Chapter 5: The Maidens Drew Water from the Fountain of Courage

Chapter 5

 

The Maidens Drew Water from

the Fountain of Courage

 

Ding dong…

Astraea Hill’s second dismissal bell rang.

The shocking scene on the rooftop had been prolonged by the Chancellor’s sudden appearance and Makoto’s teary one. But at the sound of the bell, the Spica nuns came to their senses.

“Please excuse us,” the sisters said politely to the Chancellor as they escorted Amane and Hikari off the roof.

The two girls, tired from their adventure, were actually relieved to leave the scene and followed the sisters willingly. The elevator was already at the roof, thanks to the most recent visitor, so the group entered it and descended, headed for the Spica Chancellor’s office on the first floor of the tower.

The crowd gradually dissipated. Students who weren’t participating in clubs and after-school activities were not allowed to stay on campus past the second bell. That night at the Strawberry Dorms there was a boatload of students on additional duties as punishment for violating that rule.

Tomori Shion was worried about Amane and Hikari, so she followed the sisters, and asked the remaining student council members of each school to quickly usher the rest of the students out of school.

The students continued to share their excitement with fellow classmates, hesitant to leave, but the student council members slowly but surely managed to get them back to the Strawberry Dorms.

The only people left on the roof were Chikaru, Miyuki, Shizuma, and the Chancellor.

Chikaru remarked, “I didn’t expect Makoto-chan to cry like that.”

After Makoto’s breakdown, Kizuna and Remon had comforted her. Makoto had sobbed as she left, Kagome pulling her by the hand.

Miyuki, her gaze distant, commented, “Though she fiercely competed against Amane-sama, deep inside, she had projected the image of her older sister onto Amane-sama.”

She felt terrible for trying to manipulate Makoto and orchestrate a large scandal. She glanced at Shizuma, who stood there in silence, smiling peacefully.

The Chancellor threw a quizzical look at Shizuma, then faced Chikaru.

“So, Chikaru…” The Chancellor smiled, but Chikaru only looked disgusted.

“Will you consider my proposition?”

“Proposition?” asked Chikaru.

“Aww, did you forget already? About your transfer. I’ll convince the Spica Chancellor to readmit Prince Amane and her partner, so won’t you come to Miator?”

“Oh, did you expect me to fall for that? After I had a big argument with you and left the house?” Chikaru’s smile was spiteful.

Like mother, like daughter, Miyuki thought. Chikaru is absolutely unbelievable.

Miyuki was unnerved. She smiled wryly at the Chancellor.

“Chikaru-sama is highly regarded as Lulim’s Holy Mother and is therefore an indispensable person at Lulim. Even if she transfers, she will have less than two years before she graduates. I recommend Chikaru-sama stay where she is.”

Chikaru was encouraged by Miyuki’s words.

“That’s right, my long-awaited dream of establishing Class Z is about to happen. I’m never giving up my dream of creating my own harem!” Chikaru declared, playfully punching her fist into the sky.

During the conversation, Shizuma stood at a distance, observing. Chikaru looked back at Shizuma, who instinctively averted her eyes to avoid her gaze.

Acting as if she was looking at her watch, she said quietly, “Chikaru-sama should come to Miator, Miyuki, because I will be leaving soon.”

Miyuki’s and Chikaru’s jaws dropped.

 

***

 

Yaya stood in front of the chancellor’s office, waiting for the two girls. She wasn’t motivated to sing today, so she skipped choir practice and read a book on the grassy knolls of Maiden Garden. She never went up to the roof.

She heard the excited voices of students on their way home, walking past her as she lay on the grass.

The girls squealed and gossiped, and Yaya overheard bits of what had happened.

They came back? Yaya’s heart leapt and she became restless. She ran straight to the Chancellor’s office, where the girls had supposedly been escorted.

Yaya eagerly stood by in front of the Chancellor’s office, waiting for them to come out. She stared at one spot on the wall, not moving an inch, and waited patiently.

One question whirled through Yaya’s mind: Is this a dream? Maybe I’ll wake up in my room, and see Hikari’s empty bed again. That would be too sad.

Yaya shut her eyes at the fearful thought. There was a faint noise as the door opened.

Creak…

Yaya opened her eyes, and there stood her golden angel.

Wow…Yaya thought of all the things she had wanted to say when she reunited with Hikari. Are you tired from the long trip? You were stupid for leaving? Maybe if I winked at her and said never to leave me, she’ll be relieved.

But instead, Yaya just hugged Hikari without saying a word. First softly, then tighter. She did it right in front of Amane without a care in the world. The best way for Yaya and Hikari to communicate their feelings was to embrace. They were both crying.

