DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome belongs to Sunrise as do the main characters. The creation of the Twelve Columns was my idea and bloody fun in the process.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: This chapter and the next have been waiting way too long to come out and I apologize to those who have been awaiting its release. The ride is almost over now…


Mai Otome: Our Legacy

Otome Guardian Force, Garderobe HQ, classroom

"Today, class, we will be studying the reasons behind the formation of the Otome Guardian Force," Meister Ahn Lu said to her class of fresh faced Pearls.

The young teenage girls were all disciplined and remarkably attentive as Ahn walked the rows of students. As she reached Pearl Number One, Ahn smiled, remembering when she had first worn the uniform, there had been many changes since then. Just as Ahn prepared to address the girls once again,

"All Columns report to the Founder core immediately."

The announcement was loud enough to drown out all of the other noises from around the HQ and campus. Ahn took a deep breath praying for Kaede's and Shiori's health. The plight of the two Columns was known all across the campus and many students were as nervous as the parents and staff.

"The Otome Guardian Force was the biggest change to ever happen in Otome history. Following the changes brought about by the war for Windbloom control, the Garderobe ruling council agreed to the S.O.L.T. talks, giving Otome the freedom to disagree with her Master. This choice, previously denied Otome, led to the death of Meister Fiar Gross and the Harmonium induced rampage of Meister Nina Wang.

Now, many of you children do not remember those dark days, and have been brought up in the prosperity which came afterwards. In order to never repeat the disparity of these times, it is my duty to teach you of our humbling past. Prior to those days, the Otome of Earl had become nothing more than silent servants and sometimes council for their Masters. The War of the Dragon King was the worst war Earl ever faced and many young women paid with their lives, unnecessarily.

Many girls, no older than you, faced the call of duty and inevitable death as the planet warred greedily for power. Some at the hands of the one they called friend and sister. This was not the intended purpose of the Otome, unfortunately it became their Fate. As time progressed and events took place beyond Otome control, Meister Natsuki Kruger became annoyed by the restraints applied to Otome involvement in matters.

'We can die for them, but we can't stop the necessity of such sacrifice'

These were the thoughts of not only Natsuki, but many others. A change was necessary and with the help of more than half of the ruling council vote, Natsuki Kruger laid the framework that would become the Otome Guardian Force. As Queen Mashiro opened the door to the Old Earth files, it became an even greater necessity to apply these changes. Though we had already made great advancing strides in medical technology without such help, there were more to be found in the files."

'KA'

Ahn looked out the classroom window and noticed little Viola Armitage was alone and crying. Just as Ahn reached the door she meet up with Meister Erstin Wang, whom it seemed was nervous and winded.

"Are you okay Meister Wang?" Ahn asked.

"I'll be fine as soon as Viola is in her grandmother's care," Erstin replied as she recovered her breath never taking her eyes off of the four year old, "Viola attacked me when that announcement was made. We were heading in the other direction and she just let go of one powerful scream."

Both women watched the small child as she headed down the corridor towards the Founder Core. No one could control the girl's power and none were too happy about it. Little Viola wanted her parents and would go to them no matter what.

"Would you like some help in case it happens again?" Ahn asked Erstin as Little Viola neared the turn in the corridor.

"I'll just keep following her. This power of hers can be scary, but if she's not provoked it won't come forward," Erstin said as she bowed to Ahn and headed quickly down the corridor to catch up with the little girl.

Ahn took in a deep breath, thinking of how Viola was such a chaotic mix of her forebears, before returning to her class. As Ahn closed the door, most of the students ran to the class window to watch as members of the Twelve Columns walked by. Ahn allowed this moment as her thoughts were drawn back the days of her own daughter's youth.

XoXoXo

Shiori's scream had been echoed by others in the Theater's lower level seating and the resounding reports of gunfire. Kaede was definitely infected and her body was losing the fight, even with the nanites in her blood. It was clear that Kaede was not going to win this fight, but as an Armitage she was determined to fight till she dropped.

"I have to release the restraints, Shiori. Please don't touch that spot again," Kaede said as she felt Yukino's hand on her back once more.

"Kae, we can't control that power, it is too dangerous," Shiori replied tearfully.

"Shush…there are footsteps coming this way," Natsuki said as a spat of gunfire hailed the balcony seating and in other areas was already ripping through the walls.

