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).

12. Renascence 2010 C08

Renascence 2010 | Chapter 08: Smouldering Carnage

For this match, Natsuki was actually excited for it. Sat in the designated area for herself and Shizuru, these were notably the best seats in the arena. Bouncing subtly, she scanned the ground for anything of interest.

"It's not a sneak attack." She heard Shizuru tease, and in response, hushed the elder playfully.

"When are they coming out?" Natsuki stopped bouncing, cocking a brow.

"It should be anytime now." Shizuru murmured, cupping her chin. She glanced over to the Gakuenchou, the younger woman leaning against the ledge. "If they haven't started fighting inside already." She snickered.

Those two were notorious for fighting, after all. It was like Tomoe and Nina, except… less fuelled within hatred.

The arena was as spacious as ever and it still held its heavy atmosphere. The audience seats surrounded the sandy floor with bullet-proof glass protecting it. Unlike originally, the seats were built into the walls themselves, the lower seats barely ten feet from the arena floor.

"We should have vendors…" Natsuki softly murmured to herself, running her palms along her slacks.

"Is Natsuki hungry?"

"Wouldn't say no to something, but more for entertainment…"

"Do not worry. It should be starting soon."

Natsuki activated her GEM; Shizuru whipped her head to the younger Meister in case something was wrong. "Note to self, hire vendors for arena butou." The Gakuenchou ended the link, eyeing the elder up.

"What?"

Covering her mouth slowly, Shizuru turned away.

"Are you laughing?" Suspiciously, Natsuki narrowed her eyes at the Archmeister. Her ears twitched, and true enough she heard Shizuru laughing silently. "Hey, you are laughing!"

Shizuru sobered up, lowering her hand with a teasing smile. "Whatever is Natsuki talking about?"

"I'll get you." The Gakuenchou threatened softly, leaning in for a brief kiss before the noise of the match interrupted.

From down below in the arena, the passageways lowered. If the deafening screeches from the students hadn't been loud enough already, they certainly were now.

Natsuki cringed, but leaned against the ledge for a better look. Guiding her eyes back to Shizuru, she tilted her head. "We still use the old system for butou right? There's no time limit but a damage metre?"

"Correct. It will only end once an opponent is knocked unconscious." Shizuru murmured in confirmation. Upon these words, she observed as Shiho and Nao made their way out of the passageways.

Natsuki was excited, mostly to see exactly how much damage Shiho could do to Nao. She certainly didn't like the redhead, but… why? Ever since waking, the young woman had just seemed to rub her the wrong way. Especially when Nao was interacting with Mai. Natsuki frowned, though it was quickly lost to excitement as she leaned forward, eager for it to begin.

"You will fall if you are not careful." She heard Shizuru warn, but lit with amusement. With a hand propped to Natsuki's shoulder, Shizuru pulled her back, but only slightly.

"Diamond NO.3 versus Diamond NO.4. Shiho Huit and Juliet Nao Zhang."

Much to their surprise, the commentary was… Chie Hallard?

"This match has been highly anticipated!"

The two Diamond students met in the centre of the arena, and the two merely nodded. Above the arena monitors showcased their interaction. Nao snickered, whilst Shiho simply rolled her eyes; if anything, the arena's curiosity sparked, the two exchanging words.

"What are they saying?" Natsuki wondered aloud.

Shizuru smiled a bit wider, leaning towards Natsuki and tapping at the younger woman's GEM with a few gentle touches.

Sitting still, the Gakuenchou jumped at the volume of Nao's obnoxious laugh before Shizuru apologized and turned it down; The Gakuenchou was able to hear the two speak to each other now. "Oh." Natsuki gave a brief smile to thank the elder, eyes glued back onto the two about to battle.

"Does everyone have this?" Natsuki asked her, watching the pair still.

"Correct. For butou all the audience can feed into the opponent's GEMs." Of course for privacy reasons this was shut off when the butou ended.

"As always this Butou limits flight. Huit and Zhang will only have ten seconds of flight each time. The more damage they take, the shorter the lifespan of their flight."

"That's interesting." Natsuki pointed out, rubbing along her jaw as she watched Shiho sneer at a particularly raunchy comment of the redhead's.

"Why does she talk like that…?"

"She pretends not to care." Shizuru softly answered, rubbing her hands together in a thinly veiled attempt to get Natsuki's attention.

The younger woman slipped her own hand between Shizuru's without much thought. Happy at her little trick, Shizuru's brows rose, the two opponents increasing distance from each other.

"Both of these opponents are experienced in offensive abilities. What can they offer us within this tournament?"

The two circled, much alike to how Tomoe and Nina had done those months ago. Within their student robes, these consisted of the material stretching entirely over their legs. The levitational bands were integrated into their pure white robes, with protective boots. If anything the student robes still looked rather ridiculous, not as bad without the discs. But still. They appeared awkward.

"Come on, Spiral. What are you waiting for?" Nao lashed at Shiho, and on the monitor she snickered. Her arms were protecting her torso, and were close to her head purposely. Holding her stance, she cocked her head at the Trias member. "It's Altai versus Florence at last!"

Shiho glared, though Natsuki realized this was not out of anger for the other girl; She was purposefully glaring at Nao's legs. They were left open, and therefore, vulnerable for a first attack.

She really liked that girl… Something about Shiho reminded her of herself. Maybe the solitude, or the way she carried herself?

With a velocity so intense that the Gakuenchou's eyes almost missed it, Shiho's ribbons struck out. They latched onto the redhead's ankle, and with a pull, Nao was soon on her back. Quickly, the ribbons reeled themselves in, and Shiho snorted. Changing her mind in saying something, Shiho reached for an object dangling by her waist. Unsurprisingly, this object was the Maki-Maki, but to Shiho's own amazement, the crowd cheered.

Natsuki was amongst those cheering, clapping her hands excitedly. "Come on, Shiho…"

Shizuru adored the sight, chuckling softly to herself. Natsuki was relaxed here, maybe even at peace? The attention wasn't on her, and she could just enjoy it.

Nao scrambled to stand, face red with embarrassment at the trip. "Is that all you've got?!"

Cackling in response to Nao's situation, Shiho responded. "Your face is as red as your hair!" Leaping back, a selection of the redhead's own ribbons fired towards her. The sand scattered around her, and she simply continued her bark of laughter. "You're dead!" Shiho burst out, winding the device. "Maki-Maki Spiral!"

The arena's floor was brought into chaos, and the sand tore around them harshly. Yet amongst this insanity, the audience still heard the Trias member crow in her sinister amusement.

"I love this!" Natsuki cheered again, trying to see through individual grains of sand to watch the outcome. "Shiho, go!"

"Shiho Huit's voodoo device, the Maki-Maki, is unique. Nobody knows how it was made nor where it came from. I sometimes wonder whether she knows herself!"

Abruptly through the sandstorm, the chaos was lured in together. Gradually, the pair were finally spotted by different pillars. Nao was taking cover behind one on the opposite side of the arena, Shiho doing the same.

As the sand bound together, it curled chaotically into a whipping twister. Nor did it stop here, as the twister began to thunder towards a hesitant Nao.

Shoving her hair away from her eyes, which simply tore back into her eyes, Nao cursed. She gripped the pillar, and her robe ribbons thrashed around her slender form.

"Nao, grip the pillar with your ribbons too… Duh." Shizuru overheard Natsuki, the elder smirking.

"Or let go… Let go." Natsuki chanted softly, spurring a few others around her to snicker. She sure didn't seem to like that specific redhead…

Seeming to come to her senses, Nao latched onto the pillar securely. She summoned her element, each now unique for the student. They were sharp blades which curved around the upside of her fingers. In length they were double the size of her digits, though they didn't grace her thumbs.

Leaning into the ledge, Natsuki frowned. She brought her eyes upwards, and stared at the monitors instead. "They are her element?"

They seemed more like the tools of a madman in some dark Ariesian book of fairytales.

Interest piqued, Natsuki rested onto the ledge and watched the monitors carefully. She chose a favorite in the middle, and wondered what Nao could do. She was obviously a melee fighter; Close quarters.

Shiho seemed ranged, but her robe could also be for close encounters.

Then again, Natsuki's pondering about Nao increased.

Swerving around the pillar, Nao dug the ribbons of her robe into the floor. Grounding herself securely, with her left hand she rose it. Claws subtracted and in their place rings rounded Nao's middle and upper knuckles.

"Your weather reports are boring, Huit. Oh, maybe that's what you should've been? A weather woman? Ha!"

"Maki-Maki Zhang!" Shiho bellowed out, the ribbons dug into the floor uprooting themselves.

"Ah!" Nao held her ground, back slamming into the pillar. Without it, she would have travelled very much further. Extending her hand outwards, the ring-bolts extended outwards. Wire shot out, and much to the audience's astonishment, the thin metal wrapped around Shiho's waist. With a sharp tug, she sent Shiho flailing towards her.

Stuck within the twister herself, Shiho tried hard to undo the sand whirling insanely. Clutching the device to her chest, the sand gradually fell to the ground as it dispersed. Madly, Shiho cackled, the two of them floating to land softly.

What was next? Natsuki leaned in closer, biting her lower lip.

"Huit! Your recklessness will get you killed!"

"What, and yours won't?"

The wires were still tangled around Shiho, and she stared down at them. Her expression twisted into disdain and discomfort, but she soon washed it away.

How should she go about th—the redhead pulled at her, and she shot a glare towards Nao.

"What's that? Cat got your tongue?" The Altain snickered.

Perhaps she could control the wires themselves, but… It would hurt her first. No matter. Self-sacrifice was a trait she never liked, but in a situation like this… "Maki-Maki wires!" Shiho spun the device wickedly, concentrating hard but wincing when the sharp metal cut into skin. They lashed into her waist before unravelling and turning on their master.

"97%."

That wasn't too much damage, actually. Barely three percent?

The wires aimed directly for Nao, and the Altain swiftly ducked. Nao scowled, swerving and leaping out of the way like a crazed circus act.

Pointing, Shiho barked a laugh. "Juliet the Clown!"

"Spiral." Nao growled, shaking the element to dematerialise. It faded from existence, but she kept the other materialised. Upon this notion, she didn't hesitate, and plunged towards Shiho.

Natsuki gripped the very edge of the ledge, anticipation killing her. What would happen?!

"Natsuki!" Shizuru hissed. Grabbing her by the scruff of her coat, Shizuru pulled her back down into her seat.

"Huh?" The Gakuenchou frowned, addressing her with a soft glare.

"She almost fell in!"

"I di—" Opening her mouth, Natsuki quickly closed it. "Oh. Sorry." She sheepishly apologised.

Below them, the two leapt at one another. Blows were traded, and hilariously Shiho managed to wrap the redhead up with her ribbons. They both struggled, cursing and wobbling.

She hoped no one else saw her about to fall… Natsuki flushed, perking up when Nao was slammed to her back once more by Shiho's ribbons.

"Curse you, Huit…" Nao snarled, seeing an opportunity. Within a moment, her element materialised again and wires snatched onto Shiho's ankles. Forcing the other girl onto her back, they crawled up to encase her whole body.

"96%, 95%, 93%."

"SHUT IT, CHIE!" The whole arena was brought into a tense silence. The commentary feed from Chie buzzed loudly until mute.

"Just get on with it…" Nao grumbled.

Shiho struggled against the wires, but it only led to her health countdown accelerating. Holding still, the younger girl glared daggers at Nao before the match was announced as a forfeit.

"Unable to continue, Shiho Huit has given this match to Juliet Zhang!"

"It's Nao!" The redhead hissed, pleased either way.

There was silence, but cheering thundered. Even as Nao subtracted her wires so Shiho could stand, the noise was deafening.

Above them, the pillars lowered down and back into the arena floor. Afterwards, work-women scurried out and began to level out the sand, aided with machinery.

"What?" Natsuki seemed stunned, and scowled. "That's not very fair."

"War is not fair, Natsuki." Shizuru teased, leaning in to kiss her cheek in another push of their public affection. The younger Otome accepted it and softened her glare, but mumbled unhappily under her breath. It was clear she wanted Shiho to be the victor...

"This match goes t—"

Much to their puzzlement, the commentary was cut off. Under a split moment, it reactivated, Chie's confusion apparent.

"It appears we're having i—"

"Get off the commentary, Otome!"

Muttering began throughout this interruption, the Gakuenchou and Archmeister frowning. The whole arena winced upon the microphone blaring out in distortion. Abruptly, instead of Chie, it was another voice they heard instead.

"Greetings, Garderobe! I, Mashiro Blan de Windbloom has arrived on scene!"

Without a moment to spare, a passageway opened, and out trotted the Wind Princess. With the microphone in hand, she lifted her free limb, regarding the audience.

"I demand to see the Columns!"

Hurriedly, a servant rushed after her, parasol in hand. Chie wasn't too far off her tail, the work-women stopping to stare at them.

"..." Unaware her GEM was activated as a microphone, Natsuki pointed out to the girl.

"Who the hell is that?"

"..."

"..."

"..."

Hearing herself echo, the Gakuenchou slowly flushed as Shizuru tried not to laugh as hard as she wanted to.

"Y-you dare not know my name?!"

Sinking in her seat, Natsuki quickly shut her GEM off. Groaning, she clutched her temples, embarrassment flooding her. "Shizuru!" She hissed up to the elder. "Help!" Natsuki squeaked, the outburst merely making Shizuru laugh harder.

The audience laughed, if anything driving Mashiro to even more annoyance.

"Silence!"

With the microphone jolting, student and Meister alike shot their hands to their ears, groaning.

Gracefully, as if not having her stomach ache through laughter, Shizuru rose. Mutely she regarded the Princess, and activated her GEM.

"We apologise, Your Highness. The Gakuenchou did not sleep well tonight. However we are in the middle of Bu—"

"I don't care!"

Mashiro snapped, staring at the spot Natsuki had sunk.

"I want to see the Columns—now!"

Shifting, Natsuki glanced at Shizuru for her opinion. "Should we…?" She was a little afraid of this girl already.

"...We shall have an intermission."

Shizuru spoke, rubbing at Natsuki's wrist. "Let's see what she wants, hm?"

"I hope it's worth it…" Natsuki muttered, brushing her fingers through her hair. The attempt to neaten her hair seemed to fail, and she huffed. "Is she the Princess of… Windbloom?"

Clasping her hands to the ledge, Natsuki stared at the girl. "She looks nothing like the late king and queen…"

Shizuru covered her mouth at that, chuckling softly before nodding. "She is. Come, Natsuki. Sarah, Mahya?" Shizuru stood first, brushing back her hair and announcing they would be down in a matter of moments.

"No robes?" Natsuki almost seemed disappointed, shoving a hand into the pocket of her coat as she followed after the elder.

