Renascence 2010 | Chapter 03: Turning Point
Shizuru smiled, a bit amused as she watched the Gakuenchou gawk. "Where is Rosalie? Often, you two do keep together."
"Implying something, Shizuru?" Laura cleared her throat, a faint flush. "It's good to see you again, Natsuki."
"C-come and sit down." The Gakuenchou directed towards the taller Otome, directing a hand over to the chair beside her wheelchair. "If you have time?"
"I'm afraid not, I need to find…" Laura pointedly stared at Shizuru. "Rosalie, she ran off with my paperwork and I have no idea where she put it."
Err, well, that was different. Natsuki blinked, if not a little disappointed Laura couldn't stay.
Shizuru gave a faintly smug smile, waving Laura off. "I have not seen her." She gave a soft chuckle, looking at Natsuki.
"Mm… Suppose it's all up to me." Laura murmured, giving the Gakuenchou a soft pat to her shoulder. "Later, Natsuki."
As time departed, the dining hall slowly decreased with students, the years going their separate ways to their classes. Natsuki wondered whether Mai and Shizuru were supposed to be teaching but shrugged it off, the contents of the food removed from the bowl and within her stomach instead, hunger stated.
Just as it started to get boring, Laura popped up again, a fancy-curled blonde being dragged in by the woman.
"I told you already Laura, I didn't do anything with the papers!"
The Corals passing them stared and giggled, bypassing them.
"What have I told you about lying, little lady?" Laura winked at Natsuki as she strode over, blocking the blonde from passing or seeing where she was being led.
Natsuki hid a smile, still a bit wary about meeting new people in her wheelchair.
"I am not a little lady!" Rosalie stomped her heel just as Laura stepped to the side, catching the Gakuenchou's eye and the rest of the table's attention.
"Eep! Ah, Madame Kruger… Oh, you are going to get it!" The blonde woman flushed darkly, jabbing a finely manicured nail to Laura.
Natsuki covered her mouth to hide a snort, shoulders shaking a bit in barely restrained mirth as she looked up towards the two. "Rosalie… I can't even remember the last time I saw you, but it is good to see you again."
Glaring at the brightly-haired woman and then down to the Gakuenchou, Rosalie blinked, unconsciously gripping at her uniform which was identical to the taller woman in front of her. A blue uniform with a white shirt underneath, the collar done up surprisingly neatly.
She continued to point an offending finger towards Laura's chest, but realising what she was doing she tore it away, spinning to face Natsuki sharply. "I-it's good to see you too, Madame Kruger! I am glad she is in good spirits."
With the use of the Florentine, Natsuki snickered under her breath again, Shizuru glancing away to hide her mirth. Mai did no such thing however, simply grinning lopsidedly at the blonde.
Rosalie was pretty… It made her a little nervous, though she didn't quite understand why. Natsuki cleared her throat to hide a flush, lifting a hand to run her fingers over the lobe of her ear, tugging faintly.
Laura cocked a grin to that; Her brows furrowed quickly though and she knelt beside Natsuki to face the blonde Meister, copying Natsuki's glare and stern face before she spoke.
"Rosalie, you are just toujours pur." Laura spoke gruffly, obviously trying to imitate the now embarrassed Gakuenchou.
"H-hey… No." That seemed to be the most of her defense, and Laura snickered, continuing. "Profecto magnificus…"
"That just butchers it." Rosalie pouted this time, cocking a brow at the tomato-red Gakuenchou. She flinched however, jumping at the cough directly behind her, knowing precisely who it was.
"M-M-Madame Maria!"
The ageing epitome hawked her gaze on Rosalie, a stack of paperwork in an obscenely giant folder hooked under her arm , scanning the group sternly. "Claudel. May I ask why I found this," she gestured to the folder, "under my desk?"
"Ie-" It was the only noise produced by the Florentine, the stoic Lutecian handing the paperwork to Laura.
"Do not lose it again, Bianchi." Without another word she pinched hold of Rosalie's ear, dragging her out the hall, everyone staring.
"O-o-ow-ow-ow-ow!"
"...She is so cute." Natsuki couldn't help but blurt out, hearing Shizuru give a gasp.
"Ara, my Natsuki was flirting with another woman right in front of me!" She teased softly, winking as she covered her face.
"A-ah, no, Shizuru! Ah… Lux aeterna…?"
Mai had no clue what the words meant, but she was more than sure that whatever the woman had spewed it had been cheesy. Knowing Natsuki it may have even put her under yet more embarrassment, but the reaction Shizuru held said otherwise, the Archmeister shaking her head softly to smile.
"Natsuki is very sweet, but I was just teasing." The elder reached for her cheek, leaning in to kiss the tip of her nose in a rare show of public affection.
"A-ah!" The Gakuenchou reacted as if she had bit it instead, covering her nose with a wicked flush. "S-Shizuru!"
"Ara?"
"Stop it!"
"But still…" Mai laughed, Ribbon fidgeting in her lap, tiny arms sprawled onto the table before them, curious emeralds darting between the Archmeister and Gakuenchou as they reacted to one another in counters. "We have a plan for you, Natsuki. A milestone of sorts."
"A… milestone? What plan?" Uncovering her nose, the tip red as well as her ears from her blushing, Natsuki cleared her throat and regarded them.
"In a month's time, we plan to have you healthy and strong enough to leave this wheelchair-" Mai began, the Gakuenchou perking up brightly.
"And have Natsuki use a cane!" Shizuru finished, Natsuki deflating slightly at the thought.
"Oh… Well, it will get me out of this chair…" She hummed softly, nodding. "I can do that."
"I will be your personal tutor." Mai smiled a little too innocently for Natsuki's liking, the Gakuenchou paling, Ribbon playing with the royal's fingers.
"I'm going to get my ass kicked."
A gruelling month it was; A mental and physical strain taking a toll on the Gakuenchou. Her hands had newly formed calluses, sore palms and pads of her feet as well. She could barely be pulled out of bed by Shizuru…
But today seemed to be the day, an exact month since Mai promised. She was so sleepy though, and longed to just lounge in her chair a while longer as she wheeled herself along with the others.
"Natsuki looks very tired… Perhaps we will have another break after this…" Shizuru worried over her, but the Gakuenchou chuckled softly and waved her off.
"No, I can at least make it to the infirmary…"
Besides, they were at the lift which'd take them to the underground lab, and Mai, Rosalie, Laura and Miss Maria were there waiting for them.
Just like that month previous, Miss Maria was watching Rosalie like a hawk, the blonde fidgeting nervously under the elderly woman's stern gaze, Laura reacting with amusement to the notion until Maria shot her a look, the spiky-haired woman quickly shooting her gaze to Natsuki, rivalling Nina with a stoic stare ahead.
"Finally." Natsuki sighed, lifting her hands from the wheels to survey them. Her hands had bled a few times over the month, which led to softer wheels but there was only so much she could do when trying to get better.
Mai smiled at her, crossing her arms as the medical doctor approached and lifted her hands. "I bet it feels good to have calluses again, Kruger." Youko smirked, though Natsuki really could have taken or left them.
"Can I just get out of this thing now?"
"You are impatient, Natsuki." The royal of the group murmured, the doors to the lift already open. They all moved out the way for the Gakuenchou, the woman rolling into it
It was cramped, but they somehow all managed to fit, Rosalie glaring at Laura who cocked her eyebrows at her.
The ride down was awkward and silent, all except for the muttering the Florentine blonde emitted under her breath, prodding her elbow into the brightly-haired woman's stomach who was unaffected, Miss Maria glaring death down to Rosalie who squeaked.
Natsuki watched with faint amusement, waiting until the third mechanical tick of the lift before she spoke. "Rosalie, have you stolen anything else lately?" She couldn't hide a big smirk at the haughty grumble of the blonde, Laura at her side snickering.
"I like this Kruger better."
"No!" Rosalie shot, but with the elderly epitome's stoic stare she halted, opening and closing her mouth hesitantly. "Oh, har-har-har, of course not!" She hid her mouth, ending up with just making herself all the more suspicious. "Urgh, crap."
At last the lift reached the underground lab and they piled out, Rosalie and Miss Maria being the first ones to do so, the Florentine making a distance for herself away from the ex-Gakuenchou.
