Chapter One: Erica
Paris, 15th year of Taisho
early October
Lieutenant Ogami Ichiro stood at attention and dutifully listened to Grand Mere's instructions regarding his return to Japan. His formal bearing masked the intense excitement he felt inside.
He was going home to Teito.
He thanked Grand Mere, executed a smart salute, and then left the room.
New trouble brewing? What could it be?
He tried not to think about the new enemy threat that he would have to deal with when he returned to his former post.
What was foremost on his mind now was the fact that he was returning to Teito, to the Teigeki and to the Hanagumi.
He passed by the desks of Mer and Ci. It was difficult for him to ignore their downcast expressions.
"We shall miss you." Mer forced a smile.
"It isn't goodbye yet. I still have a few weeks to prepare for my trip." Ogami tried to sound cheerful. Truth was he, too, felt sad to be leaving.
In the short time that he stayed in Paris, he had gotten close to the two office ladies.
Ci turned her face away from Ogami and sobbed quietly. "You still haven't seen me perform my solo revue on stage." Her shoulders shook with every hiccup.
"I can always come back to visit someday."
Mer nodded. "You will always be welcome here."
Ogami left Les Chattes Noires minutes later and made his way to the Japanese embassy. He wanted to inform Ambassador Sakomizu of his transfer.
I'll be back in Teito in time for Christmas.
As he went down the stone steps two at a time, he remembered the letters from Sakura and Reni that had arrived earlier that morning and he checked to see if they were still in his jacket pocket. He paused, pulled out Reni's letter and started to read it.
* * *
Greetings, Taicho,
Enclosed is a sketch of the Eiffel Tower, which I copied from the postcard you sent the last time. I went to the Imperial Library to check if my dimensions were accurate.
I hope you like it.
Iris' birthday party was a lot of fun. Sumire and Kanna organized the games. Near the end of the party, we had a contest which involved screaming, spiders and chasing after Kanna with a mop. I wasn't quite clear about the rules so I didn't win... Sumire did.
The Japanese have very interesting forms of amusement. I must return to the Library one of these days to research on this.
15th year of Taisho, September 5
Reni
* * *
Ogami smiled in admiration at Reni's precisely rendered sketch of the Eiffel Tower and laughed at the little bear drawing at the bottom of the page.
* * *
Iris was with me when I drew this and she was so impressed with my skills that she asked me if I could draw Jean-Paul for her.
Bonjour, Oniichan!
Isn't Iris' Jean-Paul cute? Reni can't seem to capture the essence of Jean-Paul's perfection, but this drawing is good enough, isn't it?
I shall write to you soon!
* * *
Ogami reread the letter, as was his habit, committing it to memory. He carefully folded the letter and slipped it into his pocket and continued to walk.
I should buy presents for everyone before I leave.
He nearly stumbled on the last step when something heavy landed on his back. He tried to turn around to see who or what it was but small, delicate hands swiftly reached out from behind to cover his eyes.
"Guess who!"
He heard the person giggle and knew instantly who it was.
"Erica-kun!"
The hands fell away. "How did you know it was me?" There was mild disappointment in her voice.
"You giggled. Except for Coquelicot, no one else in the Paris Hanagumi giggles."
"Why do you have to be so smart and analytical all the time?" Erica pouted. "You're no fun."
"What brings you here, Erica-kun?"
Reminded of her purpose, she straightened up and smiled up at him. "I thought we might have lunch together today. I saw you leaving Les Chattes Noires and decided to follow you. I hope you don't mind."
Ogami shook his head. "Not at all. I'd love to have lunch with you but I need to stop by the embassy first."
"Okay. I'll go with you."
She started to talk about the little children she met and played with at the park that morning. He smiled as he watched her face glow with obvious delight.
When they arrived at the Japanese Embassy, Erica immediately noticed the art exhibit in the lobby. She headed straight for the Japanese dolls. "These are so beautiful!" She exclaimed, her voice breathless with admiration.
"Wait for me here. I won't be long."
But Erica was no longer paying attention to Ogami. She was captivated with the delicate porcelain dolls on display.