"Natsuki." It was Mahya, the woman swinging an arm across her shoulders as they walked. "We don't want her to wet herself, right?" She grinned, and Natsuki couldn't help but do so in return.

"Right."

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves here." Sarah spoke, cutting in front of Mahya and Natsuki, falling in pace with Shizuru. "I thought I might add in that Miss Maria wishes to nominate the achieving students." She spoke up to the Archmeister, nodding.

Nominate? Now she was lost. Natsuki sighed, rubbing an earlobe as she walked behind them. Wait, it might look odd that she wasn't leading them…

Speeding up to pass Sarah and Shizuru, Natsuki took the lead down the main set of steps.

Perhaps it was just her nerves setting in again? Natsuki hoped this wasn't the case.

The heat of the early afternoon weather hit against them, and within the centre of the arena the royal, servant and Chie stood. Oddly enough, the Aries student was comfortably chatting away to the brunette servant.

Did she know her, Natsuki pondered?

Wiping a bit of cold sweat from the nape of her neck, Natsuki slowed down so the others could meet her before she approached the strange girl fully. "Don't forget to turn your GEMs off." She murmured back to them, almost shrinking away when eyes were set upon her.

"It is good to see you again." They heard Chie murmur quietly to the servant.

The maid felt familiar to Natsuki, but she couldn't quite put her finger on as to why. Clasping her hands behind herself, the Gakuenchou stood tall as she waited for the younger girl to address them with what she needed.

Shizuru stood by her side, seemingly a little amused but hid it well and quickly.

"Columns!" Propping her hands to her hips, the dress-clad Princess surveyed them. "I'll be frank. I want an Otome."

Mahya stared at the Princess, lips twitching just faintly before she sobered her expression. Glancing to the back of the Gakuenchou's head, she cocked a brow subtly. Now, how would Natsuki react to this?

"Which one?" Natsuki spoke as frank as she was spoken to, and the Mauryan-native closed her eyes briefly. Why would she ask that? Amusement of Mahya's own trailed within her mind, although she was skeptical. Would Mashiro truly like being spoken back to so frankly?

"One who would get Wind's GEM, of course." The Princess cocked a brow, and tilted her head. Was this Gakuenchou stupid or something? Then again, she had been smashed across the back of the head… "The Lofty Crimson Jade, the Sky Blue Sapphire. These GEMs have been with Garderobe for years. I want one of these for my Otome."

Those GEMs were far too… important. Natsuki fiddled with her sleeves, hands still behind her back. Mahya noticed the faint twitching, and stepped closer to hold her wrists together.

This Princess would tear her apart verbally for any nervous tic such as that.

"Of course. But surely, you would like to pick her out yourself?" The Gakuenchou spoke a tad bit more formally, though was thinking of doing anything but. What a brat this girl was… And yet Natsuki was the one always being attacked? Hmph. "We have many elite girls this year."

Releasing her hold from Natsuki's wrists, Mahya subtly glanced at Shizuru. Instantaneously, bronze and crimson clashed, and Mahya simply grinned slightly.

"Then who are they? Where are they from?"

"Well… Currently there are five girls I can think of." Natsuki began, Sarah straightening up and hoping the elder could remember where those girls hailed from.

"In our Diamond year, there is Akane Soir from Chaldea, Chie Hallard from Aries…" The Gakuenchou pointedly stared over towards Chie, the other woman still conversing softly with the maid. Who was she, anyway?

"...And Juliet Nao Zhang from Altai. Those are our top three girls from the graduating class." Pausing, Natsuki studied Mashiro's expression. She looked impatient. "For the upcoming year, the Amethysts, we have: Nina Wang of Altai, and Tomoe Marguerite from Wind."

That last one sounded a little strange to Natsuki. Wind? She wasn't sure why.

Should she have said Windbloom? Mashiro had said Wind… Why did that sound odd?

Mashiro stared up at the Gakuenchou, hands still planted firmly on her hips. Those were her only choices? "That's only five. Is there not another girl good enough to fill in the third Amethyst spot?" Surely there should be, then again, she didn't have much faith in this endeavour.

Clearing her throat, Natsuki traded a glance to Shizuru at her side. The Archmeister smiled, obviously proud of the younger woman to have remembered the lands. Shizuru spoke next, soft and patient as she returned her gaze to the young Princess before them. "We are right in the middle of determining that for ourselves, I'm afraid." Shizuru smiled faintly, gesturing to the arena around them. "Give or take we shall know in a week's time." The Archmeister searched the young girl's eyes, attempting to find any trace of understanding.

Mashiro understood.

"Well, I do not want an unfinished list." Mashiro murmured, raising a hand to cup her chin. She switched her gaze from Shizuru to Natsuki, regarding the Gakuenchou as she did so. "How is your health?"

Such a bold question… Natsuki smiled either way, bowing her head faintly. "I haven't felt better, thank you for asking."

The Princess stared, gaining a small smile of her own. "I can tell, from your outburst earlier, that you truly don't remember me; You're treating me far too nicely without having to force it."

Was that a compliment? Either way the Gakuenchou continue to smile, if so a little awkwardly. "I hope I didn't insult you. Perhaps it'd be worthwhile for you to watch the butou?"

"An invitation as well… I think I like this version of you better."

A lot of people kept saying that… Natsuki tilted her head, and Mahya stepped in with a smile. "Follow me Princess… Let us have a seat?"

Fluidly, the eldest Column led the royal away. The servant hurriedly moved away from Chie, following after the Princess. Upon this notion, Chie watched after her before shifting her gaze to Natsuki and the others.

Natsuki quirked a brow at her, turning her head to Shizuru and giving a soft murmur. "Go ahead and take your seat, I want to speak to Chie." The Archmeister seemed surprised but relented after pressing her palm into the middle of the younger woman's back.

"Of course, Natsuki." Shizuru glanced towards the other and smiled, striding back up to their spot.

Approaching Chie, the Gakuenchou let a smirk cross her lips as she surveyed the younger woman before her. "You fancy that maid, don't you?"

"Wha—" Shooting her gaze to the Gakuenchou, a flustered expression took hold of Chie. She sobered after a few moments however, and instead snickered back. "I don't see it as a problem. Unless you're going to throw the Earl Order at my heels."

Remembering a particular event from years ago, Natsuki halted. She stopped in midstep, and scratched her cheek unconsciously. She had forgotten all about the Earl Order. Actually she was surprised they weren't harassing Garderobe right now. "And have them torment us? I don't think so." She lowered her hand, turning fully to Chie with a devious grin. "Actually, I was thinking of somehow hoping to influence the Princess into choosing you. That way, you would be closer to that lovely woman you seem to enjoy."

Chie stared, flushing a little darker than before. "I… am not confident enough in my skills for the Princess to choose me!" She almost seemed to panic before the Gakuenchou laid an arm around her shoulders.

"Not confident? You were down here to greet them, or rather your girl, before I was. You're plenty confident and skilled; She would choose you on your own merit if she wasn't a brat…"

"Gakuenchou. The Princess threw me out of the booth; that was the only reason I was down here." The Diamond student chuckled, but only briefly. She was well aware of the audience staring down at them. Chie wondered if Natsuki took any notice at all.

"Still. Now, get back to your booth." Natsuki let her go, seemingly oblivious to the attention as she tried to find Shizuru again. Rising up the steps, she settled in beside the Archmeister again with a grin. "Who's next?"

---

"Shizuru, do I have time for a shower?" From within their shared dorm, Natsuki stretched her body towards the door. She peered into the bathroom, the elder rummaging around in cupboards.

The Archmeister had already showered. Yet within minutes the older woman was ready. They had, what? Over an hour?

"Hm…" Shizuru pulled back from the cupboards, easing a hand to cover her mouth. "She does look uncomfortable." The elder murmured to herself, checking the time. "Mm… a quick one."

"You make it sound like I would take forever." Natsuki pouted just ever so slightly. Momentarily scanning her state of attire, she grumbled. She'll just throw these clothes back on; there was no point getting clean clothes dirty.

"Natsuki's mind sometimes gets away from her." Shizuru smiled, exiting the washroom to softly kiss her cheek. The younger woman flushed, rubbing the nape of her neck to keep from grumbling.

"I have a lot to think about…" Gathering a towel over one arm, Natsuki watched Shizuru turn away with a smirk. Deviously, she pinched the elder's backside and ran into the washroom, locking the door.

"Natsuki!"

Her heart raced, and she laughed. Natsuki could hear Shizuru huffing and then walk away in a fluster.

At last she was able to get Shizuru back. All of those years she had spent being the victim. Now it was her turn!

Amused, and in a much better mood now, Natsuki set the towel up along the counter. It had been quite the hot day; Sweat settling on the back of her neck. Curling her top lip, Natsuki sneered at her reflection before smoothing her face out.

Shaking her head at a thought, the Gakuenchou disrobed and started the shower with a low hum. She looked so much like her mother, now…

Then again, hadn't she always? Weirdly enough people actually got confused between them. How was that even possible? Sure, Natsuki shared similar features, but seriously? She may as well just shove on a pair of glasses and waltz into Aries…

Well… that was an idea.

Slipping into the shower, Natsuki mused to herself. Ah, the hot water relaxed her greatly… Emerald eyes closing, she sighed out and stood under the stream.

. . .

. .

.

A.R. 326. Garderobe Academy

Standing idle within the office, Natsuki nervously wet her lips. Only now did she realise how big this room actually was. She felt so small within here. Looking within the large space, she furrowed her brow. Natsuki honestly wondered how the room was kept so warm, even though it was so big.

Cream walls were bordered with golden plates. Along the wall before her were long windows. They showcased the dense forest which outlined the academy from above.

Striding towards the windows, she lightly pressed a hand to the surface. It was night, and the moon was high within the sky. Like every night the blue star brightly shone, guiding Natsuki's attention towards it. Tomorrow… It was a big day, in many ways. The blue light of the star danced in the sable around it, emerald watching with a glittering hope. Could she really do this? Was she really the only woman capable of even being nominated into such a role?

She was barely nineteen. The experience she had compared to Miss Maria was horrific. Why the Founder would choose her, she had absolutely no idea. Unconsciously, she fluttered her fingertips against her new GEM. The Ice Silver Crystal..? She had to admit, it did suit her well, but this was an awfully powerful GEM, wasn't it?

But at least she was out of that awful uniform, Natsuki supposed.

She brought her long coat tighter around herself, feeling the material of azure with a smile. She very much liked this. Shaking her head, Natsuki sighed and turned away from the window. There was so much to do, so much to be done… Lifting a hand to her face, the newly appointed Gakuenchou took a slow, shaky breath.

"Oh no…"

Feeling the sensation of anxiety well up inside her chest, Natsuki winced. Hesitantly, she took a seat in the chair by the desk. Staring down at her slender legs, she gripped her hands against the leather of her tight trousers.

Why now?

Exhaling slowly, she quietly inhaled afterwards. Natsuki trained in breathing, slothfully calming herself. Sliding a palm across her forehead, she closed her eyes, having a moment.

Mai would've consoled her at this point, but she had been missing for the past six months already. Her rock had all but disappeared from existence itself.

Even within the darkness of the room, her senses were as alert as ever. With every shadow which was cast, her eyes shot to them. Even as her heart thundered, and her headache, she wondered.

Would she survive?

"Natsuki?"

Almost flying out of her skin, the anxiety flew from her features. Bolting her gaze towards the double doors, Natsuki caught sight of Shizuru. The Archmeister appeared worried.

"I did not find you in your old dorm. Is something the matter?"

"S-sorry to worry you." Natsuki softly stammered, clearing her throat. The sight of Shizuru… calmed her down. Swallowing hard, the new Gakuenchou flushed softly and stood from the chair.

"I was… checking out the office. I thought I may move my quarters into the room next door." That way, she… wouldn't need to venture out every day, or be near Mai's things. What was she going to do with Mai's things? Ship them to Zipang?

The Archmeister didn't switch on the light, but closed the door after her. Proceeding to float towards Natsuki, she paused midstep. "Should you not be sleeping?" Restarting her short trek towards the Gakuenchou, she halted behind her.

"Gakuenchou?" Shizuru rolled the name off her tongue, treating it more like a new-found taste. Propping her smooth hands to Natsuki's shoulders, Shizuru repeated herself. "Gakuenchou?"

"Oh." Natsuki blurted aloud, having been distracted. Shizuru's hands felt warm atop her shoulders, and she slowly turned to face the elder so they wouldn't be shucked off.

"Speaking of, shouldn't you be sleeping?" The Gakuenchou softly smiled, teasing her. "Don't… worry about me, okay? I'll be fine."

"Surely you know I do either way?" The Archmeister questioned in response.

Maybe it was a trick of the light, but Natsuki could swear the elder was closing in slowly…

"Shizuru?"

"Hmm?" Shizuru smiled, tilting her head.

"Have you even slept?"

Seemingly not prepared for that, Shizuru's façade was lost for a moment. She sighed before letting it go altogether. "I haven't…" Her voice sounded watery, as if she might start to… cry?

Standing, Natsuki shifted weight between her feet, bringing her hands up to grasp onto the elder's wrists. "Come on… I'll be okay."

"I don't disbelieve Natsuki, but this is a dangerous mission…" Unsure with what to do with her hands, Shizuru stared at them almost angrily. "What would I do if I lost my little junior?" She chuckled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

Moving a palm, she planted it delicately on the Gakuenchou's cheek instead.

"Shizuru…" Natsuki softly flushed either way, leaning into the hand at her cheek. "Please… try and remember what I told you."

Shizuru tilted her head, feigning ignorance.

"Don't you dare put up a front with me." Natsuki reminded her in a whisper, easing a little closer.

"I know Natsuki isn't a hopeless fan." The elder murmured just as quietly. "But she must really sleep. Unless I'll have to force her." Shizuru searched Natsuki's eyes, studying the light emerald irises. Sighing, Shizuru brushed her thumb gently along Natsuki's skin. She stopped this notion soon after, and tried to pull away.

The younger woman didn't let her; hands still on Shizuru's wrists. She pulled them back, stepping close to keep the same lack of distance. "You can show me your real self. I won't… Refuse you." Was that the right wording? "I'll accept you, I mean. I'll always accept you." Natsuki corrected herself, smiling faintly.

"Natsuki, I…" About to say something, Shizuru cut herself off. She remained silent, looking down to Natsuki's shoulder. "What do we do? About us?"

It was a question which had to be asked sooner or later. They had both known about the chemistry. But…? What to do with it?

Natsuki's jaw locked before it relaxed, twitching softly. Her lips curled into a smile, and she closed her eyes.

"...Natsuki?" Shizuru's voice held a hint of helplessness, as if she may as well be clinging to her.