"Rosalie, you are adorable." Natsuki smiled, shaking her head as she wheeled herself from the lab and rubbed her hands together. "This is very annoying." She grumbled again, coming to a stop right before Yohko.
The medical doctor just stared down at her, and the Gakuenchou cocked her brows up. Reeling back, Natsuki softly rammed into her legs.
"So are you going to help me or just stand there?" Natsuki huffed up at her, reversing the chair back a foot or two. Unconsciously she glanced over her shoulder, pinpointing Shizuru and Mai's location, the two between Rosalie and Laura, the Archmeister absently hooking her arm around the blonde's to stop the Meister from causing anymore trouble with Laura.
Miss Maria was off to their side, looking distraught.
"I'll help." Yohko snickered, though cast a glance at the others. "If Claudel hasn't stolen anything from here."
Natsuki smirked, though quickly made a face when the doctor turned back to her with a few tools in hand.
"I just need to check if you're strong enough… Here." She clipped something onto her middle finger, the Gakuenchou vaguely remembering it from when she had first woken up from her coma and had ripped it off to shut up the machine.
She did not like its return.
Yohko brought literally everything to her chair. A little rolling table being slid over to her side with an assortment of tools. It went down to everything, from her heartbeat, blood pressure, reflexes, eye quality and hearing. There were even a few ridiculous things like Yohko asking her weird questions, some obvious, a few impossible for her and just plain strange.
"I believe," the scientist started, shoving her hands into her pockets and backing away a few steps from her chair, "that you're well enough."
"Finally."
"How would even testing my vision help you to know that I can finally stand?" Natsuki blurted out once everything was taken off of her, crossing her arms.
"It doesn't." Yohko smirked to herself as she turned her back on the Gakuenchou, hearing a choked grumble and a seething hiss.
The doctor reached behind her desk, bringing out a decorated and burned-styled cane for Natsuki. She quieted upon seeing it, emeralds tracing over every detail of the stained wood of it.
"Natsuki seems to like that." She heard Shizuru tease, and grinned faintly. "Much better than this wheelchair."
She wondered who made it though. It was obviously handcrafted… but for some reason Natsuki felt it'd be rude to even ask. So she remained silent, the doctor handing it over to her. She held the cane, rotating it to see the details up close.
There were the patterns of snowflakes burned into the wood and then carved out, giving the cane a sharper focus, they curved in from the top of the stick and downwards, the wave of snowflakes getting thinner the further downwards it trailed.
"I do like this…" She seemed enamoured with it, tracing a burn mark along down and admiring it. She took the handle into her palm, the curved wood feeling a hint of groove for her grip.
Looking up, Natsuki eyed the others and bounced a bit in the wheelchair. "I want to stand!"
Unhooking her arm from Rosalie's, the Archmeister of course ventured forward, Laura following.
"No funny stuff," the brightly-haired woman snickered at Rosalie, the Florentine huffing at Laura in response.
Reluctantly, Natsuki gave the cane back to Yohko to hold, the Archmeister and Laura lending their arms for the Gakuenchou to grip and hold onto.
Slowly, the coal-haired woman moved her footholds of the wheelchair to the side, placing oxfords onto the tiled floor below. She was nervous, but slowly stood thanks to the Meisters at her sides.
It was shaky and she wondered whether she'd be able to hold her own weight without the two women by her side, the sight of them probably looking rather ridiculous to anyone who were to walk into the lab.
But they held onto her, Natsuki pausing to hesitantly tread another foot down onto the floor, her stance less wobbly.
"How is Natsuki doing?" Shizuru asked softly, holding her up and sweeping her gaze over her.
"Fine… A bit odd, because you're both holding onto me." Natsuki chuckled, Yohko coming close to hand the cane off to Laura.
The Meister eyed Natsuki, determining the Gakuenchou's left side to be the best for handling the cane, as it was her dominant side. Slipping the handle of the cane into the woman's left hand, Laura watched her plant it on the ground and lean into it before slowly taking herself from Natsuki's side.
Heavily the Gakuenchou leaned against the cane with the abrupt absence of Laura, Shizuru gripping hold of her arm only slightly tighter, pushing into her slide a little to keep the Gakuenchou level.
"Ah…" Natsuki leaned into the cane a bit tensely, her uniform still a bit loose in some areas as she had yet to gain much muscle or weight. But out of the chair with more exercise, that would be easily solved…
She was standing, without pain but with weakness. Weakness she could overcome.
For a moment the Archmeister let go, the younger Column tilting to her left a little but stopped herself with a careful footing, Natsuki leaning herself to her left instead, slowly getting used to standing again.
It felt… odd… weird. But nice to finally stretch her legs after so long. She felt the weight through her whole body, something which she couldn't really remember.
Natsuki smiled, flushing when she realized so many people were in the room and watching her still.
"There you go!" Laura clapped once, softly as she chuckled and returned to Rosalie's side.
The Gakuenchou eyed them, chuckling as she leaned into her side, eyes returning to Shizuru with a hint of mischief. "Now I can finally run away from you and your teasing."
Although the memories as a student and running away from the elder woman had always been… something at least.
"Surely Natsuki does not mean so?" There it was again, that teasing within the layer of Windbloom accent.
"Mm…" Natsuki raised her right hand to her jaw, rubbing softly as she mock-pondered. "No, I suppose not." She winked at Shizuru, the elder flushing just faintly at the new attitude the Gakuenchou sported.
Natsuki felt so much more confident, it was like she was changing in personality the more healthy she became. It reminded her of… the confidence the Kruger family were really known for; was she finally developing into a… true Kruger of sorts?
The pondering continued up until the stunned Archmeister brushed the feeling away, replying to her at last. "Whatever does she mean?" Shizuru chuckled, shifting her gaze to the others.
Miss Maria appeared desperate to leave by now, suspiciously surveying Rosalie and then briefly scanning the digital cloak which was on the holographic screen of the super-computer.
Knowing her, she was wanting to fill in paperwork.
"I love you too much to run." Natsuki whispered into the elder's ear under a guise of chuckling instead, whistling softly as she took a step and another from Shizuru, limping but able to walk.
Natsuki was… bored stiff to be honest. She was cooped up on a chair—not a wheelchair though, so she was at least thankful for that. But why here?
"Gakuenchou." Miss Maria stared at her pointedly from the other side of her desk, staring at her from above her glasses.
Did Miss Maria even need glasses, she wondered?
"A-aa…"
"The situation is as follows; our spies have declared a high level of distress is present within the Republic of Aries and their officials are displaying evidence of suspicious activity. It is believed that Aries is attempting to gain access past the borders of the Zipang Empire and the Principality of Altai."
"Why would Aries try to gain entry into the Locked Country…" Maria paused, sliding her glasses off and placing them onto the table once folding them. "...we do not know.
"I see…" Natsuki gripped the handle of her cane in one hand, the pad of her thumb worrying over the polished wood. Thankfully, she was steadily gaining her weight back, motor skills as well. Her muscles were filling out slowly and lean; Mai was a very tough tutor…
"Aries is attempting to enter the Locked Country, but the reason why is unknown… Which regions have had interest in Zipang before?" Natsuki asked, leaning forward and studying a map that Shizuru had given her.
"Only Taiyun and Altai." Pointing and pressing the padding of her index finger against the paper, Maria directed to the small island which consisted of Taiyuan, just off the coast of Altai. "The three countries of the east have a natural connection to history. However…"
"However?"
"The royal families of Taiyuan and Altai have intermarried many times before, and in consequence… have direct links to Princess Mashiro. I believe Aries may know this and are seeking to push them into an agreement to our disadvantage."
"But how could that…" Natsuki trailed, confused—her head hurt.
"I think I understand…" She murmured after a moment, stilling her thumb against the handle of her cane. "One ruling for two when another has the right to rule one as well… That would be very controversial if that would come out."
She eyed the map again, tracing her index finger along a narrow line. Where was this…
"I have been… Hearing of the Black Valley, from Shizuru mostly. It's not on this map?"
Maria identified the area with a bony finger, locating the area extremely close to Windbloom. "It manifests around Windbloom and around the sea of Garderobe. It is an ancient desert which holds centuries worth of old technology. Scientific calculations have proven that oddly it has moved."
"...Moved?"
"Moved. We are unsure if it is seismic activity, or the technology itself forcing the movement, but it has… moved."