“I’m sorry for making you worry, Yaya-chan.”

“It’s all right. As long as you’re happy, Hikari-chan.”

Yaya was simply happy to see Hikari again, to touch her. It was a lot simpler and better than her dreams about Hikari. Hugging fulfilled and empowered her.

Based on the Miator Chancellor’s endorsement, Spica granted Amane’s and Hikari’s request for readmittance. Regarding the prohibited entry into the chapel, the school staff concluded that “both students were chasing after an unknown intruder at midnight,”and dropped the charges.

 

***

 

One week later, at St. Miator Girls’ Academy, stories of Amane and Hikari’s dramatic return had spread throughout the Miator campus from first-hand witnesses. The two girls’ bold escape from the Strawberry Dorms—the biggest elopement ever—the ostentatious return on a helicopter chartered by Chikaru, plus Amane’s public proposal of love to Hikari, and finally, the vow to capture the Étoile crown had captured the hearts of the rivaling Miator students. It quickly became a fad for Miator couples to make promises to “elope,” and the campus was permeated by the legendary story of Amane and Hikari.

Meanwhile, Nagisa and Tamao were eating lunch in the inner garden. Tamao pulled out an egg salad sandwich, Nagisa’s favorite, and shared it with her. Nagisa politely took the sandwich, but was lost in her thoughts. She was recalling the stories of Amane and Hikari that gossip-loving Iohata Momiji shared.

Momiji had pounded on the desk repeatedly, she was so moved by the two girls’ deep love for each other. Nagisa listened to the story and agreed with Momiji—those two were made for each other. Prince Amane came back to Spica and begged for forgiveness, all for Hikari, and was somehow forgiven.

According to Momiji, the sheer beauty of the two lovers moved the crowd, and prompted everyone to support them.

Nagisa tried to recreate the scene in her mind.

I can actually imagine that.

She recalled the Maiden horse race in the first round of the Étoile competition.

I remember Hikari-chan, desperately trying to pull me up, because I fell off the tower in place of her. Amane-sama made a heroic effort to rescue us.

As she munched on the egg salad sandwich, Nagisa thought, Those two are probably empowered by each other. In the end, Shizuma-sama saved me, but unfortunately I’m not with her anymore. I let go of that strong, beautiful hand…

Her hand stopped. There was a lump in her throat as her heart squeezed tight.

“Hey, Nagisa-chan… you’re dropping crumbs everywhere,” Tamao said.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I was daydreaming,” Nagisa replied.

“I see. Listen, Nagisa-chan. It was really brief, but Shizuma-sama came on to me once.”

“Eh?”

The topic changed so suddenly that Nagisa barely heard what Tamao had said.

“It happened when Shizuma-sama was in junior high. I was a new First Year student, so I was really surprised. Shizuma-sama was a big deal at this school and she was as wonderful then as she is now. But I was afraid and ran from her.”

Nagisa was utterly confused.

Tamao-chan had prior relations with Shizuma-sama? Neither of them shared that with me until now. So, in the classroom, is that why she kissed Tamao-chan?

Nagisa’s mind was filled with questions. Tamao ignored Nagisa’s bewilderment and continued.

“So that kiss was just Shizuma-oneesama’s petty joke,” Tamao commented, as if she had read Nagisa’s mind. “If you get in a serious relationship with Shizuma-sama, it’ll definitely wear you out.”

Nagisa didn’t know how to respond. There was a long silence, with Tamao avoiding Nagisa’s gaze. Finally she asked the dreaded question.

“Are you in love with Shizuma-sama?”

Nagisa began to cry. “I don’t know.”

 

***

 

That day, as if it had waited for Amane and Hikari to return, the announcement of the third and final round of the Étoile competition was posted. At the end of lunch hour under the clear, blue skies, the student council members of each school posted the announcement on their bulletin boards.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

 

Notice of this year’s Étoile Competition Third Round

 

The final round of the Étoile Competition, entitled “Le Dernier Miracle,” will be conducted on the date specified below.

All students must purify their bodies and souls to prepare for and await the birth of the new Étoile.

There will be no further changes to the third round event from this day forward.

 

THIRD ROUND

Le Dernier Miracle (The Last Miracle)

Seventh Month on the Day of Saint Thomas

Event: Fencing Duel

 

Amane and Hikari’s names were included in the list of participating couples. Also posted on the board, near the edge, was another announcement so small that most Spica students failed to notice it.

 

NOTICE

 

The student noted below will leave Astraea Hill at the end of July.

