DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome and its characters are Sunrise property. This sandbox of chaos is mine.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: 11/10/09- No original notes accompanied this chapter.

Our Legacy ch32

Underground station, the Founder core room,

Nao couldn't believe how long the storm had been going on already when she heard someone coming into the room. Nao turned around to see Irina standing there with two cups of tea. Not her favorite brew, but it was all they had and the gesture was welcome. Nao took one of the cups and kicked out the seat next to her for Irina to sit with her.

They weren't the only ones up, but the girls never could focus on anything when Armitage and Kruger were gone from their midst. The relationships they had down here were strained from the time locked away. It was difficult not knowing what was going on in other areas, but they never received any contact. There was always someone on the board, just in case.

"Have any of them gone to sleep yet?" Nao asked as she took a sip of the tea. It was stronger than any of the girls' made so Nao didn't really mind because it was still nice and hot too.

"Keiko, Grace and Chiyako are definitely, Megumi and Nadia are questionable as usual, Cara and Kimiko are in the den and Kimiko is throwing books again. Katsumi is playing in the showers with Mitsuko and Kohanna is in the greenery," Irina said making sure to count as she named them off.

"I swear I am going to kick Hallard's ass…" Nao said trailing off as she finished her tea off.

"I quite doubt their doing anything we are not," Irina said smiling at Nao trying to diffuse the anger quickly.

"That's it…I'm going to kick Hallard's ass right now. What we are doing now and what we will be doing are two very different things," Nao said rising from her seat ready to go snatch up Mitsuko.

"Let them be Nao. Your daughter already made that choice and kicking Mitsuko's ass won't change anything. At least they keep it respectfully to themselves," Irina said sticking up for both girls.

"I heard no complaints from you about it," Nao said smiling wickedly as she stole Irina's glasses and then a quick kiss.

"Ours is a relationship based on simple facts, Nao. I'm too old to be naïve enough to think beyond instant gratification," Irina said allowing Nao to kiss her again.

"You make it sound like just another chore," Nao said in mock reproach.

"Just strip," Irina replied as they started undressing each other.

"Screw you, Gallagher. If you didn't feel like sparring with me you shouldn't have come in here," Kimiko said as she whipped a book across the room. Her Aswad blood was still boiling from Nao's reprimand.

"There are better things to do with these books, Kimiko. If you want to fight we can always head to the rec room? All I came in here for was a book to read," Cara said as she dodged each book Kimiko threw at her.

"How can you expect to be able to read with Megumi and Nadia going at it in the next room?" Kimiko said as she realized she was out of books. That happened faster than usual because Kaede would normally throw them back or chased Kimiko out of the room.

"They are not having sex in their room right now. Nadia is crying again and I can't take hearing that sound," Cara said as she sat down with the piled up books in front of her.

"Kohanna was too that's why I took her to the greenery. They are the youngest of us all, from the last graduated class of Meisters. Crying isn't going to change our situation though," Kimiko said as she jumped onto the couch to lie down. There was no point to fighting if Cara wasn't going to play along.

"Why can't you be a little more sympathetic Kimiko? At least you have your sister here with you," Cara said as she took a pile of books back to their shelves.

"I don't have it in me anymore okay. Every time one of these storms hit we get trapped down here for longer periods of time," Kimiko replied as she kicked a pillow off the couch in frustration. Cara came over and picked it up.

"Knock it off already," Cara said as she replaced the couch cushion sitting down as well, "We all know our situation here; it doesn't help matters if you keep making people edgy with all of your tantrums."

"I resent that you know," Kimiko said as she laid her head in Cara's lap smiling in spite of those words.

"Well that's just too bad. Did I say you could put your head there?" Cara said knocking lightly on Kimiko's head.

"No, you didn't, but I don't see you making me move either," Kimiko said still smiling now facing up towards Cara.

