Hi everyone I'm back again , I know it's rare for me too update and thankyou for being patient I'm really sorry for that but this is my few months left at university so I'm like focused on doing my work on that my deadline will be in september and once that's done I'm finished! But hoping the long chapter is a make up, I'll have more time too write my stories I even get too start on the other stories that are in development such as more shiznat stories & sailormoon reixusagi so looking forward too that.
Now I do enjoy your reviews and thankyou it great too know how people are still enjoying the story and also guessing too, now I know that a lot of you have been saying about either no development an no solving problems and your wait is no more in the few chapters coming up the moment everyone been waiting for is coming up soon and danger! It shall be revealed!, I wonder what will happen too our heroines in this story, so im sorry if also my last chapter was bit dull an I did warn it was a slow one but only because of reasons which also brings about too this chapter too which I still can't believe I'm at this stage of my story I never thought it would be completed and it was also thanks too my good friend and proof reader antiope who also wrote in this chapter too, so I'm very happy I get too finally show this too you and also I think you will be happy in this chapter well hope so also it very hard trying too think of outfits for the party too but hopefully everyone will like it,.
Enjoy your reading an thankyou for waiting.
Howlingsilverwolf.
The ball
With the recent events that have been unfold everyone has been working more harder than ever, more determined to figure out what was going on since Nagi didn't give any information. Also Windbloom was back on track in repairs towards the city so it was more important to get the special event of the planet alignment which will fall the day after the engagement ball in which at Garderobe has been preparing for. The ball was prepared with food , lights, the musicians were practicing, Arashi wanted to make sure that everything will be great and to also have everyone enjoying themselves. She also wanted to please her going to be parent-in laws.
Whilst Arashi was making all the preparations, Natsuki wasn't feeling so great about this, it's been few days after everything happened with Shizuru and Natsumi and she hasn't been able to see them because she has been helping Arashi with this party. Now the day was finally here with this party and this proved that Natsuki must move forward away from Shizuru.
So now it was finally happening. The ball was tonight and everyone was busy preparing for it. Whilst getting dressed Natsuki finished the last reMaining touches to her outfit.
Natsuki was wearing white pants, black boots, long blue coat different to her usual coat: it had stylish patterns down the collars in gold, light blue waist coat with a long white tie tucked under the waist coat and white shirt underneath.
As she looked in the mirror still at realizing that this is it now once tonight is out the way they then make preparations for the wedding.
She didn't even notice that someone was knocking outside her door.
"Knock..knock" they said.
"Alyssa?" Natsuki said as she saw her sister coming into her room. Alyssa was wearing a green coat style that left open up but for the front it went down towards the waist whilst the back goes further down with slit at the back, in the middle a blue and gold stylish waist coat with a blue long tie similar to Natsuki with white pants and black boots.
"Better hurry up, the lovely Arashi is waiting for you along with your guests are arriving" she said sarcastically.
Natsuki faced still stoic as she continued looking through the mirror.
"Oh" she could only say.
"Is there something wrong, Onee-chan?" Alyssa asked worried.
"Arashi is obviously a charming girl but it's just..." Natsuki spun around to face her sister.
"It isn't love." Alyssa said.
Natsuki could only look down as soon as Alyssa said those words.
"It isn't Shizuru…" Natsuki murmured.
Before Alyssa could ask her to repeat Natsuki quickly changed the subject.
"We best head off now."
At Shizuru's apartment everyone was starting to get ready for the ball. They made sure that all the children were dressed formal, they bought the clothes a few days ago so now it was the parents turn in getting ready. Shizuru didn't had her outfit on yet, it was not even out of the black bag that was currently hung up. She just sat on the bed and gazed at it in wondering what was she doing.
She never even realized that Mai knocked on the door, she looked over to see Mai dressed in a nice orange long dress with a stylish white cardigan short sleeve, with a fire style pattern down the dress.
"Hey you're not ready yet? we should get going soon"
She noticed that Shizuru still hadn't moved from her spot. She sighed and looked back to her.
"Mai?" Shizuru asked.
"Yes?" Mai asked unsure about Shizuru acting strange.
"What do you think to fall in love is, how do you think it's like? Did you ever think you will find that special someone?"
Mai looked at her if she had something before, she wasn't sure how to answer that question.
"Where is this coming from?"
"Ara I…was just wondering erm.."
When Mai realized what she was on about and why Shizuru was acting gloomy, how could she not noticed her friend acting like this.
"Natsuki…" Mai said
Shizuru could only sigh at this.
"Yes…"
"Shizuru, are you sure you want to come tonight? Do you think you will be able to handle it?" Mai asked worried
"I appreciate that you are worried for me, thank you but I can assure you that I can. When I left Natsuki's apartment that day, I knew then that I had to say goodbye and by tonight plans I know there is nothing left but to move on from this."
Mai was shocked about what Shizuru had just said, did she really mean that? She would give up on Natsuki and their love? She found this really hard to believe. Is Natsuki really pushing her this far to not turn back? Is there now way to stop this?
"But… I'm in love with Natsuki from the moment I first laid eyes on her and watch her grow up to be the magnificent woman she has become. Even the moment when we broke up I still carried on supporting her no matter what by staying by her side, I thought it would be enough and maybe one day pray that she will come back to me."
Mai just stayed quiet as Shizuru carried on.
"Then when Natsumi came along I've never felt so happy. I thought that even if Natsuki wasn't by my side I still had a part of her that will be with me and that was Natsumi, she was my bundle of joy and I shall continue forever loving our child. I even thought this would be a great turning point for us to be together and watch Natsumi grow up and be a family, but I never in my wildest dreams could expect her to be getting married to someone else. But yet with the way things have been recently…"
Mai was looking at her, confused. Shizuru has not really told anyone at what happened during her night with Natsuki and Natsumi, of how Natsuki was acting that night.
"I feel so lost right now Mai of what is happening, one minute I see the old Natsuki with the way she looks at me, the way she comforts me when I worry about Natsumi from that day she was there and then for the last few days from returning back to my apartment and leaving Natsuki she returned back to Arashi back to being in love with her and setting up this ball I feel like I'm missing something here with the way she has been and why she's doing this."
Mai had to hold it in about spilling the beans to Shizuru, she really did wish she could just tell her.
"I don't want you to push yourself tonight Shizuru and I'm sure they will understand that you miss the ball."
"Ara thank you Mai but I must do this, I may not be able to be with Natsuki anymore so I will make sure to carry on being her oneesama and wishing her the best, now then I think it's time for me to be getting ready."
"Of course. We will wait for you outside."
"You don't have to, I'm not sure how long I'll be so you can go ahead to the ball and I'll bring Natsumi later on."
Mai nodded her head then before she walked out the door she turned back around to face Shizuru.
"Oh Shizuru about your question before, I think falling in love is finding something worth risking your life for, and it's also make each other truly happy."
Shizuru then smiled at the answer, she appreciated how Mai answered it for her, it was nice to hear it.
Mai walked out the room and shut the door behind. She sighed at what was happening and felt useless that she couldn't do or say anything. She also worried about how Natsuki is really sticking to this, she never understood why there was a arranged marriage, she knew that it still happens now but she never expected that Natsuki would fall into it but when she asked Alyssa about it but she changed subject. She turned round and looked back at the door of where her friend was currently getting ready behind from.
Natsuki, I hope you know what you're doing… by sticking to this marriage you are losing Shizuru and something tells me it might be for good, please Natsuki change your mind about this if you two are together then I'm sure you will find a way to overcome it… Mai prayed.
Meanwhile whilst walking down towards the ballroom.
"Alyssa, what do you think love is?" Natsuki asked.
Alyssa looked at her confused about where has this been coming from, but she knew that Natsuki must be feeling turmoil about this and only putting a brave face but maybe if Alyssa answered her question she might think about this marriage more.
