by Twisted Eternal Wolvetta

and Harmonium-Kruger

Garderobe Academy, 332 A.R.

The blackened darkness never relented within Shizuru's mind. Having had repeated meltdowns, her senses were dull. She was cooped inside her own thoughts- and a sudden thought came to mind: Was she going insane? Or had she long fallen into this unknown six hours previous?

The Gakuenchou; Natsuki, her partner lay totally unconscious in the lab. Yet what was Shizuru doing? She was in their office, obviously. Thinking. Why was this all she could do? She was sat within Natsuki's chair, literally doing nothing!

Natsuki had long fallen into her coma when in Aries. But of course, all the Archmeister could do, was muse.

Powerless. She was utterly powerless. There was absolutely nothing she could do for Natsuki; She had tried, so many times in the hours. Talking to her, even just holding the younger's hand. Of course, nothing worked.

She only lay still, hooked up to those machines. Shizuru was distraught, not knowing what to do or who to even begin notifying. Shaky hands delved into a pocket, wrenching out a small case.

Opening it, the Archmeister pieced together a jadeite holder, slipping a cigarette into the end. Lighting it, she inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.

She cared not for self-destruction, because that was already impossible. It was her curse, yet she pried into it further.

Sinking into the chair of the Gakuenchou's desk, Shizuru shook a deep sigh. It had been a given that one of them would fall to such injury- but why so in such a cruel way? Shizuru could go and visit Natsuki, but it was more alike to seeing a grave.

Cigarette smoke slipped from her lips, and worrisome crimson opened. Without Natsuki, she may as well be fed to the dogs. But she couldn't. As the Archmeister, it was her duty to become the Gakuenchou. Though she certainly refused such a title.

Alike to her blistered mind, the office was all but dark. Yet it was also an oxymoron. Her mind was set into chaos, her own words getting the better of her. But the office?

It was all but silent, and it tormented her so.

When would Natsuki wake up? Would she ever? Haunted within her own mind, Shizuru snuffed out and lit another cigarette. She needed to do something-

The phone rang. Jumping from the sudden intrusion upon silence, the Archmeister merely stared. Should she answer? If so, then what? What could she possibly even do? It wasn't like she had the permissions to-

But technically, she did.

With the cigarette holder tilting within her lips, it drooped ever so faintly. Upon the screeching of the device, it thundered within her eardrums. The piercing noise outright hurt her overwhelmed senses.

Swiftly picking the phone up, she clammed it to her ear.

"I am so sorry, Shizuru. I couldn't do anything to stop Haruka."

Her brow furrowing, and the holder slipping from her mouth entirely, Shizuru never registered it. It clanged to the oak of the desk, but she was entirely focused upon the alpha column.

"I've enacted the return of the otome based in Aries. The Garderobe embassy will be removed in the next day. Windbloom have locked their borders with Aries across the Black-."

Slamming the phone down, the Archmeister sank towards the desk. Clamping her hands to her head, she supported her face. What was even happening anymore? She stared down to the cigarette dully burning, snuffing it out with a palm.

The burning never registered, a mental pain instead swarming within her head. The searing circle was slowly healed, but she cared not.

This was real. Everything within the last six hours had really happened. Shizuru had fruitlessly hoped it might be a bad dream; Even a simulation she could force herself to exit. Staring down to the phone, a burst of rage consumed her. Wrenching it off of the line, she threw it to the wall at her side; Crimson narrowing as it smashed to pieces.

If she was to cry at this moment, would she be deemed weak? Perhaps it was even something Shizuru cared about? Yet at that moment, she couldn't give a damn. It was pointless to even bother waste the energy on such a thought.

But here she was, doing exactly that.

Knowing she wouldn't even have the ability to stand, Shizuru remained seated. Simply staring at the debris which she had caused with ease, her gaze fell.

What was she to do?

RENASCENCE

Black Ego

Wind City, Windbloom, 333 A.R.

"The building's foundations are secure. Evacuation won't be required, nor will a demolition squad be needed." The report lingered in the air for the two otome who surveyed the wreckage.

Laura, and Rosalie were hidden on the upper rooftops of the city. Even from their distance, they had seen the whole of the chaos.

"Any casualties?" Laura questioned, pointing a holographic device at the disaster. They were crouched beside the ledge of the tall building, and fully materialised. Here, they could only hope the crazed Gakuenchou wouldn't spot their spying.

"Except for the sniper, unconfirmed."

Within the surrounding area of the city, the public had been warded away. With otome already positioned in Windbloom, they were scouring the area for any threats. However, it was only Laura, Rosalie, and Carla who watched Natsuki.

Whether out of precaution, or lack of numbers it wasn't clear. But what was clear, was they may have their own casualty. From this distance, it was difficult to know for sure however.

The Archmeister was crumpled against the wall, and Natsuki was covering most of her. Luckily, the Gakuenchou had turned her back on them, giving them the chance to remain hidden.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Rosalie murmured up to Laura quietly. The elder meister had been filming the whole event. Through strict orders they had been tailing the two columns. But what struck Laura the most, was whether they should interfere.

"I think it's the only way." The Lutecian murmured, watching closely. "Natsuki needs to be restrained, and they both need to be extracted back to the infirmary." Rosalie could handle transporting Shizuru, but…

Natsuki was acting erratically; The events leading up to the Gakuenchou hovering over Shizuru had surprised them all. She had been volatile, and cold. It wasn't something they had ever experienced before with Natsuki. In fact, they had never seen such behaviour from an otome.

"Best cause of entry is the shutdown of the Ice Silver Crystal."

With the Shinso's mechanical voice filtering into their GEMs, both women froze. Wouldn't such an action render the Gakuenchou even more crazed once awakening? They couldn't just-

The buzz of another otome arrived on scene. Floating above, and then past them, the meister landed upon another building.

Yukariko?

The woman only glanced at them for a moment solemnly. With this, the elder materialised her bow element.

"Under strict orders from Maria Graceburt, the Gakuenchou is to be neutralized. Commence with the shot, Steinberg."

"Forgive me, Gakuenchou." At least she was using weaker arrows. Setting up her aim, Yukariko let the arrow fly. There were little areas she could hit on the raging otome without certain death; Although this shot would be devastating, it was better than killing her.

Jerking forward, Natsuki stumbled before collapsing to her side; Her right thigh having been skewered by the arrow. Instantly, blood began to flow and pool around herself and Shizuru. Anger flared up again before she crawled towards the downed elder, her strength waning.

Laura winced, watching. "We should extract them now. She's far too weak to object to us." Or to combat them. "Rosalie, you've got Shizuru. Yukariko and I will handle the Gakuenchou."

The two might've protested in the past. Of course, they were on the verge of doing so right now. But this was for Natsuki's own good. Shizuru's especially.

With them venturing towards the downed columns cautiously, Yukariko met them on the way. Their past teacher nodded to them apologetically, the three of them landing.

"The arrow I hit her with had a powerful tranquilizer. It has never been tested on a column meister, so I suggest we hurry." Yukariko warned, Carla making a landing beside her.

"I doubt it would keep her down for long." Laura chuckled softly, beginning to near the two downed meister. She jumped back, startling the others; A hand swiping for her. "Looks like she's still feisty- Oh, no… There she goes."

Yukariko knelt, catching Natsuki's head before it could hit the pavement. The Gakuenchou was out, but for how long? Hopefully, long enough. Cradling the younger's head in her palm, she sighed.

"We need to get them back to Garderobe without a moment to spare." Yukariko uttered, taking control of the situation. Pressing an index, and middle finger to her GEM, she contacted the academy. "Helene. The Gakuenchou has been tranquilized, and is losing significant amounts of blood. The Archmeister has taken a bullet to her lower, left side. She will require intensive care."

Signalling the other otome to round her, she directed Carla to her side. "I want you to press down onto her thigh to stop the flow. Laura, support the Archmeister. Rosalie, make sure she isn't losing blood."

"On it." Laura gently eased the Archmeister into her arms; the blonde easing the ribbon out of her hair to staunch the wound as best she could. Carla did her best, the Gakuenchou's blood overflowing onto her hands.

"Count of three, we initiate flight. Try not to jostle either of them." Yukariko ordered, Carla finally getting a handle on the wound.

Luckily for them, none of the public were in the area, or had been during the attack. The whole zone was being cut off from the other otome who came into the area.

"We are we heading?" Laura asked.

"The building to our left is being set up as a temporary medical bay. The equipment is being readied, but it will take time."

How had they organised this so quickly? It was almost like Garderobe had expected- pushing the thought aside, Laura nodded.

"One-" Yukariko began their countdown, nodding to them all. She held Natsuki tighter, feeling the limpness of her body. "Two… Three." Their feet left the ground in perfect synchronization, and Yukariko took the lead once more.

Was this for the best to move them? Maybe not, but on a building, and surrounded by otome? They would be in a much better situation than down on the city floor. Yukariko couldn't help but feel a guilt either way though. She may have saved the two, but it still didn't help.

As the two columns were placed down on stretchers, her guilt never relented. Nor when otome flocked to her side. Especially not when Yohko reported she would be heading over.

But what was clear to the teacher was this: An attempt of double assassination had been averted.

.

. .

. . .

Was this a dream, Natsuki wondered? Where was she: What was happening?

She felt altogether far too… stuffy. Irritation seeped in before she was fully conscious, eyes opening. Wait, something was- Why were her arms strapped down?! Outrage wasn't near on the description of what she felt at that moment. Pushing her head up, her eyes scoured the area.

Or they would have, if she wasn't blinded by the room's glare. What even was this ro- Mai?! Shizuru?!

"T-the Gakuenchou's waking up!" What? Something about her? Top lip curling back, Natsuki sneered up to the lights blinding her. Testing the straps, she found them to be lacking. She could break them easily…

Tensing against the bed beneath her, she flexed and swung herself up; Straps on her wrists breaking. A pain reverberated through her thigh, but it certainly wasn't stopping her from trying to escape.

"Hold her down!"

"Natsuki." Mai? But where was she-

"Hold her down?! You try it th-"

The oddity of the room was far too much for Natsuki. Let alone this language- English? Had she somehow ended up in… Europe, or America somehow? With another volley of blinding light which was directed into her eyes, she hissed.

She was being held down by multiple women, she realised. Who half of them were, were beyond her. But… Youko?

Dumbfounded, she pulled her head away from the light the scientist had in her hand. "What the hell are you doing, Sagisawa?! Let go of me!"

"Sagisawa?" The doctor gave her an odd look, as if she was the one being confusing! "I can't understand her-" "-I can. She's scared."

"Mai?!" She could hear her, but… where was she? Spots swam in her vision still, making it hard to see. Who was around her, who was restraining her?!

"How can you- Oh… Stupid question." Vision starting to clear, she was able to at least spot one holding her down.

This strange woman had the brightest of hair, and dark skin. There was no chance in hell this woman was Japanese? What was even- Mai. Staring up to the standing redhead, a dread filtered into Natsuki's stomach. "M-Mai, what happened to you…?"

The younger woman looked as if she had just survived a house fire. Across the side of her face, her skin was a horrible red, and pink. It was enough to make Natsuki want to gag.

How was Mai standing, let alone appearing not to notice-

"Is she speaking… Zipangese?" Yohko asked Mai in puzzlement. The flow of words leapt within Natsuki's ear, then out of the other one. Shooting her gaze back to the doctor, Natsuki appeared flabbergasted.

Since when did anyone in their group understand English?! Mai was the only one with a good understanding, but still!

"Mai, what happened to you?" Natsuki asked again, wrenching her arms from their hold. She lifted a hand, trying to reach for the redhead's face before a dark hand grasped her wrist. Directing a hostile gaze onto the woman, she growled. "Don't touch me!"

"She is going to be really crank- Ow!" Laura dropped her wrist quickly, bringing up her hand to inspect it. A sliver of… crystal? In her palm?! Where had that come from? She hadn't even seen Natsuki channel anything to make any ice!

The redhead was thinking, and staring at her. If it had been possible, Natsuki would've seen the cogs whirring around. Mai neared her, gesturing the other woman to back away.

"It's alright. She won't do anyth-" "-How do you know she won't do anything, Mai!"

This brightly haired woman was getting a little annoying. Directing her focus on Laura, Natsuki stared at her oddly.

"Because I know Natsuki." Mai argued, persuading Laura to back off.

"Okay, okay…"

Natsuki watched Mai, only truly focused on her. But- "Shizuru… where is she?" There were still straps on her ankles, and she sat up further to unlock them. "Wait, that's definitely not a good idea- We can't let her see Shizuru!" At the mention of the elder's name, Laura's wrist was now in Natsuki's grasp.

Clearly unsettled by the notion, Laura brought her attention down to Natsuki squarely. She was highly cautious of the Gakuenchou. They had absolutely no clue what was currently going through Natsuki's head. Let alone why she had changed languages out of nowhere.

Of course, Laura had heard of people unlearning their native language during accidents. But surely it was far too rare, if not almost impossible?

"Where is Shizuru?" Natsuki asked her.

Laura glanced to Mai, unsure if she should answer the question herself. Natsuki wouldn't understand… would she? "Mai, you should answer that? Or… distract her?" Honestly, which one would be easier?

Natsuki glared up to her, then glanced to Mai. She let the taller woman go, reaching for the redhead again. "Mai, what is going on? Who are… these people?"

Was this what Mikoto had…? Realising what she had to do, Mai nodded to the elder meister. Slinking past her, she neared Natsuki closer. "Please, can you leave us?" She asked Yohko, and Laura.

Was that a good idea? Laura eyed them before looking to the doctor at her side. Yohko watched the Gakuenchou for a moment before she nodded, turning her back. "Of course… Come, Bianchi." She led the way out, and they were soon alone.

"Mai? What the hell happened? Where are we? Who was that woman?"

Only able to watch the redhead sit herself on the bed beside her, Natsuki awaited an answer. Anything.

What was with this weird, domed room anyway? The designs of everything almost appeared… Middle Eastern? But that couldn't be right? Natsuki could sense an extreme diversity of ethnicity here. It was alien to her, strange.

This obviously wasn't Japan. But if not, where?

"Mai… Please. I'm very confused, and- Scared. Where is Shizuru?" Natsuki's voice almost broke, but she refused to cry. Hands scrunching the bed beneath her, she scowled to the floor.

She needed answers, but… If she got them, would it be any better?

"You've… how do I explain this?" Sliding her fingers along healthy skin, Mai paused. Mikoto had personally warned her something like this may happen. But she had also said it'd be highly unlikely, if not impossible. Yet here they were, with Natsuki… utterly swapped around.

Cat Goddess or not, Mai had no clue how Mikoto knew all of this.

"Shizuru is in care, but she is stable. You, however… um." Frowning, Mai fell into a deep thought. How should she explain this? What was she even supposed to say? Should she… play along? But that was unneededly cruel.

Shizuru was stable… Natsuki calmed down, only minutely until she reached a hand for Mai again. "What about me?" She asked, brows furrowing tighter. This place was far too… Alien; Foreign to herself. She hated it.

"Mai… What is going on? Is this… is this the First District again?" Natsuki didn't touch her; Knuckles a hair away from tracing scarred skin. "What happened to you?" She asked a third time, unsure of what to focus on.

"First… District?" Mai pondered out loud. What was that? There was only so much she knew, and so much she could do. She herself was absolutely exhausted, and although her pain was dulled down…

She would say it.

"We are in Garderobe Academy. This is where otome are trained, a form of superhuman soldier." She confirmed, studying Natsuki carefully. "This First District you speak of- I don't know what it is. They have no connection with this academy."

"You…" Natsuki couldn't believe her ears, nor understand the words. But one thing was definitely true, at least, for herself. "You're not Mai." Breaking the last thing binding her to the bed, she hopped away to the other side. Wherever she was, she needed to escape. But, Shizuru…? Who's to say she was even here?!

"Oi, Gallagher, I said I'd check on them. Don't get your panties in a twist!" A familiar voice reached her ears, causing her to pause. "...Nao?"

What was even happening?!