Garderobe grounds, Headmistress' office, present day,

Natsuki was going over the information she had received on the list of names Nao had found. Most of them were just criminals in general, but there were two that definitely stood out. These two men had been Cardair ex-military under Argos and had disappeared around the time Tomoe's victims in Lutesia Remus started popping up. Natsuki wanted to get more info on these guys, but Cardair was being tight lipped. Maya informed Natsuki that the new king had a full plate of nastiness left over from Argos' death. Maya also mentioned that keeping the young king and his Meister from sleeping together didn't help further along matters.

"If that's the case then let them have at it already," Natsuki had said feeling frustrated.

"I'm here on your orders doing my job remember. Order me to leave them and I will. There are a lot of whispers around here that I could be investigating if I wasn't babysitting," Maya replied rather sarcastically.

"I'm really getting sick of the politics of this position and that situation. How's about I send Sarah your way for the time being?" Natsuki said trying to stay calm.

"That would help both of us. I spoke with Sarah earlier and she sounded restless," Maya said thinking of the unusual sound of Sarah's voice when they spoke.

"Sarah wants to leave Annam, but she wants Ahn and the baby to come with her. Ahn's being stubborn about making a decision just yet," Natsuki said remembering her own talk with Sarah.

"Well be that as it may give Sarah some work, maybe that will help get Ahn thinking," Maya had said ending their conversation.

Aries-Windbloom transport,

Kaede and Shiori actually had tickets for once and were in the main lounge on the transport to Windbloom. Kaede had sold a necklace Shiori had given her to do it though. Shiori was watching out the window trying to think of how she was going to handle going home. The necklace was a worthy sacrifice for the comfort, but now she had too much free time to think.

"Kaede…"

"What Shi?"

"I really hope this is home you know," Shiori said watching much of nothing in general. The scenery was a welcome sight compared to the devastation they came from.

"We'll know soon enough. There's one little test and that should be enough for me," Kaede said taking Shiori's hand. It was nice to be able to share the small comforts for once. Kaede felt the pang of regret over the necklace, but it was better than stowing away in another cargo hold.

"You do know that these are slim proof that this is where we need to be," Shiori said rolling the silver band on her finger. Kaede also wore one as did the rest of the girls'.

"They didn't exist in the other places, Shiori. Miss Maria set it up for us to receive these upon graduation. Granted she wasn't able to give them to us personally, but she never expected to be able to do so," Kaede said remembering what she was told by Yukariko.

"I loved her a lot. They said she was such a hard case, but I don't remember that," Shiori said remembering the smiles, the hugs and the good-bye.

"I wish she had lived long enough to see us ascend. She used to be the one to keep me company when your mom would put me in isolation," Kaede said feeling the loss all the more.

"Mom really hated the fact that you didn't listen when she said no, you couldn't date me," Shiori said feeling to two opposing memories war over her emotional state.

"Why would I listen to her, Shi? Our hearts decided for us," Kaede said thinking of the argument and laughing.

"I'm glad you find it funny still love. If mama didn't stop her that day, you probably would have taken quite a worse beating than what she was giving you," Shiori said feeling her heart lighten.

"I stole her little girl. That made her angry," Kaede said leaning in for a quick kiss.

Shiori loved these kisses because every time their lips barely brushed, her skin would tingle. Shiori smiled and returned to looking out the window when she replied, "Too true, but she was furious that you took my virtue as well."

Yukino was glad to finally be away from Aries and would be even happier once they reached Wind. Haruka was sleeping with the twins and Yukino was just sitting by the bed watching over the three of them. Haruka had placed the twins near the wall side of the bed and was laying at the edge. All three of them had such serene looks to them that Yukino had to wonder what they were dreaming of.

Ayame woke first so Yukino took her from the bed and held her. Yukino loved her daughters during these quiet moments alone because they had such different characters to them. Ayame was very quiet and seemed to be content with just lying in her arms or trying to push herself around on the floor.