 

St. Miator Girls’ Academy

Sixth Year, Snow Class

Hanazono Shizuma

 

Action:

Dismissal from school

 

Reason:

Foreign study in Europe

 

***

 

At Miator, news of Shizuma’s impending travel abroad spread through the campus like wildfire. The sudden news caused students to be surprised, angered by the irrational decision, and deeply saddened by the seriousness of the situation.

All regarded Shizuma as Miator’s undisputed queen, so this earth-shattering news threw the Miator students into a state of confusion. During every break for the next few days, the students would gather and chatter about what would happen once they lost Shizuma.

“Shizuma-sama is probably going to Europe because Aoi-san dumped her, right?”

“No, you’ve got it backwards… Shizuma-sama is studying abroad, so she decided to withdraw from the Étoile competition!”

“I heard that Shizuma-sama got over Aoi-san and moved on to Suzumi-san. Someone saw them kissing in the classroom after school!”

“Really? Maybe Suzumi-san will join her and they’ll study abroad together? Oh my gosh! If that happens, then once the Fifth Year class graduates, Miator will lose viable candidates for the Étoile competition.”

“Have you heard the rumor about Minamoto Chikaru-sama transferring from Lulim to Miator to replace Shizuma-sama?”

“Dummy, that was a joke made by the Chancellor during Prince Amane’s return.”

Rumors begat more rumors, leaving Miator in a storm of chaos. But Shizuma never opened her mouth on the subject, and in fact, refused to talk with anyone. She was aware that Hitomi and Mizuho were quietly watching her in the classroom, worried looks on their faces, but she even refused to explain things to her closest friends.

Hitomi and Mizuho were obviously worried. They knew exactly why Shizuma withdrew from the Étoile competition—because Hitomi had dredged up the past and told Nagisa about Kaori.

But watching Shizuma, Hitomi and Mizuho had the same thoughts.

Is she serious about leaving? If she really wanted Nagisa, nothing would have stopped her. What happened to Shizuma-sama?

Hitomi wondered if it was Nagisa herself that had something to do with Shizuma’s change in personality. Shizuma’s tranquil silence only increased Hitomi and Mizuho’s concerns.

Maybe Shizuma is trying to change.

The pair could not figure out Shizuma’s intentions. As longtime friends of Shizuma, this was the first time they felt this way. For some reason, they wanted Shizuma to talk to Nagisa.

If Shizuma-sama talked to the girl one more time, maybe she would go back to being her normal self—bright, strong, and true to herself like before. Or did Shizuma-sama change because she broke up with Nagisa?

Hitomi shuddered at the thought of what she might have caused.

I wasn’t able to sort out my feelings, and I took it out on Shizuma. I was in love with Kaori, but Kaori was in love with Shizuma. And Shizuma eventually let Kaori go and pursued Nagisa and loved her. I felt sorry for Kaori, like Shizuma was dishonoring her memory, but I turned a blind eye to Shizuma’s new feelings. In my mind, I kept attacking Shizuma for pursuing Nagisa. And when Shizuma tried to chase after Nagisa I interfered.

Of course, I knew that didn’t cause her to give up Nagisa. It was something else. Something inside Shizuma caused her to change. Darnit, I’m so ashamed of myself. I’m supposed to be Shizuma-sama’s best friend. But I wonder if Shizuma saw that love was more important than friendship?

Soon, Hitomi began to accept Shizuma’s decision to study abroad. Am I just looking for an excuse to avoid responsibility? No, that’s not it.

Shizuma’s foreign study was actually something the female members of the famous Hanazono clan were scheduled to do. The Miator students should have already been aware of that fact. Shizuma was the only daughter of the Hanazono syndicate. The Hanazono clan had grown into a large conglomerate, owning several businesses. It was so large it was often regarded as a kingdom.

Shizuma was the sole heiress to this kingdom. She was a young, beautiful daughter who had been a queen from birth.

This young queen had other news, which she had been keeping secret, but which was soon being covered on TV and in magazines across the globe for days. Even the isolated maidens of Astraea became aware of it, but nobody had the courage to bring up the subject.

The other news was a potential engagement.

Engagement was a common happening in Miator, and especially with Shizuma, who received many proposals of marriage throughout the year. No one expected the proud Shizuma to give in to her parents’ wishes and accept a marriage proposal, though. After a few times, nobody paid attention to her potential engagements.

Even Hitomi and Mizuho couldn’t hide their surprise at the recent news article. And with Shizuma remaining silent, they couldn’t possibly confirm it.

The subject was too touchy and scary.

The headline of the paper read: “Hanazono Syndicate’s only daughter is the best candidate for our next Empress.”

Shizuma had received a marriage proposal from royalty.

 

***

 

“I apologize for calling you out here.”

Makoto, looking refreshed, turned around and looked at Chikaru.