"We will talk about that… When I come back."

.

. .

. . .

Jolting from the memory, Natsuki stared at the white tiles of the bathroom. The water had gone cold, but she didn't seem to mind. Mindlessly, she rubbed her fingertips across the scarring on her shoulder, enclosing her palm around it. Anxiety… for how long had she had it? But Shizuru…

Gnawing into her bottom lip, she shut the shower off. Taking a moment, she dried herself off, getting changed into her uniform.

She had to speak to Shizuru about this.

"Natsuki?" She heard the Archmeister call for her from within the bedroom, and smiled. "She's been in the shower so long."

"I'm here." The Gakuenchou softly murmured as she opened the door, preventing her from seeing Shizuru. Catching her gaze, the younger woman's expression melted into a warm smile.

Like always, the elder Meister was reading. Whatever book it was, Natsuki didn't know, nor did she quite care right now.

"I remembered… just before the Altai mission."

"Just before? Her leaving?" Shizuru tilted her head, lowering her book to see her better.

"No… The night before." The words alone brought heat to the elder's cheeks.

"Oh…" Shizuru was speechless, the old memory flooding back along with that feeling of tension; The sweet emotion curling within her stomach.

Sitting herself down on the edge of the bed, the Gakuenchou clutched at the book. Without an issue, she took it from Shizuru gently. Upon this movement, the Archmeister pressed her palm to Natsuki's cheek. It was much alike to that night, and Natsuki breathed, leaning their foreheads together.

"I love you." Natsuki whispered softly, a strain in her voice easily revealed as a pent up desire. It was as if she had woken in the shower as her younger self. Yet still stuck in that whirlwind of tension just before that mission.

"And I… love Natsuki." Shizuru murmured quietly, the Gakuenchou's palms meeting her shoulders. "I must confess, I had forgotten that memory."

It was a precious but dark memory, and had been locked into the back of her mind. Truthfully Shizuru was amazed Natsuki could remember it now. It had been such a… fearful time for them.

Yet… It wasn't all fear. Natsuki smiled, leaning in to capture the elder's lips in a heated kiss.

Shizuru's eyes widened for a fraction of time before they closed; Arms looping around the younger woman's shoulders. The kiss left her breathless, Natsuki pulling back far too soon even so.

"I said… I love you."

"I also lo—" The Gakuenchou's lips greeted the corner of her mouth, and Shizuru exhaled. "Na-Natsuki." Shizuru became distracted, Natsuki lowering down to press her mouth against Shizuru's throat. Exchanging the wrapping of her arms around Natsuki's shoulders, she clutched her forearms instead. "I love you." The Archmeister breathed.

"That's what I wanted to hear." The younger Otome murmured, leaving a mark along Shizuru's neck before she claimed the elder's lips again.

"Mm!" Shizuru greedily sank into the kiss, pulling Natsuki closer as their lips parted against one another's.

What exactly did they have to do that wasn't this…? She couldn't remember. Nor did Shizuru care. Not even when she heard the bump of her book land on the floor. Especially not when Natsuki sat herself atop her, Shizuru herself luring her closer with her arms.

Cradling the elder's face in her palms, their lips melded against each other. Natsuki made a soft noise to accompany Shizuru's moan; their tongues brushing against one another.

"I love you." Natsuki heatedly murmured against her lips, feeling Shizuru's tongue brush against them.

"I… I love you too." Shizuru responded, hooking her arm around Natsuki's shoulders. With her free hand, Shizuru brought it into Natsuki's damp hair. She was as careful as ever, her rough palm tenderly skimming across Natsuki's scar.

Their lips brushed as Shizuru murmured this, flat on her back against the mattress. "I was so scared…" She uttered, slipping Natsuki between her legs easily. "When you had come back, and you had touched me, I thought I would've melted."

"What's stopping you now?" Natsuki murmured softly, pinning her down in another smoldering kiss.

Shizuru moaned before being silenced by the Gakuenchou's tongue; Hands burying gently into coal locks. True to Natsuki's suggestion, she melted against her, holding tight with her legs around Natsuki's waist. Lungs searing, Shizuru rasped. "Give me a moment to breathe, Natsuki." She chuckled lightly, relaxing her hold on the younger Otome. Cradling Natsuki's cheeks, she guided her quivering lips to her own.

"As much as she loves me." Shizuru paused, their lips skimming along each other. "I don't think she wants me dead." Lowering a hand, Shizuru mindlessly trailed it against Natsuki's scarred shoulder.

"I wouldn't want that, ever." Natsuki murmured, her hands smoothing up the elder's chest. She heard Shizuru softly gasp when she rested palms over her clothed breasts, kissing along her jaw.

Softly Shizuru laughed. "Anyone would think Natsuki acted as the bodyguard, when in reality the Archmeister is." Lying her hands atop Natsuki's, Shizuru threaded their fingers together.

Gradually, Natsuki settled against her, the two stilling.

Catching her breath, Natsuki quirked a smile and rested her brow against Shizuru's. "I've protected you a number of times, if I recall…" She murmured, leaning in to press another lingering, sweet kiss to Shizuru's lips.

"Like when…?" Shizuru grinned, smoothing her hands across Natsuki's own, mindlessly massaging them.

The action looked almost erotic to Natsuki, and she stared. Her hands were still planted to the Archmeister's breasts, yet Shizuru seemed to take no mind.

"Hm…" Did she remember? Natsuki softly squeezed her chest again, hearing and feeling the elder's breath hitch.

"Oh. What about when you were targeted during a press speech? I pushed you out of the way!"

"True. True." Shizuru murmured. As Natsuki's hands stilled, the Archmeister stared up to the ceiling. "What were we even going to do?" She peered back down to Natsuki, and arched her brow.

"No idea… But I'd take a bullet for you any day." Natsuki grinned, kissing the tip of her nose.

Shizuru flushed, pulling her in close for another kiss.

"You are making us sound cheesy, Natsuki." Not that it was a bad thing. But either way, Shizuru softly laughed, and curled her arms around Natsuki's form. "Come… we should find out what we are missing."

"Mm, but I want to find out what I'm missing right here." Natsuki gave a little growl, the Archmeister bursting into soft giggles.

"Naughty… —But please." Shizuru murmured. "Up with you." Tenderly, she pushed at Natsuki's shoulders. Abruptly she had remembered what they were supposed to be doing. "Up. We have your training session with Mai."

"That's a shame." Natsuki huffed, leaning back and sitting up.

"Come." Shizuru manoeuvred her hands down to Natsuki's hips. "Please?" Shifting upwards, Natsuki slid against her. "Natsuki?"

"Well, alright…" Natsuki sighed, tugging at her shirt collar beneath the coat. "But, later." The younger woman smirked faintly, wetting her lips.

Shizuru flushed, cleared her throat, and waved it off. Running her hands through coal hair one last time to fix anything messy. "Bated breath, my dear."

Spinning them, Shizuru snickered as Natsuki blushed brightly, the Gakuenchou on her back this time. "Keep your excitement in check, my Gakuenchou."

"You can't blame me." Natsuki cleared her throat, rubbing an earlobe minutely. "Remembering things, our past… It really helps me realize who I am, and what you mean to me."

"I know." Shizuru murmured quietly. Swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, Shizuru looked down to her. "We have come a long way since you were appointed the Gakuenchou."

"We have." Natsuki agreed, fiddling with her coat again. "Hey… Shizuru? Do I still have that long jacket that I had before?"

"Of course. I kept it in storage to protect it. Why?"

"...I'd like it again."

"Oh? Natsuki's going back to the fashionable route for nobles?"

Natsuki paused, looking up from the collar of her coat to address Shizuru. "...I am a noble, am I not?" She quirked a smile, easing off the article and folding it.

"As am I, myself." Shizuru sighed at the thought, but brushed it away. "No matter. I would have still gained my interest in Natsuki if she had been a commoner."

Standing from the bed, Shizuru proceeded with putting her shoes on.

"What sort of noble are you?" She hadn't recalled that part. Rolling up the crisp white sleeves of her shirt, Natsuki adjusted the shining gem of her cross-cravat.

Shizuru chuckled, although mostly to herself. She made more room for when Natsuki stood next to her, her shoes adding to her height. The Gakuenchou shot her a look, and she merely smiled—almost lewdly so.

"One must not forget who my aunt is."

Confusion taking over her expression, Natsuki crossed her arms and shifted her weight entirely to one side. Recognizing this as an old thinking stance, Shizuru waited patiently for any questions.

"...Who is she?"

"Una Shamrock."

Balking, Natsuki's jaw dropped before she snapped it back shut. "Oh. Well… Then, I am sorry for my remark about her the other day."

"My auntie Una?" Shizuru inquired. Hooking her arm into Natsuki's, she merely laughed. "I would not say we are on the best terms. She was rather jealous when she discovered I had become the Archmeister. Nevermind when I had enrolled into Garderobe."

"Ah." Natsuki chuckled softly, enjoying the closeness. "Let's go get my jacket before training?"

"Ready for the trek to the Gakuenchou's Quarters?"

"Is it all the way up there?" Natsuki groaned, and Shizuru simply covered her mouth, covering her mirth. "I'm telling you, Shizuru. Wait for tonight, I'll get you."

"Ara, scary scary…"

The sun was high within the sky once they left the dorm building. Within the distance they could see the quarters poking out from the forested cliffside. In response to this sight, Natsuki grumbled. "No wonder we never went up there up until now."

Shizuru chuckled softly, petting a hand down the arm looped within her own. "Yes, you never did like the many steps it took to reach your office."

"Who would? That alone seems a fitting punishment for any student sent up there!" Natsuki shook her head, though smirked and chuckled to herself. "That's actually very smart."

"I seem to remember you calling students up to the quarters instead of Miss Maria's office." Amusement shone in the Archmeister's eyes, and it carried, even as they bypassed students.

Now that Natsuki thought about it… the students were much more tame towards Shizuru than originally. Was it a new form of respect? Perhaps it was Shizuru's new way of training?

"I would do that." Natsuki smiled, nodding as they walked. Starting to ascend the steps, she took a moment halfway to the top to survey the area. "Wow… what a view."

The forest which surrounded the academy was gigantic. Like the flashback from before, the trees haphazardly knitted between buildings. There were multiple species present; oak, and chestnut just naming a few.

"Surely you did not forget this too?" Shizuru pried delicately, but clasped her hand into Natsuki's.

"Not exactly, no… just; I haven't seen it for so long?" Natsuki pondered aloud to her.

The whole pathway was densely enclosed by a forest. Even now, as they continued their trek to the quarters, trees surrounded them. The higher they climbed, the more nature took over. By visuals, sound, even by smell, this side of the academy was very different. Natsuki admired all of the view, smile widening with each step. She didn't notice they had come to a stop at the top, and almost tripped.

Catching Natsuki, Shizuru looked concerned. Worried her leg might be weakening, all concern was set aside by Natsuki's sheepish laugh.

"Thought there was another step…" Natsuki muttered, looking down before them and only seeing flat slabs.

"Natsuki must pay attention. We do not want her rolling down like that one time." Gathering the keys from her pocket, Shizuru hinted a smirk. She looked away from Natsuki purposely, striding away from the Gakuenchou. "Although I must say, the view was rather…" Crimson irises were caught by emeralds, and Shizuru's lips widened.

"Not another word." Natsuki sternly spoke, lifting a hand to point at her. She seemed to recall the incident right as Shizuru said it… Though, she definitely had no prior memory of it.

Lowering her hand, she blinked and instead raised it to her head. That was quite… odd.

"Natsuki?" The Archmeister inquired gently, luring in her attention. Shizuru's hand was against the handle of the door, other twisting the key. Her form was paused like this, body twisted to regard Natsuki mutely. "What is the matter?"

"I…" Natsuki cleared her throat, lowering her hand. "I seemed to recall that memory perfectly… Right after you said it." She shook herself off, striding close to join her again.

"They do say being in familiar territory helps to remember…" Shizuru trailed, and unlocked the door. "Nobody has been here for months. Perhaps nothing has moved—this may even help you."

"...What if it becomes too much?" The Gakuenchou softly questioned, stopping the elder from opening the door.

"What if I just remember everything, and I… go into another coma?"

"I would not say she would fall into another coma, but…" Placing her hand atop Natsuki's own on the handle, Shizuru faced her. "How about I go and fetch your jacket?" Shizuru spoke these words softly, and delicately pressed her free hand to the Gakuenchou's cheek.

The gesture was intimate, and Shizuru didn't strain Natsuki to enter.

"Alright?"

"..." Blushing, Natsuki nodded, leaning against her palm and nuzzling against her skin. "Thank you. I'll wait out here."

Smiling, the elder leaned in quickly for a stolen kiss before she disappeared behind the door and into the office.

"H-hey!" And the elder told her to behave herself...

With what Natsuki was sure was a snail pace, the minutes crawled by. She was sure misfortune had chosen her at that point, curiosity getting the better of her. What lay behind that door? Would it forcefully put a stop to her amnesia? Maybe it would give her a panic attack? Perhaps it would even lead to her downfall?

Getting muddled within her thoughts, Natsuki almost leapt out of her skin when Shizuru showed herself.

"I hope I did not change my appearance there?" Shizuru teased her, closing the door swiftly and locking it once more. Folded in her arms was the sought article, and she gently passed it over as she grew nearer.

"Oh, no, I was… thinking. Thank you." Natsuki smiled, gingerly accepting the jacket and looking at it. Not a drop of blood… Shizuru must have cleaned it.

"Was it… a mess?" Natsuki cringed at the choice of words, watching Shizuru carefully.

Surely she had lost a lot of blood at the time? A head wound was nothing to laugh about, after all.

"...It was." Shizuru softly murmured, placing a hand atop her shoulder and squeezing. "Do you want the full details?"

"Err—" Scratching her cheek, Natsuki shook her head. "Not yet, at least not here. We don't want me… rolling down that hill again." She pried a laugh from the Archmeister, and Natsuki rolled her eyes. But either way, she smiled. "What am I going to do with you, Viola?"

"Hopefully keep me around." Shizuru smiled, rubbing her shoulder before stepping back. "Come, put it on now, Natsuki."

Unfolding the jacket completely, the Gakuenchou shook it out for good measure and admired it once more. The golden trim… She liked that part best.

Looping one arm into the sleeve, she tossed it around and did the same with the remaining one. She gave a tug to the collar and lapel to straighten them out, smiling victoriously as she turned to face Shizuru.

"How do I look?"

"Almost like the original Natsuki I know." If it had been possible, the Archmeister smiled further. There was a brightness around Shizuru, a feeling which mystified Natsuki.

