DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome and its characters are Sunrise property.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: The next generation characters are of my creation along with the associated headaches and heartburn.

Our Legacy ch36

Garderobe, present,

Kaede was trying not to fidget as Shiori buttoned her last two lapel buttons. Normally they would remain open, but Shiori had to remind her, once again, that it was disrespectful and against dress code etiquette. Shiori finished the buttons and ran her hand down the front of Kaede's uniform stopping at the white Roman numerals.

"Now my dear you look like a proper Column," Shiori said as she stole a kiss.

"I would have preferred staying in bed," Kaede replied as she restrained her hands from their usual course.

"You know as well as I do that my mother is trying to keep us off our game. There isn't going to be any food there. Some wine maybe, but no food it just a game to her," Shiori said as she rechecked the buttons on her own uniform.

"She doesn't even know what it is yet. We should just walk over to the Mausoleum and level it to the ground. No more ancient Earth data bank, no more temptation," Kaede said imagining it.

Shiori looked at her with such sad eyes that Kaede let the thought go. Kaede really didn't want to go eat with them, especially in her robe. Shiori understood how much the robe bothered her, but Kaede thought maybe Shiori wanted to play for selfish reasons. Kaede took a good look at Shiori's white robe enjoying how it disguised her true shape and strength. Kaede's fit was no disguise and yet it was not tight in anyway.

Their three quarter length robes were just basic overcoats. They both wore formfitting pants though you wouldn't know unless the overcoat came off. Their boots were simple ending just below their calves with flat heels. Kaede's boots were rounded at the toes and Shiori's had a fine point to them. The only other difference to their attire was what they choose to wear under their overcoats.

Natsuki would crack a smile if she had seen Shiori's favorite choice of shirt matched her own, though in black or dark blue. Kaede, on the other hand, had to keep her overcoat on as far as Shiori was concerned because the strong girl wore half shirts only. Shiori loved them, of course, but they left nothing to the imagination even with a bra on.

"No matter what do not drink more than you can handle Kaede," Shiori said thinking of the last time Kaede had gotten drunk with Megumi.

"I know what needs to be done tonight my love. I will behave so long as you promise to intoxicate me later," Kaede replied pulling Shiori in close and tight to her as the knock at the door interrupted them.

Haruka said nothing to them; she only pounded on the door three times and walked off with Yukino. Shiori laughed because from inside the room it sounded as if the door had cracked on that last thud. Kaede opened the door for Shiori and followed quietly closing the door just as Haruka and Yukino turned the corner out of sight.

"It would seem we are to find our own way without escort," Shiori said with a light laugh.

"Not like we don't already know our way around these halls love. Headmistress Kruger is playing with us and for now we will acquiesce," Kaede said holding out her arm for Shiori to entwine her own.

"Even if we didn't know our way around here Kaede, that nose of yours would find it anyway. Far be it for you to miss a meal willingly," Shiori said as the rounded the same corner to see Haruka and Yukino disappear down another corridor.

"If you remember correctly I did offer to stay in bed?" Kaede asked smiling as they approached the next corridor and watched as her parents disappeared into the faculty dining area.

As they reached the doors Kaede stopped and took a couple of deep breaths. There was talking beyond the door, but Kaede tried to block it out. Shiori was already wearing her game face and could feel Kaede shake beside her. With a simple stroke of her chin and a light kiss from Shiori, Kaede found her strength and clarity. The doors had opened on them before that simple kiss had broken and Haruka actually blushed at her own impatience. Both Kaede and Shiori had inhaled deep breaths as they turned and took a head count. The odds were seven to two and of the seven the most surprising face in the room had belong to Meister Juliet Nao Zhang.

"Could you save the public displays of affection for a more private atmosphere?" Haruka said as she stood aside to allow them entry.

"It had been private Meister Armitage until you opened the doors," Kaede whispered as they walked past Haruka.

"Okay Kruger what the Hell is going on here? There are only Five Columns, but those two are also wearing designated numbers," Nao said figuring Natsuki had some intended prank being played here.

Natsuki was trying to fix her game face because this was not expected. Youko Helene was also in shock and feeling completely undressed around all of the Meisters. Both Youko and Yukino were dressed in long black gowns of varying cut with Youko's leaving a lot less to the imagination with a long slit up her left leg and an extremely low cut neck line. Yukino's wrapped up around her neck with thin straps criss-crossing her back ending quite low on her back.

Miss Maria just shook her head no at Nao as an answer as the Twin Meisters approached them and bowed courteously. Shizuru harbored no illusion of surprise, as expected as she took in every detail straight down to their constant light brushes of contact with each other.

