Not mine, not even the plot! These are just translations.
Summary:
We now enter the main part of the story. It continues from Natsuki's promise in their previous lives to be the one loving Shizuru. We now move to a somewhat Mai-Otome world with a magical twist. Do however, keep in mind this is an Alternate Universe (AU) so do not be surprise if things are different from Mai-Otome. Btw... single quotes (') denote Natsuki's internal thoughts.
Entangled Love
Chapter 3 - Eternity (Part 1)
Authored by asuka
Translated by glowie
"Gakuen... Gakuenchou! Are you listening?"
The sudden booming voice managed to pull Natsuki back from her wandering mind.
"Ah... What did you say again?"
Mai can't help but let out a defeated sigh. Not that it was unexpected... whenever Shizuru is not around Natsuki... she tends to act like a forlorn puppy awaiting its master's return.
"This morning's patrol team discovered a crack in the Northern Seal Stone. This is something totally unheard of! I have already dispatched Akane to look for the High Priest but before his return, I need you to calm down the hearts of the people before panic overtook them."
Garderobe Academy is the most prestigious magical school in the land. Being admitted entrance to this academy is seen as the highest honour one can ever achieved. Earning the love and respect of the people throughout the land, it holds a place higher than royalty in their hearts. Because of this, even the king have to humble himself when it comes to the five columns.
The five columns... from the beginning of time, there existed five powerful mages, each a master of their elements. Fire, Ice, Wind, Earth and Creation. Apart from the owner of 'Creation', the High Priest himself, has never been replaced, all the other four are already on the 7th generation. Whenever a column dies, his or her power will be transferred to a new chosen vessel. The High Priest who is already more than 500 years old is liken a god to the people. The only column who has not been replaced is also the teacher for the other four.
'Why? Why am I the one being left behind? Isn't there already a better suited person than me to handle the situation? But...'
Her thoughts drifted back to this morning's argument.
"It is too dangerous, I will not allow it!"
"Natsuki, be sensible. You should know that with the absence of the High Priestess, me having the strongest defensive magic among the five of us is the best person for the job."
"No! I will not allow it! According to legend, the seal stone is the basis and source of protection for this land but there are also rumours that it's real purpose is to supress a powerful ancient beast. These are all legends passed down through time. We need to wait for the High Priestess's return before deciding on a course of action. I do not think the legends are without merit. To conclude, I will not allow you to go! Even if someone were to go, it will be me."
"No!" Shizuru rejected Natsuki's suggestion immediately.
"You are Garderobe's Gakuenchou, you cannot leave."
Spoken word by word, she made it very clear that she'll not allow such a rash action.
"You must stay. As long as you're around, you can calm their hearts. Do you understand? Natsuki?"
'Again... why did she kept saying this?'
"I don't understand! I don't understand at all! Why must I be the one to stay? Aren't you better than me when it comes to handle such situations? Aren't you better at handling people? You always say 'Do you understand? Natsuki? Do you understand? Natsuki?' but I don't! I don't understand this at all!"
Voice gradually thinning and shoulders weakly slumped in defeat. The 'high and almighty' Gakuenchou of Garderobe is now but like a frustrated and hurt child unable to comprehend the instructions given by her caretaker.
Sigh...
Accompanying the sigh, Natsuki found herself wrapped up in a warm embrace.
"I remember you've asked me countless times why did I allow you to become the Gakuenchou..."
"And with it, your answer is always: 'It must be you.' But aren't you the one who has everything planned out and arranged accordingly? All I had to do was to carry it out. If that is the case... anyone can be the Gakuenchou... as long as you are there to assist..." Laced with bitterness, Natsuki voiced out her fear that has been eating her inside out.
"No! That is not true! Even the most perfect of plans, no matter how thorough, is but words written on pieces of paper. The most important factor is the person executing it and you, Natsuki Kruger, is the only person who could execute my plans flawlessly."
Surprised, she raised her head and peered into crimson orbs.
