn't contain tea. Wetting her lips, Shizuru drifted towards the Headmistress. "My captor finally released me." Shizuru murmured. Alcohol, she wondered? The red liquid in the glass certainly seemed like it. Brushing it from her mind, she cupped the younger Meister's cheek gently. "Did you miss me?"
"Of course I did." Natsuki muttered, the two sharing a kiss for a moment. Leaning their foreheads together, Natsuki sighed. "What did Yukariko have you do? You didn't have the students get too excited, did you?"
"You're unfair, Natsuki. You know how they are." Slipping away from Natsuki, her attention went back to the drink. "What are you drinking?"
"Oh, this?" Natsuki lifted her glass. "It's that Florentine wine Rosalie brought over that one time. Do you want to try some?" She offered the glass to the older woman, watching her fondly.
Taking the glass, Shizuru teased. "I see you were lazy, and used our tea set again." She took a hesitant sip of the drink, awaiting the taste. It had a sharp twang to it, and tasted of.. "Blackberries?" She murmured, the Headmistress appearing surprised.
"Of course you would figure it out." Natsuki laughed softly, Shizuru offering the glass back. "I needed a break. Miss Maria was hounding me all day."
"Yes, I have heard. Miss Maria spoke to me just earlier. I assume she wanted to know what happened in Aries?" Shizuru wandered off to the kitchenette, the younger woman following.
"Ah, yeah. She wanted to know everything." Groaning in mental exhaustion, Natsuki drank the rest of her red wine. "Do you need anything? I'm sure you're tired yourself, Shizuru."
"I am back with you, so…" A grin plastered across the brunette's face for a moment, teasing a flushed expression from Natsuki. "No, I am fine. Thank you." She sobered, shuffling to make room for Natsuki.
They simultaneously took their own roles; Natsuki washing the glass she had just used. Meanwhile, Shizuru made herself tea.
"I will contact our Artai agents tomorrow." Natsuki said suddenly. "We need a team on the ADA case. I am sure that name originates from the Artai family. But who could it be? Many of their heirs had been wiped out years ago."
"That is true, Natsuki. But what if you're wrong?"
"Then it's my fault."
Two days had past, and Natsuki found herself cured from the disease of paperwork-again. Standing from her desk, she brushed her clothes down. Afterwards, she rounded her seat, going towards the windows. Outside the grounds were brightened by the sun which loomed high up within the sky.
Finding herself bored, she mindlessly brushed her knuckles to her lips, musing. Once again Shizuru had been asked to join in with training. At this point, Shizuru was starting to look more like a teacher. Peering towards the grounds where students were trained in physical education, she made her decision. It couldn't hurt to go watch, could it? Natsuki had absolutely nothing left to do anyhow. She was waiting on other people right now.
Heading straight for the door, she adjusted her crosstie in the process. Yes, it was about time she did something like this. Something different would definitely be a nice change. Besides, even if she hated her ridiculous nickname, it was admittedly entertaining seeing the students react to her.
After a while, Natsuki heard the first signs of training; The humming of robes, clanging of elements, and yells echoed throughout the grounds. Turning the last corner of the pathway, she came face to face with the class. She blinked upon the students instantly spotting her, the girls flooding her.
"It's the Headmistress!"
Ah, what? Well, this was a surprise. Surrounded by the students, she remained stunned for a moment. The fully robed students; Coral, and Pearl alike huddling her.
"Oh? It seems they missed you, Headmistress." Shizuru's unmistakable voice filtered above the students. She made her way to the large group, brushing past the girls. "Why not join us?"
"Join you?" Natsuki mumbled, the excitement from the students heightening. She stretched her neck, looking over the crowd. "Where is Miss Maria, and Yukariko?"
"Ill. They both caught the flu."
Those two were ill? Natsuki was surprised they weren't here. Those two were impossibly stubborn when it came to teaching. "Alright, I'll join." She grumbled, earning cheering from the merged years. She was gently tugged towards the eldest of the group until she stood before her. "Err, what?" Natsuki was confused. What did they want her to do?
"Duel, duel, duel, duel, duel, duel!"
