DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome and its characters are Sunrise property. This story is my sandbox.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Every time I try to get back into writing this chapter, all I can think of is Nao Yuuki, Miyu, and Juliet Nao Zhang in a hot spring. This is so wrong on so many levels.
Our Legacy ch29
Nao had been out all night and was in no mood to be stopped before she hit her room. Unfortunately there in the corridor stood Youko waiting by her door. Nao figured that Youko had just dropped off Kimiko. That still of course didn't explain what she was doing leaning against the door to Nao's room.
"Whatever it is can wait, I'm too tired to play Column right now. Go bug Kruger and Viola," Nao said not worrying so much about her tone.
"This has no bearing on them, Zhang, so you will wait," Youko said as her Aswad blood responded to Nao.
"If this has to do with Midori make it quick, I'm not feeling overly generous right now," Nao said. Last night Nao tried to get rid of everything she learned in Lutesia Remus by having a few drinks and hanging with the Stripes. Viola's note kept coming back and Nao had very little patience.
"There's only one way to do this. I kissed Midori while you were gone and…" the rest of her words never made it out of Youko's mouth as Nao had hit her hard.
"I said it could wait, no… you had to piss me off right now didn't you. For Kimiko's sake, kissing Midori better be all you damn well did, Youko Helene," Nao was fired up and ready to strike her again when she realized she was being held back.
"Let go Kruger or I'll kick your ass too," Nao said struggling against Natsuki who had her arms in a vice. For added security Natsuki made sure to lock her elbows into Nao's back.
"Helene in my office now, you too," Natsuki said dragging Nao along mostly to keep her from breaking loose. Natsuki was in a pair of blue shorts and a white baby doll negligee. In other words this was the last place she wanted to be.
Shizuru had been waiting in the doorway in her long silken robe. Her look was one of concern and from what Nao could read understanding. Youko was waiting for them and told Natsuki to let Nao loose. Natsuki agreed only after Shizuru sat with Nao on the couch. Natsuki had no patience considering what she was wearing and Shizuru wasn't.
"Shizuru heard the two of you before I did so be grateful to her. I'm still tempted to kick both of your asses," Natsuki was yelling until she remembered why they were dressed that way to begin with.
"You are both also so lucky that Shiori is with Miss Maria," Natsuki said looking to Shizuru in apology.
"Bite me Kruger. I'm tired and she had the nerve to tell me about what she did with Midori, while I wasn't here," Nao said feeling Shizuru's hand lay over her own.
"It makes no difference Nao, Midori is not here to defend herself and I doubt Youko is going to lie right now," Shizuru replied feeling Nao ease if only slightly.
"Nao just stuff it for a moment and let me finish," Youko said as Natsuki stood between her and Nao; "If you still want to kick my ass afterward I'll give you the permission."
"I won't though, just get it over with please," Natsuki said pointing toward the opposite couch.
"We were becoming really close again and I got lonely, I pursued Midori the only way I knew how. Midori made her choice before you got home. I had put her in a bad place Nao and she hurt for it. So did I or should I say I will every time I look at Kimiko. I had to tell you myself so don't you hurt Midori because she chose you in the end," Youko said trying to force it all out at once.
At this moment Shizuru let go of Nao and walked over to the door as Youko was trying to leave, "Finish it by letting her have her say, Youko."
"I'm not sorry about the punch, damn you. Midori had so much pain that she was trying to get over. I went through that with her, the past she so desperately needed to let go of. Why couldn't you leave well enough alone?" Nao asked rising from her seat with Natsuki right behind her, "Back off Kruger, this is already over. Like she said Midori made her choice. I never put Midori in that position. Damn you, Helene, you better not keep Midori from that kid or I'll kick your ass every day until she does."
"I love Midori, Nao, but she chooses to be with you, so I will abide to her wishes. Kimiko is not a bargaining chip, so you don't have to get too happy about kicking my ass," Youko said looking at Shizuru who allowed her to leave.
"Go to bed Nao and think about it. Midori had a lot of trouble over this because her heart was torn in three directions," Natsuki said understanding perfectly well what those three were.
"Like I'm supposed to be able to sleep now, what the Hell," Nao said walking out the door into her room. Shizuru had waited to make sure Nao stayed in her room before closing their door.
Natsuki had been right behind her waiting, not so patiently, running her hands ever so gently from the back to the front of Shizuru's robe. The minute the door was closed Natsuki released the sash and watched as the robe hit the floor.
"Now where were we before all this started?" Natsuki asked as she leaned in to kiss Shizuru's neck.
"I cannot seem to remember so I think Natsuki should start all over again," Shizuru said as she kissed Natsuki's ear. Natsuki scooped her up and slowly walked the path to their bedroom kissing her all the way.
Nao felt one too many things all at once, frustration most of all so she went with that emotion first. The small table in her quarters took the brunt of Nao's frustration, eventually in pieces where it once sat. Breathing heavily and not feeling much better Nao was about to hit the wall when there was a knock on her door.
