Eli wished to be alone so she could concentrate on controlling her powers. Umi didn't argue and did as she wished. Umi's next move was to return to Kotori. The last time she saw Kotori was a couple of hours ago, before Tsubasa asked for her help. Kotori was not harmed but Umi also had no idea if Kotori had gained a power. She would just have to find out once she met the girl again.
But Kotori was not in her room when Umi returned. "Where could she be?" Umi exits the room and begins searching elsewhere. She didn't have any clues but she couldn't just wait around. She knew that the Princesses were ordered to stay inside the castle so she couldn't be too far. Umi decided to ask around. But now that she realizes it, there wasn't really anyone around to ask. The Kingdom was in shambles, considering everyone mysteriously gained powers and were trying to figure out how to use them.
"Umi-chaaaan!" A strong force pushes Umi forward and she lands on her face.
"Ow..." Umi mutters. She recognizes the voice as Honoka's. She turns to face the other girl, who was panting.
"Sorry, Umi-chan. I'm still trying to get used to this." Honoka gives Umi and awkward smile as the other girl stands up and gives her a confused look.
"Get used to what?" Umi asks.
"Check it out!" Honoka speeds past Umi. If Umi blinked, she was sure she'd miss Honoka. The force of her speed sent Umi down to the floor again.
"What the-" Umi tries to stand up again, but another force knocks her back down again.
"Here, I got you some bread." Honoka appears, already stuffing her face with bread.
"You have super speed?" Umi stands once more and takes the bread out of Honoka's hand.
"Mm!" Honoka nods her head. "I've been running around doing errands for Tsubasa-chan!"
"Tsubasa? As in Princess Tsubasa? Since when did you meet her?" Umi gives Honoka a weird look.
"Sometime yesterday, she's really nice and pretty!" Honoka nods her head, "But what do you have, Umi-chan?"
"Uh, the power of lightning.."
"Ehhhh, really? That sounds cool!"
"But more importantly, where is Kotori?"
"Right! Kotori-chan and the rest of the Princesses are in the Great Hall!"
"The Great Hall? Why didn't I think of that.." Umi facepalms. "Thanks, Honoka."
"Anytime, Umi-chan!" Honoka quickly finishes the bread in her hands and salutes to Umi. "See you in-"
"Don't say it."
"A flash!"
Umi rolls her eyes as Honoka's laugh quickly fades away.
As Umi enters the Great Hall, she notices the King talking with Kotori. The King and Kotori notice her as well. "Ah, Umi-chan." The King waves at her and motions for her to come.
"Your Majesty, Princess Kotori." Umi bows.
"I'm glad you're here. Do you know the status of Nico-chan and Eli-chan?" He asks.
"Eli's awake now, she's trying to control her body temperature. Nico is out somewhere, she left without a word."
"Then she might be with Maki-chan." He puts his hands on his hips and sighs. "Everyone!" He yells and all conversations stop. "We're going to have to postpone the celebration. With all these new issues occurring, I'm sure you'd like to go back to your Kingdoms and check with your families. But feel free to stay until the end of the week." He waves and looks back at Kotori and Umi. "One of the usual messengers grew wings so I sent him to your Kingdom to relay what happened to your Queen. He came back a little while ago and Queen Minami has ordered for you, Princess Nozomi and her troop to come back to the Kingdom as soon as possible. I know Eli-chan may not be ready to move yet and everyone is still learning about their powers, so I can send you out tomorrow."
"Yes, your Majesty." It was a lot of information but Umi knew she had to step up as Vice-Captain. Eli was in no position to interact with anyone. Until Eli gets herself together and controls her powers, Umi needed to be the strong one.
"I'll see you tomorrow morning, Umi-chan." He nods to her and leaves both girls.
"Umi-chan..." Kotori mutters, looking down at Umi's bandaged hands. "Thanks for being so strong." She grabs one of Umi's hands and holds it tightly. Umi was stressed, but having Kotori next to her safe and sound made her feel a little better. "Would you like to rest? You must be tired."
"No thank you." Umi shakes her head. "I must check with Princess Nozomi and let her know about Eli."
"Okay, Umi-chan. But please come to my room when you're done."
"I will."
Umi met with Nozomi and Rin in the courtyard. When she approached the other girls, she watched as Rin lifted one of the carriages. "Look at this, Umi-chan!" Rin yells, with the carriage above her. She puts it back down on the ground like it was nothing.
"Hello, Umi-chan." Nozomi greets her. Umi tilts her head.
"Umi-chan?" She didn't remember ever getting so close with the Princess.
"I can't call you Umi-chan?" Nozomi chuckles.
"I apologize...You startled me. You may." Umi rubs the nape of her neck. How awkward. She clears her throat, "You don't mind the ash?" Umi looks up at the sky. The ash continued to fall.