Duel? With Shizuru? Shooting a helpless look at Shizuru, the Archmeister could only smile back hopelessly. Hey, she had just wanted to relax! With both her arms taken further hold of by students, she sighed heavily. Frowning, her forehead wrinkled, shaking her head in response. "Fine, fine. You girls win. But just this once-" Another set of cheers emitted from the students. They retreated from the two Meister, excitedly watching them like hawks.
"I had hoped I could relax seeing you teach, Shizuru. I hope you're disappointed in yourself." Natsuki teased.
"Natsuki is forgetful. Don't you remember our student days?"
"Don't remind me."
Of course she hadn't forgotten those days together. Shizuru, and Haruka had practically been taskmasters. But in the end it had been worthwhile. Natsuki still couldn't believe the Founder had chosen her as the Headmistress.
"So mean- Materialise!" Shizuru materialised before her, the area illuminating in bright light. Once finished, she took a step back, awaiting the younger Meister. "Your turn." She teased.
Shizuru certainly had started picking on her a lot. Perhaps it was thanks to those nights ago, Natsuki pondered? Pushing the thought aside, she too activated her GEM. "Materialise!"
Once ready, Natsuki adjusted herself, falling into a defensive stance. Her main issue here was Shizuru was perfectly adapt with ranged, and melee. Not to mention she knew all of her moves. Shizuru was naturally her worst nightmare in combat. They both knew she couldn't use her trump card-her cannon. It would mean making space between them which Natsuki knew Shizuru wouldn't allow. She bit her lip, attempting to quickly read the brunette. Shizuru had simply fallen into her own defensive stance. Summoning her double-ended element close, she angled the blades levelly. Natsuki was at a loss. She couldn't flank the elder because of that element. Neither could she keep still; Shizuru would merely get bored, and have the blades expand.
Jumping into motion abruptly, Natsuki leapt at her. By an inch she managed to dodge the blades, ducking under them. Throwing a straight punch directly for the Archmeister's chin-this failed. Shizuru bypassed it easily, sliding backwards. In an upwards arch she sliced her weapon. It had come dangerously close to striking Natsuki vertically across the face. With this performed, she stilled, watching Natsuki again.
Taking a breath, Natsuki recovered from the near hit. Where would she attack next? The elder had no openings, and was examining her just as intensely. Inside this brittle atmosphere even the students were quiet. Perhaps they were attempting to learn from this? After all it was an invaluable lesson.
As expected, the Archmeister got bored of Natsuki remaining idle. She swung her weapon, one blade extending. The jagged blades smashed into the floor, barely missing Natsuki. Ah, this Headmistress of hers. She was certainly still quick on her feet. Shizuru smiled for a moment, chasing after the younger Meister. She needed to keep Natsuki in place. If she got far away enough, she'd have enough time to use her cannon. That element was overbearingly powerful, and would be an instant disadvantage.
Upwards, backwards, and sideways they dodged. If they were having difficulty keeping sight of one another, the students found it impossible. Another exchange of blows were attempted then avoided deftly.
Who would be the first to make a mistake? Neither knew. The two of them were as determined as the other to win.
For a few more moments it seemed Shizuru would get the upper hand. Flying, she swerved towards the Headmistress. At last moment she once more arched her element. Much to Shizuru's astonishment, Natsuki yet again dodged the action. Underneath the fellow Column dove, grabbing the handles of Shizuru's element.
She was only a second too late from seizing the Headmistress; black stars dotting inside of her vision. Natsuki had headbutt her?! Driving herself backwards, Shizuru heavily land. Grasping her element within one hand, she planted the other to her pulsing head. "M-My, where did you learn that, Natsuki? Have you been taking secret lessons from Haruka?" She attempted to tease. Ugh. Her forehead was going to be bruised tomorrow. Shizuru didn't doubt a killer headache was incoming, either.
"Haruka?" Natsuki scoffed, rising her fists as she landed. "I know how you work, Shizuru." Now, which tactic should she use next, Natsuki wondered? If Shizuru expanded her element again, she could grab hold of it. That wasn't a very good idea though. Could she instead get herself purposely captured? No, that wasn't ideal either.