Kaede was going to be very active because she would never sit still. Kaede would fuss and wobble in her arms until Yukino would put her on the floor. Kaede would show frustration because she couldn't move farther than onto her knees, not that she didn't try repeatedly though. Kaede would always be most content with Haruka, even just sitting like Yukino was with Ayame right now. Yukino left Haruka and Kaede sleeping deciding to wash, change and dress herself as well as Ayame to go for a walk.

Their vacations were never boring. While dressing Ayame, Yukino wondered what life had planned to throw at them next. The guards stationed outside the door radioed for replacement guards as Yukino informed them of her intention. They were not traveling on a military transport and the guards would keep people at a respectable distance. Yukino was happy that the transport had arranged a section of cabins for them, but she wanted to walk the compartments, go up on deck, and just be a member of society, not a ruler of one.

Once the replacements arrived Yukino headed towards the main lounge wanting to look out the large window. Heads turned sharply when the guards entered, but no one moved. Most people were pleased to see the President out and about with her daughter. Yukino Chrysant was known to be approachable so the Aries citizen's just sat and smiled at the new mother and child. Yukino noticed two young women resting by the opposite doorway and smiled as one of them noticed her. The look of surprise on the girl's face intrigued Yukino so she headed towards them.

"Excuse me, I was wondering if I could sit here for a moment before moving on," Yukino asked the large young woman. The girls face was very familiar almost reminding Yukino of Haruka when she was younger. They had the same violet eyes, but this girl had short spiked brown hair so dark it was almost black.

"Your companion seems to be resting quite easily for such uncomfortable seats," Yukino said.

"We've come a long distance Madame President," the girl responded as her companion stirred.

"Kae…oh my… Madame President. Forgive my rudeness I am rather shocked and tired," the other girl responded as she realized who was now sitting with them.

"Please girls I'm on vacation. You can call me Miss Chrysant as it seems enough people are already referring to me as Madame President against my wishes. So are you heading home to Wind or on a vacation?" Yukino asked. Ayame had pushed herself up from Yukino's chest and was wobbling trying to turn to face the new voices.

"My companion and I are heading home. It's been a very long trip for us," the smaller woman said as she took her companion's hand and gave it a squeeze.

Yukino noticed that the larger woman had grasped the seat handle with her other hand so tightly that her knuckles had gone white. It was only when the other girl squeezed her free hand that the pressure released.

"Are you disturbed by the presence of my guards?" Yukino asked wondering if it was her own presence instead.

"No, I'm sorry Miss Chrysant. I'm road weary and just pleasantly surprised that in such a large open place you would choose to sit with us," the larger girl replied as she let go of the seat handle and cover the other girl's hand.

"Do you mind if I ask your names?" Yukino asked noticing the silver bands they each wore and then the quite remarkable earring the larger girl wore. It reminds me of a Meister GEM, Yukino thought to herself.

Haruka had been kicked awake by Kaede not long after Yukino left with Ayame. Haruka checked out with the guards as to her destination and muttered a curse as she went to ready Kaede and herself to join them.

"Kaede my dear it seems we have to get dressed. So much for relaxing in the cabin," Haruka said as she started to undress Kaede.

"My name is Shiori and this fool is Kaede," Shiori said smiling rather pleasantly. Kaede's brain momentarily shut down at the question causing Shiori to answer for them both.

"Nice names. My other daughter is named Kaede as well. If you don't mind I have another question?" Yukino asked staring at Kaede trying to pry out info from her easily read expressions.

"Yes Mom, I mean yes Ma'am. What is it you are wondering?" Kaede blurted out feeling ready to crack under Yukino's scrutiny.

"That's a Meister GEM isn't it?" Yukino asked as Ayame lay against her chest again.

"And if I told you it was just a knock off I picked up on vacation, would you believe me?" Kaede asked causing Shiori to look at her.

"I wouldn't believe you because the quality is too good to be anything but real. So my question is who are you really?" Yukino asked having met quite a few Meisters over the years. These two weren't too much younger than her by a few years give or take. All three of their heads turned as the lounge door opened. Yukino caught the look on the young girls face at the sight of Haruka and recognized the expression as one of love.