"It's inevitable." Nozomi replies. "Have you seen Elichi yet?"
"Yes, that's actually what I came here to report. Eli woke up and now she's learning how to control her power."
"What does she have?"
"Ice abilities. I suppose when she gets out, you'll be the first to see her."
"I see. Thank you, Umi-chan."
Behind Nozomi, Rin tries to jump as high as she can and she ends up leaping high in the sky. Both Umi and Nozomi look up, "Rin!"
"Waaaaaaah!" They hear her yelling and they both panic.
"Land on your feet!" Nozomi yells and Umi tries to anticipate her landing so she can catch the other girl. But Umi can only move so fast. Umi tries to dive to catch Rin but she believes she's too late and shuts her eyes. She waits to hear the giant thud but never does. When she opens her eyes, she sees Rin laying on a light green force field of some kind.
"Phew..." Umi can hear someone panting and she turns. Hanayo stands with her hand out towards Rin. "I made it." She wipes her forehead and Rin drops to the ground.
"Kayo-chin! Did you do that?!" Rin quickly stands up and runs to the other girl. "That was super cool, nya! You saved Rin!"
Umi lets out a deep breath and turns to Nozomi. "I'll be taking my leave. Feel free to call for me if you need my assistance."
"Kotori? May I enter?" Umi knocks on Kotori's door a couple of times.
"Yes!" Umi opens the room door to find her Princess packing her bags. She closes one of them and before she can grab it, Umi was already moving it to the other bags. "I thought I'd make it easier for us tomorrow." Kotori stands up and sits on her bed. She pats the spot next to her. Umi nods and goes to sit down too. She puts down her katana and leans it against the bed.
"How are you holding up?" Umi says, as she sits down on Kotori's bed. She takes off her cap and holds it in her hand.
"I could be better. How are you?" Kotori replies. Umi gives her a soft look and puts her elbows on her thighs and looks down at the ground. Umi can only sigh in response.
"It's crazy." Umi shakes her head. "I have the power to control lightning. It's honestly crazy."
"I know." Kotori says quietly.
"I'm really happy you're safe but this is just the beginning of something bad." Umi drops her cap and puts her right hand on her forehead. "I have to use this power for good. I have to get strong, and I-" Umi can feel Kotori's arms around her. She feels Kotori's body pressing against her back and she stops. Her breath hitches and she freezes in place.
"You're stressed. I can feel what you're feeling." Kotori whispers. It makes Umi shiver because if its true, then Kotori could tell that she was also making Umi nervous. "Come rest."
"I...I still have matters-"
"Rest, Umi-chan." Kotori hugs Umi tighter. "Please don't overwork yourself."
"O-Okay." Umi replies. She feels Kotori's fingers start running through her hair and it makes her sleepy. Kotori quietly hums and Umi blinks her eyes several times. She didn't realize how heavy her eyelids were. The last thing she remembers is Kotori guiding her head to her lap.
"Tsubasa-chan!" Honoka spots the Princess talking with her Captain. "Oh, and Captain Erena!"
"Hello, Honoka." Erena waves and Tsubasa turns.
"Ah, there you are." Tsubasa smiles at Honoka.
"I did what you said! The people around the Kingdom seem to be safe and most of them are just confused. I went to those big rocks and the uhh...what are they called..."
"Scientists?" Erena asks.
"Yeah! Plus Captain Nico-chan was there, they were taking parts of the rock." Honoka nods to herself.
"Thank you very much." Tsubasa walks over to the ginger haired girl. "I have another request. It's very important."
"I'll help in anyway I can." Honoka salutes and it makes Tsubasa chuckle.
"It's very serious. I only trust you to do this."
"What is it?"
"I would like for you to work with me. As an emissary." Tsubasa starts. Honoka tilts her head in confusion. Honoka's face amuses Tsubasa but she has no time to play around. "It's not permanent. I'd like for you to travel around the Kingdoms and spread news." Honoka crosses her arms and closes her eyes.
"You got it, Tsubasa-chan!" Honoka grins and Tsubasa blinks a couple times. She was sure she was going to have to fight stubbornness but she didn't. "I'll leave right away. What do I have to tell them?"
"Tell the Allied Kingdoms that King Nishikino has requested a meeting at the Grand Summit."
"Yes ma-am!" Honoka was already speeding off.
"Wait!" Tsubasa reaches out for Honoka. Honoka suddenly stops and falls to the ground.
"Woah." Honoka stands up and dusts herself off. She turns to Tsubasa, "How did you do that?"
"Do what?" Now Tsubasa was the confused one.
"You stopped my speed." Honoka replies. "Try again!" She begins to run off and Tsubasa concentrates and reaches out for Honoka again. This time Honoka stumbles forward and lands on her face. "Oof!"
"Sorry!" Tsubasa rushes to Honoka and tries to help her up. Honoka laughs as both Tsubasa and Erena help her up.
