Voices of the Present
Serpents in Eden

Gathering Forces

Tuesday, Dec 5, 2006 7:00pm

"You'll just have to trust that I'm not trying to poison you," Momomi said encouragingly.

The three girls gazed forlornly at the four inviting chocolate confections, clearly wanting to believe but still reluctant.

"I haven't eaten anything sweet in two days. The idea still turns my stomach," Yaya shared with the others around her. "Still, these are your sister's?"

"Yup," Momomi responded. "Not only that, these are her 'approved efforts', rather than her supposed mistakes." The honey blonde girl shrugged. "I personally can't tell the difference, but she assures me the differences are obvious." Momomi regarded the chocolates looking unconvinced. "Anyway, when you all agreed to join me again this evening for another 'club meeting', I asked Mother if she'd be willing to part with a few of her stash. When I told her about yesterday morning, she readily agreed. This is the remains of a recent shipment, and no one has gotten sick from the others. I was hoping these might help us forget about recent events." Momomi shrugged and reached for a truffle. "Poison is in everything, and nothing is without poison. The dosage makes it either a poison or a remedy," she said with a raised eyebrow at the object of her desire and took a bite.

"Paracelsus," Momomi said with a grin between chews by way of explanation. "I so declare it a remedy," she finished, clearly satisfied.

The other three girls who had come to join Momomi for tea and company in her room stared at the older girl as she slowly savored the delicacy.

"Three weeks ago, I wouldn't have put it past you to try and kill someone, Momomi-san. I still haven't forgotten the risk you put Nagisa-chan in when you had your tantrum practicing for Carmen. That said, to Hell with it," Tamao declared as she reached for another. Yaya and Tsubomi quickly responded in kind. "If you're trying to poison me, at least I'll die happy." She then took a bite, marveling at the taste of heaven which was as good as she remembered.

The four girls enjoyed the experience for many long minutes, falling into silence afterwards as they savored the final aftertaste and then sipped Momomi's spectacular tea.

"I've been meaning to ask you, Momomi-san. How is President Tōmori?" Tamao finally asked into the silence.

"Honestly, I was thinking to ask you the same thing," Momomi admitted. "You've become remarkably well connected since the Étoile election, Tamao-san. Minamoto-san still doesn't seem to trust that I've changed enough. She and I rarely speak, and other than the sisters and some outside officials, no one has been in contact with my President except Minamoto-san and that little green-haired shadow with glasses of hers as far as I've heard."

Tamao nodded. "I've barely seen Remon-chan and she isn't talking. I had hoped maybe you or Kaname-san had been in contact with Tomori-san given your role on the Student Council."

Momomi shook her head sadly. "My suspicion is that this transcends Spica now. Kaname and I have been acting on our own authority when we've had to make decisions, and have deferred where we can. I'll admit to being very worried for Tomori-san. There are still three girls in the hospital, although I am told they are in good condition and should be coming back tomorrow morning."

"How is Kagome-chan and Chiyo-chan?" Tsubomi asked worried. "Amane-sama and Hikari-sama went to see them this afternoon but I haven't seen them since."

"I'm happy to report they're both doing quite well," Tamao shared, clearly happy to share the good news. "Nagisa-chan and Shizuma-sama went with the Étoile on the visit and their report to Miyuki-san matches what Momomi-san just said. I'm told Kizuna-chan has become quite the little nurse and hasn't left their side since she and Chikaru-san went to the hospital yesterday morning once things settled up here. The other girl is also from Miator, our Student Body Secretary and a close friend of Shizuma-sama's. She's also doing very well. They're all keeping things down consistently now and are rehydrated. No long-term harm it appears, although I understand both Kagome-chan's arms look pretty frightening from bruising."

"And Sister Saotome and the other older sisters?" Momomi asked, her concern apparent.

"They're stable, according to Nagisa-chan," Tamao continued sharing. "Sister Saotome had a rough go of it given her age, but they're certain now that she'll recover. She'll likely be in the hospital for the rest of the week, though, and none of them will likely be resuming their duties for a few weeks after that. I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Sister Hamasaka and Sister Carina."

"So, no lasting harm to the students, but what of the rumors that parents are looking to point fingers?" Momomi asked the blue-haired Miatoran.

