Disclaimer: I don't own Mai Hime/Mai Otome characters. I'm just a delusional fan who loves making crappy stories about it.

To all who read the story… Thank you very much.. I know its kind of crappy, full of grammatical errors and many other mistakes, you still read it. You just don't know how much you boost my ego that makes me believe that my work is not so bad.. hahaha just kidding.. it makes me really happy. And oh 21 reviews from the last chapter!! dance dance


Chapter 12

It's been a few days since the four angels left earth. Erstin was busy typing whatever she was typing. She was just getting over the sadness she felt for leaving Earth so suddenly and the work has been helping her a lot. She was about to finish her work when Natsuki barged into the office looking panicked.

"Is there something wrong Teichou?" the blond assistant asked.

"C..could you look through the earthscope and see if something is wrong?"

The earthscope is a telescope like device that lets you see what is happening in Earth. With it, you can see everything. And when you say everything, anything from a spec of dust to a house fly could be seen through it. For the past few days, Natsuki had been using this to see how Shizuru was doing. But today, she couldn't see Shizuru through it at all.

Erstin stood up from her desk and walked towards the Earthscope. She looked through it for what seems like forever to Natsuki but in actuality, it was just a few seconds. "Nothing seems to be wrong here" Erstin said as she tried adjusting the focus of the device.

"Could you search for Shizuru and try if you could find her?"

The assistant did what she had been told. In just a few seconds, she did saw the brunette, having tea inside the student council room. "She's there in the student council room, drinking her usual tea. Why are you asking?"

Hearing that nothing was wrong with the device, Natsuki looked through it once again.

"You said she was having tea right?"

"Yeah"

"I don't see anyone in the room."

Erstin was confused. She did saw Shizuru there a second ago. She also has been using the Earthscope for the past few days (days when Natsuki would be miraculously not using it) and she knew the brunette would be in that room during this time. She tapped her Teichou's shoulder.

"Teichou, could I look through it again?"

The said angel stepped aside and made way for her assistant. And the moment she looked through the device, she instantly spotted Shizuru. "Natsuki-san" she said in a serious tone.

Natsuki was quite taken aback. Erstin rarely use that tone or if she did, something is bound to happen.

"Y..Yes?"

Erstin looked at Natsuki with serious eyes. "I think we may have a problem"


Styles and Design Department:

"So? What do you want to talk about?" Alyssa asked as she sat herself in front of Nao. The red head went to the CD Division a while ago and for some unknown reason, just grabbed Alyssa and asked her to come.

The said red head just stared at her for a moment before smirking like she always does. "Geez Alyssa, can't I see and talk to my favorite cupid?"

Alyssa gave her a stern look before answering. "I don't know. I'm not so sure when it comes to you" the young blond answered rather sarcastically.

Nao let out a giggle. In all honesty, she do love the young blond's presence. She always feels that they compliment each other, herself being childish and Alyssa being the mature acting one. She straightened herself up on the chair and met Alyssa's gaze squarely. "How's your Teichou doing? Everyone is worried about her after hearing about the news." Nao's voice went an octave lower. She also had a serious look on her face.

Alyssa's facial expression changed from annoyed to one of concern. She slouched on her seat with her head slightly down. Her shoulder sagged as if she had been carrying a heavy burden. "She is trying. " She murmured. "I mean, Erstin and I had a hard time getting over it and we just found friends. Imagine being in her situation, just when she found the person for her, everything was just ripped away from her. We are not blaming anyone here, its just that…."

"You weren't given enough time." Nao continued for her.

The little girl nodded, her eyes slowly welling up. "I just… I just.." The little blond held onto her knees tightly until her knuckles were white. She was trying so hard at keeping her tears at bay but it was a futile attempt. In an instant, the alarm in the Department went off signaling that someone from their department is suffering. Somehow the atmosphere from being playful suddenly went to depression. Nao was quick at shutting the alarm off while explaining to her co workers that she had it under control. She instantly grabbed the younger girl and hugged her tight. Alyssa who was so lost in her emotion hugged Nao back, crying all out.

"I want to see Haruka-neechan and Yukino-neechan. I want to eat cookies with them! I want to… I just want to see them again!" Alyssa looked like every bit a child who lost her favorite toy.

