この番組はメディアファクトリーとご覧のスポンサーの提供でお送りいします!
Disclaimer: Sakurako Kimino, the creator of Strawberry Panic and Media Factory, the company that sponsors its anime, own all copyrighted material this fanfiction may include such as characters, events, et cetera.
The rest of it is mine... ALL MINE! BWAHAHAHHA! *thunder crackles in the background* ... So no stealing! =p Well, unless you ask me nicely. ^.^;;;
Author's Note: Merry Christmas to one and to all! I figured I'd get this up as I deck the hall. Fear not, my readers, this one won't make you bawl. It's filled with good cheer; I'm sure I answered your call.
So read on, this my final chapter, read and forget not to include a review. I look forward to hearing what you thought and, with that, I believe it's my cue.
I don't think I have much left to say other than I hope you've all enjoyed this story so far. Without further ado, I present the conclusion of:
~Strawberry Panic: The Second Year~
"Makoto!"
The silver-maned fifth year stands in awe as Kagome takes hold of her hand and places it over her heart, leaving her precious plush bear, Percival strewn on the floor. She is bewildered by the girl's sudden activeness; the slight second year is well-known for remaining stoic and idle in any circumstance. To that end, Makoto is moved by her and returns the feelings she's openly exhibited with an embrace.
Full Circle
Together, hand-in-hand, the two exit the room and join with their spectators, the prince and President of Spica. The third, the star of Lulim, is already making her exit, having completed one of the several tasks she'd undertaken. However, though deemed accomplished by her, Makoto is still unsure of its meaning and its role in what's to come.
"Shizuka-san." She calls out, making use of humbled speech uncommon to the girl.
The unusual greeting stops Shizuka and she turns to face Makoto as she continues to ask, "I'm at the end of my ability. I don't know what to do now and I know that it's beyond me."
Shizuka smiles at the girl's newfound humility, "I wouldn't be so sure of that. The waves of change are immutable. No mortal hands may alter their flow for long. Those who try, who build machinations to control it soon find their efforts washed away in vain. Difficult though the road may be, none can stop proceeding down it. Isn't that how we grow?"
With that said, she takes her leave. Of course, to the fifth year, Shizuka's words are still a mystery and have not helped her come to any better understanding. She would still want to stop and ask, but her instincts tell her that the cryptic message may be all she'll gain from the girl.
"Unfortunate that she must speak to me in riddles at such a time, but I guess it can't be helped." She mutters with a sigh.
"Makoto-chan, are you really not aware of what's transpired?" Kaname asks, now leaning against the same door Shizuka had been upon before.
When she looks at the President in confusion, Amane goes to her and explains, "Shizuka-chan's goal was to unite you with Kagome-chan. Don't you see what that means?"
"She wanted me to come together with Kagome-chan? But what for?"
"You and Kagome-chan are to be the combined candidate for the Etoile-sen." Kaname reveals.
"Is that even possible?" Makoto asks in shock.
"Why should it not?" Amane responds, "The Etoile-sen is designed to uplift a pair of Astraea's students who can exemplify the collective spirits of all the girls here. Though it hasn't happened before, there is no rule forbidding couples of different schools from entering. The two of you have made quite an impression on the schools as you worked to accomplish your goal of instating Yaya-kun and Tsubomi-kun as our candidates for the Etoile-sen. The lengths you've gone together have been noticed by girls not only from Spica, but from Miator and Lulim, as well. Shizuka saw that and decided you two would make the perfect candidate and Kagome makes a rare appearance of an Etoile-sen candidate from her school."
"Not Shizuka-chan, Etoile-sama." Kaname corrects, "No, this doesn't fit with her ways. I have a feeling this is someone else's work."
"Someone else?"
"You must have felt it, as well, Makoto-chan." Kaname adds, "Guess she showed us both. Momomi really is something."
"Careful, Kaname." A familiar voice echoes through the halls, "Speak of the devil and she will appear."
"Momomi."
"I was just speaking to Chikaru-san. She seemed to think you wouldn't figure me out."
"That's doubtful." Makoto mumbles, "Those two seem to know everything that's to come for us in Astraea."
"A pity then." Momomi adds, "As they are both graduating with us soon."
"It's fine." Makoto replies with a smile as she looks down at Kagome, "We'll take it from here."
Eiko watches in silence as her senpai does what she must. Asuka, too, is with her, hiding in the brush. Eiko had led them both to the spot after having been shown this safe haven of Yaya's following the school play. Her company is even more anxious for resolution than she is. Guilt weighs heavily on her over her part in how strained this meeting between their two senpai has become. Had she not interfered, it is her belief that her Yaya would have already claimed her love. It is now the last chance the lot of them has to right all the wrongs and mend the wounds created.
