Disclaimer: Prison School belongs to its original creator Akira Hiramoto and the anime series J.C Staff. Shadowdream30 claims no ownership of anything save for any OCs, original scenes.
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Awakening the true power of Chariot, Matsuri and Meiko passed the test and were granted an audience with Victoria herself. What awaits our two heroes and why does the goddess wish to see them both? All will be revealed in this final chapter of Maiden Heart Crusader…
-Unknown Garden-
Inside the giant room that had many different types of flowers, ranging from different colors occupied the room space. With a small fountain in the middle of the room. The room itself felt more like a greenhouse of sorts, with it being enclosed with glass. Allowing the room to be lit with the sun as its light source and where its warmth was coming from.
Projecting the screen, four females were watching the screen as it was showing them Matsuri achieving by tapping onto his power of chariot. One of them being Yoshimiya who was watching the screen with a smile on her face.
There were more girls watching with her.
One had long black hair with her bang covering her right eye. Wearing some flower earrings. For clothing, she wore a black and red dress with her v-shape cut out on her chest, exposing her cleavage. Around her waist was a skirt that covered her back view but her front was revealing her leg that showed off her stocking that fitted against her muscular leg. Decorated orange flowers planted on each of the skirts.
On her right, sitting with one leg over the other on a chair, was a short red haired girl with a clip that held up her bangs. She wore a dark red tuxedo suit that fits her slim and somewhat petite model. Yellow bow above her chest. She wore high heel boots.
Next to Yoshimiya was another older woman with long blonde hair that was shaped as big drills with purple highlights streaks. She wore a purple dress with frills on both her sleeves and the end of her skirt. She wore long white stockings along her slender legs. She was watching the scene with a mixture of annoyance and amusement.
Yoshimiya offered a satisfied smile. "There you have it. What do you think girls?"
The blonde girl could only ponder with her hand cupping her chin. "I mean, the boy does have potential and all…but…don't you think he's a little scrawny."
Yoshimiya could only roll her eyes. "Don't give me any of that, Yukina. We weren't much warriors ourselves during our own time and we matured into veteran warriors."
"True, but I must say I'm rather surprised you would offer chariot powers to him. You sure Chariot was fine with it?"
"I told her beforehand about Matsuri and beside," She looked towards the screen. Idolizing the appearance of the boy when he tapped into the power of the chariot power. "Looks like she took a liking to the boy."
"If you say so…what do you say, Megumi?" She addressed the red-haired girl next to him.
Megumi crossed her arms across her chest. "I think he has potential. Sure he may be a wimp, but he has some potential."
"Short, sweet and to the point. As usual for Megumi." The black hair girl said.
"Not much to say with him. He's just some random normal average boy who works hard to get where he's at. Despite him being a total wimp, he's not all bad. What about you, Tsubaki?" She addressed the black hair girl.
"Me? Well, he's pretty cool. Much better than that monkey bastard Sousuke." Tsubaki said.
"True that." All of them said with blank expressions.
Yukina however, held a scowl. "Though I must say, why bother letting that child offer the test for Matsuri. If anyone, it should've been me."
Megumi looked towards the girl with a blank expression. "Victoria asked us and Etsuko was very ecstatic to give her test a go. Plus, didn't you say you didn't want to bother your time with, in your words, 'a scrawny little boy like him'. Didn't you say that?"
Yukina cheeks flushed red for a moment before looking the other way. "I don't remember such things…"
"I sure do." Tsubaki said with a smirk.
"Me too." Megumi added.
"BOTH OF YOU! BE QUIET!"
"Now, now, childrens," Came a calming voice that had an echo filter to it. "All that matters is that the boy has proven himself to be a warrior with true potential. I see great things in his future if he chooses it."
Walking towards them in her high heels. An older looking woman who was far older than them all. Long dark and purple hair, similar to Yoshimiya hair. She wore a white toga style dress that covered both her chest and at least the midst of her waist. But still showed off her slender legs with the golden bracelet she wore around her ankle.
She wore a warm smile that crossed her lips. "I believe the boy has strong potential of becoming a maiden warrior indeed."
"But Victoria, what if he refuses. I mean, would he even accept?"
"Well, if he refuses, then he refuses. It is his choice whether or not he wishes to become a maiden warrior. He may choose his own path. Granted I would be rather sad if he refuses. But it shouldn't be my place to choose his path. Besides, it would also give me a chance to talk to Meiko."
All of the girls held similar expressions on their faces. Bearing nothing by sympathy for the young woman.
"Poor Meiko dear," Yukina said with a soft voice. "It must be hard for her to bear the maiden crest. Then again, it would be hard for anyone who bears the curse."
