DISCLAIMER: Mai Otome and its characters are Sunrise property.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: 11/13/09- No original chapter notes.

Our Legacy ch39

Sarah received a message from Natsuki sending her to Cardair to do some legwork on some tall tales Maya had heard. Ahn let her go even though she wanted her to stay. Sarah needed to get back to work even though she wanted nothing more than Ahn and their daughter, Cara. Sarah reminded Ahn before leaving that she would be going to Garderobe after she was done in Cardair. They had talked about possibilities long enough. Ahn would have to decide where their relationship would go from here. Sarah would follow with whatever Ahn chose to do even though it hurt not knowing before she had to go.

Garderobe,

Nao was sitting on the edge of the bed with her head down thinking about last night. Nao was lost in her thoughts and just kept staring at the floor. Youko came up behind her and put her arms around Nao.

"Thinking about Midori?" Youko asked.

"No, I'm thinking about last night actually. Those two girls that are supposed to be from the future in general," Nao said.

"Do you believe they are actually Kaede Armitage and Shiori Kruger grown up?" Youko asked her warm breath brushing Nao's ear causing her to shudder.

"Kaede looks like Haruka too much not to. I just don't see how it's possible?" Nao said as she registered this woman's body pressed against her own.

"Technology is always advancing Nao. We sit on the largest technological data bank on Earl. There's still plenty in there to unlock," Youko replied pulling away from Nao and stretching out again on her bed.

Nao remained still thinking about the truth in that, "Has it even occurred to either of you that maybe those records are better left lost in the archives? Not everyone believes in helping their fellow man. There are more people like Nagi and Tomoe out there than you'd think. Not everyone wears their true intentions on their sleeves."

"That shouldn't be such a huge concern as long as the Otome of Garderobe protects that knowledge," Youko answered thinking of how serious Nao was.

"And you think we do such a bang up job of protecting ourselves, hello Nagi Dai Artai," Nao said as she hunted her clothes down.

"Are you really that skeptical Nao?" Youko asked.

Nao leaned back into the room and smiled thinly, "I'm a survivor big difference."

Kaede was up very early even though she had a long night talking with Yukino and then Shiori. Kaede felt more at ease because of it and wanted to just allow herself the enjoyment while it lasted. Shiori was still sleeping as Kaede decided to go work out on the track. It was a good thing Shiori was still asleep because Kaede would have been hunting Shiori's idea of more appropriate clothing first. Kaede had on sweat pants but her half shirt would have earned her a slap from Shiori before she could get out the doors.

As Kaede got outside she realized she hadn't looked at the time and found herself amongst the students. It was clean up time and now there were whispers and giggles surrounding her as Kaede tried to get away from the students. Kaede murmured a couple of keep of the good works before running off towards the track. So much for limited interaction Kaede thought as she slowed her pace.

It felt good to stretch and just take in the familiar surroundings and the feeling of the cool grass beneath her. Kaede missed Garderobe when she was in the bunker, but now that she was here she missed her friends even more. Shiori was with her, but Megumi was her old roommate and closest friend.

"I hope we were wrong, Megumi. I really do," Kaede said to herself as she realized a group of curious Corals and Pearls were now watching her. Kaede had to smile because some things would never change.

Kaede did a few more leg stretches and then started a slow jog around the track. It made her laugh a little as the young girls were now giggling and helping the two girls who had actually fainted as Kaede passed them by. Kaede picked up her pace coming back around as fast as humanly possible. Kaede was greeted by the sight of Miss Maria standing in her path on the track. She had sent the girls back to their chores. Their punishment was their own stupid infatuation as at least three of those girls were fighting off nosebleeds.

"Good Morning Miss Maria. Can I interest you in a few laps with me?" Kaede said sounding sarcastic trying to cover up the nervousness this woman invoked.

"…"

"I'm sorry, Meister Graceburt, have I done something wrong?" Kaede asked slightly nervously feeling small in front of this woman.

"Young Meister Armitage I recommend you go put on more appropriate clothing for such activity," Miss Maria replied with her most stern glare.