Haruka entered the main lounge just as Yukino had asked that question. Haruka quickly went to her side and excused herself for interrupting the discussion. Yukino's glare shot through Haruka and put her on alert. The conversation it would seem had been a serious one.

"Should I ask my guards to clear this compartment so we may talk or should I have you escorted off to a room to answer questions instead?" Yukino asked feeling her intuition tingle wildly.

"Is that really wise Yukino?" Haruka asked giving the two girls very stern looks.

"I doubt these two would choose to react in a foolish matter under the circumstances," Yukino said motioning to her guards. The entire lounge was cleared and guards appeared at each of the entrances. No one said a word. Kaede was so focused now on Haruka and the younger version of her that she couldn't believe this was happening.

"Do you really want to do this now Kaede?" Shiori asked feeling trapped even though this could only help them along their way.

"Your name is Kaede too?" Haruka asked in shock while bouncing little Kaede on her knee.

"Yes, Meister Armitage it is," Shiori answered while Kaede was frozen in memory and disbelief, "Can we move to more comfortable seats in order to do this? This is going to be enough of a shock. You have my word as a Column of Garderobe that we will not cause you any harm."

Yukino was unfazed by the declaration though Haruka was a page behind as usual, hence her reaction.

"We know all the Columns personally. You are not a Column of Garderobe and there are strict penalties and punishments for impersonating Meisters." Haruka was now standing cradling little Kaede eyes on fire. Shiori realized it was a familial trait and smiled at Haruka first, then to her Kaede.

"Let's go over to the couches Haruka and let these girls tell their tale." Yukino said standing up and walking towards the couches in the center of the lounge.

"But Yukino…" Haruka said watching Yukino calmly walk away and then staring at the girls and the odd familiarity of Kaede's features.

Haruka followed quickly behind Yukino since she wouldn't answer. Kaede and Shiori stood and waited for Yukino and Haruka to settle in place. Shiori took Kaede's hand and gently guided her towards them. As they stood before Yukino and Haruka both, Kaede and Shiori bowed and introduced themselves.

"Madame President, Meister Armitage please excuse us for being so coy. My name is Meister Shiori Kruger; I am the sixth Column of Garderobe, known as the Heaven's Guide Pearl."

"Please forgive any lapse in my judgment or my earlier reaction...My name is Meister Kaede Armitage; I am the seventh Column of Garderobe, known as the Defiant Earthbound Pearl and your daughter."

Haruka really couldn't believe what she was hearing. How could this strong looking young woman before her be her daughter? Haruka just knew she was going to have a head ache. Haruka knew there had to be some kind of joke being played on them.

Little Kaede was bouncing on her knee again as Haruka looked between the two young Meisters for another explanation. Yukino though momentarily thrown by their words recovered quickly. Time travel was not possible in this time, but how could you explain these two girls away. They seemed to genuinely believe what they were saying. Yukino couldn't sense any lies and Yukino usually picked up these things rather easily.

"There are only Five Columns of Garderobe, girls. Why should we believe who you say you are?" Yukino asked keeping her tone even. She was mentally kicking herself for her earlier comment while dressing Ayame.

"In this time and place you are correct Mother. In our time there are currently Twelve Columns of Garderobe with very different functions then currently charged with. May we sit please?" Kaede asked trying to reign in every little thought to focus realizing how curt she sounded though.

"Please call me Miss Chrysant or Madame President. This situation is not one I find myself enjoying in the least," Yukino said feeling Ayame want to be put down. Yukino motioned for them to sit, watching as Kaede allowed Shiori to sit before doing so.

"So you say you're from the future and we are supposed to believe this. How can you prove to me that you are this child I am holding?" Haruka asked still bouncing little Kaede.

Yukino didn't want to put Ayame down, but this situation was not going to be quickly resolved. Yukino excused herself and went to one of the guards. He nodded and spoke to the door guard as Yukino returned to them.

