DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome and its characters belong to Sunrise.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Okay now that I've gotten some panties in a bunch, I think I'll continue. Anyway read, review, and enjoy.

9/23/09: When the previous chapter was posted over a year ago, I was upset because people didn't understand what I was doing with Nao. Well here I am over a year later and I think some still don't see it.

Our Legacy ch26

Midori woke feeling every muscle in her body ache and her brain feeling numb. No, she wasn't in her quarters amongst the Aswad, so just where the Hell was she. As everything came into focus Midori realized just where she was and…suddenly just what she last remembered doing. These were Youko's quarters at Garderobe and Midori was still on the couch. Sitting up quickly Midori looked around but heard no other sounds.

Midori had been on a binge since that little incident with Youko and had come here to find some sort of resolution. There was a moment of something, but Midori needed to clear her thoughts more before facing it. Midori had never been any further than this room, but now she wanted to see more. Youko's bedroom was definitely not what Midori expected it to be. Kimiko's crib was at the foot of Youko's bed. The crib looked quite modern and was decorated in varying shades of green.

This was a Spartan room with the exception of the crib. It had none of Youko's presence to it. Midori had seen her desk in the Founder room and the life it conveyed spoke volumes' of the woman Youko had become. Midori stood by the crib running her hand along its mattress and little pillow. All the hurt and anger that had welled up in her recently slowly receded with her tears.

Midori truly did want to be with Nao, the young woman haunted her dreams endlessly. Nao had opened up so much to Midori that Midori had been able to do the same with her. Yes they did still love to fight, but it was becoming just a game to them. Nao was in Lutesia Remus doing her job and Midori was here feeling guilt and shame.

The bathroom was Midori's next and final stop before leaving. Midori didn't turn on a light, she didn't need to. The mirror told Midori everything she needed to know for the moment. Midori wanted to shatter that glass and with it her own image. Leaving Garderobe would come after Midori made one more stop. Heads were turning as Midori made her way through the hall but she didn't care.

Midori stopped at Nao's room and put her head to the door unable to move. Suddenly there was a hand on her shoulder and Midori moved to strike only to notice a key and a smile before the woman left her alone again. Midori knew this room like her own, in a way it was becoming another home. Midori headed straight to the bedroom and for Nao's closet.

Midori removed one of Nao's negligees' and brought it over to the bed. Midori grabbed Nao's pillow and brought it to her chest with the negligee. As Midori inhaled she could only find a light trace of Nao's familiar scent to it, this would be enough. Midori didn't care how old Nao was, what she cared about was the truth under the image. Here in this bed they shared everything they were and Midori couldn't bring herself to leave.

Nao had been back out since before the sun had come up. Today she would focus on her job resolutely, anchored in the knowledge that even out here she wasn't alone. All of the Columns had been there for her, sharing the pain of her first glimpse of mortality. Even with all the things she had seen or been a part of Nao always had someone there with her, someone at her back. Whether she needed them or not didn't matter.

Nao had cursed herself repeatedly for freezing up and for throwing up, but as Maya had told her last night it happened. Natsuki probably had the least amount of field time amongst them, but her duties gave Natsuki twice as much burden. Sarah told Nao she would never envy Natsuki for it because that always seemed worse to Sarah. Maya reminded Nao that all of the training in the world couldn't prepare them for a single distracted moment of horror. The image of that torso didn't plague her as much as her weakness did. All it was now was just an empty sack of meat; there was no spirit to it.

Speaking of spirits, that shadow had been human and Nao was sure of it. Ghosts didn't come after you with halberds. Nao made her way through that same building once again this time more alert and already materialized. Another sweep of the first floor of this place turned up a room Nao had previously missed. It had been well hidden before and now it was just waiting for her. Nao was surprised by the décor because it looked like a normal living room, except of course for the head sitting on the couch. There it sat on a bloody cushion staring lifelessly at Nao. Whoever this red-headed woman was she did not deserve such brutality.

Upon further inspection Nao found a bedroom and shower, when she gave her report Nao would state that just maybe it had belong to the former owner. Sort of a home at work, away from home so many hours needing a place to be comfortable but close. Yes, the damage had been done here and so had so many other things. Looking around the bedroom and bathroom, Nao suddenly realized what she had just found.

"Way to screw up royally," Nao said cursing herself as she started pulling apart the room.

Youko had been thinking of Midori and how she had passed out in the middle of their kiss. Youko had to laugh because it was funny, even if only marginally so. Now of course it had lost some of its humor because Midori was drunk. Midori was more than just drunk and Youko realized this even if she didn't want to. They were friends; they were becoming friends again, so why did she have to complicate it?

Youko knew why, but she couldn't bring herself to keep chasing Midori. Midori had to come freely and next time definitely not drunk. Youko had enough trouble concentrating on her work and trying to continue helping Moira. With Drue back in Aries, it was just the two of them now. Youko had so many other duties to be more than just part time help.

Youko thought of Drue for a moment, wondering how things were going for her. Moira would only say that Drue sounded either extremely happy in her element or beyond anger management classes.

