Abandoned Concepts

by Twisted Eternal Wolvetta

This is an archive for my stories which were either abandoned, cancelled or never saw the light of day. Some collabs are also to be included. Characters haven't been tagged as there's too many. Some of these stories may also be reconsidered if they receive positive feedback. You'll find more information inside. Warning: Writing quality and sanity varies (Renascence 2010 uploaded).

10. Renascence 2010 C06

Renascence 2010 | Chapter 06: Enhance and Adapt

Turning, Natsuki opened her bleary eyes to stare in a fuzzy vision at the clock. It was still so late, and all she wanted to do was sleep. However, it seemed her body wanted the exact opposite.

Sighing softly, Natsuki slowly turned over to face Shizuru's back, noting that the woman had changed into lighter sleepwear. No doubt because of the wicked warmth that had appeared from nowhere when night fell. She hadn't changed as such, and was now feeling the sticky irritation of sweat from the heat.

Grumbling, she twisted onto her back and shifted a bit, starting to unbutton the night-shirt she wore. Now she was beginning to regret her choice in sleepwear.

Over the past week or so they had swapped positions within bed. Natsuki was now beside the door to the bathroom, Shizuru closest to the window. She wondered when it had happened, although she didn't mind.

Unconsciously she fidgeted, muttering under her breath as she rolled onto her side, facing away from the Archmeister, pulling the shirt away from her torso. She just wanted to sleep!

"Mn?" She heard the noise and froze immediately, a little embarrassed to have woken up Shizuru if that had been the case.

"Natsuki…? Why are you squirming so much?" There was a bit of irritation in the Meister's voice, until it melted into exhaustion.

"Sorry… I was just trying to change out of my long shirt, it's… really hot."

The elder blinked slowly, groggily sliding her rough palm across her eyes, tussling her tawny hair. "...What time is it?" Shizuru closed her eyes, exhaling, stretching as she deeply yawned against the back of her hand.

"Two… In the morning." Natsuki answered back, watching her as she instinctively joined in the stretching. Shizuru was cute like this, and maybe a part of her had wanted to wake her up.

Shoving her shirt away and down to the floor, Natsuki rubbed her eyes and scooted a bit closer. "Sorry I woke you."

It was rather… awkward at times; Natsuki was such a heavy sleeper compared to Shizuru who could wake from just a drop of a pin.

The Archmeister was dazed and perhaps more so when the Gakuenchou clung to her loosely, arms wrapping around her waist. "I thought you were too hot…?" There was still fatigue evident within the older woman's tone, but amusement shone.

"I'm never too hot for you." Natsuki almost winced herself from spewing those words, and flushed darkly when she felt and heard Shizuru lowly laugh, the older woman covering her mouth before she could do it herself.

"So charming in the middle of the night." Shizuru chastised softly, but snuggled back into the Gakuenchou with a pleased hum.

"...I can't sleep." Natsuki confessed softly, pressing her brow into the nape of the elder's neck.

Shizuru was far too warm as well for any hope of falling to sleep either.

"Hmm… then Natsuki is lucky, tomorrow… or should I say today is Saturday?"

Naturally on the weekend there weren't classes. Of course this meant nothing different for the staff, but even so…

"Very lucky." Natsuki murmured softly, not drifting off but feeling so comfortable. She tugged closer, tucking her legs behind Shizuru's and making the elder laugh a little bit more.

"...Natsuki."

"Stop, you're embarrassing me," Natsuki mumbled against her warm skin, thoughtlessly breathing in the woman's scent. Natsuki buried her face into the nape of her neck further, and Shizuru grasped Natsuki hands clasped over her stomach to play with.

The Archmeister radiated a warmth. Naturally she was lured into this further, and Natsuki couldn't help but stay in this position.

"Natsuki is being so sweet."

Of course before the coma Natsuki would've burst a fuse. Yet here she was, merely grumbling against the taller Otome's neck. Her hands tingle upon the gentle touches which the Archmeister notioned, Shizuru's fingers wrapping around Natsuki's own.

Shizuru's thumbs delicately skimmed across the heel of Natsuki's palm and the joint of the thumbs.

"Mn." Natsuki lifted her head, absentmindedly pressing her lips against the nape of Shizuru's neck in a soft kiss. "This is nice, even if I can't sleep." She uttered, feeling the elder laugh once more.

"I do not know what to discuss ," the Archmeister confessed, smiling faintly and releasing Natsuki's hands.

"We don't always have to talk." She felt Natsuki murmur against her neck, flushing softly as the Gakuenchou peppered another kiss there.

"We certainly won't if Natsuki keeps being frisky."

"Am not." Was muffled against her throat and Shizuru could've sworn the Gakuenchou snickered, heated breath skimming across her skin.

"Not frisky?" Shizuru quirked a brow, twisting around to look at her slightly. Feeling Natsuki jab her in the side softly, she huffed.

"No." The younger woman mumbled softly, a breath exhaled from her nose as she wrapped her arms more around the elder's waist. "I just wanna hold…" Natsuki added after a moment, burying her face into mussed tawny hair.

Was she falling to sleep, Shizuru wondered? Her breathing was calming, falling into a relaxed manner as she leaned into Shizuru's back, unbothered by the lack of clothing, which in Shizuru's part surprised her.

Although then again… why was she still surprised whenever these feats occurred?

"I can hear you thinking." Natsuki softly murmured, lifting a hand from under one of the elder's to trace up to her face, covering Shizuru's eyes with her palm.

"Natsuki can read minds, now? Crystal powers and psychic ones too?" The elder teased, hearing the Gakuenchou groan softly.

"I wouldn't want to know what people are thinking," Natsuki said to her. "...I'd die from your dirty thoughts."

Shizuru flushed darkly, tapping the back of Natsuki's hand to punish her. "Bad Natsuki... " She eased the younger woman's hand from her face, holding and snuggling it.

Smirking faintly, Natsuki moved closer and buried her face more into tawny hair. "Mmph…"

"For someone who was complaining about being unable to sleep, she is quite enjoying not doing so." The Archmeister arched a brow, shifting only slightly so she could peer over her shoulder to the bare-chested Otome. She tucked her arm underneath her head and under the pillow.

"I enjoy all my time with you." Natsuki spoke, sleepily confessing as she curled closer against Shizuru's back, tucking her arm tighter around the elder's stomach.

The Archmeister smiled softly, closing her eyes. "I enjoy my time with Natsuki too." But…

Fidgeting, the older Column turned around, which disturbed Natsuki who grumbled, opening her eyes with a stare of pondering upon her features.

"Shizuru?"

The Meister in question said nothing, sinking against the mattress to face her, pressing a palm to the Gakuenchou's collarbone. "I would rather be this way," she breathed. Sliding her palm up Natsuki's throat to lean forward, her lips curling upon Natsuki's reaction.

Tenderly, the Archmeister brushed her lips to Natsuki's, bloody-crimsons filled with laughter, staring into forest-viridian. "...Goodnight, Natsuki."

"G—...goodnight…" Natsuki murmured, unconsciously flickering her eyes down to Shizuru's lips. Flushing, she gulped, a chuckle gently tingling her ears as the elder settled, the woman's nose meeting with her throat.

'O...oh...'

How was she supposed to relax now? Staring at Shizuru, Natsuki unconsciously fidgeted. Shizuru said nothing upon the staring she felt, simply wrapping an arm around Natsuki's waist instead.

Instead of worrying about it, she may as well think of something at this point.

Snuggling into Shizuru more, Natsuki sighed. Lying her head fully back into the pillows and closed her eyes. She was glad she felt no pressure in her head like this; Though the few months after waking from her coma led to a few nausea attacks when she had laid back.

As time gradually passed, and although she couldn't sleep, her mind drifted. She thought back to a time less…

Straining.

. . .

. .

.

"W-what was that?"

"Uh… A kiss?" Natsuki stared at Shizuru, chuckling softly and far more than nervous now that she had actually done it. Not to mention the fact that there was one of Yohko's assistants… with a camera.

"G-go away!" She shooed the assistant, the girl merely snickering and retreating.

"I know what it was, Natsuki," Shizuru chuckled. She panted lightly, refusing to make space between them, wiping her tears from her cheeks. Shizuru sighed, sliding a palm down her temple.

Natsuki stayed quiet, eyes tracing along Shizuru's face and watching her actions. "...I'm okay." She murmured after a moment, raising her hands to cup the elder's cheeks.

"Ah?" The look Shizuru gave her was of both curiosity and exhaustion. Their eyes greeted, a shock meeting Natsuki's thumbs as she grazed them against Shizuru's skin. She brushed the padding of one thumb to Shizuru's lips, frowning.

"I'm okay." She repeated, leaning in a bit closer. "I'm okay, and… I love you." Natsuki blushed, sheepish and waiting for a response.

With her hand placed to Natsuki's bandaged shoulder, Shizuru froze. Her gaze sank to Natsuki's torso, staying there until she slowly lifted. Crimson met with emerald once more, and a sensation pitted itself within her stomach. She was stuck—a mental block.

"Wha—... Natsuki…?"

"I love you." The fresh Gakuenchou replied, swallowing back a lump in her throat. She stared back at Shizuru, the hand of her injured shoulder jumping against the bed she sat on.

Shizuru cared not for the people around. Nor could she take notice of them for if they watched or not. She leant forward against Natsuki's hands, eyes half-lidding. "Why didn't you tell me?" She inquired, latching both hands against Natsuki's shoulders, this time.

"We both know that I'm lucky to have gotten out of there alive." Natsuki murmured, petting gently along Shizuru's cheeks as she watched her. "I don't think I would forgive myself if I had confessed before the mission, and became… unable to come back to you."

"But you did." Shizuru breathed. Exhaling, she quieted, Natsuki moving her hands away as she leant into the Gakuenchou entirely. "...I wouldn't have known what to do." Propping her chin atop Natsuki's uninjured shoulder, she remained like this. Threading her fingers together once, hooking her arms around Natsuki.

Clutching the bedsheet below her with the hand of her injured arm, the free one wrapped tight around Shizuru and she buried her face into the side of the elder's neck. "I wouldn't know, either… So, that's why I'm telling you."

Swallowing hard, she placed a kiss to the side of Shizuru's throat. "I love you…"

Much to her surprise, the Archmeister lifted her head, and she regarded Natsuki silently, opening her mouth. She appeared to be struggling with what to say, but that was soon replaced. Manoeuvring her arms to slide upwards, Shizuru curled them around Natsuki's shoulders. Pulling Natsuki closer to herself, she uttered softly. "Then… let's keep telling each other."

Via each word, Shizuru sank further forward. Her lips were deadly close to the younger Meister's, and Natsuki thought she may die.

"You're on, Viola." Natsuki grinned, leaning in to do her own teasing as she just faintly brushed her lips to the elder's.

