Chapter 3: A Sunless Sky Illuminates the Invisible Truth Below

Chapter 3

 

A Sunless Sky Illuminates

the Invisible Truth Below

 

The eastern skies had just begun to show hints of white. Shizuma wandered around the Maiden Park, alone. She climbed up the gentle slope and stood at the center of Astraea Hill, at the edge of the lake. The predawn sky was still wrapped in darkness, but fresh morning air wafted over everything.

Shizuma slowly sighed and stared at the surface of the lake. The lake’s calm, still water showed a reflected Shizuma, wearing a white quilted gown over her off-white silk negligee.

I look like I’m sick. Maybe it was her face, pale from lack of sleep that made her look ill. She hadn’t been able to sleep at all last night, and when she sat up and checked the clock, it was before dawn.

Oh yes, she used to comment that my face looked pale, like a patient, didn’t she…

Shizuma tried to keep the past behind her… but the memories swept over her again.

 

***

 

She recalled the conversation she’d had with Miyuki in the bath. Because Amane had suddenly disappeared, Miyuki wanted to request a rematch of the Étoile second round. She had begged Shizuma to find Nagisa and return to the Étoile competition. If that wasn’t possible, Miyuki would reveal Makoto’s past.

It was a ploy, Shizuma knew. Miyuki would never do that, unless she had no other choice. Shizuma had replied, “What would that accomplish? You, of all people should know that a person’s family situation is beyond one’s control. Besides, it was you who originally asked me not to chase after Nagisa.”

Shizuma thought Miyuki was going to be flustered, but she had been ready for Shizuma’s argument.

“I do admit that I am among those whose family situation is constraining. Which is why I had second thoughts about you and Nagisa. I am able to shine like a bright star here on campus. I can enjoy my freedom until I leave school and lose my wings. You should be able to do the same.”

Shizuma had never seen Mizuki so serious. She had all but flat-out admitted that she was obsessed with keeping her position as the Student Council President. If Shizuma and Nagisa withdrew from the Étoile competition, St. Miator Girls’ Academy would be dishonored, and things might escalate to the point where the students might demand the Student Council members to take responsibility and resign. Miyuki really enjoyed her role as the president. When she left St. Miator’s, Miyuki would be stripped of her freedom, so she wanted to cling to her only bright light of glory as long as possible. It was a frank revelation from a girl who was usually quite reserved.

Shizuma couldn’t find the words to form an appropriate reply. She already knew about Miyuki’s saga. It was an unchallenged truth of a rich girls’ school, a sad, dark part of the life of a daughter from an affluent family. At the same time, it was the reason the girls at this hill strived to shine so brilliantly. To be desperate enough for Miyuki to spell it out so bluntly meant she had something in mind.

At this point, she’d use any method to win this year’s Étoile competition, so she could finish out her duties as the St. Miator Student Council President in a glorious fashion. Miyuki had half-given up hopes for this year’s Étoile competition at first, but through Nagisa, a lucky card, she was able to recruit the help of Shizuma; and once she had acquired a chance at victory, she would do anything to attain it. Miator still had a good chance of winning, Miyuki confidently stated. With Shizuma, victory was possible. So now, Miyuki wouldn’t hesitate to use any option available. She had come up with a plan to take down Makoto.

With Amane and Shizuma out of the competition, and once Makoto was taken out as well, the main competitors would be missing. If Makoto finally dropped out, it would be obvious to everyone that all the viable candidates were effectively removed at that point, making it a three-way draw. A rematch would be necessary. Miyuki pictured a drastic event, like the “Faceless Devil.”

Miyuki had explained all of this to Shziuma, her expression cold and calculating.

“So, I’m not sure what transpired between Shizuma-sama and Aoi-san, but, please, Shizuma-sama, please convince Aoi-san to compete again. It should be an easy task, requiring only one little phrase—‘you’re my one and only, Nagisa’—to get her back. Just like you did during the ‘Mouth of Truth’. Unless you didn’t really mean it then?”

 

 

Shizuma stared into the deep blue water of the lake and thought about the girls of this hill and their fates. Oh, Miyuki…Acting as if you know nothing about the issues between me and Nagisa. You, of all people, know the circumstances all too well. Look at your harsh expression… I’m sure you don’t mean it at all.

Compared to the rest of the world, the girls of this hill were beautiful like flowers, angelic, innocent, and naïve. They could have anything they want, and were promised a safe, bountiful future, and they seemed to live a luxurious lifestyle.

But their reality was far from glamourous.

Miyuki had a fiancé, pre-selected before she was even born. After she graduated from high school she’d spend a year learning some home-making skills, then she must marry her fiancé. Wealthy girls had to marry at a young age, so they could give birth to an heir as soon as possible—a ridiculous logic, indeed, Shizuma thought. No matter how intelligent Miyuki was, her family had told her that a lady does not require education.

In contrast, Makoto grew up away from her household. Shizuma had gotten the gist of her situation from Miyuki’s explanation. Makoto was an unwanted child. The harsh truth was that she was an illegitimate child. It must have been shocking to finally realize that she had been born because her mother had an affair.

Of course, Makoto was not to blame. But Shizuma wondered how Makoto must have felt when she realized it. The thoughts that must have run through her head, Shizuma could only speculate—Why was I born? Why did my mother give birth to me, knowing that it would destroy another family?

And then realizing the turmoil her most adored, beloved sister must have gone through all along, Makoto must have thought she was the cause of all the unhappiness, and blamed herself for her sister’s actions. Maybe Makoto was so brash because it was her only defense mechanism.

On the other hand, if you poke around Astraea, you will hear another story.

Shizuma had talked with St. Spica Girls’ Institute’s Nanto Yaya. Yaya openly despised men, and it was well-known she was a true lesbian. She was often compared to Shizuma in terms of the number of girls they fooled around with, so Shizuma was curious about her.