"That's cool, Tsubasa-chan." Honoka grins once more and Tsubasa can't help but smile too. Something about Honoka's goofiness amused Tsubasa. It interested her and made her want to learn more about the younger girl. But that was for another time.
Tsubasa clears her throat, "Since you've agreed to work with us, you'll have to look the part." Tsubasa turns to Erena who only smirks. "Erena, get this girl a uniform."
Eli didn't know how long controlling her body temperature was going to take. But she didn't think it would've taken an entire day. The whole room was covered in ice because she kept getting frustrated. And she knew the sun was going to come up soon. "Dammit..." Eli mutters. She clenches her fists and feels the cold creeping up her legs. She looks down and sees her feet covered in ice. Eli trained night and day for years, but why was it so difficult to sit down and concentrate now?
Something in her mind clicked. It was because she was worried about Nozomi. She hadn't heard anything from the other girl since last night. Or two nights before, since she was stuck in this room for a day. Eli was exhausted but she needed results. She goes to sit down on the ground and tries to meditate. She takes a deep breath in and out and continues that rhythm for a couple minutes.
The sound of the door creaking open breaks her concentration. "Damn." Nico says looking around the room. "You really did a number on this place." Nico leans against the door frame and takes a step in. Where she steps, the ice melts.
"Nico?" Eli stands up. "What are you doing up at this hour?"
"I had things to do." Nico shrugs. "I didn't think you'd still be here."
"It's a little hard to concentrate. I want to see Nozomi."
"And she wants to see you. But we gotta get this sorted out first." Nico stretches her arms. "I'll help." Nico emits a flame in her hand and uses it to melt the ice all around the room. "Now we'll know when you screw up." Nico laughs and Eli only shakes her head.
"Okay, let's try." Nico says, holding her hand out. Ever since Nico joined two hours ago, it's been a little better for Eli.
"Right." Eli nods her head. Eli shakes Nico's hand slowly.
"Wow this time you didn't freeze my hand!" Nico smirks.
"Tch. I could if I wanted to!" Eli scoffs and Nico's hand begins freezing over. Nico yelps and waves her frozen hand frantically.
"Eli, you bastard!" Nico yells and Eli bursts out laughing. The ice begins melting off Nico's hand and she crosses her arms. "I suppose this is good enough." Nico turns to walk to the door. "You still feel cold but it looks like you can control the whole ice coming out of your body thing."
"Thanks, Nico." Eli looks down and clenches her fist. She looks at the other girl who only nods and leaves the room. Now it was time for Eli to see Nozomi.
When Eli tried knocking lightly on Nozomi's door, no one answered. Eli didn't know what to expect, it was so early in the morning, everyone was asleep. Eli wasn't going to burst through the Princess's door, that would be rude. So she had to critical think. She leans against the wall. "Hmm..." And then it comes to her. She'll go in through her balcony! But to get there, she would have to climb out one of the windows and somehow climb to Nozomi's balcony. Eli didn't want to wait until Nozomi got up, she wanted to see her now.
So without any further thinking, Eli quietly opens one of the hallway windows near Nozomi's room. She steps up and onto the window frame. She holds the wall and looks out and above. She could see Nozomi's balcony diagonally from her. It wasn't far but she knew it would take her a bit. The way the castle was built, she could see a few stones sticking out. "I should be able to grab onto those as I climb." So Eli starts and grabs onto the nearest stone sticking out.
It isn't until she starts reaching for the second stone that she stops. "Wait a second." Eli uses her free hand to create ice underneath her feet. It sticks out from the side of the tower and she lets go of the stone. The ice that Eli created was strong enough to support her weight. Eli begins making ice stairs up to the balcony. And when she reaches the balcony and jumps onto it, Eli quietly laughs. "These powers are coming in handy already."
Eli shivers a little bit. Even though she can create ice, her body wasn't used to it being so cold before. She figures that maybe with more practice, her body would get used to it eventually. Eli shakes it off and quietly steps into Nozomi's room. She finds the other girl laying in bed, in deep sleep. The sight makes Eli feel better. She looks so peaceful and Eli would hate to disturb her but she wanted to talk to the other girl. So Eli kneels on the side of Nozomi's bed and slightly shakes her arm.
"Nozomi." Eli whispers. Nozomi's face scrunches up and she turns her back to Eli. Eli giggles and tries again. "Nozomi..." She shakes just a little harder and suddenly, Nozomi smacks her hand away. Eli brings her hand to her chest and stands still. She hears Nozomi quietly snoring once more. She was cute but man was it hard to wake her up. Eli sighs, "Nozomi, I want to talk to you." She tries once more and this time the other girl slowly rubs her eyes.
She grumbles and opens her eyes. A big smile grows on Eli's face and the other girl blinks a couple times. "Elichi!" She smiles and throws her arms around Eli.