Natsuki stared at the area on the map, a bit confused still. An area, a desert at that, that could… move. "Well, I suppose we should really worry about that if it threatens a forest or the sea. Threatens to replace them, that is." Natsuki shook her head slowly to not irritate the seam at the back of her skull, focusing again.
"Miss Maria… Why do you believe the Brigadier General of Aries struck me?"
The epitome said nothing for a while, her eyes planted on the tablet which lay before her, her green eyes moving left to right as she read the information upon the menus. "...I do not know, Gakuenchou. The Brigadier General never showed a hint of violence as a student, but humans can prove otherwise."
The old woman hadn't even glanced up to acknowledge her, but by now Natsuki was completely used to this. She had suffered under the tutor's wrath, guidance and kindest time and time again.
"Hm… Perhaps it wasn't on her own volition-" Her thoughts disrupted, Natsuki blankly stared down at the map. "I have a headache… I think this is enough for one day, Miss Maria. Thank you for helping me get caught up on these issues." She bowed her head, smiling as she eased her cane towards her side to stake the ground and slowly stand.
"Could you please inform the Archmeister that the second batch of nanomachines are ready for the Amethyst year?" Maria questioned, holding the woman's gaze for only a few moments before backtracking to the tablet before her.
Nodding firmly, the Gakuenchou steadily made her way over to the door.
"And Gakuenchou."
"Aa…?"
"You are to meet with Dr. Helene. She may have discovered something."
"...Mm. Thank you." She was glad not to have that wheelchair anymore… Though this cane was killing her shoulder. Gripping the handle tight, she opened the door and shuffled out.
Her uniform was nicely shown now that she was able to walk again; Coat slowly billowing behind her. The hairpin had been returned as well, and she was starting to remember just a bit more about the world around her, and the people within it.
Shizuru had been very understanding and pleasant throughout the entire ordeal, even though it must have been hard for her… Perhaps she would plan a date for the two of them later… For now, she would find her and head to the doctor.
Seeing as her situation in walking was still not its best, once Natsuki had arrived at the elevator which would take her to the underground lab, she decided to take it instead of struggling with the stairs.
The Gakuenchou didn't quite like the idea of breaking her neck now when she was still recovering—even breaking it at all.
Calling the cubic mechanism up to her level, Natsuki leant her side against the wall.
It was the afternoon and classes had ended, so there were few if no students straying around inside the building currently.
Bringing her finger to her GEM, which had been given modified access, she brought up the communications link. "Shizuru? Miss Maria told me to remind you that the second batch of nanomachines are ready for the Amethyst year… Would you like to meet up while I meet with Yohko?"
Why did she have to tell Shizuru, anyway? Didn't Miss Maria have an intercom?
She stepped into the lift once it arrived, holding onto the bar by the wall after pressing a button with her cane.
The tiny microphone built into the back of the GEM buzzed, and she heard the Archmeister speak, her voice hinted with a little static, as came naturally with these prototypes.
"Oh? What is she planning, I wonder?"
"I am not planning anything… Though, I would like to plan with you later." Natsuki adjusted the cross-cravat at her neck, the ruby shining a little brighter today.
"Oh?" Shizuru actually sounded surprised, and the Gakuenchou smirked just barely with a bit of pride. "Mm. I want to have a private dinner with you, when our schedules allow. For now… Meet me in the infirmary?"
The elder Meister sat in the Gakuenchou's office upon Natsuki's seat. The surprise was still evident within her eyes. She brushed her finger and thumb across the base of her GEM, speaking. "I will be there soon, Na-tsuki." The tone was playful, a pause purposely placed into the younger female's name.
Natsuki gave a small smile, bringing her hand from the cross-cravat and brushing it down her shirt. Nervous… She shouldn't be.
"Ah." Her lift had arrived at its destination, and she eased off from the wall with a small huff, planting the cane down in a reflex as she started to stride off. So much easier than that blasted wheelchair…
Dully the lift doors cranked behind her and she quickly located the doctor's current position within the domed lab.
The medical scientist was on the chair in front of the super-computer. She glanced over her shoulder and then spun it around, standing, then shoved her hands into her pockets. "Ah, Gakuenchou. I wasn't expecting you so early."
Wetting her lips, Natsuki scoped out the room before setting her eyes back onto the older woman. "What did you want to see me about, Yohko?"
"I have found something I think you'll like." Yohko smirked softly, cocking her chin to the display.
"...?" Natsuki wandered closer, intrigued now as she gave the lab a once over. Nothing odd… yet.
With a hand still within her pocket, Yohko turned to the large computer, inputting commands into the command panel with one hand quickly, dexterously typing away with her fingers and thumb.
"Just yesterday we found something incredibly interesting in Windbloom Castle." A window popped up and some graphs appeared on the screen, a rendered image within the centre displaying a 3D, transparent map of the castle.
However it was what was underneath the castle which caught Natsuki's attention.
"Using seismic tomography we were able to… ah… replicate what is underground."
"Seismic tomography…" Natsuki repeated with only a brief blank stare, expression soon turning back to interest as she leaned against her cane. "That is impressive technology… But what exactly am I to be looking at, or for?"
The Gakuenchou seemed offended by the derivative snort tossed her way by the doctor, Yohko easing closer to trace with her finger.
"The darker colouring here, you see it?" Her fingertip brushed across the screen, disturbing the hologram in a tail. "This is within the old sector of the castle which was heavily guarded during the Twelve Nation War. For unknown reasons the wall had been renovated just before the Founder's death."
Guiding the Gakuenchou's eyes along with her digit, Yohko trailed it towards the back of the wall. "You can easily see a tunnel system which gradually leads down to a set of corridors which by the seismic tomography appear to be heavily damaged."
"Oh? What could be hiding all the way down there…?" Natsuki pondered softly, slipping a hand into the pocket of her slacks, tilting her head. "Did you… think it would be a good idea to send an excavation crew? Or… Are we allowed to do that?"
She felt so sheepish asking; She still hadn't remembered nor re-learned the rules each nation had.
"The Princess has demanded we do. So whether we want to or not we are." Yohko chuckled, and with the click of a key she zoomed into the rendering of the corridors. "Here." She clicked another button and the area of interest transformed into a vibrant white, displaying tiny details which the younger woman hadn't seen before. "This area seems to be a holding chamber of some form. It is impossible to prove that this is solid but I believe this could be technology possibly dating back to the Founder's first era of Garderobe."
"Can you print this into a paper map? If we truly are to go, we need to be prepared." Natsuki slid her hand from her pocket, leaning into her cane again as she studied the display. "This is very impressive technology…" She repeated, gawking at the image a bit more.
"My, if Natsuki gets any closer, her nose might end up on the map!"
"Ah, Shizuru!"
Honestly, this was just basic technology, but Yohko said nothing. "This is ancient dinosaur tech."
"Did you miss me?" The Archmeister teased her lightly, threading her arm around the younger woman's, tugging her closer to herself.
"...A-yes."
"The dates for the excavations will be organised." The scientist cut in, lifting a hand to Shizuru in regards. "I must have the equipment prepared and discuss the plans with Miss Maria, yourself and the Archmeister late this week."
"Yes." Natsuki whispered softly towards Shizuru, surprising the elder as they both listened. "Alright. I will want to come along, but I do realise I may be more of a liability to such a physical task…"
"Nonsense, perhaps this will give you an edge to gain back some strength?" Shizuru offered, and Natsuki softly smiled. The elder was always trying to include her...
The elder woman's sheer selflessness was terrifying sometimes. At times it could beat Mai's, and that in itself was an impressive concept seeing as the redhead was so motherly.
A… motherly mother?
Shaking the thought from her mind, nudged against the brunette momentarily. "Your selflessness is scary sometimes."
"Yet I am not even attempting to be 'scary'", Shizuru murmured.
"I will see you later, Gakuenchou, Archmeister," the medical-scientist nodded to both of them in turn.
"Mm. Goodbye, Yohko…" Natsuki struggled a bit until Shizuru let her go, chuckling softly as she started towards the lift. "Not scary as in horrible but… it is frightening sometimes to be reminded of just how much you love me and care… If that makes sense." She flushed softly, clearing her throat as she toyed with the handle of her cane, nervously twiddling it between steps.