Knowing that the Otome could not fight guns, without their powers to protect them, it became clear they needed another solution and a way safely off of the balcony. Kaede removed her GEM and the silver band from her hand and passed them to Yukino. The time for talk and indecision was well passed and it was their only hope. Yes, they were well trained for such matters, but they were no longer just fighting for themselves, they were parents.

It was clear that they needed to help and as Natsuki and Yukino were about to both speak another hailstorm of bullets tore up the balcony as the temperature seemed to drop around them. The blood on Kaede's clothing became ice and for a moment Kaede too seemed to freeze over. Everyone kept back from the gunfire and watched breathlessly as Kaede seemed an immobile ice-block.

"What the HELL is going on here?" Haruka said as she touched Kaede and immediately pulled her hand back from the cold.

"She's healing…or at least slowing the spread of the infection, I think," Shiori responded knowing that soon enough the balcony would no longer be safe for any of them.

"We've got to help these people," Natsuki said as she peered cautiously over the balcony into the chaos of murder and fearful flight below.

"No, Mother, you can't do that. You need to get out of here. Only Meister Ho and Meister Armitage can materialize right now and for the children's sake, you need to help yourselves for once," Shiori said as her tears trailed her cheeks and her hands removed her restraints as well, "Kaede and I will finish this…we are expendable."

"NO, YOU AREN'T," Yukino yelled as she watched the tearful Shiori pass off her GEM and silver ring to her mother as well.

The cold air on the balcony became alive with electricity as Shiori reached out to stroke Kaede's face. There was a flash of light from one of the other balconies and then an opening in the Theater roof as the Otome had quickly removed her Master from the chaos.

"The two of you should follow suit and get everyone on this balcony, out of this building," Shiori said as her fingers crackled and sparked against Kaede's cheek.

Aoi released Erstin's power and was about to order her into action until Erstin took flight and opened another hole in the Theater roof. Haruka was itching to join the fight below, but could not get Yukino to authorize the use of her powers. As Erstin came back for Aoi, another Otome also approached the balcony.

"The King sends his regards and ordered me to help you out of the Theater." Ahn's father had also been in attendance and sent his new Otome to help.

"You should have stayed with the King, Meister Torii," Miss Maria reprimanded as the young woman landed on the balcony amidst another hail of gunfire.

"The King believes that you would be better suited to help these people, if you were still drawing breath," the young Otome replied and nodded to Erstin, who took hold of Aoi and disappeared through the roof.

"Besides, without the Viceroy's consent, you cannot take action here," Eriko said as she grabbed Natsuki and bolted through the roof behind Erstin.

"Damn stupid law," Haruka replied as she looked over the balcony and watched the men below tearing through the crowd.

Just as Haruka seemed ready to leap off the balcony, Kaede's cold arm reached out and stopped her.

With a puff of cold air Kaede said, "Listen to reason, get out of here and let us handle this while there are still lives left to save."

As Erstin and Eriko came back in to retrieve others from the balcony, Kaede leaned over the side and focused on her power creating a pole of ice to the lower level. Just as the Otome landed safely on the balcony, Kaede grabbed Shiori close and disappeared over the edge without another word. Erstin and Eriko took Miss Maria and Yukariko out next as ordered by Shizuru and Chie, both of whom refused to leave just yet.

Chie was just about to try going over the balcony, using the pole, as a hail of gunfire shattered it. Kaede and Shiori were dodging bullets and the falling ice as they made their way towards the stage to find some cover to attack from. Yukino fought against Haruka as they had gone over and was still refusing to give her authorization as Erstin and Eriko returned once more.

"Take these two out of here, Yukino and I will follow behind," Haruka said as the junior Otome landed beside her.

Shizuru was about to argue with Haruka just as Yukino turned to face her and nodded. Chie knew not to argue with Haruka, but was not ready to leave and jumped from the balcony grabbing hold of a nearby curtain and lowered herself to the floor below as Kaede and Shiori attacked from the stage using their natural born powers.

"Damn you, Hallard," Haruka yelled as she watched the curtain tear from the rod holding it, dumping Chie to the floor in a heap.

"We should just go, Haruka, you know your duty and our children seem to know theirs," Shizuru said as she watched Chie emerge safely from the fallen curtain and dodge her way to the stage with Kaede and Shiori.

