This monumental chamber had been abandoned for decades—perhaps even centuries. Rubble lay scattered, metal strewn across the grand nave. Towering piers cylindrical in form having eroded with age and disregard. Such a sad sight for anyone brave enough to trespass here. Or rather, perhaps foolish of them, as these ruins rested beneath Windbloom Castle.
Its Harmonium quelled the silence, its shell breaking apart to reveal a wondrous organ. A rhythmic hum echoed across the cathedral, manipulating reality itself. That which had been old, was now new. Statues stood proudly, no longer defaced. Piers pristine in all their glory. Stained glass so dazzling it astonished the most atheist of minds. This was a cathedral of forgotten sacrifice, stars and ruin. A tale long eliminated. The HiME Legend.
Impasse II: Twanged Nerves
Chapter 22: The Lunatic Princess
"I have allowed the students to join us due to their sensitive involvement during this crisis." Natsuki spoke hoarsely as she sat before the entire student body, Meisters and Masters. "Garderobe failed to keep them safe. Because of this, I have personally nullified their expenses and—" Interrupted by an onpour of confusion, Natsuki sighed exhaustedly. Lifting a hand upwards, she pressed the hand to her wounded side a moment later. "—offered placement into the new Otome Programme."
Sat beside Natsuki at the front of the gigantic makeshift table, Shizuru watched with concern. "Natsuki, I can handle this, if you would like." Landing a hand atop the Headmistress' shoulder, she eased closer to whisper into her ear. "You should be in bed with oxygen still. Are you sure you can do this?" Natsuki looked terrible. How was she able to do this? Let alone speak clearly? It greatly unsettled Shizuru who stared at her with great anxiety.
"I am sure, Shizuru." Resting into the Archmeister's side, Natsuki steeled herself. She had recently received a nanomachine boost, so she would be alright for a while. Besides, she needed to do this. It was her duty to instruct Garderobe through this anarchy. "This programme—" She straightened inside her chair, glancing down to her paperclipped documents. "—will disqualify the Artai Principality of their Otome Masters. All affected Artain Meisters will be transferred to Garderobe where they shall be appointed new Masters." Inhaling a ragged breath, she added: "...To compensate the Windbloom Kingdom and Aries Republic's efforts during this crisis, they shall receive priority before other nations. The Schwartz and Aswad, however..." Noticing that Tomoe Marguerite had lifted her hand, all eyes focused onto the Pearl.
"If I may, Headmistress?" A curt nod was her only reply. "Though I certainly wouldn't trust Aswad with my safety, they have worked with Schwartz for decades, haven't they? Wouldn't they be suitable in tracking the rest do—"
A rumbling reverberated through the underground facility, causing the large group to mumble and stand up cautiously.
"Earthquake?" — "Windbloom doesn't have any." — "Then what is it?"
"Everyone, calmly exit from the building." Miss Maria authorised above the confusion.
This command however fell on deaf ears. The gathering instead pulled their attention to the stairs. Atop them, Sarah Gallagher threw herself through the door, panting excessively. Gasping for breath desperately, she grasped hold of the stair railings. "Th-e Ha-Harmo-nium has acti-vated! H-half of the c-astle's gone!"
What?
Everyone exchanged confused glances until a wave of terror swarmed the underground facility.
"G-gone? That's… that's not possible?" — "Is anyone dead?" — "Of course they are?!" — "What's happened to the Queen?" — "Weren't we guarding the Harmonium…?"
Partially stumbling towards Miss Maria, Natsuki was quickly held up by Shizuru. Throwing her a pained smile, she squeezed the Archmeister's hand. "Thanks, Shizuru." Having no other choice, she was supported up by the elder Column. Making their way over to the Epitome of Grace, Natsuki said roughly: "Miss Maria. I want you to keep the students safe. The well enough Trias are to accompany the Meisters on the surface." If half the castle was already gone, they had casualties. The Meisters would need all the help they can get. "Shizuru, I am placing you in charge of the rescue effort. Please, I will be fine."
Shizuru despised this. How could she just leave Natsuki? Whether or not her love would be cared for, she—Nodding tersely, she brought the Headmistress into an embrace. "I love you, Natsuki. Please don't push yourself. I will return when I can."