"I seem to remember you saying such a thing before as a Coral." Shizuru smiled, brushing her index and middle fingers across her lips, covering the faint grin deftly. "Now where did Natsuki have in mind?"
The Archmeister let the Gakuenchou enter the elevator first before heading inside herself, activating the lift to take them to their desired floor.
"Ah… I was thinking in your quarters? I would obviously bring something, I don't want you cooking… N-not that I wouldn't like your cooking!" Natsuki sighed, trying to calm her rapidly fraying nerves.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, Natsuki inhaled sharply. "I… Would you object to a little date?"
How could she teach herself not to have a panic attack around Shizuru anyway? She had always been frightfully nervous around the older Meister, but… this coma was a changing point for her, a fork within the road leading into a new undiscovered location.
"I am flattered, of course I would go on a date with you, Natsuki."
The inner Shizuru was practically screaming in delight. She hid it well behind her array of masks, but in reality the Archmeister simply wanted to cling onto the limping woman and squeeze her. "But please, you must do one thing for me."
"Oh, boy." Natsuki's gut flipped, unsure whether to be nervous or terrified.
"I would do anything for you, Shizuru." The Gakuenchou coolly replied, finding it to actually be true. She flushed, tapping her cane nervously against the pant leg of her slacks.
"Absolutely anything?" The Archmeister chuckled gently, the lift halting to a stop, the doors sluggishly opening in response. "Then Gakuenchou, please guide me."
"...Guide you?" She was confused, the tilt of her head indicating that quite easily. "...? Oh." Natsuki smiled, glad to have figured it out. Slipping her hand into Shizuru's, she squeezed softly and began to lead them out from the lift.
"I am surprised you have not erupted like a volcano yet." Shizuru joked, smoothing the padding of her thumb along the Gakuenchou's own. "She is maturing."
Their walk was steady, the Archmeister instinctively slowing whenever the Gakuenchou strained. The academy grounds were silent and empty for the most part, the lazy calls of the afternoon insects singing.
"I remembered the first time I kissed you yesterday, that I bumped into you and almost sent us flying off the Founder's stair platform." This time the shorter female did redden, peering off into the opposite direction, looking at nothing in particular.
Shizuru watched her, a pleased smile painting her lips as Natsuki led her towards the faculty dormitory. "Mm… I am so happy Natsuki remembers that…" Flushing herself, she looked away, feeling a bit of nervousness seep into her.
Grinning, the Gakuenchou took a moment to appreciate the heat of the sun on her back; The hand in her own and the smell of the perfume Shizuru was wearing… It made her all the more sure that she was ready for tonight.
"It is still embarrassing though, I fell on you after tripping over my own feet." The Gakuenchou had certainly been less classy during her younger years.
"But surely Natsuki would have been stuck up until now attempting to say those three little words?" That notorious teasing was clearly eligible, embedded into Shizuru's thick Windbloom accent.
"Probably," the Gakuenchou admitted, shaking her head, reaching the dorm which they now shared.
Not wanting to let go of Shizuru's hand, Natsuki shuffled closer to the wall and leaned into it, resting her cane against the wall as she fished a key from her pocket. Unlocking the door, she pocketed the key once more and grasped her cane. "After you, Shizuru…"
The elder smiled softly, opening the door and gently leading the Gakuenchou through it. Some of Natsuki's things were in a cluster by the door, and Shizuru adored the pile even if it was messy.
It was… a messy-neatness, classically Natsuki.
"Er… I am sorry, but I'm afraid I'll burn the building down if I try to cook," Natsuki laughed awkwardly, scratching her cheek with a fingernail, looking between the kitchenette and Shizuru.
Amused, the elder gently led her towards the kitchenette at either rate. "Well, Natsuki can help me, of course…"
"Of course I'll help you…" Hanging her cane on the knob for a cabinet, Natsuki grasped onto the counter and leaned into it.
"What shall we make?" The younger woman asked, tilting her head as she tried to remember what was kept in their icebox and cabinets.
Opening a cupboard above their heads, Shizuru rummaged inside of it, pondering. "... I have pasta." But what could they have which was a little different? Shizuru was getting a bit sick of the same things, really. "...Shrimps?"
She turned her head to Natsuki, tilting her head slightly. "What does Natsuki think?"
Holding the counter, the younger Meister shuffled a bit closer, opening the icebox. "We have lemons… Were you planning to make lemonade? At any rate… I think that would be tasty. Lemon on shrimp pasta?" She snagged two of the yellow tart fruit, closing the lid with a bit of trouble.
"Those would go well together," Shizuru confirmed, kneeling down to fetch the frying fan.
A sudden thought came to the Gakuenchou's mind and she watched Shizuru out of the corner of her eye. "I feel like I am married to her."
Looking down to her left hand, she at least remembered not having a ring at any time. She looked at Shizuru's hand, confirming the same. Not married; And yet, this feeling was pleasant and warm, causing the next words to spill from her mouth without a second thought.
"I wouldn't mind being married to you."
Having lifted the frying pan up from the cupboard, the Archmeister was just about to put it onto the stove, it clanged loudly, the tawny brunette losing grip of it. "O-oh." Butterflies entered and swarmed the elder's stomach softly, staring at Natsuki.
"Ah…" Natsuki flushed darkly, laying the lemons on the counter and easing a bit closer. "I… You just got shy." The Gakuenchou smirked a bit, leaning against the wood as she cocked a brow. "I haven't seen that yet."
"A-ara… No I'm not. I don't know what you're talking about."
"Then how come you're speaking like me now?" The Gakuenchou grinned, latching onto the woman's slender wrists. "I like this side of Shizuru."
"N-Natsuki…" The elder had the decency to pout a bit, flush spreading a little darker across the bridge of her nose.
"I'll let you gain back your composure… In exchange for one thing."
"Then tell me please." The Meister allowed the shorter woman to continue holding her wrists in front of them, hands relaxed, although the flush upon her cheeks was still gracing them.
"Then kiss me please." The Gakuenchou partially mimicked, the softening of her grin becoming sharper, studying Shizuru's expression swap between multiple emotions swiftly. "Chaste." She added quickly.
"Natsuki… Wants a kiss?" Ruby darted down to the younger woman's lips, a faint shaking catching her eyes next. Natsuki's left leg was trembling, the grip on her wrists not tight enough to stabilize her balance.
"Natsuki wants a kiss." The Gakuenchou's lips twitched, the tremor starting to rise to her hips.
For both of their sake she'd have to take care of the situation then, wouldn't she? The Archmeister thought quickly, turning them so Natsuki's back rested against the counter, brushing up closer to the emerald-eyed Otome and lifting her hands, cupping the Gakuenchou's cheeks who still held onto her wrists.
Natsuki was afraid to speak, cautious that any utterance or even a sharp exhale would discourage Shizuru. Her thumbs gently brushed over the tender skin of the elder's inner wrists, caressing softly. Wetting her lips a bit nervously, the younger woman pressed into rough palms with an almost need.
Gradually after a while, the Archmeister lent forward, pushing their lips together for a brief time. A spark of energy instantly leapt up Shizuru's spine and across her temple, brushing her lips across the Gakuenchou's smooth lips.
They were just as she had remembered them.
Before Natsuki could even register how long it had been, not even feeling like a second had passed, the elder pulled away, her hands still planted to her cheeks delicately.
Crimson staining alabaster skin, the younger Meister softly ran her tongue over her lips again; This time tasting the faint stain of gloss the elder had left behind. "Ah…"
"Now Natsuki is the one with her tongue tied." Shizuru kept a flush herself, hands slowly descending towards the lapel of her coat, smoothing it down. "Perhaps she would like to take this off? Her face is so red, she must be hot."
"Shizuru." Natsuki pouted, quickly smiling again before she nodded. "Please."
Both women knew that this action was going to cost them, seeing as they already couldn't stop thinking about it.
Of course it was half an excuse, but Shizuru didn't care, helping the fellow Meister to take the coat off and hanging it on the armrest of the settee for the time being. "Now will we finish?" She uttered with amusement, heading back over to Natsuki's side to pick up the frying pan once more.