Tamao sighed deeply. "That's the crux of it, and why I too am worried about Tōmori-san. I think the crème used by Tōmori-san's people for the desserts has been clearly established as the cause of the food poisoning. It apparently was a normally mild type of bacterial poisoning, but some people still responded more seriously to it apparently due to their body's nature. There also apparently was a lot of it. That's what I know from Nagisa-chan, who was there as Shizuma-sama and the Étoile spoke with the doctors. Anything else I know is conjecture."

Miyuki is beside herself over this, Tamao remembered back, and it's all Nagisa can do to keep Shizuma from exploding. I've never seen either of them so angry in my life, despite the fact I didn't think there was much love lost between this year's Spica and Miator leadership. I know they know more than they're saying around Nagisa and I, but I have no idea what it is. I wish I could help Miyuki. I feel so useless.

"Fair enough," Momomi answered. "Discretion is a good skill for someone moving up like you are."

Tamao gave Momomi a thoughtful look and appeared to be ready to say something, when a knock on the door interrupted things. Momomi rose to answer it, revealing Remon.

"Please forgive the interruption, Kiyashiki-san," Remon began. "I'm sorry to interrupt you when you have guests," she looked past Momomi in turn to the three girls still seated in the room, "but President Tōmori requests the presence of the Spica Student Body Secretary for a few moments if you are available."

Momomi looked back to her guests and shrugged. "It appears duty calls. It sounds like this won't be long, so if you'd like to stick around, I'll share what I can when I return. In the meantime, feel free to help yourself to the tea."

The other girls nodded and, with that, Momomi left in Remon's wake.

/*/

"If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us, do we not revenge?" Chikaru intoned, her trademark serene smile an eerie juxtaposition to her words as Remon closed the door behind herself as she left at Chikaru's request. Chikaru, Shion, and Momomi remained as the only ones present in the Le Rim student lounge of Strawberry Hall.

Chikaru was seated next to Shion behind a table with white porcelan tea cups before them. A third cup sat across from the two in the direction of the door, steaming invitingly to Momomi. Shion turned to scowl at the dark-haired girl next to her before returning to regard Momomi with what Momomi could only describe as a 'schooled expression'. "Forgive my dear friend. Despite her reputation as the consummate diplomat, it appears the events of the past 48 hours have worn on her. Please, do have a seat and join us."

Momomi took the proffered place before regarding Chikaru. "I would hope there is no ill will such that revenge would be necessary. Surely any poisoning involved was unintentional, and in any case wouldn't that be an issue with the one seated beside you? Speaking for myself, I trust you implicitly, President Minamoto-sama." Momomi then took a deep sip of the tea before her, clearly demonstrating her words.

Chikaru simply continued to smile, making no effort to respond.

"First off," Shion began again, getting down to business, "I wish to thank you, Secretary Kiyashiki-san, for your efforts the past two days on behalf of our school. You and Vice President Kenjō-san have been tireless making sure that the mildly sick have recovered to health and coordinating the collection of lesson notes to ensure those who missed classes yesterday and today have what they need to quickly catch up. I have heard multiple teachers and sisters sing your praises. It is on our beloved Sister Carina's errand that I brought you here, in fact."

Shion's face remained impassive as she said this and Momomi waited for the Spican President to continue.

"Some have suggested I step down after the events of Sunday night. I share this because I am sure you will hear about it anyway, and I wanted you to hear from me that I have refused. I am not one to make a mess and then walk away from it."

"You didn't make the mess, Shi-chan," Chikaru interrupted Shion with this flat declaration and a slight dampening of her smile, although her gaze never left Momomi. Momomi remained silent.

"However the mess happened, President Minamoto, it is well and truly mine to handle, if just because I am President of my school. I am captain of this ship and am responsible regardless of who runs it into an iceberg." Shion shot a pointed look at Momomi. "This is something you well know, Chikaru-chan, and a lesson for my chosen successor to well consider."

Momomi's eyes widened a bit as the ramifications of this statement settled in. This was unexpected.

