DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome and its characters are Sunrise property.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: I think I just burned out a lot of gray matter, having read Mai Otome Arashi.

Let the games begin!

Our Legacy ch15

Natsuki laid it out plain and simple to the group at large.

"First we fight, then we feast, and after that you can all go home. Any of you who care to, can come back in twenty years to do this again. I see the rolling eyes and lovely gestures, but this is a school. I am not going to mix words, just sign the stupid form, and remember it is in fun."

It really was too bad that some just didn't listen. Those who didn't sign up for participation got to watch with the students and assorted loved ones, or warm-up with combatants. Natsuki was, of course, the first to sign up with Shizuru, second, because she set it up. They would be using the arena but no columns. This was to be hand to hand or staff only. Had Natsuki really thought it through though would she have said hand to hand only? There were too many women out there skilled with such weapons.

Miss Maria would be referee for the proceedings, while Yukino and Mashiro would preside over the contest. They would share the duty of announcing combatants. Not being able to wear robes the women opted for similar garb, hence really form fitting shirts and pants that moved easily with their wearers. Natsuki really should have thought it out more, as she realized that this was going to take awhile.

"Okay you thick headed excuse me yes…" Mashiro started to say as Yukino stopped her.

"Yes well. Now I will ask Meister Maria Graceburt to explain the elimination process. Meister Graceburt, if you will?" Mashiro said looking down into the field.

Maria stood in her elder form looking all around then she materialized. Damn that Kruger.

"I will be the only person here allowed to materialize. As referee this will be only as necessary. If you can't control your actions or step back when told…Leave it to your imagination girls. This is double elimination meaning lose twice and you are out. Any ties will only keep the field honest so with that said. That's it… remember your training and keep it clean since there is nothing civil about this. Madame President, if you will?"

"Yes, thank you Meister Graceburt. Our first combatants will be…oh my…Natsuki Kruger and Haruka Armitage."

As Natsuki and Haruka came out onto the field everyone was quiet. Both women were very imposing figures and Natsuki was easily giving Haruka at least a good thirty pound advantage. Natsuki knew that meant speed would be necessary. Miss Maria looked at them both and then to the crowd before dropping the flag she held.

As they locked up, Natsuki realized that Haruka's physical strength was more than she had anticipated. She felt the woman's vise like hands pushing into her shoulders trying to drop her. Natsuki lashed outward with a kick that came up between them and caught Haruka in the thigh. Haruka smiled at her and then rushed, coming in faster than Natsuki could move and punching her not in the jaw but the chest.

Natsuki had braced as taught and though somewhat winded, she recovered fast enough to dodge Haruka's next move. As Haruka slipped slightly past her, Natsuki snapped an elbow sharply into the back of Haruka's head. Natsuki then used another kick to Haruka's back to gain some distance.

"You are going to need to do a lot better than that Kruger. I take worse shots back in Aries on a regular basis. You must be getting weak behind that desk of yours'." Haruka was smiling as Natsuki grew angry.

"So the boulder rumors are true. That figures…you should lose some weight though Haruka I think age is catching up with you. You are getting slow…"

"Enough banter you two, this is a fight not foreplay," Miss Maria said moving in-between them.

As Miss Maria stepped away, Haruka moved once again on Natsuki, who stepped left only to be dragged to the ground hard by Haruka. 'Yeah, okay, that one did hurt,' Natsuki thought as she saw Haruka's fist coming at her face a little too late. Make that multiple hits that hurt, as Haruka just started to pummel away at Natsuki, who was currently trying to fend off the fists. Miss Maria said something that caused Haruka to look away and Natsuki to roll into a crouch that she used to sweep out Haruka's legs from under her.

"I said keep it fair you fools." Miss Maria wanted to kill Natsuki for disobeying her own rules.

Natsuki took this opportunity to lay into Haruka with as many hits as she could get in,

"Soft, huh, I'll show you and that bloody nose you've got who is soft you dense idiot."