Whilst thinking about her answer she started to blush on her cheeks as she was thinking about this sort of question about falling in love, she could only picture one thing in her mind whilst she was thinking this.
"Hmm…I believe it's finding the one you want to spend the rest of your life with, a connection meant to last a lifetime even the next one too." Alyssa said still blushing.
Natsuki could only stare in belief of how her younger sister had answered her question to which she never thought in that way of and she wondered if her sister felt like this way towards someone.
"You amaze me Alyssa with that knowledge of yours…well have you ever been in love then?"
Alyssa really did blush at that question, she never thought her own older sister would actually ask that.
"Perhaps."
Natsuki lifted her eyebrow at that comment and she wasn't sure how to respond to it, what she only did now is to wish her younger sister the happiness she deserved.
"Now that it's time to let go and start to move forward, there's nothing I can do, even you and our parents could try but it seems there's nothing that can stop this."
"Oneechan..."
"Alyssa, no matter what happens even this cannot be stopped promise me that you will find that true love and hold on to them. Do not let them go."
"I promise, Oneechan."
They continued on walking towards the corridor and into the ball. They stopped at the entrance first and noticed that quite a lot of guests have already arrived, Natsuki was starting to be nervous about all this, she hasn't seen Shizuru yet so she assumed that they haven't arrived yet, but she noticed Arashi was here though, she smiled at her before looking at her sister.
"So shall we." Natsuki said.
They continued to walk into the ball and greeted people along the way. Arashi came over to them, she was wearing a long black dress with a jewel style belt with black and red wrap around her waist but slide off a bit.
"Natsuki you're here, you look wonderful in that outfit!"
"Thank you. You look lovely too, that dress looks perfect on you." Natsuki answered.
Arashi giggled at this and gave Natsuki a kiss on the cheek, to which this made Alyssa cringed at.
"I don't see your parents arriving yet Natsuki."Arashi added.
"They'll be here soon. You know what it's like, they are older so they are starting to get slow in their age." Natsuki said.
Alyssa giggled again.
"I hope you're not talking about us, Natsuki-chan." a voice said behind
Natsuki could only shiver, she turned around and saw her parents there.
"Father, mother, you made it!" Natsuki went over and hugged them, and Alyssa also greeted them.
"Sorry we were late Natsuki, your mother was still deciding what outfit she wanted to wear tonight." Alexander said.
"What was that my dear?" Saeko said and he felt a chill down his spine and knowing his wife look.
"Er..er…I mean you look absolutely beautiful my dear." he managed to sputter out.
Saeko giggled at his reaction and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"That's good, now then Natsuki are you going to introduce us?"
"Of course… mother..father I would like you to meet her Highness Grand Duchess Arashi de Artai."
Then she looked to Arashi.
"This is my mother Saeko Kruger and my father count Alexander Kruger."
Arashi went forward and bowed in front of them.
"It's an honour to meet the both of you and thank you so much for attending this evening. I hope you two will enjoy your night."
"Thank you for your invitation." Alexander said.
"So would you like me to get you something to drink Arashi?" Natsuki offered.
"Ah that would be quite lovely, thank you Natsuki."
Alyssa asked if her parents wanted something too but they declined, saying that they were going to go and greet their friends who they saw that are already here.
"Well then if you would excuse us dears we shall leave the young ones to go and have fun." Saeko said.
Alyssa and Natsuki giggled at that comment their mother said.
"Of course. We also need to go and greet the rest of our guests too." Natsuki answered.
The parents excused themselves and walked towards the small group that looked similar to their age and from the way their smile at them also show a familiar face.
"Well…well…look who we have here, I see nothing changed with Saeko being in charge of you my friend." Shiro said.
Alexander blushed at that comment, but then he quickly snapped back realizing who it was.
"Shiro!"
Shiro and his wife along with Saeko and Henry giggled at their old friend's reaction.
"It's good to see you my old friend." Shiro said.
They all exchanged greetings and were all pleasantly happy to be reunited again.
"So I take it we are still pretty early because a few other guest haven't arrived, including your daughter, Henry." Alexander said.
"Yes…I'm sure that she will be arriving soon with Yukino."
"I think the children will be joining us this evening too." Shiro added.
Henry grinned at his oldest friends.
"I'm looking forward to seeing my grandchild again. That little Diana is really something!"
"So you have met your grandchild, that's great, me and Saeko are really looking forward to meeting Natsumi." Alexander said.
"You haven't met her yet?" Shiro asked surprised.
"No… We haven't really seen Natsuki lately. With all that's been happening with the recent attacks she remained really busy at Garderobe. She did however visit us before to tell us the news." Alexander explained.
"So tonight will be your first time meeting Natsumi." Shiro said.
"What is our grandchild like? Or look like? Saeko has been really excited meeting her and so am I." Alexander said.
Shiro could only smile at remembering his granddaughter.
"She really is a great kid, she takes a lot after Natsuki with the facial look and expressions she pulls and of course her blunette hair but she has Shizuru's eyes."
"So another Kruger eh?" Henry teased.
"Yep, but something tells me she also has a bit of Shizuru in there too. If my daughter is with her she will teach her a thing or two." Shiro said.
"I don't ever doubt that" Alexander replied.
"So I see that you have met your daughter's fiancée and the now Duchess of Artai. How are you feeling about all of this?" Shiro asked.
Alexander sighed as he watched his daughter from afar talking with her younger sister and Arashi.
"I can't really say much on the matter, we tried our best to cancel this but it wouldn't work. She does seem to be a nice girl though."
"Don't you think that's strange though for as to why it can't be cancelled? Surely the high council court of Windbloom could stop it, or maybe as your daughter is the political leader for Garderobe she must have some power now."
"I'm not sure, Alyssa has been staying at Windbloom for some time in investigating this problem and trying to find a way around it but at the moment it's not looking so well. This was all my fault."
Henry and Shiro looked at him worriedly.
"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself my old friend, these things happen." Shiro tried to comfort him.
"But this is costing your daughter's and mine's happiness, plus stopping my granddaughter being with both her parents." Alexander sighed.
"It was very hard times and we all were struggling, but I believe that Natsuki and Shizuru will find that happiness." Shiro said.
Alexander and Henry looked at him confused.
"How can you be so sure?" Henry asked.
Shiro gave off that smile as he looked back to his friends.
"Because they got Natsumi and she loves her parents, she believes in them, that child could bring about this and bring the will to fight."
Meanwhile while the men were talking Shizuma and Saeko were having their own ladies talk.
"So I see that this is still happening." she said as she looked towards Saeko who was currently looking at her eldest daughter with a worried look.
"We tried so hard to sort this out but the deal wouldn't break off, now our daughter is forced in this mess all because of what happened."
"What happened wasn't anyone's fault. They were hard times, you had no choice."
"I wished there was some other way."
"If only we have know then maybe we could have helped you."
"I don't think there was nothing you could have done." Saeko said sadly.
"It seems that Natsuki's fiancée is completely different from her brother as she has been taking over Artai affairs."
"Does Shizuru know about the arranged marriage?" Saeko asked.
"From the way I have spoken to her on the phone recently I don't think so."
Saeko looked shocked about this information.
"What! What is my daughter thinking in not telling Shizuru the truth?!"
"I really don't know but I'm more worried about what will happen between them in the future, especially with our grandchild."
"We can only hope."
Mashiro, Takumi, Arika, Nina and Nao all arrived at the ball and all were dressed up in glamour gowns and outfits. Mashiro gave them permission for tonight to wear outfits, they all were looking forward to tonight's event.
"Wow, this place is really nice!" Arika said who was wearing a nice long dark blue dress with frills around the edges of the top and has her hair down but with some pins in.