She would definitely have to get those photos…

How much embarrassment would entitle, she had no clue. But… They were important.

Shizuru smiled against her mouth, tilting her head. "Really, Kruger? You sound like you are supposed to be my rival?" The elder's breath hit her lips, Shizuru chuckling lowly. "You will always be my junior."

Natsuki would've protested, but her fight was instantly brought to a standstill. Whether to her misfortune or luck, Shizuru had decided to deepen their innocent kisses. She was now outright French-kissing her.

"Mm!" Natsuki flushed darkly, returning the kiss with an enthusiastic vigor before she winced from it, cupping her bandaged shoulder. "Ah, sorry." She grinned, chuckling softly. Shizuru adored her, that much was obvious… The Gakuenchou gently cupped the elder's cheek again, bringing her close to kiss her brow softly. "Thank you for believing I could come back."

"And thank you for coming back." Shizuru smiled, the action transforming into a sigh. It was her turn to cup Natsuki's cheeks, pulling her towards her gently. "I truly did believe I had lost you for a moment."

.

. .

. . .

Cut from the memory, Natsuki stared down at the sleeping Shizuru. She appeared so peaceful, and as ever believing of her. Just like that time, Shizuru had believed she wouldn't die.

Cradling the older woman against her, Natsuki kissed her head and softly murmured. "I love you so much…" She whispered, hearing the elder murmur back even though she was asleep.

Smiling, the Gakuenchou's eyelids feel heavy over her eyes. Falling to sleep, she held Shizuru snug against her, hands burying into tawny hair.

---

Awakening with less grogginess than the day before. But remembering what they were going to do, Natsuki excitedly rushed from the bed. The events of the early morning were clearly forgotten for the time being. "Shizuru, we've got to have breakfast with Mai and Ribbon!"

Blinking the sleep away from her eyes, Shizuru's crimson gaze followed after the usually stubborn Otome. Eyebrows slowly lifted, regarding Natsuki. "...My." Somebody was enthusiastic to say the least.

Shizuru rose from her position, drifting the palm of her hand down her neck slowly. Allowing the fingers to sprawl down her collarbone for a moment, she observed the Gakuenchou running. The younger Meister almost tripped out of the room, nudity forgotten.

"Hurry, Shizuru!" Why exactly was she so eager? Other than this being the first time she could converse in length with Mai…

Natsuki washed her face, a bit of sleepiness knocking away once the cold water shocked her fully awake.

"You should calm down, otherwise you may collapse." Shizuru chuckled, though only lightly. Prying herself closer, she clasped a hand atop Natsuki's shoulder, nearing herself to the Gakuenchou's body. Standing like this for only a moment, she spun on her heel, departing from the bathroom.

Natsuki flushed softly at the hold, murmuring something about the elder's perfume. It was still prevalent from the bed. It grew stronger when Shizuru neared her, in and out of her nightgown…

"Ara, what could Natsuki be thinking to make her cheeks so red?"

Unable to help herself, Natsuki shifted her gaze from the sink and towards Shizuru. Her eyes widened, shooting back down to the sink. The curves of skin and slender toning of muscle are still engraved within her mind. 'A-ah, maybe I'll stay here for a while.'

"Natsuki! It is not like you have never seen—"

"Stop it!"

With a blush and the interruption of laughter swarming the Gakuenchou, she was sure she truly would collapse. The tone of Shizuru's fine accent dipped into her ears with a change of pace and filtering. "Somebody needs to loosen up."

"I-I am fine!"

Soon, she looked more like a rabid dog as she brushed her teeth intensively. An action which would have snapped a lesser toothbrush. Shizuru watched from the bedroom, slipping into her uniform with a soft chuckle.

"Natsuki is so silly…"

She was only rewarded with a grunt, the flushing of cheeks never dying down. Natsuki prized her eyes to her for only a brief second. Shoving them back to the sink afterwards. An idea sunk into her brain and she glanced at the other again, frowning towards the giggling Shizuru. The Archmeister deftly covers her lips with the digits of her hand.

In confusion of the elder's staring, she peered down, an explosion of colour scattering across her cheeks. "Shizuru!" Covering her bare chest, Natsuki ducked into the closet while Shizuru indulged in heavy laughter.

With an awkward Natsuki, and a highly amused Shizuru. After some time, Natsuki finally managed to dress. Tugging on her shined shoes, the younger woman exited the bathroom and brushed her hair.

"Is Natsuki ready?"

"Yes…" Now she was nervous, fingers raking through a lock of hair in attestment to that.

The Archmeister simply smiled at her. Firing a deviant glance at Natsuki which was exchanged with a glare. Shizuru brushed past her and into the bathroom, laughing.

As Shizuru readied herself similarly to how Natsuki had, her perfume drifted into her nostrils. Natsuki twitched, apprehensively skimming her fingers through her hair. She shook her head, "Shizuru… do we have hairbands…?"

"Hairbands? Is Natsuki's hair bothering her?" Shizuru quirked a brow, padding her face with a wet cloth. Glancing over to her, the Archmeister hummed lowly. Stepping from the sink, she threw the cloth into a bin. "Natsuki did wear a pin, though she hasn't since she woke up."

"Right, I remember… You teased me because it elongated when I would… Do that robe thing." How eloquent. Natsuki reddened when she heard the elder snicker softly. Huffing, she crossed her arms in wait.

"We do," Shizuru spoke after a moment, sliding the drawer beside her open. Rummaging within the contents, clips, hairbands and different items were housed within it. Choosing a simplistic and black band, the Archmeister threw it—oddly gracefully—Natsuki catching it.

"Where is that hairpin?" Natsuki gave her an odd look. Easing the band onto her wrist and taking her hair between her hands. Smoothing it back and catching every strand, she slipped the band to wrangle coal locks.

Shizuru tapped her cheek in thought. "I kept it in a little box. It was a little damaged, of course."

Natsuki allowed the strands of hair at the front to fall, hanging loosely but with the back neatly tied. Keeping it just right to avoid tugging at her scarred scalp.

She touched along it, feeling the smooth bumps but with no faint spell cast.

"Does it hurt when she touches it?" Shizuru frowned, having failed at stopping Natsuki from touching the scar.

"Not anymore." The Gakuenchou smiled at her, fixing the lapels of her coat before she rolled her shoulders. Stretching and loosening her muscles.

She slept better with Shizuru by her side, that was for sure…

"Natsuki looks so cute with her hair up."

"Stop teasing me," the Aries-native muttered, grimacing, twisting her expression. But there was an amusement lined into it, and she laughed softly. She caught Shizuru's hand, which surprised the older woman. "I'm not a student anymore, I'm the Gakuenchou—I'm a big girl now," she grinned.

"Ara…"

"Not a word, Shizuru."

Natsuki knew all too well of what was probably floating around in Shizuru's mind.

The Archmeister smiled, leaning in to gently kiss Natsuki's cheek. "She is." Winking a russet eye, the elder guided her delicately towards the door.

"Is Natsuki ready?"

"Yeah… I'm anxious though, I know it'll be fine. It's just breakfast…" With her best friend who had been missing for years, who now cared for a little girl. At one moment she and Mai had been eighteen and seventeen together. Then out of nowhere they were almost twenty-seven and twenty-six.

A decade without her best friend had probably impacted her in ways she wasn't aware of. The redhead had always been her rock during their academic years together. They had been rivals and early on enemies, perhaps immaturely so.

What had they even fought over…?

She had utterly no clue, now. Natsuki blinked, feeling Shizuru gently tug her hand to get her attention. "Right…"

Natsuki opened the door and led the way a few spaces down the hall for Mai's door. Her hand hesitated and hovered before the wood before she gently knocked.

Movement betrayed the presence within the dorm, chattering evidently from Ribbon causing Mai to laugh. The shorter but stockier woman opened the door. "Ah, Natsuki, Shizuru," Mai opened the door wider for them.

The royal appeared tired, vermilion locks a little messy with the collar of Mai's uniform unhooked. Although it was usually like this, crumpled against her neck slightly. "Come in."

"Did we wake you?" Natsuki blurted, feeling Shizuru grasp her earlobe and tug softly.

"Forgive her, Natsuki is still adjusting to being around others." The Archmeister teased the Gakuenchou, coal hair being brushed from reddened cheeks.

"S-sorry…"

"No, no." Mai wafted a hand, a fully dressed Ribbon scampering into the room. Curious viridian eyes beamed up to the two newly arrived Meister. "I've been up for a while. Ribbon, come and say hello." Mai grinned down at the young girl, guiding her towards them with a hand.

The little girl was a bit shy, but quickly got over it. Running up eagerly, she seemed to change her mind and hid behind Mai's legs.

"Cute." Natsuki snickered softly, her nose scrunching up as she watched the child.

"I'm not cute, I wanna be an Otome when I grow big!" The blonde peeped from between Mai's legs, furrowing her brows up sharply to the Gakuenchou before hiding again.

Snorting, the Gakuenchou knelt down. "She peeps." Natsui snickered again, looking at the girl. "You can be an Otome and be cute."

"Just look at the Gakuenchou." Shizuru piped up, the younger woman sputtering as she stood once more.

Mai snickered under her breath also, tilting her head away from Natsuki once their eyes caught. Violet eyes capturing mature viridian, Mai shrugged at her in response.

"I am not cute." Natsuki puffed her cheeks out, Ribbon giggling madly in response. "Ah, so… Breakfast?"

"Growing Natsuki is hungry." Shizuru smiled at the sputtering again, and Natsuki gave a small smirk before she next spoke.

"Certain activities make one so, right, Shizuru?"

The Archmeister's jaw dropped a fraction as her cheeks flared, the elder covering her mouth up.

"You two really need to do it already," Mai rolled her eyes. Scooping Ribbon up, she headed further into the room, popping the child onto the settee.

Unsurprisingly this room was a little different compared to the more western Otome. The table consisted of a kotatsu instead, and there was only a small bookcase. The kitchenette however was much more organised than the others Natsuki had seen before.

Natsuki supposed the Meister was still enthusiastic about cooking.

Shizuru was still flushed, trying to think of a reply but it was far too late. Instead, she stewed behind her hand and gave little glares over towards Natsuki when she could. The Gakuenchou noticed, and grinned. Knowing that with her cheekier personality was returning, it meant more wins in the long run.

"What are you going to make?" Natsuki hopped onto a stool at the bar. Planting her cane against her thighs, Ribbon climbed into the chair beside her.

Although the small child had been put on the settee, this didn't seem to deter Ribbon, blinking up to the Gakuenchou before trailing after Mai, eyes pondering with her tiny hands patting against the counter, legs swinging to and fro, feet gently hitting the support of her stool.

"Ribbon, you could see us fine from there." Mai scolded with a smile, shrugging before she turned towards Natsuki, eyeing the elder in thought. "Definitely not that porridge you seem obsessed with lately, not enough calories."