"The curse itself is irreversible. There's no easy way out of it." Megumi said with a hint of disdain in her voice.
Victoria could understand that Meiko would want to try to find an easy way out of this mess, but alas…there was nothing but bad news in her future endeavors. "Oh well, despite the bad news…it's not all bad. I would say more, but how about we wait until they make their appearance. We'll continue our talk from there. And besides, I sense them coming."
Victoria said as she looked forward with a warm smile. Sensing their presence coming closer…
"WE'RE HERE~!"
A rather loud and energetic voice coming from behind them. Causing Victoria and the others to nearly jump out of their skins. They all look behind them seeing a familiar small female figure dressed in her pink dress. She jumps out from the portal with a merry tone to herself as she steps aside from the portal.
Coming from the portal were both Matsuri and Meiko, carefully coming through the end. Both of them were taken back by the change of scenery from their usual location. Their eyes scanned the room before laying eyes at the girls and Victoria. Matsuri immediately took a glance at Yoshimiya.
"Y-Yoshimiya…"
The girl, still stunned from the unexpected entry from Etsuko, nervously waved at the boy.
"I completed my task, Lady Victoria!" Etsuko saluted with a quick motion.
Victoria cleared her throat. "U-Um…t-thank you, Etsuko. You did well with testing them."
Etsuko smiled brightly at the compliment…
"Of course I still could've done a much better job than you." Yukina said with a non-amused expression.
"Oh yeah, I don't recall you being too enthusiastic about volunteering in the first place." Etsuko said with a smirk.
Yukina rolled her eyes at the small figure. "I was far too busy."
"Sure you were…"
It only took Victoria to clear her throat to gain everyone's attention. "Now, now, everyone. The job is done and we have visitors as well. So please be on your best behavior."
Yukina merely flicked her hair as she changed demeanor. Ignoring the small teen sticking her tongue out at the taller teen. Victoria walks towards both Matsuri and Meiko, both of them feeling rather on edge by the mere presence of the woman in front of them.
Meiko was literally sweating buckets. "T-T-This is the legend herself. Goddess Victoria!?"
Victoria stops in front of them, doesn't help the fact that she stood at least 7-inch taller than them both. She offered a warm smile to the trembling couple.
"Good evening, children."
"G-GOOD EVENING LADY VICTORIA!" Both of them said with equal scared tone.
Etsuko couldn't stop giggling in the background. Yoshimiya bursted into laughter. Megumi rolled her eyes, obviously knowing that they were intimidated by the appearance of an actual goddess. Yukina and Tsubaki sighed to themselves.
Victoria released a soft sigh before addressing them. "Please do not be alarmed. I will not hurt any of you."
Matsuri cheeks flushed red. "A-Ah. R-Right…"
Meiko however couldn't stop sweating as she felt her legs were about to give away. "R-R-Right! O-Of course."
Yukina took notice of the young woman being drenched in her own sweat. "I must say, for such a beautiful young woman, she sure can sweat. No means to throw any shades, but is this what arouses the boy about her?"
"I mean, she is packing heat in almost every department. Who knows, maybe it gets him aroused the way she sweats. Just imagine if she was hovering over him and sweating like hell, I bet that gets him going." Tsubaki whispered.
"I wouldn't be surprised. I mean, everyone does have their own weird fetishes and kinks." Yukina said as all she could do was stare at the teen with such an intense stare.
Victoria took notice of Meiko trembling like a leaf and drenching herself in her own sweat. She softly sighs to herself as she extends her hand out to Meiko. Patting her on the head. Meiko flinched.
"My dear, please calm yourself…" She said with a warm voice. "If you're worried about me being a strict goddess, please rest yourself. I do not intend on being ruthless or anything to you…"
Meiko released a heavy breath before calming herself. "R-Right…sorry for being on edge."
Victoria's eyes wandered to the crest mark on her chest. "I see…"
Meiko blinked before she took notice that she was referring to the cursed mark on her chest. "O-Oh…y-yes…I have been cursed with this mark…"
Victoria narrowed her eyes before she looked back at Meiko. "I'm aware that Sousuke is the one who cursed you, but do you have any idea where he learned to use the curse?"
Meiko's expression slowly changed to disappointment. Shaking her head as she confirms it. "No. I'm not sure where he learned such a horrible spell from…all I know is that he challenged me to a match. B-But…he caught me off guard…and well. You know the rest."
"I see…" Victoria held a serious expression pondering in her own thoughts.
"U-Um…Lady Victoria." She turns to find Matsuri with a hopeful expression. "M-Meiko…both Meiko and I were wondering…i-if there is a way to reverse the curse…you know to lift it-"
"I'm sorry to disappoint you both…but there is no way to reverse the curse."