It was when Yaya had decided not to go home during summer vacation, and Shizuma had to stay back to complete a few tasks as the newly crowned Étoile. With fewer students residing in the Strawberry Dorms at that time, they had become “acquainted” with each other.

Yaya shared her thoughts with Shizuma about the father she hated. He never came home, going from one affair to another. A very foolish father, unable to hide it from her mother. Her mother had stopped loving her father, but asked for compensation for his affairs, receiving expensive jewelry and clothing, and partying around. Yaya’s parents should have split long ago, but because her father had married into the Nanto family’s wealth, it was hard for him to leave the cushy company president’s seat.

Her mother was just as bad. She had given up on men, but as long as her father kept the business afloat, she was fine with all his philandering, because it maintained her high status.

Yaya’s father had told her ever since she was a child, If only you were a boy.

At first, Yaya thought he just wanted an heir to his business. But nothing could be further from the truth, because by then, Yaya already had several half-brothers. The Nanto business was to be passed onto a male heir, but the oldest and only legitimate child was Yaya. Though she was the oldest, if any of the half-brothers wanted to stake a claim to the business, Yaya would have to defend her position. Once she realized that, she stopped talking to her father.

On the rare occasion when her father would come home, he’d ask her how she was doing with her studies, but it was doubtful that he even knew her age or anything else, for that matter.

Yaya had recounted her bitter situation to Shizuma. It was the reason Yaya hated men—she couldn’t fathom touching such a filthy creature. Yaya vowed never to marry, and regardless of what others said, for the rest of her life, she was going to live with girls she loved.

 

Shizuma watched her face in the water and reflected on the situations that surrounded Miyuki, Makoto, Yaya, and many of the other girls of Astraea. She looked into the sky as it grew lighter and thought,

If there really is a heaven, are you there, Kaori? Are you looking over me?

What is going through your mind as you watch me and Nagisa? If only I could hear from you.

Shizuma raised her hands. A stiff morning breeze blew over the lake and rippled its surface, the cold, damp air fluttering the edges of Shizuma’s nightgown.

Nagisa, I envy you. You are so honest and carefree, with nothing evil about you. I must seem so unreasonable to you. Not just me, but compared to you, Miyuki, Makoto, and everyone else must seem so strange.

Shizuma closed her eyes and thought about her impending fate. Shizuma shared the fate common to most girls in Astraea. She had enough inner strength to keep the pressure from fazing her, and she tried to ignore it, but her spirit was the polar opposite of Nagisa’s, as carefree and bright as the blue sky.

Farewell, Nagisa. I don’t want to draw you into any more trouble. I set you free. Because I love you.

Shizuma looked into the summer sky, a brilliant blue. My dear Kaori, did you, perhaps, feel like this, too?

 

***

 

Shizuma confronted Nagisa. “It’s time to bid farewell.”

Nagisa stood there, speechless.

“Thank you for entertaining me. You helped me pass some time.”

Oh gosh, I was used to pass time? It felt like something was caught in Nagisa’s throat, and she broke out in a cold sweat. It hurts. Shizuma-oneesama, how could you?

“…No…” she finally muttered. She had shaken off whatever was holding her voice captive.

“No… what?” Shizuma peered into Nagisa’s face, her expression cold, and frightening. “You’re trying to go against my wishes?”

Nagisa, terrified, covered her face. Her face reddened and her whole body shook violently.

“I didn’t mean to. I’m sorry,” Nagisa pleaded.

A voice called Shizuma from behind. “Shizuma-oneesama, we should go now.” It was a sweet, childish voice.

Shizuma suddenly softened her expression as she turned around and answered, her voice gentle. “Oh, you’ve come for me already?”

Nagisa raised her face in astonishment, and looked in the direction of the voice. A little girl stood there, here face concealed by a light, peach-colored mist.

When did it turn so foggy? Nagisa scanned her surroundings. She had just been standing near the lake at the top of Astraea Hill. Suddenly, she was enveloped by white fog.

Oh gosh, I can’t see where I’m going. Ah… she reached out, searching for Shizuma.

But Shizuma was no longer there.

Ahh…Nagisa’s hand grasped thin air. She could just see Shizuma through the fog, far ahead of her.

How did she get so far away?

Shizuma held hands with the little girl. Though the two girls were far away, Nagisa could see Shizuma’s soft, blissful smile. She whispered into the little girl’s ear and chuckled.

Nagisa’s chest tightened. Why? Her cry of agony was silent. The couple faded away into the distance.

No! I won’t know what to do without Shizuma-oneesama…

Something painful pierced through Nagisa’s heart. Her throat was dry, her head spun, and her eyes blurred until she couldn’t see Shizuma anymore.

“Noooo!” Nagisa screamed. Nagisa closed her eyes, and felt something change. Shizuma, who was supposed to have disappeared, spoke directly into Nagisa’s mind.

“Don’t worry. I will protect you forever. I will be above the clouds looking after you. You must find happiness without me.”

Nagisa opened her eyes, and a goddess stood before her. Large white wings grew from Shizuma’s back. She floated just above Nagisa, looking down on her with the most divine smile as she gracefully flew away.

“No, don’t do this to me!” Nagisa cried. “I cannot be happy without you!” Hot tears streamed from her eyes and ran down her cheeks.

The heat from her tears jarred Nagisa awake.

Oh, it was a dream.

She lay in her bed in her room at the Strawberry Dorms. After wiping the tears from her face, she looked at her wet hands, dazed.

What a horrible dream. I am such a fool. I was the one who ran away from her. After that dream, I feel so much pain and remorse. My heart still aches, even when I’m fully awake.