"That… was much tastier than when I had described it." Natsuki chuckled softly, sleeves of her crisp shirt rolled to the crook of her elbows, cuffs folded over a bit messily. Finishing up her last piece of shrimp after chasing lemon sauce on her plate, the younger Meister dabbed her mouth with the napkin Shizuru had given. "Delicious…"
"You seem to have enjoyed it much more than what you have already eaten when recovering," Shizuru commented, finishing up the rest of hers as well, placing the knife and fork neatly atop the plate. "Perhaps we could have this again another time?" She suggested, offering to take the younger woman's plate.
"It was a surprise… Maybe because we made it together." Natsuki smiled, lifting a hand to adjust the slightly heavy pin in her hair. She had been getting used to the weight again, and it made her smile…
"I would love to have this again; To make it again, with you." She eyed the coat that Shizuru had slid from her shoulders, the article hanging near the door. They really did feel married… And she liked it.
Has their relationship always been like this? From the memories Natsuki did house they all seemed… innocent, distance. Like she had been far too afraid to react physically with her feelings.
To think that a horrific disaster could form something so positive.
It was a little like a Tarot card, Death. The death of something to the rebirth of another.
They fell into another peaceful silence, the Archmeister placing the plates, knives and forks into the sink for the time being.
Drumming her hand mutely against her thigh, Natsuki silently stood; Though leaning against her cane wasn't quite as quiet, the soft tapping of wood upon tile as she closed the distance between them betrayed the attempt to be sneaky.
"Were you ever disappointed that I was never quite so physical?"
Visibly the Archmeister appeared unfazed, although Natsuki wasn't quite sure if she really was these days thanks to what had happened those previous minutes before they had eaten.
The tawny brunette turned to her slowly, trailing her blood-red eyes momentarily across the Gakuenchou's form, scanning her. "Natsuki was, and is, cute. You hold an innocence which lured me in instantly whether it had involved anything physical at all."
But… "I was." She murmured quietly.
Leaning into the cane, the younger woman nodded slowly. She had anticipated an answer like that; Lips twitching into a soft smile as she drew her eyes from Shizuru and down towards the tile floor. "I do not intend to disappoint you again." She spoke with a faintest of rasps that time, clearing her throat.
"I am sure you will try your hardest." The Gakuenchou could have a terrifying dedication when it came to a matter she was serious about, after all. "But why do we not sit, no?" She directed a lone index finger towards the shorter female's legs, noticing how they shook faintly. "You have done enough walking and standing for today."
"Follow me," Shizuru uttered, capturing the Gakuenchou's free hand within her own, guiding her over towards the settee. "I am not having you stand about any longer."
Smiling, at least the Gakuenchou had learned to stop thanking the elder for every small grace she bestowed, and rather bowed her head towards Shizuru instead. "You know me very well." She commented, finding the words a bit funny. Of course the elder knew her so well…
Slowly, she held tightly to Shizuru's hand and led herself down first, settling in the corner of the settee near to the arm of it, leaning her cane against it on the outer fabric.
"I am rather tired," Shizuru murmured softly, rubbing her fingertips across her forehead gently, leaning back against the settee.
She wouldn't lie, being the combat tutor for both the Amethyst and Diamond years did take the energy out of her at times.
Smiling, Natsuki nodded. She had to admit, she was a little tired too… "We should head to bed…" Somehow, it sounded different than the other nights she had spoken the same words, a thin brow cocking.
Clearing her throat, she snagged her cane again. Although… standing really didn't seem to be all that appealing, right now. "Or… we could sleep here."
For some reason the idea of sleeping cramped up together against the settee felt alluring. The Archmeister puzzled over it.
Then again if it was Natsuki then of course she was going to want to get up as closely as she possibly could.
"Hmm…" Shizuru hummed, "Here!" She sang, planting her palms against the Gakuenchou's shoulders, shoving her down.
"Ack!" The cane slipped from her hand, softly clattering to the rug below. She chuckled softly, cheekily tangling her legs with the elder's and giving a faint stretch, covering her mouth with a yawn.
"I like this… cozy." Natsuki murmured, shyly sinking a hand into auburn locks.
Sinking into the slightly smaller woman, the Achmeister rested her ear against the Gakuenchou's chest, facing away from the settee and entrapping fine strands of Natsuki's dark hair between her thumb and index, bringing it closer to her eyes. "It was rare in the past that we got time together, actually."
She brought the tips of the hair to the fellow Meister's jawline, brushing it onto the smooth, pale skin, the sensation ticklish.
Grinning faintly to the ticklish feeling at her jaw, the Gakuenchou's face darkened a bit with rose as her free hand traced an unknown pattern atop her back. "Was it? I can see why, we both have very busy and prestigious positions… But, we also find time a lot easier now, I think… Even with the threat of war."
She hummed softly, a little nervous lying with Shizuru. Betraying her trust, her heart beat a bit faster.
"Natsuki's heart will explode if it goes any faster." The brunette laughed softly, directing the tresses of hair to instead lie just underneath the Gakuenchou's nose, a funny expression meeting with her lips.
Scrunching her nose, the younger Meister chuckled softly and blew a soft breath against the hair under her nose, trying to squirm from it without actually moving. "Shizuru, that feels odd." She grasped a strand of the Archmeister's locks, dropping it onto her brow for revenge.
"That is mean, Natsuki!"
So she wasn't allowed whilst the Archmeister was?
The Windbloom native stared, unblinking with a neutral expression. Holding the dark hair against the Gakuenchou however forced a faint snicker to release from her throat, covering her lips with a free hand deftly.
"...Are you laughing because you gave me a moustache?" Natsui deadpanned, eyes crossing to try and see what the elder was doing to her.
Fiddling with Shizuru's hair, she grasped two strands and pressed them against tawny eyebrows, snickering softly to herself.
"Ara, of course not."
The older woman looked absolutely… ridiculous. A snort was released from Natsuki, lifting then lowering the brunette hair. "Or-ah!" The Gakuenchou mimicked in a high pitched voice, faking a Windbloom accent. "My name is Shizuru and I must speak proper and politely at all times!"
Faking an offended gasp, Shizuru's brows pulled down and inward, making Natsuki mimic the movement with the strands of hair still pressed to them. "Natsuki is mean!"
"Did I miss that part in my impression?"
"So mean!"
But really they should sleep… it was what they were intending to do in the first place.
"Now are we going to do this all night, or are we going to sleep?" The Archmeister questioned, tilting her head, poking the shorter female between the eyebrows with the strands of hair which she then finally allowed to droop back down beside the woman. "You were tired a few moments ago."
"You rejuvenate me." Natsuki released her hold on Shizuru's hair as well, smiling down to the elder as she wrapped her arm a bit more snug around her. She would be forever grateful to the elder for never giving up with her…
"Shizuru…" She trailed off, but quickly recovered, giving the woman in her arms a soft squeeze. "I love you."
"And I love Natsuki," the Archmeister manoeuvred up a little, tucking herself closer so she rested against the fellow Meister's collarbone.
Smiling, Natsuki closed her eyes and took another deep inhale. The elder still sometimes wore the perfume that she bought for herself, and she could detect it now. "You are very sentimental, and I think it's cute." She murmured, shifting her legs to tangle with Shizuru's fully.
"I believe Natsuki is also; but please, let us sleep before we discuss the night away." She chuckled, pressing a palm atop the Gakuenchou's emerald eyes, "Sleep."
Stifling a chuckle, Natsuki grasped her hand and pulled it from her face, holding it instead. "You win. Sleep." She murmured quietly as the smile kept to her lips.
She had heard from several others that she seemed to be exuding much more confidence than she had before the incident. Maybe she was… Perhaps it was more of a gain from the incident… Although she wasn't sure she would trade confidence for war.
Wherever this war was going it wasn't going to end well though. Anyone could see that.
"You're to come to the Conference Hall, Gakuenchou." Miss Maria buzzed in through the intercom of Natsuki's GEM. "A meeting shall soon be underway concerning the situation with the war."
Rolling the handle of her cane within her hand mindlessly, the Meister paused, staring into the flames of the fireplace which was situated on the first floor of the Meisters' dorms, sat upon the large and plushy settee in front of the fire.
Brushing her fingers up to the pale azure, the Gakuenchou skimmed the padding of her fingers upon it. "Alright, I'll be there soon, Miss Maria." She murmured, flickering her gaze across the large and spacious room which consisted of a few Meister.