"Hush hush.. we all know that you will meet them again someday." Nao whispered into Alyssa's ear, trying to sooth away her pain. "And you know that I'm always here to help you". She stroked the younger blonds back, whispering words of encouragement and sweet nothings into her ear. This went on for minutes.. or hours.. Nao didn't count. Alyssa would momentarily stop just to rest her eyes but would start over again when she had rested enough.

As to why Nao was doing this? It was simple really; Natsuki who Alyssa was looking up to, is at the moment "out of order" as Nao referred to. The Master Cupid was also having problems that she herself could not deal with and Nao perfectly knew that Natsuki wouldn't have enough strength left to give Alyssa. She also thought about Miyu. But Miyu was busy being back with the Powers. If she did have time, Nao was pretty sure that the Power had no idea how to deal with it. Seriously, ask Miyu about fighting Demons and she could write a book about it but ask her about feelings and emotions? You are asking the wrong person but she didn't say Miyu is an emotionless angel. She is kind hearted but Alyssa needed someone who would be able to cry with her and Miyu isn't the angel for it.

The girl in her arms shifted a bit, bring back Nao from her thoughts.

"You know, since we are in this emotional crap anyway" the little blond spoke in Nao's chest, not making an attempt at removing herself anytime soon. She seemed to be enjoying Nao's warmth. Her voice a bit muffled but Nao could still understand her clearly. The red head chuckled as she heard Alyssa used a rather harsh word. She then felt the little girl buried herself further into her chest, like a shy child would do. She didn't say anything, she just tighten the hug on the little girl as she waited for her to continue.

"I have always liked you."

A soft smile spread on Nao's face. She rested her cheeks on the blonds head cuddling a little bit more. "I know" she whispered back.


Back at the CD Division:

Midori found herself standing in front of the earthscope, listening at Natsuki's cries or rantings, whichever it maybe, Midori couldn't differentiate anymore. Just a few minutes ago, the Cherubim was resting in her office after the meeting ended, when Erstin just burst into her office and began talking at supersonic speed which she amazingly understood and now found herself on this very situation.

"Again Natsuki, there is nothing wrong with this earthscope." She answered back.

"But I cant see Shizuru through it! Erstin could see her, why can't I?!"

The Cherubim just shook her head and looked through the said device once again. No matter how many times she tried, she was in heaven's name sure that Shizuru was in fact there inside the student council room sipping her tea ( and very much lost in thought). She was about to argue yet once again with Natsuki about her seeing the brunette, something clicked in her mind. AH! The test! How could I forget?! She thought to herself while she shook her head.

"What now?" Natsuki asked impatiently.

"There is nothing wrong with the earthscope Natsuki. And if you are a brilliant Master Cupid, this simple thing should be able to distract you, after all, the hearts are still visible."

Just as Midori said this, Natsuki immediately stood up from her desk and ran towards the device. Once she looked through it, there were, indeed, hearts and she recognized Shizuru's right away.

"But you still didn't answer my question Midori-san, why am I the only one who can't see her? Is this a punishment?"

The Cherubim stopped just as about she was to open the door. She turned to face the Master Cupid looking a little surprised.

"Punishment? What makes you think this is a punishment?"

Natsuki was quite taken aback.

"There is only one person who could do this and you fairly knew it who it is. Do you think HE would do this to you as a punishment?" After saying this, Midori left the room leaving a flabbergasted Natsuki.

While walking down the hallway to her office, Midori had a smile on her face. Of course its not a punishment. It's your test Natsuki. Now all you have to do is prove them how strong your love is.


The days went by so quickly on Earth, not long ago when Shizuru, Haruka, Yukino, Mai and Mikoto were just young high school and college students living life to the fullest. Now, they are professionals, constantly busy with work that they rarely see each other. Only during times when they have a free time or holidays when vacation is a must.

It has been 12 years since the angel left. Shizuru was a 30 year old President of the Fujino Corporation. She has taken over their company 4 years ago when her father died due to an accident and her mother giving her never ending support. The meetings and trips abroad were hard and physically draining but life has been pretty much good for the brunette. She has friends. Haruka and Yukino decided to get married right after they graduated from college. The confession came from Haruka which was a surprise. It happened during Haruka's third year in college, having watched so many sappy movies and being taught by Shizuru herself, she finally had the courage. Yukino accepted her confession with teary eyes, but Haruka was the one who cried her eyes out. Her other friends, Mai and Mikoto are now officially dating. There were no confessions made, they just knew it without saying it anymore. The two were so much in love with each other. As for herself, Shizuru has dated a few men and women but she never did found the right person. Her friends tried everything they could, hooking her up with anyone they know who is good enough for her but all those were met with failure.

