CHAPTER 21
The sun gradually rose above the horizontal line, shining its splendor over the golden land. Another sleepless night had passed for Principal Kruger, but her deep fear never ceased. The thought of already losing the brewing war hit her hard, but the possibility that she may never see her beloved disciple again crushed her. Although she had tried her best to maintain her objective in testing the two girls, refusing to send helps, she couldn't help feeling that she had indeed drove them to their untimely death.
In her nightgown, Principal Kruger got up from the bed and walked out to the balcony, taking in the cool breeze that instead burned in her lungs. Appointed as the principal twenty years ago, Cynthia Kruger was full of ambition and great hopes for the school. She never imagined that Garderobe might fall during her reign. Fifteen years of her life was dedicated in stopping the reborn of the Dark Knights. How many lives had she destroyed in the name of peace? How cruel she had become, trying to save this wretched world? The Army of Caligo was growing in numbers. The attack in Garderobe was carried out, leaving the students defenseless. The three swords to rule over all power had yet to fulfill their promise. Her sacrifices seemed futile in the end.
Principal Kruger's head dropped in defeat, unable to hold her head up high as she used to. But a sharp, glittering light that pierced into her eyes pull her head back up. The vast ring of light gleamed in the middle of the desert, advancing towards the castle. Principal Kruger stood with her lips parted, absolutely stunned.
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The brilliant light shone into Ms. Steinberg's bedroom, stirring her out of her sleep. Putting her hand up to block the powerful glow, the woman stumbled towards the balcony and looked out. She froze as she looked down at the desert below.
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"What's that…?" Haruka sat up on the bed, rubbing her eyes as the light shot right into her face. Squinting, she looked up to see Akane and Yukino standing at the balcony, mouth wide-opened.
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Groggily, the young Count groaned in his bed. He glanced up a little to see the enormous rays of light penetrating through the closed curtains, flooding its brilliance all over the golden room. He rushed to the balcony and his jaws dropped at the sight of the approaching carriage. He had unexpected visitors to receive today.
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"Hey, Ventulus! Ventulus! We're here!" Laughing, Natsuki jumped up and down, waving the Sword of Numen.
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Shocked, a young knight and four guards standing in front of the gates of the castle halted in their posts, watching the energetic, dark-haired girl on the carriage. They had to wonder just what she was holding. The sword illuminated the whole plane of blue skies, gloriously replacing the sunlight.
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Principal Kruger couldn't move a single muscle in her body. Only a tear of utter delight slid down her rough, lined face. The Sword of Numen had finally found its master.
Natsuki… Natsuki…
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Ms. Steinberg gripped the curtains to support her balance. She had never even dared to think that she would be able to witness the Sword's grandeur with her own eyes. The sight alone filled her heart with such warmth and the promise of victory to come.
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"OPEN THE GATES! OPEN THE GATES, YOU MORONS! OUR PEOPLE ARE COMING!" Haruka ordered from the balcony, successfully pulling the guards' attention away from the glittering light.
"They're back! Shizuru-chan is back!" Akane gave Yukino a bear hug, lifting the girl up and spinning her around.
"I know!" Yukino laughed, waving her hands in the air.
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"Lower the sword. You're scaring everybody."
Natsuki stopped jumping when she heard Shizuru's weak whisper from the back. She let the camels lead the carriage closer to the gates, while rushing to the injured girl. "We make it, Fujino! I finally learned the map!" Natsuki shook Shizuru's shoulders in joy. The taller girl closed her eyes, trying to shun off the pain.
"Oh—shit, I forgot!" Natsuki quickly let go. Shizuru feebly grumbled, pressing her hand over the wound.
Along the graveled path, the carriage rode through the opened gates and came to a halt in front of the castle. The young Count in his untidy suit rushed to the front to receive his guests. Principal Kruger and Ms. Steinberg followed closely behind, both in equally casual clothes they could find the fastest at the moment. In their pajamas, all of Garderobe students soon gathered around, slightly pushing one another for a glimpse of the two disciples.
"Hey, be careful!" Everyone flinched as Natsuki's bark came out of the carriage first. She was directing the knight how to carry her friend properly.
Everyone stopped and looked horrified at the sight of a wounded Shizuru. With the girl in his arms, the knight reluctantly stopped in front of his master, unsure of what to do next. He then knelt down, letting Shizuru sitting on his strong lap. The girl slightly bowed to the Count, who stood with his mouth hung open.
The Count quickly composed himself. "Please! Please stand up! Kansaki, escort her to the doctor immediately!"