Without another word, Eriko helped Shizuru off the balcony as Erstin took hold of both Yukino and Haruka. As they disappeared through the roof, Chie took to the stage and saved both Kaede and Shiori from an attacker who had gotten in behind them. Kaede had been creating spears of ice that Shiori would charge with electricity. In between these attacks, Shiori would lash out with bolts of unrestrained energy as her power threatened to overwhelm her.

"Leave us, Meister Hallard, get out of here," Shiori shouted as the energy around her grew in intensity.

"What if someone else gets around you, huh," Chie said as she fired into the crowd of men taking cover behind the chair backs in the audience seating.

Without thought, Kaede turned on Chie picked her up, and threw her back towards the stage curtain. As Chie rolled safely behind the curtain and out of the way, Kaede turned the curtain into a wall of ice and then froze the only stage access door as well. They were losing control of the powers and if possible, they wanted to take only these former Cardair military fools with them.

XoXoXo

Outside the Theater, Natsuki was cussing madly and trying to avoid an international incident, while speaking with King Nguyen Bao. Though she was grateful to the man for his help, Natsuki wanted to be helping inside the chaotic buzz coming from the Theater. Haruka was also becoming very agitated and bolted for the chain locked Theater doors, even without materialization. She hadn't fought while inside the Theater because she figured she would still have a chance to help as Hallard had. The Florence military was still nowhere in sight and it was clear that they would be too late upon arriving anyway.

"Meister Torii, please retrieve Meister Armitage before she hurts herself," Shizuru asked the young Otome, who glanced for the King's approval first.

Miss Maria and Yukariko were talking with Natsuki and the King of Annam while Erstin Ho restrained Aoi, who was pulling against her and screaming, upset that Chie had not yet emerged from the building. There was a screaming match going on between Haruka and Meister Torii, as she tried to bring Haruka back to the safety of car cover outside the Theater.

"I believe that both you and President Chrysant should leave this area, especially since you are unable by law to help in any way. The Viceroy has not asked for help and the fool of a man probably wouldn't in the first place," Miss Maria said in response to one of Natsuki's rants.

"I'm not leaving my daughter behind," Yukino said in a firm, angered tone that resembled Natsuki's and echoed her sentiments.

"Your daughters are awaiting your SAFE return at the hotel. Those young women we left behind are not those children, and even if they were, there isn't much more we can do to help them," Miss Maria responded in like tone, since she too felt helpless and bound to the governing laws of Otome and Earl.

Suddenly one of their limos pulled up and awaited its passengers, while the chaos seemed to take root out here as well amid a hail of gunfire from one of the Theater's windows.

"Damn it, Meister Ho and Meister Torii, get your Masters' to safety away from here. Miss Maria, Miss Yukariko, please get in that car with President Chrysant, and head back to the hotel," Natsuki said as she caught the glare from Shizuru knowing she would not leave without Natsuki.

"Chie Hallard had the right idea and somehow I'm heading back in there to help her," Haruka said vehemently, clearly not caring about any international policies or incidents that could arise at this point.

Haruka walked over to Yukino and guided her safely to the limo, "I'm begging you now, Yukino, please let me go back in there and help."

Tears were falling hard from Yukino's eyes as she nodded her consent and authorized the use of Haruka's power, before sliding into place in the limo. Miss Maria and Yukariko filled in behind her as Haruka ordered the driver to return them to the hotel. The fighting outside erupted in another hail of bullets as Haruka closed the door and the driver sped away. As a bullet ricocheted off the retreating limo grazing Haruka's cheek, she grabbed one of the nearby cars and launched it at the Theater.

Haruka followed directly behind it, materializing her Element, and opening the Theater doors with wood shattering ease. If the three remaining women had waited they would have seen the reason for the gunfire. Another limo went speeding by with Tomoe Marguerite and her lover, Chisa Yokohama, right behind the one with Yukino and the others. The two women were fleeing from the insanity and now, instead, in pursuit of the Aries President. As the Theater had become a battlefield, Chisa had scrambled to Tomoe's side and found an escape route for them through the orchestra pit. This action had made their new course of action possible.