She did not want to stand… This cane was a bit harder to get used to, but it definitely beat that wheelchair. Of course, nothing could be standing on her own two feet without anything bracing her except sturdy boots.
Sighing, the Gakuenchou slipped her free hand on top of the curved handle and slowly pushed herself up; Tremors only the faintest to be seen from her legs. That was much better than the first time.
She had wanted a bit of alone time; Time without Shizuru, Laura, Mai or Miss Maria constantly checking up on her, as if she could fall and break something any moment. At least she had had that for an hour.
Her ears twitched and she jumped, the intercom activating again. "And Gakuenchou? The top Amethysts and Diamonds will be there." The buzzing clipped off, leaving a lone Natsuki once more.
Students…?
Scowling a bit at that, she supposed it made sense… What with the changes that Shizuru had made in her absence. Sighing, the Gakuenchou slowly made way towards the door, but peeked through the window first. It looked warm out there… She could find a way to that room without going outside.
Hang on… weren't they two separate buildings though…? Natsuki whacked at her brain and frowned at the occasional student who made their way towards their desired destination. "Figures…"
"I don't want to go outside." But it wasn't like she had a choice, was it?
Inhaling and then releasing the breath, the Gakuenchou hobbled to the double doors, grasping the horizontal handle to one and gave it a firm pull, the heavy door creaked open, and the soft warmth of outside greeted her.
The natural light of the sun still made her feel like a newborn; A faint brightness overtaking all sight before it faded to normal and that irritating warmth that settled right behind her eyes… Ugh.
Maybe she was just in a bad mood… After all, she could walk but not without a question every day.
"Did Natsuki fall today?" As if she was a child… She couldn't be mad at Shizuru, the elder was only trying to make sure she was alright… Now feeling guilty, Natsuki started to walk from the door, exhaling noisily.
Still though… she would've preferred having a little longer to herself at least.
Ignoring the weakness within her legs, she clicked the button on the backside of her GEM, activating the intercom. It voiced out directories to fellow Columns and staff, which she assumed was ripped directly from the Founder's audio files and chose Miss Maria's.
"Who are the students there…?" She questioned, the prototype intercom sluggishly feeding back on her for a fragment of a moment.
"Nina Wang, Tomoe Marguerite, Akane Soir, Chie Hallard and Zhang Nao."
"Alright… Thank you." At least she knew who to expect, but she would not be tolerating any lip from that Zhang girl today. Cutting the link off, she sighed noisily again; The click of the cane upon paved ground was her only company along the trek.
Eyes ghosting over the building, Natsuki tried to fix her face from the resting scowl, trying to at least look a bit friendly as she opened the door.
Amongst the students present consisted of the Columns, Miss Maria, Yukariko and Mai—honestly she was surprised there weren't more seeing what the current affairs were.
The Conference Hall had… changed but hadn't. The central table was still the same and there were the same chairs surrounding it—plenty for the amount of people within the room—however there was more technology lying about the place.
Tablets, screens, computers, lights… a section of the wall seemed to be undergoing construction as well. She stared towards it by the doorway, her eyes studying the metal struts which aligned the rectangular hole inside the wall.
Wasn't that where the Garderobe banner had been…? She pondered the thought, wondering where the banner was and what was being built.
Everything seemed to be changing, and honestly, she was surprised that Shizuru hadn't been given her position by now. That thought made her uneasy; It could happen.
The Archmeister's eyes were on her immediately, and she forced a small smile as she stalked forwards to a chair. "Sorry to be late."
"You should not worry, we are about to start," the Archmeister murmured to her softly, the shorter woman halting beside her. "Miss Maria should be here shortly, she went to fetch the students." She sat, gesturing to the Gakuenchou to do the same.
With a little unease Natsuki did so, attaching her eyes to every woman in the room for only a few seconds before shifting to the next.
Wasn't Yukariko supposed to be teaching right now? She stared at the woman, arching a brow as the older Meister peered over towards her, smiling.
She supposed another teacher had taken her spot for the time being.
Yukariko was nice… at least, from the vague details she could remember. She looked nice, at any rate. Nodding to the older woman, Natsuki looked away and down towards her lap; Cane across her thighs as she worried the wood as an excuse to not speak.
Cocking a brow to that, the royal tilted her head at her. Ribbon wasn't with her, which Natsuki found a little strange, Mai soundlessly gesturing to the older woman to try to say something.
They weren't expecting her to start it, were they?
She opened her mouth, and the doors of the entrance she had just entered from opened, the ageing Lutecian striding through with the five select students.
Closing her mouth, Natsuki twitched, Zhang's voice illuminating around the chamber and into her ears.
"I'm surprised Miss Maria, I thought you hated me." The lime-eyed woman chuckled, the Meister pausing to stare at her, lips pursed with a steady gaze, hands cupped in front of her.
"A student with a reputation to cheek doesn't impact their selection."
Keeping quiet, Natsuki folded her hands atop of her cane and watched the women sit. She was very uncomfortable…
She almost jumped when a hand landed on top of her own, looking up to Shizuru who kept her gaze on the others coming and seating themselves. "It will be alright, Natsuki…"
Natsuki knew that much, it wasn't like they were going straight into a battleground at the moment. They were… planning for one. It sank in and merely brought more discomfort, the hand atop hers squeezing her own momentarily before brushing away.
"The Aries Republic has brought a state of panic amongst the nations of the world. But why?" Manoeuvring into the centre of the round table, Miss Maria paused as she waited for the students to sit, a wave of relief flooding the Gakuenchou when Nao didn't sit next to her, but instead Tomoe.
Clutching onto her cane tightly either way, Natsuki swallowed a bit hard and sat straighter in her chair to listen. She had to know these details, whether Shizuru might replace her or not.
Nao still held a faint bit of concern for the Gakuenchou, and would make it known vocally after the meeting. Hopefully without that old bag interfering before she could…
Strict emerald eyes of the grey Otome surveyed each member within the room, drifting a hand over the black cylinder which the table surrounded. It activated and a halo of planet Earl was projected upwards, consuming the epitome for where her body protruded the beams of light. "Assuming the current situation with allegiance this means the following: Florence and the Chaldea Empire have been enemies since the Dragon King War. Taiyun and the Altai Principality have a long standing allegiance whilst funding the Schwartz Corporation."
Natsuki's own land would keep out of this- Her land? How had she remembered that… She was to be a Countess one day… Did many others know? She had no clue.
She listened intently, trying to piece a few things together as the eldest spoke.
"Galleria and the Kruger State have declared their dis-involvement to the war repeatedly however. Their funding is a quarter of that to Garderobe and already have their only Otome in our service."
Nodding blankly to that, Natsuki leaned into her hand, thumb twiddling along at her brow and rubbing a bit hard to inflame her skin. It was hard to keep focus when she started to remember.
Remembering seemed just as terrifying as forgetting.
"Lutecia is currently in lock-down and undergoing a war of their own, so they are out of the question." Miss Maria pointed to the countries which were discussed, deftly swapping from one nation to another. "An Nam and the Zipang Empire are our targets of interest. Anh Lu of An Nam has agreed to a treaty whilst the same has been agreed upon by the Emperor of Zipang."
She was starting to get a headache… Lowering her hand from her brow, she felt Shizuru softly take it again. Squeezing the elder's hand, she gave a soft smile before looking up to the epitome.
She was starting to understand, or rather, memorize and keep the information. Remembering was getting slightly in the way; Odd details forming cracks in new memories.
"What we must do is seek and then gather information from our key areas. The Aries Republic, Altai Principality, the Schwartz Corporation and the Aswad."
Those countries and groups were their main concerns as of late, they were all highly unpredictable, especially the Schwartz, Altai and Aswad.
"Missions?" Natsuki asked, garnering attention as she had been the most quiet thus far. Nao stared at her, and the Gakuenchou sank lowly in her chair, averting her gaze.
Sarah gave the older woman a bit of a sympathetic look, drumming her fingers along the table to give more noise throughout the outburst. The blonde woman dressed in her official uniform, similar to how Mai was.
Her head was killing her.
"Depending on who, where and when, then yes, there shall be missions." Miss Maria confirmed, nodding once to the Gakuenchou.