Nagisa looked over to the window. The sky outside was getting lighter. She checked the bedside clock; it was five-thirty in the morning. She turned over in her bed, pulled up the blanket, and forced her eyes shut.

It was just a dream. I need to move on.

 

***

 

“Good morning, my dear Oneesamas. I brought some breakfast tea for you.” The voice on the other side of the door was cheerful.

“Come in,” Tamao called. She looked at Nagisa to ask for approval. Nagisa nodded, and Chiyo entered the room. She wore the apron of a room assistant, and in her hands were a teapot and a small silver vase.

“I brought some herb tea and some konpeito4 for the tired Nagisa-oneesama.”

Chiyo smiled as she walked past them. Despite the fact that Nagisa and Tamao had just woken up and still wore their pajamas, she diligently opened the curtains and neatly tucked them at the sides, prepared some tea, and made their beds.

“Hey, don’t worry about that, I’ll do the beds myself.” Nagisa wasn’t used to the room assistant program—where the underclassmen of St. Miator were assigned to the room of an upperclassman in order to take take care of their personal needs—so she didn’t feel comfortable having Chiyo do so much for her.

“Please, Nagisa-oneesama, I am obligated to perform these duties. And I would like to be of use. I am glad to serve Nagisa-oneesama.” Chiyo brought her cleaning rag to her blushing cheeks.

“Oh jeez, Chiyo-chan, don’t put a rag on your face,” Nagisa said, but Tamao found it amusing.

“Yes, Nagisa-chan, St. Miator’s program allows students to understand the intricacies of running a household, so you shouldn’t interfere. You know that many of the students here have maids at home, right? Without the program, they might never have a chance to do household chores. It is important to teach the students about the enjoyment of service.”

Chiyo smiled, looking proud.

Nagisa was surprised at the conversation between the two. Oh, I wonder if Chiyo-chan comes from a large home? But, come to think of it, St. Miator probably has students from all kinds of influential families, like Shizuma-sama and Chiyo-chan. She recalled the picture she had seen of the large Hanazono family ranch and compared it to her small, 4-bedroom house. Her humble background was embarrassing.

“So are you going to be the successor of your family, Chiyo-chan?” Tamao nonchalantly asked.

“I don’t think so. I have an older brother who will probably succeed. When I reach genpuku5 at age 15, the family will decide.”

“Oh, don’t you mean mogi6?” Tamao wondered.

“I am from a martial arts family,” Chiyo answered self-consciously.

Tamao quickly grasped what Chiyo was talking about. “So until a successor is decided upon, you’re treated like a boy, right, Chiyo-chan? But if you have an older brother, you may not have to succeed, eh? You won’t have to be the oldest female master.”

“Yes!” Chiyo happily replied.

Nagisa wiped her face with a towel, not having the faintest clue what they were talking about.

How weird. I thought it would be good to be the successor of a family. What a wasted opportunity. I mean, I’d probably succeed. Nagisa pondered as she stared at her puffy eyes in the mirror.

I hope this looks better. I guess it’s best to ice it, but I’d have to go all the way to the cafeteria to get the ice. I’m so stupid. Why did I cry over a dream? I mean, I don’t have any right to cry over Shizuma anymore.

She thought about her conversation last night with Mizuho in the sun room. She had said some unbelievable things. Shizuma hadn’t cared for Kaori much, or something like that.

Nagisa shook her head. No way…

But Mizuho had spoken softly and clearly, and gradually Nagisa became convinced.

“After Kaori’s tragic death, no one, especially Shizuma herself, would dare say this. But Shizuma didn’t really love Kaori. I know, because I was one of Shizuma’s closest friends. She really needs someone like you, Nagisa.”

But Nagisa just couldn’t believe what Mizuho said…

“Thank you for your kind words,” Nagisa had replied. “But I don’t need to know about it anymore. Whatever happened is over.”

Nagisa let the Mizuho’s words echo in her mind again. Even if it was true, Shizuma wouldn’t forgive me for running away the way I did.

 

***

 

It was morning, time for students to go to the schools on Astraea Hill. The maidens walked straight to the gates of the three schools, a sea of colorful green, white, and pink uniforms that decorated the summer hill like little blossoms.

Chikaru enjoyed the nervous tension that surrounded her as she walked to school with Shion.

“I’m so glad to bump into to you this morning, Shion-chan,” Chikaru said with a smile. She had caught sight of Shion as she was leaving the Strawberry Dorms. Shion was trudging along, shoulders slumped.

“Good morning, Shion-chan, fancy meeting you here,” Chikaru had said.

Shion had jumped, startled, and looked at Chikaru as if she were frightened of her. Chikaru tried not to be offended.

“You seem to be running a bit late today, aren’t you, Shion-chan?”

“Well, there’s no particular reason for that.” Shion spoke less than normal today, obviously depressed.

Chikaru felt bad for yanking Shion around with all her little schemes, but she hadn’t expected Shion to react like this. She thought Shion would come back at her with some wild reaction, like St. Miator President Rokujo. It would have made things exciting.

On the other hand, if she did overreact, maybe things will get worse. After all, it’s my fault for causing all this. Although Shion-chan is the Student Council president and quite intelligent, she is unable to hide her emotions. It’s adorable. She must be really depressed after Amane-chan’s disappearance. Tsk… Shion-chan is so bad at hiding her feelings. I’m surprised no one noticed Shion-chan’s depression. No, wait. Maybe Momomi-chan and Kaname-chan have seen it.

 

She glanced sideways at Shion. “Hey, Shion-chan, what is the third round event of the Étoile competition?”

Shion flinched as if she had been hit. Her brows furrowed. “I’m sorry, we haven’t finalized it yet.” She hid her face momentarily as she played with her bangs and adjusted her posture.

