DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome and its characters are Sunrise property.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: I've got a large project on my hands with this story. Any empty spots could have later one-shots of their own. _ I've always contended that Earl was Earth in some apocalyptic future, as the manga assured us it was.
Our Legacy ch28
Yukino really was getting tired of the endless meetings. How many times were they going to discuss what they already knew? Haruka would sit for only so long, and then she would blow up and storm out. This more often than not would end the meeting, Yukino was glad for it. Yukino had been waiting for Natsuki Kruger's call when she received a package instead.
This package, though innocent looking enough, had gone through the whole search procedure before coming to her. Haruka still wanted another search over its contents, but Yukino just wanted to see it and be done already. Interesting enough though, its contents had been nothing more than a book, an Old Earth religious tome. The only readable word on its charred cover was HOLY.
"It's just a book Haruka. I know you don't trust it, but it is history. There have been more than a few of these found in sites all around Earl. It will be donated to the Aries' National Historical Museum later today," Yukino said as she carefully turned worn pages. Yukino was wearing gloves so that she didn't damage the text any. The book looked as if it came from a battle site, some of the pages had blackened spots and others were unreadable due to age.
"Can you understand any of it?" Haruka asked looking at it from over Yukino's shoulder.
"It doesn't make enough sense to be understandable with all of the damage. It's only another relic from those years gone by," Yukino said as she closed the book slowly. The book had a swollen look to it sitting there on her desk. This was just another one of the oddities left behind and Yukino would not look for any significance in it.
"Enough talk about the book already Haruka. It's good to know that Captain Hallard and Ambassador Senoh arrived in Windbloom without incidence," Yukino said as she removed the gloves and then her glasses.
"Hallard told me this morning that Mitsuko took an immediate liking to Arika. She found that funny…you too," Haruka said as a smile crept its way across Yukino's face.
"You and Meister Arika have quite a few things in common. Trust me, it's perfectly understandable why that child would like the two of you," Yukino said with a sly wink that Haruka actually blushed at.
"Well then that explains why Chie said Mitsuko cried when Queen Mashiro tried to hold her," Haruka said with a small chuckle and a nod from Yukino.
"Speaking of children, Haruka, was it absolutely necessary to have the Delta Squad watch the twins?" Yukino asked as Haruka looked at her feet.
"Well they…they promised to wear their robes and that …what Yukino?" Haruka asked as Yukino gave her the look.
"The twins have a nanny for a reason Haruka. What is it about Otome that feels the need to skip routine when it comes to children? No wait, never mind that question," Yukino said as she laid her glasses on her blotter and turned her chair away from Haruka, "Go get the girls, Haruka, now."
Haruka didn't need to hear anymore, she knew Yukino was a little angry with her. As Haruka walked out the door though Yukino called the nanny and gave the woman the rest of the day off. Yukino wasn't really mad about the situation just the lack of common sense in it. In a way it really was funny, because even with three well trained young Otome, Yukino thought they were in over their heads. Haruka had proved this right when she reappeared not even ten minutes later laughing. Delta Squad was a well trained fight force not a baby care service.
"I meet them just outside, they looked absolutely miserable," Haruka said as she held her side. Yukino could only imagine how bad they looked if it had Haruka laughing so much.
Little Kaede was cooing and pumping her little fists and feet in time with Haruka's laughter. Ayame for the first time was right along with them. Yukino really had to wonder what their girls would be like in the years to come. Three Otome couldn't handle these two now, what are we going to do when they start walking, Yukino wondered as she went and passed Ayame to Haruka and picked up Kaede.
Midori had already left Garderobe by the time Nao got back. Shizuru had come out to greet the transport surprising Nao. It was a good thing because she could give Shizuru the paper that Tomoe had written.
"I read quite a bit of it before I realized she was referring to you. I couldn't decide which made me sicker to my stomach. Either way, I knew this wasn't for Kruger to see," Nao said as they slowly made their way through the terminal.
"I've kept none of what really happened between Tomoe and me a secret from Natsuki. It took a while before we could discuss it, but we had to discuss it eventually," Shizuru said not particularly enjoying those memories.