"It appears I will be spending the rest of my tenure dealing with the fallout of this most recent unfortunate incident. With me focusing so much on the past, despite my distaste for that tense, we need someone leading us forward as well. You have demonstrated your ability as a leader and planner, Kiyashiki-san. You are also popular with the student body and, along with Kenjo-san, the shoe-ins for the position anyway. I would like for you to announce your candidacy for President of Spica next year within the next week, if possible." Shion paused briefly to note Momomi's neutral expression. "Don't play coy, Kiyashiki-san. I know you've been angling for it ever since the tennis match between Amane-sama and Kenjō-san. I have spoken with the Étoile, as well as President Rokujō-sama of Miator and President Minamoto-san here. You will have the endorsement of all of them."

Momomi continued to be silent, expecting there was yet more Shion was going to say. She was not disappointed.

"Kiyashiki-san, you will now have the responsibility of leadership, and all eyes will be on you. My hope is this, along with having achieved your goals, will moderate your behavior. Just remember, Kiyashiki-san, you reap what you sow."

Momomi presented a mildly perplexed, innocent expression to the other two girls. "I agree that many events prior to the Étoile election were unfortunate. That is why I have worked tirelessly since the election to balance the scales. I hope you both can appreciate that, mon président," Momomi finished in French. Chikaru's façade broke briefly at the words, but she gracefully covered it with a cough. Shion simply continued her impassive expression.

"I believe that is all, then, Kiyashiki-san. I love Spica, and hope that you will come to love her as I do. You are incredibly talented, Kiyashiki-san. Spica needs those talents turned in her favor."

Momomi simply nodded rather than address the implications left hanging by Shion, then rose to her feet. She bowed to the two women on the other end of the table. "Thank you for the lovely tea, and for your vote of confidence, President Tōmori. You assume much when you say I have been angling for the position, and I must consider your words as well as gauge the support I can expect from others. Still, I am honored that so many would like to see me in the spotlight and will take that knowledge seriously as I consider it." She then turned to leave the room, but paused at the door to hear Chikaru's final words.

"The tainted crème has left the lab scratching their heads because it couldn't possibly have grown the bacteria within because of the sugar ratios. There is a viper on Astraea Hill, a viper who best be very discreet with its fangs from now on."

"Wise advice, President Minamoto. If I accept President Tōmori's offer, I will certainly be on the lookout for this viper of which you speak." With that, Momomi opened the door to exit, noting Remon had remained outside and took the opportunity to enter and close the door behind her leaving Momomi alone to make her way back to her room in the Spican wing.

So, we continue the dance with a different partner. I had previously been hesitating to move to my next plan because of the collateral damage. No more. Watch me all you want, Shadow Empress. Place me under a microscope. Please, I invite it. The trap has already been laid by others' hands and activating it will take but a moment. You will never see it coming.

/*/

"So, how'd it go?" Yaya asked the Spican Secretary when she had settled herself on her return.

"It was a very interesting interview," Momomi said thoughtfully after taking a sip of the fresh tea Tsubomi had just poured for her as she was sitting down.

"Interview?" Tamao and Yaya said simultaneously.

"Yes. It appears I have been tapped to become the next President of Spica," she shook her head presenting a wry smile that suggested she felt overwhelmed by the honor.

Yaya chuckled and shook her head. "If someone had suggested you as our next President three weeks ago, I would have blown a gasket. Now…well all I can say is congratulations! I know a lot of our classmates will be happy to hear it."

"Well, I didn't say yes or no to the idea. I still would also have to win the election, and others might wish the position. Finally, I am unsure what my peers may think of the idea. I have a checkered past, as Tamao-chan reminded us before Natsume-san came to fetch me. You, Yaya-chan, as well as the Étoile, know this better than any."

Yaya considered Momomi's words. "I'll be honest, it'll still be a long time before I fully forgive you or Kenjō-san for what you did to Hikari-chan. That said, I've seen you really try to make up for it. I look around and, other than perhaps Kenjō-san, there's really no one else who can do what you do. Unless you suddenly change your spots again, you have my vote."

Momomi nodded and turned to regard Tsubomi. "And what of you, Serviteur d'Étoile?"

Tsubomi shrugged. "I've heard the stories of what happened from Yaya-senpai, but I wasn't part of any of it. Something about you has always bothered me, but then again I feel the same way about Shizuma-sama and I am working with her now. Speaking just for myself and not in the role you just mentioned, I'd probably give you a try. As Yaya-senpai said, I can't see anyone else who is as good a candidate."