The young knight quickly made his way through the crowd into the grand hall. Akane, Yukino and Haruka rushed after their friend. All eyes then turned to look at the dark-haired girl who finally climbed out of the carriage, the holy sword in one hand and a dirty blanket in another.
Realizing that she was the center of the attention now, Natsuki glanced around and tossed the blanket over the camel's back. She had momentarily thought to bring it with her, being accustomed to the harsh weather in the desert. After bowing to the Count, Natsuki halfheartedly looked up at Principal Kruger.
"Come here," Principal Kruger said calmly.
Natsuki hesitated. She wasn't used to being watched by so many people like this. At school, she always kept her visibility limited at classes only. Now that she was in the least shape to present herself, with her hair messy, her face partially covered in dirt and her clothes tainted by blood, she felt more helpless than ever.
"We—didn't exactly come back on foot as you can see… We…" Natsuki let out a tired sigh.
Without another word, Principal Kruger widely opened her arms, and Natsuki froze at the sight of tears brimming in the woman's determined gaze. The girl found it hard to move now even without a malicious curse. But her beating heart eventually granted her the strength to leap into the embrace, hugging the woman back as tightly as she could.
"I'm back… I'm back…" Natsuki closed her eyes, resting her chin over the strong shoulder and letting her mind fly free for the first time.
While Sagisawa giggled heartily with the students, Dr. Greer offered Ms. Steinberg some tissue to wipe her tears.
Smiling, Principal Kruger gradually let go off the girl, stroking Natsuki's face. "I've finally found you… The one and only Numen bearer."
Grinning mischievously, Natsuki pulled the sword out and held it up high, roaring in victory along with the thunderous cheering from everyone around her. An enormous ray of cobalt shot up into the skies, blinding all else.
Dissolve: Five days later
The twilight sky over Ventulus was now filled with the endless series of fireworks. The sparklers that fell down from Numen's lightning, that magical sight had prompted the Count to order an all-night-long firework for the celebration tonight. The dazzling view adorned every balcony of the castle, and Shizuru knew it was time.
In her room, Shizuru carefully sat up in her bed, breathing in and out slowly. The quietness in the castle enabled her to hear the stampede, giggling and chatting in the candle-lit hallways. At six o'clock sharp, some of Garderobe girls already made their ways down to the main hall. The grand banquet the Count especially arranged for Natsuki and Shizuru was just an hour away.
Shizuru cautiously approached the human-size mirror and started to dress up. She had been in bed for the past five days, resting after the doctor took care of the serious wound. Dr. Greer was kind enough to check up on her everyday as well. Knowing that all her schoolmates eagerly awaited the celebration, she felt pressured to recover. Although she still felt ill, she insisted to attend tonight's party, not wanting to hold everyone back anymore. Principal Kruger must be displeased at how her students were away from school this long.
It had been rather a hectic five-day rest for Shizuru. Haruka and Yukino paid her several long visits daily. Mai came to see her a few times with fresh flowers. Akane was with her almost all the times. It was only now that Akane left to get dressed. The Count had wisely spent the days Shizuru was resting to order formal gowns cut for every girl for the event. Principal Kruger and the teachers had all came to see her. Many classmates Shizuru rarely ever socialized with back at school paid her a visit as well, giggling and swooning over the desert hero. A girl Shizuru didn't recognize even made good use of the royal kitchen and presented her a vanilla cake. But Shizuru didn't really want any type of dessert, allowing Haruka to gobble up the gift merely in five minutes. However, what was troubling Shizuru wasn't her exhaustion. It was that Natsuki just disappeared into thin air.
At the golden basin, Shizuru irritably splashed some water at her face and dried it with a fresh towel. She stared into the small mirror to her right, the view of the sparkling dark skies and the desert in the reflection. All the while she waited for the raven-haired girl to appear at the door, she just couldn't believe that their friendship ended along with the journey.
Sighing, she returned her gaze to her pale face on the glass, reminding herself that she only did what Mr. Kuga would have wanted her to. Natsuki was safe, and so her job was done.
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At last, the supper began at seven o'clock sharp. Long, candle-lit tables were lined up in one single row, the guests occupying along the two sides and the Count at the head. Dr. Greer, Shizuru, Akane, Haruka and Yukino were seated on one side. Principal Kruger, Ms. Steinberg, Sagisawa, Natsuki, Mikoto and Mai were on the opposite side.
Standing up, the Count gave a few soft clanks against his wine glass. "The initial goal of the journey was meant for two girls to deliver me and my family an apology. Just how surprising it all had turned out. The two holy-sword bearers, the positions vacant for centuries, have finally been fulfilled."