Youko had approved the use of nanomachines when Drue asked, but had as of yet to hear any of the resulting news. Yes, there was a lot of information sharing on the Tomoe Marguerite case, but not on the scientific side. Drue would be responsible, but government involvement usually added more paperwork and a bunch of green assistants that nobody wanted to have to cater to.

Natsuki was not in their office and Shizuru knew she didn't want to follow Natsuki, not today. Nao had reported in this morning sounding much better. Shizuru could hear the young woman's usual banter with Natsuki forming as the conversation went on. The report pissed Natsuki off so badly that she stormed out of her office after kissing Shizuru briefly.

"I feel so sorry for those girls," Shizuru said thinking of the Pearls.

Natsuki was heading for the training grounds to take on as many students as possible. Natsuki would not hurt them she just needed them to help vent some steam. Nao's report would piss off a lot of people. Natsuki told Nao to await the arrival of Laura Bianchi, pass the ball and return home at once. Garderobe had permission to work the area in Lutesia Remus, until of course they found any evidence. There was something hidden in Nao's voice, but Natsuki knew it would have to wait.

Natsuki materialized as she approached the grounds and looked at the practicing Pearls, sizing up her targets. Natsuki knew she would have to restrain her temper, but if just one got cocky; no mercy. Natsuki had no problem beating down Arika; she would have no problem training these Pearls. Natsuki could hear them starting with the giggles and groans. Quite a few would be more than happy to spar with Natsuki just to say they had the privilege. Bloody fan girls just great, Natsuki thought still eyeing the group. The groaning half of the group had been making comments about Nao and Sarah giving class instruction to them as Corals.

The teacher stepped away as Natsuki entered the grounds and went to watch and pray from a distance.

"I want your best dance. If you truly want to be Meisters then prove you can fight like one," Natsuki said as the girls started to break up into groups.

"Hello, not against each other. Right now your target is me." Natsuki watched as some of them just blinked and others went all starry-eyed.

The first girl to actually hit Natsuki had been Erstin. She had used the cover of the other Pearls to come at Natsuki quietly from above. Any restraint Natsuki had went out the window as they started attacking in groups of four or more. Suddenly Natsuki realized they were actually attacking in patterns. Natsuki sacrificed a few students to break the rhythm and find the responsible Pearl. Natsuki loved aerial tactics and this was becoming a lot of fun as well.

When she saw Erstin shouting out to the groups from her own, Natsuki ducked, dodged, and slapped down whatever obstacle separated her from Erstin. Natsuki had not read the last two student reviews, so this surprised Natsuki as much as it delighted her. Erstin had been separated from her class, so she had fewer people that she depended upon and had come into her own strength and skill as an Otome.

Erstin saw Natsuki coming for her. Quickly Erstin started dodging and weaving her way through her fellow Pearls as she thought of her next move. Erstin had a good memory and started thinking of different attacks, barely keeping ahead of Natsuki in the process. Suddenly Erstin stopped, this allowed Natsuki the chance to grab her.

"What are you doing Miss Ho we are…" Natsuki's voice was cut off as Erstin released the power she was building up into her fist. Natsuki dropped back with a smile that said Erstin was now in a lot of trouble. Once again the girl was keeping good distance, but Natsuki was determined to return the blow she had taken. Natsuki realized the rest of the Pearls were doing no more than watching or playing cover for Erstin and had to smile again.

Suddenly Natsuki realized that Erstin was no longer in front of her and used a student to flip herself over to check behind. Erstin was nowhere to be seen, but the girls were all giggling softly. Natsuki knew now where Erstin actually was. Natsuki started forward, spun around quickly and took Erstin by surprise with that hit she had been waiting to return. Erstin took the hit about as well as Natsuki had and was now rather pissed off as well.

"You started this with us, but by the Founder I will finish it. Even if it is the last thing I do as a student," Erstin said charging Natsuki straight on with determination as her sword.

"Big talk Erstin, but you are still a few years away from holding your own against someone like me," Natsuki said as she deflected each blow.

"Did you do something to piss off Shizuru?" Erstin asked as she stopped fighting with Natsuki.

"What, no I haven't? Why are you asking?" Natsuki asked in return expecting some planned distraction.

"Well because Shizuru and Miss Maria are coming this way. Neither one of them looks too happy," Erstin replied dropping to the ground as taught.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me. Like the morning hasn't been bad enough," Natsuki said as she descended and dropped her robe heading off towards Shizuru and Miss Maria.

Mikoto loved watching Mai feed Megumi because it was such a serene moment. Mikoto couldn't believe their daughter was home, healthy and happy. The fear of that night still ached from time to time inside of her, mortality was a bitch. The grey hair didn't bother Mai or Mikoto because she didn't feel any different, human yes, but not different. It was nice being closer to Mai's age in appearance as well. Mikoto usually stood in the doorway at feeding time, but today she wanted to be closer.

"Are you going to sleep for awhile once Megumi is done feeding?" Mikoto asked brushing the hair from Mai's eyes.

"I was thinking about it since she got up three times last night," Mai said eyeing Mikoto curiously.