Both Matsuri and Meiko held a shocked expression on their faces. Slowly their expression fell, Matsuri sighs to himself with a disappointed grunt. Before he could ask anymore…
"P-Please!" A desperate voice from Meiko came out. "T-There has to be a way to lift the curse!"
Victoria could only bite her lip, feeling sorry for the woman. "I'm sorry child…but the curse is completely irreversible. There is no other way…trust me. I have tried."
Meiko begins to breathe heavily, her legs begin to give way. Feeling sweat drenching her bare skin once more. She bit her lip with frustration, she could hear the familiar voice of Sousuke ringing through her head.
"Ha! Give it up! You're mine! We will be lovers forever!"
She clenched her arm with frustration. Was this her future forever? Being trapped and caged like some object to be won over!? Forever being fighted over, unsure who her partner would be in the near future!?
She snapped out of her trance when she felt a gentle grasp on her hand. Enclosing it around her arm. She looks to see Matsuri with a firm glare, then offers her a sympathetic smile. Meiko could only look at the boy with some heavy breathing.
"I won't let that happen…"
"H-Huh?"
The attention was now on Matsuri who continued to look at the young woman. "I won't allow anyone to have their way with you for fun."
"M-Matsuri…"
Matsuri looks up at the goddess who held a look of interest. "If there's no way to reverse the curse…then…I promise I will fight for Meiko freedom! Anyone who dares lay a hand on her will have to answer to me!"
The goddess blinked at the boy. She was taken back by the sudden change of attitude from the boy. But she would be lying to herself if she said she found it not amusing. At first he was rather meek, but from what she saw from the test and to see in-person, it was clear that this boy holds potential.
"Yoshimiya was very right about you…"
"Huh?"
"You hold such strong potential as a warrior…you are selfless, caring, brave….while a bit of a coward." She said as she smiled when he pouted at that mentioning. Hearing Yoshimiya snickering in the back. "But…you are a true warrior through and through. I'm happy to hear that."
Matsuri blushed a little at the praise. "U-Um…t-thank you…"
"Yes…the potential of being a Maiden Warrior."
Matsuri lets out a yelp as he looks up at the woman. "H-Huh!?"
"Matsuri," Yoshimiya said. "You are now the holder of Chariot powers. She accepted you as the host. Meaning…"
Matsuri blinked with a baffled expression. He looked towards Meiko who also held an equal expression to Matsuri. "I-I'm a Maiden Warrior?"
"That's right!" Etsuko said as she leapt in the air and sat on Matsuri's neck. Wrapping her legs around the boy's neck. "You're one of us now!"
"R-Really?"
He looks towards the others. Yoshimiya gave a bright smile, Megumi gave a simple nod as she crossed her arms. Yukina flicked her hair but gave a smirk towards the boy. Tsubaki gave a fist nod at the boy with a smile.
He then looks towards Meiko who still had a baffled expression, but nonetheless gave the boy a small smile.
Matsuri was still a little unsure. "B-But…I'm not much of a warrior."
"It's fine. Not many of my loving children were not warriors themselves as well, but they soon became special in their own ways. And you child…are very special."
"B-But I got this power from Yoshimiya, wouldn't be stealing if I-"
"Oh relax will ya," Yoshimiya said as she walked beside the goddess, looking at the boy. "I gave you the chariot power because I felt great potential within you. And so did Chariot."
"R-Really?"
Yoshimiya's smile widened. "Trust me on this, it takes a lot and I mean a lot to get Chariot's attention. And the fact that she accepted you as the host of her power…you're more than qualified enough in her eyes."
Matsuri remembered his encounter with the warrior. "I…I remember…but what about you? You don't have Chariot's power anymore."
"I wouldn't worry, Victoria said she'll be giving me a new power to wield."
"O-Oh…b-but still though, sorry."
"My goodness boy, relax." Yukina said with an amused smile. "It's not all bad. You're a maiden warrior now. Which makes all us your companions. Well, we're more so of your seniors since you're still fresh."
"That's right!" Etsuko said as she leaned over and looked at the boy with a smile. "It's all good!"
Matsuri blinks as he takes a moment to ponder. "U-Um…will I still be able to protect Meiko?"
Victoria smiled softly at the boy. "Of course, those powers are yours to control. You may use it however you wish to use it."
Matsuri took a deep breath before he turned to Meiko, causing the young woman to freeze in place with a blush. Etsuko gets off the boy's shoulders and skips over towards Victoria.
"Meiko…I-I know your not happy about this whole given situation we're in…but…I just want to let you know that…I promise I will defend and keep fighting for your freedom."
M-My freedom?" She breathed out.
Matsuri nods to his partner. "I swear…with this power and me being a Maiden warrior…I will protect you from those who wish you harm. I will…become you knight in shining armor."