The students wowed at the declaration. They only stopped when Principal Kruger cleared her throat.
"We have learned the news from Gulzar by now, and can only imagine how difficult the expedition was. What happened at the juvenile camp was, in one word, courageous. Many nations have now been informed of the illegal activity that took place there, and we all are eager to stop it from happening again. There are several others camps being inspected as we speak. Here… we shall drink to the children's freedom tonight, and to our champions, Kuga Natsuki and Fujino Shizuru, who dared to change the world for the better."
Cheering, everyone rose to their feet and drank to the two girls, who sat timidly in their chairs. As everyone took their seats again, the maids entered through the door and began to serve the foods.
After Shizuru saw a plate of steak in front of her, she looked up at the maid. "Excuse me…?"
The maid turned around, smiling. "Yes, ma'am?"
"Where is my food?"
The maid looked baffled. "Your food?"
Haruka immediately put her palm over Shizuru's forehead. "No fever. What's wrong with you?"
"I'm just asking for my food," Shizuru said.
Haruka picked up Shizuru's plate and cautiously waved it in front of the girl. "Can. You. See. This."
Akane and Yukino sniggered, covering their chewing mouths with napkins.
Shizuru let out a relieved sigh and eagerly grabbed the plate from Haruka. "I guess I'm well enough to eat this then."
"What do you mean?" Akane asked, chuckling.
"I've been fed with only boiled eggs, fresh vegetables and bread for the past five days. Oh, with lots of mayonnaise on the bread I could almost drink it." Shizuru shook her head at the thought of the meals she reckoned the doctor specifically ordered for her.
Mai burst out in a giggle. "Haven't anyone told you?"
Frowning in confusion, Shizuru looked up, chewing the steak.
"Kuga was busy in the kitchen everyday to arrange the meals for you. She got so—"
"Tokiha!" Natsuki barked, blushing.
"She was so paranoid, thinking someone might poison your food; she gotta keep an eye on it at all times. She even tasted the food before escorting the maid every step to your door," Mai continued, topping it with a laugh.
With blood pumping fast to her head, Natsuki swore that clouds of steams were shooting out of her ears now.
Shizuru just raised her brows, nodding. "That explains why I got bitten eggs everyday."
"It's only for precaution!" Natsuki pouted.
"Oh, I'm surprised you didn't serve me on my bed."
Hums of laughter from the students nearby froze Natsuki in her spot. She didn't know where to look. Painfully, she stabbed her fork into the meat on her plate and started eating as fast as she could.
Principal Kruger quietly observed the two disciples. Certainly, something had changed. Slowly, but surely their friendship was forged amid the obstacles they had gone through. She just prayed that it stayed as long as it was needed.
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After the dinner, everyone moved into the grand hall. It was the moment all the knights in the castle had been waiting for. The Count had kindly allowed his men to join this evening's event as well.
The high, vaulted ceiling was made of colorful glasses. The stunning paintings on the vast walls depicted history of the Krawcyzk lineage and its glory. The rows of gigantic, limestone columns were carved with stripes of gold. The torch-lit hall offered a dance floor and a large balcony with the gleaming skies outside. The fireworks would last until dawn. A band of musicians began playing as the guests poured into the hall, while maids prepared to serve all kinds of drinks.
In the Count's honor, Principal Kruger opened the dance with him, promptly followed by several knights leading the Garderobe girls in. Sagisawa staggered as a young knight asked her for a dance. Only when the students cheered, the nurse accepted his request. Dr. Greer politely extended her hand to Ms. Steinberg and led her to the dance floor.
"This is an amazing night," Ms. Steinberg said merrily.
"I'm sure it is. The two holy swords have surfaced."
"I was referring to the party, Dr. Greer." Ms. Steinberg let out a small laugh.
Dr. Greer then had a wide smile on her face. "I'm sorry."
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Haruka grabbed Yukino's hand and dragged the girl to the dance floor. "Come on, Yukino. Let's show them who we are!"
Yukino blushed. "Who—who we are?"
"Yes, we're the best dancers in school!"
"Oh…" Yukino looked down in disappointment, but placed her hand over Haruka's shoulder as instructed. But she shut her eyes tightly when Haruka spun her around. The moment was short-lived, but magical. It felt as though she transformed from an obedient child into a woman with a blooming heart during the joyous spin.
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After the Count finished his dance with the principal, he took a sip of his champagne to refresh himself, and then moved towards Akane.
"May I have this dance?"
Akane looked up, her mouth wide-opened. She shakily took his hand, following him to join the other pairs in the middle of the hall.