Haruka feeling the blood Natsuki mentioned just grabbed Natsuki's throat and clenched. Haruka took every hit directly not caring in the least. Now Miss Maria tried to intervene, because neither woman was going to come out of this pretty. Haruka righted herself, still choking Natsuki who was still letting her hands hit wherever they could land. Both women dropped from exhaustion before Miss Maria could separate them physically or materialize.

"By the good graces of our Blessed Lady, you two are idiots. It is a tie."

Both women were dragged off the field by women, who had rightfully chosen not to fight. If these two were to be any indication of how things would go the day would be bloody indeed.

Erstin was holding Nina's hand as they watched the fight and had to look away as they were becoming aggressive. Nina though not liking the violence too much, definitely loved having Erstin get so close. The next match up held very little action though so Erstin actually whispered something playful in Nina's ear.

"What did you just say?" Nina asked as Erstin stood as if to leave.

Erstin leaned over and whispered again, "Let's go make out. I find this to be stimulating."

Nina didn't say a word she just took Erstin's hand and left their seats behind.

The next fight had been rather quick because Sarah really didn't want to fight this person. Carla Bellini was no slouch when it came to fighting skills and raw power. Sarah knew she would have to use her brain to get out of this one.

"Why did you choose staffs, Carla?" Sarah asked taking a defensive stance.

"Because I knew you would need…" Carla never finished her thought as Sarah locked her up and then choked her unconscious.

Miss Maria actually laughed as Sarah picked up her opponent and left the field. That was not something anyone would have expected.

"Well thank you Meister Gallagher, for that interesting little display of non-violence. Queen Mashiro who is the next set of contestants," Yukino said having found a new respect for the quiet Otome.

"I hope these two can show us a little more of something. Ahn Lu and Shizuru Viola…" Mashiro said feeling a sense of missing someone. Arika had actually signed up because she was technically a Meister.

Even though both women were skilled in hand to hand, they brought staffs to the arena. Shizuru was grateful to Ahn for many things, including the graceful beauty of the dance. These two never stopped smiling even as Miss Maria dropped the flag. Ahn and Shizuru danced using every beautiful display, though not using unnecessary violent actions. Yes they had connected a few times, but this was mostly to tease and taunt.

Natsuki and Haruka were watching them, but not commenting. Natsuki's throat was still sore and packed with an ice wrap and Haruka was holding an ice pack over a swollen and cut left eye. They knew these two would take their sweet time unless urged.

Ahn watched as Shizuru spun her staff around her back, and then in front of her as a shield. Shizuru winked at Ahn as if to say come get some and Ahn did. There was such power behind both women's actions that as Ahn stuck the center of the twirling staff with her own both snapped.

Shizuru just laughed and rushed Ahn as they discarded the busted weapons. Ahn stopped Shizuru's on coming fist, but realized too late that Shizuru was now spinning inward to snap another punch at her. As Shizuru connected with Ahn's stomach, Ahn doubled over giving Shizuru her back as another target. The last thing Ahn recalled from that moment was Shizuru's knee connecting with her face.

"Winner of this match is Shizuru Viola… first loss to Ahn Lu. Nice to see some people still know how to play." Miss Maria said to Shizuru as she helped to escort Ahn out of the arena.

"I love you, Nina, please do not stop now," Erstin said as Nina was slowly kissing her neck and her hands were finding their way up Erstin's shirt.

Nina whispered an "I love you, too" into Erstin's neck that could barely be understood. Nina clearly wasn't about to stop, as she cupped one of Erstin's breasts, relishing the soft yielding comfort and the sound of pleasure that was escaping Erstin from her action. Erstin grabbed Nina's head and arched into her body wanting to be closer.

They could hear the sounds of cheering for Ahn and Shizuru, but it made no difference. Nina slipped both hands behind Erstin's back, to unclip the clasp of Erstin's bra, as she felt her own desire spinning out of control. Nina wanted Erstin so badly now that she wasn't sure she could stop if asked.

"CHIE…"

Suddenly both girls' stopped as they realized they were not alone in this room. Aoi's cry of release made them both giggle and look at each other. Neither girl had bothered to check the room for signs of anyone else. When they first entered they were too lost in each other, not hearing any of the moaning that had been coming from the other couple in the back of the room.

