Uploaded On: 30th September 2024.

Woe is Me
Respite's Interlude

"Oh, right. I had completely forgotten I'm going to get a GEM." Natsuki feels foolish for even forgetting this important titbit of information. Of course she'll receive one, how would she stand a chance against Shizuru otherwise?

They have already eaten and are now discussing the documentation's contents in her dormitory. Mai is absent, likely having been intercepted by Miss Maria.

"Yes. Your appointment is booked for tomorrow morning. We shall have you fitted with it without chance of practice, I am afraid." Shizuru informs her, quickly scanning a paragraph further into the details. As she does so, Natsuki casts her a speechless stare. Noticing it, she returns a smile at her. "It is purposeful due to your role as the Headmeister, Natsuki. You are formidable as a student, and as your former mentor, I believe you shall be troublesome."

"...Troublesome." Natsuki echoes a mutter. "You're the Archmeister, Shizuru. You have been for a year already. I will be a total beginner!"

"Greenhorn or not, you are the Pearl Representative of Garderobe Academy. You successfully enrolled into the world's most contested profession, and academically, worked your way to the top. Never forget this."

That is true but—" Shizuru gives her a pointed look, and all she can do is sigh in response. "I understand, I'm being too self-critical again." Thinking some more, her attention drags down to the notepad in front of her. Curling an end of the page through habit, she mentions: "Hey, so—about these past few months. I'm sorry I've been so angry. It just… gets so difficult sometimes." She twiddles the paper harder, feeling an apprehension build inside of her as she awaits Shizuru's answer.

"It is nothing for you to bother yourself about." Propping her arm to the desk, Shizuru places her jaw within her hand. "You have gone through an unimaginable amount. Quite frankly, I am surprised that you are willing to forgive me so easily."

"I was in the wrong too. I wish I wasn't so over-dramatic all of the time…"

"But you are not, Natsuki."

The fingertips pressing to the page's corner halt. Slowly Natsuki looks into the Archmeister's eyes.

"We will get through this. All that I ask is for you to keep your heart open to me. When you are in pain, so am I."

"I…" A tension builds up within the Pearl Representative's chest, the feeling clenching down against her heart. She has been such an idiot! The ruminating has spiralled her out of control to the point of lunacy. "Fumi's sake…" Natsuki motions her hand towards Shizuru, setting it atop hers that rests against the table. "Seriously though, I am sorry. After the Trias Duels tomorrow, can we do something?" Her other palm soon joins their conjoined hands, gathering Shizuru's up delicately.

The mere action makes her heart race, and much to her chagrin, she senses a blush forming. Shaking anxiety away, Natsuki continues: "A walk!"

"I was not going to imply anything." Shizuru chuckles heartfully, watching her with absolute adoration. Oh, this girl of hers is a sweetheart. How Shizuru wishes she could just scoop her up and embrace all the worries out of her. Though, if she were to do this, Natsuki would surely explode from embarrassment. "Where would you like to go? We shall be busy long after our duel, after all. Shall we plan where we should meet?"

"Ah, yeah…" Though their battle may only take a few minutes, the aftermath is strictly professional. The media will probably be hounding her tomorrow when they find out she's the upcoming Headmeister. She cringes at the very idea, before realising: "Those idiot paparazzi are going to have a field day tomorrow." They probably have all the scoops on their relationship! It's especially a given considering some students have a loose tongue. Who knows what rubbish she is going to be finding out tomorrow?

"Though you may dislike it; it will make you famous." Shizuru says, confusing Natsuki as to why she is saying this, until she continues: "Therefore, younger people—and the disabled—will learn of Kruger Industries involvement with Garderobe. You have the potential to change lives tomorrow."

"That's… That's true."

Natsuki hadn't thought about that before. "Fumi did tell me I can't have any involvement though." She points out. "Unless…" Guiding her hand to her face, she brushes her fingers against her chin. "I have my mother with me." It's certainly a loophole, but will it be allowed? "Maybe I should speak with Miss Maria…"

Natsuki does not realise how much potential she truly has, does she? Shizuru studies her curiously, practically able to see the cogs spinning inside her head as she thinks. "I think you should ask them both about it. Also remember, Natsuki, I will be there every step of the way. I am to be your Left Arm, after all." She smiles at the emphasis, wondering if Natsuki has caught its meaning.

The Pearl Representative's brow furrows up at the mention of a Left Arm. What does Shizuru mean… "Oh." She mutters. Her guide, bodyguard and partner. All three terms are innocent enough, but this does not stop her face from slowly heating up. "A-anyway, what were the Trias Duels like for you? I remember you challenged Anh and almost defeated her?"

"Hm, yes." Is it possible for Natsuki to be any cuter? Shizuru feels like she may swoon. "My element happened to match me perfectly. I surprised even myself that day. Perhaps it shall be the case for yourself."

"Depending on whether my GEM will even match my personality correctly." Natsuki realises her mistake the moment she finishes this sentence. "That being the worst case scenario, that hasn't happened to a meister in years."

"Exactly." Shizuru allows her arm propping her jaw to fall against the table. Tilting her head faintly, she throws Natsuki a charming smile. "Though I do rather enjoy seeing you wrestle your opponents without an element at all."

"Q-quit it."

The afternoon's cool breeze is blowing over.

A/N: This anniversary sucks... Sunrise didn't even acknowledge it. All we got was a region-locked café event and merchandise (with most characters missing). I expected nothing and I'm still incredibly disappointed.