“My apologies. Though we had tentatively decided on an event for the third round, unexpected circumstances have affected our plans. But thanks to your gracious offer, Chikaru-sama, our Spica candidate, Kusanagi Makoto, and your candidate, Miss Byakudan Kagome, will more than likely take the crown, so I am not too concerned about the final event.” Shion’s expression changed to a cool and collected poker face. Even so, Shion was disgusted with the emptiness of her bluff.

Why should I be sorry? At this point, I don’t care anymore about the results of the Étoile competition.

Shion was surprised at the revelation, and her indifference towards the Étoile crown. Almost immediately, her guilty conscience stabbed her heart.

No. As the Spica Student Council President, I am supposed to bring the Étoile crown to Spica. So why do I not care about the competition? What was I working so hard for all this time?

Shion stood there, dazed, her mind a total blank.

 

Chikaru, knowing exactly what was on Shion’s mind, put on a sympathetic smile.

You’re doing fine, Shion-chan. An intelligent girl like you needs to face your feelings and become stronger for it. You need to acknowledge your own feelings and make your desires come true. Life is short. I want you to enjoy this brief but relaxing life as a maiden of this hill. You may not realize this yet, but the reason you don’t care about the Étoile is that Amane-chan is gone. You don’t want the Étoile crown for Spica, but rather, for Amane-chan. You want your most adored Amane-chan to shine as the best Étoile of Astraea.

Suddenly, Chikaru waved her hands in an exaggerated manner, pushing away the melancholy that had dropped over them.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Shion-chan. Umm…I shouldn’t be saying this because it was my idea in the first place, but…I’ve run into a problem.”

“Eh…a problem?” Shion was surprised again, and snapped out of her daze.

Chikaru hugged her bag to her chest. “Well, Kagome-chan isn’t really getting along with Makoto-chan.”

“Not getting along?” Shion asked.

“For some reason Kagome-chan and Makoto-chan aren’t compatible with each other. I know it’s a surprise, but I found out yesterday. Kagome-chan told me that because Makoto-chan doesn’t care about Mr. Teddy Bear, she no longer wants to be her partner.”

“M…Mr. Teddy…Bear?” Shion repeated, dumbfounded.

“Yes. Kagome-chan is a really good girl, but she is a bit unique, and can be a little difficult sometimes!” Chikaru let her bag fall back onto her shoulder as she clasped her hands together and stretched her arms out in front of her.

“But don’t worry. We only have one more round left in the competition, so I think she can hold on until then. After all, the reputations of Spica and Lulim are at stake. It’ll be fine if Makoto-chan can give her lots of candy and be more careful of Mr. Teddy Bear. That’s why I was curious as to what the third round event was going to be. I hope it’s not difficult.” Chikaru laughed nervously, as if she were anxious.

 

***

 

“Excuse me. Umm…may I see Yaya-oneesama?”

It was lunch break at the St. Spica Girls’ Institute, Third Year, Class Un. Tsubomi stood at the entrance to Yaya’s classroom. The student sitting nearest the door frowned and pointed to a desk near the window.

Sitting at the desk was a girl with long, jet black hair. She didn’t move. Her beautiful black hair hung down like a silk curtain, covering her face. It was hard to tell if she was awake or asleep.

“Is that her?” Tsubomi asked.

The upperclassmen chuckled at Tsubomi’s confused look. “Yes, that’s her. She’s been like that since morning. What a nuisance, she was like that during classes, too. The teachers eventually just ignored her. You know, we understand her loneliness after Konohana-san’s disappearance, but it’s really surprising for Yaya, usually full of pride, to be so openly depressed.”

Tsubomi’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Oh, I see.”

To completely collapse the way Yaya had was quite shameful in Astraea, and it was the first time Tsubomi had ever seen someone do it. No matter how upset a person could get, Yaya was probably the only person on the hill who would express her sadness so openly.

Yaya was pouting.

She’s being so blatant about it, too, Tsubomi thought. Come to think of it, it is pretty amusing.

She giggled in delight. “It is very much like Yaya-oneesama to act like that.”

The girl smiled, “Yes, absolutely. It is so Yaya.”

The two girls laughed. A Third Year student appeared beside Tsubomi. “It is rather funny, but please, cheer her up any way you can.” She patted Tsubomi’s shoulder.

“Leave it to me!” Tsubomi clenched her fists, committed to her task, and bounced into the classroom.

“Yaya-oneesama!” Tsubomi waved her hand and stomped towards Yaya.

The black curtain of hair slowly rustled. It moved, the light reflecting off of her beautiful locks. White skin peeked between the strands of hair.

Yaya-oneesama is beautiful as ever, Tsubomi thought. “Gosh, please get up already, Yaya-oneesama! You shouldn’t be taking a nap at a time like this.”

Yaya’s head snapped up. It didn’t seem like she was sleeping at all when she spoke. “Hey, why are you here? I didn’t ask for you, Tsubomi.”

Tsubomi flinched in the face of Yaya’s anger, but she wouldn’t give up.

“Yaya-oneesama, I know what’s bugging you. You want to know about Hikari-oneesama and Amane-sama, don’t you?”

Yaya’s gaze shifted away. “No, why should I…” Care about them… Yaya started to say, but she stopped herself before the words escaped. She grabbed Tsubomi’s shoulders.

“Don’t tell me you know where they are?” Yaya’s face went pale.

Tsubomi was overwhelmed by her sudden change, but managed to reply. “Sorry, no! I’m good at picking up news, but not that fast!” She stuck her tongue out. “Actually, you probably know more than I, since you were called into the sister’s office.”

“Hmph. Don’t get ahead of yourself. The sister didn’t tell me anything. She drilled us with questions instead. If I knew anything about those two, I wouldn’t be so jealous right now,” Yaya folded her arms. She was about 15 centimeters taller than Tsubomi though Yaya was only two years older. Tsubomi looked up, envious of the difference in height.