XoXoXo

Earlier,

In the confusion and bullet storm around them, no one had noticed Chisa's and Tomoe's retreat until they had run literally into one of the former Cardair soldiers. The man hit the ground hard and dropped his pistol, which Tomoe quickly recovered and put a bullet in his head. The man had been bringing his sub-machine gun to level with Chisa's face just as Tomoe fired. He squeezed the trigger, in reflex, but Chisa reacted quick enough to push the weapon's trajectory into the wall.

Tomoe had suggested taking the machine gun, but Chisa opted for the inconspicuous pistol instead. Chisa searched the dead man for another clip and then kicked his prone lifeless body for good measure. Chisa roughly snatched the pistol from Tomoe's hand and raised the weapon as if to shoot or pistol-whip her.

"Never ever do that again." Chisa reprimanded Tomoe before giving her a quick kiss and pulling her off towards the Main Lobby of the Theater.

Tomoe felt her stomach turn, as she was staring down the barrel of that gun, but buried it as she felt Chisa's lips on her own. This woman was nothing like Shizuru or anyone else Tomoe had ever been with. For one quick moment, Chisa had actually scared Tomoe enough to give her pause. As they were sneaking around trying to get out of the theater, Tomoe watched as Chisa turned on the very people who had helped her with this plan. Sneaking out wasn't as easy as it seemed it should have been because unbeknownst to these girls the military men were planning to kill them also.

Instead of trying to take on the two, two man teams in the Lobby, Chisa tried to sneak them to another floor to escape from another route. Just as they hit the door to an upper balcony and another to the separate offices of the Grand Theater, the teams spotted them and laid down fire as they closed the door to the offices.

Following in haste, the soldiers crashed through the emaciated door, and leveled more fire upon the girls as they entered one of the offices. Chisa ran to the window and was ready to shoot it out when she noticed the group forming outside. Tomoe had started to move the room's furniture to block the door and was happy when Chisa finally helped. The furniture would take the brunt of the bullets while they escaped out the window.

Tomoe froze in the window upon seeing Shizuru and the others gathered outside. Chisa smacked Tomoe hard, as the bullets were breaking down the remnants of the office furniture allowing easier access for their pursuers. Tomoe returned the favor and jumped to the street below just as the door broke free. Chisa smiled at Tomoe's action and followed quickly as the bullets hailed out into the street.

In their searched for a car with an open door, they overheard the discussion going on. As the word children reached Tomoe's ears, she felt hatred swell up inside of her and knew she needed to follow them. Tomoe wanted nothing more than to make them all pay, with their own lives, but would instead settle for the children.

XoXoXo

Otome Guardian Force, Garderobe HQ,

Saeko Kruger had passed Erstin Wang in the hall and picked up her niece, Viola, as she heard the sound of the approaching Columns. Little Viola settled happily in her grandmother Shizuru's arms as Saeko had a word with her mother, Natsuki. Shiori and Kaede had both been in the infirmary since the Twelve last returned from the ring. Right now though, it seemed their vital signs were getting weaker, and there was nothing that seemed to help them.

The ten Columns, now arriving, could not understand what had gone wrong on their last attempt at utilizing the rings power. Kaede and Shiori were knocked into a comatose state as they had materialized in the past Founder Core, while the others were all shocked nearly out of existence. Since there wasn't anything they could do besides wait, the ten remaining Columns had all tried to rest and relax.

Shizuru spoke calmly with Little Viola as everyone gathered to discuss, once again, what had happened in the ring. Viola nodded her understanding and allowed Shizuru to take her away from the Core and her parent's prone bodies. Director Woods had gathered them to discuss her latest findings from her Core evaluation and its possible connection to past events.

No one was watching as Shizuru and Viola left and none would understand even if they were told the truth. Viola understood as only the little ones can, with her mind uncluttered by the teachings of how things work, free to the possibility that anything is possible if you believe it is so.

As they entered the Crystal Shrine, Shizuru cursed the ring in the middle for all of the trouble that had come from it. They had figured it was a place of good, of strong positive energy, but like all things in nature, it had a bad side as well. Little Viola covered Shizuru's mouth, upon hearing the cursing, and smiled before giving her a kiss. Shizuru put Viola down at the edge of the ring and walked back away as Viola entered the center.

"Go on, Precious, only you can do this now," Shizuru said as she watched Viola laugh as the ring started to become intensely bright. As the light dissipated once more, Viola was gone.