Furrowing her brows, Natsuki grumbled under her breath. "You can have other things with it…"

"So stubborn—" the redhead propped her hands to her hips, drifting her eyes to Ribbon who copied. "—Zipanese, and no, it isn't ramen."

"Then what is it?" Natsuki frowned, and Shizuru chuckled as she stood behind her,settling her hands atop Natsuki's shoulders.

"Natsuki is being a little rude, still."

"How is asking rude?" Natsuki huffed, but locked a hand atop one of the Archmeister's in silence. Quirking a brow at Mai who merely exchanged the gesture. "So not ramen?"

"Nope."

"...Udon?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"Kabayaki."

"Kaba...yaki? That isn't noodles." The Gakuenchou stared at Mai, brows furrowed in confusion.

Shizuru covered her mouth to muffle an unladylike snort, much to Natsuki's embarrassment, and grumbled. "Natsuki is being so short today."

"Just because I am Zipanese doesn't mean I am obsessed with noodles." Flicking the Gakuenchou against the forehead, she was rewarded with a yelp. Mai narrowed her eyes at the elder, to then bring her attention to Ribbon. "Don't trust people from Aries, they're mean."

"Hey, not true!" Natsuki disagreed. But Mai was having none of it, taking the ingredients from her icebox, ignoring her.

Grumbling, Natsuki rubbed her eyes. "You just confused me with changes."

"Hmm mhh?" Mai hummed absently, "Shizuru, you may as well sit down, it'll be a while yet."

"Mm." The eldest eased into the stool on Natsuki's other side, teasing her even still.

"I didn't mean it like that." Natsuki growled at the elder, Shizuru chuckling and giving her a small kiss to the nose.

"I would've beat your ass if you did anyway." Mai snickered, "Tea?" She offered it to Shizuru.

"Fizzy orange!" Ribbon piped up, lifting her hands.

"I would love some tea, thank you." Shizuru smiled, noting that Natsuki was staring off once more. What was she always thinking of…?

Right now, the Gakuenchou was mulling over the possibility that she may not have such a close connection with Mai again. Like when they had been younger, and when there had been less things to separate them.

She supposed it'd naturally take time for things to settle back into place like they had been originally. She had a feeling that now Ribbon was in the picture, it wouldn't be the same.

"And… soda." The Zipang tilted her head at Natsuki, the elder jumping slightly in response.

"Err, yeah—thanks."

Time passed and Mai got to preparing the kabayaki, shifting between scolding Ribbon and Natsuki. She also tapped their fingers away whenever they ventured too close.

"But I'm hungry." Natsuki laid her head on the bar, perking up when her soda was placed in front of her, as was Ribbon's. "Thank you!"

Shizuru chuckled lowly, her tea steaming and relaxing her. "Natsuki and Ribbon are so alike."

"Now that you mention it…" Mai was almost finished with cutting the eel up. Angling the knife upwards within the flesh of it, she glanced between the two females. "Hey, Natsuki, are you forgetting to tell us something?" She snickered.

"I don't know Mai, Ribbon does have my eyes. Maybe Shizuru dyes her hair that dark." Natsuki shot back at both of them. The Archmeister's jaw dropped again, and she covered her mouth, face red.

Mid slice, Mai paused, glancing between the two. "Since when did you have two reverse roles…?"

Natsuki had always been submissive, right? Since when was…

Pushing the thought aside, the royal coupled the kabayaki together onto a tray. Sliding it within the oven to grill, she closed the oven door. "I heard Miss Maria is organising the Hexade."

"...What's that?" Natsuki blurted out, now confused as she drank a bit of her soda.

"Hexade was… or is a branch the Columns of the Dragon King War had formed…" Mai murmured, rustling her hand through her short hair, her back facing them. "I think Miss Maria had something to do with it… I can't remember."

They could just ask the epitome. Then again, the reaction could be the opposite they would want.

"Did you ask for it to be reinstated?" Natsuki asked Shizuru, their eyes meeting as Mai glanced over her shoulder to the taller woman.

Natsuki blinked, sipping at her soda as she shrugged. "Oh right, I think I was there."

Ribbon sipped her soda too, trying to match Natsuki's pace without getting hiccups.

Was this a few days ago or was it in years, Natsuki wondered? But either way she let it slide, popping her hand atop Ribbon's head. "Don't choke," she grinned, "You only have ten years left to join Garderobe."

Though physically living here was a bonus… perhaps it could be considered cheating? Natsuki wasn't sure.

"Wait a minute." Natsuki pouted, just now getting the gist that Mai had suggested she should get intimate with Shizuru. "You stay out of my business!" She jabbed a finger, Mai blinking before she too remembered.

"Wow, Natsuki, you're very snippy and slow this morning. Maybe I should hurry and feed you before you just perish to dust."

With confusion, Ribbon glanced between the two. "Snippy?"

What was this all about? Had the Gakuenchou done something bad? The concept worked away within Ribbon's mind, her innocence unable to understand the notion. Her attention soon went to her drink, the green plastic cooling her hands.

"It means Natsuki is being grumpy because she hasn't been fed yet." Mai stuck her tongue out to the Gakuenchou, Natsuki pouting.

"They just think I'm snippy because they're knowingly irritating." Natsuki countered, smirking as she finished her soda.

"So mean," Shizuru murmured, her hands loosely cupping her drink still.

Time flowed by steadily and the kobayaki was soon being eaten. The three Meister and young child were sitting at the kotatsu. Mai and Shizuru were poking their fun at Natsuki.

"I can't believe you still don't know how to use chopsticks!" Mai snickered at Natsuki, easily holding the utensils between her fingers.

Merely huffing, Natsuki fiddled with her set, stabbing at a slice of eel.

"Rude," Mai muttered.

"Oi, you had offered a knife and fork, but did you give them to me? No!" Pointing a chopstick into Mai's direction, Natsuki shook her head.

"My mother would kick your ass for that." Mai shook her head almost sadly, staring at the point of the utensil aimed at her.

"Don't point at them," Ribbon miffed. Natsuki peered down to her curiously. It appeared the girl was already evolving into a mini Mai...

"Mai…" Natsuki muttered, staring at the defiant Ribbon. "You have a mini-me."

"What can I say? Kids seem to love me." The redhead sighed, and brought her attention to Shizuru.

The elder of the room was contently eating. Scarlet irises glanced up, locking to Mai, and then drifting to Ribbon and Natsuki. "I gave up teaching Natsuki how to use chopsticks." She concluded, smiling.

"How does it taste?" Mai asked the two of them.

For Natsuki personally, she would've thought she'd take a dislike to eel. But apparently that wasn't the case. "It's good…" She murmured, nodding to the younger Meister.

"Thank you for this," the Archmeister murmured over to the redhead, smiling. "I like it very much."

After some more time, they finished their meal. They chattered amongst one another, Ribbon slouched against Mai—asleep. Perhaps the warmth of the kotatsu had lured her unconscious?

Natsuki was slumped over as well, but she mumbled, occasionally sipping her drink which proved otherwise.

"They are very similar." Mai grinned at the two of them, shaking her head.

"I heard that," was huffed.

"Be careful, we have enough trouble with one Gakuenchou." Shizuru uttered, amusement carrying her along as the younger Meister leant on her. "Now, Now, Natsuki. You have already slept today."

"No, I slept last night, not today." Natsuki sat up, rubbing her head before she softly yawned. "This kotatsu is nice, though… Maybe we should get one, Shizuru?"

"I am not sure we need one. Though, if we do not get one, I will start finding Natsuki here, will I not?"

"...Maybe."

"I'll just have to hide the heater," Mai bit, reaching underneath the kotatsu to flick the switch off.

"H-hey, don't do that, you'll wake the baby." Natsuki moped, the two of them laughing in response.

"You just want the heater to yourself, Natsuki." Mai teased, Shizuru pushing Natsuki upright.

"Fine, fine. I am up…" Natsuki sighed. She had a thought, however. "Ribbon is… How old again, Mai? Five?"

"Six." Mai smiled gently, peering down to the blonde girl and brushing hair away from the girl's features. "Nobody knows her birthday… give or take she is almost seven now. I figured her birthday should be on the day I found her."

"And which day was that?" Natsuki quirked a brow.

"The 5th of May." Mai grinned, "A perfect day for her; the 5th May is National Children's Day in Zipang."

"Cheeser." Natsuki snorted softly, ribbing her gently. "Ah, I think we need to go. Thank you for breakfast, and for the conversation. I feel better now."

"Why are we going somewhere?" Shizuru raised her eyebrows at the Gakuenchou. Finishing the rest of her tea, she slid it forward gently. Shizuru nodded to Mai in regards silently.

"I thought we could... um…" Self-consciously Natsuki scratched her cheek, "Combat training."

"Oh…?"

"Yeah, I need to learn a bit more, right?" Playing with her cane, Natsuki chuckled softly. "I hope I won't need this soon…"

"I'm sure you won't.

Maybe in a week or two she would be rid of it... ? Natsuki hoped so.

---

"Only the best of students shall be assigned to the rank of Hexade once graduating." Miss Maria informed the Amethysts and Diamonds. Directing their attention towards a stack of paper which she held within her arms. Passing bunches of the paper to a few students who then shared it amongst the others.

They had been cramped into the old Coral classroom and perhaps some were even a little annoyed. It was eleven in the morning on a Saturday. But this… Hexade business seemed interesting enough to participate.

"The Hexade Renaissance Agency, or H.R.A is a rank from my time as a student." Miss Maria paused, surveying the students quietly who scanned the paper. Ever since yesterday they have been incredibly quiet…

Nao stared, a little confused before she perked up and read more thoroughly. "Does this mean with the recent events, this will be going into effect?" She looked up towards the epitome, excited to be a part of it.

"It does. Due to the recent events, it has been decided to solidify it." The elder woman replied slowly, carefully. She adjusted her glasses which were on the bridge of her nose, turning onto the second page of the notes. "The unappointed fourth Column is Garderobe's investigation and surveillance Meister. Logically they would be the leader of the H.R.A."

"Then…" Nao paused, frowning at Miss Maria then back down to the paper. "Here it suggests Hexade is technically a Column group?"

"Is, but isn't."

Confusion was beginning to set in within the students and Miss Maria sighed. Planting the paper down neatly, she turned around, rolling the blackboard down to a clean spot. "The ranking system of Garderobe is old but structured." Chalk between her fingers she quickly and elegantly wrote upon the board. The chalk never faltered as she spoke.

"Garderobe has the Alpha, II, III, IV, V and Omega ranks, however." With a pointed look shot over her shoulder swiftly, Miss Maria continued. "Alpha represents foreign affairs and promotion. The second is leadership and tactics, and the third is diplomacy and politics. The fourth is surveillance and investigation, whilst the fifth is law and enforcement."

Naturally these were things which were taught to a student during their first week as a Coral. But with so many things being reformed, who knew what'd change at this point? Miss Maria still expected them to know the most basic of information, however.