"Meister Hallard, you are an insatiable woman and I love you," Aoi said. Nina and Erstin tried to compose themselves rather quickly.

"There's more where that came from after today's activities," Chie said in reply, her head now in Nina's and Erstin's line of sight.

"Soo busted…" Nina said as Chie momentarily blushed, then winked before ducking once again out of sight.

The sound of Aoi slapping Chie could be heard, though from the sound it wasn't so hard. Once they were both redressed, Chie and Aoi joined Nina and Erstin in the room proper.

"I would say we weren't the only ones. You might want to help Miss Ho restrain those things," Chie said as Aoi swatted the back of her head, "Only kidding."

"Leave them and those alone Chie. You aren't the only sneaky flirt you know," Aoi reprimanded as she escorted Chie from the room.

"Do you want to stay here or should we…" Nina never finished that thought as Erstin kissed her hard before pulling her to the back where Chie and Aoi had just came from.

"Well now this is a pleasant surprise. Yukariko Steinberg and Laura Bianchi are your next contestants," Yukino said as they watched another bloodied Otome being hauled out. Nao had thrashed the poor woman using every sneaky little street fighting move she had learned in concert with her Otome training.

"I still believe that was a rather crude display," Mashiro said not liking how Nao had beaten the other woman.

"Nao Zhang is a Column of Garderobe, Queen Mashiro. In terms of skill, they are some of the very best," Yukino replied as she watched Yukariko lock Laura into a chicken wing before throwing her to the ground.

"True or not, Madame President, that was still very crude. The woman was clearly brawling like some street harlot," Mashiro said becoming caught up in the action in the arena herself. Laura had taken some insult from Yukariko's move and was now using a back spinning heel kick to voice that insult.

"Well, she is a protector of your city streets with that Stripes gang of hers. Clearly she isn't just a paper leader to them," Yukino said smiling as Yukariko got up shaking off the effects of the kick to reply with a block of the next kick and a strike to Laura's mid section.

"That is true also, but it doesn't mean I have to like her. Speaking of which, Haruka is a lot stronger than most of these women, that is scary," Mashiro replied looking at a smiling Yukino. What had started as an amicable fight, in the arena, had become a blow for blow slugfest.

"My dear Otome is still considered one of the strongest to ever come out of Garderobe. If not the strongest, Haruka was always bigger and stronger than even most boys, so it was no surprise," Yukino answered. She remembered how a much younger Haruka had once carried her home in the rain just so they could share an umbrella.

"This match is also a tie."

"If they keep this up it is truly going to be a long day," Mashiro said noticing that there was to be a break at this time.

"Everyone has thirty minutes to stretch or use the facilities if necessary." Miss Maria announced as she left the field.

"I think I will go find Arika if you don't mind," Mashiro said as she stood.

"I'll walk with you since I would like to check on Haruka," Yukino said falling into step with the young Queen.

"Madame President. Can I ask you something very personal about your relationship with Meister Armitage?" Mashiro asked looking hopefully at her.

"If we are going to talk personal then let's throw away the titles please. You can call me Yukino…" Yukino answered knowing she was about to step into a love lesson.

Nina and Erstin were just looking at each other. They were spent even though they had done nothing more than touch or kiss. It was amazing for them how deeply they felt everything when they were together.

"That was a break announcement Ers; shall we go back to our seats?" Nina asked not really wanting to leave.

"I think we should only because…if we don't we won't be able to keep our promise," Erstin replied as she sat up looking for her discarded shirt and bra.

"That promise is going to be a hard one to keep if you keep doing stuff like this to me," Nina said rubbing her neck knowing full well that Erstin had marked her. Nina didn't care, but they did promise to wait until they were both emotionally ready before engaging in a deeper sexual relationship.

"We could always take a step back and try a proper courtship if you'd like," Erstin said mischief dancing in her green eyes as she turned her back to Nina for help with her bra.