Tsubomi persevered. “Oh gosh, Yaya-oneesama, you totally missed your chance to get information from the teachers.”

Then Yaya understood Tsubmomi’s sudden appearance. Oh, so Tsubomi is here to find out what happened to me yesterday. Disappointed, she slumped back into her chair.

“President Shion was completely rattled, so I was counting on Yaya-oneesama to fill me in or something,” Tsubomi mumbled.

Yaya collapsed onto her desk again. I’m so tired of everything.

“Umm, Yaya-oneesama, didn’t you ask the sister anything back in the faculty room? This morning, President Shion looked so depressed. Well, it’s only natural for her to feel depressed, because she worked so hard to put Amane-sama into the Étoile competition. So I totally understand President Shion to be shocked over Amane-sama and Hikari-oneesama’s disappearance. But she acted so strange in this morning’s staff meeting. I mean, she let Kiyashiki-san run the meeting, and Shion didn’t say a word. The other council members said they’ve never seen her like this before. But since it’s Spica’s turn to manage the Étoile competition, we have to run the third round without fail. We don’t know what to do with a president who has turned into a lifeless shell, so I’m so worried.”

Yaya didn’t respond, but repeated Tsubomi’s words in her mind. Lifeless shell, huh? I’m probably the same. Now that my beloved Hikari is no longer here, my soul is like an empty shell.

She loathed herself for thinking that way. I should have taken her, body and soul. She coiled her hair around her finger.

Tsubomi hesitated before she spoke again. “Yaya-oneesama, are you sure you don’t know their whereabouts? I mean, you were so close to Hikari-oneesama, so a lot of council members assumed you had to know something.”

If I knew something, I’d tell everyone in a heartbeat, Yaya thought. She ran her tongue over her teeth.

“Tsubomi, just shut up. I’m going to sleep.” Yaya buried her face in the desk and stopped moving.

“Oh for pity’s sake, Yaya-oneesama!” Tsubomi’s face turned red with anger and she stomped her feet as she left Yaya’s classroom, even though she understood Yaya’s feelings.

Hikari-oneesama and Amane-sama, please come back to Spica soon. Everyone is waiting for your return.

 

***

 

“Oh, Princess Nagisa…are you on cleanup duty again? Must be hard being Cinderella,” said Iohata Momiji, Nagisa’s classmate, as she opened the classroom door, smiled, then waved her hand and left.

With a triangular bandanna covering her head, Nagisa grinned dryly as she watched her classmate leave. Because Nagisa selfishly withdrew from the Étoile competition, she was assigned classroom cleanup duties alone, for a week, as punishment.

St. Miator Girls’ Academy, Fourth Year Moon Class’s classroom was cheery, with girls scurrying to leave, anticipating a fun time after school. Nagisa hesitantly moved her broom back and forth, trying to avoid the girls’ eyes as they left the room.

Tamao noticed Nagisa’s misery and deliberately took her time packing up. When the classroom was half-empty, Tamao looked Nagisa in the eye.

Nagisa laughed in embarrassment.

Tamao was miffed at her classmates. Nagisa-chan, you had your reasons for withdrawing from the Étoile competition. Everyone isn’t aware of your true motives, so they just accused you of leaving a black mark on the honorable history of St. Miator Girls’ Academy, or whatever.

If that was the case, Shizuma was just as guilty, but only Nagisa had been punished for dropping out of the Étoile competition.

Nagia always shook off such comments, protecting Shizuma. “It’s all my fault this happened,” she said over and over. “Not Shizuma-oneesama’s.”

Tamao did not care much for warped feelings of love. Nagisa-chan, you’re such a fool. If you loved Shizuma, why did you withdraw? If you had enough courage to take the blows for the person you love, then why didn’t you use that courage to confront Shizuma-oneesama about Kaori?

Tamao couldn’t help but think like that. Nagisa hadn’t been herself since the morning after Prince Amane’s disqualification. Then she tried to leave school without telling anyone.

If she loves Shizuma-sama so much, she should just tell her.

That’s so unlike you, Nagisa-chan, to keep things inside. Sigh. But I suppose if you did that, you’d probably cause trouble for her.

A wicked thought crossed Tamao’s mind. I’m so mean. I told Nagisa-chan to forget Shizuma-sama, even though I knew Nagisa’s true feelings. I guess I’m the one who’s holding Nagisa back from talking to Shizuma.

Tamao’s shoulders heaved with her sigh. But if Nagisa-chan mustered some courage and expressed her feelings to Shizuma-sama, I’d have no chance at winning Nagisa’s heart.

Tamao bit her lip. It’s been a while since I felt so hopeless. When did I start to feel so seriously about her? Tamao used to run from things that required too much effort or that had the potential to hurt her heart. Suddenly she was angry with Nagisa.

What had started out as a little desire to play with the new transfer student had changed, after seeing Nagisa jump into the Étoile competition shortly upon her arrival. Despite Shizuma’s overbearing presence, Nagisa’s pure heart prevented her from feeling bitter towards anyone, and she was so simple and honest that tea and cakes made her forget her worries in an instant.

Tamao’s anger ebbed when she realized she truly loved Nagisa’s strength.

Please don’t change, Nagisa, Tamao thought. She wanted to protect Nagisa from the overbearing Shizuma. Tamao was sure her love would be noticed by Nagisa one day. Instead of burning out from Shizuma’s wavering feelings, it was better for Nagisa to be with her.

Watching Nagisa cleaning, seeing her suffering, Tamao’s desire mounted, and she wanted Nagisa. She remembered Nagisa’s sad face yesterday when she announced that she wouldn’t think about Shizuma-sama anymore.