She’s starting to look like her sister, thought Chikaru. Tsk… Mako-chan would probably make a fuss if I said that.

“Oh, no problem.” Chikaru’s voice echoed in the empty chapel.

It was third period. The only ones skipping class were Makoto, who had lost the motivation to study, and Chikaru, who, as student council president, had the special privilege of being able to leave class at any time.

It was the beginning of July. The inside of the chapel was usually cool from the high ceilings, but it seemed a bit hot and muggy now. Makoto stared at the large, stained glass window above the altar. It depicted the Savior going to Heaven, the moment a human child became a child of God.

She looked over to the pictures on the walls. The standard pictures of the Savior’s struggles circled the walls of the chapel. Makoto stared at each picture in succession.

At the end, after all the struggles, was a miraculous resurrection.

“I thought…my Neesan was unhappy because of me.” Makoto shyly smiled.

“I kept telling you it wasn’t your fault,” responded Chikaru.

“Yeah, you were right, Chika. But I didn’t want to believe it.”

Makoto was straightforward and mature. She had a sharp, boyish face, like it was polished.

“But I was so jealous. I can’t believe my Neesan chose that person over us!”

She no longer harbored any extra emotional baggage, and spoke from the heart. “I kept telling myself it was my fault, just so I would have a reason. So I would feel better about forcing myself into her life.”

Makoto didn’t face Chikaru. Instead, her words were directed at the sky. She closed her eyes, trusting the heavens, and imagined the blue summer sky of Russia.

“That’s how it feels to be in love.” Chikaru laughed.

Makoto opened her eyes. She wore a soft, beautiful expression that Chikaru had never seen on Makoto’s face.

Makoto laughed.

“Have you ever been in love, Chika?”

Chikaru thought about it. “Hmm…who knows? But when I look at Amane-sama and Hikari-chan…”

Makoto finished her sentence, “Yeah, looking at the two of them… I knew that those two were really happy to be with each other. They were destined to be together, you know? Just like my sister and her love.”

Chikaru smiled silently. Makoto closed her eyes again, remembering her sister’s face, Amane’s face, and Chikaru’s face.

“I think I’m already in love with someone. And I’m glad that those two returned to school.”

Makoto bid farewell to the stained glass picture of the resurrection, and turned to face Chikaru. She seemed somehow cleansed.

“Neesan never came back, but they did. I hope they become a wonderful Étoile. Chika… I’m sorry, but I want to withdraw from the Étoile competition.”

Chikaru, pleased to hear that, smiled. Makoto was relieved to see her smile, but at the same time, she felt a little lonely.

Chika is aware of my feelings for her. Despite that, she’s smiling.

She remembered the picture she had found and snuck into her suitcase, hidden behind the altar.

I’m glad to have come back, even for a short period of time. Glad to obtain a picture of the legendary Étoile, Kusanagi Masaki, being crowned, and that I was able to take a picture with my gentle Chika. That’s good enough for me…

“I’m going back to Russia, since I no longer have a reason to stay.”

She jumped onto the altar, with her back to Chikaru, like she was praying. Warm sunlight filtered through the stained glass and showered Makoto with color as she loudly declared, “I love you just as much as my Oneesan, Chika!”

Yes, thank you…Chikaru replied in her heart. She placed something in Makoto’s hand.

“What’s this?” Makoto asked, regaining her innocent smile.

She’ll be fine.

Chikaru’s heart bloomed in her chest. “Mako-chan, I couldn’t give this to you while you had a chip on your shoulder. Because you despised your brother-in-law, and men in general, in order to hold yourself together, I feared that you might be ruined by this. But I think you can handle it now. After seeing Amane-chan and her love, you finally understand, don’t you? It doesn’t matter if your love is a male or female, it only matters that you are happy.”

When Makoto opened her hand, there was a paper, folded in half. It was a one-way plane ticket to Vienna.

“Please send my regards to Masaki-sama,” smiled Chikaru.

My happiness is to be with you, Makoto thought, but did not say it out loud. She waved behind her as she departed with a smile.

 

***

 

Nagisa was at the lowest point of her life ever. Even a casual observer could tell, it was so obvious. The Miator campus without Shizuma looked bare to Nagisa’s eyes.

Ever since the day Shizuma came to say goodbye to Nagisa, she knew she’d never see Shizuma again.

In her heart, she longed for Shizuma. Each time Nagisa heard rumors about Shizuma at school, she was reminded of how much she didn’t know about Shizuma. Like, that studying abroad was a normal part of the Hanazono clan’s curriculum.