"Since you have as of yet to have met me, I cannot prove who I am to you? My parents are easily describable to you though as you would be to them. As such I am at a loss in this matter of questioning. The only thing I do know is that Kaede and I share the same birthday though I am older if only by a minute," Shiori said looking very much like Natsuki in that moment, even though her voice and mannerisms were clearly Shizuru.

"I have proof that only the people present in this room, my former nanny, and the hospital staff would have knowledge of. I'm not so sure that would be enough proof even though I know it has been kept secret," Kaede said standing as the guards hauled in the playpen only to sit again quickly.

"There are no secrets being kept Miss Armitage. How weird this is for us? You claim to be Kaede and yet there she is with Haruka," Yukino said placing Ayame on her stomach in the playpen before returning. Kaede watched as the child pulled up onto her knees then started to rock.

"My proof is that one of your daughters has a birthmark that no one else knows of. It is rather strange but nonetheless there or should I say here as well as there," Kaede said as she removed her boot and sock showing them the mark.

"That is true. Still what can you tell us besides that?" Yukino said already more than convinced, but still not allowing them the acknowledgment.

"Everything I know has yet to happen in your time. Shiori and I have no reason to lie about who we are, especially to you. If our motives seem to you as false then lock us up. Neither of us will trouble you if you do so. Our purpose here is to get home, but not just to return," Kaede said as she put her boot back on and looked to Shiori.

"Our home is gone; everything as you know it is gone in our time. We have come here hoping to change things there. I know that our words ring untrue, but our further proof is at Garderobe itself. I agree with Kaede if it makes you feel safer then lock us away and decide our fate," Shiori said feeling the need for a good long drink and a few hours sleep.

"I say we call Garderobe, Yukino. Have Kruger and Viola meet us at the station and come on board before we disembark?" Haruka said evenly, still trying to decide as her headache started to form.

"I already had that call put in, Haruka. They should be on their way shortly though unsure why," Yukino said looking at Shiori studying her features. A truly beautiful young woman to say the least, Yukino thought.

"Great…couldn't you at least lock me up then? Once the Headmistress gets here that's all she's going to want to do with me anyway. Let's just save her the trouble," Kaede said rather seriously even though Shiori was smiling.

"I hate long distance flying," Natsuki said keeping pace with Shizuru who seemed to be trying to push herself.

"It won't be much farther Natsuki the transport is already in sight," Shizuru said trying to think of what Yukino Chrysant could have requested their presence for.

"Why is it that we can never have a normal day?" Natsuki asked pushing herself and pulling past Shizuru.

"I thought this was a normal day," Shizuru said pulling ahead of Natsuki and winking before pulling even further ahead. For Natsuki's benefit she had been holding back or so she thought, but with the transport coming up quickly she decided to have some fun.

"Show off, you aren't the only one that was holding back you know. I'm not the one who just had a baby," Natsuki said flying close enough to Shizuru to reach out and touch her. Natsuki winked in return as they approached the transport where pair of guards awaited them.

As they were escorted in to main lounge Natsuki felt Shizuru's wandering hands. She was just about to say something as she noticed the two young women sitting with Yukino and Haruka.

"This is what I'm talking about, no normal days. Why couldn't this wait Madame President?" Natsuki asked looking at Yukino before settling on the two girls with them.

Haruka was smiling nodding her head agreeing with Natsuki. Normal had flown straight out the window and left them with the usual weird. Shizuru was standing behind the two girls waiting for the answer.

"You might want to sit down…" Haruka whispered to Natsuki just before Yukino answered.

"Meister Kruger, Meister Viola, I would like to introduce you to Meister Kaede Armitage and Meister Shiori Kruger."

Natsuki never made it into the seat hitting the floor with a bewildered thud, "Oi…I'm going back to Garderobe and locking myself in my office."

"That would be a pleasant change," Kaede said breaking into a laugh as Shiori slapped the back of her head.