I want Nagisa-chan to love me. Tamao realized. But I don’t want her to resent me for keeping her from Shizuma-sama. It’s too early for her to see Shizuma-sama just yet.

Tamao imagined Shizuma, like a grim reaper, sweeping Nagisa away before her eyes. She shook her head in denial. I refuse to give up my precious Persephone to Hades.

A voice broke through Tamao’s thoughts. “You shouldn’t go easy on her, okay? You and Shizuma-sama were too lenient on her and look what happened.” Tamao turned her head toward the voice. Another student had approached Tamao, a stern look on her face.

“I know I shouldn’t,” replied Tamao. “But now that Nagisa-chan has withdrawn from the Étoile competition, she won’t be meeting Shizuma-sama anymore, so there’s no reason to be mad at her, I think.” She smiled.

The student, taken aback at the reply, responded, “Well… I guess you’re right,” She looked at Nagisa sympathetically. Nagisa noticed Tamao and the other student looking at her, and started to fidget uncomfortably.

“I suppose if she gets through this week, everyone will warm up to her again. Nagisa-san, try to tough it out, okay?” The student smiled.

Nagisa cautiously returned the smile and nodded. Tamao sneaked a quick wink, and moved her mouth silently, so that only Nagisa could see.

I-will-help-with-clean-up.

Nagisa’s shoulders relaxed in relief. Great! Tamao-chan, you’re so nice. She had noticed Tamao’s angry face a few moments before, but now her heart jumped. When we return to the Strawberry Dorms, I need to thank Tamao-chan! Cakes and tea are okay, but it’s always on her tab. Oh, maybe I can give her a massage? Tamao-chan probably likes massages, since she always massages me. Okay, today, I’ll…

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the classroom doorknob rattling behind her. She turned her head to see who was entering, and a tingle ran down her spine. She knew in her heart that something special was about to happen.

Tamao’s body froze, and there was a feeling like a large wave crashing against her. A black, ominous presence. She caught sight of the person entering the room and her expression turned dark. She stood and rushed to jump in front of Nagisa, trying to protect her from the presence in the doorway. Tamao spread her arms out to block Nagisa’s view.

Nagisa tried to look around Tamao, but couldn’t get a clear view of the newcomer.

Tamao confronted the intruder. “Why are you here?”

It was the first time Nagisa heard Tamao speak so coldly. The air in the room turned so tense it pressed against them.

Nagisa, suddenly afraid, had no idea what was going on. She didn’t want to know.

“Goodness, such pleasant greetings, Tamao-chan.”

Nagisa heard the voice, a voice she didn’t want to hear. Her heart tugged painfully, and the back of her throat burned. She was suddenly dizzy.

“Shizuma-oneesama…” Tamao said in a low voice, trying not to let Nagisa hear the name. She glanced over her shoulder to check on Nagisa, then declared, “You have no reason to come to this class anymore!”

Shizuma was taken aback by Tamao’s bravado, but she recovered quickly with a brilliant smile.

“Oh, that’s not true.” She took one step towards Tamao, then another.

Nagisa’s body began to shake violently. Shizuma’s going to yell at me. She couldn’t face Shizuma; she was terrified.

What should I do? Shizuma-oneesama must be really mad that I withdrew without telling her first. My mind was made up then, but how could I tell Shizuma-sama?

Oh gosh, I’m so stupid. I should have left Astraea when I had the chance.

The classroom fell silent. Shizuma stopped in her tracks.

Ohh… she’s almost here… Nagisa, red-faced, hid behind Tamao and closed her eyes. She will probably just pull me out of here…

The next moment…

“Tamao, thank you. I am relieved that you’re here to protect her,” Shizuma stated cheerfully.

Nagisa felt Tamao’s body relax for a moment and brush up against her. The next moment, Tamao’s body moved away as Shizuma’s arms wrapped around Tamao’s hips and pulled her close, leaving Nagisa completely exposed.

Surprised, Nagisa looked up at Tamao, as if she was asking for Tamao’s help. She inadvertently caught Shizuma out of the corner of her eye.

What in the world? Tamao was confused by Shizuma’s sudden action.

Shizuma suddenly kissed Tamao on the mouth. To keep Tamao confused, she kissed her for three whole seconds.

What the? Shizuma-sama, no…

Tamao pushed Shizuma away with full force. Shizuma’s lips were wet, like peach-colored coral.

“Wh-What are you doing?” Tamao yelled.

Shizuma grinned slyly. “Oh, it was for old time’s sake. After all, this isn’t the first time we’ve done this, remember?” she said playfully.

“But! That was a really long time ago!” Tamao blurted out before she remembered Nagisa was still standing there.

If she knew about what had happened between us in the past, she’d never speak to me again.

But Nagisa had witnessed everything. Shizuma had taken Tamao and showered her with love.

Tamao tried to explain. “Nagisa-chan, it’s not like that! This is Shizuma-sama’a sick joke! She’s trying to get back at me because I’m trying to protect you from her.” She tried her best to convince Nagisa, but Nagisa just stood there with a blank look on her face.

Shizuma added the final blow. Standing sideways, without looking at Nagisa, she said in a low, cold, extremely serious voice.

“Nagisa…”

Tears welled in Nagisa’s eyes.

“I understand your decision, so I will no longer be a nuisance to you.”

A teardrop rolled down Nagisa’s face.

“Goodbye. It’s time to bid farewell.”

Shizuma said the words, though they were like a knife to her heart. She turned on her heel.

“Sorry for bothering you. Please excuse me. Take care, Nagisa.”

With her back towards them, Shizuma left the room like the wind.

Shizuma’s words echoed in Nagisa’s ears.