"Excuse us if we are late in anyway," Kaede said as she eyed Natsuki.

"There's no need as you were only just summoned," Shizuru replied cutting off any chance of verbal dance between Natsuki and Kaede. Natsuki cut her a side long glance that could have leveled a building. Nao was watching and picked up on Natsuki's irritation.

"Oh lovely, I'm getting myself a drink. Anyone care to join me?" Nao said not expecting anyone to actually take her up on the offer.

Both Youko and Yukino followed closely behind Nao to the table and the wine. Miss Maria looked the girls over with more intensity remembering her earlier discussion with Yukino.

"Meister Graceburt forgive our deception earlier today. We had no intentions of such a ruse," Shiori said as she felt Miss Maria's gaze burning through her defenses.

"Surely young Meister you do not expect me to be as forgiving as you are implying with such obvious words?" Miss Maria said as she brought her gaze over to Kaede who immediately tensed and shot back her own glare.

"The deception was borne out of necessity. Meister Armitage and I have been in similar situations. The results shall we say bore no fruit," Shiori replied trying to pull their focus back towards her.

"Yes, well Miss Shiori, shall you girls properly introduce yourselves to the group? You already seem to know those of us present anyway," Miss Maria said biting off the remark that she had intended.

Nao was watching from her seat at the table nursing a tall glass of dark wine. The game was about to begin.

"Ladies if you will, I am Meister Shiori Kruger. I am the Sixth Column of Garderobe and wear the proud distinction of the Heaven's Guide Pearl."

"I am Meister Kaede Armitage. The Seventh Column of Garderobe…Defiant Earthbound Pearl at your service."

Youko grabbed the bottle of wine topped off her glass and finished it off as they introduced themselves. Nao, on the other hand, had shattered her flute in her grasp, cutting her hand in the process clearly shocked. Yukino took away the bottle as Youko was finishing off her second glass and walked over to Nao with a napkin to cover her hand.

"Ok you know what; there isn't enough alcohol in this room or all of Garderobe right now to make me believe that. Where the Hell does this little prank of yours end, Kruger?" Nao yelled as stood up before Yukino could finish wrapping her hand with the large cloth napkin.

"Meister Zhang… please sit down and allow me to finish this," Yukino said sternly.

"This is no prank, Nao. Excuse me, I mean Meister Zhang," Kaede replied stepping over to them as she felt Shiori pull her back.

"Remember where we are, Kaede. Meister Zhang is younger than the two of us here," Shiori said to her as she returned to her place.

Miss Maria walked over to Shiori and held out her right hand to the young girl. Shiori put out her own right hand as Miss Maria held it up and looked closely at the silver ring.

"This is impossible…would you please remove this ring young Meister Kruger?" Miss Maria asked. The older woman's face seemed so much older in that moment.

Kaede smiled at Shiori and both removed their silver bands handing them to her carefully. Miss Maria walked away and examined the rings closely. Natsuki had yet to speak and now followed her former instructor whispering. Natsuki looked back over her shoulder at them and then put her hand on Miss Maria's shoulder. Their conversation was soft and guarded.

Nao sat with another flute in her bandaged hand waiting for the next shoe to drop. Youko had taken another bottle from further down the table and was now nursing her fifth flute of wine. Her mind was racing with the implications of the words spoken and yet to be voiced. Yukino had just finished off her first flute and was coming back to join them with glasses for Haruka and Shizuru grasped with her own firmly in her hands.

"Nao was right you know about there not being enough alcohol here tonight," Haruka said as she emptied her glass and walked off to get a bottle instead.

"Would the three of you ladies please excuse me?" Kaede asked as she cut out to follow Haruka in her quest for a bottle of wine.

"Kaede and I knew that this would be overwhelming, but we had to do this. We want to do things quietly and peacefully," Shiori said watching Kaede as she poured them both flutes.

"What do the rings represent Shiori?" Shizuru asked eyes unwavering in their gaze. Her flute of wine was still untouched.

"They are graduation presents from me," Miss Maria replied for her, as she and Natsuki returned to the conversation, "I …my trip into the city had been to pre-order these rings for the next generation that would follow into Garderobe. I ordered seven bands each to be engraved upon ascension to Meister status."

"How can…excuse me…how can you be so sure that these rings are from you?" Haruka asked in between drinks from the bottle.

"Because she knew the inscription, well part of it anyway," Natsuki said still holding both rings in her tightly closed fist. Natsuki took the bottle from Haruka poured Yukino another glass and then finished off the bottle herself.