"This is appropriate for…" Kaede never finished as Miss Maria grabbed her ear and lead her off the track.

"No matter how well we train you girls you all seem to enjoy pushing the limits. If it isn't my patience or the rules, it's with your clothing choices," Miss Maria said squeezing Kaede's ear in order to keep the girl in pain and under her control, "You got more than just Armitage's looks dear. I also doubt there are enough hanky's in the area to stem the blood flow your display will induce amongst the girls with weaker control."

Kaede was in a little too much pain to laugh as she was reminded of Shiori. It was evident that Miss Maria would have a large impact in both of their lives. Kaede also made a mental note of how strong this woman was. The ear she grabbed was her left ear and the pressure was something Kaede would never forget.

"Hey Shizuru where is the Future Otome outfit? I wanted to …" Natsuki asked as she turned to see Shizuru standing in the bedroom doorway.

"Natsuki did not listen to me ten minutes ago?" Shizuru asked the look on her face making Natsuki regret she opened her mouth.

"Bath first. Shiori, let's go before your Mom get's really mad," Natsuki said lifting Shiori and heading off to take a bath.

As Natsuki left the room Shizuru had to smile because they were just too cute. Natsuki wanted more of those Otome baby outfits the moment she saw the first one. Shizuru loved the way Natsuki handled their daughter. It should have been the same way Natsuki would treat the older Shiori, but Shizuru would just have to concede to her lover's more stubborn nature on that.

Haruka had let Yukino sleep in and got the girls ready to go out with her. Good thing Yukino had prepared bottles for them because Haruka was feeling selfish today. Haruka wanted to spend the time alone for now with her daughters. Every time Haruka thought of Kaede the elder it was the hug in the hallway she remembered. Lashing out and striking Kaede had been a reactionary thing because of Yukino, and those haunting words were unsettling her now even more.

Haruka was holding Ayame close while she feed fighting down the tears that were threatening to overwhelm her if so allowed. Haruka was holding the bottle for Kaede as she lay on the sofa next to her. Kaede's little hands were holding onto Haruka's hand reminding Haruka of just how small she was right now.

"I'll die before anyone ever hurts either of you," Haruka said looking lovingly upon both of her daughters.

Unbeknownst to Haruka, Yukino was standing in the doorway watching over them. She would not disturb them because she instinctively understood Haruka enough to know they needed to be alone for now. Yukino slipped back into the cool sheets and reminded herself she was on vacation. It was very hard for her to listen to Kaede last night drawing out her memories. It was nice to know that Kaede would have someone like Shiori as her partner considering everything Yukino heard last night.

"The same goes for me girls. I will not allow such horrible things to come to pass in my lifetime," Yukino said to her pillow as she heard Haruka moving around in the room now.

Yukino closed her eyes and waited for Haruka to leave before opening them again. Haruka came into the room and placed a lingering kiss on Yukino's cheek before leaving the room. Yukino knew Haruka was allowing herself to cry now, but refused to move. Haruka would be better served getting those feelings out of her system as Yukino had. The time alone with their daughters would be even better therapy for her.

As Haruka was on her way out with the girls on their stroller Haruka was greeted by an interesting sight. Haruka was using the stroller that would allow her to run if she chose to. Just approaching the door as she exited the staff quarters was Miss Maria and Kaede. Haruka was about to comment on Kaede's clothes when she saw the look on Miss Maria's face. Haruka instead started laughing and allowed them to pass.

"I doubt Miss Maria even realizes how funny that looks. Granted she may deserve it for wearing such a skimpy shirt, but Garderobe isn't going to have anything that fits her better," Haruka said as she headed off towards the Mausoleum.

Shiori was just relaxing on the sofa in their room when the door opened suddenly. Shiori suppressed a laugh as Miss Maria came into the room pulling Kaede along by her ear.

"Please tell me this ignorant child has better fitting clothes?" Miss Maria asked not yet releasing Kaede from her grasp.