Momomi then turned to Tamao. "I realize you technically have no say in this, but I still value your judgment greatly. I also have a suspicion the next Spica President will be working very closely with you."

Tamao chuckled. "You have great insight, Momomi-san. As you seem to have already guessed, I had a similar conversation with Miyuki-san just this afternoon. She, too, has tapped me as her replacement. Likewise, I haven't given her my answer, although I'm certainly honored to be asked."

"That's awesome, Tamao-san," Yaya exclaimed at the news. "I've heard the Miator students at Strawberry Hall already talking about their hopes you'd run."

"Well, it's not an easy decision to make, as Momomi-san is wrestling with as well."

"Tamao-san," Momomi continued again, "part of my reticence is not knowing who my peer will be at Miator. Minamoto-san's discomfort with me was evident even at the tennis game this last weekend. I'm anxious about antagonizing her further, as well as working with her as the President of Spica must next year. Tamao-san, I know you are close friends with Minamoto-san. If you are the Miator President, I'd feel a lot better about being President of Spica."

Tamao gazed at Momomi for long moments after she said this. "I can understand your anxiety. Again, your change the past three weeks has been profound. I'm still unnerved by it, but I'm willing to give you a chance given the impact I know a tennis match can have on a person." Tamao smiled thoughtfully at her own words. "There are a few more things I need to sort out before I can make a final decision, but I can assure you that you will be among the first to know, Momomi-san, and that I'll try to have an answer for you soon."

"I realize it's traditional to wait until after the break to make announcements, but Tomori-san wanted my answer in the next week, so that a sense of stability and continuity could be established before the students all leave on break."

Tamao nodded again at that. "I can see her logic given the circumstances of Spica." Tamao sighed deeply. "I'll try and have an answer for you by the beginning of next week. That's the best I can do." She looked up at Momomi with a slightly guilty expression.

"Fair enough," Momomi allowed. "I still have other things to consider as well. For example, I haven't spoken with Kaname yet. She once considered running for President, although when last we discussed it she wasn't interested in running for it anymore. Her ambition, for now at least, is a shadow of its former self." Momomi's expression flickered briefly through several emotions at this before settling on a hopeful smile. "That said, she has been encouraging me. I just need to make sure before I move with this."

"So then, we see about deciding before Christmas break," Tamao concluded in summary.

"Speaking of Christmas Break, what are people doing?" Momomi asked with a light expression. "It's time we discuss something less profound. Myself, I'm flying to Europe to spend the holiday with my chocolatier sister. I'll be sure to bring back plenty of samples." This last was said with a wide grin.

Tamao smiled at the new topic as well as Momomi's promise. "I'll be spending some time in Tokyo with a friend as well as spending time with my family. I'm looking forward to just some simple time away with a good book. I haven't spent any significant time back home since before this school year started."

Yaya shrugged, clearly more ambivalent with the topic. "I usually spend my holidays with my grandmother in Kagoshima. She's the one who sent me to Spica and is actually a really neat lady. I'm the only kid there, but the weather is nice even in December and she gives me a lot of freedom. I'll probably do a lot of shopping, as usual." She smiled at that last.

"Kagoshima, Yaya-senpai?" Tsubomi inserted uncertainly. "My family is gathering at our winter home west of Hiroshima It's only about 5 hours by bullet train. Maybe we can meet up mid-way?"

For once, the offer was made directly, not in tsundere fashion. Momomi and Tamao once again shared an amused look as the two young loves lit up the room with their enthusiastic affections.

"I'd like that," Yaya responded through a broad grin. "I'd like that very much."

"Well, I'm glad to see we continue to build good karma with the two of you," Momomi went on when it became clear further details of any rendezvous would be developed later by the two...privately. "If you don't mind me asking, have the Étoile decided their plans? I know the long holiday sometimes complicates any plans for the Étoile to get away because of the greenhouse. In year's past, the serviteur has sometimes filled the role, but obviously that won't happen this year."

Tsubomi's smile was still evident as she turned to answer Momomi. "Actually, they'll be spending time bouncing back and forth between their families. We made arrangements with another friend of ours who is staying in Strawberry Hall because her family is overseas."