"Nozomi!" Eli buries her face on the other girl's shoulder. But then she realizes that she might be freezing cold and tries to push her away. "Nozomi, I'm cold-"
"It's okay, Elichi. I always get really hot at night anyway." Nozomi mutters and hugs Eli tighter.
"But-"
"Shhh..." Nozomi lets go of Eli and faces the other girl. "I was so worried about you." She lightly punches Eli's chest and Eli laughs.
"Well, I couldn't just leave you alone after all we've been through." Eli scratches her cheek. Nozomi smirks and Eli averts her eyes. Nozomi's smirk was dangerous. "I...I'm happy to see that you're not hurt." Nozomi drops her smirk and gives Eli a sad face. It makes Eli's stomach drop a little.
"I should be telling you that...I thought you died." Her grip on Eli's shoulders tighten. "Don't do that again or I'll...I'll cast a spell on you!"
"Okay, Nozomi." Eli's gaze softens at the sight of a sad Nozomi. She puts her hand up, "I promise to always return to you after battle!"
"...Huh?" Nozomi looks up at Eli with tears in her eyes.
"Eh?!" Eli gasps. "N-Nozomi!" Eli tries to wipe the other girl's tears but Nozomi hides her face.
"I-I'm not crying!" Nozomi waves her hands and quickly wipes her tears away. "Stupid..." Eli wraps her arms around Nozomi once more. Eli rests her chin on Nozomi's head. "...You'll have to make it up to me. Because you made me cry."
"I thought you said you weren't crying?" Eli grins. Nozomi looks up at her and pouts. "Okay, okay. What would the Princess like for me to do?"
"...Stay with me please."
"Sure, Nozomi." Eli smiles. Her heart feels so full being alone with Nozomi like this. She felt like she was truly comfortable and could relax. It's not something Eli feels all the time.
"You look tired." Nozomi sits up and faces Eli.
"Just a little." Eli yawns. Nozomi gives Eli a knowing look and Eli averts her eyes again.
"Go rest." Nozomi places her hands on Eli's shoulder and leans on her. "Will you feel comfortable without your jacket?"
"No I can leave it on. I might make you cold, remember?"
"Actually Elichi...When you first touched me it was cold, but now it's normal." Nozomi grabs Eli's hand and brings it to her cheek. "See?" Nozomi smiles. Eli grins and feels her cheeks burn for the first time tonight.
"Okay fine." Nozomi releases Eli's hand. Eli sits on the edge of the bed. She takes off her boots and Nozomi scoots to sit next to her.
"You didn't get your boots on my bed, right?"
"Of course not." Eli begins unbuttoning her jacket and feels Nozomi playing with the gold accessories.
"Wow, so fancy."
"Okay, Princess Nozomi." Eli smirks and Nozomi sticks her tongue out. Eli goes to unbutton her jacket once more, and Nozomi sighs.
"Are you almost done." Nozomi leans on Eli's shoulder.
"Almost." Eli chuckles. Nozomi reaches her hand over to one of Eli's buttons and tries to help. Eli meets Nozomi's gaze and she stops. Moonlight from the balcony shines on them. Nozomi's green eyes were glowing and Eli was mesmerized. Her mouth hangs open, "Wow..."
Both girls remain quiet for a few seconds. Eli can see Nozomi's face moving closer. Eli swallows but doesn't move to resist. She closes her eyes and waits to feel Nozomi's soft lips on her own. But she feels Nozomi kiss her cheek instead. "Elichi you really are something." Nozomi giggles as Eli opens her eyes. She felt her face burning and her heart beating faster than ever.
"I...I..." Eli tries to form words but they come out of her mouth as a mess. Before she can say anything else, she feels Nozomi's lips crash against her own. She quickly closes her eyes and leans into the kiss. After a couple seconds, both girls separate to catch their breath.
"...I like you a lot, Elichi." Nozomi's face was bright red. She looks down at their hands. Eli didn't remember when their fingers intertwined. A new feeling arises in Eli. She feels like she needs to throw up, Nozomi made her feel so weak and vulnerable. Being with Nozomi made Eli feel like she could touch the stars. But she also felt incredibly weak around Nozomi.
"I..." Eli starts. She swallows, afraid that her voice might betray and embarass her. "I like you more, Nozomi." Eli finishes. "I really like you." Eli's face burns to the point where she thinks she may pass out. She couldn't believe what was coming out of her mouth. Before she can think anymore, Nozomi throws her arms around Eli and hugs her tightly.
"You're so cute, Elichi." Nozomi whispers. They both lay together on Nozomi's bed. Eli's eyes begin feeling heavy and she feels Nozomi lightly brushing her face with her fingertips. It makes Eli fall faster. For the first time in her life, Eli felt content and happy.