"Look I just don't…you helped me. I'm just returning the favor. Do whatever you want with it, but I'd read it if you think you want to let Natsuki see it," Nao said gesturing dismissively before stepping ahead of Shizuru onto the train.
"If it's as you say maybe I shouldn't look at it at all. Those were not easy times in the least, nothing I can say I'm proud of," Shizuru said clutching the paper tightly knowing exactly what to do.
Nao watched as Shizuru ripped the page as small as she could without ever once looking at it. When Nao had originally heard of where Shizuru had been held by Tomoe during the Windbloom occupation, this was not what she thought of. As the train made its way to their stop Nao carefully observed Shizuru's features. Nao actually saw a raw mix of emotion that had never crossed those beautiful and graceful features before.
There was humility, guilt, sadness and violation all rolled into one. The truth was that she had to willingly sacrifice herself to those things. Nao felt something dawn inside her just as they reached their stop; revenge. Not for this woman in particular or for Miya, who it seemed suffered similarly, it was about principle. This usually good natured, flirtatious woman now had a much darker side that Nao found distasteful. So yes, if Nao ever came across Tomoe Marguerite alone ever again she would kill her, everything else be damned.
Chie was playing with Mitsuko, while Aoi had a meeting with Queen Mashiro. Aoi's position may have started as a paper face, but things were going to change. Last night Mashiro asked Aoi how she was handling the responsibility of her position. Aoi just smiled because Mashiro already knew that answer. Aoi Senoh might have been nothing more than a maid to Mashiro, but many of the things Mashiro had to learn Aoi did also.
If Chie had been asked to give an unbiased opinion, Aoi was a little green to some of the finer points, but she learned faster than anyone Chie knew how to adapt. Aoi would become the perfect picture of the future face of Windbloom as Mashiro saw it. To most people Aoi seemed reluctant and often too shy; these people didn't know the real Aoi Senoh. Aoi had once willingly sacrificed her life for the Queen, all because she believed in the young woman enough to do so in order to keep her safe.
In many ways, Mashiro felt that debt could never be repaid. This was something she would never tell anyone, even Aoi herself. In order to cement Aoi's position in the eyes of Windbloom, Mashiro told the Ministers that she would be taking on an Otome for Miss Senoh, personally, out of the next graduating class. There were many grumblings about finance and other such things, but Mashiro was adamant and her word was not left open to discussion. This she was informing Aoi of at their meeting.
Chie held Mitsuko high above her seeing the child's shape and darkening blonde hair, but nothing more. Aoi told Chie that Mitsuko would probably have grey eyes unlike either of them. Chie didn't mind this though she had hoped that Mitsuko would have Aoi's beautiful blue eyes instead. The day Chie would regain her sight; those grey eyes seemed only natural for such a beautiful child.
"Wonder what the Queen is talking to your momma about little one?" Chie said as she cradled her daughter kissing the top of her head.
Nina had come by, just after Aoi had left, to spend some time with Chie and Mitsuko. It amazed Nina how careful Chie was with the child, but Nina understood because Chie's vision wasn't fully returned. Nina had joined them on the floor and Chie asked for a quick bathroom break. Nina wondered how difficult being a parent would be as she watched Mitsuko. The baby reached out for Nina's face with a smile and a ga. Nina just had to laugh because she had always heard children were true in their hearts judgment.
"Was there ever a doubt in your heart Nina of whom you truly were?" Chie asked standing above them.
"I thought you couldn't see Chie?" Nina asked with a light laugh as she held little Mitsuko in her arms.
"I don't need eyes for something as simple as that, Nina. I was a Valkyrie for Nagi, whether I was undercover for Yukino Chrysant or not. I had to fight my friends in order to do my job, they understood and forgave me. We both know that just because they forgive us doesn't necessarily mean we forgive ourselves," Chie said taking a seat alongside of Nina once again.
"Thank you, Chie, for that. I have been doing everything in my power to build their trust in me, when I've already had it all along. I still wonder if it is the nature of the sin or the sinner that people truly forgive," Nina said handing Mitsuko back to Chie.