"I'm glad." Natsuki murmured, blinking as the elder brushed a lone finger through her hair. She watched the action soundlessly, Shizuru skimming her fingers across the dark locks of her hair.

There was a pondering within the woman's ruby irises, a comfort which was almost a strain. "Although we never said it outloud…" Shizuru spoke, finally. "Before you had become the Gakuenchou, our relationship had been held within secrecy."

"There was an inkling on both sides, I recall." Natsuki murmured, stepping in closer. "Very strong… tension between us." She wet her lips, brushing her hands against the fabric of her jacket.

Her hand skimmed over a pocket, feeling an item inside. Slipping it out, she stared at it with a faint surprise, and a smile.

It was her hairpin, the silver reflecting sunlight magnificently. "Did you just slip that in?"

"Who knows." Shizuru grinned. This proceeded for a short while, until a seriousness gathered. "It was a little damaged at the time, but it was quickly repaired. Perhaps at the time it had been foolish that I had…"Wetting her lips, Shizuru paused, and looked at nothing in particular. "Hoped it would somehow awaken Natsuki."

It had been foolish, to say the least. It had been a desperation for a loved one to wake after so long. That much was obvious, yet it felt so wrong to Shizuru.

"...It wasn't foolish." Natsuki murmured softly, smiling at the elder. She handed the hairpin over, giving a nod when Shizuru quirked a brow at her.

"Could you put it in my hair, please?"

"Of course," Shizuru breathed. Taking the clip, she was careful not to smudge it with her fingerprints. Giving it a once-over quickly, Shizuru then glided it through Natsuki's already drying hair. "I feel like I am giving you a ring." She laughed, the gesture quieting, staring at the younger Meister.

Natsuki smiled faintly, though it fell as she sobered up to the realization that they didn't have rings. Lifting a hand for Shizuru's still near her hair, she grasped and lowered it towards her lips.

"...Would you ever want to marry me, Shizuru?"

"Ever want to?" Shizuru asked. "We have been together for nearly a decade, Natsuki." Shizuru chuckled, her gaze softening upon the Gakuenchou tenderly kissing her fingers.

It mystified Shizuru. Why would Natsuki be so unsure of this? Even before the Gakuenchou's coma, she had been skittish. The very idea appeared to spook Natsuki, and this worried Shizuru. "Perhaps I had been getting ready to ask, but this was last year."

Shizuru's speech altered, and the brunette sighed, sliding a roughened palm down her bruised throat. Remembering the state of her neck, Shizuru paused, brushing her fingertips along the bruising.

"You… were going to ask me?" Natsuki flushed, more so at watching the hand travel Shizuru's neck. "Did you… Have a ring?"

Halting her fingers, Shizuru opened her mouth. After a few moments, she exhaled, allowing her fingers to drop from her neck. "Dear Natsuki, wouldn't this ruin the surprise?"

Although, that surprise was ruined already wasn't it? Shizuru realised.

"I suppose." Though now she had an idea scurrying in her mind. "I'm watching you, Viola..." Stepping close, Natsuki happily kissed her.

"Who will win the surname game?" Shizuru asked her in amusement. Naturally she leaned into Natsuki's smaller build, hooking her arms around her waist. "Natsuki… Viola? Sounds rather strange, does it not?" Honestly it amazed Shizuru how… clingy they had both become. They were literally all over each other these days.

"It does sound a little odd." Natsuki agreed, chuckling. "Shizuru... Kruger. I like that much better, don't you?" She teased, also aware of the growing closeness they had experienced.

Maybe their relationship had gotten to such a point that their loving nature had become cheesy? The thought crossed Shizuru's mind, but she pushed it away. Their relationship was many things. At one point, even brief hatred, but wasn't this the intimacy she had yearned for?

"We'll figure it all out later." Natsuki promised, another kiss before she pulled back and held Shizuru's hand. "For now, training." She smiled, eager to get another lesson from Mai.

---

Maybe it was understandable when they arrived. It was especially that case when they waited for Mai to finish, Sarah there also. Natsuki supposed that Mai had decided to do some training of her own. Having grown tired waiting.

Mai glanced their way and nearly blanched; The sight of Natsuki in her old jacket and the hairpin a bit jarring. Natsuki smirked softly, standing by the bench and watching her.

She definitely did not want to be sitting anytime soon. Rid of her cane, Natsuki would happily be mobile.

The distraction had cost the royal, becoming winded as Sarah jabbed her stomach. Before either of them knew it, she was twisted onto her front on the floor. The blonde pressed her weight down onto her, pinning her form down.

"I think that means you lost, Mai. I may be a bit fuzzy, of course." Natsuki teased, crossing her arms and toying with the cuff of a sleeve.

"Someone is confident… Must be the hairpin." Mai huffed, nodding to Sarah as the blonde let her up.

"I softened her up for you." Sarah grinned, walking to Shizuru and Natsuki's side. She was wearing a loose, white tank top. Sarah was also wearing black shorts which reached midway up her thighs. Like how Natsuki and Shizuru had been last time, she had no shoes or socks. "If she beats you up, tell me." She continued, unwrapping her hand wraps.

Chuckling, Natsuki surveyed Mai to see if she was still up for a training lesson. The redhead shot out a wink with a cheeky hand gesture, smirking.

"You won't get out of training so easily, Natsuki. Hurry up and change, already!"

The royal was wearing a constricting, orange shirt with long sleeves. For the same case as Sarah, she had no shoes or socks, and was wearing hand-wraps. Her shorts were long, tight and grey, reaching her upper knees.

"I actually thought I might try fighting… like this? I mean, we don't get a chance to change before having to confront enemies, right?" Natsuki eased off her long jacket either way, folding it and giving it to the Archmeister.

"Getting fancy are we?" Mai teased her, cracking her knuckles slowly. "Alright, but if you lose only because I pulled your little tie there, don't whine to me."

"It's a cross-cravat." Natsuki frowned, waving her off as she approached.

"Westerners." Mai sighed, snickering. "You always have such strange names." Rechecking her hand-wraps, she regards Natsuki for a moment. "You sure you don't want hand-wraps at least?"

"I suppose those won't hurt." Natsuki nodded, running a thumb over the outside of her wrist. Taking a step back, she turned to see that Shizuru had already secured a roll.

"Sneaky." Natsuki teased, lifting her hands for them to be wrapped.

"Do not push yourself too much, Natsuki." Shizuru warned, finishing wrapping her hands. "I will be waiting here." She confirmed, sitting herself down on the bench beside Sarah.

As the Gakuenchou headed towards Mai, Sarah leaned over to Shizuru. "I bet you Mai wins."

The Archmeister straightened up, giving a playful glare to the blonde at her side. "You will lose that bet."

Natsuki rubbed over the cuffs of her shirt, slowly rolling them up. Mai was already in her stance, and the Gakuenchou slowly sunk into her own.

Hands sharply curled into fists with arms tucked tight towards her chest, Natsuki shifted one leg behind herself a few inches and hunkered down.

"Natsuki seems to have remembered a more interesting stance…" Shizuru whispered over to Sarah once more, interested.

"Oi, Mai. Are you going to do your catchphrases?" Natsuki jabbed, lips curling upon Mai's reaction.

"I never did anything of the sort!" Mai huffed. She shifted herself closer to the Gakuenchou, Natsuki merely backing away.

"Not even a little… 'Tokiha Chop!'?"

"Ugh. Shizuru! Have you been letting her watch old movies?" Mai called, throwing a strike towards Natsuki's nose.

The Gakuenchou swerved to the right, taking Mai's arm and throwing her shoulder into the redhead's ribs. With a quick tug and momentum, the redhead was on her back within seconds.

Shizuru stared, visibly surprised and even a little concerned. "Natsuki…?"

"Well… that was a shock." Mai muttered, hoisting herself up onto her arms. She glanced up to Natsuki, tilting her head.

"Gotcha." Natsuki grinned down at her, patting the redhead's brow before helping her up. "Maybe I should be training you, huh?"

"Don't get so cocky there, Kruger…"

Mai had kept her hand latched onto Natsuki's wrist. Perhaps it had been her own mistake that the redhead used this against her. Clenching the wrist into her grip harder, the royal twisted it around Natsuki's back. She swerved behind her, quickly kicking Natsuki off balance. With the Gakuenchou tripping onto her knees, Mai then shoved her onto her front.

"Ow, ow…" Natsuki grumbled, her arm strung within Mai's grasp still. "Okay, okay, I give." She was let go, rolling to her side to rub furiously at her afflicted shoulder.

Mai smirked, propping her hands on her hips. "You know, you just reminded me of when we used to train together back in our Coral year…"

"Huh?" At the prompt, Natsuki leaned up on her side and stared at the younger woman. Their Coral year…

An ache bolted through her head, and the Gakuenchou found herself with a new memory. One of her and Mai alone in their dorm, trading nervous kisses and hesitant touches.

Staring at Mai still, the elder slowly colored a deep crimson.

Quickly glancing over towards Sarah and Shizuru, Natsuki found them well out of earshot. She exchanged a confused glance towards Mai, and propped herself onto the floor entirely. Sitting there cross-legged, she turned her head away, scratching her cheek. "I think I remember us—err…"

"Remember what? You'll have to speak louder than that, Natsuki." Mai was more amused than anything, seeing her friend's old personality pop through. She tilted her head curiously nonetheless, arching a brow in ponderment. "Or is it… a certain memory?"

At the inflection of tone, Natsuki's blush grew worse. "Keep your voice down!" She hissed, whether or not the other two couldn't hear them to begin with.

"Oh, so it is…" Mai grinned, edging closer to lift Natsuki up. "Might as well look as if we're sparring and talking."

"Right… Uhm…" This was embarrassing… The elder did a weak grapple, drawing away too soon and flushing darker.

"We were… in our dorm…?"

"Correct." Mai confirmed. Upon the skittish brushing of fingertips, the royal merely laughed. Perhaps it was Natsuki's own misfortune of seeing her so nervous? Maybe it was the fact of her true personality shining through? Mai wasn't entirely sure. "It just… happened." She trailed, pondering her choice of wording.

Sinking into another stance, Mai lightly and swiftly dodged the embarrassed Gakuenchou. "Due to our sparring."

That explained why she had remembered it. Natsuki sighed, her shoulders falling. There were only fragments she could remember, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to. Least not at the moment. She was out in the open, nor did she want Shizuru to know of this…

Whether or not they hadn't been together at the time.

"I did realize we had had a little… Thing." Natsuki winced as she tried to speak, fidgeting. "But I don't quite remember… Were we even together, before you… disappeared?"

She had to know the answer, or it would torment her for quite some time.

"We had been." Mai still appeared more amused than anything. She continued to prance away from Natsuki by a fingertip, increasing the elder's frustration.

"Mai!" Natsuki huffed. What was with this woman? The burn of stares seared into her back, but she tried to ignore it. Natsuki knew fully well her outburst had caught the other two's attention. But honestly she didn't quite care.

It was sudden. She wondered why for a split moment, but brushed it off.

"What?" Mai grinned.

"Stop avoiding the question!" The Gakuenchou hissed.

"I answered it."

"You know what I mean!"

Mai danced back again, and Natsuki's teeth grit as something snapped. In a fluidly quick motion, she grasped the younger woman's wrist and tugged her close, holding the redhead's arm above both their heads.

"This isn't something to joke about." The Gakuenchou snarled softly, surprise lighting Mai's features. Oh, Natsuki was being serious? Mai shifted; uncomfortable as she tried weakly to tug her arm back.

Natsuki stared at her, ignoring the questioning murmurs from the others. If Mai hadn't disappeared… would the younger Otome have been the one she woke to from that coma?

But if Mai hadn't shown up, she would've never remembered this. Natsuki knew that. There were mixed feelings swarming around in her stomach, and she wasn't sure what to do.

Guilt, fear, curiosity—even regret. Of course there would be regret.

"Did you tell Shizuru?" The Gakuenchou asked quietly.

"Eh? Of course not."

Letting go of Mai's arm, the older woman looked down. She felt as if she should tell Shizuru…

Natsuki jumped at the feeling of a hand on her shoulder; Shizuru's voice at her ear calming her instantly.

"Why is Natsuki being so rough?"

"Shizuru…" She murmured softly. Natsuki kept her back to her, watching Mai scurry towards Sarah. The redhead seemed a little awkward upon the interaction, greeting the blonde quietly. "... I remembered something."

"Something that caused her to attack Mai?" Shizuru sounded amused, but there was an underlying lilt of worry.

"I have to tell you something… in private." Natsuki whispered, easing out of her grasp and reaching her hand back to tug Shizuru's along.

This troubled spike was increased for Shizuru. She pried herself closer to the shorter Meister, her voice quieting further. "Do you need a break?" She eased a few locks of the Gakuenchou's hair across Natsuki's shoulder. "Natsuki?" Detailing the soft pigments of blue within the noble's hair, Shizuru frowned.

Truthfully the Archmeister had an idea what it might be. But she couldn't be too sure.

Once out of earshot, and barely able to see the other two, Natsuki turned fully to Shizuru. This was awkward…

"Uhm… When Mai and I were in our Coral year, apparently…" She trailed off, hands interlocking together nervously.

"We were together."

The reaction wasn't like ice against warm skin, like Shizuru had expected. She simply stared at Natsuki, thinking. Upon this notion, her gaze sank to the woman's collarbone, deep within thought.

"Shizuru?"

Derailed from her train of thought, Shizuru peered up to her. Softly, and faintly, she smiled. "Well… I always wondered who that mysterious person had been during our first time."

Remembering, Natsuki flushed darker and buried her face in her hands. "Are you… angry?" She didn't peek through her fingers, simply content to hide away.

This time the Archmeister was stunned. Bloody crimson irises stared at the pale skin of Natsuki's hands. Standing back, Shizuru's eyes half-lidded, observing Natsuki's tense body language.

"..."

"...Why are you so worried about that?" Shizuru gently laughed. Taking a hold of the Gakuenchou's hands, she tenderly pulled them away. Luring the younger Otome closer to her own form, she questioned her further. "We hadn't even thought upon it until you were Gakuenchou." Pausing, she neared Natsuki. "Do you feel guilty?"

At the laughing, Natsuki pouted but sobered her expression as she looked away. "...Yes…" Guilt weighed upon her, from not having told Shizuru before the incident, and guilt for Mai.

Had the redhead still… felt for her, that way? Before she knew? Is this why Mai had acted so oddly when she had woken from her coma?

"I feel really guilty…"

Nor did it help for the measurement of time. Now that she thought about it, Mai's leaving, along with her and Shizuru's get together…

Six months separated those events. She felt awful.

It might sound like a long time to people, but for her it was…

"I…" Natsuki couldn't think of what to say. But anxiety rose in the pit of her stomach and hardened into a sinking stone.