Shizuma had insisted on staying until Sixth Year, but her family had insisted she complete her obligation abroad. Nagisa knew Shizuma came from a wealthy family, but didn’t know how famous they were. A marriage proposal from royalty! To Nagisa, that was mind-shattering news. Shizuma had probably chosen to study abroad in order to decline the engagement offer, another concept beyond Nagisa’s comprehension.

To anyone else it would be the ultimate Cinderella dream, but to Shizuma it was a cue to run. Of course, Shizuma wasn’t a rags-to-riches princess, but still, it was far beyond Nagisa’s wildest imagination.

Shizuma-sama decided to go away…oh…gosh…and she even turned down the offer…

Even Nagisa knew that refusing an engagement proposal from royalty came with a price. Shizuma had chosen to hide in Europe for a while, to lessen the dire consequences. According to the rumors, for the Hanazono clan marrying into royalty was not only unattractive, but an unnecessary burden.

Oh gosh, what kind of world does Shizuma-sama live in?

Every story Nagisa heard was unbelievably shocking and scary. It dawned on her that she was just an ignorant newbie.No wonder other people hate me, and laugh at me. I definitely didn’t know a lot of things.

She surely didn’t know much about Shizuma’s precarious situation, either.

Shizuma had stopped attending classes so that she could prepare for her study abroad. Nagisa couldn’t share her thoughts with Tamao, who seemed to be treating her coldly for some reason. Ever since Tamao asked her if she was in love with Shizuma, Tamao had seemed to be lost in her thoughts.

My heart aches so much without Shizuma-oneesama.

Nagisa couldn’t dare share that with Tamao. She didn’t know what to do, but she would go crazy if she stayed put. So she decided to wander around the Miator school buildings. She felt hollow and lonely. Her legs instinctively walked towards the Sixth Year classrooms in Tower Five. She stood in front, but couldn’t bring herself to enter the building full of upperclassmen, especially since she knew Shizuma wasn’t there anymore. Nagisa did an awkward about-face in front of the Tower Five entrance and wandered away.

Somehow she ended up in Maiden Garden. She looked up to the hot, blue sky, sweat rolling down her neck. The white summer roses that used to bloom all throughout Maiden Garden were no longer there, and in their place, lush greenery filled the area. The smell of fresh grass was overwhelming.

Wow. Nagisa shielded her eyes with her hand as she looked up. It was summer already.

Where should I go? she wondered.

In front of her was a small path that led to the library. Trotting down the path towards her was Chiyo.

Ah, Chiyo-chan.

Nagisa stared at her blankly, forgetting to greet Chiyo-chan.

“Nagisa-oneesama! Good day! Are you going to the library?” Chiyo smiled.

She was probably on her way back from library duty. Nagisa forgot to respond, and looked at Chiyo-chan like she was far away.

Chiyo-chan’s smile is cute as a little meadowsweet flower, Nagisa thought.

And she remembered that day. The first day she arrived at Miator—a pleasant, sunny day, like today. It was spring, and the white meadowsweets were in full bloom. Nagisa recalled that she had been looking forward to the start of her new adventure that day.

That was the day she first met Shizuma. It seemed like it had happened so long ago.

“Nagisa-oneesama.”

Teary-eyed, Chiyo called out to Nagisa, staring off into the distance.

“I’m sorry, what are you saying, Chiyo-sama?”

“Umm… maybe you should…go see Shizuma-sama one more time?”

Nagisa’s heart swelled at the suggestion.

Yes, I want to see her.

 

***

 

Nagisa woke up the next morning, her mind made up. It was the morning of the third round of Étoile competition. Upon Amane’s return to school, the rainy season cleared up and left dry, sunny weather.

When Nagisa sat up in her bed, Tamao was already in the shower room, getting ready for school. The Étoile competition Sequence of Events guide lay on the table next to Tamao’s bed.

There were no other events in Astraea that day. To celebrate the birth of a new holy Étoile…all classes, clubs, and after-school activities were cancelled, while the students anticipated, then cheered for, and crowned the new Étoile.

The third round was a fencing duel—a one-on-one fencing competition. On the cover of the Sequence of Events guide were illustrations of the Aînée contestants, dressed up as medieval knights, and the Cadettes, wearing medieval princess outfits, as costume-loving Astraea traditions called for.

This year’s Étoile Executive Committee was run by the Spica Student Council, so among illustrations was a short-haired knight wearing a feathered hat, and a delicate princess with curly, golden locks wearing a high-waist dress—similar to Juliet’s dress in Romeo and Juliet—which somewhat resembled Amane and Hikari.

Nagisa stared at the cover for a while.

We were supposed to be in this competition, too. Shizuma-oneesama was supposed to fight for me like this.

A small tear drop fell.