Oh, good… She had been right. She was starting to get paranoid… Rubbing her hands together, the Gakuenchou cleared her throat softly to not be heard. Maybe… Maybe she needed to talk to someone about this whole ordeal?
About the things she was remembering… Would Shizuru understand? Surely she would, even if it wasn't the Archmeister she wished to speak with.
Perhaps someone completely different from Shizuru would actually be better? Shizuru knew her from the inside out so if she could discuss this with someone who would only listen and suggest…
"Tokiha and Gallagher are in charge of relations with the Zipang Empire." Miss Maria directed a hand towards the country via hologram. "Whilst the Archmeister shall focus upon An Nam."
It was only natural that Shizuru would get An Nam, seeing as the Princess of the nation had been her senior in the past.
She should focus. Natsuki inhaled a bit sharply, listening as she leaned into the table a bit. She noticed Shizuru taking notes, not thinking much until she saw the top of the page. "For Natsuki."
The elder was trying so hard for her… She should do her best in return.
It was almost like her days in her Coral year, the strain of zoning out whenever Yukariko blurted on about maths. It'd go through one ear then out of the other, her mind absorbing nothing but useless numbers doing things she couldn't possibly understand.
"Our first mission will be within the Black Valley."
This piece of information sparked Natsuki's attention, and she instantly lifted her gaze upon Miss Maria, the woman pointing directly between Garderobe and the Kingdom of Windbloom. "Satellites have pinpointed that the Black Valley has once again moved location by a dozen hundred miles and is getting close to the border. Ancient Earth technology has always been present in a large quantity here."
It moved once more? "They must be gathering for more power." Natsuki spoke out, rubbing her jaw as she sat up in her chair fully.
"No doubt about what they are planning." Shizuru chipped in, tilting her head faintly towards Natsuki in agreement.
"Mm." Natuki flushed a faint bit, not used to being the center of attention… anymore.
"Gathering and researching the technology is the first understanding of what we're looking for here. We already know that the Schwartz Corporation has been within the desert for the past year or so. For what they are doing with this technology and if they are aiding Altai and Aries is also a matter we're seeking to discover."
"Our second mission is the Aswad People. The Harmonium of the Twelve Nation War had a severe effect on them and the future generation of their peoples. The reason they do not die—the reason they appear to relocate with the Black Valley—and why their physical health is on such a dangerous level may connect with the ancient records which the Founder placed within the Library System three centuries ago."
Maybe… Maybe she should extend a branch of peace to the Aswad people? Try and help them…
"Harmonium?" She tilted her head, the title of… whatever it was catching her extreme attention.
"What is the… Harmonium?" Only now did she realize she should have asked Shizuru, and in privacy, as all eyes were stuck to her.
"The Harmonium is… an organ," Miss Maria muttered to her, waving her hand against the side of the cylinder. This time a holographic keyboard appeared into existence beside her and she typed away, the planetary globe faded and in its place imagery from old texts appeared.
They were from damaged books, from what the Gakuenchou could make out, leaning forward to study them better.
There was a particular image which stood out the most to her, the photo representing what the Harmonium looked like.
"The Harmonium was… or is an organ commissioned by the Founder and built by the Schwartz Corporation. It was a weapon of mass destruction which had the ability—if played by a Windbloom royal—to cause environmental chaos."
Natsuki blinked.
"Wow." That was brilliant… But the look on the others' faces told her she should keep that part of her quiet. "That sounds… like the destruction was completely unmeasured and continues to be, even now?"
"Correct, Natsuki." Shizuru spoke softly, giving one of her hands a discrete pat for praise.
Natsuki hummed lowly, eyes on that image. She wouldn't mind getting her hands on that weapon…
As soon as the thought crossed her mind she frowned. 'Why would I want something so dangerous… surely to keep it out of the wrong hands?' Wait-since when had Garderobe and Schwartz been allied? Emeralds widened faintly, the concept slowly churning away inside her brain, processing.
"And lastly, to the final mission we shall be conducting this year." The epitome declared, fingers quickly and steadily pressing down onto the keys of the holographic keyboard fluidly. "Our spies in Aries have responded. The public are under a state of confusion regarding the President and Brigadier General. The tensions levels within the public sectors are increasing with the censoring of the media."
"Hm…" Natsuki tapped along her cane, not quite having an idea about that. That General, Haruka, had suckered her in the back of the head and left such a seam…
It hurt. A piercing pain resounding between her temples that ached with a low thrumming pulse… "Ah."
She hovered her fingers upon it between her hair, touching it lightly. She wondered whether it'd ever fade—though judging she had it after a year she doubted it.
"If we could somehow stop the blackout in Aries, perhaps we could get the public to become reasonable…" Sarah murmured, staring through the lenses of her glasses and into the holographic imagery, her expression thoughtful but weary. "After all, the Hexagon hasn't spoken a word for a month as it is."
Hexagon… Now what in the world was that? Natsuki stared blankly, lowering her hand from the back of her head. She stared at Sarah, the incredulous expression causing Nao to stifle a snort and cover her mouth.
Clearing her throat, the youngest Column bowed her head when Miss Maria narrowed steely eyes onto her. "Gakuenchou… Is there something you are confused about?"
Blinking, Natsuki sat up a bit straighter. "What… What is the Hexagon?"
Nao burst out laughing, diverting their staring over towards the fiery redhead instead, eyes arched. Miss Maria and Tomoe didn't, however, the two steadily paying attention to Natsuki instead.
"The Hexagon…-" The epitome stated, pausing to shoot a pointed look towards Nao who caught her breath slowly, the lime-eyed woman holding her breath as the Lutecian stared at her. "-is the governmental home and headquarters of the Aries President. It is where politics, warfare and national interest is conducted."
"Oh." So that was what it was… Natsuki stiffened again, embarrassment flooding her, sinking further down into her chair.
"You will remember more, I promise… Perhaps in the next batch of nanomachines, Natsuki." Shizuru dropped and picked up her polite way of speaking, gently grasping her hand to gently squeeze.
"Is that where… I was injured? The Hexagon?" Natsuki questioned again, looking briefly at Shizuru to give a soft smile.
"It was. Gallagher was the one to recover you." Miss Maria stated fluidly, never batting an eyelid nor even regarding the spiky blonde situated directly behind her.
Similar emeralds met, the pair behind glasses eventually swerved back towards the oldest woman of the room, expression tightening.
Natsuki had known that Sarah was taking it bad for what had happened, but she hadn't known this little detail. Realisation and guilt hit her, dancing her eyes away from the shorter woman to quickly focus upon Miss Maria.
She would have to speak with her later...
Shizuru dutifully kept her note-taking up, the older woman letting her hand go to do so. Natsuki truthfully hoped she would remember, but until then, she had to learn.
The Gakuenchou glared towards Nao, the redhead having quieted and sobered up. She cleared her throat, listening intently now.
"It is through the Hexagon we will gain access to putting a stop to the blackout. It shall be Zhang Nao who will be leading this missi-."
"-But Miss Maria!" The Aries Otome shoved her chair backwards, the legs scraping across the stone floor and echoing throughout the room, her hands pressed down onto the oak table sharply. Sarah stared at the older woman, bafflement tracing along her features.
"Gallagher." Maria turned to her calmly. "You are in no state for this mission."
"I have to agree." Natsuki spoke up again, an edge in her voice that could be mistaken for anger if her face wasn't a perfect calm. "Sarah… I have no doubt that the choice to either save me or stick to Aries' side was a hard one to make. I am very thankful you chose to save me, and at a later time, we shall discuss that matter further… However-"
Natsuki struggled with her next few words before she regained her platform, clearing her throat. "Zhang will be right for this mission. I cannot have your faith tempted."
Faith tempted? Maybe that was the wrong word to say… she wondered, planting her thumb to the underside of her jaw, her index and middle fingers resting at the corner of her lips. The Gakuenchou frowned, continuing to ponder.
Whether the Aries Otome was satisfied with the answer, Sarah sluggishly sat, her face contorted with an uneasy negativity, silently dragging her chair back to the round table.
Looking up to the eldest of them all, Natsuki nodded her permission to continue. Shizuru's eyes were on her, and with a quick glance, she noted a proud smile.
Smiling as well, Natsuki sat a bit taller and was the one to grab the Archmeister's hand this time, squeezing just softly as she kept their intertwined hands on her knee.