Without another warning, the fiery redheaded strode through the doors and into the room. Lime, and emerald instantly met, the younger woman cocking a brow at her. "Kruger, what the hell are you doing? Meister Mai?" Regarding the two oddly, Nao was confused. "... Something weird is happening, isn't i-"

"Nao!" Natsuki sprang for the shorter woman, barely noticing the difference in height. Hands settled on the redhead's shoulder, she gripped tight. "Nao, please, get me out of here!"

"W-what- Did she hit her head again?!" Even Nao knew that pulling away from the Gakuenchou in this state could lead to violence. Instead, she rose her own hands and gently gripped Natsuki's shoulders.

"...It's possible." Mai remained in her position, stunned. Only able to watch the two, Mai blinked. Natsuki was dumbfoundedly studying Nao's state of dress. She was probably wondering why the redhead was wearing a military uniform of sorts.

With this given, Natsuki stepped away from the student. "What are you all even wearing?!" She yapped, looking down to her own clothing. "What am I wearing, even?!" And blood?!

What was with this weird ass… European thing she was wearing?! Gripping hold of the smooth, but heavy fabric, Natsuki frowned sharply. Patches of dark blood were embedded into it. Where was this from?

This wasn't Fuuka! This wasn't even Japan?! Where the hell was she?!

Gaze switching from Nao to Mai, Natsuki made the same realization. They looked exactly like who she knew… but they weren't. Eyes flicking to the door, the older woman stiffened.

Catching it, Juliet grit her teeth and held onto the Gakuenchou. "Bianchi, Claudel! I need some help in here!" Not only was Natsuki trying to leave, but she couldn't even hold her back!

Curse them for not giving her her column GEM alr-elbowed in the gut, she groaned. Holding onto her stomach, she was pushed away by the elder woman. "K-Kruger's ins-insane!"

"Duran!" Natsuki shouted, holding her arms up to defend herself. Instead of a howling rescue, no noise came. "...D-Duran…?"

With a flood of meister swarming the domed room, the Gakuenchou was driven to her knees. She would've cried out in anger, if not for Yohko standing directly behind her. A sudden piercing pain was greeted inside of her neck- a syringe.

Vision swimming, Natsuki could only tremble with suppressed rage before she succumbed. Within their grasp, she fell limp; Gently being hoisted up and back into her bed.

"Restrain her again…"

"Is that really necessary? Wouldn't she just break out of them again?" Mai asked, having been unable to do a thing. She felt helpless having watched Natsuki in such a mess. Nor did it help being in the condition she was in.

"What do you propose we do then? We can't have her running around outside." Yohko interjected. Pocketing the used syringe, she directed otome into different roles. "Zhang, report to Miss Maria what has happened here."

With a nod from the fiery redhead, Nao slowly made her way out, still winded.

"Lu, Claudel. I want you to guard her at all times. If you see any movement- even a whisper, contact me immediately." Within this lab, this was Yohko's domain. In this situation, only she knew what to do. Given this chance, she wasn't about to mess it up. "Gallagher, help Tokiha to a private room-"

"But Natsuki's-" Mai would've finished, if it hadn't been for Yohko interrupting.

"-We have no idea what her state of mind is." Yohko reminded, surveying a somehow sober Anh help Rosalie. "Our best option is to understand why this happened, and how to… get her back."

She had heard of this in the past. But this was far too extreme in nature, nor did it sound like Personality Disorder. Although Natsuki had indeed swapped personalities, this felt far too…

Supernatural.

What was this personality? Where had it come from? What were they to do? Striding towards Anh, and Rosalie, she only stopped once reaching their side.

"If she wakes and tries to break her restraints again… Knock her out." Yohko ordered softly, shaking her head. She had to check on Viola.

Natsuki felt woozy, almost as if she was both tipsy, and dizzy. It was a strange experience, but wasn't all of this alien anyway? It was like a dream- no, a nightmare. But one she simply couldn't awaken from.

Those two. They were guarding her, and were positioned on the other side of the doors. She took no care to it, however. How was she going to get out of here? That was Natsuki's initial thought upon awakening. But how would she? These bindings felt much stronger than the original ones. Nor did it help she felt so stunned.

Not to mention, her throat was constricting.

At least this time, she had a plan. Eyes opening, she settled a confused expression onto her face. Gently, she tugged one of the bindings at her wrist; the attention of her guards being granted.

"Gakuenchou?" The blonde spoke first, approaching but barely. Blue was shot to Anh, the two unsure what to do. "Are you… feeling better?"

Natsuki stared, realizing she should respond. With a faint nod, she closed her eyes and swallowed harshly. "Ah…" She managed to croak out, but was quickly silenced.

"She can't talk." Anh spoke, surveying the younger woman. Was she… back? She seemed not to be as… odd as earlier, anyway. "That injection would have irritated her throat." Gently, she cupped Natsuki's chin and tilted her head up.

The blonde looked… vaguely like Shizuru? It was unnerving, but she forced herself not to react as such. She nodded again in Anh's hand, and the elder began to release her.

"What should we do?" Rosalie asked the princess. "She woke up but she isn't fighting. Should we really release her?"

"I think that's best." Anh reasoned, loosening one strap. They watched her, but Natsuki didn't fight nor try to escape. Seemed she was truly back, and normal. If only appearing excessively stressed, and worn down.

Staring Natsuki down, Rosalie's shoulders sank after a moment. All of this what had happened… Shaking her head, the blonde neared the Gakuenchou. "Natsuki, I think you should have this." Pushing a small case into Natsuki's hands, the Florentine immediately retreated back to Anh.

This was for the best, wasn't it?

What was it? Natsuki furrowed her brows to the jadeite case, slowly sitting up to investigate it. Looking back up to the blonde, she gave her a firm nod. Seemed they were easily fooled… Definitely not the First District.

Attention back onto the case, she gingerly opened it. Ah…? Cigarettes? Emerald flicked to the holder, grasping the pack and edging one out. Matches too? Upon this surveying, she didn't even notice the two had left. Emeralds drifting up to check on them, she blinked; obviously greeted by no one.

For some reason this case… it felt… important? Sliding her fingers across the smooth metal of the case, she paused. Natsuki was sure she was supposed to know something about this object. But for the life of her, she simply couldn't think of anything.

But, she could sure use a cigarette now. She had smoked before, of course. Anyone with an attitude like hers, and a past to match sure would… Sighing, Natsuki took one of the cigarettes between her lips and struck it up. The taste was odd, not something she would have picked out at a store. But, it did the job just the same.

Inhaling strongly, Natsuki closed her eyes. Something about the taste, the smell, was familiar…

It brought her back to a time with Shizuru. Before any of the HiME mess, closer to when she had been oblivious. How had she managed to never notice her feelings? For something which had been right under her nose, just how-

Forgetting what she had been thinking, Natsuki stiffened. Releasing the smoke from between her lips, she took the cigarette. What had she…

Her mind was utterly blank, now. Staring down to the cigarette, she sneered faintly. It was already out? No wonder it tasted so weak… Taking another, she lit it up; The smoke circling towards the ceiling. Was it… perfumed?

It was a hefty smell, and didn't at all smell like tobacco. ...Flowers. It smelled like the flowers from that one time…

When she had met Shizuru.

Exhaling the silvery smoke, she watched it coil and dissipate. There was something… deeper? As if she was trying to remember something which had never happened; Or something which had yet to take place.

She hated thinking like that. Natsuki slowly blinked, taking another inhale. Halfway through, she choked up; Smoke bursting from her lips as she coughed. What was…?! Was she smoking?

Wafting the smoke away from herself, she quickly swept the cigarettes away, and onto the floor. Stamping her shoe against them, she crushed them onto the metallic floor. With this notion, she regretted it instantly, and sharply groaned.

Her thigh…!

Clutching it, Natsuki hissed and reclined back onto the bed. Where… where was she? The infirmary? The last thing she remembered was- Shizuru! Her thigh be damned, she needed to make sure the elder was alright.

Sealing the case shut, Natsuki slipped it into her pocket. There was… blood all over her clothes, and her wrists felt raw; Skin irritated as if she had been… Restrained?

What was… what was even…? Staggering, but uncaring, she limped towards the doors. What had happened? They had been in Windbloom, right? They had been going to the bar, then suddenly-

"Kruger!" Nao's voice pierced the air, and Natsuki came to a halt by the exit. Shooting her gaze towards the redhead, she was greeted by an incredulous look. "You can't escape!"

W-what? Eyebrows twitching, and her expression no better, Natsuki stared at her baffled. They were positioned either side of the lab, and Yohko showed herself. The doctor gradually made it to Nao's side, discreetly readying another syringe.

"Can somebody please explain to me what is even happening?!" Natsuki barked.

At the outburst, the two of opposite her jumped. Yohko even dropped the syringe, the plastic tubing making such a noise. Natsuki reeled from it, glaring at the two of them. "You look like you've seen a ghost." She sneered, eyeing the both of them strongly.

"I think we might've…" Nao grumbled under her breath. Receiving a pointed glance from Yohko, she instantly backed down. She still felt… wrong about how Natsuki had behaved earlier. What had that even been? With almost a curious eye, she peered at Natsuki.

And oh, did she look pissed.

"Well?!"

"Gakuenchou." Yohko glanced towards Nao, the redhead retreating out of earshot. The doctor stepped forward, ready to placate the younger woman. "What exactly do you remember?" The elder asked, brows furrowed.

"What do I remember?" Angry, Natsuki clutched a hand to her thigh. "I remember Shizuru getting shot! That's it!" Who even hurt her leg?! "And why is my leg ki-" Grabbed either side, Natsuki would've fought back. But finding it to be Anh, and Rosalie, she relaxed.

Somewhat.

"-illing me?" Natsuki hissed out, the two women supporting her weight. They held either arm steadily, and unconsciously, Natsuki leaned against Rosalie in support.

Yohko sighed, rubbing at her brow. What a mess this whole thing was… "We have footage." The doctor spoke once more, offering the Gakuenchou a chair. "Perhaps it would help you to watch-?"

"-No, I want to see Shizuru. Now." She didn't care about a fancy firework show. All she wanted was to see Shizuru. Natsuki needed her. If anything happened to her, then- Snapping out of it, Natsuki pulled out of the princess, and meister's hold.

With that, the Gakuenchou stormed to the ward rooms.

"A-ah, Natsuki!" Anh chased after her.

"If one of you touch me again, consider booking yourselves a private room." Natsuki threatened, trying to determine which room Shizuru would be in. Laura was just meandering in the hall! Was everyone here useless?!

Unlike the others, Laura appeared to be able to read the mood. With her back pressing to the wall, she deftly dodged the angered Gakuenchou. She merely nodded to the Ariesian, avoiding their gaze as Natsuki passed.

These rooms were marked, weren't they? Studying each of the signs, Natsuki halted in her tracks. Mai was… next to Shizuru…?

Well, she would obviously check on Shizuru first! Though… Something nagged in the back of her mind, prompting her to near Mai's door. This wasn't a decision she was about to make herself.

"She's awake." Laura's voice jarred her, the taller still avoiding her gaze. "Mai is awake."

Natsuki lowered her hand from the door, staring at it dumbly. She… remembered that, as well. Yohko informing her that Mai was awake before… Nothing. "I… I'm checking on Shizuru." She affirmed, turning to the other door.

At least there was the relief of knowing Mai was awake. However for Shizuru? She had absolutely no idea! Pushing past the mental block, Natsuki just went for it. Opening the door stiffly, and without a moment waiting, she entered Shizuru's room.

Flooded into darkness, with nothing more than the flickering of machines. Perhaps for the billionth time, she stopped at the sight of Shizuru. However this wasn't positive- of course it wasn't.

"Sh-Shizuru…?"

The elder looked... like how she must have, waking from her coma. Plugged into different machines, lying in that bed; She looked so helpless, so- Natsuki shook from her thoughts, jarring her jaw square and tight. Was all of this... necessary? Was she truly in danger of losing her life?

Resting on her back, the Archmeister looked almost frail; Fragile, as if she would break if touched. Natsuki took in a sharp breath, trying in vain to calm herself down. The metallic scent of blood lingered, though it seemed Shizuru had been cleaned of it. Ah, it may have come from her own clothes…

Confusion heightened, her legs pushed forward without her attention. Before long, the Gakuenchou found herself stumbling to the Archmeister's side. She paid no attention to her senses, nor her functioning. Natsuki was simply focused entirely upon the elder, bafflement clouding her.

Shizuru was alive. But all of these wires- these machines. It looked more like Shizuru was in a coma! She had only been shot… right?

Would she wake soon? Natsuki rose a hand, but refused to touch any part of the elder. What if she hurt her? Arm falling limp to her side, she stood as still as a statue. Just… how could she deal with this?

A better question was, how could Shizuru have handled this? She had done so before already. Hell, she had lasted a year without causing chaos. Yet the moment Shizuru had gone down, Natsuki had-

No, for Shizuru's sake, she would remain calm. If the elder took a while to awaken then… then she'd…

...She'd what…? Sighing, Natsuki slouched downwards until her knees grounded into the floor. Beside the sleeping otome, she then rounded her arms against the mattress. How long would this take?

Resting her head atop her folded arms, Natsuki furrowed her brows. She would wait, right here, for however long she needed. Even if she got a bad crick in her neck. Tried as she might to fight the drowsiness invading; Her body started to already shut down.

Curse her fatigue…

Garderobe Academy, 332 A.R.

How many hours had she been within this lonely office? A couple of hours? Most of the night? Shizuru had no idea, nor did she care at this point. She was alone in here, and it was silent. Perhaps it was almost soothing in a sense?

Soothing. The wrong word, almost entirely. Haunting was a much better term for the emptiness she felt. So many documents needing the Gakuenchou's signature… What piece of paper would be the first to actually receive it? Would it be one in the upcoming months… Years?

Thoughts like these tore Shizuru down more than most; Shaking her to the core entirely. She missed Natsuki desperately, every aspect of her. The way her voice would waver when she received bad news, the look in her eyes when emerald was focused on only herself…

She had to stop. Shizuru sighed, having chanted this through her head so many times. Yet, she hadn't. She couldn't… not yet.

There was a disturbance which etched within her mind abruptly. It was a distant, and empty feeling. It was one which Shizuru knew well of, but why? How?

A knock by the door jolted her out of this strange mood instantly. Almost jumping out of her skin, she tore her head towards the double doors. Was someone there? She didn't exactly want to see anyone. All she wanted was Natsuki.

"...Archmeister Viola? May I come in?" Ah… Marguerite. Shizuru sighed, but it wasn't as if she could help it. Of course, people would need to come visit; Drop off things…

"Yes, of course, Tomoe. Come in." Shizuru tidied herself up, not wanting to look as awful as she felt. She sat up straight against the chair, brushing a knuckle underneath her eyes. For all their sake, she'd make her emotion a ploy.

Folding her hands atop the desk, Shizuru waited. The doors soon opened, silence filled with awkward shuffling of the student. "I have a letter for you." Tomoe spoke softly, though made sure not to let her face show pity.

Tomoe knew that it wouldn't be possible to cover it entirely. Not to mention hiding it from the Archmeister. But either way, she worked towards the corner of the office. "It's a confidential letter from my mother." The student murmured. Would this be fine? Tomoe of course already knew what was inside this.

It wasn't that she had read it herself; of course she hadn't. It was simply that Tomoe, and her mother spoke frequently under any means necessary.

Shizuru quirked her brows, interest piqued. "Is that so? Thank you for delivering it, then." She extended a hand, and the younger woman placed the letter within. The silence between them only grew more awkward after the hand-off.

"I… am very sorry for what has happened." Tomoe had tried to pick her words carefully, though they still stung. Thinking it would be best to retreat for now, she nodded. She wouldn't dwell, and make her presence more difficult for Shizuru.

Slipping out of the room, and shutting the door after herself, Tomoe left the elder alone.

Although the interaction had only lasted a minute, or less. It had still felt like an age to Shizuru. Sinking back into the chair, she exhaled slowly, and quietly. She knew the younger woman meant well. Shizuru knew how much Tomoe looked up to her. But even so…

Dropping the envelope onto the desk, Shizuru stared down at the paper. Would this be a good idea to open it? Her emotions were still pulsing within her mind. Let alone was her anxiety stable.