Did Mai feel betrayed?

Looking towards Sarah and Mai, Natsuki watched as Mai's back was facing her. The royal's shoulders were slouched, a weight atop them. This only further enhanced her guilt, and she quickly looked away.

"What do I do, Shizuru?"

Shizuru tilted her head, following her gaze to Mai. If she had been younger, a surge of jealousy would have struck. But… Not now.

The elder returned her gaze to Natsuki, a sweet smile gracing her lips. "I think Natsuki and Mai need a little more time alone to speak."

Natsuki grimaced to that but agreed with a nod. Shizuru pulled her close for an encouraging hug, lips grazing her temple lightly.

"Whatever Natsuki needs to say, she needs to say it."

"Thank you… Shizuru." Sinking into the elder's hold, Natsuki was nonetheless unsure about touching her. Did she have the right, at the moment? That guilt clouded her senses again, and softly, she pulled away. "I'll be back soon, later. I'm not sure when."

"You don't have to leave. Sarah and I can." The change of speech made Natsuki wary.

"Maybe." She wasn't about to just… corner Mai elsewhere. That would lead to people eavesdropping. Not to mention, what help would that give? If anything that'd threaten Mai. Slowly, Natsuki turned away from Shizuru. From this distance, she regarded the blonde and royal who spoke quietly. Before long, they looked at her, and Sarah nudged the redhead.

"Go on." Sarah murmured to the Zipang-native.

Natsuki looked once to Shizuru, the elder passing her to gesture Sarah follow. They would take their leave, letting the other two talk.

What could she say? Natsuki supposed they could start at the beginning…

The door shutting startled her out of her thoughts, and the Gakuenchou turned to step closer to the redhead.

"Mai…"

"I know you feel guilty, Natsuki." Mai exhaled. She leant against the wall, absentmindedly sliding her toes against the floor matting. Her arms were crossed loosely, though the nails of her right hand gripped against her elbow. Never did she glance up at the Gakuenchou, simply scanning her violet gaze across the smooth mats.

"But I did tell you when we were Pearls it couldn't keep up. We had too many responsibilities." At such a young age, too.

"You and I both know that that's a weak excuse." Natuki murmured back, nearing Mai and easing onto her knees to be seen. Emerald scanning her face, the Gakuenchou leaned back on her knees.

"...Did you know when you were found and returned? When you first saw me, again?"

"For a while, no." Mai looked at her strangely, the gears grinding away in her head. At this point, she wondered whether it'd be a good idea to tell Natsuki this. But either way she shook the thought away, continuing. "Shizuru had been far too secluded, and busy. Perhaps even depressed. I'm unsure what her state would've been if I hadn't returned sooner."

"...When did you figure it out?" Natsuki asked, tilting her head as she surveyed the younger. Was this damaging something? She hoped not…

"Shizuru said so herself." Mai said quietly.

Of course though, Mai had never told Shizuru her experiences. It would've just created more unneeded tension. A coma was difficult enough, nevermind relationship troubles. It would've just been petty, a sidetrack to their main route. A sensation of unease slotted within Mai's mind. She hoped Shizuru wouldn't approach her about this...

Natsuki smiled softly, fully sitting on the ground now. "Shizuru's really matured, you know? It even surprises me… She isn't jealous or even as unkind to others as she used to be."

She also had that fear of Shizuru speaking to Mai about this, but had quickly shrugged it off. "I don't think she thinks as much of it as I do… because I don't think we had closure."

"A little." Mai cocked a brow, staring at Natsuki's position. The Aries noble was cross-legged with her arms supporting her weight behind herself. Forcefully she pushed this to the back of her mind, and instead studied Natsuki. "My time in the Black Valley was... " Halting mid-thought, Mai frowned. "Maturing." She looked away, a wandering tension highlighting her features.

Everyone had needed her in the Black Valley. There had been no chances to think her life through properly. To this day she wasn't sure why Mikoto had even clung onto her for so long. Nor did she know where the odd cat goddess was.

"As was my grooming into being the Gakuenchou." The elder chuckled faintly, tilting her head. She stood, dusting herself off and extending a hand to Mai. "Do you feel better, about how we both turned out in this life?"

"I wonder." There was no hint of conclusion within Mai's tone, only a pondering. However there was both a restraint and an urge within the royal. At one moment she wanted to say something, but then wanted to step back. She didn't. Swallowing the lump of hesitation, she spoke. "I have a responsibility, but I was unable to take either path. Become Takumi's Otome… become a Column… or even become my funder's Meister."

At that time of thinking things through, she hadn't known which way to turn. Her own selflessness had got the better of her.

"Well… you aren't going to become a Column." Natsuki crossed her arms, a more serious expression taking hold. "The Founder has already chosen three students as nominees… So take that off your mind, huh?"

"Students?" The royal's expression shifted to one of surprise. She adjusted her weight against the wall, tilting her head. "Miss Maria must be going up the wall…" She muttered under her breath. "Wait. Shouldn't you be… doing that?" Skeptically, Mai stared at Natsuki, only to give the elder a pointed look.

"I'm not really in any condition to appoint someone to such a position…" Natsuki trailed off when the door to the area was opened.

Stepping in, Miss Maria levelled an undetermined stare towards them both before focusing solely on Mai. The epitome coughed subtly, hooking a finger in a gesture to be followed.

The door was facing Mai's back, so Natsuki took notice of Miss Maria first. She stiffened, Mai's brows lifting in response.

"Natsuki?"

Mutely, the Gakuenchou caught the fire Meister's eyes then directed her own behind Mai's shoulder. Following the elder's gaze, Mai froze.

"Gakuenchou. Tokiha." Maria clasped her hands in front of herself, wise emeralds never retreating. "The Founder has decided the Columns shall choose the Fourth." Thinking through her choice of words carefully, Maria exchanged her gaze between both women. "She has concluded the Fourth must be chosen quickly. More HiME have been detected."

Both Meister stared at the epitome. Maria merely did the same, her eyes narrowing subtly. She watched the two closely.

Natsuki appeared uncomfortable for a moment. Unconsciously her hand leapt to her left side. An odd, almost fiery sensation rippled through a particular spot, and she wondered why.

Mai herself seemed nervous, pressing a hand to the bone of her breast.

Seeing these strange reactions, Maria said nothing on the matter, however. "Their location is roughly in this area. The Founder suspects either a student or Meister. She also fears they might be a risk."

"A risk…" The burning seemed to stop, but Natsuki would remember the area in which she had felt the sensation. "Then… I suppose we'll have to find them quickly."

"I suggest blood tests." Nearing the two, the epitome stood before them. She regarded them quietly, her voice lowering. "Helene has studied the Sky Blue Sapphire."

"Blood tests…" Natsuki was glad she didn't have to have that. The idea made her expression pucker. "If that is a good way to find them…"

"I assure you, Gakuenchou, it is." Maria confirmed. She motioned them to follow her again, and finally, they did so. "I would advise Tokiha to accompany this meeting." Turning on her heel, she led them towards the door. "Your uniform." Scanning Mai, her stoic expression never flawed.

"R-right." Flushing, Mai headed back towards the lockers.

"What did… Yohko find?" Natsuki asked, side-glancing the retired Otome. Was it positive or negative? Things relating to the Monster of Garderobe never seemed to lean in the positive, however. This worried Natsuki highly.

Rolling her sleeves down, Natsuki retrieved her long jacket from the bench. Slipping it on, she readied her gaze onto the elder once more.

Maria sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose once. "It is… sensitive." Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she continued once opening them. "Helene will be present in this meeting. We're interlocking the Column and HiME situation."

As this was said, Mai closed the locker doors. Hurriedly, she peered over to them, fully dressed in her old uniform. Meeting up with them, the royal nodded.

"Seems like we are ready." Natsuki murmured, curious more about the burn she had felt along her left hip. Shizuru could look at it later. Thinking of Shizuru, she hoped that the elder wasn't mad or about to do anything petty…

Judging by the situation, the Archmeister would be in the conference hall. Least Natsuki assumed this was where they'd be going.

"Steinberg will also take a seat during choosing the Fourth." Maria added.

"Oh?" Natsuki brightened up a bit there, at least. She liked Yukariko, as eccentric as the woman was. Taking a handkerchief from her jacket, Natsuki wiped along her face and sighed.

She wished they had gotten more combat training in, now that the situation between Mai and her was cleared up. As best as it could be, anyway. Natsuki was sure that eventually they would have to speak of this in more detail. But for now she would let it slip.

"Steinberg and I's teachings along with Tokiha and the Archmeister's combat training is essential. Without this input we would have no suitable information to run with the selection."

This much was obvious.

"...But what of the GEM?" Natsuki quested, Mai leaning in with interest also.

"The Sky Blue Sapphire." Maria began, opening the door and leading the way outside. "Is famously known as Windbloom's GEM. Its creation also dates back before the Immigration Era."

Leaving the arena altogether, the darkening afternoon greeted them. As Natsuki had suspected, they headed towards the conference hall, bypassing the dorms.

"It is, however, one of the most powerful of GEMs. But strangely Rena Sayers manipulated it."

The moment these words leapt from the epitome's mouth, the two were silenced. Mai and Natsuki were unsure what to say. Nor did they think it would be appropriate. Uneasily, Natsuki looked between both women, hooking her knuckles to her chin in thought.

They continued this stride, Maria filling them in.

"Through Helene's research in Garderobe's old archives, we have discovered a recurring behaviour."

"Recurring?" Natsuki tilted her head, rapping her knuckles against her chin slowly. If Rena had manipulated her GEM, and was a HiME. She could in theory do the same. It would be dangerous… To herself, maybe even the system? But… She definitely would do it if it meant a greater power.

Then again, would she honestly seek yet more power? Otome were essentially nuclear weaponry, after all. She cringed at the thought.

"The rest I shall return to during the meeting." Maria concluded, the conference hall coming into view at last.

Snapped out of her thoughts, the elder cleared her throat. "Of course…" Perhaps she would discuss these thoughts with Shizuru after the meeting?

Following closely, Natsuki wondered if Maria would be offended if she held the door for them all? Deciding not to chance it, she lingered in the back purposely.

Maybe speaking her mind only when needed would be a good idea once more?

---

"Nina Wang, Juliet Nao Zhang, and Tomoe Marguerite are our nominees." Pacing slowly within the centre of the circular table, Maria looked between the women. Yukariko, Mai and Shizuru were huddled together at one end. The others, Mahya, Sarah, and Natsuki were on the opposite end.

The epitome figured this would be the best arrangement for this meeting. For all their sakes she would keep this as simple as she could.

"Understandably due to the current events, the Founder wishes us to pick up the pace."

Natsuki folded her hands together under the table, watching the others discuss and keeping quiet. It was mostly her fault that they had not been able to pick one just yet, after all…

She couldn't even speak to Shizuru!

The Archmeister, on the other hand, seemed within her own thoughts before raising her chin to speak. "Juliet has won her butou. Perhaps the outcome of Marguerite's and Wang's would help narrow it down further?"

Shizuru couldn't understand why the Founder had demanded this. They couldn't choose anyone for sure without the butou.

"All three have almost perfect stealth, and close-quarters combat though." Mai mused. The royal and Archmeister mutely agreed, then turned to Yukariko.

"All rival for the top spot in my classes." The teacher sighed. "Marguerite is the Amethyst representative. Wang has jumped from the lowest to highest ranking student in mere months. Juliet is a…"

"Troublemaker." Natsuki grumbled softly to herself.

"... Responsible student when in my classes." Yukariko muttered almost in disdain, shaking her head afterwards. What was the point of enrolling in Garderobe if you weren't going to take it seriously at all times? The concept baffled Yukariko completely.

"Seems it is split between the three no matter what." Shizuru spoke again, curling a finger along her jawline as she thought. "Perhaps the butou will need to be rushed, as we couldn't possibly choose one with the results we have now."

"Wouldn't this make it suspicious?" Yukariko piped in, the two silencing. "Students aren't supposed to know who's been nominated. Nevermind the students selected themselves."

As a stoic Maria waited, the same was highlighted on the opposite end of the table. Uncomfortably, Natsuki adjusted herself, crossing a leg atop the other. Hesitantly, she glanced towards the blonde Column.

Sarah was contently watching the redheaded royal. She had propped her elbow against the table, her other against her lap. Her hand supported her jaw, fingers covering her lips.

Continuing to study Sarah, Natsuki flickered her attention towards Mai.

Natsuki couldn't blame Sarah for her interest. Nor was she oblivious to the Aries-native's feelings towards her best friend. It was obvious. In fact, Natsuki found herself feeling a little jealous…

Sarah was Mai's junior. Of course, Natsuki was Shizuru's, but she had lost hers.

Maybe she should plan to go visit her grave in the catacombs again. At least, after all this fuss. She wouldn't have to see the Founder next time…

"They would be none the wiser, I don't think. With Princess Mashiro's fussing, the butou's rushing could easily be blamed on her." Shizuru caught Natsuki's eyes and smiled, the Gakuenchou grinning with amusement.

That's exactly what she would have suggested.

"We need to at least balance the other butou matches out." Natsuki murmured, gaining the room's attention. "It would be no good having Marguerite and Wang fight, then having lower ranking students afterwards."

Rapping her knuckles along her jawline again, Shizuru softly agreed. "Perhaps their butou today, as no doubt it may take some time. Then, others tomorrow?"

"It is getting rather late for that, Archmeister." Maria informed. She focused their attention upon her, then over to the clock. True enough it was getting late, it was almost seven.

"Then, what do you suppose we should do, Miss Maria?" Shizuru lifted a brow, no doubt getting a fair bit impatient. Natsuki noticed, gazing her way with a frown. What was wrong? It wasn't characteristic of Shizuru to show annoyance at such a feat.

Once this was over, she would have to speak with Shizuru about it.

"Alright." Maria exhaled. Leaning to Natsuki's end of the circular table, Maria grasped hold of a tablet lying there. Waking it up, it only took a few moments to input the information. This information would be sent over to Yohko, which would then be fed over to the Founder. Hopefully this would all go down to plan. "The announcement will come shortly. The butou will take place at 8:30."

"Then so it will." Natsuki murmured, hands worrying along the arms of her chair as she eyed the rest of them. Were they… excused, yet? She was eager to speak to Shizuru about Mai.

The woman across from her caught her gaze, and smiled softly. Natsuki smiled back, hoping that the elder wasn't upset with her. Though, at this point, everything seemed fine.

Though Natsuki had the suspicion the Archmeister had a mask risen.

"Onto Helene's report…" Maria trailed.

Natsuki inwardly groaned. Of course, there was more. She had forgotten all about the Sky Blue Sapphire case.

"Helene!" The epitome called.