"Really? I... I am useful to Shizuru? I am special to you?"
Unable to supress the bubbling excitement, her voice trembled.
"Yes. Natsuki is Garderobe's irreplaceable Gakuenchou. The one and only."
The previous excitement died as soon as its owner heard the answer.
'Garderobe's irreplaceable Gakuenchou? I don't care for that. Don't I mean anything to you?'
"Besides... I think Natsuki has belittle herself a little too much. Although you've always put up a cold front, your reputation and popularity in the academy is really high. Ara, didn't you notice? Wherever you go, all the girls looks to you. If you'll only give them a smile, I think most of them will just scream and pass out."
"Is it? I don't know. Apart from you, I have never notice anyone else."
Natsuki's words made Shizuru paused before she replied. "I guess Natsuki's indifference is part of what makes her so attractive to girls. But... forgive me, I cannot return the feelings you have for me."
'This... I know, I have known from the beginning. I am but one of your many lovers... I am but your most liked.'
After that, without giving Natsuki any chance to counter her decision, she gave her an apologetic smile and a kiss before leaving with the patrol team captain.
Shortly after, Natsuki found herself being dragged into the committee meeting which strictly speaking cannot be considered as one since there are only two person in it. In the absence of the other three, Mai and Natsuki are the only two columns being left in Garderobe.
"I understand. I will go now." Natsuki answered.
Placing her hand on Natsuki's shoulders, owner of purple orbs are filled with worry for her friend.
"Don't worry. Shizuru will be alright."
"I know..."
'I must be strong. Everyone is uneasy and scared now. I cannot increase their worries and be a burden.'
"Thank you, Mai. Your burden aren't light either. With Akane and Shizuru gone, you alone have to shoulder all their work."
"I'm glad you know that. Show me some spirit! Don't let me worry for you."
Mai said while beaming her sunny smile.
"Fine."
Natsuki said as she returned her smile. The column of fire is always so lively and cherry, taking care of them like a big sister. Apart from teacher and Shizuru, it is only towards her that Natsuki will let her guard down and reveal the real her.
Brimming on everyone's faces is that of confidence and relief. A striking difference from when they first heard of the unsettling news. Gone without a trace are their fears and worries.
"Indeed. Garderobe's Gakuenchou must be you... Natsuki."
Seeing the happy faces, Mai remembered Shizuru's words. As long as Natsuki is around, as long as she is standing atop the tower overlooking the academy, when her deep and confident voice resounded, everyone will receive her words without a doubt. This is Garderobe's Gakuenchou, Natsuki Kruger's charm. A strong and unequalled presence that is able to draw people unto her.
Glancing to the dazzling blue on the tower top, Mai breath in deeply.
"I must work hard too. I mustn't lose to Natsuki ne?"
Together, we will safeguard this academy!
Mai marched with determined steps towards the work that awaits her.
TBC
Notes:
Again... I would like to apologize for the delay. But do not worry. I will definitely finish this story.
I am so sorry for those who suffered the angst in the last chapter... I hope the little fluff I did (A Day In The Life of Gakuenchou) managed to lighten up some of it. So don't kill me k? -grins-
(Peers around to see if SychoBabbleX is around)
And yes... this is more angsty than An Investigation Report on Kruger and Viola... I agree... I myself was depressed for days when I read this. That's why I feel the NEED to share it around. -evil laughter-
(Just kidding... I really like this story... it was very original and very well written)
Sorry if there are errors... I am still on my gaming machine which do not have any sort of word editor let alone spelling checkers (except Notepad... which is what I am using now... LOL)
As usual, feel free to bombard me with reviews and corrections!
Also, I want to thank you all for reading and I greatly appreciate those who spent time giving reviews. Thanks guys!
Btw... tlice (author of An Investigation Report) send her regards and wanted to thank those who reviewed her story.
For the original story in chinese, you can go to:
http :// www . yamibo . com / viewthread.php? tid 6180
The author's blog is:
http :// www . wretch . cc / blog / asuka666