I’m so stupid. I love her so much, but I ran away. There’s nothing I can do about it now. Shizuma-sama probably decided to go abroad because she grew tired of a whiny girl like me. I should have never let her go. I’ll never meet someone like her, ever again.

Her heart burned with regret.

Will I never see her again? Once Shizuma-sama goes to England, will I ever get a chance to see her face again?

Memories of being with Shizuma flashed through her mind. Shizuma, suddenly bursting into Nagisa’s classroom without warning. Shizuma, who normally had no reason to visit underclassmen towers, regularly visiting her. Shizuma, inviting Nagisa to take a bath with her at the Strawberry Dorms.

And Shizuma, always hugging her. Shizuma, forcibly kissing her.

Shizuma, whispering that she loved Nagisa.

My Shizuma-oneesama…

She couldn’t hold it back anymore. Her feelings for Shizuma were so great, hot tears flowed down her cheeks.

I need to see her. I don’t care if she’s mean to me, or picks on me. I don’t care if she says goodbye to me again. I need to see Shizuma-oneesama one more time. I can’t let her leave me like that, and I can’t deny my feelings anymore.

Nagisa put aside all her hesitation, and was filled with strong love for Shizuma.

I feel so stupid for holding back, trying not to upset Kaori. It shouldn’t have mattered in the first place. I like Shizuma-sama. That’s all. Even if Shizuma-sama doesn’t like me anymore, as long as I have feelings for her, I’ll be happy just being by her side.

I was being selfish, Nagisa thought. But why did I feel that way? I should have believed in Shizuma-sama.

The door closed with a small sound. She left quietly so that Tamao wouldn’t notice.

Nagisa fought excitement and hesitation all the way to Shizuma’s room. The upperclassman’s single person rooms lined the hallway on the top floor. It was a place underclassmen had to be most careful. Nagisa could bump into anyone at any moment, and she would have to explain herself.

Nagisa, hunched over, nervously walked down the hall. But because of the Étoile competition, there was not a soul in sight. She tiptoed across the deep green carpets that lined the hallway floor.

She finally made it to Shizuma’s room.

 

Room No. 6001 S. Hanazono

 

Her name was in gold font on a green nameplate. Nagisa used her trembling hand to knock on the door. She rapped on it so softly that it barely made a sound. But there was no answer.

Oh no. Should I knock harder?

Nagisa shuddered with nervousness, but mustered enough courage to knock once more.

This time, it was too loud, and Nagisa became even more flustered.

Oh jeez…I knocked too hard…

Nagisa, scared, tried to flee. She took a few steps back, but the creak of another door opening in the hallway stopped her cold.

 

Room No. 6002 H. Togi

 

Hitomi and Mizuho peeked out from the doorway.

“Well, who is it? We’re not attending the Étoile competition so I thought we told the room assistants not to visit our room today,” Hitomi grumbled as she stepped out of the room. Her eyes widened when she saw Nagisa.

“Y-You’re here! Why?”

Mizuho knew why Nagisa was here.

“Oh, I’m sorry… Shizuma-sama is already…”

Nagisa sensed the sadness is Mizuho’s voice, and knew she was too late.

She’s gone already.

Nagisa was in a daze, drained of energy. I won’t be able to see her again…ever. The person I love most, the strong, beautiful and glamorous queen who was so nice to me and loved me back. Hanazono Shizuma-sama is gone.

“I can’t believe this,” Hitomi snorted.” Why do two people who love each other have to be so stupid and split up?”

Mizuho was taken aback. “Hitomi?”

Hitomi shook her head. “I hate this situation. There are so many people in this world who love their partner so much, but can’t express it or have to leave them.”

Hitomi stood in front of Nagisa, who was about to crumble to her knees.

“Hey, you. Do you really love Shizuma-sama?” Hitomi asked, her voice cold.

“Yes,” Nagisa answered meekly.

“Really? Can you promise to make her happy?”

Nagisa gulped at the question.

Can I do that? Can I…make a person being sought after by royalty…happy? Am I allowed to give her happiness?

“Yes, I can.” Nagisa responded. “I love Shizuma-oneesama, so even if if seems I’m not capable of doing it, I will find a way. But only if Shizuma-oneesama forgives me.”

Nagisa clenched her hand so hard it shook.

Hitomi was satisfied with Nagisa’s honest answer and grinned.

“Good. If that’s what you think then I’ll help you! Right, Mizuho? We still have a chance to chase after Shizuma-sama!”

Hitomi turned to Mizuho, but Mizuho sadly shook her head.

“No, we won’t make it in time. Shizuma-sama is departing at 9 o’clock in a private jet.” She pointed to her watch. It was already 7:30 AM.

Ah… Nagisa froze.