"I know." Easing her body into the Archmeister's, Natsuki exhaled a ragged breath. The others were quickly departing from the underground facility. They only had a moment to spare. "I love you too, Shizuru." Sliding her palms against the elder's shoulders, she warily glanced upwards as another tremor scaled through the facility. "Go."
Left alone with only a few Masters, Miss Maria and the students, Natsuki collapsed into a chair and heaved. Coughing harshly into her hands, her form drooped as blood smeared her palms.
"Headmistress!" The students surrounded her in distress, trying to haul her up onto her feet.
"F-fine… I'm… f-ine."
A soul shattering blast tore through the halls of Windbloom Castle. Towering flames scaled up an outward spire, felling the fortification into dust within moments. As continual explosions pulverised the royal estate in the distance, the Otome could only watch on in horror. Then, they saw it. A beam of psychedelic light erupted from the castle's centre, flinging debris and large stone everywhere. From the midst of this detonation, a lone figure floated within the billowing fire.
"There's a survivor!" — "An Otome?" — "No. It isn't. It's…"
A stream of fire was volleyed their way without warning. It engulfed the classroom building and dispersed violently.
If only Mahya wasn't injured. Her sand manipulation would've been a life saver here! Watching as the fire rolled up the building harmlessly, Shizuru shot her attention back on the lone figure. No. That wasn't an Otome, was it? Her expression shifted a tad, confronting the Meisters. "Gallagher, Hallard, Armitage, Steinberg." Looking at each woman separately, she pointed to the castle. "Search for survivors and issue the evaluation. You there—" Pointing to more women, she said: "Huit, Zhang. With me. We are to engage our visitor."
"Visitor, you say." Fingers interlocked behind her head, Nao came to stand beside the Archmeister. "Did it have to be fire? My eyebrows are going to get singed…"
Only passing the fiery redhead a glance, Shizuru spoke to the rest of the Meister: "Protect Garderobe at all costs. Marguerite, Soir: Protect the Founder's Memorial. We cannot allow the System to fail now."
"Yes, Meister Viola." The two spoke in unison, though the Trias member shot her an anxious look. Making a move to go, she paused. "...Please return safely."
A horrible feeling was looming throughout the crowd as they prepared themselves. The lone figure had a hideous aura. One that the Otome hadn't sensed in a long time. Who is she? What is she? None of them knew as the large group materialised; uniforms transforming into skin tight robes. All that was obvious to them, was they needed to break this newcomer.
"The rest of you. I want you to surround the castle and make sure the fire is controlled. This includes making sure they—" She pointed to the lone figure: "—does not—"
A gut wrenching shriek thundered as another form blasted from the castle. The gigantic being surged from the inferno, dragging fire and smoke up with its wings. Soaring high, it released another roar, blasting the blaze indiscriminately. It isn't a SLAVE, but in fact a legendary CHILD. The Otome didn't realise this as they stared fixated. Within shock, dismay—or whatever else they endured, only now did they know it was too late.
"KAGUTSUCHI!"
Those who had been left in the underground facility watched the security feed on the computer helplessly. A great dragon had erupted from the blaze, sending ash, debris and fire everywhere.
"What is that?" Natsuki could only ask, her expression tautening in reaction to the castle's final spire collapsing. Its ash cloud poured into Wind City, likely frying anyone alive in its way. Forcing her gaze away from the computer, Natsuki stared harshly at her feet. Slipping her chain necklace from beneath her clothing, she clutched her promise ring. Shizuru and the others were out there facing that thing. Yet here she was stuck down here?
"Natsuki, you should be in be-" Yukino attempted to interject her train of thought.
"No." Natsuki growled, lifting a palm as the woman eased closer, having sat beside her earlier. "I am fine—" "—Natsuki—" "—no!" Snapping, she glared through the mousy woman who paused. Clasping her free palm to her forehead, Natsuki closed her eyes. "I'm sorry, Pres—" "—Yukino." "—Yukino. I am sorry. I do not have the patience anymore." Sitting up inside her seat delicately, Natsuki's grip on her promise ring relented. "I can't just sit here."
"You must. Natsuki, you're the Headmistress of Garderobe. Without you, we're lost."