"Both, neither, it all comes down to the person. It is human nature to forgive, though some will never forget. If you were going to be held accountable for your sins by society on a whole you would be with Nagi in prison. You do penance instead as an Otome for these very same people. Stop being so hard on you and breathe," Chie said looking directly at Nina.
"Can I do anything to help you before I take my leave of you and Mitsuko?" Nina asked as she stood.
Chie handed Mitsuko to Nina and stood up. They walked into the bedroom where Chie asked for Nina's opinion of outfits for her daughter to wear.
"I would like to have something picked out before Aoi gets back. We are going to Garderobe later and Aoi never left anything out. She told me she would take care of it later," Chie said holding Mitsuko once again.
Nina tried not to blush at Aoi's lingerie while going through their clothes. Nina saw a little dress that said, "Future Otome" on it and couldn't help but smile. It would be perfect considering where they were going. It actually looked like a miniature Meister robe.
"Yukino's nanny made one for each of the newborns. We sent out the one for Cara just before we left. Arika asked if she could deliver the one for Megumi, but Aoi vetoed that immediately. It's one of the stops she wants to make while we are here," Chie said smiling broadly, "The rest go to Garderobe and that was the purpose to our visit."
"Planning ahead much are we?" Nina asked as she laughed.
Nina had left them about two hours ago. One of the maids had also stopped in, to see if Chie needed any help with feeding Mitsuko. Chie had declined, stating that the child had already been fed, though she would appreciate the help in changing her. Chie had a bad habit a pinning herself during these times. The woman agreed and even bathed and dressed Mitsuko before leaving. The woman had shared a little laugh with Chie over the choice of dress and even asked if little Mitsuko approved. This received an even bigger laugh as Mitsuko started to kick her little feet and smile.
Aoi came back from her meeting with Mashiro smiling broadly before she even realized what Chie and Mitsuko were wearing. Aoi promised to tell Chie later tonight about the meeting as she realized they were both in Meister robes. Aoi had forgotten how breath taking Chie had looked in hers, the Aries military uniform wasn't so bad. Aoi was a fan girl when it came to the Meister formal dress, and so she was speechless at first. Mitsuko being in hers only made the image that more striking. Aoi decided to change in order to fit the formal look completely.
Chie had to laugh because it was really meant as a joke for Aoi's benefit. Aoi just had to take it that one step further, kissing both of her girls before going to change.
"You do know that you will owe me later for this one," Aoi said teasingly from the bedroom.
"Consider it paid in full, after you tell me what Mashiro said," Chie answered in good natured spirit.
Natsuki went through the motions debriefing Nao, while Shizuru stood staring out the window listening, but not a part of. Miss Maria had both Shiori and Kimiko right now, over by the gazebo. The older Otome had actually become rather accustomed to having the little ones around Garderobe. Natsuki knew they wouldn't see either child until Miss Maria was done with whatever it was she had planned. As soon as Nao dropped the papers and little notes on Natsuki's desk, Natsuki was glad Shiori wasn't there.
Natsuki's day was about to officially hit the toilet. Yes she was glad Nao was back safely, but the girl always broke the rules for her own benefit. Today Natsuki's opinion of Nao would be reevaluated.
"Why didn't you give this to Bianchi back in Remus, Nao? I appreciate it, don't get me wrong, but it is withholding evidence," Natsuki said thinking of the open trade of info.
Natsuki couldn't see it, but Shizuru had winced noticeably in the window. Nao just shrugged her shoulders silently keeping Shizuru's own note secret. Nao allowed Natsuki to rant about following procedures and the like. Natsuki had been on that roll for about five minutes, building up steam and vehemence as she went, when Shizuru stopped her.
"She did it for me, Natsuki. Not completely no, but in part yes. Nao, could you leave us alone, please?" Shizuru asked looking at the younger woman and not Natsuki.
"I'll consider this done for now. I'm going out so don't call me, I won't answer," Nao said leaving the room looking for acknowledgment in Shizuru's eyes.
"I'll be fine, Nao. Please lock that door as you leave," Shizuru said giving Natsuki a momentary pause.