Both Eiko and Asuka gasp when Yaya notices the girl gazing at her in sadness and decides to move to her. However, she eventually stops herself before she can reach and turns away. It's too late for her. She's already resolved to forget Tsubomi and even the idea of finding love. She will wait the two years she has remaining at Astraea and start her life over in a new setting. During such time, she'll shield herself from the temptation by giving the whole of her time to comforting Hikari when Amane graduates at the end of this year. This resolution is meant to protect her against the anguish of trying to realise her true love, but it is also the very thing that prevents her from accepting the new turn of events. Tsubomi has some grasp of this barrier Yaya has erected over her heart and it is to break through it that she has come here to the girl's most precious place. Once Yaya stops herself and turns away, Tsubomi pushes on to close the remaining distance between them. As she nears, she reaches out to Yaya, but this is when she, too, freezes in her step. Much as Yaya suffers from emotional wounds due to the developments of the past year, so does Tsubomi. Given her knowledge of Yaya's past love for Hikari and her lack of any show of affection for her, Tsubomi is far too unsure of herself to know if she is even the person necessary to free Yaya from the barrier she's trapped herself within. She looks at the hand she's outstretched and reconsiders its effectiveness. Deeming it useless and that Yaya isn't hers to save, Tsubomi lowers her head and begins to take her leave.
"Tsubomi-senpai…" Eiko whispers, despairing for the pink-haired girl that has begun her retreat.
"Oh, no you don't!" Asuka grits beneath her breath, standing for just long enough to cast a stone in Tsubomi's direction before returning to Eiko's side in hiding.
Once the stone strikes the ground in front of Tsubomi, she gasps and rouses from her self-pitying thoughts. Her eyes move back to the Yaya she had attempted to abandon to find her shivering back. It becomes easy for her to realise that Yaya is beside herself, the tears flowing endlessly despite her having chosen to accept her fate. The sorrow emanating from her form is felt by all present, most of all by Tsubomi and it gives her renewed strength of will to help her fallen senpai. If only she knew how. She has started to approach the girl once more, but without any idea what she's to do when she arrives at her side, even the girl's sniffles are enough to stop her in her tracks. What can she do?
"Check and check." Chikaru cheerfully says, marking off a few items on a list she carries, "Well, everything appears to be completed. Mission accomplished, wouldn't you say, Shizuka?"
Following her departure from Spica's grounds, Shizuka has rendezvoused with Chikaru. The raven-haired Student Council President occupies herself with taking stock of everything that has occurred up to now; after all, she'd played quite the intricate part in a great deal of it. Between the conspiracies underlying the day-to-day of Astraea as perpetrated by several of Spica's ranks and Miator's own wiles, she has also participated in yet another's vices and hers are not so much finished.
"Bien sûr. At least, I'm satisfied with this conclusion." Shizuka notes, looking away.
"Well, that's unfortunate." A voice permeates the atmosphere, "I was hoping to bear witness to a higher completion's ending."
"Momomi."
"Will you honestly be content without knowing?"
Shizuka smiles, "No, I suppose I wouldn't, but then, I probably have you to thank for that."
"Has Momomi-chan spoken with her friends?" Chikaru asks, clutching the list up to her chest.
"They're waiting for you." Momomi answers as she directs a bow to Shizuka.
"I thought you were trying to have them not be so direct."
"The waves of change are immutable." She replies, "Perhaps it is best I leave them to be themselves."
This is the lesson Momomi had wanted to impart to Kaname and Makoto, though she hadn't even known the full scope of it at the start. In the beginning, she simply wanted them to seek a more productive method to go about their plans. However, she eventually came to understand that this desire was a part of something greater. As she'd revealed to Kaname and Amane a short while before, Momomi has been working together with Lulim's most prominent to progress this year's turn of events. Her goals were an unexpected fit for theirs, a chance to produce an Etoile representative for their school. Of course, as both Chikaru and Shizuka have told her, Kagome was always going to find her way to Makoto. The three of them are simply honeybees, tending to the flowers of the garden to ensure that each may blossom.
"Now all that's left is to see what the final verdict will be." Momomi suggests.
Shizuka and Chikaru trade light-hearted glances and smiles as Shizuka goes to the girl and says, "Is that what's left?"
Momomi is taken aback a bit, but smiles as she realises the meaning of her words. The three take a moment to absorb the waves of life's flow, reflecting on what has been and what is to come. Before long, they begin to move on. Shizuka takes the first steps, leading the others onward.