…..
Nothing was said between either of the group. Aside from the snickering that could be heard from the girls. Even Victoria couldn't hold back a giggle. Making Matsuri madly blush as he realized what he just said, and in front of Meiko of all people.
"U-Um…y-yeah. You know what I mean…"
Meiko blinked at the boy for a moment before stifling out a giggle. "That sounded cooler in your head, did it?"
"Yes…" Matsuri was not afraid to admit.
"I figured…"
"S-So…h-how do you feel…about me being your partner until we're wedded?"
Meiko closes her eyes as she ponders for a moment. Remembering the short time they had together. The moment he saved her from Sousuke not once but twice. His determination to keep her safe, their moment during Etsuko's test. The boy did it all for her sake.
"My fated partner…"
-Chairman Office-
"Huh!? So in the end she wasn't able to uplift the curse!?" Hana said with a disappointed expression.
Meiko found herself sitting in the chairman's office with her friends sitting on the couches as well. Hana on her left and Mari on her right. With Meiko sitting in the middle of them both. Sitting across from them were Usano and Dorrik who were looking at the young woman as she explained her tale.
"I'm afraid so…there is nothing much that can be done aside from just following the script to my fated future…"
"Meiko…" Mari looks at her friend with a small frown. "I'm sorry to hear that…"
"It is indeed a terrible price to pay for something out of your control." Usano said as he leaned back on the couch with a ponder. "But to think that the goddess herself could not reverse the curse, this is quite…troubling."
Dorrik took a sip of his tea. "Well, it is to be expected…there's no helping the matter."
Hana glared at the man. "Hey, you sure do know alot about this stuff, you sure there isn't anything you're not telling us?"
"I agree," Mari said as she shot a glare. "I refuse for Meiko to be fated with this terrible curse."
"Sorry girls," Dorrik held a serious tone as he looked into his cup. "There's no changing it, the maiden curse is something that can't be easily removed, this same curse was placed amongst the goddess herself…only taking a brave hero to come to her rescue and save her from the terrible fate."
Mari bit her lips. She did not want this to happen to her friend.
"Mari…Hana…" Meiko brought their attention. "I know how you all feel…I feel frustrated myself…but…I think…I think I'm good."
Both of them blinked at their friend with baffled expressions. Even Usano was taken back by her change of expression and tone.
"H-Huh? You mean…you're okay with being cursed?" Hana asked.
"I mean no. I'm not okay with this curse placed on me," She said as she placed her hand on top of her breast with a sigh. "But…I'm fine. Even if my curse is not lifted. I feel at ease with my current partner."
Mari blinked with a raised brow. "Your current partner…oh."
Dorrik suddenly beamed a small smile. "You mean Matsuri?"
"Huh? That wimp!? I mean, even though he is a Maiden warrior, you're good with being with him? No offense but I think you should choose someone who is at least…reliable." Hana said with a bit of hesitation.
"Though rude, I do agree with Hana." Mari said as she looked towards Meiko. "Matsuri is strong, but I don't know if I can trust his power to keep you protected…"
"I know what you mean. And I did have some consideration for myself…" Meiko stopped for a moment before looking into her cup at her own reflection. A soft smile graced her lips. "But…I think I want to give him a chance…I wish to be with Matsuri for a little while longer. I want to believe in him."
Mari and Hana exchanged glances before looking at their gray-haired friend. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes…I trust Matsuri."
Dorrik released a soft sigh. "That's good to hear. Matsuri may not look at it, nor act like it…but he's a warrior his own way."
"If you can even call it that. Like those other five idiots." Hana said as she mentioned Kiyoshi and the others.
"True…but perhaps…Meiko speaks some interesting opinions," Mari said as she closed her eyes and leaned against the couch. "I guess we must wait and see how this plays out. But Meiko, if anything comes about, please do not hesitate to come to us."
"I will, thank you Madam President."
Mari closed her eyes for a moment with a ponder….
"A Maiden Warrior…Matsuri…" She thought to herself. "I do wonder how the story will unfold…"
-Training Ground-
"ALRIGHT! THAT'S ENOUGH!" Suzumei yelled with the practice wooden sword on her back.
Forming a line, all six of the boys formed a line in front of the woman. Majority of them were battered and slightly bruised. But were still standing tall with their full attention on the woman in front. Meanwhile ignoring the crowd who watched.
Suzumei closed her eyes with a ponder. "I must admit, all of you have improved from the last time we practiced. However…some of you still hold problems that need to be seriously addressed!"
She points to them in order…
"KIYOSHI! You still lack in handling the sword! But you were able to hold your ground against me, keep working!"
"YES MA'AM!"