Minutes later, Ogami found Erica still looking at the art exhibits.
"Shall we have lunch?"
Erica nodded. "Your culture is so interesting, Ogami-san. I'd love to go to Japan and see all this and more."
They exited the embassy, shielding their eyes from the bright glare of the afternoon sun.
"Maybe you can stop by the Teigeki to visit me sometime, and perhaps, watch a performance."
Erica stopped suddenly. "'Visit' you? What do you mean?" She started to tug at his sleeve.
"I'm being transferred back. I'm leaving in a few weeks."
"Oh." Erica let go of Ogami's sleeve and started to fiddle with the folds of her habit. "I see."
Ogami sensed the abrupt change in Erica's disposition. "Are you okay, Erica-kun?"
Erica smiled faintly. "This must be God's plan for you." She hooked her arm around Ogami's left arm. "Let us talk more about this over lunch. I'm excited to hear about your trip."
They decided to eat at the cafe near Ogami's apartment. Between bites of crusty bread and sips of coffee, Ogami explained why he was returning to Teito.
"You sound like you are looking forward to going home."
Ogami nodded. "My assignment here has been completed. I have a new responsibility to attend to."
"But you are also looking forward to seeing the Tokyo Hanagumi again, aren't you?"
Ogami had long avoided any comparisons between the two groups. They were different -- he knew that: each girl had her own unique personality and charm; each one he cared for in a different way.
"You don't have to answer that. I know you do. I can sense it."
"Erica-kun, I--"
"Oh yes, that reminds me. I was also going to ask a favor of you. Since you are leaving, I guess I should ask you now."
"What is it?"
"I have accepted the fact that I am no longer a novice. I think it is inappropriate for me to continue wearing this." Erica gestured at her red habit. "Can you help me choose a dress?"
Ogami blushed. "Me? But I'm a man!"
Erica's face was equally flushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Ogami-san. I was afraid to ask the others."
Ogami thought for a moment. "I'll do it. But you have to do me a favor in return. Could you help me choose presents for everyone in Teito?"
"Did you get letters from them again today?"
Ogami smiled broadly. "Yes, I got one from Reni and I got my usual letter from Sakura-kun." Ogami showed Erica Reni's sketch of the Eiffel Tower.
"Reni's very talented. This is amazing!"
"They all are. So are you."
Erica blushed. "You don't have to say that, Ogami-san. Hmmm... what is this game that Reni is talking about? It sounds interesting."
Ogami scratched his head. "It isn't a game. It seems that Kanna-san has played another prank on Sumire-kun during Iris' party. Sumire-kun hates spiders with a passion."
"I see." Erica handed the letter back to Ogami. "What did Sakura-san say in her letter?"
"I haven't read it yet. I was saving it for later." Ogami grinned sheepishly.
Erica tilted her head to one side and regarded him thoughtfully. "Sakura-san writes to you every day, doesn't she? She must miss you a lot."
Ogami's expression turned wistful. "We joined the Hanagumi almost at the same time. We used to spend a lot of time together, especially during night patrol. She's a very special person."
Erica nodded. "Sakura-san was very nice. I knew you were very happy to see her when they visited."
"I was very happy to see them when they visited. I do miss everyone and I can't wait to see them again."
"That's why you want to buy them presents. We can do the two things together!"
Ogami reached into his pocket and pulled out a few coins and bills and laid them on the table. He stood up and offered a hand to Erica. "Shall we go?"
~ Next Chapter: Glycine and Hanabi
* * *
Author's Notes:
- Yes, this is a sequel to "To Paris, With Love" and I will be making references to that story from time to time.
- Iris' birthday is in July, so why does Reni's letter arrive in November? Sakura is the only one who writes to Ogami regularly (in fact, she writes to him every day).
- Ogami does have a habit of buying presents for people. In the 2nd OAV series, upon his return from a reunion with his old classmates, he had a bag full of gifts for the girls.
- It is revealed in the Sakura Taisen 3 game that Erica is no longer a novice. For some time she has refused to accept it and continued to wear her nun's habit.