Shiori just smiled and shook her head no. Kaede winced as Miss Maria tightened her grip again and hauled Kaede back out of the room. Shiori wouldn't have let Kaede out like that in the first place if she had. As the door closed, Shiori laughed as she heard Kaede yelp in pain from somewhere beyond the door.

"Sorry love, but you should have known better," Shiori said as she went looking for something to wear after a quick shower.

Yukino got out of bed as she heard the knock on the door. It was a vacation, but even Yukino understood that Garderobe got busy very early. With the second more impatient knock Yukino wrapped her robe closed and answered the door.

"I'm sorry Yukino, but this rude child needs a more appropriate shirt before I allow her back outside," Miss Maria said tugging forcefully on Kaede's ear causing her to yelp in pain.

"I see, well bring her in Miss Maria and I will see what Haruka has," Yukino said flashing a big smile as Miss Maria let go of Kaede's ear and pointed towards the sofa.

"You will find yourself reading Heart of the Otome if I catch you outside like this again," Miss Maria said patiently awaiting Yukino's return.

"That's a better alternative to having that claw pinch again," Kaede said feeling her sore earlobe.

"Get smart and it'll be both Miss Armitage. I was lenient before because I thought you were not Otome. You will abide by the rules as taught to all students or suffer the same punishment, Meister or not," Miss Maria said glaring at Kaede fiercely.

Yukino came out of the room carrying a few shirts for Kaede to try.

"These are Haruka's comfy shirts, they fit loosely on her, but you look a bit broader in the shoulder," Yukino said passing them to Kaede.

"Thank you," Kaede said as she took the shirt and turned to leave.

"What did I just say Miss Armitage?" Miss Maria said sternly.

"I'm just going across the hall," Kaede said looking petulant.

"Just try one on Kaede. There's no need to be shy considering what you are wearing isn't covering that much anyway," Yukino said going over to Kaede and taking the shirts back. She handed Kaede a light green shirt and realized almost immediately it was Haruka's favorite comfy shirt.

"It's a little tight but it will do for now," Miss Maria said as she left the room, "Questions or not I better see you in that Meister uniform after your work out Miss Armitage."

"Oh she will be Miss Maria don't worry about that," Yukino said as the door closed.

"This is so uncomfortable," Kaede said tugging at the shirt.

"That's because you are bigger than Haruka which is something I would have never thought was possible. The color looks as good on you as it does Haruka. Go finish your work out now," Yukino said placing the rest of the shirts on the sofa, "I'll give these to Shiori afterwards."

"Thank you," Kaede said as she headed for the door.

"Kaede what did I tell you last night?" Yukino said staring at Kaede in the doorway. It really never occurred to her just how big this girl was even compared to Haruka.

"Mom…" Kaede said as she smiled and closed the door.

Shiori felt kind of awkward wearing her Meister uniform this morning after last night, but this was Garderobe after all. Kaede was the rule breaker; Shiori had Miss Maria's guidance throughout her young years and knew what was expected of her. Shiori went back to the staff dining room and brewed some tea. Shiori was heading for Natsuki's office as Nao slipped out of Youko's bedroom not wearing more than her underwear.

"Good Morning Meister Zhang," Shiori said causing Nao to stop dead in her tracks. For a moment Shiori's voice sounded just like Shizuru's to Nao.

Suddenly Shizuru was in the hall with them and Nao was turning a few shades of red.

"Nao you should really rethink your choice of company if you want to live through this day," Shizuru said mask slipping slightly.

"Back off Viola I was just heading back to my own room," Nao said realizing that didn't help much.

"What Meister Zhang means is that she just left Youko's room, right?" Shiori said wearing an evil smile that brought Shizuru's mask down with her own smile to match.

"That wasn't what I meant but thanks for sharing," Nao replied glaring over her shoulder at Shiori. Nao thought of where she was and just who she was standing in between before dashing into her room without another word. Viola was bad enough but if this was her daughter Nao knew she would never escape the infuriating headache.

"She doesn't change much over the years," Shiori said with a small laugh as the door closed, "Actually she gets rather comfortable with the whole exhibition thing."

"I was just heading for tea myself mind if I join you," Shizuru said not moving any closer.