"Something tells me we wouldn't be able to do that, any better than we can control this," Nina replied after kissing Erstin's back and clasping her bra, "I think that maybe we are just over thinking all of this."

"True as that may be Nina, I think for sanity's sake we need to. Please put on your shirt…" Erstin said feeling the libido monster trying to break free again.

Moira asked to watch the games from the stands, instead of helping Youko and Drue. Both women laughed at her, because the woman was nothing more than a fan girl in an older woman's body. During Haruka's and Natsuki's first and respective second fights she had been cheering nearly as loudly as the younger girls' around her.

During the break Moira went to check in with Youko and Drue. As she walked into the med area, Moira was greeted by a smiling Haruka who was just leaving.

"Nice second match Meister Armitage," Moira said.

"Unfortunately, I just put a member of the Delta squad on the injured list. Yukino is going to kill me, and well Hallard will probably try also," Haruka replied hand behind her head, "Thank you for everything you are trying to do for all of us."

"You are very welcome, but I am personally vested also," Moira said as Haruka took her leave to find Yukino.

Moira watched Drue and Youko tending to Yukariko and Laura before interrupting. As much as she loved the show, the brutal truth always made her sick. Even though the two women were smiling now, their bodies were showing the bruised truth of their display.

"Thank God for those nanomachines or these women would all be on the injured list. Well except maybe Armitage," Moira just couldn't believe how lucky some of them really were.

"Don't just stand there and gawk like some school girl, Moira. Roll up your sleeves and help out," Drue admonished her as she realized that Moira was there.

Back in the stands, everyone was discussing the fights that Nina and Erstin had missed earlier. The one that Erstin regretted missing was the match-up of Arika and Natsuki. It seemed rather unfair from the sound of the replay, but Nina knew better. Arika was still young and lacked their training, but she could take more abuse than most.

"The Headmistress tried to go easy on Arika right up until she took a nasty kick to her face," Irina told them as she wondered just where they had been.

"Poor Arika, I can't believe that the Headmistress allowed her to compete in the first place," Erstin replied.

"Something about better training than she could get in school," Irina said trying to sugar coat what Natsuki actually said.

Natsuki real words were, "If she is going to be a proper Meister than she can get her ass beat like one."

"So far I think they have kept the body count down. Armitage smacked down one of her own, just before the fight between Miss Yukariko and Meister Bianchi. There have been more than a few ties though so this is going to really take some time," Irina said knowing the field was definitely leveled.

"I think the Meisters are having fun, even if they are getting their egos bruised. Haruka is a strong favorite right now, but she and Shizuru are definitely not going to be fighting unless…" Nina stopped as it hit her that they just could end up fighting one another. The crowd was in agreement over the fact, but Nina knew that Natsuki should not be counted out.

"Look they are heading back now," Erstin said causing everyone to return to their respective seats and settle in.

"Okay Ladies, settle down." Miss Maria said for the arena floor, since the Meisters were still milling about talking worse than the school girls had been.

"Our next match is between Chie Hallard and Sarah Gallagher," Mashiro was smiling rather evilly as she said this.

Aoi had asked for a vacation to be with Chie when she arrived in Windbloom. Mashiro liked Aoi better than most of the other maids or attendants because she was not judgmental. Aoi was also very good at keeping Mashiro and Arika on schedule.

Chie walked into the arena minus her usual calm wearing a face that spoke volumes. Since she had started her work with the Delta squad, Chie had deservedly moved quickly up the ranks. Most people did not think of Chie as a powerhouse Otome because she was known more for her charm.

Sarah sized up Chie wondering just how much more the girl had learned since leaving Garderobe. Being out in the field Sarah heard a lot about the rising Meister, but this was a different forum. Neither woman brought staffs opting for hand to hand which set the stage for their battle nicely.

"Are you going to try flirting with me, Meister Gallagher?" Chie asked as they locked arms trying to muscle each other away.

"Only if I wanted a cold bed later tonight, Meister Hallard," Sarah responded as she noticed just how strong the younger woman was. Speed will hopefully be my best course of action, Sarah thought just as Chie slipped out of their lock and swept the ground with a quick leg.