"What?" Nao yelled before she realized who she was yelling at. Miss Maria was standing there, expression totally blank giving Nao a moment to tone it down. When Nao did she motioned for the older woman to step into her room.
"None of us here have the patience for these outbursts Miss Zhang," Miss Maria said her voice smooth and flat, no accusation anywhere to be found.
"Is that all you had to tell me because I'm not a student anymore remember," Nao said looking at the poor table thinking about how she now had to replace it.
"No, Miss Zhang, you are not .If you were I would have brought over your favorite reading material. Act like an adult and a Column, for Fumi's sake. You didn't have to say a word and the person you care for reaffirmed that for you, even while you were not present. You, Juliet Nao Zhang, should consider yourself lucky and let Youko Helene walk away with her pride," Miss Maria said before walking out the door.
"Midori better come by soon or I'll send Gal with a word or two she won't like. Choosing me, over her family, what the Hell is Midori thinking. And choosing at all, whose idea was it to begin with…none of us are bargaining chips," Nao said as she went grab some clothes and head to her favorite bath.
"Well I am guessing that will hurt for a few days," Moira said as Youko walked into the makeshift lab and sat down.
"Deservedly so, but she gave me fair warning," Youko said as Moira double checked the area for anything broken.
"You can sit down and stop fussing over it okay, I'm fine I would have said otherwise," Youko said as she tried to swat away Moira's hand. The only two things broken at the moment were her Aswad pride and her heart.
"So you told the young Column and got slugged for it," Moira said trying to keep Youko talking.
"Now I get to be old and alone for my troubles," Youko said as Moira smirked and then broke out in full laughter.
"What is so funny all of a sudden, Moira?" Youko asked not really sure she wanted to know.
"You are, oh my how do you figure old and alone? My dear Youko, you have the largest single females' data bank on all of Earl at your fingertips," Moira said laughing even harder as the realization hit Youko too.
"Why is it only you would think of the Founder memory core as a dating arena?" Youko said as she herself broke into laughter.
Nina really wanted to spoil the Queen's surprise announcement while lying with Erstin, but couldn't. This moment was all too perfect as it was and Nina wasn't sure she wanted Erstin to move or get her hopes up. Nina was becoming very used to their frequent encounters both here and at the palace. In that moment, Nina realized that maybe she was the one who shouldn't be too hopeful. Mashiro only said she was going to choose an Otome from the graduating class, never specifically which one.
Erstin was dying to tell Nina what Natsuki had said earlier about the student reviews, but didn't want to move right now. They were lying with their legs crisscrossed at opposite ends of the bed. Erstin was in total bliss right now and moving might just set things off again. Nina was very amorous and easily excitable, so Erstin decided to stay put…for now at least.
"Nina?"
"What Ers, do you need me to move or something?" Nina asked though her voice sounded so far away.
"I wanted to tell you about my last review," Erstin said as she slowly untangled her legs from Nina's and sat up.
"You haven't lost your status as a Trias, have you?" Nina asked pulling herself up to face Erstin. She's learned to mask her emotion really good or I'm going to pass out, Nina thought feeling a little light headed.
"No silly, I'm still a member of the Trias. I'm just not number three anymore," Erstin said smile shining so brightly.
"Ers, you made Number One?" Nina asked feeling her pride swell.
"You are now sleeping with the number one student of the graduating class. My review in battle ethics and strategy put me up past my classmates by a full grade point average," Erstin was actually purring at this point as she had shifted to lie beside Nina.
"That's really great Erstin. I think we should get dressed and go celebrate," Nina said trying to sit up, Erstin wouldn't allow it though.
"I am celebrating silly, we tell the others later. I don't have my robe yet, so it can be a surprise. Besides I'm quite sure that I would rather be here sharing my body with you, than out there talking with the others, selfish of me but there it is," Erstin said trailing her fingers in figure eights around Nina's stomach.
Nina took Erstin's hand away from her stomach and kissed it. Nina wanted to share so much more with Erstin, but had made a promise to Mashiro. The Headmistress probably knew also, but so far Erstin had made no comment. Nina truly was proud of Erstin because she had never previously displayed her true Otome heart. Nina would deny her nothing today, if Erstin wanted to be here in bed they would stay here, after a bath and a good hot meal. There were some things that couldn't be denied also and that was Nina's stomach if she was to keep up with Erstin the rest of the day.
Yukariko was watching over Shiori and Kimiko while Maria prepped her bed to put the girls down for a nap. The more time they were spending with these children the more Yukariko wanted one of her own. Maria was not one to play cat and mouse with answers or feelings. The older woman had consented when she donated with Yukariko. The delay had been Yukariko's nervousness about the whole experience. Maria had even gone as far as telling Yukariko she could opt out without upsetting Maria.
"I have the time with you and these two adorable girls. If it is not to be then who am I to disagree? You are so much younger than I, Yukariko, so don't choose to do something you will later regret," Maria told her that very morning after the incident with Nao.