"Arika, behave!" Nina said curtly.
"Yeh I bet the oh so lovely Grand Duchess did all the work really for this instead of the Principal..." Nao said sarcastically. The red-haired girl was as carefree as ever and she decided to wear her usual Otome outfit. There's no way she could wear a dress for something boring like Natsuki's ball! After all being one of the Five Columns was quite prestigious, her usual outfit would be classy enough.
At least that was what she thought before she saw Nina wearing a simple but elegant dark green dress that emphasized well her young feminine curves.
"Now…Meister Juliet I want to enjoy my night and would rather not see a fight." Mashiro scolded.
"I'll be good if she stays the hell away from me tonight" Nao replied.
"Well I'm sure that this is her and the Principals' ball, she will most likely come to us, she enjoyed talking to us when she came over to visit." Mashiro said.
"Oh yes I must apologize to her for not being there that day." Takumi took part.
"Don't worry I'm sure that the Grand Duchess understood you wasn't well enough to be out of bed during that time." Mashiro said.
"Yes, I'm happy to be back to good health again, and thank you to all of you who came to visit me. Especially you, Queen Mashiro." Takumi said smiling at her.
Mashiro only blushed at the comment and turned her head to the side.
"It was nothing..."
Meanwhile Arika was looking around and she was starting to feel nervous. The last conversation she had with Alyssa was when she asked her to attend tonight's ball with her, but she found out that Alyssa had an urgent message from Garderobe and headed off early. She never understood of what Alyssa has been up to recently, but with the help of Nina and Mashiro she found a dress that she hope Alyssa would love her in.
"Arika, you're spacing out!" Nina said.
"Sorry Nina-chan, but I was looking for Alyssa. I can't seem to find her yet."
"It seems that miss Kruger is with the Principal and their family over there." Takumi said as he pointed out to her.
Arika turned round and saw Alyssa there in her outfit and it made Arika blush at how the way she was dressed, she had never seen anyone look so handsome….
Alyssa smiled at them and made her way over to them.
"Greetings everyone, are you all enjoying yourselves?"
"Yo! Alyssa, yeah everything seems to be going well, where have you been lately?" Nao asked.
"Sorry, I've had a message at Garderobe. It seems, they have helped me with a little problem I was dealing with."
"Is everything alright?" Takumi asked.
"Yes… speaking of which there something I must do."
She looked over to Arika and was shocked at seeing her there. What struck her the most was how Arika looked tonight with that dress on, with the way her hair was styled she really could see how Arika looked so radiant.
She quickly recovered from her shock with the help of Nao coughing, it managed to snap Alyssa out of the trance. Nao just smirked about this whilst Alyssa continued on gazing at Arika and smiled at her.
"Arika do you mind If I could just borrow you, I need to talk to you about something." Alyssa said
Arika looked confused at first before she looked over to Mashiro asking for permission.
"Don't worry Arika, Nina and Meister Nao are with me and Akira's guards are watching Takumi too so go and talk."
Arika nodded her head to thank Mashiro. She knew she was a good friend. Alyssa then opened her arm out to which Arika graciously clung onto and they both began to walk away to a more private location. Once they found a place, Arika let go at Alyssa and stood in front of her and she noticed how Alyssa really looked good with her outfit on.
Alyssa noticed how Arika was quiet and was looking at her she blushed a little.
"Arika…er...er…you look really beautiful in that dress." Alyssa said while trying to keep her blush down that was coming up her cheeks.
Arika went into a full blush at hearing Alyssa's comment.
"Thank you, you too look incredible in that outfit, it kinda makes you like a prince."
That's when Alyssa couldn't hold her cheeks so she too ended up blushing badly. After the two looked at each other a bit awkwardly, Alyssa remembered something about tonight that she missed to do.
" …I'm sorry that I wasn't able to escort you here tonight, even though I was the one who asked you." Alyssa said sadly.
"I...I…It's okay, we can still carry on and I know that you went through something important."
"It is, which is why I asked to speak with you because well it's regarding you." Alyssa was nervous about how she was going to bring this up, she worried if Arika was going to hate her for minding into her business.
Arika looked confused at what was going on.
"Alyssa?...what is it?"
Alyssa took a deep breath, she then carefully got closer to Arika and picked up both of her hands. Arika could feel that Alyssa was trembling a bit.
"Do you remember on that day out when we were attacked an you summoned Sapphir?"
"Of course! How could I forget that day, we've had a lot of fun together…Well, before… erm..." Arika was trying to sum it up.
Alyssa giggled at how Arika looked cute then.
"Do you also remember the conversation we had before about your parents?"
Arika nodded her head.
"I hope you will forgive me"
"Alyssa?"
"Well…lately…I kinda went and investigated about your parents and particularly your father."
"Wait...what, my father?"
"Yes…"
"Why?"
"You see, when we talked, you sounded sad when talking about them and I know about your mother, but what if your father was alive? So I also researched about the attack on Windbloom castle, maybe find some records, but no luck until I had a good friend who helped me find out some clues."
"What did they tell you?" Arika asked eagerly.
"Well unfortunately I haven't been able to find him, also I'm not sure if he is alive but I did find out that he was a professor and also his name."
"What was his name?"
"Shiro."
Until now Arika knew nothing about her father. Hearing his name now was kinda making him more real, as if before that she wasn't really sure he really existed. She was happy to learn even just a small bit about him, but she then remembered what else Alyssa said about him.
"So he may not be alive too..." Arika said sadly.
"I'm not sure. I've been looking through databases of the location of any your father profile would fit but so far nothing. I even traced down someone who knew him and he said that he has not seen him since that night Windbloom got attack and killed the late king and queen."
"Do you think he was at the castle when it all happen?"
"It's possible and maybe he could have escaped that night too, but I still believe he may be out there alive. That's why I'm not going to give up yet, I'll do everything in my power and resources to help."
"Why did you do this for me?"
"Well…erm, well I thought that this could make you happy. I know you're happy now but I thought this would also help you in some way."
Arika couldn't believe that the person in front of her now has done so much for her without her noticing, and not only that but to find out that her father could be alive, there may be a small hope but this was something.
She went over to Alyssa and kiss her on the cheek, to which Alyssa was really shocked at what Arika has just gone and done.
"Thank you for what you have been doing for me."
"Of course. I would do anything to make sure you're happy."
This made both them blush about Alyssa's comment, they were even starting to get butterflies in their stomachs.
"Well then shall we get back to the ball." Alyssa offered.
"Yes, I would like that."
Alyssa then guided the two back into the room and walked back up to the group of friends.
"So how did it go?" Nao asked sarcastically.
Without Arika hearing the two talk, Arika was telling the news to Mashiro, Takumi and Nina. Seeing Arika's face lightening up when talking to them really did made Alyssa smile.
"It went well, I won't rest now until I find out more about professor Shiro." Alyssa proclaimed.
Meanwhile Natsuki joined up with the group in greeting and started talking, whilst Arashi was near in talking with Yohko, Midori and professor Yukariko.
Natsuki was a bit out of focus though because she wondered what has happened to Mai or Shizuru: neither of them has turned up yet and she begun to worry if Shizuru was going to be here. Until she saw the entrance and noticed that Haruka, Yukino, Diana, Mia , Mikoto and Mai have all arrived, she excused herself from Alyssa's group and walked over to them. She noticed that none of the children's little Childs were with them.
"Hey Natsuki, you look great in that outfit." Mai complimented.
"Thank you Mai and you too also thank you all for being here tonight."
"Hmph!..."Haruka grumbled.
"Haruka…" Yukino sighed…afterwards.
"I'm sorry about Haruka, she's been a bit stressed lately with trying to unlock her powers." Yukino apologized.