Glaring into the woman's shoulder, Natsuki knew there was no denying it. But it didn't make her feel any better feeling this useless. Is this what Otome Masters felt on a regular basis? She couldn't do a thing. Garderobe's own Headmistress was immobile during their worst crisis in decades. She needed to do something—anything! Feeling foolish, the desperation got to her. Slumping forward in her chair, she clasped her hands together and threaded her fingers together. Propping her thumbs to her chin, and an index to her lips, her brows furrowed. Founder only knew how they could escape this hell hole. She continued to glare into her palms in a daze until she squeezed her eyes shut. "Our Lady be with me, within me, behind me, before me. Our Lady beside me, to win me, to comfort and restore me. Our Lady beneath me, above me. Our Lady in quiet, Our Lady in danger. Our Lady in the hearts of all those who love me, in the mouths of friends and strangers. Our Lady…" Opening her eyes, Natsuki knew what she had to do.
"Natsuki?" The President eyed her cautiously as she stumbled onto her feet.
Ignoring the eyes following her, she headed for the back rooms. "Going to lie down." She lied through her teeth, turning the corner to enter a long corridor. On every side were multiple doors leading to separate infirmary quarters. There was one in particular that was used for storage—one which also contained an old secret. Few only knew of its existence: the entrance to Garderobe's network of underground tunnels. It was vast but had been reinvestigated some years ago. Hopefully the castle's tunnel had not collapsed yet.
Perhaps she was deluded? Hand clenched against the storage room's door handle, Natsuki paused.
Was it wrong of her to do this? Ultimately she is the Headmistress. However, the Columns can replace her promptly. But… Shizuru. Sliding a hand against her face, Natsuki sighed. No. She'd make it out. Bracing herself, Natsuki opened the door and was greeted by a complete mess. Stacked shelves were brimming with odds and ends. There was even academic stuff in here! Idly prodding a dusty tome, Natsuki noticed an old sink in the corner. A discarded towel had been abandoned inside the cracked basin. Helene wouldn't miss it.
Fortunately for them, Helene had backed up the Founder's System prior to corrupting it. It was a miracle that another disaster hadn't occurred during its reinstallation period. So there was that at least.
Playing with the smooth metal of her promise ring, Natsuki momentarily hesitated. Should she write a no—Founder, what is she thinking? They have intercoms! If she's in trouble, she can just call someone! This isn't a suicide mission! Or, at least Natsuki attempted to tell herself this. Either way the risks clearly outweighed the positive outcomes. On a whim she had decided she was going to destroy the Harmonium personally. She is insane. Windbloom Castle is nothing but smoke, and here she was, suffering from a pneumothorax! If the inhalation didn't kill her, surely the blood entering her lung will? She was thinking too much again.
"Materialise."
Natsuki could only pray that her transformation process hadn't caught anyone's attention. The corridor was dark and had surely lit it up—door shut or not. The Founder's System included, but—"Shut up. Just shut up."
Approaching the inconspicuous sink, miraculously she managed to run the water. This thing still worked? It wasn't like she was complaining. Soaking the towel, her eyes by chance caught sight of a box of adhesive bandages. Taking it, she mused to herself thoughtfully: Metal was cool but scorched when heated. That, and an Otome's ears were incredibly susceptible to damage. It amazed Natsuki that they wore their GEMs as earrings. It only took a single lucky slice to remove it and disconnect the Otome from her materialisation. That and why didn't their robes include helmets? It was beyond her.
Also noticing a conveniently placed set of hair bands, she snatched one up to tie her hair back. It was daunting how calm she felt—albeit overthinking excessively. Hair pushed up into a ponytail, she now opened the box of bandages. Taking one, she glared at the cream texture. She needed to hurry. Removing its protective cover, she stuck it over her GEM. Obviously it wouldn't do a thing against the inferno, but surely it'd reinforce her nerves—even slightly?
Shutting off the water, she threw the sodden towel over her shoulders and faced an innocent enough wall. Relaxing her fingertips against the crusty plaster, she pushed delicately. The wall slowly rolled open, revealing old brick stairs.