But receiving word directly after so long…?

No doubt Lady Hinagiku knew how she was feeling right now. The woman she had grown up under knew her better than… almost anyone. Tracing the pattern on the front, Shizuru shakily exhaled. Had she been holding her breath? She must have, at any rate…

Ripping a corner, and swiping a finger through the envelope, Shizuru opened it. Greeted by a selection of pages with golden borders, she paused. The letter was written by hand, and entirely in Zipangese. Such a feat was typical of her cherished nanny; though such a thing didn't help her situation.

Up to down, and flowing right from left, the characters were coupled by hiragana, and kanji. Every so often, the thin ink detailed katakana. They indicated the use of foreign names, or to gain emphasis.

Zipangese- it was such a complicated language for its mannerisms. But it was almost second nature to her. Shizuru was sure this was the reason Lady Hinagiku had chosen it for today.

"I am sorry for your loss. I understand how difficult this must be for Shizuru. Especially with international tensions. Instead, perhaps you should ask yourself why you feel like this? What would the Gakuenchou feel? Would the Gakuenchou forgive herself, knowing what state your mind is in? I must admit, my guidance isn't always the best, but I know it suits Shizuru."

Shizuru sighed, letting a small smile grace her lips, if only for a moment. Lady Hinagiku was a caring woman, and so much like herself. The woman had practically raised her, after all. The older woman had a point, however; What would Natsuki feel?

Natsuki would not want her to dwell, she would want… Action. Not complacency. Shizuru took a breath, lifting the receiver of the phone to her ear. Declaring martial law against Aries was the first step of many, but it needed to be done.

"The Archmeister's nano-machines were damaged." Yohko murmured, stood beside a sleeping Natsuki.

She, and Nao were in Shizuru's room. Though of course the Gakuenchou had no idea of this. She was knocked out cold beside Shizuru. Yohko assumed it was due to the sheer stress her mind, and body had undergone. As to why Nao had insisted on joining her, Yohko had no clue.

Given Natsuki's earlier behaviour, perhaps Nao was curious? They all were for that predicament.

"Damaged in what way?" The redhead queried, trying not to touch the Gakuenchou as she inspected. Natsuki didn't seem like she would wake soon, though. She definitely didn't want a repeat of earlier.

Which was more shocking: Shizuru being shot, or Natsuki's weird outburst? Shivering upon remembering the Gakuenchou's strange shift in personality, Nao shuffled away from her. "She was just shot."

"Shot, yes. But it counts for what was inside the bullet." Yohko declared, shoving a hand into her pocket. Prying a transparent, plastic case from it, she handed it to the redhead.

"The bullet?" Nao asked, careful with the case. She didn't want to rattle it, in case of debris not yet found on it. "What was inside it?" It was definitely a strange looking projectile… One that she definitely had never seen.

It almost appeared like it had wings that had sna- "I'm unsure." Yohko interrupted her train of thought, slinking beside her. "The analysis of the liquid has picked up strange substances." Brushing Nao to the side, Yohko slot between the redhead, and Gakuenchou. "It detected large traces of tranquilizer, however."

Unable to register this information for a moment, Nao simply watched the elder work. Tranquilizer? Unknown substances? Frowning, she shot her lime gaze between the doctor, Archmeister, and Gakuenchou.

"Tranquilizer…" Nao repeated softly, screwing her brows together. "It wasn't meant to be fatal, then? Why would they do that?" The redhead hadn't a clue, and maybe Yohko didn't either. Putting the capsule with the bullet down, Nao tried to think.

Exactly what could have been gained with a tranquilizer? Surely, even if Natsuki hadn't had her outburst, she could've held her own? Their enemies surely didn't know about Natsuki's ice manipulation, right? Had the sniper been for the Gakuenchou as well?

"Answers, capture, assassination?" Yohko shrugged, leaning over Shizuru's form. "That remains to be seen. Whatever they were looking for, and whoever they are, they haven't declared themselves."

"Nor have they found what they were looking for. Except… for a very angry Kruski." Amusement dancing on her features for a moment, Nao snickered, and continued. "I could watch the video all day. Starting after Shizuru gets shot, that is. Do you think we should show her?"

"Kruski?" Yohko shifted her gaze to her. Arching a brow to the nickname, she peered down to the Gakuenchou silently. Would this truly be a good idea? "Show Natsuki the footage? And be forced to restrain her again?" Chuckling either way, Yohko fiddled with the needle piercing Shizuru's hand. "She's under enough stress as it is. Putting her under anymore could kill her at this point."

It wasn't unknown that Natsuki suffered from a heavy case of anxiety. Most of the academy knew of this. Perhaps with time, Yohko would show the footage, but for now?

"That's true. Perhaps when the both of them are better. The Shinso may get a kick out of it, though." Nao leaned against the wall, eyes on the Gakuenchou. "She did orchestrate the extraction, though. I wonder if she saw it all?"

"It's likely she did. But… Offering to show the Shinso the footage might get you in her good graces." Yohko added, surveying Shizuru's vitals. "I don't know when she may wake up."

"Is she in a coma?" Nao asked, unconsciously glancing back to Natsuki. If this was the case, how was the Gakuenchou going to react to this? Nao herself wasn't oblivious to Natsuki's feelings. She had seen it time and time again, after all.

"Fortunately, no." Sinking back, and putting the capsule back into her pocket, Yohko paused. "I have already warned the academy, and organization to not discuss the event." She confirmed. "The Gakuenchou isn't in the right state of mind to know."

She crossed her arms, her posture similar to Nao's as they peered at one another. "What's on your mind?"

"The Shinso explained why the Gakuenchou went into rage, when I was being made a column. Something about a 'key', and the Archmeister being that key… Under duress, this could happen again. Without Shizuru to stop it." Nao sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. She seemed to be the only stable column left; Until Mayha's ribs healed, at least.

"I'm afraid of what might happen if something sets her off." The redhead admitted, leaning further into the wall. "Ugh. I sound all political, now."

"More like you're concerned for a certain someone." Yohko snickered, her grin merely widening upon Nao's disdain. "To think, the Juliet Nao Zhang has feelings."

"Shut up, Helene." Nao huffed.

"Do you two ever stop talking?" The disgruntled whisper made the redhead jump, and scowl. Natsuki was rousing from her sleep, rubbing at one eye.

"Oi, cranky Kruski." Nao eased further away from the bed at any rate, looking to Yohko.

"Stop calling me Kruski!" Barking, but too exhausted to even care at this point, Natsuki sank back against the mattress. She couldn't be doing with anymore drama. All she wanted was for Shizuru to awaken. Was that too much to ask for? "Yohko, when is she waking up…?" She muffled in question, eyes staring at the Archmeister's prone body.

"I'm not sure yet, Gakuenchou. But, she isn't in a coma." Yohko settled a hand at Natsuki's back, rubbing. The younger woman was truly pathetic right now, but it was sort of cute. At least she wasn't still… raging.

"Well, I'm going to go." Nao announced, stretching as she made way for the door. "I'll let everyone know to be alert." After all, Natsuki was fine for now, but a trigger was still possible.

"Ah, that's it?" With no answer, and the door shutting, Yohko sighed. Alright then, she supposed. Looking back down to Natsuki, she gave her some space. "How are you feeling, Natsuki?"

She already knew the answer. But she would ask either way, because there was always the possibility it'd help Natsuki.

"Like death." Natsuki sighed out, laying her cheek further into the bed. "My head is spinning still. I don't know exactly what even happened." She closed her eyes, sitting back until her head hung. "She's… going to be okay, right?"

Yohko frowned. "Of course she is. It takes more than a bullet to deal with Shizuru Viola." She chuckled, hoping that might put the Gakuenchou into better spirits. Yohko knew this would be difficult, but she knew Natsuki. "I'll tell you what. Come with me; there are some alterations I've been making on GEMs. Perhaps you'd like to see these?" She suggested, offering a hand to the Gakuenchou.

"...Alright." Natsuki grasped her hand, allowing herself to be helped up. She didn't want to leave Shizuru's side, but doing so may be best. If the elder were awake, she'd be chastising her. Letting go of Yohko's hand once up, the Gakuenchou dusted herself off. "What sort of alterations?"

"Many. Some are significant, but others are only small updates." Watching Natsuki carefully, the doctor pondered. As long as Natsuki stayed well away from any interaction with robes, they would be fine. Surely? "I have designed a new form of GEM, for instance. I can't seem to keep it powered for long though, for some reason."

"A new form of GEM? That's impressive… Don't let word get out." Natsuki warned her, following a few steps behind. "Might need to let it be subjected to a true power source before it can be used?" Honestly, she had no clue.

"No. This would overload and destroy it." Yohko replied, leading the way back to the lab. She didn't bother to glance behind her at the Archmeister. Yohko already knew her condition was stable, and she would eventually awaken. When, was the main question; but for now it was simply a waiting game. "It's a mobile GEM of sorts. It's been more of a backend project I've been doing for the past few years."

The Gakuenchou had always been interested in new technology. So surely this would be a decent distraction? A distraction was a distraction though. "Also I rushed the medication." She added, musing.

At this point, she was sure Natsuki would desperately need it.

Attention fully upon Yohko now, Natsuki's curiosity spiked.

"Good… Do you have any information on it? I'd like to know exactly what it does, and the side-effects?" The younger woman seemed equally excited for both, causing Yohko to stifle a chuckle.

"Of course, I'll have the lists of each put up on my monitor." The doctor nodded, leading back to her workstation. "Do you need anything for your thigh?" She inquired, glancing momentarily to the younger woman's leg.

A bandage was wrapped around Natsuki's leg, and under her trousers. The lump of the fabric was just visible, the material having been cut. "Painkillers?"

"I…" Natsuki gripped the wall, a flood of dull pain coming back. "I forgot…" She admitted, gritting her teeth. "Yes, painkillers. Please." This was worse than having to use that cane. Scowling, she leaned against the wall to wait.

How had she forgotten? No matter… must have been stress from seeing Shizuru in such a state. Sighing, the Gakuenchou rolled her eyes. "Who did this to me?"

"Steinberg."

Yukariko did this to her? Gawping, Natsuki slacked against the wall further. Wait- she had been shot?! Had this been the reason she had woken up- "What exactly happened? People have been behaving… strangely."

She had been behaving strangely? Yohko's eyebrow twitched, and she leaned over the computer on her desk. "I don't think it would be wise to give you a full report on the events."

Natsuki glared over but soon lost the will to be angry. "I… alright. Yukariko is a good shot, though. She could have killed me." The younger mused, still stuck with the wall for now.

"She is. Right where it needed to be to quickly drain you of blood; At least enough to render you unconscious. Save you from harming yourself… mostly us." Yohko responded, finding painkillers in a drawer.

"...Reiterate, what the hell happened?"

"Natsuki." The doctor murmured quietly, handing the pills over. "Doing so right now wouldn't be suitable for your health. And before you react to this; you know I am right." Straying from the computer, she manoeuvred back to the ward. "I will tell you once you're ready."

"Ugh. Fine. How many should I take?" Natsuki rattled the pills in the bottle, feeling like she could down at the very least half. Her head was starting to pound, but only slightly.

"Two to three. So you'll probably take- Yup, thought so. Three." Yohko chuckled, watching the Gakuenchou wolf them down. "Water?" She offered what she had gone to fetch. Tap water, as typical as could be from the scientist.

Rolling her eyes after swallowing, Natsuki took the glass either way. "You know these things barely work anymore." She grumbled, sipping the water slowly. It was cool, so at least Yohko had the mind to leave the water running.

"'Barely' implies they still work, even if a little." Yohko responded, doing all she could to keep Natsuki distracted. "Now, your actual medication. The lists are pulled up on the monitor; Sit, read, and I will be back with my project."

"Hmph… Okay." Natsuki sighed, easing off the wall to follow her back into the lab. Being set down upon the doctor's seat soon after, she exhaled softly. Honestly, what even was all of this? She had been so happy with Shizuru in Windbloom. Then all so abruptly…

"Don't get distracted. Read." Yohko ordered, settling away for her project. Natsuki huffed again, turning towards the monitor. Her medication's side-effects and exactly what it did… Narrowing her eyes, the Gakuenchou fiddled with a few things before finding a brightness setting. She dimmed the display, relaxing without the bright display.

Why did Yohko sit around in such darkness with such an intense monitor?! With a document already set before her, Natsuki's eyebrows knitted nevertheless. For an otome to undergo medication, obviously they required higher doses. These substances also needed adjustments. Without it, their nano-machines would break them down within seconds.

The side-effects… They basically seemed like how she already was. Confusion, acts of aggression… Likely she wouldn't take it long-term, at least. Natsuki sighed, rubbing at her brow before lowering her hand. They didn't seem so bad, then.

She felt encouraged about the medication, nodding to herself. "Yohko? You said you have them ready, right? Will it effect me with my painkillers?" She called, relaxing in the chair.

"Mm… They may, actually. Would you like one anyway?" The doctor returned, cocking a brow. The medication itself was stored away for the time being, but nonetheless, she stood beside Natsuki. "Remember that these after-effects are out of date now." She warned, angling her gaze to the computer, and stuffing her hands into her pockets. "These records are before your coma."

"I think I'll take one anyway. At your earliest convenience." Natsuki rubbed her eyes, the display bright even at the dimmest setting. Perhaps she was just sensitive? Either way, she relinquished the computer back to the elder woman.

Yohko immediately fixed the brightness back to its default state, making the Gakuenchou recoil.

"You should probably go outside, and not stay cooped inside for so long." The elder commented, her attention fully on the screen. She remained standing beside the Gakuenchou, flicking through menus via the keyboard.

It took a moment for Natsuki to even realise what Yohko was doing. It turned out she was inputting information directly into the Shinso System? "What are you doing?"

"Feeding the information to the Shinso." Yohko paused, looking over her shoulder briefly. "All medical information is passed by her. Do you remember that?" The blank look on Natsuki's face was enough answer.

"...I want to stay down here in Shizuru's room. I don't want to leave her side." Natsuki murmured, shooting down the suggestion of heading up.

"And if it takes longer than expected?" Finished with the detailing, Yohko pulled away. She wasn't afraid to ask difficult questions, and if needed, would take the hit. Yohko was aware of Natsuki's outbursts- of course she was. But it was her duty to aid the otome in anyway possible.

A doctor's job wasn't just about popping pills, after all.

"Then I'll wait longer. I'm sure she did the same for me." Natsuki murmured, rubbing one of her eyes again. "Will you bring my medication to her room, then?" She asked, already turning to head back.

Yohko frowned, but hadn't really expected a different response. "I will." She promised, watching the Gakuenchou retreat. Merely stood in place, she cursed after a moment once Natsuki was out of sight.

But what about the REM?

The night had worn on, but Shizuru had yet to stir. Natsuki had long since nodded off at her side; Head braced by the elder's shoulder. The Archmeister would surely recover quickly… Hopefully.

The sterile scent of the ward hit her senses first; Nostrils flaring as she took a deep breath. There was a mixed cologne as well; Natsuki was here? Of course she would be… but what had happened?

She was mildly aware of a presence resting against her. It was all too familiar to her inner senses. So much in fact, a shock bolted through Shizuru. Whether it was surprise, or pain which registered first, she had no clue. There was an agonised pause, almost as if time had stood still before she reacted.

Where was she? What had happened?

Opening her eyes, Shizuru was greeted by darkness. They had been in… Windbloom…? Opening her mouth as if to speak, her throat instead restricted. Exhaling a breath, the notion rattled within her throat. It sounded more alike to a forced intake. An action more suited to having the air knocked from her lungs, if anything.

"Hmph?" She heard the presence by her side grumble, now completely sure it was Natsuki. "Shi… zulu?" Zulu? Furrowing her brows, Shizuru didn't bother trying to sit up. She doubted she could speak either, unless given water…

Turning her head to examine Natsuki as best she could in the dark, the elder stared. They were in one of the small rooms in the lab. That much was obvious, but this didn't interest her. Instead, her gaze was prone upon an exhausted Gakuenchou. The younger meister was practically slouched atop her. From this angle alone, Shizuru didn't need the visual detail to know Natsuki was uncomfortable.