If possible, much more than this.

"Hexade isn't a Column position, but it is just underneath the rank and consists of six people." Miss Maria deftly drew a hexagon underneath the Column ranks just after its title.

"But, a Column will be leading it?" Nao pitched in again, and the elder drew her eyes to her.

"Yes. You seem especially fixed on that point, Zhang."

"It's… interesting. There isn't a fourth Column yet… What if it's one of us?"

The epitome seemed to bite back a wince at the very idea, and cleared her throat. "That is an idea. However, it is up to the Founder to name a Column."

Nao quietened, whether satisfied with the answer nobody knew, eyes boredly scanning the other students with thought.

"It is unlikely the Diamond year will take all the positions within Hexade, which is the reason why the Amethyst year has been gathered." Miss Maria focused upon this group for a few moments. She glanced between the students whom she believed may be nominated.

"...Then, this talk of the Hexade being formed means that the fourth Column will be called soon, doesn't it?" Nao grinned big, and the elder this time glared at her.

"I appreciate your enthusiasm, but if you would stop interrupting me…" The elder grasped her ear, twisting it as the redhead squirmed. Unluckily at the front of the classroom, Nao was in full firing range of the epitome. Rubbing her ear once the retired Otome let her go, Miss Maria retreated.

Muttering under her breath, Miss Maria turned to the final page of the document. "As I was saying. It is encouraged more than ever that you see your classmates as rivals. We are in the midst of an unclear war. Do not force me to remind you that your friend may one day become your enemy."

Nao kept quiet this time, holding the paper a bit close. Right… That bit. She could easily be pit against one of the younger students, like Nina…

Though she definitely didn't want to go against her…

If anything to avoid it, they'd have to be directly working for Garderobe like the Columns. Not flogged off to random masters who were probably greedy, selfish pigs.

"Trias," Miss Maria piped up, selecting Chie, Akane and Shiho from the mass of students. "I expect you to lead an example for the Corals, Columns, Amethysts and Diamonds."

"Yes, Miss Maria," they spoke in unison.

Nina was huddled over in her chair, contemplating much like Nao. This was starting to get a bit complicated and very annoying. She just wanted to get her rank and graduate, maybe with a better title…

She picked her head up, looking over at Tomoe. Unperturbed, the teal-haired girl was staring at her already, and they locked glares. Why did she even dislike Tomoe? All they had really done was knock each other out a few times. Then again… no, she couldn't quite place it.

Nina frowned at the Windbloom-native before rolling her eyes, directing her attention back to Miss Maria.

What had that been all about? Tomoe arched her brow. Whatever… Weird girl. Though, there was something… Tomoe narrowed her eyes faintly. Shaken out of her thoughts, Tomoe sat up straight as she gave the dossier another look over. "Hm…"

Joining the Hexade would be common sense. It wasn't like she was going to become the Meister for some annoying man. Perhaps through Hexade she would be enabled with supporting her mother back in Zipang?

"Miss Maria," she spoke. "What are the duties of the Hexade?"

"The duties are almost that of the Columns themselves. Information, espionage, and a number of duties that will be specified further once we have ourselves the agency."

The elder nodded, a few of the girls murmuring amongst themselves.

That would definitely do it, Tomoe reasoned. The gears within her mind clinked together, speculating who might become a Hexade.

Nao was an obvious one, the fourth Diamond had practically flung herself at Miss Maria. But others…? She assumed Chie and Akane would be nominated, whether they would accept was another theory entirely.

She definitely wanted in on it, but to lead it? No. Tomoe hummed to herself, garnering Nina's attention once more, the younger student glowering before she looked off.

She herself was contemplating around the same way Tomoe was; No way was she wanting to be the leader, but to be a part of the agency? She wanted that. Nina was still unsure however. She definitely wanted to simply graduate, but… there was a war looming. She wasn't going to be able to just waltz out of this academy as if it was nothing.

Garderobe was nothing like it used to be and that was when she had started! In only a matter of months this organization had been flipped over backwards and reshaped like clay. There was no turning back now and Nina knew she couldn't plan into the future.

Maybe joining Hexade would really be her best bet?

---

"Where should we go…?" Natsuki was unsure of this, and she didn't quite like the idea of people spotting them. Not that she was ashamed but… she just felt embarrassed about it for some reason?

"The faculty arena, of course." Shizuru winked, carrying bags for the two of them with changes of clothing.

"Of course… and what is that?" Shizuru must have added it in?

"A small arena connected to the main one. Students and lower-ranking Meister can only book eight hours in advance." Nobody would interrupt them there, and any fellow Columns who were rummaging about would naturally skip to the event arena.

The arena was coming into view, the pillars not extended upwards for the time being. The oval building was abandoned of all noise and activity.

"Oh. Good… smart." Natsuki gave a soft grin, nodding as she admired the structure. "But eight hours? Isn't that too much?" She cocked a thin brow, leaning into her cane only minutely. She eyed the bags in Shizuru's hold, wondering just what sort of gear the elder had fashioned together for her… "What's in the bag?"

"Clothes of course, nosey."

Entering the large archway, the double doors opened automatically. There were two sets of stairs heading either side up to the stands. Natsuki wondered where the smaller arena was and how to get there. Everything in here looked to be the same as it had done before her coma.

Why was she embarrassed to change? No one else was around, and it was just Shizuru…

Then again, that might be exactly why, given what happened early that morning. Oh, right, that… Natsuki blushed.

"Over here, Natsuki." Shizuru had left her side, the Gakuenchou taking a double take before finding the elder over by a discreet looking door. "This was built under the foundations of the older one." Shizuru murmured, inputting the password upon the panel beside the door. Pushing the handle upwards, she slid it open.

Drifting in after Shizuru, the first thing which Natsuki noticed was the room itself. Huge supports protruded from out the ceiling, the ends of the pillars from above sticking through.

"Wow." Natsuki looked around, getting tugged a bit by the elder when she dawdled too long. It was all so odd. In only a year there had been so much change…

"This was implemented close to last, so they are fairly new." She heard Shizuru remark, emerald tracing over the walls curiously.

If anything the atmosphere felt as if it'd be freezing down here. But it wasn't, it was just right for somewhere for such physical training. Her eyes caught sight of equipment latched to the wall, harnesses and locks. Climbing gear, Natsuki pondered?

"There is a climbing wall in the arena." Shizuru confirmed, nudging Natsuki softly.

"Natsuki will have to wait to do that." She ushered the Gakuenchou huffing as she took to a bench, sitting and tucking her cane by the side.

"Here is her bag, come, let us change."

With only her fingers, Shizuru caught her little digit, guiding the Gakuenchou over. Only did Shizuru halt when she was tugged to a stop. "Natsuki?" She peered over her shoulder to the younger Otome questionably.

"What?" Natsuki cocked a brow. A little way behind Shizuru as she had left her cane on the bench. The location where she thought they were going to change.

It seemed the Archmeister had other plans at first, but settled. "I guess we are going over there." she chuckled. Still latched by the fingers to Natsuki, Shizuru floated after her towards the bench.

What had that been all about?

"A little confused there, Shizuru?" Natsuki snickered, sitting back down and taking off her loafers.

"Natsuki gets confused, not I." Natsuki heard the Archmeister retort, and sniggered to herself as she eased off her coat. "What exactly did you pack…?"

"Your usuals." The taller Meister confirmed. Easing out the first neatly folded pile of clothes, shoes were nowhere to be seen. The mats would hold plenty of protection to cushion their feet.

Natsuki took a pile of clothing. Lifting the tank top, she gave it a once over before placing it atop her thighs. Natsuki's hands nervously halted at the buttons of her uniform. Ah… she was stuck.

She heard a soft giggle, and looked up to see Shizuru had already changed and smiled at her. "Is Natsuki stuck?"

Natsuki glared. "Um… Stuck." The Gakuenchou narrowed her eyes, huffing. "Hm." She looked away, fearful of Shizuru spotting any skin like she had earlier. With her back facing the older woman awkwardly, she shoved her mental barrier behind her. Quickly undoing her uniform and slipping it off, changing swiftly.

"Do not worry, Natsuki has privacy." She heard Shizuru laugh again, and patted down her shorts worriedly. At least she had gained her weight back… Not as much as she had lost, but she didn't look sickly anymore, at least.

Standing, Shizuru's back was to Natsuki, sweats reaching her upper knees in the colour of black. She wore a sleeveless tank top similar to Natsuki's but the colour red instead of purple.

Natsuki was staring, but looked away. Trying to pull the short hem of her shorts down more. As they were, they barely reached the middle of her thighs…

Did Shizuru do that on purpose?

Least it wasn't like that tacky old uniform… Natsuki cringed. To this day she still couldn't understand what its purpose had been; to be revealing? To make them more childlike? It was a creepy concept, and it made Natsuki all the more suspicious. Just what had been going through the Founder's mind?

Shaking her head, slowly so as to not rustle the hair band to scrape against her scar. Natsuki slowly stood. She would leave her cane here, and just bear with the slight pain for now.

"Shizuru? I'm ready." She cleared her throat, rubbing at her wrists a bit.

Quietly the Archmeister nodded, reaching into the bag and bringing out a collection of hand-wraps. Her hair was already tied back, and she neared Natsuki. Handing a pair over to Natsuki as she gripped the end of hers. Shizuru winded the material around her own palm, repeating the action with her other hand.

"Ah…" She mimicked Shizuru, some memory returning as she wrapped her hands. Crossing over the palms and backs of the hands leaving fingers and thumbs free. She wrenched them down to cover her wrists as well. Flexing and making a fist with both hands once she was done.

"I remember this." Natsuki murmured softly, bare feet a little cold on the hard ground.

Though it did help she had done such a thing those few months ago with Tomoe. But this was with Shizuru, another Column, someone who had more experience than herself. Someone who she knew would have a much better impact upon recovering. It was true she was already recovering well, but… more was needed.

But more of what? Natsuki wasn't sure.

Exercise would be an easy guess, but also more… Remembering. Of her old self and her Gakuenchou self. She seemed to be taking more of her cheekier, older personality, and secretly she hoped that this would continue.

"Can we go out to eat after this? Wait, no… I can't be seen yet, can I?" Natsuki questioned, rubbing her stomach.

"Natsuki, we have just eaten." Shizuru prodded, leading her away towards the center. "But no, you are not to be seen, not yet."

Delicately gripping Natsuki's hands between her own, Shizuru halted them and manoeuvred Natsuki's arms into place. Having the Gakuenchou's limbs protect her torso. "Let us go over the basics."

"Basics…" Natsuki muttered. She wondered if there would come a time when she didn't need the beginning for everything. She held her stance as Shizuru fixed it for her. Arms were tight to her torso, but still in striking position.