"SHINGO! While you're now focusing on the match, you still feel the need to entertain your…'audiences'. When in an actual fight, please do yourself a favor and focus on the fight and not your fans."
"Yes Ma'am!"
"JOE! Finally gaining the balls to fight your enemies, you still refuse to look at your enemies! Looking at your enemy movements is just as important to avoid any unnecessary attacks from them! Understand?"
"Yes Ma'am!" He coughed.
"ANDRE...while you're now fighting back, I wish you put more effort in your defense to avoid getting hurt and losing the match."
"B-But I like getting-"
*WHOOSH!*
He stops himself when he flinches as Suzumei points the sword at his face with a glare. "I don't care! In battle you can't reveal your weakness to your opponent! If you do, you're as good as dead! Do you understand?"
"Y-Yes ma'am." He said a bit disappointed.
"And now…finally Matsuri." She looks towards the boy as he still remains strong and firm. "You have improved rather well. However, like Kiyoshi, your swordplay needs some fine tuning. Plus, do not let the opponent get the best of you. Always be on your guard with any opponents who carry many different attacks and techniques. Do you understand…"
"Yes ma'am!"
Suzumei nodded her head as she looked at all of them. "But today was an overall improvement, keep training hard and don't forget what I told all of you, understand?"
"YES MA'AM!"
"Good. DISMISS!"
On that note. Everyone dismissed themselves. All of the crowd left the area. The boys overheard the crowd leaving with some positive impression.
"Gotta admit, they improved."
"Yeah, guess they're not clowns after all."
"True, but I'm more interested in that Matsuri guy, like doesn't he have a partner now?"
Kiyoshi overheard them as he turned to his friends. "You guys hear that, we got some positive feedback now."
"Indeed." Gakuto said as he pushed his glasses up. "With us improving in our swordplay more, soon dreams of achieving girls will be closer within our reach."
"Ah man, just think about it, girls are gonna be falling for us. Just think about it. If some big hot shot were to come to this school and begin terrorizing it, I can just go up to them and say," Shingo brandishes his wooden sword as he poses. "Back off delinquent! Or you shall face the awesome power of Shingo's wrath!"
"That's lame." Joe said with a blunt tone.
Shingo snaps his head towards the boy. "SHUT UP! DON'T RUIN MY IMAGINATION!"
"Actually, the only one who *cough* has a girlfriend…"
They all turned their head towards the brown-haired boy who felt the stares. He turns to see Kiyoshi and the others who were looking at the boy with intense stares. Causing him to become a little uncomfortable…
"W-What?"
"Matsuri-dono! Since you are the future husband of the maiden bride! Just who was that beautiful, gorgeous woman!?"
"Yeah! Who the hell was that!?" Shingo asked.
Matsuri could only groan at them. "Sorry, but I'm not allowed to reveal her identity."
"HUH!? WHY!?"
"Because I made a promise. That's it."
"DON'T BE SO BLUNT ABOUT IT!"
Gakuto recomposed himself as he stared at Matsuri with a scheme. "Come now Matsuri-dono, surely you must know who this beautiful maiden is. Her breasts were practically beautiful under that basking sun during that day."
Matsuri felt his cheeks warm at the mention of her breasts.
"Yeah. They were freaking amazing." Shingo said as he daydreamed.
"A true beauty."
"They were big."
Matsuri could only look at them with a roll of his eyes. "Look, who I'm a future partner with is none of your guys business. I made a promise to her that I wouldn't reveal her identity. So stop asking already."
"BOO! YOU STINK!" Both Shingo and Joe said as they gave Matsuri the thumbs down.
"So noble of you, color me jealous." Andre said with the last bit out of envy.
"Matsuri-dono, you sure are selfish for not sharing with us boys." Gakuto's guilt tripped him.
Kiyoshi couldn't help but look at the boys with an indifferent look. "You guys are the worst."
"Alas, it seems Matsuri-dono is becoming what we call, a normie. He's slowly going to the dark side, leaving us boys to ourselves." Gakuto said with a dramatic voice.
"Yeah, Gakuto right. Get out of here normie! No one wants you here!" Joe said to Matsuri.
"Begone with your smugness." Andre said.
"Get lost you flirting bastard." Shingo shared his hatred.
"OH GROW UP! ALL OF YOU!" Matsuri yelled at them with a mad blush.
Kiyoshi could only watch from the sideline. He could only feel sympathy for the boy.
"Um…excuse me." He hears a soft voice behind him. He turned around and spotted Chiyo with a soft smile, staring at Kiyoshi.
"C-Chiyo-chan!?" He was startled.
"Sorry, didn't mean to surprise you but…I was watching your guys match with the teacher, it was…it was really awesome." She said with a beaming smile. "Your guy's swordplay really improved."