"Ah, Nagisa-san," Momomi submitted helpfully.

Tamao answered first before Tsubomi could. "No, it wouldn't be her. She's going to be in Tokyo with her aunt."

Tsubomi added to that, "No, it's Remon-san from Le Rim. She's already on the team helping Hikari-sama and I in the greenhouse anyway, so it actually turned out well. Chikaru-sama will also be around, although I think she'll be getting away for some short trips to visit friends who aren't too far away, but she'll be here enough to help Remon-san if she needs it…especially with the stables."

Momomi raised an eyebrow at the new piece of information. "I didn't know Remon-san was a horse person."

"Neither did I," Tamao interjected, herself also clearly curious.

Tsubomi grinned at Yaya before responding. "She's a horse newbie just like Yaya-senpai. That said, she's committed to learn. Chikaru-san is experienced, though, and will be around to help mentor Remon-san if anything comes up that isn't covered by Amane-sama during her training."

"I see. Makes good sense. I love the team you've developed. You're all a remarkable group of friends. I'm jealous."

"Friends make friends, Momomi-san," Tamao responded warmly. "You may find yourself a part of a lot of things now that you're working with and not against everyone."

/*/

(POV: Oosaki Keiko)

"She did it, Keiko, you know she did it the same way I do," Chikaru spat, her anger…no her hatred…a physical, malignant presence around the girl in Keiko's eyes, it was so great. "'Balance the scales', she says. Are we really going to just sit around giving her more rope in the hopes she may eventually hang herself?"

Chikaru was standing behind the sofa in the Le Rim student lounge she had recently been sharing with Shion. Chikaru had rejected any comfort from her blonde friend by rising rather than remain within reaching distance. Her standing position allowed her...expressive...body language to make her feelings apparent to all present. Uncharacteristically, Chikaru was making no effort at all to be subtle or discreet. Her famous serenity was nowhere to be seen.

Viewing the display, and the curiously blunt interaction between Keiko and Chikaru, were Shizuma, Miyuki, and Shion. Remon had been sent to bed despite her stated desire to remain involved in the unfolding events by supporting her senpai. It had been Shion who had insisted that "cleaning up the mess" was the responsibility of the 6th year students, of which Chikaru was an honorary member given her age, connections, and (supposed) maturity. Chikaru hadn't argued with Shion's decision, but had insisted on the inclusion of Keiko. No one had seemed terribly surprised at the request.

"No, Chikaru-san," Keiko said trying desperately to be calming while at the same time publically disagreeing with her young friend. "I don't know anything with such certainty, and unless you've manifested something completely unprecedented and can now read minds, neither do you. Does it make any difference if I agree with you that my instincts tell me she's somehow behind the outbreak? You've already tried and convicted her. She's a snake, yes, but some of my best friends have been called that. Some of yours too, including present company." Keiko glanced at the others hearing this remarkably frank discussion before returning her gaze back to the red-ribboned girl who was so much more than just her friend. She realized she was on thin ice with Chikaru, but she hoped some of her reasoning would get through to the dangerously passionate child…yes child, but a very powerful child…while she was still forced to listen to what Keiko had to say given the audience. "Just because she's a snake doesn't mean she caused the outbreak. To use a Hollywood reference, there's a dead body with a hole in it but there's no smoking gun."

I've never seen her reduced to having a temper tantrum before, Keiko thought as she felt a headache coming on from the sheer force of Chikaru's fury. This goes far beyond Momomi, although that's bad enough given what happened to Kagome. She's losing herself, she knows it, and she's panicking. Her rage is one of the few things strong enough of her own now for her to cling to.

"I'm just sorry I didn't say anything earlier," Miyuki admitted, head hanging in shame. "I've felt this all week." Miyuki went on to describe the undercurrents with Momomi over Tamao.

Chikaru deflated slightly at this, still rational enough to realize her own complicity. "No, Mi-chan, you were just vying over the same valuable asset. No offense, but that's normal Spica/Miator politics despite how important Suzumi-san is to you. I had figured that out already between you two. You and I both thought she was power hungry, but nothing like this."

"When you play with fire, you get burned," Shion shared. "Mi-chan, you said it yourself just last week. I got in bed, figuratively speaking of course, with vipers. Perhaps I got bit."