Shizuru was sitting in her office, reading the reports her employees made when her phone rung. She instantly placed the folder down on her desk and answered the phone.

"Fujino Shizuru speaking"

A cheery voice came from the other line, bringing a smile on Shizuru's face. "Shizuru-san, are free tonight? Its Sunday after all."

Shizuru looked at the stack of papers and the folders on her desk waiting to be read then shrugged. "Yes, I do believe I am free."

"Oh good! Then if you don't mind, there is going to be a little get together tonight at my place, I hope you could come?"

"Sure, I've always needed some time off. What time would it start?"

There was a slight pause from the other line and Shizuru could hear the person was asking someone. Then the sound of the phone being handed to another person could be heard.

"Shizuru-san?" the voice was also clear and held the same mirth as the previous person Shizuru was talking to. Her smile grew wider.

"Yes."

"Around 6:30 pm, would that be alright with you? I will be cooking."

"Sure, that would be a perfect time."

"Then we'll see you tonight, Haruka-san and Yukino will be coming as well"

"Ahh good to hear. See tonight, Mai-san"

"Ah yes. See ya later!"

And with that, Shizuru placed the phone down. She looked at her watch. 3:00 pm. She would have enough time to prepare. Maybe buy something to bring with her to the get together. Its been almost a month since she last saw them. She missed them dearly. She carefully arranged her messy desk before going out of her office. She needed a break and this was a perfect opportunity for her to unwind a bit and with the company of her friends, she sure was lucky.

It was already 6:30 pm and Shizuru was walking her way towards a small but beautiful apartment complex. She had been here a few times and already knew her way around. After finding the right door, she clutched the bottle of wine she was holding (she decided to buy wine) and knocked. She could hear a familiar loud voice coming from inside and some shuffling. Then the door opened, revealing a Mai still wearing her apron. The orange head had matured beautifully. Her hair no longer short but long and was loosely tied at her back (A/N: just look at Mai's mom in Mai hime then you'll get the idea). She still had her significant breast size and clear light purple eyes. She was wearing a nice white turtle neck sleeveless top and jeans (which was covered by her apron); shedding a few fats these past years fits her perfectly.

"Shizuru-san! Just in time! Please come in" Mai stepped aside allowing Shizuru to walk in while holding the door.

"Thank you, and Mai-san, I have brought something." Handing over the wine she brought with her.

"Wow! Thank you Shizuru-san. Please make yourself comfortable, while I finish my cooking. This wont take long" Mai left for the kitchen knowing Shizuru wont be needing much assistance since the brunette have in their house countless of times.

"It's about time you got here Fujino" came a booming voice from the living room. Shizuru without looking knew to whom the voice belonged to. It always brings a sort of comfort to her knowing that she is surrounded by familiar people. She entered a small room which was the living room and faced a blond who was holding hands with a brunette.

"Its been a while Haruka-san"

"Yes it has been. Glad that you decided to get out of your hole"

"I have been a little busy but I couldn't let this small get together pass" she replied as she gave a warm smile to Yukino who returned the gesture.

"Well its good to hear that"

Shizuru sat herself across the couple, finding their public of affection amusing. After almost 8 years of marriage, things have been quite different. Haruka took up political science and continued to become one of the best lawyers in Japan, while Yukino finished Business Management and is currently managing the Suzushiro Company. The blond was constantly clinging to her wife since Yukino grew beautifully physically speaking. The younger brunette earned a lot of admirers during their years in college and even more when they started working but everyone knew where Yukino's heart and loyalty lies. Haruka shouldn't even be worrying.

The three were enjoying chatting with each other when someone else entered the room. They stopped and looked at the newcomer's direction.

"Ah Good evening Mikoto-chan" Yukino greeted.

Of all the changes that happened to the four, Mikoto have changed the most (of course physically speaking). Not only did she finish her degree in Veterinary Medicine, the lanky girl also grew up to be a sexy temptress. Her hair, like Mai's, was no longer short but has grown way past her shoulders, almost reaching her butt. It was tied in a pony tail. Her face was nicely shaped and her childish appearance was completely shed off when she hit 25. (just look at Yoruichi from Bleach then you'll know what I'm talking about). She has gone taller than Shizuru and even Haruka. Though she changed so much in appearance, she is still Mikoto the glutton, good thing Mai became a chef and owned a restaurant.