Natsuki's knees were probably ground to the floor currently. With her arms crossed against the mattress, her head was resting against Shizuru's shoulder. If given the energy to do so, Shizuru would've laughed at such a sight, and teased.

But she didn't have this ability. This was all too clear by the sight of the IV hung above Natsuki. Shizuru didn't need to ask what it was, because she knew it was morphine which flowed through her body. She felt floaty- distant.

"You're… awake?" Natsuki's voice was different; the younger was slurring her words, like her tongue was too big. Shizuru couldn't see much in the low light, but enough to know something was wrong.

"...My leg hurts." Softly, as if she was confessing, Natsuki imparted this. The younger slowly stood, clutching the wall only to collapse in a nearby chair. Shizuru watched her, mild concern elevating at the bandage on her lover's thigh. The trouser leg around it was cut, no doubt to expose a wound…?

Blankly continuing to survey Natsuki, Shizuru's mind clouded. Last she had been conscious, they had been in Windbloom. What had happened? This question aligned itself solidly, and she herself couldn't answer it.

"Wh-... what?" Shizuru's throat burned, and interrupted her. Swallowing harshly, a pain bolted up from her back sharply.

"Thirsty?" Natsuki stared back, a hand fumbling for the wall again. Maybe if she made enough noise, someone would come and help? The Gakuenchou nodded to herself; this was a good plan. Curling her hand into a fist, she lightly banged on the wall; Shizuru faintly being startled by the action.

With no reaction, Shizuru breathed. Was someone around? She was far too confused, and instead attempted to get Natsuki's attention. She would cope without water for now. All she wanted to know was whether Natsuki was fine. Which obviously didn't seem the case.

"N-Natsuki…" The tone was much too soft for her liking. There was still a rough edge to it, and it frustrated her to no end. Shizuru felt absolutely helpless like this. All she wanted was for Natsuki to come back to her side. But she couldn't in this state. At this point, she may as well be mute!

"Yohko!" Natsuki harshly whispered, having enough state of mind to be quiet. A shuffling was heard, the scientist opening the door after a moment.

"Gakuenchou, do you need another-?" She trailed off, staring to Shizuru. She was awake? "Archmeister… good evening."

Unsure with how to proceed, Yohko remained by the door. Regarding Natsuki, she lifted a hand. "Allow me to check her over first." She murmured, drifting closer to the Archmeister. "What are you needing, Natsuki?" Making sure the IV, and wires were connected properly, she paused. "Shizuru, how are you feeling?"

"Shizuru's thirsty." Natsuki murmured, relaxing back in her chair. "And my leg hurts." She added as an afterthought, rubbing her face.

"I think we'll hold off on any more painkillers for now, Gakuenchou." Yohko addressed Shizuru once more, flicking a penlight on to check her eyes. Seemed the Archmeister was normal, just confused.

Having the Archmeister totally down was bad enough. Not to mention, all the columns weren't 100% currently. Technically only Nao was fine, but she wasn't a column officially. They were also in the midst of war. So having the columns at full health was a major priority.

"Do you remember what happened?" Yohko asked Shizuru, pressing her fingers to her ear. Around it, was an intercom similar to an otome's. The only difference however, was there was no GEM, obviously.

Shizuru stared at her, very confused. "...No. Nothing since walking in Windbloom." She managed, her throat scratchy. Natsuki was injured, and herself confined to a bed? What had happened? The annoying question simply swarmed inside her mind, tormenting her so.

Humming, Yohko glanced to Natsuki, then towards the door as it was opened. Herself and Shizuru regarded Irina who entered, but Natsuki didn't. The Gakuenchou took it upon herself to sit quietly, her uninjured leg jolting.

"Helene?"

"Stop calling me-"

"-What do you need?" The student cocked a brow, peering over to Shizuru. Oh, she blinked. Shizuru was awake? Opening her mouth, she was about to take a step forward. Halfway within a step, she stopped herself, grinning at Yohko.

"Just…" Skimming her eyes along the spectacled girl, Yohko sighed, her shoulders sagging. What was her life when teased by students? "Fetch me a jug of water, and a glass. Also... " Slipping her small light into a pocket, she neared Irina. "The footage." She spoke discreetly.

Irina nodded eagerly, turning on her heel and leaving the door open. Yohko sighed softly, looking back to Shizuru. "You'll have to keep this away from... You know." She subtly jabbed a thumb to Natsuki, who was busy with rubbing her eyes.

How bad was this? Shizuru frowned, mask forgotten. A nervous dread hit into the pit of her stomach. Was she truly ready to see whatever this was? The pain within her hip burned again, forcing her to grit her teeth momentarily. She felt far too distant in her mindset. Nor could she comprehend what was wrong with her. It felt like a slashing- an impalement through bone. But at the same time, felt so alien, and cold.

Natsuki was still blissfully unaware; content in knowing that Shizuru would get her drink. Yohko checked the IV again, monitoring the flow of morphine. A moment later, Irina returned with the jug and a handheld device, passing both off before easing the glass from the crook of her arm.

With such a behaviour, Shizuru was truly worried now. Once able to speak properly, could she pry Natsuki's thoughts from her mind? For some reason, she didn't believe she would be able to. Stuck inside this bed, and unable to move, Shizuru helplessly sighed. Her gut instinct wanted her to flee, but how could she do this? Why did she feel the need to run away?

She was Shizuru Viola! Since when did she retreat? Let alone when it related to Natsuki!

Setting the device down for a moment, Yohko poured a glass. "Here..." She passed it over, cradling the elder's hand around it just in case. "When you're done, you can watch the footage. It's... Graphic."

Had anyone watched this? Shizuru suspected it was the case. Had Yohko implied Natsuki hadn't seen the footage yet though? Was it that bad? Had Natsuki gone into one of her… Shizuru's eyes widened. Hurriedly, she nodded, covering herself.

Taking the glass between both hands carefully, Shizuru halted. Her mind abruptly came to a standstill, and she simply stared at the contents. This was going to affect her negatively, wasn't it?

"Drink slow, and not the whole glass." Yohko warned her, sensing her worries. "A sip will do you for right now..." She held the device in her hand, glancing to the Gakuenchou. Natsuki was keeping herself busy with just staring at Shizuru; sniffing here and there and rubbing her thigh.

These two were usually all over one another. They were behaving oddly enough as it was. Nevertheless, Yohko refined in speaking to Natsuki for now; her attention solely upon the injured Archmeister. "That's right." She encouraged Shizuru, watching her drink carefully. Putting the jug onto the side table for the time being, she blocked Natsuki's line of sight. "I must check to see what condition your hip is in." She reported, nearing the younger woman again. "Is this alright?"

What was Yohko doing? Glaring into the doctor's back, Natsuki was baffled.

She couldn't see Shizuru… That upset her, but it wasn't as if she could do anything about it. Busying herself with trying to stay awake instead, the Gakuenchou slumped in her chair.

Hearing, Yohko softly chuckled and shook her head. Taking the glass from Shizuru, she set it onto the side table with the jug. The device still in her hand, the doctor passed it over for the Archmeister. She threw another warning look over her shoulder before she nodded.

Bringing the screen closer to her eyes, Shizuru frowned. The preview of the image seemed to be from the rooftops. After a moment, she recognised the location- wasn't this on top of the… bar? Giving herself no time to think on the thought, she started the video. The volume blared into her senses, and made her jump. Shutting it off quickly, her heart leapt.

"I should have lowered it." Yohko sighed, admonishing herself. She adjusted the volume of the device, nodding to Shizuru that it was safe to play once more. Natsuki didn't seem to have been affected; the younger still slumped in her chair. She was most likely asleep once more…

Although by being so overloaded with medication, Natsuki was too out of it anyway. So having her eavesdrop of all things was an unlikely situation. "Tell me if you've seen too much." She added, remaining stood by the meister.

The device began to play again, the volume much more favorable. Shizuru recognized herself, and Natsuki on the footage. Why were they being recorded at this point any way…?

Who had even filmed this? Had somebody been ordered to tail them? A suspicion, and irritation marred Shizuru's senses for a brief moment. But it vanished as quickly as it appeared. Watching their figures carefully, she frowned. Wasn't this just before she had fell?

There! Shizuru watched herself crumble, a sniper's bullet having penetrated her hip. She winced, feeling it again and watching her blood splatter Natsuki. This was… terrifying. Yohko watched the Archmeister's face, waiting to intervene.

Shizuru shook her head faintly, holding the device tight between her hands. A SLAVE attacked Natsuki, how could she have survived-?! Watching the scene unfold before her, she stared; mouth agape as she witnessed the ultimate destruction that the Gakuenchou caused.

Allowing her arms to drop, the device rested against her chest. She remained idle in this position, simply staring at the ceiling in shock. "... What… happened?" Even if she had seen it with her own eyes, she still couldn't believe it! She had watched Natsuki slaughter a SLAVE, and a sniper within seconds. Of course many otome could do this-

-but not in this nature. It didn't seem that Natsuki had even been aware of her surroundings. Had she fallen into one of her rages again? It certainly appeared to be this way.

"When she woke up… she was speaking a language no one understood. No one but Mai, that is." Yohko spoke softly, taking the device away. "By Mai's accounts, she seemed to have utterly no idea where she was. It was as if she were… someone else. She even hugged Juliet."

Shizuru scowled at that, though it was worry and not jealousy on her mind. "Yukariko took her down with an arrow to the thigh, which seems to be her only injury."

"She was… speaking Zipangese…? She hugged…?" Baffled, Shizuru was absolutely stunned in place. She stared at Natsuki anxiously, wondering what could possibly happen next.

"To make matters stranger, it was apparently quite the old form of Zipangese too." Receiving a confused stare from Shizuru, Yohko merely shrugged. Delicately, she took the device back, setting it into her pocket. For now, she would keep it out of sight in case Natsuki awoke.

Checking on the Gakuenchou, this didn't seem to be the case for the time being.

"She cannot know." Yohko spoke back to Shizuru, rubbing her brow. "She's gone back to normal, but… There's no telling if something could trigger it again. In my opinion, it seems a totally new personality has sprung up."

"I don't… think it's new." Shizuru spoke softly, quietly. It was a personality she had seen before. But never to such an extreme degree. Nor had it popped up many times. Upon the sudden thought of ponderment, Shizuru wondered.

Was this personally connected to Natsuki being a HiME? From the looks of things, the moment she had been harmed, it had triggered something. Was Shizuru's case of being injured, the reason Natsuki had been…

"Her element had changed, and she had swapped personalities. Do you think that…?" She gazed up to Yohko, an inkling of an idea skimming the surface of her mind. "I'm not sure what I'm trying to explain."

"I'm not sure, either." Yohko grinned, checking on Shizuru's wound for real this time. It seemed to be healing, if slowly because of the tampering… "Natsuki's element had changed, and she hadn't summoned her robe. Perhaps…"

Catching the Archmeister's eye, the scientist furrowed her brows. "The HiME?"

"I… I don't know." Perhaps? Shizuru frowned. Manoeuvring her gaze off to the side, an awkward silence lit the room. Was that truly the power of a HiME? Why hadn't Natsuki materialised? The HiME manipulated their robe to forcefully activate, even without the Shinso's help?

Surely?

Shizuru felt at such a loss, and she didn't like it at all. "I feel… too confused." She admitted after another moment. "Yohko, what do I do?" The genuine question was asked up to the medical-scientist. Catching the elder's gaze swiftly, Shizuru however soon broke it.

Her wound was aching up a storm. She didn't dare move, else she'd damage the bone. But how was she going to move around once able? Shizuru wasn't sure if she had the heart to attempt.

"The wound has been cleaned and bandaged, and you will rest. Whether that be bed rest, or mobile rest; In a wheelchair." Yohko slipped her hands into her pockets, fingers brushing the device in one. "Not unlike how Natsuki spent her recovery days, though far shorter for yourself no doubt."

Shizuru winced even at that, sighing as she leaned against the mound of pillows behind her. "Natsuki was so restless… I will be twice as bad." She confessed softly, the doctor chuckling. This whole situation was terrible…

"You may be." Yohko agreed, shaking her head. "But, everyone is behind your recovery, as well as Mai's."

"Mai… I am grateful she has finally woken." Shizuru murmured softly, losing energy once more. Yohko checked her morphine again before she could drift to sleep.

"Mm. I will be back in the morning, or if you need me. Natsuki may wake up, but I doubt she'll leave your side even then." Yohko checked on the Gakuenchou; the younger still out cold.

"How long do you think it'll take till she wakes?"

The conversation Shizuru could hear was distant. It wasn't intruding upon her senses, but she was still faintly aware of it. She could hear the gruff, and exhausted voice of Natsuki- but there was someone else. Who was it?

"She woke up last night, right Natsuki? Give her time. She did get shot in the hip."

It was… Mai? Ah, that'd explain it. The royal must've been moved in by Yohko, for Natsuki's sake…

Shizuru's eyes remained closed, and instead, she simply took to listening. It felt more alike to an old memory. To when they were all students still. For experiencing such a thing once more… she felt at peace.

"Still…" Natsuki's soft grumble made Mai laugh, and almost pulled Shizuru's lips up to smile. She had dearly missed this… A time when they could just relax, and not worry. Alas, this would not last long; At least not until the threat was dealt with.

Eyelashes fluttering open, she heard Natsuki near her before she saw her. The younger looked better than last night, and a cool palm laid across Shizuru's brow. "How are you feeling…?"

Natsuki's voice sounded much clearer now, and her eyes gradually got used to the lighting. It wasn't blinding, but it was enough to guarantee a pause from Shizuru. Blinking, a breath released from her chest slowly. "Natsuki…?" She murmured, angling her head to regard her.

Just behind the tired Gakuenchou, sat Mai. The royal looked worse for wear, but nonetheless appeared better also. With her mask forgotten, Shizuru couldn't help but wince upon the sight of deep scarring.

Mai chuckled to that, though Natsuki looked as if she wanted to scold the elder. She didn't, and simply caressed Shizuru's brow. "Are you feeling better?" The Gakuenchou asked, not having gotten an answer before.

"...Slightly." Shizuru answered honestly, voice hoarse. Taking a glass of water from Mai, Natsuki gingerly did her best to assure it didn't spill. She helped the elder drink, holding the cup for her though shakily.

There was a realisation which hit Shizuru firmly. Even though she attempted to include grace into her movement, such a thing failed. She truly hated this, in spite that Natsuki, and Mai were fine. Both of them knew her, yet why did she feel so… helpless? Nor did she like how she felt she was parroting these insecurities.

Yet even when she attempted to help Natsuki by sitting up, this was brushed past easily. With the glass placed onto the side table, Natsuki leant closer to her. A sigh of frustration leapt from the Archmeister's lips, and Shizuru frowned. "Natsuki… I hate this."

"I hated it too." Natsuki frowned softly, sitting again. Her bandage had no doubt been changed, as had her clothes. Shizuru rose a hand to her own brow, rubbing to dissuade an oncoming ache.

Already she felt restless. Neither did it help knowing that the other two were in worse condition than her. It was petty.

"Mai, have you seen Ribbon?" She asked, attempting to at least distract herself for a couple of minutes. Surely this would help, she wondered? Nonetheless, Shizuru derailed the thought, and studied the royal.

Surprised by such a question, Mai silenced. Was this something she wanted to reply to, Shizuru wondered?

"I have… only briefly, though. Ribbon just thinks I have a very bad sunburn, thanks to Laura." Mai's voice deadpanned, the youngest shaking her head. Natsuki's lips twitched, and it was obvious that she found that amusing.

"Rosalie and Laura have been keeping her occupied. Yukariko has also been by to apologize about a hundred times." Natsuki put a hand over her thigh, rubbing softly. "What else…?"

"Oh, um." Cupping her jaw, Natsuki stared down at the floor. "My mother had… visited earlier. Because of all that's happened, I forgot all about us showing her that… thing."

"The strange capsule?" Mai inquired, receiving a nod.