Natsuki knew why Haruka didn't want to talk to her because of what happened between them previously.
"It's no problem Yukino I understand, I hope tonight you be able to have fun."
"Look Yukino, my father is here too, let's go over and say hi to him, I'm sure he wants to see Diana." Haruka said.
"Of course, please excuse us, Principal." Yukino said.
"Ah of course, please go on in and enjoy yourselves." Natsuki replied.
So the small family left and only Mai, Mikoto and Mia were left
"Mai, food!"
"Mikoto, you only just ate!"
"Please Mai!" Mikoto gave her a puppy pout face.
Mai sighed and ended up giving in.
"Alright, just make sure you don't eat all of it, and take Mia with you. I'm sure she's starting to feel hungry."
"Yes mama I'm feeling a bit hungry."
"Ok don't be too long because your uncle is here too. Mikoto, make sure you don't eat too much, I don't want you getting sick."
"I won't Mai, let's go then Mia" Mikoto then rushed over to the buffet table with the little girl.
"Sorry about Mikoto." Mai said.
"It's no problem, Arashi also made sure we had plenty of food for the rest of the guests too."
"so Arashi had set all this up, what did you do?" Mai asked.
"Erm...I'm never really good with this kind of stuff , I tried to help out as much as I can but I wasn't able to focus much on this."
Mai looked unsure about what Natsuki had said then she can see her friend's stoic face and knew how much she was putting up a wall.
"I didn't noticed Shizuru with you, is she and Natsumi coming down?" Natsuki asked shyly.
"She's running a little late in getting her outfit on."
"I see... " Natsuki looked a bit sad that they are not here yet.
"I'm sure she will be here soon and Natsumi is looking forward to seeing you."
"Well shall we go and speak to the other guests. I'm sure you want to say hello to Meister Arika."
"Yeh sounds great. Let's go."
After going to greet the other guests and talking on Mia to greet her uncle whilst Mikoto was still eating, Natsuki still looked worried as to Shizuru still hadn't turned up yet she was starting to wonder if she has changed her mind.
"Ara I hope we weren't late." a voice said behind.
Natsuki instantly recognized the voice and turned around but what she didn't expect though was seeing such a gorgeous woman in a beautiful long slim purple gown, showing off her radiant smile towards her.
"Mommy!" Natsumi shouted and ran into Natsuki giving her a hug, whilst Natsuki anticipated the hug she quickly opened her arms waiting for Natsumi to go into, luckily she managed to snap out of her thoughts.
She hugged her tightly, it was always good for her to hold her daughter she truly missed this little one.
"Hey there kiddo….Wow! Look at you all dress up"
She noticed that Natsumi was really a tomboy and did not wear a dress tonight. She wore white pants, brown boots, a blue short sleeve tunic with yellow for the rims of the outfit, white borders around the collar and sleeves then a long lighter blue sleeve with white cuffs. To complete this a belt was covered around the tunics and near the top of the collar there was a green stone that looked similar to Natsuki's tie but it was more like shape of a shield with a border around instead of round.
"Mommy! Mama looks so pretty too!"
"Ara Natsumi is so sweet to be praising her mama like that!"
Natsuki looked up and saw Shizuru standing there remaining silent, she must have enjoyed watching the interaction between them if she didn't said anything, but Natsuki knew then that Shizuru looked beautiful out of all the people in the room, she really couldn't stop staring at her.
"Shizuru…" Natsuki could only say...
"Ara... Natsuki staring at me in that way, I wonder what she could be thinking of, maybe she's mostly looking forward to what is under here." Shizuru teased.
"Baka!" Natsuki said before she looked back up to her again.
"You look beautiful Shizuru." Natsuki added honestly after a silence.
This struck Shizuru, she never anticipated that.
"Ah Meister Shizuru, welcome!" Arashi said coming towards them with Saeko, Alexander, Shiro and Shizuma.
"Hello Grand Duchess Arashi." Shizuru answered.
"Ara my little Shizuru looks so wonderful tonight!" Shizuma said.
"Ookini mother."
"Ah Shizuru it's been such a long time!" Saeko said.
She could only smile at the woman in front of her, she was always happy in seeing the Krugers, she bowed politely towards the count and wife in showing her respect.
"It's good to see you again."
"Oh stop that now, you have known us for a long time now, forget that being polite, come over here and give us a hug." Saeko said in which she ended up giving her and Alexander a hug.
Then the Krugers noticed that Natsuki was with Natsumi.
"Is that Natsumi?" Alexander said.
"Yes it is." Shizuru said.
They can see the child looking nervous at them, so Shizuru went over towards Natsuki and Natsumi to help ease the child.
"Natsumi…I would like you to meet my parents and your grandparents." Natsuki said.
"Ara come on Natsumi, remember what is said about greeting people."
"Yes mama." she bowed her head in front of them.
"My name is Natsumi Kruger. It's nice to meet you." Natsumi said nervously and immediately returned to her parents' side.
Saeko slowly approached the child, she knew immediately of who she resembles especially her shy character then, she couldn't but remember the times when Natsuki was at this age, she smiled at Natsumi.
"Hello Natsumi, I'm your mommy's mother. You can call me gran gran" Saeko said.
"Gran gran?" Natsumi repeated.
"Yep, and this is your mommy's father." Saeko added.
"Hello little one you can call me grandpa Alex , it's so nice to meet you." Alexander said.
Natsumi tried not to be nervous and slowly went towards them and gave Saeko a hug to which startled the older woman because she never expected the child to warm up to her quickly, she immediately returned the hug.
"Mommy looks a lot like gran gran."
"Don't remind me..." Natsuki sighed, which made Shizuru giggle at the side.
Saeko heard her daughter's comment and gave a quick glare before returning back to her grandchild.
"Natsumi is the most cutest child ever! Isn't that right dear?"
"Of course, may I also have one of your special hugs too, Natsumi?" Alexander begged.
"Uhn!" She happily replied in giving Alexander a hug.
"Hey Alex, surely you can't forget about us too!" Shiro said.
"Baka! We want to see Natsumi first, you already met her."
"Aww but Natsumi is so cute! I want to see my granddaughter too!" Shiro said.
"Well you're going to wait for a while." Alexander said.
Shiro pouted, which made Natsumi giggle at how her grandfathers were so silly towards one another.
"Ah Dad, I was wondering if I could take Natsumi back now, I would like her to meet Arashi." Natsuki asked.
Alexander gave Natsumi back to Natsuki, then she put her down and went behind her and placed her arms on her. During that time Shizuru was near Natsumi and Natsuki already in case Natsumi needed her.
Arashi approached Natsuki and Natsumi slowly.
"Natsumi I would like you to meet Arashi." Natsuki said.
"Arashi, this is mine and Shizuru's daughter…Natsumi." Natsuki added.
"Hello Natsumi, it's so nice to meet you! I heard a lot of great things coming from your mother."
Natsumi didn't know why, but by hearing this voice she was starting to feel really scared of her, she wished she had Fenrir next to her.
Shizuru could see her daughter looking a bit frightened of the woman and she didn't know why. She walked closer to her daughter in a mother protecting her child.
"Ara I'm sorry your royal highness, Natsumi is still not very good in meeting new people all at once, this is the first time she met so many people and been out in the open."
Natsumi went closer towards Shizuru so she was in between both Natsuki and Shizuru feeling both her mothers' warmth with Shizuru soothing her head in trying to calm the young child down.
"It's alright, Meister Shizuru I understand..I hope that I didn't scare her too much." Arashi said worriedly.
"I'm sure that once Natsumi gets to know you better she will calm down." Natsuki said.
"Of course I hope she will do. Natsuki we need to go and prepare our speeches, it's coming up by now."
"Ah of course. Well then, Shizuru please look after Natsumi." Natsuki asked.