It’s time to bid farewell…

Take care, Nagisa…

Her last words were completely generic, something that an upperclassmen—no, the campus queen—would say to a random underclassmen.

Shizuma-sama…Nagisa didn’t even bother to wipe the tears from her cheeks as she fell to her knees.

Ding dong…

The bells of Astraea tolled in the distance. It was time to leave school.

 

***

 

Ding dong…

The warning for the first dismissal bell rang. At St. Lulim Girls’ School, the closest school to the Strawberry Dorms, a white-uniformed Spica student, Kusanagi Makoto, stood at its gate.

She leaned against one of the gate’s large brick columns, looking bored as she waited for someone. A large crowd of Lulim students admired her from a distance.

“Look…that’s Spica’s little Emperor…”

“Up close, she has such a beautiful face…”

“She looks great in Spica’s miniskirt, almost like a handsome boy…”

The little whispers and gasps Makoto heard half-annoyed, half-pleased her. They felt a bit strange, if she was honest about it. Unlike Spica students, who passionately adored her, the students at St. Lulim’s calmly enjoyed their chance to see Astraea’s new idol.

Makoto had suddenly felt the urge to look at Lulim’s campus this morning. Because Chika attends this place, I needed to see it for myself. This school has quite a unique atmosphere…oh, there she is!

She took a little step and ran towards a little girl with curly hair. Makoto’s steps were light, almost a prance. When she finally reached the curly-haired girl, she stopped in front of her and kneeled before her.

“Good day, my princess. I have a little gift for you today.”

Makoto presented the little girl with a bouquet. The semi-transparent flowers were made of beautifully-colored candy, with shiny, colorful wrapping paper filled with chocolate clusters in between. Makoto had carefully researched all of Kagome’s favorites.

Kagome smelled the sweet aroma wafting towards her. “Wow, what pretty candy flowers!”

Without acknowledging Makoto at all, Kagome plucked one candy flower and gave it to a surprised Kizuna, who stood beside her.

“Here. This one is for Kizuna-oneesama.”

Kizuna was doubly surprised, but not as surprised as Makoto. Then Kagome plucked another flower and gave it to Remon, who stood next to Kizuna.

“Here. This one is for Remon-oneesama.”

Makoto finally lost her cool. “Hey, what is the little princess thinking? This is my present to you—” She poked her head out from underneath the bouquet.

“Kyaaaaaaah!”

Kagome, finally noticing Makoto, gave out a blood-curdling yell.

No, no… She shook her head, and dove behind Kizuna. She hid her face in fear and shook, her teddy bear clutched to her chest.

Kizuna hastily picked up the bouquet Kagome had dropped and thanked Makoto.

“Kagome-chan was just taken by surprise, but I’m sure she’ll thank you later, Makoto-sama.”

Makoto clicked her tongue, irritated. She’s so difficult, and becoming really annoying. What doesn’t she like about me? Chika chose her to be my partner, but why do I have to stoop down and cater to this girl?

Chikaru stood in the distance, watching Makoto and the girls, witnessing Kagome’s display. She sighed deeply.

I guess I have no choice.

 

***

 

“I think it’s good you said that,” Hitomi said. She turned and looked out of a glass window so clear it seemed a breath might pass right through it. The night sky outside was already dark with a quiet Maiden Park below.

In one of the upperclassmen’s rooms, on the Miator side of the Strawberry Dorms, Togi Hitomi and Kano Mizuho—publicly and privately known as Hanazono Shizuma’s closest friends—were deep in discussion after dinner.

Mizuho, the main resident of the room, responded. “But Nagisa might still be misunderstanding some things.” The soft, orange light illuminated Mizuho’s gentle face, which looked worried.

Hitomi’s turned away from the window, her expression serious. “True…she didn’t listen to my story to the end. I’ll admit she may have prematurely withdrawn because of my partial explanation.”

“But after you explained, didn’t she have a talk with Shizuma-sama? I recall Shizuma-sama mentioning that she tried to explain things to Nagisa, without lying. So I think Nagisa’s decision to withdraw from the Étoile competition was completely her own. In her mind, if she couldn’t believe in herself, there was no possible way she could continue to be with Shizuma-sama. Those who aren’t sure of themselves have no right to be with Shizuma-sama,” Hitomi’s last speech came out more passionately than she had intended.

Mizuho dropped her head and sat in the chair that leaned against the wall, staring at the white lace of her uniform. “Nagisa-chan is a sweet, honest girl. But as a transfer student, she should have been given more time to adjust to the environment of St. Miator Girls’ Academy. I would say that confident people, like you and Shizuma-sama, are rare indeed. To think, the first person Nagisa encountered was Shizuma-sama! It must have been a huge shock. I believe she tried her best to adjust to her new situation.”

“Tried her best? What do you mean?” Hitomi took a sip of dark, bitter coffee, and scrunched her face.

Mizuho smiled at Hitomi’s reaction. “Of course, she tried her best for Shizuma-sama. I only spoke to Nagisa-chan briefly, but she seemed really honest and caring. I could tell just by looking at her. She’s the type of girl who would wish for Shizuma-sama’s happiness over her own.”

“Well, I wish for the same myself,” Hitomi shot back.

“Tsk. Gosh, Hitomi, of course I feel the same as you, too. After being with Shizuma-sama for such a long time, I know all about Kaori and the first Étoile competition, and how Shizuma-sama hasn’t been herself recently. We both know it all too well.”

Hitomi nodded. “That’s true…”

“But Nagisa’s life has been in turmoil since she arrived. She met Shizuma-sama the same day she came here, then not long after she was thrown into the fire because of Shizuma-sama,” said Mizuho.

“Are you saying that the Étoile competition is a fire?” Hitomi tried to protest, but Mizuho calmed her down.