Enpuzzlement enshrouded the hall. The Meisters and Columns looked around, and exchanged glances.

Where were they even looking? Maria watched, if not with minor amusement. Unfazed as the intercom blared into the room, she silently chuckled. The Otome surrounding her jumped, the hologram coming to life.

"Glad to see I can still scare even you all." Yohko spoke through the intercom, snickering as her hologram slowly focused. "There we are… Now then, let's begin, shall we?"

Natsuki fought against the urge to rest her head on the table, and subtly rested it upon her palm. This was going to take too long… Her stomach might grumble!

Mahya noticed her shifting, and after a glance shot her way, smirked softly.

"The Sky Blue Sapphire, the royal GEM of Windbloom; we know the story." The engineer-scientist muttered. She moved the holographic device on her side, showcasing the earring.

Natsuki instantly recognised it. It was a shimmering azure crystal with silver wrapped around it. Currently, from what she could make of it, the GEM was placed atop a red cushion. This contrasted the GEM nicely so it was more viewable, but also protected it.

"My research suggests a significant alteration took place the moment Rena Sayers first materialised."

"What sort of alteration?" Natsuki leaned forward, at least trying to fake interest in this. Honestly, she was more focused on her stomach… But she had to admit, there was something here that could affect her.

She should attempt to stop being dickish about the whole thing at least.

"Nanomachines." Yohko replied simply. Moving the device again, she fed it into her computer. The holographic image flickered momentarily, refocusing. What was presented now was a jumble of words, numbers, and menus. "These are memory leaks from the nanomachines."

The cursor hovered atop a line of code. What this meant was meaningless to Natsuki. Nor was it to the rest of the room, judging by everyone else. Except for Miss Maria, but that was a given.

"Memory leaks…? That can happen?" Natsuki tilted her head, not surely realizing the full extent to it all.

"In very powerful Otome, yes. The GEMs become overloaded, and essentially… leak power." Yohko spoke, seeming to adjust something. "These leaks can be very dangerous, to both the Otome, and everyone else."

So from what Yohko was implying, Rena Sayers was—or is a ticking time bomb? The mere concept was absolutely terrifying. With her attention dead-set upon the hologram, Natsuki frowned. She slid her fingertips against her temple, setting her hunger aside for the time being.

What about Fumi? The sheer power which the Founder had held was unmeasurable. Natsuki wondered how other Otome ranked beside her power. Or was that far too unrealistic?

"With the situation at hand, as it stands… Smith has three of Earl's most powerful weapons at his utter disposal." Yohko spoke once more, and Natsuki lowered her gaze.

That excavation… What had been presumed to be there, again? Natsuki nibbled at her thumb a little, stopping when she remembered. "The Harmonium…"

Too distracted with her unconscious stare, Sarah didn't take notice. Mahya, however, heard loud and clearly. The Mauryan-native tore her gaze towards the Gakuenchou, frowning. "Natsuki." She hissed over quietly.

Their exchange was unnoticed, the rest thinking amongst themselves. "The Harmonium would only cause another Weaver incident." They didn't need another Sifr. Especially not on the edge of war.

"Weaver incident?" Natsuki mouthed, unsure of what that was. The hologram distracted her for a moment; The light became so bright a painful spike flashed in her head.

Reeling subtly, the Gakuenchou raised a hand to her temple and rubbed. What was that…?

It wasn't a reaction to Mahya's words, per say. It had been a sharp pain—an odd sensation. Perhaps she was remembering something? But what precisely? She didn't know yet.

"Natsuki?" Mahya caught her attention again, the two staring for a moment. Blinking, the fellow Column shook it off, then continued. "Are you alright?"

"I just got a pain like a headache, but it's gone now." She whispered back over, finding the seam at the back of her skull. That did not feel pleasant. She hadn't felt pain like that since the scar had become less sensitive, so what had that been?

Unknowingly missing bits of information about the meeting, Natsuki mused. She stared down at the detail of the table, knuckles clasped to her lips. Trailing her eyes up to Mai from across the large table, Natsuki paused in mid-thought.

She regarded the redhead silently. The Princess touched her own temple, lightly rubbing a middle finger to the skin. Mai never froze while listening however, communicating with Shizuru and Yukariko naturally.

Odd… Natsuki looked at Mahya, nodded to the other woman. "I suppose I won't bring it up, then." She whispered, being given a nod in return. Would it really be that bad, though? If they used it on Rena and the others? Natsuki kept the idea in mind, starting to listen again.

But she had said so herself. She was no Una Shamrock.

"So everything is in order on my side." Yohko spoke. The hologram shifted back into her image, the scientist waving an assistant over. "Bring over the GEM."

"GEM?" Natsuki tilted her head, leaning further into the table. No one else seemed to realize she had lost concentration, for which she was grateful.

"This one, and a few others, were found in storage." Yohko grasped the box being handed over, and opened it for the rest to view. "It is currently in disrepair, but like that'll stop me."

The GEM was a stunning green almost alike to nature itself. The stone was smooth but heavily carved, forming a dome. Surrounding it was a silver frame. The framework was curved, but had a sharp angled attachment. It looked as if it belonged to the water class.

"The Neptune Emerald. It has been off the records since well before the Dragon King era."

Natsuki stared at it, seemingly enamored more by the physical aspects than what exactly it could do. It was pretty; More than that, rather. It was brilliantly cut, far more than ones she had seen on the other Otome.

"The Neptune Emerald… What does it do?" She asked, curious as she took her eyes off of the GEM.

"Right now…" Yohko murmured, glancing down at it. "Nothing." She arched her brow. Placing the small box with it inside down, Yohko set about reconnecting the hologram. Quickly the device was readjusted, the hall's attention shifting to yet more menus. "I can only guess, but by the design I'd assume it'd be a water type."

Such a name for a GEM would surely relate to the sea? "Neptune was an ancient god of the sea. They were worshipped long ago by Earthlings."

Now Natsuki was downright confused. The Gakuenchou blinked at Yohko through the hologram, wondering if any of that was something she should have understood. Maybe it was a trick? The doctor seemed to like making her the fool.

She decided to keep quiet, resigning herself to the option that it may be something she just had not remembered yet. Switching her gaze to Shizuru, it seemed the explanation had indeed been knowledgeable.

"Is this perhaps…" Shizuru trailed, catching everyone's focus. "A GEM from before the Immigration Era?"

Natsuki laid her hands onto the table, clearing her throat softly. "Why exactly did you want to show us these?"

"Well, someone is grumpy." Yohko teased, sobering again before the Gakuenchou could even correct herself. "There will be a new Column soon, yes? I was wondering if the higher students would deserve more powerful GEMs."

Zhang, Wang or Marguerite with a more powerful GEM? Inwardly, Natsuki cringed. Yohko appeared to register this, and merely laughed.

"A Column GEM is supposed to be powerful. They are the top tier of Meister, after all."

"What is the next GEM, Helene?" Miss Maria asked, redirecting the topic easily.

"The next is the Break String Spinel. I thought it might be a good fit for Juliet Nao Zhang." Yohko announced, grasping another box to show the next GEM off.

"Zhang?" Natsuki still seemed unsure of having the girl be anything but a student.

"Gakuenchou. You better quickly remove that immature grudge." The Lutecian warned. This petty behaviour was beginning to lash at Maria, irritating her. She pointedly stared at the younger Meister, forcing Natsuki to sink in her chair.

Shizuru did not seem to appreciate the sharp retort, and wryly spoke as she regarded Yohko. "Will this GEM give Juliet a sharper sense of responsibility as well?"

Natsuki sat straight once more, folding her hands over one another on the table. Maria has certainly gotten a little upset at that… Weird. But then again, seeing somebody so close to you suddenly alive was difficult to comprehend. Nevermind when that person was on the opposite side.

Speaking with Maria would probably be a bad idea too. The retired Otome never liked people knowing of her personal life, after all.

"Responsibility definitely." Yohko nodded. I've already studied the GEM. It is the same power level as a Column's. The last GEM however…" The mood shifted abruptly, Yohko appearing both unsure and concerned. She fixed her attention to her assistant again, wafting her back over. "Irina, the other GEM."

"I've got it right here." The student whispered, the box appearing on the hologram and being scooted along into sight.

"This GEM is for Marguerite… It's the Cursed Obsidian."

"The Cursed Obsidian." It was Miss Maria's turn to stare at the scientist. The wrinkles which skimmed along her thin skin deepened, adding to her age. She furrowed her brow, her gaze dead-set upon the holographic woman. "I've never heard of this G—"

"Because I made it."

By the scientist's interruption, the hall quietened.

"A GEM can only be created by the Founder. How can you make this work, let alone have it mat—"

"Allow me to explain at least." Yohko sighed. Opening the small box, the GEM was revealed.

Natsuki quirked her brows, looking at the reaction from the rest of the table. Mahya seemed amused and a bit curious, while Yukariko outright looked appalled. Snickering quietly at the look on her face, the Gakuenchou straightened up to review this made GEM.

"Isn't the name a little… strange?" Yukariko regarded it awkwardly. She eyed the earring oddly, narrowing her eyes as she frowned. Even the appearance of the GEM was alien. If anything, the scientist could've tried to make it characteristic to Otome.

"I think it's appropriate…" Yohko defended the GEM, cradling the box carefully. Irina was heard softly snickering before the doctor glared off-hologram.

"...Why did you make it?" Mahya questioned, utterly amused by the uncomfortability exuded by Yukariko. "Surely, there were more than just two GEMs in storage?"

"Of course there are. But they are so beaten up and in disrepair it'd be a poor presentation." Flicking the Neptune Emerald's box back open, Yohko pointed to it. "This damage is nothing." Unnoticed before, there was a fine crack skimmed across the GEM. It looked as if something had pierced the stone directly, forcing it to fault through the middle.

"That damage will not cause a memory leak?" Natsuki asked, jabbing a finger towards the hologram. She noticed Shizuru giving her a look of approval, and grinned.

"It would, and much more dangerous repercussions, but this is an easy fix. Unlike the utterly broken features of the others…" Yohko sighed, as if their loss physically hurt.

"...If you made the Cursed Obsidian, surely you can recreate the ones that have been destroyed?" Natsuki tilted her head, a blank expression crossing over Yohko's features.

The doctor paused, and opened her mouth. Expectantly, the whole hall awaited her answer. "There's one issue with that."

"What?"

"The Founder's acceptance of these manufactured GEMs are incredibly rare. Such a name might even push her to refuse this GEM altogether instantly." Picking the GEM up between her index and thumb, Yohko hummed.

Natsuki examined it for a moment before she spoke. "Can you not edit the programming so she acknowledges the recreated ones as the originals?"

"Garderobe has a huge anti-hacking system which I can't even breach." Yohko arched a brow at her.

"The defense mechanism activates the moment the Founder is under threat." Maria confirmed. She latched her attention upon each woman within the room carefully. Calmly and clearly she spoke. "To corrupt the system puts the whole world in a balance."

Natsuki shrugged, having at least one good idea. "Well, if Yohko can't breach it, whoever can is going to be a formidable foe."

"That much is c—" Maria interrupted Yohko. But this was with a mere hand. She remained in this pose, her palm lifted towards her temple. After a few moments, a low rumbling sounded at a distance.

"What… what was that?" Natsuki quietly asked, starting to become scared when another sounded. This one shook the room, and the Gakuenchou feared far worse.

Mahya listened closely, exchanging a gaze with the epitome before she stood. "Yohko, has someone entered the perimeter?" She asked, bearing down on the hologram.

Another sounded, the hologram breaking up with static before Yohko managed to speak. "It appears we are under attack… Shall I sound the alarm?"

How could the scientist be so calm through this?

Pushing up from her chair, Sarah quickly glanced between the others. "I'm going ahead."

Mahya stood as well, meeting eyes with Shizuru and giving a nod. "I'll accompany you, Sarah."

The others quickly straightened up out of their seats. Maria, who was still standing, quickly fled from the building. She out of all of them was the most eager, her duty never straining. Monica Julen was her target; Maria didn't need to know who was invading.

She knew it was the Schwartz Corporation already.

"Ah—" Natsuki watched Maria flee, confusion and fear settling in. "Kruger, you're with us." Mahya announced, taking her shoulder and turning her down where Sarah was already walking.

"Shizuru—?" "—Shizuru will be fine."

The Gakuenchou was already not in a fit state for combat. Mahya knew it very well. Teaming her with herself and Mai would suffice. Besides, having Natsuki with Shizuru would complicate things; it would put them all in danger.

For Mahya however, less people knew of her due to her work. Indeed she was a Column, but she was within policing ranks. "Oi, Tokiha!"

"But Mai can't materialise ei—" Natsuki hissed, but was deftly interrupted, Mahya nearing her.

"—Yohko got the master ring from the cat-girl." Mahya sounded carefully. Her voice was dampened by a hand, but lowered it upon Mai's arrival.

But that still makes no sense. Natsuki's brow furrowed, staring between the two women. Mai had no master, right? Or was the Founder…?

Suddenly, another rumbling rattled through the academy. It put the trio into a serious adrenaline rush, unconsciously pushing them towards the exit.

Were there explosives? Or just the attacks of… Natsuki didn't even want to think of it. She stuck closer to Mahya, wary of Mai and her ability to fight. There was no question she herself would be participating in this defense…

"Don't look so frightened, Natsuki." Mahya spoke over a shoulder, hurriedly glancing down another corridor just in case they had infiltrated the building.

Natsuki shot her gaze towards Shizuru. The elder woman was already hurriedly approaching them with Yukariko. With the teacher throwing the Archmeister a look, Yukariko convinced a hesitant Shizuru to follow.

"One moment." Shizuru spoke quietly and swiftly. She neared Natsuki, leaning down ever so slightly to level their height. "Hear me, Natsuki. I know what is going through your head. You want to come with me, but you ca—" With an exchanged glance between Shizuru and Yukariko, another rumble sounded. "Mai, and Mahya will keep you safe, Natsuki."

The Gakuenchou forced down a ragged swallow, and a jumbling of objections. What if Shizuru got hurt, or worse…? What if this was the last time either of them saw the other?

"Be safe, Shizuru." Natsuki managed to stammer out, fear sparking a little brighter in her eyes. The elder smiled, hands rubbing up her arms to clasp and squeeze her shoulders softly.

Not another word spared between them, Shizuru relented and paired with Yukariko. She hoped Natsuki would be alright… Steeling her nerves, the Archmeister leveled her gaze ahead.

The two ran ahead, the teacher and Column quickly summoning their robes. "Materialise!" Simultaneously, the Otome materialised, purple and cadet-blue illuminating through the hall.

Without a moment's hesitation, the two Meister were out of the building.