Sarah barely got back from her reach in time, only to leave herself open. Chie was now coming at her with a flying shoulder tackle. Dammit, she's got speed too, Sarah sighed as they rolled to the ground and split once again. Chie stopped for a moment to dust off and Sarah took this to be an opening.

As the First Column came at her, Chie counted in her head, and then ducked. As Sarah drifted by, Chie grabbed her left leg, and dropped the woman hard to the ground. Before Sarah could actually move again, Chie put a knee to her back and her neck, knocking the Column unconscious.

"The match goes to Chie Hallard and marks Sarah Gallagher with her first loss." Miss Maria said as Chie shook Sarah and offered to help her from the arena.

The next few matches rolled along at a serious pace as Ahn defeated Carla Bellini using hand to hand, Haruka Armitage gave Yukariko her first defeat with a staff and earned stern look from Miss Maria, Natsuki beat down Laura Bianchi with a loud "paper Otome my ass" comment ringing through the arena, and then poor Arika got handed her defeat in hand to hand with Shizuru who carried the girl all the way to Youko before returning to her place on the arena floor with the others.

Every time someone was defeated the arena floor looked smaller and smaller though the size never actually changed just the amount of seats. Nina was now deeply enthralled in the action along with everyone else and had her hand seriously high up Erstin's leg without realizing it. Not that either girl would have minded in the least, but this was caught by Irina when she leaned over to make a comment to Erstin.

"Arika took that beating better than the one from Headmistress, though I think she still has a crush on Meister Viola," Irina said to Erstin as she noticed that Nina's hand was now almost completely under Erstin's skirt, "Erstin you might want to say something soon."

Erstin looked down and blushed because she really hadn't noticed how far up Nina's hand was, just that it felt really warm, and very good. Nina leaned a little closer at Erstin's insistence, but did not take her eyes off the field until she heard, "You might want to remember where we are or do you want to disappear again?"

"Huh…oh damn…sorry Ers just really enjoying the show," Nina said in high blush stealing a quick kiss before removing her hand.

"Who are you and where is the real Nina?" Irina asked making both girls laugh with her just as another break was called.

"Shall we go find Arika?" Erstin asked before any of them moved.

"Sounds like a plan to me," Nina said hoping to ask just what Shizuru had done to her in the arena.

"I agree so long as I don't have to worry about any of the instant gratification displays you two seem to be enjoying," Irina said making them both blush. Nina reached for Irina, but couldn't safely get around Erstin.

"You can thank my girlfriend for saving you right now Irina," Nina replied winking at Irina and then kissing Ers once again.

Mashiro had rushed out of the stands as Shizuru carried Arika out of the arena. Her Otome had been defeated, but she really didn't care about that. This was only supposed to be a game, so why did Mashiro feel as though she should be there when Arika woke?

Mashiro nearly collided with Shizuru in the hall as she turned the corner to the med bay.

"Don't worry Queen Mashiro, I didn't hurt Arika. She is still a fan girl underneath all the bravado…" Shizuru said with a wink that Mashiro blushed at.

"Well that doesn't matter to me. Meister Viola…what exactly did you do?" Mashiro questioned not really expecting Shizuru to show her.

"The same thing I did the first time. I blew in her ear like this," Shizuru replied as she leaned over to demonstrate to the Queen who nearly fainted.

"Understandably adapt at that aren't you?" Mashiro said as Shizuru made sure she wouldn't faint.

"I had a very good teacher and have since had many years to practice," Shizuru said just before leaving with another wink.

Mashiro saw Arika lying on the bed and wanted to smack her just for the hell of it. She really couldn't believe that Arika lost because Shizuru did that. It was understandable yes, but not forgivable. If anyone is going to make Arika swoon it will be me, Mashiro thought.

"Wait a damn minute, Arika is my Otome. God but she does look so cute in that uniform…" Mashiro said out loud not expecting to actually say it out loud.