"I couldn't show it to her, since it is in our dorm still." She told Shizuru, the elder absorbing the information gradually. "But she knows about it now."

"The capsule…" Everything regarding the small container felt like it was decades ago. Personally Shizuru had forgotten all about it. She was amazed Natsuki had even remembered it. Especially in her state.

"Don't let Natsuki forget to apologize to Mayha. Especially now that she has to use that cane again." Mai informed Shizuru, smirking to the Gakuenchou. Natsuki's brows furrowed, and she crossed her arms.

"Stop wheedling me to apologize. It was her fault…-"

"-Natsuki." Mai hissed. "Have you ever tried listening to yourself?"

"No? Considering I hate my voice?"

"Urgh… Ariesians." Mai groaned, delicately taking her burned face into her hands. She knew she shouldn't be doing this- touching such damaged skin. But at this point she just didn't care. Her ears twitched upon another invasion, though this wasn't from Natsuki.

Both women regarded the Archmeister closely, the elder chuckling silently. With her fingers pressed to her lips, Shizuru hid a quickly widening smile.

Natsuki seemed surprised, but pleased; lips spreading into a smile as well. "I'm glad you're awake, Shizuru." She murmured, the cane leaning between her chair, and the wall. She stood to answer a knock at the door, grumbling all the way.

It was Yohko, the scientist tucking something away in her pocket when the door opened. "Growl like that and you'll attract the bears, Gakuenchou." Receiving nothing more but a huff, Yohko snickered, and brushed past her. "So how's the hurt club?" She asked, shutting the door with the heel of her shoe.

The Gakuenchou simply watched the action, staring at the scientists shoe. Hurt club?

"Because you're all hurt." Yohko didn't think she'd need to simplify that, but here she was. She chuckled to herself, easing around the Gakuenchou to better view Shizuru. Checking her morphine, the scientist rolled the figures down a notch.

"How are you feeling this morning, Archmeister?"

"Restless." What else was she supposed to say? But with such a feeling, Shizuru was desperate to move. She couldn't bear lying around in one position for hours on end. But what could one do with a busted hip? In fact, she was more angry with herself than anything.

To think, that the Archmeister had been taken off guard.

"There is only a heavy ache if I try and move." Shizuru murmured, the doctor nodding in response. "I do not feel any pain in particular. But…" She was sure if she was taken off the morphine, that would change. Something felt… wrong with her GEM. It was only a gut feeling, but even so-

"You're under the effects of strong morphine." Yohko slipped out two packets she had kept within her pockets. "The bullet which struck you has caused your nano-machines to go dormant."

"...Dormant?"

"They haven't been deactivated completely, but they are in a state of sleep." Yohko tried to explain, checking Shizuru's wound minimally. It would hurt to touch, but it seemed not to be bleeding as much. She would keep it bandaged, however.

"Don't worry." She reminded, easing from the otome, and standing straight. "This has happened to many meister in the past. Their bodies undergo a state of shock. So intensely in fact, it deactivates their nano-machines temporary. I believe this is what happened to you."

Although through Sara's information, this certainly sounded... - Shaking her head, Yohko smiled. "Gakuenchou. If she needs anything, don't be afraid to ask me."

"Alright." Natsuki nodded, eyeing the the packets the elder held. Were they her, and Mai's medication?

"Another dose already?" Natsuki frowned, glancing to Shizuru. She had been hoping not to be woozy when Shizuru woke… She returned to her chair, seemingly stubborn in not wanting the dose.

Mai chuckled, shaking her head. "You have to take them." She pointed out, holding her hand out for them.

"Come now. I'm not a shady genius who sells magical drugs, now am I?"

"I don't know." Natsuki grunted, crossing her arms. "Though that sort of sounds more positive than anything." Glancing at Mai who sat upon the opposite bed, she fired her a desperate look. "I don't want to start acting weird around Shizuru!"

"Isn't that normal?" Mai snickered, earning a flabbergasted expression from Natsuki. "No one is going to save you. Take them."

The Gakuenchou shook her head, before she extended a hand as well. "Fine." Yohko chuckled, dosing out both their medication. Natsuki sneered, pouring Mai a new glass, and using Shizuru's for herself.

"Not that I do not mind Natsuki's germs, but…"Shizuru quietened, chuckling despite the glare which was thrown in her direction.

To say the least, this was oddly pleasant. Sure, they were injured, but Shizuru hadn't felt like this in a long while. Perhaps with the three of them together once more, they felt at peace? Deciding this was the case, Shizuru adjusted herself slowly.

Downing the pills, Natsuki set the glass back to the table. Brows screwing together, she forced herself to swallow hard. One had grazed the back of her tongue… Ugh. Shizuru seemed amused to her misfortune; The elder hiding her grin with a hand.

"You can stop it too." She grumbled to Shizuru.

Natsuki truly wondered how she had survived for so long. Given she had dated Mai in the past, and was Shizuru's lover. How one of them hadn't killed her yet was beyond her. Actually, she wouldn't be surprised if the two ganged up on her now!

"You two are unbelievable."

"And they do say you stay to the people who drive you insane…" Mai muttered under her breath. Her lips unconsciously widened with the look Natsuki gave her, and turned away. "Must be why Natsuki's been around us for so long, Shizuru." Slipping her own pills into her mouth, the redhead soon swallowed with water.

It wasn't anything for depression, and the like. But seeing as she was scarred for life, and was undergoing skin grafting, it wasn't surprising.

"The better the devil you know?" Yohko supplied to Mai, the two snickering amongst one another. Taking the empty glass from the royal, Yohko glanced to Shizuru, and Natsuki.

Shizuru was as amused as ever, much to Natsuki's bemusement. This truly did feel like… they had gone in time, Yohko pondered? It felt more like the days when these three had been students.

"Unbelievable!" The Gakuenchou barked, crossing her arms.

Sinking towards the back of the room, and setting the glass down, Yohko paused. Her intercom buzzed, bringing her attention to it over the racket. Had something happened, she wondered? Lifting a hand to silence the trio, she activated its connection.

"Doctor Helene?" It was Maria, though she sounded rather calm. Relaxing her posture, Yohko waved her free hand to dissuade the others. "Yes, Miss Maria?"

"There is a Zipangese noble wishing to make contact." A what? Eyeing Mai, the doctor put that thought out of her head, and hummed. "Is either the Archmeister, or Gakuenchou available? The Archmeister is more preferable for this contact."

Why was Shizuru more suited? Deciding to simply find out for herself, Yohko turned to the injured otome. "Archmeister, Miss Maria is on the intercom. She is wanting to speak with you." She refrained from telling Shizuru there was probably a noble wanting to speak with her.

"Miss Maria…?" Nodding, Shizuru brushed her fingers to her GEM. The feat was unconscious, and she halted. "Oh…" She murmured, realising her mistake. Her GEM obviously wouldn't work without nano-machines.

Chuckling softly, Yohko spoke into her intercom. "She hasn't got power to her GEM due to her nano-machines being dormant. Allow me to fetch the phone."

Natsuki furrowed her brows, interrupting the task. "Is that really necessary right now? She is still recovering…" Her speech was starting to slur again, and she glared at the floor. Mai found this amusing, waving away the concern.

"I'm sure it's nothing too strenuous, Natsuki." The princess assured as Yohko exited the room. Moments later and back with the phone, she passed it off to the Archmeister.

The device was oddly old fashioned, but the phones in Garderobe tended to be. Taking the device from Yohko, she nodded in thanks to her. "...Miss Maria?" She called, the scientist converting the link to the phone.

"There is a… Lady Hinagiku requesting to speak with you." Maria sounded unsure, but would put her trust into Shizuru's decision to speak. Natsuki was staring at the elder, no doubt ready to snatch the phone at the first sign of stress.

Watching surprise etch onto Shizuru's face, Natsuki paused. Wait, did she know who was contacting her? Who even was it?

"...Lady Hi- link her straight through, please."

"Of course, Archmeister." With a soft noise of fumbling, the link was switched. "-zuru? Shizuru, are you there?" Hearing the familiar western Zipangese accent, Shizuru instantly relaxed. The elder woman was speaking fluent Ari- perhaps for Shizuru's sake.

"I'm here…" She murmured quietly, enclosing a hand around the receiver. She kept the phone close to her ear, listening to her nanny's breathing alone. "I only recently awoke."

"Forgive me for calling, but the news finally came and- I needed to make sure my little Geiko was safe." The calming voice of the elder was laced with hints of concern, making Shizuru smile. "Goodness knows I was trying to make some sort of contact for ages…"

The smile painted across Shizuru's lips widened, staring up to the low ceiling. "Do not feel ashamed for worrying. Hina should know I would feel the same for her, if something happened." Shizuru could only imagine how the Zipangese noble was feeling.

After all, Garderobe was under heavy threat, and both herself, and Hinagiku's daughter were stuck here. Obviously the academy was the safest place for meister, and students alike. But even so, there was always that hidden risk. "I feel restless, but I have company, so I'm not alone."

"Good…" The elder breathed a sigh of relief, and her next words were filled with amusement. "How is the little battle pup treating Shizuru? All bark with no bite, I hope…" The other woman snickered, sounding as if she were adjusting her posture.

Shizuru's smile sweetened, eyes drifting to Natsuki for a moment. The Gakuenchou hadn't been trying to eavesdrop, rather was content just to watch her; A crease between her brows. "She is absolutely perfect."

Upon the gesture, and comment, Natsuki's eyebrows shot up. She had an idea this was directed to her, and she flushed, Yohko, and Mai snickering. "Stop it." She grumbled to the two behind her, not bothering to even glance at them. What was the point of even attempting? Besides, watching Shizuru on the phone was…

She couldn't even describe it, or give a reason to why she loved it. The scene just fit the Archmeister on point.

"Battle pup?" Shizuru laughed softly, eyeing Natsuki discreetly. The younger woman's face flushed again, and she pulled her gaze away. "That is a new one. What new nicknames has Hina been storing away this time?"

Leaning against the wall, Yohko lowered towards Mai faintly. "... This might be her nanny."

"Oh little Geiko, she knows I have many more where those came from. I was planning a visit before most of this fuss, but Shizuru; is there any chance I may be able to come and assist as best as I can?"

"I do not think…" But then again, what was to stop Lady Hinagiku? Her nanny was practically a force of nature. She wasn't leading the Hinagiku family for nothing. "What about…?" Oh, this might be a problem, considering the others didn't know Tomoe's true… identity of sorts. "Surely your family would become too involved?"

Hopefully such wording would catch on.

"I am sure we could keep the truth just beneath the surface, my little Geiko." The elder chuckled, and Shizuru knew that there was no way to persuade her otherwise.

"Well… then I am confident in her success." Shizuru chuckled softly, the others in the room still watching her. She took no mind to such a thing, content with listening to Hina's voice. "But is Hina sure? I am sure many will catch on, and recognize you both."

Exactly how would Garderobe take it, if they knew herself, and Tomoe were connected to Hina? In reality, Hina was no saint. Not that all of them were during the days of war, but Hina was more so.

Recognize? Natsuki tilted her head, then glanced over to Yohko, and Mai. The pair caught her gaze, the two of them as confused as she was.

Who could be talking to Shizuru as such, and who called her a battle pup?! Natsuki's frustration was short-lived; the painkillers dulling her vision. She covered her eyes, leaning back to slouch in her chair.

Mai watched her, seemingly amused. The older woman never did take painkillers well… She was the type to start spewing sentimental secrets over a small high. Though, not those kinds of secrets. At least the political side of Natsuki was still safe; However, Mai wasn't sure she could repeat any of those secrets without the older woman's head exploding.

"She's only spoken about her nanny a few times to me." Mai murmured quietly to Yohko. But from the sounds of it, this was probably her Shizuru was speaking to. "I think it might be too."

Truthfully, Mai wondered what this nanny of Shizuru's was like. Certainly she was going to be similar to the Archmeister. Or would this be the other way round? "What if s-"

"-Mai!"

Natsuki jumped from her slouch, hissing and placing a hand to her thigh. "Sara! Be quiet." She barked, gesturing to Shizuru as an excuse. The phone call went on uninterrupted, the Archmeister laughing at something.

The blonde blinked, halfway into the room after bursting through the door. "S-sorry?" What was the Gakuenchou's problem?

"Don't mind her." Yohko snickered lightly, still leaning against the wall beside Mai's bed. Sara turned her attention to her, their forms barely a foot from one another. "She's back on her medication."

"...Oh." Sara murmured, still holding the handle to the door, and glancing to Natsuki. Slinking into the room either way, she quietly shut the door, then rounded by the doctor. "Mai!" She uttered under her breath to the elder woman.

Sinking to the redhead's level, Sara was unsure with what to do.

Natsuki huffed, imitating the blonde behind her back. "Oh." She mouthed, Mai sending a dirty look her way.

"Sara… please tell me you've had some rest, at least?" Mai smiled, gently taking the blonde's hand into her own. She had been informed that the younger woman had barely left her side. It was sweet, and she wanted to do something in return. But what? In the end, Sara would always be her coral. So it wasn't like Mai didn't know her, nor understand her.

Perhaps at the back of her mind, the royal even knew of how Sara felt.

"I passed out." Sara admitted, raising her free hand to rub at her eyes. Mai gave her a stern look, but it quickly crumbled. "You need more rest than just that." The redhead sighed, catching the blonde's gaze again.

Silence filled before Natsuki cleared her throat. "Oi. Stop doing that."

"Doing what, Natsuki?" Drawling out sarcastically, the redhead momentarily eyed Natsuki. For being under such strong medication, she sure knew how to be an ass. She watched the elder's brow twitch, and Mai merely arched a brow.

"You're all over each other."

"All over-" Staring blankly, Mai blinked, before glancing at Sara. The blonde was just as shocked as her, but portrayed it more physically.

"Nats-"

"-Says the one who's been all over Shizuru for the past decade!" Mai countered, a smirk casting along her features as Natsuki paused. "Believe me, I've hea-"

"Mai!"

"That's what you get for saying something stupid." Mai shot back, scowling. "Now, sit there, be quiet, and try not to pass out."

Natsuki looked offended but admonished, grumbling to herself as she rested her head on Shizuru's bed. Shizuru had apparently heard, chuckling as she rested a hand into her lover's hair.

"I will speak to her soon." Shizuru softly ended the call, handing the receiver back off to Yohko. Eyeing the four of them, the doctor retreated from the room; No doubt to put the phone back.

"Now, Natsuki… why is she being so grumpy?" The Archmeister teased, gently running her nails through coal hair.

"Don't you start." Natsuki muffled into the blankets. She felt high, and irritated. But of course she would- but it was so infuriating! There was a frustration which leapt up, and she had the urge to snap again. Suddenly however, she felt embarrassed for behaving in such a manner, and groaned. "Idiot."

"My poor Natsuki… The medication must be giving her mood swings." Shizuru chuckled softly, gently petting the younger's head. She still felt fatigued, but was glad to be awake.

"...Maybe." She certainly wouldn't be this knowingly irritating. Then again, it didn't help that she was also taking her painkillers. Natsuki sighed, suddenly feeling drained. She leaned further onto Shizuru's bed, careful not to hurt her hip.

"Lemme stay here for a while…" Least here with Shizuru, she wouldn't feel lonely. It didn't help she already felt higher than a kite. But… what was she even thinking of at this point? Feeling Shizuru's fingers glide through her hair, she eased into the mattress.

Natsuki couldn't remember, nor did she care.

"Of course Natsuki can stay here…" Shizuru smiled, relaxing back against the pillows. "If she plays nice." The elder warned, but it fell on deaf ears. Natsuki was already asleep.

"Mean." The Archmeister mumbled.

"Let the ice princess have her beauty sleep." Mai sniggered over to Shizuru, catching her attention. "Maybe when she wakes up, she'll have less bark?"

"You're just as bad." Sara bit, gently lowering the elder down.

"Because I stood up for us? Please." Rolling her eyes, Mai huffed, pushing strands of hair from burned, healing skin. "Sara?"

"Huh?" The blonde flushed brightly, having been distracted. Us? She quickly shook out of her thoughts, clearing her throat. "Do you need something?"