"I apologize that I hadn't been able to introduce myself to you earlier—"
"I know who you are!" Akane then stopped short, pink flushing her cheeks. "I'm sorry, sir."
"You can call me 'Kazu'." The young man charmed the girl with his handsome smile. "Higurashi Akane, isn't it?"
Akane nodded, blushing furiously. She couldn't believe that the Count actually took the time to find out her name. "Yes, sir. Higurashi Akane. At your service, sir."
"Well, Akane-chan, be prepared to dance all night. It's an order." The Count winked at the girl.
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At the serving table next to the band of musicians, Mai stood with a full glass of champagne in her hand, staring straight at Shizuru, who was socializing with some newfound fans. She sipped the drink a little, trying to slow down many thoughts rushing in her restless mind. With Shizuru and Natsuki back safely, she worried for Midori. The fact that the two girls left the school in dishonor but returned as heroes just infuriated her. Nobody had to tell her, but she could imagine just how drastic the swords would change the world from now.
"Let's dance?"
Mai was pulled out of her scheming mind by a small voice. She looked to her left to see a tiny girl standing next to her. A smile of genuine surprise came across Mai's face. "Minagi-san is asking me for a dance?"
Mikoto nodded adamantly, finishing her own seventh glass of fruit punch and putting it aside. She then pulled Mai to join the other pairs.
"May I ask why you picked me?" Mai chortled. They hardly ever talked in school, and she never expected the sempai to even notice her.
"I've always liked your smile!" Mikoto blurted out, grinning like a child.
Mai's smile vanished as soon as the words hit her. How often did she truly smile for someone? Probably only when she was with Midori, watching the woman's lips moving, as if in trance. However vicious the intentions behind the words that came out between that pair of full lips, Mai found it beautiful and could listen to it endlessly.
Mai's gaze lowered down in misery. She hadn't heard from Midori again ever since they parted that night. While they were only business partners, and what other plans Midori had did not concern Mai, she still dreaded that the desert might have forever separated them.
"I didn't compliment it only to have you hide it away. Smile again, Tokiha-san?"
Mai looked up from the floor, amused by Mikoto's pleading meow. This jolly night felt as lonely to her as any other night, but the gaze directing at her was something new. Mikoto's smile was so simple and effortless, and Mai just couldn't look away.
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On the other side of the hall, Natsuki hid herself well behind one of those massive columns. Although Garderobe students were taught how to dance, she never quite mastered the steps, failing the assessment here and there. It had been according to plan so far; no one seemed to notice her. But her uneasy glance had to stop when the sight of the approaching Shizuru came into her focus.
"No. Go away," Natsuki grumbled to herself through her gritting teeth. The last thing she wanted tonight was another tease from the taller girl. Although she knew that sooner or later Shizuru would find out about the kitchen ordeal, she still didn't dare to give the girl a visit at her room. There were too many people going in and out all the times. She just wasn't ready to surprise everyone that she actually offered a truce to a Kuga girl.
But Natsuki's breathing involuntarily halted when Shizuru was stopped mid-step by a long-haired girl. After a small talk, the two turned around and joined the dance. Natsuki remembered seeing that girl before in the royal kitchen, making some cake the other day.
"Good!" Natsuki spat, crossing her arms and looking away from the sight.
"Good evening."
Turning at the unfamiliar voice, Natsuki was astounded to find a knight standing beside her. He had dark hair and a pair of hazel eyes.
"Would you like to dance?"
Natsuki frowned. "Why?"
"It's a lovely evening. Why not have some fun like the others?" The knight had a calm smile on his handsome face.
Natsuki glanced around, spotting some girls not too far away swooning over the knight. "They're available," she said, shrugging.
"Forgive my insolence. But I wish for once to hold the hand of the sword bearer."
Natsuki gradually recognized that this young man was the one who carried Shizuru out of the carriage the day they arrived. Before she could refuse him once more, he was on his knee, extending his hand up to her. Blushing, she scooted back against the column.
"May I have the honor?"
The people around them started to cheer so loudly, and Natsuki could only take Kansaki's hand to stop the attention that was growing around her. On the dance floor, Natsuki tried her best to avoid Shizuru's pair, but as the steps went in circle, they met.
"Hello, Kansaki." Shizuru smiled.
Kansaki politely nodded to Shizuru, beaming as he turned to the dark-haired beauty in his arms. "Let me properly introduce myself. My name is Kansaki Reito, the first knight under Count Kazu Krawcyzk's command. And I know who you are: Kuga Natsuki, the Numen bearer."
Natsuki inwardly cringed at the grand declaration.