"It's Schwartz." Maria piped through into their GEMs abruptly. "Hazakura Ayane is by the Founder's Chamber. Currently she isn't moving. Rena Sayers is moving from her towards the forest. Monica J—"

Whether the silence was due to Maria's memories taking over, or the communications failing, Natsuki grasped onto Mahya's sleeve tight. Neither possibility boded well for them.

"It's fine." The Mauryan-native promised, though a glance with Mai told her she shouldn't believe.

Guided outside, emergency security lights blared out; they were blinding, and Natsuki shaded her eyes. "...Who are we going for?" The words flew from her mouth, Gakuenchou instinct taking over.

"Sayers is too dangerous. The Princess we have no records of." Mai spoke quickly. She stood via Natsuki's left, Mahya opposite the fellow Column.

"Garderobe Lockdown initiated." The Founder's voice boomed through the GEM network. Upon the abrupt interruption, Natsuki almost flew out of her skin, yelping. "Enemies detected within the perimeter. Two dark-valkyrjas, and one hybrid HiME. Extreme caution is advised."

"Hybrid…?" Natsuki kept close to the other two women, terrified beyond belief. What exactly did that mean? None of them were… normal. Was the hybrid Rena? Surely it was? Rena Sayers had personally manipulated the Sky Blue Sapphire, after all.

Overpowered, and resurrected. What would it take to kill these three again?

There was a static within the GEM network, multiple voices buzzing. For a moment, they interrupted one another, before quieting.

"They are testing us." It was Sarah. She uttered the words clearly and swiftly, her voice lowered. It was as if she was spying, keeping cover from their enemies. "Hazakura Ayane hasn't moved, and Miss Maria has direct contact with Monica Julen. Rena Sayers however—something strange is happening."

"...Is she dead?" Surely that couldn't have happened; Natsuki was hopeful either way. She felt Mahya stiffen a bit, realizing the other woman was stifling a chuckle at her expense.

"Well, what is it then?!" The Gakuenchou softly hissed, tightening her grip on the other Column's wrist. She was terrified; Why wouldn't she wish her enemy dead before they met?

"Shizuru, I am taking the rear." They heard Sarah speak. "Meisters, we need to make a perimeter around them. We already have Otome hidden close to Miss Maria in case Monica Julen behaves oddly."

Was Maria's old senior interacting with her? That couldn't possibly be it.

Mahya and Mai never answered Natsuki's rushed question. Instead, they turned a sharp corner and found themselves near the cliff edge. It was the steep path which led up towards the Gakuenchou's office.

It was a route Natsuki knew well. In the distance, they could see Hazakura Ayane hovering above the Founder's Chamber.

"She's there!" Mai hissed. Clutching the two women's shoulders, she shoved them downwards.

Natsuki fell to her stomach, bracing her hands onto the ground to not have her head strike upon it. Mahya dropped with her, quickly glancing up to Mai before watching the infamous Otome.

"What is she doing…?" What was Monica doing, she wondered as well. Was she not already behaving strangely? Ayane was hovering, just… waiting. Why attack and then just pause?

That robe—it was the Lofty Crimson Jade. It had been Rena's. Yet it was black in appearance, and shone, the colour reflecting from the spotlights beneath.

Natsuki wondered what the rumbling had been. Perhaps they had damaged the academy in some way? From their position she saw no damage to the stairs.

Or perhaps… Was it something worse than damage to the campus? A large vehicle, perhaps? Surely, they did not expect to take over Garderobe with just the three resurrected Otome? Though, that might even be overkill… No, she had to think positive. Natsuki grit her teeth, glancing up to Mai. "What should we do?"

"We don't know her attacks. We can't just rush at her."

Another rumbling sounded, this one much louder than before. It echoed throughout the grounds, and within it, an inhuman shriek pierced.

"What exactly is that?" Natsuki whispered, now sure it wasn't damage being done. She trembled, trying to suppress the fear rising sour in her gut.

"Something bad." Mahya whispered, eyes trained onto Ayane still. The Otome hovered from side to side, like a pendulum. Was she waiting for something? An order, or just for someone to pass?

The dark-valkyrja guided a hand to her ear, more than likely being contacted. Upon the notion, that roar grew louder, and the once-dead woman summoned her bow. In length it was almost larger than her, and as black as her robe.

"It's Rena Sayers!" Another Otome—Yukariko reported.

"Rena is making the noise?" Natsuki questioned, unsure if it was something more. Pain pulsed through her head again, and a wicked realization dawned on her.

"No… it's… How could we possibly fight against that?!" Natsuki hissed to her startled escorts, Mahya clasped a hand over her mouth to not gain Ayane's suspicion.

The Aswad of the Black Valley could summon SLAVES. HiME could do the same, but with CHILDREN. What if… that was a CHILD? Suddenly, Natsuki's mouth went dry, and she glared at Mahya.

A CHILD…? Why had she never thought about it? Did she have one? Could she s—

"A dragon! She is summoning a dragon!" Yukariko screeched.

Natsuki was trembling again, a fear rising far past her gut to infiltrate the very chambers of her heart. A dragon… She knew of a dragon, once, that sounded very much like what she was hearing…

Mahya secured her free arm around the Gakuenchou to latch her to the ground; Her trembling had started to make noise. "Natsuki, please be quiet!"

They were more than fifty feet away from her! But even so…

She wasn't helpless! But in reality, she was. After all, Natsuki couldn't materialise yet. These dark-valkyrja appeared to do so however, and who knew how powerful they were?

Where was everyone? Natsuki's GEM confirmed her fellow Meisters presence, but not their position. There was chattering within the network, and whenever a rumble sounded, this vocal exchangement paused.

There was so much going on at once, it started to trigger another anxiety attack. Natsuki held herself, bearing down with Mahya as she tried to fight it off. This was not the time…

The Mauryan-native braced her arm tighter around the Gakuenchou, keeping her still and hopefully grounded. "Mai… We've got to get past her." Mahya murmured, looking at the vermillion-haired woman.

The underground, that's where they needed to get to. Under the academy was the most secure location within the grounds. If they got there, Mahya doubted even the dark-valkyrja would reach them.

"Taking the slope to the classrooms is too dangerous." Mai uttered. She never removed her gaze from the Taiyuan Princess. This valkyrja; she had been the Meister of the Wind family. But so had Rena Sayers. What was Schwartz planning by doing this?

"The Princess." Mai suddenly realised.

"What?" Looking over Mahya, the elder furrowed her brows. Wait, that was right… "They want her? What for, just for… political leverage?" Or just to kill to secure another place for the throne…?

"Schwartz? Political leverage?" Signalling Mahya to guide Natsuki backwards, Mai slowly backtracked them.

The Wind family were Weavers. They were biological weapons of mass destruction.

"We need to get to the lab." Mai confirmed quickly.

Ayane had been looking to the side, though her gaze whipped to them. Perhaps not their exact location, but close enough to make the trio freeze. Tilting her head as if she had heard something, the dark-valkyrja slowly began to move from her position.

"Where is she going?!" Mahya hissed. The dark-valkyrja halted for a few moments. With another odd survey, the woman moved into action again. She bolted towards ahead a few yards, but was greeted by another—Rena.

"Oh… shit." Natsuki whispered, gripping onto the ground tight with her nails. Ayane and Rena, now? Just one against them wasn't good odds, now Rena?

Mahya wet her lips, no doubt trying to think of a plan. "Mai, any ideas?" She murmured, gaze not leaving the two. Her eyes narrowed upon the two, watching them like a hawk.

Rena was drifting just slightly higher than the Princess. Their gazes never strayed from one another either. If their luck was on their side, perhaps they could avoid the valkyrja?

"I wonder if they're talking to each other." Natsuki murmured softly, watching the two hover. Their lips didn't move, but their gaze was so intense,

"We should move, now." Mahya spoke even softer, slowly lifting from the ground. If they were fast enough, they might be able to slip past undetected. What they needed to do right now was get Natsuki to safety.

"Sarah." Mai uttered into her GEM's intercom. Pressing her fingertips to her earring, she never removed her gaze from the two enemies. This caught the blonde's attention, and a static-enhanced reply was given.

"Mai? What, where are you?" It was a rushed tone, and Mai could hear other Otome in the background. "Pipe down, I have Mai."

"Sarah? Where are you?"

Mahya had led Natsuki to stand with her, the two freezing upon Mai contacting another. "What if they hear us? They could have tapped into the line." Natsuki whispered over, the two now crouching down.

"Only GEMs have this networ—"

"Mai?" Sarah's voice poured into her ear. She was distracted, staring up into the sky. Two trails of light followed after each other, clashing and swerving around one another.

Otome? But who? Was somebody fighting Monica?

Eyes on the fight above, Natsuki switched her gaze back to Rena and Ayane. They needed to get away before they were noticed.

Mahya placed her hands atop the Gakuenchou's shoulders, pushing her down as they kept their position.

"Mai, we need to move."

Fighting the urge to hesitate, Mai nodded broadly. She lowered herself nearer to them, and quickly uttered to Mahya. "Go on ahead, if they notice I'll distract them."

"Ma—"

"You can't." Mahya ordered softly, brows furrowing. "That's… death. There must be some other way?"

"I'm afraid there isn't. Please, try and get Natsuki to safety." Mai smiled softly, eyes on Ayane and Rena again.

"...Why? Why do I need to be safe, in this situation? I am utterly useless to any of them; I can't even remember how to defend myself, nor any information I sustained as Gakuenchou… Why am I so important?" Natsuki softly hissed, staring hard at Mai.

She wasn't about to let her friend die just for her.

"The Gakuenchou are one of the most powerful people on Earl, Natsuki." Mai bit. "Getting a hold of a Gakuenchou would be Schwartz's dream." She said nothing more, crouching low and slinking away.

"Mai!" Natsuki desperately called for the younger Meister.

Ayane's gaze tore from Rena's, the dark-valkyrja setting it upon Mai instead. She was a very large target; It would be wise to take her out first.

Mahya covered Natsuki's mouth and pulled her down again, hoping they weren't noticed. "This is what happens in war-time, Kruger." She hissed, holding the younger woman still against her. "You need to be protected, above all else."

"I know fully well! But I can't just watch her die!" Natsuki barked. She was dragged away, her eyes never leaving the fleeing Mai.

The chaos of Monica fighting overhead with the mystery Otome intensified. Mai took no notice, throwing herself into the overgrowth of the forest. She was by the wall of the Founder's Chamber, never looking back.

First, she needed to get a good distance from Mahya, and Natsuki. Once she managed this, she would force her materialisation.

'I just need to remember what Mikoto taught me...'' The way of being a HiME. How to materialise without a GEM; to fight, to survive.

Mahya held Natsuki tight against her when the Gakuenchou began to struggle again. Ayane had followed Mai with her gaze, hovering towards where she had disappeared. She seemed… hesitant; As if frightened?

Rena met by her side, and the fear vanished. Disappearing into the trees, the two of them left Mahya and Natsuki unharmed.

"Garderobe, this is the fifth Column." Mahya reported in, holding Natsuki securely. "Guard the Founder and students at all costs. This is a Code Crystal epidemic, I repeat, this is Code Crystal. Sayers and Hazakura are heading into the forest. All royal Meister are to lead the chase immediately."

Code Crystal…

Mahya had thought and prayed she would've never had to take part in such an event.

No matter how hard Natsuki tried to get away, the older Column secured her. The underground lab would be best to keep her safe.

"Mai… Shizuru… What if they die? What if something bad happens?!" Natsuki was hushed strongly by Mahya, the Mauryan native glaring down at her.

"Natsuki, I will say this once and not again. This is the life they chose, and we would do anything to keep you safe. Once this is all calmed down, if our side survives, I suggest you either step down, or work harder to remember what you are."

The Gakuenchou instantly quietened, and Mahya sighed. "Activating Crystal Initiative."

---

"Materialise!" Without the presence of her GEM, Mai materialised mid-jump over a log. Fire swarmed her instantaneously; unknowing how close the two dark-valkyrja were, she took no mind. She didn't have the time to hesitate, only to keep going. The static of her GEM was beeping haphazardly. It was confused—didn't know what to make of the new nanomachines. Nor was the sensation of numbness too kind on Mai's body. But again, she took no notice; she simply ran.

The Fire Stirring Ruby was being manipulated by her nanomachines.

"Stop." Rena commanded clearly and precisely.

Ayane kept up with Rena, not seeming too keen to try to barrel ahead. Having to face Mai on her own for longer than a few seconds was not desirable. Drawing her bow, the dark-valkyrja's lips curled into a sneer.

She couldn't get a shot like this… Releasing tension, she kept close to Rena instead. "Move to her other side. Let's flank her." The order was followed mutely, Rena swerving to the left. Upon the reaction, Ayane pulled the string of her bow back, aiming directly between Mai's eyes. "We have you cornered, surrender!"

The look Taiyun-native's eyes was one that forced another level of hesitation. However it did not last. The arrow was sent free and flew towards Mai, Ayane pulling another to prepare it.

Whether she had missed, or Mai was too quick, the arrow flew past. Eyes widening, Ayane watched Rena dodge it and the two quickly speculated how best to fight this Otome.

Withdrawing a distance, the Taiyuan valkyrja scanned their surroundings and their enemy. "Gakuenchou is no longer priority." This Meister was their new target, and by the looks of it…—Ayane paused, scanning Mai's elements. Magatama rings? Those belonged to Zipa—"She is a royal Otome!" Ayane hissed to Rena.

"So were we." Rena murmured. The space between themselves and Mai decreased. For who moved first, the trio didn't know. It wasn't until Ayane was backing away and firing more arrows that the scene turned to carnage.

"Ayane. Guard the area. I'll deal with her."

"At once." Withdrawing completely after one last look, Ayane followed her new order.

Without having to worry about dodging those arrows, Rena stared towards Mai. "It begins." She spoke, charging the Princess fast.

Mai danced back, something catching the corner of her eye. Dodging it, she whipped her gaze back to Rena, another version of the woman hovering close. Another joined, and the three charged her again.

Gritting her teeth sharply, Mai barely managed to dodge the woman. Steering left to right haphazardly, she ragged a breath. Each moment she veered away from a clone, another simply went for her.

This was the power the Monster of Garderobe held. It was absolutely terrifying.

"Please. For both our sakes, surrender." Rena called calmly. Her darkened robe glimmered, energy charging up within it. "The grounds will become debris in seconds." Swerving backwards, she outstretched her arms, clenching her hands into fists. "Mai-HiME."

The play on the words of both statuses. It made Mai sick.

"I will not tell you again." Rena warned, rushing forth. Striking out, she aimed a punch directly for the younger Meister.

Just in time, this notion was blocked, Mai crossing her forearms protectively. A fiery barrier materialised around the royal, Mai's hair billowing within the pressure. These impacts came again and again, but she never faulted.