The crowd's excited squeals envelop the whole of the room in its glee as the lights come on to mark the start of the Etoile-sen.
"As to be expected of such a prestigious event." The unseen announcer speaks, her voice emanating from all corners of the auditorium, "Welcome one and all to the Astraea Hill Ceremonial Hall! This hallowed space has been beholden to some of our most cherished memories and put to history many of our trials of passage. Today will be no different so let us begin!"
Taking a breath to calm her nerves, Noriko leads the two of them out to meet the crowd. They've been adorned in Nagisa's designs, each gown perfectly accenting their attributes. Noriko wears a shoulderless violet dress parted at the right thigh to release a frilled white trim underneath. Her collar is decorated by a string of large pearls to match the trim. Soft beige fabrics bundle over Chihaya's chest, pinned up at the shoulders. She styles her hair in curled bundles each draped over and covering one of those shoulders. The gown hugs her curves to the hips before fanning out into an even layered skirt to conceal her legs.
"First to the stage are the candidates from Miator, from the fifth year Moon Class, Takemura Chihaya and Mizushima Noriko!"
Chihaya steps forward first, bringing Noriko's hand to her heart to declare, "I, Takemura Chihaya, swear to support her through any of life's many tests."
"And I, Mizushima Noriko, promise to grow into a strong and dependable person, to be someone worthy of that support." Noriko adds, cupping their hands together with her free hand and moving to face Chihaya.
Their statements are met with thunderous applause and squeals. Chihaya and Noriko's development over the past year has gained them much respect from the girls of each of the three schools. Though, this was intended by Tamao and Nagisa, the majority of it has come from the pair's devotion to one another. Of the many relationships that have come and gone through Astraea's gates, Chihaya and Noriko are one of the longest. The two of them had known each other since they were mere toddlers. Thirteen years have passed since then and their love has never faltered.
Once the audience has settled, their challengers make their way to the stage. Bathed in the midnight blue of her ball gown, Makoto steps out into the spotlight, her right hand reaching up to the low v-neck white frill collar that exudes serenity in contrast to the pounding in her chest. The sleeves widen towards her hands, white lace underneath the blue and tied together at her wrists by ribbons of black silk. The gown flows down from her waist, kept tight around her hips by silver chains, which also helps pin back the skirt to give it a low part in front. Kagome tugs on that skirt, her small form almost hiding behind her partner. Complimenting that frailty is her embroidered silk kimono, though the shoulderless iteration of its overlapping collar suggests otherwise. This collar extends out to her arms and leads into large sleeves that brush against the sash bound tightly about her waist to keep the flailing halves of the maemigoro in check. Her hair is tied up in a bun with ornamental sticks leaving only a few loose strands running down both sides of her face.
"And now to introduce our next candidates. I'm afraid my impartiality may be forfeit by my saying this, but the next candidates are near and dear to my heart. The road they've traveled has been a long one, but I am elated that they've finally arrived at their destination. And aren't they both stunning?"
As she says this, there soon appear distinct echoes in the distance, the sound of steady footsteps approaching the stage. Though at first too enthralled by the power of the Etoile-sen to pay them any mind, the footsteps soon draw Makoto's attention. When she turns, she notices that all eyes are poised upon a darkened portion of the backstage. Step by step, the identity of the announcer is revealed and it has the most impact on the silver-maned fifth year.
"Shion-senpai!" Makoto gasps.
Shion doesn't respond to her outburst. Instead, she continues on her way to the front of the stage, shooting a wink at her protégé as she does so. The amount of emotions within Makoto's heart is innumerable, but each of them unites together into overwhelming joy. This is more than Makoto could have ever expected. She takes it all in with a deep breath and places it over her pounding heart. She will face the unknown future with courage and faith.
"I, Kusanagi Makoto, vow to be true to myself, to accept my faults…" She speaks softly as she shifts her gaze to her partner, "…and to draw upon the rare insight that she possesses."
The audience erupts in cheers and excitement at her bold words. Shion turns to her with a warm smile, placing her hand on her shoulder, "You are the pride of Spica. Now, be the hope for all of them, the whole of Astraea. Together."
Shion takes her hand and joins it with Kagome's. Makoto looks at the tiny hand in her own, then traces her eyes up to meet Kagome's as the girl smiles at her. She feels her grip on Kagome's hand tighten as she returns the smile before looking back to her mentor.
"Thank you, Shion-senpai."