Kaede handed Shiori a flute and waited to drink. Shiori was taking her cues from Shizuru and nodded at Kaede. Kaede just shook her head and drank her flute. Natsuki held the empty bottle in Kaede's direction and Kaede took it back to the table. Kaede brought back the last bottle leaving one on the table for Nao and Youko to share as they listened. They had agreed to get along and had just now agreed to get drunk and listen as this insane show played out before them.

"Could we please have them back now, Headmistress Kruger?" Kaede asked as politely as possible.

"Otome Born- Strength of the Otome, Defiant Earthbound Pearl," Natsuki said as she handed Kaede's large ring to her. The words came through gritted teeth.

Natsuki looked at Shiori and her glare softened; her words were choked in her throat. Natsuki held up the ring in a shaky hand and Shizuru took it from her. Shizuru studied the description and smiled.

"Otome Born- Grace of the Otome, Heaven's Guide Pearl," Shizuru said as she put the ring gently into Shiori's palm and then sipped lightly from her flute.

"These were the proof you were planning to offer up to us?" Natsuki asked reaching for the wine bottle in Kaede's grasp.

"It was one of our piece's considering you knew nothing about them," Shiori answered as she slid her ring back on. Her flute still untouched as she watched the bottle playing out quickly around her. The last glass to be filled was Kaede's and the remainder Kaede looked at and then swallowed with a small laugh. The bottles really were rather small and not as potent as any of these women were used to.

"Okay now that we've identified them again, will someone please explain to me how the Hell they could possibly be the people they claim to be?" Nao asked from the table breaking her silence.

"We are from your future Meister Zhang, a rather nasty future thanks to the curiosity of human beings in general," Shiori replied as she handed her glass to Haruka. Shiori wanted nothing to dull her senses right now and watched as it emptied quickly.

"Our inheritance from you people was a world torn asunder by war. The technology that sits on that hill isn't a gift, it is the curse that destroyed humanity once before. Leave well enough alone…let the future rediscover such technology in its own time," Kaede said after finishing her flute.

"Are you trying to blame us for that future?" Natsuki asked once again through gritted teeth.

"Not directly no. The doors are open and we do not know what originally caused them to be thrown wide to all of Earl," Shiori replied.

"That technology is guarded by this school in order to keep such things from happening. There is no way any of us here would allow…" Natsuki said in a tone that was rising with each word until Kaede clocked her with one solid blow.

"Kaede stop!" Yukino and Shiori yelled at the same time as Kaede advanced on Natsuki. Natsuki felt that blow clear through any of the alcohol's limited effects. Shizuru grabbed Kaede's next punch and stepped between her and Natsuki.

"I suggest you listen to the people who love you before you make another very serious mistake," Shizuru said barely restraining her anger as she pushed Kaede back, "And you need to stop pushing her buttons, Natsuki. I understand your reluctance to accept them for who they are, but your actions contradict that every time you push. If I didn't know any better I would say you were a jealous parent protecting their child."

"That's exactly what she is. You locked me in isolation at every possible opportunity because I wouldn't stay away from Shiori. I'm not that little Coral anymore and I will defy you as long as it takes to get it through that thick skull," Kaede said standing at Shizuru's back looking over her shoulder at Natsuki.

"Step aside Shizuru," Natsuki said voice soft but adamant.

"No, I will not. There will be no more violence between the two of you. Things done in your future and her past will not find absolution in this manner or this room," Shizuru replied staring down her soul-mate.

"The next person that throws a punch can sit in isolation until they are blue in the face. Go ahead and push your luck girls," Miss Maria said eyes full of anger, "Now we know where the Defiant came from."

"Too bad for that… I would have loved to watch Kruger take a beating from another Armitage," Nao said as she kicked back in her seat. She held out her flute to Youko who poured the last of their bottle into both of their glasses shaking her head in agreement.

"Screw you Zhang, that fight was a tie and this kid can't hit worth shit," Natsuki said even though her bloody lip said differently.

"Oh please don't make me …" Nao stopped mid-sentence as she caught three adamant glares from Miss Maria, Shizuru and Shiori, "Damn it all like mother like daughter."

"I've got to say that I haven't seen this much blatant violence amongst such strong women since the Homecoming. I think I am going to make myself scarce and go get some real alcohol," Youko said as she tried to stand up only to get two steps before Nao stopped her.

"Midori would kill us both if I let you go out dressed like that with that much alcohol in your system."

"Midori doesn't own me and you cannot stop me, unless you want to come play with me," Youko said as she leaned over revealing a lot of breast and nearly kissing Nao.

"Ok see that's it, no more for you or me. This little act can play on without us. I'm going take her to her room and then I'm going to take a cold shower. Thanks for the ridiculously enlightening evening," Nao said as she directed Youko out of the room fending off her advances in the process.