"I would have no regrets, I just need to be sure I am ready because this is a forever kind of thing," Yukariko replied.
"Nothing is forever Yukariko; I have lived a long enough life to know that. I also know that I will do whatever you ask, I can be patient you know?" Maria said looking from the babies to Yukariko.
That had been about three hours ago.
Yukariko helped to move the sleeping babies to the bed and settled them in between the pillows. At this moment, Yukariko watched how effortlessly Maria moved and the little smile she had as they left the room. They sat together on the sofa and resumed their previous conversation in earnest. Later that day Yukariko would go talk to Moira about the possibilities of her future child.
Miyu had last visited Mai and Mikoto during the early stage of Mai's pregnancy. So when Miyu came to visit this time Mai insisted that Miyu should hold the baby. The child's name was hailed as appropriately fitting the child by Miyu. In all her years, the one thing that always seemed so curious to Miyu was the insistence that others should hold a child. It seemed almost taboo not to when one was present. Miyu told them she was not staying very long and quickly had a chat alone with Mikoto before leaving.
Mai understood that Miyu still had some concerns for Mikoto and was probably voicing them. It was never anything personal against Mai; the two of them would just question and then yes or no, basic short conversations. Mai didn't fear losing Mikoto because she loved her and they shared a beautiful child together. What Mai really feared now was their daughter growing up without them.
Miyu had looked at Mai and the baby twice during her talk with Mikoto. The second time was just before she left saying something Mai couldn't hear. Mikoto was laughing as she watched Miyu disappear again for who knows how long. When Mai asked Mikoto why she was laughing Mikoto replied, "Because Miyu said and I quote, I would not be averse to being called Aunt Miyu."
Things in Annam were going as well as could be expected. Ahn had yet to retire as her father's Otome, the king abided to his daughter's decision. Of the many blessings he had received in his life, Cara was becoming his most treasured. When he saw her dressed in the present from President Chrysant's nanny the king laughed and took her for a walk.
Sarah had been out in the palace garden doing forms when they came walking by. After the king walked past Sarah gave Ahn a questioning look that Ahn shrugged at while keeping pace. Sarah had been thinking of the choices she and Ahn had yet to make. Natsuki Kruger was being generous allowing Sarah the time with Ahn and their daughter, but Sarah still had a commitment to Garderobe.
The talk with Nao had reminded Sarah that she was being negligent to her duty. This simple life couldn't last as it was. Sarah knew she would have to go back on the road soon enough but didn't want to hurt Ahn. Neither of them wanted to retire just yet and Ahn was questioning becoming a diplomat. Ahn had been an Otome long enough to know that she would rather be the protector than the protected.
Sarah thought of asking Ahn to move to Garderobe as a teacher, but had yet to voice it. This was a difficult subject because Ahn was very close to her father. When the old man passed away it might be a different story, but for now the whole discussion was off limits. Sarah went back to doing her forms until they made the return trip to the palace. Ahn was holding Cara this time and Sarah fell into step with them.
"Life is not going to wait for us to decide, Ahn. We need to start making plans," Sarah's words were not harsh, but they were final as she left for a bath.
"You cannot seriously expect to enroll here. Look around you Tomoe, this is Windbloom University. You are taking chances that you will not be caught. That girl you bumped into earlier was Irina Woods. You were very lucky she was distracted picking up her books. There is work to be done and this is not part of it."
Tomoe was sitting in the car just watching students walk by. The monologue had become incessant that minute she hit Windbloom. Tomoe's little care package was in the brief in the backseat. Every once and a while Tomoe would look back at it and smile.
"Never mind smiling at it Tomoe, use it. Those little freaks of nature are growing as you sit here pondering your pathetic life. Shizuru will never be yours. Hallard will get her sight back. Armitage would never give up Chrysant…forget that thought completely anyway. Think Tomoe, take out the whole lot of them or take yourself out of the equation."
Tomoe hit the steering wheel as she started the car and drove off. She really hadn't been thinking clearly when she came here. Tomoe had wanted to see Shizuru once again and that impulse had brought her here.
"Shizuru had no love for you Tomoe. If the woman of your dreams and nightmares had truly loved you back she would have fought beside you. Right now she's Kruger's whore and they have a little freak of nature as well. Get over her already and don't even contemplate going by Garderobe. Get back to work, but first of all get out of Wind."
Tomoe turned down a back street and stopped the car. Tomoe kept hitting the steering wheel until she had to open the door and throw up. Tomoe stood in the alley for a minute and tried to still the voice.
"Get out of Wind, Tomoe. Get out of Wind now. Your work is too important, get out of Wind."
Tomoe got in the car again and drove to the transport depot. Tomoe thought of ditching the car, but the voice had been adamant. The car was freedom of movement, for now. Tomoe made a quick stop for some supplies and finally did as the voice said; she left Wind without a look back.
"Aries is too dangerous, so is Lutesia Remus, think Tomoe don't just drive aimlessly. Places to go, people to kill, pick a place."