The former President of Spica winks at the girl before turning her attention back to the crowd, "Ahem, and now, let us give our warmest welcome to the current Etoile, Ootori Amane-sama and Konohana Hikari-sama."
From the far right of the stage, the gallant prince and her princess make their way to the two couples. They have dawned the same wardrobe as when they were themselves crowned Etoile, Amane fitted into her proud tuxedo of white and Hikari adorned in her shoulderless gown, balanced by her modest shawl. Following behind them are their assistants, each of the two carrying bouquets to be bestowed upon the candidates.
"I've heard it's been quite a journey for the two of you." Amane whispers to Noriko and Chihaya as they are given their bouquets.
"Yes it has, Etoile-sama." Noriko replies, "As I am sure it was for you."
Amane nods to her before moving on to Makoto and Kagome, passing Shion as she does so. The two trade a short glance of mutual respect, acknowledging how far they'd all come. The former President of Spica takes in a deep breath as the bouquets are handed to her protégé and her Lulim love. Never would she have considered such an unorthodox pairing. However, that is the beauty of life's progression, never knowing what may lie ahead.
Tsubomi tries to fight back her insecurities with every fiber of her being. No simple solutions formulate in her mind and she's certain none will at any point in the near future. What's occurred has just created too extreme of a chasm between them. Honestly, though, precisely what's actually befallen them? They'd both been chasing Hikari the previous year. In the current year, before any sense of a budding relationship had started, Tsubomi was drawn away from Yaya by her productive walk in life, being mindful of her schoolwork while remaining committed to the choir. She'd even guided a newcomer of Astraea, mentored her to becoming one of the choir's best talents. Eiko has developed into a fine exemplary student of Spica under Tsubomi's tutelage. Meanwhile, Yaya's kept at her own path, as well, somehow remaining a prominent figure in their school despite barely showing any effort towards maintaining that status. She'd even advanced her popularity; the various rumours that had sprung up over her entry into the Etoile-sen should be proof enough of that. Logically, as Tsubomi continues to argue with herself, there should be nothing causing the rift they both feel.
She has become so entranced by the inner conflict that she doesn't realise she's been steadily approaching Yaya's trembling back. It isn't until she's almost pressed up against the girl that she rouses and stops herself with a start. What is she to do? Her mind scolds her for being unreasonable, but her heart is heavy and weighs her down, keeping her from any action.
"C'mon, Tsubomi-san… What are you waiting for?" Asuka grits quietly, her words only audible to Eiko beside her, "You can't leave it like this."
"Asuka-chan…"
Silently, Eiko reaches for Asuka's hand, offering her support. The troubles being suffered by Yaya and Tsubomi partly have Asuka to blame, after all, and no one is being harder on the girl than she herself. Eiko has surmised as much, but she knows that there's only so much Asuka could have actually done. Had the two of their senpai been on better terms, she believes Asuka's ploys would have failed. In truth, this awkward and ultimately deciding meeting between the two of them would have played out irrespective of any of their actions, no matter how heinous Asuka's had been. However, just as much as Eiko believes the present scene was unavoidable, so too does she believe that it will end favourably. She has faith in her Tsubomi-senpai. After all, her own love for the second year is a result of respect and adoration of the same qualities that will allow Tsubomi to reach Yaya.
Asuka takes her eyes from the scene and directs them to their intertwined hands, tracing it up to meet Eiko's eyes. Once Eiko has her attention she clasps her hands before her in prayer, waiting on Asuka to do the same. Though a skeptic, Asuka smiles at the support being shown by the blonde and, nodding, brings her hands together. This is as far as they can go for their senpai. The rest falls on them.
Tsubomi holds her position, even as part of her wants to run. Within her is a chaotic maelstrom of ideas ranging from cold and factual to irritated and incomprehensible. Regardless, she's settled on staying. If anything, if there's any part of herself that can make a definite thought, it is that she loves Yaya. Even if she has nothing left and can't make up her mind to do anything else, she can do this. She can stay because she loves Yaya with all her heart and soul.
Yaya hasn't had the nerve to turn and look at Tsubomi this entire time. She is plagued by ideas about what the girl might think of her in such a disordered state, so broken and lost. It was for this reason she'd resolved to ignore her feelings for the girl and start fresh away from her. However, now she can feel the nearness of Tsubomi, mere pockets of air separating them. She can feel the warmth of her body behind her, smell the girl's fragrance in the air. It had been some time since she'd taken notice of it. She remembers that moment, the both of them sitting on her bed with their legs tucked to their chests, neither of them admitting that they were enjoying one another's company in favour of keeping up pretenses they were both still longing for Hikari. Tsubomi had made the decision to stay with her then; she was making it again now. Would Yaya let this opportunity to accept her into her heart slip by, too? Slowly, Yaya straightens, taking a calming breath and beginning to turn.