"Remember that you want to knock your opponent out as quickly as possible." Shizuru murmured. Shifting Natsuki into a balanced position, she continued. "And to not fall over in the meantime."

"I don't want to hit you, though?" Natsuki furrowed her brow when Shizuru laughed, the older woman enjoying this greatly.

"Well now, Natsuki… who said you could?" The Archmeister gave a coy wink, fixing her stance more before backing away to admire her work.

"I am sure I can."

"Whatever you say, Natsuki."

The Gakuenchou would've grumbled, but she found herself unable to. Shizuru had grappled onto her arm, pinning it behind her before pushing her away. Shizuru laughed, Natsuki stumbling, barely managing to catch herself.

"O-oi!"

She spun around and faced Shizuru with a glare. "You caught me off-guard."

"Should I have warned Natsuki we were starting? Does she think an enemy will allow her the same pleasure?"

"No." Natsuki stared, and the Archmeister felt a bit of ice creep up her ankle.

"Ah

ah, bad Natsuki… This is close-quarters-combat. Do not make me use my own power."

"Own power?" She arched a brow at the elder. "What, do you throw teapots?" Natsuki snickered, barely dodging a surprisingly hard punch thrown her way. "N-not that it is a bad power!"

Perhaps she shouldn't have said that? Natsuki laughed nervously, throwing her weight downwards as the older female swerved forward.

Shizuru said nothing as she continued this barrage. But a flicker of amusement did cast. Bolting forward again, she latched hold of the fellow Meister.

Natsuki gave a nervous squeak that made Shizuru pause before the elder laughed heartily. "I almost forgot that Natsuki has not seen a robe in person since her incident. Allow me to rectify that."

She did not like that way that sounded. Natsuki was let go, pushed away rather, and Shizuru's hand rose to her GEM. The jewel immediately responded, flashing brightly.

"Materialise!"

Netting overlayed clothing, purple, grey, crimson and yellow morphing over the Archmeister's slender but toned form. What Natsuki noticed the most about this materialisation was the lack of heels and discs.

Instead of those heels which Natsuki had risked her neck with, they were replaced with boots. They melded into the robe well, reaching just under the Meister's knees. For the disks along the wrists and ankles, the levitation bands were embedded into the robe.

To say the least it was much more practical and reliable. Natsuki believed once she was ready to materialise… she would at least not break her neck.

Of course, she noticed all these details in a matter of moments, luckily for her.

Shizuru's calling of her robe forced the wind to course. As well as a thrumming of power to emanate; Both forces of nature pushed the Gakuenchou off her feet and back.

"W-whoa!" Natsuki tried to stabilize herself, rolling on the mats, having been knocked across six of them. "Jeez, Shizuru…"

"Maybe we should rename the Gakuenchou, the Kite?" Shizuru suggested, unarmed. Her robe rattled as she neared the younger woman. "She did not hurt herself?" Her lips curled, nearing Natsuki closely. "No?"

"My pride, maybe, but not my flesh." Natsuki grumbled, standing and shaking herself off. She didn't seem keen on being near Shizuru while the Archmeister was in her robe, however. She darted her eyes to Shizuru and gave another squeak, giving a scattering step to the right before scrambling left.

Shizuru covered her mouth, trying not to laugh so hard as she watched the Gakuenchou panic and run. "Natsuki acts as if I will hurt her…"

"You're in your robe!" Natsuki barked.

"It would indeed appear so."

"Un...unmaterialise!"

Quirking a brow, Shizuru kept her palm to her mouth. She tilted her head, watching the Gakuenchou stop by the wall, staring at her suspiciously. "My…" Removing her hand, she allowed it to drop by her side. "That is not a word, Natsuki."

"I don't care!"

"She is too cute." Shizuru watched Natsuki for a bit longer, dancing a step forward and almost heartily bursting into laughter as the Gakuenchou tried to scratch up the wall.

"Fine, fine…" The Archmeister sighed, GEM glowing once more as she dismissed her robe.

"Now, will Natsuki stop being fussy, and finally let me teach her?"

The Gakuenchou relented, exhaling. "I suppose."

But this was Shizuru. Whenever it comes to these things… she remembered them. "Our training has always been… intimate."

"If Natsuki thinks getting intimate with the wall counts—" "—Shizuru!" The Gakuenchou huffed before slowly starting to laugh, coming closer to the elder and giving her a smile.

"Fine. No cheating. No powers from either of us…" She imitated with ease the stance Shizuru had put her into, and the elder's eyes lit up happily.

Although honestly she was sure that'd be ruined soon. They were both infamous for cheating every so often. Especially Shizuru…

This time when Shizuru striked, Natsuki saw it coming, avoiding it.

Shizuru danced after with another strike, one that the younger woman ducked to evade. She took a jab at the Archmeister's stomach with enough impact to cause the older woman to suck in a breath.

Backing off with her arms tucked in front of her, Natsuki grinned as she watched Shizuru recuperate. "You aren't good at dodging, are you, Shizuru?" Her grin widened.

"On the contrary… Natsuki has gotten faster."

"...How? I've got a bum leg, how could I have gotten faster?" Were the nanomachines speeding up? Natsuki wondered?

They continued with this. Shizuru dodged the next few hits Natsuki did manage to throw in. But the feat was difficult.

Natsuki couldn't ever remember Shizuru being so… fluid. The Archmeister had understandably been graceful, but this…

The Windbloom-native had perfected it into an art.

Natsuki started to sweat before Shizuru did, one aspect that apparently would never change. Wiping her brow, Natsuki gave a small chuckle and grinned.

The Archmeister smiled, a bead of sweat trailing over her cheek as she drew near once more. "Natsuki is doing well… How is her leg?"

"I haven't noticed any… pain. Stiffness, but not pain." Natsuki smiled back, stilling to give a firm rub to her calf just to make sure.

"That is good to hear."

Maybe at last she would be able to walk normally? Least she wasn't about tripping over herself like she had when duelling the student. Tomoe…? Wasn't it?

Thinking back on it, Natsuki remembered the grapples. Musing, she wondered if she should attempt one.

Shaking out her arms, Natsuki kept her gaze steady on Shizuru as the Archmeister diminished the distance between them. It seemed the elder had the same idea, and she could use that to her advantage…

When Shizuru tried to grab onto her, Natsuki dodged the other way and knelt like she had with Tomoe; One arm crooked between the older woman's legs, and hooking with the one around Shizuru's waist. Pushing off with a foot flat on the mat, the Gakuenchou lifted and slammed the surprised woman down, laying an arm over her collarbone to secure her.

Startled, Shizuru seemed to just stare at her for a moment. A bead of sweat rolled from the tip of Natsuki's nose and onto the mat beside Shizuru's face. They paused in this position, Natsuki keeping her arm barred across Shizuru's chest.

She had seen the elder's smirk before realizing her mistake; She'd left Shizuru's legs free!

They wrapped around her waist and soon she found herself on back. Air burst from her lungs as Shizuru sat atop her stomach, pinning her wrists down with one hand. The other tenderly cradled her head so it didn't smash into the mat below.

Even in combat to teach her a cheeky lesson, Shizuru made sure not to hurt her… Too much, anyway.

"There's no winning against you," Natsuki huffed. She flushed, this notion simply multiplying as Shizuru grinned. "Not a word." She looked away from the older woman, trying to ignore the heat of the woman against her.

"Now, that is not true… 'You win, once you remember all elements of combat and use them efficiently.'" Shizuru quoted, and Natsuki gave a scowl.

"What kind of idiot said that?"

"Natsuki did. After she won her battle with the Founder gynoid."

"...Oh."

That was a little awkward. "Err. Can you let me go?" Natsuki tried.

"No."

As she thought. Great.

---

Running the towel through her hair to thoroughly dry it, Natsuki let out a small puff of breath. It turned to frost in the steamy locker room, spreading as it converted heat to cold.

She was playing with the clash of temperatures.

For a moment, she thought of giving Shizuru a bit of an ice shower before the thought left her mind.

That would just be mean… The Gakuenchou chuckled softly, dressing back into her uniform as she heard the elder's water stop.

"By Natsuki's laughing, I assume she had a mean thought?" How could Shizuru read her so easily?

"No…" Natsuki badly lied, rubbing her hands together as she turned towards the elder.

The elder had wrapped a towel around herself, hair darker due to the water. The strands of hair clung to her wet skin, and Natsuki flushed, the Archmeister smiling. "However I am sure I may need a cold shower. Especially wh—"

"No, Shizuru."

Shizuru was the one to give a huff this time, to Natsuki's amusement. The Gakuenchou clasped her hands behind her back, and turned around once more.

"Let me know when you get dressed… And don't you sneak up on me."

The Archmeister smirked, quirking a brow as she turned to one of the multiple lockers. "Natsuki is starting to get brave, again."

"...I'm sorry?"

"I like it."

Maybe one day their roles would reverse? The thought was a perverted one, though the Archmeister didn't care. She was sure that Natsuki could feel her eyes burn into her back. But either way the Gakuenchou took no mind.

Gradually Shizuru brought her attention to changing, the training still on her mind.

Natsuki's thoughts were on their training session as well; The Gakuenchou taking her seat once more on a bench. Shizuru in her robe had frightened her, even if she knew the elder wouldn't hurt her.

Perhaps it was because of the incident, or a more sinister problem?

She hummed to herself in thought. Rubbing slowly at the nape of her neck before raising fingertips to touch the scar at the base of her skull. If she could activate her GEM, and robe… would she be just as afraid?

Perhaps she was afraid of that power? Many Otome in the past had been. Hadn't Miss Maria been afraid of such power…? But asking her such a question would reward her without her ear…

How would she ask such a question without Shizuru and the others worrying? She paused her fingertips, the healed wound only tingling.

Lowering her hand, Natsuki cocked her head and stared at a spot on the floor. She hadn't been afraid of her crystal power… Perhaps because the GEM and robe were… made?

Brows furrowing, she jumped straight off the bench when a hand was laid on her shoulder.

"It is only me," the Archmeister chuckled, but softened. Shizuru kept her hand against Natsuki's shoulder, waiting. "Natsuki?" Shizuru had already gotten fully dressed, although her hair was still wet. "Is there something that matters?"

"Oh…" Natsuki laughed softly, clasping a hand to her chest to settle her heartbeat. "Ah… I was just thinking of you, and your robe…"

"And in the bedroom—?" "—Shizuru, this is serious!"

Cupping her mouth and snickering, the elder sobered herself up. "What is it, really?"

"I feel like I would be too… afraid to use my robe, or GEM, when I can…"

The amusement filtered from the woman's features, an almost scary expression taking hold of Shizuru. Slowly, she sat herself down next to the shorter female, momentarily studying her. Before long, she fixed her gaze upon the floor, much like how Natsuki had.

"It is a terrifying power. Not many Otome can truly harness it, even ones who have been Meister for decades."