Peering down into the foreboding darkness, a fear crept into her gut. This was it, wasn't it? Swallowing a hint of iron, her torso ached terribly. At least the nanomachines were doing her magic, she guessed. Edging towards the stairs, she blindly ran her hand along the wall for a light switch. Finding it eventually, she sighed a momentary breath of relief as the lurid tunnel was plunged with light. Remaining still, she focused on the stairs leading ever downwards. She could feel the faintest of drafts—this was good news. Apart from the distant echo that absolutely terrified her. It sounded like something from her worst nightmares: Like the rumble of a disturbed animal drenched in paranormal power. Was… is that what a fire sounded like in underground networks? Shivering, a cold sweat formed along the back of her neck, her hairs rising.
Closing her eyes, she sighed as her mental fortitude merely shattered. Leaning her side into the wall, she cupped where the incision on her side would be. She just had to be injured, didn't she? Precariously heading down the stairs, her eyes remained trained on the bricks. Though they were old indeed, these stairs showed very little sign of use. A good sign, perhaps. It showed Garderobe hadn't required the network during their three centuries of business.
But that noise…! She stared down the dimly lit tunnel once her feet touched debris. The blaze's crackle transformed into an eerie whisper. The hiss bouncing off the pickaxed walls, sounding more similar to a disembodied voice than a fire. If she survived this—which she will—this whisper alone will give her nightmares. Pushing forward, warmth ousted the cold quickly. The petrifying echo converted into a deafening roar. The tunnel quaked alarmingly, causing the Headmistress to wobble against the wall haphazardly.
A hole could be seen in the tunnel—but how did this make sense? Staring at a gigantic chamber that hadn't been ruined by hellfire, Natsuki could hardly believe her eyes. Stumbling towards it, she apprehensively grasped the exit's brickwork. Entranced, she could only continue to stare at what she had discovered.
A magnificent cathedral presented itself to her. Heralding that of stone, gold and silver, it was a thing of wonders: Something Natsuki had never seen before. This… this was underneath Windbloom Castle, correct? But how was this possible? This whole chamber should have collapsed long ago. Past the nave, Natsuki's eyes landed upon the distant chancel. Rather than the altar, there was instead an immense piano. Its golden organ pipes stretched up the ceiling, hugging the stainless glass tracery. Upon the glass was a shimmering star. Its golden tail sweeping down past the piano which she knew was the Harmonium.
Approaching the instrument of death, Natsuki crumpled to the floor in shock when a presence manifested up the chancel's steps. Hands slamming to the tiled floor, Natsuki stared as the being watched her calmly. Faceless and pure silver, the feminine figure summoned what Natsuki could only describe as a scythe—Natsuki's breath caught upon her realisation who this was.
"This is the Crystal HiME's domain."
Crystal…? Natsuki breathlessly stared after the scythe wielder. "Y-you're—"
"—I am the Guardian of the Harmonium. Nothing else, nothing more. I am only a fragment of Her. You know what you must do."
"F-umi… Hime-no." Natsuki's voice cracked, her teeth clenching as she heaved herself back up onto her feet. Gagging, she very nearly lost her regained footing as she hacked up blood. U-gh." Swallowing the iron, she summoned her element and aimed the canon directly through the entity towards the Harmonium. "I'm sorry, Founder." She pushed down on the trigger. "Load silver cartridge!" The calibre was sent soaring through the cathedral and bore through the Founder's body. The manifestation was ripped apart as the cartridge slammed into the Harmonium. Igniting into an explosion of silver and crimson, the organ erupted. The blast sailed up the wall, shattering the stainless glass as it went, climbing into the cathedral's vaulted ceiling. Crimson flames engulfed the timbre, causing Natsuki to collapse as the roof disintegrated, revealing the sky above her.
The Administar was red, the demonic dragon threw above, and…
Is that...?
The Harmonium discharged a final surge as it was destroyed at that very moment. As the beam dissolved into oblivion, large crystals battered the once tranquil vista: Plummeting into the ground and debris alike. It was total pandemonium as sickly tendrils of flesh seeped from these crystals, sickening the very earth around itself. As the cirrus tangled into wreckage, it sprouted skyward, stretching towards the lone figure—a legendary HiME. The vermilion-redhead shrieked in anguish, clutching her head. Insanity, rage—revenge. Clenching her hair, she threw her arms downwards. A blazing torrent sailed around her, creating a firestorm that lifted the crystals upward, only to ultimately disintegrate them. As fragments of crystal shimmered within the sky, a fire devil was forged.