Kiyoshi madly blushed. "A-Ah…um…t-thank you…we practiced really hard."
"I noticed. At least the teacher didn't make a fool out of you guys." Chiyo said with a smile.
"Y-Yeah…thanks for that…" Kiyoshi said as memories from their previous practice round with the teacher didn't go well. "B-But we practiced really hard! But we still have a long way to go!"
Chiyo smiled at the boy. "Say, why did you guys pick up swordplay anyways…"
Kiyoshi flinched, starting to sweat on the spot. "Ah crap! I can't tell her the real reason we did it was so we can use this as a weapon to get some girls! She'll never talk to me again! I have to think of something!"
Chiyo blinked as she tilted her head at the boy.
"U-Um…we just…you know, wanted to become knights."
"Huh?"
"We were inspired by the…story from the tale of Lady Victoria. You know, with the curse, the way the hero saved her," Kiyoshi said, now sounding more brave. "W-We were inspired by the hero of the story, we wanted to become brave knights as well. To protect anyone who's in danger."
Kiyoshi stood tall as he looked into the sky with a firm stance. Waiting for an answer from Chiyo as she just looked at the boy.
It didn't take long before she clasped her hands together. "REALLY!? THAT'S INCREDIBLE!"
Kiyoshi blinked as he looked down at the girl, before she pushed herself against the boy, her eyes sparkling. "YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING! I THINK YOU'LL BECOME GREAT KNIGHTS!"
"G-Guh!? Y-Yeah!" Kiyoshi cheeks flushed mad red.
"Holy crap! She's close! Way too close!"
"Y-Yeah, just you wait, we'll show the school by becoming great knights!" Kiyoshi lied.
Chiyo smiled brightly at the boy. She heard her friend calling for her. "Huh? Oh, gotta go. I'll be cheering you guys on!"
"T-Thanks…" Kiyoshi said nervously, now knowing they can't do anything to screw it up before she finds out the real reason why they're doing this. "W-We'll do our best."
Chiyo nodded as she parted. She waved him goodbye as she ran towards her friend. Kiyoshi waved goodbye with a dazed expression. Once again in his daydreams. Planting the image of Chiyo's smile in his mind.
"KIYOSHI-DONO!"
The boy turned his head, his dazed expression replaced with sudden terror. He found himself being surrounded by the boys as they all glared at him. Kiyoshi looked deep into their eyes as he could see himself dying in their minds.
"Did we just see you having a friendly conversation with the beautiful and innocent Chiyo-dono?"
"You bastard. You sure do get some balls by betraying us."
"You're a real *cough* piece of work, you know that right?"
"Don't get too cocky."
Kiyoshi became overall startled by their sudden approach to him. "W-What the hell!? I was just having a conversation with Chiyo-chan. So what?"
He felt both his shoulders being grabbed by Gakuto. "Kiyoshi-dono, please do not step any further into the battlefield. You are only trying commit a suicide mission."
Kiyoshi only groaned at his friend. "You never know if you try, right? And besides, you guys are only jealous because I and Matsuri are the only ones who have girls to talk to."
"Please don't lump me in this." Matsuri thought to himself.
Of course, Kiyoshi may have hit a nerve with his friends as they just looked at the boy with shocked expressions. As if they were offended by his comment. All four of them were immediately crowding the boy, blocking his exits.
"HOW DARE YOU MAKE SUCH AN ACCUSATION!" Gakuto yelled at the boy.
"YOU COCKY LITTLE SON OF BITCH!" Shingo yelled using his one eye as he glared down at Kiyoshi.
"DON'T LOOK DOWN ON US DREAMERS!" Joe said as he wheezed out blood.
"YOU GOT A DEATH WISH!?" Andre yelled back as well.
"G-Geez, sorry…just take it easy."
"THAT'S IT! BOYS! WE GOTTA GO GET OURSELVES SOME GIRLS AND SHOW THESE BASTARDS THAT WE GOT WHAT IT TAKES!" Shingo said to his friends.
Matsuri could only look at the group with a sigh. "These guys are just as hopeless as Sousuke and the others…"
He could only look at the group with a blank expression. Seeing them arguing with each other…
-Garden-
Once again, within the garden, Victoria was watching the projected screen, showing the test that Etsuko layed out for Matsuri and Meiko. From when they were turned into kids and they had to enter the mansion.
From just watching the boy, she could admire the boy's bravery and his declaration for helping not just Meiko, but also helping the girls and the boys.
"Hmm…this boy is rather unique. And has great potential of being a maiden warrior. In fact…he kind of reminds me of you back in the days." She said as she glanced over her shoulders.