"No matter how… cocky I used to be, or am returning to be, I do not think I will be able to… control it." Natsuki rubbed at her brow, tweaking the tip of her ear after.

"Well, that is all for debate. Once we get past Natsuki's mental block, perhaps she will be able to overcome it? Once her leg is all better, we will slowly work back into using her GEM."

They couldn't just expect to throw her into the deep end of an ocean. Shizuru frowned, and lifted. "Tomorrow I shall be busy. Most of my day will consist of being in the office."

"Mm, alright." Natsuki smiled up at her, standing as well. There was a noise of a scuffle, and she looked in confusion towards the door.

"Why are we here?" A muffled voice complained, and Natsuki panicked, taking Shizuru by the arm and dragging her around the corner to hide.

"Ah—?" Clasping her hand over Shizuru's mouth, Natsuki stared at the door.

The door creaked open, and not two, but three people popped in. Natsuki instantly spotted Nao leading the two students and glowered.

"Why me. Why her?" Tomoe accused bitingly, glaring at the fiery redhead. The teal-haired Amethyst dodged away from Nina, narrowing her eyes at the petite Altain.

Both Nina and Tomoe took opposite corners, and Nao sighed.

Really?

Shizuru made a noise, to which Natsuki hissed at her ear. "Quiet Shizuru, we're sleuthing…"

"Whatever you are trying to do, I suggest you don't." Nina glared blankly at Nao, looking over to Tomoe briefly. "And what is stopping us both from beating you up and leaving?" She gestured to Nao, staring at her.

"Admit it, you couldn't write an essay together." Nao sniggered, crossing her arms. She leant on one leg in the meantime, tilting her head. "Get your act together—the whole academy knows. Hell, fuck each other, I don't care how."

Nina gawped, face slowly turning crimson before her brows turned up in a surprised look. "What are you even talking about, Nao?"

Natsuki quietly snorted, watching them closely.

The whole room was lit with surprise upon the next feat however. Tomoe laughed, if not a bit boisterously and cockily before it transformed. Suddenly she halted, hissing. "Touch her?! I'd rather screw a pencil!"

"Don't you already?" Nao grinned, studying her nails.

"Why are you so obsessed with your nails?" Nina huffed, crossing her arms tighter over her chest.

"Because if they're too long, I can't fuck your moth—"

A punch was thrown by the fellow Altain, but Nao barely dodged. Gloating a laugh she pointed. "Don't get angry now!"

"Zhang." Nina growled. Tomoe peered over with disinterest.

"You know my mother is dead, why would you bring it up like that?" Nina scowled strongly, Natsuki peeking over a little more. They should move to a better spot… quietly.

Though they were already trapped in here anyway. Which Natsuki found convenient for irony. Weren't rooms supposed to have two exits?

"And if so?" Nao smiled deviously. "Oi, Marge."

"My. Name. I—"

"Come here for a second."

"Wait, now what are you…?" Nina trailed off, pinching the bridge of her nose and sighing sharply. "We're leaving."

"A-ah, I don't think so. The password is to cooperate."

"Are you kidding me…" Tomoe grumbled, features twisting into bafflement.

"You can't do this, Nao. Why are we not beating her up?" Nina directed a bored gaze towards Tomoe, deciding to put her rivalry and hatred aside.

"You two are completely hopeless, huh?" The redhead inquired. "Seems even with a push you can't be persuaded."

What was she even on with?

"Until you make up, you're stuck!" Without a moment's notice, the Altain fled, and locked the door. "Ciao!"

"...She locked us in." Nina sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose tighter.

"She locked us in, too!" Natsuki hissed into Shizuru's ear, as if it had been the elder's idea to stay.

The Archmeister's mouth was still covered, so it wasn't like she could reply. She simply glanced up to Natsuki, tawny eyebrows quirking.

"It's not my fault." The Gakuenchou growled, peeking back into the main room. Wait, Shizuru could just get them out… No doubt she had a key, right? Or blast a hole in the wall!

Nina stared at the locked door, then looked to Tomoe. Shaking her head, the younger girl grumbled and took a seat on the bench, silent.

This was only continued with a twitch from the shorter Amethyst however, glaring as Tomoe yawned.

Leaning against the wall, Tomoe rolled her eyes at Nina. "What? Did you really think she had an actual reason to bring us here? She does it all the time with that Spiral."

"Well, then why did you follow her?" Nina cocked a thin brow, crossing her arms and appraising her.

"Good question…" Natsuki hummed, feeling Shizuru shake a bit. She looked up to her, noticing the elder laughing silently. "Oi…"

"To see you humilated of course." It was so characteristic of the Windbloom-native, it made Nina cringe. "Somebody sure feels the burn about the mother she never met though." Tomoe eyed her, playing with the threading of her uniform absentmindedly.

"I'm sure you would have reacted the same if she would have mentioned your mother… or perhaps, your father?" Nina haughtily glared, rotating a wrist to ready for a fight.

Oh brother… Natsuki inwardly groaned.

"Father? Barely knew him." Tomoe shot. "You're low on insults today, Wang. Oh, sorry, you never have insults."

"You're a real big bitch." Nina spat, causing Natsuki to silently giggle this time.

"How's that for an insult?"

"That's an insult?" Tomoe practically cackled. "But yes. I am."

Nina huffed, crossing her arms again. "...Why? Why are you always so mean?"

"Because I want to be, you idiot. You sound like a two year old asking multiple questions and nothings." The teal student sighed, brushing her hand down the green fabric of her uniform. These uniforms were… distasteful. But she supposed they were better than those horrors.

Could anyone disagree that those skimpy maid uniforms were?

"So, you're a bitch, because you want to be a bitch?" Nina blinked, shaking her head. "No wonder." She stood, making her way to the locked door. Grasping the handle, she jiggled it before trying to wrench it clean off.

"Trying to destroy property now? Do you know the outcome of that?" Tomoe arched her brow, folding her arms. She watched the fellow student frail at the door, but after a few seconds became bored.

At this point of watching Wang be a failure—as usual, mind you—Tomoe wanted to put her out of her misery. Not that she wanted to help her.

Growling softly, Nina threw a hard punch at the door. Of course, it didn't have the desired effect. She sighed, cradling her bruised knuckles close to her chest.

"So, any ideas, Queen Marguerite?"

For some reason that sounded pretty good. An undesired outcome which had backfired. Nina pushed it aside, rubbing along her bruises. "Well?"

"Let's see…" Pushing her fingers towards her lips, the Windbloom-native paused. She studied the younger student, steel-grey trailing across bodily details. "...Hmm…"

"..."

"Nope."

Rolling her eyes, Nina huffed and pressed her back against the wall. "Of course you don't. You just piggy-back on the ideas of others. All you're good for is throwing a winning streak in a fight." She spat out, lip curling in a snarl.

"I am the top at combat and grades in the Amethyst year. What are you, Wang? Oh, right, just that." Tomoe hissed. "You humiliated me on the first day. I'm going to make your life hell."

"...You have been hounding me because I did something to embarrass you on the first day?" Nina stared, blank and silent. She shook her head, crossing to the sinks as running a cold tap over her hand.

"That's a little pathetic, really."

"Haa? Pathetic? Of course it wasn't just the first day."

Not once did the student move. Whether more content or lazy, no one was sure. But all in all, Tomoe held her position. "Tck."

"Still… pretty pathetic." Nina shut the cold water off, examining her bruises. They would fade away, with the nanomachines no doubt.

Natsuki watched closely, wondering just what would happen.

"Whatever you say, Wang."

The pair seemed to finally fall into silence. And Natsuki relaxed, but only slightly. She felt a tapping against her palm, and blinked. She forgot about Shizuru…

"O-oh, sorry." Natsuki flushed, letting her go. "What should we do?"

Shizuru gave her a look, clearing her throat loudly enough to be heard. "Natsuki, that was a very beneficial training session." She silently opened the door to the main arena and closed it hard.

Oh… Oh! Shizuru was acting as if they had just come back, and hadn't been eavesdropping at all!

"S-so beneficial that we didn't even need to change… H-ah…" She was really bad at acting… Natsuki gave a panicked shrug, pleading with the Archmeister for help.

"Such a shame," Shizuru sighed. She nudged Natsuki, notioning the other into sight. "...Girls?" The Archmeister masked a look of confusion, glancing between a truly confused Tomoe and Nina. "What are you doing here?"

"...Uh…" Oh, they could finally get Nao into trouble! Nina turned to them, sharing a quick glance with Tomoe.

"Nao locked us in here."

"Juliet Zhang?" Shizuru arched her brow, the pair nodding. They were none the wiser…

Floating over towards the door, Shizuru delicately took the handle. Playing out what Nina had done those two minutes ago. Relenting soon after, she sighed. "Yohko," she uttered, clipping her fingertips against her GEM intercom.

"You don't have a key?" Nina asked Natsuki softly, brows furrowing.

The Gakuenchou parroted a bit, mouth closing before she closed her throat. "Well, this is the faculty arena. Private; No students are supposed to just rummage about inside. We'll be punishing Zhang."

"Falling for her trick was quite unfortunate," Shizuru murmured in response.

"Archmeister?"

"Ah, Yohko." Shizuru smiled, which for some reason disturbed Natsuki a little. Seeing what their situation was like. "It appears myself, the Gakuenchou and two students have become trapped."

Shizuru did have a key though… Why was she doing that? Natsuki watched her, a little wary over the ordeal.

"Oh, that is too bad." Yohko spoke over the link, stifling a faint chuckle. "Would you like me to send assistance?"

"Please. Might you also send Juliet Zhang over to the laboratory?"

Now that Natsuki thought about it… she did have an idea where Shizuru was going with this. Smirking faintly, Natsuki admired the way Shizuru took control of the situation. It was really… inspiring.

Turning, Shizuru caught the look and fought back a flush, smiling serenely to the two girls. "We will be rescued shortly."

To her word, this was indeed true. The four remained quiet within the room, but sure enough noise sounded from behind the door.

"Rescue mission complete." The sure sign of rattling sounded, a key being slotted within the lock. Sure enough the door opened, and Irina appeared. "Really guys? Nao?"

"We were training in the arena. Seems Marguerite and Wang were the ones who Zhang wanted to lock in." Natsuki made sure to point out, clearing her throat and flushing.

The Altain was going to have a field day when she found out this. Irina grinned either way. "She hates cleaning the Founder's stairs." She hinted.

Didn't everyone, though? Those stairs went on forever!

"Then that will be her punishment." The Gakuenchou raised a fist to her chin, resting it with a hum before she remembered. "Oi, where did my cane go…?"

Nina cocked a brow, looking towards the benches. "How did you not notice it missing…?"

"Perhaps the shock upon Natsuki seeing me raise her nanomachines…" Shizuru pondered, the Gakuenchou stiffening.