"Give. In."

"No." Mai hissed, she stared at her. The Monster of Garderobe had feared her own powers. Perhaps Mai had an advantage? Maybe she could set this fear against Rena?

"Stop!" Somehow managing to pull herself through the barrier, an Amethyst student emerged. The pigtailed girl—Arika—stared up to them, hands tensed. "Just stop fighting! Please!"

How had she got through the barrier? Twisting her head to regard the girl, Mai's eyes widened. Only HiME blood allowed thi—"Yumemi—" She would've protested, but she was cut off. The dark-valkyrja charged her, and smashed through her own protective shield.

Falling downwards, her boots skidded against the mossy dirt. She couldn't pay attention to Arika, Rena striking out at her, stalking. It was absolute carnage. Mai veered out the way, but the dark-valkyrja cast a clone out. The mirror-image proceeded to scale behind her, forcing her to lift upwards.

That clone and Rena's fists slammed together, forming a shockwave. It pulsed atop the forest, dragging the branches of trees around. Upon the impact, Mai realised just how damaging that move would be. For both herself and the grounds.

But how was she going to stop this woman? Dragging herself upwards, she outstretched her arms forward. Doing this, she guided her magatama elements away from her wrists, the bands increasing in diameter.

Through documentation and film, Mai knew of Rena's abilities. But how well would this work for her in the long run? Spinning an index finger, this lured the double-magatama to do the same. Flames sparked inconsistently, whipping and lashing the sky angrily. This was Rena Sayers she was battling. Mai would have to think in the same mindset as her.

These few moments were gratefully used by the royal, adding to charging energy within the magatama. Surprisingly the dark-valkyrja simply watched her from afar. Was she studying her, calculating her? Perhaps this once dead Otome already knew exactly what she was about to do? Mai took no mind to it.

With scorching blades of fire flying, Mai plunged through them. Right at that moment, Rena did the same, materialising multiple clones. These mirror-images swarmed in different directions, weaving in and out.

Many were burned, and faded from existence, their leaking tracks of energy abruptly halting. The fire which clung onto Mai spiralled, and pulled out away from her. It wasn't until she collided with Rena, until this fire exploded.

"Give. In." Rena repeated, her double-speared element heading straight for the younger woman. Swiping it upwards, Rena lashed the azure weapon towards the royal's chin. This was just barely dodged, and under her breath, she cursed.

"I already told you. No." Mai's heart beated quickly, almost sickeningly. Her chin stung, knowing fully well Rena had nicked it. But she thought nothing of it for the time being. Doing so would get her killed.

Summoning her magatama elements back over, the notion forced the valkyrja to retreat. Instantly, Mai took this to her advantage. The rings swerved and reshaped themselves, slotting themselves back around her forearms.

To any passerby, they would only be lights zooming within the sky. For anyone not materialised nor an Otome, their speeds would be too quick to comprehend. Their bands of armour illuminated within the darkness, Mai grunting. The dark-valkyrja had slammed her element against her magatama. Nano-metal pierced against her own elements, the two shrieking in protest.

Her mind was whirling.

"Surely." Mai paused, pushing her weight against her magatama. "The Monster of Garderobe knows what surrendering means." The threat Rena Sayers had brushed past during the whole Weaver incident would surely boost memories? To surrender before the past Columns… to have Sifr Fran executed. Mai grit her teeth, the spear was beginning to slip.

Her forearms were crossed, the stance was already a seriously dangerous position to be in. Let alone having Rena trying to slice her in half. She had to somehow get out of Rena's reach before she overpowered her.

"I will never surrender." Rena frowned, her expression hardening. Her form shook, firmly adding weight against her attack. Sharply the nano-metal grinded, the tremor running up her spine.

"Neither will I."

Mai could only pray that everyone was out of the danger zone by now. Preferably luring Rena further up into the sky would be better. One slip up would cost them the whole of the forest.

Off the top of her head, she hoped Natsuki was doing alright.

Amid watching the battle, Arika tried her very hardest to interfere once more. Sarah took a step forward, aghast at the scene. She was ripped from a senseless shock, no doubt from seeing the infamous Otome."Arika, don't!"

"B-but…" The girl seemed strained, as if physically unable to stop herself. Worried over her safety, the blonde Column bit into the skin of her lower lip. Afraid to bleed, as if the others could sniff it out, she grasped onto the girl.

"A-ah, let me go!" The younger woman fussed, trying to break free from the grip. Gritting her teeth, Sarah activated her Galactic Aquamarine and latched onto the girl tighter.

As her robe materialised, the other 'clones' locked onto her position. Monica, who was close by now, took a stance to charge her; Rena's position forcing a faint tremor as she noticed the act as well.

Within a moment of the robe materialising, Sarah held Arika and activated her invisibility. Cloaked in it and blending into their surroundings, Sarah launched them into the sky and away from the situation.

"Just keep quiet and I'll keep you safe." The Column hissed into Arika's ear, the two unable to be seen.

Monica, meanwhile, stared dead-set at the position where Sarah and Arika had been. She was ever silent, but regarded Rena from above. Acting as a sentinel to the area, she'd forbid anyone from interrupting Rena's next move. What was Rena's intention? Not even she was too sure.

Having also seen the clash, Mai quickly glanced towards Monica. Weary of the dragon era Otome, Mai quickly calculated.

Getting Rena up further into the sky was her best bet. But she doubted the dark-valkyrja would mindlessly chase after her. Mai required a… lure of some form. However, where would she find this lure?

Violet eyes sparked with a realization; An idea spreading throughout her mind. This would be very dangerous… but hopefully it paid off.

A bolt of her power ignited from her body, the Princess shoving Rena away in the sky. The reaction was of muted surprise; the expression disappearing from the clone's face just as quickly as it had come.

Mai boosted her body, nanomachines sacrificing themselves in order to maximize her power. This would overload her GEM; bits of it already starting to flake off but it held strong for now.

This desperate move seemed to draw Rena's interest, and attention, wholly. The 'clone' shifted to utterly face her, and the two locked horns once more.

They were both hybrids. An Otome who was also a HiME. Monsters.

Breaking off and away from the brunette, Mai threw herself upwards. Swiftly looking down to the other, she found herself chased persistently. The dark-valkyrja cast multiple mirror-images along the way, the beings stalking after them.

Below them the grounds of the academy become smaller and smaller. The higher they rose, the more the desert swallowed Garderobe up. It looked as if all life was fading.

She had to remember to breathe, and not to go up too high. Darting down and away just as quickly, Mai made sure to play with this 'clone'. She couldn't meander in one place too long.

How long would she be able to distract Rena with this method? Surely the dark-valkyrja would tire of this and try to get her another way? Mai mulled over her options; To continue being live bait for Rena or to lock horns with her to the next degree?

Either way she didn't believe she'd be getting out of this alive. So her best bet would probably be to distract her. But afterwards? Going all out was the only answer Mai could conjure within her mind.

"Going up higher won't stop me." Rena called up to her. Audibly it was difficult to hear her. The wind was picking up and Mai was sure the decreased oxygen wasn't helping. "Give in."

The air was thin the higher they got. Mai made sure not to edge in where there would be no air at all. She had to make a decision, and fast.

An unsatisfactory option won over; Her once again facing Rena to fight her. That would perhaps , and options. Going into space wouldn't very well be her best option… Whose to say Rena would even stop there?

An Otome or a HiME was invincible to space. They couldn't breathe oxygen which didn't exist. Nor was she even going to attempt to hit space. Doing so would merely kill Mai faster.

"Let's stop this silly game. For both our sake."

"Let us then."

Stopping her ascent, Mai faced Rena and signalled with her stance that now was the time to fight. The 'clone' seemed to register that formally, as her distance did not decrease. Perhaps there was still something of Rena in her, after all…

Mai bit on on her bottom lip; Nerves running high and the pain of her GEM deteriorating. Now, or never.

"Kagutsuchi." Rena's lips formed the name, but Mai couldn't hear it. Had she just outright refused to listen to that voice speak that name? Flame engulfed the 'clone' and Mai remained stunned as she watched. If Rena could summon him… How could she possibly fight against them both?

An angry foreboding presence materialised between them within seconds. Silver metal shone, just to be painted onyx black. Mai barely pushed back in time, a flame licking at her skin.

It was a dragon.

Elegant but ancient, this being took up the whole sky. Six emerald eyes stared through her, keeping Mai in place.

If she had a chance before, it seemed extinguished once those flames appeared. But, that did not mean she would give up so easily. It only meant she had to fight that much harder; Even if to her death.

No one else could be subjected to this. Mai took a deep breath and readied herself for whatever they could throw at her. She had to at least keep Rena busy.

But that dragon was another thing entirely… Was it a SLAVE? It has been summoned the same as one.

"Kagutsuchi!"

This time the name shuddered down Mai's spine. Hearing it loud and clearly. The being appeared to do so also, flapping his wings. With a powerful roar, Mai's senses shook; the dragon beating his wings haphazardly.

Without a moment to spare, Kagutsuchi threw himself directly at Mai.

Crossing her wrists together, Mai closed her eyes once they made contact. The shield generated was enough to keep her from being completely obliterated; Instead the Princess was pushed back and shot down from her place high in the sky.

All around her hailed fire; Some the size of comets as she fell. What would this place look like, if she lived to see it? If they all lived through this?

The world spun around herself. It felt as if the world itself was attempting to crush her. With as much force as possible, Mai tilted herself back upright. Wildly her magatama elements whirled, sparking jets of angry fire.

It was chaotic. Everything was a smouldering carnage on all sides. Yet even so as she held her head between her hands, she saw the dark-valkyrja, Rena. The notion never registered within her mind as golden light flooded her.

All that flashed before her mind was this aura, and a darkening sky. Ahead of her was a glowing, crimson light which was then consumed. An explosion, viridian flakes of death—and her free-fall within the atmosphere of space. Earth. The HiME Star. Her ceasing to exist.

Dark-Kagutsuchi was abruptly before her. His fiery wings cut closely to her. Even as she hoisted herself backwards, pushing herself from the illusion, he roared. The ancient CHILD turned SLAVE vaulted over to her, tearing and ripping.

"Your name is Tokiha Mai." A piercing voice boomed within Mai's ears, yet no one ever spoke. Mai knew who this was—the SLAVE, Kagutsuchi. Those six emerald eyes were focused upon her. It was almost hypnotising, yet Mai felt a twisting tension; a deadly fear.

"Kagutsuchi!" Rena called out. "Attack!" The dark-valkyrja's tone was weakened around the edges. The once dead woman pulled her gaze from her daughter. "Kill her!"

Mai's vision blurred upon the impact. The dragon tore forward before she could manoeuvre. Large, sharp teeth dug into her form, cutting into flesh. She screamed out, but she heard nothing, only her heart.

Everything was far too quick for her mind to keep up. Her sight only worsened, Kagutsuchi bolting his head to the side, just to spit her out. Mai's back slammed against the cliff wall of Gakuenchou stairs, her world shaking. Fragments of the wall scattered upon the impact, sound still unheard.

She felt bones snap, Mai cried out—Kagutsuchi appeared back before her. The Fire Stirring Ruby couldn't hold together—chunks broke from the robe. The SLAVE paused, wings powerfully beat, jolting her hair.

Mai was stuck.

"I'm sorry." The dragon spoke.

Blood trickled, escaping the corner of her lips. Violet irises stared without focus, Kagutsuchi opening his mouth. All she saw through tunnel-vision were those teeth, and a forked tongue.

"A-ah…" Mai rasped, red liquid scaling down her forehead. Suddenly, she could hear her blood, it pulsed through her ears, the bleeding dripping. Those droplets which splashed to the floor below her rang out. It was deafening.

"Ka-Kagutsu-chi…" She murmured raggedly. Her arm battered and bruised, fell from the wall's grasp. Stretching it outwards, it shook. A broken index, a torn palm; fingertips barely brushed the dragon's mouth.

"I remember…" Mai smiled slightly. The pain which pierced faded, blood mixed with tears, Kagutsuchi neared.

"What are you doing?!" Ayane intruded the SLAVE. She floated above them, bow in hand. Staring between the dragon and Otome, she frowned harshly. Tugging at her cursed obsidian stone, she slashed it into the skin of her palm. "Stop hesitating!"

The SLAVE roared, and shook, the forked tongue subtracted further into his mouth.

Mai couldn't hear the words of frustration. Nor as her hand slipped from Kagutsuchi's lower mouth, skin shrieking against metallic flesh. There was a throbbing pain as her broken finger rubbed between gums and teeth. But she didn't care.

Fire poured from the SLAVE's gullet, it swarmed her, melting her fragmented robe further.

Orange, black and white shimmered, and blackened. The blanket of smouldering heat condensed around her, and slammed the wall. Even the stone was roasted, but beneath the rumbling jet of flame, the Meister failed. Air was lost from Mai's lungs, embers burned into skin; her ears pounding. Like a bullet train, noise, and pain rocketed.

As the fire lifted, scorched and tarnished armour disjointed. It crumbled from around Mai's burned body, and just like that… she fell.

The dragon dragged itself upwards, leaving hurriedly. Never once did he look back, not even as the Meister slammed against the stairs.

Crumpled against the white stairs, they were quickly stained red. The vermilion uniform was just as badly damaged under the robe. It was crinkled and fried, bits of material hanging loose.

Mai wasn't conscious of the pain, it was pushed back. But she huffed loudly.

She couldn't breathe.

Simply she just wasn't aware, nor when someone haphazardly rushed to her, screaming. "Mai!" The feminine voice sapped. It was desperate, more so as hands pulled Mai around.

Ribs yelled in protest, a groan of agony filtered from Mai's mouth. But the blurred sight was greeted by golden fire.

"Mai…" Sarah was before her, fully materialised. "...Mai." Spiky locks tickled the redhead's burned cheeks, hands delicately cupping them. "Please… don't." Sarah whispered.

The royal's eyes half-lidded, pupils contorting to Sarah's appearance. Mai felt a guilt, and loss as she absorbed the blonde's fuzzy form. Even as her head rested uncomfortably against the stairs, and her body screamed, she smiled. Iron greeted the tip of her tongue, blood staining her lips. "Ah… Sarah. I'm so… —"

"No… please don't…" Tears formed within the Column's eyes, and they dripped against Mai. "Don't leave… me."

Smiling sadly, Mai chuckled weakly. Her last spoken words were jumbled, strained, and soft. Yet they were heard so painfully clear. "Go-gomen na—... watashi wa, shi...paishi...ta."

"No, Mai! No…! I… I—"

---

「ご、ごめんな-...私は、失...敗し...た。」

"I'm sorry. I failed."