"Of course" Shizuru said.
She rubbed Natsumi's head affectionately as she and Arashi excused themselves, meanwhile Saeko approached Shizuru and her granddaughter.
"Shizuru…I'm so sorry about what has happened with everything that has ended with you and our daughter, especially now since we got a cute granddaughter from you two."
"I understand these things tend to happen and I know that Natsuki is in love with Arashi, so I hope that she will be happy and she will still be a part of Natsumi's life too." Shizuru said with a soft sad smile.
Saeko looked confused at this on why Shizuru thought that Natsuki was in love with Arashi.
"But Shizuru…Natsuki doesn't.." Saeko got interrupted.
Their conversation was interrupted when Natsuki was shouting to get everyone attention.
"May I have everyone attention?"
Everyone was starting to look towards Natsuki and Arashi.
"On behalf of me and my fiancée, I would like to thank you everyone for being here." Arashi started.
Shizuru's stomach started to churn when Arashi was talking about Natsuki as her fiancée, even Natsuki found it awkward when she said that.
"We really appreciate everyone for taking their time to come tonight, we also hope that you are enjoying this evening." Arashi continued.
Everyone applauded them for their speech. Then the continue of the party was going on even some guests was up and dancing the traditional dances of the waltz.
"So little Kruger are you going to ask Arika to dance tonight? I'm sure with the way you've been looking at her all night you want to." Nao teased, which ended up making Alyssa blush on her cheeks.
"Baka Nao…I'm just waiting for the right time, that's all."
"Uh-huh…I'm sure you were."
"Anyway what about you, don't you want to ask Nina to dance?"
"Like she would want to dance with me! "
"So what are you two talking about this time?" Mashiro, Takumi, Arika and Nina came closer.
"Oh Nao here was telling me how much she wanted to dance tonight but she was too scared to ask someone."
Nao looked in dread in what Alyssa just said and she knew it was payback about the little comment before and she knew she was going to kill a certain Kruger later.
"Ah yes everyone seems to be starting to dance now." Mashiro said.
Takumi took this chance.
"So Mashiro would you do me the honour of dancing with me?" Takumi asked as he took his hand out.
This made Mashiro blush whilst Arika was squealing at the sidelines watching the cute interaction. Nao and Alyssa smirked at how the prince was being bold tonight.
Mashiro ignored the looks and grins she was receiving from them and looked at Takumi and smiled at him.
"Yes I will accept." to which she took his hand and he led her to the dance floor.
The four at the side were glad at seeing Mashiro looking happy. She really has come a long way from when the prince arrived in Windbloom about the whole marriage situation.
Alyssa then looked towards Nina and Arika and she saw Arika smiling at Mashiro and Takumi but she caught Nina glancing sideways in looking at Nao, and Alyssa knew straight away that she was hoping for the older Otome to ask her. Judging by how Nina looked she was scared in asking her and with the way her friend Nao was being now she thought these two needed a little push.
"Meister Nina, I was wondering if maybe you could help me with something." Alyssa asked.
Nina looked confused about this because usually Alyssa would ask Arika.
"Of course miss Kruger. What would you need help with?"
"Well I was wondering if maybe you could dance with Meister Nao. I've been curious of how Garderobe is teaching you girls in how to dance, I would love to see this."
"W-w-what!" Both Nao and Nina blushed at this.
"Erm ...of course I would love to…Nao...would you..you like to dance? "Nina asked
Nao gave up, she knew that Alyssa had helped her and she will probably thank her later on about this.
"Sure come on, let's dance." Nao grabbed Nina's hand and led her onto the dance floor.
Alyssa giggled about this. She was hoping that Nao wouldn't kill her.
"Thank you for what you did there." Arika said.
"You knew what I was doing?"
"yes I'm sure Nina was nervous in wanting to dance with her tonight."
"I…see... So, erm, do you have a specific person you would like to dance with tonight?" Alyssa asked, she didn't know why but she was even starting to get nervous.
"Erm yes but they haven't asked me to dance yet." Arika said nervously too.
That's when Alyssa knew then that it was time to make her move.
"Then Meister Arika, would you like to dance?"
Arika beamed at her in pure happiness, she took her hand.
"Yes of course I will."
This made Alyssa very happy. She knew that tonight things have been going great with making Arika happy and she wanted to make sure that she would carry on.
Haruka, Yukino and Diana went over to greet Henry Armitage.
"Now there is my favourite family tonight and my cute granddaughter!"
"Grandpa!" Diana said and ran over to hug him to which he returned gladly while laughing..
Haruka and Yukino smiled at their daughter.
"Now I can't forget about my darling daughter and Miss President" Henry teasingly said.
"Mou... Father you know Yukino prefer you to call her Yukino when it's just us, honestly she's one of the brandy." Haruka reprimanded.
"It's family Haruka-chan." Yukino said.
"That what I just said Yukino."
Henry laughed at Haruka's comment before greeting them two properly with a hug.
Henry noticed something seemed different with the way these two seemed to be interacting, it looked like they were closer, more concerned for one another, even when Haruka mentioned Yukino being one of the family and that's when Henry realized it especially the way when Haruka was holding Yukino's hand along the way here, he was secretly very happy about this.
"Now then you two forget about me, I'll want to dance with my granddaughter so you two should go and dance too."
"Of course shall we Haruka." Yukino said.
"Let's do it!"
Nao and Nina dancing around….
"Nao, I've never knew you were such a good dancer."
"Well when you're stuck at Garderobe you pretty much have no choice in the matter."
Nina giggled at that part.
"Yes you are right, but thank you though for dancing with me, I'm enjoying my night"
Nao gave her a soft sad smile.
"Well I hope that you will also enjoy this too."
Nina looked at her confused.
"What do you mean?"
"May I cut in?" a voice said behind.
Nina turned round and noticed the figure there. She couldn't believe it the one person who she thought she would never see again.
"Sergay?"
Whilst Natsuki was with Mai and her parents she noticed that her sister wasn't around. She moved her head to try and find her, she was curious at what happened to her.
"Hey Mai have you seen Alyssa? I can't seem to find her."
"Hmm…I seem to recall that she was dancing with Meister Arika."
She then pointed towards the dance floor and she was right, she saw them two dancing with each other and from the looks of it they were happy.
"With Meister Arika?" Natsuki asked incredusly.
Mai just looked at her and thought how could she not noticed…
"Come on Natsuki, have you not seen the signs?"
"What signs? What are you talking about?"
"Baka! The way Alyssa and Arika share that look of where there no one else in the world only them gazing at each other."
"Wait! Mai, you think that Alyssa and Arika like each other?"
"Yes! That's exactly what I've been trying to say!"
"Ah"
Mai gave her an all knowing look. They continued looking forward at watching the pair dancing , Natsuki also took a quick glance towards Shizuru and Natsumi who looked to be dancing. Natsuki smiled at watching her daughter dancing with Shizuru, she wished she could go over to them. Mai noticed the look and where Natsuki was looking at and smiled at this.
"You know I do remember a time when you used to give Shizuru that look when dancing."
"Mai, don't start, not tonight" Natsuki gave her a stern look.
"I just don't understand you Natsuki, how can you carry on through this? Don't you see this isn't doing any of you good? Think about what you could be losing and also who."
Mai moved her eyes to the side and Natsuki took a quick glance and looked at Shizuru but then she took a different glance at Alyssa and Arika.
"I do all the time, that's why I'm happy that Alyssa can avoid this too, I want her to be happy and free, I promised that I would always look out for her."
Mai looked at her confused.
"What does this have to do with Alyssa?"
Natsuki didn't look at her but instead focused on the dance floor.
"Nothing."
"Well this is certainly surprising, Natsuki who is your sister dancing with?" a voice said next to them.