"Shizuru! Not now!" She turned to the elder woman, the brunette turned with her fingers to her lips, snickering. Much to Natsuki's further embarrassment, Nina and Tomoe merely stared unblinkingly.

Clearing her throat, Natsuki simply turned around and grasped her cane from being hidden along the length of the bench where she had left it. Leaning into it as she looked back at Irina.

"Now then, let us get out of here." Shizuru faintly smiled, tossing a wink back to Natsuki before leading the way out.

The Columns exited first, the students following afterward. Once Tomoe and Nina did so, Shizuru smiled between the two knowingly. They simply glanced at each other, confused.

"Meister Viola…" Tomoe murmured, Nina, Irina and Natsuki trailing further in front. "Can I speak with you, for a moment?" The question was soft and silent, the Amethyst appearing worried for a brief moment.

Turning, Shizuru regarded her, waving Natsuki off. "I will be there soon," she motioned to her, directing her attention to Tomoe. "What is it?"

"My mother has spoken with officials... " Wetting her lips, Tomoe paused, shooting a glance towards Nina, Irina and the Gakuenchou. "Our contacts informed us Altai wants an alliance with Zipang. The emperor is refusing it however." Halting again, she didn't look up to Shizuru, but instead focused upon her shoulder. "The Hinagiku clan can't move, I think the emperor figured us out."

Natsuki shot a look back at them, furrowed brows born of curiosity and not eavesdropping. She couldn't hear, but she doubted she would understand if she did. Marguerite seemed a complicated student…

Nina looked up to the Gakuenchou, subtly fixing her uniform and her collar to lay flat. She hoped the elders didn't get the wrong idea about her and Tomoe… Not like she would willingly choose to be in a locked room with her.

Her and Tomoe? The mere idea of touching the other made her skin crawl.

"Nobody knows of my Zipang nobility." Tomoe quickly spoke again. "But if the Royal Guard catches my mother the whole of Garderobe will."

Shizuru nodded mutely, carefully listening.

"I will also join Hexade." The student added.

"You volunteer?" Shizuru softly asked, brows rising as she appraised the younger girl.

Natsuki leaned into her cane, a little… restless now. She had got a taste of combat, and now eagerly wished to be completely stable on her feet.

She was physically almost there, but for the mental side… Natsuki was unsure. There was no saying what would happen when she finally materialised. The Ice Silver Crystal may have changed, hell, it might not even work!

"I should have more information soon." Tomoe concluded.

"Shizuru, what do we have to do next?" Natsuki softly called over, not wanting to be teased or scolded over interrupting. She was sure she had an idea, but now she doesn't remember… Maybe that small hit to the mat was to blame? She would keep that to herself… No need to worry others over something she wasn't even sure of.

Would that even take effect? She had touched it earlier and it hadn't given her any negativity.

Smiling, Shizuru nodded to Tomoe, who ventured away at last. Regarding Natsuki silently, she trailed over to her side. "Remember we have a free day?"

"Ah, right… Just in case anything comes up." Natsuki chuckled, Irina leading them out onto the grounds.

"Alright! Now, don't you get locked anywhere else, Gakuenchou…" The young student sniggered, causing Natsuki to flush brightly.

The transition of what happened next almost made Natsuki jump out of her skin. Her GEM buzzed, the same happening for Shizuru's. Confused, she peered over to the Archmeister, the elder doing the same.

"Gakuenchou, Archmeister. The Founder is asking for you."

"That… was frightening." Natsuki murmured quietly, lifting a tentative hand to her GEM to touch it, memorizing the surface. "We will be right there…?"

---

She was super nervous… Especially with her cane. What if she messed up and the Founder attacked her as such? Would Shizuru save her?

Natsuki grumbled, standing before the door to the catacombs. She did need to talk to her—wait, since when would the Founder attack her? That had just been a gynoid disguised as her. But it did have her AI…

Shaking the thought off, her thoughts sank back into the memories which were slowly returning of the Founder.

Hime no Fumi's personality and wisdom had been injected into the artificial intelligence of Garderobe's technology itself. So although Natsuki was going to be speaking to the grave of Earl's most famous Otome. She was technically going to be conversing with Fumi herself also.

It was… unsettling to say the least.

She still didn't understand most of it, to be honest, but she wouldn't dare let anyone know. She jumped when Shizuru laid a hand onto her shoulder, the elder squeezing gently to give her comfort.

"Natsuki is taking a while." She teased, though pressed a bit closer. "Are you sure you are up to it?" She whispered this time, the Gakuenchou slowly nodding.

"Mm… Let's get down there."

With the keys, Miss Maria brushed past them. "The Founder's decision was out of the blue, Gakuenchou." She uttered over to Natsuki, only briefly catching similar emerald eyes before slotting the key into the lock. Twisting it open, Maria then skimmed her fingertips quickly over the keys of the password panel.

Honestly Natsuki was surprised there wasn't more security like fingerprints, eye scanners and cameras. But who would even hope to break into Garderobe and not be caught?

An abrupt memory of Yumemiya Arika running through the halls half naked came to mind, and she cringed. Oh, right… Perhaps she should discuss security matters with Shizuru and the other Columns at some point?

"I'm surprised she didn't want to see us earlier." Natsuki murmured, Shizuru nodding to her in agreement and taking her hand from her shoulder. The two followed the eldest in, studying over everything and trying not to be a bit too… spooked.

"I kind of imagined cobwebs— Ah!" Miss Maria grasped her ear, but surprised them all by letting out a soft chuckle.

"That's what you said the first time, as well, Gakuenchou. That's always been funny to me…"

Wh—Miss Maria? Finding something funny? Natsuki gaped at her for a moment, closing her mouth dumbly once realising and forcing her gaze away. Muttering, she scratched her cheek unceremoniously which yet again, she became aware of. Natsuki cursed under her breath.

"My…" Shizuru began, partially covering her lips before chuckling also. "But I must agree. No one ventures into the catacombs often, yes?"

"Not often, no. But I take a day every month to clean it." The eldest nodded, leading around the corner. Natsuki worried a bit either way now, a little on edge as she followed Shizuru behind her.

"This is still spooky…"

This also led into the Remembrance Hall, so the old pillars of dead Otome were littered about the place. Having run out of space long ago, which was all the more disturbing.

Natsuki's eyes were pinpointed to the different plaques belonging to the pillars. 259-283, 260-281, 309-328…—wait, Frowning at that one plaque, Natsuki's eyes were pulled to the name and then widened. Her gut sank before she quickened her pace, quickening her way to Maria.

Her junior was down here… though she supposed she was lucky. Many of Miss Maria's friends were probably here.

Shizuru noticed the plaque Natsuki had stared at and bit her lip softly. It seemed that Gakuenchou was remembering more of her fallen friend and junior…

Miss Maria strode on stoically, her own eyes drawn to plaques in remembrance. It was sometimes hard to come down here, but she needed to for more reasons than she could name.

Perhaps one day these chambers would be open to all Otome, but not yet. It was far too fragile—too… dangerous, especially with their resting place so close to the Founder.

And not everyone knew how to… Deal with the Founder. Certainly not even Natsuki remembered, though the Founder herself obviously would. No doubt she remembered the cheekiness of which Natsuki had fought the gynoid version of her as well…

They ventured further within the catacombs, the deeper they went the more important the pillars seemed to become, that of royal Otome and nobility.

Natsuki paused awkwardly, the soft hue of yellow contrasting with the narrowing corridor above their heads. The area was completely pitch black before them except for a bright, lone light centred upon thirteen pillars and a tall statue.

"We are directly under the lab and infirmary," Miss Maria reported, drifting into the chamber, a trail of lights clanging into activation from high above in the ceiling. The lights shone down against the metallic floor, each following the path which the epitome took.

"Do we… bow?" Natsuki whispered over, to both the eldest and Shizuru as she followed closer. She hated not being able to remember things such as this…

The light was almost annoying, it made her aware of everything in this chamber; And that was not what she was expecting. Hypersensitivity? From the lights? Or… from the chamber itself?

She dared not look up at the lighting, else it'd make her nauseous and instead tried to focus on the cool air of the chamber. She jumped when Miss Maria propped her hand atop her shoulder, lowering her down.

Stiffly Natsuki observed the two, Shizuru and Miss Maria sinking onto one knee which she curtly copied. Natsuki wondered whether her hesitation and nerves were already being processed by the Founder.

It was more than likely that the Founder had been scanning them before they had even entered the catacombs. But… Natsuki frowned, placing her cane before her neatly and peering up to the towering statue of their founder.

"Maria Graceburt, Natsuki Kruger, Shizuru Viola." The chamber filled with the sound of the voice from the statue. Natsuki narrowed her eyes in an attempt to block out the noise before realizing that action in no way would help.

She instead stared up at the statue, mesmerized by it. What exactly could it do…? That scythe sure led her to believe it could defend, and did.

"I understand why you are present." The statue was unmoving, almost as if it disregarded life itself. Taking no mind to activate its body, the Meister knew Fumi could do it. "Maria Graceburt; condolences to you and as always I and the others thank you for your hard work."

Natsuki breathed slowly before smoothing her expression out; She certainly did not want to appear angry or hostile in any way in front of the founder.

"Shizuru Viola." The statue focused upon the Archmeister. "Although I may not agree with some of the past annexes to Guadeloupe—"

'Guadeloupe?' Natsuki frowned within confusion.

"—my calculations suggest a steady escalation to the Valkyrie Surrogate Unit, KEY, Founder System and other miscellaneous technology."

Natsuki stared, utterly confused. She dared not to speak her mind, not yet, and certainly not down in this place in front of the Founder. "...Meaning, upgrades, right?" She finally spoke softly, towards Shizuru at her side though she was looking up at the statue.

"Alterations," the Founder responded, Shizuru only glancing at Natsuki, keeping silent.

The Gakuenchou supposed she should do the same.

Oh, she hated this, most definitely… Restless, now, the Gakuenchou placed a hand over her lain cane and shifted her weak leg to give it a bit of relief.

She heard a few… gears? More like a whirring of a powerful machine, and darted her gaze back up to the statue. A dread pitted into her stomach, the Founder's gaze directed solely onto her; The statue's body warped and twisted to be closer without leaving the pedestal.

Shizuru glanced over, towards Miss Maria, as this was an unnerving behavior. She certainly didn't want Natsuki to break it…

"Injury; Rectify, weakness." Contorting the form given back to normal, the Founder held her scythe aloft before placing the staff straight onto the pedestal, giving herself the appearance of using it as Natsuki had used her cane.

That was… creepy. Transfixed in almost horror, Natsuki, if she hadn't been staring hard enough already, definitely was now. The marring of her eyebrows thickened with her eyes widening. Was the Founder… mocking her?

"Gakuenchou, Second Column, Countess, Aries Otome. Natsuki Kruger has displayed great power; Far more than any Otome at present. Rectify; More than any Otome currently in a space of power."