No way… Shizuru remained transfixed by what she witnessed. The dragon from before and then… t-then the destruction of the Harmonium? How? Unable to move, Shizuru could do nothing as Yukariko was forced to change their plan. She had a terrible feeling something-
"I—no one could survive that. We must face this monster together as one force." Yukariko turned to the Archmeister in concern. "Shizuru, I think you should retr-"
"No." Shizuru snapped, silencing the teacher aptly. "I—I am fine." Gritting her teeth, Shizuru inhaled strongly. Facing the women once more, she commanded: "All of you, with me this time. The dragon must be dealt with immediately." With more numbers, this dragon will hopefully go down this time. But, there was no denying that she couldn't underestimate it. Especially now that… Focusing on the lone figure, Shizuru's heart sank. It was obvious that this newcomer was Tokiha from that strange hallucination. Now that others were experiencing this, what did it mean?
Lifting up into the air with the others, she flew off with Sarah, Nao and Shiho. Forming a pincer formation with Yukariko, Haruka and Chie, Shizuru skimmed along the raging firestorm. "The dragon breathes fire and uses the momentum of its wings to spread ash—watch out for its fireballs." She lifted her voice into her intercom over the sheer bedlam. There was also the issue that the dragon was using the fire as cover. The flaming swirl within the sky could potentially do fatal damage to their robes. That, and the limiting view was far too dangerous. They needed to lure Kagutsuchi out.
"Watch out!" Shiho's voice yelled out over the intercom, dodging a large fireball with Zhang. "Now you've pissed me off!" Summoning her maki-maki device, she psychotically screamed, whirling the thing. "Maki-maki-maki-maki, oh, maki-maki. Red spirals, orange spirals, blue spirals! MAKI-MAKI SPIRAL, KKKKUUAAUAAHGHHHHH!"
Absolute mayhem ensued as the CHILD was flung backwards by the unexplainable force. The turbulence propelled the dragon towards the raging HiME who swerved out of the way in milliseconds. Smouldering soot collided with the fire devil that wreaked havoc at ground zero. As the two forces fused, the dragon bellowed another terrorising roar: The surrounding Otome rebounding backwards.
"It's doing something!" — "Fire! It's breathing fire!"
The CHILD swooped in through the carnage, blustering fire in all directions. Apprehending Shiho mid-flight, his ghastly talons extended. Lurching forward, the hooks scarcely missed the greenhorn Meister. Careening backwards, Huit shrieked in anger. Whirling her maki-maki, sadistic joy befell her as Kagutsuchi's arms were pulled into sickening angles. "Kill the thing! Kill it!"
Much to her surprise, crimson wires swathed the limbs. Following the razor-like cords, she scoffed in bemusement. "Oh. It's you."
"Now that's no way how to treat your guardian angel." Nao strained against the dragon from afar, pulling with all her might.
The fiery-redhead's counter merely frustrated Shiho to no end as they veered together from the dragon's deadly talons.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the HiME, Sarah had strayed from the group. "Rear side clear." She spoke into her intercom. "Attacking the human. Help required." Activating her mask's visor and turning invisible, she flew in close towards the HiME. Engaging Tokiha into an armlock from behind, she desperately restrained her. "I have her! Deal with the dragon!" What even is that thing anyway?! Wait... this is... "Mai?" She breathed. The HiME only writhed within the blonde's hold in rage. Jousting, her anger only elevated upon the realisation that the Otome was too strong.
"KA-GUT-SUCHI!" She screamed, being flung forward as the dragon charged in to her aid.
Then, time seemingly froze for the HiME and her CHILD.
Bewilderment quickly spread throughout the group as their adversaries remained fixed in time. It was unexplainable as they clearly were still floating rather than falling. It was almost as though a bubble distorted the very reality around the duo.
"I pray that I kept you entertained as I prepared for our encounter?"
