AN: A different take on the liberation of Garderobe based loosely on Mai Otome Butuo Shi dialouge between Natsuki and Tomoe.
Shots echoed around the battlefield. Natsuki gripped the wrist of the soldier, twisting it harshly, causing the rifle to drop then swiftly elbowed him in the face. Long ebony hair flowed in the wind with each movement.
The path to the predecessor was now clear, allowing the scientists to reach through. All that was left was to hold off the oncoming reinforcements. Natsuki hoped that they had enough time before Nagi's Valkyries decided to join the fight.
"Good afternoon, Gakoenchou." Came the sickeningly sweet voice. A stark contrast to the deafening sound of gunfire mixed with cries of war. Only a month ago, the sound of laughter and learning rang through the halls, now Garderobe transformed into a battlefield.
"How are you?" The dark gem adorning her ear glittered brightly, already materialized in her dark robe. Her calm footsteps moved with purpose, to corner her prey. Grey eyes locked on to Natsuki, arrogance shining.
Natsuki's stomach coiled in discomfort. The acidic undertone left a bad taste in her mouth. This coral acted like they were in the middle of a pleasant gathering, not the war zone they were currently in. However, it was clear that Tomoe was in charge. The foot soldiers were invigorated by her arrival. Also, the soldiers didn't dare disrupt their 'conversation'.
"Not good." Natsuki spat out as calmly as she could manage. The immense displeasure and coldness was clearly apparent anyways. Not that Natsuki cared. Her patience ran thin. This girl was a traitor to Garderobe.
"Oh? Why is that?" Tomoe said in the same tone as before, an exceedingly pleasant smile on her face. She took another step closer.
In turn, the Gakoenchou took a step back, carefully studying her opponent. The trigger finger on her silver pistol was at the ready. Though, she knew it would be futile to use a regular firearm on an Otome.
Anger flared instantly at cavalier attitude. Natsuki knew that she should keep her cool. She needed to buy Irina and Yohko time to resuscitate the predecessor. But, it seemed like Tomoe was more interested in the Gakoenchou than stopping the scientists. It would be more beneficial to keep her attention. "Stop messing around! You have Shizuru held captive!" The scream echoed around the battlefield.
Nao gave her a somewhat concerned look, rare from the the newly appointed Column. However, she kept her distance, monitoring the situation while prodding Irina for updates. Foot soldiers were easy but they wouldn't be able to beat a materialized Otome without their robes.
The menacing glint in Tomoe's eyes intensified, almost erasing all trace of pleasantries. Her lips curled into a sardonic smile, mocking the Gakoenchou.
"There's no need for You to worry about Shizuru-Oneesama. Her needs are throughly fulfilled under my care."
Natsuki's blood boiled at the suggestive words. She acted as if she intimately knew Shizuru! The… the nerve of this coral! There was something seriously off about her. This girl was doing a great job of getting under her skin. "You're seriously pissing me off. Shizuru is a prisoner! I'm here to take her back!"
Tomoe burst out into a smug laughter, "Shizuru-Oneesama has already forgotten all about you now that she has me. Don't worry I'll send her your regards… from hell!" her previously pleasant features transformed into unhinged rage in almost an instant.
Natsuki barely had time to react, just barely dodging the halberd of the materialized coral. The front material of her riding jacket was slashed cleanly. She thanked Shinso-Sama that agility was one of her strong points. If she had been even a nanosecond second slower, then her stomach would have been slashed in half. But, she knew that she stood no chance without her robe.
"Gakuenchou, look out!" Nao called urgently, looking ready to step in.
"Stay back!" Came the quick shout, Even both Columns wouldn't stand a chance in this state.
A barrage of slashes followed. Each one, only barely being avoided. There were various cuts on the Gakuenchou's jacket, the material shredding at the parts where Natsuki was a second too slow to dodge.
Tomoe jumped up and harshly aimed her weapon downwards. Natsuki managed to dodge right at the nick of time by jumping up, hoping to increase the distance between herself and the raging coral.
Natsuki landed safely on both feet. Immediately, the Otome came charging, her halberd swung down just barely grazing the Gakoenchou's pale cheek. Small droplets of blood slid down Natsuki's cheek as she sidestepped the attack. Quickly, the muzzle of her silver pistol pressed against Tomoe's forehead. The gun unloaded without hesitation.
"Haha, did you seriously think that would work?!" Tomoe arrogantly laughed, her helmet instantly shielded her head, the bullets falling like paper against the metal. She swung her weapon across, aiming to slice the Gakuenchou's head clean off.
Natsuki ducked quickly, her legs kicked under Tomoe, in an attempt to throw her off balance. It only bought her enough time to grab a forgotten rifle as her back hit cold concrete. She unloaded the gun, desperately trying to by herself more time. If I could just materialize, this would be all over.
Tomoe snarled viscously and brought her halberd down. Natsuki only managed to move slightly to the side, her shoulder, down to her arm gaining a gruesome gnash in the process. The muscle felt shredded. Natsuki didn't dare look down. The concrete crumbled, forcing the Gakuenchou flat on her back. Tomoe zeroed in, blade rushing down towards her target.
Natsuki brought the rifle up in an attempt to shield herself from sure death. The metal crumbled in her hands at the sheer force exerted by the raging Otome. Her arm was bleeding profusely, painting her jacket in blood. Adrenaline combined with her nanomachines prevented her from experiencing the full intensity of pain.
Suddenly, a large blunt object hit the side of Tomoe's helmeted head, only slightly throwing her off balance. The onslaught continued, the wielder's desperate attempt to stop the Otome.
"Nao!"
Tomoe turned around quickly grabbed the offending weapon before it connected with her head for the 5th time. She ruthlessly smacked Nao away with her own weapon. She was sent flying into a wall a good ways away.
"I'll deal with you after!" Tomoe yelled in rage before continuing her mission. She ruthlessly brought down her halberd.
The Gakuenchou's hands quickly grabbed the pole of the weapon, aiming towards her face. Blood coated the length of the weapon. She channeled as much strength as she could without her robe. The action did little to slow the descent of the blade. As it fell only only inches away from her face.
"Natsuki!" Came the panicked cry. The voice which was normally calm and charming was laced with fear, nothing could stop the emotion from spilling forth her lips. However, there was no mistaking that melodic voice...
Fun fact: Natsuki managed to dodge 2 out of 3 attacks while unrobed in the anime. So I based her dodging skills on that.