"Except a redhead…?" Shizuru murmured under her breath, Mai seemingly not hearing.

The mere words from the Archmeister worsened Sara's blushing. If the royal hadn't been present, she would've groaned. But unable to, she gritted her teeth. Why this? She stared down to an inquisitive Mai.

"You're being weird. You should really sleep before you start seeing things." Mai scolded gently. "Your face is red too, are you feeling well? Or are you thinking of something… dirty?" She grinned.

"I-I… I'm gonna go." Sara flushed brighter, looking more like a tomato than anything else. She gently extracted herself from Mai's side before bolting out, the Archmeister chuckling at the sight.

When silence reigned over the room once more, Shizuru willingly broke it. "Yohko told me what had happened when Natsuki was… incapacitated."

Staring after a fleeing Sara, Mai gawped. "E-eh?" Oh, right, Natsuki. "It was a… strange reaction." She spoke quickly, forcing her gaze to Shizuru. "I've never seen her this… out of control?" Was this the right word? Definitely Natsuki had been unable to control herself. But what could she do when under an episode? "She's been fine since. Only woozy from the medication."

Perhaps it was the medication itself which was keeping Natsuki under? But once that was out of her system, then what? Pills couldn't solve your problems, after all.

"Natsuki has been acting rather… different since she has woken up. It only seems to have been exacerbated by you being indisposed." Shizuru was far too exhausted to speak in her normal manner, raising a hand to cup her brow.

"Now this… It is as if she is losing herself." The elder frowned, concerned as she watched Mai. Perhaps she shouldn't be telling the younger woman this? Then again, she would see what Shizuru meant soon, if she hadn't already. Other than the recent event…

At this point, what was Shizuru meant to do? She was harshly aware of how fragile the younger woman was. So speaking with her about the issue was out of the question. But Mai knew Natsuki almost as well as herself. Maybe even better than Shizuru? Quickly shoving the latter thought aside, Shizuru's eyes drifted to Natsuki.

At least within sleep, the Gakuenchou appeared at peace. She looked almost alike to how she had a decade previous. It was… soothing, almost.

"She will work through this." Mai's voice broke through her thoughts, but her gaze remained on her lover. "We'll all work through what we need to." She could believe her; wanted to believe, but it was all so hard.

Shizuru sighed, closing her eyes as she rested a hand atop coal locks. Natsuki slept on undisturbed, and soon her lover joined as well. Mai wasn't far behind, the room falling silent with sleep.

"I understand they are being tested, but do they really have to follow Zhang?" Glancing from the computer, Yohko sighed at the sight.

It had been barely a day since Shizuru, Natsuki, and Mai had fallen asleep. Surprisingly enough, day-to-day life was running pretty smoothly in Garderobe. But why were so many people insistent upon meeting with her right now?

Leaning into her chair, she regarded the group of women.

"They love me." Juliet defended, one arm around Nina's neck for a headlock. The younger appeared to be struggling, but no one seemed very interested in helping. Except for Tomoe, of course.

"So what can I say?" Juliet continued, a grin widening upon her lips as her arm was held onto. Not by Nina, but instead by Tomoe. The younger student stood in front of her, an amused expression cast to Tomoe's annoyance. "I thought you hated her, Mar-"

"Just get off of her." Tomoe grumbled, releasing the other, and turning away.

Juliet blinked, and glanced down to a still struggling Nina. "Sounding exhausted there. Somebody ke-"

"No."

"Alright, alright…" The redhead released the younger, Nina rubbing at her neck with a glare. "Oi, Laura… where's blondie and the pipsqueak?" Juliet grinned, glancing to the older woman.

"Babysitting, and being babysat. Not necessarily in that order." Laura chuckled, placing her hands on Mayha's sides briefly. The column squirmed, but didn't yelp out as she would have days earlier. "Looks like those ribs are starting to heal up."

They wouldn't, if Laura kept prodding them. Shaking her head, Mayha brushed by. "I'm still waiting for that apology from Kruger." Though she highly doubted she'd get even a glance. Rolling her eyes, she motioned towards Yohko. If only a little awkwardly.

"A noble shall be arriving at some point." She spoke, Yohko nodding as she stared at the screen. "From… Zipang?" She wondered aloud, loosely wrapping her arms around her torso. She did so through fresh habit, and frowned.

"Oh, I know. I spoke to her."

"You did?"

"Well, the Archmeister did, but I got the gist of it." Yohko shrugged, trying to concentrate. Laura was rewinding something on a device, shaking her head. "Mayha, want to see what Kruger did to downtown Windbloom?"

"That isn't to share." The doctor warned, but didn't try to stop the situation. "Just… don't let the Gakuenchou see." She sighed, more annoyance setting in. Again, why were they all down here?!

At this point, she'd be driven insane, and she wasn't even an otome! Ah, inventions, medication, and supplies…- she was more than ready for a holiday.

"That's none of my business." Mayha peered to the other, not batting an eyelid. She already knew what had happened. Why should she see it?

"Your loss."

"Juliet, get off of me already."

"No."

Growling under her breath, Yohko glared into the blaring light of her monitor. Her fingers halted against the keys before her hands tightened into fists.

"Oi, Tomoe. Help your girlfriend already."

"We aren't-"

"Yoooohko?"

"What?!" The doctor shouted, pounding her desk. The room silenced, Juliet hastily letting go of Nina in case she was in trouble. A soft meow sounded, followed immediately by several others.

Arika, who had interrupted and who looked as if she wanted to flee, gulped. "We've got cats…"

What was even happening anymore?! First the the Garderobe invasion, then Gakuenchou, and Archmeister, now this?! Bolting from her chair, Yohko stared at Arika, and instantly stiffened.

Arika climbed the stairs onto the lab, peering between every woman within the chamber. Surrounded by an abundance of different breeds of cats, Yohko blinked. What? If not stranger, the student held a fat cat within her ar-

"Isn't that the princess's cat…?" The doctor stared, the others doing the same.

What?

"Is it?" Arika shrugged, though most certainly knew it was. "They just started to show up!" She made sure to add, not wanting to be seen as a thief.

Laura cocked a brow, peering down. Cats…? That was odd. The lab sure wasn't the place for them to congregate. Juliet's confused expression turned to amusement, and she pointed one out. "That one looks like Nina."

"Wha-" Following the elder's index finger, a mystified Nina stared.

"It… really does." Tomoe snorted, snickering under her breath.

Sighing loudly, Yohko fell back into her chair. With her head tilting back to rest against it, she cupped her forehead. Why this? Why now? A dozen of the cats floated towards her, the felines rubbing against her shins.

Why?!

"Everyone, grab a cat and get out." Yohko ordered tiredly, sighing as she stood to get away from them. Laura snickered, grabbing a few into her arms. "At least they're not biting me… yet."

"Cats prefer making you a pin cushion." Tomoe murmured, scooping the apparent Nina-cat under an arm. The grey feline flicked its tail at her angrily, but she paid no attention. Instead, she snickered towards Nina, the fellow student grumbling.

"They came from the forest." Arika spoke. "Should we take them there?" Mikoto fought within her arms, screeching. Alike to Tomoe, she didn't mind the notion. But she did glance down to her. "Mikoto?"

"Just… get them out of here before they wake the others. They can stay on the grounds, but out of here." Yohko specified, Juliet taking a few and tucking one into her shirt.

"I bet we can race them." The redhead smirked mischievously. "I saw this one running; I bet five-hundred yen that it could beat all of yours."

"When did you see it run? They just arrived!" Nina argued, huffing as she scooped a few up herself.

"That isn't fair!" Arika caught up with them. "Mine are all… Mikoto?" Wait, since when were there… four Mikotos? Halting, she stared down to them, the fat felines meowing up to her deviously. "Um. Guys…? H-hey, wait!"

Running after the three, Arika jumped a stair at a time.

"I hate kids…" Yohko muttered under her breath.

"Where did all these cats come from…?" Laura murmured, setting the ones she had taken out down. Outside of the lab, the cats littered the grounds. Many students had stopped their daily activities to play with them; no doubt Maria would be upset.

Eyes scanning the campus, Laura started when she noticed Ribbon holding a smaller one. Rosalie was trying to keep a swarm of cats from knocking the girl down, and Laura made her way over.

Alike to yesterday, there was a faint breeze within the air. Even though it was morning, it was already hot. Laura wondered who had come up with the idea to build Garderobe here. They were next to a desert! But didn't the Black Valley move? Perhaps it had been different three centuries previous?

"Where could all of these cats have come from?" Rosalie murmured to herself mostly, holding onto an overweight cat. Wasn't this cat Mashiro's? Looking down to the cat, she was greeted with an expected drawl. Mikoto stared up to her questioningly, narrowing her eyes.

Ribbon was fascinated with the kitten in her hands, eyes wide as she cradled it close. Laura furrowed her brow, confused but gently nudging the swarm of cats to convene elsewhere. "So… this is odd." She spoke, gently placing a hand at the small of Rosalie's back.

"Perhaps… something happened in Windbloom?" Rosalie suggested, meeting Laura's gaze. Prying her attention back down to Ribbon, they watched the small blonde. "That princess does… have the tendency to start ridiculous competitions."

"Like what? Cat herding?" Laura snorted. But who would be the shepherd? Certainly not a dog.

Rosalie sighed, shrugging. "I honestly have no idea." She frowned, setting the cat she was holding down. "At least none of us are allergic to cats."

"Don't jinx it." The Florentine groaned. "Knowing my luck, I'll suddenly become allergic." Somehow she always managed to embarrass herself- even when she wasn't trying to. So at this point, Rosalie wouldn't be shocked.

How was it embarrassing to be allergic to cats though?

"Oh? I'm sure you won't become allergic to anything. Though perhaps you are with me-"

"Stop it." Rosalie huffed to the tease, watching Mikoto strut away. The gang of cats followed after the overweight feline, but the white kitten didn't. It seemed to be as curious to Ribbon, as the child was to itself.

"Well… that one isn't crazy." Laura shrugged, eyeing the white cat. Why were there so damned many…? It was like an invasion, if the invaders were all just cats.

How were they going to explain this to Miss Maria?

Mai had long been moved back to her own room. It was also in the middle of the night… at 4am, almost? Natsuki squinted towards the clock inside the room. It was too dark to make out what it said exactly.

Rolling onto her other side within the opposite bed, she stared at Shizuru. The elder had been peacefully sleeping for most of the night. But there was something off.

A faint twitch was seen dancing upon the elder's face. Her features twisted briefly before smoothing out only to bunch again. A nightmare? Natsuki frowned, unsure if she should leave the bed to console her, or if she even could. Her thigh was still quite sore, painful when moved.

She couldn't stay on those pills forever, though. Perhaps in the morning, she would ask her. But it seemed too… harsh of her to watch Shizuru have a nightmare. But it also felt wrong to wake her up.

Confused with what route to take on this situation, Natsuki simply continued to watch her.

Another twitch flickered across her lover's face, and Natsuki grumbled. Fine, she mumbled, hesitantly sitting up. She would wake her. Besides, she had walked just fine yesterday. So surely?

The moment her feet touched the floor, she almost buckled. Perhaps it had been the pill's effects that had helped her? Nonetheless, Natsuki forced herself up and stumbled to Shizuru's bedside. There, she could at least sit at the chair again.

How utterly annoying… "Shizuru?" Her voice was hoarse, and groggy from hours of disuse.

Abruptly, she remembered when she had first awoken from her coma. Once more, she was reminded of it. How had it felt for Shizuru, to wait for so long…? Natsuki still couldn't imagine it.

Resting a hand against the Archmeister's shoulders, she gently squeezed. "Shizuru…?" She tried again, wondering if she would manage making the elder stir.

It took a moment, and another squeeze, but dulled crimson finally began to open. "Were you having a nightmare?"

"Ah… Natsuki?" All was dark within the room for Shizuru, but she instantly found Natsuki. She was sat by her bed, much alike to last night. Lifting an arm from the sheets, her palm rested against her eyes, covering them. "Yes. I was."

"Was it bad?" Natsuki sounded exhausted, but no more than Shizuru did. The younger smiled softly, caressing along tawny hair. Did she do it to calm the elder, or herself? Perhaps it was both?

"I… mh." Shizuru's expression hardened, and she lifted her hands up to clutch Natsuki's arms. Would such a nightmare be unsettling to explain? Luring the younger otome closer towards her, Shizuru quietened.

"I'll take that as a yes." The younger frowned, holding Shizuru and resting her chin on tawny locks. Silence between them, Natsuki gently kissed her head and sighed. "Everything is going to be alright, love."

"Since when do you speak like this?" Shizuru asked her. Their position was awkward with Natsuki's angle, but she didn't care. She wanted Natsuki closer, but with her injury, that couldn't be helped.

But either way… "Love?" Shizuru smiled, sliding her hands up the Gakuenchou's arms.

"I can speak like this…" Natsuki flushed, holding more securely. "And I love you… Are you in much pain?" Though, her morphine drip was still going. What had the nightmare been about, she wondered. Either way, it seemed as though Natsuki would have to wait until morning.

Pain? "Not much. My hip only seems to hurt when weight is added." Upon this thought, memories of her nightmare filtered into her mind. It had felt so real, and vivid. If such a twisted dream had been real, Shizuru would never forgive herself. "... I dreamt that I…" Unable to find the right words, Shizuru frowned up to the ceiling. "Harmed you?"

"Harmed me?" Natsuki echoed, stroking along the elder's hair. She pressed a soft kiss to Shizuru's brow, listening and hoping she was a comfort. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Do you want to hear it?" What kind of question was that?

"I don't really know what it was…" Shizuru breathed in continuation. Pressing her face up against Natsuki's jaw, she remained there. "For whatever reason, I had you in a room, and..." What? "...And… hurt you?"

What had struck this nightmare, precisely? "Why did I dream of torturing my lover…" Shizuru wondered aloud, murmuring under her breath.

Natsuki heard, but made no movement to leave Shizuru's embrace. "Well, I dreamt I was in space without an arm, so it may be the drugs." She softly teased, another stroke through soft hair. "You will never hurt me, even if you tried."

"Perhaps you are right." Shizuru sighed, mindlessly inhaling the younger woman's scent. Even when facing obstacles, Natsuki always managed to find a way to calm her. Even when she was in the slightest of doubt. "But still, what might've caused such a nightmare?"

One relating to being shot would've made much more sense. But there had been nothing of guns within her dream. Not even otome.

"Dreams are a fickle thing... " Natsuki murmured, keeping up stroking Shizuru's hair. "Perhaps you will find meaning in it, or not." She was tired, but determined to comfort the elder for however long was needed.

Shizuru didn't seem to mind that she had experienced a nightmare though. For something to break Shizuru's resolve, that was another story entirely. It was such an event which Natsuki wasn't sure she had ever seen. Only when she had… returned from her first mission.

"Hm, Natsuki?" The elder murmured into her throat, derailing her mind. "Sleep with me? And I do not want to hear any excuse about my hip." Smiling into the woman's pale skin, Shizuru was sure Natsuki would feel it.

"Alright… But no moaning at me." Natsuki stiffened, flushing brightly. "I-I meant no complaining." She hastily fixed, easing out of the hold with another kiss to Shizuru's head. She made sure to climb in on the side with the uninjured hip, burrowing under the blankets immediately. She hadn't noticed, but she was so cold.

"You bring no warmth, go back to your own bed." Shizuru teased, feeling Natsuki bury her nose into the nape of her neck. "Ah!"

Why was Natsuki so cold? Had she not even been in her own bed? Hearing Natsuki snickering under her breath, Shizuru huffed softly. "Now I have to get warm again…"

"Stop complaining." Natsuki smiled, finding Shizuru's hand under the blankets.

"Says the one who slipped up between sleeping, and se-"

"Sleep, just sleep." Was groaned in response, the Gakuenchou flushing. Adjusting herself so she wasn't putting weight against Shizuru, she continued. "We need a shower later…"

"We?"