"That's… that's me." Yukariko stared awestruck at the woman who mystifyingly materialised beside the frozen HiME. Furthermore, a nun? Was this some sick joke by the Earl Order? Unlike the redhead, this doppelgänger held no means of flight, but here she is flying?
"Now that this drivel is over with, I would like to introduce myself." Placing her hand atop the redheaded HiME's head, the crazed woman evaporated into a mist of sparkles. Fading into oblivion alongside Kagutsuchi, the outworldly Yukariko watched the spectacle with disinterest. Adjusting her focus onto the mortified group surrounding her, she smiled hauntingly. "My name is Sanada Yukariko. I am the rightful Obsidian Lord."
"Obsidian Lord?" — "What's that?"
"This is a joke, right?" Nao eyed her nonchalantly. Whether she was underestimating the mystery nun with Steinberg's face, or planning something horrified her coworkers nonetheless. "You fake."
"Fake! Me?" Planting a hand to her chest, the maniacal woman laughed with obscene delight. "Dear Nao. You're the fakes! I created this world by slaughtering the HiME! I am the Obsidian Lord and the Crystal HiME! Your precious Harmonium fused Earth and Earl together excellently!"
"...What the fuck?" How did she know her name? This was Nao's final question which remained clear as a blast imploded behind the nun, startling everyone.
"The renewal of Earl begins now!" A blazing crown of fire encircled the nun as the explosion transformed the very landscape into that of a colossal cathedral. Marble piers scaled skyward by multiple storeys, supporting the triformiums above. Lined by unglazed windows, their intricate tracery were merely decoration. Higher still were strainless windows which bore down god rays into the nave.
"Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee." Bestowing a silver bow, she landed down upon the monochrome tiled floor gracefully. Nocking a celestial arrow to her bowstring, she bellowed: "Saint Vlas! Reveal your presence and scorn their existence! By His Light we shall remove Sin and baptise those worthy to be Reborn!" Behind her a stainless glass window depicting that of a white stallion shimmered in golden light. Its image dispersed and a beam of energy shot down into the nave. Chunks of path scattered upon the impact as a towering horse manifested. "Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus."
This woman is psychopathic! The Meisters who had also landed stared in awe as a gigantic gate of gold formed in front of them. It barred access to the brainwashed nun who continued to ramble nonsense.
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen." Firing a golden arrow through the gateway, a halo of energy tore apart the wall as it cut inches away from Haruka's face.
Ticked, the blonde hurled her hook-ended element at the gate. As the kusarigama-like hook shot through the golden bars, the claws extending to grapple against metal. Twisting around, Haruka pulled with all her might. This nun had dried her patience already. A volley of arrows pelted down around her and the others. Blasts of holy energy sparking throughout the cathedral as the arrows penetrated stone and tile. As a roaring hum sounded and the bars were bent by the Brigarder's strength alone, she paused.
What's… that? Glancing through the damaged golden gate at the nun, the horse had teleported. Rather than remaining idle behind the crazed woman, it was now positioned in front. When had…? "Get… GET DOWN!"
In the blink of an eye, the cathedral's reality reshaped itself. What had been marble and stainless glass transformed into Old Earth architecture. A ruined shrine filled with debris and timbre was positioned on a forgotten hill. In the centre of the wrecked building rested a religious bell—long discarded. Then, in a flash, the scenery changed again. A hellscape materialised in front of the Otome. What appeared to be a school was lit afire. Towering clouds of smoke billowed up into the sky, obscuring an oddly familiar forest.
The Meisters adaptation was in vain as the maniacal princess repeatedly shifted their realities.
Apprehended by another alteration, an immense desert covered by fog befell them. More ruins appeared suddenly. A bitter atmosphere was created upon the realisation that what they looked at, was Garderobe. Their heads spun as a hundred-thousand memories breached their brains. They knew what these locations were, but simultaneously they did not.
Windbloom Castle — Hallucinatory Cathedral — Fuuka — HiME Star — Earth's Demise — Leoht Valhalla — Earl's Creation.
Returning to the blazing fire of Windbloom, the Meister were left in momentarily palaysis. They couldn't fathom their situation no matter how hard they attempted. The psychotic nun had them wrapped tightly within her maddening web. There was no escape from this lunacy. A crown of glorifying light from the heavens was seemingly their salvation. The energy blasted chunks of debris everywhere. This cycle repeated as more beams flooded the fire, forcing the Otome's lead legs to move at last.