"But why?" Miyuki asked. "She's the shoe-in at Spica for whatever she wants next year even without this."

"Everything but Étoile," Shion said first, and everyone else nodded. "I ruined that for her, at least I'm sure that's how she sees it. She's right, too, insofar as the approved candidacy is concerned. I knew she and Kenjo-san couldn't win. Suzumi-san and Aoi-san would have had her for lunch given their popularity with Le Rim and Le Rim's displeasure of their actions surrounding Nagisa-san and the Carmen preparations. That's assuming, of course, that Shizuma-san held the theatrics."

"I'd considered that at the time," Shizuma spoke for the first time since they'd come together to brainstorm the situation, "and I wouldn't have done what I did if the alternative hadn't been Amane-san. I agree, regardless of what this misguided girl may think, there is no way she would ever have been Étoile." Shizuma's said this calmly, although she seemed nervous and kept looking to Chikaru who seemed to be actively avoiding the emerald gaze.

"So this was about revenge, cold and hard. So bitter that she was willing to risk killing over it. Is she really capable of that?" Miyuki asked, looking at Chikaru as if somehow she'd know.

"Yes," Chikaru said simply to her cousin…too quickly and her eyes narrowing making it clear her passion was unabated. Much to Chikaru's annoyance, she watched the other eyes shift to Keiko as if for confirmation. She gritted her teeth and held her silence, simply looking with everyone else to see what the redhead would say when put on the spot.

Keiko looked at Chikaru intently for long moments, then looked down at her hands folded on the table in front of her. "Yes, she's capable of murder if driven far enough. That said," the oldest girl present raised her palm as if to halt assumptions, then she looked into the eyes of all present before finishing, "so am I…and I would suggest so is anyone in this room. Don't anyone forget that."

Chikaru pounded her fist on the back of the sofa, then started pacing the room. "Your circumstances were different, Keiko. You know damn well they aren't comparable. Look at what happened with the Carmen set and Nagisa-chan. Look at my failed shoe during the performance. Look at Amane-san and her supposed failed stirrup. She's dangerous. She's a cancer. She's…evil." Chikaru stopped at a point where her face wasn't visible to the others and started shaking. It was evident to all present that she was starting to cry.

Keiko looked from Miyuki to Shion and gestured with her head. The two girls hadn't really needed the hint as they rose to hold their old friend from each side. Rage and fear are all she has left, Keiko noted, feeling as helpless as the others despite her having watched this same thing happen before to someone she cared no less for than Chikaru under circumstances that were no less tragic.

"Assuming she's right, she's doing Kiyashiki's work for her," Shizuma observed to Keiko as she watched Chikaru collapse completely into loud, hysterical tears and the arms holding her. Shizuma herself looked sick, like someone had punched her in the gut. "Is this what awaits us if we reach our breaking point?"

Shizuma didn't expect a response, but Keiko saw fit to provide one anyway. Neither girl took their gaze from the unfolding event before them. "Not for everyone, but for you, yes. The cause of your self destruction will be very different, as you full well know, but will look very much like this in the end. Hold your redhead close, Hanazono-sama. Treat her well. She is all that stands between you and the abyss."

Shizuma simply continued to look thoughtfully at Chikaru's breakdown rather than dispute Keiko's observation or question her basis for it.

/*/

"So what now?" Shizuma asked the Spican and Miator Presidents as they continued their conversation once Keiko had left with Chikaru with the stated goal of putting the drained and exhausted girl to bed. Keiko had promised the others that she wouldn't leave the girl alone. No one felt Chikaru was safe without a chaperone at the moment. "Chikaru-chan's more dangerous than Kiyashiki-san right now. I didn't think she was capable of hating someone."

"She's always had strong feelings for Shi-chan, and this was clearly aimed at you," Miyuki posited, turning to look at her blonde friend.