Although she had had her doubts about this meeting before… Natsuki felt that it had definitely helped her. She could even remember a few fragments of memories from it, after all. Not much, but nevertheless a little information to piece back into her collection.
She was just thankful things were finally beginning to finally come together for her.
As the meeting dragged on, Natsuki nodded here and there to a few things but never vocally intervened again. After this, Sarah and her needed to sit down…
She just hoped the younger woman didn't regret her choice. Confident still, Natsuki set her eyes onto the blonde woman, trying to find a tell.
The fellow Column had seemed to calm down physically, features relaxed back into what she remembered her as displaying.
Sarah had been… Mai's kourai, right? Natsuki could remember a few key events of them together. Their group had been… Mai, Sarah, herself, Laura, Carla… and including Shizuru when the elder wasn't busy.
"That should do it for tonight." Miss Maria murmured, waving a hand through the hologram which shut it down, the keyboard dispersing in on itself.
"Thank you, Miss Maria." Natsuki smiled warmly, feeling a bit more energetic as she slowly moved to stand. Blast this damned cane… At least it wasn't the wheelchair.
The others stood far faster than her, although Shizuru made a big show of trying to gather her notes so that Natsuki could stand before her. She had to tell the elder to not do such things as that…
Tucking her chair into the table, the Gakuenchou rolled out her shoulder as she planted the cane into the floor steadily. Now, to speak to Sarah.
Sarah was speaking to Nao? Curiosity got the better of her and she glanced down to Shizuru. The crimson-eyed woman followed her gaze as she stood, realisation entering the Archmeister's mind.
"Sarah is currently her mentor." The elder confirmed smoothly, hooking her arm around the younger Otome's.
"Ah." Natsuki flushed softly, nodding as she leaned faintly into Shizuru. "Thank you for taking notes." She added after a moment, looking at the elder.
"Anything for Natsuki." Shizuru smiled happily, catching her eye. "I am very proud of Natsuki for pitching in and asking questions when she needed to. That was very strong."
"Aa-um… I was just doing what I thought was best…" The Gakuenchou mumbled. She didn't want to look too antisocial… She was already enough introverted as it was half the time.
"Ah, Shizuru… I am going to speak with Sarah, alright?"
"Of course, Natsuki. I will be waiting for her." Shizuru smiled, bracing a hand at the back of Natsuki's shoulder for a soft rub.
"Thank you…" Natsuki flushed, shaking her head as she started forward for the younger two.
"Natsuki is coming for you." Nao murmured softly to Sarah, nodding to the older blonde.
Brushing past Sarah and then passing the taller woman, winking at the Gakuenchou as she did so.
...Why did everything which this woman did irritated her? Natsuki wondered, restraining herself from shooting a glare over her shoulder to the Altain.
"Natsuki?" Sarah echoed, watching the others leave the room, only her and Natsuki now keeping the spacious chamber company. "You want to speak with me?"
"Yes… I want you to be honest with me." Natsuki braced both hands atop her cane, eyeing Sarah with a bit of guarded reserve.
"Were you in the room when Haruka struck me?"
"I… was…" Sarah carefully said, studying the Gakuenchou. "...It is… too long to say it here."
"Then should we go somewhere more private?" Natsuki cocked a thin brow, a little confused.
"Then… my room… I have something which Yohko never managed to figure out...maybe you could."
Cocking her head a bit this time, Natsuki stared before slowly nodding. Sarah wouldn't dare hurt her… She hoped. At least not on Garderobe soil. "Then, lead the way."
The trip to the fellow Column's room was as quiet as could be, and Natsuki realised just how much the two of them had changed. Her for the best, and for Sarah…? Possibly the opposite.
She knew how loyal the Aries Otome was, for both her native country and Garderobe.
In a way it was ironic, seeing as her senior had been in a similar situation.
Natsuki let a hand hang from the nape of her neck as they walked, sighing a bit audibly as she followed Sarah closely. "I know that must have been a very hard decision for you, Sarah." She started, wandering by the door a bit at first.
"Stay with the country and organization which raised me… or the group where my memories are?" The question was more to herself than anything, the blonde slotting her key into the door of her room, softly pushing the door open.
She hadn't known which to choose from the start. "...But I knew Aries was wrong."
Listening, Natsuki gently followed the younger woman into her room, a bit stiff in unknown territory. "I… Tell me. Did anything Haruka do from the moment before she struck me to after catch you as… Odd? Aside from the strike, of course."
Odd? Everything had been off about it… shutting the door after them, the glasses-clad woman leaned against the door, peering over to nothing in particular inside the room.
The room itself was virtually the same as Shizuru's, the blonde watching the Gakuenchou awkwardly stand still near the centre of the room. "For the past month or so before it, the Brigadier General had been… frustrated."
"Frustrated?" Natsuki repeated, shifting weight between her feet and twiddling with the handle of her cane. "How so?"
One hand left the cane, coming to stroke at her jaw as she entered a faint deeper thought. Has there been something… wrong?
"I don't know…" Sarah stared down to the floor as if it was the most interesting thing which Earl had to offer, her eyes absently tracing the patterns of the pale carpet with generally no care. "She would disappear. I had always assumed the President had never said a word. Why would two such people behave in such a way? I wouldn't believe it nor do I still."
"Sarah… I wish I could call and tell them that there were no hard feelings, but it has escalated far past that. Their only claim to luck is that I lived through the coma, and that has only bought them both a year maximum before I strike and I strike hard." Natsuki's voice and eyes were steel, but her demeanour overall seemed comforting. "If they were not acting their usual, perhaps they were bribed into doing this. If that is the case… I would go easier on them. If you remember anything else, please, come to me."
Haruka and Yukino? Bribed? The thought of Sarah was almost funny. The two had absolutely no corruption within their hearts at all. There was simply no possibility of that being the case. "Aries may have corruption, but the President and Brigadier General?"
"They have not come forward yet after a terrible crime. To me, that is suspicious." Natsuki offered, shaking her head. "How was Haruka right after the strike?"
"...I do not know, she had run. The President was in no condition—she was in shock… naturally ran after the general."
Yukino was shocked by Haruka's outburst? That concept could change things…
"And the item I have…" The Column breathed, moving forward slowly and heading towards her room. She was gone inside for a moment or two, the clicking of a lock and the sliding of a drawer being heard before she revealed herself once more.
The blonde handed a small item to her, a thin and long purple crystal with little fins around its edges snapped. It almost appeared to look like an arrow-head but with the projectile wings attached to the arrow itself. What Natsuki took interest to the most however was a tiny bit of metal not even a millimetre in length.
Natsuki held it aloft to the light, watching the ray of sun through the window catch and reflect, though the image on the wall it portrayed was just a splotch of violet. "Mm… No one else has seen this?" She cocked a brow, lowering it from the light but regarding it as she leaned into the wall to manipulate the item with both hands.
"What exactly is it?"
"Only Yohko has seen it. We do not know… perhaps a needle." Sarah murmured, leaning herself onto the border of the open doorway, her hands behind her loosely. "The capsule inside no longer exists but it wouldn't have held enough to kill a human."
"Not enough to kill a human…" Natsuki mused softly, eyeing the crystal and turning it over again. "This might change the whole situation if we can figure out what this once held." She murmured, holding it to the light again.
"For now… Maybe I can convince Shizuru to ease off of them, but I cannot promise anything."
"Thank you, Gakuenchou." The Column spoke softly, almost too silently for the elder woman. "You are as confused as I am for what happened, even though… I saw exactly what happened."
The Aries native decided against going into any further details. She had a feeling the Gakuenchou wouldn't appreciate precise information for how she almost had her skull caved in.
Nodding, the elder eyed the crystal again before pocketing it. "I will try and figure this out, before it's too late." She promised, fidgeting a bit before stretching a hand for Sarah. "I hope you do not resent me for having to choose a side so quickly in this."
Staring at the hand, hesitation momentarily froze Sarah's mind before she took it. "...It isn't like you had a choice in the matter."
"But you did. And I am thankful for the choice you made." Natsuki firmly shook the younger Otome's hand, withdrawing after. "Now, to speak to Shizuru…"
Once the elder woman had left and clicked the door shut quietly, Sarah sighed.
At least she felt pressure lift off her shoulders a little... somewhat.