"What the hell was that?!" Nao screamed from over the chaos, lunging away from a deadly laser. What is this doppelganger?! This Yukariko—whatever she is—is nothing they had ever seen before. She was more powerful than Rena Sayers—perhaps even the Founder.
"Silence, nonbeliever." Shooting a golden projectile towards the Column, it barely brushed past Nao who dodged it. Merely nocking another, this arrow did however make contact. Impaling into the redhead's shoulder, the Column was sent sailing backwards onto the floor.
"Nao!" Chie yelled as the wind was knocked from the redhead's lungs. Coming to the woman's aid, she summoned her magic hat. Before the crazed nun had another chance, she slammed her fist into it, punching the HiME sock in the eye.
Stumbling, Sanada regained her footing at last moment. With her free hand, she covered the hit area with mild surprise. This quickly transformed into seething anger. "You." About to retaliate, her attention was snatched a moment later. Peering down to a karimata arrowhead embedded inside the soil, her gaze moved to her doppelgänger.
"You're a monster." Drawing her bow, Yukariko took aim at the nun with her face. Fingers taut against the string, her eyes remained dead-set on her adversary. Actually, where was that horse? Only now did she realise it had all but disappeared. This was potentially fatal, but before she could react, Shizuru had crept up behind the demented woman. "Surely you would prefer to talk this through?"
"Talk this thr—?!" The invisible Column ambushed her like with the outworldly Tokiha previously. Struggling angrily, this fight swiftly relented when she felt a blade against her back. That other one—Fujino's copy pointed her element right behind her vital organs. Though she may be the Crystal HiME and Obsidian Lord, could she survive this? Probably. "There's nothing to me-"
"Silence, lunatic." Shizuru hushed quietly into her ear. Then somewhat surprisingly, Yukariko shot her through the ribs.
Coughing up blood, the HiME was driven into a state of absolute furore. Worse yet, she hadn't expected the accursed Otome to retreat a moment later. Casting down a crown of light, she screamed in rage. No. No! No! The blast blinded her briefly—she cared less. Lunging for the nearest woman, who happened to be Shizuru, she aimed a laser for her heart.
This... this is how she died once. Shizuru stared, frozen stiff.
Staggering from the tunnel, a mental fog clouded Natsuki's brain. After meeting the Founder herself, she had… done what exactly? No. Hadn't she destroyed the Harmonium? Heaving for air, the intakes crackled within her throat. Alongside the taste of iron, Natsuki had a splitting headache. She had smashed her head against the wall of the tunnel terribly. Worse, her eyes—oh, her eyes—"Ah." Stumbling over jagged stone, Natsuki collapsed hands first onto the floor. The roar of the blaze encircled her, flashing lights bearing down on her.
There, in the blurry distance she saw them.
A group of Meister and—Shizuru? But what was...Someone who she didn't recognise accompanied them. There was what appeared to be a shimmering bolt within their gr—Flinging herself off from the debris, Natsuki summoned her cannon. That person was about to stab Shizuru! Resentment floored Natsuki as she took aim. "Load silver cartridge!" An icy beam jettisoned towards the newcomer and pulverised through the woman's gut. Blasting skin and fabric apart, an agonised scream tore from her.
"Natsuki?!" Coming to her senses, Shizuru felt unnerved by the approaching Headmistress. She was completely battered and bordered the unrecognisable. At this moment, the Archmeister hastened for Natsuki.
"I'll ne-ver die!" The crazed HiME roared. Materialising an electrifying arrow within her grasp alone. With her final bout of strength, she pulled the projectile back like a javelin. Lunging the element towards the collapsing Headmistress, a psychotic laugh released from her lips. "DIE!"
Time curtailed for the Archmeister as her knees slammed against the ground before Natsuki. Twisting around, her autopilot seized control. Summoning her element, she twirled the weapon into a spiral. Pressing down onto the front blade's handle, the element shattered into its chained form. Miraculously, the HiME's projectile bounced off a fragment uselessly, the tail-end tangling against her adversary. With the crushing blow dealt, the HiME ruptured into a cloud of emerald sparkles.