“It’ll take at least two hours to get to the airport. I’m sorry,” Mizuho lamented.

Hitomi persisted. “It’s a private jet, right? Then we can ask to delay its departure.”

“Just because it’s a privately owned aircraft doesn’t mean it can do as it pleases. The runway scheduling is packed tight, so it will be difficult to adjust. And Shizuma-sama made the hard decision to study abroad, so it might be difficult to convince her.”

“Silly, we have the ultimate weapon! We can overturn her ‘hard decision!’”

“But…”

Hitomi lost patience with Mizuho’s whimpers. “Okay already! Mizuho, don’t you want Shizuma-sama to come back?! Didn’t you say you’d be lonely if Shizuma-sama left?!”

“Well…”

“We’ve been friends with Shizuma-sama for thirteen years, and we only have nine months left until we graduate. This is our last chance to get Shizuma-sama back. We might not get another chance,” Hitomi said in a serious tone.

Mizuho bit her lip. “So you’re trying to manipulate Nagisa-chan to achieve your goals?”

Another voice, familiar to Nagisa, chimed in. A voice Nagisa instantly recognized.

Uh-oh.

Tamao-chan, who had always supported Nagisa no matter what…

“Tamao-chan…” How did you know I was here?

“Nagisa-chan, you shouldn’t be fooled by these oneesama, you know? All they’re trying to do is use you just to get Shizuma-oneesama back.”

“What are you saying?”

Ignoring Hitomi’s protests, Tamao, all dressed and ready to go, walked to Nagisa. She touched Nagisa’s hair.

“Oh my, you ran out while I was taking a shower. Your hair’s a mess. You can’t go to Shizuma-oneesama looking like this.” She stroked Nagisa’s ponytail.

“Tamao-chan…”

Nagisa could barely speak, but she repeated Tamao’s name.

“Tamao-chan… Tamao-chan… Tamao-chan, Tamao-chan, Tamao-chan…”

She cried and hugged Tamao.

“There, there…you shouldn’t cry so much, especially before you go see your love, okay?”

Nagisa sniffed and silently nodded.

“Can I go?” Nagisa asked. She looked up from Tamao’s embrace, with tears streaming down her face.

“You love Shizuma-oneesama, right?” Tamao asked softly.

Nagisa answered without hesitation. “Yes.”

Tamao looked up as she continued to hug Nagisa. “You should have told me earlier, Nagisa-chan. What a fool you are.”

“I know, but…Tamao-chan… I…”Nagisa sobbed.

Tamao laughed. “I know what you’re trying to say. ‘But I like you as much as her,’ right?”

Hitomi burst out in laughter.

“Tamao-chan…” Nagisa looked like a sad, wet puppy.

“I have two more years until I reach Shizuma-oneesama’s age. If I’m even with her now, look out. I’m confident that you’ll like me more by then, Nagisa-chan.” Tamao giggled.

“Silly girl, Shizuma-sama will be an even more attractive university student by then,” joked Hitomi.

“Oh, you have it all wrong, Hitomi-oneesama. A high school student has more appeal than a college student because she can be in the same class and spend all her time with her love,” Tamao coolly shot back.

Nagisa’s tears dried up as she heard the two girls joking back and forth.

Thank you, Tamao-chan… And Togi-san and Kano-san, too.

“Tamao-oneesama! I put…the request through! It will land…on the school…grounds…in ten…minutes,” Chiyo yelled between gasps as she ran down the long hallway towards them.

“Oh, don’t yell like that. The neighbors will hear you.” Tamao covered her eyes.

“Land on the school grounds? Did you…?” Mizuho asked.

“Yes. I figured we didn’t have much time left, so I requested a helicopter. Just like Amane-sama did, of course.”

Tamao grinned.

Helicopter? Nagisa was dumbfounded.

“We’re… just in time…”

Chiyo, out of breath, stopped in front of Nagisa.

“Good thing Tamao-oneesama’s home is nearby! The Suzumi Resort Group’s company helicopter happened to be parked at home this morning.”

“Resort? Company helicopter?” Nagisa mumbled as Chiyo reported the outrageous details.

“Will I be able to see Shizuma-sama in time?”

Tamao grabbed the confused Nagisa and pushed her down the hall.

“Stop mumbling and start running!”

The other girls followed suit.

 

***

 

Shizuma sat near the window of the departure lobby of the large airport and stared outside. In the special lobby specifically reserved for the Hanazono clan, no visitors were admitted to bid farewell, so there were only a few staffers in black suits. She completed her check-in, and her luggage was loaded onto the small, silver plane parked in the distance. Shizuma could see it through the window.

It’s almost time. She placed her empty coffee cup on the window sill. Ever since I entered junior high, I knew that I’d have to study abroad sooner or later.