Natsuki and Mai turned towards them and noticed it was Saeko and Alexander with grins on their faces.
Natsuki sighed.
"That's Meister Arika, she's the Otome for Queen Mashiro." Natsuki said.
"Ah so she's the one who saved everyone, I must say they look happy." Saeko said.
Alyssa and Arika decided to take a break from dancing. They noticed that Mashiro and Nina were still dancing so they walked over back towards Natsuki and the others.
"Ah welcome back little sister. It seems you got some admirers." Natsuki said.
Alyssa looked at her confused.
"So my little Alyssa, aren't you going to introduce us?" Saeko asked.
She didn't like the gleamed look in her mother's eyes, she knew what her mother like so in the end she could only sigh.
"Of course Mother, this is Meister Arika Yumemiya of the Blue Sky Sapphire, the Otome for Queen Mashiro of Windbloom."
Alyssa then looked towards Arika.
"Arika this is my mother Saeko Kruger and my father Alexander Kruger"
Arika bowed in front of them, looking a bit nervous because she was actually meeting Alyssa and also the Principal's parents.
"Pleased to meet you." Arika said.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too Meister Arika. We heard so much about you from the news, I must say you are doing excellent for Windbloom." Alexander said.
Arika blushed at the man's comments.
"Thank you for your kind words, sir." Arika said.
"Wait, the Blue Sky Sapphire, so are you Lena's daughter?" Saeko asked.
Arika looked shocked about this.
"Yes…you know my mother?"
"Of course. When I was based down Windbloom I had the company of meeting her, I also didn't expect that one of my apprentice was seeing her too." Saeko said.
"Wait, apprentice? Mom did you mean professor Shiro?" Alyssa asked.
"Why yes, he was one of my best students. I taught him a lot of things and encouraged him to travel around. I used to receive many letters from him on his adventures. How do you know him?"
"He's my father." Arika said for the first time being able to say those words and also knowing the truth of who her father really was, with also receiving this shocking news.
Saeko, Natsuki and Mai looked all shocked to be hearing this news because this was the first time they had heard of this.
"Arika, now you know who your father is?" Mai asked.
"Yes…Alyssa was the one who found out for me."
Natsuki didn't expect her sister would have done this.
"Alyssa?" Natsuki was unsure.
Alyssa blushed about this and gave her a confirmed nod.
"Oh my, I really do see Shiro in you too, my goodness I didn't expect this at all!" Saeko said.
"Mother, have you had any recent contact with professor Shiro?" Alyssa asked hopefully.
Saeko shocked her head sideways.
"I'm sorry. I haven't spoken to him for many years now, actually before the attack on Windbloom castle. I thought he had died too." She said sadly.
Arika was sad about this, she knew there was a small chance that he could be alive or made some contact. Alyssa placed a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her.
"Don't worry we'll find him, Rad believes he's still out there and I'll do whatever it takes to help find him."
Arika smiled softly at Alyssa and knew she was right, no matter the chances are she believed that her father is out there somewhere.
Mother…please help me to find him. Arika prayed silently.
Meanwhile Natsuki looked on from that conversation her mind began to drift and led towards the dance floor where she saw her daughter dancing with Shizuru, it brought warmth to her heart watching them and seeing Natsumi looking happy.
Natsumi was dancing with Shizuru for a bit when she dragged her over to Natsuki, Shizuru looked confused at her daughter as she was dragged towards the others and they noticed the recent incomers.
"Hello Natsumi is there something wrong?" Saeko asked.
"Gran Gran…Mommy and Mama should dance with each other."
Natsuki blushed about this.
"Wait what!"
"Oh I would love to see that too, wouldn't you agree Alyssa?" Mai grinned.
"Of course. After all we wouldn't want to disappoint my niece now." Alyssa teased.
"Shut up you two! I don't dance!" Natsuki shouted.
"Ara I think Natsuki must have forgotten how to dance... Ikezu! Natsuki after all the practice we did..." Shizuru said with an exaggerated sniff.
3…2…1…. "Shizuru!"
They all giggled at Natsuki's reaction.
"I said I don't dance but I never said I couldn't." Natsuki replied.
"I would love to see Natsuki dancing." Arashi said.
Natsuki looked up and noticed that Arashi was there now with them and from the sound of it had heard what Natsumi wanted her to do.
"Wait Arashi, are you okay with this?" Natsuki asked.
"I've heard that Meister Shizuru was the one who taught Natsuki and I haven't seen you dance of all night. Why not start off by dancing with your Oneesama ? And Natsumi would love to see this too. It's only a dance" Arashi said.
Natsuki and Shizuru looked awkwardly at each other first before Natsuki opened her hand towards her.
"Shall we?" Natsuki asked.
Shizuru could see the love and affection in Natsuki's eyes like the first time she started to develop feelings for her, that smile which made her stomach do flips.
She smiled and place her hand on top of hers.
"Of course."
They excused themselves and both went towards the dance floor, in which just in time the next song turned out to be a slow dance and soon tension was starting to come up.
They awkwardly came closer to each other and started to waltz. Their movements were so in sync, no slips up , no one stepping on toes, it was like they each knew where the other was going and reacted to it. Everything looked so graceful, their families looked at the side seeing the interaction, Mai noticed this too and smiled at them.
They look so happy together…they should be together.
Natsumi grinned at her parents dancing.
"Aunty Mai… Mommy and Mama are so cool!"
Mai giggled at the little girl.
"Yes Natsumi, indeed they do."
Whilst they were swaying into the music completely in sync with one another they both entered into another world of memories. Natsuki recalled the time when Shizuru first taught her to dance.
Flashback…
Garderobe dance room…
Shizuru was in Pearl year whilst Natsuki was a Coral. Natsuki had asked if Shizuru could meet her here in which gladly Shizuru accepted, she was curious as to why her girlfriend asked her to come here.
She entered the room and noticed how spacious it was with the wooden floor and the mirrors on one side, she recalled that this room can also teach ballet.
She saw Natsuki over near a old music box that looked like it can play records and was currently playing, she approached her girlfriend, Natsuki noticed that someone was here, she looked up and saw Shizuru to which she felt happy but also nervous.
"Sorry I'm late Natsuki, I was at a meeting with the Trias and you know how Haruka likes to keep on talking."
"it's okay. I was busy preparing anyway."
This made Shizuru curious now to what Natsuki was planning.
"Ara Natsuki, are you planning of booking this room to have your wicked way with me?" Shizuru said teasingly.
Which ended up making Natsuki blush furiously.
"Shizuru!"
She giggled at how cute Natsuki looked. She couldn't help teasing her girlfriend. She approached her and gave her a sweet hug which was gladly returned back.
"Sorry Natsuki, I couldn't help myself."
"It's okay Shizuru, I accept you for who you are, even if you tease me."
"So what brings you to ask me to meet here and why did you book this room?"
This was the part where Natsuki was getting a bit nervous, she didn't know how to ask her.
Shizuru picked up on her behaviour and was bit concerned about it.
"Natsuki, is there something you need?"
"Umm" Natsuki fidgeted on the spot, she didn't believe that it wouldn't be embarrassing to say this to her girlfriend.
"I need your help with something."
"Go on." Shizuru encouraged her.
" The truth is I don't really know how to dance. With the lessons that have been going here I wasn't good and there's going to be a dance exam. I didn't want to ask Mai about this because she would tease me. Besides, I know that you are a really good dancer."
Shizuru was shocked that Natsuki didn't know how to dance.
"Ara that's all? Of course I can help, I be gladly to do it."
"Really, you don't mind?"
"It's not a problem and like I said I will gladly help you."
Natsuki picked up the tone Shizuru used and it sounded like almost eager but also excited.
"You're going to have to take the lead in this okay? So follow my steps, we will go slowly." Shizuru said.