Walking towards the goddess, Dorrik, taking off his hat as he stood next to her. "I got the exact same feeling when I first saw him. Yoshimiya has a good sense of judgment with the people she meets."
"Hmm…I wouldn't say she's right all the time…there's still that one girl." She whispered to herself.
Dorrik caught on to what she was thinking. "I'm sure she had her own reasons…but of course we can't say for certain."
Lady Victoria couldn't help but worry to herself. Shaking her head she looks up at the screen. "Either way, the boy would make a fantastic maiden warrior."
Dorrik couldn't help but to ponder for a moment. "A boy amongst five girls…how would you think the boys would say that scene?"
Lady Victoria giggled. "I feel sorry for the boy, but I'm sure he wouldn't let it get to him. He's just trying to be there for Meiko and protect her."
"That is true…" Dorrik took a deep breath as he enclosed his hands around Victoria's hands. "I wonder how the future will unfold between the two?"
Victoria smiled as she gripped her hand tighter on the man. "I can see a bright future ahead of them both. While it may be long and treacherous, it will all be worth it in the end. Just like how it was for us…right?"
Victoria found herself leaning next to the man, resting on his shoulders. Dorrik's smile widens as he looks at the screen while enjoying the presence of Lady Victoria.
"Perhaps…even more so romantic…we'll never know. All we have to do is to wait and see…"
-Matsuri/Meiko Room-
Matsuri was sitting on top of the bed with his legs criss-crossed. He was busy looking at the crest mark on the back of his hand. He took note of the star marks with dust trails. And the heart right in the middle.
He then looks at the emblem that was given to him by Yoshimiya. She recalled his encounter with Chariot.
"Maiden warrior…me?" He thought to himself. "Do I even have what it takes to be one?"
"Of course not."
Matsuri flinched at the voice as it echoed in his…head!? He looked around, trying to find the source, he recognized that ice cool voice.
"What the…Chariot…is that you?"
"Of course it's me, dummy. Who else, your mother?" She remarked.
"Where are you?"
"I'm speaking from the emblem stupid. Geez, come on, get with the game."
"S-Sorry…um…so…do you think I can't be one."
"Nope." She bluntly said, causing the boy to pout, only making her giggle. "But…I can see some potential in you. Just like how Victoria and Yoshimiya said."
Matsuri looks at the emblem with a soft gaze. "I know I told myself that I would protect Meiko's future and all but…with a girl like her with someone like me. I don't know, I feel like I'm just doing some wishful thinking. She's way out of my league."
He could hear the sigh from the woman. "Listen kid, I may not be the most…romantic person out there. But you gotta have more faith in yourself. Remember, you got me to help you out in those fights, so don't worry."
"It's not really the battles I'm worried about…it's just Meiko. I want to make her happy and have faith in me to protect her…but can I really do it?"
There was silence between them. Until he hears a soft sigh from her. "Listen kid, get a grip on yourself. If you are so worried about making Meiko happy, then get to know her better. You can't just sit there and mop all day. Take action."
Matsuri blinked as he took into consideration her words. "Well, I guess you're right about that…can't exactly just sit here doing nothing."
"There you see, don't worry. I got your back. Not only me, but also Yoshimiya and the others."
Matsuri smiled. "Yeah…"
"Matsuri."
He hears a familiar voice. He looks over his shoulders to spot Meiko. Wearing her yellow tank top and pink shorts. She released her bun, letting down her hair and her glasses were off. Her cheeks blushed red as her eyes shifted in the other direction.
"M-Meiko…"
"S-So…how could I say this," She said as she pondered to herself. Letting out a frustrated sigh. "Ugh. I'm not gonna beat around the bush, but I would like to say that…I'm sorry."
Matsuri blinked. "H-Huh?"
Meiko's cheeks flushed. "I…about me being harsh to you. I-I just assumed you were like Sousuke or those five boys. Well, I thought that you would take the opportunity and take advantage of me…"
Matsuri had his body turned around as he listened to the young woman.
Meiko took a deep breath before sitting on the edge of the bed. Her hands resting on her knee. "I was wrong. I'm truly sorry for my brash behavior."
Matsuri blinked, staring at the young gray-haired woman with an intense stare. He was unsure of what to say to her or even how to respond to her words. His mind was just a chaotic mess.
"Hey." He hears Chariot's voice. "Say something you fucking moron."
"R-Right…"
"M-Matsuri…" Meiko said as she hesitantly looked at the boy.
"S-Sorry…I just, you know. Wasn't expecting that. It just came out of nowhere."
"Well, I just felt I needed to apologize to you…after witnessing your vow to protect me and all. Well…you could say I had some thinking to myself." She said as she allowed her back to fall on the bed. "I felt I was being foolish for being too harsh on you. So yes…I'm sorry."