Studying in another country was part of a required education for a Hanazono, but for Shizuma, the timing of this trip served another purpose—to avoid a particular marriage proposal. In actuality, she was past due to complete her studies abroad. Shizuma looked at cargo and ladder vehicles running back and forth.

School life was enjoyable. I really wanted to stay there until I graduated.

Memories of Kaori flashed through her mind. She was a good girl and left me with great memories. Yes, Kaori probably knew my true feelings. I loved Kaori. Not as a lover, but like a sister. When Kaori died, I was so sad and sorry for her. When I found out about Kaori’s fatal condition, I didn’t want to regret anything. I just wanted to cherish every moment that I spent with her, no matter how brief. The other students glorified our relationship as a tragic love story. But what Kaori and I experienced wasn’t tragic; we made great memories. No matter how much I search in my heart, I don’t regret a thing about Kaori.

The one thing that remains is guilt. I felt helpless when Kaori passed, and guilty about not being able to love her as a lover. I really don’t know what Kaori truly wanted from me. But now that I’ve left Nagisa, I realize that no matter how much time I spent with Kaori, I would have never fallen in love with her.

And when Kaori passed away, she left me behind and wished for my happiness…

Nagisa’s face came to mind, and her heart ached. She shouldn’t have given up on Nagisa, and properly expressed her feelings. But she couldn’t do that, because she was afraid of hurting Nagisa again.

Nagisa had endured a tough life at Astrea, all because Shizuma had pursued her. Even though it wasn’t Nagisa’s fault, they had been relentless.

It was the first time Shizuma had experienced such agony. Up until now, Shizuma had taken whatever she wanted without hesitation. But that was no longer the case.

Now that I’m far away from her, Nagisa seems like a most precious, sparkling treasure to me. She has special qualities I don’t have. She’s pure, honest, energetic, and carefree. She would show her warm, soft, gentle glow only to me. And when I took Nagisa in my arms, I felt at peace, enveloped by her warmth.

Why? Shizuma asked herself. Why is she the only one I want?

Tears rolled from Shizuma’s eyes, and she batted them away. She probably wouldn’t like me to be this weak.

 

***

 

Strong gusts blew across the runway. Shizuma got out of the car that had transported her from the lobby to the runway, and walked toward the boarding ramp. She climbed to the top of the ramp and lowered her head to board the plane. The cabin attendant standing next to the door smiled.

“Bon voyage. Have a nice trip.”

Shizuma repeated in her mind.

Bon voyage…Have a nice trip…The time has finally come…

With her heart broken and full of pain, Shizuma stepped into the plane.

 

“Shizuma-oneesama.”

She heard an unbelievable voice in the distance.

A very familiar voice. Her heart burned and swelled at the irresistible sound. It was the voice of Shizuma’s most adorable girl.

Her eyes opened wide, but she was afraid to turn around.

“Shizuma-oneesama…wait! Shizuma-oneesama!”

Is this real?

Shizuma froze in place, listening as the voice got closer. She turned around slowly. There was Nagisa, red-faced and full of tears, running toward her. Behind her were Tamao, Hitomi, Mizuho, and Chiyo, closing in.

The girls screamed, “Shizuma-oneesama… Shizuma-sama”

“All of you.” Shizuma had a lump in her throat.

Nagisa stopped at the bottom of the ramp.

“Shizuma-oneesama! I… I…”

Nagisa also had a lump in her throat. Her tears blurred her vision. “I…came for you!” she blurted.

Shizuma covered her mouth, trying to hold in her surprise. Without a word, she spread her trembling arms. Come to me…

Nagisa understood the silent message and darted up the ramp.

Oh…

Nagisa’s tears—burning tears of joy—soaked Shizuma’s chest.

“Shizuma-oneesama, it’s not fair. You left me behind without even telling me. I…I…love you so much, Shizuma-oneesama.”

Nagisa buried her face in Shizuma’s chest.

Shizuma embraced Nagisa’s warm tears and held her tight. Oh, Nagisa. What a girl. You chased me all the way here. You make me so happy. I can be myself when you’re with me. You’re the only one in this world that I love.

They hugged for a while, then Shizuma raised Nagisa’s face. Nagisa tried to hide her teary face and runny nose, but Shizuma would not allow it.

“I’m not unfair. I will take responsibility, so don’t move.”

Nagisa’s face turned beet red. Shizuma gently stroked Nagisa’s cheek. Unlike her usual surprise attack, she pulled close to Nagisa’s face like any lover would and kissed her on the lips. After a long, deep kiss…

“You’re the first girl to scold me like that,” Shizuma remarked as she walked down the ramp.