She grabbed Natsuki hand's and escorted her down into the middle of the room. She noticed that the music was on during the whole time she was there and now she was listening to what kind of song it was.
Shizuru put her hand on Natsuki's back, placed Natsuki's hand on her shoulder, then she placed Natsuki's other hand and held it tightly with her own. She smiled and slowly explained everything.
"Now I want you to put your elbow like this and when I count up to three I want you to move along with me. Good. For now just watch my feet one-two-three when you dance, listen to the count."
"Okay." Natsuki got ready in her position. "Now one-two-three, one-two-three" Shizuru was saying and slowly moving her and Natsuki around, she moved her foot forward, Natsuki moved her back for a bit. Soon Natsuki got used to the footwork and Shizuru's counting.
"There you go, now let's pick up the pace and go a bit faster and to this time not look down, try to look into my eyes." "Now again one-two-three, one-two-three" Shizuru repeated herself.
They danced for a while, Natsuki seemed to get used to the movements and the basic,s they even begun spinning with one another.
"Ara Natsuki, you're doing so well! I'm sure you will be able to pass the exam." Shizuru was pleased with Natsuki's efforts paying off and also getting used to taking the lead.
Natsuki could only smile at her Oneesama.
"Well what can I say, I have a great teacher."
"And a great girlfriend." Shizuru added that extra part on the end.
Natsuki blushed at her but smiled back at her.
" Yes of course you are a great girlfriend, thank you Shizuru." Natsuki said and pulled the surprised Shizuru into a kiss…
End of flashback…back into the ball
Shizuru loved the way Natsuki was leading them around, she felt like she was in some sort of fairytale.
"Ara Natsuki I do have to say that your dancing has come a long way."
"Well what can I say, I had a great teacher." Natsuki replied.
Shizuru smiled at this fond memory, she knew Natsuki must have thought about that time too…
"Indeed you truly became a splendid dancer." Shizuru said.
Natsuki looked into her eyes.
"Shizuru…you really do look amazing tonight…thank you for being here."
"I would always be here for you Natsuki whether you're with someone else or not."
Natsuki looked into her eyes, those beautiful crimson eyes. She knew that she really couldn't hold out for much longer, this was breaking her apart.
"Shizuru…I…I " Natsuki tryed to get her words together.
Shizuru then knew that there was something important Natsuki was trying to say but the question was what.
"Excuse me, mind if I cut in?" a voice said.
They both looked to the side and noticed that it was Arashi there.
"No… of course." Shizuru said
Natsuki looked a bit hesitant for a second whilst she saw Shizuru backing away from the dance floor. Then she returned back her glance towards Arashi who was in the same position Shizuru was in before and continue on dancing with her.
As Shizuru walked off the dance floor, Yukino and Haruka were near her they approached her, Yukino noticed the look on Shizuru's face.
"Shizuru, are you alright?"
"Ara yes, Yukino."
"You're sad." Haruka said.
"Oh, no I'm fine."
"Ok" Yukino wasn't sure how to reply to her, she wished she could do something but with the way things were she was worried. Haruka noticed Yukino and placed a hand on her shoulder to show comfort to her. Yukino looked back at Haruka, she only saw her now fiancé grin at her.
"They'll be okay, those two idiots only look floss but they will end up finding a way." Haruka said
Yukino knew she was trying to cheer her up but she didn't know what floss meant to say. Then she realized it meant lost but nonetheless Yukino was lucky to have Haruka with her now and to have mutual feelings, she kissed her on the cheek to which only Haruka could grin about it.
They didn't noticed though whilst there were in their own world that Shizuru looked on toward the dance floor seeing Natsuki and Arashi dancing together. This scene tore her heart.
(sighs) Shizuru looked back towards Yukino.
"Ara Yukino could you and Haruka watch over Natsumi please?"
Yukino understood about Shizuru's request.
"Of course we will." Yukino answered.
She smiled at them in appreciation whilst she exited out of the ball room and went outside.
Nao was watching from the side, seeing Nina and Sergay dancing. She knew that what she was doing was the right decision.
"You know, you really are an idiot." a voice said to her at the side.
Nao choose to ignore the comment, but yet the voice continued on.
"I never thought that you would do this, Nina was happy at Windbloom and also with you around."
"Even so Alyssa, but that's not the reason I was doing this though, I received a letter back awhile ago from Sergay asking about Nina, he never really bothered much as of now until the last letter he sent me changed that." Nao said as she looked towards her friend now.
"What did it say?"
"He said that he remembered who he was, he remembered being Nina's father."
"You cannot let this go, Nina has moved on from him."
"Maybe she has or hasn't but that's why I invited him tonight so he could tell Nina the truth and to also let Nina decide what she wants to do. You know my job from principal was to make sure that Nina is well and happy an that's exactly what I'm doing, I'm letting her have a choice now in what she wants to do."
"Do you think she will choose him?"
"A part of me thinks she will go back to that life up in the mountains but then the recent changes in her with being a Otome really brought her round again she wasn't just a carer in looking after Sergay, she had a duty to her queen, she had her friends around, she finally wanted to do what she always wanted."
"You forgot something."
"Oh?"
"You forgot that she had someone like you in her life to live again, to give her back her precious memories of her parents, to make her really smile."
Nao chose to remain silent after that for she was unsure about that, all the cards were out now, only Nina must now make choice to give up her life and be with Sergay or to stay with everyone and stay with her.
Meanwhile with Sergay and Nina dancing.
Nina wasn't exactly sure what was happening. She was dancing with the man she once thought of as her father and who she fell in love with but it wasn't the same, he was different and so was she.
"You've changed." Sergay said, which snapped Nina out of her thoughts. She looked at him confused, he noticed that and started to giggle.
"It seems whilst you're here, you have become a great Otome. I'm so proud of you to be able to achieve your dream but also you seem that… I don't know like… you're complete."
"Sergay why did you come here tonight?" Nina asked.
"I received a letter from Nao to invite me up here tonight. She told me all your recent adventures."
She didn't know that Nao has been talking to him.
"There something else too of the reason why I came down here to see you ….Nina I remember."
Nina was shocked about this, she didn't think in her wildest dreams that Sergay would remember who he is.
"You've remember..?" Nina asked unsure about it.
He smiled at her and nodded.
"Nina, I would like you to come back with me and hopefully start over again. We belong no longer to Artai, we can start fresh back into the mountains "
"B-b-but that would mean to leave everyone here..." Nina thought to leave Nao…the one person who has helped her through so much, even whilst Sergay was in front of her now claiming to remember. This should be Nina's happiest moment in her life but all she could think of now was still Nao…
"I know it's a big step and also you have come so far, when I noticed you dancing before I saw how much you have grown into a stunning woman you are now, you may not have to decide tonight if you like."
Nina closed her eyes and thought about everything that has happened, even whilst she was dancing with him she could still see Nao's face and when she saw Nao leave her it hurt her. She opened her eyes and scanned around the room and saw the person who she thought of staring back at her. Nina could see a slight difference in Nao's face, she might put up a front now but she could definitely see something else in her eyes and it was not happy. She returned back to Sergay.
"Sergay…father…I…thank you for what you have done for me, in rescuing me from that place, giving me a home and also become your daughter, but I'm sorry I cannot go back with you, I have made a life down here, I serve my queen but also protect my friends and…also someone…my heart belongs to someone else now."
Sergay sighed and he did look a bit disappointed with the answer but he knew that all he wanted was for Nina to be happy.
"I hope that person knows that they do hold it and will return your feelings, if you ever need anything then please let me know, I'll always be your father and support you if you would like."
"Thank you. I would love for you to carry on being my father and I hope that person will realize."
Sergay stopped dancing for a moment and gave Nina a hug. After the hug they continued on dancing.