As the doors closed behind them there was a loud thud against the doors. Haruka thought of opening the door again, but decided against it remembering the last time she did. Yukino was standing near Kaede now, hand holding her face in a light grip that brought them face to face.

"No more violence. We are listening, talk to us about your home, about our legacy to you. I want to hear about the things you and Ayame grow up to witness."

Those words brought tears to Kaede's eyes as she looked into her mother's eyes. Shiori looked at Kaede and shook her head no. Kaede put her arms around Yukino and continued to cry. Haruka reached over and laid her hand on Kaede's head stroking her hair in such a comforting gesture that only made it harder for the large girl to stop crying.

Natsuki took in every word she had heard and tossed them out as she watched this girl break down again. Kaede had no fear of sharing her feelings and Natsuki realized the words Shiori spoke on the train were true. Natsuki silently promised to be a more understanding parent when these two would meet again. A promise to her future…

"Can we all go sit down now and talk rationally?" Miss Maria asked feeling her age all too clearly now.

There was another thud against the doors again and Shiori looked back at them questioningly. Miss Maria looked over also and shook her head. Miss Maria's instincts told her to go sit down and leave well enough alone. Shiori took a walk over to the door and immediately returned shaking her head. She joined Miss Maria at the table and awaited the rest of their group.

"I think some nice tea would be in order now. If you'll excuse me Miss Maria I think I'll go prepare some," Shiori said as she considered the lingering effects of the not so strong alcohol on the rest of their group.

"I was planning on an early night, well looks like I'll be apologizing to Yukariko in the morning. Would you like a hand dear?" Miss Maria asked as Shiori was leaving the table.

"No thank you, I remember where everything is. Besides what kind of student would I be if I could not prepare a simple tea?" Shiori said winking at Miss Maria as she disappeared into the back room.

Shizuru and Haruka joined Miss Maria at the table while Yukino continued to hold Kaede. Natsuki could not bring herself to move. Yukino whispered something that had Kaede shaking her head and Natsuki reaching out to do exactly what Haruka had done. Kaede choked something through her tears and Yukino's legs gave out from under her. Natsuki had a pale expression and took two steps back shaking her head. Kaede's strong arms were the only thing keeping Yukino on her feet.

Yukino was shaking her head in a violent no gesture, hands on Kaede's back punching her repeatedly. Haruka ran back from the table, slipped on the floor in the process and recovered in a not so graceful manner. Natsuki turned to Haruka and put her arms on Haruka's shoulders pushing her away from Yukino and Kaede. What she had heard was enough to convince Natsuki that Haruka would need Yukino in strong control more than Yukino needed Haruka right now.

These girls had the answer to their own question as far as Natsuki was concerned. If what Kaede had just told Yukino was true, Natsuki could understand how it was that the old Earth technology would go beyond Garderobe's control. They would raise such strong women in such a cruel world because of their inability to destroy one monster with such a human face.

Natsuki looked to Shizuru for help to get Haruka away from Yukino and Kaede without causing a fight. Haruka was trying her damnedest to push off Natsuki who was stepping repeatedly into her path. Shizuru came over and whispered into Haruka's ear and tipped her head to Natsuki. Natsuki understood the leave us alone look even now. She hadn't seen it since her Coral years, but things amongst these women never changed.

Shiori came back into the room with the tea service and knew immediately that Kaede had not listened to her. Shiori put the service down and poured a cup for Miss Maria before going over to Yukino and Kaede and wrapping her arms around them both. She admonished Kaede as she reached through Kaede's grip and pulled Yukino away. Shiori took Yukino to the table and sat down next to her whispering an apology and stroking Yukino's back. The look Shiori shot Kaede held all the fire and brimstone she had seen in Shizuru's eyes earlier.

Kaede stood in the middle of the floor trying to pull together her emotions as she watched Haruka lean over and try to hold Yukino. Yukino whispered into Haruka's ear and before anyone else could react Haruka threw the table aside and ran straight at Kaede. Haruka picked up Kaede liked some simple child and ran her straight into the wall nearly knocking them both through it.

Shizuru was directly behind Haruka, though not quick enough to stop her from punching Kaede in the face.

"WHAT ON EARL POSSESSED YOU TO EVEN THINK OF TELLING YUKINO THAT? LET GO OF ME SHIZURU, RIGHT NOW. ANSWER ME KAEDE ARMITAGE BEFORE I BASH YOUR SKULL IN, DAUGHTER OR NOT."

"BECAUSE IT IS THE TRUTH AND YOU WERE THE ONES WHO KEPT IT A SECRET, ALL OF YOU UNTIL THE DAY I ASCENDED."