"Can I lay with you then?" Mikoto asked even though Mai would not deny her.

"Are you tired too Mikoto?" Mai asked looking for her answer.

"Not really, but only you can feed Megumi right now and I want to be with you. I don't mean sexually either you know," Mikoto said rubbing Megumi's little head.

"I didn't expect that. If you want to try to keep our schedule I'll be glad for the company," Mai said leaning her head down to kiss Mikoto's hand and then the baby's forehead.

Mikoto was not jealous of her daughter for the time Mai would have to spend with her. Megumi needed Mai more than Mikoto did. Mikoto actually would love the time she would have with Megumi. It was great even if the child was sleeping or just squirming around in her arms. Megumi was the better part of them both and the only thing Mikoto did envy the child for was sharing Mai's breasts.

Tomoe was glad to be out of Lutesia Remus now, because the running monologue in her head seemed to quiet down a little bit. Her last body dump had been rather messy, but she had been interrupted, it couldn't be helped. With this last woman Tomoe actually made out because the woman had money and transportation. Tomoe hated having to play up to the woman, but she needed to get away quickly and safely.

Tomoe looked down at the woman's ID and was happy to see the woman was not really a red-head. Tomoe hated red-heads so the brown hair would be a welcome change. Even the name made Tomoe smile some because she hated Abigail Burke. Their features were close enough to pass once Tomoe changed her hair color.

So yes, for now this woman's life would be hers. There were no family pictures; no boyfriend/girlfriend pictures just an acceptance letter to a university. Oh yes this would do just nicely, Tomoe thought as she stopped the car and dropped a bag in the nearest trash receptacle. It wouldn't matter if anyone had actually checked the bag she discarded because Tomoe was thorough, oh yes the voice had been adamant about that.

Nao was definitely going home to tell Kruger off. Nao was beyond pissed; she was actually planning to enjoy the green sparkles. Yes, she was only contemplating murder, but it was a better alternative than actually committing it. Laura Bianchi was a highly regarded Otome, but right now Nao wanted her dead. The woman did not seem to like Nao and openly expressed it. Nao refused to bite her tongue, but had to in order to fulfill her duty.

Laura listened passively to Nao and then dismissed her as if dismissing a child. Nao did the work and this woman would get the glory by proxy. There wasn't much Nao could really tell her that the Otome didn't seem to already know. If it wouldn't cause an all out war, Nao would put a very public beating on this Otome. Unfortunately, Nao was an emissary of Garderobe, cutting remarks would have to wait. Kruger would definitely take the brunt of it when Nao returned.

"Yukariko should have handed this idiot a proper beating," Nao spat out as she took off not really caring if Laura heard.

Nao gathered what little she prepared to bring back with her and awaited her instructions. Nao could have handled them herself, but Kruger had been decisive. Nao was to come straight back to Garderobe. Nao had one piece of evidence she wasn't giving anyone, but Natsuki Kruger personally.

"Dammit Zhang what the Hell did you say to Bianchi?" Natsuki's voice was now blaring through her GEM.

"Nothing except the report like you said. I do understand diplomacy you know," Nao answered rather loudly hoping it had the same effect.

"After the report Nao, what did you say that would have Laura telling me you should be reprimanded and kept in Garderobe?" Natsuki's voice had cut back a little.

"I wanted to tell her to get stuffed, but I didn't. Why can't you believe I behaved as expected?" Nao asked trying to sound innocent.

"So spill it, what did you say as you left?" Natsuki asked finding a much calmer tone.

"All I said was that Yukariko should have beaten her ass just not in those exact words. You went to school with her don't tell me you don't know how smug that woman is?" Nao said casually and could have sworn she heard Natsuki actually laugh.

"Be as that may Nao, Laura is actually much friendlier when she isn't doing her job. Besides you did what everyone else hasn't been able to do yet. Laura actually likes you Nao, its just circumstance. Get your ass to the station. You have a ticket for the next transport to Windbloom in fifteen minutes, be on it no excuses, Kruger out." Natsuki's voice cut out before Nao could object.

"Fifteen minutes, thanks a lot Kruger," Nao said as looked down at her Column robe. Nao wanted to change but she wouldn't have the time until she was on the transport.

Midori was still on the bed when she heard footsteps in the other room. Midori knew they weren't Nao's so she went to see just who was there. It was the same person who had let her in the room.

"Is there something you need?" Midori asked trying to be patient.

"No, I just came to tell you that Nao would be home within the next few days," Shizuru replied smiling one of her usual smiles.

"Well…thanks for earlier and right now. I really appreciate it," Midori said feeling completely drained emotionally.

"Don't thank me dear…I'm only helping you find where your true heart is?" Shizuru said as she departed the room.

Midori returned to the bed and lay down once again. Her true heart…

Outside the door, Shizuru removed the letter from her robe. Part of her wanted to walk in there and hand it to Midori right now. The other part understood that Midori had to decide on her own without Shizuru's or anyone else's interference. This was a moment that Shizuru wished on no one; she remembered all too well how much it could hurt.