Nao and the others were shocked at what has happened even Arika was shocked about Sergay being there but also was worried about Nina.
"D-did.. Nina agree?" Arika asked as she looked towards Alyssa, who also looked as confused as her.
"I don't know…" Alyssa then noticed Nao's expression into a sad one and was holding her fists together.
"Looks like she made her decision." Nao whispered.
Whilst dancing with Arashi, Natsuki was starting to feel sad about the warm feeling she felt gone, from that warm lingering touch that kept her dancing seemed to be gone.
Arashi noticed that Natsuki wasn't looking well.
"Natsuki?"
"I'm sorry Arashi, I'm not myself. I think I became a bit dizzy from dancing around."
"Oh dear I'm so sorry."
"Don't. It was me, I'm the one who kept on going but don't worry I'm just going to get some fresh air. Maybe then I shall feel better."
"Would you like me to keep you company?"
"No it's alright I'll be fine, anyway one of us needs to stay with the ball otherwise it would look bad if both of us are gone especially if it is for us."
Arashi giggled about that.
"Of course. Are you going to be alright?" Arashi asked.
"I will be. If I still not feel well then I shall retire for the night and let you know, I'm sorry about this."
Arashi placed her hand on her cheek and stroked it.
"It's alright I just want you to feel well. Please be careful if you are going outside alone." Arashi said.
Natsuki smiled at her to show her gratitude about how Arashi has been kind towards her.
"Thank you."
She bid goodbye and headed off.
Mai saw this and was worried about her friend, she really didn't like seeing how her two friends were being torn up. Alyssa saw this too and was worried about Natsuki, she knew that there was not much time left, if something needed to change then it was Natsuki's attitude: she must not give up. The young girl didn't know what could bring her sister back but then she realized Natsuki wasn't the only person who was feeling like this and she believed that she may be the one who can help her sister. Alyssa then knew this would go behind her sister's back but she could no longer sit on the side and watch all this happening. With determination in her eyes she decided it was time to act!
At the enemy lair…
The day was coming towards the attack against the nations, everyone has been rushing off their feet in preparing for battle with setting the M-10 into positions, making sure they all were ready and were functioning perfectly. The soldiers were loading up their weapons. Kiyo and Bee recovered from their wounds and have been training again with Duran who has been making sure to train them harder for what was about to come but however she got this odd feeling that she couldn't seem to describe ever since she encountered the Otomes in Windbloom on their day out. Why did she stop in her tracks of seeing that particular Otome, the one in purple?
Duran was walking back from the training center where she did some last minute training in. As she was walking she had that constant thought about that Bewitching Amethyst.
Why..did I stop when I saw her? Something triggered inside me but I can't seem to shake this stupid feeling. It feels like I'm forgetting something important…This doesn't make any sense! Maybe is she the one that could help me figure it all out, perhaps I might need to face her in order for me to find out.
Duran loaded a gun out of the air and looked at it.
"Bewitching Ameythst, whoever you are I shall have my answers one way or another, I will not fail this mission!"
Outside on the balcony
Shizuru was gazing out into the stars, hoping for some answers that would tell her why this has happened and why Natsuki has to be with someone else… the moment they almost kissed…Shizuru knew then she could tell that there was some love in her eyes for her, the old Natsuki was there even when they were dancing before, every step was like a message to Shizuru telling her…but yet her heart ached…she wished there was answers to all of this but in the end she must realize that the one she loved was getting married and there was nothing she could do…especially when Natsuki said she loved Arashi.
"It's a lovely evening, isn't it?" a voice said behind.
Shizuru was shocked about how she ended up lost in thoughts, she spun around and noticed Alyssa there, she smiled at her.
"Ara Alyssa forgive me I didn't noticed you were behind me."
"You don't have to apologize, it was entirely my fault for starting. Although to be able to get behind the great Bewitching Amethyst is certainly a great achievement" Alyssa said teasingly.
Shizuru put her finger on her chin and looked like she was in a thinking position.
"Ara Alyssa is so mean maybe I should tell Arika about your behaviour, I wonder what she will think?"
She then smiled at her in a devious way. Alyssa picked up on what she said and quickly blushed.
"T.t.t.t.t there's nothing going on I don't know what you mean." Alyssa said as she turned her head the other way in a pouting face looking like Natsuki.
Shizuru giggled at Alyssa's cuteness.
"Ara you can't fool me remember…Arika is a good person"
Alyssa smiled at the comment.
"Yes she is…"
"Although it makes me curious as to why you are out here with me instead of her."
Alyssa knew then that she wouldn't be tricked again, she was definitely not like her sister.
"That won't work on me twice… Actually I'm here because I wanted to discuss something with you."
Shizuru looked confused about Alyssa's actions with the way she was it looked like Alyssa went into serious mode.
"Oh. What about?" Shizuru asked.
"Natsuki."
Shizuru knew then that it might have come down to Natsuki but what was there more to say about her and why Shizuru isn't she done with her…
"What about her?...Natsuki is getting married to the person she loves so shouldn't you be talking to her highness Grand Duchess?"
"That's the thing. Natsuki doesn't even love her, Shizuru"
Shizuru then strucked shocked about this…
"Ara Alyssa if this is some sort of joke then it isn't very funny." Shizuru said as she turned her head to the side.
"It's not a joke!...Natsuki still loves you Shizuru, she wants to be with you and also wants to be with Natsumi, she has never wanted to get married to Arashi!"
Shizuru then looked up and back at Alyssa with her eyes wide.
"But…but why is she getting married to her? Why did she say she loves her?"
Alyssa sighed at this, she really wished that her idiot sister told Shizuru the truth about what was going on instead of lying to her like this…
"Oneechan has no choice but to do this…it's an arranged marriage….the reason why she didn't tell you was because Natsuki didn't want you to know. What was going on if you would have found out then it would have be harder for Natsuki to fulfil her duty…she has made so many sacrifices over the years…just like Ryouma." Alyssa muttered the last name, Shizuru just barely managed to hear it.
"Who is Ryouma?"
Alyssa was struggling to keep it together but she knew she has to tell her, this was for Natsuki…Shizuru needed to realize why Natsuki was the person she has become.
"Ryouma Alexander Kruger …mine and Natsuki's older brother." Alyssa said.
Shizuru looked confused to this news. Natsuki has a brother? Why isn't he here? Why didn't Natsuki mention any of this to me?
"I didn't know you have an older brother." Shizuru said.
Alyssa nodded her head sideways.
"Had….he died many years ago before Natsuki entered Garderobe and now since the past has come back it has stopped Natsuki from being with you because it's my fault."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean it's because of me…Oneechan has to do this arrangement. It's best if I tell you about my sister's past…this would also give you the answers you've been waiting for, but Shizuru are you ready to hear this ? No one has ever heard about this not even Mai knows. Natsuki has always carried this burden."
"Why are you telling me this Alyssa?"
Alyssa smiled at her.
"Because you are family…you have opened Natsuki's heart from the darkness that had hold onto her. When she met you her whole life changed. She may have changed now but you hold the key to her heart. You should bring Natsuki back to where she belongs and that's with you and Natsumi."
Shizuru couldn't even believe what Alyssa has said but if what Alyssa will say is true then that means Natsuki still loved her and she wanted to be with her family. This also made Shizuru nervous about what she could hear from Alyssa, Natsuki has never told her this…It must have brought her a great pain.
Shizuru looked at Alyssa with determination.
"Alyssa, please tell me about Natsuki and why you think it's your fault that Natsuki is getting married."
Alyssa noticed the determination, this has brought her joy because she could see the fire in her eyes, in which showed that Shizuru was ready to fight for Natsuki…to fight for her family.
"Okay…you see it has started many years ago….