Natsuki knew where this was about to go as Shizuru turned around with such sadness etched into her features. Everything Natsuki intended to say at that point died in that look. This was the last thing Natsuki expected especially from Nao. BackStage would have paid a pretty some of money for such an item, Nao never owned up to any ties to them, but Natsuki knew. Natsuki had her own sources as well in that place, just to keep track of Nao.
"I'm sorry, Shizuru I didn't even think…so now she knows too," Natsuki said reaching her hand out for Shizuru to take.
"I destroyed it on the way here," Shizuru said not taking Natsuki's hand, "We have moved on from this, we have at least tried to anyways. I didn't want to bring it up again because it holds no relevance in our place with each other."
Natsuki didn't say a word and dropped her hand; she walked by Shizuru to the window. Reflected in the glass, Shizuru saw the pain in Natsuki as she started to recall all of their long talks. Natsuki had never been cruel to her during those discussions or even after. Right now though, the silence between them was so unbearably cruel for them both.
"I suppose I should learn to steel myself against these things better," Natsuki said her hands now forming into tight fists at her sides.
"I've never asked you to because it was my sin alone to bear. I did what I had to in order to be with you again, I would do it …," Shizuru had started to cry and Natsuki felt the rage she couldn't swallow, along with the love she could never express enough.
"You don't have to finish those words, Shizuru. I know them by heart whether I like it or not. They are not what give me strength to do as you have asked, since that day. I have left Tomoe Marguerite alone, because I know the true you. My soul mate…" Natsuki said walking over to Shizuru and holding her as the anger turned to tears.
There were so many unsaid words and feelings in that moment, Natsuki didn't need them. Natsuki knew she was holding everything she would ever need in her arms right now. Shizuru coming back to her that day had made every sacrifice worth doing again. Natsuki didn't need for Shizuru to say those words because Natsuki herself said them every time she felt grateful. It had not changed who they were to each other; it had only served to strengthen the bond.
Nao entered her quarters and immediately headed for her closet. Nao had her Columns robe on when the transport arrived and while talking to Natsuki. Right now though, all Nao wanted were two things a shower and her negligee. Nao nearly freaked when she couldn't find it in her closet. One look at her bed gave Nao the simple understanding that somehow Midori had been here. There were orange blossoms lying with her negligee as a greeting.
Miss Maria was on her way out of the Mausoleum, with Shiori and Kimiko, when she saw Erstin kneeling in front of the large portrait of the Founder Fumi Himeno. For a moment Miss Maria said nothing, watching Erstin in silence as the girl prayed. Miss Maria had done this many times in her years here and understood. Erstin stood just as silently and turned to Miss Maria and the two sleeping babies.
"I'll take one of the slings, if you don't mind sharing the moment?" Erstin asked as she approached Miss Maria.
"I don't mind at all. Shiori is a little heavier than Kimiko, not surprisingly enough, with what Viola ate during her pregnancy for the child," Miss Maria said as she lifted Shiori and guided the sling over Erstin.
"Do you really think Fumi watches over us in some way, Miss Maria?" Erstin asked as she stroked Shiori's head softly.
"To have lived as long as I have and seen things as I have, I would like to believe so. These many years I try not to dwell in doubt, you girls' give me hope. These beautiful new lives give me a glimpse into the uncertain future," Miss Maria said as they walked back to the student grounds.
"As a spirit reborn, I'm not even sure myself if I believe she is. I can't remember too much of that existence anymore. I felt extremely blessed recently and just wanted to say thank you. I know that might seem foolish, against my previous beliefs, but Garderobe has given me so much more," Erstin said eyes shining happily.
"May I ask what you were being thankful for at the moment?" Miss Maria asked as they approached the dorm, she motioned Erstin to continue on with her.
"Let's just say that when I asked for a sign of her blessing of my choice, you were there suddenly behind me," Erstin said motioning with her eyes to Shiori and then Kimiko.
Miss Maria smiled a little before she replied, "Then it would seem she heard us both, Miss Ho. I had just asked for some guidance of my own and found you in silent prayer."