“She had just come to Astraea in April, you know? I really think she didn’t want to enter the Étoile competition in the first place, especially if her partner was Shizuma-sama. And I heard that she was bullied quite a bit as a result. Hitomi, don’t you know what happened during the first round, ‘Mouth of Truth’?”

Hitomi flinched, but said nothing. Mizuho waited for a moment, and then continued.

“Just before that event, Nagisa-chan was called to the library, where she discovered the facts about Kaori. It was a cruel trick. I was there when she found out, so I know how hurt she was. Shizuma-sama is a wonderful person, and she smothered Nagisa-chan with love. She must have felt like she was flying, and finding out about Kaori like that must have been like cold water being dumped on her. It was really sad to see. Nobody can blame her for loving and being loved by Shizuma-sama. Think about Kaori. Kaori was oblivious to her surroundings, because she could only see Shizuma-sama. She didn’t pay attention to all the jealous people around her, and continued to profess her love to Shizuma-sama openly and honestly. That was one of her good points, but I believe Shizuma-sama was a bit troubled by it. She tried to protect Kaori from all the negativity, but…”

Mizuho’s cheeks relaxed, and she smiled.

“Nagisa-chan is so reserved, and though she had become the center of Shizuma-sama’s—the campus queen’s—attention, she was so apologetic to everyone over it. Which turned her into a perfect target for bullying. I think she really wanted to withdraw as soon as possible. But she couldn’t give up Shizuma-sama so easily. Because…”

Hitomi couldn’t resist cutting in on Mizuho’s explanation.

“Of course! No one would want to let go of Shizuma-sama if she smothered them with love. She’s got some sort of magic charm!” Hitomi admitted.

Mizuho chuckled. “I agree, she does have a spell-binding quality. You and I are great examples.”

Hitomi blushed.

“But Nagisa-chan is different. Hitomi, haven’t you noticed it, too? I know you have; you just haven’t admitted it yet.”

Hitomi looked off to the side. She gulped down the rest of the coffee and almost cried from its bitterness.

“After hearing Kaori’s story, Nagisa-chan probably wanted to heal Shizuma-sama’s wounds. So she chose to stay by Shizuma-sama’s side, even though it upset her to do so.”

“Yeah, I knew that already,” Hitomi huffed.

“We feel we can help Shizuma-sama because she doesn’t consider us to be her lovers, but good friends. With all due respect, of course.”

“Yeah…” Hitomi’s voice grew smaller.

“But Nagisa-chan could have been even more jealous of Kaori if she wanted to. And she should have confronted Shizuma-sama, told her to choose between her and Kaori. I’m sure Shizuma-sama would have easily chosen Nagisa over Kaori, but it would have been torture for Shizuma-sama, and Nagisa would never want that. After Kaori’s death, Shizuma-sama pondered whether her feelings for Kaori were true or not. She might have even felt guilty or lost some confidence in herself.”

The two girls fell silent.

Hitomi swallowed deeply and looked at Mizuho. Mizuho, who was as calm and gentle as a Bosatsu7.

“So you had the same thought as me, Mizuho?”

“Yes.”

“I have my regrets.”

“Yes, I know.”

“I shouldn’t have introduced Kaori to Shizuma-sama.”

Mizuho didn’t respond.

“What I did was to cause grief for both of them, and troubled Shizuma-sama in the end. And this time, I pulled another girl into this mess.”

Mizuho tried to comfort Hitomi. “That’s not true. Nobody knew Kaori had such a short life ahead of her. ”

Hitomi, on the verge of tears, nodded.

“Hitomi, you must have had a hard time, also.” Mizuho patted Hitomi’s shoulder.

Hitomi could barely speak, her voice trembled so badly. “…I…I didn’t go through…anything…”

Mizuho sat on the bed next to Hitomi.

“At least Kaori found happiness.”

“Are you sure?” Hitomi looked down and sniffled.

Mizuho brought Hitomi’s head into her chest. “Deep down Kaori knew Shizuma-sama’s heart was not hers.”

Hitomi was speechless.

“But I believe Kaori was happy enough. Just being with Shizuma-sama dispelled all her fears about dying so young.”

Hitomi finally chuckled. “Gee, what a great way to look at things.”

“She had such a pure, innocent soul, and was sent to heaven at such an early age. She was so different from Nagisa-chan. Kaori was a young girl with an angel’s attitude.”

“Absolutely.”Hitomi rested her head on Mizuho’s shoulder and thought about Kaori.

Mizuho was gentle, but continued to explain things bluntly. “Shizuma-sama probably needs someone like Nagisa-chan.”

“You may be right.” Hitomi nodded. “There aren’t many underclassmen who would want to save Shizuma-sama.” She laughed and sniffled.

Mizuho did not join Hitomi in laughter. “She never asked—not even once—to have Shizuma-sama all to herself. Any girl with Shizuma-sama would feel insecure. They would doubt that they are worthy of being with Shizuma-sama. And they would naturally express their insecurities to Shizuma-sama. Several times, at least, which would annoy Shizuma-sama. But Nagisa-chan was different. She chose to part with Shizuma-sama. She must have misunderstood something. Or maybe she refrained from asking, thinking that Shizuma-sama really didn’t need her.”

Suddenly, Hitomi burst into laughter.

“Gee, Mizuho, you like Nagisa, don’t you?”

Mizuho blushed in embarrassment. “Well, I didn’t mean it like that.”

“Don’t worry, I know. I like her, too. She’s a very sweet and bright.” Hitomi continued, “We are both wrapped around Shizuma-sama’s finger, aren’t we? She owes us a lot.”

Hitomi patted Mizuho’s head once, and stood. She faced Mizuho, and raised her hand. “I put in one vote for supporting Nagisa-chan. I still think those two want to be together, after all.”