"Wow everyone is present! Shizuru-san! You did finally made it."

Shizuru slumped into her couch. It's true that the gang has invited her a few times before but she was too busy to go with them.

"You very well know that I have a lot of work" she said while chuckling.

Mikoto sat herself down beside Shizuru. "Yeah we know, but you should have time for yourself too. No wonder you're still single."

"How many times do I have to tell you, I don't need a lover and besides…."

"YOU KNOW SOMEONE OUT THERE IS WAITING FOR YOU" the three chorused earning a pout from the older brunette.

"You guys are mean"

"Nah, we just hear it too often from you"


CD DIVISION:

Natsuki took another peek into the earthscope before sitting down on her desk to do her work. Not only did she lost the ability to see Shizuru through the device, she also lost her ability to hear her a year after. All she could see was the heart that kept on blinking and shining for the past 12 years but this did nothing to hinder her love for Shizuru, in fact, it made it stronger.

Saeko also visits her from time to time, not that Natsuki dislikes it but rather find it a little weird since her mom was usually busy before. Today would be one of those days her mom would be visiting and Natsuki was eagerly waiting for her. It didn't take long before she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in" she called out.

Saeko slowly opened the double doors and showed herself in. She sat herself in front of Natsuki's desk, taking a good look at her daughter reading one of the reports. When the younger blunette felt someone was staring at her, she looked up and saw her mom smiling warmly at her.

"Let me just finish this, it wont take long, I promise" she said quickly.

"Nah, I was just looking at you and thinking to myself how much you have grown" Especially that heart on you head Natsuki.

"You just saw me not long ago, I couldn't have grown much you know" Natsuki place the report down and faced her mom fully.

Her mom just gave her gentle smile. "So how work? And dad? How is he?"

"I happen to finish my work just now, your dad is doing ok though it's a tiring job training newbies"

Natsuki's brow furrowed. Just now? What did she mean with "just now"?

Before she could ask, her mom beats her to it. "So how are you? How's Shizuru?"

Upon hearing the question, Natsuki immediately smiled like a giddy high school girl. Saeko asks this every time they meet and it never fails to make her little Natsuki happy.

"She was with her friends the last time I checked. I think she is having a good time." Natsuki finished as a small blushed crept into her cheeks.

"Still can't see or hear her?"

"It doesn't matter, just as long as I know she's there even with or without the heart, my love wont change"

"Even if you wait forever, she just loves you subconsciously, though its quite extraordinary for it to last this long."

"I know we'll meet someday, I don't mind waiting forever" she stood up from her seat, and again, took a peek on the earthscope. Her smile grew wider. After finding the person she was looking for, she faced her mom again, her eyes softened. "because my love for her will last for eternity".

With Natsuki's last statement, Saeko stood up making Natsuki wonder. "Going already?"

The Cherubim smirked. "I have nothing else to do here. I have seen your happy face and that's enough to put me at ease. "Then she walked towards the doors and opened it. But before going out she looked back at her daughter. "Just keep up the good work. You make me proud Natsuki"

Natsuki stared at her confused. "Huh?"

Saeko just chuckled and closed the door behind her leaving a clueless and puzzled Natsuki.

While leaning on the door, Saeko contacted Midori. "Midori"

"Saeko! So how's the check up for today? How's our little lover girl?"

"She is doing great. She would pass her test with flying colors Midori and I'm telling you, she is one love stuck cupid!"

Saeko could hear Midori laughing. "That's great then. Her wait wouldn't last that long, maybe another 50 years or so"

"Ha! 50 years? Just 50 years? Now that wouldn't be a problem for her"

"Huh? What makes you say that?"

"Oh nothing, she just happened to challenge time and would even take on FOREVER."


WEEEE! 1 or 2 more chapters and this fanfic is finished!! Hurray to me…. And to the laptop…. Just so you know, the laptop crashed 2 days ago luckily I wrote it in my notebook! HA! HA! HA! I've learned from past experiences! PS: Nao and Alyssa's interaction is purely platonic.. please… have mercy, Alyssa is technically just a kid.

Omake:

Natsuki peeking through the earthscope.

Natsuki: Oh!

Midori passes by.

Midori: How sweet, she watches over Shizuru everyday.

Natsuki: Ooooooh…. SEXY! That's one HOT BOOTY!

... ... ... ...

Midori: GET OUT OF THE WAY NATSUKI! LET ME SEE!!