Raising her brows, Shizuru turned to Natsuki. "I didn't know you dance, mi lady."
Natsuki blushed at the mockery, but perked her chin up. "Of course, we all do."
"Where were you anyway? The Principal was looking for you, but I thought you left."
Natsuki paused. She had thought that Shizuru spotted her and was going to ask her for a dance.
"You're blushing," Shizuru remarked, baffled.
"It's hot in here!" Natsuki griped.
Thankfully, the circle moved again, and they parted.
"You're not as friendly with her as I thought," Kansaki commented lightly.
Natsuki glared up at him, frowning. "Give me a good reason why I should."
"You looked rather worried about her—"
"It was urgent, that's all. Please, leave it."
Kansaki smiled. "Gladly. She's not what I want to talk to you about all night."
"I am not going to dance with you all night. I never said that."
"Is there anything I can do to change your mind?"
Natsuki just looked down at her feet. However hard she concentrated on the steps, her busy mind still registered the difference between holding onto Kansaki and Shizuru's shoulders. The need to do so during the journey was absent here. The desperate urge to lean on a shoulder was gone.
It's really over…
Natsuki was unsure if she should thank God for it, but the emptiness she felt was brewing not too distantly in the near future. Brushing the thought away, she concentrated on the steps and prayed for the dance to finish any moment now. But the waltz went on and it was time to switch partners. Just when Natsuki grudgingly turned to her new possible partner, she wobbled to see that it was Shizuru again. But the taller girl just strode out of the dance floor. Natsuki took the opportunity to go as well, leaving Kansaki to match up with Shizuru's previous partner.
Lingering for a while at one of the doors to the balcony, Natsuki watched Shizuru grabbing a glass of champagne and quickly making her way to a quiet corner. Shizuru seemed to be slightly out of breath, hastily refreshing herself. One wouldn't have imagined how hard it was for the wounded girl to stay on her feet after the exertion, but Natsuki saw it through. Shizuru had done well so far, not ruining everyone's mood. Quietly, Natsuki approached the taller girl.
"You shouldn't be drinking this," Natsuki said, taking the glass from Shizuru's hand and washing down the drink herself.
Leaning back against the stony banister, Shizuru chortled at the payback. Avoiding the blatant stare from the older girl, Natsuki kept her gaze straight ahead. But she found the sight of the infinite land so empty even with the continuous sparkling fireworks. When the silence between them grew heavier, she decided to break it.
"The principal didn't just lend us the swords for protection, did she?"
Shizuru looked into the grand hall, watching Principal Kruger talking on a cell phone. "Unfortunately, we just happen to be the two bearers sort after for centuries."
"You make it sound like a bad thing."
"You almost got killed because Midori wanted the Sword of Numen. I'm sure many will try to claim the swords now that they're out in the open."
Natsuki looked down, and hoped that the dim light could hide her blushing cheeks. Blood still rushed through her veins whenever she thought of the battle of Gulzar, and how she and Shizuru fought to save one another from the terror of darkness. It all deeply surprised Natsuki how things had changed between them.
"I don't think she really expected this to come out of the two of us. She took a huge risk giving us the swords… It seems she's desperate for something," Shizuru said quietly, seemingly deep in her thought.
Natsuki watched the pale face in the flashing light from fireworks. "She's more than happy with the result though. She definitely has a plan for us."
Shizuru dryly smirked. "I don't like the sound of it."
"Neither do I," Natsuki said. A smile threatened to appear at the corner of her lips; Shizuru's smile was contagious somehow.
With droopy eyelids, Shizuru covered her mouth as she yawned.
"Just go to bed," Natsuki said. But she stopped when Shizuru instead moved closer and took her hand, holding it for a while. In silence, countless thoughts ran through her mind, contemplating whether to pull her hand back.
"It's been long overdue, but thank you."
Natsuki's head flopped in a rushed uncertainty. "I… thank you…"
Shizuru burst out into a giggle, knowing how hard for Natsuki to say it. She took liberty to wrap her arm around Natsuki's waist and swirled her in a dance according to the rhythm of the music playing inside.
Blushing, Natsuki blindly followed the unknown pace. Before she could tighten her grip around the other girl's shoulder, Shizuru playfully spun away, retreating back into the hall with a smile. The girl really needed a rest now, and Natsuki knew too well to stop her. Humming along the music, Natsuki kept her feet moving, watching Shizuru make her way through the crowd and out of the grand hall. She didn't know where the foreign steps would lead her, but she had faith in it. Dancing away into the night, the new journey had begun, and she couldn't wait to find what future had laid for her.