Once the candidates have taken their leave, the auditorium, too, begins to empty. Their next destination is the ballroom, at which the waltz portion of the Etoile-sen will take place. The retiring Etoile pair remains behind to take in their dwindling moments in the position, with Amane standing underneath her school's banner, simply admiring it. Normally, with such an important segment looming, the three Student Council Presidents would have made their exit before the crowd. However, the small window of time for them to have done so passes as Chikaru spends it all chatting with Momomi. Of course, regardless of how her counterpart from Lulim allotted her time, Tamao would still have moved on, except that the girl had uncharacteristically held onto her hand as she spoke with Momomi. Kaname is similarly kept from leaving. Instead, they are forced to wait until everyone has gone.
When they have the chance to leave, though, "Hey, what are you-"
As Chikaru and Momomi make their way out the door, Momomi sends Kaname a wink before pulling the door shut. Tamao turns at the commotion, but is pushed along by the two co-conspirators and decides it may be best to leave whatever they're planning be. On the other side, Kaname ponders the plot afoot before shaking her head of the thought and making for the door again.
"A moment." A voice rings out from the front of the supposedly emptied auditorium.
The Etoile had made their way to the door, as well, by this point. When Kaname responds to the voice, the door creaks open then closed again with Hikari's departure. Amane is likewise left behind. The abandoned pair trade baffled looks with one another before going back to locate the source of the voice. They find someone seated in the front row, her flowing ebony locks both concealing and yet clearly identifying her.
"I thought now might be as good a time as any to ask." She purrs without moving from her spot.
"Shizuka-chan." Amane gasps.
"There's not much of the year remaining." She informs them, "It may be best to come out with it."
Kaname lets out a chuckle, "Ah, so this is more of Momomi's indirectness, I take it. I did find it odd that she'd be so talkative with Chikaru."
She takes the still awestruck Amane by the arm to lead her towards the front of the room. Shizuka sits at the end seat beside the right aisle, arms folded and legs crossed as she leans her back against it. Her eyes are closed when they reach the foot of the stage, Kaname throwing her back into it to mimic Shizuka's pose while Amane takes a more reserved stance, simply standing between the two with her arms at her sides. After all the operations and coercions, in the end, it falls to a straightforward question and answer. The Etoile smiles as she makes a slight shake of her head.
Taking a deep breath she starts, "Time is relentless, isn't it? I still feel like that indecisive child wandering about this world aimlessly. Yet, we're at the end of our sixth year here on Astraea Hill. Graduation will be upon us in the spring."
Shizuka begins to open her eyes at Amane's words, though what she's said is hardly a revelation. It had been six years since they'd entered their respective schools. In spite of the athlete's sentimentality, Shizuka remembers how many days have passed them by and all the many memories therein. However, it is easy to see that this history, the time that has passed, is what's motivated the two and that warrants them her sincere attention.
"It surprises no one here that each of us will be moving on to university in the following year." Amane continues, "However, whereas both Kaname and I know we have places waiting for us where we'll be attending, Shizuka-chan won't. Not as she is."
Confused by her words, Shizuka shifts her hazels up to find concern reflected in the girl's visage. Kaname takes this as her cue to explain, "Spica has established a new university to widen its prestige across the nation. They began accepting students last year and inaugurated this year."
"I'm sure you remember Hanazono Shizuma-senpai." Amane goes on, "Last year, when you were in France, members of the board spoke with her about this. She has been attending the school this past year."
"Given their aspirations, the university has a guaranteed acceptance policy for any student of Spica who wants to attend. Shizuma-senpai was fortunate enough to be Etoile at the time, representing all three schools. Besides, having a highly regarded student as her bolstered the school's reputation."
"But Shizuka-chan isn't in the same position."
"No, though she most certainly could have been." Kaname says, grumbling the last bits under her breath.
Though they've still yet to state their meaning outright, Shizuka comes to understand, "And that's why you've been pressing me to adopt a competitive nature. Except of course, my being competitive or engaged hasn't much to do with what you truly needed of me, does it?"
Amane looks away, "We preferred it if we didn't have to separate."
"You're precious to us, after all." Kaname notes in a soft tone.