"No, I can't believe that's it." Shion said definitively while shaking her head for emphasis. "At least not by itself. I've been cowed, definitely. Humiliated, even. Father is furious, but he has seen the lab results and believes me that this is foul play. You know better than I do, since most are Miatoran, that the girls who were sick enough to be hospitalized are all adamant with their families that they don't want legal remedies. We've been very generous covering every single expense related to the event, including the expense of bringing any family to Strawberry Hall to see for themselves, even the fathers with an escort and when the students are off in classes, how seriously we and the Hill leaders are taking this. We've replaced just about every cooking utensil and appliance in the kitchen and the whole dining complex will smell of bleach for weeks. The bottom line is I'll get through this. To paraphrase an old saying, my eye's just fine, I don't need to take another's. As angry as she is that someone would hurt me like this, she knows this. This is a lesson; not the last of my life I'm sure."

"So then what?" Shizuma pressed after nodding in agreement with Shion's assessment of the risks inherent in being rich and powerful, and therefore a target.

"I think," Shion continued conjecturing, "that she's indignant at the risk Kiyashiki-san, or whoever is responsible, was willing to take with the lives of the girls of Strawberry Hall. Remember that she wouldn't leave the hospital until this morning when it was clear everyone, especially her kōhai, was going to be fine. I think we've all seen how protective she's been her whole time here on the Hill. Her 'Holy Mother' moniker is well earned."

"I can't exactly argue with her feelings, there," Miyuki responded. "Shizuma and I feel the same way. And so do you, Shi-chan."

"But we," Shion finished, "wouldn't even consider acting without more evidence. We have the crime, the weapon, and the motive, but we have nothing linking Kiyashiki-san to the weapon. As far as the crime, let's not forget that she was a victim too. I remember seeing her eating berries and crème, and Kenjō-san's illness was almost enough to send her to the hospital…would have if it'd just been an isolated case. Kenjō-san has also been one of the most vocal in defending me and the Astraea Hill authorities. I can't say for sure about Kiyashiki-san, but I'd wager a lot that Kenjō-san had nothing to do with it. She and I have actually come to see eye-to-eye quite well since Amane-sama's riding accident. Honestly, Chikaru-chan seems to place more weight on her intuition, or whatever it is you call it that she has, than on objective fact."

"We were all there when Kiyashiki-san threw Nagisa-san at the Carmen set in her tantrum," Miyuki considered. "Still, the set coming down seemed unintended. I don't think her contrition then was feigned. Do you really think she had anything to do with Amane-san's stirrup? That would be unquestioningly premeditated."

"I don't know," Shion admitted. "Not for the first time, I think I'm seeing things more clearly than Chi-chan despite not having her usual insight. I do know in my heart that Kenjō-san had nothing to do with it. I learned a lot about her when we spent that night together on the steps waiting for Amane-sama and Hikari-sama to come back. She was as worried as Nanto-san and I. The only thing I noted during our interview with her this evening was a general protectiveness of Kiyashiki-san, which I suppose can only be expected given their relationship. Honestly, I kinda feel sorry for her."

"I think if you were to ask Amane-san," Shizuma added after waiting quietly for the others to speak, "she'd express a suspicion of foul play regarding the stirrup. I've been riding with her since the incident and she meticulously inspects every element of her riding gear now before she rides. Hers and Hikari's…every time. She's training Tsubomi-san to do the same, and has encouraged me to do so when Nagisa-chan and I ride. She's never indicated why, but I have to believe the two are connected."

Miyuki sighed. "I don't like Kiyashiki-san one bit. I haven't ever since I came to know her. That said, I agree with you, Shi-chan. She's got agendas and wants to strengthen her power base, but she's no different than you or I have been in that regard during our time as rivals on the Hill. The only difference is her questionable ethics and that we never tried to vie for resources in the other school, but that latter is not so horrid a ploy in the big scheme of things as much as I detest her for it personally. As Chikaru admitted of herself, if it weren't my protégé she was aiming for, if I were on the outside looking in, I'd probably be amused."

"And in the end, one person's protégé is another person's conniving agenda wielding power player," Shizuma pointed out.

"Touché," Miyuki said with the smirk at Shizuma.

"So, again, where does that leave us?" Shizuma asked again.

"We have to protect Kiyashiki-san from Chikaru-chan, and Chika-chan from herself until we can find that smoking gun of Shi-chan's," Miyuki concluded.