It turned out there was no time to think. Natsuki ducked, the extended blades swerving past her abruptly. She made a move towards Shizuru whilst they were, and struck. She gritted her teeth as Shizuru again slid back. Instead, she kept up, her middle knuckle scraping Shizuru's chin. The contact was minimum, but enough. Shizuru bolted, regathering her blades.
One unfortunately caught Natsuki's thigh, tearing the robe. Thankfully her adrenaline forced the pain away, and the Headmistress chased her again. She needed to keep close to Shizuru. That cursed extension be damned, Natsuki would win this-
"Don't be too hasty, Natsuki. Who knows what will happen." The Archmeister warned, bolting to the right in mid-flight. Natsuki was feet away, and just as she passed, Shizuru grabbed her metal collar.
Shizuru heard the younger Meister gasp, most obviously winded. Dematerialising her element, she slid behind Natsuki. With her left forearm, she snaked it around the Headmistress's throat. Her left hand meanwhile constricted her windpipe. This was a restraining choke-hold she had Natsuki in. She forced her arm further against Natsuki, pressing her back into her front.
"Sh-Shizu-" The Headmistress wheezed, struggling to force her away. The brunette was unfortunately relentless. She couldn't even more her head back! Shizuru had pressed her forehead against her throat…! "Shi-" Even her legs?! This damned lover had even curled a leg around hers-
"Do you forfeit, Natsuki?" Shizuru breathed in her ear. She disregarded Natsuki's brawling, restraining her further. "Na-tsu-ki-"
"A-alri-ght, I forfeit!"
Released from the woman's hold, Natsuki gasped for air harshly. She landed upon her feet, clasping her hands to her throat. kneeling down onto her knees, she paid Shizuru no mind whom gracefully landed beside her.
"Are you alright?" Shizuru murmured, pressing a hand between her shoulder-blades. She knelt beside Natsuki, stroking her back soothingly. In the meantime, the students arrived, many in awe from the performance.
"W-wow!" Irina spoke above the crowd. "I've never seen an Otome battle like that!"
"F-for good reason." Natsuki swallowed, sluggishly standing. Relaxing her posture, she inhaled a large breath, releasing it afterwards. As calmly as possible, she dematerialised her robe, rolling her shoulders after this process. She was never going to win against Shizuru, was she-
"-Headmistress." Irina interrupted her train of thought, grinning mischievously. "Are those things along your neck… hickeys?"
…What? Natsuki remained silent for a moment, her eyes then widening. Incredulously, she shot her attention to Shizuru.
"Oh! They are!"
"Irina Woods!" Natsuki barked, flushing preposterously, this blush intensifying further upon Shizuru's laughter. "Shizuru! Don't you start!"
"Headmistress, Archmeister!" Miss Maria's voice boomed through the grounds. The whole group fell deadly silent, many of the unknitting from the tightly bound group quickly. Miss Maria didn't look happy.
"What is the meaning of this?!" The veteran demanded the two Columns. "Is it correct that you were duelling?!" Her voice was rough, and low; Obviously she was still feeling the full effects of her illness.
"Ah, well…" Natsuki awkwardly mumbled, glancing away from the aging woman. "We-"
"Were you or not, Headmistress?"
"Yes…" Natsuki sighed, feeling embarrassed around the students.
"You aren't students anymore, Headmistress. Archmeister, do you have anything to say about this?" Miss Maria pointedly stared at Shizuru expectantly.
"We were showing the students what can be achieved. Though Otome haven't battled for over a decade, we must all be prepared." Shizuru smoothly responded. "I would be heartbroken if any of our students were to die in vain."
The ill veteran was silent for a moment, digesting the information. Her eyebrow twitched upon the Archmeister's wording, curtly replying; "Headmistress, Archmeister, come to my office. Class, you're dismissed for the day. Though you may have learned an invaluable lesson today, do not follow in their footsteps."
How had this even happened?! Reluctantly, Natsuki had no choice but to follow after an angry Miss Maria, and an amused Shizuru.