She pushes her back off of the stage to make her way to Shizuka's seat, putting her hands on the armrests and leaning in to place a kiss upon her forehead. Shizuka is taken aback by this, but returns to the memories Amane evoked moments ago, recalling each of their encounters. They'd had quite a tale of rivalry between them. It would come as no surprise to anyone the rivalry that existed between Kaname and Amane. Kaname's aggressive approach to it had established it as part of Spica's legacy. However, the both of them had incessantly involved Shizuka in their challenges and, in lieu of her own romps and romantic pursuits, Shizuma took an interest in them. Whereas Shizuka typically distanced herself from it, it was a bit more difficult to do with her senpai luring her to do otherwise. Shizuka smiles to herself; she can admit to herself now that she'd indulged in the rivalry, as well.
"It was, underneath its layers, merely outward displays of antagonism masking true sisterhood." She whispers.
Kaname muses, "And, apart from that, Shizuma-senpai did like it when you get riled up."
"Senpai was a horrible influence." Shizuka notes, a rare blush appearing on her cheeks.
"Oh? Because of that or because of how she pursued you?" Amane remarks with a chuckle.
"You should talk."
"I think I'm glad for it. If she'd been after me, I don't know how I'd manage." Kaname replies with a sigh.
"I'm not sure who'd be doing the pursuing if she'd had her eye on you, Kaname." Shizuka suggests.
After the three of them share a laugh, Shizuka gets to her feet and stretches. They gather closer together and she tells them, "Once the dust has settled then. I believe there's a dance you need to attend." They nod in consent and make their exit.
The church will soon be populated by a great many of Astraea's students. However, for now, its courtyard is occupied by only four. It is here, at the site where Yaya had first met Hikari three years before, that she has now found her true princess. There they stand in each other's embrace, finally together after such a long journey. They kiss passionately, allowing themselves to absorb everything that's led them to this place and time. It had all been worth it for this moment.
The two part as they begin hearing the sounds of their Lulim friends off in the distance. The world around them comes back into focus and blushes simultaneously creep up onto their features. However, grins soon follow and they remain in each other's arms.
It doesn't take long for more people to arrive at the church. By then, Yaya and Tsubomi have already discovered their onlookers, mostly due to how loud the sobs are from one particular patch of bushes. Together, the four of them find a way to sift themselves back into the crowd, Yaya guiding the lot to where the choir will be preparing.
Asuka leaves them to it and rejoins the others eagerly awaiting the crowning of a new Etoile. On the other side of the church, the presidents of each school stand side by side. Their expressions are content despite the tension in the air. For once, the three rivaling representatives of Miator, Spica, and Lulim can take satisfaction in any outcome.
"This year's Etoile, hailing from both St. Spica Girl's Institute and St. Lulim Girl's School respectively, are Kusanagi Makoto-sama and Byakudan Kagome-sama."
They are met with a warm ovation as both Chikaru and Kaname walk hand in hand to present them with their emblems. The Spica President congratulates her fellow council member as she places the blue pendant on her, joining the clasp at her nape. As soon as Chikaru's done the same for Kagome, Makoto goes immediately to her, taking her hand in both of hers before they both turn to the cheering crowd.
The celebration soon quiets as a procession of Spica's Saintly Choir enters to perform for the closing ceremony. Makoto scans though their ranks as they move into their positions. Taking centre stage for both the choir and in Makoto's mind are Yaya and Tsubomi, the former fully aware of her admirer. She hasn't forgotten how much the now Etoile pushed for them to be together and so has taken hold of Tsubomi's hand as a silent gesture. She follows this with a wink, which brings a tear to Makoto's eye as they continue to perform Mo Hitotsu no Shinjitsu Umareta.
Spring returns to Astraea, its change from the winter before it marking many other changes across the hill. Amane and Kaname lead their sister to their destination, the girl bathed in her ebony locks now sporting a variation on the spring attire they have long grown accustomed to wearing. Though a much more modest alteration, Shizuka preserves her unique style in the cerulean qipao that replaces the standard dress shirt. However, this remains underneath the white sailor garb and its double-breasted front, even lining up the seam of its collar with it. Her roommate follows behind them, accompanied by Momomi, Hikari, and Tsubomi who is holding a few papers in her hands.
Amane and Kaname reach the set of double doors that lead to Spica's Student Council Office. Each taking a door, they open it for the others. Inside, standing with her back to them as she looks out of the large window is the new Student Council President. She brushes back some of her bistre strands and turns to meet the group. At either side of the room sit her assistants, Eiko and Asuka, who take time from their work to also greet them. Before any of them enter, Tsubomi moves past them and hands the papers in her hands to the President. Yaya takes them as the others move inside.
