Chapter 17: Returning Peace

Notokishi sat on the steps of Garderobe, gazing at the city around her. She had just returned to Windbloom, accompanied by Verona and Shizuru. Upon arriving at Garderobe, Kaia had been immediately rushed to the infirmary. Now Notokishi could only wait for results on her condition.

"Don't worry, I'm sure she'll be alright. She's been through some pretty tough stuff." said a voice behind her.

Notokishi looked behind her to see Verona and Shizuru standing nearby.

"Yeah, she sure has."

Verona and Shizuru sat down beside her. They sat there until they heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

"May we join you?" a man's voice said.

Turning around, they saw it was Alyssa and a man they had never seen before.

"President Alyssa! You've recovered!" Notokishi said.

"Yes, I have. I owe you my thanks for going through so much trouble." Alyssa responded.

"I appreciate it, but Miyu is the one who freed you, she deserves your thanks more than I do."

"That's very kindhearted of you, princess." the man next to Alyssa said.

"Hey Alyssa, who's this guy? I've never seen him before."

Alyssa smiled and started giggling.

"What? What's so funny?"

"Don't you recognize me, princess?" asked the man.

"No, I…"

Notokishi observed the man's features. He had short silver hair and pink eyes that seemed almost devoid of emotion.

"No way…Miyu?!"

The man smiled. "Took you long enough."

"You're a man now?! How the hell did that happen?"

"I could hardly believe it myself. When Soul Calibur transported me to Alyssa's side, I could feel something was different about me. When Alyssa woke up and saw me, she was confused as to who I was. I told her, and she gave me a mirror. My reflection was that of the man you see before you."

"So when Soul Calibur said you'd get the rest of your reward when you reached Alyssa, it meant that it would give you a new body so that you could be with her."

"That's what I think as well. Although, I'm quite surprised that my gender also changed."

"Heh, maybe Soul Calibur's not into 'that'."

"That would explain why it didn't seem to like you."

"Notokishi, I have something important to tell you." Alyssa said.

"What is it, president?"

"Kaia is awake now. She's asked to see you."

"I see… Thank you, Alyssa. I'd better go see her."

Notokishi got up to leave. As she began to walk away, she glanced back at the people behind her. They all smiled and waved at her as she left. Shortly, she arrived at the Garderobe infirmary. Inside, she found Kaia sitting up in one of the beds. The two of them were alone.

"You wanted to see me, little sister?"

Kaia turned toward Notokishi. "Yes. Could you come over here?"

"Sure." Notokishi walked over and sat down in a chair next to Kaia's bed.

"Thank you. Notokishi…I need to apologize, for everything. I've made such horrible mistakes. And now..." Kaia put one hand to her stomach.

"Don't tell me…"

Kaia nodded. "They found a fetal heartbeat when they examined me."

"It's not your fault, Angheol made you do it." Notokishi put her hand on Kaia's arm to try and calm her down.

"I've lost everything. My friends, my dignity, and my right to be an otome. And now, as if for some cruel form of punishment I'm pregnant." Tears began flowing from her eyes as she finished.

Kaia felt something firmly grasp her hand. Looking down, she saw Notokishi was staring at her with a serious expression. Then, to her surprise, Notokishi kissed her.

"Notokishi?" Kaia said, cheeks turning red.

"Kaia, I know about your feelings for me."

"What? Who would've told you something like that?"

"Angheol did. I didn't believe him, but I wanted to be sure. And, you needed someone to calm you. I'm sorry if I've upset you." Notokishi looked away in shame, letting go of Kaia.

They sat in silence for some time. Finally, Kaia smiled and grasped Notokishi's hand again.

"I may not love you like that, but you and Verona are the people most important to me. That much is true."

"(sigh) Thank goodness. Not to be rude, but I don't think I could handle having that kind of relationship with my sister. I might prefer women, but not my own family."

"Yeah, no kidding. By the way, what did you do with the broken swords?"

"I destroyed what was left of them. They won't be causing us trouble ever again."

"That's good to hear."

"Now it's my turn to apologize. I'm sorry I wasn't able to prevent you from losing your purity. I swear that I will do my best to help you get through this."

Kaia looked at her sister in surprise. Tears forming in her eyes again, she hugged Notokishi close. Notokishi smiled and hugged her back.

10 Months later…

Kaia gazed thoughtfully at the baby boy in her arms. The child had black hair with blonde streaks and had orange/green mixed eyes. Notokishi and the rest of their family were there with her.

"He looks a lot like his mother." Nina said.

"Well, it's official. You guys are grandparents now!" said Arika.

"Arika! You're making us sound old…" Nina and Mashiro said at once.

"He's very handsome. Have you decided on what to name him?" asked Notokishi.

Kaia smiled and looked up at her. "Yes, I have. His name is Artherion. Artherion Schtauffen de Windbloom."

The End

A/N: This marks the end of my second story. I might continue this in the future, but for now I'll leave it as it is. I'll still be writing, and very soon I'm going to start a new story that's unrelated to the previous two. Until next time! DarkNovelist out.