Natsuki was brought into a greater confusion, a slight ache forming within her head. There was at least one other that could… Wield a power like she had?

"Upon the awakening of the Gakuenchou at present I had detected alterations in her nanomachine status. The DNA and nanomachines do not match that of Otome structure and essentially match that of Highly Materialising Equipment."

Highly… what…?

It was now Shizuru's turn for bafflement, and she exchanged a glance with the epitome. Russet held confusion before a glimmer of understanding escaped. "As such with Rena Sayers?"

"Correct; Rena Sayers and Natsuki Kruger share a similar structure; that of Highly Materialising Equipment."

What did that mean? Because Natsuki was certainly fuzzy on some of these details…

"Highly Materialising Equipment; HiME, draw their power from a source unknown. GEMs may be locked to this power source; If it is down, they can defend with their own powers."

Natsuki gawked, sitting up on her knees to better address the Founder, though the other women tried to subtly signal her to bow back down. "Then… My power isn't something most have?"

"Correct. Unique, powerful; Natsuki Kruger is able to use HiME powers without a GEM, without this source, without warning."

The Founder tilted her head, another sound of whirring before it quieted. "Shiho Huit displays powers as such; I would like to see her."

Shiho?

Although now that the Founder mentioned it, the student did indeed give off a presence as such. Natsuki's gaze drifted to the floor and the realisation of sitting up impacted her. Hesitantly lowering back down, much to the relief of Shizuru and the pointed glance shot at her by Miss Maria.

Natsuki cringed, but this soon faded, her ears twitching upon the statue addressing them.

"Gakuenchou, Archmeister, Maria Graceburt. I would like to confirm that these numbers as of recent decades have been increasing. As of now there are currently four HiME across Earl."

"Four?" Herself, Shiho… Who were the other two, Natsuki pondered? This could be dangerous… She herself could be dangerous! It wasn't just a cute little parlor trick, or something she should take lightly…

Natsuki bit into her bottom lip, too lost in thought to respond at the moment.

The statue didn't regard her question, and Natsuki wondered why. Did this mean that the HiME who existed were outside the grounds…? Or perhaps there was something that the Founder wasn't telling them?

"I have also detected a disturbance within the nanomachine field. Someone, or something is modifying the build of nanomachines. Unfortunately I am unable to process anymore than this; For where these issues are being created and how to address it I would require more resources."

Shooting her gaze up to the Founder, Natsuki instantly thought of the odd crystal capsule that Sarah had given her. Could it have something to do with that?

If it did… She hummed lowly in her throat, shifting her weak leg again. This was confusing… She hoped Shizuru knew more.

Or if not Shizuru, Miss Maria. Side-glancing over towards Miss Maria, the woman was still bowed low, unmoving and almost unresponsive.

By now Natsuki assumed much didn't shock Maria. Not after the horrors of the Dragon King War. Nor the Assassination of King Bruce and Queen Sifr, or… Rena Sayers.

In reality the Old Lutecian was one of Garderobe's most important assets and probably always would be.

"...I need to stand, my leg is hurting." Natsuki whispered over, wondering if they could leave now. Shizuru glanced at her, then up to the Founder.

"If Maria Graceburt would escort Shiho Huit here after, you are dismissed."

With relief Natsuki quickly leaned up and planted her foot to the floor, flopping down onto her backside. The movement in itself was ungraceful, but at this moment she cared not, Maria elegantly lifting her weight from the ground to bow waist-down.

Rubbing at her leg, the Gakuenchou shifted her gaze between the Founder and Archmeister, worried that the statue would move again.

That… Founder of theirs was terrifying. If she had been younger Natsuki was sure it would've given her nightmares.

Then again, she pondered, brushing her jaw. Perhaps she had nightmares upon her first time meeting the Founder? Another question to ask Shizuru in private.

The Archmeister slipped Natsuki's cane into the younger woman's hand, giving a soft smile before she turned to the eldest of them. The Gakuenchou, having such a power, it could be a great weapon, or their own destruction.

This was a kind of power which either terrified you, or motivated you. Many of the Otome had stumbled upon this reasoning and in response had sometimes retired early.

The light which centred upon the Founder snapped off, the noise radiating from the chamber. One lonesome light was directed onto Natsuki and Shizuru. Once they got going, the lights followed them, each deactivating once losing their sense of movement.

"...I don't like her." Natsuki murmured in unease, walking steadily but slowly beside the Archmeister.

Shizuru softly chuckled, leaning closer to whisper back. "Natsuki said the same thing upon meeting her for the first time." She was smiling; Remembering it? Natsuki watched her curiously, the lights following them out of the chamber.

Rushed footfalls headed towards them, and they glanced upwards and down the dark corridor. "Gakuenchou! Archmeister!" It was Yukariko, a stoic Miss Maria following her lead quickly, probably having been caught by the teacher just moments before. "You must come to the lab quickly! Schwartz is broadcasting across the world!"

"Across the…?" Seemed it was not a time for questions, Shizuru grasping her sleeve to spur her forwards. Natsuki stumbled a bit, catching herself on her cane before the four started to hurry towards the lab.

---

"The Otome are worthless!" The footage leapt across the super-computer of the lab.

Yohko worked frantically at the keyboard as Natsuki, Shizuru, Miss Maria and Yukariko hurried inside. "We have planned and constructed this for decades!"

"What is this?" Natsuki stared at the screen, trying to rapidly catch up with the situation, as if with her breath. She stared at the man talking, and cocked her head to the side. Was this…?

"Propaganda?" She breathed, panting.

"Seems like it." The doctor swiftly swerved her chair to the side, typing away at another keyboard. A set of menus popped up beside the footage of the blonde madman. "Columns, teachers." She shot a quick look towards the group, the women blinking. "Garderobe is about to go into Blackout."

"A Blackout? Do you think they'll be attacking… Here? Shortly?" Natsuki found the idea, and insinuation, ridiculous. She crossed her arms, brows furrowed as she stared at the medical doctor. "Are you suggesting, or telling?"

"This is to protect the students." Yohko inputted a command of some sort, a hatch within the console opening. Within this small compartment was a lever—she pulled it.

"The Schwarz Valkyrja are our creation!"

At once as the words poured from the man's mouth, the laboratory flooded black. It took a few seconds for the hum of the lights to reboot. But upon doing so, their eyes quickly adjusted.

"Everything is down." Yohko reported to them. "Power, the network and the internet. However, the security is up and running." Skimming her eyes along the menus upon the smaller laptop atop the console, Yohko frowned. Directing her eyes up to the super-computer. "This is John Smith, the CEO of Schwartz Corporation."

When the lights had gone out, Natsuki lashed out and gripped hard to Shizuru's wrist. The two women stayed silent before the adjustment and the regain of light. Natsuki didn't let go, the Gakuenchou staring hard towards where Yohko was concentrated.

"Valkyrja…?" She murmured softly to herself, shaking her head. "Can you send out a bulletin for everyone to remain inside and hunker down?"

"Already well ahead of you." The scientist was rolling her way to the other side of the console. Leaning over to the intercom, she activated it, ignoring the irritation of the madman. "This is Helene Yohko from the science branch. Garderobe is currently undergoing a Blackout; please rest assured the matter shall be taken care of swiftly."

"You didn't tell them…—" Natsuki closed her mouth, Miss Maria glaring at her.

"Of course not. The students would flip the academy."

"...And a Blackout, that lets them know not to go out, and to be safe in a safe area, right?" Natsuki questioned further, catching a hint of impatience with Yohko before the doctor turned her attention towards the laptop again.

She glared at the back of the older woman's head, not liking the tension being made.

She already felt like she should step down; She didn't need pushes.

"Allow me to introduce the Schwarz Valkyrja…" The glasses-clad man spoke on screen, snatching the women's attention. "After all, my dears have awaited this moment."

Miss Maria was the first to react to this, aged features marring with unease.

In the live video the man stood, the camera centred upon him within an empty room.

"History will forever retell itself. No matter what, humanity shall never learn from their consequences."

The Schwartz representative paused, sliding his glasses up his nose. "...Please, Rena, come here for a moment."

"...Did he just say 'Rena'?" Natsuki asked, stepping closer to see as she narrowed her eyes. Hair on the nape of her neck bristling when a woman came into view; Dress the same as photos she had seen.

Even the style of her hair was the same… Which was odd in and of itself. The pale blue of Rena's dress turned to a wicked black instead.

"What the…?"

"Let me introduce myself." The woman softly spoke, smiling. The feat only made the atmosphere sink further, Natsuki glancing at Miss Maria quickly. The older woman was completely stiff, staring at the screen, viridian irises contorting slightly. "My name is Rena Sayers of Galleria. I am the first Schwarz Valkryja."

Mutely the woman adjusted herself, clasping her hands before her.

"This is…" Natsuki stared, hopping up and startled as she backed away from the screen. Shizuru would have found it amusing, if not for the situation that preceded it.

"Isn't she a doll?" The man spoke again, his voice as grimy as his intentions. "But I have more surprises!"

He motioned his hand upwards and off to the side, flicking his fingers. "Ayane! Come here, Princess!"

"Princess?" Natsuki sneered harshly at the pet-name, cocking her head. "Is he… Treating them like… Pets?"

The women never answered her, and Natsuki felt rather stupid. Instead she decided against speaking.

The beckoned woman strode forward, but she was dressed so differently to Rena that Natsuki visibly reared back once more.

She was dressed in the royal clothing of the east. Details were focused upon the red hakama, and a long, white haori wrapped over her shoulders. The sleeves were also long, but thick, crimson thread holding it to the jacket. Oddly enough the old Otome tabard was pinned to her front. The Garderobe wings were nowhere to be seen, however.

Natsuki stared at the eldest in the room, urging her to speak or make sense of this in any way. What was going on? How were these women… There? Alive?

She frowned, the others doing much of the same. Yukariko was mumbling to herself, attempting to make sense of the situation. As for Shizuru, she was uncharacteristically silent.

"I do not understand…" Miss Maria slowly responded.

"I feel we chose them a little muddled." John Smith continued suddenly, snatching back their attention. "Ayane is from the Dragon Tears era! Not Queen Sifr's!"

The slimy man propped his hand to the eastern Valkyrja's shoulder, the woman appearing unimpressed.

"Now we have our baby experiment! She is quite important to us, isn't she girls?" He remarked down to the two. Ayane grunted, but Rena tilted her head.

"She is from the… Dragon King era! Monica!"

Each staff member within the room shot their attention to Miss Maria. A fully robed woman floating onto the screen, long blue-silver hair floating after her. Abruptly, the greying Otome collapsed, the Archmeister barely catching hold of her. Miss Maria continued to stare at the long since dead Otome, not registering Shizuru.

"Rena Sayers, Princess Hazakura Ayane and Monica Julen! These are our Schwartz Valkryja!"

This might be too much.