"I shall assume all the paperwork is in order then?" She muses to Kaname and Amane, taking up the papers and straightening them.
"Of course. Matters as important as Shizuka-chan's application to our university cannot be taken lightly." The former Etoile replies with a polite bow.
"And we weren't going to go through the same thing we did with her transfer." Kaname adds with a sigh.
"Well, I wanted you to work for it. After all, I don't switch schools for just anyone." Shizuka remarks, taking her eyes to Chikaru who arrives at her side.
They all share a giggle as Kaname kneads her brow in feigned frustration. Smiling at them, Yaya goes over the forms and signs them, completing the process. Moments later, applause rings out from outside. A familiar redhead and her taller silver-maned companion enter the room. It has been some time since the four of them have been together, but they will finally be reunited.
"Shizuma-senpai." Shizuka warmly greets as she is surrounded in the girl's embrace.
"Welcome home." She cooes softly in her ear.
It is an odd statement, but the meaning is clear to her as she replies, "It's good to be back."
Later on, Shizuka gazes out across the lake with Chikaru. Their time on Astraea is drawing to a close. They are soon joined by Yaya and Tsubomi whose story is just beginning. They too stare out at the large expanse of water, sharing in their moment of reflection. Eventually, more find their way to them. The former Etoile pair, Amane and Hikari, and their corresponding representatives from the Spica Student Council, Kaname with Momomi and Asuka with Eiko, arrive followed by their counterparts in Lulim, Kizuna and Remon. Kaede and Misato lead their friends from Miator starting with its most famous couple in Nagisa and Shizuma, then Tamao with Chiyo and Chihaya and Noriko. Shizuka takes in a deep breath, closing her eyes as she takes it all in. Finally, she turns away from the lake to take a bow for the last couple slowly making their approach. The others follow suit once they notice them, bowing in respect. The new Etoile, Makoto, smiles as she and Kagome reach their friends. Shizuka straightens and gathers the others towards the pair.
"Shinjite ito, shinjite iru no to," She begins to sing, "chikau asu ga aru. Towa ni shoujo wa tsumugi tsuzukeru monogatari."
Anata no naka
Miator's Student Council is brimming with activity. While Chiyo rushes about with the arrangements, Nagisa and Tamao are readying Chihaya and Noriko for an ambassadorship. Much like Shizuka and Makoto before them, they are going to be sent to help better relations between Japan and Germany. In their absence, the roles they serve in the Student Council will be assumed by Misato and Nagisa herself.
Anata no naka ni mo
Makoto wipes some sweat from her forehead. She and Kagome are taking on their first duty of tending to the greenhouse. She finishes placing one of the Hydrangeas into a pot before going to her fellow Etoile to wipe a speck of dirt from her cheek. Together and noticing that the whole of the greenhouse has been surrounded by a plethora of blue and pink uniforms, they peer into one another's eyes with warm smiles and love in their hearts.
Nemuru hana ga aru no
The grounds of Spica exude calm with only the natural din of the outside giving the scene any voice. However, this only masks the tumultuous atmosphere underneath. Behind the commotion is a flurry of blues and whites, each belonging to one of Spica's many students. It seems Asuka is once again on the prowl, though on this occasion it is meant to scout for new talent amongst the school's ranks. Eiko is then tasked with bringing the situation to order, though this too is all a part of the plan.
Okoshitai wa dareka ga tsumu mae ni
Tsubomi concentrates on writing up several reports for the council. Suddenly, something ovular and black creeps its way across her desk. She stands with a start, knocking over her chair. It is about that time when she recognises the rubber composition of the creature and realises she's been had. With her legs propped up on her desk and her arms behind her head, Yaya doesn't seem the likely culprit… except for the makeshift fishing rod holstered into one of the armrests with its line leading to the same black creeper. Tsubomi sighs and shakes her head at the so-called President, but finds herself giggling at the prank nonetheless. Life wouldn't be as exciting without the girl's mad ploys. After all, it has been through the teasing and long winding road that they have found each other at last.
~*~*~The End~*~*~
Final Author's Note: And so everything comes Full Circle. *giggle*
With the inclusion of Shizuma, I think the story behind the group has become clear, hasn't it? The way I designed Shizuka was to be the missing fourth of the group of those prominent girls of Astraea. Shizuma, Amane, and Kaname are all popular girls that serve a dominant role amongst those they are acquainted. I'm sure Chikaru was meant to be among them, but in my opinion, Chikaru's more of a motherly figure, somehow able to know everything that might trouble the girls and then capable of resolving those problems, though she does so passively. This is unlike any of those three as Shizuma, Amane, and Kaname have all had problems of their own, which Chikaru is never shown to have nevermind their more assertive personalities. Therefore, I created Shizuka.