As the sparkles transcended skyward, they shimmered. Then, as though nothing happened, the fires vanished. Windbloom Castle revolved in on itself, reappearing from fading smoke. It had all been an hallucination
Those who managed to drag themselves away from marvelling the castle approached the three Columns hesitantly. Silently, they encircled them as emergency services plunged into the grounds.
"Ugh, that bitch." Nao swore as Chie hauled her onto her feet. "I was starting to think she'd never go down." Slinging her healthy arm around the Ariesian's neck, she noticed the Headmistress' condition. "Kruger?" She frowned, a concern hidden inside lime eyes. Feeling useless, the group could only continue to watch the situation unfold.
"N-Natsuki?" Shizuru dared to breathe, wrenching her arm behind Natsuki before she could crash backwards. Knelt before the Headmistress, Shizuru's distress was paramount and merely increased as Natsuki failed to hear her. "Natsuki!"
"U-uh… 'zuru." Natsuki felt awful with a brittle sense of depersonalisation. Everything felt so… unreal! She—pushing against the Archmeister's upper-arms, she twisted her body away from her. "W-we safe?" Her voice cracked in strain, breathlessness interrupting to follow dry wheezing. Tasting the twang of iron upon her lips, she wrapped an arm around Shizuru's shoulders. "Shiz'... g-et me up."
"...Natsuki. Y—you… How did you…?" How on Earl did Natsuki get here? Shizuru was at a loss for words as her lover wavered. Dread breached her fragile mindset as she watched the Headmistress. Prising the woman onto her feet, panic swarmed her fiercely. "N-Na-tsuki. We need to get you b-"
"I… I'm really…" Collapsing into the Archmeister's side, Natsuki's vision darkened. "...Sorry."
"...Natsuki?"
Thereon this day, three dimensions were forever interconnected. Leoht Gaest: the White Afterworld, Hibashira: the Burning Carnival and Impasse: a HiME's Legacy.
Unrest within Earl will advance in the upcoming months. Strife shall ransack countries, society may crumble and kinsmen will clash. How can our world survive when flung into the dark seas of unknown? Founder only knew as Her Otome fought tooth and nail, sacrificing limb for leverage. Though her CHILDren may fly, they too were chained from their sought freedom. Perhaps now, they truly had no salvation.
As this tale concludes, another begins…
Impasse III: Imperium
"Headmistress, how can we be certain that what happened at Windbloom Castle won't happen again? How can we prepare for something such as that? We may never know. If the truth ever reached the public, the consequences will be severe."
A/N: What did you think? The finale took a while because I couldn't think up the perfect ending. Interestingly it was when I was half asleep when the finale finally developed in my head. I was thinking back to my older stories when they just sort of chaotically blended. I can't explain where these ideas come from. I think up the first stage and they just start mutating into new ones as I write. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the ride. I will begin uploading Imperium next year as I want to complete some older stories first. Please, if you've noticed any inconsistencies in Twanged Nerves, tell me straight away. I will be clearing up the leftovers in Imperium and also considering any desires/dislikes you suggest.
Questions & Answers
What kind of story is Imperium going to be?
The Otome are needed more than ever before. It will be examining Garderobe's place in the world and the challenges it faces. Relationships and atmosphere are going to be paramount in this sequel. As the name suggests, its theme is "super power, authority and law". We will be exploring Natsuki's drive for change, stability and enforcement. Shizuru meanwhile will be developing more as we study her mental health, influence and ferocity.
How long will Imperium be?
I have no clue. Likely a similar length to Twanged Nerves, perhaps longer.
What's with Leoht Gaest and this series I've never heard about, Hibashira? How are they tied together?
I will be releasing Hibashira later this year. It is this story that's responsible for Leoht Gaest and Impasse sharing the same universe. It is to be written similarly to Leoht Gaest I: Paradoxe.
Will there be another story in this series before Imperium?
Yes. Impasse II.2: Juggernaut. An HaruKino oneshot occurring straight after Twanged Nerves. It might be an Ao3 exclusive.
For more information, please look at my profile, I keep it frequently up to date.