"You can't exactly stand, Shizuru." The Gakuenchou reminded. Had Shizuru forgotten about her nightmare? Even so, such a thing seemed to haven't had an effect on her. Maybe it had served a purpose to just get them in the same bed? Blushing at the thought once more, Natsuki grumbled under her breath.

"Nor can Natsuki."

"Just…- we'll sort it out."

Before long, they had fallen into silence. Gradually, as time flowed by, Natsuki warmed. The elder otome's body temperature had always been so much hotter than hers. It was a wonder that Natsuki didn't melt, at this point.

Though time had indeed past, she knew Shizuru wasn't asleep either. Instead of pestering the elder, she instead mused. Later, how would they get around to washing? Certainly Yohko would organise something, but even so…

The thought of that scientist seeing any portion of them, put Natsuki off.

Anh owed them, but… She would rather not have that woman see her naked. Definitely not see Shizuru, either. Yukariko could work, but she didn't want to listen to apologies over and over again.

Mai was obviously out of the question, and she seriously doubted Mayha would help. Let's not even bring up Juliet…

She supposed the only plausible solution was to rely on Laura, and Rosalie. Laura had seen her nude before, the public springs of course… Rosalie the same, though the younger woman did seem to make Natsuki flustered for whatever reason.

Natsuki stretched slowly, working a kink out in her back before she kissed Shizuru's head. "Why didn't you go back to sleep?" She murmured, knowing the answer already.

"Because Natsuki was still awake."

"You know I have trouble sleeping. Why wait?" How people could fall asleep within minutes, Natsuki would never understand. Studying Shizuru within the darkness, Natsuki rolled onto her side. "I was only thinking."

"Natsuki should try and sleep instead of worrying." Even if the light attempted to disallow it, Natsuki still saw the Archmeister smile. Personally, Shizuru was unable to move like Natsuki. But she took no mind on it. Instead, she simply studied the younger woman. "Do not feel ashamed of your injuries, Natsuki. I know that deep down you must feel this?"

"I do… I lost control, again. But… maybe it saved our lives? I don't know." Natsuki frowned, laying her head against Shizuru's again. "I doubt I'll be able to sleep, anyway. But… I think I know who can help us bathe." She murmured, thinking a moment before she nipped Shizuru's cheek.

"Let me guess, Juliet-" "No."

Natsuki's expression twisted, forcing a soft laugh from Shizuru. "Stop it." The Gakuenchou gently batted her hand under the blankets. "No, just no. Anyone but her." She rolled her eyes, brushing her nose against Shizuru's cheek.

"Anyone?" Mischief loomed within the elder's eyes. "Oh, I know." She drawled, angling her head to the side. Their noses brushed against one another, and she continued. "Miss M-"

"Shizuru!"

"Then perhaps Rosalie? Natsuki does so have a crush on her…" Shizuru teased, stopping when the younger flushed. "Oh?"

"It's Rosalie and Laura." "That Natsuki has crushes on-?" "Stop that!"

Finding a palm covering her mouth, Shizuru snickered. Even when wounded, they certainly knew how to pass the time. Watching the crimson refuse to fade from Natsuki's face, Shizuru didn't relent.

"Perhaps Natsuki would like to kiss her-?" "Ew, no!" Natsuki recoiled, giving a sneer. "I don't… like her like that."

"But Natsuki admits she likes her…" Shizuru felt a little sting, but smiled.

"I… I don't like her like that." Natsuki flushed, puffing her cheeks out. She sat up, making sure to brace weight on her good leg. "She is just… I like the way she looks? I guess?"

"Admiration? Natsuki, that certainly sounds like a cru-"

"There's no winning against you, is there?" Natsuki groaned. "You know I don't feel the sexual stuff, only with you. I… don't know how to explain it. I sometimes feel attracted to people- only women. But before I know it, it…"

"Disappears?" Shizuru supplied.

"Mm… Interest just wanes. Except with you." Natsuki flushed, rubbing the nape of her neck. "We should get out of bed and stop discussing this immediately." She added quickly, though knew it was still too late to be up and about.

"Oh? I am sure Yohko would feel appreciative to us attempting such a feat." The Archmeister drawled. "I must admit, it would be quite the sight, however."

Was Natsuki feeling restless being asked such questions? Natsuki had never been suited to anything personal. But even so… Shizuru frowned, studying her. "Perhaps Natsuki is also demiromantic? Have you ever thought of this?"

The Gakuenchou's sexuality, and orientation never seemed to be confirmed. Of course, Shizuru understood Natsuki entirely. But at times it was painful to watch her struggle.

"I don't know all of these labels… All I care is that I love you, and you're mine." Natsuki crossed her arms, shoulder leaning against the wall. She was so restless… "Urgh, I just want to stand up!" She had left her cane over by her bed, to boot.

It was her coma recovery all over again!

"You should know impatience does nothing to help us. We will work through this, Natsuki."

Would they? Natsuki had done so through Shizuru's pure determination. She wouldn't be here if it hadn't been for the elder.

"I know it must seem grim." Shizuru murmured, gazing up to her. "But do not forget we have each other through this."

"...I know." Natsuki reluctantly smiled, settling back in beside Shizuru. "It's just hard to have a set back once you thought everything was fine." She didn't seem down, but perhaps she should be cheered up either way?

Shizuru toyed with the idea of letting Natsuki see the footage. Perhaps having the Gakuenchou see how she had protected them both would help? Though, she was quite conflicted.

This was a highly dangerous personality she was considering. If Natsuki knew about this, it would probably downgrade her confidence even further. Fueling her anxiety was also out of the question. So showing this to Natsuki was… no. Shizuru wouldn't do it. She wouldn't risk her health.

"Life is about jumping obstacles." Shizuru murmured. "It might seem impossible right now, but we will work towards that. Everything takes time to achieve something, we both know this."

"Yeah… I just wish it could be easy for more than a day, or an hour." Natsuki laid her head back onto Shizuru's, her grumblings making the elder chuckle. Shizuru rested a hand onto coal hair, petting gently to console her lover.

"Nothing has ever gotten in our way." Not high risk missions, battles, comas… not even assassinations. "We'll get past this, I promise you." Pressing her lips against the younger woman's temple, Shizuru remained like this. "Do you trust my word?"

"Of course I do." Natsuki sighed, resting more loosely against Shizuru. "I'll always trust you…" Though that didn't mean it would make it any easier. As long as she had her lover by her side, though, they could make it through anything.

"Do you really think I would've chosen Anh to help us?" Natsuki groaned under her breath, an elbow grounding to her thigh. Sat upon a wooden bench beside the pool, Shizuru was to her right. Mindlessly, she clutched her hand into the elder's, muttering over to her quietly. "Why did you agree to this?"

"Me? If I remember correctly, this was Natsuki's idea." Shizuru smiled, leaning against Natsuki to relieve pressure on her hip. She made sure not to touch the younger's thigh, however.

Natsuki pursed her lips but fell silent. Well… it had been her idea. "I didn't get much sleep." She grumbled, rubbing her face with her free hand. It was only Laura and Rosalie… what harm could it do?

"Good morning, Kruger! Archmeister!" Ugh… It was Laura, after all. Raising her head, Natsuki stared with utter disdain. The older woman was smirking at them as she approached, clad in a bathing suit with that blasted crocodile floaty under her arm.

What in the…?

"Are they here?" Rosalie shoved her head through the door Laura had just ventured from. Instantly, the Florentine's eyes shot to the floaty, and she frowned. "It's a bath, not a pool party!"

"Now that's where you're wrong. A bath can be a pool party just as much as a relaxation."

Wait, so Natsuki and Shizuru would be naked throughout this, whilst Laura wasn't? Hiding herself into the Archmeister's throat, she muttered. "I made the idea, you agreed, Shizuru."

"We've managed to book it for this purpose, why not also celebrate the original reason for it?" Laura huffed, smirking to the other two.

"Laura, you are already making this undoubtedly uncomfortable." Natsuki glared, lifting her head. Thankfully, at least Shizuru and herself were still dressed…

"You're the one who wanted help from our year's biggest asshole." Rolling her eyes, Laura propped her hands to her hips. The floaty was undisturbed, only awkwardly squeaking against a hip. "What's taking you, Rosalie?" She arched her head to the door, cocking a brow.

"Ribbon!" Rosalie huffed at her lover, carrying the blonde girl through the doorway. "She won't put down the cat, so it's here too." The white kitten was nestled in the child's hands, baffling Natsuki.

Having set Ribbon down, Rosalie sighed and eased something out of the pocket of her dress. What was…?

"Hey!" Natsuki barked, almost standing before her thigh screamed in refusal. "That's my sponge! I've been looking everywhere for that!"

With Ribbon sat on the bench beside Shizuru, and Natsuki's, Rosalie blinked. Holding the sponge idle, she stared between a disgruntled Gakuenchou, and amused Archmeister. "Yours? What? This crusty old thing?" Studying it, she brought it to her eye level. "One of the cats had it."

"One?" Natsuki frowned, absolute bafflement gracing her expression. Shooting emerald between the white feline, and Florentine, Natsuki opened her mouth. What was this? Cats? Sponges?

"What do you mean, one? There's more than that one?" Natsuki held her hand out for the sponge, wiggling her fingers when it wasn't immediately returned.

Laura snickered, taking it from Rosalie to give to her friend. "Rosalie has such bad habits…" The elder teased, tossing the floaty into the water. "And, lots of cats are convening in Garderobe. No one knows why. Okay, let's get you naked!"

"Wh-what?! No! Explain why we're getting flooded by cats!"

"Best not." Rosalie droned, unhappy that the sponge had been taken from her. "Miss Maria about had an heart attack when she found out. Some of the students have been thrown into the detention chamber for just saying 'cat'." Although that was pretty hilarious, you did have to admit.

"... Thrown into…" Collapsing back into the wall, Natsuki groaned. Covering her face with her hands, she slid her palms down it. What was even happening to this academy anymore? Sponge in her lap, her arms fell to her sides. Focusing on the yellow object, a frown dug her brows.

"If Natsuki keeps frowning, her expression will stay like that." Shizuru bit teasingly. Gently prodding the younger woman's cheek, she chuckled softly when Natsuki glanced at her.

"You aren't helping, Shizuru."

"Am I?"

"No!"

"Okay, lovebirds. We've got to get you naked, now. Rosalie, you take Shizuru; Natsuki will just stare at your as-"

"I will not!" The Gakuenchou wished she could run away, and tried to stand on her own again. Laura snagged her shoulders, lowering her onto the bench again with a snicker.

"Easy there… Come on, we either bathe you or you chicken out."

"Shizuru, help me!"

"No can do, Natsuki."A devious smile clutched Shizuru. The Archmeister watched as Laura practically half dragged, half carried Natsuki away. Lazily, she waved to the Gakuenchou, but froze a moment later. The sponge had been thrown in her general direction.

Watching it land, then droop off the bench, she snickered.

"My sponge! Pick it up!" Natsuki begged, flailing in Laura's grasp dramatically. The darker woman found this all too amusing, snickering at her friend's distress.

"Natsuki, you are far too funny. Come on, let's get you undressed. You'll feel much better…"

Sagging against Laura, she relented. "I surrender." She grumbled, shooting one last look to Shizuru.

"Sometimes…" She murmured, Rosalie approaching. "I will never understand Natsuki." She stretched her arms out for the younger woman, Rosalie halting before her. She continued to observe Natsuki's misfortune, the Ariesian snapping at Laura. "She is far too amusing."

"She certainly is something." Rosalie agreed, chuckling softly. "Back when we were still students, she was much more relaxed than even this. Of course, that was usually after a few drinks…"

Shizuru stifled a smirk, looking up to the blonde. "Is that how she ended up paying for your cheeky tattoo?"

"H-hey, what's with that pun?!"

"Oh, nothing." Shizuru breathed a laugh. Though she might be wounded, she couldn't get enough of this. For the past two days, it had been so… Shizuru couldn't even describe it. "Now. What do you need me to do?" She asked the blonde, Rosalie delicately supporting her upwards.

"Just hold your arms up so I can take your gown…" Rosalie gingerly undressed the elder, hearing Natsuki weakly struggle with Laura. "I'll need Laura's help to get you into the bath, though."

Ribbon remained on the bench, quietly watching Natsuki until the Gakuenchou noticed. "O-oi, Laura… tell her to look away."

"She's six, Natsuki. Besides, I'm sure Mai takes baths with her…"

"Please no, I don't want to imagine that image."

Having the thin gown moved aside, Shizuru was left bare. "What about the bandages?" She asked Rosalie, the blonde supporting her steadily. This felt strange to be held by someone other than Yohko or Natsuki. "Easier to let them to slip off?" She suggested.

It wasn't that it was awkward. It simply felt alien to Shizuru.

"Mm. That'll be less painful." The blonde commented, simply holding her until Laura was done steadying Natsuki into the water.

"Hold the floaty." "I will hold the side!" Natsuki yelled back, clinging to the side of the large pool-turned-bath.

"Kruger is allergic to fun…" Laura snickered softly, striding over to help Rosalie carry Shizuru into the water.

"No matter how many times I persuade her, she never sees my reasoning." Shizuru practically pouted, being gently lowered into the pool.

It was a slow process, but the moment she hit the water, she felt relief. Leaning her head back onto the poolside, her eyes drifted to Natsuki. A smile formed against her lips in response, and she snickered quietly.

"W-what?!" Natsuki huffed, her front close to the side, hands grasping the edge.

"Is Natsuki pretending to be a tomato?"

The Gakuenchou only growled a reply, lowering into the water more. Bubbles swarmed to the surface, her mouth underwater; Eyes glaring at the three of them.

"She looks like a fish with rabies." Laura snickered, addressing Rosalie. "You know, you'll have to get out of your dress, right? Did you at least bring a swimsuit underneath it?" The elder quirked a brow, stepping into the water cautiously. "Ah, cold!"

"Of course I did." The blonde grumbled, reaching behind herself. She undid the zip unceremoniously, catching the dress just as it fell. "I borrowed one of Garderobe's, since everyone is so insistent to comment on my…"

"Tattoo?"

"Don't say it so loudly!"

Natsuki lowered herself more, dunking her head under the water. Laura snagged her back up, chuckling heartily at her misery. "Oh, come on! It was a great bonding moment for the three of us."

"You mean for you." Glaring at the taller woman, Natsuki suspiciously eyed her. "Why was it I was always conveniently drunk for these outings, anyway?" They had been students! They hadn't exactly been of age to drink in the first place. Why had they risked being under Miss Maria's wrath?

It was beyond her.

"Well, you liked drinking. You were undoubtedly more fun when drunk, and… I was older than you." Laura grinned, pulling a small bag close to the edge of the pool. "Soap, bandages… Ready to get squeaky clean?"

"I'm not a toddler!"

. . .

. .

.

"See, it wasn't that difficult, was it?"

"It'd be easier if I could at least dry myself!" Snatching the towel from Laura, wrapped it around herself. "I'm not a dog!"

"Woof?" The elder arched a brow, lips curling upon the Gakuenchou's pointed stare. "What can I say, it's fun to tease you."

"I've gathered." An unsettled sensation loomed within Natsuki, and she sagged. Sighing, she took the secondary towel given to her by Laura. "Why does the world want to torment me?"

"Because the world thinks you're cute yet take yourself far too seriously." Laura answered, having sat Natsuki on the bench for drying. Since the Gakuenchou had fussed and taken so long, Shizuru was already washed, dried, and dressed.

"Did you want to take your medicine? Yohko gave me a dose, in case either of you felt more pain." Laura stuck her hand into the bag, gathering a small bottle.

"I'm not cute." Natsuki frowned, but took the medicine either way. Sat beside Shizuru, she regarded her. The Archmeister was wearing loose-fitting clothes, and they were a white hue. It looked… strange.

"Do they feel comfortable?"

"Very." Shizuru smiled, unsure if she should also take a dose. Perhaps not, yet every step was rather uncomfortable. She relented, taking it as well. The two took their doses, though Natsuki sneered at the taste of her pills.

"You're really not good at taking medicine, are you?" Laura grinned, gathering up the bag and her floaty. "Ribbon, you don't want a bath, do you?" She teased the girl, the kitten in her hands hissing.