"It's alright." Matsuri softly said as he fell on the bed. His head laying right next to Meiko. "It's not like I'll hold a grudge against you or anything. Besides…being with you it feels like I can achieve anything."
Meiko blushed at his words.
"I promise I will protect your future from those who will do you harm."
The gray-haired girl blinked with her cheeks flushing red. She couldn't help but smile at the boy. "Well then, don't go and disappoint me then…"
…..
"AND SO! THE BRAVE MAIDEN WARRIOR MATSURI VOWED TO PROTECT THE BEAUTIFUL AMAZON, MEIKO!" Etsuko said as she outstretched the paper within her hands. "WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE TWO COUPLE!? WILL MATSURI LEARN THE WAY OF BEING A MAIDEN WARRIOR? WILL MEIKO FOREVER BE CURSED WITH THE MAIDEN CREST!? WE SHALL SEE IN THE NEAR FUTURE OF THE STORY!"
Etsuko exclaimed with a dramatic pose in front of her friends.
From the USC, the girls and the boys staring at her with all the same expressions. Unsure of what to say to the small first year.
Etsuko plopped back down on her butt with a smile. "And that's the end of my story. What do you guys think?"
There was nothing but silence between them. Unsure of what to say to the girl.
Mari cleared her throat with a blush. "Ahem, um…well, how should I say this…your story is rather bold."
"Bold not even the word how I would describe it," Tsubaki said with a shake of her head. "What in god's name hell did I just listen to?"
"Um…I think it was an interesting story." Chiyo said with a nervous smile. "I mean, I like how Matsuri saved Meiko from Sousuke and the battle scenes were nice."
"I suppose so…" Megumi said as she just scratched her cheeks with some embarrassment. "But if we're critiquing her story here I would say this…would it just be easier if Matsuri was just a Maiden warrior as well from the start. You know, have him as a rookie. Would make for an entertaining story."
"I must agree." Yukina said.
"You guys are really giving out your critiques, huh?" Anzu said.
Etsuko took some considerations with their words. "Hmm…I mean, this IS just a pilot or some sort. So nothing is really official yet."
"Oh, so it's not official or anything yet." Hana asked.
Etsuko waved her hand carelessly. "Nah. It's just something for fun I want to share with you guys."
Her friends couldn't help but to feel a little miffed about her words. "Why is it that we can't help but to feel like she's doing this just to poke fun at our expense."
Matsuri scratched his head with a nervous smile. "Well, I think it's a neat story overall. I like it."
"I like it too," Kiyoshi said before sounding a little disappointed. "However, I think you could make us a little more stronger characters next time."
"Indeed, I felt like my character was heavily flanderized." Gakuto said.
Hana rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms under her breasts. "Really, because I felt she accurately got your guy's character down, perfectly."
"T-That's not true. We're not THAT bad." Shingo countered.
Mari sighs to herself as she looks towards Etsuko. "Anyways, I thought that the story was entertaining…bold. But entertaining and amusing if I'm being truthful."
"I liked it alot. You have a knack for storytelling, Etsuko-san!" Satou said.
The small first year smiled at her friends brightly. "Thank you! Oh! I have other ideas for my other stories as well!"
They reacted to that.
"Huh!? You got more!?" Hana asked with a baffled expression.
"Hmm-mm~! I got tons of ideas! Like Meiko being the only giantess at the school, alternate universes with different scenarios! I got chalk full of ideas that I just ready to burst out!" Etsuko yelled with a proud and firm voice as she planted her fists on her hips.
As she was standing there with her nose held up high, the other couldn't help but just worry for her.
"I worry for this girl's future…" Mari said as she pinched the bridge between her brows.
"Agreed…" They all agreed with their sentiment…
…..
And that's a wrap! We have reached the end of "Maiden Heart Crusader"! Though that was the end of the small first year story, she still got tons more of story to tell and share! But that's a story for another time…
This story just serves as a launch pad for the potential spin-off story that I will dub as "Etsuko's Chronicles: Prison School Story". This series will serve as a chronicle of mini stories, each of them being different from the others. For example, these stories will be like AU, What Ifs, so on and so forth. However, take note, all of them will focus on different main characters so all of them won't be focusing on Matsuri and Meiko. However, I won't be focusing on this project until I'm at least done with the main story.
Thank you all for reading this silly mini spin-off of the story. It was fun and rather different from the main story. As I said, this project will be in consideration, but for now I want to focus on the main story.
Both "Maiden Heart Crusader" and "Hitoyoshi and the Prison School" are available on Fanfic and A03 (Archive of our own).
Once again, thank you for reading and I shall now focus on the main story for now…
Leave a review, stay safe and I will see you all later!