Now, with Shizuka came the question of just what she would be and how her persona would relate to the other three since Chikaru didn't. I noticed that both Shizuma and Kaname had a characteristic of danger about them. They play that theme for both in the anime, that violin that produces an air of caution when they are present. However, despite Amane being the Spica counterpart to Shizuma, she's anything but malevolent. Also, while Shizuma does seek out her romantic conquests, she's not exactly shown to be all that interested in official competition. Of course, that's not the same story with the manga, but things worked far differently there. xD Kaname and Amane are shown to be actively competitive, what with Amane's horseback riding and Kaname... being Kaname. ^_^;;; As the three seem to share those certain characteristics, I decided to fit Shizuka as the missing pair. She is a benevolent person much like Amane, countering the more sinister Shizuma and Kaname. She's less interested in competition like Shizuma and opposite to Kaname and Amane. In addition, she's shown to be invested in her school as seen with her role in the Etoile-sen much like Kaname's true motives being for the benefit of Spica. Neither Amane nor Shizuma have ever demonstrated such interest. Of course, this sort of mindset evokes a rather conniving aspect to her character, which, again, both Amane and Shizuma lack. After all, neither of the two has actively sought to manipulate others the way Kaname or Shizuka have. I suppose an argument can be made about how Shizuma lures her romantic conquests, but there's hardly a plan for any of them and I highly doubt she has any further motives for them other than sexy time behind the bushes. x) With Shizuka, I felt the circle was completed. Speaking of which, that's why I have Shizuma say "Welcome home" to her. It actually sounded better said in context of the Japanese phrase, but I thought it might only be more confusing if I'd had "okaerinasai" and "tadaima" there. x)
Once Shizuka was given that personality, it dawned on me that she made the perfect pair with Chikaru. Where Chikaru might help guide the girls passively by nurturing them in their times of doubt, Shizuka could have a more direct hand in it, almost a paternal counterpart to Chikaru's mothering ways.
And, at last, Momomi's plans are revealed! I intentionally kept her part in establishing Kagome and Makoto as the Etoile couple off the pages of the story. This was the purpose of her discussion in the early chapter about how "direct" Kaname and Makoto were going about things. Hidden from everyone, including you my lovely readers, was Momomi's plot behind the scenes. There were a few hints such as when she helped Kaname lure Shizuka onto the dance floor at the Senkou Dance. Though unintentional, this allowed Momomi to be present when Makoto and Kagome saw one another for the first time. That got her gears working and she began trying to have Kagome go to Makoto. Of course, given her lack of any relationship with the girl, she needed help and that's when Chikaru was brought into the mix. Shizuka knew about this, hence her pun of "perci-verence", but it wouldn't be until after the play that Shizuka would become fully aware of it. Her line, "Yes, definitely ask the President" was to demonstrate her coming into knowledge. From then on, Shizuka worked more directly towards Momomi's goal and it worked out in the end. Now, well at least according to my fanfiction, we have a new united Spica/Lulim Etoile for the next year. I have doubts that I'll be getting into a third year myself, but as Makoto is a fifth year, she'll be graduating at the end of that year, too, meaning that fanfiction will also be able to feature an Etoile-sen, for any writers who might be interested. x)
I hope everyone is pleased with how I ended this story. I know some of you noted that you'd have accepted Asuka and Yaya together and Eiko with Tsubomi, but I had every intention of keeping true to Yaya and Tsubomi. And it worked out for the best, didn't it? Asuka and Eiko proved themselves and grew from their experiences to become members of Yaya's Student Council. That's not too bad, now isn't it? I did have a few issues with Shizuka joining Spica in the end, but that may just be my personal love of Lulim in the series. Their uniforms are much more fitting! *grumble* I did also intend for Makoto and Kagome to become the Etoile, but it did become a bit regrettable that I used Chihaya and Noriko to accomplish it. I felt it was akin to how the anime used Tamao, having her hope against hope to be with Nagisa only to lose her to Shizuma and the Etoile-sen to Amane and Hikari. That was sort of the reason for their "ambassadorship" as I felt I cheated them, but I suppose they still grew in the end so it's not all bad. As a whole, I am still satisfied with how this story turned out and I hope you are, too. Until next time!
PS: Bien sûr means "of course" in French. =p
この番組はメディアファクトリーとご覧のスポンサーの提供でお送りいしました!
Fin