"Nu-uh!" Ribbon declared, prying the kitten closer to herself.

Natsuki stared, almost balking as she remembered. Garderobe was overrun by cats… How and why were still a mystery to her. Being helped from the bench by Laura, the elder woman made sure to brace her right side.

"Again, can somebody please explain why we've been overrun by cats?" She asked, glancing over to Rosalie who helped Shizuru into a wheelchair. Leaning into Laura, she received a look of amusement. "...What?" She eyed the darker woman oddly.

"Are you forgetting something?" Laura motioned her cane into her right hand, slowly moving away.

"You're forgetting to tell me the reason we have cats…" Natsuki tried to needle, but Laura ignored her. Leaning into her cane, the Gakuenchou grumbled softly. Ribbon was taken by Laura, that blasted kitten still in her hands.

"At least you're not allergic to them." The Lutecian snickered, keeping an eye on Natsuki. "Huh… maybe should have offered to give you the medicine after we've walked back…"

"Either way my thigh will hate me." Natsuki muttered, a laugh sounding from Shizuru. Blinking, she glanced over to the Archmeister. The elder column had been oddly quiet for the past few minutes. "Shizuru?" She arched a brow, settling her weight into her left leg.

Awkwardly she stood like this for a few moments. "You've been quiet for a while."

"I'm still tired." Shizuru softly murmured, her fatigue only enhanced by the bath, and medicine no doubt. Natsuki hummed, suddenly remembering. It wasn't as if they had had a full night's sleep…

Natsuki limped to her side, wanting to walk beside Shizuru. "It's really weird seeing you in a wheelchair." The younger admitted, Laura holding the doors open for them.

"And I hate it." Shizuru smiled, leaning into the left armrest. For a moment, she leant against her hand, and exhaled a breath. "It isn't like I lost a kneecap. So in time I will be walking again. But even so…" Leaning back against the chair, she slid her fingers into damp tresses. "I am just restless."

Wincing at the kneecap description, Natsuki nodded. "I was restless in it, too." She grumbled, starting to behave now. "I'll keep the cats off of you." She teased, smirking as she gazed down to her lover.

"Oh? But Natsuki is injured. However will she protect me?" A smile widened upon Shizuru's lips, and she gazed back up to Natsuki in much of the same light.

"I've got a cane, woman." Natsuki teased back, flushing lightly. She stayed at a slow pace to match the wheelchair, feeling the ache of her thigh slowly be numbed away. Thankfully, they were outside soon.

"What the fuck?!" Natsuki blurted, not having comprehended the sheer number of cats.

The group halted by the doors to the baths, the four in a state of shock.

Earlier, sure there had been a lot of cats. But this was just pulling the lion's tail! The academy grounds were absolutely covered by the cats. Whether strays, owned, or even both, was beyond them. What caught their attention gradually however, were two women in the distance.

"Is that… Miss Maria, and Yukariko…?" Rosalie questioned, squinting towards them.

The elderly woman was desperately trying to wrangle cats away from Yukariko, the other woman sneezing crazily. Oh… Natsuki stifled a chuckle, and seemed bewildered as well. Yukariko was allergic to cats…

"W-what is even going on…?" Natsuki stuttered, gazing around. There were so many cats! Looking down, she was greeted by a horde of them. The felines meowed, and whined at her feet. Backing away, she glanced between Laura and Rosalie. "So they just showed up?"

"Just showed up." Rosalie confirmed.

"Perhaps they came from the forest?" Shizuru supplied, jumping faintly. A cat jumped up onto her lap weightlessly. "I've never heard of this happening." Stroking the cat's head cautiously, it dipped into her hand. "I think we should rescue Yukariko." She chuckled softly.

"Is the cat bothering you?" Natsuki asked, about to bat it off her lover's lap. Shizuru gently nudged her hand away, smiling.

"The cat is fine… Now, go use that cane to help Yukariko." The Archmeister teased, gently scratching under the feline's chin. This one reminded her of Natsuki, funnily enough.

It was black and white. For what breed it was, she had absolutely no idea, however.

"Come on, Kruger. You aren't going to let these cats stay on your lawn, are you?" The darker skinned woman nipped, scrolling towards Miss Maria, and Yukariko.

Opening her mouth, Natsuki stared at her. Was she calling her an old man? Hurrying after Laura as best she could, Natsuki huffed. "If you're suggesting I wave this thing around, chasing cats, you have another thing coming."

"Well, you're not gonna summon your cannon and blow them up, so get to it." Laura quipped, grabbing a fat Mikoto cat off of Maria. Natsuki gave a confused sound, seeing another one around Yukariko.

"The Princess's cat…? Is this her fault?" Natsuki furrowed her brows, urging cats away from the blue-eyed teacher. Yukariko gave her an exasperated look of thanks, sneezing still.

"We do not… know." Miss Maria frowned, catching two cats deftly. She stared blankly to the pair, the felines identical. "But with the Princess's cat seemingly having been cloned, it is likely." The two 'Mikoto cats screeched in her hold, but she took no notice. "Gakuenchou. We are overrun, nor do we know what to do."

Miss Maria was telling her this?

"W-well, I don't know what to do!" Natsuki was utterly baffled enough as it was. An invasion of enemies she could have handled more than this at the moment! Especially if she hit her head again…

At least edging them away from Yukariko, Natsuki stared across the campus. "What in the world is going on…?" Had someone opened up some curse?! "We must contact Windbloom immediately. Perhaps they know…" Freezing, Natsuki stopped mid sentence.

"Gakuenchou?" Miss Maria murmured, glancing over to where Natsuki was looking. Wha-

"This is too many cats to race!" Juliet stumbled out of a foray, utterly covered in the felines. Natsuki counted at least three of the Mikoto cats, baffled but thoroughly amused. The only way she could tell it was the new column was but for a patch of red hair, and her voice.

Snickering wildly, the Gakuenchou regained her composure and cleared her throat. "Maybe we could corral them with… cream? Milk, a toy?"

"Meow?" Natsuki's eyes widened to the almost deafening roar given by every immediate cat from her words.

The felines sprang up around them, and a loud groan etched from Yukariko. Natsuki herself jumped from the teacher, the cats seemingly following her only. Since when had she deserved this?! Concern for Yukariko pierced her eyes, and her mind. "Y-Yukariko, you should go before-"

"-Kruger! Help me already!" Stumbling towards the elder column, Juliet shoved a cat away from her face.

Was this a nightmare?

Shizuru seemed rather amused at all of this, herself and Rosalie almost having the same expression. Petting the cat still in her lap, tuxedo fur all afluff, Shizuru chuckled lowly. "It is Natsuki's duty to help those in need."

"How the hell can I possibly control this situation?" Natsuki asked, baffled further. She supposed getting the cats off of Juliet was a start… Grumbling, she limped forward a step and wrenched another from the redhead's leg.

With shuffling from the disturbed redhead, and Maria guiding Yukariko away, Laura herself chuckled. "Does anyone know how many there are? Perhaps having the facility members here would help?" But she did have to admit, this was certainly something new for them all.

Maybe it was even a nice, fresh change? One that they unspokenly agreed with?

Natsuki shook her head, recalling how the cats had reacted to her earlier. "Maybe… Maybe we can get the cafeteria staff to bribe them with milk! And corral the into the arena?"

Another resounding wave of meows hit them, and Natsuki grumbled softly to herself. "They seem to like that idea…"

"Kruger's a cat whisperer…" Laura snickered, batting one of the fat cats from getting near Natsuki.

"I'm a dog person." Natsuki muttered under her breath, shaking her head. Leaning into her cane, she sighed, glancing down to a cat by her feet. "Shizuru, do you think it's a good idea to involve the students? Or would this bring chaos? You know how they react to new things."

Let alone when Arika had first arrived.

Shizuru played with the cat in her lap still, humming softly. "Just the staff for now, I think. We need big tubs of milk to persuade these little darlings elsewhere."

"Little darlings?" Natsuki monotoned. Oh, right, great. She had forgotten all about the fact her lover was a cat person. Now she remembered why they hadn't ever gotten a pet. Then again, how could they? They were always far too busy.

"Kruger, feeling jealous?" Juliet snickered under her breath, Laura following.

"I am not!" The Gakuenchou protested, shooting her gaze to the fiery redhead. She watched the Altain pry more cats from herself, and Natsuki opened her mouth. Baffled was the word, more like.

Closing her mouth, Natsuki huffed, and strode from her. "What if they keep coming?" She asked the Archmeister, ignoring Juliet entirely. "We only have so-"

"-Jealous-"

"-much milk." Frowning, Natsuki glanced over her shoulder. Rewarded with a sly smile, she rolled her eyes.

"We should send out a courier for much more, then." Shizuru murmured, glancing up to Natsuki with a grin. The cat in her lap stared at the Gakuenchou, seeming bored by the chaos around it.

Cats. "I'll never understand them." Shifting her fingers to her GEM, Natsuki sighed once more. Who should she contact about this? She remained prone beside Shizuru, the group watching her expectantly.

"Who…" Her mother? The Miyu gynoids would sort this so quickly.

Locking a communication link to Miyu, Natsuki tapped her foot impatiently. "A-ah, Miyu? Is mother close to you? We have a bit of a situation… Er, cats are invading the campus, thousands of them!"

How silly did this call sound? Natsuki gave a dry chuckle, utterly baffled as she glanced around. "We need help."

"We are already aiding the scientist, Doctor Helene. The cats have taken to roaming the wards."

They were inside the wards?

"I thought we'd gotten them all?" Juliet frowned, furrowing her brows. Natsuki glanced to her, unsure of what to do next.

"None of the gynoids are free?" She asked, looking to Shizuru. What could they do?

Unremarkably, the invasion of cats had been nothing short of annoying. With most of them gathered in the arena, this was the best they could do. But who was to say this was the end of them? These cats could easily flood the grounds again.

This, Natsuki was more than sure of.

"Still…" She trailed, sitting down on a bench. "I'm not sure how long the gynoids will distract them. Where could these cats have come from, Shizuru? It's like they appeared out of nowhere."

Shizuru hummed in agreement, relaxing against the back of her wheelchair. "It has been such a long day, already…" She murmured, raising a hand to brush along her hair. Whatever energy she had after the bath was utterly wiped out; From both the chaos, and the medicine they had taken.

Natsuki slumped on the bench, suddenly feeling exhaustion hit her. "Ugh…" She sat back, rubbing at her cheek to void it off. When could they stop taking this medication? Natsuki actually wasn't sure which one of them would first.

"It's barely been half a year, and I'm ready to sleep another." Natsuki humorlessly laughed. "If people aren't trying to kill us, it seems fate wants to mock us."

"But that's life." Outstretching her arm, Shizuru brushed her fingertips against Natsuki's arm. Mindlessly, she clutched at the material of her uniform. "Though it's difficult, we know nothing different. I doubt Natsuki would choose over her nobility to being a meister."

"Ugh, no. I can't bare having nothing to do. Probably would have been married off to some second-rate noble girl… Getting fat without combat." Natsuki mused, sneering at the very thought.

"That was quite specific." Shizuru teased her, tilting her head. "I am not even second-rate… No hope for marrying a commoner, Countess Kruger?"

"Don't call me that, Shizuru."

"Then what should I call you? I doubt you want to be called… battle pup?" Shizuru smiled deviously.

"B-battle pup?!"

"Oh, Natsuki doesn't remember when I had my phone call?" Shizuru teased, gently pinching the younger's cheek. "Natsuki is my battle pup; Quite literally after that…"

"I still haven't seen the footage, or know what even happened." Natsuki pouted, leaning against her lover's hand.

"And best you do not. Not until you're ready." The Archmeister murmured softly. She couldn't allow Natsuki to know.

"It must be very bad…" Natsuki frowned, resting into the bench more. She grasped Shizuru's hand, lifting it to her lips. "Thank you for protecting me from it, though." She murmured, kissing over a knuckle.

"And thank you for saving me." Shizuru smiled, sneaking a kiss to the younger's temple.

Natsuki was about to answer, if a crash hadn't sounded. It rumbled throughout the academy, and the two women jumped.

Unconsciously, Natsuki stood, and her thigh screeched in protest. "S-Shizuru?!" She yapped, another rumble blurring in the distance.

If a wall had been standing by their far right, it certainly didn't no longer. The two stared dumbfoundedly. Directly above them, was a crimson, and black… SLAVE? It veered its gaze down to them, spikes protruding from it.

"What is… that?" Shizuru asked, mostly to herself.

"As long as it can die, I don't care." Natsuki glared up to it, the pain from her thigh throbbing more. How could she fight if she could barely stand…?

"Mai!" A small voice yelled out, one she hadn't heard before. The creature knelt, almost in a surveying pose. Atop it, a girl stood with one hand leveled to her brow; searching?

"...What?" Natsuki blankly stared up, somehow garnering the girl's attention.

Who was…

That…?

A HiME.

COLLAB NOTES

The Hinagiku Family

Hinagiku derives from Mai HiME: Destiny. We thought it would be more suitable since Tomoe's family are based in Zipang. For some reason, her family is called Marguerite in the Otome manga, but are within Zipang. This obviously didn't make sense, so we made it more… believable, of sorts.

Alike to the manga, the Hinagikus have a family spring. They're however, much more calculating. This is where Shizuru learned many skills which led to her becoming the Archmeister. It also concludes where she developed an "air of nobility".

Technically, this also means Shizuru and Tomoe are sisters. They grew up together, though obviously there's the age gap.

Lastly, as for Lady Hinagiku's name, Sunrise never gave her one. In Mai Otome: Super H, she is simply known as Tomoe's mother. So her title will be her name, whilst her nickname is Hina.

Chapter Progression

This chapter was an absolute ass to develop, and we aren't even sure why. We are however, extremely happy with Black Ego (the basic translation of Kuga). The point of this chapter, was to distance away from Natsuki, and Shizuru. Such as the scene of Yukariko restraining Natsuki, for instance; they were there, but described distantly in third person.

It purposely gave an atmosphere to the chapter, which I hope came through properly.

Reviews

Okami: Batsuki mode activated!

Lee n Lee: We love writing long chapters. Though we wish we could kick them up the ass for when they're a pain to write.

L.A: The more you love a character, the more you want to see them in pain. Don't even ask me how to explain that logic.

As for Shizuru dying, and not revealing her long lost nanny- no fear in that department! I'm wondering just how many people weren't seeing Lady Hinagiku coming.

Metal Gear Solid: So is Shizuru the true Venom Snake? Oh, god no, now I'm imagining her with shrapnel stuck in her head. But for the sword she uses in Mai HiME: Destiny… perhaps one day. Renascence isn't ending anytime soon.

The only material Haruka can't break, is Yukino's love! *Shot*.

Saemi-san:

「いいえ！

ナ、ナイ河野。お願-

... ...静留？」

"No!

N-not this. Ple-

...Shizuru?"

This was foreshadowing for Natsuki "turning into" Kuga. A past life of hers, of sorts.

For Viola as a child; this is something I've always wondered about. Sunrise did have her speak about it to Tomoe as well. Though this seemed to be more of a fourth wall bombardment to Fujino.

Maybe Harmonium, and I will show Shizuru's childhood at some point. But it depends on the direction Renascence takes.

Kutt: If you kidnap us, give us food-

Knowing your luck for this chapter, your questions were answered, just to be greeted with more. Oh, but don't worry. There's more chaos, pain, love, and suspense awaiting our characters. It just depends on the surprise of when it happens.

Boredandidle: Since our chapters are so long, it does get hectic. What we are attempting however, is to have the scenes flow as if it was real. I'm not exactly sure how to describe it exactly. But imagine a typical day: things don't go as planned, it gets confusing. Sometimes we even find ourselves in the right place, at the wrong time.

With the jumping around, I do feel we're slowly improving on it, however. Our first few collabs together were the embodiment of cringe.

As for Mikoto, it was semi on purpose. Introducing her too early into the story would be overpowering. We know how powerful Mikoto is. She is going to be around multiple Oto-HiME, so obviously she's going to help them. For how she does, is another question entirely.