"I was just coming to ask if you would anyway," Shiori said as she approached Shizuru.

"Your uniforms are going to raise a lot of eyebrows and questions, but I guess it can't be helped. I like it better than what you were wearing on the transport," Shizuru said opening the door to the Headmistress office.

"I would be negligent of my training if I assumed any other guise," Shiori said sitting on one of the sofa's pouring them both teas as Shizuru sat across from her.

"True as that may be Natsuki may have something to say about it anyway," Shizuru said accepting the cup thanking Shiori before settling back against the sofa.

"I never realized she could be so… I mean I knew because of her reactions to Kaede, but I figured that was just her protecting me. I guess I should have expected it," Shiori said as she sipped her tea glad for its heat.

"Natsuki is just having trouble adapting to this situation. I find this understandable though a little overboard even for her," Shizuru said watching Shiori as she loosened up and looked around the room.

"I guess so. This room seemed so much larger when I was growing up, mostly because of that window," Shiori said staring out across the room.

"What is it that distracts you so, Shiori?" Shizuru asked seeing a little sadness in her daughter's expression.

"The day I told you I was in love with Kaede Armitage," Shiori said as a sad smile swept her face, "We were standing in the window talking after mother and I had a fight. She forbade me to date Kaede in the first place."

"Knowing how much Natsuki loves you right now, I would say she will be trying to protect you when that moment comes to pass for us," Shizuru said smiling thinking how she couldn't wait for such a day.

"That's true, but she constantly locked Kaede in isolation for it. It made Kaede pursue me even more every time so I guess I shouldn't complain considering the outcome," Shiori said placing her tea on the tea next to the service as she walked over to that window.

Natsuki had been listening in the bedroom doorway holding Little Shiori close to her. Shiori was lost in thought staring out the window as Shizuru got up to go to her. Natsuki intervened and handed Little Shiori to Shizuru before going to join the elder in the window.

Shiori felt the strong arms around her shoulders and looked down. As she saw the blue of Natsuki's sleeves Shiori started to cry. Natsuki placed her head against her daughter's and gave her this moment.

"You are my little girl, but if that blockhead makes you happy then I should try to be more understanding in time," Natsuki said not using Kaede's name because the thought alone was still unnerving enough.

"You promise that you won't lock her in isolation in the future," Shiori asked slowly composing her emotions.

"I can't guarantee that after what you just said. I just won't beat her up is that a better deal," Natsuki asked staring into the window where their faces where reflecting back on them.

"No…you couldn't keep that promise the first time you made it," Shiori said looking into the reflections also. Shiori realized her parent's features blended together so completely to form her own.

"I'm not going to ask the why behind that. Let's go sit back down and enjoy that tea," Natsuki said imagining just what could cause such a reaction, "She'll be lucky I don't kill her the moment she steps foot on Garderobe property."

"We were celebrating in Aries' after the dance battle we won before becoming Pearls," Shiori said as she retook her seat and her tea.

"The graduation battle…," Natsuki said thinking Shiori meant her own graduation battle totally missing the words before becoming Pearls.

"Yeah the graduation battle against the ascending Pearls," Shiori said smiling at Shizuru who smiled in return though shocked. Natsuki on the other hand nearly choked on the tea Shizuru had poured before they sat down together.

Underground Bunker, Founder Core room,

Everyone was gathered together in the room listening as the words played again.

"Founder base come in. This is Natsuki Kruger… base come back. We are leaving Annam and are bringing along some survivors. Those capable will go with Midori to search for more survivors. Shizuru, I and some others are heading back your way need to talk later. Keep the lights on for us, Kruger out."

Nao sat back and kicked her feet up as she replayed the message smiling in spite of the question behind the message. The girls knew better than to ask Nao for any information and left Nao alone with Irina and the continuous playback of the message.

"She's hiding what she really wanted to say for the sake of the girls'," Irina said throwing her feet up next to Nao's.

"Maybe so or maybe she's doing it for the sake of someone on her end. Either way we won't know until we can send and receive. Right now I'll settle for hearing her voice."