The thoughts she had been having lately about her and Arika left her with awkward feelings. Earlier she had asked Yukino if it was because of their connection through the GEM. Yukino told Mashiro that her feelings for Haruka were already present and very intense so she was not really sure. Mashiro thanked her, but had spent all of the time in between breaks wondering if these feelings were her own or justified. For now she would just have to wait for her answer.

As Arika slowly opened her eyes she couldn't believe Mashiro was there with her. In her dreams she had hoped, but not that she understood why she hoped so. It still made Arika very happy though.

"If that's all it will take to defeat you, I might have to rethink my contract with you," Mashiro said to Arika with a small wink.

"I can't help that Mashiro. If she did that to you I think you would understand," Arika said with a blush.

"She did out in the hallway just now and I do understand. I am not one of her fan girls so it didn't have the same effect," Mashiro replied sitting back looking rather smug.

"Well then help me find a way to not be so susceptible," Arika said feeling cheated.

"Are you really sure you want that, Arika?" Mashiro asked leaning closer to her feeling all of her nerve endings ignite at once, "Wait a minute since when did you learn the word susceptible and its meaning?"

Arika looked at her with one of her cat that ate the canary smiles and then stuck her tongue out. Mashiro wanted to smack her, but at the same time she now wanted to kiss her, and then she did. Mashiro felt Arika's hesitation slowly fade as they kept their lips so close, but so soft in touch.

"I think I am going to go blind. Can't you do that somewhere else please," Nao had just entered the room and caused both girls to blush a deep crimson, "For crying out loud this is not the place you know."

Mashiro wanted to reply with something equally as sharp, but Arika stopped her with another soft kiss. This one though had been witnessed by Irina, Erstin, and Nina just as they were coming to check on Arika.

"I think we can leave since Arika seems to be doing just fine from the looks," Nina said although mildly shocked due to the Queen and her Otome's were arguable nature.

Once down to five remaining Otome a very tired crowd was glad to see just who was actually remaining.

Natsuki Kruger

Haruka Armitage

Ahn Lu

Shizuru Viola

Chie Hallard

Chie was lucky to still be here because her last fight had been with Nao. Chie had a loss under her belt from Ahn Lu and was starting to get tired. Nao had been beaten by Natsuki earlier and the woman made a comment about Nao getting soft. Chie always one to love the good dirt asked Natsuki why.

"I caught Midori of the Aswad leaving her quarters after hours or should I say before them," Natsuki said with a wink. This had been Nao's defeat as Chie reminded her of that incident and played Nao's anger to her advantage. The win went to Chie who had knocked Nao out as she blindly charged at Chie screaming, "KRUGER you are such a dead woman."

The concluding match was basically a free for all for the last five Otome. Of them all only Ahn and Chie each had one loss under their belt. Miss Maria stepped out of the arena saying let them just kill each other already because she was tired. All five women brought staffs with them hoping to use distance to their advantage. Once Miss Maria was gone though, Natsuki went for Haruka again while Shizuru went for Ahn. Chie stood back trying to keep herself out of striking distance as she watched. Suddenly Ahn spun around Natsuki to face Haruka and Natsuki realized that her back was now to Shizuru who was whispering her name so seductively.

Natsuki turned to face Shizuru only to have the woman kiss her long and hard. Ahn on the other hand couldn't keep out of Haruka's reach so she tried to push the Otome back when they locked up. Chie Hallard had yet to move because now she just couldn't believe what she was seeing unfold before her. As Haruka stepped back she brought her staff around hard nailing both Shizuru and Natsuki cold and with her front swing she dropped Ahn. Chie then made then biggest mistake of the night when she laughed and said out loud 'oh shit'.

This brought Haruka's attention her way and Haruka used the momentary distraction to flatten Hallard with her strongest punch of the night. Haruka looked around for another opponent, but realized that she alone was standing. The crowd could not believe what it had just seen and then started to laugh and then chant. "ARMITAGE"

Miss Maria took great pleasure in Haruka's win, because the Kruger/Viola libido had been their downfall in the end. Now she would have actual proof to remind them and many naughty students with. Haruka had to laugh about it also, because she couldn't have planned on it happening, or that she would have won because of it.