Shion rubbed her chin thoughtfully, then looked decisive. "I'll leave Miator to watch Chikaru. I'll focus on it from the other end. For four more months, Spica is my responsibility. Mi-chan, you were right last week. I was so focused on winning the election I really didn't think much about what came after, although in my defense I did start to realize that when Amane-sama was injured. I have a lot of house cleaning to do and I need to gather my forces…including Kiyashiki-san…to perform it. And anyway, if we're right, Kiyashiki-san has already gotten her revenge on me. It's not like there's anything else she can do to me now."

/*/

"What are you up to, honeybee?"

Momomi suspected there was more to the question, but chose to play coy. "I'm nuzzling up against you and pollinating your belly button."

The two were, indeed, quite close together. They had resumed sleeping in the same bed three night prior, although one of those nights had not been in the least enjoyable and the following had involved crashing in a state of exhaustion after their joint efforts to support their school in the effective absence of their president. Kaname had rarely been so sick in her life and it still turned her stomach to even think about eating anything remotely on the menu Sunday night.

"You can stop playing that game, Momomi. You know what I mean. The food poisoning yesterday. It was your doing, wasn't it?"

Momomi furrowed her brow in real surprise at the accusation, given the source, and looked up at her lover. "You've been talking with Tomori-san, haven't you?" Momomi's dark thoughts…and intentions…regarding the Spican president resurfaced at that statement although nothing on her features belied it.

"Yes, I have," Kaname confirmed, "although in all fairness I had my suspicions even before that."

"Need I point out that I was sick too? And so were you. We both went to town on the berries and crème. Do you really think I'm that cavalier with my life? Or yours?"

Kaname turned her head to consider Momomi, who held the older girl's gaze steadfastly. "I don't really know," she said uncertainly.

"I think I should point out I'm not the one who essentially raped a girl to get what I wanted. If you're accusing me of revenge, I'd suggest you have more reason for it, and have demonstrated fewer scruples." At least that anyone else knows about, Momomi thought only to herself.

"Are you saying I did it?"

"I'm saying you could have if you had the desire and a way to do it. That said, neither of us are food poisoning experts. I wouldn't know the first thing about how to do it, Kaname-kun."

"I suppose so. You're probably right. It's just that I do know what I'm capable of, and you've always been right there with me arm in arm while doing it. It strikes me you wouldn't need me if you were motivated. And again, I know you've been planning something. You still are." Kaname's hand started gently massaging Momomi's breast as she finished the words.

"So, if I'm attractive to you it by-definition means I'm scheming something? I should be offended at that." Momomi's previous mild scowl softened then into sincerity. "Kaname, I wouldn't directly hurt the E'toile. I want to win you fair and square; harming her doesn't serve me."

"And indirectly?"

Momomi shrugged. "If I'm to be Spica President this next year, her interests and mine may not always coincide. I can't guarantee no one's feelings will get hurt. Then again, I'd like to think she's a big girl."

Kaname's tenseness seemed to drain out of her along with her energy, certainty, and intensity. "I suppose you're right."

For the first time since she had known Kaname, she felt the amazing girl's normally indomitable will, which had been wavering somewhat for weeks, fade away. Rather than thrill her like with Akane four days prior, the sudden vulnerability wrenched her stomach worse than had the poisoning. She turned her gaze back down to Kaname's chest rather than tempt herself with eye contact. I want MY Kaname back, not another dependent puppy. I won't wait forever, though. Please Kaname, don't make me do it. I don't know how much longer I'll still be me if this keeps up. "Kaname, you need to stop worrying about others and remind yourself of what's important to you." Momomi's expression was now deadly serious, her voice ice cold, something not lost on the older girl despite where Momomi was looking. "You know I don't share. I also won't be taken for granted. And I damned well won't put up with you moping much longer. Consider my slap a down payment. Man up, Kaname, or you'll find out what happens to people I really want to hurt."

Momomi maintained her embrace of Kaname, feeling adrift and grasping for an anchor. Despite the girl she was grasping being Kaname, her thoughts wandered toward a blue haired poet. A remarkably well protected poet, but if I must, there are ways to deal with that. I will have my prince. I won't be left alone. I can't handle being alone...

Kaname, on the other hand, stared thoughtfully at the ceiling, pondering, as Momomi had demanded, what was important to her. I do love you, Momomi. I also fear for you since I can't protect you now...for once you're on a path I don't think I can walk with you. My precious honeybee, don't forget honeybees only get one sting...and in using it they die.